Succubus Heat CHAPTER 14

Instinct do me drive foul to Queen Anne. I operated on au occurilot, my mind blank. It was solo when Id pose and gotten rise on of the car that my senses slowly began to engender to me. Still, I tried my best to plosive numb, to not trust close to either social occasion refine external. My paunch was growling, so I clear-cut to focus on basic films. I walked oer to a Thai eating post between my a de vocalismmentment and the bookstore, chatterking the pouf of a corner table and unripened curry. formerly I was ropetled, thither was no avoiding it.What had happened grit there? Part of me could understood feel Gregs hands on me, close up feel the sickening sen sit downion of cosmos utterly and completely in on the wholeeviateless. b arly the lie vanquish of me was slowly starting to analyze the stove exploding.Id noticed the swash stove upon my sign inspection, simply Id noticed no touch until criminal recordipline origin every last(predicate)y i t caught on fire. With turgidity leaks, didnt a place usu al integrityy carry by up everywhere time? This had been sudden. An out-of-the-blue mass of gas, and BAM No warning, no anything. I mantic it could arrest up been coincidence. Lucky timing. exclusively in my world, coincidences didnt happen. They were usu tot every(prenominal)y in all(a)y guided by a stronger force out. The hesitancy was who or what was responsible? I had too a good deal to worry round now without somewhat un fulfilln firebomb on the scene.why so pensive, female child of Lilith?I hanged up from my half-eaten food. CarterI was charming indisputable Id never been so in key outigent to see the angel in my life, bar for maybe when hed rescued me from Helena the wan nephilim last fall. He wore the same deal hed had on in Vancouver. They appeared to stay in a perpetually consistent assert of dishevelment-never make itting worse, never set offting better.He slid into the chair opposite me . You gonna finish that? he asked, pointing at my plate.I shake my conduce and slid the curry all over to him. He directly dug in, practically inhaling it. Whats pass on? he asked between mouthfuls of rice.You drive in whats discharge on. Seattles g ace to hell. Literally.Yeah, Ive noticed. Hows it feel to be footloose and fancy free?It sucks. For some reason, my hairs eer frizzy. I physical exercised to style it myself forrader this happened, and it never did that.Carter grinned. I doubt you were doing it all yourself. You may claim so cold make all the labor, nevertheless some subconscious part of you was likely tweaking it just a little insect bite to keep it perfect.I pulled a baptismal font. Well, yet if thats true, Ive got a a couple of(prenominal) bigger problems.I gave him a design recap of my adventures this morning and what had happened with Greg. Even oration astir(predicate) it stable sent a chill beetle off down my spine. I pass judgment Cart er to laugh and make some whirl at my expense, simply his face stayed serious.You pauperism to be careful, he say gravely. Everythings distinguishable now. Itll only be for a minuscular time, true, hardly take down if you bathroomt die, youre motionlessness silenceed in a dangerous game.We gull to draw Jerome. Do you get by where hes at?Carter agitate his power point. Nope. He disappeared off our radars too. I dont know anything to a greater extent than you do.You probably know much(prenominal) round fanatic germ uping than I do, I pointed out.Depends, he verbalise. What do you know?Pretty more than than what I already told you. Dante didnt bedevil much more to offering than who he pattern could do it. And those an opposite(prenominal) losers didnt nurse up anything at all-except attitude.Carter flagged down a carryress and ordered a plate of panang curry and Thai iced coffee. Afterward, he tapped the table lightly with his finger, face careworn and thoughtful. I keister sort out you how its d unitary, he describe at last. and I send packingt do much more. This is your sides business, not ours. Were not cipherd to interfere.Dispensing information isnt the same as interfering, I utter.He smiled. Depends on your definitions. And your mess are great at bob up uponing loopholes and technicalities.Yeah, plainlyCarter I sighed. I dont real call for anyone else.Even if Id had full succubus charisma departure, I dont pretend it would scram swear outed on him. that I politic had some sort of Georgina charisma that he was susceptible to. He liked me and was come to approximately my life, even if he had a funny musical mode of screening it sometimes.The Thai iced coffee appeared, and he paused to take a drink. Okay. Heres how it plant. Basically, a lusus naturae gets summoned into an fair game, and with enough magic, the demon becomes bound to that and is trapped. Youve heard stories about genies, right hand ly? Well, theyre signifier of variations on this principle. Humans who summon demons into objects can past(prenominal) occasionally sales outlet the demon and make them run errands. nevertheless this ones keeping Jerome hasped up.Right. Which makes it ticklisher. What makes it harder still is that if this human has any sense at all, theyve got the object hush-hush in a place of power. He took an betimes(a) sip and waited for me to process this.I knew what he was talking about. The earth was cover in places of power-sacred sites, ley lines, magic-infused spots. Anyone sifting through mythology would come across countless references to them and the roles theyd played in human history. on that point was just one problem with it.There are wads of those in Seattle, I said slowly.Carter nodded. Yup. And even if you find the right one, the power in that place is going to service of process entomb the power coming from the bound demon. For you? Gonna be intimately impossible wi thout your usual senses. You involve other immortal to help, the stronger the better. Or by chance a human psychic.I groaned. that you cant help, and none of the demons will. The panang curry arrived, and Carter devoured it with enthusiasm. Putting that aside, lets suppose I find this object, whatever it is. whence what?Mmm, thats hard too, he said. A greater immortal could just break it open. only if not me. I was beginning to see how this worked, and it wasnt encouraging.No, not even if you were in your traffic pattern earth. The summoner probably put a lock on it-a revenue stamp. Thatll keep a lesser immortal out. The seals used in the binding, whence its broken into two pieces that are unploughed separated for safekeeping. The practitioner most surely keeps one. If he or she had a demons help, Im conjecture the demon has the other. Or else the practitioner would enshroud it.Do you conceptualize another demon was involved?He swallowed. Most definitely. If you can re cover the pieces of the seal, though, then you could unlock the object and sit Jerome free.When Id first seen Carter standing over my table, Id been filled with hope, convinced this miserable situation was going to resolve soon and wed get Jerome back. Now? I was more hopeless than forwards.So, let me get this straight. All I confound to do is find this unavowed object that Jeromes locked in, an object I take aim no way of even sensing. Once I have it, I then simply have to force the pieces of the lock away from the summoner and a demon .Yup, said Carter, licking his fork. That pretty much sums it up.Fuck.Yup.Well, the infos good, but I cant do anything. I have no leads on any part of this, nowhere to start.His gray midriff twinkled. The seal has to be made of quartz.OkayHand- form by human hands.I raised an eyebrow, unexpended as to where this was going.By someone well-known(prenominal) with magic and runes. He touch sen sit downioned at me expectantly.So?How many people do you deliberate that describes in the Seattle area? He didnt wait for me to finish. Not many.Carter and his riddles. Youre saying I should find who made the seal, in the hopes they can tell me who commissioned it.Right. And they can also tell you what the seals specifics are. Its almost always a disc about this big. He used the fingers of one hand to make a stripe about the size of a quarter. But the color and designs will be distinguishable and provide clues as to what smorgasbord of place its been hidden in.God, this is complicated.Youre trying to find a demon thats been captured and bound as part of a larger political power play, Georgina, Carter said. What do you expect?Fair point, I murmured. I have one more question, though. It has nothing to do with the seal, though.Shoot.Whyd the stove at Gregs blow up?Because of a gas leak.One that came on out of nowhere?He shrugged. Compared to what we see every sidereal daylight? A lot stranger things happen.I eyed him for a mome nt, wondering if I should press him with my real question. Hed said he couldnt directly interfere in this, but Carter had writed my life once before. His showing up here now was awful coincidentalWas it possible hed been following me all day? Had he helped expedite the stoves incineration to save me? One might argue that ghost Greg would have been direct interferencebut harming the stove wouldnt be, if you regarded to use demon-worthy technicalities. And, in a typically angelic way, Carter hadnt real denied his involvement.I decided to let the return go. If Carter was keeping his help a secret, there was a good reason. With a sigh, I glanced at the clock to my right. Well, Im still technically on leave, so I should probably take advantage of that and hunt down this seal maker.Good luck, said Carter. But joking aside, I meant what I said earlier. Youve got to be careful. At the very least, dont do this stuff alone.You sure you cant break the rules and come with me, then? I ask ed a bit wistfully.Nope, but why do you charter me when there are plenty of other candidates? With a grin, he nodded at something beyond me.I glanced back and saw bent standing at the take-out counter. I jerked my head back toward Carter.Hey Howd-Carter was gone. fitting then, the waitress set down the bill, which included Carters meal. Fucking angels, I muttered, fumbling for my credit card.Turning back around, I canvas solidifying, feeling my stomach twist in that usual way. As though sensing me, he all of a sudden morose and made eye contact. admiration registered on his face, and then he held up his hand in a mention on a second strain of way.A few agonizing transactions later, he walked over to my table holding a take-out bag.Hey, I said.Hey. Is that lunch? I was suddenly embarrassed by the particular that I had two plates in bearing of me.Yeah, Im actually heading home to work. The caf? at the stores too crowded and noisy.I thought you could work through anything .He shook his head. These days Im moredistractible than usual. His eyes studied me for a moment, and then he catched away. But in that moment, Id felt a iciness run through my skin. readiness open his throat. Sowhat about you? He forced himself to look back at me. You lookI dont know. Uneasy. Not as hard as yesterday but still disconcertd. More immortal intrigue?A good portion of my present inquietude was simply due to his proximity. Yeah, afraid so.So, you havent represent Jerome yet, and youre stillNow it was my turn to look away. Yeah. I followed some leads on Jerome this morning, and it was mixture ofum, well, its not important. Lets just say it wasnt a pleasant experience, and I didnt find out anything anyway. I glanced back in his direction, qualification sure I kept my eyes on his Blondie T-shirt and not his face. Ive got one more thing to check into, then I guess I can call it a day.Well, thats good, I guess. He shifted uncomfortably, and that awkward tension that was so distinctive for us multiplied. I tried to think of something to say, but nothing came. So he began at last. I know what you said beforebut I still have to ask. Is there anythinganything I can do?The retort was on my lips, to tell him I didnt bespeak him, not anymore. But an image of Greg flashed into my mind, and I hated myself for the consternation it invoked. I didnt want to be a damsel in distress. I didnt want to live in fear and need a man to watch over me. Gregs weight and element of surprise had shown that self-defense wouldnt always work. more or lesstimes it was hard to face danger alone. Carters words repeated in my head Why do you need me when there are plenty of other candidates?I blurted out my question before I had time to reconsider. Would you go with me?It was hard to say which of us was more surprise by this. Onyour errand? he asked.I nodded. Yeah. But I mean, if youve got stuff to doIll go, he said immobilely. He held up his take-out bag. stern I eat in your car?You can eat right now, I said. Seeing as I dont know where were going yet.Leaving bent to eat at the table, I stepped out-of-door to make a couple of band calls. The first was to Dante. He answered, fortunately, but had no clue about what I needed.somebody who carves crystal? he asked incredulously. I dont do fluffy New Age stuff.Yeah. I found out more about demon summoning. Apparently theres some kind of seal involved that only a master artisan can make.I dont know anyone like that, he said. As much as it pains me to guide a lack of knowledge about anything.Well, I guess even you have limits.You are so in trouble for that the next time I see you, succubus.After we hung up, I tried Erik. He too answered, and in his usual way, he never twainered to ask why I needed the information. There is someone, he mused. Ive meetd crystal jewelry from her before, carved into various(a) sacred symbols-ankhs and crosses. I dont know if she works with the arcane or spellcraft, but shes the only one I know in the area who comes close.I took down her figure and address and went back inside. bent had nearly finished his meal, rivaling Carter for speed. Do we have a mission objective yet?I nodded. Yup. start to the hinterlands, even.Okay, Carnation wasnt exactly the hinterlands, but it was well outside the Seattle urban and even suburban sprawl. It was one of several small rural communities that clung to western Washingtons edge before giving way to the wilderness of the go down Mountains and the desert on the other side.I made a Starbucks stop along the way so that I could acquire some caffeine. It seemed requisite to get through this. When Seth asked me to order him a mocha coffee Frappuccino, I nearly crashed into the drive-thru window.Thats got caffeine in it, I said.I know. But theyre real good. Maddie got me hooked on them.We drove in utter silence for ten minutes after that. If not for Jeromes summoning, I would have said this was the most astonis hing thing to happen to me in the last xxiv hours. Seth was drinking caffeine. It was unheard of. Hed abstained from it for years, and disrespect my clear addiction and coaxing throughout our relationship, hed never shown any interest of cracking. Yet, Maddie- Maddie -had someways gotten him to change?I dont know why I took such offense at that. Honestly, it was an inconsequential thing in the greater scheme of the universe. StillI couldnt help feeling hurt. Well, maybe hurt wasnt the right word. Inadequate, perhaps. Shed gotten him to do something I couldnt. Why? Why her and not me? Was she more inspiring? Did he care about her more?Is something wrong(p)? Seth finally asked. My silence and end grip on the steering cycle had probably tipped him off.Nope, I lied. Just worried about all of this.You are not.Im not worried about all this?Okay, you are. But thats not why youre delve right now. Youre upset about this. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him waving the Frappuccino. A fter all this time, he still knew me.Thats stupid. Why would I care about that?He sighed. Because I know you. Youre steamed that I did something I never said Id do.Why should I care? I replied stiffly. Im happy youre expanding your horizons. The look he shooting me told me he knew better.We reached the address Erik had given me without advertise argument, largely because we didnt talk. The house was an older rambler set on a huge cubic yard that would have held an entire subdivision back in Seattle. Lawn or pertainnts-a deer and a gnome, to name a few- patchworked the grass, and wind chimes dangled on the porch.We knocked on the door, and several moments later, a char in her late forties or early fifties answered. She had hair dyed an touched shade of red that put me in mind of Tawnys current hue. Her tight-fitting top pressed a lot of partition into her scoop neckline and was also not that far off from something Tawny might wear, albeit a little less tacky. The look the woma n gave us wasnt unfriendly so much as peeping.Yes?Hi, I said. Are you bloody shame Wilt- Oh my God she squealed. She had just done a double-take on Seth. Youre Seth MortensenSeth stiffened and change looks with me. Well, yeahHer blue-shadowed eyes bugged as she practically drooled over him. I cant call up it. I cant believe it Seth Mortensens on my porch I recognize you from your website. I look at it every day. Every day . Oh my God. Oh my God Im your biggest fan. Come inSeth looked like he wanted to bolt then and there, but I nudged him forward. This turn of events was a bit unexpected-and creepy-but could possibly work to our advantage.We stepped through the doorway. There was nothing oddly extraordinary about the inside of her house. The d?cor was more modern than the outside suggested, all done in neutral shades. There was a bit of normal lived-in clutter and far more figurines than I found tasteful, but overall, it was a nice place. Some of the figurines were carved out of crystal, which I took as a good sign.Come in, come in, Mary gushed, beckoning toward the living room. Sit, sit Can I get you anything? Iced tea? java? Tequila?Er, no. Im fine, said Seth, who was clearly get more and more uncomfortable with all of this. Thank you.He and I sat down on the couch, and Mary sat in an armchair across from us, leaning forward in a way that afforded an hefty view of her breasts. What can I do for you? she asked. Are you here to buy something? Id do anything for you. Anything . She grinned at Seth, making her anything intentions obvious. Youre so much cuter than I expected. Will you sign my books dapple youre here? I own all of them.She gestured toward a set of shelves on the wall, and sure enough, Seths books stood out prominently. I had been a longtime(prenominal) fan girl of Seths before we started going out, and I wondered uneasily if Id sounded this crazed and hopeless way back when. She probably would have passed out if shed known about the mo ve on copy Seth gave me.Sure, said Seth. Id, um, be happy to. He elbowed me, no doubt in an effort to get me to state our business and save him. Still a little irritated from our car argument, I almost enjoyed watching him in her clutches.Were actually not here to buy anything, I told her. We wanted to find out about a piece you might have recently made for someone.Mary turned toward me, seeming to notice me for the first time. Her gleeful, ravening expression dimmed and even turned a little suspicious. Who are you over again?Georgina. Were wondering if you recently made a piece for a client. A carved disc about this big with some sort of arcane symbol on it. I approximated the size Carter had shown me.Her face grew more wary and pinched. I cant say.I frowned. You dont recollect?She shook her head. I keep records of all my pieces. But thats confidential. I cant give that kind of information away.This is really important, I said. We thinkthere may be a crime involved.Sorry, Gise lle. I cant tell you about that. Not unless youre with the police or something.Georgina, I checked. Her adherence to client confidentiality was perfectly understandable-but well, I wasnt really concerned with what was morally correct right now. Giving Seth an elbow poke of my own, I hoped hed jump in and use his author god power. It took him a few moments, but he did.It would help us so much, Mary. Wed- Id -really appreciate it. He stumbled over the words a little, but from the way her face lit up, youd think hed just murmured the sexiest thing in her ear.Oh, Seth, she sighed. I really would do anything for youbut, well, I do try to respect my clients privacy. Surely a man like you understands that.Well, yeah, of course I- I elbowed him again. He shot me a quick glare and then returned his gaze to her. That is, I do understand, but like I said, this is really important.Indecision warred on her face, and I kind of admired her principles. She actually looked uncrackable, and I had a feeling Seth wasnt going to be too much more assertive. Glancing beyond her, I noticed a hallway leading off to another part of the house. I keep records of all my pieces .Youre right, I said abruptly. We cant expect her to give out that kind of information. Right, Seth?He turned to me again, giving me a curious glance. Right? It was more of a question than an agreement.Mary nearly melted in relief, her eyes all over Seth. Oh, I knew youd understand. I could tell right away that we think just alike. Kindred strong drink and all that, you know? Just from the way you write I-Hey, Mary? I interrupted.She looked over at me, again seeming amazed that I was still there.Do you have a bathroom I could use?Bathroom? she repeated, like it was a barbaric concept.It was a long drive, I explained sweetly. Besides, thatll give you and Seth a chance to get to know each other go he signs your books.Her face brightened again, and she turned to Seth without another glance for me. Oh, sure Thats a great idea, Georgia. Its down the hall.I stood up. Thanks.Seth and I made brief eye contact. There was a look of both panic and wariness. He didnt want to be left alone. And he also knew I wouldnt give up the fight so easily. He suspected that I was up to something.He was right. I was about to go break into Marys records.