Dashing devil 5 bold beg.., p.48
Dashing Devil 5: Bold Beginnings, page 48
Boyd held the man’s wide blue eyes as rage began to replace the confusion in them.
“If you intend to evade justice,” the big demon growled, “attempt to do so after the duel. The location will be here on the fighting grounds in Valor Vista, which will give you several clear avenues of escape—if you are so cowardly as to even consider fleeing. The time will be tomorrow at noon. Do you accept this duel?”
Boyd figured he would pretty much have to accept, if only for one final chance to try and murder the demon who had so neatly killed his dream of being loved by all. On top of that, it was his only potential path to survival—if he was clever enough to realize this.
Boyd wasn't convinced he would be able to see it.
As Archangel stood there, fuming with a mixture of anger and disbelief, Boyd couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at finally exposing the truth and holding his enemy accountable.
After what felt like an eternity, Archangel's lips curled into a mocking smile, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, how noble of you, Devil… challenging me to a duel like some medieval knight. But let's not pretend this is about justice or honor. This is personal, isn't it? You’re just trying to remove any competition for her heart, to kill off her true love so that there is no one to challenge you or your corrupting control over her.”
“If you mean Hopewing, you were never a threat to me for her heart.” Boyd shook his head instead of rolling his eyes. “No, this is about all the lives you’ve destroyed, all the innocent people you hurt, and all the damage you’ve done to this world. All the things that Heroes are meant to prevent, that you so gleefully engaged in.”
“Fine, demon,” Archangel sneered, “continue spewing your lies. At least this one was well concocted. I accept your duel, but I won’t be running after it’s done. I’ll prove my innocence by leaving you dead on the fighting grounds. You issued the challenge and you set the time and location, therefore I get to choose the terms. Our duel will be to the death.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want to go with?” Boyd asked with a chuckle he couldn’t restrain.
They were just about the dumbest terms the Blonde Buffoon could have set. All he’d accomplished was unshackling his opponent from any restraint. If he named literally any other terms, then Boyd would have to try to win without killing him for the sake of public perception.
Unfortunately, Boyd still couldn’t shed those restraining shackles. Killing Archangel would only turn him into a martyr for whatever portion of the Ascended Coalition survived the arrests being made. He had to let the Blonde Buffoon be properly executed by The Authority after a crushing defeat that tarnished even his followers’ image of the man.
Of course, the Blonde Buffoon didn’t know that.
“Yes, I am very sure. The terms are set and there is no backing out now. All you can do is show up and try to win.” The faux angel wore a triumphant grin as he engaged in what he viewed as turnabout from their last duel.
Boyd didn’t return the man’s grin; he only shook his head. “For the record, your trial has already been held by a tribunal of Directors. As a former Hero, they don’t tell you when you are on trial. It is my singular honor to inform you that you have been found guilty, and that the sentence for all of your heinous crimes could only be death. Even if you win tomorrow, you will be hunted down and killed.”
Now, he did let a devilish grin curl his lips. “Assuming you get away from Silver, that is. Good luck with that.” He paused for a chuckle. “She will be incredibly pissed if you somehow find a way to kill me.”
Archangel’s blue eyes went wide with shock, so Boyd decided to deal the final blow and then get to a freaking bathroom. He still hadn’t found the time to relieve his straining bladder.
“For the record,” he said, “you could have set the terms of the duel as the loser being banished and then thrown the fight. That way, you would have been banished to the Wild Lands and would only be hunted if you tried to enter a city. Now, you will die tomorrow—no matter what. It’s over.”
Dismissing the dead man and trusting Silvie to take care of him if he was dumb enough to try and attack now, Boyd turned his back on Archangel. “Citizens of The Authority, this is what my service to you looks like. Thank you for your time.” With that, Boyd returned to his seat.
“Well, I think it’s about time we wrap things up,” Director Blackwall said somewhat awkwardly with a small laugh. “Archangel is obviously no longer a candidate for World Hero, but they say always end on a high note, so with that, we will be ending tonight’s World Hero Selection Gala.”
Once the cameras were off, Boyd hurried off the stage, eager to find a bathroom and then return to his loves.
Chapter 50
“Aaahhhhh,” Boyd let out a long, satisfied groan after finally reaching the bathroom in the Zenith Suite they had paid quite a few credits to reserve for the night. They could probably get it comped, but it was still worth it even if they couldn’t. After finishing his business, he turned and took in the view they had from the second bathroom's fricking toilet.
The majestic peaks of snow-capped mountains stretched out endlessly, their jagged caps resembling mystical islands sculpted from deep blue stone. Striations of vibrant jade ran through the rough surface. They glistened under the light of either the sun or the moons—but currently glowed under the pale illumination of the night sky. The ocean below was made not of water, but of rolling clouds driven by powerful winds. They lapped at the edges of the mountains known as the Celestial Spire Range.
Near the top of one of these towering peaks lay Valor's Vista, a fortress resort and safe harbor for Heroes to seek some respite from their constant duty. Boyd had to admit that after taking in the view, he felt refreshed. Of course, that might just be the result of watching the Blonde Buffoon’s ambitions of a bright future for himself turn to ash.
With a smile on his face, he washed his hands and checked his hair in the mirror, tucking a strand or two back into place. Mindy did good work and the product she used was still holding strong. After straightening out his tux, he made his way back to the living room where his loves and trainee had gathered to unwind after the enjoyable but stressful gala.
As Boyd entered the room, he was met with a sight that warmed his heart. All of them sat on a large sectional couch set before a viewscreen with a fireplace under it, each engaged in pleasant conversation while snacking from a selection of room service set out on the coffee table. Mindy, Tinker, and Laura had all changed into more comfortable options.
Tinker had switched out of her elegant, floor-length gown and into a soft pink romper that hugged every curve of her body. Her favored braided pigtails added a playful touch to her ensemble. Mindy, on the other hand, had donned a black silk nightgown with intricate purple lace detailing that would have looked modest on anyone else. On her curvaceous frame, it exuded undeniable allure. Laura opted for a cropped silk top and flowy shorts, showcasing her fit and athletic physique while still maintaining comfort. The pieces hung loosely on her body, giving off a carefree yet alluring vibe.
His other loves were still in formal wear. Sitting together, they gave him innocent looks that only looked natural on his angel. Both Silvie and Raev’s expressions all but shouted they were up to something. With Hope sitting between them, he suspected his not-so-innocent angel was in on it too, though he couldn’t tell from the look in her azure blue eyes and warm smile. The faint pink of her halo was something of a giveaway, though, and turned his suspicion into certainty.
A spot had been left open between Mindy and Tinker across from the trio of trouble makers. Laura was set up on the middle portion of the U-shaped sectional where she would be in his field of vision while sitting between his darkest and smallest loves.
‘We’re both bushed and just want some cuddles before we head to the bed,’ Mindy filled him in as he approached his designated seat. ‘Those three are full of energy after your little display of dominance downstairs, so we’ll be joining Laura in the second bedroom while they keep you up all night. Her room has two queens and Tinker doesn’t mind sleeping with me tonight.’
He settled into his spot, the couch not being designed specifically for him didn’t prevent him from draping his wings over the back, it just made it a bit less comfortable. The big demon wrapped an arm around both Tinker and Mindy, pulling them into his sides, before looking down to his little inventor, “Are you sure you don’t mind sharing a bed with Mindy, Tink? She is something of a sleep cuddler, you will wake up with her wrapped around you.”
“Um…” Tinker hesitated as she stared up at him with big hazel eyes. A faint blush colored her cheeks before she continued. “That’s actually why. I’ve gotten used to sleeping in the big pile with everyone, and I don’t know if I can sleep alone anymore. It just feels so warm and safe, you know? Of course you know, you’re most of the reason for it. But it’s different when it’s everyone compared to just us. Everyone being together makes it better, but I think just one will be enough to help me get to sleep. And while I would rather it be you, Mindy is so warm and soft that I think it will be nice.”
As she spoke, his little inventor had snuggled in closer and closer until she was half on top of him, one thigh on his, her arm resting on his abdomen, with her hand on his chest. Boyd nudged the side of Mindy’s tremendous and pillowy breast with the hand that was wrapped around her as he said, “I completely understand. Mindy is warm and extra soft, the perfect thing to keep you comfortable all night.”
Mindy swatted his chest but gave him a pleased smirk. “Thank you, my little shit. Now please tell Tink that I don’t secretly want to be part of what those three are plotting.” She nodded to Silvie, Raev, and Hope who paused their hushed conversation to give everyone innocent smiles.
“Real convincing ladies,” Laura said with a warm laugh. “I’m sure butter wouldn’t melt in your mouths.”
Boyd chuckled and shook his head at their antics. They were being conspicuous because they wanted him to know they were planning something. It was a tactic to build his excitement and it was working as intended. Mostly because it seemed to involve all three of them, which would be a new experience on its own.
He pulled his attention away from their heated innocence and looked down at his smallest love. “Mindy is almost as worn out as you are,” he said with a smile. “She was scanning minds all night, which meant overhearing a lot of nasty thoughts. As soon as this last little burst of energy leaves her, she’ll be ready for bed. I’m glad you two will have each other tonight while those three keep me busy.”
Tinker stared at him for a long moment, eyes shifting around just a little as she studied the different features of his golden eyes. “Thank you,” she breathed softly but sincerely.
Boyd arched an eyebrow, unsure why he was being thanked.
“Thank you for… well, for everything,” she said. Fortunately, she continued, better explaining what she meant. “For never making me feel weird, you didn’t even ask if I wanted to cuddle with Mindy because I was starting to like girls. I don’t think I am.”
“Being okay with physical contact doesn’t require sexual attraction,” Boyd shrugged the shoulder she was under, placing his hand over her hip. “Cuddling doesn’t have to be romantic. It can just be comfortable and nice.”
“Yes, like that,” Tinker confirmed. “Thank you. And thank you for what you did today. How you were considerate of my limitations but pushed me to stay until the end of the meeting people part to make sure everyone knew I was an important part of the team. The way you humiliated Argo and got most of the Bells arrested was worth sticking around for.”
The smile she gave him was beautiful.
“Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving group of assholes,” she continued. “All my family I hated the most. I know Granny helped and I thanked her already, now I’m thanking you. My uncle is finally going to face justice. I saw that you even got my mother’s case reopened and my uncle labeled as the prime suspect. Thank you.”
Boyd's heart swelled with pride and warmth as he listened to Tinker's heartfelt gratitude. He gently squeezed her hip, a small gesture of comfort and support. Looking down at her, he could see the sincerity in her hazel eyes.
“You don't need to thank me for any of that, Tink,” Boyd said softly. “It was the right thing to do, even if I did it because I care about you and I want to protect you. You're important to me, and I'll always stand up for you, no matter what.”
Tinker smiled up at him, a radiant expression that lit up her doll-like features. The warmth of her presence against his side was a comfort he had grown accustomed to and cherished. Leaning down, Boyd pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head, the softness of her hair brushing against his lips.
“You're an incredible person, Tink,” Boyd murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Glancing around the room he met looks filled with adoration, each of them witnessing the tender moment and not wanting to interrupt it.
“Oh my!” Tinker’s cheeks burned a cherry red as she buried her face in his side. “Sorry everyone, I didn’t mean to spoil the mood.”
Boyd chuckled softly at Tinker's embarrassment, his heart swelling with affection for her. He gently lifted her chin with a finger, tilting her face up to meet his gaze.
“You could never spoil the mood, Tink,” he reassured her, his golden eyes reflecting warmth and tenderness. “In fact, you always make everything better just by being yourself.”
Tinker's blush deepened at his words, but a smile played on her lips as she gazed up at him with undisguised adoration. Boyd couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight of her looking at him like he was her whole world.
Across from them, Raev let out her velvet chuckle, “Do you two mind not being disgustingly cute for a moment? Some of us are trying to plot over here.”
Boyd grinned at Raev's comment, his affection for Tinker evident in the way he held her close. He leaned down to whisper in Tinker's ear, “Shall we give them a reason to be jealous, since they want to tease us?”
Tinker's eyes widened in surprise, a mischievous glint dancing in their hazel depths. She smirked playfully before nodding in agreement. Without any warning, she tilted her head up and captured Boyd's lips in a tender yet passionate kiss. The room fell silent as everyone turned to watch the unexpected display of affection.
When they finally broke apart, Boyd's golden eyes sparkled with amusement while Tinker giggled softly, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. The fact that they had apparently been overheard during their ‘equipment inspections’ had both excited and embarrassed his little inventor, something she evidently wanted to explore.
Raev raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips as she shook her head in mock disapproval. "You two are insufferable," his vixen teased, though her eyes twinkled with amusement. "But I have to admit, that was quite a show."
Boyd grinned mischievously at Raev’s comment. His arm was still wrapped protectively around Tinker who, though blushing furiously, had a playful glint in her eyes that told anyone watching that she had enjoyed every moment of their display of affection.
Mindy let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes dramatically, followed by her giggle. “Kuh-he! Honestly, you two are like teenagers in love for the first time,” she teased, though her voice held a hint of fondness.
Hope beamed at them, her azure eyes twinkling with mirth. “It's good to see you both so happy and comfortable with each other,” she said warmly. “I’m so glad we can all be together like this. I want to thank you as well Boyd. Thank you for persevering until we made it here. Thank you for putting an end to Archangel and the Ascended Coalition. Thank you for… for everything. There is just so much to thank you for that I fear if I get started, we will be here all night.”
Silvie couldn’t resist getting on the gratitude bandwagon. “Thank you for how you always make me feel strong, Darling—and not with your Enhancement. You have always been my rock, my pillar of strength. You made anything feel possible, even when I was an A-Rank who could only do so much. But also thank you for making me more Powerful, so we can do even more, together.”
“Thanks for accepting me as I am, Big Guy,” Raev smiled warmly at him. “But yeah, I agree with Silvie. I am thankful you made me more of a badass. I went through a host of armed unpowered with no problem and even took out two B-Ranked Powered criminals on my own that last mission. That never would have been possible before.”
Mindy smiled gently at Boyd as he basked in his love’s gratitude and the warmth it built up in his gut. “Thank you for being more than I ever could have hoped for, much more than I could possibly need, and likely more than I deserve.”
Boyd frowned at his raven-haired love.
“Kuh-he. And thank you for holding none of my failures against me—to the point where you’ve made it a priority to help me set them aside. I don’t deserve you but will gladly accept your freely given love because I understand I don’t have a choice in the matter. I know you are going to heap it on me anyway and fighting you would only make it worse.”
Boyd felt a contented smile spread across his lips as he scanned over the women he loved. Just before he could respond to their gratitude with his own, Laura cleared her throat.
“Ahem, I certainly can’t be left out after that little display,” she said, her tone earnest.
Boyd smiled at her, expecting a joke or overt flirtation. Instead, he found sincerity in her pale green eyes.
“Thank you for not making me feel like a silly little girl for wanting to become a Hero at my age,” her sincerity carried through into her voice. “For not setting limits on what I can accomplish. For encouraging me to push beyond what I think my limits are and helping me find ways through or around them. You didn’t just say I could do anything I put my mind to; once I made the decision, you got out and started to push. You don’t shy away from telling me it’s an uphill battle; you’re honest, and then you show me how to face it.”
