“When I first entered your mother's mind, I did not plan to do anything more than use her to regain my power and my body." This was said in such a frankly unapologetic tone that Alex could only sit there, stunned. Althea must have noticed his expression, since she went on quickly.

“Understand, Alex, that I have watched so many of my loved ones die over the years that for the past few decades I have avoided any but the most casual relationships. But as the days went by, I grew to admire your mother more and more. It wasn't long before I decided that Rachel was worthy of much more than simple abandonment.”

She bestowed a Loving look on his mother.

“For too long mankind has not given thought to what a wonderful thing the act of love is. Even the most open of your societies place so many restrictions on it. They take away the power and beauty and leave shame and guilt in its place.

Consider your own example. How much happier would you have been if you had been able to explore your desires without self-disgust?”

Alex nodded slowly, remembering how his need to be the dominant in a relationship made him feel as if he were sick and twisted, unworthy of a woman's love.

“And?™

Althea smiled at him, unbuttoning the sweater even more.

“So I am going to do something about it. I will not hide any longer. I am going to be a beacon to humans who want sex to be something more than the merely physical. To stand tall and proud and declare how wondrous our lives are, and how we should celebrate them. And Rachel will be my handmaiden; a guide and a spokeswoman for us."

“Well, it all sounds good," he said, but doubt clouded his voice.

“But free-love cults have sprung up before. They usually fall apart pretty quick, don't they?"

“Free love?" Althea's voice was amused. "No. Love is never free. In order to give love, or receive it, you must give up so much. Fear.

Hate. Selfishness. When you love, truly love, you realize your happiness is dependent on that of your beloved. And hers is dependent on yours.

“Tell me, Alex. Do you love your mother?" Somehow the sweater was now completely unbuttoned. Althea spread it apart, revealing her glorious breasts. The nipples were darker than the surrounding skin, almost bronze in color. They seemed impossibly large and thick and were turgidly erect. Her other leg was now draped over Rachel's, wantonly exposing her nether-lips.

"You know I do." His voice was hoarse.

“And yet you have not taken her to bed yet. Why not? Oh, and here," she said, catching hold of his hand. She guided it down between her legs.

“Rub me for a while. I need to get off soon, or I'm going to explode.

And, Rachel," she added, turning back to his mother, “you can do something to help out, you know. With me, you never have to ask permission."

“Of course, my beloved." As Alex watched avidly, Rachel helped Althea slip off the sweater. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, she took Althea's nipple into her mouth. Her mouth worked softly, suckling on her breast Like a child.

"Oh, that's Lovely, dear," the succubus sighed, leaning her head back.

Under his probing fingers, Alex could feel dampness gathering on her lips. Her hand gripped his wrist, guiding him.

“Two fingers, please.

Yes," she cooed. "That's right. That's right...there," she said as her thrust his hand into her dewy cleft.

“I can't...fuck my mother," Alex said, answering her earlier statement.

But his voice was uncertain, as if he were trying to convince himself.