Bandit

Chapter Two

Since it was so late, it was easier to sneak around the city. I kinda regretted wearing the unicorn footie pajamas because it was harder to hide in the shadows when wearing something so colorful, but it was worth it to see how annoyed Titus had been when he saw I had shifted into his body while breaking in and stealing around one hundred thousand dollars from Mercy Bank.

I was extra cautious as I slunk through shadows, listening to the grunts and groans of the city. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I wasn’t barely holding onto consciousness. But I’d overdone it to escape Titus tonight.

Oh, Titus, that annoyingly delicious asshole. I still remembered the first night I’d met him just over five months ago… 

Fire and smoke clouded the sky while rubble rained down to the city floor. Every explosion, every rumble as my bombs shook the ground, sent pleased shivers down my spine.

This is what they get, I thought with satisfaction, watching glass shatter from several windows of Mercy Bank and its surrounding buildings. I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. This is what they deserve.

Mercy Bank was a symbol for everything I hated about this city. It was greed and power, and I couldn’t wait to see it burned to a crisp.

My lips tipped upward just as another explosion resounded through the fall night. Heat from the blast swirled with the cool, October breeze. The mixed sensations only caused my smile to grow, and I stepped toward the edge of the rooftop I stood on to feel everything closer. I’d chosen one of the tallest buildings in Mercy Heights for a better view of my display. Yes, this was justice.

Lost in my victory, I didn't notice the man sneaking up behind me until it was too late. Hands gripped my biceps, and my world tipped upside down before my head cracked against the roof.

Momentarily dazed, I gazed up at a man clothed in a supersuit so blue, he matched the night's sky. A blue mask lined with silver hid the top half of his face but couldn't hide the determined set of his jaw.

Well, my night just got a hell of a lot more exciting.

I vaguely recognized him as one of the new recruits of the Mercenaries. Ever since I became an active member of the Scourge this past year, I’d memorized each Super and their abilities.

I, like the other Scourge members, truly believed those with powers shouldn’t be in a position of authority over those without.

I’d been lax the past few weeks, though, ever since Connor…

Swallowing down the lump lodged in my throat, I pushed past the pain. Ever since I’d lost my brother, I hadn’t been good at keeping up with Super news, so I didn’t know much about this man. Which was dangerous for me because I needed to know what I was up against in terms of powers. I knew he had super strength, but I didn’t know if that was the extent of his abilities.

The Super held up a pair of silver, power-muting handcuffs and said something—probably informing me I was under arrest like they did in cheesy cop movies—but I didn't hear a word as my gaze devoured every visible inch of his face. He looked so much better in person, with those piercing eyes, pouty lips, and defined jaw with a light shading of stubble I wanted rubbed all over my body. However, the mask performed its job excellently, and I could make out only so much. But the little I saw had my blood humming.

But just because he was cute didn’t mean I was going to let him arrest me. He obviously didn’t know who I was if he thought he could take me on.

Surging forward, I tackled him to the ground. I slammed his hands—still clutching the handcuffs—above his head. Next, I pinned his hips with mine. He released a surprised grunt, and I smirked. Despite being much smaller than the average male in my own skin, I had shifted into a stranger I’d seen exiting the gym a couple of weeks ago. And he was anything but small.