The Impact of Leadership Styles on The Organisation Performance Abu Research Paper

The Impact of Leadership Styles on The Organisation Performance Abu Dhabi Municipality as a case study - Research Paper Example Leadership has been evident for as long as individuals have communicated and interacted; it is present in every culture regardless of social, economic, and political compositions. Leadership development in the public sector is not a new or distinct subject yet there has been a large gap between the actual leadership styles of public leaders on one hand and the needs and interests of the public on the other (Trottier, Wart, and Wang 2008). For instance, there have been considerable complaints regarding the commitment of public leaders toward the essential aspects of public service as well as the citizen’s interests. Consequently, this has resulted to a common response among the community with regards to the need for a certain type of leadership. Leadership plays a critical role in good public governance and should be effectively integrated into the government’s culture (Jaussi and Dionne 2004). ... Research Questions The current study then aims to answer the following primary questions: 1. What are the leadership styles demonstrated by leaders in the Abu Dhabi municipality? 2. What is the impact of such leadership styles on organisational performance among the Abu Dhabi municipality leaders? 3. What are the ways with which effective leadership can be demonstrated by leaders in the Abu Dhabi municipality? Research Objectives In relation to such questions, the study aims to address the following objectives: 1. To ascertain the leadership styles and characteristics among leaders in the Abu Dhabi municipality; 2. To examine the variables of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) such as transformational, transactional, and passive/avoidant leadership, and identify which of these types is/are most evident in Abu Dhabi leaders; 3. To identify the outcomes of leadership based on extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction among such businesses; and 4. To provide recommendati ons with regards to the suitability of leadership styles to the public’s interest in Abu Dhabi. Significance of the Study Effective leadership is a fundamental requirement for the public sector, such as those who perform government duties. A number of researchers have asserted that management, innovation, and initiative are not enough to handle unpredictable change that rapidly occurs. Furthermore, organisational procedures and policies do not produce favorable effects unless leaders are developed as they should hold the values and goals which empower workforce members and enable them to achieve success (Harms and Crede 2010). Leadership can bring about significant changes in the organisational life. Positive outcomes can be

Analyzing Level of Development in Hong Kong Essay

Analyzing Level of Development in Hong Kong - Essay Example It is of fascinating to see how Hong Kong has risen to become an economy that is now ranked along with the big wigs of fully developed countries. Development in this context is the maximum utilization of the resources within a given area or country(Haq, 1995). There are multiple universally accepted indicators on how well developed a country is which can either be based on economic factors such as GDP, GNI and PPP, or socio-indicators such as availability and efficiency of public services, provision of health services, accessibility of education among others (Haq 1995). Over the past century to date, Hong Kong has come a long way, for in the nineteen thirties she would have been categorized as an underdeveloped economy. By the start of the Second World War, Hong Kong was still a British colony. On the 25th December 1941, Japan seized her, and occupied the country until August 1945. At the time of the occupation, the Hong Kong economy suffered a great setback. There was rapid inflation and severe food shortages since the Japanese were preserving food for their army. In this harsh environment, there was little economic growth fostered, with advances coming almost to a standstill. In addition, the official currency, the Hong Kong dollar was outlawed and replaced by the Japanese Military Yen. By 1945, the population of Hong Kong had shrunk by half, down front the pre-occupation number of 1.5 million inhabitants (Tsang, 2004). In recent years, Hong Kong has faced challenges and drawbacks at a national level that have had negative impacts on her economy. In 2003, there was an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which led to a drastic decrease in the number of international tourists and a fall in the price of property by 66%.. The bird flu pandemic (H5N1), which had broke out on a full scale around the same time, but had been around for years led to the loss of poultry and chicken by the millions(BEAPA,2008). Another recent setback to the growth of the Hong Kong economy was the Asian financial crisis that occurred between the late part of 1997 and earl 1998. There was a collapse in the stock markets of some south East Asia, Hong Kong being one of them leading to a sharp depreciation in the value of their currencies. These had been preceded by the devaluation of the currencies of the economies involved. It took a while for Hong Kong to regain her momentum from this impediment (Gary,2003). factors that have worked in Hong Kong's favor towards development There are several factors that have fostered Hong Kong's rapid economic growth, one being that the Hong Kong market is friendly and liberal, thus she is quick to adapt to changes in international marketing trends. Her banking system has a rock solid base, she carries minimal public debt and sufficient foreign exchange reserves. These factors are coupled with a strong legal system and a staunch stand taken in fighting corruption (BEAPA, 2008). She has benefited from China's joining the World Trade Organization in that the latter markets her as a growing commercial hub with an amiable business environment,

Case Study Brand Ambassador Marketing Essay

Case Study Brand Ambassador Marketing Essay This project report projects the use of customers as the brand ambassadors by the company. The project argues that whether its feasible to make customers as its brand promoters or not. it will introduce you to the topic brand ambassador and then the pros and cons are cited. Brand ambassador  is a  marketing term  for a  celebrity  employed by a  company  to promote its products or services within the activity known as  celebrity branding. The brand ambassador is meant to embody the  corporate image  in appearance, demeanor, values and ethics. The Dictionary of Business Management defines a brand as: a name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them, intended to identify goods or services of one seller or a group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competitor. Nowadays customers are exposed to thousands of voices and images on tv, newspapers, magazins, hoardings, banners, radio etc. these are the brand ambassador of the product. Every brand attempts to grab the attention of customer in order to inform them about the product and service. The challenge of the marketer is to find a hook that will hold the subjects attention. But nowadays company like mc-Donald, Sony, Uniliver etc has taken an innovative move by employing the real customers as the brand ambassador. Companies invest large sums of money to align their brands and themselves with endorsers. Overall spending on citizen marketing is growing and is expected to top $1 billion in 2007, up from $980 million in 2006, according to PQ Medias word-of-mouth marketing forecast. That number is expected to swell to almost $4 billion by 2011. Consumers are selected based on their devotion to a product and the size of their social circles. They are expected to tap into friends, family, groups and resources through conversations, blogs, live events and online social media. Their activities are measured by things such as online traffic, number of blog posts, reader comments and e-mail responses, and how many people participate in real-world events. These programs hire consumers, via incentives and rewards, to act as part PR agents, part sales reps and part evangelists. Often, these reps create their own branding gimmicks. In your view, in the Indian marketing context, is the concept of brand ambassadors likely to succeed? Justify your answer. Ans (a): Yes it will surely prove to be successful in the Indian society. The following reasons are:- It helps in increasing web traffic and conversations on social media sites by expressing their unfiltered thoughts, feelings about the product through tweets, status updates etc. Loyal customers are in a habit of talking about the product which they like most to their friends, relatives which indirectly promotes the brand and increases the sales. The power of customer story is such that it is able to influence a larger number of population as the people can relate themselves with the customer well. For ex dove has used this theory n uses its loyal customers as its brand ambassador. Customers can open doors faster than you can.: It becomes very difficult alone for the company to promote its brand products to each and every individual in the market. By making loyal customers as its brand ambassador it is making this possible. Customers can more quickly promote anything whether its negative or positive and other people listening gets influence spontaneously. It proves to be a big opportunity for the company to make customers as brand customers. After using a product customer immediately put up their sales radar as well as bogs or tweets.thus it prove to be helpful. Its genuine, its real, and it isnt marketing: Nowadays there are number of advertisements on television that it becomes very tuff to break through the clutter. By having a group of customers who are your brand ambassadors, you can  easily break through with an authentic voice  because it will sound different ultimately its humanization of your brand  at its best. The reality is that whatever customer said it will have a tone of genuineness in that. Many celebrity endorsers get unnoticed today inspite of the glamour factor added in it.so a new and innovative strategy for innovation is strongly needed to promote the products. Comment upon Sonys strategy of using brand ambassadors to launch its cameras. What can be the possible dangers of using this approach? Ans (b):- sonys strategy of using customers as brand ambassador is new and innovative step for promotion. Out of 2,000 applicants only 25 ambassadors were picked based on how much they planned on traveling and participating in sporting events. The winners were given a free camera and other equipment in October along with lessons on how to use them. Applicants who didnt make the cut got a thank-you note and a 20 percent discount coupon for the camera. They are encouraged to hand out discount coupons, show the camera to anyone who asks and blog weekly about their adventures on a dedicated Sony micro site. To avoid charges of deception, ambassadors are advised by marketers to openly reveal that theyre representatives. Sony decided that selecting brand ambassadors who like to travel, take pictures and blog would jump-start the launch of its news GPS camera. This is a product with emerging technology and we really need to let consumers see people using it, says Koba Kobayashi, director of digital imaging accessories at Sony. The Risks of Relinquishing Brand Control Fear of the rogue customer. Making customers as their brand ambassador can be a difficult proposition because companies are terrified that customers may turn on them and post anything which can prove to be negative. Although its very rare that the customer turn up against you, it can happen only if the firm is unable to provide satisfactorily product to customers. So it can prove to be negative only if there is lack of efforts from the company itself. Concern over losing a brand ambassador because they move on. It becomes a serious problem for the company if they stick on to one customer for brand promotion and he/she is unable to cater them because of time or any other issue. So it is preferable that the firm allow multiple customers to participate in a single channel so to avoid such issues. It becomes tough to mange a single transition. Fear of not controlling the brand message. A marketer can do is to influence brand messages and perception, but the reality is that its largely controlled by our audience. The customer word of mouth magnifies the society through social media or others. Because of social media customers have a voice and they can post their thoughts and feelings whether we empower them or not. Conclusion This concludes that the idea of employing real customers as brand ambassador proves to be beneficial and cost effective to some extent. Loyal Customers ambassadors need to be treated well as they are the one whose word of mouth proves to be good for the company.this strategy is helpful in grabbing the attention of thousands of customers as they find it real and can easily relate themselves with their words.

Sonnys Blues by James Baldwin Essay -- Sonnys Blues James Baldwin

Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin "Sonny's Blues" is a story about two brothers, their past, and how their differences came between them. They were apart for several years while Sonny was in jail, but once he got out they had a chance to mend their pasts. "Sonny's Blues" is a well written story that teaches a lesson that has value in every day life. The tone is melancholy and reminiscent. The brother is remembering the past and reflection on the mistakes he and Sonny made. He is sad over their fallout, Sonny's trouble with drugs, and the death of his daughter. He regrets that he wasn't able to keep Sonny out of trouble like he promised his mother he would do, as she had done with their father. The point of view is first person selective, told from the perspective of the brother. He g...

PHILOSOPHY of COUNSELING

Clinical psychology focus SE on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspect s of human injunction across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic I bevel† (Todd & Aboard, 1999, peg. 5). In my philosophy I do believe this to be true among other things. I believe the Bible to be my main source of truth. View of Human Nature With any philosophy we have to start at the beginning of the nature of people and their disorders. Why are people the way they are? Is it nature or nurture?I believe we do not s tart out as a â€Å"blank slate. † We are all born with specific genes and attributes that are unique to us. We are all individuals unique in our own ways. However our experiences mature and SSH ape us for good or for bad. Think about life as a poker game and in your hand are the cards you have been dealt. You were given the cards and how you play the game or your â€Å"experiences† d determine the outcome. Mor ality and values are not subjective sets of ideas that vary from p resin to person, or even culture to culture.Rather, they are determined by Someone who is above e the created realm and gives them to all whom are created. This â€Å"Someone† gives you the cards. Without being given these basic values and morals utter chaos would reign in the world. In t he Bible Jesus says â€Å"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, the bets, false witness, slanders. † (Matthew 1 5:19, NASA) This obviously points to the fact that our he arts are the central problem in addressing the behaviors and actions of our lives. In the Bi blew we also get a clear picture of the condition of the human being.Romans 3:23 says â€Å"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God† (NASA). The logical implication is that one who has s mined (defined as a thought, action upon a thought, or behavior that is against the character ND perfection of God's ch aracter) is called a â€Å"sinner†. Because we have all sinned we can not ex prurience the life God intended us to live. Our sin separates us from God and therefore is the r 80th issue in our lives. Not every struggle is a result of personal sin though. If a client were ABA seed, traumatized, rejected, neglected, etc. The sin is not theirs but the results of someone else's sin plays out in their life. Many people need counseling because of the sins of others, entrust their own. Our behaviors and actions flow directly from our sinful thoughts, actions, and series. If someone were to live their life on a deserted island and never have any human contact they would still have the propensity and desire to be greedy, lustful, prideful, and o there things that go directly against the character of God. Society and our environment do not diet ermine our actions as much as our own inward distorted desires.The root issue is a heart problem m, not one of needing just a â€Å"behavioral adjustment† to correct the actions. When clients co me to counseling because they are struggling with something that is a result of someone else's sin the direction and Ochs is still on their need for a Savior to give them the inner ability to have the e strength, patience, forgiveness, and healing to move forward in their life. Therapist/Client Relationship My role as a therapist, is to lift the fallen, restore the broken, and to heal the h rutting. Am not there to judge or â€Å"pick sides. We were created for relationships. In order for a therapist to have the type of relationship with the client that allows them to challenge the client they need to be perceived as open, attentive, willing to be challenged, a listener, fair, friend lye, firm, and trusting. A great client/ counselor relationship is not totally essential to change occurring in the life of a client, but it is very important. I should be able to empathic with the client, teach them coping mechanisms, and offer a different perspective or insight as to what the e issue might be.The client should not rely on me solely as the fix all to any problem. The there pips assists the client in identifying dysfunctional beliefs. The counselor also discovers alternate dive rules for living for the client. The therapist acts as the teacher and teaches new abilities and skills to the client. The client understands their problem better and practice changing self defeating ways, such as, acting and thinking. In this way, it is important to maintain a truthful, secure, confident relationship between the client and the helper to be effective.The essential o objective is for change to occur; the change could be an environmental change, specific behave viral change, change in thinking identifying and awareness. Strengths and Weaknesses as a Therapist like to think I'm good at seeing the â€Å"big picture. † If you are able to take a step back and look at life this way you don't worry about trivial thin gs as much because you hen realize that they don't matter in the big scheme of things. As a therapist could then be a blew to help teach my clients to do the same. Would teach them to focus on the big picture rather t Han trivial details.One thing that I will have to work on is not giving advice. My friends come to me for advice right now and its really hard to break that habit. I've started to take myself oh t of the situation and offer guidelines that could help them in the situation because don't wan t them to depend on me and the same goes for my future clients. I want to be a Marriage and Fame Ii Therapist and I'm not married, nor do I have a family of my own. Some people could see this as a problem because I don't know specifically know the situation.However do empathic with people and can relate to them in other areas. I would also explain to them then that even if I were married I still wouldn't know the exact situation because every situation is different and unique to that individual. Conclusion My philosophy of counseling beings with the fact that all of humanity has intro NCSC value. The ideal counseling situation would be one where a client is able to see a love Eng relationship dolled between the counselor and the client in such a way that they being t o desire to know more about God. PHILOSOPHY of COUNSELING Clinical psychology focus SE on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspect s of human injunction across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic I bevel† (Todd & Aboard, 1999, peg. 5). In my philosophy I do believe this to be true among other things. I believe the Bible to be my main source of truth. View of Human Nature With any philosophy we have to start at the beginning of the nature of people and their disorders. Why are people the way they are? Is it nature or nurture?I believe we do not s tart out as a â€Å"blank slate. † We are all born with specific genes and attributes that are unique to us. We are all individuals unique in our own ways. However our experiences mature and SSH ape us for good or for bad. Think about life as a poker game and in your hand are the cards you have been dealt. You were given the cards and how you play the game or your â€Å"experiences† d determine the outcome. Mor ality and values are not subjective sets of ideas that vary from p resin to person, or even culture to culture.Rather, they are determined by Someone who is above e the created realm and gives them to all whom are created. This â€Å"Someone† gives you the cards. Without being given these basic values and morals utter chaos would reign in the world. In t he Bible Jesus says â€Å"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, the bets, false witness, slanders. † (Matthew 1 5:19, NASA) This obviously points to the fact that our he arts are the central problem in addressing the behaviors and actions of our lives. In the Bi blew we also get a clear picture of the condition of the human being.Romans 3:23 says â€Å"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God† (NASA). The logical implication is that one who has s mined (defined as a thought, action upon a thought, or behavior that is against the character ND perfection of God's ch aracter) is called a â€Å"sinner†. Because we have all sinned we can not ex prurience the life God intended us to live. Our sin separates us from God and therefore is the r 80th issue in our lives. Not every struggle is a result of personal sin though. If a client were ABA seed, traumatized, rejected, neglected, etc. The sin is not theirs but the results of someone else's sin plays out in their life. Many people need counseling because of the sins of others, entrust their own. Our behaviors and actions flow directly from our sinful thoughts, actions, and series. If someone were to live their life on a deserted island and never have any human contact they would still have the propensity and desire to be greedy, lustful, prideful, and o there things that go directly against the character of God. Society and our environment do not diet ermine our actions as much as our own inward distorted desires.The root issue is a heart problem m, not one of needing just a â€Å"behavioral adjustment† to correct the actions. When clients co me to counseling because they are struggling with something that is a result of someone else's sin the direction and Ochs is still on their need for a Savior to give them the inner ability to have the e strength, patience, forgiveness, and healing to move forward in their life. Therapist/Client Relationship My role as a therapist, is to lift the fallen, restore the broken, and to heal the h rutting. Am not there to judge or â€Å"pick sides. We were created for relationships. In order for a therapist to have the type of relationship with the client that allows them to challenge the client they need to be perceived as open, attentive, willing to be challenged, a listener, fair, friend lye, firm, and trusting. A great client/ counselor relationship is not totally essential to change occurring in the life of a client, but it is very important. I should be able to empathic with the client, teach them coping mechanisms, and offer a different perspective or insight as to what the e issue might be.The client should not rely on me solely as the fix all to any problem. The there pips assists the client in identifying dysfunctional beliefs. The counselor also discovers alternate dive rules for living for the client. The therapist acts as the teacher and teaches new abilities and skills to the client. The client understands their problem better and practice changing self defeating ways, such as, acting and thinking. In this way, it is important to maintain a truthful, secure, confident relationship between the client and the helper to be effective.The essential o objective is for change to occur; the change could be an environmental change, specific behave viral change, change in thinking identifying and awareness. Strengths and Weaknesses as a Therapist like to think I'm good at seeing the â€Å"big picture. † If you are able to take a step back and look at life this way you don't worry about trivial thin gs as much because you hen realize that they don't matter in the big scheme of things. As a therapist could then be a blew to help teach my clients to do the same. Would teach them to focus on the big picture rather t Han trivial details.One thing that I will have to work on is not giving advice. My friends come to me for advice right now and its really hard to break that habit. I've started to take myself oh t of the situation and offer guidelines that could help them in the situation because don't wan t them to depend on me and the same goes for my future clients. I want to be a Marriage and Fame Ii Therapist and I'm not married, nor do I have a family of my own. Some people could see this as a problem because I don't know specifically know the situation.However do empathic with people and can relate to them in other areas. I would also explain to them then that even if I were married I still wouldn't know the exact situation because every situation is different and unique to that individual. Conclusion My philosophy of counseling beings with the fact that all of humanity has intro NCSC value. The ideal counseling situation would be one where a client is able to see a love Eng relationship dolled between the counselor and the client in such a way that they being t o desire to know more about God.

Succubus Heat CHAPTER 6

It was dark by now, so I headed straight for my car and drove over to the vampires' apartment in Capitol Hill. Well, technically it was Peter's apartment. Cody was his apprentice and lived there by Peter's good graces, so long as he adhered to Peter's neurotic cleaning standards. â€Å"Georgina,† said Cody happily, opening the door for me. The lingering yellow bruise of a black eye showed on his face. â€Å"Wow,† I said, shocked enough by his appearance to let go of the Seth-rage that had consumed me the whole drive over. â€Å"It's true. You really did get in a fight.† â€Å"Oh, yeah,† he said cheerfully. â€Å"It was great. Totally West Side Story .† I stepped inside and glanced around. â€Å"You also finally changed the carpet.† They used to have velvety plush carpet stretching throughout the living room in ivory. This new stuff was a blue-gray Berber. Peter stepped out from the kitchen and arched an eyebrow at me. I could smell pork chops and rosemary cooking. â€Å"Yeah, well, after three months of trying to scrub off that wine you spilled, I finally gave up.† â€Å"That was an accident,† I reminded him. â€Å"Kind of.† My final showdown with Niphon had involved me punching him and throwing him around. Peter's china cabinet and a full wineglass had been the casualties. I looked away from the corner where our fight had taken place. My heart had been raw and bleeding that day, fresh from the break-up with Seth. â€Å"This is Scotchgarded,† continued Peter. There was a challenge in his voice, like he was daring me to spill something on it now. I settled myself on the couch, in the same way they often made themselves comfortable at my place without asking. I started to take out my cigarettes, but one look from Peter made me put them away with a sigh. Sometimes he allowed smoking but apparently not around new carpet. â€Å"So what happened last night?† I asked. â€Å"Maude, Lenny, and Paul came hunting in the city,† explained Peter. There was an uncharacteristic anger in his eyes, rivaled only by the time he'd found out the color he'd used to paint his kitchen had been discontinued. â€Å"And then Elsa went over to the eastside, which pissed off Aidan.† I wasn't up to date on all the vampires in Washington, but I recognized most of the names and knew their territories-they were from far-out areas like Spokane and Yakima. Seattle would be a huge step up for them-except for the fact that Peter and Cody already controlled most of the city limits. My friends were laconic and mild most of the time, but I suspected I would have seen a whole other side to them last night when they discovered others in their hunting grounds. â€Å"Three in your turf,† I mused. â€Å"I bet that was fun.† â€Å"Oh yeah,† said Cody, face still aglow. â€Å"They're not going to come trolling around here anymore. We kicked their asses like you wouldn't believe. It was awesome.† I couldn't help a smile. â€Å"Your first fight?† He nodded, and I glanced at Peter. â€Å"No marks on you.† Peter looked offended. â€Å"Of course not. Do I look like an amateur?† â€Å"Hey!† said Cody. â€Å"What are you saying about me?† Peter shrugged and returned to the kitchen, saying, â€Å"Just telling it like it is. I've been around a lot longer than you. Been in a lot more fights than you too. And I wasn't the one who got a black eye last night.† Cody looked like he might start a fight then and there, so I hastily asked, â€Å"And nobody knows how the mistake was made?† â€Å"I heard it was Cedric,† called Peter. â€Å"And that you've been cozying up with him.† â€Å"Hardly. I just met him yesterday.† Cody was apparently out of the loop. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Georgina was sent to Canadian Boot Camp for sleeping with the therapist,† explained Peter. â€Å"Seriously?† asked Cody. I could already tell he was envisioning images of pine trees and snow-capped mountains. I shrugged. â€Å"Figure of speech. It's some stupid job I have to do for him. I was there earlier today and got sent home empty-handed because there was nothing for me to do.† â€Å"I can't believe you'd do that,† said Cody. â€Å"Work for Cedric?† â€Å"No. Go to Canada and not bring us back Tim Hortons.† The vampires invited me to stay for dinner, as I'd known they would, and we mulled over the mystery of last night's fight and other demonic politics. For the first time in a very long while, I had something to distract me other than Seth and the woes of my love life. There was nothing going on that really indicated some large, disastrous immortal scheme at work. A misunderstanding among vampires. A troublesome cult. An old grudge between demons. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else going on-something just beyond my reach. I kept thinking of what Tawny had said about scams and misdirection. I eventually gave up on trying to figure out the mystery for now, and the vampires soon started replaying every last detail of the previous night's fight-a topic they never seemed to tire of. The stories bored me after a while, and I instead found myself studying little things, like the layout of the apartment, the new appliances, the granite countertops†¦ â€Å"Do you think I should move?† I asked abruptly. Cody stopped mid-sentence. I think he'd been describing how he'd had Lenny the vampire in a chokehold. â€Å"What?† he asked. â€Å"I'm thinking of getting a new place.† â€Å"Were you even listening to my story?† asked Cody, looking slightly hurt. â€Å"You've lived over there for years,† said Peter. â€Å"As long as I've known you.† â€Å"I know. Maybe it's time for a change. It's small, and it's old.† â€Å"That's because it's a historic building,† argued Peter. â€Å"And,† added Cody, â€Å"it's close to where you work. You'd have to drive in if you moved-unless you're just going up the street or something.† My eyes focused on the far side of the room without really seeing it. I remembered talking to Seth the other night and how it had seemed like I couldn't get far enough away from him. I thought about our fight earlier tonight. â€Å"No,† I told them quietly. â€Å"I'd move somewhere else. Somewhere farther out.† â€Å"Ah,† said Peter in understanding. Cody frowned. â€Å"I don't get it. Why would you want to move far away from your-ow!† Peter had kneed him. Cody started to demand why, but then he seemed to catch on too. He was na;ve about immortal affairs, sometimes, but not human ones. His face turned sympathetic, which I hated. â€Å"Maybe change is good.† I didn't know if it was, but I didn't want them to sit and feel sorry for me, so I coaxed more fight stories from them for the next half-hour or so as a way to distract them and make amends for not paying attention earlier. I left shortly thereafter, wondering about whether it really was time to shake things up a little and move. Seth had already shaken my life up for the worse, and part of me wanted to rid myself of all those memories. Changing everything that I'd had while we'd been together-like my apartment-could be a way to do it. A clean cut. If I was really desperate, I could even consider switching jobs or cities. I didn't know if I was ready to go that far. It all depressed me. â€Å"Hey, succubus. You sure know how to keep a guy waiting.† I'd been walking up to my building without really paying attention, too lost in my own thoughts. Now, in the faint glow of the light above the building's entrance, I saw Dante sitting on the steps. His black hair was brushed away from his face, and he wore a light coat over his usual attire of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. He probably had a watch on under there too but almost never wore any other ornamentation or jewelry. I mustered a smile for him. â€Å"Sorry,† I said. â€Å"I called you earlier.† â€Å"And I called you back.† â€Å"Did you?† I pulled out my cell phone and saw three missed calls from him. â€Å"Oh, shit. I had the ringer off. Sorry.† He shrugged and stood up. â€Å"It's okay, just part of the endless torment I go through for you. One mysterious message saying you're going to Vancouver indefinitely. Another saying you're back but don't know for how long. Then no answer.† I realized I hadn't even thought much about how this international travel would affect Dante. That kind of radio silence would have never happened with Seth. I wouldn't have rested until we'd made contact and would have quickly noticed the ringer problem. With Dante, I'd left the voice-mail message and promptly put him out of my mind. I gave him a quick kiss on the lips and unlocked the door. His face was scratchy and overdue for a shave. â€Å"Sorry,† I said again. â€Å"How's it been going?† â€Å"Same as it always does. Had a couple of drunk teens come in for palm readings last night, so that was a windfall. I could have taken you out someplace nice for a change.† â€Å"It would have beat what I was doing instead.† As we went upstairs to my apartment, I briefly gave him an overview of what was going on. As someone attuned to the paranormal world, there was little about demonic affairs that surprised him. I'd met Dante back in December, during the mess with Niphon. As part of his plan, Niphon had used a chaos entity named Nyx to suck energy from me in my sleep via realistic, emotionally charged dreams. Not knowing what was happening, I'd come to Dante for dream interpretation. He'd been abrasive, sarcastic, and infuriating throughout the entire process yet had steadily grown on me-until I learned the truth about his past. He'd done horrible things-hurt people, killed people, betrayed his own principles-in the name of selfish desires and a quest for power. Those atrocities had left him with an empty soul and bitter self-loathing. I'd loathed him too and swore I was done with him. Then, things had fallen apart with Seth and me. My world had been torn apart, and I found myself with an empty soul and bitter self-loathing of my own. Seth had inspired me to believe in better things in the world, but all that hope had disappeared with our love. Dante's bleak, cynical outlook seemed more realistic now and more in line with my own worldview. He and I had hooked up, eerily compatible in our mutual despair. I didn't love him, but I liked him. I poured us glasses of Grey Goose once we were inside. I preferred gimlets but didn't feel like going to the trouble of finding my lime juice. We settled on my couch with our drinks and cigarettes, and I finished up the story of my Canadian misadventures. â€Å"Wow,† he said when I was done. â€Å"All that because you fucked your therapist?† Unlike Seth, who hadn't liked knowing details about my succubus sex life, Dante took it all in stride. I shrugged. â€Å"Well, I had nothing to do with the vampire gang war last night. But yeah, the rest is on me, I guess. You think they're related?† He swirled his vodka around. â€Å"If you don't think Cedric did it, then probably not. The vampire thing is likely a coincidence. But that Portland demon was right. You probably are being played.† There was almost a growl to his words, uncharacteristically protective. I groaned. â€Å"But how? Everyone keeps saying that, yet I only got involved twenty-four-hours ago. How am I being manipulated in some huge affair in so short a time?† â€Å"Because you've walked into something that's been going on for a while. It's not built around you per se, but now you're in it.† I leaned back against the couch and stared bleakly at the ceiling. â€Å"I should have never slept with Dr. Davies.† â€Å"Was he good?† â€Å"Are you jealous?† â€Å"Nah. Just trying to figure out what turns you on.† â€Å"Scathing wit, if present company's any indication.† â€Å"Somehow, I'm not convinced that's the allure. Besides, are you saying you're turned on right now?† I was still staring at the ceiling. There were some fine cracks in the paint I hadn't noticed before. â€Å"Do you think I should move?† â€Å"What, closer to me?† â€Å"No, as in out. Into a new place.† â€Å"What's wrong with this one? You have a great place. At least you don't live where you work.† Dante's bedroom was attached to his store. I leaned forward and looked at him with a smile. â€Å"I might as well live where I work. I don't know. I feel like it's time for a change.† His gray eyes were thoughtful as he regarded me. â€Å"You've told me about this-how you get an itch for change and suddenly end up transforming your identity and moving to a different country.† Reaching out, I gently brushed some of his black hair out of his face and tucked it behind his ears. â€Å"I've only been here for fifteen years. It's way too soon to leave.† â€Å"So you say. Today you talk about a new apartment, tomorrow you could disappear. For all I know, maybe you're scoping out new employment opportunities in Vancouver.† I laughed and knocked back the rest of my vodka. â€Å"No, definitely not. Although, I think Cedric would be easier to work for than Jerome. Or at least a little less annoying.† â€Å"Even in Canada?† â€Å"Canada's not that bad. Vancouver's actually a pretty cool city. But don't tell anyone I said that.† Dante set his glass down and reached into his shirt pocket. â€Å"Maybe I can bribe you to stick around. Or at least be on time.† A flash of gold caught my eye as he lifted out a watch. It was delicate, almost looking more like a bracelet than a true watch. It had gold links for a band, and its face had a filigree pattern that glittered in the light. I often found watches boring and utilitarian, but this was beautiful. He handed it to me, and I held it up to get a better look. I could shape-shift any jewelry I wanted onto me, but something manmade-something given as a gift-always had more meaning. â€Å"Where did you get this?† I asked. â€Å"Did you steal it?† He scoffed. â€Å"Figures. I do something nice, and you have to question it.† â€Å"Sorry,† I said, feeling a tiny bit bad. That had been pretty ungrateful of me. â€Å"But you can't tell me this is part of your normal budget, not with the business you get.† â€Å"I told you, I had a good streak last night. And since you weren't around for a night on the town, I figured I'd show you my undying affection some other way. Now, are you going to say thank you, or are you going to keep bitching me out?† â€Å"Thank you,† I said. I fastened the watch onto my wrist and admired the way it looked against my tanned skin. â€Å"Maybe you'll be easier to find now-or at least be on time.† I grinned. â€Å"Oh, this wasn't affection. This was pragmatism.† â€Å"Nah. A little of both. I wanted to get you jewelry, but necklaces and rings are too sappy.† He held up his own wrist. â€Å"Only thing that didn't make me want to throw up.† â€Å"And they say there's no romance left in this world,† I laughed. He gently reached out and touched the watch, tracing a circle around my wrist. Then, his hand trailed up my arm and along the edge of my blouse's V-neck, letting him slip his fingers underneath it. Slowly, carefully, he moved over to one of my breasts, his fingertips dancing around the edges of my nipple, which already stood up hard under the thin fabric. He circled the nipple, pressure increasing, until he finally pinched it between his fingers, squeezing it so unexpectedly hard that I gave a small gasp of surprise. â€Å"Whoa, you don't waste any time,† I said. â€Å"You give a gift, and thirty seconds later, it's a free-for-all?† His eyes were hungry and intense now, reminding me of storm clouds. â€Å"I've missed you,† he said. â€Å"I keep thinking I'll get used to you†¦that you'll stop being so sexy. But it never happens.† Impromptu or not, I felt my own lust stirring. We hadn't been together in a while, and there was a big difference between sleeping with strangers and with those you were close to. He wrapped one hand in my hair, holding it tight, not caring if it hurt me or not. Domination and power, the ability to inflict pain if he wanted, always turned him on, and I had gotten used to this game. He jerked me to him and pressed his lips against my neck as I tilted my head back. His breath was hot against my skin as his teeth grazed me. Meanwhile his hands reached out and grasped the sides of my blouse, ripping it open. A couple of buttons scattered across the floor. Heat was building between my legs, and I moved closer as his hands closed around the cups of my black satin bra. He pushed the edges of it down so that my breasts spilled over the tip, then pinched both nipples down, nails digging in. I moaned again, and while I really wasn't into pain, I always liked the way he mingled it with pleasure. Satisfied at my reaction, he moved his hands down to his jeans and unfastened them, pulling them and his boxers down partway, revealing the erection that had been straining against the fabric. He gripped my shoulders and shoved me down to the floor, needing no words to make his wishes apparent. I didn't hesitate. He leaned back against the couch, and I took him into my mouth, letting him fill it up and nearly touch the back of my throat. My lips slid back and forth on him as his hands tangled in my hair, pulling hard. I sucked more urgently, letting my tongue dance and tease as I moved. He'd been hard when I started, but he swelled even more as I brought him in and out of me. â€Å"Harder,† he grunted. I met his eyes, which were filled with a primal desire that exalted in putting me in such a submissive role. I sucked him harder and faster, my lips hitting his body over and over as they glided along that hard length. His breathing became heavier, his moans louder. I felt him grow in my mouth until it seemed like I couldn't take anymore. He suddenly shifted forward to the edge of the couch, letting him thrust his hips forward and take control. Still holding my shoulders, he shoved himself into me, fucking my mouth as hard as he could. I gave a surprised muffled grunt that seemed to turn him on further. Then, with a great groan, he gave one last hard thrust and abruptly pulled out so that he came half in me and half on me. It left my skin and breasts warm and sticky. Still gasping, he pulled me up and ran his hands all over my body, uncaring of the increasing mess. His fingertip traced the edges of my lips, and I kissed it. A look of supreme satisfaction crossed his features. Still keeping me standing, he slid a hand between my thighs and up my skirt. His fingers slipped under my panties, thrusting deep within me. He exhaled with pleasure. â€Å"God, you're wet. Kind of wish I'd fucked you now.† I kind of wished that too, but his fingers were going a long way to make up for that. I burned and ached for his touch, having grown more aroused than I'd expected to. He slid his fingers out of me, then moved them up to my clit and the center of my desire. He stroked and encircled, and I felt heat build up, ready to explode. I leaned forward, resting my hands on his shoulders where he sat. This put my breasts right in his face, and he leaned forward, sucking hard on one of them, teeth nipping at that sensitive skin. It wasn't going to take much to make me come. He pulled his mouth and fingers back at the same time. I whimpered, wanting-needing-him to touch me again. â€Å"You want that? You want me to get you off?† His voice was soft and menacing. â€Å"Yes†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Beg me,† he said menacingly. â€Å"Beg me to.† â€Å"Please,† I begged, my body arching back, straining to get closer to him. â€Å"Please†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His fingers and mouth returned, and like that, I exploded. The orgasm made my body spasm as I struggled to stay upright. My knees and legs were weak, but I knew if I collapsed, he wouldn't be able to touch me anymore, and I wanted his fingers to keep stroking me as I came, bringing me to further and further heights of ecstasy. Finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, I gave in to my trembling muscles. I sank to the ground and rested my head against his knee. His hand found my hair, stroking it gently this time. The couch made for an uncomfortable respite, so we retired to my bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. Sighing, Dante lay back against the covers and half-pulled the sheet over him. I hadn't taken up much energy from him, but he still wore the exhausted, blissfully lethargic look of so many men after sex. I didn't feel particularly wiped out, and upon realizing I'd left my cigarettes in the other room, I promptly climbed out of bed to retrieve them. â€Å"I almost believed it this time,† he said when I reached the doorway. â€Å"Hmm?† I asked, pausing and glancing back. â€Å"That you were into it,† he explained. â€Å"I almost believed you were.† I narrowed my eyes. â€Å"Are you accusing me of faking?† â€Å"No, you never fake. But that doesn't mean you're always into it either. Sometimes I get the feeling you sleep with me simply because you've got nothing else better to do.† â€Å"That's not true,† I said. â€Å"There are plenty of guys better than you.† He crooked me a smile. â€Å"But none who are as convenient or who can provide the illusion of a regular partner and bed warmer.† â€Å"Man, you sure do know how to ruin the afterglow.† â€Å"Nah, I'm just being realistic, that's all. I don't mind you using me.† His joking aside, I could see the underlying affection. Bitter and cynical he might be, but the look he gave me was filled with sincere caring. I rolled my eyes. â€Å"I'm not using you.† But as I walked off to the living room, I wasn't sure if I believed that myself.