Wendigo Read online

  “Now?” Lu asked stunned.

  “No. while we’re on the road.”

  “Fine. I did ask you. Let’s go and meet the builder.” They went to the elevator and rode it up. It opened on ground level. They were on the other end compared to where the construction workers were so they walked over to them.

  Lu waved at a guy who came over right away. “Hey, Lu. You looking around today?”

  “This is Zepar. Zepar this is Carlos the builder.”

  “Nice to meet you. Your people all have interesting names. Isn’t Zepar one of hell’s generals?” Carlos asked.

  “Nice to meet you as well. My name means something like that.” Zepar answered.

  “Well Zepar is my general and he’s going to take over as liaison between you and me. If you need something, he’s your man.” Lu explained.

  “Can I have a phone number?” Carlos asked.

  “Same one only you ask for Zepar. You’ll probably see him more than you are used to seeing me.” Lu said.

  “That’s fine. I look forward to it.” Carlos declared.

  “Why don’t you give me the nickel tour and Lu can get back to his other duties.” Zepar suggested.

  “I know when I’m not needed.” Lu said and he waved as he walked away.

  “Let’s start on the far end. That’s where visitors will enter.” Carlos explained.

  They talked as they walked and Carlos gave him a lot of information on the project. He also offered to send him blueprints, budgets, and detailed expense reports. All the things Lu had been getting and probably not bothering to look at. They walked through the construction zone and he could see the preliminary groundwork had been laid.

  The work was fully underway and moving along at a quick pace. “My crews are working sixty hours a week. It’s hard to find as many workers as I’d like because of the remote location.” Carlos explained. “Housing on the neighboring island is expensive and travel takes an hour each way.”

  “Why not bring in temporary housing? Tents or trailers would be feasible.” Zepar suggested.

  “We’d still need food, laundry, and bathroom facilities.” Carlos pointed out.

  “Check into the housing and I might be able to solve the other problems. We do have a water treatment facility on the island and laundry pick up.” Zepar explained.

  They continued to talk and Zepar felt like he had a handle on things. The project could be sped up with some work. Unfortunately he’d be gone about the time the work would have to be done.

  Zepar got back to the practice room as everyone else started arriving. Risa was late, but they’d all expected that. They saved the songs she would help sing for last. She arrived an hour later at the time they usually ate lunch. Lu ordered lunch to be brought in for them and they continued to practice.

  Risa was good and she picked up her part of the songs quickly. By the time they stopped to eat, Zepar thought she was good to go.

  “I just got notified Cherish’s specialist is here. Any volunteers to meet him and get him set up?”

  “I’ll go.” Zepar offered.

  “Go meet the plane, it’s just landing.” Lu instructed.

  Zepar made his way up there and waited as he watched the plane land and slow until it stopped. The crew got stairs in place and the door popped open. He watched fascinated as a black high heel boot moved out past the door and onto the top step. Damn, that didn’t look like anything a man would wear. The rest of followed the boot and it was a gorgeous woman dressed all in black leather.

  He moved forward to greet her. “My name is Zepar. I’m here to take you to your room and show you were you can set up to work from.”

  “Thank you. My name is Tarot, but most people call me Tart. Cherish says it fits my personality.”

  “Nice to meet you Tart. That’s an unusual name and an unusual nickname.”

  “I’m an unusual kind of girl. Lead on.”

  Zepar took her inside. They moved down the hall until they arrived at the room Stef had prepared for her. “This is your room. Look in the retina scanner and press your thumb on the button.” She did as he requested.

  “This room is now assigned to Tarot Knowles.” A computerized voice said.

  “Your luggage will be brought to your room.” Zepar noted.

  “Now why don’t you show me where I can get to work?” Tarot asked.

  Zepar took her downstairs and showed her the electronics room. They had one upstairs too but they weren’t using is because of Cirrus. She looked around before turning to him. “This will due. You can go now. I’m going to get to work right away.”

  He nodded turning to go. Just his luck the first hot woman he sees first is more antisocial than a demon. Sending a text to Lu to tell him what was going on, he put Tarot out of his mind and got on with things.

  Chapter 9

  The Special

  They all sat around looking at each other uncomfortably. Win thought this was a mistake. Lu’s mistake of course. This was their weekly meeting of leaders where they discussed what was going on and what needed to be done. The problem was nothing important could be discussed.

  Risa had been included, but that wasn’t a problem. The problem sat at the foot of the table looking at each one of them in turn while they avoided looking back, all except Lu who held Cirrus’ eyes without a problem.

  “I don’t know why, but I get the feeling I make all you nervous, except for our fearless leader, Lu.” Cirrus said to the room in general.

  “You don’t make me nervous.” Risa replied. ”You piss me off.”

  “Honesty I can deal with. Our difficulty is personal and will be worked out over time.” Cirrus acknowledged. “I’m not sure what Win, Zepar, Xap, or Abe have against me except my past which I can’t change. They don’t seem to hold it against you, Risa. Of course I’ll admit you’re much prettier than I am.”

  “That’s true.” Xap agreed. “Risa is lovely.”

  “It will take time to earn everyone’s trust.” Lu observed. “You were at a high level in the facility you worked in. Not everyone is quick to move on like me.”

  “You’re right Lu. I’m expecting too much. They don’t understand I was strong armed and had no choice. No one, but you is aware that some of the gods did reproduce. There weren’t many and the offspring often had fatal conditions. One was a female, and she was beautiful and kind. I fell head over heels in love with her. Origin has her locked away somewhere and they hold her over my head.” Cirrus admitted.

  “Then why are you such a pig?” Risa asked.

  “I’m still a man with needs. Even if Athena didn’t hold my heart, they tell me I have a daughter. They named her Diana. What is a father to do?” Cirrus asked.

  “What will they do to them now that you have left?” Risa asked.

  “Origin believes I am still on their side. I give them small bits of information. They are very interested in your robotics program. Brentwood was part of Origin at one time. It may still be.” Cirrus informed.

  “That’s a hard pill to swallow.” Risa said.

  “I know you don’t care for me. Your personal opinion will color what you are able to believe. Try to be fair.” Cirrus urged. “I hope all of you can put aside the past eventually.”

  Win looked at Cirrus and all he could see was a nefarious trickster. He didn’t think he’d ever trust the man and he wasn’t going to try. Lu was giving in far too easily and it had to be part of a master plan. There was no other explanation.

  The other demons around the table seemed to be in agreement with Win’s opinion. Of course Risa felt equally strong in opposition of Cirrus, maybe stronger. The male tormented her just because he was a sadistic ass.

  “It will take time, but I intend to win your trust.” Cirrus was adamant.

  “Let’s deal with some issues. We will be gone for around a week so Cirrus will be in charge in medical. Bellet is up for a turn being in charge elsewhere. Anyone have any concerns?” They all glanced at Cirrus, but no one
said a word. “Okay, that will be all.”

  “That’s it?” Cirrus asked.

  “We don’t cover much. Many things have to be dealt with as they occur.” Lu explained.

  “Okay, I just want to feel like part of what’s happening.” Cirrus explained.

  “And you are. A gigantic part of it.” Lu assured with a smile. “Practice for band members.”

  Everyone, but Cirrus headed to the music room. That’s where the real meeting would take place. The band gathered around the round table centered in the room. “What is all that about?” Win demanded.

  “Exactly what it seemed to be. I called Zeus and filled him in on what Cirrus told me. He’s trying to verify the story about a daughter. We’ve seen what he’d done behind our backs so obviously we can’t trust him completely, but there’s an element of truth to his story. We need to know what it is.” Lu insisted.

  “I heard rumors, no proof mind you, about children, even female children. Many died, some were destroyed. I never believed it. But maybe it was true.” Risa said.

  “That’s what we have to know. If there are children, they need to come home.” Lu said. “Where were these supposed births at?”

  “The Yukon facility, somewhere deep in the mountains, I’m not even sure exactly where.” Risa replied.

  “We’ve not found that facility yet. I need you to sit down and list every facility you have ever heard of.” Lu demanded. “You may know of facilities we’ve never found.”

  She pulled a small notebook out of her pocket and began to write. Risa wouldn’t know exact locations, but maybe other information could be correlated to find the facilities. Win felt hopeful that they might have a breakthrough. It was good that Cirrus wasn’t here. This was something he didn’t need to know.

  “I sent you the list. It’s all the facilities I can think of right now. If I come up with any more, I’ll let you know.” Risa said.

  “There’s two more on here I don’t think we knew about.” Lu said. “I’m going to call Zeus. There’s no time to waste. You guys start practice without me.” He hurried out of the room.

  “We should have ask you a month ago.” Win observed.

  “Yes, I assumed you had found all of them.” Risa admitted.

  “I guess we were all guilty of assuming.” Win agreed. “Let’s get the party started.”

  Everyone picked up their instrument and Risa picked up Lu’s electric guitar and tested it out before playing a few chords. All the band members stared at her. “I’m good to go.” She said and they began to play the first song. It seemed she was good to go and she did a nice job of filling in for Lu instrumentally. Win filled in with Lu’s vocals and they went through a set before they took a break.

  “That sounded good.” Zepar exclaimed.

  “I caught it on tape.” Stef said.

  “Where’s Lily?” Risa asked.

  “Bellet is babysitting while he and Lu talk. He’ll keep her after Lu leaves. He’s so good with kids.” Stef admitted.

  “Someday he may have some.” Risa pointed out.

  “He might at that. I don’t think he’s in a hurry though. Lily runs him ragged.” Stef admitted. “What are we doing next?”

  “We’ll take a break, wet our whistle, and get back to singing.” Win answered.

  “Sounds like a plan.” Stef agreed.

  Lu came back and joined them before they went back to singing. Stef showed him the video she took of the set they’d played. “I feel unneeded.” He admitted.

  “We do what we can whether our leader is here or not.” Xap quipped.

  “Maybe I’ll take a vacation and let you guys tour alone.” Lu offered.

  “Some of those fans will be mad. Getting an extra is one thing, losing a band member, that’s another thing entirely.” Win warned.

  “Okay, let’s get back to singing.” Lu suggested.

  The band played three more sets and the last set Lu and Risa sang a love song that set Win’s heart on fire. He felt like Risa sang only to him. The woman appealed to him in so many ways, but the song turned his desire loose. He’d held her at a distance for so long, but the need had burned deep inside.

  He’d best avoid her or he would take her without hesitation. Was this a sudden thing? Hell, no! The need had simmered under the surface growing steadily and waiting to be set free. Music was often an expression of the spirit to Win. The song had hit a spot deep inside and reverberated in his soul. Her voice was pure and heavenly. It spoke to him of feelings she refused to express but he knew she also hid inside.

  They were a pair, Win and Risa. Both felt so much, but admitted and showed so little. The time that they could no longer bury what they felt was coming. When those repressed feelings exploded, they would be out for good.

  The session ended and it was lunch time. Win escorted Risa to the cafeteria pleased to have her on his arm. It was a concern of his that the other demons might see her as a free agent. She wasn’t. Now as they entered the dining area with her on his arm, he saw other demons taking notice.

  He grabbed his tray and other items and Risa did the same. They moved around the buffet together gathering their food and went to sit at the table side by side. While he ate his food, his attention was on the beauty at his side. It seemed he was no longer able to control his interest in her. That had broken free of all restraint and now it was on the loose.

  Win worried about what he might do if he failed to stay in control. Sitting next to her, Risa’s sweet sensual scent washed over him. At least if he lost control, they would both have a bit of fun. He finished the food on his plate and got up to go back for dessert.

  “Would you like me to get you anything, Risa?”

  “I’d take a piece of cobbler too.”

  Today there was gooseberry cobbler and he got them each a big piece on separate plates with a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Watching Risa eat hers was an act of sensual indulgence. Her tongue licked the remains of ice cream from her lips and she moaned her enjoyment of the taste. If he went crazy, it wouldn’t be his fault.

  “Ready to go to your room?” Win asked as he gathered everything on his tray.

  “Yes. You don’t have to walk me to my room.”

  “You’re forgetting Cirrus.” He reminded. She nodded and gathered her tray and they dropped their things in the appropriate tubs.

  Win escorted her out of the dining room glad many of the demons watched them leave. Risa was his and they all should be aware now.

  They walked past medical and stopped outside of her room. “Ask me in for a drink.” He whispered his voice husky.

  Risa smiled. “Come in for a drink.” She suggested and he followed her in.

  Need hit him hard and he swung her around against the wall and he slammed his lips down hard on hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck pulling his in tighter. His woman was no shrinking violet. His mouth hungrily ate hers up and his tongue thrust inside at the first opportunity.

  Sweet and spicy, that was her flavor and he licked it up. His tongue explored and finally dueled with her tongue. He leaned back his breathing hard and heavy. That was one hell of a kiss. She felt hot, almost feverish, but he knew that was from desire. There was something between them, it wasn’t just his imagination.

  Now that he’d caught his breath, he moved in for another taste. Yes, it was every bit as sweet. He lapped at her and now he knew he needed a taste of her everywhere. Their clothes needed to go.

  Win peeled his shirt off then he started to take Risa’s off. She slapped at his hand and he was afraid she was telling him to stop. “I’ll do that.” She said. Relief rolled over him. They were on the same page.

  He toed off his shoes and unbuckled his belt and he watched her kick off her shoes and slip her pants over her hips. Catching his underwear in his thumbs with his jeans, he slid them all down and kicked them off. His cock snapped up as it was freed and stood long and proud.

  Risa’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as they locked onto his cock. W
in smiled, he knew she liked what she saw. “It’s all for you, Baby.”

  “Oh, my God.”

  Win knew she must have seen similar sights when she worked with gods, it wasn’t like any of them were lacking in size. She must not have paid any attention to them because she wasn’t sexually attracted to them. That made him feel good. The others had no chance with his female.

  She undid her bra and slid it off and her boobs bounced, full and ready for attention. Her nipples were already hard and wanting his mouth. Risa removed her panties and stood in front of him naked and aroused. Her face was flushed and the red moved down to her chest. Her skin was porcelain and soft to the touch. He wanted to touch it, but he also wanted to lick her everywhere.

  Win moved in close and picked her up carrying her to the bed. He wanted to do this right. She meant more to him than just a quick easy fuck. That was what he wanted her to see. There was a deeper feeling inside for her and he wanted to make sure she understood that. Gently, he put her down on the bed and moved on top of her. His weight rested on his forearms and his mouth claimed hers.

  He placed kisses all over her and moved down her neck to her shoulder. From there he moved to her breasts until he was right on one nipple. Win sucked it in and tugged on it until it was sensitive and a delicious dark pink before he moved to the other one. It got the same treatment and Risa moaned enthusiastically.

  Working his way down, he kissed, licked, and nipped down her abs to her belly button. He kissed her lower belly and she shivered in delight. Anticipation made her channel wet and he could scent the musky aroma.

  Once he got to it, his tongue speared her and he captured her salty sweet essence. It was glorious. Her legs parted inviting him in further and he settled in to get a better taste. Win tongue fucked her channel vigorously and he could feel her tensing. Her fingers slipped into his hair and she massaged his scalp as he worshipped her sweet pussy.

  His finger took his tongues place as he moved in and out stretching her tight little channel. Win’s tongue moved to her little nubbin worrying it and making her shake as the need built. He added another finger and finally a third as he moved them in and out and his tongue slid around her clit.