“So…that…that was a demon from hell.”
“After your votes.”
He laughed. It was all but hysterical, but there might have been some real humor in it. “Not my soul?”
“I’m sure she’d have accepted it as a bonus. But no, she was after your votes. She’s a succubus.”
He shook his head. “I…”
“You don’t have to believe it. Most people don’t.” If he didn’t, he’d forget this happened, rationalize it away. Put it in some corner of his mind where he didn’t have to deal with it.
“It happened.”
Stubborn enough, perhaps. “She will be back. We’re working on banishing her properly, but…”
He let out a breath. “What can I do?”
“Keep an eye on your family. Apparently she can’t seduce you so she’s getting creative.”
He looked vaguely uncomfortable at that, and then nodded. Then paused. “You rescued my nephew.”
“Yes. I did.”
“So, there has to be…”
I put my hand on his. “You can stay safe. And not let her win.”
Slowly, he nodded. “And leave it to a couple of kids?”
I grinned a bit. “We have plenty of backup. Adult backup.”
Even if we didn’t have Mike any more, and I managed to keep the shiver purely internal.
“Good.” He looked at where the portal was. “I need a drink.” A pause. “Definitely something strong.”
“Be careful.”
He left, heading for the nearest decent bar. I glanced at Seb.
“Huh. Ace of spades.”
“What?” I asked.
“Immune to the succubus, presumably she tried being a guy too. Not married. No relationships. He’s an ace of spades.”
I had no clue what the heck Seb was talking about and it must have showed.
He spelled it out. “A-sex-u-al.”
“…oh.” I guessed I couldn’t really imagine not being interested at all.
“And I’ve always wondered if somebody like that would be immune to succubi.” He grinned. “Guess I have my answer.”
“So, where does the spades part come from?”
“Asexual, aromantic, utterly uninterested. I’m pretty sure he’s that type.”
“I feel sorry for him.”
“Don’t. That’s rude. By definition, he’s happy the way he is.”
I supposed. But it seemed very lonely to me. “I guess he just has to have more friends.”
“Exactly.”