KaizerWolf

Innocent Devil’s Harem Ch. 90

Added 2022-07-03 18:46:07 +0000 UTC

July 3, 2022

NOTE: I’m posting another bonus chapter of Combat Healer today (Aug 14) to make up for the few months when I didn’t release any of that story (and that will likely be the last 'bonus chapter' for a while, for real this time).

ALSO: Next week (Aug 21) will be the next chapter of Combat Healer (no IDH). However, after that, I will likely resume posting mostly Innocent Devil’s Harem, with only the occasional Combat Healer chapter, roughly 1 per every 3 chapters of IDH, like I was doing before.

NOTE UPDATE (Aug 7, 2022): As I’m sure most of you know at this point, each of these chapters can take upwards of 20 to 30 hours to write (including self-edits and plotting), which is why I only release one chapter per week.

However, in the past, I often try to release a ‘bonus chapter’ whenever I can (no more than once a month at most)

Thus, since I haven’t released any Combat Healer in a few months, and since I was finally was able to get some time in to figure out more of the plot, I plan on posting the next chapter today (Aug 7)!

Yay! Bonus chapter day!

(So be on the lookout for that soon.)

NOTE: I have a PLOT ROADMAP at the end of this chapter that is going to kind of outline roughly the next 15 to 20 chapters, so you have an idea of where we are headed.

I know there have been concerns about all the characters getting enough ‘screen-time,’ and I plan on fixing that little issue in the upcoming handful of chapters.

ALSO, THANK YOU:

I just want to say that I really appreciate all of your support, and it means a lot that you’ve continued to stick with me through the months (some of you for years now).

Writing is a lot of work, and you’ve guys made it worth it to keep pushing onward with this story, not to mention that you’ve objectively made the story better with your comments, feedback, and suggestions.

So thanks! And I hope you enjoy this chapter (it's 7,200 words long and basically sets up the premise of what is to come).

- CHAPTER 90 -

The trip back home was a long one, considering I’d driven for over five hours to hide the ‘vehicle evidence’ belonging to the slain incubus who had threatened us, with it being almost 9 PM by the time Serenity, Avery, and Michelle were picking me and Claire up.

On the way, we made a stop at a random location so that I could bury the license plate, with me deciding to roll it up like a burrito and then just stomp it into the ground deep in a patch of trees.

Even if it was ever found, I doubted someone would take the time to unroll it, instead just leaving it or tossing it, assuming it was someone’s old unused plate.

By that point, Natalie, Gabriella, and Mrs. Rebecca had all met with Miriam and Gwen at the field halfway between her mansion and my house, confirming that the rings were in fact valuable magical artifacts, with one of them being used as a catalyst for an illusion spell that hid the guy’s otherwise gray skin and gold eyes, causing him to look like a normal human since incubi didn’t normally have wings or other nonhuman features to begin with.

Miriam was well familiar with the method, since that was exactly how she used an illusion spell on Gwen to hide her nonhuman features when they went out. Except, instead of a ring, Miriam had a sort of metal bracer that slid over Gwen’s tail and down to the base, having an embedded diamond infused with magic that was also enchanted with the illusion spell -- to put it on, was to have the spell take its effect, much like the diamond ring they’d found.

Alternatively, Miriam just cast the spell on herself, not being required to use such an object.

The bracer was fueled by Gwen’s own magic, with the maid not having the capacity to create a magical artifact like that, but having no problem refilling it with her own magical energy. Similar to how she probably couldn’t create her own gun, but had no problem shooting one.

In general, Gwen was impervious to all forms of magic used on her actual body, but an illusion spell was an external magic that functioned just fine to conceal her tail and horns, causing even her legs to appear normal to an onlooker.

Miriam wasn’t sure what purpose the other rings served on first glance, but could definitely sense they were all infused with magical energy, suggesting that using them would be the most reliable method to determine their effect. Thus, she agreed to take them back to the mansion for safekeeping, while also inviting the other three to follow.

Of course, it was obvious that Gabriella and Rebecca were always welcome to come over, so I suspected that the offer was made for Natalie’s sake. However, the blue-haired model then surprised them by asking if she could ride with Gwen and Miriam.

To which Miriam agreed.

Of course, while I didn’t know the reason at first, I found out soon enough.

Natalie was hesitant to speak once she was sitting in the backseat of the large vehicle, partly afraid of upsetting me with her intentions, but once I confirmed she was allowed to do what she wanted, she began explaining what happened…

And ended up trying to take the blame for influencing me, when she became drunk on her own power.

Gwen willingly clarified on my behalf that I didn’t fully agree and wasn’t exactly regretful of our decision to kill him, but did feel bad that I enjoyed it in the moment.

Shockingly, Miriam asked her maid for her personal opinion, specifically for her own assessment.

And Gwen gave it without reservations.

“I think whether he enjoyed it or not, he wants to do what is right, and intends to do what is right. To not let his bloodlust cloud his judgment. And not only because it is right, but also because he wants to be good for you. Specifically you, mistress, since it is obvious you are a sincerely good person. He seeks your approval, just as much as you seek his, and has spent the last few hours depressed over what you specifically will think of his actions.”

That left Miriam pensive for a painfully long few minutes, and I was thankful Gwen was a mind reader, because I was reassured that the short woman’s thoughts weren’t negative. If anything, she was possibly most surprised that her approval was so important to me, when I otherwise was the ‘least addicted’ male she’d ever interacted with.

But that only caused her to realize that my concern for her approval validated my feelings toward her, as being ‘real love,’ when I was otherwise fully capable of resisting her charm if I so desired.

I didn’t want to be good for her because I was addicted and wanted sex.

I wanted to be good because her opinion of me mattered.

Because I loved her.

By the time Miriam echoed her thoughts, I already felt reassured.

And before long, they were all arriving at the mansion, safe behind the domain’s three barriers, moving to the massive dining room when Natalie admitted that she was really hungry after losing so much blood and healing.

Surprisingly, Miriam hadn’t scolded her for using blood magic despite her warnings, probably because Natalie had done so to protect Rebecca, and was more than happy to get her as much to eat as she wanted, although there was still no meat available.

Plenty of refried beans though, since Mexican had apparently been on the menu that day.

Between bites of tacos, beans, and rice, Natalie recounted details of the interaction, including the guy’s name, as well as what he’d called her just before dying -- a hellhound.

Something that Miriam found surprising, since such creatures had long since been banished from the human world. Never mind the fact that my blood may have turned a werewolf into a hellhound was crazy sounding to her as well. Because, while both species were seemingly similar to wolves, they were fundamentally different in terms of traits.

For one, the idea of a human transforming into a hellhound was unheard of, since that was actually a unique species of demon, not originating from cursed humans.

I was only partially paying attention to their discussion though, more so engaged in silently communicating with Serenity and Avery, since we had our own little problem to figure out.

The fact that we had Claire with us.

Avery had let the platinum blonde borrow her phone to call her mom, only for all of us to be somewhat shocked that the woman had already called the cops, due to her disappearance. However, there wasn’t actually a full-blown search yet, since Claire was eighteen, even if still in high school, and the police had indicated that it was preferred they wait a full twenty-four hours before labeling her as truly missing.

I knew from Serenity’s head that it was standard practice, since people that age were less likely to be kidnapped compared to a younger kid, and more likely to have just gone off and done something with friends without telling their parents.

Needless to say, it was obvious her mom was pissed.

Like, super pissed, yelling and screaming at her over the phone, and telling her she was grounded forever. Claire took it like a champ though, appearing to have anticipated a similar reaction, and simply apologized over and over again, saying ‘I’m sorry,’ whenever she could get a word in.

Eventually the woman calmed down long enough to demand when she’d be home.

Claire tried to request to stay with a friend, since that was going to be our initial plan, with us thinking maybe we could meet up with Mrs. Rebecca so that Michelle and Avery could take our classmate to their house for the night, while Serenity and I went to Miriam’s mansion.

However, Claire’s mom wasn’t having it.

Which only escalated the situation again when Claire admitted she probably couldn’t be home until 2 AM at the earliest.

Still, her mom wanted her home, no matter how late.

And it sounded like she expected a full story when she did get home, considering Claire had been vague thus far about where she was in the first place. I mean, Claire hadn’t even admitted to what happened to her phone at this point, just claiming that it was dead when her mom briefly asked about it.

But after finally suggesting that she had to get off, due to the current phone being about to die, they finally hung up and we began to formulate a different plan entirely.

Serenity spoke up first.

“Maybe she can just say she met a guy online or something,” she suggested, still at the wheel, with me in the passenger’s seat beside her. “It would be a logical reason for not telling anyone. Possibly she realized he wasn’t who she thought, and changed her mind about essentially running away with him.”

Avery chimed in then, from the backseat, Claire sitting between her and Michelle. “Possibly even claim that he stole her phone.”

Michelle shook her head. “No, theft is a crime and could cause her mother to officially get the police involved. I know I certainly would. I think it’s better if there’s no perceived crime involved. Just bad decisions that resulted in no harm.”

“Oh right,” Avery agreed, seeming pensive as she leaned back in her seat more.

Claire spoke up, seeming determined now to have a solid story. “I could just say that I called Avery to let her know where I was, and then maybe that I tripped afterward. I didn’t realize my phone had disappeared until later, and that we looked, but couldn’t find it. Could also explain why we’re out so late.”

It was only a little before 11 PM at this point, and we still had nearly three hours ahead of us to get back, so I suspected that possible excuse could work. However, I was still concerned that the missing phone was going to end up being a huge deal, once that fact came out.

Why?

Because, despite how Claire dressed and acted, I knew that she and her mom weren’t doing super well financially. Not that they weren’t able to pay their bills or anything, but Claire didn’t have her own car, usually riding with a friend, and sometimes got dropped off at school by her mom, being completely against taking the bus.

Which meant, a missing phone, and the high price tag that came with it, was going to be potentially a huge deal for a family that essentially lived paycheck-to-paycheck. Claire’s father certainly wasn’t in the picture, and she had three younger siblings, which meant a lot of mouths to feed on a single-mother’s income.

Thus, I began to formulate an idea. Something that would at least take the edge off the consequences of what happened.

Especially since the monster we’d slain had really been after me to begin with, even if it wasn’t directly my fault any of this happened.

Deciding to silently direct Serenity to pull into a supermarket parking lot, the abrupt stop only left Michelle and Claire confused about our intentions, since Avery was ‘in the know.’

I decided to keep it vague for now.

“I’m going to grab some snacks for the rest of the trip home. Any requests?”

Unsurprisingly, Michelle immediately declined, with Claire not speaking up at all, as if she assumed that she wasn’t included in that question. Which kind of made sense considering she seemed so appreciative about me saving her in the first place, likely not wanting to seem ungrateful by assuming that I’d be asking her such a question.

Serenity played along as she began to park, by requesting something sweet, such as cookies, while Avery requested chips. None of them volunteered to go in with me, all of us knowing that Claire partially felt safe right now specifically because she was literally surrounded by everyone.

Thus, I went inside, grabbed a few packages of cookies, a couple bags of chips, and then grabbed a prepaid card at the checkout and loaded it with a thousand dollars, which should be enough to cover the cost of a new phone no matter what she got.

I knew that the money could raise its own questions, depending on how Claire handled the situation, but I was less worried about that at the moment, since at the end of the day she could just lie or neglect to share any information on where the money came from.

I then went back out and climbed into the passenger’s seat to hand off a bag back to Avery, only to then hand the card to Claire, who just looked at it in complete confusion, like she couldn’t comprehend what was in my hand.

“And this is for you,” I said simply, finally causing her to carefully begin to accept it.

It was obvious she just couldn’t grasp what I was handing her though, or why I’d be handing such a thing to her in the first place.

“I put a thousand on it, to replace your phone.”

Claire instantly looked at me in alarm, only for tears to start filling her green eyes as she tried to hand it back.

“W-What?” she exclaimed in disbelief. “I c-can’t take this.”

I turned around in my seat, hoping that the gesture would make her stop trying to give it back, wanting to try to lighten the mood.

“Consider it hush money,” I attempted in a lighthearted tone.

“K-Kai,” she stammered, sounding more emotional. “I…I can’t…”

She sobbed then, prompting me to look back as she bowed her head, holding the card limply in her lap.

“I-It’s my fault,” she whimpered. “I…I was stupid.”

I grimaced at that, Serenity and Avery having the same unpleasant reaction.

No doubt Claire felt crazy right now -- literally crazy -- still seeing the world as black and white, where the supernatural didn’t exist and where the only explanation for her behavior was that she had just been extremely stupid for reasons even she didn’t understand.

The safest thing would be to just let her believe that maybe she was a little crazy, but Avery was sincerely concerned about what that might do to her long-term. It was possible she might get over it and bounce back without a problem, but it was also possible that, once we dropped her off at home and she was around her family, that she would start doubting her own sanity.

Which felt like gaslighting her, by withholding the truth.

The alternative was telling her, but that came with its own problems.

For one, while she’d know she wasn’t crazy, she might be terrified that such things were possible -- that there were people out there who could do impossible things, including take away her freewill…

That could possibly be worse. At least, unless we decided to invite her into our lives, not necessarily as a girlfriend for me, but to at least give her protection from what went ‘bump in the night.’ Problem was, if offering my blood did, in fact, give her the capacity to change another person, then no way in hell would I do it.

However, I did need to seriously consider how I might extend this gift to others outside my relationships, or otherwise I might not have the strength to fight back against a massive force similar to that werewolf army, something we’d really only survived thanks to that old vampire and his ridiculously powerful obliteration attack.

Claire sobbed again, visibly trying to collect herself as she responded. “You shouldn’t have to…I was…” She sobbed again. “I was just really…stupid…”

We all sighed, Avery finally speaking up quietly as she lifted her arm to gently rubbed her classmate’s back.

“Claire…” She paused. “I think you know it wasn’t really your fault,” she whispered quietly.

Claire immediately froze, completely silent for a long few seconds, only to reach up to cover her eyes with her hand, holding her breath as her entire body started jerking with uncontrolled silent sobs.

It was as if that simple statement of truth -- that it wasn’t her fault, that she wasn’t stupid -- had hit her harder than any of us were expecting.

Finally she let out an uncontrolled whine, followed by a gasp for breath, prompting Avery to wrap her arms around her and hold her tightly as she truly fell apart. Michelle also gently patted her leg reassuringly, her expression pained as she watched Claire violently cry even harder than before.

Serenity and I exchanged a glance with grimaces, only for her to finally put the car into gear to pull out of the parking space and head to get back on the road. At first, I wasn’t focused on anything in particular, absentmindedly deciding to open up the cookies to hand a few to Serenity, but then I realized through Natalie and Gwen that they’d begun to discuss the very subject I’d only thought of silently -- changing others.

They were still in the dining room, with Gwen sitting on Miriam’s left side, like usual, while Mrs. Rebecca was on her right side. Gabriella was then sitting across from the devil maid, while Natalie was sitting across from the short succubus.

But most importantly, at the moment Gwen was volunteering to get an injection of some of Natalie’s blood, which Miriam was immediately against, directing her words more toward the blue-haired vixen.

“I’m already nervous about Kai doing it, but at least there’s a good chance she’ll be fine. We have no idea what your blood will do to a person. I understand his desire to potentially have allies, who share in his power but can’t replicate it, but I really don’t want to use Gwen as a Guinea pig.”

Natalie frowned at that. “I understand. Really, I do. But if I tried on some random person, and it worked, then we’d probably have to ‘off them,’ or something, to avoid them becoming a problem. Unless you want to volunteer one of your human maids? Either way, we have to be okay with that person becoming like Kai.”

Miriam sighed heavily, knowing she was right.

Mrs. Rebecca spoke up. “What if Gabby gives me some of her blood?” she suggested.

“That’s definitely less risky,” Miriam agreed. “But I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you. Again, we know what to expect with Kai’s blood, but not with anyone else’s…” Her voice trailed off as she seemed to glance to the corner of the room.

Gwen immediately tipped me off to the reason why, whereas Natalie was shocked to realize a certain blonde vampire was there, having been lurking in the shadows of that side of the massive room all this time. Certainly, Natalie had noticed an improvement in her senses and strength ever since I’d given her my blood, but she still hadn’t picked up on Rosa being in the room. Gabriella and Rebecca seemed surprised too.

As if prompted, the blonde vamp chimed in, her voice quiet, her English perfect but accompanied with a thick Italian accent that only showed up in her tone.

“I will do it.”

Natalie was immediately shocked, and almost appalled, as she focused on Miriam, straightening up in her seat. “That doesn’t seem safe at all!” she exclaimed. “Aren’t werewolves and vampires like archenemies or something?! We can’t use her as a Guinea pig!”

“Natalie,” Miriam said gently. “Please calm down, you’re misunderstanding entirely. It’s actually much more safe for her. For one, vampires and werewolves are more similar than you may realize, originating from the same overall type of ritual. The whole ‘archenemy thing’ is just something people came up with, but its not based in any kind of reality, other than werewolves generally being a threat to any creature on the full moon. And second, a vampire’s body loves human and demon blood, no matter how it is received, whereas we have to worry about ‘blood types’ with everyone else.”

Gabriella chimed in. “You mean, like how mom and I are different blood types?”

“Exactly right,” Miriam agreed, giving her an approving look. “If your blood doesn’t transform her like Kai’s would, then you could actually make her a little sick by injecting a different blood type into her body. But that isn’t a problem for Rosa.”

Natalie scoffed, her tone frustrated and sarcastic. “So this was your idea the whole time, wasn’t it?”

Miriam frowned. “Why the attitude?” she asked seriously.

Natalie immediately grimaced, giving her an apologetic look, abruptly reining her emotions in. “Sorry,” she said sincerely, taking a deep breath. “It’s just the idea that you’d volunteer her, as if she’s expendable, kind of rubs me the wrong way. Maybe because she and I are so similar -- neither of us wanted this, to become monsters.”

Rosa’s crimson eyes focused on Natalie in surprise, but she didn’t respond.

Miriam’s expression was reassuring. “I’m not heartless,” she said gently. “And I wasn’t going to actually volunteer her. I intended on letting her volunteer herself, if she wanted, as she did. Because, you have to understand, she has her own reasons for wanting this. In her current state, the sun does burn her, like pouring acid on her skin, and she’s already aware of how becoming like Kai changed you, in particular, by breaking your curse.” She paused. “But yes, when you brought it up, I quickly came to the conclusion that Rosa receiving blood from either you or Gabriella would cause her no harm. Worst case, and you’ll basically be feeding her.”

Gabriella interjected. “And what if she does change? Do you think it matters who gives her blood? Like, would she become part-succubus if it was my blood? Or part-werewolf if it was Natalie’s blood?”

“I honestly have no idea,” Miriam admitted. “This is just as new to me as everyone else. But at the very least, if nothing happens to her from your blood, but then she does change after receiving Kai’s blood, we’ll know for sure only he has the ability.”

Gwen frowned. “Mistress, it may be best to test Serenity and Michelle too, in the event Rosa doesn’t react to Natalie or Gabriella’s blood. Just to ensure it’s truly only him. If it depends on the person, then it would still be risky to change just anyone.”

“Good point,” Miriam praised, focusing back on everyone else. “Honestly, the only way this little experiment would turn out unfruitful is if even Kai’s blood has no effect on her. And if it turns out that your blood does have an effect on her, then we’ll likewise confirm that we all need to be very careful who we share this gift with.”

Most everyone nodded, falling silent then as they all processed that, only for Rosa to slowly begin walking closer, which Natalie only noticed in the corner of her eye, otherwise hearing no noise accompanying her movements.

The blonde vamp was dressed in regular faded jeans and a black t-shirt, looking just as skinny as the blue-haired model was, Rosa’s only prominent nonhuman feature being her bright crimson eyes.

“I am ready,” she said simply.

Natalie was immediately focused on me in our bond. ‘You okay with this?’

‘Yeah,’ I thought simply. ‘But maybe just do a little bit of blood at first, to ensure she’s not going to have a negative reaction.’

‘Good idea,’ Natalie agreed, only to speak up to everyone else. “I guess if you want to grab some syringes, then we’ll go ahead and try a little bit of blood. Kai thinks we shouldn’t do much at first, just to make sure she doesn’t have an adverse reaction.”

Gwen immediately stood up. “Mistress?” she said simply.

Miriam nodded. “Yes, please retrieve a handful from the lab, since we may need some later.”

“Very well, mistress,” she replied, heading off immediately to the darker side of the room, where a stairwell leading to the lab was, to get the supplies.

Even though Natalie was well aware Gwen was a maid, and viewed Miriam as her mistress, she was still briefly surprised by the interaction, largely because she’d almost forgotten that the relationship wasn’t by any means ‘pretend’ for either of them -- especially Gwen.

Much like her relationship with me, as her alpha, wasn’t pretend.

Although Natalie had begun feeling less and less like a servant, especially once I’d classified her as my wife, even if she still desired to serve me in that role.

When no one else said anything, Natalie glanced at Rosa, seeing her determined expression.

“This is what you really want?” she wondered sincerely. “Even if it could be dangerous?”

Rosa seemed surprised, only for that determination to return, her crimson eyes firm. “Yes. It feels like I have lived my entire life in darkness. I barely remember the warmth of the sun, and I hope I might be able to return to God’s light.”

Gabriella’s brow furrowed. “What exactly happens if you go out in the sunlight? I know Miriam said it was like acid, but do you catch fire, or is that just a myth?”

“It does burn,” Rosa agreed. “No flames, but it burns flesh quickly. If you placed your hand on a…umm, stove, I think it’s called, the burn would be similar. In less than a minute, my bones would be seen. I can heal, but there is no enjoyment being exposed to the sun. It is very painful.”

“Oh my God,” Mrs. Rebecca exclaimed. “That truly sounds awful, sweetie.”

“Very bad,” Rosa agreed. “I miss God’s light.”

“Just remember,” Miriam said gently. “We honestly have no idea what will happen if you do change. The sun might still burn you.”

Rosa nodded. “Yes. I know. I am still willing. I wish to repay the man who saved me. I am happy to do this for him.”

Everyone turned more toward the other side of the dining hall then, when Gwen’s clacking hooves could be heard upon her reentering the room, the oscillating eavesdropping spell causing her steps to be more noticeable compared to when she left.

Seeing that Gwen was moving to the side of the table where Gabriella and Natalie were, the blue-haired vixen sighed heavily, before rising to her feet, more than willing to do this, but unable to help feeling a little apprehensive, being well aware there was probably nothing anyone could do if this turned out badly.

Gabriella rose to her feet as well, pulling up on her sleeve in preparation to have some blood drawn.

Initially, Rosa moved out of Gwen’s way, but then followed her, seeming perfectly ready to do this. Both Rebecca and Miriam chose to stay seated, even as Gwen moved a chair out of the way with one of her hooved feet, setting down some syringes and proceeding to open one.

“May I?” she then asked, focusing on Natalie.

My blue-haired wife immediately nodded, holding out her arm. “Yeah, of course. Couldn’t be in better hands.”

Gwen’s glossy purple lips turned into a smile at that, but she didn’t respond, carefully reaching out for the blue-haired vixen’s pale arm and gently inserting the needle in the crook of her elbow.

“Just a little,” Natalie said quietly. “Just in case.”

“I know,” Gwen replied sincerely. “I will always do what our master wants.”

Unexpectedly, Natalie’s heart filled with warmth at that, specifically at the word ‘our,’ causing an unanticipated longing to spread within her, briefly overshadowing what was currently going on. Gwen remained focused on what she was doing, but felt it too, a desire to draw nearer, not for the sake of any kind of pleasure, but for the pure craving to be intimate -- to know one and another, as sister servants to the same alpha.

Wives to the same master.

Once Gwen was finished drawing a little bit of blood, she turned toward Rosa, who immediately held out her pale arm.

The maid spoke as she began inserting the needle. “It’s not much, but I’ll still go slow. Tell me immediately if it hurts.”

“I will,” Rosa said simply.

Gwen nodded, beginning to inject the blood.

Rosa uncontrollably licked her pink lips and swallowed. “Umm, it is good. Warm. Feels like feeding.”

“Just warm?” Natalie asked seriously. “It should make you sleepy if it’s going to do anything.”

“I feel fine,” the blonde said simply.

Everyone was then quiet for a handful of seconds, just waiting to see if anything would happen after all, before Gabriella spoke up, beginning to step closer past Natalie.

“I guess let’s try my blood then.”

“Okay,” Rosa agreed as Gwen pulled away to grab another syringe.

The busty redhead held out her arm for the maid the moment she was ready, with her drawing a larger amount of crimson fluid this time. Gwen then turned back to Rosa and held her arm to inject the part-succubus blood.

Rosa uncontrollably licked her lips and swallowed again, as if the blood in her system prompted the reflex. “Umm, it is good. The same as before.”

Miriam sighed from where she was still sitting at the table, her cheek in her palm, her elbow on the table. “Well, I don’t want to call it before we try Serenity, Avery, and Michelle’s blood too, but I think this is pretty indicative. It might really be that only Kai can have this effect on people.”

“Could also be that we aren’t done transforming,” Gabriella considered. “My back has been itching again.”

“Yeah, but I’m done transitioning,” Natalie countered. “I think I was done the moment I first woke up. Still, I agree that the others should try first.” She focused on Rosa, giving her an appreciative look. “And thanks for doing this.”

Rosa seemed surprised. “Oh. Yes, I wish to. Err, you are welcome,” she added.

Having seen what I wanted to see, I focused more out the window as Serenity drove down the highway now, Avery having opened up the bag of chips at this point and begun offering handfuls to everyone else. At first, Claire declined, but then accepted when Avery pointed out that she’d obviously skipped dinner, simply making it clear that we all new she was probably hungry.

I thought about recommending we stop through a drive thru to grab something quick, but then realized that the fact I’d already made a transaction this far away from home could raise red flags.

Dammit, why hadn’t I thought of that sooner?

I should have waited longer to stop at a store to buy something.

We had been nearly two hours away from the submerged vehicle when we made the stop, but the fact that we’d driven so far away from home on a random weekday could seem suspicious. Especially if someone made a connection between the missing incubus and our activities. Hopefully it was a transaction that would go completely unnoticed, but I definitely needed to be more careful if something like this happened again…

It was obvious that Serenity was focused on my thoughts, because in response to that idea, she pushed a message through to reassure me that, while she agreed it wasn’t ideal and she should have thought of it too, banks usually didn’t disclose private information like that unless the government was involved, something that was unlikely to happen.

And while, technically, the store might share that information more freely, the police would first have to figure out that we had gone to that store in the first place, something they should never discover unless they had some kind of tip to investigate that location.

Which meant, we should be fine.

Much like no one was probably ever going to come speak to us about the serial killers I slaughtered, similarly it was doubtful there would be anything to make a connection to this guy. Especially if his own actions were something he was trying to hide.

Although, the very fact that I could now make a body completely disappear, by incinerating it to ashes, did make me realize it might be a good idea to go track down those other kills and burn even the bones down to nothing. It would be a smart way to ensure there was never any body to rouse suspicion of the murder.

Shit, I definitely did need to do that, and the sooner the better.

Not tonight though.

At this point, the realization that I might not even get three hours of sleep was causing me to wonder if there was any point in going to Miriam’s place tonight. I mean, we were trying to avoid suspicious activity, so missing school for Thursday, especially when I’d already missed the previous Friday, Monday, and Tuesday, would likely cause us unwanted attention. And while we would be getting to Miriam’s place around 2:00 AM, possibly 2:30 AM after we met up with the other half of our group to ensure Claire was taken home, I had no doubt that I wouldn’t actually get a chance to sleep until well past 3:00 AM in the morning, if not much later.

Which meant, it might be better to just count our losses, since the day was pretty much spent at this point due to this unexpected encounter, and instead hold off until after school tomorrow to talk about what happened, and potentially begin training to use magic more effectively.

That at least felt like the ‘responsible’ thing to do.

After all, a big reason why I figured I might be up until the early hours of the morning was because I’d probably end up having sex if I went to Miriam’s mansion, and while I was well aware it was truly a need for me at this point, I felt like I was doing fine in the magical energy department right now -- for a reason I didn’t even fully understand -- and would be fine if I went another twenty-four hours without…

Unexpectedly, my phone started vibrating in my pocket, causing me to focus in confusion on my bonds with Serenity and Gwen, as well as Avery and Natalie, wondering if I’d missed something while deep in thought. And trying to understand who would be calling me so late, even as I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

However, I figured it out pretty quick from both Gwen and Natalie’s minds, almost at the same time that I saw on the screen for myself.

It was Miriam.

Answering the call, I spoke up in concern. “Hey, is everything okay?”

Miriam’s tone was surprisingly firm and almost accusatory. “Are you seriously thinking about not coming over?”

My eyes widened in surprise that she sincerely sounded almost upset, exchanging a glance with Serenity as I realized Natalie’s thoughts were extremely apologetic, with my blue-haired wife having commented on it in passing, in response to something that Gabriella had said about the timing of when they would have to leave to pick me up, so Avery and her mom could take Claire home.

But really, it wasn’t that big of a deal.

It wasn’t like it was something I wanted to keep a secret, and honestly I did want to be truthful with everyone, especially Miriam. Really, this only caused her to find out sooner than normal, while I’d still only been considering it as a viable option.

I took a deep breath, trying to remember that Claire was present, which meant I had to at least be careful with my half of the conversation. Serenity, Avery, and probably Michelle too, could only hear Miriam due to their improved senses.

I sighed. “I mean, if I do come, then I probably won’t get much sleep. Probably not even three hours.”

Miriam scoffed, her tone serious. “Kai, I would have thought you had realized this, but everything is different now. You’re skipping school tomorrow. And I might have you skip school on Friday too. I’ve got basically two days to give you a crash course on…certain subjects,” she said vaguely, her tone a little frustrated now. “I figured we’d have more time, but clearly that time has run out. Forget what ‘school’ will think, or your peers. This is much bigger than any of that.”

My eyes widened, realizing she was right.

Why hadn’t I considered how serious this was?

I mean, fuck, I’d already come under attack.

And why hadn’t I realized that I might come across the individual who cursed that black stone, assuming it wasn’t the incubus I just killed, or that I at least would be coming into contact with another immortal incubus who might have…a ‘certain perspective,’ on his control over my life?

I mean, my father’s letters seemed to indicate he was fine with me living how I wanted, but what if he changed his mind? Or what if he at least expected a certain level of submission while I was around him, essentially expecting me to be okay with him doing whatever he wanted, even if that involved Serenity? For example, he might view me ‘keeping her’ as something different than him ‘enjoying her’ whenever she happened to be around.

And even if that didn’t happen, I still knew he had at least one woman on his side who could use fire magic. Was it possible she was a true Ifrit, or whatever that deceased incubus had initially called Natalie? For all I knew, I might really be walking onto enemy territory, surrounded by an army of magically adept individuals, all of who could give me a run for my money in combat, mainly due to my inexperience.

And even if there wasn’t a fight, there still might be other dangers I was currently unaware of, such as subtle ones like the charm of a succubus -- I might be currently familiar with that particular type of effect, but there might be other means to influence another.

Or even other means to monitor or harm someone.

Still, I had to ask. I wanted to know her opinion.

“Do you think I’ll really be in any danger?” I asked seriously, figuring that was vague enough for Claire to not know what we were talking about.

“I think it doesn’t matter,” she nearly spat, sincerely sounding frustrated. “I personally don’t want to take that risk, and I’m not going to take that risk.” Her tone lightened some. “Sorry, but I’m playing the seniority card here. You’re grounded, mister. Avery should go to school, and Serenity can go to work if she absolutely has to, but you and I have got some serious topics to cover in way too little time.”

I sighed. “Okay,” I said simply.

“Good,” she retorted. “Now please let Gwen know when you’re close enough for Rebecca to come pick you up, so they can be there in the field to meet you. And definitely send Avery home, because she really should go to school. Reason one, to avoid extra rumors spreading, but also reason two, so that she can give an excuse for why you’re missing. You ate something bad, and got food poisoning. Something.”

I took a deep breath, choosing again to just keep it vague.

“Okay,” I replied simply.

“Good,” she retorted, sounding somewhat appeased. “And yes, in case you were wondering, when you get here, we’re going to fuck. I need you to sleep well and be at a hundred percent tomorrow, so that we can get some subjects covered.”

A smile tugged at my lips, and I just shook my head in disbelief, amused now. “Sometimes I feel like I’m being irresponsible to want that, but I guess it’s actually the responsible thing to do.”

“Very responsible,” Miriam teased, sounding much more playful and lighthearted now, only to switch subjects abruptly. “Oh, and we also need to confirm if Avery and Michelle have an…influence on Rosa. I’ll send Gwen too, along with supplies, to collect what we need from them.”

I realized she was being intentionally vague on that part, wanting to grab a vial of their blood before they took Claire home for the night.

“Right,” I agreed, knowing in our bond that Avery was at least completely fine with all of this, her main priority to just do what she needed to do in order to help me out -- in order to make my life easier, or to otherwise accomplish whatever necessary task was needed. Which included her being perfectly fine with going to school tomorrow, to avoid extra headaches for me.

Miriam sighed. “Okay, I guess I’ll get off for now. See you soon, okay?”

“Sounds good,” I replied, stopping myself from saying ‘I love you,’ since that would certainly bring up questions for Claire.

“Bye for now.”

“Bye,” I said simply.

Once she hung up, I sighed and grabbed myself a cookie from the package, popping the entire thing in my mouth to chew on it as I stuffed my phone back in my pocket. Using Avery’s thoughts to pay attention to Claire, I saw that she was quietly reaching into the bag for a few more chips, her expression reserved, her lips compressed as if she was stopping herself from asking questions.

Which was good, because at this point, we really didn’t want to answer too many of them.

It also told me something about her personality.

As far as I knew, Avery and Claire had become sincere friends before I had that group project with Avery at the end of Sophomore year. And also as far as I knew, Claire hadn’t become jealous until Junior year, when Avery made it clear that she was staking a claim with her nonverbal behavior around me. Which meant, a lot of the platinum-blonde’s behavior probably stemmed out of pure jealousy, a luxury that was partially afforded to her because she otherwise had an ‘okay’ life.

No ‘real’ troubles to worry about.

However, the introduction of a real scare kind of sobered her up, and prompted her to drop the ditzy act, in favor of being serious and respectful toward those who saved her.

Granted, I wouldn’t be surprised if she did start asking questions once she was alone with Avery, and at this point I wasn’t sure what we should or shouldn’t tell her.

But putting that aside, at least we had a solid plan now.

More than likely, I’d be spending the next two days with Miriam, my other women possibly coming and going as needed. And during that time, she’d teach me whatever she thought I needed to know about magic.

How to use it efficiently, how to get more of it, possibly even how to defend against it.

There’d probably be a lot of sincere lecturing, memorizing, and studying.

There’d also probably be a lot of hot passionate sex, largely so I could recharge my magic.

But most importantly, there would be sincere preparation for this unexpected encounter I was about to have with my biological father, as well as all the potent magic users he might have under his control, whether that be through compulsion, or sincere loyalty.

Either way, despite my apprehension, I had to admit that, now that decisions had been made…

I was really looking forward to tomorrow.

In fact…

I could hardly wait.

FEEDBACK: This is kind of a transition chapter (7,200 words, or 2,200 longer than my minimum), but hopefully you still found it interesting. Let me know what you thought.

PLOT ROADMAP:

(I tried to keep this vague enough that it doesn't contain spoilers)

As mentioned above, I know there have been concerns about all the characters getting enough ‘screen-time,’ and I’m hoping to give all the women some good interactions with the MC in the upcoming chapters, since this will be an opportunity for 1) Kai to learn more about magic, 2) be required to ‘recharge’ to practice, and 3) for certain responsibilities and/or ‘individual desires’ of his female partners to cause the ‘sex pairings’ to become somewhat varied (‘responsibilities’ such as work, school, etc.).

Even Rosa is going to get some attention eventually (finally), though I hope you’ll trust me to handle that interaction well (it’s not like he’s just going to randomly jump in bed with her). And I suspect a lot of you will come to find her very endearing.

And…you may also come to find Rosa very interesting.

However, that being said, while this is the last time we will see Claire for a good while, I do have plans for two other female characters who ‘may’ become a part of Kai’s life long-term, but who I’m not planning on being ‘MAIN main-characters.’

It’s similar to the concept of ‘Concubines, not Wives’ that Mrs. Rebecca brought up.

Mrs. Rebecca, in particular, while she’s a big part of the story, and is definitely going to get some major screen-time in one of the upcoming chapters (oh, the plans I have), will eventually become more of a side character (as she has been consistently one of the least voted characters on all the polls I’ve done).

But, as stated in story, Mrs. Rebecca is perfectly fine with that. And she won’t be absent entirely, she just won’t be a biggest focus when the other women are present.

Now, on to some specifics:

After Kai killed Jonadab, I mentioned in a comment and also on Discord that this killing would have consequences, and that Kai was unintentionally doing some blame-shifting by perceiving Natalie as the true killer. It’s looking like the next chapter 91 will be where this circles back around to bite him in the ass.

And then, there’s the overall ‘pacing’ of the story.

This story is kind of written like a soap opera, and the ‘real time’ pacing was always intentional. If you sat down on a weekend, to read chapters 1 through 90 from morning to dusk, you would probably come out of the other end feeling like you’d lived an entire week in the 2-5 days that it took you to read it all at once (unless you’re just a super-fast reader and can ready 90 chapters in a day).

But anyway, thus far in the story, one day has been roughly 15 chapters (give or take), which is something that I plan on ‘speeding up.’

We have Thursday and Friday to get through, in order to get to the ‘big event’ on Saturday, and while there are going to be things happening on those days (things you will be very interested in), I plan on trying to shorten how many chapters it takes to get through a day by a lot (especially Friday).

For Thursday, I really do have some fairly significant things planned, but I’ll try to keep it down to something closer to 5 chapters (maybe 7 or 8 chapters ‘at most’). And then Friday, I plan on keeping that REALLY short, at only 1 or 2 chapters at most, just long enough to basically summarize what happens, so we can get to Saturday at that point.

When we do get to Saturday, all sorts of things are going to happen, both good, bad, and very interesting.

This day will probably be closer to 10 chapters of nonstop intrigue and excitement (not necessarily the good kind of excitement, but the kind 'fun to read').

We’ll meet his biological father, meet his living brothers, find out more about what incubi and part-incubi really are like, and so much more.

Kai is going to be smart, witty, crafty, and occasionally a downright badass, as he navigates this new situation he’s found himself in. Granted, he’s not going to make the ‘best decision’ in all cases, but he will do his best to at least stay balanced as he teeters on the cliff he’s found himself on.

I also have plans for him to begin making some allies, which I think you’ll find very interesting.

Chapter 91 >>

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