Everett took off his heavy soled boots on the porch to leave them by the door. It was late, or early, just before dawn, and he did not want to alert the beast to his presence should she be asleep. In his stocking feet, he glided soundlessly through the deserted waiting room that used to be their sun room.

Passing through the short hall of patient rooms, he expected to see the light on in his wife's office but thankfully, it was not. Breathing a sigh of relief when he entered their living room, he dropped onto the couch, exhausted from his final late night patrol. His eyes burned as if acid had been thrown into them. His feet ached but not nearly as much as his heart.

He lay down, resting his head on the hand embroidered pillow. His wife would have a fit to see him lying on the decorative pillow she had made herself. Everything about her had overtaken his home and his life. Their life had become about appearances and how everyone in the colony perceived them. It was tiresome.

Draping his arm over his eyes, expelling a weary sigh, he tried not to see the image that had burned itself into his memory. The two of them, Miyu and that man, lying in the leaves, making love, whispering about how much they loved each other. It had taken everything inside of him not to throw up yet he couldn't look away or move. They had no idea he was there, watching. They were too wrapped up in each other to notice anything else.

Everett had made the preparations for the upcoming cleansing ritual as requested by his dear wife. He inhaled deeply, but he still felt as if he could not breathe.

A crawling sensation like a spider skittering up his arm made chill bumps raise up on his skin. Everett's entire body tensed. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as the fight or flight mechanism revved up which he quelled by a sheer act of will.

Shit, he thought, lying still, feigning sleep. I should of known.

The floorboards creaked as if someone had taken a step into the living room. Someone hadn't just entered; they were already there before he arrived, waiting for him in the dark

"Feeling guilty, my darling?" his wife inquired, flicking on the floor lamp sitting beside her rocking chair.

Everett forced himself to remain calm, popping open one eye to cast a cursory glance at her. Dressed for bed in her peach colored flannel nightgown, her fingers worked nimbly with the sharp gold knitting needles weaving the final stitches of the soft pink blanket that would hold their soon to be born baby girl. The wooden planks groaned under the runners of the chair as she slowly rocked back and forth. She made a lovely picture of motherly contentment.

"If I were a jealous woman, I would be angry that you still care so much about her. I would also find it pathetic that despite her rejecting you and having the audacity to show up with that new mate of hers, you don't hate her," Vida said, her voice calm, controlled, each word calculated.

"You are a jealous woman," Everett corrected, keeping his tone neutral, almost bored. "I have every reason to hate her yet you are the one who hates her the most."

"She left you alone. She took everything away from you. Everything you could have been. Everything you should have been. Doesn't that make you angry?" she asked, finishing the final loop to complete the blanket.

"I never wanted an arranged marriage. Neither did she. It was a mutual agreement between the two of us to call if off," he muttered, her barbed words stoking the fires of fury warming his belly.

"Is that what you tell yourself?" she scoffed. "Whatever gets you through the night, my dear."

Vida was making herself the target of his ire at the moment. She had an innate talent for finding the right things to say to push every last emotional button inside of him. Yes, for a long, long time he hated Miyu for running away, for breaking the betrothal agreement, and destroying the plans that had been made for them. However, he had forgotten what it was like to hate her until he saw her with that man.

She was supposed to be mine. Dammit!, he raged inside.

Everett , a half breed like Miyu, had been her destined mate. She was never supposed to leave. She was supposed to be with him, his other half to make a whole; two parts of a single unit to become an unstoppable guardian.

They were responsible for the safety and protection of the community. Their preternatural half imparted the strength, life span, and unique abilities required to provide safety for the members of the group. Their human side enabled them to move freely between the two worlds, blending in easily with either side while keeping one hidden from the other.

Above and beyond that duty, Everett and Miyu were meant to be the progenitors of a new breed. They were supposed to be the half human lab rats of a genetic experiment using the old fashioned method of procreation. They would bear and raise the first generation of natural born guardians within the colony without the necessity of the incubi or succubi seeking outsider humans to create them. If the experiment worked, the gene pool would be expanded and diversified eventually eliminating the need for human intervention while weeding out their human frailties and weaknesses through time.

Unfortunately, Miyu's human mother got wind of the plan. Doing what any good mother scared out of her mind would do, she took her child and ran. To this day, only a few select people knew of the plan or knew why Miyu's mother actually left. Mitch Garrison was not one of those people.

His second wife Eliza, on the other hand, was a different story. She had happily married the bereft man who grieved his wife and daughter as if they were dead because according to the colony they might as well be dead. Eliza had wanted Mitch for herself all along while detesting Miyu's mother. All too willingly, she took on the job to keep him in the dark about the real reason for his first wife's kidnapping of their daughter and subsequent abandonment of him and the colony .

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Everett asked her, sitting up on the couch. "The process is risky and might not even work."

"Sweetheart," Vida purred. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life."

She placed the blanket on top of the huge basket full of different colored yarn skeins on the floor beside her chair. Even with her above average strength, she struggled to push her burgeoning body out of the rocking chair. Once on her feet, her hands lovingly caressed the expansive roundness of her abdomen encompassing their child.

"There has never been a more ideal night for a soul transference. The heavens are literally aligning for us. There is going to be a harvest moon during the cleansing ritual. What better time for harvesting the spirit of the guardian? Miyu's soul will never be more pure and clean than it will be then. Our child will be born at the same time tonight. Can you not see that it is an act of destiny that she came back and the ceremony will be taking place at this exact time?"

"I see your point, but I don't think - " he began, scrubbing his hands over his weary face.

"Don't think!" his wife shrieked, abruptly cutting him off. "What was meant to be yours all along will finally be in your grasp!" She placed her hand on his chest over his heart, her other hand stroking his smooth black hair. "You won't have your precious Miyu but some things can't be helped. You'll still have me, my darling."

Oh, joy, he thought to himself.

Everett gritted his teeth avoiding looking into her glowing yellow eyes ignited by the flames of her self-serving madness. He wished she would stop petting him as if she were placating a hurt child.

"What I need you to do is kill Miyu Nakashima. Free her soul to transfer it to our child. Then our daughter will become what you and her were meant to be. Two half breeds will finally make a whole, she will become the perfect guardian to protect this colony. We will rise to power and become the leaders."

"I had no idea you were really so selfish and hateful," he growled through his teeth, managing to make eye contact with her. "Why is it so important to you to become the leader?"

"I will do anything to protect this colony, to protect these people, my people," she sneered, taking great care to emphasize the distinction of her status as a purebred succubus. "I will never allow a damn human to take anyone I love from me again. Do you understand?"

"Yeah. I understand," he grumbled, getting to his feet to stand in front of her rather than allowing her to look down on him any longer.

Over six feet tall, Everett towered over her by more than a foot. Tiny, bitter, and mean as hell, the little woman intimidated him as she glared up at him.

"I know you don't love me. You never have. Ours was a marriage of convenience, and we both know that. We were both hurting and needed someone."

He lowered his face close to hers, his eyes shifting between both of her irises alight with a ambient amber light from the deep-seated hatred in her heart. He would probably regret his next words, but he was going to speak them. He was about to regret a lot of his actions. If he was going to kill the woman who should have been his wife, he was going to speak his mind to the demon woman he did marry.

"It's not Miyu's fault or mine that a human killed your first husband. He cheated on you in case you've forgotten. Can't say I blame that man for shooting your husband in the back of his head as he fucked his wife. It was your husband's fault you were left behind, alone and pregnant. I did you a favor by marrying you and accepting his baby as my own. You really should be more grateful, you heinous bitch."

Everett's head twisted painfully to the right after her open hand forcefully struck his left cheek delivering a punishing slap. Maybe he deserved the retribution; maybe he didn't.

"I will complete the task my mother couldn't fifteen years ago," she informed him resolutely.

A fire burned in her molten gold eyes as she glowered at him with an iron clad resolve. Her beauty hid the most fearsome evil inside which he got to see on an up close and frequent basis.

"I will bring back the guardian spirit to the colony. We will live and rule as a king and queen," he stated without meaning a single word. He was telling her what she wanted to hear.

Everett rubbed his throbbing jaw. He could not care less about being in charge of this damnable colony of selfish, soul sucking, otherworldly weirdos. Deep in his heart, the heart that stupidly still loved her, he knew Miyu didn't deserve to die. However, to keep the demon in front of him happy, he would offer up Miyu as a sacrifice. Maybe if she were dead he could get over her.

~..'..~

Miyu hugged the toilet as her stomach spewed forth another fountain of the despicable, vile fluid she had been vomiting for what seemed like hours. Black and tar like, the thick, viscous substance had the consistency of burned motor oil and what she assumed would be the same taste.

Once her throat was sufficiently scorched by the acidic vomit and her stomach emptied, she wiped her mouth with the waiting towel already smeared with gray-black soot like stains. She flushed the gross mess away before resting her forehead on the cool plastic of the seat. The cleansing had begun early this morning, and she was ready for it stop since the sun had almost set.

"Miyu, are you all right?" Kuki asked from the other side of the bathroom door.

"It's safe at the moment if you want to come in," she replied, her voice shaky.

The door opened, and he cautiously peered in. Taking a chance, he came in and knelt down in front of her, handing her a bottle of water before placing an ice pack on the back of her neck.

"Oh, god, that feels great," she whispered. "Thank you."

Her heated skin immediately began to melt the ice that cooled her and helped reduce her nausea. The chilled water she drank put out the fire in her throat as she drained the bottle. Although she wanted more, she feared drinking too much because that would only provide her body with more fluid to expel.

"Eliza said it should be over soon. She explained that your body is ridding itself of the negative emotions and memories you've absorbed from others," he said, moving the ice pack to the side of her neck.

"I'm sorry," she apologized to him.

"Don't apologize," he murmured, pushing back the sweaty hair plastered to her red cheeks. "I probably would have had to do this someday. You know, morning sickness and all...when you're pregnant."

"Children?" she exhaled in a rush.

"You want to have babies with me, right?"

Miyu had never considered having children with anyone before. Not that she did not want them, she had just never thought of them as being an option. She had assumed she would always be alone.

But things had changed because of Kuki Urie. What would their child be like? Human, succubus, and ghoul - a frightening genetic cocktail. Would it even be possible for them to have a child with all of their mixed up DNA?

"I don't know. I just - " She paused to allow the wave of nausea to wash over her, cresting then ebbing away without ending in a disgusting flow. Her eyes watered when another wave started to build. "You might want to leave."

"I'll go get you some more water. I'm sure you're going to need it."

Miyu took the ice pack from him, applying it to the back of her neck. Thankfully the queasiness subsided. Her body started shaking to ward off a chill so she abandoned the ice pack.

Crawling over to the tub on all fours, she reached over the side and turned on the faucets. The small bottle of essential oils sat on the wide edge of the oval porcelain tub set halfway into the floor. Uncorking it, she took a sniff of the cork soaked with the aromatic oils of frankincense and myrrh. The two created a scent something akin to citrus blended with wet earth. Clean and natural like a grove of orange trees after a refreshing rain.

Placing the pad of her finger over the end of the bottle, she wet the tip with a little of the oil. She massaged the scented oil into the skin above her upper lip before pouring the entire bottle into the stream of hot running water. The scent quelled the residual sick feeling in her gut.

Her shaking fingers went to the buttons on her shirt. She fumbled feebly with the small button, unable to free it from the hole. Her fingers were still too numb from holding the ice pack to work well.

"Dammit," she grunted in frustration.

"Can I help?" Kuki asked.

"Perfect timing," she sighed with relief. "I do need your help."

Kuki reached under her arms, lifting her up like a child to sit her on the edge of the tub. Her eyes studied his face as he set about undoing each tiny button on her blue and white flannel shirt. His face appeared surprisingly relaxed, the hard angles of his jaw and nose seemed softer and rounder in the muted light. She liked the way his eyes no longer upheld an impenetrable wall having yielded to the tender feelings he carried for her.

Miyu traced his jaw from his chin to his ear, her fingers drifting back across his high cheekbone before her hand fell away so he could slide her shirt from her body. She smiled at him when he moved closer, reaching around her in a loose embrace to unhook her bra. Goosebumps raised across her back under the light touch of his fingertips. More gooseflesh appeared along her arms as his palms glided down them to remove her bra.

"Sometimes being vulnerable, allowing someone to help you, is a good thing," Kuki said, taking her by the hands to raise her to a standing position. "You taught me that."

"It's a lesson I'm learning also," she admitted, her arms hanging by her sides as he unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans.

Her hands held onto his shoulders as he lowered his body along with her jeans and underwear. She lifted one foot then the other for him to take them off completely. This was the second time he had undressed her in such an intimate manner; she could definitely get used to it. Holding on to his hand to steady herself, she stepped into the scented water.

"So is the worst over?" Kuki asked, sitting on the step built into the side of the bathtub.

"Oh, my god, I hope so," she groaned, sinking into the wonderfully hot water until it reached her neck.

Kuki cupped his hand in the water, dribbling it over her head.

"Hey!" she cried out, giggling. She reclined against the gradually sloped back of the tub, her eyes connecting with his. "There's a Harvest Moon tonight."

"Harvest Moon? What is that?"

"It signals the beginning of the autumnal equinox, the start of fall. It became known as the Harvest Moon because the moon rises at sunset, big and bright, offering the farmer's extra light and more time to harvest their crops."

"And to you it means more, right?" he ventured, sprinkling water across her chest.

"Of course," she rejoined, running her hands up her arms to massage the scented water and oil into her skin. "It's a great night for rituals. Spiritual energy is higher than normal. Or so I've always been told. But I suppose that's pretty much with any full moon."

"What do you believe?" His fingers skimmed over her chest from one shoulder to the other.

"I don't know really," she murmured. "I'm confused about a lot of things where my succubi heritage is concerned."

"Is that the only thing you're confused about?" he asked, sliding his hand down her arm.

"If you're referring to us, I'm no longer confused about that," she said, threading her fingers through his as he held her hand under the water.

"Good," he said, sliding the fingers of his free hand through her hair.

Miyu held his ardent gaze, his dark eyes capturing hers, as his fingers slipped down her neck. Her breath hitched when his smooth fingertips grazed the side of her breast.

The sound of someone clearing their throat made them both jump guiltily. Kuki splashed the water over her shoulder nonchalantly as if assisting her with bathing while Miyu peeked around him to see Eliza standing at the door.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she said, her porcelain cheeks stained with a bright red blush. "I brought you something."

Eliza entered the room carrying a cup that looked like an old fashioned medieval chalice. Made of silver, unadorned and shined to a brilliant finish, Miyu assumed the cup contained the wine mixture for the ceremony. What other kind of vessel would one expect for a ritual libation?

"What is it?" Kuki inquired with evident suspicion.

He took the cup from the woman when she held it out toward Miyu. He sniffed the contents, taking a sip.

"It's warmed red wine infused with cinnamon, ginger, and myrrh. It's medicinal. It's not poison," Eliza laughed off handedly.

"I know. I'm just curious," he murmured, passing the cup to Miyu.

Miyu knew he was more than just curious. He really had been checking the drink for poison. Her belly tightened with apprehension. Did he sense something she could not because they were hiding it from her?

She swirled the burgundy liquid that resembled blood around in the cup. Afterwards, she tipped the cup toward her nose inhaling deeply to take in the intoxicating scent of the alcohol mixed with the fragrant spices and medicinal oil.

Here goes everything, she thought to herself, taking a hearty sip. The drink burned her raw throat before heating her entire body as it flowed into her belly.

"Your ceremonial gown is on the dresser, Miyu," Eliza announced before turning her attention to Kuki. "There is a set of clothes for you as well. They're on the bed. We assume you will be taking part in the ceremony. You are her mate, aren't you?"

Miyu hid her smile by tipping up the chalice to drink when Kuki's eyes latched onto her face. She did not especially care for the word mate which hinted at her feral nature like she was a mere beast and at the mercy of her carnal desires. However, she did like the idea they were being viewed as a couple, given to one another though not married.

"Well, I uh..." He hesitated, clearing his throat.

He visibly floundered for the correct answer as not to offend Miyu since the word mate was used but without denying their couple status. She had never seen him so flustered. Allowing him to grow more ill at ease until his face turned such a deep shade of red he was almost purple, she decided to come to his rescue.

"Yes," she answered bluntly, confidently.

"I thought so. Well, I'll leave you two to finish getting ready," Eliza said, disappearing from their sight.

Kuki exhaled a noisy sigh of relief. Miyu giggled while finishing off the wine.

"You're mean," he hissed, splashing water in her face.

She laughed again, wiping the water out of her eyes with her water puckered fingers. Time to get out especially since she was feeling a little lightheaded. The wine hit her like a sucker punch making her feel a bit loopy. She felt comfortably numb, the pain in her stomach was gone.

"You should get out," he suggested.

"Help me?" she requested, setting the empty cup on the edge of the tub.

Miyu held up her arms like a child waiting for him to lift her out which he did by leaning over to enclose her upper body with his arms to pull her to her feet. She twisted her arms tightly around his neck giving him no choice but to pick her up into a bridal carry to lift her up and out of the tub.

"Mmmm," she hummed as he rubbed her down with a fluffy towel to dry her off. "You're going to spoil me."

"Nothing wrong with that," he said, leading her to the bedroom.

Another silver goblet full of the wine mixture waited on the dresser next to a pile of silky black material. Kuki picked up the gown unfolding it to see it would barely cover anything.

"You're going to freeze," he muttered, staring disapprovingly at the outfit.

"Trust me. I won't feel a thing," she assured him, picking up the cup.

"Hmph," he grunted.

Miyu reluctantly put down the chalice, raising her arms up for him to pull the gown over her head. The satiny material felt cool and soft as it drifted down her body. Although the skirt fell to her ankles, it was slit up both sides to her thighs. The top tied around her neck, open in a deep v down to her waist and open across the back.

"Whoa, this is something else," she mumbled into the cup, her words slurring slightly. "Man, this is some strong stuff."

"Are you okay?" He turned to dress in the white linen clothing that had been laid out on the bed for him.

"I'm just fine. Well, that's not fair," she huffed when he was finished dressing.

A pair of loose pants and an oversized long sleeved shirt comprised his outfit yet she was nearly naked.

"It's time to go!" Mitch Garrison yelled from downstairs, his strong voice virtually shaking the rafters of the house.

"It's time to go," Kuki repeated, taking the cup from her and setting it on the dresser. "Are you scared?"

"Yeah," she admitted, hooking her arm through his for him to escort her downstairs.

"Don't worry. I'll be there. Should anything go wrong, I'll protect you."

"I know." She kissed his cheek. "You're my hero."

"I've never been anyone's hero," he scoffed.

"No? Well, maybe not until now. But you're my hero. Don't you ever forget that Kuki Urie."