Protected by the Damned BoxedSet 2

by Michael Todd

  The boys finished their set on a high from the attention of the crowd, the lights, and the size of the stage. When the last note of the last song faded there was a moment’s pause before the crowd erupted into cheers.

  Brock put his hands into the air and leaned toward the mic. “Thank you, everyone,” he screamed, waving to the people on the floor, then those in the upper seats. “We love you!”

  The guys ran off-stage and out of sight, panting and laughing, the adrenaline still rolling through their blood. The concert staff handed them all towels and water bottles and they moved back into the alley where the artists prepared for their set.

  The next band was getting ready to go on and they stared in awe over at the hottest new rock band in America.

  “That was fucking golden,” the guitarist exclaimed, high-fiving Brock. “The way that rhythm moved over the crowd—and the way the chicks jumped up and down. Fuck yes.”

  “It looks as if our night may not quite be over yet.” Brock smiled, turning the guitarist toward the gaggle of groupies down the alley who were whispering and giggling as they stared at the band.

  “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” The guitarist tapped the singer’s chest. “I get the brunette with the belly ring.”

  “You can have as many as you like.” Brock turned to his bandmates and put his hands in the air. “There are plenty to go around, boys, but first we have to go sign those autographs we promised the company.”

  “How many chicks do you think you can get back to the bus?” the drummer asked. “You know, since we are jamming out of here tonight? There won’t be any crazy hotel parties like in LA.”

  “Hi, there,” a blonde girl purred, strutting past Brock in a short jeans skirt and crop top.

  “Well, hello,” he replied, watching her as she continued down the alley. “Good lord this is going to be an exhausting night.”

  “Not too exhausting, I hope,” the keyboard guy said. “We have three shows in three cities in three days coming up.”

  “Aw, come on,” Brock replied, putting his arm around him as they walked toward the autograph table. “You need to lighten up a bit and relax. Besides, it’s not like I have to do that much work. I just lay back and let them take the reins.”

  “Righht, like last time…when somehow the mattress ended up in the swimming pool at that very expensive hotel.” The keyboardist laughed. “One day we are going to find ourselves at the Motel 6.”

  “Hey, I put that mattress back. It’s now a waterbed.” Brock chuckled, taking the pen from the venue staff and turning toward the line of fans—mostly girls—waiting to hear from him. “Who’s first?”

  As Brock went through the line he glanced at the group standing at the edge of the stage. That hot little blonde had joined them and he smiled, unable to turn his head away.

  There was just something about her and way she ran her hand down the back of the redhead next to her. He chuckled to himself, thinking that he really loved his fucking life.

  There was no way he wasn’t getting both of them, and probably more than that.

  “They are toying with us,” the guitarist said, signing a picture and handing it to the next giggling girl in line. “They are playing hard to get.”

  “Ha.” Brock laughed. “The only thing hard they’re gonna get is my—”

  “Hi, I’m Jemma,” a little girl said, stopping him in his tracks.

  “Hi there, Jemma,” he replied, signing her poster. “Thanks for coming out. Do you want to take a picture with me?”

  The little girl smiled and nodded so Brock bent down next to her and smiled for the camera, glancing at the group of girls to see their reactions. Almost all of them swooned, but the blonde just stood there a sexy smirk on her lips, arms folded across her chest.

  She was a feisty one, that was for damn sure.

  He thanked the little girl again and went back to signing, feeling the deep stare of the group the whole time. He loved it, and he had already picked out the ones he wanted to take back to the bus. He shook his head, thinking just how much rock-‘n-rolling he was gonna do that night.

  There was a reason the church didn’t like it.

  Across the way the gathered girls chatted about their clothes, the music, and basically talked up the band like they had been sent by God. The blonde chuckled as she watched Brock put on a display for them.

  She turned back to the group on the stage and smiled at her friend. “I think it’s amazing how they think they are in control. What they don’t get is that we give them exactly what they want, and we take exactly what we want.”

  “True,” the redhead replied, looking around. “I have to admit that sometimes the fangirl shit gets a little old, but whatever they need to stroke their egos.”

  They listened to the other fans. “The drummer is just so hot, I wonder if he will actually want to talk to me,” one of the girls said.

  “Of course not,” the blonde told her. “You’re new to the game and that’s okay, but remember this—these boys want it hot and they don’t want to put in a lot of work for it. Let them go on and on about their endless fame and fortune but remember what you are there for: to get your rocks off with a hot guy. Don’t get your feelings hurt when he sends you on your way with a band t-shirt as a parting gift.”

  “Yeah, and if it’s really good, you’ll know,” the redhead added. “You’ll be wearing that t-shirt out of the party and nothing else.”

  “That’s what I’m saying.” The blonde laughed. “I’m calling dibs on Brock, the lead singer.”

  There was a collective gasp from the group.

  “Don’t worry, girls. If you think he is going to pick only one of us you have another think coming.” She smiled. “We’ll be best friends by the end of the night, and also share a common memory of steamy bus windows. Just remember, don’t be one of those girls leftover in the morning that they send off still half-fucked on drugs. Be classy, and don’t get so messed up that you pass out. Of course, I always tell you ladies this, and I’ll be passing at least half of you looking like someone else’s bad lunch on the way to the gym in the morning.”

  The girls giggled, thinking about what the next few hours would bring. The next band was rocking out onstage, but these girls had come for Brock and his band. The blonde turned from the girls and looked at Brock, swaying her hips as she ran her hands over her stomach. The redhead joined her, dancing close to the blonde and letting their bodies rub together.

  Brock glanced at them and the blonde smirked when he tried desperately not to let his mouth fall open.

  He was in shock—and he loved every bit of it—but that wasn’t a surprise to the girls. They were there seeking exactly what the guys wanted to give them.

  Exactly who was the stalker and who was the stalkee?

  “Ka-tie! Ka-tie! Ka-tie!” Stephanie chanted, thrusting her sign in the air.

  Katie looked up at Stephanie with a smirk, showing her a determined face. The MC was blaring music from some new rock band and Katie actually kind of liked it.

  She looked at Eric, whose huge eyes were staring at the two platters of donuts in front of him. He latched onto his glass of milk with one hand and steadied himself. The others were straight-faced and serious; Katie had a feeling those guys were in it to win it.

  “All right, everyone,” the announcer called, enjoying the little parade of people-watching. “Welcome to the Third Annual Donut-Eating Contest for Charity!”

  The crowd whooped and hollered as he pointed to the table.

  “Our contestants look prepared, donuts courtesy of Pinkbox Donuts,” he continued, clapping in appreciation. “Everyone here today will receive a free donut from Pinkbox, which you can pick up on your way out. All proceeds from today’s events go to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Visit online for information, and if you got a little extra time stop by and volunteer. These folks could really use the help.”

  He handed his papers off to a helper and rolled up his sleeves before turning
to the contestants. “All right, contestants, the rules are easy: eat the most donuts in the allotted time and you will receive the grand prize…two dozen free donuts a week for one year from Pinkbox Donuts, and they will also donate five thousand dollars to Las Vegas Rescue Mission in your name. Everybody on your mark—at the sound of the horn begin.”

  The crowd went silent as the announcer held his fingers in the air, counting down from five.

  Katie shuffled her butt in the seat and looked at Eric excitedly.

  When the horn blew she dove in, grabbing two donuts and stacking them on top of each other. She plowed through them, sprinkles and icing flying everywhere. Eric ate his first one in huge bites, finishing it in just seconds.

  “Yeah!” Stephanie yelled, bouncing up and down with her signs that read, Go Kandora!

  She thought she was clever, and Korbin just laughed and shook his head. Calvin made his way to the edge of the stage and looked up at Eric who seemed to be slowing down after rolling through six donuts. Eric took a deep breath and sipped his milk, as he reached for another.

  “Man, you can do this,” Calvin exclaimed, acting like a coach. “Don’t let Katie beat you again or I’m personally taking your man card.”

  “Oh, HELL no!” Eric glanced at Katie, who was halfway through her first platter.

  He sped up again, chomping hard into the pastries, but it didn’t last long. He huffed and puffed and peeked at Katie, who looked like she might just barf.

  They gazed down the line of contestants and realized their competition had finished their first tray already.

  “Holy shit!” Katie turned to Eric. “They’re like fucking professional donut-eaters.”

  Pandora giggled. I could spike you into overdrive.

  No, no cheating, Katie replied.

  “I give up,” Eric moaned. “There’s no way we will even make it into the top three.”

  “I’m right there with you, bud.” Katie leaned back and rubbed her stomach. “These people are my heroes.”

  Pandora scoffed. Pfft…amateurs.

  They pushed their platters away and cheered on the others. It was a fun time for all of them; something normal, not demon-related for once.

  That was why Katie had wanted to do it on her own. She’d wanted just to be human for a moment.

  When the buzzer sounded the judge walked down the line, grabbing the hand of a large man at the end of the table and raising it into the air. They stayed to watch the ceremony, and the donut shop handed everyone who participated a dozen donuts. Both Eric and Katie handed theirs to the others, since they didn’t want to even look at another donut by that point.

  “That was one hell of a try, folks,” Korbin said smiling. “You are a lot hell of a lot braver than I am.”

  “Ugh, no more donuts.” Eric rubbed his extended stomach. “Like, ever.”

  “How about we all head over to Torn Asunder?” Damian suggested. “First round is on me.”

  Stephanie clapped. “Sounds good to me.”

  “I hope they have tea,” Katie replied.

  Calvin chuckled. “You are so weird sometimes.”

  Katie raised an eyebrow. “Only sometimes?”

  “Okay, all the time,” Calvin admitted. “I was just being nice.” He scratched his face. “Not sure it’ll stick, personally.”

  The group headed to the bar, talking and laughing about the contest. Eric had never seen people who could eat like that before, at least not where he’d grown up. Damian had apparently witnessed the phenomenon more than once.

  “Seriously?” Damian shrugged. “Try watching a hot dog-eating contest. That’s fascinating and disgusting in equal parts.”

  Katie shook her head. “Oh god, that makes me want to puke.”

  “I’m assuming there will be no more eating contests of any kind in your future?” Stephanie asked.

  “Uh, no, not unless I have the assistance of my demon,” Katie replied. “And I’m not sure that is legal in the eating-contest world.”

  Calvin snorted. “I doubt you’ll find it in the rule books.”

  The group looked over as a fight broke out, but it wasn’t anywhere near them. They turned back and everyone smiled, glad to have spent the day together. By the time the waitress had gotten to the table Pandora had taken care of Katie’s full stomach, so she ordered nachos. Eric looked at her with wide eyes.

  She shrugged. “I’ve got a fast metabolism.”

  “Yeah.” Calvin scoffed. “There is hyper-speed and then there’s…” he jerked a thumb at Katie, “demon-speed.”

  Katie smirked at Calvin and the rest of them ordered. The drinks flowed, the conversation was fantastic, and not once did anyone bring up work. It was a great time out, which they all desperately needed.

  Katie had a feeling in her gut that it would be one of the last fun times for a while.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “My favorite part of the whole thing was when that plate of asparagus landed in Calvin’s lap,” Katie said snickering. “It was like one of those slow-motion moments in movies.”

  “Yeah, that was hot,” Calvin said. “And I don’t mean that in a good way. The butter was fucking hot.”

  Everyone exited the elevator and stood outside the doors, still laughing. It was nighttime but not that late, and none of them really wanted to call it an evening yet.

  Katie hadn’t laughed that much in a very long time, and it was the first time she had seen Damian completely into everything that was going on.

  She missed Derek, but it was nice seeing the team start to close ranks and be a family once more. She knew that was part of what made everyone fight harder during battles. It made a huge difference when you had something personal to fight for.

  She was convinced that if every team were as close as theirs was, mortality rates would be a lot lower overall.

  “Hey, we haven’t watched the soap in a bit,” Katie exclaimed. “We have like three episodes in the queue. You guys up for it?”

  “Hell, yeah,” Stephanie agreed.

  “What she said,” Korbin replied a bit less enthusiastically.

  “I have been dying to find out what happened to the captain of the ship that was lost at sea,” Eric interjected.

  “And that hot number…” Calvin snapped his fingers. “What was her name again?”

  “Melissa,” Katie told him, then looked at Damian. “What about you, D? You have something else going on?”

  “I do,” Damian replied, making everybody groan. “But it can wait. I might as well get in on the fun.”

  “Hell, yeah!” Calvin slapped him on the shoulder. “Sit with me and I’ll bring you up to speed.”

  “I will never admit this to anyone,” Damian assured Calvin as they walked toward the main room. “Not in a confessional. Not even on my deathbed.”

  “You know the saying…” Damian replied. “What happens in Vegas…”

  Katie laughed and went into the kitchen to make some bright blue sugar popcorn.

  This time she made four bowls, which was enough for everyone to go nuts. Pandora was more than excited about it; she had gotten donuts and soaps in the same day and hadn’t even been required to beg or threaten Katie’s life.

  It was a miracle.

  Don’t get used to it. Katie smiled. I am enjoying the day though.

  You know what? Pandora replied. I am too, but I’ll take it to Damian’s grave, so don’t go using that statement on me in the future.

  Katie carried the bowls into the living room. You really need to have a little bit more faith in humanity.

  “Great, more sugar.” Eric groaned. “I’m gonna be Wilfred Brimley in his diabetes commercials by the end of the night.”

  Katie patted him on the head and stuck out her lower lip with a “poor baby” face before plopping down in her chair. They started the first one, fast forwarding through the opening scenes. The family and friends of the people lost at sea were in the first scene, then in walks the hero—the guy who had survived
just about everything.

  “Shh shh shh…” Stephanie leaned forward. “They are going to tell us what happened to the ship.”

  “I have news about the ship,” the character said.

  “No shit,” Eric replied, rolling his eyes.

  “SHHHHHH!” Katie, Stephanie, and Calvin hissed simultaneously.

  “We have combed the area repeatedly, but there is no sign of the ship or any wreckage. There weren’t even any calls for help. It’s almost like it just disappeared. We are obviously continuing the search and will let you know if anything is found.”

  “I knew it!” Calvin slapped his knee. “That motherfucking ship went for a sail on the River Styx.”

  “You think?” Stephanie asked. “You think it was swallowed by a portal?”

  “Hell, yeah I do,” Calvin told her. “It’s a ship full of white folks, so you know something crazy happened to that bunch.”

  “What about Raymond?” Eric pointed out. “He was black and he was on the boat.”

  Calvin tsked. “Yeah, that brother is dead too. You watch.” He shook his head.

  The show came back from commercial to a scene in a dark dank cave where the survivors of the missing ship were huddled. There were bodies lined up along the walls and the main female character was standing with her arms crossed.

  “How many dead?” one of the characters asked.

  “Over two dozen that we’ve found,” she told them. “Still many unaccounted for. But there’s something I want you to see.”

  The main character walked over and lifted a sheet, revealing Raymond’s body.

  “SEE! I told you motherfuckers! Brother is deader than a doornail,” Calvin laughed and shook his head. “I knew it was too good to be true.”

  “Maybe they will resurrect him,” Korbin offered.

  “Only works through the midway portal,” Katie explained. “They look like they are in the hell portal.”