by Crystal Dawn
“I said you’ll suffer.” Risa said,
“You also said I look good.” Win smirked.
Risa huffed and turned away to talk to Stef. She might turn her back on him now, but she had noticed him. That by itself pleased him. Did that make him shallow? Maybe a little bit. Lu turned to the main doors and walked away. Stef and Risa followed carrying on a conversation.
He took the chance to observe her unnoticed. The woman was dressed for comfort in a thin colorful flowered sundress. Her feet were covered with pretty and slightly worn leather sandals. She wore light makeup and her hair was in a ponytail. Win had an overwhelming urge to pull it, but he resisted.
They were riding in several SUVs and Lu was driving with Stef riding shot gun. He and Stef were in the middle and two demons along for security rode in the back. He noticed they were armed, but so was he even though it wasn’t as obvious. Someone needed to show them how to hide their side arms better. Lu waited for the other SUVs to be ready to go. The intention was for all of them to stay together.
The plan for the day was to explore and let Stef and the others that enjoyed shopping indulge in their hobby. There was a farmer’s market downtown and a flea market outside of town. Because they had a private plane, even larger items could be bought. Win found the shopping trips Stef enjoyed dull and exhausting.
It was his hope that other interesting things might be found to keep him and the other males happy. First would be breakfast and apparently they’d changed their minds about the in house restaurant at the hotel. They didn’t go far before they pulled in at a local place that looked like it fit in with the surrounding architecture.
They went in and somehow he ended up next to Risa. Was this the way it would always be? The waitress came around and they all ordered coffee and several ordered juice as well. Once the drinks came, everyone ordered. His meal would have steak, sausage, bacon, and eggs. Risa ordered a fruit plate with bacon on the side. Win didn’t think that meal would provide much energy.
When the food came, he had to admit her meal was colorful. It was almost too pretty to eat. That didn’t stop her. He dug into his food and let her worry about hers. His plate was empty in no time. Demons had huge appetites, even larger than gods.
“Everyone done eating?” Lu asked as he nodded at a guard to go pay the bill. They had a business card that any employee was authorized to used.
Everyone started getting ready to leave and the guards pulled the SUVs around even though they wouldn’t be driving. The driver’s seat was empty when Lu made it out of the restaurant to climb into it. Once everyone was loaded in all the SUVs, they took off like a parade. They went to the farmer’s market first. There wasn’t just food there, many craftsmen set up booths too.
Once they were parked, Stef was out in a heartbeat and headed toward the tables. Lu was out and running to catch her. Risa got out slowly and began to deliberately check table after table once she got to them. He got the impression she enjoyed the hunt for bargains even though he bet she didn’t get to go to these events much.
He found a table with knives and almost drooled. Beautiful ornate handles weren’t as impressive as the variety of knives and the sharp, straight edges that could slice paper or shave hair. He selected two that he didn’t want to do without. One was a throwing dagger beautifully weighted for a perfect throw. The other knife was a classic hunting knife.
It was the first time he’d found something he wanted on one of these shopping trips for females. Risa was looking at the silver and gold jewelry while Stef had found some baby stuff. Everyone seemed to have found something. That made this an exceptional market. He would remember it if they came back to this island.
Risa had bags of things she’d bought, but Stef had bought so much, it had to be delivered to the plane later that day. They were all ready to move on and everyone got back in the SUV they had gotten out of. Win still hadn’t had a conversation with Risa, not today anyway. There wasn’t much to say.
They headed to the flea market, a place Stef had insisted on going to. “It will be an adventure.” Win heard her telling Lu upfront.
“If you want to go, we’ll check it out.” He replied doubtfully. Win thought Lu was just excited about being able to travel freely around in public. The term flea market wasn’t inspiring excitement in any of the guys.
“It’s not what it sounds like. Some of the flea markets in the past were said to have upholstery in the used furniture infected with fleas, but that’s not the case in modern times. This will be much like the farmer’s market only there may not be any produce and there are usually used, even antique, items for sale.” Stef enthused.
“If it’s a dump, I vote we leave.” One of the back seat guards hollered. Everyone ignored him. It wasn’t long before they approached the market. It was much larger than the farmer’s market.
“It’s huge.” Lu exclaimed.
“I’m sure we’ll find something.” Stef declared excitedly.
As big as the market was, if she didn’t it would be because she wasn’t looking for something. Win got excited when he saw a musical instrument stand. There was an amazing selection, but his eyes were drawn to a hand carved and elaborately painted recorder. It was gorgeous and he just knew it would sound heavenly. His humor had immediately improved.
Nearby, there were other instruments for sale, but this one was the only one that drew his eyes. All the band members could play multiple instruments. The fans always got excited when they switched instruments in the middle of the song. It was still true they each had their favorites and any kind of woodwind instrument hit a note with him.
Win bought the recorder, it called to his soul. It wasn’t even high for what it was. He gave the seller a small tip, he was so satisfied with his buy. When he’d tried it out it had hit the sweetest notes.
He saw other band members and other hobby instrumentalists falling over the booths of instruments and he was happy he’d gotten there first. Moving down the line, he found some adorable drums and bought them for Lu and Stef’s baby. Win had been looking for a gift but nothing had called to him until now. The market was rich with artistic things and he bought a painting of a deer jumping a log. Win had talent at painting, selling some on the internet. It didn’t prevent him from appreciating the work of others.
The guys had all expected to be disappointed, but the place turned out to be like a toy store for every age. He saw Risa buying some leather knee high lace up boots with fringe. They were Indian style, but they wouldn’t work in the tropical area they would be living. Still, he’d admit they were nice.
Stef was again buying loads of stuff. Good thing they had a cargo area on the plane, but once they were home, where would it all go? That didn’t seem to worry her. He did notice she was rubbing her tummy a lot. Risa seemed to notice as well and approached her to question her. Stef shook her head, but Risa looked unconvinced and kept close to her.
To Win, it seemed like a lot of walking for a heavily pregnant female. Stef seemed to get around okay, but if she was his, he’d carry her or rent a shopping cart from one of those cart corrals. Maybe having a doctor around was a good idea, but why did it have to be her?
The weather here was perfect and it only seemed to rain late in the afternoon. At least that was what they’d seen and been told happened this time of year. Typhoon season was a different thing and tourists avoided the island then. It only lasted about six weeks and then it was clear skies again.
He was glad when everyone finished their shopping. They’d been here for hours and it really was lunch time. Lu said they were going to some kind of tropical grill where they had exotic food in the salad bar and they carried grilled meats of all varieties around for the guests to eat. It sounded crazy to Win, but it was a place Stef had discovered and wanted to try.
When they’d first started playing, they’d gone to bars and gotten drunk. It wasn’t easy because their bodies metabolized alcohol so quickly. They never went anywhere locally unless they’d hidde
n their wings, horns, and tails under clothing. Now they had a freedom they’d never known and it was because of what Stef had done. Everyone liked Stef and she’d been nothing, but good to all of them.
Win could even admit he’d enjoyed the hell out of this trip even though he’d thought it would be lame. Stef was always pushing their limits and taking them new places when they were out on the road. She was unique, like her sisters and it was impossible not to love those girls. All they’d ever done was give.
Maybe their goodness made it harder for him and the others to accept someone like Risa. She’d been on the dark side living with the evil. It was never right to give in to that. Risa hadn’t left the organization, she’d been caught and imprisoned until Lu had given her a way out with Zeus’ blessings. Win wasn’t sure everyone deserved a second chance. Lu said if he wanted to, he could see it as her working off her debt to them by filling a needed service.
“You’ll love this place.” Stef gushed as they were greeted at the door and led to their seats.
Menus were passed out, but they all ordered a side with the full bar and unlimited meats. A waiter came by with roasted lamb and grilled ribs. Everyone got some before they got up to grab a bowl of soup and some of the endless variety of foods, including sea foods, on the bar.
Everyone ate way much too much and no one had room for dessert. Again he had to admit Stef had picked a winner. He’d never seen such a variety of meats and seafood in one place as what they had brought around to their tables. He’d not liked it all equally, but that was the beauty of getting to try so many different things. They were all stuffed and ready to go.
One of the guards paid the bill and they all trooped out to the waiting SUVs. It was now the time that Lu would decide if they headed home or waited until the morning. Since the guys left in charge of the plane had called and said everything was delivered, they were good to go. Lu decided to let everyone vote on it and the majority wanted to head home since there were no other activities planned.
They all returned to their rooms as soon as they were back in the hotel to pack their bags and get ready to leave. Meeting in the hall, Lu called for everyone’s room keys. A guard took them back and checked everyone out. Meanwhile they loaded and all the SUVs except the last one left to head to the airport where their private jet waited.
The airport was right ahead and he wondered how Risa would handle the trip. Why did he even care? Lu helped Stef get loaded first. Her belly stuck out and she waddled like a duck. The odd thought occurred to him that she might have the child high in the air. Win shook off that thought. Surely Stef would know if the baby was about to drop.
Risa went up the stairs in front of him and he enjoyed watching her ass as she took the steps. The physical attraction he felt for this woman was off the charts. It made him wonder if she could be indifferent to him when he felt so much. That was unlikely especially since most females seemed to like him at least a little.
“You can sit here.” Win indicated.
Risa dropped into the seat. It was one of the seats that reclined so she’d be able to sleep. It also had a heavy tray that could hold a laptop. The seats were two side by side and he dropped into the one next to her. There was another row of them on the other side of the aisle. At the head of the rows there was a food service area and in the back of the plane there was a bedroom. All cargo went in the belly of the plane and was accessible from a trap door or the outside.
That belly would be full from all the items Stef had bought judging by the fact that they were still being loaded. He was tempted to say it was just like a woman, but Stef was usually logical and he wasn’t sure what she’d purchased. Maybe it was all baby items. She hadn’t bought much before they’d left home.
It was a relief when he heard the outside compartment being closed. The two guards who’d been supervising the loading got inside and closed and latched the door. Amon was piloting and he got on the speaker to let them know they needed to put on their seat belts and prepare for takeoff.
This jet had been customized and there were none of the no smoking lights. Demons rarely smoked and never when traveling. There were no stewardesses, everyone served themselves. The plane started taxiing down the runway and he could feel when it lifted into the air. It was both exciting and scary depending on who you were.
Win was glad to be headed home as much as he was excited when they were headed out to perform a concert. Risa had her eyes closed which made him wonder if flying made her nervous. He could see Stef and she seemed to be fighting nausea, but Lu was helping her. There were times he wondered what that must feel like. To have a mate and a child on the way, that is.
“She’s taken.” Risa said.
She must have observed him watching Lu and Stef. “You misunderstood. Stef and I are only friends. I wasn’t thinking about her. I was wondering about the relationship they have and the baby they expect soon.”
“They seem like a loving couple.”
“They are. He would move mountains for her and she would do anything for him. Things didn’t start out that way, though.” Win smirked remembering how hard it was for Lu to make up for his mistakes.
Risa turned away looking out of the window. It seemed she didn’t want to talk anymore. That was alright. He pulled out a device and plugged it in. Putting on headphones, he then watched a movie. The woman next to him pulled out her laptop and began to work on it. That suited him perfectly. It wasn’t like he was a big talker.
A few hours later, he noticed she’d put up her laptop and gone to sleep. She looked innocent and even lovelier lost in dreamland. It made him wonder what a woman like her dreamed about. Did she regret the things she’s done? Could she reconcile them with the way her life had turned out? Did she feel guilty when she was around those Origin had harmed the most?
Win wanted to relax and sleep too, but his mind wouldn’t slow down and he blamed her. It didn’t seem right that she caused him so much worry and doubt while she slept without a care. He put his device and his headphones away. Whether he slept or not, he couldn’t concentrate on another movie right now. Reaching to the chair in front, he pulled the pillow and a throw out of the net on the back. Once he relaxed, sleep wasn’t all that hard to find.
Win didn’t know how long he slept, but when he woke, Risa was up and working on her laptop. Lu and Stef weren’t in their seats and he assumed they had retired to the bedroom. Most of the other guys were asleep, but a few were watching movies or playing their instruments. Everything seemed calm and routine.
He’d only been awake for a few minutes when all that changed. He never saw Lu approach because he had his back to the room he and Stef were in. “I need the doctor!” Lu screamed. “Stef is in labor!”
“Calm down, Lu.” Win suggested. “Risa, Stef needs you. Do you have a doctor’s bag?”
“Yes, but it’s in the cargo hold. My bag has flowers on it. Where is Stef?” Risa asked.
“Just follow Lu.” Win directed and he watched her walk away. “Marax! I need you to go down into the cargo hold. Take a breathing mask and a bottle.”
Marax was the best choice. He was tall, but he was also thin and could slip in through the trap door and move around easily. Still young, by demon standards, he was also and always had been, the most limber.
“What does the bag look like?” Marax asked.
“It is flowery.” Win answered. Marax chuckled.
Win watched as the young demon slid down the trap door as lithely as a snake. Demons had perfect night vision, so except for the oxygen he strapped on, he didn’t need anything else. Moments later he chucked the bag up through the trap door. Grabbing it, Win rushed to Risa so she would have what she needed trusting Marax to make it out of the cargo hold and secure the trap door.
“Here’s your bag.”
“Thank you.” Risa said as she pulled out some common monitoring equipment. “I believe the baby will come before we land.”
Lu looked nervous and Stef looked scared to death.
“It will be fine.” Risa promised, but it was bad that the baby was coming now under these circumstances.
Win started backing away slowly so as not to be noticed. “I need you to stay. “ Risa requested and Lu nodded.
Great, now he would have to see all the gory details. This was something Win hadn’t intended to see even if he was mated someday. He almost asked why, but decided there was no point in hearing the explanation since it wouldn’t change a thing.
“Lu, I need you to hold Stef’s hand and help her with her breathing. Win will help me if I need anything else. Win, you can dig out my little black bag while I take her blood pressure.”
Win dug around and found it at the bottom of the case. He pulled it out and set it on the table. Now he sat down and watched to see what would happen next. Nothing happened for a while and he thought he might fall asleep.
“How are you feeling, Stef?”
“It hurts. I think something is wrong.”
“Okay, let me take a closer look.” He watched as Risa felt Stef’s stomach with a look of intense concentration. “Okay, I need you to bring your feet up to your butt and spread your knees.”
“That sounds like something Lu would say.” Stef smiled as she did as requested. Risa had a flashlight.
“Come here Win. I need you to take this light and point it between Stef’s legs.”
Win did as he was told, but once it was pointed, he looked away. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Risa getting down and looking under Stef’s dress. “I can see you’re dilated. I’m not sure why your water hasn’t broke yet, but it could be because the baby is in breech position. I need to turn the baby. It may hurt.”
“May hurt? Are you crazy?” Stef growled.
“I’m sorry. It should be done right away. Once that happens the baby should come quickly.” Risa put antiseptic on and then her gloves. She put more antiseptic on the outside and rubbed it up her arms. She used a wet wipe of some kind and cleaned Stef up in her private areas.
“I feel like I should tip you.” Stef joked, but it was obvious she was scared. Win knew Risa would put her hand in Stef’s privates and he didn’t want to see that.
