“I had other plans.”
“Ah, yeah. I know. Those underground fights. Such a waste of potential.”
My fear expands, squeezing my airway. Not for me, for Stephan. If Nathaniel knows I went to the pit that night, does he also know about the warehouse fire? Does he know who Stephan is?
“Cut to the chase. What do you plan to do with me? Take me to a dark alleyway and kill me for defying you?”
He scoffs. “Kill you? Don’t be so dramatic. As problematic as you are, you’re still my best recruit.”
“You can’t force me to work for you.”
“Oh, Andy, you’re wrong about that. How is that hand of yours?”
“I can handle a little discomfort.”
“Aren’t you a tough cookie?”
At once, the excruciating pain returns with a vengeance, making me clench my jaw hard so I don’t scream. I can’t give this asshole the satisfaction. A grunt escapes my lips when he brings the level up a notch. I bite my tongue, drawing blood.
“Imagine feeling like that the whole time without reprieve,” he taunts.
I’m in pure agony now, and fat tears are rolling down my cheeks. If he doesn’t stop, I might pass out.
Maybe sensing that, he ceases his torture session.
“Fuck you,” I say through clenched teeth.
He laughs. “That’s the spirit. Now, can I get you on board with the program, or should I resort to more drastic matters?”
“If you were going to hurt Mario, you would have done it already.”
The careless words make me cringe. I’m damn thankful that Nathaniel didn’t follow through with his threat.
“Oh, it wasn’t for lack of wanting. But I’m not ashamed to admit I reevaluated my position in relation to your family’s driver. He’s way more useful as a spy.”
My stomach twists painfully. Nathaniel couldn’t have gotten to Mario. The idea is revolting. “I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t care if you don’t believe me. But I do have a more interesting target in mind. A certain dedicated mentor who’s so keen on protecting his charge that he even challenged her to a ruthless fight.”
No! I can’t let him near Stephan. I don’t dare to bluff. This time, I know Nathaniel will follow through.
“Fine. You win.”
Nathaniel drops me off in front of the bakery I was heading to before he kidnapped me, but my appetite is gone. The effect of the drug he gave me has worn off, and yet, even with my gift restored, I feel powerless.
Joining the leisurely pace of the pedestrians, I walk without a destination in mind. Right now, I’m numb. The magnitude of what I just decided hasn’t fully hit me yet. In one fell swoop, I gave up the man I love and condemned my soul.
My phone rings in my pocket, startling me. A second later, the robotic voices tells me it’s Leroy calling. Shit. I had completely forgotten about him. I let it go to voice mail.
I’m about to walk around the corner to Paragon’s street when I sense him right above me. My heavy heart sings at his nearness, quick to forget what my mind can’t. He lands in front of me, projecting the most joyful aura since we first met. I’ve always sensed a lingering darkness in him, but today it’s gone. Not for long though. I’m about to crush us both.
“Hey,” he greets.
“What are you doing here?” My voice is cold and tight, a fact he notices. I sense the difference in him immediately.
“I figured you would be hungry. I brought breakfast.” He lifts his arm, holding something up. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk.”
There’s a poignant pause, and even though I can’t see his face, it’s impossible to ignore the shift in him. He feels caged now, inaccessible.
“Okay,” he replies finally. “Should we go som—”
“No, there’s no need. This will be fast.”
“Andy, you’re scaring me.”
There’s a sudden burning in my throat, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to go through with it. My chains are rebelling, but I find the strength to control them. They’re a reflection of my heart, and right now, I have to pretend I don’t have one.
“We can’t see each other anymore.”
There. I said it. I ripped the bandage off, and now I’m dying.
“What? Where’s that coming from?”
“Please don’t make a big deal out of this. Last night was nothing more than us acting on our mutual attraction.”
“Bullshit! It was more than that and you know it.”
“Maybe for you, but not for me. I’m not in love with you, Stephan. I don’t even like you that much.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not lying. You think you know me, but you don’t.”
He takes a step forward, and like a fool, I shuffle back. I can’t let him touch me or it’s game over. I’m hanging on to my cold bitch mask by a thread.
“Something happened. I know you’re not indifferent to me.”
“Please, Stephan. Stop grasping at straws. It’s pathetic. Have some pride.”
He doesn’t say anything for a moment, and with each passing second, my resolve weakens as the darkness in him grows.
Finally, he laughs. It’s a hollow sound, bitter. “Okay. Fine. I’ll leave you alone. We’ll keep our relationship strictly professional from now on.”
Fuck. That’s it? He’s just going to accept all my bullshit without a fight? So much for his so-called love.
I’m pissed beyond reason.
“That’s perfect.” I cross my arms.
“Good.” He walks over to a garbage can nearby and tosses the to-go breakfast he brought for us. He then turns to me. “I expect you bright and early in my office tomorrow.”
“Whatever for?”
“I’m still your mentor.”
He flies off, not giving me a chance to reply. I didn’t expect him to still want the job. How am I going to keep the façade up if I have to be in his presence every week? I’m going to blow my cover, and then Stephan will end up paying the price.
No. I can’t let anything happen to him because of a choice I made years ago. I know I said yes to Nathaniel, but that doesn’t mean I have to be loyal to him.
Suddenly, the solution to my problem is as clear as day.
I run to the street and wait for a cab to come by.
This decision might be the second biggest mistake I make in my life, but I have to try.
31
Andromeda
A month later
I’ve been working for Nathaniel for a month, and now the stain in my soul is so thick and dark, it feels like I took a dunk in a tar pit. I operate solo because he decided I’d perform better alone. He’s not wrong. But that’s not the only reason. He’s been using me as his personal bully. I run around town, scaring the shit out of low members who are late on their fees. A visit from me is akin to a visit from the devil himself.
It should be an easy job. I’m not hurting or scaring innocent people like I feared I’d be forced to do initially. But it still feels wrong to oppress people when I can sense most of the time that they regret their decision just as much as I do.
The job tonight was just such a case. I visited an elderly couple, owners of a chain of Chinese restaurants downtown. They’re low-level Idols who joined the fold seeking protection from a gang of Fringe criminals who had been terrorizing their neighborhood.
Growing up in privilege and protected from the outside world made me ignorant to many things. I assumed all Idols lived a blissed life of abundance and good fortune. But working for Nathaniel showed me that only a small percentage of Idols—the closest descendants of the gods—experience such perks. The ones on the verge of being Fringes aren’t so lucky. And Nathaniel took full advantage of that, preaching that things were bad for them thanks to Norms and Fringes. It’s easy to manipulate people when you point a clear enemy out to them, a flesh-and-blood reason why their lives suck so much. Hatred grows like a weed.
&nbs
p; My mission was successful. After I destroyed their restaurant and threatened to do the same with the remaining establishments in their chain, they coughed up the cash. I didn’t leave the premises until the boss confirmed the money had hit his account.
I don’t have any other jobs lined up for the night, but I can’t go home yet. Which means I can do something for me.
Strolling through the cold streets of Hawk City on Saturday night is not a whim, it’s a necessity. Stephan, who still occupies 99 percent of my thoughts, took away the only outlet where I could unleash my frustrations and not feel bad about it. Without any other choice, I walk alone in the dark, offering myself as prey and hoping some jackass will take the bait. To make it even more enticing, I pull a foldable cane from my jacket pocket. I want to make it clear that I’m blind to increase my odds. On some evenings I’m lucky, others not so much.
When I sense three shadows following me, I smile. My chains are curled tight around my wrists, hidden, and my powers are muted. To these jackasses, I’m just a poor blind Norm girl who’s also probably drunk too, since I’m not far from a popular club. Two months ago, I couldn’t conceal my powers completely and still be able to use my chains to see the world. Things have changed. I’m more powerful now thanks to all the practicing I’ve been doing.
To make it even more tempting for the mid-level Fringes stalking me, I pretend to stumble as I veer into a dead-end alleyway.
“Oh man, I think I’m lost,” I say loud enough so they can hear me.
The trio laughs, and on cue, I turn. “Who’s there?”
“Oh, looks like some little sheep drifted away from the flock,” the man on the left says.
“Don’t come any closer,” I warn without conviction while walking backward.
I’ve perfected the damsel in distress act. It’s my least favorite part of the trap. The level of cruelty in this world is baffling. But it’s totally worth it when I make scum pay for their sins.
The men laugh some more, and I hope they’re not the kind who like to waste time taunting. I’m not in the mood to hear insults. I want action.
“Oh, we’re coming closer, sugar. Much closer,” the guy in the middle sneers.
It’s sickening to listen and not act. My chains are like attack dogs that I must hold off by the leash.
I feign trying to escape, knowing they’ll give chase. A whip made out of water curls around my waist and yanks me to the disgusting ground. I have to fight all my instincts to fall like a useless rag doll. I also drop my cane on purpose and let out a scream. I should receive a prize for my acting skills.
They begin to circle me, laughing, like sharks that smell blood. The only thing they don’t know is that I’m the predator and they’re the meal. I stretch my arm, trying to reach my cane, when I sense another presence at the mouth of the alley. It’s a Norm chick. Fuck. She must have heard me and came to investigate. I was so not planning on saving anyone tonight.
“What’s the matter, sweetheart? Can’t find your cane?” one of the idiots, oblivious to the newcomer, says.
“Leave her alone!” the Norm yells, taking a step forward.
I can’t believe she’s risking her life like this. Is she blind too? Can’t she sense she just challenged three mid-level Fringes?
The jackasses turn, forgetting about me for a moment.
“My, my, look what we have here. Another stray Norm.”
“It’s our lucky night, guys,” the one closest to her says.
“I don’t think so,” she replies.
She’s not afraid. That much I can tell. Then something unexpected happens. She reveals her true self. She’s not a Norm. She’s a high-level Idol, close in power to me.
Motherfucker.
The elemental Fringe attacks. The girl slows down time, evading his maneuver. I’ve never sensed anything like that in my life. Shit, I wonder if she’s a Knight. What other Idol would risk their life to save a Norm? I should leave, but I can’t let her fight these guys alone. Besides, they’re my prey, and I still want their blood.
I jump back on my feet while the Fringes are busy with the girl, unleashing my chains. The moment their glow illuminates the dark alley, I can get a better feel of my surroundings and the Idol chick. The image is still mostly shadows—I haven’t been able to replicate the incident with Stephan—but I can actually see her core pulse inside of her. It’s almost like her powers are brand new.
Strangely, she conceals them again. But that’s a mystery for another day. I’ve been patient enough. It’s time to have some fun.
“All right, assholes. You wanted a good time. I’ll give you a good time.” I fling my arms forward, launching my chains.
The spike ball hits vermin number one, smashing the side of his head with a satisfying crack. The chain with the spear at the end pierces the second Fringe’s chest, causing an explosion of blood. This isn’t the first time I’ve killed. It’s seems like a lifetime ago when the idea of ending someone’s life sickened me. Not anymore.
There’s only one Fringe left. He drops to his knees and begs, “Please, don’t kill me.”
My face twists into a scowl. “You’re a wretched stain on this Earth. You preyed on me when you thought I was weak. I’m not going to kill you. I’m going to obliterate you.”
I send my chains in his direction, but instead of a direct hit, I opt for squeezing the life out of him. In a few seconds, there’s nothing left of him but an unidentifiable blob on the ground. When I retract my weapons, I make sure their vibrations are strong enough to get rid of all the blood and pieces of muscle and skin.
Slowly, I turn toward the girl. “You’re still here.”
“Yes,” she replies with a slight tremble to her voice. I don’t think she’s afraid of me, maybe only shocked by the sight that I’m sure is gory.
“Most people would have run away by now.”
“I’m not most people.”
My lips curl into a grin. “Clearly. You tried to save me. I’ve never met anyone who would risk their lives to help a stranger in need.”
“I’m sorry you’ve only come across assholes.”
Oh, I like this girl. She has spunk. I hope she’s not a Knight.
“Me too,” I reply.
“Daisy!” a male voice calls out not far from us.
“Is that you?” I ask.
“Yes.”
Time to go. I have no desire to meet any of her friends. If she’s not alone, then most likely she’s a Knight, which means they can’t find me here. Besides, there’s the whole matter that I just nuked three Fringes.
I grab my cane. “I’d better go, then.” With a powerful jump, I reach the railing of a fire escape ladder nearby.
“Wait! You don’t need to run away.”
“I’m not running away.” I swing my legs, using the motion to pull myself up on the metal structure, then take off up the ladder, hoping I’m completely concealed before her friend arrives.
As I’m about to reach the top of the building, I sense Stephan’s presence. Damn it. I was right. She is a Knight.
That’s too bad. We could have been friends.
32
Stephan
The moment I step closer to the corpses, I know Andy is responsible for the carnage. The bashing to the head, the pierced torso, and the puddle of blood, meat, and bones all match what her chains can do. I hope Soren doesn’t come to the same conclusion. I rub my face as the sense of failure sets deep inside. It’s not the first time I’ve encountered a similar scene. It seems she found another outlet to take out her frustration, only now she’s going after scum and leaving none alive.
I don’t know what happened between the night we spent together and the following morning when she ended things, but whatever is going on in her life is changing her, and not for the better. I should have done something sooner, but important developments demanded my attention. My father needed me, and I simply immersed myself in the work, trying to forget her.
The problems the Kn
ights are facing don’t simply disappear just because I have a broken heart. The mole is still at large, and the weapons stolen from us have been distributed to the underbelly of Hawk City. Fringe and Idol criminals are now in possession of Idol-killing weapons, and they’re using them without discrimination. Thank fuck Xavier is coming into town—finally. We hope he can identify the Morph posing as one of our own.
This week I’m stuck babysitting four assholes from Gifted Academy and their girlfriend, Daisy. She’s important to us. She’s the Unmaker. The legends about Magia and her descendant were true after all. We needed that break, but now we have to convince her to help us. Dad’s first attempt was an epic failure. Daisy doesn’t trust us, and with reason. We should have never kidnapped Bryce Kent, one of her boyfriends. It was justifiable at the time though.
“No, they didn’t hurt me,” Daisy answers someone’s question.
“We need to get out of here.” I turn around, catching Bryce’s attention. “Now.”
“Why? Do you know who did that?” he asks.
“No. But we can’t get caught anywhere near here.” Andy’s issues don’t concern them, so I have no problem lying to his face.
I’m surprised when no one contests my reply. We’ve been butting heads since they got here. I almost punched Phoenix, the cocky asshole who thinks he’s a demigod himself. I don’t know what Daisy sees in those fuckers. She’s a nice girl.
We sprint back to the main street, but instead of veering toward the club, I jump right into traffic and flag the cab that’s speeding down the lane. Its tires screech as the driver presses on the brakes. The car stops an inch from me, and the smell of burned rubber fills my nose. I catch the glint of murder in the driver’s eyes, which I promptly ignore. Without pausing, I open the back door and turn to the group.
“Get in. All of you.”
“What about you and Soren?” Daisy asks.
“Don’t worry about us. Head back to Paragon Academy, and don’t stop until you get there.”
Reckless Times: A Paranormal Romance (Paragon Society Book 1) Page 18