Chapter 3: In Which A Demon Is Grateful

This wasn’t the weirdest moment of her life. And it wasn’t the first time someone had taken her in. When Jasper popped up from hell she was alone, until arriving in Ledisi Tillerson’s backyard. They’d met thanks to a cheap, sketchy rock that opened said gateway. Jasper knew better than to buy keys from a demon selling baggies of ash on the corner, but she was desperate.
It worked out for them in the end. Ledisi was a vivacious vixen and a great friend. She taught Jasper how to be a normal land dweller and live without shame. They shared meals, a bed, and laughs for two wholesome years. It was the greatest romance of her life. At eighty-two, Ledisi was a spry freak who liked it rough.
“Jasper, you don’t even know these people. You can’t move in with them.”
Kit had always been an anxious worrywart who couldn’t whisper to save his life.
As they followed the Sunsides along a well-laid brick path she smiled. “Why not? They offered. And free too? You don’t understand how amazing that four-letter word is. I need this. And I’m not moving in with anyone. You heard Buck, they have cabins and…shit, look at this place.”
The couple owned a ranch, close to one thousand acres, and the surrounding mountain range. It was nearly 9pm but with the crescent moon aglow and her decent demonic vision, Jasper saw enough. Rolling hills, serene pastures,, and babbling streams.
“Ohhhh, I can see,” Kit mumbled. “The copse of trees are particularly frightening and nefarious. It’s dark out here. I don’t have the best night vision as you know. I should have brought the bear spray. Are there lions?”
“I don’t think lions live in this part of the world.”
“Through my travel research, I read that lions live on mountains. They are encircling us. This is…Jasper…”
Kit whined, clutching a beastly creature he called Julep. It was a ratty, black cat with sinister yellow eyes. Jasper was certain a hatch demon possessed the fearsome mammal. She shuddered and clapped her big brother on the shoulder.
“You sir, need to relax. We’ll be indoors. Cushy living, great food, and shit.”
Kit was three hundred years old, short, and rotund. He had the most adorable dimples and a set of ram horns she envied. But, he was too high-strung and had shaved down his impressive crown.
“This is your vacation, dear brother. Enjoy yourself. Let these fine folks spend their money. You don’t know how this world functions, cash is king. And I, don’t have much to spare.”
Kit shook his head as the Sunsides stopped at a charming one-story abode. It even had four-pane windows and a porch swing.
“You make terrible investments, Jasper. Dad said not to buy property in Wasteland. What do you do? You buy both magma pits and a hoard of expiring souls. He said don’t, buy a hellhound. You bought three and regretted it. This house is just another one of your impulsive purchases. And now, your leading us to our death.”
Kit was matter-of-fact, uppity, and judgmental, but Jasper loved every bit of him.
“Shut, your mouth, Squeak. Don’t be rude and behave.”
“I am older than you. And don’t call me that in front of—”
“This is incredible,” Jasper interrupted, reaching the Sunsides. “I mean seriously. It’s a real cabin. With logs and stuff. Wow.”
She knocked on wood and laughed. The cabin was private and semi-secluded with a twenty-minute walk from their main house.
Nieema grinned and opened the door. “If you like the outside, then you’ll love it in here. I do my very best to make the guest houses homey and inviting.”
“Cluttered is the word ya looking for.”
“Hush your mouth, Buck.”
The smiling gentleman listed against a thick timber column and tipped his hat. “Age before beauty.“
“Does that usually work?” Jasper asked, in passing. She didn’t match his gaze, it was for her own good. “Home, sweet, home.”
Jasper made sure to scrub her soles first. After stomping across the threshold, she dropped her duffel and inhaled vanilla. Cookies, cupcakes, and caramel. Every note delighted her senses. She wanted and needed to find whatever the hell smelled so amazing.
“Kit, look,” she pointed at an enchanting pebble stone fireplace, “it’s real. I’ve never stayed anywhere like this before.”
“Does it have indoor plumbing?”
“Kit!”
“It’s okay,” Nieema said. “Not everybody likes the vast outdoors. Camping ain’t for me either. If there isn’t a toilet then I’m not staying.”
“See.” Kit scoffed, still holding his ugly fucking cat. “She understands. But is there a toilet?”
“Yes, young man, there are facilities.”
Kit lifted his chin. “Young? I beg your pardon, Mr. Sunside—“
“Buck.”
“Mr. Sunside, I am older than most. Young for me was ages ago.”
“Welcome,” Buck shouted. “I too, am an old piece of shit.”
Kit was set to protest, but Jasper stopped the oncoming rant. “Thank you, again. It’s not often you find such great company. I am in your debt.”
“Is that right?”
Jasper tweaked a brow and glanced in Buck’s direction. “I can cook, clean, and keep to myself. Kit and I won’t be a bother.”
Nieema fluffed throw pillows and straightened a handmade quilt. It looked cozy and plush. Well crafted. Much like the buxom vampire, who was out of place. She belonged in a club, not a cabin worthy of any romantic Christmas film.
“No need for all that, now. It’s in my nature to help those in need.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m—“
Nieema balked and sashayed into the kitchen. “Your house is ‘bout two shakes and an ogres sneeze away from collapsing. I think you do need us, and I enjoy lending a hand. Or two.”
Jasper cleared her throat and tore free of Nieema’s arresting crimson stare. Who was the succubus here? Vampires were alluring but never Jasper’s cuppa. She was obsessed with their aesthetic, sure, but never enough to taste. They were greedy and possessive. Even more, vampires got in your head and compelled people. Demons succumbed to their wiles like anyone else, but not Jasper. She didn’t want any parts of Nieema or her alluring mister. No matter how nice they came off.
This was trouble and she knew it well. If Trevor taught her anything, it was that relationships were dangerous. She’d learned a valuable lesson far too late. This realm was not for the faint-hearted.
“Later on,” Buck started, “I’ll have somebody bring on in perishables and such. You eat meat, Kit?”
“No, I’m a fruit and veggie kind of fellow, and yes, of course, I eat meat. I don’t look this good by accident.”
Buck barked in heavy laughter and tested the faucet. “You a feisty bull if I ever done seen one. I think Hank might like you too much.”
“I’m sorry, who is—“
“Ground keeper.”
“Oh, hm.” Kit frowned at Jasper. “I’m claiming the master.”
“No, the fuck you are not!”
“Yes, I am.” Kit sniffed and squinted. “I am the eldest by a hundred years. If I—“
“You want me to tell Father you’re here?”
“You wouldn’t dare, you love me. I am your favorite.”
“Okay, not father. Buuuut, I might tell Venus.”
“Oh sweet poison berries. You are unbearable and…”
Kit went on his way while the couple chatted about housekeepers.
Jasper rapped rings on the dining table to gather their attention. “I don’t need help cleaning. I wanna do it myself.”
“You sure?” Buck asked.
With his dark eyes fixed, she flushed. “I am positive. I know my way around a mop and bucket.”
Jasper quickly clothed herself with cool and collected. As a succubus, the male species tended to her unique needs and riled her innermost desires. She wanted to make him suffer, beg, cower, and crave. Buck appeared strong. He was wide and willing. A soul spiked with magic and malice.
She had no idea what ran through his veins but he plucked multiple threads at once. His silence spoke for itself.
Nieema sighed aloud and flashed porcelain fangs.
“If you need anything, call, holler, ring even. I can send you a bell.”
Jasper chuckled and crossed her arms. She peered down at the small, regal woman. “I’m good. Plus, I have your number. Annnnd, we’re neighbors now.”
“C’mon mama,” Buck beckoned. “Moonlight burning.”
“Are you rushing me?”
“Why yes, I do think I am. Come now. I ain’t fooling. I’m starving and I need rising tea. I ain’t had my first sip tonight and I’m about to go hog wild. Do—“
“He’s always throwing a tantrum. Look at him, ain’t he something else? Buckley Sunside stop embarrassing me!”
“I’ll show you—“
Nieema hissed and Jasper flinched. The display both amused and terrified her.
“Oh, you’re feeling froggy ‘tnight. I’ll be on my way woman.”
Buck flicked his hat and nodded as he departed. Nieema was mischievous, trembling with mirth.
“I love getting him riled. It keeps the flame bright If you know what I mean.”
“I don’t,” Jasper said.
Nieema hummed. “Well alright, missy. I’ll be seeing you. If you’d like, supper is at three am on the dot. I’d like the company. I got four grandsons staying over and Buck. I’d love a smidge of feminine energy such as yours.”
“Feminine energy?”
“Yes, of course. You shine with it.”
Jasper stamped out a ridiculous giggle, then canted her head. She considered her tattered hiking boots, torn overalls, and gritty tank. Soft and feminine wasn’t the look she was going for today. Colorful and cute yes, femme, no.
Flexing tattooed fingers and her jaw, she nodded. “Sure, why not.”
“I knew you’d say yes.”
“How so?”
Nieema floated toward the door and exited with a wink.
“Okay then.” Jasper shrugged, spinning on her heels. She pointed at the ice box and hoped there was something good to ease her frazzled nerves.