“I’ve waited so long for this Jake,” I whisper against his ear as I position myself over him, sinking him deep inside of me. I claw my fingers into his hair anchoring myself to him as I work his length. His hands gripping my hips, flipping us over positioning himself over me, driving himself into meme again and again. We lose ourselves in each other until we are both spent. I collapse in his arms, listening to his strong heartbeat like so many nights before. Feeling like even if the rest of my life is in chaos, this moment is pure love.
“I love you, Jake.” Expecting him to freeze or run away from my bold statement.
“I love you too, babe, always,” He says softly, kissing my forehead, my nose then my lips, showing me his love. I plan on showing him how much I love him, all night long.
Behind the Curtain
The sunlight hits me full force, I groan in response to the assault.
“Good morning, beautiful.” Mason’s voice rumbles from under my cheek. As gentle as his voice is it hurts like hell bouncing around my extremely hung over head.
“You stayed,” I say, smiling against his skin. My heart is happy at the thought that he stayed with me all night. My head starts pounding, I pull the blanket over my face in attempt to block the sun’s attack.
The blanket lifts. “I wanted to wake up next to you,” he says, kissing my nose.
“Why, because I’m such a ray of sunshine in the morning?” I ask, before his laugh rumbles against my ear again, causing me to curl under my pillow with a groan, “Everything hurts.” Mase lifts the pillow up and lets it fall, smacking me in the head. “Hey!” I growl.
“I have to go meet up with Marcus, babe.” He leans in to whisper, “Gillian, your handler, is here, be nice.” Before kissing me silly. I listen to his footsteps fade, the door close, and after a few moments I hear someone clearing their throat. With another groan, I lift the pillow, staring at her and trying to resist the urge to cuss her out or roll my eyes. Lord have mercy, it takes everything in me to sit here quietly, and be polite.
“Coffee and pain meds are on the night stand to your right, and Mr. Ryan would like to see you as soon as you are… able,” Gillian’s voice trails off. Looking down, I realize I’m naked, when I pull the sheet back over my boobs, she continues, “You have most of the day to yourself, the only items on today’s agenda is the team meeting with Mr. Ryan tonight at seven.”
Standing up, I snatch my itinerary from her hands, walking naked past her into the bathroom, calling over my shoulder, “Thanks, you can leave now.” I know I’m being a bitch, but the callous way she and the rest of her crew have treated us makes me not give one single fuck.
***
An hour later I walk into Marcus’s suite to find Mase and him leaning over a pile of papers, mumbling quietly to each other. As soon as they see me approaching, the papers are gathered and shuffled so I can’t see anything by the time I’m close enough to check. “Good morning, what are my favorite guys up to today?” I say with a smile, pretending I didn’t notice their clandestine behavior.
“Not a lot, just tour locations, travel routes etc., boring stuff,” Mason says, exchanging a look with Marcus.
“What are you up to? You ready for tomorrow?” Marcus asks, sitting down on the couch.
“Enjoying my day off so far. Of course I’m ready. Was there something you needed me for? Gillian told me to come see you,” I say taking a seat beside Mase. He takes hold of my hips and sets me in his lap, placing a kiss on my shoulder.
“I wanted to make sure you made it back to your suite safely, I know how you like a bit of strange when you are drunk,” he barely gets it out with a straight face.
“Dude!” Mason’s voice is strong and leaves no room to jeer.
“Well, fuck you very much big brother. Was that all you wanted?” I say, rolling my eyes, I’m too hung over for this nonsense and Mason’s fingers running from my knee to my hip has me distracted.
“I’m kidding; you both need to unclench,” Marcus says, backpedaling.
“If you don’t actually need anything, I’m going to my room,” I say locking eyes with Mason. “And I’m not coming out all day.” Before I know what’s happening I am upside down, draped over his shoulder. He struts toward the door, smacking my ass.
“Ugh, come on guys! I don’t need to see that shit,” Marcus complains.
I have a sinking feeling that they are hiding something from me. Maybe it has something to do with what Mason was telling me. I will give them the benefit of the doubt, I love these guys, I can trust them.
***
Gathered in Marcus’s suite, we are all sitting around a large table for the meeting, our last before the first fight tomorrow. Mason and Marcus stand off to the side talking. I thought Mason was going to be our trainer on tour but as time goes by I can see he’s a far more important player behind the scenes than I had originally thought. I lean over to whisper as much to Ianna, but the guys step to the head of the table, demanding our attention.
Marcus takes point and begins. “Some of you have been off the island before and have seen or experienced the injustice that runs rampant out here. For the rest of you this will be new information.”
It’s true, this is my first time out here, really seeing the world. When I ran away I got a small glimpse of it but kept myself hidden from the public as much as possible. “How can demigods be treated this badly? I mean we have all of this power. You’d think they would have to accept us.”
“This,” Marcus says, pointing to his wrist blocker. “Effectively takes all of that leverage away and every demigod living or visiting is required to wear one, by law. Without it… what, Phee?”
“Humans call the trackers the first chance they get,” I mumble, sitting back in my chair crossing my arms. I hate being made an example. I know what I did was stupid and dangerous, he doesn’t need to remind me of that fact.
“The Titans are a cover,” Mason spits out with no preamble whatsoever. Wait what? He just throws that out there, and we all stare at him, waiting for the punchline. A cover for what?
“What are you talking about,” Silas says, obviously confused. “Marcus, what is he talking about?” His confusion is echoed thought the room.
Marcus raises his hand, asking for our silence. “Nice job, Mase,” he says shaking his head. “Really fucking delicate.”
“Everyone sit down and listen. You’ve seen the way the world works. Simply put, there are some really bad guys out there and the Titans Elite take out those bad guys. Saving the world, one asshole at a time,” he says it all with a proud smile, like he didn’t just tell us we’ve all become his unwilling assassins, fuck that.
I stand up so fast my chair shoots out behind me, hitting the wall. “I will not kill for you or anyone. I’m out,” I say, turning to leave. I freeze mid-step; my body won’t move no matter how hard I try. Slowly, I’m turned back toward them, without my consent. I have no control over my own limbs. Glaring at the both of them, anger burning hot through my body. Marcus’s arm is stretched out before him. He’s doing this to me? How?
“You’ve been holding out on me,” I seethe. I will kick his ass for not telling me he had this kind of power.
“I’ve got skills you couldn’t imagine,” he replies.
I focus on Mason, who says, “You promised you would listen to what we have to say.” I nod, submitting to his control, for now.
“There will be no getting out. This is what you are now. Embrace it willingly or I will make you embrace it,” Marcus states coldly. His steely eyes and clenched jaw leave no room for debate, his point is made, fall in line or be compelled into submission.
When I’m given control of my body again, I sit obediently. Mason locks eyes with me, begging me to stay. I nod at him, then turn my murderous glare to my brother.
“Don’t eyeball me like that. I’m not asking you to slaughter innocent people, that’s what they are doing out there. I’m fighting for our world; I’m fighting so we all can have a place to
be free!” Marcus insists.
“This is ridiculous. Do you actually believe you can change the world by killing people?” Imari shouts.
“Who are you to judge who lives and who dies? Who is good and evil? This is wrong and you know it.” Silas states shaking his head. Clearly disgusted with the turn of events.
“The goal isn’t to kill, it’s to save people. The fact is, looking for peaceful ways to save the world is a noble idea. But the fact is, worlds are saved and freedom is gained through the blood and pain of those who are willing to sacrifice and fight for it. The question is, what are you willing to fight for?”
“So you are what, the self-appointed savior? You being the judge, jury and us your reluctant executioners?” Silas says.
“I don’t like this situation any more than you do, but rushing to attack Marcus isn’t the best solution,” I offer, trying to placate the situation the is quickly getting out of hand.
“Maybe we can,” Ianna’s voice is small but strong enough for all of us to hear. “I mean who are we to judge. Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to stand up for good. I’m willing to do that, to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. I trust your judgment on this, we need to calm down and let them tell us more.” Ianna, always the voice of reason.
“Thank you, Ianna. We are not the bad guys, here. But it takes a monster to take down a monster and that’s exactly what we are, a well-oiled demigod monster, ready to be set loose on the world. With any luck a new beginning will arise out of the rubble of the broken world.”
We all nod in agreement but Silas’s brow furrows and his lip curls in response.
“That sounds like terrorism,” Silas says.
“It’s not if you’re on the right side.” Marcus smiles.
“Of what? You guys are actually going to agree with this? Follow his orders and hope you are on the right side of this war? Because, mark my words, you will start a war.” Silas is livid.
“We are in a position to do some good. Yes, I agree to stand by Marcus’s plan,” Adam states.
Silas shakes his head, but doesn’t leave. Even he can’t back away from a chance to do good in the world. It does sound kind of terrifying. Am I a soldier? An assassin? Could I kill someone, for the right reasons?
“Between fights and public appearances at each location, we will execute a mission. Each targeting a key player in the corrupt network of scumbags vital to their cause. Each will get us one step closer to ending the twisted leaders’ control.” Mason steps to the side, pressing a button, the screen behind him lights up with a picture of a large brick building about six stories tall. Nondescript, like any ordinary apartment building you would walk past.
“This is his location, our target will be here,” he says, clicking to the next picture. “On the east side top floor. The necessary information is in the packets in front of you. Obviously this is confidential and your discretion is vital to the success of our operations. Don’t be fooled his compound will be heavily guarded with security detail in place at every entrance.”
“The technology guarding this place is legendary, we are talking eye scanners, fingerprint scanner verification on every floor. Basically it’s a fucking fortress,” Adam states.
I snort, “Then how the hell are we getting in?”
Marcus glares at my question. “We have our ways. I know you guys can handle anything they can throw at you. You wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you could follow through. This is the first step; what we do can make the world a better place.”
“You have twenty-four hours to familiarize yourself with the information in that folder. We will meet again tomorrow before the gala appearance. Then, after the first fight we will execute our initial mission. In a fast and efficient manner. If all goes as planned, the op will be carried out with the authorities believing it was an inside job.”
“How do we accomplish any of this without being able to use our powers? Not to mention our location is being tracked,” I ask, holding up my wrist. The blocker bracelet glowing blue.
Adam speaks up, “I developed tech for disabling the wristbands. They will still transmit information to the humans but the info will be false. I can turn it on and off. I’m that good.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I say shaking my head. “Our lives are in the hands of this guy? Fucking awesome.” How can I trust my life to a guy who obviously hates me?
“Nyx, that’s enough. Adam will do his job, as will you. There is no room for error or ego, people. If we are suspected, even for a moment, if you blow your cover, it could start a war. So, try really hard not to fuck this up. Dismissed.”
***
No sooner had I gotten to my room did I dump the contents of the folder on my bed. Let’s see what we are dealing with. The first picture that catches my eye is of our target, Leo Jakar. Demigod slave trafficker. His black eyes burn into me through the photo, causing a shiver to run through my body, this is a monster. The rest of the intel is horrific pictures of slaves immobilized and being sold, or locked away as sex slaves. It’s a disgusting sight. Those poor girls. I understand Marcus’s urgency now. He really is trying to do good.
Marcus’s plan is so simple; hide assassins in plain sight, more than that, make them celebrities. I’m proud of what a crazy bastard he is. Excited energy buzzes through me. Could this really work? Could we change the world? It’s an empowering idea, and I for one am excited to be making a difference. Our target is deserving of every ounce of retribution coming his way. He should’ve been brought to justice for the things he has done. But that’s not the world we live in. Money can buy a man like him freedom from all manner of sin. Justice is going to make a house call. It feels good to be fighting for something important.
The Face of the Enemy
We arrive fashionably late to the fight night gala. The party is in full swing, champagne flowing freely with everyone who is anyone in attendance, except Imari, who was excused from having to attend. It is the event of the season, or so they keep telling me, like I care.
My body is squished into yet another red dress, how original. This one thankfully covers my ass in a long flowing skirt, but the top cuts so low between my breasts that I’d swear one would pop out if they weren’t taped down. Even with the tape my movements are slow and careful so I don’t flash any unsuspecting guest.
A waitress passes by holding a tray of drinks. I give her a friendly smile, she is wafer thin, like a stiff wind would knock her over. Her nervous mannerisms raise a red flag. Her awkward movements mirror mine in this room full of condescending swine but there is an underlying sense of fear in her eyes.
“Thank you,” I say as I take a drink from her tray. “What’s your name?” Her eyes go wide with fear, darting about the room as if terrified someone might catch her speaking to me. She shakes her head and starts to back away.
“Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to go,” I say, reaching out to touch her arm, she cringes away from my touch like she expected me to hit her. Her sleeve slips, revealing a multitude of bruises. One is a perfect outline of a handprint. Who would hurt her, she’s so small, delicate as a hummingbird.
Outraged, I ask, “Who did this to you?”
Again she shakes her head. “No, it’s fine, no talking, only work.”
“What is this insolence?” A deep voice booms from behind me, it’s obvious from the girl’s terrified expression that this is the person who gave her the bruises. Lucky for me I don’t fear anyone, especially abusive assholes who like to beat on little girls. Turning to him, barely containing the rage building in me, until I see his face.
“Did you do this to her?” I demand. Coming face to face with this pathetic weasel of a man who is staring daggers at the poor girl who shrinks into herself even more than before at his close proximity. I recognize the man from the mission file. He’s our first target. Masking my rage, I direct my fakest smile at him. Never thought I would be excited to take a man’s life but ridding the world
of this sick bastard is going to be a pleasure.
“I will handle this, Miss Ember. Sorry she bothered you, it’s so hard to train good servants.” He grabs her arm, causing her to whimper in pain. He continues to drag her out of the room, yelling at her in a language I don’t understand. I want nothing more than to run after them and finish this here and now but I know causing a scene wouldn’t be of any benefit to the cause. So, I watch him and the girl disappear from view and hope I can save her, when the time comes.
“See you real soon,” I mumble under my breath. I could get used to being a super hero if it means putting down scum like him.
Show Time
Our line of cars pulls around to the arena’s entrance. Screams of fans and protesters blend into a chaos of noise. The first fight night is the most sought after tickets. We have been schooled on what a proper entrance involves and walking this red carpet is one of the most nerve racking things I’ve had to do yet. The sheer number of people pressing into us will be overwhelming.
Endyra and Adam walk in first, sunglasses firmly in place. His arm is slung over her shoulder and they smile for the barrage of flashes. He flexes his muscles and acts like the unapologetic fool he is. Endyra and I have grown apart over the years, we were roommates and close friends back at the Academy, her attachment to Adam is kind of disturbing. She must love assholes. I guess we had that in common.
Silas and Imari begin their walk down the red carpet. All glamour, beauty, and perfection. Both smiling brilliantly, signing autographs and posing with fans. They make it look so easy. Even if they aren’t the strongest and most powerful Titans, the people love them. Silas’s shield power is one of the most valuable weapons we have in our arsenal, that along with Mason and Marcus ensures our Ops to be a success. I haven’t figured out what Imari has to offer the team, yet. Marcus is a man-whore but I don’t think he would bring her on tour unless she could hold her own.
Titan Elite (Demigods Duet Book 2) Page 6
