“Idiot,” Becky said, giving him a kiss before pulling him to his feet. Alvin saw several people with guns held ready, scanning the area for more threats.
Bill stood up from the corpse of the deer, “Thing had fangs, and those horns are harder than steel. You can see a small chip out of one where a slug grazed it.”
“Take the head with,” Alvin told him. “Maybe something can be done with the horns.”
Bill grunted as he pulled a Bowie from a back sheath, “Give me a minute, then.”
Once Bill had taken the trophy from the beast, everyone returned to their vehicles. The encounter with the mutated mule deer had him wondering if he was ready to head out yet after all. He should really look into more armor for him and Becky, and he still needed to upgrade the Mustang, and he hadn’t really looked over all the Powers either.
Those thoughts still swirled in his mind when they finally got back to the compound. As they pulled towards the gates Alvin noted the turrets on the towers tracking them. Susan was with a half-dozen others who opened the gates to let them in. When Alvin got out of his truck, Susan raised a brow at him, glancing pointedly at his torn and bloody shirt.
“A mutated mule deer attacked me,” Alvin replied to her unspoken question. “I was the only one hurt. Your father and James had some words about your budding relationship, though.”
Her lips thinned as she eyed him, “You said something?”
“I didn’t know it was a state secret,” Alvin replied as he went past her. “See you in the morning.” As he walked toward the Inn, he looked at all the new structures spaced around the yard. Each of them had a small sign indicating what they were. The bunker now had two stories rising above it, as well.
“She’s really growing the place fast,” Becky commented as she came up beside him.
“Makes me think I made the right choice,” Alvin chuckled. “With James and Bill to back her, I think she’ll be fine.”
“Speaking of backing someone,” Becky purred at him with a glint in her eye. “I need to borrow Jarvis for a few minutes. I’ll meet you back in the room for some fun, okay?”
Alvin eyed her for a second then nodded slowly, “I get the feeling you’re planning something, but okay.”
She nipped his ear before slipping away from him. “See you soon, Hero.”
Alvin entered the Inn to find the band kids playing an upbeat tune. A few people danced in a small cleared area. Most of the others in the room were browsing through blue holographic pads. Jarvis stood near the bar. Alvin took the spot next to the hologram, “Jarvis, how are the sales going?”
“Not bad, sir. It would be better if you took the upgrade option for me. Many people have asked about it. The basic shops that have been built only offer the first level of upgrades currently. I would be able to offer them the entire list.”
“What does that cost, Jarvis?”
“Seventy-five thousand,” Jarvis replied.
A soft whistle escaped Alvin’s lips, “I haven’t had anything close to that, yet.”
“You could,” Jarvis replied simply. “Susan had the Exchange Orb built today. If you ask for donations from those here, you should be able to afford the upgrade. Once it is available and they begin to use it, you will get the usual percentage of XP spent with me.”
“I need what I have to get our gear and my car ready to leave.” Alvin frowned, “What the hell is an Exchange Orb?”
“It lets you give XP to another,” Jarvis told him. “It is a way to conduct commerce as cash isn’t really a thing.”
“You planning on leaving tomorrow?” Terry asked from behind them on the other side of the bar.
“That’s the plan, but I need to upgrade things still. Jarvis wants me to spend everything I have to unlock access to all the upgrades for all the equipment for anyone who uses him. That opens up the full list, not just the first level like the shops have right now.”
Nodding, Terry stepped around the bar and clapped loudly, calling for silence. The music stopped as everyone looked her way. “You’ve all been shopping with Jarvis today. I’ve heard a lot of you ask about being able to upgrade your clothing and other things. Jarvis can offer this to us, more than just the basic upgrades that the shops currently have. It will cost a big chunk of XP from Alvin. He’s planning on leaving us to go out into the world tomorrow, so he needs his XP to make sure his gear and vehicle are in top shape. I’m asking everyone to donate him some of your XP so he can purchase that Power for us to use.”
Everyone looked at each other, reluctant to be the first. The moment stretched uncomfortably long and Terry sighed. “Looks like it’s me.” She walked out of the Inn, looking determined. With a murmur everyone followed her out. Jarvis motioned Alvin to follow her, so he did so, curious. Terry approached a five-foot tall pedestal upon which a blood red orb glowed. She put her right hand on it then motioned for Alvin to do the same. As soon as his hand contacted the orb, a warm pleasant vibration tingled briefly in his hand.
Terry tilted her head slightly for a second, then a pop-up appeared in front of Alvin. He read it before he met her eyes, “You sure?”
“Yes. It will be better for the entire community,” Terry replied.
Alvin accepted the pop-up, becoming 5,000 XP richer. “Thank you, Terry,” Alvin told her as they both removed their hands.
“Wait,” one of the teens holding a flute said. She pressed her hand to the orb, “I’ll give some, too.”
“Me next,” the kid with the sax spoke up after her. “If it’ll help us all, then this is just a good idea.” He smiled at the brunette who was currently giving her XP away.
She smiled back at him, “You’re right, Nigel.”
Alvin put his hand back on the orb as people lined up to hand him XP. He thanked each one as the exchange finished. Alvin continued to accept gifted XP, not paying attention to the line until Bill was on the other side of the orb. “Bill?”
“Here to help,” Bill replied as he placed his hand on the orb.
Almost every person at the Settlement wound up going through the line to give Alvin XP. Claudia, Randy, and the Fern family were the only people Alvin didn’t see on the other side of the orb. Becky was the last person to step forward. “Saved the best for last Hero,” she smirked.
Chuckling, he accepted her 500 XP. Jarvis appeared at his side, “Sir, 75,216 XP has been donated.” A cheer went up around him.
Alvin tapped open the store. He wasn’t surprised to see it open with the upgrade for Jarvis on top and highlighted. He confirmed the purchase, and a light infused the hologram for a second. It faded, and Jarvis seemed a bit more solid. Alvin turned to the crowd, “Jarvis will be here even after I leave. I’ll only be able to call him away when I find another Settlement. Even then, he won’t be gone for long. Gothy and I will be heading out into the world tomorrow. I’m planning to head to Nevada first, though I’m going to do my best to avoid any major cities. I don’t hold out much hope for anyone who tried to hunker down in a city.”
“You are coming back?” Bill grunted.
“In time. I’ll send anyone I meet this way, as well. If I find another Settlement I’ll let them know about this place and we can use Jarvis as a go between. I wish you all the best. See you in the morning.” Alvin took Becky’s arm, and they walked through the crowd towards the Inn.
Becky was carrying a bag that Alvin didn’t remember her having. “I have gifts, from Susan for both of us,” she told him in answer to his questioning glance. “She’s also going to stock the trunk of the Mustang with food and water to help us on our first leg.”
“It’s nice having competent people around to help,” Alvin murmured as they entered the Inn. He waved to Terry as they went up the stairs. When they reached the room Becky guided him over to the sofa and had him sit.
“Let me show you what we’ve been given first. Then we’ll both need to upgrade things.” She paused as she took the spot next to him, “After that…” her voice turned husky before it trail
ed off.
Chuckling, Alvin nodded, “Sounds like a good way to end a long night to me, Gothy.”
She pulled the bag into her lap and laid the items out one at a time. First a black t-shirt that matched Alvin’s hat, showing a dead zombie head on it. A pair of denim jeans with leather patches sown onto them was followed by a set of combat boots and fingerless Kevlar gloves. The last item she pulled out was an old leather duster with a mantle. “These are for you,” she smiled as she nudged the stack toward Alvin, then pulled out a bundle of clothing for her, including an odd-looking headband. “These are for me. Ah, and these, the crowning touch,” she pulled two sets of Interceptor chest armor from the bag with a flourish.
Alvin whistled as he scanned everything. The clothes were all rare quality. The armor vests were uncommon, but had a high armor value. “Wow. Guess they really want to make sure we come back.”
“For all we know, you dying makes the world vanish so of course they do,” Becky snorted. “We’ll need to upgrade these.” She stood up and began to strip, “First, though, let’s see how they look on me.”
Alvin eyed Becky as she dropped her bra at his feet. “I thought we were just changing?” he asked even as he felt his body twitch at the sight of her naked form.
“We are,” her sly smile accented the wink, as she turned her back to him. Bending at the waist, she shifted the clothing she had said was for her, looking back at him as she did so.
Alvin shook his head as he slapped her firm round ass. “Temptress, naughty little slut,” he said, stepping forward as she wiggled her ass at him. He dropped the rest of his clothing as he advanced, ripping her underwear from her. Without warning he buried himself into her soaked, welcoming slit. “You fucking cock loving, cum swallowing bitch,” he grunted as he settled himself fully into her.
“Oh, yes, Hero,” she whimpered as she braced her hands on the coffee table. Spreading her legs a bit more for stability, she rocked her hips, moaning as she did.
One hand went to her hip to help steady him as he plunged his manhood into her in a steady rhythm. His other hand reached around, grabbing one of her bountiful breasts, squeezing firmly and pinching at her nipple. “So fucking good,” he panted as he felt her passage clamping on his shaft.
She bucked back at him as if trying to get more, “Harder Hero, fuck me like the dirty slut I am. Faster, deeper, take me, use me...” Her body went rigid as her first orgasm rippled through her.
As her body clamped down on his cock, Alvin shuddered as he felt her fluid coat him and start leaking down her thighs. He was close to release himself so he pulled out of her quickly, the hand that had been mauling her breast tangled into her hair as he dragged her over to the bed. “Not done yet, slut,” he growled at her.
Her legs wobbled as she was pulled firmly along. He pushed her onto the bed. She sprawled there, looking up at him, her eyes wide and full of lust, “Promises, promises Hero,” she panted as she spread her legs wide for him. “Going to fill me again?”
Alvin joined her on the bed, but instead of filling her as she asked he lowered his mouth to her dripping womanhood. “I will in a bit,” he breathed onto her quivering lips before he began to lap up her juices. He listened to her gasps and moans as he cleaned her sex.
She ran her fingers through his hair, moaning and gasping as he worked her body. “Fuck, Hero, that is amazing,” she panted as she began to guide him to where she wanted him. “I’ll stay with you forever just for this,” she managed to get out before all thought left her as his tongue found her nub. Her head tilted back into the pillows as another orgasm began to wash through her, “Right there.”
He clamped his lips down on her clit at those two words. He massaged it with his lips, letting his teeth graze the sensitive nub. He got splashed with more of her juices as she came again when he did that. Releasing her nub, he licked at her a few times before kissing his way up her body. He paused at her breasts, massaging them firmly as he began to lick and nibble at her hard nipples.
She seemed to come down from her orgasm as he played with her breasts, wrapping her legs around him and pulling him up and towards her dripping opening. “Again, Hero, take me again.”
Alvin shifted his hips slightly to the side so he didn’t penetrate her, making her growl and claw at his back. “When I want to, slut. Now behave yourself,” he growled at her.
Becky met his eyes as he leaned up so their lips could meet. The kiss was passionate as their tongues battled, Becky getting to sample her own juices that still coated part of his face. As she pulled back slightly to say something he shifted his hips and sank fully into her, stealing her ability to speak for a moment.
“Now is good,” he moaned as he leaned back so he could rest on his shins as he lifted her hips slightly to get a better angle. He put both hands on her hips to help him as he drilled her hard and fast. “You fucking slut, making me want to fuck you all the damn time.”
“Oh gods,” Becky gasped as he railed her. “So fucking good…” she gasped as her mouth opened wide as her third orgasm washed over her.
Alvin went as fast as he could as he felt his own orgasm build. His manhood expanded another fraction as he slammed into her hard, burying every inch of his cock inside of her, as his seed pumped out of him. Gasping, he felt spurt after spurt fill her. As he slumped forward, his arms jutted forward to either side of Becky holding himself just above her. “God damn it, Gothy, we were going to shop first,” his voice held no heat as he said the words.
Her smiled was languid as she met his gaze, “But it was so good, Hero. I love it when you respond to me.” She released her legs from around him, “It feels so good to see your lust and desire when you look at me.”
Rolling to the side he flopped onto his back, “You make me want you every time. I thought I was able to resist temptation at least a little, then I met you.”
Rolling onto her side, she draped her arm and leg over his body. “It makes me feel wanted,” her voice was softer than normal. “I’ve fucked guys before who were all willing for the tumble, but didn’t care for me to stick around.”
“Fools then. Your crazy matches my crazy, Gothy,” He stroked her hair as he felt a warmth fill his chest. “I…” He cut off the sentence as if unsure he should say more.
She looked up at him through her lashes, “Care for me?”
“More,” he swallowed as he said the word. He had only really cared for one person before in his life, but what he felt for Becky was more than that.
She shifted so her mouth came to rest next to his ear. Her voice was thick with emotion as she breathed the word, “Love?”
His heart seemed to stop for a second as she said the word, partially due to the fact she was right, but also because she seemed to fear saying the word. “Would that be bad?” His own voice was choked as he tilted his head to meet her eyes.
She lunged, letting her lips meet his, answering him without words. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her onto his chest as he returned the kiss. It wasn’t the frantic passionate kisses they exchanged before. This kiss was softer, tentative, as if seeking approval. His lips met hers just as gently, telling her without words that he shared her feelings. After a moment, the kiss deepened but stayed calm and longing as their tongues didn’t duel, but caressed. After some time, the kiss finally came to an end as they both drew back at the same time.
Eyes meeting, each of them saw the same emotions mirrored in the other. “I never cared enough for someone before to call it love, Gothy,” Alvin told her gently. “You, though, you I could love. I would be willing to give you the shriveled lump that is what remains of my heart.”
Breathing slightly fast, her eyes teared up as she tried to speak. She had to swallow the lump in her throat before she could, “Hero…” She clamped her limbs around him, burying her face into his chest. “I love you, too. You make me feel alive. Even before mom left, I felt as if I was just an object, not wanted but just there. I tried to mask it by winning attention from
my parents, but mom left and dad only spurned me. I tried to fill the gap with sex, but it never filled the void in my chest. So I covered up the emptiness with snark. Before you came to rescue me from the school, I felt like everything was pointless. When you rescued us from the room, I felt something stir inside of me and tried to squash it with the same snark I’ve always used. I felt it again when you told David and me to leave you, but again I covered it up. When you vanished, I thought maybe you were a guardian angel sent to save me.”
A small hiccup of a sob made her pause as warm tears pooled on Alvin’s chest. “You accepted me, even when I wantonly threw myself on you shortly after being reunited. You didn’t ignore me after, but still paid attention to me. When he slapped me, you ended the darkness that had shrouded my entire life, lifting it away as if it was nothing. My heart beat hard when I saw the anger in your face at what he’d done, and the tenderness when you gave me the medkit to heal my jaw.”
Rapture (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 1) Page 33
