Succubus Blues EPILOGUE

Caseys out sick, Paige told me briskly, putting on her coat. So youll probably have to sink in for her on the registers.Its no problem. I leaned against her slip w each. Keeps things inte reprieveing, you know?Pausing, she gave me a brief smile. I actually appreciate you coming in equal this on such unforesightful notice. She patted her stomach absentmindedly. Im sure its nothing, further Ive had this disquiet all day No, its fine. Go. You have to get rid of circumspection of yourself. You have to take care of some(prenominal) of you.She smiled at me again, picking up her purse and walking to the door. Dougs skulking close here someplace if you need help, so make him do it. Hmm there was oneness other thing I needful to tell you Oh yeah theres something for you in your office. I left it on your chair.Butterflies shot finished my stomach at her words. W-what is it?Youll have to see. Ive got to go.I followed Paige out of her office and turned unsteadily into my own. The last thing left on my chair had been an envelope from Roman, one oftentimes piece in his twisted patch of love and hate. Oh God, I thought. I knew it wouldnt be as easy as Carter had said. Romans anchor, startle it all up again, waiting for me to I stared, swallowing a gasp. The Glasgow Pact sat on my chair.Gingerly, I picked up the book, handling it like fine china. It was my copy, the one I had disposed Seth to sign over a month ago. Id forgotten all somewhat it. Opening up the inside cover, I saw lavender rose petals driblet out. There were only a fistful of them, but they were more precious to me than any of the bouquets Id received this month. Trying to catch them, I readTo Thetis,Long overdue, I know, but very often the things we most lust come only after much patience and struggle. That is a human truth, I think. Even Peleus knew that. SethHes top, you know.Huh? I looked up from the baffling inscription to see Doug tip against the doorframe.He nodded towa rd my book. Mortensen. Hes up in the cafe again, typing away as usual.I closed the book, holding it tightly with both hands. Doug are you up on your classical mythology?He snorted. Dont insult me, Kincaid. Thetisand Peleus they were Achilles parents, right?therefore they were, he told me, smug with the confidence of his region of expertise.For my part, I was simply puzzled. I didnt rightfully get the inscription or see to it why Seth would reference the fifth column Wars greatest warrior.Do you know the rest? Doug asked me expectantly.What? That Achilles was a dysfunctional psychopath? Yeah, I know that.Well, yeah, everyone knows that. I mean the really cool part. About Thetis and Peleus. I move my head, and he continued, professor-like, Thetiswas a sea nymph, and Peleus was a mortal who loved her. Only, when he went to tap her, she was a real bitch most it.How so?She was a shape-shifter.I nearly dropped the book. What?Doug nodded. He approached her, and she turned into al l sorts of earn to scare him off wild animals, forces of nature, monsters, whatever.Whatwhatd he do?He held on. Grabbed her and wouldnt let go through all of those terrible transformations. No matter what she turned into, he effective held on. so what? I could barely get word my own voice.She finally turned back into a woman and stayed a woman. Then they got married.I had stopped breathing somewhere around the word shape-shifter. Still clutching the book, I stared off into space, a great winged feeling swelling in my vanity.You all right, Kincaid? Christ, youve been eldritch lately.I blinked, tuning back in to reality. The feeling in my chest burst out, launching into glorious flight. I started breathing again.Yeah. Sorry. Ive just had a split up on my mind. Forcing levity, I added, Ill do my top hat not to be too weird from now on.Doug looked relieved. Coming from you, that might be a long shot, but heres to hoping.Yes, I agreed, smiling. Heres to hoping.