Temptation Trials Part I

Prologue

* * * Cali * * *

Vibrant rays of crimson, azure, and chrome lights flashed from the blinking ball. The sparkling sphere sat on top of the bar, next to the stage area. This rowdy scene was reminiscent of the last party I’d attended, when I was thirteen. That was six years and what seemed like a lifetime ago, before the apocalyptic fall of the world. Everything changed after World War III. The government enacted preposterous rules and regulations to ensure we didn’t spiral into war again. Crime was not tolerated and shindigs like these were forbidden.

I shifted my stance, drilling a hole through the front door. We were miles from the city in rural land, on abandoned property where secret events were held. Scouts were keeping watch for enforcement. That fact didn’t provide me much comfort, however, with how many people were here—well over a hundred.

Will you stop looking like you’re going to bolt any minute, my best friend, Stefani, chastised.

How did I let you talk me into coming? I shouted, over the blasting music—bass reverberated through my body.

Stefani giggled. Her peridot-green eyes reflected off the disco ball. Relax, Cali. I’ve been to several parties. The perimeters are well guarded.

Stefani was more carefree than me, a risk taker. I envied her. Not that I didn’t want to have fun, especially since we weren’t allowed much with the new world order. But I trusted my instincts, and they were wary. I’m not sure I trust whoever is posted at guard. They’re probably our age, and sure to have a beer in their hands while on duty. I followed her to the bar.

You’re such a party pooper. Stefani smiled. I couldn’t help but beam back. Here, she said, handing me a cup of punch. She chugged hers in seconds.

I sipped mine, spiked, of course. That would be two penalties if we got busted, both of us being only nineteen. Stefani eyed me skeptically. Screw it! I was already here, so I might as well enjoy it to the fullest. It did feel good to be a little rambunctious. I swigged my drink, too.

That a girl. Now we’re talking, Stefani gloated.

My eyes reached the heavens. But I was glad I’d finally listened to her and come, needing desperately to live a little. People filled the large living area. Everyone danced to the beat and seemed to be having a blast. Bout time I did something to make me feel like I was still in my late adolescence, I convinced myself.

With harsh mandates, there wasn’t much adventure in society. Going to school and work pretty much summed it up. Leisure actives were limited. We were allowed to date … that is, until you turned twenty-one. Then the government assigned you a partner for life. A sick joke.

Social functions and parties were a violation of the law. There were no national music groups, except for bands approved for his Highest’s events. The new Emperor of the entire globe had been in rule for the last nine years. The only music we listened to were old CDs, but there were secret local groups, just like at this defiant affair I was attending. This cryptic band had three members. The lead guy’s spiked blue hair was only a part of the show. He couldn’t be caught on the street with that hair style, or enforcement would toss him in the brig. I threw my head back, giggling like a school girl.

What’s so funny? Stefani asked.

I inclined my head toward the band. That guy’s blue-do would render enforcement speechless.

Stefani’s eyes bulged. Damn right.

The next song they performed sported the lyrics Fuck the Law. A wide smile spread across my face. It was exactly how I felt at the moment. After my second cup of punch, my body began to mellow out. I bopped my head to the beat.

I’m thrilled I persuaded you to come with me, Stefani purred.

Yeah. This is fun.

I’ll have to remember that in the future. Get you toasted, then you’ll be more willing to defy the law.

We both laughed, and I hit her playfully on her arm. A moment later, a male’s voice whispered in my ear. You’re gorgeous. Wanna dance?

I turned to face him—Stefani giggled. Thanks for the compliment. He raised his eyebrow up and down. He wore gothic attire and had more piercings than I could count. Ears, nose, mouth, tongue. Good looking—just didn’t seem like my type. I didn’t want be appear high diddy, so maybe I would accept his invitation after another drink. My shyness wasn’t effaced from my system yet. The thought of dancing with a man made me jittery. I smiled coyly. Maybe in a bit. Raincheck?

Um … sure. I’ll hold you to it. He straightened his black jacket before walking away.

You’ve got guys lined up already, Stefani teased.

Shut it. You’re getting several stares, too.

Well, I’ll definitely take a cutie up on an offer.

She winked—I shook my head. Stefani was the brave, bold one. I’d always admired her spirit. Song after song thumped through the old house. This band sure knew how to give a performance. A fast beat started. Stefani threw her arms up, waving them in the air.

I love this song! You have to dance with me, Cali.

She dragged me to the dance floor before I could protest. I did love music, even dancing—I was just bashful about dancing with guys. The area was crowded, so this must have been a popular song. Being my first party since middle school, it was new to me. The melody had a slamming vibe, easy to groove to. Stefani’s shoulder-length caramel hair swayed to the beat. Her grin was contagious. I swung my hips with the grooving bass, and the liquor I consumed heated my veins. The atmosphere was warmer than when I’d arrived.

A very attractive man with smooth, toffee-colored skin strolled up behind Stefani. She giggled, and then plastered her butt against his front. He was hawt! They both moved in a choreographic rhythm. I continued to sway my hips, in my own element, until I felt a radiant heat sizzle up my body. The force of this sensation was coming from the wall. I whipped my head to the side, and my breathing ceased. Damn, this party was full of taut delectable men! The guy leaning against the wall was even more gorgeous than the dude dancing with Stefani. The definition of pure hotness. His hungry gaze seemed to eat me up. Unashamed, I also wanted to be his dessert. His stare was so penetrating, I couldn’t look away. His arms were crossed against his chest and his mouth parted. Time seemed to stand still, as we were both absorbed in each other’s gaze. In my alcoholic state, I would gladly dance with him if he stepped up to me—kinda hoped he would. I settled for imagining that he was behind me. In a lustful trance, I moved my hips in slow motion—our eyes stayed locked. Hotness must have approved. He grinned wide, and I was undone. His smile made him even more attractive. Definitely the most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on.

A furious bang vibrated in the room. The commotion broke our "undressing one another’s lustful stare" down. Screams drummed through the air.

The Popo are here. Everyone scatter! a dude hollered.

This was a nightmare! I told Stefani that I had the worst luck. A shitload of enforcers rushed in, kicking the door off the hinges. Smoke polluted the air. The first set of them attacked the band. Three officers assailed both male singers over the head with clubs. The woman singer tried to help them and another enforcer tasered her ass. She shook on the floor rapidly. A guy my age kicked a lawman in the gut, attempting to flee—big mistake. He now lay helpless on the ground while the enforcer beat him to a pulp.

Come the back way, the dude Stefani was dancing with urged, clasping her arm.

Stefani grabbed my hand, trying to tow me with her. But a massive stampede engulfed us, and we were separated.

Cali! I heard Stefani yell.

I couldn’t see her, as I was being trampled. Men and women fumbled over each other, littering the floor. Some were being struck with clubs—others were getting tasered with stun guns. My instincts kicked into overdrive. I had to get to the escape route I’d seen Stefani go in the direction of. Scared out of my mind, I couldn’t make my legs move fast enough.

This way! A guy shouted over the noise. I looked up frantic, into eyes the color of mercury. Hotness came to my aid. Good to know he was a gentleman. I scrambled to my feet, taking his extended hand. A spark of energy pulsed inside my body with the contact. He pulled me swiftly through the stampede. Unfortunately, we didn’t get far. Enforcers let off grenades. Gray smoke encompassed the air in heaps of heavy smog. I crouched along with everyone else, coughing. Cover your mouth, Hotness advised.

I did but it didn’t help much. Plus, I could no longer see him, and his grip was loosening. I struggled with not letting people’s cries and the pounding of flesh surrounding me consume me with fear. A chick behind me got zapped. She fell, pulling me down with her. I lost my balance, but caught myself with my hands before I crashed into the ground. That delay cost everything. Torturous pain overwhelmed me, an agony like I’d never felt before. My body shook violently as excruciating electric shock waves coursed through my veins. That bastard tasered me! Vaguely, I saw Hotness rushing toward me, but he was bombarded by two officers. I groaned, trying to get to my feet. A pointless attempt, as more electric currents invaded my body. A scream escaped my trembling lips, then everything went black.

I

REVELATIONS

1

* * * Stefani * * *

Chaos rang through the atmosphere as stampedes of folks fled the party. The boisterous scene turned into a disaster. Fast! I learned that running in heels proved difficult. This good-looking motherfucker towed me to his sports car as bureaucrats chased the crowd. Cars were speeding away, smoke spewing from the mufflers. Others weren’t so lucky getting tasered and beaten with clubs.

Get in, quick!

Wait! I can’t just leave my friend.

I promise we’ll help her. But we can’t do anything if we’re captured.

He jumped into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. A dude a few yards away made a garbled sound. He landed on the pavement, out cold from being hit in the head with a slugger. That lit a fire under my ass. I scrambled into the passenger seat. Mr. Good-looking burned rubber, flooring the gas. My head slammed against the seat. I gripped onto the sides for dear life.

Once we cleared the corner, he glanced at me with a crooked smile. I’m Tobias.

Stefani….

You looked freaked. Was that your first raid?

Ya think? I smirked.

He chuckled. I work for a covert organization. We can rescue your friend, but I need to get to our base-site in order to do so.

I’d only known this man for less than fifteen minutes. He’d saved me from being tasered or getting clobbered, so that had to count for something.

Shit! Tobias yelled. My head whipped from side to side, paranoid, then I heard sirens. Hang tight. I’m going to try to lose them.

He pushed the pedal to the metal, hauling ass. The speedometer gauge passed one hundred-ten miles per hour. I clutched the seat, squeezing my eyes shut. I silently prayed, repenting for my sins. The tires on Tobias’ sports car skidded when we sped around a sharp turn. Scared shitless, my heart pounded against my rib cage as he picked up more speed. The car elevated off the pavement when we flew over an incline in the road.

You’re nuts! I chastised.

Tobias laughed—I scowled. Yet, somehow, this car chase felt exhilarating. The sirens of the bureaucrat’s vehicle sounded farther in the distance. Following the rules had never been my forte. But with the mandates being so strict in this new world order, I didn’t break many. Sneaking to shindigs was my limit. It must be my rebellious side that thrived off this defiance of the law.

Tobias swerved into a parking garage located by a vast building. Being late at night, it was almost empty. He zoomed through the first level, then came out on the other end. He glanced behind him, scoping out the scene.

Looks like we’ve lost them, Tobias said, only slowing down a tad. Didn’t mean to frighten you.

Lucky we didn’t get caught. We would’ve been up shit’s creek.

Figured I could lose them if I made it to this garage.

We evaded the officers, but what if they snagged your license plate number?

Good question. My license tag is untraceable. They would come up blank. So don’t worry.

Another perk of your covert organization. I wondered if he’d picked up on me being a smart-ass.

Exactly. He raised his eyebrow up and down. My friend, Kincade, went back during the raid for your friend.

Her name is Cali.

Unfortunately, he got caught, also.

At least he was man enough to try to help her. Was he the guy against the wall that was practically eating her up with his eyes?

Yeah, that’s him. Tobias chuckled. Anyhow, we’ve been best buddies for years. I need to help him, too. So, in the process, we’ll help Cali.

Tobias pulled into a deserted-appearing warehouse. There wasn’t much lighting, only scant towering poles spread far apart. He drove to the rear of the building and parked. A few other vehicles were in this lot. My eyes grew wide. Do you plan on chopping me up? I asked, point blank.

His head fell back in hysterics. I like you. I was beginning to like him, too, before I’d gotten the thrasher vibe. Tobias lifted both hands in the air. This is the base of my secret organization.

This warehouse looks like it’s been vacant for some time.

It has. Our operation hideout is located underneath this building. You can trust me, but we have to go there in order to save your friend. A lot of my Opp members were taken along with Cade. So I’m sure our team director will approve a rescue. I eyed him skeptically. He reached inside his glove compartment, grabbing a black object. Handing it to me, he said, Take this if it makes you feel better. The on switch is here. He pointed, grinning deviously. Just don’t shock yourself, okay. Or we’ll have another issue.

I couldn’t help but smile. Tobias giving me a Taser gun did make me feel safer. He seemed sincere, so I went with my gut. My initial paranoia must have been nerves.

He hopped out of the car. Come on, we don’t have time to waste. My director’s blowing up my cell.

Feeling more at ease, I let Tobias drag me into the dimly lit warehouse. I gripped the Taser tightly. If there was a chance that I could help Cali, then I would take it. Once we’d made it through the grim, abandoned building, we went downstairs to the lower level. There were several other men and women scurrying about. None seemed to pay attention to me. Tobias conversed shortly with a few. Afterwards, he led me to a large computer room.

You okay? Tobias asked.

I’m good.

Just give me a moment to get things started.

He got on an enormous computer screen, loading info. Minutes later, a tall man, the same height as Tobias and also resembling him, waltzed in. He had a darker brown complexion.

Tobias, what’s the meaning of this?

His eyes darted over to me, making me feel yea big. Great!

You know the rules about civilians.

Sorry, Marcus. But her friend was taken with Cade, Rafael, and the others.

Fucking unacceptable! Marcus’ nostrils flared. I cowered.

Will you approve a rescue? asked Tobias, standing his ground.

I will … this time. I’ll get the mission underway and send in a team to coordinate with you momentarily. Keep tabs on your guest, Marcus relayed, leaving quickly.

Things happened swiftly after that. Several people came into the room. Most of their code talk was mumbo-jumbo. An escape team was assembled, preparing to aid Cali, Cade, and other members from their organization. While Marcus barked orders, I stood out of their way, sitting in a chair far in the corner.

The hipness of the crew getting their plans together simmered down. Only Tobias and two other guys were left in the large computer area. Tobias turned to me from the slew of monitors. Sorry about that. We gotta move in fast.

I get it.

Don’t mind Marcus. He’s just pissed at the members for getting caught by the law.

Yeah, I take it that civilians like myself aren’t supposed to be involved, either.

He smiled shyly. You’re not supposed to, unless you’ve been recruited by an official Opp member. This is a special situation. Hesitantly, I nodded. Everything will be fine. Look, soon we’ll be able to view the enforcement compound on these screens.

How?

Everyone on the rescue team has a hidden camera embedded on them.

Glancing at the monitors, I saw different screens split into sections. All of them were frizzling with static. We’ll see from these. I pointed.

One of the guys in the room answered. Yep. His eyes swept over me with a hungry gaze. Tobias glared at him, and the dude went back to what he was working on.

Once they get into position, then the cameras will cue to life, Tobias relayed. He pulled out a chair, indicating for me to sit next to him.

So your job is to operate computers?

Yes, and more importantly, to navigate the rescue. Hang tight.

2

* * * Cali * * *

My lids fluttered open. I lay on a hard surface, staring at the white ceiling, which was spinning. My head twirled in a haze. Where the hell was I?

Phew, you’re awake. I was beginning to worry, a man with a deep, sexy voice said.

Turning my head, I glanced into mercury-colored eyes that seared me. Hotness was sitting close, with his brow furrowed. In brighter light and closer up, he was even more attractive. A piece of his walnut brown hair fell onto his forehead. I sat up, attempting to get my bearings. I hissed at the sharp sensation that radiated around my wrist. Whoa, careful … we’re connected, he informed me.

What the…. Frantic, I looked down. Freaking fantastic! Our wrists were handcuffed together. We also shared a jail cell. Hotness repositioned himself more comfortably. Why are we handcuffed?

He chuckled without humor. The enforcer that I was wrestling with in an attempt to rescue you thought it was fitting.

Huh?

A prank on his part. He made the comment, ‘Since you want to be a hero, then I’ll arrange for you to stay together. Permanently.’

What an asshole! Hotness laughed genuinely, which lit his entire face. How long have I been passed out?

Not sure. More than an hour. I would’ve liked to get my hands on the punk that tasered you. The second voltage was not necessary. It’s why you were out for so long. Remembering the pain of the electric jolts made me shudder. I ran my hand through my long, thick, black waves. As I assumed, they were a matted mess. Don’t worry. You look great. He smiled warmly—I rolled my eyes, seriously doubting that was the case. I’m Kincade, by the way. But everyone just calls me Cade.

My name is Cali.

Nice to meet you.

You too, Cade. Reality of the situation kicked in. My mom is going to kill me.

Don’t worry. My crew will intervene.

What do you mean? He scooted closer. An electric pulse sizzled through the air, zinging my insides with pleasure.

The organization I’m with should be here shortly. We all have locators.

I wasn’t sure about this organization, but I allowed myself to hope. So, you get into this kinda trouble often? He chuckled. Gosh, this guy was gorgeous. I needed to get my priorities straight. In the midst of my problems, I was checking him out.

No, this is my first offense. But this co-op has it perks. He glanced around, then whispered, The locator’s signal will not only let them know where I am, but I’ll be able to hear them.

How?

His voice grew even lower—his breath tickled my face. The technology we have is advanced. The device is located by my eardrum. They can use it to transmit my location, and it allows me to hear radio communication. I can also talk to them, once the wave signal is activated.

It sounded high tech. Okay. Even if your guys break us out, it doesn’t really alleviate the problem. We’re in the system. They’ll confiscate us, then we’ll be in more trouble than we already are.

My crew will crash their system with a virus that will destroy all camera footage recorded within the last few days. The good thing is, they threw us straight in here. They haven’t even processed this cell block yet. That makes things easier.

So they haven’t finger printed anyone in this section?

He shook his head. Plus, the virus will wipe out their files, too. Any inmate in this compound who manages to flee, it will be their lucky day.

This sounds like cryptic op stuff. Why are you telling me this?

He shrugged. I have good instincts. I seriously doubt you’re going to blab to the guards.

No. I’m not a tattle-tale. I smiled and he beamed back. Has your corporation communicated with you?

Not yet. My face fell. I was allowing myself to believe there may just be a chance out of this mess. In a situation like this, they have to rescue us. It’s code. There are too many members from our organization here. Tobias is the best IT hacker in the city of San Diego. He built the virus crasher. Tobias and I are good bros. He’ll come through. He’s the guy that was dancing with your friend.

Stefani? Please let her be okay, I mentally prayed. So they made it out?

As far as I know. They were headed out the back way when I returned for you.

At least Stefani was all right. My heart skipped a beat at the fact that this guy, who didn’t know me, had attempted to help. Thank you for trying to rescue me.

His expression was dazzling. You’re welcome.

What about these cuffs?

Let’s get out of here first, then we’ll worry about that.

I needed to stretch my legs. I’m going to stand up. He nodded. The set of handcuffs were slightly different then ones I’d seen in movies. The chain between the metal circles appeared longer. At least they allowed some give and take. I walked over to the bars—Cade had no choice but to follow. The cells to my right, left, and front were all full of inmates. This place is packed.

Rafael, a member of my crew, is two cells down.

I stretched my head farther, locking eyes with the blond-headed Rafael. He raised both his eyebrows. Hotness came closer. I loved the name Kincade, but Hotness fit him well.

Static, Rafael relayed to Hotness.

Was that a secret word? Does Rafael have a locator also?

Yes. Every member does.

Is static a code word?

It means the communication signal is being activated. I can hear it now.

It seemed like a nifty piece of equipment. So, what is supposed to happen, exactly? Hotness inclined his head toward a guard coming in our direction. The enforcer looked dead at me. I turned away from the bars.

That’s the prick who handcuffed us.

This just keeps getting better!

Once the enforcer did his rounds, Cade spoke in a low voice, "I’ll explain later. We probably shouldn’t talk in detail. I’ll let you know more as soon as I