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The restaurant theDarvyn sisters had chosen for lunch was on one of the lower levels of thehotel, tucked deep into the cliffside. Decorated to look like a British pub:with dark wooden floors and heraldry shields adding a touch of colour liningthe walls. The view of the roiling ocean far below the star of the show,visible from a series of massive arched picture windows.
Giselle, Greer,Gabriella, Grace, Georgina, Gretchen and Gemma were seated at a large tablelocated on a private raised platform off to the side. Most Conflict Demons weretall and these women were no exception. Hovering around the 6ft mark. They wereunmistakeably Galen’s sisters. With glossy black hair arranged in variousflattering lengths and matching dark midnight eyes. All tipping the scaletowards gorgeous.
Most peopleglancing at the group would immediately guess they were closely related andassume they were in their mid to late twenties, rather than somewhere in theirthree-hundred hell turns. All seven were dressed in various shades of blue, inpractical wide legged trousers, and lightweight tops or blouses. Surprisingly,there was even a ruffle or two present. Designed, Shaw was guessing, todistract from their broad muscular shoulders. Intending to make them look lesslike a gathering of elite sportswomen, and more like organisers of an elitekiddie talent show.
“Here they are.”The eldest, Gretchen, gestured towards two empty chairs. “Join us. A drink?”Indicating the three ice buckets on the table containing bottles of vodka.
There was a clearsmirking challenge on all of the She-Demons’ faces but Shaw wasn’t falling forit. “No, thanks.” Shaw looked around, catching the eye of a nearby waitress.“Could I have a pint of ale, please?”
“Make that two.”Kaleb requested, turning his attention back to the Darvyn sisters. “How’s theExhibition running?”
“On time.” CrowedGrace.
“Even better,below budget.” Added Georgina.
“Ah, but so manyunexpected hiccups along the way and last-minute unforeseeable rule changes.”Advised Greer, a broad grin on her beautiful face.
“Yes. We can’thelp but feel sorry for the poor parents trying to keep up.” Giselle’s wordshad the sisters erupting into laughter.
Shaw grabbed forher ale when it was placed before her, inhaling a third of it in one go.Instantly feeling better. Her headache completely gone and her stomachsettling. Nodding with enthusiasm when the waitress enquired if they would likesome hot chips for the table to start. Yes, suddenly she was ravenous.
“Rough night?”Enquired Gemma.
“Not at all. Itwas fun, thanks. Reminded me of the little celebrations we hold for juniorValkyries when they draw first blood. Don’t get me wrong, those four year oldscan party hard.”
The sisterslaughed again, raising their shot glasses and skolling the contents beforequickly refilling their glasses.
“Look. We couldsit here all day trading barbs and insults.” Shaw would happily do so. TheDarvyn sisters were smart, wickedly amusing and could hold their liquor. Whatwasn’t to like? “But I have a list of shit I have to get done a mile long, sotell me, what’s it going to take to get you lot to attend the baby shower?”
Suddenly thingsgot serious. “Our big brother almost turned Stabby, thanks to that bloodyShe-viper Valkyrie.”
“Not true.” Shawcorrected. “Your Auntwas the one who set him on that path, thanks tothose mages she imprisoned and her plan to make Galen the next reality star ofthe war she was orchestrating, for giggles and money.”
“Galen kept us outof the loop.”
“He insistedeverything was under control.”
“Completelydownplaying the severity of the situation.”
“He almost turnedStabby Berserker.”
“He lied to us!”
Silence reignedfollowing those last words issued by Gemma. Bloody hell, the sisters were angrywith Galen but more than anything, they were hurt. Shit. Crap. Fuck. Shawwasn’t good with emotions, except the bloodthirsty kind. Revenge. Vengeance.Murderous rage. They were her specialty. Them she could deal with. Hurtfeelings? Umm, not so much.
By the Sword, wasthat a tear glimmering in Grace’s eyes? Shaw couldn’t deal with tears. And shewas betting if one of these She-Demon babes cried, they’d all join in.
“He wasdesperate.” Kaleb broke the silence, letting his words sink in beforecontinuing. “Galen was angry… and he was sick. His symptoms escalating fasterthan he let on, but he was fighting hard, with every breath, with every step.But there was no one to turn to. No cure. He was faced with two options. TurnStabby, join the Queen’s Berserker Battalion and battle Morghdorns for endlesscenturies. Or choose a She-Demon bride of convenience and via magic, subdue hisDemon side, living life as half a Demon, trapped in a loveless marriage.”
“We’re hissisters. He should have told us.” Gabriella insisted.
“We could havehelped?” Greer followed up.
“How?” Kalebasked, for the first time looking intent and serious, no sign of the dimple forthe moment. “By standing around looking worried and wringing your hands? Howwould that have helped?”
“I don’t get you lot.”Shaw interrupted. “Galen didn’t turn Stabby. He managed to unveil your nastyQueen’s nastier secrets, and topple her from the throne. He found his mate.He’s in love and stupid happy about it. And together he and Stephanie areexpecting two adorably vicious little Valkyries any day now. But are you happyfor him? Have you replied to any of his invites to meet Stephanie? The womanwho did help save him. I… you know what? I think the baby shower will be betteroff without you lot there bringing all your grudges and tender hurt feelingswith you. Freyja, he’s your big brother, he was protecting you. If you can’tsee that, then those two nieces of yours are better off without you in theirlives.” Shaw wasn’t letting good ale go to waste, she paused to drain what wasleft of her pint before glancing at Kaleb. “Come on. Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Gemmarequested.
