by Eric Vall
The cool glass hit my lips, and I tipped it back excitedly. As soon as the whiskey hit the inside of my mouth, my entire body was engulfed in ecstasy. The flavor of the rich and smokey liquor traveled down my throat and made my entire body feel warm. As much as I wanted to chug the entire glass of the heavenly drink, I stopped myself.
Moderation was key, after all.
“That shit is incredible,” I mused to the succubus. “How is yours?”
“I shouldn’t have doubted you,” Cupi admitted. “I might just enjoy this even more than wine.”
“Be careful,” I warned and took another sip of my whiskey. “I’m not sure how it works with demons, but tequila can make humans do some really weird things.”
“Such as?” Cupi grinned.
“There’s an old saying,” I explained. “When you drink too much tequila, you’re gonna wanna do one of two things, fight or fuck.”
The blonde succubus’ violet eyes lit up at my words, and she took another big gulp of the drink. She downed half the glass with a single gulp, and then sat it back down on the table and wiped her mouth with her arm.
“Why didn’t you say so sooner?” she asked playfully and raised her arm. “Those are my two favorite things in life. Bartender, I’ll--”
“Whoa, whoa.” I gently lowered the succubus’ arm. “Let’s slow it down there. As much as I’d love for this whole mission to go smoothly, the last thing we need if shit hits the fan is a drunken warrior. For all we know, Aruna’s still hot on our trail.”
The blonde looked at me, unconvinced. “She’s swimming somewhere down the Colorado River,” she scoffed. “Maybe she’s even halfway to the ocean by now.”
“That would be the tequila talking.” I snickered. “I wouldn’t count out Aruna. I’m sure all we did was inconvenience her for a little bit.”
“She really is amazing, isn’t she?” The blonde smiled and raised her eyebrow. “Maybe when all is said and done, she will want to join our group, too.”
It took me a moment to register what Cupi was getting at.
“What?” I feigned ignorance. “I don’t--I’m definitely not into her.”
“That’s not what I’m seeing,” the blonde said with a sly grin. “I don’t blame you one bit. She’s really beautiful, she’s resourceful, and she can kick your ass. What more could you want in a woman?”
“Not trying to kill us at every turn, for starters.” I sighed and finished off the glass of smooth whiskey. “That’s a kinda big turn off.”
“She’s only trying to kill us because we keep getting in her way,” the blonde explained. “The Rakshasa may be assassins for hire, but they are a noble race. They don’t take sides unless they are specifically paid to do so. Hell, their code even has a clause in it that states a Rakshasa can yield to their opponent if they feel like they are about to be defeated. They really don’t want to be involved with anyone or anything unless it’s part of their job.”
“What, like a poison pill in their contract?” I asked.
Cupi shrugged. “Something like that,” she mused. “It’s not a clause that’s used frequently. For obvious reasons, people who tangle with a Rakshasa generally don’t live to talk about it afterwards.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I admitted with a somber nod.
“Bro!” I heard Todd’s voice call over to us.
I turned and saw the imp was a few feet away, still with the same group of women that had swept him up earlier. The imp was now sitting atop some brunette’s shoulders, and he wore colorful mardi gras beads around his neck and held a handful of cocktail shrimp in his hand.
“Bro, this party is totally off the hook!” he called out over the music. “They’re giving out free food and shit over there. There’s even a fucking taco bar, bro. A taco bar!”
“I’m not losing you to Gula and Tris, am I?” I joked.
“Of course not, Jakey.” Todd grinned as he popped one of the shrimp into his mouth. “You’ll always be my number two.”
“Number two?” I asked curiously.
“No offense, bro,” the imp explained, “but I always put myself first. Therapist’s orders. Now, if you’ll excuse us, the night’s still young!” Todd pointed in the direction of the dance floor, and the group around him made its way toward the flashing lights.
I just looked over at Cupi, and then we both shook our heads and laughed.
“He seems to be having a good time,” I observed.
“That’s the name of the game, isn’t it?” Cupi said coyly. The blonde tipped her cup back, finished off the rest of her tequila sunrise, and then grinned.
“Oh dear,” I snorted, “you’re tipsy, aren’t you?”
Cupi leaned over toward me and nearly fell off her seat. The succubus caught herself on my chest, and then she began to run her hand tenderly up and down my torso.
“That’s for me to know, and you to find out.” She winked.
“Oh yeah,” I laughed. “You are tipsy.”
“I’d like a tip in me,” she purred. “Then I’d like the shaft spearing me.”
“Hmmm.” I quickly surveyed the underground club to see if there was possibly any place for us to slip away for a minute or two. Our options were pretty scarce. Just a surely-disgusting bathroom and a few dark corners that were already full of drunk people making out.
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the DJ’s voice booming over the loudspeaker.
“Lllllaadies and gentlemen,” the man behind the spinning discs exclaimed. “Please welcome to the stage two of the most stunning women this side of the Mississippi, your gracious hosts, Gina and Tristina!”
The crowd erupted into cheers as the tall brunette and curvy redhead waltzed out onto the stage. They were both doing the “queen wave” at their adoring fans as they walked, and I could tell both of the succubi were absolutely loving all the attention they were receiving.
Both women were now in much more casual attire than they had worn earlier in the day.
Gula was in a skin-tight black dress that looked like it was about to explode at the seams around her chest and waist. The neckline plunged all the way down to her bellybutton, and it was a miracle her massive breasts were able to stay in place. It was a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.
Meanwhile, Tris had changed into a gorgeous, purple strapless dress. The lacy pattern wrapped around her toned chest, with holes strategically placed to show off just enough of her cleavage to remain classy. The violet gown flowed down to the brunette’s knees, leaving her long, slender legs exposed. She was wearing diamond earrings that glimmered under the bright lights, and a dark shade of lipstick nearly the same color as her purple eyes.
Tris grabbed the microphone from the DJ and held it up to her violet-colored lips.
“Helllloooo, everyone!” the succubus hyped up the crowd. “How are we doing tonight?”
The people screamed, but Tris just looked at Gula and shrugged. The curvy redhead snatched the mic away from her sister and then shook her head.
“That was weak,” she taunted. “Let’s try again. How are we all doing tonight?”
This time, the roar of the crowd was almost deafening. Gula most definitely had a knack for being on-stage.
“That’s more like it!” The succubus laughed. “Now, Tristina and I wanted to come up here and make a few announcements before this party gets too out of control. Which I promise you, it will.”
The people in the club responded with whistles and hollers, and the redhead grinned devilishly.
“But before that happens,” Gula continued, “I’d just like to say I believe we have an intruder in our midsts. Five of them, most likely.”
Boos and sneers rose up from the crowd, and I clenched my fists and prepared for the worst.
“Now, now,” Gula shushed the group. “They may be part of our rival cult, but they’re still our guests. Besides, they’re not a threat. I know the Cult of Ralston, and they wouldn’t harm a fly unless it was working f
or Lucifer, and even then, they wouldn’t do jack shit unless it was trying to kill him.”
“She’s putting you on blast, bro!” Todd warned from across the room. “You want me to kick her ass?”
I shook my head at the imp, and he responded with a thumbs up.
Tris leaned into the microphone. “No, we’re just going to let you, our humble friends, decide who you want to serve. Jacob will make you work. He’ll make you put your life on the line for his own selfish gains. I’ve even heard that he forces all the women in his cult to sleep with him!”
Gasps murmured through the crowd, but I shook my head in annoyance.
“Well, that’s just not true,” Cupi muttered. “Jane’s the only mortal you’ve slept with so far, and she did so of her own free will.”
“Unless the ol’ Ralston charm is considered one of my magical abilities,” I sighed, “you’re right.”
“Azazel, on the other hand?” Gula was now speaking again. “He has generously given you all of these luxuries. Free food, wild parties, all the alcohol you could ever want or need. And what, may I put forth, does he ask in return?”
The redhead waited a moment for dramatic effect.
“Nothing but your gratitude and support!” she finished.
“And blood oaths and orgies,” I grumbled under my breath.
“Now,” Gula asked, “which of these sounds like the better deal to you?”
“Azazel!” The crowd responded in one voice.
“Say it again!” the redhead implored.
The entire makeshift club was now filled with chants of “Azazel! Azazel!” It was enough to make me sick to my stomach.
Gula scanned the crowd until she finally found me. The redhead’s angry eyes met with mine, and they narrowed in victory as a sly grin slid up her face. The succubus raised the microphone back to her mouth.
“That’s right,” she continued without breaking eye contact. “Azazel is your master now. Jacob Ralston is a fake, a fraud. He’ll never be superior to the King of the Fourth Circle, or any demon lord for that matter.”
“Alright,” Tris chuckled awkwardly as she pulled the mic away from Gula. “It’s getting a little intense in here, so I think I’m gonna let Gina cool off for a minute. One more announcement, and then we will let you get back to your sinful pleasures.” She cleared her throat. “The party doesn’t stop here! Our master has so graciously rented out a nightclub back in Phoenix, and we’ll be throwing another one of these massive celebrations there tomorrow night! You all know how to find us, right?”
The crowd screamed with glee at the brunette’s words.
“Now, go have a great time, and we’ll hope to see you all again tomorrow,” Tris finished. “Ave Azazel!”
“Ave Azazel!” the spectators repeated.
Tris and Gula gave the crowd another wave, and then they slunk off the stage. The second they were gone, the DJ resumed his playlist.
“That was intense,” I muttered to Cupi. “Your sisters know how to play the crowd, and they certainly have a way with words, that’s for sure.”
“Gula was always one for theatrics,” the blonde succubus mused. “Tris, on the other hand, has a way with words. That’s what happens when you’re too lazy to fight, you find a way to talk yourself out of situations. You become a great bullshitter.”
“Something I can relate to.” I smiled.
“It’s also something that might come in handy if we really want to convince these people to denounce Azazel.” The tipsy succubus shrugged.
“How are we gonna do that?” I sighed. “Not that I’m against trying, but Gula painted a pretty shitty picture of us up there.”
Cupi placed her hand on my shoulder and looked intensely into my eyes.
“Exactly, Jacob,” she prompted me. “She painted a shitty picture that is nothing like you at all. We know she’s lying, now, we just need to show all these people she’s lying.”
“And how are we gonna--” I started.
“Jakey!” Todd’s voice cut me off. “Why aren’t you out there partying?”
The imp and his group of friends approached us at the bar. Todd was now wearing a pair of novelty sunglasses and a comically large, pink, tiger-striped top hat. In his hand was possibly the largest joint I’d ever seen.
“Hey there, Todd Dogg.” I laughed.
The imp tossed up a hand in protest. “It’s ‘Todd Lion’ now, thank you.” He snickered and took a puff. “Why aren’t you out there on the dance floor? Or at least chowing down at the taco bar? Did you know these guys even sprung for an adult ball pit?”
“An adult ball pit?” I questioned.
“Yeah.” The imp grinned. “It’s like a kids’ ball pit, but with a lot more drugs, alcohol, and nudity! I’m still pretty sure I found a dirty diaper in there, though … ”
“To answer your question,” I said as I ignored Todd’s words, “I’m trying to figure out how to convince all these people they should join us, and not Azazel.”
“Wait, Todd,” one of the women in Todd’s group said as her eyes grew wide. “You work for Jacob Ralston?”
“Well, ‘work for’ is a matter of opinion,” the imp sounded offended. “But yes, Jakey and I here are buddies.”
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” the woman implored. “You’ve made this party so much more fun than it would have been without you.”
“Aww, shucks.” Todd kicked at the ground bashfully.
The brunette woman of the group walked over in front of me, got down on one knee, and then looked back at her friends. “I don’t know about the rest of you girls, but I’d much rather serve Jacob and Todd than some demon I’ve never even met before,” she explained.
“You don’t have to do that.” I chuckled and motioned for the brunette to stand up. “I’m really not comfortable with all that ‘Master’ bowing shit.”
The woman looked at me up and down. “Is it true?” she asked coyly. “Do you really make all the women in your cult sleep with you? It’s a risk I think I’m willing to take.”
“No, no,” I flirted back. “I don’t do that, either, but I am always open to the possibility, though.”
The brunette stood up and shot me a wink. “Maybe after I get to know you a little,” she giggled.
The next thing I knew, the rest of the group that was partying with Todd approached. One by one, they gave me a little bow and swore their allegiance. Once all was said and done, our cult was ten members larger, and Azazel’s was ten members smaller.
“Hey Todd,” I suggested to my friend, “do you think you could go out and do whatever you just did with another group of people? It worked like a charm.”
“Bro,” Todd said with an offended tone. “You know the Toddster is always down to share the love.”
The imp whistled to the girls, and one of them scooped him up in her arms and placed him onto her shoulders. “Let’s go, girls.” Todd pointed back toward the crowd. “Imp Pimp, awwwwaaaaayyy!”
The group was giggling as they walked away, back out to see if they could recruit more people for our cause.
“So Todd is working the floor.” I nodded to Cupi. “Let’s go see if we can get Ira and Liby in on the action.”
The blonde succubus and I slid out of our seats and then headed out into the chaos.
Somehow, the music was even louder once we stepped onto the black vinyl tiles of the dance floor. All around us, people were crammed together and moved their bodies in time to the beats that blasted over the speakers. Trying to navigate through was almost as difficult as trying to shove a marble through a can of sardines.
It didn’t take us long to find Ira and Liby. The two dark-haired succubi were at the very center of the club, and they had amassed a large crowd around them.
Once we got a little bit closer, I could see why.
Ira and Liby were dancing like they didn’t have a single care in the world. They flipped their hair back and forth as they danced to the beat, and they would occasiona
lly gyrate their hips in time with the beat drops. The two raven-haired women ground their bodies up against each other in a seductive-yet-playful way.
Cupi and I just stood there for a moment, hypnotized by the succubi’s moves. Finally, I cleared my head and walked up to Liby.
“Jacob!” she grinned and pulled me in close. “I knew you’d come to join us!”
“I just wanted to talk to you about--”
Ira slapped her hand against my mouth and made a shushing sound.
“We’re way ahead of you, my friend.” The crazy-eyed succubus smiled. “Why do you think we’re putting on such a show for the crowd?”
“And now that you’re here,” Liby added slyly, “it’s time for the grand finale.”
Ira stopped dancing and addressed the people around her.
“Everyone,” she yelled, “do you know who this is? It’s Jacob Ralston! The man who those two women up on the stage claim you shouldn’t follow. The one who is supposedly going to ‘make you work for his own selfish reasons.’ Now, I ask you, does this look like an old fuddy-duddy to you?”
As Ira pulled her politician magic on the crowd, Cupi sauntered up and joined us. The Sister of Wrath continued to talk, but I really didn’t care what she was saying. Instead, I was focused on the two sexy women who were now dancing with me.
Both of the girls ground their perfect bodies against my own as they moved in time to the music. Libidine rubbed her curvy ass directly against my crotch, and it took everything in my power to keep from ripping off her clothes right then and there. Meanwhile, Cupi ran her slender hands all around my body from behind.
Ira’s rousing speech must have been working on the crowd because our audience was growing larger and larger.
“Why would you follow the hideous demon Azazel when you could follow this gorgeous man instead?” the succubus continued. “I worked for Azazel for centuries, and I can tell you how miserable it was. My friends, don’t be fooled by the empty gestures of the King of the Fourth Circle, for you will be paying for them later. Meanwhile, every man wants to be Jacob Ralston, and every woman I’ve ever met wants to be with him!”
The crowd cheered at Ira’s words, and I started to wonder if we actually were onto something.