Unmasked Heroes (Book 1)

Chapter 4

Age is an issue of mind of matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter - Mark Twain

I lived in the Lighters Towers, not that it was much of an option. Ever since Dex found out about my superpowers, that faithful night when I'd reached rock bottom, he'd given me a place to stay. A room in the Lighters penthouse, at the top of the main HQ building, overlooking the city. Despite it being such a small apartment, it was cosy, and the sights were magnificent. Dex resided in the apartment across, in his own side of the penthouse. I didn't have a problem with any of it – at this point, Dex was practically an older brother-to-be. Or like an uncle.

I woke up earlier this morning for school, compared to my usual, nearly – miss – first – period, so I took my time and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee. Nursing the warm mug in my cold hands (why is it that girl's fingers were always so icy?), I ambled around the little kitchen to the breakfast nook. I kept two stools there, one for myself and one for non-existent visitors, whilst I left the rest of the set on the balcony.

Dex had given me the chance to refurbish the place. I did my best.

The dining table, a small narrow white thing, was pushed up against the wall, next to the opening of the lounge. I turned it into a study desk, because really, one person didn't need that much place to eat.

"News of the hour, coming live to you this morning at seven am," I heard the television blare and I swivel in my seat towards the chirpy, over-the-top tone of a news presenter.

Honesty how did they manage to be so perky this early in the day? I was barely awake, my eyes are half shut and I yawned so many times, that I've lost count. I have to blink twice to clear my misty vision and I focus my gaze on the plasma screen TV built on the wall.

"Last night, around nine pm the supervillain Chasm had been apprehended after numerous attempts of –"

The news didn't faze me, not in the least bit. News channels and the general media were always trying to catch the biggest scoop on my team and my 'heroic' feats. If it wasn't for Dex recruiting us as affiliates of the Lighters, our cover would've been blown a long time ago. We would have no privacy whatsoever. Thank God the Skylight city law dictates that no members of security personnel may have their identity revealed to the public without proper consent.

I take a sip of my coffee, letting the bitter drink scald my tongue, the freshly brewed smell filling up my nostrils. A blonde lady appears on screen, dressed in a tight blouse, and fitted skirt, her make-up done to a tee. She has a mic in one hand as she reports more on last night's news, and a small video appears in the corner of the screen highlighting the fight in the central district.

"We will now head over to the scene of the crime to give you a closer look at the havoc caused last night," She says, and I sense a tone of chagrin. "Not only did the villain manage to destroy two vehicles but the so-called superhero squad also wrecked damage."

My hold on the coffee mug clenches and my lips form a tight line. How dare she imply that we caused all that damage? Shows what she knows – if it weren't for my alpha squad this city would be in shreds right now. I shut off the TV, stabbing my finger on the remote buttons, and cutting off that stupid woman's voice. She has no right to assume anything.

I drain the remnants of my coffee angrily and shrug on my jacket. As soon as I head for the door, someone knocks.

"Yes Dex," I sigh, nearly throwing off the door's hinges.

"Kourtney, hey," he smiles guilty, already prepped in a suit and tie. I don't know how he can look so put together so untimely.

Glancing down, I register my black t-shirt, ripped jeans, and purple leather jacket. I shrug. It's not the scruffiest thing I've ever worn. Good enough for school anyway.