Fatigued and restless, Cole’s frustration reached its limit. He had been up all night, trying desperately to find some clue he had overlooked in Maria’s murder.

“There has to be something I missed, damn it!”

He had gone over all the documents and photos a million times. This time, however, he had more incentive than ever to crack the case. If he could somehow figure out who might have killed his wife Maria, and do so before midnight, he could simply decline Zafira’s offer, and she would go away. Rather, he hoped she would stick to her word and disappear. He looked at the clock: 3:46 p.m. There wasn’t much time before midnight.

The sudden knock on his apartment door startled Cole.Who could that be? Hopefully not Zafira, though she had already proved to be the type not to knock.

Looking through the peephole, Cole saw someone he didn’t recognize. A man about his age with a goatee and dark hair, wearing a black suit, waited patiently. The reversed collar and prayer beads dangling from his neck hinted at his calling. A priest maybe?

Cole cautiously opened the door just a few inches. “Yes? Can I help you?”

“Good day, sir. I’m looking for Cole Harvey. Is he around?”

“Who wants to know?” Cole asked suspiciously.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners? My name is Father Gabriel Korvenus. I am with the Congregation of the Holy Cross.”

“Sorry, but I’m not looking to find God today,” Cole said coldly as he started to shut the door.

“Wait! Please, Detective Harvey! I think I have some information about the recent night club murder.”

Curious, Cole opened the door and invited the man inside. Gabriel looked around and beheld a motley mess of police documents and gruesome crime scene photos. He fingered his prayer beads and mumbled something under his breath. The gruesome nature of the photos would unnerve anyone — anyone except Cole, who had unintentionally made it his home decor.

Gabriel looked at a picture hanging on the wall of Cole and Maria on their wedding day. “Is she the one in the other photos?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes,” Cole said sternly. “I thought you had information for me?”

The priest shifted his focus back to Cole. “Right. The news reports claimed you saw a woman in the room with the victim. Did you notice anything odd about her? For instance, did she have tattoos of large bat wings on her shoulders?”

Those were not tattoos of bat wings. Those were actual bat wings, and a long tail. However, the similarities were entirely too coincidental. Did this man know about Zafira, and what she actually was?

“Sorry, but I didn’t see any tattoos. Why do you ask?”

Gabriel turned to Cole. “The day of the murder, a young girl of great physical beauty came into my church for confession. She mentioned that she was about to do something horrible but never said what exactly. As she left, I noticed she had bat wing tattoos on her shoulders that covered most of her back. I thought maybe there was some kind of connection.”

All those years as a detective had refined Cole’s ability to detect bullshit down to a fine art. This man was hiding something, and he wasn’t a very good liar. He seen tattoos on her shoulders? That would mean she would have to have worn an open back dress or something else equally revealing. Who would show up in church like that? Not to mention, who would confess to something before actually doing it? It seemed too far-fetched for Cole’s taste.

Cole’s suspicions were further heightened by a small cross-shaped scar on the side of Gabriel’s neck. He wouldn’t have noticed it if Gabriel’s collar hadn’t shifted while looking around the room. No kind of accident leaves such a mark on one’s skin. It had to have been done on purpose.

Nonetheless, this priest must know something about Zafira. Was he one of the ‘entities’ that she mentioned she was trying to avoid? Cole thought for a brief moment about disclosing what really happened. But then he also thought about what Zafira said before she left. She would kill him if he said anything, and with her ability to read minds, there would be no hiding it. Best to play safe for now.

“Doesn’t sound like a connection to me. She could have been about to cheat on her husband for all you know. Sorry, but I think you’ve wasted your time.”

Gabriel exhaled a deep sigh. “Perhaps. But God sent me to you this day, so it isn’t a total loss. I know a great burden must weigh heavy on your heart, Mr. Harvey. Such burdens tend to lead men to do things they wouldn’t normally do. The path to Hell is paved with good intentions, and desperation leads to the first step.”

It was as if Gabriel could see right through Cole’s facade. Maybe Cole wasn’t the only one with a bullshit detector.

“I appreciate you coming by, Father, but I have work to finish down at the precinct. If you find out anything else, don’t hesitate to stop by.”

“Sorry I couldn’t have been more helpful.” Gabriel reached into his pocket and fished out a business card. “If you are ever in need of my services, you can reach me here.”

Gabriel handed Cole the card and walked out the door. Before Cole shut the door, Gabriel turned back toward him. “Remember my words, Mr. Harvey. They may save your soul someday.”

Cole twitched a quick nod and closed the door. He looked at the clock again: 4:27 p.m. Time passed much faster than he liked.

*****

In his desperation, Cole went back to the precinct to find Frank, the detective assigned to Maria’s case. He knew Frank wasn’t taking Maria’s murder seriously, but maybe by some miracle he had something he could use.

He was greeted by Penny, the very young and attractive blonde office assistant who worked behind the front desk.

“Detective Harvey! I didn’t expect to see you this late in the day. Weren’t you on leave for a while?”

“Yeah, I am. Just stopping by for something real quick. Have you seen Frank leave yet?”

“No, I haven’t. He should still be upstairs.”

“Great, thanks.”

Cole quickly turned towards the elevator. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone, detective. Have a great day!” Cole heard over his shoulder.

Penny was a sweet girl and somewhat flirty towards him — which made him wonder if she had a crush on him. Not that he would act on it, of course.

Cole got off the elevator and made his way to Frank’s untidy desk. Frank was idly chatting with the other detectives.

“Hey, Cole! What the hell are you doing here? Do you even know how to take a break?”

“I need to ask you something. In private,” Cole said.

“Sure thing.” Frank pushed up from his chair.

They walked to a coffee maker in a secluded corner. Frank poured two cups of evil-smelling brew.

“So what’s up?” Frank asked, handing Cole a chipped cup.

“Listen, it’s been a while since we talked about Maria’s case. Any new developments?”

Frank shook his head and put a hand on Cole’s shoulder. “I can’t imagine what it is like to lose someone like that. I’m doing everything I can to make sure we catch the son-of-a-bitch.”

Everything he can indeed, Cole thought. When he’s not wasting paper, he’s chatting with everyone else about his golf game the previous weekend, or some girl he met at a bar. Cole’s anger got worse with each passing second.

“I asked if there were any new developments.” Cole raised his voice. “It has been two years Frank, and I’m tired of everyone telling me how fucking sorry they are!”

“Calm down, Cole. You know just as well as anyone that these things take time.”

Time was a luxury Cole no longer had. He looked at the clock: 5:57 p.m.

“Yeah, time. Time that you are spending sitting on your fucking ass!” Cole’s yell drew the attention of everyone in the room. They all stared at him — perhaps hoping a fist fight was about to start.

Cole may have lost his temper, and he may have wanted to punch Frank in the face, but he wasn’t stupid enough to lose his job over it. He stifled his anger.

What a fucking waste of time. He backed away from Frank and turned toward the exit. Better to leave now before Captain Finnegan learned he was here making a fuss. Cole hurried from the station.

xxxxx

Whenever Cole needed advice, he always consulted Maria. Even in death, some things never changed. He arrived at Evergreen Cemetery with guilt weighing heavy on his heart.

It was 7:15 p.m. and the sun had started to set. Cole stared down at the grave marked “Maria Harvey”. He placed a single red rose on the headstone. The base of the headstone was masked by a mangled pile of shriveled flowers, most of them roses.

“I miss you, Maria,” Cole said, speaking as if she could hear him. “I miss the life we had together. Things were much happier and simpler then. Remember how you always used to make me a steak dinner whenever I had a bad day at work? You always knew the right things to say when I was feeling down or lost.”

Cole smiled, remembering the good times, but then a tear rolled down his cheek. “I feel like I might be lost forever without you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to bring the one responsible to justice. You were so good to me, and yet I failed you as your husband.”

His heart was broken. His hope lost. Only one thing remained.

“Please forgive me for what I’m about to do.”

xxxxx

Grant Park was as dark as it was quiet. One of the only sources of light was a lamp post next to a walkway with a small bench facing Buckingham Fountain. Cole decided to wait here, spending what time he had left googling succubi on his smart phone. He found nothing useful. All his searches revealed were a few myths — and a plethora of erotica stories that would make a whore blush.

He looked at his watch: 11:59 p.m. He grew more and more nervous and apprehensive with each passing second. Was he at the right spot? Was she going to show? What if she didn’t show? Maybe she had left Chicago already and…

“I’m so glad you came, Cole!”

Cole jumped as Zafira appeared on the bench beside him, seemingly out of thin air. “Shit! You scared the hell out of me!”

Zafira smiled wickedly. “Your fear amuses me.”

As she stood, Cole could not help but stare at her perfect behind. She wore the same outfit as the night before: short black cocktail dress, black knee high boots, black sheer stockings, and an unzipped black designer leather jacket. He caught a glimpse of the patch of bare skin just above where her stockings ended. Cole had no doubt that her standing in such a manner was deliberate.

“Come. Let’s go for a walk, shall we?” Zafira smiled.

Cole rose from the bench. Zafira wrapped her arm around his back and rested her head against his shoulder. Despite knowing how dangerous she was, her touch was comforting, and her sweet perfume was soothing. It had been a long time since he had a woman on his arm. The fact she was a demon didn’t make it any less pleasant. They walked the poorly lit path without saying a word.

“So,” Zafira said, finally breaking the silence, “have you made a decision about what we discussed last night?”

“How would you be able to help me?” Cole demanded.

“You just leave that to me. As you already know, I have a unique set of skills you won’t find elsewhere. Besides, what do you have to lose?”

“My soul,” Cole quickly retorted.

Zafira laughed. “I already told you, I only consume the corrupt ones. Your soul is pure, which is a very rare quality in today’s world.”

“I don’t understand. Pure?”

Zafira sighed. “Ever heard of the Seven Deadly Sins?”

“Yeah, sure. Wrath, Lust, Greed, Pride, Gluttony, Sloth and Envy.”

“Very good!” Zafira declared. “Good to know not all knowledge is lost on you humans. Do you remember committing any of them?”

“No,” Cole replied.

“That is why your soul isn’t corrupt. However, that alone isn’t enough to make your soul pure. You must also uphold the Seven Holy Virtues.”

Cole looked at her, confused. “Seven Holy Virtues?”

Zafira rolled her eyes again. “It’s no wonder there are so many corrupt souls. You humans only focus on what you shouldn’t do and not what you should do. Love, Hope, Courage, Justice, Fortitude, Kindness, and Wisdom.” Zafira looked as if she swallowed a bug. “Just saying those words makes my stomach churn.”

Cole reflected on what Zafira said for a moment. “You make me sound like some kind of messiah.”

“Messiah or not, it would be in your best interest to make sure your soul stays that way. Lest I be tempted to make a meal out of you.” She eyed him appraisingly.

“How do I know you won’t anyway?”

Zafira stopped. “I’m insulted you would insinuate such a thing! I am a succubus, a demon of lust, not some petty imp seeking to deceive you. I don’t deal in lies, only seduction.”

It appeared she was not lying. If she wanted him dead he already would be. She certainly possessed the power to do so — though her potent seduction abilities could be far worse than any lie.

“What do I need to do?” Cole asked in a very solemn tone.

Zafira smiled and then grabbed Cole, squeezing him tightly. “That’s the spirit! All I need you to do is find corrupt souls for me. That is all. You track down criminals all the time. That’s what you do. So, this should be fairly easy for you. Instead of arresting them however, you’ll just send them to me.”

Cole became more and more comfortable with the idea as they took their midnight stroll. Rather than having criminals rot in a prison cell, they would rot overnight in sexual bliss. Plus, there would be no need for a jury when she could instantly know everything they had ever done. No matter how he looked at it, justice would be served.

A wiry man suddenly appeared from behind a tree. “That’s a fine piece of ass you got there, buddy.”

Cole immediately noticed the gun in the man’s hand. He felt a shiver of fear. He had left his revolver in his car. Fuck! Didn’t figure he would need it, considering he was there to meet Zafira — who apparently was immune to bullets.

“Look, we don’t want any trouble. What do you want?” Cole tried to engage with the man.

A larger man snuck up behind Zafira and grabbed her from behind, his arm around her throat.

“He must be rich,” the second man said as he clinched the lovely succubus. “No whore who looks this good comes cheap.”

They think Zafira is a prostitute? Come to think of it, she did wear suitably slutty attire, Cole realized. Nonetheless, they had no idea who or what they were dealing with.

The wiry man pointed his gun at Cole. “I want your wallet, your coat, and anything else you got!”

Zafira started laughing hysterically. Cole knew something was about to go down, and it wasn’t going to be pretty.

“What the fuck are you laughing at, bitch?” the taller man said as he tightened his grip around her. She kept maniacally laughing, even as he choked her,

“Is she fucked in the head or something?” the man pointing the gun asked.

“No,” Cole said, “she’s laughing because you two just made the biggest mistake of your useless lives.”

At that moment the first man’s expression on his face turned completely blank. The hand holding the gun moved closer and closer to his own face, stopping with the barrel inside his mouth.

“You can let me go now,” Zafira said.

The taller man released her immediately. He too had a blank expression on his face. Cole was stunned how quickly this situation had turned around.

“Are you… controlling them?” Cole asked.

“Why of course! Now, the question is: What should I make them do?”

The man with the gun pulled the hammer back, ready to fire.

“Wait!” Cole said. “Having him kill himself here would be messy. Not to mention the noise would draw attention here.”

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right about that. I’ve got a better idea anyway.”

Zafira walked up and took the gun out of the man’s mouth and tossed it to the ground. She leaned forward and kissed him, her tongue entering his mouth. She broke the kiss and motioned for the taller man to come to her. When he reached her, Zafira grabbed the back of his neck and pulled his lips to hers.

Cole watched as Zafira made both men strip completely. Their clothes drifted to the ground like dry leaves. He knew what she was going to do, but he did not try to interfere. They were as good as dead. There was nothing he could or would do to stop it.

The men touched Zafira, fondled her, stroked her. They undressed her, starting with her leather coat, followed by sliding the shoulder straps of her dress down her arms. The classic Little Black Dress slipped to the ground like a forgotten shadow. Her wondrous nude body was fully exposed.

Zafira mewled as each man took one of her breasts and began suckling at her erect nipples. The men stroked their engorged cocks while under their mistress’ spell, completely under her domination.

Zafira looked at Cole. “Normally, I let them think they are in control. It adds a little extra pleasure for me. However, I feel the need to demonstrate what would happen if that pure soul of yours should ever become corrupt.”

From what he just witnessed, having a corrupt soul didn’t seem that bad. Sure, you die at the end, but being able to enjoy that perfect body was a hell of a way to go.

“So what you’re saying is, you can’t control me if my soul remains pure?” Cole asked.

The shorter wiry man knelt before Zafira and lapped at her wet pussy while the other continued to suck on her large tits.

“Mmm,” Zafira purred. “Yes Cole. Having a pure soul provides certain immunities to my abilities. I can’t control or alter your mind. I can only read it.”

That’s comforting. He was happy knowing he would not share their fate.

Cole watched the two mindless victims pleasure Zafira. Their mouths worked over Zafira’s pussy and breasts. It made his own body start to betray him. He thought it was a perfume Zafira wore — but the air became thick with the scent the moment her clit started being stimulated. It was some kind of pheromone, and the more that entered his nostrils the harder his cock became. His mind started to wonder what her delicious pussy tasted like.

No! He had to block out those thoughts!

Zafira smiled at Cole, knowing he struggled with his own desires. She pushed the kneeling man down on the ground to his back. She climbed on top of him, straddling his waist. Ever so slowly, she lowered herself onto his thick cock. Her eyes rolled back in her head. The man’s rough hands massaged the plump soft mounds of her breasts while he thrust deep inside her.

The taller man stroked his cock and positioned himself behind her. Zafira leaned forward, placing the nipple of her right breast into the hungry mouth of the man under her. The man behind her squatted down slightly, rubbing the tip of his hard cock up and down the valley of her lovely ass while she vigorously fucked the wiry man under her.

She paused for a moment, arching her back. The man behind her pointed his penis at her tight little rosebud. His cock was much longer and thicker than the shorter man, but that didn’t deter Zafira. Slowly he inched his way into her super-tight ass. She moaned louder the more he stretched her, until he was all the way inside her.

Cole was mesmerized by the lewd sex in front of his eyes. The two men thrust in and out of her like two pistons in a well oiled engine. Zafira’s mouth was agape as they fucked both her nether holes. She screamed pleasurably into the night. Cole hoped no one was around to hear her because she made no attempt to be quiet.

“Are you enjoying the show, Cole?” she asked, panting heavily.

It was a rhetorical question. Cole’s cock strained against his trousers so bad that it hurt. His balls swelled from watching this beautiful creature get fucked in ways that he thought only existed in pornography. He wished he was inside her.

“Come to me, Cole.”

Her voice beckoned him. Cole had control of his body but he stepped forward anyway. His brain told him he would die if he fucked her, but his dick said do it anyway. Her pheromones overpowered his ability to think. He stood in front of the sexy vixen, still being fucked by her two playthings.

“Pull your cock out, Cole. Don’t be shy,” Zafira said seductively.

Cole unzipped his fly. His throbbing member sprang forth, relieved to be free of the confines of his trousers. He was fully erect and of admirable size and girth.

“Mmm, that looks tasty!” Zafira breathed, licking her lips with her forked tongue.

He knew what she wanted him to do. He knew what would happen if he put his cock in her mouth. His balls ached like they never had before. They wanted, no, they needed release.

“Let me suck you, Cole,” she beckoned. “It will be the best blow job you’ve ever had.”

Cole’s hand slid up and down his shaft. The pleasure he gave himself was better than any of the too-many other times he spent stroking himself to Internet porn after a long day’s work.

Wait. Other times? That’s it!

“No,” Cole replied.

Zafira stopped, surprised by Cole’s sudden refusal.

“You said my soul is pure, but I’ve masturbated many times in my life. That must mean that jerking off isn’t a sin. If I let you suck me off, it would be lust, thus corrupting my soul and allowing you to take it.”

Cole stroked his cock several feet in front of Zafira, never moving closer. He pumped his cock with the energy of a teenager.

Zafira smiled wickedly. “Oh, you clever, dirty boy! You teasing me like that makes me so wet!”

The added arousal made Zafira’s horns grow from her head; her large black bat wings extended to their fullest. Her two slaves thrust in and out of her so fast that a normal man’s lungs would collapse. Her eyes, now bright red, stared into Cole’s while he kept stroking his cock. He was unfazed by her demonic appearance. Her beauty was eerily enhanced. The horns, the wings, and now the tail that wrapped around the throat of the man behind her — oh yes, she was supernaturally sexy.

But still a demon.

Cole let out a bestial roar when he reached the edge. Zafira screeched loudly like a banshee, her orgasm in full force, her energy magnetic. The two men moaned, unable to hold it back any longer. They sent their seed deep inside both of Zafira’s hungry holes while Cole shot his flying into the air towards her. Like a vacuum, she sucked in every drop of Cole’s cum, never allowing a single drop to touch the ground.

Cole saw at first hand what happened when Zafira consumed a soul. The two men rapidly shriveled and shrank like raisins under a merciless hot sun. Their eyes dried to fine powder. Their hair turned pure white. Their skin darkened and collapsed around their bones. Their lifeless components fell silently to the ground.

Unsure of what to do, Cole stood dumbfounded with his cock still protruding into open air, aimed at the unseen horizon.

“Mmm…” Zafira stood. She folded her wings behind her. “It has been centuries since I’ve tasted the cum of a pure soul. Such a sweet dessert after a large meal like this.” She looked intently at Cole’s cock, still in the open. A small dollop of cum hanging from the tip of Cole’s penis slowly floated through the air to the tip of Zafira’s forked tongue.

Cole quickly put his cock back into his trousers. “Now what are we going to do about them? We can’t leave their bodies here for the CPD to find. Cops don’t like unexplained corpses.”

Zafira flashed Cole a smile. She raised her hands and clicked her fingers. In an instant, the bodies of the two men ignited like rags soaked in gasoline. The fire burned with such intensity that Cole had to step back for his face hurt from the heat. The bodies were charred beyond recognition within seconds.

The flames slowly dissipated. Zafira calmly knelt down, puckered her lips and blew air from her mouth. The charred corpses disintegrated into ash, blowing through the air until there was literally no trace there ever had been two men.

She pointed at the pistol on the ground where she tossed it earlier. She snapped her fingers again. The steel weapon crumbled into rust.

“Ashes to ashes,” Zafira said, winking at Cole.

Zafira walked casually to her dress puddled on the ground. Her tail, wings, and horns all returned inside her body, leaving just a tattooed nude beauty in the moonlight.

“So where were we?” Zafira said as she slipped her dress back on.

Cole stood motionless, trying to sort out all that had just transpired. He was almost mugged, then he watched two guys fuck Zafira, and have their souls ripped from their bodies, then set on fire and vanish without a trace. All of that, while experiencing the best orgasm he had ever given himself.

She stood in front of Cole and clicked her fingers in front of his eyes. “Hello? Anyone in there?”

“Oh! Um. We were discussing terms. I think.”

She gave him a stern look. “It’s decision time, Cole. Do you agree to our deal, or not?”

Cole paused for a moment. He knew she had powers that he didn’t yet fully understand. He also knew he had no one to turn to for help in finding Maria’s killer. What choice did he really have?

“Okay, I’ll do it.” he replied.

“Great!” Zafira said, jumping up and hugging Cole. “If you are certain of your answer, then kiss me. It’s how we succubi seal these types of arrangements.”

He was hesitant, but he leaned forward and gave Zafira a small peck on the lips.

“You call that a kiss?” she scolded.

“Fine.” Cole leaned in and kissed her passionately this time.

Their lips pressed together and fireworks exploded in Cole’s mind. The way her kiss felt was unlike anything he had ever experienced with Maria, which he was ashamed to admit to himself.

“That was much better. I’m actually impressed,” Zafira said.

“Thanks, I guess.” Cole said.

Zafira looked at herself. “Whew, I’m sweaty and dirty from all that. I need a shower. Thankfully, my lair isn’t far from here. Care to walk me home?”

Cole nodded. There were still things he didn’t understand, plenty more that he needed to discuss with her. Visiting her lair would be a good place to start.

And so they walked, Zafira’s arm around Cole’s back and her head rested on his shoulder.

 

THE END OF CHAPTER TWO