JACKL Inc. Ch. 01 - New Beginnings

"Help the light?" I repeated, trying to understand what she meant.

She paused, and looked to the side. Then refocused on me and pushed her glasses up on her nose.

"We've been helping humans for decades. We help them with relationships, marriages, platonic friendships." She paused, "My partner is a halfling, he can help adjust an entity's moral curve, adjust their self control. We've used that to heal past scars, including helping those that were trafficked by the priesthood back to a normal life."

"You say entity," I asked, "do you mean human?"

"Human, fae or halfling," she said, "all of them."

"That's hard to believe," I said, "How do you know?"

"I think I should tell you more about my family," she smiled, "It's a long story."

I pushed a thought towards her. Her eyes widened, then nodded. Then she sent a stream of thoughts, like a geyser towards me. She was much more powerful than I had first thought. She demonstrated years of practice in psionic powers. She may only know simple spells, but that wasn't all there was to being a mage.

I understood her story almost in an instant. Names, places, people, locations. I didn't have to cross-reference, this was pure truth. Her truth, obviously, but she didn't edit, just pushed her whole story at me. I would need to counsel her on establishing trust.

I held up a hand.

"I got it," and leveled a gaze at her, "You need to be careful with who you spill that too. I might not have been ... your ally."

She was naive, but I hadn't felt such power in centuries. From what she expressed her succubus lover, Kelly, was also powerful, but guarded. The trauma of her awakening kept most of her power dormant. Her halfling lover, Jeremiah, was from a powerful halfling line, a line we thought long dead. The other three were babies, newly reborn. We'd have to discover their pasts, but this was a promising start.

"Are you my ally, Kevin?" she asked, her confidence now strong.

"If you've talked for more than five minutes with Sammi, and you are aligned with her, then you are aligned with me." I stated clearly, "I think she can be optimistic to a fault, but her direction is clear and unambiguous. The world is better with magick, humans are better with magick."

She nodded, "Everything in our experience says that is true," she paused, "If the magick is used constructively."

"It's often not," I stated, "Frankly, that your family has stayed on the light path on your own. That's significant. How does that happen?"

"Jeremiah," she said simply, "He keeps us grounded, and we keep him honest. His moral compass is hardly ever wrong. When he has gone down a wrong path, he immediately corrects. He is the reason we are good."

"Some might say a polyamorous family of five can't possibly be moral." I leveled the opposition at her.

"We're now thirteen," she smiled, "two generations. My daughter and Jeremiah's son are halflings and carry his power. I want to keep them safe, and use our influence for good."

"His son," I said, "who is the boy's mother?"

"Kelly." Alyssa said, "he's part incubus, and part whatever Jeremiah is. We've always known him to be Yeqon. But the angelic lines are false."

"Impossible," I said, focusing on the boy's maternal side, "A succubus can't bear an incubus. Their powers are similar but different."

"I can't tell you any clearer," she said soberly, "Isaac is her son, his powers are like hers."

I paused, I needed to think. I needed some time to determine a new direction. This family was beyond any of my expectations. I might need to ask Gaia herself for assistance. Not that she'd be forthcoming in anything material.

"Where are you staying?" I asked, "Do you have a home yet?"

"Our home is still under construction," she admitted, "We're staying at the Embassy by the village. Sammi is finding us an apartment building for a longer stay until the house is complete."

"A whole building?" I asked.

"A family of thirteen," she parried, "who wish to remain discrete. I don't think it would be good for your plans if we tossed our magick about recklessly. Staying in a public hotel is not a good long term solution."

I nodded, "Okay, I have your phone number," I said rising.

Alyssa rose too, then hugged me and kissed my cheek. The surprises kept rolling. Fae, despite common lore, were not always expressive with affection.

"I'll look forward to your call," Alyssa said with a smile, then left the cantina, back into the bright sun of the afternoon.

—————

Jeremiah - Present - Estate conference room

I immediately liked Rick, when I met him. He seemed like he was trying to do the right thing, follow the right path. We had been keeping tabs on him, it would have been negligent otherwise.

He made mistakes, but which of us hadn't. What was more important to me was what he did after he made a mistake. He had always turned back to the right course. I was surprised given his history. We probably had a better history of his past lives than he did, which was part of the exercise.

We had a responsibility for due diligence. We wanted to help him find the path of light for his new incarnation. We couldn't tell him which path to follow, we knew from experience we couldn't force morality on someone, either they would seek it or they wouldn't. The path of light was a path of patience, and repetition. For some it took many incarnations. Rick had turned a corner here, and I wanted to support him.

Alyssa and Kelly were asking him questions. Specific moral questions, which was right and which was wrong. The secret was, and this was always Alyssa's specialty, there was no correct answer. It was a discussion, designed so I could evaluate people.

Rick's moral curves were surprisingly solid. He had some dips in odd places. He was the first pure incubus I'd observed. His sexual curve was inordinately low, which wasn't shocking, but he had somehow balanced promiscuity with strong relationship mores that frankly shocked me. He was able to differenitate sex and a deep emotional relationship. That would be difficult to maintain on his own.

Kelly had gotten heated, something Rick had said put her off. I was too distracted by my own thoughts to retrace what happened. I thought I'd change the subject.

"Can you show us your true form, Rick?" I asked pleasantly.

Sammi stiffened, and looked at Rick then at Kelly, "I don't think..."

Rick immediately morphed into an eight foot tall demon form. Horns, wings, talons and tail. His powerful musculature rippled under reptilian scales. He should have worn a loin cloth, but he didn't, so his gigantic male genitalia was present for all to see. The room suddenly filled with a pungent aroma, like cinnamon baked in sulfur.

Then everything happened too fast.

"Demon!" Kelly shrieked.

Before I could grab her she morphed into her golden succubus form, baring her fangs. Her fingers grew talons, and her muscles rippled under short golden fur. Her tail whipping from side to side, a pair of wings spread out.

She leapt toward Rick, who's red eyes flared and his lips tightened into a grin. With impressive dexterity he twisted, and Kelly's form flew past him. His fist grabbed onto her tail and gripped, then tugged her back. Her claws dug into the marble floors leaving deep grooves as she tried to pull away from him.

Rick yanked harder and her form sprang back. He was suddenly the aggressor, his tail whipping around her torso, binding her wings along her back. His wings enveloped her and pulled her into his reach. His powerful arms wrapped around her and pulled her back against his chest.

Kelly was facing us, her eyes crimson and fangs gnashing. Her claws were clasping in thin air, as her arms were bound to her sides by Rick's tail. Her breasts heaved, as she inhaled. He kept her in his grasp and exhaled a hot breath over her face. Her eyes dimmed and lost focus. Her nipples hardened into rocks. She licked her lips.

Rick dropped his hand down her abdomen and then his hand cupped her flowing sex, "I would be fun to go a turn with you, succubus wench" he growled into her ear. Something in her wilted, and she looked at him pleadingly. Her hips flexed into his hand as he pressed her down.

Alyssa stood up and spoke a stream of syllables and the pair froze. They looked like a grotesque erotic statue. Rick had shifted to the side, he was forcing Kelly to her knees in front of him. His monstorous phallus was magnificently erect and poised to penetrate her flowered sex.

Sammi was beaming, "Isn't he GLORIOUS!"

I looked over at her and shook my head, a small smile on my lips.

"If he wasn't about to penetrate my wife," I chuckled, "maybe I'd see your side of the story, Sammi."

She blushed, "Oh, sorry Jeremiah. He's just amazing to watch in action."

Allysa stood with her hands on her hips, her nipples rock hard under her dress. I could feel her arousal. She spoke another spell and wind passed through the room, clearing the air. She took a deep breath, and settled down. Then looked at me.

"I'm not sure if unfreezing them right now is the right thing to do," She said, "that got out of hand quickly."

The room still pulsed with Kelly's arousal, and Sammi shifted in her seat. Allysa vanished, and I sat down. Aly's powers had advanced the most since she embraced magick. I sensed her casting protective spells and wards. Like me, she'd never encountered a real incubus, so I'm sure she took lots of precautions.

Then Alyssa reappeared, and the pair unfroze. Both Kelly and Rick morphed into their normal form. He was still hugging her tightly, his hand on her crotch, but he removed it as soon as he could and raised both of his hands, taking a step back.

Kelly dropped to her hands and knees, and panted. Her arousal was still pulsing, then she pulled it in. She stood on shaky legs, and nodded acknowledgement to Rick, then returned to her seat.

Alyssa waited until everyone had taken their seats. Watching sternly with her hands on her hips like a school teacher breaking up a brawl. Then she twisted her neck to the side to relieve some tension, and settled back into her seat.

"I'm sorry, Kelly," I said, "I had gotten distracted and didn't realize you were upset. I might have asked Rick to show his true form at the wrong time."

"My fault love," Kelly said, still flushed, "I let my emotions get the best of me."

"Emotions in fae form are hard to control," Rick allowed, "I might have taken it a step too far, I apologize for any ... undue contact."

"Well you truly have a glorious fae form," Alyssa said, "As Sammi had reported earlier. Have you refrained from revealing yourself to others?"

"Um," Rick started and blushed, "I had an accident and morphed from the shock of cold water. And I've revealed my form in private to lovers, Aisha, Celia and Sammi. There may have been one more, but her name escapes me."

"I see," Alyssa said, "You do understand that your form would cause some concerns if it became common knowledge."

"I trust Sammi and Celia to be discreet," Rick added, "Aisha was under the influence of my venom, and might have percieved my form as part of an erotic dream.

"You are very forthcoming, Rick," I said, "Most people would try to paint a different picture."

"I've come to the conclusion that truth, even difficult truths are better than lies or half-truths. I have been having trouble with telling lies to Celia or Sammi. I feel the same way now. You deserve to know the full truth about me, even if it disqualifies me from your organization."

"Can you lie at all?" Kelly asked.

"I haven't tried," Rick said, "It feels uncomfortable to even think of lying. I can omit information, which is deception and feels wrong. I understand I can't be completely candid with humans. I wouldn't confess to being a fae to a stranger who asked, I don't think. I'd find a way to misdirect, or just not answer the question."

"What if you had to lie to a human," Alyssa said, "For the good of a mission, to accomplish one of our goals."

"I honestly don't know," Rick allowed, "I may be able to. All I know is I can't lie to Celia, or Sammi. I know I don't want to lie to you. Beyond that I don't know."

"Have you lied to Aisha, or Lana?" Sammi asked, curiously.

"Not that I recall," Rick said, "This aspect of my nature is new to me. It might be because of my relationship to you, and Celia."

He shrugged.

"We're asking, Rick, because many of our missions require us to activate a trapped fae," I described, "They believe they are mundane, but they are trapped, much like you were. We may need to continue to let them believe that until it is safe to trigger their rebirth."

Rick thought for a moment.

"I've found that not answering direct questions can be effective. Changing the subject too." He offered, "I think if I was under an oath or promise to not ruin a mission, that would take priority. I wish I could give you a better answer."

"I think that's an excellent answer." I replied.

"Now that we are all calm," I continued, "What were you angry about earlier, Kelly?"

"It was a combination of things, J," Kelly said, "Aly and I were discussing what he did last night. He confessed to revealing his true nature to Celia. That he almost enthralled her, that he wanted to feed on her energy."

"But he didn't," I continued, "Right?"

"Yes, he said he was able to pull back," Kelly allowed.

"But that triggered some bad memories for you?" I continued, "When you weren't able to control yourself."

Like Rick, I'd found it best to state the hard truths.

"Yes." Kelly said, "I still have nightmares."

"Maybe Rick can help you," Alyssa said, "None of us have the same powers that the two of you have. Rick might be able to mentor you."

"Maybe," Kelly said, shortly.

I could feel her guilt and remorse. It would take time to heal the old wounds. That Rick was able to subdue her easily might be a good omen. Though it also might lead to a furious fuck fest. It was fifty-fifty odds I reckoned.

"Are you worried about your relationship with Celia, and your nature as an incubus?" Alyssa asked, "You seem to have deep feelings for her."

"I am," Rick admitted, "I need sex like a human needs water or air. Frankly, I'm a bit on edge from the encounter just now. If I used Celia as my only source I would drain her quickly."

"So you want to fuck something right now?" Alyssa asked, "One of us, Sammi, Jeremiah?"

"I'm not into Jeremiah," Rick said, "But yes to the rest."

"Against our will?" Kelly asked.

"No," Rick said, "I used to in past lives, through enthrallment. Now I want to engage in consensual sex."

"That's because you're pretty well fed," I allowed, "How long would it take to have your resolve slip."

"I'd seek out one of my friends first." Rick confessed, "I want to build up a network of consensual partners. I can't just rely on Sammi or Celia."

"What about all of us," Alyssa offered, "our extended family. There are nine other females, besides Kelly and I, three of them are fae, one halfling.That leaves five human females that enjoy having lots of sex."

"Are they all consenting adults?" Rick asked.

"Yes," Aly said with a smile.

"Would it sour our professional relationship if I fucked your women, Jeremiah?" Rick asked, direct and to the point.

"We are a pretty frisky family," I smiled, "And I'm only one man."

"You didn't, answer the question, Do you only have sex inside the family?" Rick asked curiously.

"You're right, I didn't. I would leave the decision up to the consenting females. I trust my relationships. It's deeper than sex, though sex is a part of it," I explained.

"To answer the follow up question," I continued, "not always, but it takes a special person to stick, not many men have been up to the task. Human men seem to want sex and a relationship with the same partner."

"We monsters aren't much different," Rick smiled, "I have different needs. Sammi understands, Celia doesn't yet."

"Would you let me fuck Celia," I asked, a bit amused by the change in questions,

"If she wanted to," Rick said, "She is special to me, but I understand sex is different than a deep emotional connection. Sammi's been beating that into me."

I looked at Kelly and Alyssa, then back to Sammi. They all nodded at me.

"We need to have a discussion between ourselves, Rick," I said, "Thank you for being upfront and honest. Enjoy the rest of your morning, and afternoon. We'll come find you after we all talk."

—————

Alyssa - Past - Pacific Beach

I didn't expect to hear from Kevin so soon. Our pre-lunch meeting was fascinating, if for nothing else, confirmation of many things I had been thinking about. I was a fae, I was a mage, a witch or a druid, or all three. After lunch, I met up with the rest of the family and shopped in the village. We'd gotten three rental cars and a van.

Kevin had first called me as we were checking out of the rental car desk, and so I took my rental - a white SUV that could seat four - up to Old Town. Kevin seemed very business like, much more his second form than the burned out beach bum I first saw. He put off an air of quiet confidence, much like Naeme. Thankfully he spoke English.

I thought the talk went well. I was surprised how easy it was to communicate with him. I also appreciated his small critique about oversharing. I was a bit excited to talk to a real fae outside of the family. Naeme is a wonderful creature, but a bit hard to have a riveting conversation with.

I was excited to get his call after we were returning from dinner right on the bay.

"Alyssa," Kevin said, direct to the point, "I would like you to come to this address, make sure you know the directions. I'll text you, do you have a phone with GPS."

"I do," I said, "If it is this late at night, I'd like to take Jeremiah with me, would that be alright."

"I believe you can take care of yourself," Kevin said a bit testily.

"Kevin, I barely met you, and now you are asking me to meet you after dark at a strange address." I explained, " Jeremiah is like my husband, can you see it from his perspective?"

"Okay," Kevin said, "Point taken, did you get the address?"

"Yes," I said, "We'll be there as soon as we can."

"Stay in your car," He said cryptically, "I'll come get you. Park as near as you can."

I filled Jeremiah with the details from this morning's meeting. The drive to the location wasn't far, but the traffic was a bit more than midday. Soon I turned off a main avenue and along a long garage. The apartments were on the other side. We parked on the opposite side of the street and waited.

"We're supposed to wait," I shrugged to Jeremiah.

He shrugged back then startled to a knock on his window. It was Kevin back in burn-out beach bum mode. He waved us out of the car, and we followed him across the dimly lit street, then into the shadows of the garage. Keven walked into a corner, checking to make sure we were alone.

"We had an incident," he said ominously, "A vampire went bezerk, and killed five people in this apartment building, we need to clean it up."

I looked a bit shocked and was about to say something.

"Not the bodies," Kevin clarified, "the situation, I need the two of you," for the first time acknowledging Jeremiah, "to help me figure out how we can leverage the situation."

"What needs to be leveraged," I asked.

"He doesn't want cops involved," Jeremiah said, and Kevin nodded, "We need to clean up the scene, dispose of the bodies, and figure out a way to keep up a facade of normalcy."

"Something like that," Kevin said, then waved us to follow.

We walked up the steps to the first floor of apartments. The garage was immediately below, so no neighbors below who may have heard a disturbance. The apartments were really separate condos, no second story on the three units we were interested in.