Masked by Vengeance (Vega City Vigilantes Book 1)

by A. J. Macey

  They aren’t going to hurt her again.

  My eyes were glued to the one camera I hadn’t shown Evera the other day. Thanks to them abducting me and Kane’s hot-headed nephew, I had managed to plant a microphone in Kane’s office when I dodged that right hook. Evera’s lightning show had provided the perfect distraction.

  Now to see what they’re up to.

  3

  October 11th

  Friday Morning

  Evera

  “Mm,” Acer moaned slightly in his sleep, his beard tickling my back as he rubbed his face against my skin and pulled my body tighter to his. From this position, I felt all the hard planes of his body as they rippled and shifted against me. I never thought I would go from a complete hermit with one online friend-with-benefits to cuddling.

  Maneuvering myself from his arms, I left the slightly snoring hacker in my bed, making my way into the tiny bathroom to shower and brush my teeth. Guessing Acer would probably want a shower, I kept mine short, only quickly washing my hair before hopping out. I had just stepped out of the shower when the sound of my door closing and the scent of hot food filled the space. Cautiously, I peeked out of the busted bathroom door to see Trace’s… Acer’s curly head placing a drink holder of coffee on my desk, followed by a paper bag.

  “Oh, hey, Angel,” he greeted with a bright smile. “I know you have cereal and all, but I figured some coffee and breakfast would be good.” I stared with a furrowed brow and slack jaw, completely dumbstruck Trace would go get us breakfast. “Don’t look like that. I’m more than just an excellent flirt and cuddler. I didn’t get either coffee with sugar since I didn’t know how you like yours, though I have several packets and the little thing of creamer, so you can make it up to your liking. If you don’t like coffee, I got some hot chai tea too. There are also some breakfast sandwiches and hash browns,” he rattled off.

  “You… got breakfast for us…” I mumbled, unable to process someone getting me anything. Has it really been that long since anyone did anything nice for me? Now someone finally does, and I’m completely acting like a dumb shit. Shaking my head, I pulled myself from my awkward staring. “I haven’t had coffee in a long time, so if you want to just put some cream and sugar in it, I guess that’s fine. If it’s not good, I’ll take the tea.” I tried to smile to show how grateful I was, but somehow, my brain was at war with my emotions, trying to understand he would do such a thing.

  “You got it.” Seemingly unconcerned by my odd behavior, he focused on unloading the sugar out of the bag to add to my coffee. Shuffling out of the bathroom with my towel clutched around me, I snatched up my clothes for the day and darted back into the bathroom as the drafts in the apartment made me shiver. As soon as I was back in the bathroom, I dropped my clothes on the counter.

  “Hey, Angel...” he had started to call out but trailed off when he neared the door, his eyes immediately falling on my barely covered body.

  My body flushed with a wave of warmth as his gaze slowly trailed over my bare legs and too small towel. A pulse of need coursed through me, my core flooding when I saw he was sporting a hardened bulge under his jeans. Taking a small breath, I held his gaze and dropped the towel.

  “Angel,” he breathed, taking a step closer, “you're even more beautiful in person.”

  His sentiment made my heart clench, but right now, all I could focus on was the slickness that continued to grow between my thighs. As soon as he was close enough, I reached out and pulled him to me. Grabbing him seemed to be the 'yes' he’d needed, and his arms wrapped around me. His clothes were cool from the outside weather, but his skin was hot as his hands roved my skin, our mouths locked in a passionate kiss.

  Years of seeing but never touching came to a head, our moves frantic and filled with fire. We didn't bother with being soft, yanking off clothes in a frenzy before Acer picked me up and set me on the counter. His length was large and heavy in my hand, pre-cum beading on the tip that I eagerly smeared down the silken steel. Before I could get him inside me, he pulled back.

  As much as I tried not to, I whimpered at the gap between us, his self-satisfied smirk in place as he fell to his knees, lapping at my wet entrance. Bucking, my body shook as lightning flared in my veins as my release built quickly, pushing out to flutter over my skin in a wave of tiny arcs.

  As soon as he sank a finger into me, sucking at my clit, I spasmed. My body was on fire, my mind a muddled mess of pleasure as he continued to lick and thrust, his tongue swirling as he added another finger. His name left my lips in a broken cry as he brought me to that ledge once more before I fell blissfully into that pool of orgasm. The surge of pleasure radiating through my body had my power flaring inside my veins, only heightening my release. Before I could ride the aftershocks, he stood, capturing my mouth in a rough kiss, lining up and starting to rock in, unfazed by the low-level electricity that raced over my skin.

  Each shift of his hips as he sunk further into me made my arcs flare brighter. By the time he was fully seated inside of me, I was panting, clutching his sculpted chest like he was the only thing afloat in this sea of desire I was drowning in. The rough moans that left Acer as he started to move in earnest were as much of a turn-on as him wrapping his arms tightly around my waist so he could hold me in place as he pounded into me.

  There was nothing slow, soft, or gentle about the way we fucked, the painful tingling building quickly around my lower back wrapped around my core in anticipation for another release. Acer licked and nipped at my shoulder and neck, only heightening the sensations that seared me from the inside out.

  “Fuck,” I murmured, barely audible amid the broken moans and cries that ripped from my throat as he finally pushed me over into yet another orgasm. My vision dimmed slightly, blackening with the intensity as I felt him pull out. Ropes of hot liquid spurted onto my thigh and hip as Acer came.

  Both of us panted, coated in a light layer of sweat, as we came down from that high together. I didn't move as Acer dropped his forehead to the crook of my neck, his arms tightening as he held me. A bloom of warm emotions blossomed in my chest as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, hugging him back before pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder.

  “Let's get cleaned up, I'm hungry,” he murmured, his smile missing its usual cockiness as he pulled back to grab my towel and wipe me off. Hopping off the small counter, we dressed quickly, my eyes scanning my clothes to make sure none of my stuff got marked from our time together. When I determined they were still clean, I threw everything on and followed Acer to the table where he had set everything out. It took no time at all for us to fall into silence, ravenous after having sex.

  “So, not to be insensitive or anything, but Phenom, huh?” Acer asked after a little while. I nodded, my mouth too full of room temperature breakfast. It had been too long since I had had a freshly cooked meal, so the fact it was quickly cooling didn’t faze me.

  “Phenom with blue lightning,” he hummed as he ate his bite. “The handle makes a lot of sense now—Arc Angel. Ha, sounds like a superhero name.”

  I balked, choking on my bite as I coughed. Trace… Acer pounded my back until I was able to get the coughing under control, cocking a brow at my reaction before talking.

  “I feel there is something going on here I should know. Is that why you’re never on at night and are always so tired during the day? Cause you go out and superhero it up?” I stayed silent, focusing on my food instead of answering. “Holy shit, you’re a superhero!”

  “No, I’m not,” I mumbled, pushing my food around my plate. He scoffed, and I could see his brown eyes light up with excitement out of the corner of my eye.

  “Well, do I have some good news for you,” he exclaimed, “watch this.”

  Looking over at him with a bored expression, I waited for whatever he was about to show me. One minute, I was staring at his handsome face, the next, I wasn’t. I sat up straight from my hunched position in surprise. Reaching out slowly, I felt my hand brush his warm chest, the soft ma
terial of his t-shirt rubbing against the tips of my fingers even though I couldn’t see it.

  “Holy shit,” I murmured, my other hand coming to his invisible chest before running up the curve of his neck until I was cupping his scruff covered jaw. In the blink of an eye, Acer’s smirking face appeared between my palms. “That’s awesome.”

  “I know, right?” he agreed, his hands curling around mine. “Now, for the cool part.”

  “You turning invisible wasn’t the cool part?” I asked skeptically, nervous about what he was about to suggest or do.

  “I mean, it is, but what would you say to adding another member to your superhero squad?”

  “It’s not a squad,” I answered, my eyes widening when I realized I had just admitted I did, in fact, go out at night to wander the streets. He jumped in his seat with a victorious shout, my hands being maneuvered in front of his chest, where he clutched them together.

  “Ha! I knew it! Angel is a superhero. Do you have a name? Because if not, Arc Angel is pretty badass.” I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off. “Seriously, though, Evera, I know you can kick ass with that lightning of yours, but what happens when you’re out there and need help? There’s not going to be someone to help others if you’re hurt. Let me watch your back,” he pleaded. “They’ll never see me coming.”

  “That was the worst pun ever,” I groaned as he laughed. Sobering, I looked at him, for once truly looking at Trace, and while I saw excitement to go out, I saw something deeper etched in his tanned face. He’s worried about me. I was surprised even though I knew I shouldn’t be. If what he’d told me over the years was true, we were really all each other had. Well, he was all I really had.

  “So, how ‘bout it? Up for making your solo crew a squad?” he asked with a smile, his hands squeezing mine.

  Longing burst within me, almost surprising me with its intensity. Have I really been that starved for company? I guess I hadn’t thought my life was that lacking. Seeing Kane and Carson yesterday had really shaken me up, reminding me of the emptiness of my life. I was lonely, and I knew Acer would do what he could to help me, but flashes of Rett’s death and the way Kane and Carson had left were fresh.

  “Uh…” I stuttered, unable to put into words what was rattling around in my mind, the battle of wanting to say yes while being afraid he would end up leaving too. I hadn’t worked with anyone closely in years, if ever, so knowing me, I more than likely would fuck something up.

  “Here, how about this,” he started again, picking up on my hesitation. “Let’s try it out for a night or two and see how you feel. If you prefer going on your own, I won’t stop you, but I’ll still be there for all your hacking needs.”

  I really don’t think this is going to end well, but I guess I can live with a night or two of company.

  “We’re not calling it a squad,” I chuckled softly in agreement, purposely ignoring the slight panic at what I was getting myself into. “And I don’t have a name.”

  “Well, how often do you go out?” he asked, picking the empty food containers off the desk and taking them to my small trash can.

  “Three or four times a week. Depends on how cold it is or how tips were at the cafe,” I explained. “I was going to go out tonight since I took the last two nights off.”

  “What all do you do while you’re out? Just light them up? How many assholes do you deal with each night?” He continued his questioning, rapidly firing from one to the next without giving me the chance to answer.

  I shrugged, not having much of an idea for the last question since it varied. Leaving them knocked out on the ground with a scar seemed to work. At least, I thought so since I rarely saw the same person twice.

  “Run into a lot of Phenoms while you’re out there?” Shaking my head, I took another bite, but at his next inquiry, I nearly choked. “Is there a reason you do this?”

  “Uh…” I hesitated, swallowing the emotional lump that had formed. “Who’s going to help us since no one else will? The Legion Council and their Legionaries don’t give two shits about us. The police try, but they’re so understaffed or corrupt, they don’t do much. I don’t know, honestly… I think it’s just something my brother would have done, and he would be proud of me.”

  Acer stared at me, his gaze darting around my face as if he was trying to memorize all the little details before finally looking me in the eyes. Reaching out, his fingers brushed my cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. He must have seen something in my expression because he didn’t press me on the topic.

  “Guess I should probably get some black clothes and stuff. What do you wear?” he joked, trying to lighten the somber mood that had descended.

  Mustering a tiny smile, I got up and walked over to my small chipped dresser and pulled out my typical outfit and mask. His face took on an odd expression, a slight widening of his eyes that left me confused when he took my clothes from my outstretched hands.

  “Angel, these things have holes in them.” Holding up my shirt and glove, he poked his finger through worn down material and wiggled his finger to emphasize his point. “When’s the last time you got new things?”

  “Uh,” I stuttered, thinking back, “I got a couple things from the thrift store a few months ago before the weather started getting warmer and everyone was purging their winter and cold weather stuff.”

  “I said new, Evera, not thrifted.”

  “I don’t think I’ve had anything new since I was little. Besides, what’s wrong with thrifted? If it works, why would I pay more for the same thing?” I challenged, yanking my clothes from his hands. I’d worked hard for those things and didn’t want him to chastise me for doing what I had to.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean for that to sound so snotty,” he grimaced. “I just mean, it’ll be near or below freezing in the next couple months when winter fully hits, and I don’t like thinking about the fact you’ll be going around outside in things that won’t keep you warm. So, since I need some stuff, why don’t we go check out that thrift shop and see if we can find you some more things, alright?”

  “Yeah, alright,” I agreed with a nod, happy he wasn’t going to try to make me go shopping somewhere I didn’t want to go. He flashed me a triumphant smile as if he got his way in the end. Shaking my head, I grabbed my well-worn bag and followed him out of my apartment.

  Hopefully, this doesn’t blow up in my face.

  Several hours later, after having a fairly successful trip to the corner thrift store and hanging out at the apartment for a while, Acer and I were back out, grabbing some quick food for dinner. We had lapsed into silence, both more focused on food than talking, and since it was the first meal I had eaten out in god knows how long, one that was freshly made and not a lukewarm breakfast, I wanted to savor it. Damn. I know he’s just being kind and being himself, but I could do without one more reminder of what my life’s been missing.

  “Thank you,” I murmured, taking a sip of my water. “For dinner, I mean. You didn’t have to.”

  “No, but I wanted to, especially after barging in on your space and shit. Besides, we need to be fueled up for tonight.” His devilish grin and twinkling eyes had me rolling mine even though I knew that wasn’t what we were doing. “Ready?”

  “Yeah,” I nodded, standing to take my stuff to the trash when the blond who worked for Kane appeared.

  “Miss Quinn, Mr. Dremen, my name’s Silas Sterling,” he greeted with a polite nod. I felt the signature spark of my power fill my veins, seeing the man who worked for Kane putting me on edge. “If I may, I would like a word with you.” He glanced down at me, his gaze focused intently on my face. Craning my neck, he seemed nearly a foot taller than me. I narrowed my eyes.

  “If this is about Kane and his business, I’m not interested. I told them yesterday to leave me alone,” I countered, moving around Silas. Acer was hot on my heels as we left the restaurant, but I felt Silas following as well.

  “Please, Miss Quinn. Mr. Renick would like to have
another word with you.”

  “First, stop calling Miss Quinn, I feel like I’m back in the orphanage. Second, why should I meet with Kane or Carson?” I questioned sharply, turning to face the lean, muscled man.

  “Because they’ve missed you,” Silas murmured, his eyes filled with misplaced emotion

  “Well, they probably should have thought of that ten years ago when they abandoned me,” I snapped, turning to walk away. Instead of stopping me like Carson had, Silas let me go. The familiar burning of unshed tears built in my eyes as I walked, but it was too late for them to come back into my life.

  I’ve spent the last decade missing them. Now it’s their turn to think about what they’ve lost.

  4

  October 11th

  Friday Night

  Silas

  I watched Evera and Acer walk away before turning left. Glancing around, I made sure no one was paying attention to me as I followed, sticking close to the shadows. As I walked, I pulled out my pack of cinnamon gum, tossing a stick in my mouth to help keep me occupied while I waited and watched. While I wasn’t too worried about someone coming after Evera, I understood Kane’s and Carson’s fears. They had talked fondly about Evera and Rett over the years, even before they had to pull away, enough I felt like I knew her. Now that they finally got her back, they didn’t want to risk her being hurt by the council or anyone else sniffing around The Syndicate’s business.

  After a couple blocks, Acer and Evera turned off the sidewalk and up to a front door. I wasn’t surprised to see them go into a rundown apartment building, but it did make me cringe. Kane is not going to be pleased. Only a short while later, they emerged, and my brows drew down. It’s after dark. Who in their right mind goes out in this neighborhood after dark? What are you up to, Miss Quinn? Then there was the fact that they were wearing all black and weaving through different streets before pausing for a minute. Masks? I was unable to figure out why they needed masks… unless…