Rise

by Sarah Bale

  I touch his arm. “I’m sorry I never asked you before.”

  “Don’t be. None of us like talking about our lives before. It’s too much of a touchy subject.”

  “Maybe that’s where we’ve made a mistake. Maybe we should all be talking about that day and what happened – what we left behind.”

  His expression softens. “Want to talk about it?”

  “I do, but not today. My story is tragic and full of loss. Not the vibe I want to put out there right before we break a ton of rules.”

  He grins. “Good point.”

  We go outside and I shiver. It’s not cool by any means. I just feel as if something bad is about to happen.

  Trace asks, “What is it?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  He looks uneasy. “Maybe we should go back inside?”

  “Are you scared?” I let out a laugh. “Really?”

  “Being scared is a perfectly normal feeling to experience.”

  “Not for Heroes.”

  “Especially for Heroes.”

  “We’ll have to agree to disagree. Hold out your arm so I can put this code in.”

  He hesitates. “Maybe I should stay behind. You know, in case anyone stops by.”

  I nod. “Okay. I’ll hurry.”

  I take off before he can change his mind. I’m not going to pressure him into doing something he doesn’t want to, especially when it means breaking almost every rule we have. We get enough of that in our lives as it is. As I fly, I enter the code that Blot sent. My watch goes cold again, so I go faster. Blot lives in Chicago, which might be one of my favorite places in the entire United States. The food is great and there’s always interesting people to meet.

  He lives right in the middle of downtown Chicago, in a high rise that sits in the clouds. I asked him once how he affords it. He laughed and said money could be found in all sorts of places, making me think he’s not paying for it with his own cash at all. Good for him.

  Landing, I shiver again. This time it’s because the air is colder than fuck. I enter the lobby of Blot’s building. His apartment is on the top floor and someone has to buzz me in. But, I’ve known him long enough that I’m on his list. Stepping into the elevator, I rise into the sky. My ears pop, which always makes me laugh. This never happens when I fly on my own.

  When I reach the top floor, I step out. The light at the end of the hallway flickers three times and the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

  Something’s not right.

  I move down the hallway, my boots not making a sound on the marbled tiles. The door is slightly ajar. Inhaling, I catch a whiff of something… dark. I can’t explain it. I just know it’s not good. More importantly – it’s not Blot’s scent, either.

  I push the door open and step inside to find chaos everywhere. Papers and folders are scattered on the floor. The furniture is toppled over and Blot’s beloved computer system has been smashed into a million pieces. Someone was clearly looking for something. But what?

  “Blot? Are you here?”

  There’s a sound from his bedroom, so I cautiously make my way to the door. It opens before I have a chance to reach out, but no one is there. The room is dark. Impossibly dark. I take one step and know I’ve made a mistake.

  “I wondered when you’d come.”

  I’m pulled further into the room and the door closes. I’m truly fucked right now.

  “Who are you? And where is Blot?”

  He moves around me, darkness snaking against my skin. It’s crazy how much I like the feeling of danger. How messed up is that?

  “Still playing games?” He makes a sound in the back of his throat. “That’s disappointing.”

  “Seriously, dude. This game is getting old. Where is Blot? Did you hurt him?”

  “I didn’t hurt your friend. That was someone on your side.” He pauses. “And you know who I am, just as I know who you are.”

  His lips brush against my ear as he whispers my name. My real name. A name I haven’t heard spoken in over three years. Air solidifies in my throat and I turn to face him. He’s so close that his breath fans my face. My skin warms and then I slam my lips against his in a kiss that leaves me burning for so much more.

  His mouth leaves mine, kissing a path to that little spot on my neck that drives me crazy. This is madness and yet it feels so freaking right – like we’ve done this before. Like it’s everything I’ve ever needed. Like I can’t stop, even if I wanted to.

  He coaxes another kiss out of me. “Stop thinking and just feel, my beloved.”

  My beloved. His words must hold some kind of power over me, because every last thought in my mind disappears as he pulls me flush against his body. My hands roam, caressing rock hard muscles and lower to another body part that is as equally as hard. He lets out a deep groan that makes heat pool between my legs.

  “Fuck. That feels good, but we don’t have time. Did you give your leaders the message?”

  I nod and have to clear my throat twice before I reply, “Yes.”

  “Good girl.”

  He pulls my leotard aside and slips his hand into my tights. This time I’m the one who moans.

  “Were they angry?”

  His lips and fingers work at the same tempo as I hold onto him, not wanting this to stop.

  “They’re always angry when it comes to me.”

  His thumb flicks over my clit. “That’s because they don’t value you or your talents. Instead, they wish to treat you like a test subject.”

  My head tilts back as pressure builds in my stomach. God, this feels so freaking good. He smiles against my lips, as if sensing my thoughts.

  “Why won’t you let me see your face?”

  The air crackles around us and he slips two fingers inside my aching folds.

  “I will once this is over.” Before I can ask what that means, he says, “I need to be inside of you. It’s been too long.”

  His words barely register because all I can think is Finally!

  “I’m going to take you now. Brace yourself. This is going to be rough.”

  He keeps my leotard pulled to the side and tears my tights. Cool air kisses my heated skin. And then I feel the tip of his cock brushing against my nether lips. Good lord, his cock feels like molten iron, and here I am, more than willing and ready to be impaled. He enters me in a single thrust that leaves me breathless and craving more.

  “Hold on to me.”

  I wrap my arms around his neck. He lifts me at the waist, and I take the hint, wrapping my legs around him. He spins so my back is against the wall and then he pounds into me like there’s no tomorrow. Our moans fill the air, as does the sounds of our bodies meeting. Lust courses through my veins until I feel drunk.

  His teeth scrape my neck. “That’s right. Give in to it. Let it take over your body.”

  “What’s happening?” I gasp out.

  His thrusts become short and shallow and the pressure building deep inside of me throbs with need. I moan and his lips brush against mine.

  “Give in, baby.”

  His thumb rakes over my clit and I cry out as I orgasm around his cock. He lets out his own groan as we find heaven together. But something strange happens in this moment. The lust that’s been building inside of me escapes my lips in a pink fog. It circles us, making me feel dizzy with need. When he inhales, the fog goes into his mouth. For a split second we’re connected in every way possible.

  His cock hardens, making me gasp. This shouldn’t be possible.

  His hands dig into my waist. “Ready for round two?”

  I nod, but ask, “What have you done to me?”

  “I’ve done nothing. This is all you.”

  My reply dies on my lips as he moves us to Blot’s bed. When he moves over me this time, I’m ready. Together, we find our bliss faster than before. A bliss that leaves me feeling high and more alive than I’ve ever felt before. When we’re finished, he pulls out, letting my leotard fall back into place. It’s so sinfully hot
that I moan.

  He kisses me and I know he’s about to leave me. I don’t want him to go-

  “When will I see you again?”

  “Things are going to happen fast now. The plan is in full motion and nothing can stop it.”

  I sit. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “We’ll see each other soon, I promise.”

  “And you swear you didn’t take Blot?”

  “That was not us. That was your government. They saw him as a threat.”

  “What about Doc and Ink?”

  His thumb brushes over my lips. “So many men close to you are missing. What does that tell you?”

  My heart lurches in my chest. “That anyone close to me should be careful.”

  “That is not the correct answer.”

  “What is it then?”

  He kisses me long and hard, until I’m breathless. “Until next time.”

  He’s gone a moment later, in another swirl of black fog. I fall back against the mattress, trying to process everything that just happened. One thing is very clear – I’m fucked, in more ways than one.

  Fourteen

  After I manage to pull myself from the bed, I search Blot’s apartment, making sure I didn’t miss anything. The only scents I pick up on are mine, the Villain’s, and Blot’s. So, unless someone knew what they were doing, all signs point to the Villain. And for some reason I really don’t want to believe it’s him.

  I pass the mirror in the bathroom and let out a laugh. I look thoroughly and utterly fucked. Stripping, I get rid of the tights the Villain ripped and hop into Blot’s shower. He won’t mind – if he’s even alive – and I can’t fly around looking like this. When I get out, I grab a pair of Blot’s grey sweatpants and a t-shirt that’s too big. Not the best option to fly in, but it’s very comfortable. I can’t remember the last time I wore normal clothes.

  I do one last look around the apartment before leaving. If I had more time, I’d visit the Bean or I’d grab a hotdog, but my time is running out. I take off and fly back home. It’s raining when I land and I shiver. That’s one good thing I can say about my uniform, I guess. It’s weatherproof and I’m really wishing I had it on right now.

  Trace jumps to his feet when I open the back door.

  “Alpha! I was so worried about you.” He eyes me. “What in the hell happened? Why are you wearing those clothes?”

  I sigh. “Blot is missing. Someone tore his apartment up, clearly looking for something.”

  “And your clothes?”

  My cheeks feel warm. “I, uh, ran into the Villain from Paris.”

  “The Villain-”

  The words die off his lips as he looks at me, understanding filling his eyes.

  “You slept with the fucking shadow Villain?” Trace’s voice rises with each word. “Alpha, what in the fuck is wrong with you?”

  My skin tingles as I look Trace over. “You’re kind of cute when you’re mad.”

  “Alpha, this is serious.”

  “I am being serious.”

  How can I explain that I feel more like me than I have in years? All because of what happened with the mysterious Villain?

  He runs his fingers through his blond locks. “Alpha-”

  The throbbing feeling returns deep inside of me. I move toward him slowly, and he eyes me warily.

  “Trace, maybe we’ve been looking at this all wrong.”

  I’m close enough that my breath hits his skin, causing goosebumps to rise. He swallows loudly.

  “What are you doing, Alpha?”

  “Something I should have done a long time ago.” My tongue darts across his salty skin. “I’m giving in.”

  When I breathe out, the pink fog licks at Trace. His mouth opens in surprise and then he moans.

  “Alpha.”

  “Shh, Trace. Everything’s going to be okay.”

  I take his hand, pulling him to the living room, to the couch.

  He says, “I’ve wanted this for so long, Alpha. Why now?”

  When I look into his eyes, I see truth in those blue depths.

  “Because I’m tired of playing by all of the rules. It’s time to live.”

  “Heck, I can’t argue with that.”

  Grinning, I say, “Take your suit off. Or, I can help, if you can’t.”

  “Then by all means, help.”

  The air changes between us and I move forward. He watches me as I reach out, tugging the suit from his broad shoulders. I kiss the exposed skin and he makes a sound of pleasure. Slowly, I tug it downward, to his hips. Trace is one of those men who has a V down here and it’s really hot as hell. Lowering to my knees, I kiss each of the hollow spaces.

  “I have to say, I’m liking the fact that you can see me right now.”

  I grin up at him. “Me, too.”

  I tug the suit down his legs and toss it onto the chair by the couch. Trace’s cock springs forward. Holy cow. I’ve had sex with him before, but I had no idea that he was packing. An idea crosses my mind and I use my powers to turn one of the cameras on. If Marble wants to know what I’m up to, then he’s about to get a damn show, even if it’ll just be one-sided on film.

  “What’s that look for?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You suddenly look like the cat who ate the canary.”

  I reply, “Let’s just say we’re giving Marble a little show.”

  His mouth opens, but he nods. “He deserves it.”

  I grip Trace’s cock, pumping it a few times. He lets out another deep groan, his head tilting back in pleasure. When I take him into my mouth, his groan turns into a moan that fuels me on.

  “Fuck, Alpha.”

  Using his thighs to brace myself, I bob my head back and forth. His fingers work through my hair. When I let out a hum, his hips thrust, pushing him further into my mouth.

  “Not sure how much longer I can last,” he breathes out.

  I pull back and stand. Our lips meet in a kiss that leaves me burning for more. He pulls Blot’s t-shirt over my head, tossing it aside while I kick the sweatpants off. When his mouth covers my nipple, I’m the one who moans. He licks and nips at the budding flesh, driving me crazy.

  My watch buzzes, but I ignore it.

  Trace smiles against my skin. “I think someone’s watching and getting pissed.”

  I pull him toward the couch. “Then he’s about to get a real nice show.”

  Trace gets on the couch first. I move over him, straddling him. With one hand, I position his cock at my slick opening before slowly settling onto him. We both sigh as he fills me, stretching me in the most delicious way.

  Trace grins up at me. “Ride me, Alpha.”

  Heat courses through my body as I rock my hips. Trace’s fingers dig into my skin, urging me on. Together, we grind against each other until my head tilts back in pleasure.

  “Fuck. You’re so sexy,” he murmurs.

  Leaning forward, I kiss him. He’s the one who’s sexy. He reaches between us and strokes my clit. Pleasure builds up in my lower stomach and I rock against him, seeking my release. When I come, I cry out his name. He thrusts a few more times before his guttural moan fills the air.

  I fall against him. “Trace, that was amazing.”

  He runs his fingers through my hair. “Damn. I think I like you being able to see me.”

  My watch buzzes again, so I look at the screen.

  “What is it?”

  “The message was canceled.”

  But I’m not dumb – Marble was watching us and was pissed. When I didn’t respond right away, he canceled the message so he didn’t look petty. The thought makes me smile.

  Trace kisses my forehead. “Let’s move this party to the bedroom, Alpha.”

  We lay tangled in the covers and Trace holds me close to him. We’ve spent hours making love and I’ve never felt more alive. It’s the same feeling I had while in Silver City.

  “Was that one of your new powers?”

&
nbsp; “Can sex be a superpower?”

  He snorts. “After that, I think so.”

  I snuggle closer to him. “Are you saying you didn’t want it to happen? That the only reason you rocked my world is because I made you?”

  “I rocked your world?” He grins. “I think you’ve got it backward.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  He says, “You didn’t make me do anything that I didn’t want to do on my own.”

  “Good.”

  Because now that I’m not lust-driven I’ve had time to think. Is this really a new power or does it have to do with the crater? And can I really push lusty thoughts on someone if they don’t reciprocate? The Villain was willing. Trace was willing. What happens if someone isn’t? The thought makes me uneasy, especially since I apparently have no control over this new power, at least not that I can tell.

  He makes lazy circles on my arm and says, “There’s a part of me that thinks we should tell Marble what’s happening with you. But the other side knows that’s a bad idea.”

  “It scares me to think what they’ll do to me at the treatment facility,” I admit. “And no one is going to stop them. No one cares enough about us to say ‘Hey, that’s fucked up.’”

  “When the Government appointed Marble and the Uppers I thought we were finally going to have a voice. Hell, I think it’s the opposite. And now they’re talking about taking our voting rights way.”

  I sit up at this. “What are you talking about?”

  “It was on the news earlier today. They’re saying we don’t deserve a say in politics because it’s a conflict of interest.”

  “That’s so fucked up. They can’t do that to us!”

  He looks me dead in the eyes. “They already are, Alpha. We just didn’t see it coming.” He pauses. “You mentioned the Senator’s wife said something about a new bill. What if this is just the beginning of what they have in store for us?”

  Unease makes my stomach churn. He’s right.

  “They’ve taken so much from us already,” I reply.

  “I might be looking too much into it, but it would explain why the Uppers are on edge. Why they want to get you under their thumb. Why Ink and Doc are gone. And why Blot is missing.”