by Crystal Dawn
Lu knew he would have died before he turned one had they not supplemented the awful gruel he was fed. Whether they purposely starved him or just didn’t care, he never found out. The cook brought just one bowl to him most days. Some days she didn’t bother to bring anything at all. He called the cook a she but he wasn’t sure that’s what cook was. All he could say was that cook’s looks matched her personality. She was as ugly as she was cruel. She stood in the doorway eating a candy bar.
“I bet you’d like one, wouldn’t you little feller? Mm, so good. Here, smell the wrapper. It’s okay, you can have it.” Cook said as she threw the wrapper at him.
He’d held it up to his nose and the smell had been so good. He’d crammed the wrapper into his mouth and tried to eat it.
Cook had cackled like a witch. “You can’t eat it, Stupid. It’s a wrapper. Just wanted you to smell something you’ll never get to taste.”
Lu opened his drawer and pulled out a candy bar. He unwrapped it and he ate it slowly, so very slowly. He savored every little bit. He closed the drawer carefully because he always kept it full of candy bars and he didn’t want to smash one of them. Candy bars were precious when you were starving and didn’t have one. He would always have plenty of candy bars. He got back to work on his emails with the delightful taste of chocolate in his mouth. Some people took the simple joys of life for granted. Lu never would.
The phone rang pulling him out of his memories and he was glad. Most of the recollections from his childhood were the things nightmares were made of. “Lu here.” He replied.
“It’s Zeus. I wanted to let you know that we recovered a demon.”
“That’s great. Is he coming here?”
“Not right away. Doc wants him to gain some weight and she’s concerned about his emotional state.”
It was a concern with merit. Lu remembered once in a while a demon would go crazy harming himself and others if not handled properly. Because of the way demons looked, many were on the receiving end of torture. Not just mental or emotional either. Origin attracted the sadistic and cruel types looking for an outlet for their hobbies. He’d had a rough time, but he hadn’t been mistreated the most. Some had been tortured to death, slowly. Many of those sadists had been arrested and would never see daylight but after what they had done, they had gotten off lightly.
“It’s nice of you to call to let me know.” It seemed to Lu there was more but Zeus would get to it in his own time and way.
“About this last mission, there were other demons but they were moved before we got to them. Word is they were sold to wealthy people not involved in the genetic experimenting.”
“Are you sure?” Lu asked perplexed. “Why would they want a god or a demon?”
“There were demons only at this place, Lu. I think they were sold as slaves, maybe even sex slaves.”
Lu struggled to answer. Yeah, demons loved sex but to force them. Hell that was a whole different thing. He also knew most people that would buy another for sexual purposes probably had some dark needs. The type of abuse might change, but the suffering wouldn’t.
“Any leads?”
“We’re following a few and if I find out anything, anything at all, I’ll call and let you know.”
“Hey tell the girls I miss them.” Lu added. He called the mates girls.
“Just the girls?”
“You guys are too ugly next to my amazing beauty so I don’t miss you much.”
“Yeah, you wish. That’s why all of us ugly gods are mated and you’re not.”
“If I got mated what would womankind do? There’d be mass panic if they knew I was no longer available. You guys were so lucky since no one cared when you became taken. It’s a burden to bear.”
“You are so full of it Lu. I bet your eyes are turning brown.”
“Nope, the same beautiful blue you’ve always been jealous of.”
Lu and Zeus hung up chuckling at each other. There was a bond there that went deeper than a simple brotherhood. The ties between those that suffered together and were freed together was impossible to describe and stronger than steel. Lu had a special place in his heart for Sierra and her sisters too because they had helped free them and worked to heal them. The fate of the gods and demons it seemed was irrevocably bound to the descendants, so far the daughters, of Major Dunlevy. He was an officer in the army who had once trained and died, for Zeus and his team of gods.
Lu didn’t know why, but there was something special about each one of the girls that was obvious the second he’d met them. So far each girl to meet the gods had been found to be a mate to one and Stef was no exception. She was just the one that got the fool that wouldn’t admit to what was in front of him. He was willing to admit it now and he’d make her admit it too.
He thought about the conversation he’d just had with Zeus and a tight ball of nerves rolled around in his stomach. He wasn’t a believer in seers or forecasting the future, but he had a feeling that something relating to the demons who had been sold was about to occur. Tingles ran over him just for thinking about it and maybe it was just a logical assumption based on past experience because things like this often blew up in Origin’s face. The problem was if demons were outed as being different, no one could guess how humans would act.
It was something that could happen if the demons sold as slaves were discovered by reporters or the government.
He’d sat there mulling things over longer than he’d realized and it was time to meet the others for supper. He’d had the music room set up for the small dinner party. It hadn’t been hard to move tables in there, have them covered with table clothes, and bring in caterers to do the rest. He considered it practice for what the future might hold. He and the other demons had spent so much time in isolation at Origin facilities that he intended to bring guests in to mix with them if it proved feasible. Demons had lived such lonely lives and they were social creatures. Robbed of interaction all their lives, they wanted to make up for that now.
He didn’t want his demons to be lonely any more. It was great that they were able to be around each other now, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted them to mix with others at parties and social functions. He hoped that every demon would have a chance to secure his own mate and that they would be alone only when they wanted to be. Some might say that being able to socialize was a shallow thing. Those who said that would be those that had that choice all their life.
Lu walked in the room just before Devon escorted Stef there. The band was already there enjoying some awesome looking drinks. Alcohol metabolized quickly in their bodies so in order to feel good they had to drink a lot quickly. He wasn’t sure it would be smart to do so and he had just one drink that he sipped slowly. All of Stef’s team were present and he had a message telling him Devon’s missing camera man had arrived but wasn’t a man. He didn’t mind. The more females the more potential fun his demons might have and one might even find a mate.
Everyone sat down with Lu, Stef was on his right and Devon on his left. He’d had seats assigned to them. Sneaky, but effective because they were now separated. Devon wore a scowl while Stef looked confused.
Champagne was served and food was placed on the table to be served family style.
“What’s going on Lu?” Stef asked, chewing on her lip in consternation.
“I don’t know what you mean?”
“You greeted me warmly when I arrived only to freeze me out later. Now you’re turning on the charm and frankly, I find it confusing.”
“Fair enough. Do you know much about the gods?”
“Just the rough facts, I suppose.”
“Were you aware demons were abused and tortured?”
“I had heard something about that but no details.”
“Some were tortured to death. We were kept isolated, starved, beaten and kept in places that resembled dungeons.”
“I’m sorry that you had to go through that.”
“Me too. My point is that even though I may seem much lik
e other people you know, especially other gods, I’m not. I don’t know how to behave around humans, especially females. I’ve never had a girlfriend or any long term relationship. I’m learning as I go and I don’t always do the right thing. I like you. It scares me and it excites me. If you and I are going to do anything about it, I need you to help me.”
“I-I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll let us start over. Say you like me too.” He stared at her while he waited for her answer. He’d put himself out there without a safety net. If she shot him down, he’d crash and burn. He seemed like a confident cocky demon but inside he was easily hurt.
“We can start over but let’s take things slow. I think I do like you Lu, but I don’t really know you. Will you let me get to know you?”
Lu smiled and felt relief roll over him. It was hard sometimes to throw your heart out there and hope it wouldn’t be trampled. He’d made fun of Zeus, but now he had even more respect for what he’d gone through. He’d start off with Stef by being friends and then they would see what would come next. He hoped she understood that sleeping with Devon was no longer an option. He was almost afraid to discuss it but he knew he had to.
“Just you and me? No other boyfriends or girlfriends, right?”
“It’s a deal. By the way, thank you for those flowers. They were gorgeous.”
“You’re welcome. They reminded me of you.” The flowers had smoothed the way. He’d remember that for the next time he messed up because there would be a next time.
She flushed and smiled. “That’s sweet.”
He thought she felt flattered but he’d rather look at her than the flowers even though they were lovely. Just being close to her and seeing her flushed cheeks made him have the naughtiest thoughts. Her color deepened and he had a feeling she could read his mind.
“Take a walk with me on the beach after we finish here?”
“Okay.” She whispered.
It wasn’t long before the meal was done and everyone began to drift into groups of two or three. The new camera person showed up and Devon went to intercept the little brunette. As soon as he was gone, Lu took Stef by the hand and pulled her out the door.
“Slow down, I have to take my heels off.” She said as she removed her shoes and scooped them up in one hand by the straps. She swung them back and forth almost nervously but she let him grab her other hand and they walked toward the beach. Stef laughed like a child and pointed at his feet.
“I didn’t realize you weren’t wearing shoes at the table.”
“I wear as little as possible. Origin never encouraged any of us to wear much. I guess it’s caused us demons to shun shirts and shoes.”
“Shoes are uncomfortable especially inside.”
“I only wear them when I have to. The same goes with shirts. I only wear pants because we interact with the natives some and I never know when one will stop by.”
“You mean you’d run around naked?” She expressed some shock at the thought.
“Not naked but in the equivalent of underwear. Once the video is out and they expect us to have tails, we’ll all be wearing less. My tail chafes from the jeans or other long pants. The soft shorts Origin had most gods in are easy on the skin.”
“I think I did see some of the gods wearing those in the gym.”
“It used to be all Origin would let them wear.”
“What about the demons?”
“They rarely wasted money on buying us clothes. We got some cast offs when the waistbands stretched or they got dingy or holey.”
“Like a bastard stepchild.”
He could see the sympathy on her face but he’d rather see desire there. True, but we’ll have the last laugh once we’re all free and they’re all in jail.”
“You haven’t found them all yet?”
“No. Zeus called earlier to say some were sold off just like slaves. He said they were demons and they are trying to chase them down. We have hope, but that’s all right now.”
“Zeus will find them.”
“I hope so.” He wished he felt as certain as Stef sounded.
They walked a little further until they were near the ocean. The sand felt good on their feet and they could hear the waves coming into the shore. There was a sweet perfume from the flower garden floating on the breeze and the buzzing of some insects in the background. The moon shone on the water reflecting the light out to them. Her hand felt warm in his and a tingle ran up his arm from where they touched.
They both stopped almost as if they’d agreed to stop at this spot in advance. They turned toward each other and he wanted more than anything to kiss her. Would she feel that was moving too fast? She was looking at him like she wanted it too. He leaned down and his forehead rested on hers a moment before he moved down more to claim her lips in a slow sweet kiss. He groaned as the flavor of cherries hit his tongue. He had known she’d be sweet and now he lost what little control he’d had. He devoured her plummeting his tongue into her mouth to duel with hers and explore every nook and cranny.
Her arms had wrapped around his neck and she leaned on him as if she could barely hold herself up. He wanted to pull her down into the sand and have his wicked way with her, but he was afraid she’d say no. Instead, he pulled back to catch his breath and calm his pounding heart. His mouth was dry and he felt a little dizzy as he tried to control the need that raged in him. He felt a perverse hope that she suffered as much as he did. Had it been up to him they would have slaked their need in his bed before falling into a deep and sated sleep. Instead he hurt from this need that only she could ease.
“We’d best go back.” He said, hoping she would say she’d changed her mind. She didn’t say that so they headed back to the party that was already breaking up. At least Devon wasn’t there because if he’d escorted her to her room Lu would have gone a little crazy. “I’ll walk you to your room.”
He led her along the hall to her room and kissed her chastely before he turned and left. Just like a proper gentleman. He chuckled at the thought. It was time to go to bed and hope he would get a goodnight’s sleep because tomorrow would be the start of building a dream. He felt both dread at the demands that he’d heard filming presented and excitement at the thought of building something that would support his demons in a good lifestyle but also win them at least a small amount of freedom. To be able to mix among humans even in a limited way would be a gift for his kind. He prepared for bed and hoped for sweet dreams not just for himself but for everyone.
Chapter 5
Success
Dori was having a hard time and no one was more aware of it than Stef, well except Homer. He lay still, without complaint as she tried to connect the mechanical tail in a way that looked natural. She rubbed her forehead in a way that let everyone know she was stumped.
“I just don’t see how he managed to do it.” He growled.
“Do what?” Stef asked.
They were all tired and irritated and Stef would be the first to admit she didn’t understand the technical or artistic aspects of Dori’s job. Normally, she was presented with a fait accompli, or finished work. She’d ooh and ahh because it was always exceptional. This time due to the secrecy involved, Dori hadn’t been allowed to bring in assistants so here she was helping out. It wasn’t like there wasn’t demons who had volunteered, Stef thought they all had. Lu was afraid, and she had to admit rightly so, that with constant close contact, Dori would figure out the tails and wings were biological not mechanical.
Stef was nearly cross-eyed with frustration and Dori was ready to blow. “If I could just talk to him.” She hinted.
“Who?” Stef asked, blinking like she’d just woke up.
“The genius that put these wings and tails on these guys.” She whispered in awe.
She was awed by a talent that didn’t exist but Stef couldn’t tell her.
“He’s at Olympus right now.”
“What about a phone call?”
“He’s just not avai
lable.”
“I feel like I’ve been set up to fail.” Dori griped.
Stef sincerely hoped not, a large part of the plan depended on Dori’s talent and ability. “Why is this harder than that fabulous snake hat you made for Medusa?” She really was trying to understand.
“The snakes weren’t attached to her, only the hat was. It’s hard to attach something directly to skin and make it stay. When you add the fact that he’ll be sleeping and showering with it on, it’s a nightmare.”
“Don’t worry about that. Homer’s not leaving his on. Only the guys in the band will be living in their costumes. This is just for the purposes of a promotional video. You’re making it harder than it needs to be. Now, why don’t you figure out something to attach to his body to put the tail on?”
“It would make it easier, but I really wanted to talk to the guy that made theirs. They are completely seamless and they seem to work without controls. They are so cool, I wish one of the guys would let me touch it.”
Stef laughed. “Don’t say that too loud because those are some of the horniest guys you’ll ever meet.”
“Hey, I object to that.” Homer interjected. “All guys are horny.”
“True.” Dori conceded. “But some hide it better than others.”
“That just makes us more honest than most.” Homer concluded.
Stef didn’t follow the conversation as Dori and Homer flirted back and forth. She did wonder if those two would get together because there seemed to be chemistry between them. Maybe it was just all the touching while Dori tried to situate wings and a tail on homer’s backside. Stef noticed Homer was squirming, leading her to believe he was affected by Dori’s touch.
“An honest man, hmm, I don’t believe it.” Dori argued.
