"I can't believe I am doing this!" I, Cassidy Black, ran my fingers through my strawberry-blonde hair. I was on speakerphone with my friend, Becky.

“Don’t overthink it, Cass. It’s not as bad as you think, given your circumstances,” said my friend.

I rolled to the left, lying flat on my back. “I wouldn’t have to do this if it weren’t for my family. Dad's death last year after an undiagnosed and untreatable illness has left us all broken. He said someone in the shadows was after him, but we didn't believe him. Now Mia and my mom are going through something similar. I didn’t fully believe them until I saw my sister at least ten feet in the air. I was scared to death, and so was she. Whoever was doing that to her wanted to hurt her badly. There were even bloody claw marks on her body. I don’t want to lose another member of my family, Becky.”

“I know, and I didn’t doubt you for a second,” said Becky. “That is why I reached my cousin straight away to get the spell for you.”

“And I am grateful to you for that, but I am scared,” I said. “How do you even have sex with a spirit? And what am I going to tell my siblings and my mother? They’ll think I am demented.”

“Oh, come on,” said Becky, “Your life is already a chaotic mess. Your aunt, a black magic practicing witch, is after all of your lives, for God knows why. Is that not demented enough? I think they will be rather grateful to you for saving their lives. And this is not some crazy ten-step ritual that we picked off Wikipedia. Elaine is my cousin, and you have known her all your life. She knows what she is saying. She was inches deep in serious trouble herself.”

“I trust Elaine’s words, but I still can’t wrap my head around this.” I grabbed my phone and sat up. “A month ago, Dad collapsed right in the middle of Grandpa’s funeral. Then my mother told us about our estranged aunt. She is my father’s murderer. I still don’t know why she did that. How can I make peace with it when I barely know anything?”

“Cassidy!” exclaimed Becky. “Listen to me. Stop repeating things that we both already know. You need protection first. And this is the only thing you haven’t tried yet. Once you’re out of danger, you can visit that town that your mother claims to be the last known location of your aunt. That was the plan, remember?”

“Okay, you’re right.” I got up and walked around the room. “Now tell me what I have to do.”

“You have the amulet, right?” asked Becky.

My gaze landed upon a small chest lying on a table. “Yes, I have that.”

“First, you need to hang that amulet in your window, and then you can prepare yourself and the room,” said Becky.

“Prepare me?” I rolled my eyes. “As in for a real hookup? For a sheet ghost?”

“Oh, dear naïve Cass,” said Becky, “They aren’t sheet ghosts. You would be surprised to know what real Incubi are into.”

“What would that be?” I asked.

“Scents and visuals. You know all that good stuff human men are into,” said Becky.

I shook my head. “Do you want me to put on lingerie and fill the room with candles?

“That is exactly what I want you to do,” said Becky, “But make sure they are scented candles and choose a feminine scent that would drive any man insane. I know you always have those lying around your house in bulk.”

“I like them a lot, but I never thought I would be using those for this reason,” I said.

“Okay,” said Becky, “Now put me on hold, then go and hang the amulet and light those candles. It’s almost midnight now. And twelve to four at night are the golden hours for such spells.”

I looked at the clock, and it was almost a quarter to twelve. “Okay, I’ll do that, but don’t go anywhere because I need you for the full preparations.”

“I promise. Now make haste,” said Becky.

I hastily did what Becky had asked. It felt pointless and oddly frightening at the same time. I used rose-scented candles. The amulet was a bronze locket with an oddly shaped sun and a moon.

“Done.” I picked up the phone again. “Now what’s next?”

“Slip into something sexy from your wardrobe, preferably red,” said Becky.

“It’s still odd, but I’ll do it.” I gently tossed my phone onto the bed and entered my walk-in closet. After putting one on, I stood before a long mirror to have a look. My sexy lingerie collection was not a lot. The one I had picked was sizzling hot. It was red with laces and mesh. The only thing it barely covered was my nipples and vagina.

I turned to a side and clenched my buttcheeks. They were firm and lifted from all the hours at the gym, but it wasn’t as big and plump as all those stunning girls on social media. I stood straight and looked at my breasts as if they were my greatest assets. Being a naturally busty girl was both a blessing and a curse.

I removed my scrunchie and let my beautiful strawberry-blonde hair flow down to my waist. I was somewhat of an attractive girl with grey eyes and plump lips.

“Cassidy!” Becky’s angry voice startled me. I rushed to get my phone. My reflection made me forget about my friend being on hold.

“I am sorry...,” I began.

“Save it. I know you were admiring yourself in the mirror,” Becky shouted.

“Sorry.” I lowered my bottom onto the bed. “I put on something red and sexy that barely covers anything.”

“Good! Now you need to lie down, holding the intention of allowing an incubus willing to protect you and your family from your aunt’s magic into your life and bed,” said Becky.

“That’s it?” I asked.

“Yes, and tell me what happens first thing in the morning,” said Becky.

“Wait, wait, Becky,” I said, “What should I expect? What is sex with an incubus like?”

Becky paused for a moment. “Well, Elaine describes it as otherworldly, passionate, and the best sex she has ever had. At least a hundred times better than sex with a human.”

My eyebrow raised. “I seriously doubt that.”

“Well, honey, you are about to find it out yourself,” said Becky, “So, do tell me in the morning.”

“Wait,” I said. “Why can’t I tell you right after it happens?”

“Because, according to my sources, you may not even find your incubus on the first try. And even if you did, the sex can last all night,” answered Becky.

“All night?” My eyes widened in shock.

“Yes, now don’t worry. Put some alcohol in your body and rest. The sex usually happens in a dream-like state. So, try to calm down,” said Becky.

“Okay, I’ll talk to you in the morning. Bye. Love you,” I said, blowing a kiss.

“Love you too,” said Becky and hung up.

I took a deep breath. Without Becky on the phone, it all felt eerie. My friend had suggested alcohol, so that’s what I went for. After consuming a glass of wine, I returned to my room and settled on the bed after switching the lights off. A few scented candles provided enough light to make things a bit comfortable.

My gaze settled on the amulet hanging from the window. It was spine-chilling to even think about what I was doing. For the next hour, every little sound startled me. I said all my prayers even though Becky said it only made the spirits mad.

I didn’t care because who would protect me if not God?

It was boring to wait for an invisible entity to show up, and soon I drifted off to sleep.

I dreamt about being on a picnic with my healthy dad, mother, and siblings. They were all smiling and having a good time together, just like when we were kids.

“Ah!” Something was touching my inner thigh. An electrifying, pleasurable sensation spread around my thighs and groin. “Ah!” I couldn’t help it. I opened my eyes, moaning loudly, but found no one there.

Sex with an incubus. How would it feel to be touched, kissed, and penetrated by an invisible being? Would it be romantic or send chills down my spine? I was about to receive some answers.

The sensation between my legs was growing. My lady parts were getting excited. "Stop!" I cried. Who was I even talking to? Silly me.

Whether it was my command or my imaginative mind playing a trick on me, the feeling stopped altogether.

I sat up on my bed and examined my thighs. There was nothing there. My eyes peered into the shadows. Something must be hiding in places that the candlelight couldn’t illuminate properly.

“Hello, is anybody there?” I blurted out. My human self couldn’t help it. I needed an answer for confirmation.

Nothing changed. The silence was spooky.

A powerful gust of wind blew at my face, accompanied by a loud sound. I jumped out of bed, only to find the window wide open.

It was strange. Had I forgotten to close it, or was it an invisible entity?

The chilly air made my body cold, so I reached for my robe and squeezed into it before closing the window. That time I double-checked the bolts.

I returned to my bed feeling okay. For the day, the ritual was complete. However, I couldn’t stop glancing at the amulet hanging from my window for the rest of the night.

I slurped my coffee. It was my third cup since morning. Sleep evaded me for most of the night, and now I was stuck in a conundrum.

The previous night’s ritual didn’t make any sense in the morning. It was hard to understand the outcome. Was it real or a figment of my imagination? My overthinking made me question everything.

Under stress and fear, my active brain tended to hallucinate.

My phone buzzed. I put my coffee aside and unlocked my phone. It was a text from my boss. I had called in sick at work thirty minutes ago. There was going to be something unpleasant in that text. I was confident.

The text said:

A cold shouldn’t stop you from writing that article. I need it by evening!

Cassidy, you have been stalling a lot. I know you are going through some problems, but it’s not okay to have excuses every week in a professional environment. Your career has just started, and you have a long way to go. I suggest you quit and solve your personal problems first.

I buried my head in my lap. It wasn’t unexpected. I was screwing up badly at my first job after college. Nothing had been the same since my father’s death. Our family was suffering, and so was I.

There was always a family emergency each week for the past few months. My sister and Mia were suffering greatly at the hands of the paranormal. No amount of holy water and a priest’s blessings were helping to remove the threat permanently. My mother believed that a curse could only break with the end of its creator.

Becky’s call finally came through, and I instantly answered it.

“Hey there! What’s cooking good-looking? Did your sheet ghost lover arrive and wrap you in its white sheet tight and well?” asked Becky in an awful cowgirl accent.

“No, but I received a good scolding from my boss. She wants me to quit if I keep lagging. I can’t place the blame on her, but what can I do? I am so tired of everything!” I said, and my eyes filled up with tears.

“Hey! Don’t lose hope. Do you want me to come over and take care of you? Because I will. We can discuss your job and what you should do about it. And if money is an issue. You know I am here for you. How much do you want? You should quit your job and live with me.”

Money was not an issue for Becky Murray and her family. Her parents were multi-millionaires and paid for her every expense while their daughter struggled as a mediocre artist.

“Becky, I can’t burden you and your parents. I will work as long as I am healthy. Don’t worry. I will solve my issue at work,” I said.

“Okay, so then I guess I am coming over to cheer you up,” said Becky.

“No, please don’t. I have some unfinished articles to work on, and my boss needs them by seven. Would you do me one favor? I asked.

“Yes, yes, anything for you,” Becky eagerly answered.

“I want to meet your cousin Elaine in person and ask her about this Incubi situation. Can you arrange that?” I requested.

“Of course. In fact, I am going to Elaine's house for dinner tonight at 8. I can ask her and squeeze you in?” suggested Becky.

“Okay, sure. I think I can finish my work and make it by 8. Thanks, Becky, you’re the best!” I jump joyfully.

“Anything for you, dawg,” said Becky, and hung up.

I smiled at the air. That girl was the only good thing in my life. Becky was an angel sent from heaven to save me. I wouldn’t know what to do without her.

I had finished and submitted my articles a lot earlier than seven. At around eight past quarter, we arrived at Elaine’s house. Her place was a long drive from the city. I thought it was rude to be late for dinner. The food could have gotten cold. Becky, on the other, firmly believed that being fashionably late was classy.

Becky twirled in her little black dress, recording a Snapchat video while we waited at the door. She could slay in any dress with her glistening chocolate-brown complexion, gorgeous facial features, and thick curly hair.

That girl was different shades of crazy, classy, and generous.

The door opened, and we received a warm welcome into the house. Elaine was still the girl she used to be as our senior in high school. She was nerdy, intelligent, and not afraid to take risks.

Dinner was full of delectable food, and her fiance, Mike, was delightful. It wasn’t until after dinner and a long game of Monopoly that we got a chance to talk in private.

“Mike doesn’t know about my past with my Incubus,” began Elaine once we were alone.” I appreciate that you kept quiet before him.”

“You shouldn’t thank me for respecting your privacy. I am just glad to be here,” I said.

Elaine brushed her silky, straight hair with her fingers. Her features were mixed due to having a Black father and a White mother. “You know you shouldn’t worry, Cassidy. Becky told me about your disappointment. Contact at the first attempt is rare.”

“I did feel something. I don’t know if it was relevant or not. Something touched my thighs. The touch was electrifying and nothing like that of a human. Also, the window opened on its own,” I said.

“You’re sneaky, Cass!” Becky remarked.

Elaine smiled. “Congratulations, you have made first contact.”

“Are you sure I wasn’t imagining it?”I asked.

“Well, have you ever imagined it before?” Elaine crossed her legs.

“No,” I shook my head.

“Then you’re on the right track. Continue with the pendulum. The interactions shall grow stronger in a month,” said Elaine.

“But I am running out of time, Elaine!” I cried. “I am desperate. My family is in danger. My black magic-practicing aunt already took my father. She is now probably after my whole family. I don’t want to lose someone else.”

Elaine bit her lip. “I didn’t know that. I understand why you didn’t tell me. My family was also the victim of such magic. That’s why I did it.”

“What!” Becky exclaimed. “How come no one ever told me?”

“It was a long time ago. I already spooked you enough with the incubus story, so I didn’t want to give you another reason to be scared. Your mom knows,” said Elaine.

“How did you manage to break the spell on time?” I asked.

Elaine hesitated a bit. “See, when Becky asked me to help you, she said that your house was haunted, and no priest was successful in removing the entities. I gave you a slower and less intense method because you could change locations and figure out other options while exploring your Incubus. I, on the other hand, used a more intense practice.”

“I want that method immediately,” I said.

“Given your circumstances. I think you do, but you should really consider if you want it all to happen too fast. Sex with an incubus is not as exciting as you think. It can get too much too fast. You don’t want to have your brains fucked out without learning to be in their presence and getting used to their energy,” said Elaine.

“I am ready. My family needs me, and it’s not like I have a choice. Share with me the method, and I promise you I’ll be okay,” I said.

“Fine,” said Elaine, getting up from her seat. “If that’s what you want. Let’s dive deeper into the world of sex, spirits, and magic. Come to my energy room, and I will walk you through the process. Let's see if you would still be adamant about taking the quicker route after we're done talking.”