Dashing devil 5 bold beg.., p.47
Dashing Devil 5: Bold Beginnings, page 47
"Is there a problem here?" Boyd growled from directly behind the man, his rumbling voice low and dangerous, a clear warning underlying his words.
The man spun around, a smug smile playing on his lips until his gaze met Boyd's intense, angry, golden stare. Boyd literally cast a shadow over the man as he loomed over him. The big demon radiated a power and authority that had nothing to do with his aura. The man's confidence wavered but he tried to maintain his composure, though beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.
The man cleared his throat, attempting to regain his bravado. "Just having a friendly chat with this lovely lady here," he replied with false charm, gesturing towards Raev, but Boyd could see through the façade. “We were an item, you know, once upon a time.”
Boyd's golden eyes narrowed as he assessed the man standing before him, his jaw clenched tight in displeasure. This Austin was handsome with a rugged appeal and a strong jaw. He stood taller than most and had a solid build. The demon was sure he could be quite charming when not facing his impending doom, so he didn’t begrudge his foxy love her error in judgment that, once upon a time, she’d fallen for his games.
The man's attempt to downplay the situation only fueled Boyd's growing irritation.
Across Raev’s Bond, Boyd felt a mix of annoyance and apprehension as she stepped around to Boyd’s side. Her lips curled into a small smile. She knew he was protective of her—sometimes to a fault—but she also trusted his judgment. Turning back to the man, she crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive stance, all six of her tails twitching behind her.
"Once upon a time is exactly where your relationship with her belongs," Boyd's voice was cold and cutting, his words laced with an unspoken threat. “The lady said she wasn’t interested.”
His kitsune leaned into him but he sensed that it was more to comfort him and keep this from escalating than for her comfort or to make a point. While she felt a reassurance whenever he was around, she didn’t need it to deal with this situation.
Austin began backing away, having realized how far he’d overstepped his bounds. “I- I didn’t mean any harm,” he stuttered nervously.
“Leave. Now,” Boyd’s voice brooked no argument. His eyes flashed with a hint of his Black Flame that sent a visible shiver through the man.
With a final look of defeat, the man turned on his heel and practically fled the area. Boyd watched him go with a scowl before turning back to Raev, who looked up at him with gratitude shining in her eyes.
"Thank you, Big Guy," she murmured softly, relief and appreciation in her voice. “That was my first real boyfriend. It sort of sucked seeing him here, but then you showed up and reminded me how much better things are now.” She reached out to touch his arm gently in a silent gesture of appreciation.
Boyd softened at her touch, his features relaxing as he turned to face her. "You don't have to thank me, Raev. I know you could have handled that, but I'll always be there—whether you need me or not—forever," he replied in a gentle tone. His golden eyes searched hers for any lingering signs of distress.
Raev smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting warmth and affection. "I know you will," she said with certainty. Better than any other indicator, the way her tails swayed gently behind her reflected a deep sense of contentment.
She leaned in close, her lips curving into a mischievous grin as she whispered, "But maybe I could show you just how grateful I am in a more... interesting way." Her voice was low and teasing, her kitsune charm in full effect as she playfully traced a finger along Boyd's chest.
Boyd was just about to reply as the song that served as his break began coming to a close. Raev’s demeanor shifted completely, eager excitement more akin to someone about to enter an amusement park than engage in some bedroom fun washing down their Bond and across her features.
“Break time’s up, Big Guy.” She looped her arm through his and began tugging him onto the dance floor. “It’s time for another tango!”
Boyd sighed, grateful that his training had included how to hold his bladder for extended periods.
Chapter 49
Boyd resisted the urge to grin at a very sullen-looking Archangel as he climbed the steps to the stage after his name was announced as a nominee for World Hero. There is no way that he would make any smile he gave the man anything less than predatory at the moment, and that just wouldn’t do. He could wait the few more minutes he was required to be patient.
The time had finally come—or it would, in just a few moments—when the demon could begin dismantling everything the Blonde Buffon and worked for and cherished.
There was polite applause for Boyd from the crowd of powerful and influential people who had gathered before the stage, at about the same level as the three who had been called before him. They had done it in the reverse order of their scheduled entrances. Those running the program had considered it a way to balance the scales—which meant Archangel had been called first, followed by Sentinal, then Valorguard, and finally Dashing Devil.
No one thought to adjust the order to address the fact that he also entered the World Hero Selection Gala last by virtue of being late.
Boyd gave the crowd and the cameras that were set up for this portion of the gala a wave and his most charming smile. Their speeches would be televised across the globe, but it had been made clear that this was not the time to bring up anything related to the newer methods Changed could use to safely control their urges. There would also be a delay in any of the cities he had previously offended by revealing that Changed had no reason to fear going primal, just in case he went off script—which wasn’t ideal, but to be expected.
The big demon walked past Archangel and gave Sentinal a respectful nod. At thirty-two, the man was in his prime and wore a confident smile. He was on a Regional Response Team but called Celestia City home. Celestia was like Glorith in that it was centrally located amidst a number of the Authority’s cities.
Boyd took his spot at the end of the row of chairs, next to Valorguard who shot him a sideways look like he expected the big demon to attack at any moment. The twenty-nine-year-old Hero was from Concordia City, a city with a very high percentage of Fundamentalists, making it similar to New Eden in a lot of ways. He was the Ascended Coalition’s backup, in case something didn’t work out with their golden boy.
Once he was seated, the man who had called each of them up, spoke into the microphones attached to the podium at the center of the stage. “Now that the nominees are all gathered, I will introduce myself. I am Director Blackwall, Chair of the World Hero Selection’s Board of Directors.” He paused for the polite applause to die down before continuing.
Boyd smiled politely and tried not to let his eyes settle on where his loves had gathered near the front for too long.
"As you all know, the World Hero title is not just a great honor, but a responsibility of significant magnitude," Director Blackwall's words echoed across the quiet ballroom. "The chosen hero must embody courage, strength, and an unwavering dedication to protecting the citizens of The Authority from all threats—both seen and unseen. All of you watching at home or those lucky enough to be in attendance tonight are here to honor not just these brave individuals, but the spirit of heroism and selflessness that they embody. Each nominee before you has shown exemplary courage and dedication in the face of danger, going above and beyond to protect our cities. Each Hero on this stage is worthy of respect and admiration, whether they are awarded the title of World Hero, or not.”
Director Blackwall paused, which triggered another round of applause from those gathered before the stage. Boyd scanned the room, panning down the stage and noting the varying expressions on the faces of his fellow nominees. Valorguard looked nervous, Sentinal radiated calm confidence, and Archangel exuded an air of superiority that Boyd found rather distasteful.
Director Blackwall went on to list what had earned each of them their nomination. Archangel had saved New Eden from a dangerous S-Ranked and several lower Ranked Changed that went primal in their bronze district slums and made their way inward. Sentinal dealt with many high-ranked incursions across several cities and had three S-Ranked Powered Criminals under his belt. Valorguard was a lesser clone of Archangel, albeit a little less charismatic. Then there was Boyd, killer of Omega Ray and slayer of the Last Dragon.
After that introduction, it was time for the speeches. As was tradition, each nominee was asked a single question: What service would they offer to the citizens of The Authority as World Hero?
The first to mount the stage was also the first to answer, meaning Archangel was the first to speak. He approached the podium with a swagger that he likely thought made him look superior. In reality, it just made it look like he thought he was superior.
He flashed a dazzling smile at the cameras as he tapped one of the microphones twice, likely creating an annoying thumping sound on a single network’s audio. “Ladies and gentlemen of The Authority,” Archangel began, his smile unnaturally perfect, "it is truly an honor to stand before you all as a nominee for the esteemed title of World Hero. I stand here not just as a defender of the innocent, but as a beacon of hope in these dark times. My service to the citizens of The Authority will be nothing short of exemplary. I pledge not only to protect them from those with Powers that turn to crime and the threats of the Wild Lands, but I will also keep our citizens safe from the evils that walk among us in plain sight, pretending to be good and upstanding members of our society."
“I pledge to fight against external threats but also to ensure that those within our own ranks do not succumb to their darker impulses. We must remain vigilant, my fellow Heroes, for the line between protector and tyrant is thin indeed.” His eyes scanned the audience, his gaze lingering on the cameras capturing his every move.
The Blonde Buffoon's speech was smooth, rehearsed to perfection, but there was a hint of arrogance in every syllable he uttered. "I will be the shield that guards The Authority from all harm, the sword that strikes down any who dare threaten our way of life. I will not rest until every corner of our world is cleansed of corruption. This is my promise to you, the citizens of The Authority. Thank you.”
As he turned to return to his spot on the stage he shot Boyd a glare that clearly said he wanted to murder him and everyone like him—almost as well as his speech did. Oh, it was veiled enough that the average citizen wouldn’t pick up on it, but his followers and many of his supporters certainly would. It would have been a fairly good move, if Boyd wasn’t about to take him off the board.
The demon couldn’t help but return the look with a satisfied little smile.
Sentinal was much more reserved as he approached the podium, exuding a quiet strength that matched well to his imposing figure, being almost as big as Boyd.
He kept his answer simple. “Fellow citizens," he started, his voice deep and resonant. “I stand before you not as a man seeking glory, but as a Hero committed to protecting The Authority. My service to its citizens will be one of vigilance and dedication. I vow to defend our world from all threats. While doing so, I will uphold the values of justice and honor, ensuring that peace prevails in our world.” With a nod of gratitude, Sentinal returned to his seat on the stage.
Valorguard was neither as flashy as Archangel or as stoic Sentinal. He walked up to the stage casually and leaned in a little too close to the microphones.
"Good evening, citizens of The Authority,” his voice was warm yet commanding, and after a moment he seemed to remember his training and stood up straighter. “I am Valorguard, a warrior born to protect and serve. My service as World Hero will be one of unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of every citizen of The Authority. I will stand as a bastion against all who seek to harm or oppress us, be it from outside our borders or within. I vow to uphold justice and to defend the innocent—with my life, if need be. The people of The Authority can rest easy knowing that Valorguard watches over them.” With a solemn nod, he returned to his place.
Boyd gave the crowd his best smile as he approached the podium, making sure his eyes found and locked gazes with each of his loves on his way there. He felt the excitement buzzing within them, as each looked forward to this moment—though for varying reasons. Silvie and Hope thought of it as a childhood dream come true, while the others knew it would be a major step forward for both him and their cause, with a bit of personal revenge against the Blonde Buffoon mixed in for Tinker and Hope.
“I am deeply honored to even be nominated for World Hero,” Boyd began in a warm and honest tone. “There was a time, a time that started right after my Change and continued until a few months ago, when I questioned if I was worthy of being called a Hero at all. I worried if I’d be accepted as such by enough of you that having been nominated for such a prestigious title as World Hero is meaningful in ways I don’t have the words to express. It means everything to me.” He paused for just a moment and took on a far-away look that made it appear like he was contemplating the magnitude of his own words.
After the appropriate amount of time, he filled his golden eyes with determination. “Because of that, I will give you my everything. I will work tirelessly to make our world a safer and better place for each of us to live. This I promise to you, and I’m not one to make empty promises. Understand, though, that my promise is not contingent on being named World Hero—I will do this either way. The title will just make it easier. To prove this, I’ve already gotten started, to show you what I can get done with even my current means.”
Boyd had to restrain a devilish grin while he spoke as he watched Pinnacle Watch, the Quantum Guardians, forty NPOs, and Kayla with her camera drone quietly slip into the back of the room and move into position.
“I have been authorized to announce the following by Director Blackwall himself,” he continued. “When he was shown the evidence that my team and I uncovered, he agreed that it was the right thing to do.”
He nodded to the Heroes and NPOs at the back of the room and they began walking up the aisles.
“Right now, across the globe and within this room, thousands of arrests are being made,” he could no longer contain his grin as the NPOs started to push into rows, causing a stir among the high society crowd while the Hero teams held back, prepared to react to any Powered resistance. These people there were not used to being roughly shoved aside, and complaints rose from the crowd.
“These arrests include individuals who have abused their power and position,” Boyd spoke over the noise of the crowd. “Those being arrested have manipulated The Authority for their own gain or to fit their personal beliefs. Justice is finally catching up to them. This group is known as the Ascended Coalition, and their membership and crimes are extensive. We don’t have time to get into all of that now, but more information will be made public in the near future.”
The crowd quieted a bit at his words. “I will list the charges and show you evidence for one of these criminals—one of the Heroes on this stage, in fact. It is ironic that he promised he would cleanse us of corruption when he is so corrupt. It would be like cleaning with mud instead of soap.”
Boyd turned his devilish grin on Archangel before he continued. “Archangel, you stand charged with the following: rape in the first degree, twelve counts of murder in the first degree, thirty counts of assault and battery, one hundred and seventeen counts of abuse of your power as a Hero, and a slew of lesser charges that all add up to you being the worse kind of filth.”
The Blonde Buffoon gaped at him, then at the arrests being made in the crowd that pretty much demonstrated the truth behind the big demon’s words, and then back at Boyd. His brain hadn’t caught up to what was happening, let alone formulated a plan for how to recover. Tonight was not going how he thought it would—not at all.
First, he got pretty much thrown out attempting to display his wit and charm in a misguided effort to win Hope back. Second, Tinker was never left alone long enough for a Bell to approach her and attempt to win her over to their side with promises of familial power—not that this would have mattered to his little inventor. Third, the ‘perfect bait’ he’d tossed before the ‘sex-crazed demon’ had failed. Fourth, because the bait hadn’t taken that much time to discard, Boyd had the time to interrupt the attempt to harass Raev.
And now… this? A narcissist like him couldn’t cope with every phase of his ‘perfect’ plan failing. Boyd was enjoying himself.
The big demon pointed to the large viewscreen on the wall behind the stage and, in a low tone that wouldn’t reach the microphone with his back to it, he rumbled, “Evidence of your many crimes is being broadcast all over the world. It’s over for you, Archangel. You are a Powered Criminal now. Heroes will always hunt you; you can run, but you’ll never be able to hide.”
Archangel looked up as the last in a series of clips played on the big screen. It was one that Boyd had made Granny promise to ensure whichever screen Daisy was watching malfunctioned while it played. The typical heavy censoring favored in most educational institutions would have to do for Connor, because not even Granny knew where his school was located.
It showed the moment Archangel had killed Bianca, as they sat at a table set for a romantic date. He just seemed to snap, declaring, “No, no, no, that’s all wrong! That’s not what she would have said at all.” Then he’d run her through with one of his golden swords.
As it ended, the Blonde Buffoon turned to Boyd, his expression so confused it was clear he wondered if this was all a horrible dream. Boyd had read somewhere that was how many people who suffered from delusions of grandeur felt when reality finally caught up to them.
When he continued, Boyd spoke for the benefit of the audience—those both in the room and at home. “Archangel,” Boyd said, “as a measure to prevent you from fleeing and potentially harming one of my fellow Heroes, any NPOs or, heavens forbid, a civilian… I hereby challenge you to a Hero’s duel before you are stripped of the title you lost the rights to long ago.”
