“No. Never." Althea clenched her fists.

“The Forsaken are my enemies. I have fought them and their children for years beyond count. They escape, you know, from time to time. Some of history's worst monsters have been demon-spawn. They walk among us even now, spreading anger and hate, committing terrible crimes against humanity.

“No," she said again, calming herself.

“My father was a different sort.

When the War in Heaven came, there were angels who fought against God.

And there were those, of course, who fought at his side.

“And there were," she said sadly, “those who stood by, who did not choose. Who would not rebel against God, but who felt he had erred when he tried to take away mankind's ability to make his own mistakes. My father was one of them. They were not cast into Hell, but banished to earth. My father's name was Imriel. He was an angel. When my mother was cast out of paradise, it was the Fallen that took her in. She met my father and they loved each other beyond all measure. I am their first child.

“They had others, brothers and sisters like me. And in those times, when angels still walked the earth, there were others who mingled their blood with humans. We who are their children bear the taint of their immortality. For God decreed that we were to be set apart. We are cursed, or blessed, with the cravings of the flesh, as my father desired my mother. Our need for humans, for sex, is bone-deep and ineradicable. And we were given a great task. As our fathers and mothers would not take up arms against the demons of Hell, it is given to us to fight them whenever they or their accursed children should appear on earth. If we do not, our souls will be cast down with them, if by accident or mischance our earthly bodies should perish.

“We are effectively immortal. Age does not touch us. Sickness leaves no trace. But we are a sterile race. We cannot bear children. Not when we mate with each other. Nor with humans."

“I'm sorry," Rachel said. Althea's story had touched her deeply. "What happened to them, to your parents?"

“My mother died," Althea said simply. In her eyes was the reflection of an ancient grief.

“She was human. And not even my father Imriel's power could increase the span of her years. When she left us my father chose to follow her. They knew, of course, that God's heaven was closed to them forever. But they each hoped there was a place beyond where they could meet again."

“So you're in my head," Rachel said, after a long silence.

“And you want to get out.”

Althea nodded. "It's very nice in here." Her lips quirked. "But I've had my body for a long time. I'm starting to miss it.”

“And to do that you need power, which you get through sex."

“Sex, orgasms, any kind of sexual pleasure, really. Though intercourse is obviously the most intense. You and Jeremy helped a little. You and

Joshua helped a lot, as your bond is so much deeper. And I am trying to cast my net fairly wide. Which is why I am so happy Maria agreed to move in. She is one sweet piece of ass, Rachel. I can't wait to see which one of you she trips first." She sighed happily, and Rachel watched in fascination as her nipples peaked. Swollen with desire, they hardened into thick nubbins on her chest.

“Which reminds me," she said. "You should be careful about who you...exchange fluids with in the future. I told you earlier having a succubus in your mind causes changes in your body. This is an example.

Saliva, blood, the wetness in our vaginas when we become aroused, even tears. They all have aphrodisiacal properties. You will find that your partners will be somewhat...lustier than they were before."