Putting Out for a Hero (Villainous Things, #3)

by C. Rochelle

Mikki had been a normie, and Zion displaying original supe genes—which he knew nothing about—made Daisy the same subspecies as Simon.

“But he’s a certified cape chaser, so maybe Ari could resurrect Mikki’s famous act for us… for old times’ sake?” His man? CAPE CHASER?! Wait…

“I’m talking about on the stage. You’re about to see my favorite Lycra and Lace act. The one that made me fall in love with this place.”

“BLUNT FORCE!” Fuck. No.

“What’s the matter, beautiful? Did you not enjoy seeing me with someone else?” When I peeked up at him and shook my head, his gaze darkened. Digging both hands into my hair, he yanked my head back painfully before looming over me. “Well, now you know how I’ve felt for the last 10 fucking years.”

But even without the weird classist shit, I’m… different, y’know?” This was torture. I had insider knowledge that would prove this man was the closest thing to what all supes used to be, but I couldn’t share that intel without betraying my family.

The strange pulling sensation had returned to my chest, but it felt good now that I had his skin—and scales—on me. It feels… right.

Unsurprisingly, there’d been no file named ‘Top Secret Lab.’ I did randomly discover a vintage photo of my mom outside a jungle cave with an unfamiliar man in a safari outfit.

“You think you’ve got me figured out, huh?” I grumbled. “I know I do,” she shot back, sassy as ever. “Mom told me all about your crush on Blunty.”

Instead, I’d volunteered to make a long-shot out of Baltasar.

“My treat,” he gruffly said. “Since you two made my day by coming to practice.”

“Could you teach me how to do it?” That goddamn blush again. “How to not… think so much?” Just marry me already, Suarez.

“I’ll make it up to you, sweetie. Here,” I tossed a hundred-dollar bill at Baltasar, causing his eyebrows to shoot up to his hairline. “Take our girl somewhere fun.” “Sure thing, Z,” he replied as I turned and raced down the hill. “I’ll take good care of her.” I know you will, B.

Just pick a word that you would never say in the heat of the moment—something that turns you off just thinking about it.” That’s easy. “Dahlia,” I replied, without hesitation.

Baltasar blushed while Daisy squealed, jumping up and down while clapping her hands. “Ahhh, this is the best day ever! Blunty’s gonna be my second daddy and you’re gonna get married and we’ll be a family!” She’s not wrong.

“If Wolfgang tries to hurt you, I will fucking end him,” I hissed, feeling my beast roar beneath the surface at the promise of violence. “The only thing separating us in power is that my parents are still around, and I would amend that in a heartbeat if it meant protecting you.” He gaped at me. “Y-you’d do that?” You have no idea what I’d do for you.

“Because I really don’t think you want to know.”