JACKL Inc. Ch. 04

I laid on my side and watched Jeremiah sleep. Since arriving in San Diego he had a different energy. He was more assertive, and confident. He was always in control, but he just seemed to assume a higher level of responsibility. I sensed that he felt his lack of assertiveness had complicated the creation of our larger family. Now in a new locale, he felt even more responsible for our well being.

Since the start of our family, Jeremiah would silently delegate things to the four of us. We'd drive the details, usually with me coordinating the plans on our mesh. Jeremiah could watch and react, only rarely providing direction if he felt it necessary. Now, after Zac's awakening and doubling the size of our family, it felt like he wanted to take the reins of our family and lead more overtly. I respected him for asserting himself. The loss of Thomas would be an interesting point of inflection. I reasoned he could become even more assertive, or he could relapse into reaction mode.

I smiled into his eyes as he woke up. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed his forehead. He squeezed me tightly, and kissed me softly on the lips. Then he shifted and sat on the edge of the bed. He turned and looked back at me.

"I think we need to find a new lawyer, and diversify our finances ..." he paused, "I don't think Thomas knows what we need, and his lack of candor on why he needed to fly down immediately — hasn't left me with a lot of confidence."

"I don't disagree, Jeremiah," I agreed, "But he just lost his father, I'm not sure he even knows which way is up."

"That's fair," Jeremiah agreed, "Maybe I'm just feeling like we need to cut ties with anything else in Oregon. It was fine with Tommy, I trusted him with everything. I don't have that same level of trust with Thomas. I'd also like to have our resources local trying to deal with someone thousands of miles away isn't going to work long term."

"That's true," I said, "We could find someone local, I wonder if Sammi or Kevin might be able to help."

Jeremiah checked his phone, and read a message from Thomas aloud.

"Call me when you're up," is all it said.

Jeremiah shrugged then dialed back, standing up and roaming to the window overlooking the courtyard of the building.

"Hi Thomas," Jeremiah said, "Did you get any sleep?"

I consciously kept from eavesdropping on the call. It was up to Jeremiah's judgement whether to include me in his dealings with Thomas or not. I felt like he probably would, that was common when he dealt with his Uncle. I was feeling a bit troubled by another shift in our lives. I hadn't had a great track record with my judgement since Zac had gained his powers. Part of me felt like Jeremiah's stepping up more was a direct result of my lapse in judgement when it came to Zac's impromptu pool party.

"Is it okay if he comes over here?" Jeremiah asked me.

"Do you want me to go someplace else?" I asked.

Jeremiah looked at me oddly, and shook his head.

"No I need you with me Aly," he said, "I always need you."

"Then yes," I smiled, wondering if my self-doubt was leaking, "Say fifteen minutes?"

Jeremiah nodded then spoke to Thomas, then hung up.

"I'll go down and meet him and bring him up," Jeremiah said, "Share a quick shower?"

"Of course!" I grinned and joined him in the smallish bathroom of our temporary apartments.

After a quick shower, with a bit of indulgent fondling and stroking, we dried and started getting dressed. I selected something casual, as did Jeremiah. It didn't take long and he was soon ready to head downstairs to meet Thomas.

"Let's meet in one of the other units," I said, "The others will soon be back from runs and gym, they'll want to shower."

"Yeah," Jeremiah said distractedly, "Find an empty one, and let me know."

I found one of our open apartments empty, and sent a thought to Jeremiah with the number. I arranged the table in the dining room for three people, then waited for them to arrive. Thomas greeted me with a half smile, which was about par for the course with him. I kissed his cheek, and guided him to the table, then went back and locked the door.

"I'm sorry for all the cloak and dagger," Thomas was saying when I returned and sat beside Jeremiah, "I wanted to get you these papers on your finances, as well as something that came in the mail for Dad. He never had time to open it, it is from Pine Bluff."

"Pine Bluff?" I asked, "Something from my mom?"

"I'd imagine," Thomas said, and slid over the envelope to me, "It's addressed to you, Alyssa."

"How are the finances holding up?" Jeremiah asked, "I know we've dented Betsy's inheritance pretty bad, all the other investments still holding?"

I lost track of the conversation, looking at the envelope from Pine Bluff. My mother, Rebecca, had never been great at communicating, so a package was unlike her. We were both independent, and while I'd call her from time to time, since the recent upheaval in our lives I hadn't gotten around to checking in with her.

She had run the Bed and Breakfast for a dozen years after we eliminated the Priesthood influence. She stopped managing the day to day a few years back, but still lived in her same room, as far as I knew. I tore open the package and inside was a folder about an inch thick, another envelope sealed with a label. It was her will. I searched for the cover letter and it was on top of the stack of paper in the folder.

The handwriting was unknown to me, so I scanned to the bottom. It was from Miriam, an older woman that had befriended Rebecca after we had gutted the cult's leadership. They had become quite close, I remember. I scanned back up at the top.

Alyssa,

I'm sorry this has to come by post, I don't have your phone number. I wanted to give you my condolences in person, or at least via a phone call. But all of your numbers have changed...

I blinked and gasped, Rebecca was gone.

Jeremiah tore himself away from the mundane conversation on money to look at me. I looked at him, and my eyes filled with tears. I was confused, because while it was nice to know I had a mother, we'd never gotten as close as I would've liked, and now that was never going to happen.

I handed Jeremiah the paper and then leaned into his shoulder.

"Aly," he said, "I'm so sorry. This is a shock."

He turned to Thomas, "I think we need a couple of minutes, I'm sorry. It appears that Alyssa's mother passed away after we moved."

"That explains the certified mail," Thomas said, "They must have had Dad's address on file. I'll find some coffee and be right back."

Thomas left, and I hugged Jeremiah tightly. I kissed the base of his neck and just squeezed. I didn't have words, and I usually always had words. I pulled back and took back the paper from Jeremiah, and scanned down the page.

She had died quietly, in her sleep. No trauma, just stopped breathing. She was found the next morning by Miriam after she didn't meet her for their normal breakfast. They had tried to contact us, but had run out of options. I shook my head, I should have let her know our new numbers, and addresses. I felt horrible that I hadn't been able to say goodbye.

The last time I remember talking to her was after Betsy cancelled her planned summer trip. Betsy never told us about her terminal cancer until it was too late, but that was probably why she decided not to travel to Montana. Rebecca had said all was fine. The business was running smoothly, the inn provided lots of opportunities for the few families still left. She sent her love to the family and Naomi and then we said goodbye.

I looked down, sad at the realization that my daughter would never know her grandmother. She had barely seen her, on a single trip we had made when Noami was just born. I shook my head, my emotions were all over the place, and my rational mind was somewhat aghast that I had emotions for a woman I barely knew.

Jeremiah tore open the envelope, it was a summary of her will. We had agreed years ago that anything she had should go back to the Inn and support the remnants of the UP widows. It was good to know that's exactly what she had done. It wasn't much, and Jeremiah brought up that we should find a way to help out the widows more, a trust or something.

Thomas returned, and I started paging through the rest of the folder. Letters that Rebecca had written to me, but never sent. They looked to have gone back to the time we freed her from her enslavement to Deacon, the head of the United Priesthood cult. I wished she would have sent them, I would have loved to be pen pals.

I put them aside for later, and focused back on the discussion with Jeremiah and Thomas. They were amiably chatting about shifting Jeremiah's legal and financial work to a more local operation. Thomas had a few connections. Jeremiah wanted to assure Thomas the decision was for practical reasons. Thomas understood, and assured Jeremiah that changing things wouldn't negatively affect his livelihood. He never really had much to do with Jeremiah's business, it was only recently that he'd even known about the family.

"Will that be an issue finding another organization?" Jeremiah asked, "Our arrangement is atypical, and I don't want to draw any undue attention to our personal lives."

"Attorney client privilege is pretty iron-clad," Thomas assured him, "But I'll find some good references, and you can do your own search and interviews. I can continue to handle your funds until you decide to shift things permanently."

"Good to know that we're still solvent," Jeremiah grinned at his own jest.

The total amount of our assets had actually grown even with the large investments we recently made. It was a bit surprising, but the economy was in really good shape, and the rising tide was lifting all of our boats. We'd have to keep an eye on the trends.

"I'll work on that Trust for Rebecca's estate," Thomas said, "Sorry again for the weird trip, I wanted to make sure you got that personally. I should be getting back on that plane."

"The timing is terrible," Jeremiah said, "Give our love to Connie, and let us know when the service will be, the five of us want to be there."

"Certainly," Thomas said, shaking hands then leaving.

"So much ado about nothing," I smiled, "I'm sorry you stressed all night over it, love."

"I'm sorry to hear about your mother, love," Jeremiah said, "Her passing is certainly not nothing. I wonder if I was sensing something off and it triggered my anxiety."

I looked at Jeremiah, we hadn't had much alone time. I wanted to get something off my chest about many things. This might be a good time. I took his hand and guided him to the sofa and sat quietly, then pushed my glasses up on my nose.

"Jeremiah," I said softly, "I wanted to tell you how much I am sorry that I made the wrong decision about how to handle Zac's awakening. I still am tearing myself up about how I led us in the wrong direction. I feel like I've lost confidence in my decisions, and I think it's affecting how we work together."

"Aly," Jeremiah said, "We've been over this, we both fouled up, and we learned from the experience. I don't think any lasting harm will come of it."

"My confidence is a bit shot," I admitted, "I think you've compensated by being more assertive. Which I appreciate. I just want, no I need, to know that you still have confidence in me."

"Alyssa," Jeremiah said looking directly into my eyes, "I am always confident in your wisdom and judgment. That's never wavered. The circumstances over Zac's awakening and his connections happened so quickly, we never could take the time to evaluate and discuss. It was zero percent your responsibility."

"I can stop time," I smiled, "We could have taken the day..."

He laughed at that.

"I still am getting used to the idea of magic and how it's woven into all parts of our family." Jeremiah said, "If there is anything to my being more assertive, it is about finding the quickest way to get us settled, so you can focus on what that means for us, and for our interests."

"Well we need to get closer to Kevin," I admitted, "There is a lot I need to learn from him."

"Kevin better lead, follow or get out of the way, babe," Jeremiah grinned, "Don't let him be a reason to not press for what you think is right. He seems a bit steadfast in doing things the way they've always been done. We all need to put that mindset behind us, and focus on the future. From what you've told me, magic has been in decline, we need to reverse that trend."

"I'll take it up with my team, lover," I smiled, "Thank you for your confidence in me. I think you are doing a wonderful job looking out for all of us. I think we all need to do our part to have your back. Like in the old days. You point, we'll figure out the details."

"We'll get there, I'm sure," Jeremiah said and leaned over to kiss me tenderly, then deeply.

"We need to makeup for the lack of sex this morning soon," he smiled, "I'm hungry, though."

"Not hungry for me?" I laughed getting up to gather the papers from the table, "I'll never be as good as bacon, will I?"

He laughed along with me, and we made our way to the breakfast that Carmen had made. A new day was dawning.

—————

Rick - Present - Fairview Apartments

After Celia left for work, I looked for my phone. I had left it behind charging when we had left suddenly for the Estate and a weekend full of changes. It was on the counter where I left it with a series of text messages blinking when I unlocked the phone. Sammi peered over the end to read along with me.

Aisha had sent over a long series of photos of her in all of the lingerie and bikinis that I had bought her. Then a series of text messages:

Do you like my modeling, Trick?
Which is your favorite?
Trick??
perhaps I am overdressed.
-A photo of her naked -
Trick?

"Oh dear," Sammi grinned, "You look like you need to apologize to Aisha!"

I shook my head as I flicked through the photos. Aisha was always alluring and her poses were having a direct affect on my phallus. I looked up at Sammi.

"You come along when you've settled things with Aisha," Sammi smiled, "She deserves to know you're okay. — And whatever else she needs from you."

With a wink and a grin, Sammi was gone. I dialed Aisha immediately.

"Trick?" She answered, "I feared you had been abducted!"

The lilt in her voice clued me in on her teasing, I missed hearing her voice.

"I'm sorry, Aisha," I said, "I had to leave for the weekend and forgot my phone."

"That is too bad, Trick," she said, "I was hoping my snaps might induce you to visit."

"I am free now," I growled, "Are you free?"

"I have my friend here, Priya," she teased, "I have been telling her what a scoundrel you are."

"I feel like I should have the chance to present myself to the jury." I offered.

"She is very steadfast," Aisha giggled, "You might have to work extra hard to pry her from her position."

"So may I come up?" I asked, "or would you like to slide down?"

She gasped, then without a second thought she said, "You know the way to my spot, Trick. Do hurry."

It didn't tarry and was soon knocking on the door. Aisha opened it on the second knock, and pulled me inside. Her friend Priya smiled shyly at me. She was wearing more typical American clothing, jeans and a top. While Aisha continued to rock the more traditional Indian styled smock and leggings. Aisha hugged me and stood on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.

"I am glad you are okay, Trick," she said, "I was worried only slightly. You know how to take care of yourself."

Her kiss along with the images of her in her photos had the desired effect on me. Priya had taken some time to look me over then her eyes had gotten stuck on my crotch. Aisha's hand had smoothed over the shape of my cock, which made her eyes widen. I released some of my pheromones to limit the awkwardness of the situation. I was pretty certain Aisha called me up for a reason, and her fingers stroking me through my pants made it a certainty.

Priya's eyes widened and lost focus. I lifted Aisha's tunic up pulling her arms away from my cock. She adjusted to unclasp her bra. Priya watched, then was also removing her clothes as she watched me pull my polo shirt off my muscled torso and kicked my loafers off my feet.

I was a polite incubus.

Aisha had shed her leggings and knelt in just her panties. She unbuckled my belt and pushed my trousers and shorts down, releasing my cock. I could hear Priya gasp at the sight.

"Oh Aisha," she said in awe, "I assumed you were exaggerating."

Aisha might have said something, but it came across as just a vibration over my swollen crown as she pulled my head into her mouth. Priya finished undressing and joined Aisha on her knees, her small hand gripped my thickening cock. Priya leaned forward and kissed my thigh, her eyes lifting to look at me as Aisha pushed my foreskin back with her teeth.

Priya had slightly larger breasts than Aisha, and her flesh was just a shade lighter. Her hair was straight and black, and pulled into a ponytail that fell halfway down her back. Her fingers were lightly tickling the undersides of my balls, as Aisha was still refamiliarizing herself with my cock.

I leaned down and used my hand to grip softly at Priya's ponytail, and gently tugged.

"Stand up," I said, "I want to kiss you."

As she rose, her eyes locked on mine, my hand cupped her breast and kneaded it. Her eyes lidded half closed as her rigid nipple compressed against my palm. My lips then captured hers, and my tongue snaked between her lips. She tasted like chai, which I enjoyed, welcoming her tongue in my mouth.

Priya's breasts pillowed into my chest, as we kissed. My hand dropped down along her side to squeeze her firm bottom. I could tell she was as fit as Aisha in how she moved. I pulled her hips against my thigh and she parted her legs so she could grind herself against my leg. I felt how aroused she was by the wetness she left as moved.

We were still in the entryway, I hadn't moved a step since entering and closing the door. Aisha was working on getting my cock down her throat. My fingers were curling between Priya's cheeks. I growled and released a bit of energy to the two of them. They groaned as my flesh began to glow a deep red, I released a tiny bit of an aura and it resonated, like Kelly's golden sphere.

"Can we go to your room?" I growled, "someplace more comfortable for the three of us."

"Umhmm", Aisha said, as she looked at me lust drunk, "follow me."

She rose and grabbed my cock, which pretty much assured that I'd follow. I hooked my hand through Priya's arm, and escorted her to the bedroom. Once inside, the first time I'd been in Aisha's bedroom, I stepped past her and laid on my back on the bed. A pulse of my growing aura had them moaning as she crawled up beside me.

Priya swapped places and had her hand around my cock, her mouth sucking the swollen crown. I pulled Aisha up and kissed her, my hand cupping and squeezing her breast. She thrust her tongue between my lips, hungry for my taste. My hand drew down her slim abdomen, and then over her panties.

"You're overdressed again." I growled, pushing my fingers under her waistband and cupping her molten sex.

She whined at the touch, then was pushing her panties down and shifting them off her legs.

"I thought you might want to rip them off me," Aisha smiled, "Like you usually do."

I reached and grabbed her waist, then was twisting her around so I could press my lips to her cunt, lapping at her flowing juices. She moaned, then moved down, kissing at the base of my cock as Priya worked to fit as much of my cock into her throat as she could. I felt Aisha's fingers cup and knead my balls.

I worked my tongue between Aisha's lips, her taste exotic and fresh. My nose pressed against her clit which made her grind her hips into me. I pulsed my aura, getting used to releasing the energy I fed on back into my partners. I was rewarded with moans. I felt Aisha's cunt clench in need, and I worried my tongue into her tight opening. My fingers lifted to press into her clit, as I drove my tongue deeply into her sheath.