Sometimes life sucks. Daimon stretched, and sighed. I'm bored and horny. Of course, neither condition was unusual for a demon of lust and sensuality. He absently stroked one of his horns, adding a scratch with a sharp fingernail, and shuddered pleasurably.

When he crouched here, in the niche created by the arched turret window, the moon was perfectly framed by the window. Over the last few nights he'd developed quite a fascination with the moon, which was just a couple of days away from being full. Something about that thought sent a shiver through him, catching Daimon by surprise.

Intending to pleasure himself in the comfort of his bed, Daimon had turned away from the window only to swivel back around when despair washed over him. Considering the relatively unpopulated region of New Zealand he lived in -- primarily to avoid being overwhelmed by the emotions most sentient beings broadcast naturally -- the being experiencing the emotions must either be close, or the despair it felt was soul-deep. Possibly both.

Gazing out the window once more, Daimon debated his options. I have an inexplicable feeling that I need to do something. Of the houses nearest to me, I've known the occupant of one a long time, but the other ...

A day or so ago, new people had moved into the large villa to the south. The two burly human men doing the heavy lifting had been of no interest to him; it was the silver-haired, athletic male who'd caught Daimon's attention. And caught it very well indeed. Daimon smiled and wriggled a little as he recalled the man.

At the time, the intriguing male had been pushing a wheelchair containing a swaddled figure. The movement of muscle under the tight, sleeveless, white T-shirt had been well worth watching. The man's well-defined, powerful biceps had been perfectly displayed, and thanks to cut-off denim shorts, so had his solid thighs.

All in all, the silver-haired male had proven to be an exceptionally attractive package, and Daimon had given some serious consideration to the best way of making his ... acquaintance. I sensed he was lycan, which ties in with my new fascination with the upcoming full moon, and I know there was another wolf -- probably the one in the wheelchair -- which would compound the fascination I'm feeling ...

The proximity of a small pack so close to the full moon could be the reason he felt unusually horny, too. After all, while lycans aren't forced to change during a full moon, it does bring their more animalistic natures to the fore and make them more inclined to be sexually active.

The combination of the alluring male and the despair he'd recently sensed seemed more than good enough reason for Daimon to go and investigate. Let's be honest, cats have nothing on demons when it comes to curiosity. My inquisitive nature has caused me far more trouble than my occasional urges to cause mischief, and I know the same is true of others. But then again, my curiosity has also been well rewarded, too.

His decision made, Daimon grinned. And now is as good a time as any to go. Picturing the neighbouring property, he allowed his body to dematerialise.

Materialising invisibly outside the large stucco-fronted villa, Daimon extended his senses. Although the feeling of despair was gone, there was enough of a resonance to prove that this had indeed been the place of its origin. Ignoring the wide stairs that led to the portico, Daimon wandered around the mansion's exterior instead -- it had been a long time since he'd visited this place and he could easily conceal his presence from the lycans. They might become a little agitated with him around but they would be unable to detect him unless he wanted them to.

Oh yes, I definitely have the advantage over lycans, I love being a demon.

The windows of the mansion were large, rectangular, and heavily curtained. Some had balconies. Perfect.

Materialising on his chosen balcony -- why climb when you didn't have to? -- Daimon looked out over the grounds. The almost-full moon cast cold white light over immaculately manicured lawns. The intricately carved wooden benches resting in the shadows under the kowhai trees were clear as day to Daimon's demon sight, and he resolved have a better look someday soon. Would they feel as good as they looked?

Enough sightseeing for now. Time to focus on what I came for.

Mentally probing the mansion was a delicate operation. Too much power and his presence would be felt, too little and he'd read nothing. Three of the occupants slept, one did not. Two of the sleepers were close together, possibly sharing a room, so Daimon flitted to the balcony of the other. Much easier to check the lone lycan sleeper than risk waking the household while checking on the lycan still awake.