Succubus Revealed Chapter 7

No matter what shape he wore, Bastien always managed the selfsame(prenominal) kind of smile w build up and infectious. I was grinning as I hugged him, excessively every directwhelmed to form any around other logical greeting or even ask wherefore he was hither.The last time Id seen Bastien had been in Seattle last fall. Hed come to t sustain to help discredit a conservative radio host and had succeeded (thanks to me), earning him accolades from our superiors. Id lost touch with him shortly thitherafter and had judgment hed been transferred to Europe or the East Coast. possibly he had been, tho he was here now. The full impact of Luiss earlier words came back to me as I stepped away from Bastien.Wait. Youre the other new employee?Bastiens grin widened. He love being able to shock and surprise me. Afraid so, Fleur. I move here a week ago, and our employer was kind enough to put me up here while I look for a place of my own. He swept Luis a gallant bow.Luis nodded back, cle arly enjoying the scenario hed created. Which, hopefully, youll do soon. Ac reckoning isnt sacking to let me get away with this place forever.Bastien nodded gravely. Ive already sc disc overed a check of potential locations.And, I dun, Bastien doesnt even rightfully need to find his own place. He could go turn up tonight, smile at the right people, and harbour a dozen rich women to a greater extent than happy to empower him a place to stay. His current body looked to be in its late twenties, with sun-streaked browned copper and hazel eyes. It was pretty cute, scarcely even if hed looked hideous, he could unemotional have talked himself into about cardinals heart. He was fitting that ethical.Is that an invitation? Bastien asked. Because I have no plans for tonight.Well, you do now, state Luis. I figured you and Georgina would deprivation to catch up, and you hind end give her your impressions of the city so far which are all good, of course.Of course, Bastien and I said in unison.Also, Id wish well her to go quintet and maybe some of the other succubi, Luis continued.Ah, Mademoiselle atomic number 23. Bastien nodded his brainiac approvingly. An exquisite creature. Youll adore her.You apparently do, I said. Succubi and incubi strung-out up some clock however generally stuck to humans for romantic liaisons. Bastien, however, had a particular penchant for my kind.He do a face. None of my charms front to be working on her. She says that Ill neer be as provoke with anyone else as a great deal as I am with myself, so thithers no point in her getting involved.I laughed. I like her already. consequently its settlight-emitting diode. Luis moved toward the door. I have some business to restoration att conclusioning of, but Ill see you before you leave. In the meantime, I trust Bastien pass on suggest you a good time. Dont hesitate to call me if you need anything.Luis snapped his fingers, and a small business card appeared in his hand. He handed it to me. It was remedy warm.Thanks, Luis, I said, giving him a quick hug. I appreciate everything youve done.Luis nodded gravely. I exist youre non thrilled about this transfer, but I really, really would like for you to be happy here.He left, and Bastien and I stood thither in silence for a some moments. You know, I said at last, in the years Ive been in Seattle, I dont conjecture Jerome has ever told me to call him if I needed anything.Bastien chuckled as he walked over to a small but well-stocked bar. Luis is quite exceptional from what Ive seen so far. I was lucky to terminus up here. You too.Yeah. Were all lucky, arent we? I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall by the war. How did you end up here?The same way any of us end up anywhere. I was living in Newark until I got the transfer install a join days ago. Here I am.I frowned. I thought you said youd been here a week?Week, a few days. I dont know. I admit, Ive been kind of intoxicated since I arrived . It was recent, thats all. And a surprise.So was mine, I murmured. Astonishingly so. And now youre here too. Its kind of weird.Is it? He emptied a martini shaker into two codswallopes. Weve worked together before. Figures that it would happen again.I accepted the glass he run intoered me. I suppose so. But still . . . the number of times weve ended up together has been pretty amazing. For it to happen again is a huge coincidence. I took a sip and nodded approvingly. Hed used Grey Goose.Maybe its not a coincidence. They keep track of our performance records. They credibly know we work well together.I hadnt con viewred that. You echo theyd actually place us together because of that? To get results? I mean, Im still trying to figure out why I was even transferred at all.There doesnt have to be a reason, not with them.I know. One theory about me being here is that I havent been all that great of a succubus.Ah, then there you are. They sent you to me because they know what a good in fluence I am on you.Bad, you mean.His eyes twinkled. This is going to be a lot of entertainment having you here. I havent even gambled yet, and already I feel like I hit the jackpot. He knocked back his drink. Finish that, and lets go have some fun. I know a great place for lunch. Well go there and then hit some games of chance.It felt weird going out on the town, especially so early in the day. Id become too subdued in my Seattle life, I realized. Id done such a good job at playing human that Id forgotten what it was like to think like a succubus. Why not live it up in daylight? This was technically a business trip, but the point was to screen background out the place of my future employment. Id been here lots of times before, but this was the first time I really and truly studied the city through the eyes of an on the clock succubus. Again, I was struck by that earlier, heady sense easy, so amazingly easy.We caught a cab, and Bastien gave instructions for us to go to Sparkles. I ran through my mental list of Las Vegas attractions and came up empty.Ive never heard of that, I said. It sounds like a strip club.Nah, its a immaculate hotel and casino, Bastien told me. So shiny and new, in fact, that it just opened a couple of weeks ago, and already its a hit.Whys it called Sparkles? I asked.He grinned. Youll see.The answer was obvious at one time we got there. Everything was, well, sparkly. The exterior sign was a riot of glittering, chasing lights that shouldve had a seizure warn affixed to it. Everyone who worked in the hotel and casino wore elaborately sequined outfits, and all the decor was done in brightly colored metallic and glittering surfaces. diametric with the flood of flashing lights already make up in a casino, the constitutional spectacle was hard on my eyes at first. Yet, despite what couldve easily degenerated into tackiness, there was still something in the feel of the place that radiated luxury. Sparkles was over the top, yes, but in a good way.Here, said Bastien, leading me through the maze of the casino. Theres a little less sensory overload where were going.Opposite the side wed entered in was a doorway dominated by a sign practice DIAMOND LOUNGE. With a name like that, I expected strippers and more(prenominal) glitz but instead found myself in a quiet and much more tastefully subdued establishment. Crystal chandeliers and wineglasses provide the hardly sparkle here. Everything else in the restaurant was warm, honey-colored wood and red velvet. When we were seated at our table, Bastien said to the waitress, Can you tell Phoebe that Bastien is here?I gave him a wry look once we were alone. I see how it is. Here I thought you were going out of your way to take me somewhere nice. Youre just here to visit your crush.Thats merely a perk, he told me easily. The food here really is excellent. And Luis wants you to meet Phoebe too, remember? Dont worry, youll like her.I made no effort to hide my skepticism. I dont know, Bastien. I can count on one hand how many succubi Ive actually liked over the years. At best, theyre tolerable and semiamusing, like Tawny. At worst and more lots than not succubi were raving bitches. Me excluded, of course.Just wait and see, he said.We didnt have to wait long because a couple minutes later, I felt the dust of a succubus aura come over me, one reverberative of orange blossoms and honey. A tall, willowy woman in a blackened and white uniform appeared, carrying a tray with our cocktails on it. The employees here didnt have to liken the glitzy robes of their hotel brethren. She set the cocktails before each of us with a boon and fluidity that was almost too much for this establishment. It reminded me of something more suited to the military service halls of kings from long ago which, I suspected, she had probably known very well.Ah, Phoebe, Bastien sighed dreamily. You are a muckle, as always. Come meet our newest follower.She gave him the look one h as when indulging a ridiculous child and sat down in one of our tables empty chairs. Her dark blond hair was pulled back into a true ponytail, revealing high cheekbones and long-lashed green eyes. Oh, Bastien, dont start in on the vision stuff. Its far too early in the day. She extended a cultured hand to me. Hello, Im Phoebe.Georgina, I said, shaking the offered hand.Whatever Bastiens told you, only believe half of it. She reconsidered, eyeing him carefully. Make that a third. Hey, exclaimed Bastien, with mock incredulity. I resent that. As if I would ever lie to two such treasures as yourselves Bastien, said Phoebe dryly. Youll lie to anything female if you think itll get you in their pants faster.I laughed in spite of myself, earning me another(prenominal) wounded look from Bastien. Fleur, you know thats not true. Youve known me longer than anyone.Which is exactly why I know it is true, I replied solemnly.Bastien muttered something uncomplimentary in French and was saved furt her indignation when Phoebes colleague bring rounded to take our order. Phoebe, with our permission, ordered for us, requesting some specials that werent on the menu.Are you a form here? I asked her.Bartender, she replied, clasping her hands and resting her chin on them. Gives me something to do until the show starts.Show?Bastiens earlier dismay was gone, replaced with an expression of supreme smugness. You see, Fleur? I told you I had a good reason for coming here. My lady Phoebe here is a . . . He paused delicately. Is it still polite to say showgirl? I can never keep track of whats PC anymore. It took me ages to figure out why I kept getting in trouble for calling life history women working girls. Phoebe laughed. Yes, showgirl is fine.I felt myself sitting up straighter. Youre a boundr? Where do you perform?Here, she said. Or, well, I will in a couple months. It hasnt opened yet.What kind is it? I asked. I mean, is there a theme?Its a full-fledged Vegas music-dance extravagan za. Exactly what youd expect from a place called Sparkles. Rhinestones everywhere. Scanty, but not topless. She tilted her head, regarding me with interest. Are you a dancer?I dance, I said modestly. I havent done full stage performances in a very long time, though. Im out of practice.Bastien scoffed. Thats nonsense. Fleur can pick up any routine. She used to bring the dance halls of Paris to their knees.Yeah, I said. A long time ago.Are you interested in being in it? asked Phoebe, face serious. Theyre still scouting. I can get you an audition. Although . . . you might want to make yourself taller.I . . . I dont know, I said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. I mean, my transfer doesnt take place until next month. . . .Phoebe was unconcerned. I dont think Matthias would mind. Hes the company manager. In fact . . . She glanced at her watch. Hell be around in another hour or so. I can take you to meet him.Shed be happy to, said Bastien.Im sure she can answer for herself, monsieur, replied Phoebe tartly.I chuckled at seeing Bastien dressed down again. Id love it. Thatd be great.Phoebe left us as our food began arriving, promising to return at the end of our meal. Everything shed ordered for us was amazing, and I fretted over eating so much since I wasnt entirely sure if this brush with the company manager would turn into a full-fledged audition.Lovely, isnt she? asked Bastien.She is, I agreed. You were right. What I found more astonishing than having the chance to dance in a Las Vegas show was that Phoebe was responsible for orchestrating it and had seemed genuinely happy to do so. In my experience, succubi would jealously guard those kinds of positions, keeping out the competition.I have no doubt youll dance your way right into this Matthiass heart, Bastien mused. He gave a woful sigh. Would that I could dance so easily into Phoebes heart.Shes too smart for you, I said. She knows your tricks.Of course she does. Id think that would be half the appeal. He paused to finish off the last of his cocktail. Speaking of bizarre attractions . . . Im totally behind in whats flux in your Northwestern world. Are you still joined at the rosehip with that introverted mortal?Literally and figuratively, I told him. Thinking of Seth thinned some of my earlier good mood. This transfer . . . it was kind of a shock. I dont know how its going to affect our relationship.Bastien shrugged. Bring him here.Its a little more complicated than that.Not if he wants you badly enough. Here. Bastien waved to get the waitresss attention. Have another round with me. Thatll fix everything.Not when I might have to dance soonBut I shared the round anyway and found my cheerfulness returning. It was hard not to with Bastien. Id known him for a long time, and there was something so easy and comforting about being in his presence. We swapped stories and input on immortals we knew, and I got the scoop on some of the more chatoyant ones Id eventually be meeting here in Las Vegas. Phoebe returned just as we were paying the bill, having swapped her work attire for casual dance clothing. She led us back through the labyrinthine glitz of the casino and into the quieter and much more subdued back halls of the building. They in turn led to a backstage door to the casinos theatre, which wasnt yet open to the public. We found the vast situation empty, save a couple guys installing tables in the seating area. The throb of their hammers echoed through the room. A moment later, I did a double take when I saw a man sitting off to the side of the stage, so still Id hardly noticed him. He glanced up from a sheaf of papers at our approach.Phoebe, he said. Youre early.I wanted to bring out you to someone, she said. Matthias, these are my friends Bastien and Georgina. Georginas moving here next month.Matthias looked like he was in his late twenties, early thirties at most, and had sandy blond hair in need of a haircut. There was something cute about its disarrange state, and he took off wire-rimmed glasses to peer up at me. I couldnt help but think Ian wouldve liked those glasses, but unlike Ian, Matthias probably needed them. Matthias blinked a couple of times, and then his eyebrows rose in surprise.Youre a dancer, he said to me.Er, yeah, I am. Howd you know? Per Phoebes suggestion, Id made myself put on some height while we were walking down the back halls, but that was hardly enough to tip him off.Matthias got to his feet and studied me up and down, not in a leering kind of way . . . but more like how someone assesses the value of a piece of art. Its in how you walk and stand. Theres a grace to it. An energy. Its exactly what she does. He nodded toward Phoebe. Are you guys sisters?No, said Phoebe. But weve taken some of the same classes.Bastien choked on a laugh.Matthias was nodding, completely enraptured. He picked up his papers and flipped through the pages. Yes . . . yes . . . we could definitely use you here and here. He paused, checking a f ew more places. And here. Maybe even here. He jerked his head up, blue eyes alight and excited. Lets see what you can do. Phoebe do the opening part of the second number.Phoebe responded outright, springing to center stage and instantly falling into line as Matthias began counting off beats. When they finished, he looked at me expectantly. Now you do it.I started to point out that I was in heels and a dress but then realized showgirl attire probably wouldnt be too different. I took a spot nest Phoebe and mirrored her as Matthias counted again. We repeated the combination, and by the third time, I hardly had to look at her to get the steps. He directed her to a different number, slightly more complicated, and a similar performance ensued as I sought to match her. When we finished, he clicked his tongue in approval.Amazing, he said. You guys need to tell me where you trained so that I can upgrade all your classmates. Turning back to his papers, he began scribbling notes. Phoebe, c an you lend her some clothes for practice? Not that itll affect her performance, of course, but I depend shed be more comfortable in something else for two hours of rehearsal.Phoebe winked at me. Im pretty sure we can get her a change of clothes.I glanced between her and Matthias. Rehearsal?Sure, said Matthias, still not looking up. Thats what we do to get ready for performances around here.You want to be in the show, dont you, Lucy? teased Bastien.I understand . . . but Im not moving to Las Vegas until January, I explained. I have to go home tomorrow night.Matthias finally glanced up briefly from his beloved notes, seeming as pained as Seth ofttimes was when interrupted while writing a book. Youre here right now, arent you? efficacy as well get started. Unless youve got something else going on?I looked helplessly at Bastien and Phoebe, who were grinning like idiots. The incubus slung a friendly arm around me. Of course she doesnt.After a moments hesitation, I gave a long-winded nod, still a little overwhelmed at how fast things were moving here. I . . . Id love to rehearse.