Natural Consequences by Elliott Kay Read Free Book Online Page A

said.
    “No,” he shook his head. “No, I don’t.”
    “You believe you are more attractive to other women because of me, and that is in fact somewhat true. You still don’t accept how little of that is due to mystical influence rather than natural confidence and experience. You worry that women are under some sinister spell, when they are free to—”
    “Lorelei, stop,” he interrupted. Then he took a breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I don’t blame you for Olivia.”
    “And the others?” she asked. “I know your desires, Alex. I know how you feel about all of these women, and others. You know your freedom, and yet you do not follow your urges. Is that not because you fear there is some clouding of consent?”
    “No. I mean I did, but I kind of understand now. It’s more that…” His voice trailed off, but he mustered his courage. He had to address this, for both their sakes. “Lorelei, do you want other men?”
    Her answer was calm, quiet and straightforward: “Yes.”
    He felt it hit inside. Thankfully, she continued.
    “You asked a direct question, and you deserve a direct answer. Alex, no one will ever replace you. You have not failed or fallen short in any way. I could never enjoy anything that brought you harm. I will not tire of you. Quite the contrary—you and I will never have enough of one another, regardless of the sorcery and the curses that bind us.
    “When I was made into a succubus, I became a creature of desire, of lust and hedonism. You and Rachel satisfy me, you excite me… but it would be a lie to claim that I would not enjoy others.”
    “Is this because— “ Alex started to ask, and then stopped. “No. Not because. Is this why you wanted me to be with other women?”
    “Partially,” confessed Lorelei. “I derive both pleasure and power when you give in to your desires. Our direct intimacy and that which you share with Rachel is always the most fulfilling. Your other dalliances do not bring the same ecstasy, but t hey are still wonderful.
    “Ye t I also hoped that your freedom would help you eventually understand my point of view and my urges, and the security we have together.” Her voice fell a notch. “I did not expect to have this conversation with you so soon. Not for years. But I knew it would come. I knew this double standard would trouble you long before I began to chafe.”
    “Yeah, I guess I kind of knew, too. That’s why I haven’t been fooling around. It just didn’t seem right when you couldn’t.”
    Slight amusement brightened her face. “We haven’t exactly had a complete restriction. I’ve had my fun.”
    “Oh, I’m sure,” Alex rolled his eyes, “but I imagine only being able to get with other women isn’t the same.”
    “You should not underestimate how much pleasure I take from women.”
    “Still,” he shook his head. “ The more I think about it, the more the only reason I was okay with other women but not other men was just… ego.”
    “You’re allowed to have an ego, Alex,” Lorelei smiled .
    “Yeah, but I’m saying… you and Rachel are serious. You’re in love. It’s not a Penthouse fantasy. So if I’m okay with that, why should the gender matter?”
    “Every relationship must find its balances. Again, I don’t want you to force yourself on this. I am not burdened. You’ll note I’ve never brought the subject up.”
    “Okay, but… what do you want?”
    Lorelei shrugged. “I cannot imagine wanting to be with another man when I could have you, but the two of us are not together at all times—nor should we be. I would enjoy the freedom to play when we are apart, should interest arise… and it inevitably will. Context also plays a role; often my desires are born more from a situation than by attraction to a given individual. Sooner or later, I will want to play through on such circumstances.”
    “One night stands can turn into something bigger,” he observed soberly.
    “They can,” nodded Lorelei,