Before Danny could come up with a solution to their problem, a sudden wave of exhaustion swamped him from head to toe. His limbs dragged and his eyelids drooped, ready to close. Whatever little burst of energy he’d had, it was gone. And he was probably still feeling the effects of last night’s trauma. Danny got up and stumbled from the kitchen, down the hall to the bedroom to crawl back into bed. He scooted over to Jordan’s side, laying on his pillow. Surrounded by the comforting scent of his boyfriend, Danny fell back asleep.
***
Dressed in civilian clothes — a black t-shirt, black jeans, and a black baseball cap pulled low over his eyes, Jordan drove to the address he’d been given. In an older, out of the way neighborhood, he pulled up to a decommissioned fire station.
One of the wide garage doors was up, so he walked into the ground floor level. Ignite stood there waiting.
“Do you own any clothes with color?” he said by way of greeting.
“Black is a color.”
Ignite laughed. “You’re the last one to arrive. Follow me.” He closed the garage door before leading the way upstairs to where everyone had gathered around a long butcher block table, sitting in metal folding chairs.
All of the known superheroes in St. Louis were there. Ignite. Helios, the high school science teacher who’d gained his powers in a freak solar flare incident. Frost, the short blond who had the power of cold and ice. Sonica, a teleporter with a scream that could shatter glass. Big Rob aka Bulldozer — he could control earth and rock and was virtually indestructible. Stardust, a tall, slim dancer who had the ability to hypnotize with a shimmery golden aura. His cousin Nina, who fought under the alias Amina, without the benefit of superpowers. Caleb was there too, although Jordan guessed he’d be serving in a support role.
And to Jordan’s surprise, Lieutenant Strong sat at the head of the table. Strong had retired from the superhero gig a few years back. He’d been the one to help train Jordan before he’d taken on the Blaze persona. Jordan acknowledged his former mentor with a nod, receiving one in return. He grabbed one of the few empty folding chairs at the table, spun it around and sat down with his arms resting on the seat back.
Helios, dressed in a powder blue Polo shirt, khakis and horn-rimmed glasses stood. “Welcome everybody. Thank you all for coming.”
A murmur of greetings went around the table before Helios continued.
“The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the formation of a group, a league of heroes, all working together to protect the city of St. Louis. We’ve all done our part to stop crime, help civilians, or step up when there’s a catastrophic event. But I think we can do more. Crime isn’t going away. And now that Pruitt has all but taken over the police force, many people are too afraid to go to them for help. We can be the ones to step in and fill that void, and stand as a united front of hope and strength for the people of St. Louis.”
Jordan listened as Helios gave his speech, equal parts annoyed and impressed at his earnest enthusiasm for doing good.
“A group like this could have a big, important impact for years to come. That’s all I have to say for now.” He turned slightly, holding out a hand in a polite gesture to Lieutenant Strong. “Strong, the floor is yours.”
Strong didn’t stand, but he commanded their attention. “This city is on the verge of something big. I can feel it under my skin. The Croton on the streets. Criminals gaining access to military grade gadgets and weapons. Enhanced people joining the ranks of the black hats. And something about Pruitt and his police bots makes my teeth itch. Believe me when I say, forming a league right now is the best thing you all can do.”
“Are you coming out of retirement for this?” Nina asked.
“No. I’ll be your director behind the lines, calling the plays. And Caleb-.”
“I’ll be the guy in the chair.”
“The rest of you will be out there in the streets, taking on missions big and small. And now you’ll have backup in place when shit hits the fan.” He flicked a quick glance at Jordan. “Membership is voluntary. But once you’re in, you’ll be expected to treat this as a serious, committed endeavor, and you’ll be sworn to secrecy for all things pertaining to the group. It’s a big responsibility. Take the time to think about it before you join up. Once we know who’s in, we’ll work out the rest of the plan.”
Ignite leaned back in his chair. “I don’t have to think about it. I’m in.”
Jordan wasn’t surprised that the impulsive Ignite was the first one to say yes. He spoke up before anyone else could throw in their metaphorical chips. “I want to thank all of you who came to help me rescue Danny. Especially you, Frost. You saved his life and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Nina leaned over and stage whispered to Big Rob, “I can hear the but coming.”
Jordan hit his cousin with a quick side-eye before continuing. “But, a group like this isn’t for me. I work better on my own.”
“You can’t be a lone vigilante forever, J,” Rob said.
“Why not? If we band together aren’t we just a group of vigilantes? So, what’s the difference?”
“The difference is we can be more effective working together rather than doing our own thing individually.”
Jordan wasn’t convinced. He’d sworn off working with other people years ago. “Sorry. I’m not a joiner.” He stood up and spun his chair back around to push it under the table. “Thanks for the invite but I’ve got to get back to Danny. I wish you all the best.” He nodded at them all and went back down the steps.
Thirty minutes later, Jordan returned to his apartment, carrying a baker’s box filled with a variety of donuts. He found Danny in the kitchen, on the phone with his roommate. Jordan dropped a kiss on the top of his head on the way to set the donuts on the counter. He listened as Danny finished his conversation.
“Scott, I swear I’m okay. Blaze got me to Jordan immediately after the rescue. Yes, I saw a doctor. Okay. I’ll be home in a day or two. I still have a lot to do for Geek Fest.” He laughed at whatever Scott said on the other end. “Thanks for caring. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up and set the phone on the counter.
“You weren’t gone long.”
“I told you I wouldn’t be.”
“What did they want? If you can talk about it.”
“They’re forming a group and they want me to join.”
“Are you going to?”
Jordan shook his head. “No. I work better on my own.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
Jordan changed the subject. “Sounds like Scott was worried about you. He’s a good friend.”
“Yeah, he saw the news. But he’s cool now.” Danny opened the bakery box. “Oooh, powdered with jelly!” He picked up one of the powdered lemon jelly donuts and took a bite.
“I think I should have gotten you healthy food.”
“No way,” Danny said, licking lemon jelly off his thumb. “Comfort food is the cure for my trauma.”
Jordan went around to where Danny sat, happily munching on his donut. He looked at him, conflicting emotions taking up all the room in his chest.
Danny stopped chewing. “What?”
“I am so sorry about last night.” He reached out to brush powdered sugar off Danny’s cheek with his thumb. “I never in a million years would have thought Leon would do anything that horrible. He’s an asshole and a criminal but that Croton must have really messed up his head if he was willing to go that far.”
“It’s not your fault. I’m okay.”
“Danny-.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I will be discussing this with my therapist very soon. But right now, I’m alive and kicking, so I’m concentrating on that as my win for the day. I want to chill and watch fluff movies and not think about what could have happened.”
Remembering that his father had said that Danny needed calm and rest, Jordan agreed. “All right. Movie marathon. You get first pick.”
Danny laughed. “I get all the picks.�
�
They spent the rest of the day ensconced on the couch, watching low-stakes movies. In the evening, when Danny started to nod off, Jordan got them up and to the bedroom.
In just a few minutes, he had Danny undressed and in bed. Danny was tucked under the covers, his lashes slowly drifting down to rest against his cheeks when he spoke.
“Good night, Jordan. I love you.”
Jordan’s heart clenched at the soft whisper. Danny had told him he loved him once before. He’d heard it the night of their role play down in the lair. He’d worried that it was only a heat of the moment thing, especially since Danny hadn’t said the words again after that night. For him to say it now, even after what he’d gone through because of him... He had to believe that it was true.
Quickly removing his clothes, Jordan slid between the sheets and pulled him into his arms. Danny was asleep by the time Jordan answered. “I love you, too.” With his love tucked safely against his chest, he drifted off to sleep.
***
“Jordan. Jordan, help!”
Jordan looked around, straining to see through the pitch-black night. He somehow knew he was on a roof top. One he recognized, but had hoped to never see again. The same one Travis had fallen from. He hadn’t been back to this spot since that night. But he was here now and someone was calling for help.
“Jordan!”
The voice came again and Jordan realized it was Danny. He whipped around looking for his lover, ready to jump into action and save him. But he couldn’t see anything.
“Where are you?” he shouted. At that moment, the moon slid from behind the clouds. Moonlight spread across the rooftop, revealing in slow stages a pair of familiar Chucks, then jean clad legs, a t-shirt, and finally his boyfriend’s terrified face. He balanced precariously on the edge of the rooftop, arms out to his sides in an attempt to hold himself steady.
“Danny!” Jordan immediately started to run to him but his feet didn’t move. He was stuck, something unseen holding him fast. “Can you get down?” he called out across the rooftop.
Danny shook his head. “I can’t!” he cried out.
“Damnit.” Jordan fought and pulled, until he was able to take a single step forward. Then another. And another. It was a slow slog, as if he were sinking in the tar used to black the rooftop. But he continued on, determined to reach his lover. He was almost there, when an invisible force shoved Danny backward. Jordan suddenly broke free. He lunged in a desperate bid to grab hold of Danny’s hand. But he was too late. Their fingertips brushed but he couldn’t grab hold. Danny fell, screaming his name as he disappeared into a void of endless darkness.
“Jordan!”
Jordan jerked awake. He sat up, his face and chest drenched in cold sweat. He looked down. Danny was there by his side, safe, asleep and lightly snoring.
“Fuck,” he whispered the curse so as not to wake him. Jordan lifted the sheet to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Danny was safe. It was only a horrifying nightmare. He reached out a shaking hand and patted Danny’s arm to be sure. He was there, solid and real. After a few moments, when his racing heart calmed, Jordan flipped his pillow over and lay back down. He had a feeling he wouldn’t be getting any more sleep tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Five
N
early a week had passed since the incident with Leon at the Arch. Cell phone footage had played on the news for a day or two, and people had tried to find out not only Blaze’s identity but Danny’s as well. Thankfully, only Danny’s closest friends and family had recognized him in the dark videos, and they didn’t rat him out as they didn’t want to see him hounded by the press. Over time, with a little help from Caleb, the videos started to disappear from the internet. Once they were out of sight, they were out of the public’s mind, and St. Louis moved on to the next topic.
This morning, Jordan and Danny had just finished breakfast, and were sipping the last of their iced coffees. Danny sat across from him, drumming his fingers on the island counter. Even without the drumming fingers, Jordan could tell that he was restless and had something to say. And he knew exactly what was on his boyfriend’s mind. “You’re ready to go back to your place,” he quietly said.
Danny looked up in surprise.
“How did you... Yeah. Geek Fest is coming up soon and I’ve got to get ready for it. There’s too much to do to try and work from here.”
Jordan didn’t want to interfere in his boyfriend’s livelihood but he wasn’t ready to let him out of his sight. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest that Danny move his entire office here to his place but he held the words back. If Danny wanted to leave, he had to let him go without pulling any overbearing superhero boyfriend crap. “I understand. I’ll drive you home this morning if you’re ready.”
“I’m ready,” Danny said with a firm nod.
Danny got up and came around to Jordan’s side of the island, sliding his arms around his waist in a now familiar and cherished embrace.
Jordan hugged him back, holding him close. He loved these hugs. The feel of Danny’s slender body pressed against him was the most comforting, settling feeling. Danny leaned back to look up at him. Jordan took him in — dark hair and brows, sunlight falling over the smooth brown of his skin, eyes as black as onyx sparkling with happiness, full lips curved in a sweet smile. He was gorgeous. And Jordan loved that they could have these quiet times together like this — in the light, where he never thought he would be.
“I’m probably going to spend all day working but I was thinking, once I get caught up maybe we could have that talk about...” Danny paused and bit his lip. “You know.”
Jordan knew what he meant. A collar for Danny to represent their committed D/s relationship. To be honest, he’d forgotten about it. Not because he didn’t want to collar Danny as his own. Because he did. He’d love to see Danny marked with his leather. But lately his thoughts had been consumed with his lover’s recovery and safety, leaving little room for anything else.
“We will,” he said for now. “Go get your stuff ready while I clean the kitchen.”
Danny squeezed him tight, then disappeared from the kitchen, leaving Jordan to start putting the dishes in the dishwasher.
An hour later, he drove up to Danny’s house. Dropping him off this time was worse than when he’d taken him back home after Lattimer’s attack. His muscles were tense and senses on edge as he pulled up to the curb, as if he expected someone to jump out from the bushes and snatch Danny from his side. Not wanting to worry him or guilt him into returning to his place, Jordan kept his concern to himself. Thankfully, Danny was used to him being quiet and didn’t notice anything wrong.
“I’ll see you later, okay?”
Jordan nodded. He leaned over to give Danny a kiss goodbye then watched as he got out and went into the house. Danny waved before he went inside, the door closing behind him. Jordan sat there with the car idling for a few moments before he forced himself to drive away.
He swung back to his shop, walking into a full garage, his crew already hard at work. Nina was with a customer; she acknowledged him with a nod when she spotted him. After she finished, she came over to where he was preparing to apply a customized logo full-length rear window decal to a pick-up truck.
“Where are you coming from and why did you look more broody than usual?”
“I just dropped Danny off at his place,” Jordan said as he grabbed the squeegee and application solution.
“Ah.”
“What’s that mean?”
Nina shrugged. “I knew you’d have trouble letting him go home.”
“I shouldn’t have let him leave,” Jordan said more to himself than to Nina. “I should have kept him here with me.”
“Are you an evil villain keeping him locked up in your tower of doom?”
He threw an annoyed glance at his cousin. “No.”
“Then you had to let him go home. It was his choice to do so.”
“I’m worried about him after what happened.” He di
dn’t even have to close his eyes to see Danny falling, screaming his name, desperately reaching for him. Nina put a hand on his arm, distracting him from the painfully vivid memory.
“He’ll be fine. And if he isn’t, he’s smart enough to ask for help.”
“He wouldn’t have to ask for help if I hadn’t put him in the path of danger.”
Nina pulled a rag from her back pocket, wiping her hands before tucking it away. “I don’t have superpowers. And yet, I go out and do my part to help those who need it. Do you remember how it went down when I first started fighting?”
Jordan huffed a dry laugh. He remembered the arguments they’d had when he’d first discovered she’d embarked on her own career as a vigilante after snooping in his room and learning he was Blaze. He’d tried to talk her out of it, pointing out the danger and risks, and reminding her she didn’t have enhanced abilities.
Determined to fight, she’d ignored all his protests. When he realized she wasn’t going to quit, he’d helped train her in order to up her chances of staying safe, then turned her loose to do her thing. Now her specialty was putting the fear of her escrima sticks into domestic abusers, and providing safe escort to victims escaping bad situations.
“What’s your point?”
“My point is what I do is my choice. Danny chooses to be with you. And he chose to go back to his own space.” She paused, pulled the rag back out of her pocket, and wiped her already clean hands again. “Just like what Travis did was his choice.”
Jordan immediately stiffened when she said her brother’s name. “He made the wrong choice hanging around me.”
“You can’t fault him for wanting to hang out with his cool, older cousin.”
“I wasn’t cool. I was awful.”
“Well, you’re cool now.”
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