CHAPTER ELEVEN
Seer wondered why oneof the triplets was missing from the meeting as they sat in the small, lavish room. But then they were all lavish. Except the labs.
“I’ve got the Swamp Kings on the line,” Quantum announced as he made his way to a seat. He placed what looked like a cell phone on the table and sat, the air before them filling with the Creole Kings and The Twelve gathered in the Sanctum.
That trick would never get old.
After a round of brief greetings, Quantum asked, “What do we know about these events?”
Bart was given the floor and a phone, holding it at his mouth like a walkie-talkie. “Brothers, bullshit like this has to be seen with the eye and the ear.” He turned and aimed the phone at a TV screen on the wall. “Hit play,” he said.
The screen came on and immediately, a “Holy shit,” fell from Seer’s lips at the long line of naked bodies hanging from a bridge. The camera on the screen jostled then landed on the reporter. “In an unprecedented and chilling wave of vigilante justice, a coordinated series of brutal murders has taken place over the past twelve hours, shaking the nation to its core. Reports have emerged from cities across the entire United States, where prominent figures have been found hanging from bridges just like the one you see behind me, with their alleged crimes stapled to their chests and the word “LUST” written on their foreheads.
“Los Angeles, CA in particular was rocked this morning when fifty-three high-profile celebrities were discovered hanging from the iconic Hollywood Sign.”
“Fuck-a-buck,” Dr. Harlow muttered as the surreal sights filled the screen.
“Again, the gruesome scene was accompanied by detailed accusations of their involvement in a notorious sex ring, stapled to their chests and the same “LUST” word on the forehead.
“Washington, D.C. was not spared from this wave of extrajudicial justice.”
“Ho-ly-shit,” Vex said on his right as the next string of naked bodies appeared looking like sadistic jewelry on the bridge.
“The horrific sight you see here are politicians, some with decades of public service and their crimes, according to these mysterious vigilantes, much like the previous victims—human trafficking and sex rings. This has left the political sphere in turmoil, with many officials fearing for their lives and demanding immediate protective measures. This has led to heightened security across government institutions and a scramble to address the public outcry for accountability.
“But it doesn’t end there. Over thirty-five well-known religious leaders were found in the same way, hanging from the Brooklyn Bridge, their alleged transgressions, including exploitation and abuse, stapled to their bodies alongside that ominous “LUST” word on their foreheads.”
“What is this?” Quantum marveled as the woman went on.
“Law enforcement agencies across the country say the precision and scale of these attacks indicate a highly organized vigilante group. Collaboration is underway to uncover their identities, but so far, their efforts have been thwarted by the group’s anonymity and meticulous planning. The nation is deeply divided over these events, some citizens seeing the vigilantes as heroes delivering far overdue justice, and others horrified by the brutality and lawlessness of the killings. Protests and demonstrations have erupted in various cities, reflecting the polarized views of the public. Many are celebrating the justice for victims of these crimes while calling for more of the same, and others call for the arrest and prosecution of the vigilantes responsible for these murders.
“In a national address, FBI Director Jerald Smith urged the public to remain calm and assist law enforcement with any information related to these events. As the nation comes to terms with these shocking events, the implications of this wave of vigilante justice are being felt across all sectors of society. The brutality and public exposure of alleged crimes have left an indelible mark that has the entire country fearful of what may be next.”
The woman paused, adjusting her ear piece before focusing on the camera. “I’ve just received news that the president has declared Marshal Law and deployed the National Guard in every state in anticipation of more attacks. As this story develops, it is clear that the nation is grappling with profound questions about justice, accountability, and—” The TV shut off and Bart’s sober face reappeared as he returned the phone to whoever handed it to him.
“What do you think?”
Seer recognized Nidev’s voice on the intercom.
“Give me thirty seconds of undisturbed processing,” Quantum said, getting up from his chair.
Seer and Vex exchanged glances as the surreal man-bot performed his processing—no doubt at the speed of light—while engaging in the very human act of pacing.
Quantum suddenly returned to his seat and looked around at all of them. “Listen carefully,” he began, his tone strict. “In this coming week, the following will happen. Increased public panic as trust in government and law enforcement rapidly deteriorates. Violent crimes and looting will surge alongside nationwide protests. The existing clashes between supporters of vigilante justice and those demanding law and order will grow. Cities will become battlegrounds; public services will begin to collapse, communities will fragment as people seek safety in isolation or small groups. By one month, states and regions will start acting independently, leading to conflicts over resources and control. Militia groups and local warlords will emerge, enforcing their own rules and mass displacement will occur as people flee conflict zones, creating a refugee crisis. The national infrastructure that exists—will fail. Power outages, food shortages, communication breakdowns, health crises due to lack of medical care and sanitation. Anarchy will soon reign. There is no preventing or stopping this, it’s too far advanced. And these vigilantes, whoever they are, clearly have an end plan in mind. But before we can even care about what that might be, we’ll need to shelter the innocent caught in the coming hell-fire.”
“And how do we do that?” Dr. Harlow mutter-wondered.
“The Creole Kings and the Marsh Kings are a step ahead of this curve. Their swamps offer natural protection that no other location in the US can. It’s remote, difficult to navigate for outsiders, and they’ve already started the groundwork. We can build and fortify our defenses, create a safe haven for those in need, and coordinate our efforts to protect the innocent. If the Creole Kings and Marsh Kings see fit to have us join them, we’ll begin moving our headquarters to the swamps immediately.”
“The Creole Kings agree,” Nidev assured. “My Marsh Brothers?”
“Oui,” Bishop said firmly. “Come on down.”
“We’ll leave it to our swamp Kings to determine where our new headquarters would best be situated,” Quantum said. “Meanwhile, we’ll make preparations to have everything relocated.”
Seer’s head was officially spinning while his adrenalin created a steady heartbeat in his blood. He looked at Zodak’s lowered head, wondering if he was thinking the same thing. The vision he’d had of them was here. It was time.
It seemed in less than five minutes, the world fell completely apart. Now came operation Swamp Ark with the Quantum Kings on their side. Just as little Eve saw.
****
“NEVER A DULL FUCKIN’moment,” Harlow muttered, hurrying to the lab. “We got apocalypses in one room and brothers dying in a fuckin’ nother.”
He opened the door and paused at finding Kaphas fully dressed, talking to Quantum and the rest of his brothers.
“Is this a pre-death party?” And where was Celeste? Dare he ask?
“Kaphas’ growth phase came early,” Atlas informed.
“He was done with it when I arrived,” Quantum added.
“You shittin’?” Harlow said, realizing all the changes in Kaphas. His grin grew the closer he got till he was laughing and grabbing his shoulder now much bigger than the day before. “And you can grow hair on your face,” he said, as the odd urge to hug him skipped through his muscles like a kid. “Died and raised again from the dead before I can blink a fuckin’ eye.” He regarded Kult then Kaphas again. “Here’s to hoping you’re the last holy fuck going down today.”
The door opened and they turned.
“Maybe three more holy fucks,” Pain said as Fetch, Fathom, and Fin entered.
“What the hell happened to you?” Kult asked Fathom.
The being’s smile added that other holy fuck. “I linked.”
They all stared at him, and Harlow had to ask Quantum. “Is he...fuckin’ glowing?”
“I need you in the lab,” Quantum urged.
Yes. Harlow also wanted to see what kind of new powers his link produced. “And where is your wife? We’ll need her in here as well.” Since Fetch’s link with Rowan created a semi-she version of him in human form, they were excited to see what would happen with the other two who were taking their sweet time completing their link. They’d wondered how the female would be affected but never dreamed the program would enable the soldier to gift her his ability to protect her.
Fucking genius.
Fetch held up a hold on finger, coming to stand next to Kaphas as he angled his head, scanning his larger body, nodding. “Before we do all that, we were hoping to take our little brother on a date.”
“A date?” literally all of them echoed.
“A birthday gift,” Fathom said.
“Our wives are inviting Celeste,” Fin said.
Harlow laughed at the instant perk in Kaphas.
“Well, his female reflexes are intact.”
“You have the chill chip,” Kaphas said. “You can learn anything you need with it.”
“You want this?” Quantum half marveled.
“He wants Celeste,” Kult said.
Quantum sighed, giving it three seconds of robo-thought before pointing at Fetch. “I’m putting you in charge.”
“I already am,” he cockily said.
“What kind of date are you going on?” Pain asked, curious.
Fetch winced. “It’s a surprise. But you have our every molecule in the palm of your Kingly hand,” he said to Quantum. “Should you need to know where we are at all times.”
“How come Fin isn’t glowing?” Kult pried with a grin.
“Rumor has it, he will be before this night is over with,” Fetch whispered.
“What kind of party is this?” Kult half teased while Harlow wondered the exact same.
“If it’s an end of the world party, I’d like to come along,” Sync said. “Or...I could come along just for the ride,” he shrugged, looking at Quantum. “Unless I’m needed here to twiddle my thumbs. Otherwise, I could be the designated driver,” he negotiated.
“Bingo,” Fetch said, liking that clever option.
“I could ride shotgun with Sync,” Atlas offered. “So he’s got somebody to talk to.”
Fetch put a hand on Kaphas’ shoulder. “I guess it’s up to the birthday boy.”
Kaphas shrugged, looking over at Atlas. “He can watch me eat, I guess.”
The room busted out in big laughs while Atlas nodded with his tight smile. “Assuming you’ve remembered how to eat,” Atlas said.
“He could give you a hand,” Pain suggested, getting more laughs.
“Or a hand job,” Sync said with wide eyes, sending them into fits.
“I guess I haven’t come into that fond memory yet,” Kaphas said with a smile at Sync.
Kult stood before him, a couple inches shorter than Kaphas now. “Well...maybe Celeste will wake them.”
Kaphas lowered his smile. “Maybe so.”
“Maybe so, huh,” Kult muttered, doing what Harlow had wanted to, bear hugging the shit out of him.
Harlow watched Kaphas leave with the terror triplets feeling like a father watching his kid going on his first date. He looked around, finding similar grins on the remaining faces. Except Quantum. He looked like he’d eaten a bomb and was about to belch it up.
“What’s wrong?” Harlow demanded.
He headed out. “I need to tell Isla what’s going on. You might want to inform Lucy too.”
His cock jerked at just her name. Tell Lucy about the apocalypse and them all moving to the godforsaken swamps? Negative, Chief. He wasn’t done being a bad boy with her. He’d thought of repenting many times then he’d go and be worse than before.
He really should let up before she decided to stomp his ass into the ground.
He headed out, remembering where he was with her in his games. She’d incurred tons of disciplines all day. Judging by how well she performed in his last ones, he was ready to bet everything that she loved the fuck out of it. Who would have guessed her inner angel craved to be his sexual slave?
Him.
He pulled his phone out and found her name, dialing it.
“Master Harlow,” she answered, her voice breathless.
“Miss Gibbons,” he mumbled. “It’s nearing the evening and I’m sure you know what time it is?” His cock’s pulse counted the seconds of silence. “Well? You’re aware of all the infractions you incurred,” he firmly admonished. “I would say it pains me to do this, but I would be lying. I actually live for your every mistake so that I can punish you for it. Did you know that? It doesn’t matter,” he cut in. “What matters is that you understand why I’m punishing you differently tonight. Are you in your apartment?”
“Y-yes,” she whispered.
“Get naked and wait for me on the chastisement table.”
She struggled with breaths and finally blasted a quiet, “Yes.”
“Yes,” he murmured, his cock aching. “I sure hope you like having my cock kiss the back of your throat.”
Her breaths filled the phone, hot and erratic.
“Get ready. You”re going to be so very sorry, Miss Gibbons.”
****
LUCY’S HANDS SHOOKas she removed her clothes, her body quaking, her tummy turning, her privates throbbing. From what he’d done before and what he’d do again. He was doing something different. He mentioned having her throat kiss the head of his...cock. Oh God, yes. Did he know how much she loved his games? He couldn’t possibly know just how much she did. Once he got her past her inhibitions, she let it all go. She gave all of herself. Did he see how much that was? Would he ever want it again? Or had she ruined her chances with him for good?
She folded her clothes and hid them in the dresser and raced to the chastisement table to lay perfectly on it just the way he instructed. Hands behind her, just above her butt, her back arched and her breasts presented to him like a tight dessert—his words. Her knees had to be drawn toward her body and parted wide. Just the position got her so aroused, she could scarcely breathe by the time he entered. And if her nipples weren’t hard when he came, he bit them for punishment, which nearly made her orgasm. He had similar requirements for her privates. If she wasn’t dripping, he threatened to spank her vagina! She’d never failed that one yet but was left burning all night, wondering what it would be like to have her vagina spanked by him. She was sure just like with everything he did, it would somehow hurt while being so very pleasurable.
The door opened and she clenched her eyes shut, always embarrassed before he got her to that safe place. She also didn’t like seeing his angry face. He liked punishing her because he was still hurt by what she’d done. After hearing all he’d been through from Butterfly, she realized her heart was always his. She wanted to tell him but was terrified he’d reject her. Another part of her didn’t mind being punished for turning him into this... hard man, unable to be the beautiful one she’d seen inside him. The one he took a chance showing her when they first met.
“Miss Gibbons,” he softly accused, his voice next to her but above. She could feel him looking so judgingly at every inch of her body. Her nipples were hard, she could feel that too, tight and aching.
“Oh!” she cried, breathless when his hot mouth gently covered the top of her breast, so very soft, barely sucking, and licking! Oh yes, he did it slowly, with heavenly kissing while he made those sounds of soft satisfaction that meant maybe, just maybe he wouldn’t stay angry with her forever.
She wanted desperately to run her fingers in his hair, to kiss him with all the passion he created in her. It was so very much. Too much. What if he thought her a jezebel, thought her less than he likely already did. In all his punishments, he not once made love to her, and deep in her terrified soul, she worried it was because he no longer cared to that depth.
She could never fulfill his every expectation during the day because she knew he made them so she couldn’t, so he could punish her. He said he loved every one of her mistakes. What would he think if he knew she loved them even more? When he gave her an impossible task, her soul rejoiced.
Her breath shook in her chest when he kissed her, his tongue very slow and gentle and kind as he slid it along hers, circled it, his lips soft and full, turning at every angle on her mouth. His hot breaths were bringing her fully into that safe space where she let go, let all the sounds come that told on her.
He gently held her jaw just before he pulled away, leaving her moaning and breathless. She opened her eyes, desperate to see him.
“You’re going to suck my cock, Miss Gibbons,” he whispered. “And you’re going to make me come. I want you on your knees before me. Keep those hands behind your back.”
She quickly got into position, her gaze level with the opening of his slacks. How could hands be so beautiful? So graceful? He stood in black briefs and her breaths turned shallow at how very big his bulge was. He was impossibly huge. She did that to him.
He moved his beautiful hands all over his shaft behind the material, his moans low and devious. “Are you ready for your punishment, Miss Gibbons?”
She nodded, her eyes riveted to his fingers sliding in the waistband of his underwear, lowering them. “Oh,” she breathed when his cock stared at her, mere inches away.
“You like my cock, Miss Gibbons?”
“Yes, Master Harlow,” she remembered to say, not wanting him to take it from her.
“Yes? How much do you like it?”
“So very much,” she whispered, closing her eyes.
“Do you misbehave because you want me to punish you, Miss Gibbons? Don’t lie to me.”
Oh God, she couldn’t tell him. “Yes,” she forced, clenching her eyes shut again.
“Yes,” he marveled softly. “Did you think I didn’t already know that? Put your finger in your pussy, Miss Gibbons.”
Oh yes. She stroked herself, letting him hear what she knew he wanted. The evidence of her arousal.
“And there it is,” he softly accused, the tip of his cock moving across her parted lips.
She gave a soft cry, her tongue catching the slit as it passed, grabbing his breath.
“Your wet pussy, telling all your dirty secrets. Do not touch your naughty clit,” he gushed as she chased the head. “Baby... you’re hungry for my cock?”
She was insane for it, finally catching it between her lips for a quick suck. He placed his hands on the sides of her head and pushed himself in deep, till the back of her throat kissed the crown just as he said, all while she moved her finger in and out of her guilty...pussy. That’s what he called it. And cunt. Both terms burned her with an unspeakable lust that made her crazy and desperate.
She made tiny, almost scared moaning noises as he made her throat kiss the head repeatedly. “Do you have any fucking idea how good you look with my cock filling your naughty, disobedient mouth?”
She whimpered on him as his fingers pressed into her scalp, forcing her to suck him faster, making his cock kiss harder till her nostrils fluttered from her delicious labor.
“Oh fuck,” he rasped, his grunts coming with every thrust. “I want you to drink my cum, sweet Lucy.”
The use of her first name sent stars through her mind and heart as she sucked him with a perfect fervor. She broke the rule and grabbed the base of his cock with both hands, squeezing as his hot seed sprang forth in her mouth. She pulled back, letting the delectable wonder hit her tongue as she flicked along his slit and sucked him thoroughly, moaning from the immense arousal his outrageous ecstasy gave her.
He knelt before her and took her face in his hands, kissing her with a hunger that scattered her pulse. “I’m sure going to miss having you to punish when I move to the swamps.”
Everything suddenly crashed into a heap inside of her. Move? “What?”
“Mmm, yes. I have to leave. So, you’ll be free of me. And I’ll be free of your incessant wickedness.”
She fought to catch her breath as her hands pressed into his chest. He had to leave? “H-how... how long?” she said around his soft kiss.
He moved his kisses to her forehead. “I have no idea. Long enough for you to marry your soldier and never have to worry about me bothering you again.” He suddenly pulled back, eyeing her. “You okay, Miss Gibbons?”
The use of her last name brought a vicious pain in her chest that made her gasp. Soon, she couldn’t stop.
“Are you sick?” he asked.
“I don’t...understand, you said...you said I had to work for you.”
“Until you got your soldier. We both know how very much you want one.” His arms went around her, and she fought to get out of them. He tightened his hold and she renewed her efforts, her pain turning into a wrath she didn’t think she was capable of.
“Let me...go!” she screamed, raking her nails across his face and shoving out of his arms, stumbling to her feet.
He eyed her with an angry gaze, rising as he touched the scratches then eyed the blood on his fingertips. “Miss Gibbons,” he muttered. “You drew blood.”
She shook her head at his stupid happy accusation, her tears blinding her. “I don’t care! I hope it hurt!” He made his way slowly toward her and she shot a finger at him. “Do not come near me! Leave this instant! Leave from here and never come back!” she screamed.
He lunged and wrapped his arms around her, turning her into a feral animal fighting for its life. “I told you I was sorry!” she screamed. “I meant it! I meant it with all my heart and all my soul! But you only ever hate me! I try to let you punish me, to see how very sorry I am and that I... I...” She covered her face and wailed, “I love you!” She dropped her arms in utter defeat. “I love you and now I’m going to die because you’re leaving and I don’t want a stupid soldier, I want you, I’ve always wanted you.”
“Baby, baby, hey, fuck, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I’m not leaving, I was joking. I mean I am leaving but not without you, you’re coming with me. We’re all moving, hey,” he whispered, holding her face softly, kissing her just as softly. “Can you...repeat all that again?”
She fought to catch her breath, her lips kissing him back without her permission. “What part?”
“All of it, I want to hear all of it.”
Her heart suddenly sputtered and soared at the need in his tone. “That...I’m sorry and...I don’t want a soldier, I only want you and always have?”
His soft laugh heated her lips as he kissed her. “And that other thing you said. I wanna hear it.”
The vulnerable beg hiding behind his bossy bravery shredded her heart and she lunged on him, hugging him so tight. “I love you! I love you more than anything in all the world. Except God,” she gasped.
His mouth crushed hers in a kiss and he lifted her on to his waist. “Say it again,” he breathed right in her mouth. “Don’t stop saying it, don’t ever stop saying it.”
Her breath blasted when her back met the wall and he moved his cock along her entrance, locking his hot eyes on hers.
“I love you,” she cried as he plunged his cock to the very bottom of her.
“Sweet fucking angel,” he moaned on her mouth. “Not as much as I love you.”
He kissed her and pounded into her with a vicious force, shattering every part of her until all that was left was an overwhelming joy surging through her. “I love you! I love you Harlow,” she sobbed as he came, his release full of ragged growls and lacerated shouts that fed her soul.
“Don’t stop saying it,” he croaked at her mouth, winded as he pressed his forehead against hers. “Don’t ever stop saying it.”