Page 3 of Demon
She flashes me a friendly smile. “Welcome. Go to level four and tell the ladies at the front desk your name and let them know you’re new and you’re waiting for Linda, who is your manager. I’m sure she won’t be long.”
“Great. Thank you.” I look around.
“If you walk past the reception desk, you’ll see the elevators on the right-hand side.”
I find the elevators, get into one, and press the level-four button. My heart thrums as a mixture of nervousness and excitement collide.
As the elevator doors begin to close, a hand with a rose tattoo reaches out, making the doors open wide. I take a step back. A man covered with tattoos enters. The sight of him makes me gasp. Black and red abstract flames snake up his neck. Other black, gray, and white tattoos travel down his arms. He’s around six feet or taller, with broad shoulders.
He briefly glances at me and turns around as the elevator doors close. His hair is short, apart from a mohawk. His presence is all-consuming, making the elevator feel smaller than it is. Even the air feels thinner. I inhale the enticing scent of his cologne, a fresh woodsy scent mixed with pure man. His leather vest reads “War Brothers MC.” He must be part of a motorcycle club. He’s radiating don’t-fuck-with-me vibes and screams red flags, but he’s sexy nonetheless.
I find myself pulling at the neck of my shirt. Is it getting hot in here or what? It’s been way too long since I’ve had sex, and it’s clearly messing with me. The elevator pings, and he strides out. His heavy footsteps fade into the distance.
I blink back my sudden interest in a stranger and proceed to the front desk. The scent of sterile cleaning agents gets stronger as I approach the unit. I introduce myself, then take a seat.
Moments later a woman walks out, her eyes searching the waiting room until they land on me. She smiles. “Ivy, is it?”
I smile back. “Yes, nice to meet you.”
“You too,” she says.
I grasp her outstretched hand, and we shake hands.
“I’m Linda. It’s great to have you on board. Your first day will be meeting with human resources and going through the hospital’s policies. Once you’re finished, I’ll show you around and introduce you to the team and we can have a chat about what’s expected in your role. Then I’ll update you on the patients we currently have here in the ICU.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I say enthusiastically, keen to get started.
Halfway through my shift, my smile is wide. My colleagues are friendly and helpful. There’s always one cranky nurse everyone has to deal with, but they’re in every workplace. I get updates from Sandra about Sammy, and some of the weight lifts from my chest. Sammy and I are going to be okay.
TWO
DEMON – THE ORIGAMI BIRD
Demon
“When areyou coming back from Vegas?” asks Bomber, sounding his normal blunt self, though this time there’s an undercurrent of... worry?
Everyone in the club thinks I travel to Vegas to hook up. It’s an easy cover for what I don’t feel like explaining. The truth? I visit my sister. She’s in a vegetative state—can’t talk, can’t move—but she’s still my only family. Ever since the traumatic incident that left her this way, she’s been prone to illnesses like pneumonia.
“I just got back to Crown Village,” I reply casually.
“You’ve never been away that long. When are you coming back to the clubhouse?”
I pause to make him sweat. “My sister’s in the ICU here at Crown Village Hospital.”
There’s silence. “Fuck. I didn’t know you had a sister. Is she going to be okay?”
Only Reaper knows the truth about my past. I told him everything before I joined the MC.
“She’s got pneumonia. I had her transferred from Vegas to the hospital here.”
“Can we do anything? Want me to bring you some fresh clothes, or are you returning to the clubhouse?”
“No need for clothes. I’ll stop by the clubhouse for a shower and come straight back.”
“Understood. If you need anything, anything at all, just call.”
“Will do, boss.” And with that, the call ends.
