Amanda

I stand at the door, unable to open it. It feels like if I do, it's a new life. A big step into the unknown. What if I'm not cut out for this kind of thing? I was a secretary, and that was a handful. Not to mention I'd be working along with werewolves, vampires, demons, and fairies? I can't even wrap my mind around it. It's so absurd. I refuse to be in the same room as Austin. Jacob tried explaining last night that it was an undercover mission, and I should cut him some slack, and yeah he's right, but right now I'm angry, and I can't see past that. I thought we had a connection, I would have kept his secret, and he knows it, maybe. Jeez, even I doubt that statement. I would have done anything to escape. No! I will not feel guilty for my emotions, I'm human, wait, am I? Oh my God, I do not want to be inside my head right now.

I step out into the hallway. Laughter carries through the narrow passage and up the stairs. There are five levels to this place and a basement I have yet to see. The main level contains a washroom, kitchen, dining room, library, entertainment area, and a small office. The next three levels are all bedrooms placed adjacent to one another on each side. There's four rooms on the second level alone. I'm in the third on the right second level. The place is enormous it looks like it's been around four centuries with plenty of superficial modern upgrades.

Meals must be a big deal for this group. I stare at no one in particular as most are gathered at the large table. My eyes catch on Austin's the same moment he finds mine. He seems different today, more relaxed as I look away haughtily not my MO, but I can't help the petty and immature reaction, Estevan walks out with a mug and I grab a honeydew slice, following him into the library. While pretending to look for a book, I watch as he grabs a one. His back is to me, and for the life of me, I can't think of a single thing to say.

"Do you like to read?"

I jump at his voice. I didn't think he knew I was here. He has a velvet richness in his vocals that soothe. His accent is Russian and thick.

"Sometimes, do you?" I ask, He turns, smiling, and I silently gasp when I see his teeth. Thankfully, he doesn't take offense, his smile still in place.

"Often... you wear your thoughts on your face like a beacon. I can teach you to work on it. You will need to control them to succeed in this line of work."

I don't know whether to be offended or thankful, so I nod to play it safe.

"Sit, I don't bite."

I laugh loudly at the ironic comment and sit on the lounger next to him. Picking a random book, I pretend to read while nibbling on the honeydew.

"I thought you didn't like to talk?"

He keeps reading, sipping from his mug.

"I don't"

I watch him in my peripheral vision. He has long, thick black hair tied at his neck, and he's actually very tan, not pale at all like I'd expect, being a bloodsucker and all. What do you know, vampires are wrongly stereotyped. He's very tall and broad. His shoulders are the width of half my body's height.

"We don't eye-fuck our coworkers here! You are expected to keep it professional."

My head snaps so fast that I get a sharp pain in my back. Jumping up, I drop the book from my lap.

"Excuse me?" My voice is shrill even to my own ears. Austin stands at the library entrance with his arms folded over his heaving chest.

"You heard me."

I'm stunned into silence. I'm so pissed right now that I can't think of anything to say because I have too many words going through my mind, and not one word is good enough.

"you've got some nerve!" I bite out, pushing past him not so gently, and he follows on my heels.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Anywhere but here!" I snap back while picking up my pace. A firm hand grips my shoulder, spinning me around. I react with a hard slap that connects perfectly to Austin's cheek and makes a sharp clap in the room. Gasping at my reaction, I cover my mouth. Austin's jaw drops in shock. He runs his hand over the red mark, and his eyebrows dip dangerously low.

Laughing ensues to the left of me, and I look over at the kitchen, Grayson, Jacob, and Elliot are all staring at the scene we've made. Grayson is still laughing, Elliot looks baffled, and Jacob is concerned. Jacob is the first to gain composure, asking me to join him in the dining area. I steal a glance at Austin. His cheeks are red one more than the other, and his lips are pursed. I nod to Jacob, straightening my sleeves and follow him out.

"I'm guessing he deserved that?"

He sounds annoyed, but I stand by my actions as terrible as they were.

"I don't like being manhandled."

Jacob stops outside the door he looks me over, taking my measure,

"I see. I really hope you two can... eventually get along. If it's not too forward to say, I really think you'll like it here. You're a good fit."

I scoff at his comment

"Do you know what I do er did for a living? I was a secretary. I answered phones and got coffee."

Jacob shakes his head, smiling like he has a secret that's itching to be heard.

"That's what you used to do as Amanda you're a succubus now. You have just become a very unique and useful weapon."

Succubus? I've heard that before. That's what Austin called me yesterday before he grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. I shiver at the memory as a thrill of excitement plateaus, then quickly fizzles out.

"What is a succubus?"

He smiles and motions me forward.

"That my dear, is what you will be learning today. Tally? This is Amanda. Amanda, this is Tally. "

The red-headed girl with all the freckles jumps out of her chair.

"Dude, you're the succubus? Meow! You're super hot."

I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. She's definitely a teenager.

"Thank you, you are very beautiful as well. You're a Phoenix?"

She rolls her eyes, popping her hip out and placing her hand with an exaggerated attitude.

"And it sucks balls, believe me! I can't go anywhere or do anything without Jacob on my back!"

She glares his way, and I hide my chuckle behind my hand.

"Tally, I'd like you to teach Amanda what a succubus is and introduce her to the ways of our organization."

Her face lights up with a dazzling smile.

"My pleasure."

She grabs my arm, pulling me along to the computer room she usually occupies.

I plop down on the stool she places next to hers, and her quick fingers begin typing at a rapid pace. Hours later, my head is swimming with way too much information, and I'm seriously concerned about Tally's over sexed imagination.

It's truly horrifying the things I've learned, and I loath to admit it all fits. It's not the life I had planned, and I don't know how I'll survive.

The heightened senses I can deal with and the super strength is pretty cool. It's the venom that I inject with my saliva called poison kiss and the toxins I emit to lure men to their doom! Apparently, a night with me equals a slow and painful death sentence. Oh no, the man from the alley! What if? No, it can't be true. I jump up from my chair, excusing myself. Racing to my room, I riffle through my purse, searching for the detective's card, but I can't find it. I swear I put it in there. A knock pulls me from my task. It's Jacob ,

"Is everything alright? I came by to check on you two, and Tally told me you left in a panic without a word."

I don't say anything I'm too busy freaking out. I could very well have killed someone already! I'm going to prison. His poor girlfriend. I start to tear up.

"It's not all that bad- "

"It's not that! Well, partially, but before I came here..." I pause, not wanting to explain it. "Something happened, and I need to see if someone is alright?"

He gives me a pitying look

"Is this about... the man you encountered in the alley near your home?"

My eyes pop open in surprise, and I flinch, embarrassed,

"How did you know?"

"I do my research... I'm sorry, Amanda, I have some bad news... he passed yesterday."

I realize I've stopped breathing and take a deep, shaky breath. Oh my God, I will never sleep with anyone ever again!
"How did this even happen? Don't I have to know what I'm doing before I can do it?"

"Not for a succubus, no. Your guilt won't do you any good. It's not your fault. You had no way of knowing, and I imagine you had no control over your actions. At the point you were at, survival out weighs rational thought."

My ears ring, and I lean against the wall, fighting a wave a weakness.

"Is that supposed to make it better? I survive, and a poor innocent man dies... he had a girlfriend, he was- you need to fix me. I can't live like this. Will I... Will this happen again?"

My mind is swimming. I feel like I'm drowning in an ocean of my own guilt. Jacob places a comforting hand on my shoulder, softly smiling.

"Not if you work on it and you stay topped up. For better lack of words."

He pulls at his shirt's collar, clearing his throat. He is obviously uncomfortable. A glimmer of hope seeps in, and it's enough to keep me hanging on.

"how do I do that?"

"You need to relearn your body and listen to what it wants. You also need to control your attraction, or you could unwittingly entice an unwilling male into death lust. As for the latter, I suggest you pick a non-human male that is immune to your toxins so you can feed from him on a regular basis. It will keep certain urges at bay. Then, once you learn how to control your powers, you can choose a human without harm, but that kind of control can take years to achieve."

"Are you saying I have to regularly drink semen to stay alive?"

"Ah, I mean... that is, if you prefer that route. You can always just go for coupling. That would suffice."

Jacob blushes, and he looks around the room awkwardly. I don't ask anymore questions for both our sakes. I'm pretty sure I get the picture.

"What about a sperm bank?"

Jacobs eyebrows reach his hairline, and he sputters.

"I don't think gaining access to the samples would, ah, come very easy."

Great, some help you are!

"Thank you, Jacob, you've been very helpful. I would like to be alone now."

"Of course."

He turns back as I'm closing the door and hesitates.

"If you have any questions, I'm here. Don't worry about training today. We can start tomorrow."

"Thanks."

I shut the door and burry my head in the heavy comforter. A knock gets me back out of bed and in a sour mood.

"We need to talk!"

It's Katie, and I don't have the heart to shoo her away.

"Come on in."

She does, barreling through and pacing the room.

"What's got you so upset?"

Katie shakes her head, laughing nervously. She's got something clenched in her hand. Oh my God, it's!-

"YOUR PREGNANT?"

"Shhh! Amanda, not so loud. I don't think the people in Ohio heard you! "

I pause, giving her my best unimpressed expression reserved for highly deserving recipients.

"The mood swings have started already?"

"Ha-ha, very funny. This is serious shit! Normally I'd be ecstatic. All I've ever wanted was to start a family, but now?"

I knew it! It was so obvious with how reluctant she was to settle down. I could always see her yearning for love, but I knew she felt like it wasn't possible for her. If this is what she's always wanted? Why do I feel like it's her worst nightmare?

"So what's the problem? How far along are you?"

She shakes her head and stares at her toes. Her eyes pool with unshed tears.

"I'm happy, I am, but I'm scared. What if it comes out abnormal? you know, because of Michael... I don't know? We were just talking about the officer at the police station where we made the report I said the guy had a major case of dickie-do and Michael asked what that was and I said it's when a guys gut sticks out further than his dick do. He started laughing, and I wondered what the female version would look like, then boom. Just like that, I realized I was late. So I-"

"Okay, I get it, Katie! You're rambling, calm down. It doesn't matter what this baby comes out as. You're both going to love it. You need to trust in fate and be happy."

Katie nods and cracks a smile.

"Your right! I got caught up in the details and what ifs. You're absolutely right. I can't believe it, I'm pregnant! Thank you, Amanda. I have to go tell Michael. I kinda left him hanging."

She gives me a kiss and a quick hug.

Finally, I'm left alone, but with a head so full, I can't pull one thought from the other. There's no chance of sleep, I run a hot bath checking out the little basket of assorted bubble soap. They thought of everything. It's like a freaking hotel here. I choose gummy bear, emptying the small bottle in the steamy water. My toes tingle as I dip them in, giving my skin goose flesh. I sigh as the water sinks to my chin.

"What did you do?"

My hands and feet fling out of the tub in shock. I cover myself and stare up at Austin, who's looking at the tub like the bubbles are no cover at all. What do I have to do to get peace in this place?

"Get out!"

He turns for the door, and I let out a thankful sigh. My relief is short-lived when he shuts and locks it while standing on the wrong side. Austin comes toward me and stops when he's standing directly above me. His crotch is at my nose level. I gulp, looking up.

"I don't think so. You're going to talk to me, and we're going to set some things straight because I'm your new trainer and this-"

He pulls his sweats up slightly at his thighs, bending down to my level. I glance at the outline of his impressive appendage as the material pulls tight. My eyes hood, and my pulse is damn near visible as it flutters in my throat. Austin moves his fingers between us, emphasizing his point.

"Is not going to work if we're not on the same page."

I have no idea what page he's on, but mine is straight out of an erotica novel. I blink a few times, but words still fail me. Evidently I'm in shock, or maybe I'm scared of what I'm going to say because at the moment I'm silent, but my libido isn't and it suddenly doesn't care that I'm angry.

"If you have a problem with that, you can get out and walk away."

What am I doing? This guy is walking all over me. Using his good looks as a weapon and I'm making it super easy.

"I do have a problem with that, you're invading my personal space! I'm in the tub naked, and you are violating my privacy. You're ... you're trespassing!"

He smiles crookedly. The look is so seductive, my thighs clench in reaction.

"I'm well aware your naked love, and I'm just waiting for the bubbles to melt."

From the way he's looking at me, he makes me feel like there are no bubbles, and I'm laying there with my legs open and bared for him, crooking my finger in invitation.

"Well, what will it be, sweetness? Are we going to talk or are you going to leave?"

I almost chose an unmentionable option before I come to my senses.

"Leave! Pass me my towel."

He raises a brow, looking between me and the towel. I realize his intentions as I try to reach while keeping my chest covered, but he grabs it before me and backs up a few paces, holding it out on the tip of his finger.

"You want this?"

I growl at him, yes growl I'm angry at his behavior, but I'm even angrier at myself because I'm enjoying it. I love the thrill he gives me. He opens the door and tosses the towel on the bed.

"Then go get it."

My jaw drops at his impudence.

"You know what? I think you like this, Amanda. I think you want to be fucked! Good and hard! Jesus, I can smell you... and I know you'd taste like heaven."

Austin eats up the space between us in three quick strides. I shrink back causing the water to splash, my heart is in my throat. I'm scared, but even in the water I can feel I'm wet. He puts his face so close to mine our breath mingles his fresh to my sweet. The mix is intoxicating. His skin shimmers and I realize everything about this man is otherworldly perfect because he's not a man at all. From his silver eyes, golden shoulder length curls that glint in the light, and bronzed skin to the long lean muscles poking through his shirt. I lick my lips, imagining what it would be like to give in? To be thoroughly fucked by a fae. He looks down at my lips, licking his own. His expression is a mix between fear, disbelief and red hot desire. He leans closer.

"When's the last time you fed?"

And just like that, the flame goes out. I remember my vow and anger flows through me.

"Get out! I will talk to you when I am good and ready or I swear it on all that is holly I will leave here and never look back!"

He takes a few seconds, but he does get up and leaves, slamming the door so hard the frame shatters. I get up and shove the door open with my hip, jumping back as it drops to the ground. I step over it in disbelief, grabbing my towel off the bed. Well, I sure know how to make friends. Yeah, this is going to be a breeze.