The Matriarch: An Erotic Superhero Romance (The Matriarch Trilogy Book 1)

by Howell, Sloane

  "What the fuck is he up to?" My mind raced, trying to figure out the puzzle. I'd have been lying if I said I wasn't a little excited at what I’d uncovered.

  "He's bad news. Always has been," said Grandpa.

  My eyes burned from looking at the computer for so long. Grandpa placed his hands on my shoulders and rubbed them softly. He looked down at me, his fingers trembling, concern in his eyes.

  "I know...Holy shit, here we go, look."

  Kiril had come a long way since his life of crime in Golem, but it was all about to catch up with him. He tried to appear legit but the files contained all of the correspondence between him and The Family. They discussed everything: drugs, extortion, trafficking of humans, racketeering, bookmaking. The sophisticated money laundering system they had in place was all documented with flowcharts and contingencies.

  "That is powerful shit. I suggest you tread carefully." I could feel Grandpa's stare in the back of my head as I heard his words.

  "I know...I know."

  The headquarters of Jackson Pharmaceuticals sat just outside of the downtown skyline, directly adjacent to a major interstate. I steered the Model S into a parking space at the front of the large manufacturing plant and tapped on my phone as the gadgets in the car shut down. I stared at the large glass rotating doors and the company logo chiseled out of granite. A soft cool breeze tossed my hair aside when I opened the door and stepped from the car.

  A curved stainless steel archway greeted me as I passed through the revolving doors and stopped at security. A guard in uniform holding a black wand awaited me. I sat my purse and keys on a conveyor belt and walked through the metal detector, pausing as the guard waved the wand around me. Everyone had to be scanned, due to the proprietary research that took place in the labs. He motioned me past.

  A man in a white lab coat stood waiting as I grabbed my things and walked to him.

  "Sorry to bother you, Dr. Ranosz. I'm sure you're busy."

  "No, no, come with me. We always look forward to you visiting." He glanced to my heels clacking on the marble floor down a long corridor. Offices and large meeting rooms flanked us on both sides. "Besides, you usually have something interesting."

  Balfour Capital owned a substantial percentage of Jackson and I sat on their board of directors. I knew he was kissing my ass and feigning interest, but I needed to pick his brain.

  He showed me to a lab. It was frigid and filled with expensive microscopes and centrifuges lining the pristine, stainless steel surfaces against the wall. A long dry erase board with notes and equations spanned one side of the room. Formaldehyde and bleach enveloped my nose and I swore I could feel it on my skin. I pulled out the thumb drive and he brought up the files on his laptop.

  After a few moments of study punctuated with “ohs” and head scratching, he finally formulated a thought. "These are formulas for biologic processes. Anabolic in nature. Wow. This is cutting edge stuff." His excitement grew as he studied the documents. "DNA and RNA splicing, protein instructions..."

  "Does it look functional?"

  "Not at this time. It's highly unethical. This type of research is in its infancy, certainly not even close to a human testing phase. Where did you get this?"

  I glowered and he knew better than to press further.

  "Understood."

  "Hypothetically, why would someone with this info be after a natural medicine store?"

  "Well, assuming they are testing on humans and trying to mitigate side effects, they may be searching for natural supplements. The body can sometimes absorb them better, more efficiently. If they can find natural ways to combat the side effects of a developed drug, they can administer them simultaneously and mitigate risk. I have to warn you though, this level of chemical would make someone capable of seemingly superhuman feats of strength and agility. The effects on a human would be...well, highly variable, and extreme. Possibly fatal."

  "Thank you, doctor."

  "Anytime."

  "As always, I trust you'll exercise discretion with what we've discussed?"

  "Absolutely, Ms. Balfour. I'm always glad to help."

  What did Kiril want with this drug? An army of super soldiers? I wasn't sure what disturbed me more: him with an army, or him testing it on children.

  KIRIL ARRESTED: CONNECTIONS TO THE FAMILY, UNLAWFUL GENETIC TESTING REVEALED

  BY: JIM BRISTOL

  BATHORY CITY - Documents released to this paper show that the CEO of Salzberg Industries has deep connections to The Family and planned to build an army of super soldiers. The thumb drive, released by Ka0s, contains a cache of legal documents and scientific research.

  Kiril has spent the better part of a decade distancing himself from shady organizations and criminal activity, appearing to do legitimate business through various corporations. New information reveals illegal activity to be a significant source of income, funneling through various shell corporations and complicated money laundering schemes involving charitable enterprises. Most disturbing was the scientific research being carried out on orphans and impoverished children, and the associated documents that indicated the plan to build an army of super soldiers. Further motives are still unknown.

  Ka0s released the following statement:

  "We continue to fight for the poor, expose corruption, liberate humans and reveal their ability to remain autonomous in their decision making. Freedom is a cherished right, and while many may not agree with our violent methods of attaining our goals, they must still hold these values and ways of life dear. Kiril is a self-serving criminal, a parasite who feeds on those less fortunate, much like our elected officials and business leaders. There is no room in a liberated society for any of these vile, sub-human creatures."

  Police served warrants at Salzberg Industries early this morning and took him into custody without incident. His trial date and formal charges have not yet been released. We will continue to update you as this story progresses.

  "What the hell? Where did he get that information?" I stared at Grandpa.

  "I don't know, but look at his eyes."

  I glanced up to the picture of Ka0s paused on the screen. His eyes were lifeless, his face hidden behind the layers of pale makeup. It sent a shudder up my spine.

  "He makes me cringe."

  "That is a dangerous man, Mags."

  "He's another thug. Just like the rest of them."

  "Don't underestimate a man focused on an idea. Men corrupted by greed, power; they can be manipulated. That man is pure evil. He doesn't feel a goddamn thing."

  I'd been unable to obtain any information on Ka0s. He came out of nowhere and had a huge following. I'd exhausted all my resources trying to locate IP addresses, search databases not available to the public, contacts within various criminal enterprises. Nothing. It all led one place, a dead end.

  "At least that other fucker is behind bars."

  Grandpa sipped a cup of coffee. "Not enough of them if you ask me."

  "It's one problem off my plate for now."

  "Oh, is the Matriarch gonna take a day off? Wanna hang out with the ol' man?"

  "I wish. Have a hot date."

  "Oh." He perked up. "With apron boy?"

  I turned away and blushed.

  "Maybe."

  Grandpa leaned down and placed a hand on my shoulder.

  "Good for you, baby girl. You deserve it."

  "I love you." I smiled.

  "Oh, I love you too, sweetie." He hugged me tightly around the neck and gave me a peck on the cheek.

  Large skyscrapers surrounded us on all sides as I sat in the park with Cody. He'd promised me a picnic. Birdsong rained down from the trees and children squealed at a playground in the distance. I couldn't stop staring into his emerald green eyes as he constantly brushed his copper mop of hair from his face.

  "What is this? No-apron Wednesday?" I giggled.

  He bent down and kissed me on the cheek. Stubble dotted his jawline and brushed against me as he pulled away. My arms and legs tingl
ed at his touch.

  "Maybe."

  We sat next to each other on the cloth blanket. I ran my hand through the needles of the familiar grass, remembering the feeling when I came here as a child. Opening the basket, Cody pulled out some fruit and an assortment of cheeses.

  "Where's the—"

  He silenced me with a finger to my lips, pulling out a bottle of wine and two glasses.

  "You think of everything don't you?"

  "I try," he said. "Here, I grew this in my greenhouse."

  I eyed the bottle of wine, but allowed him to feed me a strawberry to amuse him. Sweet flavors filled my mouth as it melted into my tongue. I wasn't a big fan of fruit, or vegetables for that matter, but it was by far the best strawberry I'd ever tasted. I immediately motioned for him to give me another before I'd finished the first.

  "So good." My mouth was full as I spoke and Cody laughed.

  "All organic. None of that crap from the grocery store."

  He always seemed to take pride in everything he did, down to the very fine details. I admired him for that. He didn't think of things as chores, or tasks that needed to be completed. Everything had his own personal touch and care infused into it.

  "Wine?"

  I'd completely forgotten about it already.

  I nodded. "You trying to get me day drunk? Take advantage of me?"

  "Yes." He grinned. That fucking grin of his.

  He sat down on his side, elbow digging in the ground, and propped his head with his hand as he poured my glass with the other. I couldn't stop staring at his face.

  "Now, you were going to tell me about you this time."

  I tensed up and he took notice.

  "You don't have to."

  "It was that obvious, huh?"

  "A bit." He looked down at the blanket.

  I hated this. I'd been dreading the moment, hoping he wouldn't bring it up. Telling him the truth was impossible, but I didn't want to lie either. My throat constricted. I tried to get a few words out.

  "Just one memory. A good one. Surely you have one?"

  My eyes went to the sky and then back to him.

  "Okay, I've got one. It probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but it was a day just like today, in this park. Me and my family were having a picnic too. Nothing special happened or anything like that. It was just me and my brother playing, looking back at our parents. They looked like the two of us, on a blanket. It was just a really good day."

  "So do you talk to them often?"

  "Who?"

  "Your parents or your brother? Sounds like you were close."

  It all rushed back. I couldn't breathe and my eyes welled up. I'd worked long and hard to form a barrier to my past and he was crashing through it. He was getting close. Too close.

  "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, you don't have to answer that. Shit."

  Heat flooded into my cheeks and I wanted to tell him everything. I just couldn't. Grandpa and I never discussed them. The sky was closing in on me and it was like I was being forced into a tiny box. My clammy hands pawed at my legs.

  "I'm so sorry." I jumped to my feet and took off around the corner, leaving Cody in a daze. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Cody sitting, mouth agape, staring at me as I ran away.

  I flew around the corner and up the road, drawing looks from strangers as I sprinted across the street.

  I fished in my pocket for my cell phone and tapped at the screen.

  "Mags?"

  "Yeah, it's me, can you come pick me up?" I clutched my chest.

  "Be right there." The phone grew silent for a second and I could still hear him breathing. "Where is there?"

  "I'll text you."

  When he hung up I sent him the address. Fifteen minutes later he pulled up the road.

  I'd calmed a little but my airway still felt constricted. The harder I tried to breathe the worse it became. I stepped into the car, obviously a wreck and hurting.

  "Where is that apron wearing pussy? I'll fuck his shit up!"

  I panted heavily and attempted to muster some words. I grabbed Grandpa's shoulder and pulled my face into it.

  He gripped the steering wheel tight, still ready to hand Cody an ass whipping.

  "He didn't do anything. It's me."

  He grabbed me around the neck and I pressed the side of my face to his chest. He caressed my hair.

  "What happened?"

  "He just — he asked about Mom and Dad and Kyle and I just lost it. I just got up and ran away. I tried to talk but I couldn't."

  My head raised and I saw Grandpa's bright red face.

  "I'm broken. I'm so messed up. It was just a wave of guilt and horror. We never talk about them."

  "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I know. We should talk about them more."

  My torso trembled. Every repressed memory, every feeling, every emotion surfaced at once after years of being pushed way down. I hated myself for letting it get to me. I hated myself for liking Cody so much.

  "I ruined it. He hates me now. I just ran away."

  "No, shh. No, baby girl. He doesn't hate you. I promise."

  "I can't tell him the truth. And I want to so bad, Grampy. I don't want to lie to him. I want to be with him. He's perfect and treats me good."

  "He better." Grandpa mumbled under his breath but kept his eyes fixed on me.

  Pain shot into my chest like a dagger digging down into my guts once more.

  "I did something awful this morning. Something he'll hate me for."

  Grandpa knew the tone in my voice. It was the tone I used when I did something he wouldn't approve of.

  "What'd you do?"

  "Something terrible."

  I didn't want to tell him and he wasn't forcing the issue. He ran his fingers through my hair and stared at me again.

  "Look at me, Mags. I know you two haven't been dating all that long, but if he really cares about you, it won't matter. You might fight or argue, but if cares about you, he'll forgive you."

  I nodded.

  I opened the car door and stepped out, composing myself in the street and drawing in a huge breath. Relief rushed through me. I knew Grandpa was right. I just needed to hear him say it.

  "Thank you."

  "What the hell? You have me drive out here and don't need a ride?" His cheeks were rosy again and he smiled with a huge set of teeth.

  "I need to go back." I grinned.

  "I know. Get out of here."

  "I love you."

  "Love you too, Mags."

  I closed the door and Grandpa hammered the pedal. The tires smoked and squealed on the pavement as the car howled down the road.

  "You son of a—" I stood there wide-eyed.

  A hand was in the air through the rear window and waved goodbye.

  I smiled as I wandered back to the park. It was one of the longest walks of my life. I'd only been gone about twenty minutes but it seemed like an eternity.

  When I walked back into the park Cody sat on the blanket. His face was in both palms. I took another deep breath before heading over.

  I stopped ten feet behind him as he stared out at some kids playing.

  "I'm sorry."

  His head whipped around and he smiled before growing serious. I started toward him and he leapt from the ground and ran to me.

  "No, no, it's okay. I'm sorry for asking questions and—"

  My lips interrupted him and my fingernails ran along his scalp, nestling my palm on the side of his neck. I pulled back and stared into those beautiful green eyes.

  "You didn't do anything wrong, my life is just...well, it's complicated."

  "If you ever do want to talk about it. I'm here. But you don't have to say anything you don't want."

  "Thank you."

  He pushed my hair back from my face. I grinned.

  "You're beautiful. You're a beautiful person." He kept smiling at me. Why was he making me fall so hard for him? It was not a good idea.

  The ridge of my nose began to tingle.

  His
eyes were still locked on mine. "You need to know that."

  We walked up to the prison in our federal uniforms. Everything was legit. All the fine details double and triple checked. That's how our leader operated.

  I had joined for a cause. It pained me to wear this government uniform but it was for the mission. Ka0s was changing the country for the better. Sometimes you gotta break some eggs to make an omelet.

  "You ready?"

  Brandon looked at his watch and nodded. "Let's do it."

  We walked to the front door, my heart beating a million miles an hour. I'd feel better about everything once our badges worked. Two large officers stood guard. It was all simple if everything went according to plan.

  We were both vets. Served our country with honor and distinction. Sold out by politicians. Sure, we were angry. Angry as fuck. Our own representatives had thrown us under the bus for their own gain.

  The guard halted us when we neared.

  "Inmate transport." I steadied my hands as he eyed my badge. They nodded at our federal credentials and motioned us through.

  "What's the bag for?" The guard eyed Brandon. He would've eyed him more if he knew what we were about to do. Who we were.

  "We have our own restraints. It's precautionary."

  "Carry on." The guard was stern but his hands twitched the second he'd seen we were feds.

  Once inside the layout was just as we'd been told. Two doors up on the left is where we needed to go. We strode down the expansive hall with solid white walls and tile. Our boots squeezed against the shiny surface. We got to the door and stopped. Brandon looked in all directions. "Clear."

  We opened the door to the utility closet and snuck in, closing the door behind us. I pulled a flashlight from the bag and clicked it on. Light filled the room. Racks of cleaning supplies were on two sides. "Here it is."

  He pulled a handle and moved the temp wall. Inside was an expanse roughly four feet wide with pipes running overhead. He nodded in the direction we needed to go. "Yeah, that's it."