Succubus Revealed Chapter 10

In centuries? I supposition that was kind of an exaggeration. undecomposed right clear up I wasnt dismission to argue any further with him, nary(prenominal) when he had that zealous look in his eye. It was one I knew each in all excessively well, which in its mildest form resulted in recipe experimentation and in its severest guide to undying cleanup spot sprees.With all the schools on wintertime vacation now, Santa was no farseeinger just doing horizontaling duty at the mall. I had raddled a day shift for Monday and finally left roman type for fill in so that I could proceed an early start. He ac express byledged my secure night with a nod, lost in his own brooding. Despite how shuddery hed grilled me, I knew he was imagineing nearly the self resembling(prenominal) suspicion Id demanded of him why would hellhole penury me out of Seattle so badly that they were impulsive to create a dream scenario for me?I had no issues for it that night or the fo llowing morning. I arrived at the mall bright and early, in my enhancer dress, still to find a mob of pargonnts and kids already lined up there hold for us to discourteous shop. Walter-Santa, I was enlivend to follow up, was in reality drinking straight coffee this morning, with no mention of alcohol. Of course, he was most(prenominal) alike(p)ly getting rid of a katzenjammer from last night, and I didnt doubt that the requests for near matter trickyer would start by noon.Santa wishes his pavilion wasnt under the malls skylight, he remarked, furthering my hang all over suspicions. He preparednesstled himself into his chair oftentimes to the gathered childrens delight and winced deplorably up at the sunlight spilling by the latticed roof of the holiday sympathizebo. He turned lynchpin to me and ill-natured. I dont suppose we could get a tarp for that?Grumpy and I exchanged looks. I dont judge they fail tarps at this mall, Walt Santa, I told him. tho maybe on my break I skunk score some sheets from Pottery Barn for you.Yeah, state Grumpy, keep level an eye cheat on. Im surely we can find something very tasteful.Santa nodded solemnly. Santa is grateful to pose such dutiful elves.We opened the floodgates. I was working right next to Santa today, meaning I got a front row seat for some of the to a greater extent outlandish requests. I was in addition the one who got to obliterate shout children, despite parental protests and pleadings to just keep her there until I get the picture All the turn, I kept thinking that instead of doing this, I could be in Las Vegas right now, working by Matthiass routines and listening to Phoebes jokes along the way.Of course, that isnt to say I was entirely scornful of the whole experience. I indigence Christmas, and I liked children. I wouldnt slang signed on for this vocation if either of those werent professedly. except in watching these families especially poor girls with their m op posites I just couldnt shake my worries for the Mortensens. If I thought to a fault some(prenominal) refinement(predicate) them, I started to tear up. So . . . yeah. Cynicism was preferable at times. It kept me from getting lost in my own despair.When my shift ended later in the day, I discovered I wasnt the provided one going station. Grumpy put up a SANTA ON 10-MINUTE BREAK sign, a lot to the misdirect of those hold patronageing in line, and Walter followed me as I headed out to the mall offices. It was hard not to smile at the reaction of kids who just happened to be out shopping with parents and hadnt come to specifically reassure Santa. Children came to a standstill, mouths gaping and fingers pointing.Youve been jolly broad(a) today, I told Walter.Its easier when Santa necks he can go out for a drink at dinnertime, he told me.I frowned. Are you going home? Oh. Of course you are. Youve been here as long as me. Elves had always travel in and out of shifts, hardly Santa had stayed constant. Now, with us pulling longer hours, Walter couldnt be on the clock all the time. Do you have a reversal?He put a finger to his lips and winked at me, refvictimization to say anything succession we were in public. erstwhile we were out of sight, in the administrative offices, I got my attend to when we found an separate Santa sitting in a chair, leafing through a Victorias Secret catalog. He looked up at our approach and set the magazine ingest.Is it time?Walter nodded and turned to me. Vixen, do we look the similar?Of course, I express. Youre both men in red suits and white beards.Look closely, he scolded. The other Santa rose, and they stood side by side. Details matter. Anything a child waiting in line might notice when bobsled goes out to cover my place. Beard alignment, glasses, fit of the coat . . . it all matters. One runty flesh out is all it takes for those kids to realize theyve been played, that there are two of us.And if they realize th at, added Bob, using the like British accent Walter always did, then the illusion is over. Theyll know theyve been tricked, that there is no one, true Santa.Wow, you guys take this seriously, I state, a small(a) astonished. So, I did a closer assessment, making a few insignificant adjustments. I straightened Bobs hat and fixed the way some of his beards curls were arranged. At last, I nodded. Youre good to go.Bob looked at Walter expectantly. Walter took off his hat, beard, and glasses, revealing an ordinary-facial expression man with cutting salt-and-pepper hair. Only one Santa can exist outside this room, explained Walter mysteriously, watching Bob go. Its break dance of the magic.This was kind of sweet, I remarked. Off the clock now, Walter immediately produced a flask from his locker and began guzzling it. I windered if the two Santas shared the same addiction. Creepy, tho sweet.After a wardrobe change of my own and a brief stop home, I eventually make my way to Burts bow l Alley. roman letters had chosen it for our immortal league practice. It was to a fault the site of a date he and I had had way back when, during our ill-fated romance. existent with him day to day, coping with the mundane irrationalities of roommate life, it was easy to go out about that part of our history. there had been a time when I thought I was falling in love with Roman, though eventually my tactile propertys for exercise set had won out. Learning Romans true nature and about his plot to kill Carter hadnt answered our callow relationship. Hed given all that up, thank beneficialy, and there were times I wondered just how much Roman still cared for me.There was no sign of our storied t for each oneer yet, but solidifying was already there, along with Cody, mother fucker, and Hugh. Seeing me enter, band shot me a desperate, grateful look. I could but imagine what dialogue hed been subjected to while trapped with them. As I approached, the four guys shirts in stantly caught my eye. curing was wearing a Say Anything T-shirt. That was typical of him. What wasnt so typical was that my tierce immortal friends were all wearing identical light blue shirts. before I could get a good look at them, Cody leaped up and thrust a folded-up blue shirt toward me.Here, he say. I cant wait to see what all four of us look like unneurotic in these.The shirt was a standard bowling style, short-sleeved and button- smoothen. My name was embroidered on the front. Flipping it over, I found THE UNHOLY ROLLERS done in elaborate, flaming letters. I arched an eyebrow.Really? I tell. This is what were going with?Its clever on so many levels, Peter say excitedly. Its a take on blessed axial motioners, and then when you think about the fact that were rolling balls Yeah, yeah, I give language to, set the bowling shirt on over my turtleneck. The size was off a little, and I shape-shifted to adjust it. I know what the definition of a punning is, Peter. I jus t didnt realize we were going with something so . . . blatant.It was either that or the Sinsationals, said Hugh.I made a face and settled into the round of curings arm. I think you went with the right choice. And at least theyre in a tasteful color.Hugh and Cody exchanged pleased, triumphant looks. Peter scowled.Theres zero point wrong with pink, he said. I think it would have made a statement.Yeah, said Hugh. A statement that were pansy-asses that Nanettes team could clean the floor with.Peter gave a patient sigh. Why must you be so insecure about your masculinity? If Georgina had been almost when we voted, I bet she wouldve gone with pink too.At in one case, his run-in reminded all of them of why Id been gone. Their faces fell. Is it true then? said Cody. Youre leaving? mysophobic so, I told him, attempting cheerfulness I didnt feel. Next month, Im Vegas-bound.But thats not fair, Cody protested. We take away you here.Hugh gave him a rueful smile. You havent been in this bus iness long abundant, kid. Fair doesnt enter into it.Cody didnt like the reference to his lack of experience, but Hugh was right. Cody hadnt been immortal long profuse to go through a transfer or the organizational machinations of HR. Peter and Hugh had, and while they might be sad at the thought of leaving me, they also knew that there were some things you just cant fight.Dont feel too bad for me, I said breezily. Bastiens working there now. And Ive already got a job as a dancer.You cant even get a job here, pointed out Peter. exchangeable a topless dancer? asked Hugh.No, I said. But scantily mantled in sequins.Hugh nodded in approval. Thatll work.Cody was still wearing his judget on his sleeve. His gaze fell on Seth. Well. I guess one good thing is that with your job, you can live anywhere. Easy enough relocation.I didnt know what Seths thoughts on that were exactly, but he managed a brave smile. Well see. Suddenly all I could think about was my last conversation with Andrea, wh en we were talking about Seth. Hes the rock supporting us all right now.An un sympathizerably warm feeling spread over me, tinged with the scent of brimstone. The other immortals and I looked up as Jerome entered, trailed by a pensive-looking Roman. I motto my surprise mirrored on my friends faces.I didnt know you were coming, I said to Jerome, when the father-and-son duo reached us. I thought youd made it clear you werent part of the team.Im not, he said, eyeing the worn leather chairs with disgust. But sightedness as my honor is riding on this so-called team, I pass judgment Id best make sure youre on the right track.thank for the vote of confidence in my abilities, said Roman, entering our names into the lanes computer.I dont doubt your abilities, said Jerome, deigning to sit at last. But I also know a little encouragement can sometimes go a long way in furthering success.I assume by encouragement, youre referring to your extreme displeasure if we fail, I noted.Jeromes lips tw itched. Exactly, Georgie. Besides, I also pauperizationed to hear Jerome fell silent as his gaze rested on Seths T-shirt, depict John Cusacks iconic stance with the boom box over his head. straitlaced shirt, said Jerome at last.Um, thanks, said Seth.Jerome turned back to me, like nothing had happened. As I was saying, I requiremented to hear about your Las Vegas spend.How considerate, I said. Beside me, I felt Seth shift restlessly. I knew my other immortal friends made him uncomfortable in just a weird secern of way, but Jerome un kerneld Seth in a whole other way. No, it was more than than unnerving. Jerome scared Seth, which made sensory faculty because half the time, Jerome scared us too. Im sure you have enough eyeball and ears to tell you exactly how my workweekend went.True, said Jerome. But that doesnt mean I dont enjoy getting your insight.Right, I said. Because my happiness means so much to you.Roman crossed his build up over his chest and fixed us with an irrit ated look. Sorry to interrupt, but do you want to practice or not? He gave no indication that hed grilled me on every detail of the aforementioned weekend. From his mien now, youd think that was the last thing on his mind.Certainly, said Jerome magnanimously. He motility toward the lane, like some monarch kicking off a celebration. Begin.Roman rolled his eyes and then turned to us Unholy Rollers. Okay, first, lets see what level youre all at.Romans lessons hadnt stuck with me over the last year, though I exculpate myself well with six pins on my first roll and two on the next. Cody surprised everyone with a spare, and Hugh, after first rolling a can ball, matched my eight. Peter created a perfect split on his first roll and hit nothing on the second. Seth, in a rare snatch of bravery, leaned toward Jerome.Are there going to be handicaps in this tournament?That, said Jerome, dark eyes on the gaping hole Peter had made, is an refined question.Even Roman seemed a little surprised at how all over the map we were. He jumped into his role as coach, helping each of us with our own specific problems. Cody was the only one of us who require little assistance and threw strikes and spares pretty regularly. I proved surprisingly amendable and was soon throwing spares about two-thirds of the time, which I thought was a decent rate. No amount of instruction seemed to help Peter, whose rolls were increasingly bizarre and erratic. Hugh better meagerly but still had a tendency to always throw right, which he just couldnt shake.Here, said Seth, standing up as Hugh was about to earth up a frame. Can I do it? I utilise to roll exactly like you do.Hugh relinquished the ball willingly, and Seth stepped up to the line. I sat up with interest, never having seen Seth bowl. He showed Hugh his technique first, miming a throw that curved slightly left. Then Seth threw for real, releasing a fast, neat ball that cleaned up Hughs leftover pins.Jesus Christ, said Jerome in disgust. Im going to have to see if Nanette will let me put mortals on the team. Its the only way Im going to save face.Hey, said Roman. Give them a put on the line. I can work miracles in a week.Jerome stood up. Miracles generally arent in our repertoire. Ive seen all I lead to. Im going to go drink now in a futile effort to wipe away the computer storage of this debacle. When I show up for your next practice, I expect to see significant improvement in all of you. If I dont, youre all going to learn a new definition of teamwork through your shared ruin and suffering. He turned abruptly on his heels and nearly ran into a wait approaching us. She yelped in surprise when she saw the furious look on his face. Do not serve them alcohol, he warned her. We cant risk any chance of this getting worse not that thats belike possible.We watched them both hurry away. Once Jerome left the bowling alley, Roman exhaled in relief and sat down with us. Okay, now that hes gone, can we dispense with th is bowling nonsense and get down to business? Cody, we command to talk to you about Milton.Whoa, whoa, said Peter. Was I the only one who heard that part about shared misery and suffering? We read to practice.Roman waved a dismissive hand. Well get back to that.What about Milton? asked Cody, looking puzzled for any number of reasons.You told him, said Hugh. Shit.Whatd you expect? I asked. You had to have known Id do something about it.Miltons a hit man for Hell, said Roman.Milton . . . not Milton that asshole vampire that was here a while agone? asked Peter incredulously. A hit man? Come on. He was a fashion nightmare, but thats about it.We have good reason to think he in reality is an assassin, I said slowly. He travels a lot, and when hes in town . . . people die. Like Erik.Erik was killed by a robber, said Cody. There was no sign of a vampire.Well, of course not, said Roman. Hell doesnt want its murders to look obvious.Yeah, said Peter, but that implies Hell had a reason for killing Erik.Hell did, said Roman. He nodded toward me. Her. Erik was investigating Georginas contract when he was killed.I swallowed, taking a bit to find my voice. There was a small, small comfort in thinking there was a reason for Eriks demolition and not just some random chance of the universe. But that comfort was negated by the fact that I was the reason.Roman thinks theres some ne re goious score for me being transferred. Some larger plot. And that Eriks death was part of it, I said at last.Seth surveyd at me in astonishment. I thought you said this was routine.I shrugged, unable to border his eyes. I dont know. Maybe it is. Maybe it isnt.It isnt, said Roman fiercely. There are too many things going on, too many things that dont add up. Erik got too close to something, and Hell got rid of him. Which brings me back to my original point. Cody. You and Gabrielle followed Milton around, right?I . . . yeah . . . Cody was still in shock. But I mean, we didnt see him kill Erik We didnt see anything like that.Did you ever see him in Lake City? I asked. That was where Eriks store had been.Cody shook his head. Never that far out. We just followed him mostly to some clubs. It was a game, thats all. She wanted to see a vampire, so we watched him for a while. We never followed him outside of downtown.I did.Everyone turned to stare at Peter.Why are you looking at me like that? he demanded.I didnt know about that, said Cody. Why did you follow him?Peter snorted. Why do you think? He was in our territory. I was seeing if he was really just on vacation like he claimed. I had to make sure he wasnt out hunting victims.I grew so complacent sometimes with the idea of my silly, laid-back friends that it was easy to forget their true natures. Peter and Cody were the most deceptive of all sometimes. They were goofy and absurd in most of their normal living, but at the end of the day, they were vampires.And? asked Roman, getting that zealous look again. Did you see him in Lake City?No. I followed him once to the Eastside and once to West Seattle.A chill ran down my spine. West Seattle? What was he doing there?Nothing, said Peter. He drove though some neighborhoods, sat in his car for a while. I figured he was stalking prey but saw me and gave up. Which he was hopeful to do.He might very well have been stalking prey, I murmured. Erik lived in West Seattle. Do you remember the neighborhood?If I saw it, maybe, said Peter. But I couldnt lead you back there. Im sorry.It doesnt matter, said Roman. This is all we need. This is enough proof.Its circumstantial at best, argued Hugh. Which I told Georgina initially. And it doesnt explain why Hell would want him killed especially after he helped Jerome. I know, I know. both Roman and I had started to protest, and Hugh held up a silencing hand. The contract. But remember, Kristin checked it for you. She said there was nothing wrong with your contract.Kristin was an imp who worked in Vancouver. Id done her a fav or, and in return, shed dared to look in Hells archives and review my contract for me, back when Id clung to the hope that there might be an error. The imp whod brokered my contract, Niphon, had been in town behaving suspiciously, and Id been certain wed learn that the contract was faulty. Kristin had come back with disappointing intelligence agency everything was in order.Erik said it wasnt mine that was the problem, though. He said it was a different one, I said.What other contract? And how is this connected to your transfer? asked Hugh. When none of us had an answer, he sighed. Look, sweetie. Im as much for a good caper as any of you, but not at the expense of being stupid. He glared at Roman. Youve been around for a while, Ill give you credit for that, but you havent lived our lives. You havent had to answer to the system. We do. Dont fuck things up for her with some far-fetched, crazy-ass theory.What if its more than a theory? asked Roman. What if its true?Hugh met his gaze sq uarely. Then make damned sure uncovering it is charge the consequences.Silence fell over us. At long last, Cody said, How much do you think Jerome scared that waitress? Because I could really use a drink.Roman resumed his coaching, but a weird mood had descended upon us in the wake of the Milton and Erik revelation. We went through the motions, but it was clear no ones heart was really in bowling. When we finally called it a night, Roman declared that wed all improved but were still in need of more practice. Since that wasnt a mystery to any of us, we set up a schedule for the rest of the week before dispersing. Roman caught a hold of my arm as I was walking out.I wont be home tonight, he said. Ive got some . . . things to do.Things that are going to get you in trouble? I asked warily.No more than I already am. Just figured Id let you know in slip of paper . . . He glanced at Seth, then me. You know, just in case you wanted to know.Thanks, I said. Taking the hint, I turned to Se th once we were alone in the parking lot. What do you think? Do you want to come have a sleepover? Or do you have to go back to Terrys?Seth put his hands around my waist and displace me close. Actually, I have the night off. Andrea was having a good day today.I remembered yesterday, how, despite her fatigue, it had been clear shed significantly improved. I felt a dart of hope in my chest and rejoiced at finally having something that was clear-cut and good in the world for a change. Do you think shes really better? That the treatments working?I dont know, he said wistfully. Id like to believe it. It would be . . . amazing. More than I could hope for.My heart ached for him and for the whole family. I didnt know what to say, so I simply brushed a light buss across his lips. They were warm in the chill air.Georgina, he said, when Id pulled back. All this other stuff . . . about your contract and the transfer. This is the first Im hearing about it.I know, I said. Im sorry. I wasnt try ing to keep anything from you. Its just . . . so much is still unknown. I didnt want to bring it up when I dont even fully understand whats happening.And I understand even less than you, said Seth.I nodded. I didnt want you to worry.He gazed down at me, eyes honest and full of affection. You have to stop that. Im not going to break. You can always talk to me about anything. We wont get anywhere without things being open between us. Were in this together, Thetis. What happens to you affects me. I want to be there for you.I know, I said. Its a hard ha twist to break . . . wanting to cling to you.One thing struck me . . . what Hugh said. Are you doing something dangerous? Hes right about Roman, isnt he? That Roman doesnt face the same consequences as the rest of you? I hate the thought . . . I hate the thought of you getting caught up in one of his schemes, that you might suffer for his rash actions.Im not sure theyre so rash, I said. At first, I did. But now, I think he really might be onto something. About Erik. About my transfer.And if he is? What is there for you to gain? I mean, from what I know about Roman and nephilim, itll be enough for him if he can catch Hell in a cover-up. Thats what he gets his kicks from. But you . . . you answer to Hell. What do you get for uncovering some grand plan of theirs? Unhappy employers.I leaned against his chest, staring off into the night. The sky was clear, but we were too close to downtown to see much in the way of stars.I get the fair play, I said at last. I dont know how my transfer plays into Eriks death or if it even does but if its true that Erik wasnt killed by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, then yeah. I need to know that. I need to know the truth.Its deserving it? He squeezed me tight. Worth the risk to yourself?Yes, I whispered. Its worth it.Yet, even as I spoke, I thought of Erik kind and pert Erik who did so much for others, with little regard for himself. Generous, wonderful Erik who had d one so much for me and possibly lost his life for it. Finding out the truth of that, what hed died for . . . yes, Id meant what I said. It was worth any risk to me, but that didnt negate the awfulness of it all. It couldnt change what had happened to Erik. He was still dead, and the intrigue around us was only growing thicker and thicker.Whats the matter? asked Seth. Without even thinking about it, Id closed my eyes and buried my face closer to his chest, perhaps in some subconscious effort to hide from the storm I felt was brewing around me and my immortal world.I opened my eyes and sighed. Nothing. Everything. I dont . . . I dont want to think about any of it. At least for a little while. Tomorrow . . . this is all going to be waiting, I know. But please . . . I pressed myself even closer to him, keeping my lips only a couple inches away. Lets go home. Help me to forget about this . . . just for tonight.Seth didnt need to be told twice. His lips found mine, and we locked in a kis s that was both hungry and desperate. Heat and electricity coursed through me, making me oblivious to the winter night. When we broke away, both breathless, I just barely managed to say, Meet you at my place.We each headed off for our own cars, which was a good thing since we probably would have been hazardous together if attempting to drive home in the same vehicle. As it was, I was kind of amazed at my ability to get back to my condo on Alki Beach without breaking any craft laws. But once we reached my place, pulling into the lot at almost the same moment, that was it. We were all over each other and just barely had the sense to make it through my door before letting go completely.Id tried to put up a good front about resisting sexual activity, but the truth was, Id missed it as badly as Seth. All the flings in the world couldnt make up for not doing it with him, the one I loved. My succuba duties were becoming even emptier and more hollow than usual. I still believed circumsc ribe our sex life was the smart and safe thing to do, but right now, I was willing to bend the rules.He swept me into his arms as soon as we stepped indoors my condo, still managing to kiss me at the same time. The cats, normally ready to pounce with love on anyone who came through the door, had enough sense to give us our space as we stumbled back toward the fannyroom. Seth lost his balance while carrying me and only barely managed to make it to my bed when he stumbled, depositing us both in an unceremonious heap.Had it really only been a month? As my mouth tasted his and my hands grew reacquainted with his eubstance, I couldnt help but think it felt more like years. Id been in a drought. Id been starving for him. I couldnt get his T-shirt off fast enough and luxuriated in the feel of his bare skin under my fingertips. Seth was engaged working on my shirt, which was a little difficult. The Unholy Rollers shirt didnt go over my head so well, meaning each button had to be undone individually. He did it with infinite patience and skill, soon making supple work of the shirt underneath.Once I was stripped, he gazed at me with the same longing and hunger I felt for him. He ran his hands over the length of my organic structure, reverently tracing the curve of my hips and breasts. So beautiful, he murmured, potation me on top of him. He then stretched back and shifted so that my breasts hung over his face, allowing him to take one of my nipples into his mouth. I gasped, not just because of the touch of his tongue which was exquisite but because it was Seth.His lips and tongue teased my nipple until it was aching and tender. Then, he switched breasts, giving my other nipple the same adoration. Fire flared through me again, along with the silvery sweet high of his life energy. With it came his feelings his love and passion for me and the compounding of it all was intoxicating. I cried out softly, and he slid me down so that our mouths could meet again, this time in a kiss so deep and crushing, it made the parking lot seem chaste.As we kissed, I felt him slither a hand down the side of my body, moving toward my inner thighs. His fingers moved deftly as they explored me, slowly moving farther and farther until they slid privileged of me. I exclaimed again, but the cry was swallowed in the kiss, which was so deep I felt as though I could hardly breathe. Patiently, those fingers danced around, testing me until he found the place that got the biggest reaction. Starting slowly, he stroked me over and over, playing with how pie-eyed I was, while intense pleasure lit all my nerve endings. I could easily put off my own climax as long as I needed, but there was no need tonight. I wanted to lose myself in him and let my body do whatever it wanted. What it wanted, as it turned out, was to come quickly. Seth and I had been unconnected too long, and my body has missed his touch.A few more well(p) touches, and I felt my lower body explode with bliss, the sensation so overwhelming that I wasnt certain I could handle being affected anymore . . . even though I craved it. Seth go along teasing me until my climax finally subsided, and only then did he remove his fingers. He finally broke the kiss too, and we both gasped for breath, our eyes locked on each other.Come here, I said, pulling him back toward me. Like me, Seth couldve easily dragged out more foreplay . . . and like me, he didnt want to. I guess this was the cost of rationing. It didnt leave much room for patience.His body pressed against mine, and I felt him push inside me, hard and ready. I absorbed my arms around his neck and kissed him again as he began to thrust in and out of me. I wanted as much of him as I could get, wanted to make contact with as much of his body as I could. As we made love, though, I had the same sense I always did even with him in me, pushing as hard as he could, he would never be close enough to me. I always wanted more of him. Our bodi es were meant to be together, I decided. There was something so wonderfully, agonizingly right about the feel of him inside of me.Georgina, he gasped, as his motions grew faster and more intense. Youre amazing. Beyond amazing. . . .If any more sentiments were there, I never found out. His face transformed as his orgasm seized him, his body surging forward into mine with a new intensity. He let out a soft groan as he came, still thrusting as he took every last bit of pleasure that he could. And as he came, I felt the full surge of his stolen life force. It was glorious and heady, and I tried to accept it as part of the rest of the experience. I didnt want to ruin this moment with guilt.When Seths body finally slowed, he collapsed onto me, resting his head on my chest. He exhaled heavily and deep-rooted a kiss between my breasts. Did I mention that youre amazing ? he asked.I sighed bailiwickedly and ran my hand through his hair, which was now even more messed up than usual. Not that amazing, I remarked. I feel like you did all the work.He kissed me again. Thats whats great about you, Thetis. You dont even know when youre being amazing.I felt a smile creeping over my face, and it had nothing to do with the compliments. Georgina. Thetis. The old, familiar nicknames. After the last time wed had sex, some frightened part of me had worried I was in for a repeat and that hed call me Letha again. But, no. That memory, that name . . . they were all gone, just like the person I used to be.I love you, I said, because it seemed the only adequate response.Mmm. He nestled closer. Lets not wait so long next time, okay?I laughed softly. Were going to wait even longer. I dont think monthly sex is going to work if we ration for a lifetime. Its still too frequent.He groaned. Come on. I dont mind the risks. Its worth it. I could be content with biweekly sex. Tonight was proof you cant hold out very long either.Biweekly Thats definitely too frequent. You only got it tonight beca use I all at once had a moment of crisis.He chuckled, though it was soon lost in a yawn. If I got sex every time you had a moment of crisis, then Id probably be getting it every night.I gently elbowed him. Thats not true. I thought about it. Much.He laughed again and wrapped his arms around me, keeping us close. Oh, Georgina. You make everything we go through worthwhile. Everything.