Turbulence: Back to School

by

Julie O

Edited by Amelia R.

 

Chapter 81

"Why is it that I can't read Mick?" I asked Amelia.

"There are several possibilities," she replied.

We were fixing dinner. It was so nice outside that we were barbecuing some chicken. Amelia had a Jamaican jerk recipe that she had been wanting to try.

"I know he's not the succubus," I stated firmly.

Amelia looked up from the grill. "Why? I know you like him, but he's as good a suspect as anyone. Tell me, can you read me?"

I concentrated. "Yes. I can sense that you're deeply concerned that my passion is overriding my common sense. However, I didn't need to read you for that!"

Amelia smiled. "Okay, now try again."

I attempted to read her, but got nothing.

"Those of us with powers can block a power like yours if we want to. It just involves mental concentration."

"Are you saying that Mick has powers?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "You've said many times how atypical he is."

"But to block my spell, he would have to know that I have powers," I countered.

She shook her head. "I didn't say he was exactly like us. If he's feeding off his fellow students, then he might be always be on guard. A hunter often senses the other hunters."

"He's had plenty of opportunities to take essence from me," I argued. "Why has he left me alone?"

"Have you been with him during a full moon?"

I shook my head.

"Then again, he might just be something else completely. He may not even be involved," continued Amelia. "I just know that he's not what he appears to be, so be careful."

"Well, we have the rave this Friday, so if something is going to happen it will be happening soon."

"Changing the subject, I just want to say that I'm very pleased with the way you've helped Jamie," stated Amelia.

"I like him, I mean her, a lot. In some ways she's going through the same sort of thing I went through when I became Iona. Do you think the spell that stole her masculinity is responsible for her acceptance?"

"Maybe. I just think that Jamie is a very adaptable young woman. I wish Jim was half as resilient as Jamie. He's on anti-depressants and has become very withdrawn. I fear the worst for him. He's angry and confused."

"Can I help?" I asked.

Amelia shook her head. "No. He's totally unwilling to listen to anyone. His parents came down on him initially and blamed his drug use. I don't think they were a very close family to begin with."

"Does he look as feminine as Jamie?"

"More. The spell has changed him much faster than Jamie. In most cases that means the succubus had 'issues' with the victim. They weren't just interested in taking his masculinity, they wanted to hurt him."

"Jim always appeared to get along with Mick. The fact that he ate lunch with him everyday is proof of that. I can't believe how tribal everyone is at school."

"That's a good choice of words. We questioned Jim, but nothing stood out. Maybe you can ask around and see if he had any enemies."

I nodded. "If we do find a way to reverse the spell, what do we do about Jamie?"

"We'll leave that up to her."

"I don't think she'll want it."

"Speaking from personal experience?" she asked, as she checked the chicken.

"Sort of. My case was different. If I became a guy again, I would have had to start another new life. I didn't want to do that again. Roger was dead as far as the world was concerned. I just feel that she's happy as a girl. Plus her family loves her."

"Yes, Jamie is very lucky."

"I'm going to miss her," I lamented.

"Don't give up so quickly. We might be able to work something out," comforted Amelia. "Well, these look ready. You hungry?

"Famished!"

Chapter 82

To avoid the local malls, and possibly running into someone we knew, I decided to take Jamie to the big downtown mall called Horton Plaza. That was also where Aunt Kayla had first taken me shopping after I became Iona. It was strange, but that seemed like a lifetime ago, no pun intended.

Jamie was dressed in jeans and a green sleeveless top. She had a thin silver chain around her neck.

"Mom gave me some cash. She wanted to give me her credit card, but they usually ask for photo ID now," lamented Jamie.

"That's okay. Downtown stores take cash too," I quipped.

Jamie giggled.

"Okay. What do you want to get?"

"Just a few outfits to start out with. Maybe some skirts and tops," replied Jamie.

"You need shoes too," I remarked.

"Okay. Anything else?"

I smiled and glanced over at her. "How do you feel about getting your ears pierced?"

"Really?"

"Jamie, earrings are so much a part of your wardrobe. Besides it doesn't hurt that much," I replied.

"Okay." Her hand went up instinctively to her earlobe.

We parked the car on the upper level. I always parked in the exact same area. The parking lot was huge and it was easy to get lost. I suddenly realized that this was one of the places Beth had been when she was tracking down the man who transformed her. I let out a sigh.

"What's wrong?" asked Jamie.

"Oh, just thinking about an old friend."

Horton Plaza was five stories of shopping. Granted there were cheaper places to shop, but I could take Jamie to those another day. I wanted her first day out as a girl to be fun and memorable.

We spent three hours working our way through the stores. Luckily, Jamie was a near ideal size, and we found plenty of things to fit her. We made two trips back to my car to put things in the trunk.

"What do you say to lunch first and then we get your ears pierced?" I asked.

Jamie nodded. "You feel like Chinese?" She pointed to a Chinese fast food restaurant.

"Sure, that sounds great," I replied.

As we ate I asked her how everything was at home.

"Dad's really supportive. He even made a joke about my situation," commented Jamie.

"What was it?"

"He said that while he wanted me to be happy, he wanted to remind me that when I get married, he would be the one to pay for it now!"

I laughed. "Did you tell them that you still prefer girls?"

"No, I want to give them time to adjust to me being their daughter, but they'll have to deal with the fact that I'm a lesbian," replied Jamie. She then began to laugh.

We were soon laughing uncontrollably. To the rest of the mall, it looked like two teenage girls acting silly; that just goes to show you how deceptive looks are.

After lunch we headed to the shop that pierced ears. The salesgirl was a little surprised that Jamie was just getting her ears pierced.

"You're a senior and you're just getting them pierced now?" she asked, as she checked the approval form.

"She was in a religious school," I lied.

Jamie winked back at me.

"Yuck! I survived twelve years of Catholic school myself. Well, sweetie, welcome to the twenty-first century!" she joked.

Twenty minutes later we walked out. Jamie had a single gold stud in each ear.

"That wasn't so bad," stated Jamie, as she reached up and touched her ears.

"Keep them clean, or you'll know real pain," I cautioned.

Jamie smiled. "By the way, just in case I forget, thanks."

"You're welcome," I replied.

I was pleased to report to Amelia that I never sensed Mick once.

 

Chapter 83

"Hi, Carly!" greeted Zoë.

I smiled and turned to greet her.

"Where're you off to?" she asked.

"Just headed home, why?" I responded.

"You want to go get some coffee?" she asked.

"Sure, you want me to drive?" I asked, as we walked towards the student parking lot.

"That would be cool. My car is home today," she replied as she walked next to me.

"Oh, I see. I'm just transportation!" I joked.

Zoë leaned over towards me and whispered. "I know that you're far more than just a ride."

I felt a growing feeling of submission. It wasn't overpowering, but I began to feel the desire to obey Zoë. In fact, it was so subtle that I barely noticed it at first.

We bought our coffee and began to walk around the strip mall. As we window-shopped, we made small talk. Then Zoë brought up the upcoming rave.

"You're coming, right?" she asked, in a way that was almost an order.

"Of course. I've been looking forward to going," I replied.

"I want you to come with me," she stated.

"Okay," I replied.

"You know that I love you," she stated.

I turned and smiled back at her.

"You love me too, don't you?" she asked.

I nodded.

"No, Carly, say it," she ordered.

We were standing just outside a small boutique. I turned and looked at her. "I love you."

"Cool. I just wanted you to say it," she replied. "Can you give me a ride home?"

A short time later I dropped her off at her house. She gave me a quick kiss. I was about to pull out of her driveway, when I suddenly detected Mick. He was nearby, but I wasn't sure where. This was getting annoying and I was getting tired of it. I headed home, as it was my night to cook dinner. I stopped my car when I heard someone call out my name. I turned my head and….

Chapter 84

I arrived home and was surprised to find Amelia already there and she was preparing dinner. This was surprising.

"You're home early," I stated, as I walked into the kitchen.

"Early?" She looked over at the clock. "Honey, it's almost seven. I was beginning to get worried. Where were you?"

I stopped and suddenly it hit me. "I have no idea."

"You sure?" she asked in a worried tone.

I nodded. I then noticed that I wasn't wearing my protective ring. "Shit! I forgot to wear it today."

Amelia sat me down at the kitchen table. "Tell me the last thing you remember."

I concentrated. "I remember school ending. I was heading to the parking lot and then… that's it. The next thing I remember is walking through the door."

"I think I'd better examine you."

We went to her home office and I started to get undressed.

"What the…? I know I was wearing panties and a bra today!" I exclaimed as I undressed.

I then noticed that I had recently had sex. I still had the aroma of being with a man. My vagina still had sperm in it.

"Okay, this is going too far!" I exclaimed angrily. "I can't believe that Mick took advantage of me!"

"Are you sure it was Mick?" asked Amelia.

I shook my head. "I don't know who it was. Dammit! Why didn't I wear that ring?" I was more angry than upset.

"Most likely you know the person who did this to you."

"That doesn't make it any easier. Besides it wasn't a person that did this to me, it was a succubus."

"Technically, you should refer to it as an incubus, as it's obviously male," corrected Amelia.

"Succubus, incubus, mutant, it doesn't matter what it is, if I have my way it will be dead meat!" Okay, I was being a bit dramatic, but I was furious over being used.

For the next hour, Amelia examined me. Thankfully, my essences were untouched. Still, I was angry that someone had had sex with me. Amelia took a sample of the semen.

"I should be able to match this to whoever did this to you," she stated. "Tell me, Carly, do you feel different in any other way? Now think, is anything different?"

I thought about it for a few moments. "I don't know if this is important, but I feel an urge to dress more revealing, more sexy."

Amelia nodded. "I think you may have made contact with the succubus. When someone has a strong essence, they're drawn to it. You have a strong sexual nature due to the tattoo. The succubus may have been drawn to it."

"Okay, that makes sense, but why do I suddenly want to dress more risqué?"

"The succubus wasn't ready to take your essence, by turning up your feelings, they're, pardon the expression, fattening up the calf."

"So, I'm going to become oversexed?" I asked. "Or rather, more oversexed?"

Amelia nodded. "The feelings will become more intense."

"That will make the next couple of days at school more interesting!"

"It'll be difficult for you, but at least we know we're on the right path," she stated.

I nodded. "So, should I give in?"

Amelia nodded. "The succubus will be watching you, looking for the changes."

"Are there any ways that you can restore my memory? Maybe we'll be able to tell who did this." I asked.

"I'll try, but I'm not hopeful," she replied.

Amelia tried several techniques, but none were successful. All we could determine was that I knew the person.

Chapter 85

As I dressed for school the following morning, I found that I'd selected one of my skimpiest outfits. I was wearing a short blue skirt and a tight white low cut top. I also made myself up a bit heavier than I had been. I used eyeliner and made my eyes look a bit more dramatic. I also used a brighter red lipstick, topped with lip-gloss.

I didn't look any worse than many of my classmates, but it was a shift from my normal appearance. What bothered me was that I actually liked the way I looked.

Mick was a bit surprised by my new look, but he seemed to like it. I scanned him, but didn't detect any duplicity. I just sensed lust.

"Carly, you look hot today!" he stated as he slipped his arm around me.

"Thanks, I was hoping you'd approve," I cooed back, as I cuddled closer to him.

Mick responded by kissing me. I felt tingles throughout my body and craved being with him.

"I have to work today, but the way you look, I'm tempted to call in sick," whispered Mick.

"I wish you would," I replied. I could tell that he was aroused by my new look, but I couldn't tell if he was the reason why I had changed. I was almost tempted to ask him if we had had sex the previous day, but didn't. I didn't want to sound too much like a bimbo, although with the way I was acting I wasn't that far off.

School was pretty much a blur. I had trouble concentrating on anything other than sexual gratification. I noticed that my loosened desires seemed to be having a subtle effect on my classmates. I seemed to be projecting my lust on anyone that I concentrated on.

I didn't realize this until lunch. While I was waiting for Mick to arrive, I noticed a girl from my lit class walking across the quad talking to a boy. Her name was Chelsea and she was very pretty, although she was a bit of a stuck up snob. What surprised me was that she was talking to Dave.

Now Dave was a nice guy, but a bit of a nerd. He was a gangly looking redhead who wore thick glasses. He was also the smartest kid in the class and I suspected that Chelsea was being friendly with him in order to have him help her. Maria had told me that Chelsea often conned some unknowing guy into doing her work.

I tried to scan her mind to see if she was going to use Dave. I'm not sure what happened, but she suddenly became very attracted to Dave. Actually, attracted wasn't the best choice of words, she was lusting after him.

As they walked by, I heard her ask Dave if he had a girlfriend. Dave suddenly seemed more confident and to my surprise wrapped his arm around Chelsea. They walked away acting as if they were a real couple.

By the way, I didn't realize that it might have been me who did that to them until later in the day, not that I have any regrets over doing it.

Zoë liked my new style. "You look great. Say, why don't you join us, we're going shopping for the event this Friday."

I knew that she was referring to the rave. "Sure, that sounds great."

"Cool. We're going to a shop over in Pacific Beach. They have much hotter stuff there."

"Yes, this is going to be the last 'event' of the school year, so we want to look extra hot!" added Kelly.

I nodded. I hadn't known that this was the last one.

 

Chapter 86

We parked on Garnet Boulevard and headed to the shop that Zoë had talked about. I glanced over to my right and noticed the club across the street. It was a new place and it was called Club PB. It had been called The Reef, which was the club that I'd once worked in.

Zoë led us into the shop. She was right, they did cater in much more sexy items. Normally, I wouldn't have been all that excited about these sorts of clothes, but in my increased sexual state, I was fascinated by their selection.

I was immediately drawn to a really hot looking fire engine red PVC strapless tube dress. The back was laced up, in order to tighten the top. The mannequin showing it had a matching pair of knee-high stiletto boots. I stood there staring at it.

"Oh, Carly, that is so you!" exclaimed Sharon.

"It is pretty hot," I remarked.

"You have to try it on," Kelly concurred.

I nodded my agreement.

A short time later, the salesgirl was tightening the laces. "You have the perfect body for this sort of dress, you're so lucky."

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and was overwhelmed. The dress seemed to flow over my body, as if it had been painted on me. "It does look great," I replied.

"Great? Carly, it was made for you, and the boots are perfect!" insisted Kelly.

"Oh, Carly, you have to get it," agreed Zoë.

I sensed that she would love to have me out of the dress and in her bed.

I agreed and pulled out my credit card. I couldn't wait to wear it at the rave that Friday. I also bought some red stockings, a garter belt, and a thong.

The girls picked out equally risqué outfits. I wondered if I was projecting my increasing sexuality on them. We would look like a bunch of hookers instead of high school girls.

As we walked back towards the car, we passed a tattoo and body piercing shop. Zoë suggested that we all get our tongues pierced. Kelly rejected this idea.

"It's too close to the rave, they won't have time to heal. We can do it next week." She then cast a glance in my direction and licked her lips.

My sexual cravings turned towards Zoë. I lusted to be with her. I was losing the ability to control my sexual cravings, and what was scaring me was that I no longer cared. I needed to have sex and the yearning was too strong for me to resist.

Zoë just smiled back at me and whispered "Not yet, we'll get together Friday evening."

As soon as I got home, I ran up to my room and fumbled for my silver wand. Thankfully the batteries were new as I turned it on and heard the familiar whirring sound. It took me three sessions before I satisfied my cravings. I lay there, slowing regaining control of my emotional state. My breathing was heavy, but slowly returning to normal. I wondered if it had been this bad for Iona. I needed to find out who the succubus was this Friday, as there was no way I could go on like this.

 

Chapter 87

After dinner, I went up to my room to study, not anything from school, but rather one of the books that Aunt Kayla had given me. I studied my protection spells. I wanted to be ready for anything.

I then thought of something else and began to search the book. The problem was that ancient magical texts didn't come with an index. After an hour of frustration, I called up Aunt Kayla. I explained what I was looking for and she directed me to the correct page. I thanked her, as it was just the sort of spell I was looking for.

I spent the next couple of hours practicing the spell. Thankfully, it was a simple incantation. I practiced it a few times, until I was proficient. I looked at my clock and saw that it was after midnight. That night I would be at the rave and hopefully facing the demon that had caused so much pain to others.

 

Chapter 88

I tried to follow my daily routine. I didn't want to act differently and give myself away. I was still very horny and even another extra long session with my wand didn't help all that much.

School was pretty much a blur. The only thing I remembered was agreeing to meet Zoë and the others at eight at her house.

Amelia saw me off. She ensured that I had my tracking earrings on and that I was also wearing the new and improved memory protection ring.

"This stone is far more powerful that the other one. Now, I'll be close by, should you need help," comforted Amelia.

"Just you?" I asked.

Amelia smiled. "Bill has arranged for several officers to be standing by."

"Damn, I miss him!" I blurted out.

"It won't be long," she replied as she pulled me close for a hug.

I nodded. "This ends tonight."

Amelia nodded. "Oh, Bill passed on a note for me to give you." She handed me an envelope.

I opened it and read the letter. A smile broke out on my face. I showed it to Amelia.

Dear Iona,

Good luck and please try to keep your clothes on this time!

Love,

Bill

 

 

Chapter 89

I arrived at Zoë's house and found that Kelly and Sharon were already there. Kelly was applying her makeup and Sharon was putting on her mini-dress. Zoë was already dressed.

"Carly, let me do your makeup tonight," asked Kelly, looking up from the makeup mirror.

"Sure, that would be fun," I replied. "Let me get changed first."

I needed Zoë's help to pull the laces tight in the back of my dress. While the dress was a bit trashy, I had to admit that I looked really good in it.

Kelly sat me down and began to work on me. She was actually pretty good at applying makeup. The main thing that she did that I didn't like was that she used too much eyeshadow.

She also brushed out my hair and applied a whole lot of mousse.

"This will give you a wilder look," she explained as she worked on my hair.

She succeeded. I looked like I was a model from a fetish photo shoot. At least I would be noticed at the rave. I just hoped that it would be by the thing I was hunting.

"So, is it at the same place as last time?" I asked.

"No. It's going to be held in one of the old industrial centers east of here," answered Zoë.

It only took us twenty minutes to arrive at the site. Just as Zoë had stated, the rave was being held in an old industrial center. The front gate had security guards like before. I wondered who was paying for all this, as they were only charging twenty each to get in.

We drove through the complex until we reached the last building, located in the back.

There were a lot of cars already parked there. I scanned the area and was surprised that I couldn't detect Mick. I did detect Zach; at least the dealer was here.

Zoë led us inside where the numbing sound of the music ran through our bodies.

"I'll be right back," mouthed Zoë.

Sharon, Kelly, and I headed over to the juice bar. While the guards seemed to turn a blind eye to the drugs, they didn't allow any alcohol. We each got something to drink, while we waited for Zoë.

A few minutes later Zoë returned and handed us each the familiar yellow pill, with a full moon impressed into it. She watched me very carefully, and I was unable to chip off any of the pill before swallowing it. It didn't matter anyway, as I knew deep down that this would be my last opportunity to catch the succubus.

Zoë nuzzled close to me and whispered. "Good girl."

I felt that wave of submission that I had felt before near her. This time it was stronger.

She took me by the hand and led me to the dance floor.

As she led me, I found that I could still remember that it was Zoë who gave me the X-2. So far the new stone was protecting my memory.

While we danced the drug began to take effect. The effects seemed stronger this time. My whole body felt tingly and craving contact. I responded by snuggling up next to Zoë as we danced.

She leaned over. "It's a new batch, supposed to be much stronger. What do you think?"

I just nodded.

I tried to concentrate, but found it very difficult. I found I was being distracted by almost anything, from Zoë's touch to the flashing lights. She was right, the drug was much stronger and I was in big trouble.

I have no idea how long we stayed out on the dance floor, as I lost all track of time. I tried to look at my watch, but was distracted by the glow of the light. Zoë must have sensed my disorientation and slipped her arm around me.

"Come on, I think we need to take a break," she suggested, as she led me towards the back of the building.

Unlike the previous rave location, there were no rooms right off the dance floor. This time Zoë led me outside. The cool night air hit my sweaty body and almost overwhelmed my senses. It was like I could feel every skin cell.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"The party rooms are that way. I have something very special planned for you," confessed Zoë, as she led me away from the rave.

The drug numbed my mind and it was hard to concentrate. I was able to detect Mick, but only for a second. I couldn't focus enough to keep a lock on his presence.

"Come on, Carly. We're almost there."

Chapter 90

Zoë led me to a closed-up office. The sound of the rave was barely noticeable. I was shocked to see her pull a key out of her bag and unlock the door.

We walked inside and Zoë led me to a room in the back. The office had been unused for a while, as the air had the stink of stale air and dust. Zoë opened up a door and led me into a room. She leaned down and turned on a large camping lantern. In the light I could see an old leather couch, obviously left here by the previous occupant. It was one of those overstuffed sofas and had plenty room for two people to engage in a variety of sexual activities.

We sat down on the couch and began to make out. I craved being touched and offered no resistance as Zoë undid the back of my dress. I wanted to feel her hands on my body. I tried to focus and scan her mind. All I got was lust. I knew that I should be looking for the succubus, but Zoë's hands felt so good on my breasts.

After a few minutes Zoë had effectively stripped me and I was lying on my back. She was kissing me while at the same time she was beginning to stroke the outside of my vagina.

Our clothing lay all around the office as we kissed and fondled each other.

Suddenly there was another person in the room.

"Okay, Zoë, I'll take it from here," ordered Kelly.

Obediently, Zoë stepped back and allowed Kelly to straddle me.

"I've heard so much about how lustful you are, Carly, now it's my turn," stated Kelly.

She lifted up her skirt and pulled back her panties. Even in my drugged state, I was shocked as I was facing an extremely large and fully erect cock. Before I could respond, Kelly leaned forward and forced it into my mouth.

It was thick and long and I was powerless to resist as it filled my mouth. After several strokes, my mouth was filled with what I initially thought was semen, but the taste was different. It was bitter and harsh. In a moment I was paralyzed.

I could still see and hear, but I couldn't move a muscle, even though I could still feel.

Kelly slipped her penis back into her panties and stood over me.

"I know this is confusing, but don't worry, you won't remember a thing," explained Kelly. "However, you won't quite be the girl you are now. You have something I want."

I tried to focus my mind, but it was too difficult.

"As you probably can guess, I'm not exactly what I appear. You have an incredible sexual spirit and I want it. What you swallowed wasn't sperm; rather it's the first phase of what I call soul feeding. Right now it's preparing your body for my feast. My body can produce sperm, as well as another fluid that allows me to take what I want from your soul."

I stared back.

"I know that you're a good fuck, as I did you earlier this week, although you probably don't remember!" Kelly began to laugh.

So it was Kelly who'd violated me!

"Now, in a few minutes I will again enter you, but this time I will be taking something with me. I'm sorry to say that you won't enjoy sex again. You'll be one of those frigid women, unable to enjoy sex, but your loss will be my gain."

"You said that you wouldn't hurt her!" shouted Zoë angrily.

Kelly turned around and glared at Zoë. "How dare you tell me what to do! After all, if it wasn't for me, you'd still be an ugly little nothing. I've shared many of my meals with you and now you repay me by telling me what to do? Just go away and maybe I'll forgive you!"

"No! You can't do this, you've hurt too many. I can see that now," screamed Zoë, as she came at Kelly.

Kelly just slapped Zoë with the back of her hand. The blow effortlessly knocked Zoë back through the air and against the wall. Zoë collapsed into an unconscious pile.

"Now, where were we?" continued Kelly.

"Stand back from her, you vile hag!" exclaimed a male voice with a touch of an Irish brogue.

It was Mick, but he was different, very different. He was now an adult male. He was taller and more muscular. His black hair had a scattering of gray, as did his beard. His eyes still had the same intensity.

"Who are you?" snapped back Kelly, as she turned to face this latest threat.

"I'm here to vanquish you, you foul demon," replied Mick as he approached her.

It was as if I was watching a bad fantasy movie, but I couldn't afford to just be a spectator. I concentrated on a spell, the spell that I had spent the previous night memorizing. It was hard as my mind was so foggy. I had to focus on each word, praying that it would work.

Meanwhile Mick was getting his ass kicked by Kelly. Granted, he was doing better than Zoë, but he was no match for the much stronger succubus. She threw him against the wall; actually, she threw him through the wall. Granted it was just drywall, but it was still impressive. Thankfully, Mick got up and re-intensified his attack. He tried to tackle Kelly, who flung him aside.

I thought the spell over and over again. The fog began to lift and my mind cleared. It was working! The spell was sobering me up. If only Mick could hang on for a few more moments, I would be able to free myself.

Mick picked up a chair and swung it at Kelly, who just snatched it from him and tossed it aside.

"Run away, or I might take your soul too!" she sneered.

"I will defend the fair maiden to the death," roared back Mick.

It would have been comical if it weren't for real. I focused my mind and began to think the spell. Slowly I could feel my lips starting to move. I concentrated and was able to whisper out the spell that would free my body.

Thankfully, Kelly was too busy beating up Mick to notice that I was breaking free of her trap. I sat up and watched as she hovered over Mick. She had picked up a chair and was about to throw it down on his prone body when I cast my freeze spell. I didn't have time to focus the spell, so I cast it on both of them. I could always unfreeze Mick later.

I found out to my horror that Kelly must have been a hybrid succubus as the spell froze Mick, but seemed to have little effect on her. She turned around slowly and smiled a wickedly evil smile. She stretched, as if to slough off the effects of the spell.

"So, you're not what you appear either. I will take great pleasure in sucking out all your powers too!" she threatened as she walked slowly towards me. She exposed her hardening cock. "Don't fight it. You're not strong enough for me. As I fed on the others, so will I feed on you."

My rage grew. This creature had caused too much pain and this had to stop, now!

Kelly approached me slowly, in an arrogant manner. Her cock was full aroused and she was stroking it. "Yes, Carly, or whoever you are, soon I will have you." She was now only a foot or so away from me.

I reached out with both arms and extended my palms towards her. "Nooooo!" I screamed defiantly.

It's hard for me to describe what happened next. The spell was just supposed to shield me, basically act as a barrier and allow me some time to plan my next move. It also was designed to throw any force directed at me back at the attacker. It should have prevented Kelly from physically touching me. Instead Kelly was violently thrown backwards around ten feet through the air and crashed through the wall. She came to rest on the floor in the next room. My hands tingled as if they were asleep, and I shook them to get the feeling back, as I carefully approached her. She didn't move as I knelt down next to her. She was unconscious and as I rolled her over, I was shocked by what I saw. She was now old. Her once beautiful, youthful face was wrinkled. Her blonde hair was streaked with gray. In fact, her whole body had aged. Even her once large penis was shriveled up. I wasn't sure, but it looked like she no longer had any testicles either.

I didn't have anything to tie her up with, but she didn't look like she was going anywhere.

I turned my concern towards Mick. To my shock he wasn't just alive, but sitting up. He grinned and winked at me. Apparently he was also capable of breaking out of spells. He was once again the teenaged boy that I had grown so fond of.

"So much for me being the hero. Looks like you saved me," he stated.

"The fair maiden saving the knight in shining armor?" I replied.

"My armor was never all that shiny," he retorted, as he rubbed his head.

"I think we both have some explaining to do," I stated.

Mick nodded. "But not now. We need to get that thing in a cage and we should check on Zoë."

I nodded.

Zoë was still unconscious on the floor. I was relieved to see that she was still breathing.

"I think you'd better get dressed," suggested Mick as he stood up. "I'll look for some cord or wire to tie up Kelly."

I was suddenly aware that I was naked and, as I thought of Bill's note, I began to laugh uncontrollably.

Chapter 91

After hastily dressing, I called up Amelia on my cell phone and told her what had happened. She said that there would be a police raid in the next ten minutes. She would direct the officers with powers to the back part of the industrial park.

"The magic police are coming to get Kelly and Zoë," I announced to Mick. He had a trickle of blood running down from his hairline. I hadn't noticed this before and I reached over towards him. "You okay?"

He reached up and touched his wound. "I've had worse. The question is are you okay?" He continued to tie up Kelly securely.

I nodded.

Kelly was now hogtied and still unconscious. Zoë was sitting across from her on the couch. She had gotten dressed and was hugging her knees. I noticed that she wasn't tied up.

"I'll stick around. I can testify about what happened," he stated.

"When did you know about Kelly?" I asked.

Mick looked at me sheepishly. "I've known for a while."

"And you didn't tell anyone?" I asked with a shocked look on my face.

"And who would I tell? I didn't even know there were any magic police."

I stood there staring back at him, at a loss for an answer.

He lowered his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm sorry, it's not in our nature to interfere with others."

"What is your nature?" I replied angrily.

"I'll tell you that later. Right now we need to ensure Kelly is safely locked up."

"Why do you care now?" I replied.

He flashed a sly smile. "Don't you know?"

Of course, he was protecting me.

"I sensed something different about you, I wasn't sure if you were mystical. I sensed that you have experienced other lives, and that excited me. I thought you were like me. I soon realized that you were different, but that you shared many of the same loves that I do. That's all I can say right now," he explained.

I was about to reply when I heard the sounds of sirens entering the industrial compound.

"We'll wait here," I stated.

Zoë looked up forlornly. "What will happen to me?" she asked meekly.

"I don't know. You helped Kelly, but you did try to save me. I'll tell them that."

Zoë nodded slowly and hung her head down and started to cry softly.

I sat down next to her. "How did you get involved in all this?"

"I just wanted to be pretty and liked," she replied as she wiped the tears away.

"And Kelly offered to help?"

Zoë nodded. "I came back from the other school, but I was still an outcast. They all remembered the old me. I was pretty, but not beautiful. I lacked confidence and was too shy. It would have been another year of hell, if Kelly hadn't helped me," she explained.

"How did she help you?" I asked.

"Kelly gave me something to drink and it made me feel strong and self-assured. I had no idea what it was. She then asked me to help her."

I nodded.

"Kelly would pick out a student that she wanted to be with. My job was to seduce them. To my shock, I found that they were attracted to me; I became indebted to Kelly," she continued.

"Did you know what she was doing?" I asked. I scanned her while we talked.

Zoë shook her head. "Not until recently. I watched as she fed on Jim. It was awful. I then realized that she wanted you. I couldn't resist her at first, but when I saw her advancing on you, I couldn't sit still any longer." She then began to cry again.

As far as I could tell, she was telling the truth. I imagined that Kelly had fed on Zoë too and this was how she'd enslaved her.

"What will happen to me?" she sobbed.

"First thing is we'll have a doctor examine you," I replied.

Zoë nodded. "I'm just glad it's over."

The police arrived along with Bill and Amelia.

I quickly explained what had happened.

"What happened to her?" asked Bill as he crouched down next to her.

"I just used a defense spell." I explained. I then told them which spell I used. "It was just supposed to protect me. I don't understand what happened to her."

"It sounds like the spell may have combined with Kelly's essence stealing ability and stripped her of what she had stolen," explained Amelia. "However, I want to talk to you about this more later."

"So that's what she really looks like?" I asked.

"No, the spell just stripped her of her most recent thefts. I imagine after we examine her, we'll find that is she actually much older than she appears," continued Amelia.

"Where will you keep her? She's very strong," I explained.

"We have a special cell for her," interjected one of the detectives. "We'll hold her there until her trial."

"Trial?" I responded incredulously.

Bill nodded. "Even a creature like that deserves a trial."

I nodded. "What about Zoë?"

"I suspect that she was acting under the influence of Kelly the whole time. We'll determine more after an examination," replied Amelia.

"What then?" I asked.

"If we can prove that she was under Kelly's power, then we'll clean her mind of all memories of what happened," continued Amelia.

"And Zach?" I asked.

"He's facing a stack of charges related to drug dealing. We'll conduct an exam on him too, just to see how much he was influenced by Kelly," replied Bill.

I nodded. "And finally, what about him?" I asked, pointing to Mick, who was getting his battle wounds patched up.

"He's an interesting one. I haven't met one of his kind before. You must have made a strong impression on him, from what I've read, his kind don't usually stick their necks out for humans," remarked Amelia.

"And what is his kind?" I asked.

"I think it would be better if you ask him. He won't go anywhere. You saved his life and for that he's indebted to you. His kind does have its code of honor," continued Amelia.

I excused myself and walked over to Mick. The EMT was one of us, and was applying an herbal compound on a cut above his eye.

"Is that your beau?" he asked, nodding towards Bill.

I nodded.

"He seems worthy," Mick replied with a grin.

"Thanks. Are you okay?" I asked.

Mick nodded. "I can tell you have a lot of questions. Can they wait until tomorrow? I give you my solemn vow that I will return."

"Okay, tomorrow at four," I replied.

"I'll be there," he replied.

I nodded and started to walk back to Bill and Amelia.

"Oh, Carly. Thank you for saving me," Mick called after me.

I turned and smiled back. "You started it."

Mick nodded. "Couldn't let a fine Celtic lassie like you be violated by that hag."

I was eagerly looking forward to hearing Mick's story.

Bill drove Amelia and I home. It was late, I was sore and feeling exhausted. The combination of the drugs, Kelly's poison, and the spell casting had sapped my strength. I barely had the strength to kiss Bill good night. I knew there would be a lot of loose ends to clean up, but that wasn't my problem right now.

Chapter 92

I slept until noon and was awakened by a familiar aroma. I got dressed and hurried downstairs to find Aunt Kayla serving blueberry pancakes to Bill and Amelia. I gave her a long hug.

"It's good to see you too, little one," she replied.

Salem was at my feet and I picked her up. "This is Salem."

Aunt Kayla reached over and as she petted my kitten she uttered some words in an old Celtic dialect.

Salem's ears perked up and she joined in, mewing along with Aunt Kayla's words.

"What was that?" I asked.

"It's an old blessing for animal companions. Most animals will listen contently, but a true familiar will join the chorus, for a lack of better words," replied Aunt Kayla. "You choose well, little one."

"I know," I replied.

Aunt Kayla looked at me and grinned. "I was talking to Salem, my dear! She picked you."

I rubbed Salem's chin and listened to her purring as I sat down at the table.

Amelia told me that initial examinations of Zoë confirmed that she had been under the influence of Kelly.

"How was Zoë able to defy her?" I asked, as I watched Aunt Kayla stack some pancakes on my plate.

"Zoë's inner strength allowed her to fight off the spell. Oh, they found something else interesting in the exam, Zoë's beauty and intelligence are all her own. She was really a late bloomer. Unfortunately, she lacked the self-esteem to notice it. Kelly used this to gain initial control," stated Amelia.

"What about Zach?" I asked as I lifted a forkful of pancakes towards my mouth.

"There are some traces that Kelly had control over him. However, it appears that he was blinded by his own greed. He was so happy to be making lots of money that he was easily controlled by Kelly," continued Amelia.

I nodded. "Can the effects of Kelly's feedings be reversed now?" I asked.

"We should have an antidote in a few days," replied Amelia.

"The affected teens will be treated and their changes reversed," added Aunt Kayla.

"What about Jamie?" I asked.

Amelia looked at Aunt Kayla. "That will be her decision. I think we can trust Jamie enough for you to tell her the truth and let her decide."

I nodded. "Good." I started on the last of my pancakes.

"Kelly isn't very pleased about her confinement. She's also very angry at you," stated Bill with a grin.

"Tough. She had it coming," I replied.

"The charges are really mounting up. We have over two hundred confirmed cases tied to her, going back thirty years," stated Bill. "She'll be locked up for a very long time."

"Only thirty years?" I asked, as I handed my empty plate to Aunt Kayla.

Bill smiled. "I'm glad to see that you still have a good appetite!"

I just blew him a kiss, as I reached for the bacon.

"We're checking other countries. I suspect that more victims will turn up," added Aunt Kayla, as she filled my plate.

"So when do I join the ranks of adults again?" I asked as I lifted up my fork to my mouth.

There was a very loud silence at the table.

I got worried for a second. "This is reversible, right?"

"Of course it is. What we were thinking is that it might be best for you to finish out your senior year. It might do you good," explained Aunt Kayla.

They went on to cite their arguments for my staying Carly Taylor for a while longer.

"What about us?" I asked turning to Bill.

"Good question. An assistant DA can't be seen dating a high school girl," he replied.

"I might have a solution," interjected Aunt Kayla. "I'll get back to you on it."

I looked at Bill and nodded. I could sense that he was fighting very conflicting feelings. Part of him wanted me badly and the other part saw it as wrong. I wasn't conflicted, as I wanted him without any reservations.

"So what time is Mick arriving again?" asked Amelia.

"Four," I replied.

Bill raised an eyebrow as he looked at me.

"It's okay. He knows that we're a couple," I stated before he could speak.

"Mick can be trusted. He gave her his word of honor," added Amelia.

Bill nodded reluctantly. I sensed that he wasn't totally sure about Mick's intentions. I had told him everything that had happened between Mick and I, and I was relieved to know that Bill understood… well, maybe not completely!

 

Chapter 93

Mick arrived exactly at four. It was the teenage Mick that I had grown to like. We sat down on the living room couch.

To my surprise, Salem immediately ran up to him and leaped into his lap.

"Nice kitten, is she your familiar?" he asked, as if it was a normal way to start a conversation. His fingers began to massage her neck, and she purred contently.

"Yes," I replied.

"It's okay, animals like me," he replied with a grin.

"What are you?" I asked.

"Right to the point. I like that trait in you, Carly. Is that your real name?" he asked.

"For now it is. I'm also known as Iona," I replied.

"A lovely name for a lovely woman. It's the name of a Scottish island, you know?"

"Yes, I know. Now, you were about to tell me about yourself," I countered.

Mick smiled. "I'm not sure there is a name for my race. We're travelers. We blend in with humans and observe and participate in their earthly pleasures."

I nodded. That explained Mick's savoring of food and drink.

"The Mick that tried to rescue me, is that what you really look like?" I asked.

He nodded. "More or less. I have the ability to morph into different forms. I usually just change my looks slightly."

"How old are you?" I asked.

"In human years, I'm pretty old. In my race's years, I'm barely an adult."

"Can you be more vague?" I asked with a smile.

He laughed. "Let's just say that those stories about Ben Franklin being a ladies man, well they're all true and then some. And drink? Oh, old Ben could teach these kids a thing or two about partying!"

As much as I wanted to hear his stories, I kept to my guns. "Why were you here at Bernardo Valley?"

"I wanted to see what the youth was up to. It was pretty boring until you showed up. I prefer my lovers to have a brain. That's why I worked in the bookstore. It gave me an opportunity to scout out the more interesting people."

"How did you blend in so well? The police went through all the records looking for anything unusual."

"My people are true chameleons. We have to be to survive. I used a combination of magic and knowledge of computers to create the high school student you knew."

"Magic and computers?"

Mick laughed. "Oh, they're a wonderful tool. I can't imagine life without them."

I thought about Amelia and Aunt Kayla and could only nod in agreement.

"I hung out with the more artistic students as they were the most interesting," continued Mick.

"When were you aware of Kelly?" I asked.

"I sensed she was different, but it wasn't until I took her to bed that I detected her secret," he replied.

"You slept with her?" I asked.

"Among others," he replied as he shrugged his shoulders. "Actually, I just received oral pleasure from her. I sensed that she was different and I didn't press the point."

"And why didn't you stop her?" I asked.

Mick contemplated his answer as he stroked Salem. "My race once lived alongside humans, it was eons ago. For ages we co-existed, then came religion and morality. We were seen as evil and full of sin, simply because we valued pleasure above all else. Zealots hunted us and drove us into hiding. We've grown to be very wary of humans. We've developed skills to hide our presence."

Maybe that's why I couldn't scan Mick's mind. "But, that's doesn't explain your behavior completely. Some of those people were your friends!"

Mick nodded. "No, it goes deeper. We're raised to let humans be and, while we may move among them, we don't interfere. Besides, what could I have done, short of killing her?"

I nodded. "Okay, but why did you violate your own rules?"

"Like I said last night, I thought you were like me. I sensed that you've led several lives, but as I came to be with you I suspected something else. Your tattoo gave you away. It came to me that you were hunting Kelly. I decided to watch over you. That way I wasn't truly violating our clan laws."

"Is that why you followed me to DC?"

Mick smiled. "And how did you know that I did that?"

I explained my detection powers.

"I should have known. Tell me more about yourself," he asked.

I smiled. "Only when I get all my answers."

Mick laughed. "Fair enough."

"Are you responsible for this?" I asked, showing off my full moon tattoo.

Mick smiled. "It's the sign of my clan. I leave it as a souvenir. I can remove it if you'd like."

I shook my head. No, I wanted it now, it was a worthy souvenir. "What will happen when you leave?"

"Most people will forget I ever existed. It's how we cover our tracks. Even when we interfere, there's no fingerprints left behind. For example, it was my idea for the closing lines in Casablanca, but you won't see my name on the credits. Even though I worked on the movie, I drifted from their minds within hours after I left. It's how we survive."

I couldn't resist asking him a question. "Did you ever go out drinking with Bogart?"

He rolled his eyes. "Too many times! I can still remember the hangovers!"

"And will I forget you?"

Mick shook his head. "No, that won't happen. I don't want you to forget me."

"Will I see you again?" I asked.

Mick nodded. "You'll know me, no matter my appearance."

"Good."

"When I realized that Kelly was interested in you, beyond pure carnal desires, I stayed as close as I could, as often as I could. By the way, who is that lovely little lassie that you've been seeing?"

I laughed. "That 'lassie' is Jamie King, one of Kelly's victims. She stole his masculinity."

"You don't say! Still, she's a striking young lass."

"Stay away from her, she's been through enough," I replied with a wink. "If I see a full moon tattoo on her, I'll cast a spell on you that not even Viagra could help!"

Mick laughed. "For you, my sweet, anything!"

I laughed. I now regarded Mick's flirting as just a sign that he cared for me. I then told him my story. Mick listened intently.

"So I was right, you've lived through several lives," he stated.

"Three is enough for me. I'm looking forward to being Iona again."

"And when do you become Iona again?"

"After graduation. I'm going to stay as Carly until then."

"And your fiancé?"

"He's willing to wait."

Mick shook his head. "Too bad, I like him. I'm a good judge of men, and he's a good one."

"I know."

"Oh, Carly, we did have some grand times together, didn't we?" He flashed a mischievous grin.

I nodded, feeling my face turning warm as I blushed.

"Tell me, what's better, being male or female?" he asked. "I've always been curious."

"Both have their advantages, but I find my female self is much more sensual. Why don't you try switching sexes sometime? You said you can shape shift."

"True, but I've never had the desire to try it. I like being a man too much," he replied.

"And I thought you liked variety and spice in your life!"

Mick laughed. "Okay, I'll try it sometime, just for you."

"When are you leaving?" I asked.

"I'll be gone tonight. It was time to move on anyway. If it hadn't been for you, I'd have left months ago."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm heading back to Europe. Maybe Greece, who knows?"

"Do you want a home?" I asked.

Mick shook his head. "I'm too young. My kind doesn't settle down until they're in their thirties. Besides, women of my race still consider me too immature."

"When will you be thirty?" I asked.

"In human years? Four hundred years from now, just a blink of the eye!"

I smiled.

"By the way, Taylor isn't your last name is it?" asked Mick.

"No, it's Beddau," I replied. I saw no reason not to tell him the truth.

"Good Druid name," he remarked. "The Druids — there were some people who knew how to throw a party. My Grandmother told me some wild stories about their solstice celebrations."

Mick promised to drop in on me every now and then. I looked forward to seeing him again.

Chapter 94

Monday was an exciting day at school. Everyone was abuzz over the raid of the rave. The official story was that the San Diego Police had sent a teen undercover into the school to break up the X-2 drug ring.

Maria turned to me at lunch. "Can you believe that Kelly was really a policewoman?"

I shook my head in disbelief. "I'm shocked that Zach was the X-2 dealer. I knew he sold dope, but who would have guessed?"

Maria laughed. "Oh, Carly, you're so naïve! Zach's a real stoner and I'm surprised that he wasn't caught sooner!"

Zoë's absence was explained by her entering a drug rehab program.

"I'm glad that Zoë is getting help. It's a shame that a nice girl like her got mixed up with the wrong crowd. You were friends with her, Carly. I'm surprised that she didn't get you stoned too."

I shrugged my shoulders and ate my salad. Zoë actually was in a drug rehab facility of sorts. Once she cleaned up she would have no memory of Kelly. She had also been cleared of all charges, as it was determined that she had been under the power of a succubus.

Just as Mick promised, no one else remembered him. I checked and found a different kid using his locker. I would miss him, and the school seemed darker without his presence.

"So, Carly, are you going to the prom?" asked Maria.

"I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."

"Did you have a boyfriend back in DC?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

"It's okay, Maria. I'm happy that you care."

While school would be ending in around five weeks, I threw myself into it. I decided to absorb as much as I could in the remaining time.

"You going to the baseball game this afternoon?" I asked Maria.

"You bet! Travis is pitching this afternoon!" she replied proudly.

Travis was the star pitcher of our team and Maria's boyfriend.

"Can I join you?" I asked.

"That would be great, Carly. The game starts at three."

So, I would be Carly Taylor, high school senior, for the next few weeks. I had to admit that after the last few months I needed the rest.

Chapter 95

Saturday, I had my meeting with Jamie. Amelia arranged for us to meet at her office.

"If she doesn't accept your story, I'll be standing by to help," stated Amelia.

"I think she'll be fine."

At least Amelia kept up-to-date magazines in her waiting room. I had once told her that it was a dead giveaway that she was different. I'd begun to read the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly when Jamie arrived.

"Hey, Carly! I didn't expect to see you here," greeted Jamie.

"It's good to see you too!" I replied.

Jamie was wearing a short denim skirt, and a yellow sleeveless top. Her hair was different. It had been cut shorter and was now shoulder length. She sat down next to me. I noticed how naturally she adjusted her skirt and how she crossed her legs.

"I like your new hair style."

"Thanks, I was tired of the long ponytail. Mom took me to her stylist. I also had my nails done." She held out her hands and extended her fingers.

"Very pretty," I replied.

"I've also been accepted at The Farnsworth Institute!" she exclaimed excitedly. "I'll be spending the summer at their Long Island facility."

So, she would be staying with Celeste. I would have to call her up and thank her.

"That's wonderful!" I replied.

"So what're you doing here?" she asked.

On cue, Amelia stepped out of her office. "Jamie, Carly, why don't you step back here?"

Jamie looked at me with a confused look on her face, but she didn't argue.

We sat down in Amelia's office. Amelia excused herself and stepped outside.

"Okay, what's up?" asked Jamie.

I took a deep breath. "You heard what happened at school?"

Jamie nodded. "Wasn't surprised about Zach. I can't believe that Kelly's a cop."

"She's not." I replied.

"What?" asked Jamie.

"Remember when you told me that you suspected that your change was due to magic? Well, you were right."

Jamie sat there speechless.

"I'm not what I appear to be. I'm actually magical and I'm really twenty-two. My form is due to a transformation spell that allowed me to come into the school and hunt down the creature that had transformed you and injured other students."

Jamie just stared back.

"Kelly is really a succubus and she was feeding on the essences of you and your classmates. She's now in custody and will be charged with a long list of crimes."

"A succubus? They really exist?"

I nodded.

A strange look began to form on Jamie's face. "And what about your friendship with me, was that all part of your undercover work too?" asked Jamie.

I detected a tone of bitterness in Jamie's voice, as if she felt betrayed.

"So our friendship was a sham?" she accused angrily.

I shook my head vehemently. "At first, I met you to see if I could gain some insight into whoever or whatever was doing this," I replied.

Jamie started to cry softly. "I trusted you and you used me."

"Please, give me a chance to explain. Yes, initially I was just seeking out information, Jamie. I was doing my job. I was sent here to catch the person who violated you and the others. But that soon changed. I became friends with you. I really like you and I wanted to help you."

Jamie wiped her eyes with her hands.

I reached over and put my hand on her shoulder. "Jamie, I'm your friend. I will always be your friend."

"Really?"

I nodded. "Yes, of course. Why do you think that I'm telling you all this?"

We hugged for a long time.

I then told Jamie everything. I also told her about my previous life.

"I wondered how you seemed to be so tuned in to my emotions. You went through something very similar. Oh, Carly, please forgive me for what I said earlier," replied Jamie remorsefully.

It was my turn to start crying and we had another round of hugging.

I wiped my eyes with a tissue. "Okay, now you have a huge decision to make. We can now reverse the spell. You can become a male again, if you want to."

Jamie stared back.

"But, I must warn you, we can't totally reverse the spell, you'd retain some of the visible effects of being feminized," I explained.

Jamie nodded. "I hadn't thought about the possibility of becoming a guy again. I sort of accepted that I would be a girl for the rest of my life. My parents and I have even been talking to doctors about getting SRS. In some ways, we've never been closer."

"You don't have to make a decision today."

Jamie nodded again.

"There's another option," I added.

Jamie smiled. "Great, that's just what I need, more choices!"

"There are spells that can complete your transformation."

"You mean completely?" she asked.

I nodded. "Your initial transformation was due to magic, it's not that difficult to complete the spell."

"Would you do it?" she asked.

"No. I couldn't return to being Roger, he was killed. If I'd accepted a sexual transformation back to being male, I would have had to start another new life. I decided to stay as Iona. I had lost most of my original family, I wasn't about to lose my new one too."

Jamie smiled. "That makes sense."

"So, you have some decisions to make."

Jamie shook her head. "No, not really. I'm going to stay on the path that I'm on."

"If you're going to be a girl, would you like to be complete?"

"I will, but through surgery. However, I really appreciate your offer, Carly."

I smiled back. "You're the second person I've met who has turned down this offer. I admire your decision."

"Just in case I change my mind, will the offer still be there?" she asked with a grin.

"Of course. I'll still be your friend."

"How will we explain that to my parents?"

"Amelia has an idea that will help with that problem."

 

Chapter 96

That afternoon Mr. and Mrs. King joined Amelia, Jamie, and I. We were sitting together in our living room. Bill was also there.

I tried to act relaxed, but on the inside I was a bowl of jelly. I glanced at Jamie and could tell that she was equally nervous.

Bill pulled out some official forms and presented them to Mr. and Mrs. King. "I will need you to sign these first. They're asking for your confidentiality."

They read the forms. "Why is the San Diego DA's office interested in our daughter?" asked Mr. King.

"Is Jamie is trouble?" asked Mrs. King in a very concerned voice.

"We're not interested in Jamie and she isn't in trouble. Jamie isn't part of any investigation. However, I'll need you to sign these before I tell you anything more," explained Bill.

"Mom, Dad, please sign them. Trust me on this one," pleaded Jamie.

They both signed the forms and handed them back to Bill. Bill took the forms, reviewed them, and placed them in his case. He then went on to tell them a revised story about my undercover work.

"So what you're telling us is that Carly is really a young woman named Iona?" asked Mr. King. He cocked his head and glanced at me.

"Yes, she's my fiancé and I asked her to go in undercover at Bernardo Valley to assist us in a drug investigation. She was there to observe and pass on information to us," replied Bill.

"And is Amelia really your aunt?" asked Mrs. King.

"Yes, that allowed me to fit in easier and faster," I replied. "I met Jamie while waiting in her office and we just hit it off." I was telling the truth, I was also leaving out huge parts of the whole story.

Mrs. King smiled. "I always thought you seemed a bit mature for your age."

"So why tell us all this?" asked Mr. King. "I saw the news on how the drug ring was broken. By the way, thank you. It's good to see that someone is doing something about drugs in schools."

"You're welcome. The reason you're being told is that I want to stay in contact with Jamie, simply as a friend," I stated honestly. "Carly is going away, but I will still be here in San Diego."

"Mom, Dad, Iona is my friend. I don't have many right now," piped in Jamie. "I really want to stay friends with her. She knows all about me and likes me for who I am."

"Well, I appreciate the fact that you trust us to tell us the truth," stated Mrs. King.

Jamie winked at me and I did my best not to start giggling.

Bill explained that I would be staying in high school until graduation, so that my secret identity would be protected.

"What about the other girl, the police woman? Is she going to be safe?" asked Mrs. King.

Bill nodded. "Oh yes, she is well protected."

I'm proud that I didn't laugh at that one.

Chapter 97

After the Kings left, we had dinner. Bill volunteered to barbecue some chicken, while Amelia, Aunt Kayla, and I worked on the rest of the meal.

"Jamie's a bright kid. Any idea what she wants to do?" asked Bill.

"No idea. I just know that whatever she does, she'll be a success," I replied.

"I've very proud of you," replied Bill.

"Thank you," I replied.

"I think you deserve a reward," stated Bill as he checked on the chicken.

"Have you changed your mind on having sex with a seventeen-year-old?" I whispered.

"Maybe," replied Bill. He then flashed a grin.

"Okay, what is it?" I asked anxiously.

"Amelia and Aunt Kayla came up with the idea."

"So, tell me what it is?" I asked.

"How would you like me to take you to the senior prom?" asked Bill.

"What? I think that would cause a few heads to turn!" I retorted.

Bill laughed. "No, silly. Amelia is going to bring me down to your level."

I stared back. "You'd do that for me?"

He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. "Of course. Damn, I've missed you."

I felt all tingly inside and felt my face turning red.

"You're even cuter when you blush," added Bill.

Amelia and Aunt Kayla came out on the deck.

"Thank you!" I squealed as I hugged them.

"So you like our idea?" asked Amelia.

I nodded. "Oh, my god! I have to get a dress now, and the prom is just three weeks away!"

Bill laughed so hard that he began to cry.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Can you imagine the XO's reaction to what you just said?" replied Bill, in between laughs.

I suddenly couldn't wait to tell Beth. She would also appreciate the joke.

 

Chapter 98

Later that night Amelia and I sat at the kitchen table drinking tea.

"I've very interested in your new power," she stated as she squeezed some honey into her mug.

"I just used a protection spell from the book Aunt Kayla gave me," I replied.

"What was your emotional state when you cast the spell?" she asked.

"Angry, scared. I know that emotions can increase the potency of a spell, but I doubt that my emotions increased it that much. What's the matter? I thought that what happened to Kelly was due to her being a hybrid succubus?"

"It might just be that, or it might be that your developing powers are much stronger than we expected," she replied. She opened up a tin of shortbread cookies and offered me some. "The spell did what it was supposed to, in that Kelly's attack was directed back at her. However it amplified the energy she used in her attack and threw it back at her. That by itself is pretty impressive. But what has really caught my attention was that it also stripped her of the stolen essences and neutered her."

"I didn't mean to," I replied.

She shook her head. "You didn't do anything wrong. In fact, by neutering her you rendered her harmless. Her inability to become aroused has destroyed her ability to steal essences. You cast an exceptionally strong spell, beyond what your previously known powers should be capable of doing."

"Should I be worried?" I nibbled on the cookie.

"No, this could be a good thing. I just want to keep an eye on you. Your powers could eventually surpass even those of Kayla."

I nodded as I thought about the ramifications of having even stronger powers.

Sensing my discomfort, Amelia tried to comfort me. "Iona, remember when you first discovered your protective powers?"

I nodded.

"Did you have full control of them?"

I shook my head. "They just happened."

"And now?"

I thought of my freeze ability and my heat defense. They were like any other reflex. "Okay, I see where you're going with this. I know I have this power now. It's just a question of becoming comfortable with it."

Amelia nodded knowingly. "Growing up is difficult enough. You have magic to deal with too. But you'll survive, we all do. Look how well you've adapted to being a woman."

"True. I just don't want to accidentally hurt someone," I stated.

"Your nature is an outgrowth of your inner being. Deep down you're good, and your powers will reflect this," answered Amelia.

"Since you're in a listening mood, there's something else I want to talk about. I feel a little sheepish, as I never even suspected Kelly. I was so sure that it was Zoë or Mick. Looking back, it made sense that it was Kelly," I confessed.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. No one suspected Kelly. She's been fooling people for decades, if not longer. That's what they do, they're very good at it."

"I was so arrogant and I almost got hurt. I shudder to think what would have happened if I hadn't studied those new spells."

"Iona, don't beat yourself up too badly. You have much to learn, and you've already learned so much."

Chapter 99

I called Beth the next day. She thought it was so cool that I would also get the chance to experience my prom.

"Kevin is taking me to ours. I can't wait!" she stated excitedly.

"I'm going dress shopping this afternoon."

"I bought the most gorgeous red gown. It's stunning!" bragged Beth.

We talked for the next hour. Beth was going to Denmark over the summer with a woman who was Ben's grandmother. Beth went on to tell me some interesting stories about her.

"Do you think you can come out here before you start classes?" I asked hopefully.

"I'd like that. Even though I had some rough times there, I still love San Diego. I would love to meet your family."

"They want to meet you too."

"So, when is Bill going to propose to you?" asked Beth bluntly.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked.

"If Bill loves you half as much as you love him, then he's an idiot to not ask you. You're everything he wants in a girl and more," stated Beth.

"How do you know what he wants in wife?" I asked.

"We stood many long watches together on the bridge. You remember how mid-watches went, especially during those long transits between ports?" stated Beth.

The mid-watch was the duty time running from midnight to four, sometimes to six, depending on the number of officers available. There wasn't a lot going on most of the time, and it allowed for long conversations.

"And Bill told you what his model wife should be like?" I asked.

"Not exactly. He did tell me the traits that he wanted her to have, and, Iona, you have most, if not all of them!"

"Cool!"

"So?"

"I think he wants to wait until I graduate college," I stated.

"That's stupid. Why wait?"

I laughed. "That's what I've always admired about you, Beth — your tact."

"I call them as I see them," she replied.

"Well, I do promise you one thing, when it happens you'll be one of the first to know."

"I hope so," she replied.

"Well, it only makes sense. My maid of honor will have a lot of work to do."

"Me? Well, that changes everything then. Give me Bill's number. I'll call him and get him to propose tonight!"

"You mean you'll do it?" I asked.

"I was already in one wedding party, but as just one of the bridesmaids. I want the real power!" she then began to laugh like some sort of evil mad scientist.

I joined in and soon we were laughing so hard we were crying.

Chapter 100

I stood nervously waiting for Bill to arrive. I had spent the day getting my hair and nails done. Amelia had helped me with my makeup. She also assisted me in getting dressed. My dress was an elegant black strapless evening gown. I wanted to look classy and sexy, in an Audrey Hepburn sort of way. Amelia had loaned me an exquisite string of pearls. Aunt Kayla gave me a matching pair of earrings.

"Stop fidgeting, you look lovely. If Bill doesn't say so, I'll turn him into a mouse so that Salem can chase him," stated Amelia.

"You'll do no such thing," stated Aunt Kayla. "Besides, you were never very good at those sorts of spells."

"He's coming!" I exclaimed. "He's just making the turn off the 15, he'll be here in ten minutes!"

Bill was staying with Aunt Kayla, since his transformation into an eighteen-year-old. I hadn't seen him yet and was very anxious to do so. The DA heartily approved of what he was doing and had given him a week off.

"I wonder what sort of tux he's going to wear?" I stated.

"Blue velvet with a ruffled shirt," answered Aunt Kayla.

"He wouldn't dare!" I answered.

"Of course he wouldn't. I think you'll approve of his outfit," stated Amelia.

The next few minutes dragged by. I couldn't believe how nervous and excited I was. My original senior prom had been fun, but I don't remember being so frazzled. Then again, a prom for a guy is pretty easy. All you have to do is rent the tux, pay for dinner, pay for flowers, pay for a limo, and hope you get lucky later in the evening!

Our prom was being held in the grand ballroom at the Hotel Del Coronado, the ritzy resort across the bay from San Diego. I guess there were benefits to going to a high school in an upscale neighborhood. Bill had made reservations at the main dining room of the Del.

Aunt Kayla and Amelia had taken care of transportation. They had rented a limo for us. It was a very thoughtful gift.

Bill's car pulled into the driveway. I peeked out the window and gasped when I saw him.

It was still Bill, but he looked so young! He was also very cute! The biggest change, besides his being thinner, was that he had a softer look. His hair was thicker too, not that Bill had been going bald or anything like that.

He was wearing a stylish black tux, the kind that James Bond would have worn. I watched as he straightened out his tie in the driver side mirror. He ran his hand back and smoothed down his hair. He was carrying a box, which I assumed contained flowers for me. I stepped away from the window and waited for him to reach the door.

Amelia met him at the door and welcomed him in. He stood before me and we sized each other up.

"You look fantastic!" he exclaimed.

I was taken aback by his more youthful voice. "I was about to say the same thing. Bill, you look so dashing!"

Bill laughed.

"Thank you for doing this for me," I stated, as I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"I have to admit that I was nervous about all this. Still, it's better than when I was turned into a girl!"

"You were a very pretty girl, but this is a big improvement!" I exclaimed.

"Thank you, I'm happy you approve," he replied with a laugh. "Well, I'm also pleased that this gives me an opportunity to redo my first attempt at going to a senior prom."

"Oh?" I asked.

"It was an unmitigated disaster," confessed Bill. "My girlfriend and I had been fighting for weeks, and it all came to a head during the prom. It wasn't pretty."

"What were you fighting about?" I asked.

"She didn't like that I had accepted an NROTC scholarship."

"Well, I don't mind!" I replied with a giggle.

"No, I wouldn't think you would."

"Okay, okay, enough reminiscing, we have photos to take!" interrupted Amelia.

We spent the next few minutes having our pictures taken. Bill had bought a beautiful orchid and attached it to my wrist.

"It's so beautiful!" I exclaimed as I admired it.

"The limo is here," announced Aunt Kayla.

I was a little surprised to see that the driver was a woman. She a very attractive Japanese girl in her early twenties, and she was wearing a tailored black suit with a skirt, which showed off her eye-catching legs. There was something familiar about her. She opened the door and winked at me. Suddenly it hit me, and I scanned her just to make sure. I immediately started to giggle.

Bill turned to me and asked what was so funny.

"I should have you in Coronado in thirty minutes. My name is Mika. Let me know if you need anything," she stated in slightly accented English.

I looked over at Bill, smiled and kissed him on the lips. "I've been wanting to do that for months!"

"I've missed you too," replied Bill. "So, who is she?"

"Mick."

"You're kidding!" exclaimed Bill.

"I just wanted to thank Carly. Relax, you have nothing to worry about, Bill," interrupted Miki. "Oh, and Carly, you were right about being a girl. I had no idea of what I was missing!"

Bill turned to me and cocked his head to the side. "What does… she mean?"

"I just explained to Mick that he should try to explore his feminine side. What good is it to be a shape-shifter if you don't explore all the possibilities?" I explained.

"Oh. Well, I suppose that it's okay."

The rest of the ride was uneventful. I had to admit that Mick, make that Mika, was really cute. I could imagine the trouble she could get into looking like that! I wasn't all that worried, as I knew that Mick could protect him or herself.

I had driven by the Del many times, but had never been inside. The dinner was exquisite, and I felt like we were royalty. The only downside was that we couldn't have wine. Oh well, I would be an adult again in a few weeks; it was just a shame to eat such a grand meal without a glass of wine.

Another surprise awaited us when Bill went to pay for the dinner. The waiter informed us that it had been paid for by his aunt.

"My aunt?" asked Bill. There was a look of confusion on his face.

"Yes, she insisted on paying. It's an honor to meet the nephew of San Diego's distinguished district attorney," he stated.

"Oh," replied Bill softly.

"It's okay, he doesn't like to advertise that she's his aunt," I piped in to the waiter.

"It's quite alright," replied the waiter with a grin. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

After the waiter left, Bill turned to me. "I'll never live this down!" He then chuckled.

"I wouldn't worry about it," I replied. "Come on, let's go join the party."

I won't bore you with the details of the prom; just let me say that Bill and I had a wonderful time. We danced almost every dance, even when we were the only two on the dance floor. We were determined to show the 'kids' how to have a good time. It was nice to have a night of mindless fun. At least I would have some pleasant memories of my time at Bernardo Valley.

Bill and I were one of the last couples to leave the prom. Mika was waiting for us to take us home. Amelia was staying with Aunt Kayla, so we had the townhouse all to ourselves — well, other than Salem!

"Did you have a good time?" asked Mika, as she opened the door for us.

"No, we had a wonderful time!" I corrected.

Mika laughed. "Just sit back and enjoy the ride. I'll have you home soon. Oh, I provided some refreshments for you."

We stepped into the limo. There was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket across from our seat. Next to it was a container of fresh strawberries.

"Being you're really adults, I don't see the harm. Please don't let it go to waste, it's excellent champagne. Sit back and relax, I'll be so careful that you won't spill one precious drop!" remarked Mika from the front seat before closing the dividing window.

Bill examined the bottle. "She's not kidding about that."

"It would be a shame to let it go to waste," I countered.

"True. She's already opened it and it will only go to waste. Besides, part of the prom experience should include a little underage drinking," added Bill, as he began to pour us each a glass.

We touched glasses and sipped the bubbly. It really was first-rate. The strawberries weren't bad either.

"I could acquire a taste for this," I commented, as I sipped the champagne.

"Not on my salary, you won't!" countered Bill.

We both laughed. However, I wondered if Bill had just dropped a hint.

Mika was true to her word and we never even spilled a drop. She pulled into the driveway and opened the door for us.

As Bill reached for his wallet, Mika shook her head. "Your thanks is sufficient. Besides I really have little use for money. Well, I'd better get this back to the garage. Take the rest of that champagne with you. Take care, you two."

We watched her pull away.

"You have some very interesting friends," commented Bill, as he walked me up to the house.

I nodded.

Bill and I headed upstairs. I was pleased that Salem, after greeting us, headed off — as if she sensed that we needed to be alone.

I think both Bill and I had planned on slowly undressing each other and engaging in long and erotic foreplay. That wasn't what happened. The combination of our youth and our long separation trashed that idea, and we were soon naked and in bed, engaged in wild teenage lust.

Our lovemaking was wonderful. It may have been overly energetic, but it seemed fitting for our teenage bodies. It happened too fast, but neither of us cared. We were lying together in bed, as our bodies recovered.

As we recharged our batteries, we cuddled and talked.

"How old were you when you, you know, lost it?" I asked Bill.

"I was in high school, it was the night of my senior prom."

"Wait a minute, you told me that your prom date and you fought all night!"

"We did. I didn't say it was with my date!" replied Bill with a wink.

"And why haven't I heard this story before?" I asked.

Bill laughed. "I wasn't the only one at my prom not enjoying themselves. Cathy, my 'girlfriend,' went home after the dance. I went to an after prom party to have a few beers. I ended up talking with a girl named Sally. She had just broken up with her boyfriend. We sat there talking about our dates and what a miserable night it had been. It suddenly came to us that we were having fun. One thing led to another and we ended up together."

"What happened to Sally?" I asked.

"She's up in Alaska running a B&B. She went up there during college to work at the canneries to earn some quick money. She met a guy and decided to stay up there. The last card I got from her told me that she was pregnant with her third kid. So what about you?"

"It was also in high school. It was my girlfriend and we did it after a graduation party. It wasn't anything special. In fact, I'd just as soon forget it."

"How old were you then?" asked Bill.

"Eighteen, why?" I replied.

"So, you're seventeen now, right?" asked Bill.

"Yes, so?"

"Why don't we just start fresh tonight?" asked Bill. "You can count this as your first time. And since the Mick you knew is now a female limo driver, we should consider this your official first time!"

I laughed at Bill's roundabout logic. I was also pleased that he obviously wasn't upset for my being with Mick. "Okay, it makes sense."

"Being with you is never going to be dull. The DA is very pleased with you. I think she'll want to use you again in future cases."

I nodded. "Do you mind?"

Bill shook his head.

I leaned over and kissed him. He pulled me close and round two started.

Chapter 101

A few weeks later, I graduated high school again. I was glad that I'd stayed at Bernardo Valley until the end of the school year. It did allow me to fill in some of the blanks in my feminine adolescence.

The day after graduation I made arrangements to become an adult again. I would miss living with Amelia, but I was equally looking forward to living with Aunt Kayla again.

Most of my clothing was dropped off at the Goodwill. It wasn't just a matter of it soon being too small, but that I would look foolish wearing most of it as an adult. I did decide to keep some of the shoes.

Jamie had left the previous weekend to go to Celeste's institute. Her parents planned on spending a few weeks out there later in the summer.

Salem was curious about what was going on. She obviously knew that something was about to happen. I was a bit nervous about how Bran and Tully would react to the new kid on the block.

My fears were quickly dismissed. Tully seemed overjoyed to have a new friend and Bran just ignored Salem, like she did almost everyone else. Still, I think she liked Salem.

I moved back into my old room. It felt good, but I was still a teen. Just like before, the reversal spell would take all night to take full effect.

We had a good-bye dinner for Carly. I have to admit that there were some things that I enjoyed about being Carly. However, it would be great to be an adult again.

The next morning I awoke and was pleased to see and feel that I had returned to adulthood. Salem didn't seem to notice the difference and nuzzled up to me as I headed downstairs for breakfast.

I was pleasantly surprised to sense that Bill was downstairs. I must have been asleep when he arrived.

"Good morning," I greeted Bill and Aunt Kayla.

Bill stood up and gave me a tender kiss. Oh, it was good to be an adult again!

"I took the day off. I figured we should go for a drive. How do you feel about going up to the mountains?" stated Bill.

"Lunch in Julian?" I asked hopefully.

Bill nodded.

"Cool!"

The day was clear and sunny, a rare event for early June, when most mornings were shrouded in fog. Bill even lowered the top on his convertible as we headed up to the mountains.

We spent the day walking around the little shops of Julian before getting lunch. It was a nice way to celebrate being twenty-two again.

Lunch was at a small café. While lunch was good, the Dutch apple pie and coffee were exquisite. The apple pie was worth the trip alone.

"I've come to the startlingly conclusion that our lives will never be normal," stated Bill.

"Normal is highly overrated," I replied as I savored a forkful of Dutch apple pie. Eating more slowly was something that I'd picked up from Mick.

"True," stated Bill, with a chuckle. "But I've also come to the conclusion that I don't want to go through life without you."

I was about to sip my coffee when Bill's words froze me.

"I wanted to do this in a more romantic setting, but I couldn't wait. Iona will you marry me?" he asked, as he pulled an engagement ring out of his pocket.

For once in my life, I was speechless and could only nod while I tried to stammer out a positive reply. I nervously held out my hand. Bill took it and smiled.

"You're trembling. I hope that's a good thing," he stated as he slipped the ring on my finger.

I nodded, stared down at the sparkling diamond, and then looked up into Bill's eyes. I tried to speak, but couldn't. I felt tears of joy run down my face. Bill reached over and gently wiped one away.

"I can't believe it. For the first time since I've known you, I finally got the last word in, and all it took was a proposal!" quipped Bill.

I let him have his victory and leaned over and kissed him. Life was good. Love is grand!

 

The End

  

  

  

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