If I Die
Page 34
Uh-oh. That sounded like Emma already.
Itll be strongest with those who are already attracted to him, but it could have a light effect on just about any human, Alec continued. But when he finds someone he wants, either to impregnate or to feed from, hell turn it on full-strength, and the lucky girl will Well, shell need him. Desperately. Like a craving she cant control.
But its like some kind of spell, right? I said, uncomfortably reminded of the strength of Nashs Influence, when he lost control of it. She doesnt really want him, she just thinks she does, because of this charm crap. Right? I said, thinking back to Danicas physical obsession with her babys father.
I dont know, Kay, Alec said, obviously reluctant to voice whatever was coming next. I think its less like a spell and more like primal physical attraction. Its hormonal, and its very strong.
Do they actually fall in love with him? Sabine asked, her nose wrinkled in disgust, and I was relieved to realize we were on the same page for once.
No, Alec said. And most of them have no delusions about thatat least, the older, more experienced women. They know they dont love him. They may not even like him. But they physically have to have him, like they have to have food and air.
Sosleeping with him is consensual? Sabine asked.
No, I said, just as Alec said, Yeah.
I turned on him in surprise. No, its not. It cant be. This charm of his is like aa drug. Theyre not in their right minds. Right?
I dont know, Kaylee. I think they really want him. In fact, some young incubi have been mobbed, like celebrities.
Do they have a choice? Sabine asked. Can girls fight his charm?
Yeah. It takes a lot of willpower, but yes, Alec said. Definitely.
They shouldnt have to fight, I insisted, struggling with a squirming discomfort the entire discussion dredged up in me. The fact that they have to proves that its not consensual. Not really. And youre not going to change my mind.
Alec nodded. Im not even gonna try.
Soany idea how to stop him?
He shrugged. I dont know how to get rid of an incubus, other than giving him a son. Ask your dad for help?
I shook my head. Cant. He has his hands full trying to save my life right now.
Alec frowned. How can he?
He cant. But telling him that does no good. Ive tried, and so have Tod and Harmony. Feel free to add yourvoice to the chorus.
So anyway, weve only got four days to take this murdering, daughter-abandoning bastard down. Sabine hesitated, then shrugged. Well, you only have four days. I have as long as it takes.
The truth of her statement hit me like a brick to the forehead, and the room swam around me. I set Styx on the couch and stood, staring straight into the maras eyes. Sabine, I think hes going after Emma. You have to promise me youll watch out for her if I die before we get rid of him. Dont let her wind up like Danica. Please.
Sabine frowned, staring up at me. At this point, I think you actually owe me another favor, bean sidhe
Promise me! I grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet, almost as surprised as she was by my strength. Shes human, and shes defenseless, and shes my best friend, which has already gotten her killed, and possessed, and on the radar of two different hellions. Youre not leaving this house until you promise me youll protect her when Im gone. You can inherit her just like you will Nash. You need a real friend anyway.
Sabine stared at me like Id lost my mind. Emma doesnt even like me.
I dont care! I swear if you let her get hurt, Ill haunt your ass for eternity. Ill turn up in the room every time youre alone with Nash, and youll never get another taste of him. Ever.
Her pierced right brow rose in interest. How are you gonna do that?
Ill find a way
Jeez, settle down, Mama Bear, Im not gonna let Emma get hurt. Sabine pulled her arm from my grasp and dropped back into my dads chair, grinning up at me. I just wanted to see how good your threat would be.
I had to concentrate to unclench my jaw. Howd I do?
Her head bobbed, almost respectfully. Not bad.
Not bad, nothin, that was badass! Alec said, and I turned to see him watching me, already on his feet, ready to come to my rescue if Sabine had decided to bite back. That was great, how your voice got all deep and scary.
It did? Bout time my voice did something helpful for a change.
I sank back onto the couch next to Styx, who yipped and watched me until she was convinced I was okay. Then she curled up in my lap and went back to sleep again. Okay, so we know Becks hurting people, but we dont know how to get rid of him I began, making a conscious effort to guide us all back onto the subject.
Short of killing him? No, Alec said, plopping onto his end of the couch again, soda in hand.
Itll be strongest with those who are already attracted to him, but it could have a light effect on just about any human, Alec continued. But when he finds someone he wants, either to impregnate or to feed from, hell turn it on full-strength, and the lucky girl will Well, shell need him. Desperately. Like a craving she cant control.
But its like some kind of spell, right? I said, uncomfortably reminded of the strength of Nashs Influence, when he lost control of it. She doesnt really want him, she just thinks she does, because of this charm crap. Right? I said, thinking back to Danicas physical obsession with her babys father.
I dont know, Kay, Alec said, obviously reluctant to voice whatever was coming next. I think its less like a spell and more like primal physical attraction. Its hormonal, and its very strong.
Do they actually fall in love with him? Sabine asked, her nose wrinkled in disgust, and I was relieved to realize we were on the same page for once.
No, Alec said. And most of them have no delusions about thatat least, the older, more experienced women. They know they dont love him. They may not even like him. But they physically have to have him, like they have to have food and air.
Sosleeping with him is consensual? Sabine asked.
No, I said, just as Alec said, Yeah.
I turned on him in surprise. No, its not. It cant be. This charm of his is like aa drug. Theyre not in their right minds. Right?
I dont know, Kaylee. I think they really want him. In fact, some young incubi have been mobbed, like celebrities.
Do they have a choice? Sabine asked. Can girls fight his charm?
Yeah. It takes a lot of willpower, but yes, Alec said. Definitely.
They shouldnt have to fight, I insisted, struggling with a squirming discomfort the entire discussion dredged up in me. The fact that they have to proves that its not consensual. Not really. And youre not going to change my mind.
Alec nodded. Im not even gonna try.
Soany idea how to stop him?
He shrugged. I dont know how to get rid of an incubus, other than giving him a son. Ask your dad for help?
I shook my head. Cant. He has his hands full trying to save my life right now.
Alec frowned. How can he?
He cant. But telling him that does no good. Ive tried, and so have Tod and Harmony. Feel free to add yourvoice to the chorus.
So anyway, weve only got four days to take this murdering, daughter-abandoning bastard down. Sabine hesitated, then shrugged. Well, you only have four days. I have as long as it takes.
The truth of her statement hit me like a brick to the forehead, and the room swam around me. I set Styx on the couch and stood, staring straight into the maras eyes. Sabine, I think hes going after Emma. You have to promise me youll watch out for her if I die before we get rid of him. Dont let her wind up like Danica. Please.
Sabine frowned, staring up at me. At this point, I think you actually owe me another favor, bean sidhe
Promise me! I grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet, almost as surprised as she was by my strength. Shes human, and shes defenseless, and shes my best friend, which has already gotten her killed, and possessed, and on the radar of two different hellions. Youre not leaving this house until you promise me youll protect her when Im gone. You can inherit her just like you will Nash. You need a real friend anyway.
Sabine stared at me like Id lost my mind. Emma doesnt even like me.
I dont care! I swear if you let her get hurt, Ill haunt your ass for eternity. Ill turn up in the room every time youre alone with Nash, and youll never get another taste of him. Ever.
Her pierced right brow rose in interest. How are you gonna do that?
Ill find a way
Jeez, settle down, Mama Bear, Im not gonna let Emma get hurt. Sabine pulled her arm from my grasp and dropped back into my dads chair, grinning up at me. I just wanted to see how good your threat would be.
I had to concentrate to unclench my jaw. Howd I do?
Her head bobbed, almost respectfully. Not bad.
Not bad, nothin, that was badass! Alec said, and I turned to see him watching me, already on his feet, ready to come to my rescue if Sabine had decided to bite back. That was great, how your voice got all deep and scary.
It did? Bout time my voice did something helpful for a change.
I sank back onto the couch next to Styx, who yipped and watched me until she was convinced I was okay. Then she curled up in my lap and went back to sleep again. Okay, so we know Becks hurting people, but we dont know how to get rid of him I began, making a conscious effort to guide us all back onto the subject.
Short of killing him? No, Alec said, plopping onto his end of the couch again, soda in hand.
