Eight Abel

It'd been a couple of days since we were separated from the group and had yet learned the reasons why. Aside from the four gates we passed through to get to the Restricted Zone, everything looked the same. The bunkhouse was the same, the routines were the same, the gym where we spent the past few mornings training was also the same. The only difference was there were only six of us versus the usual twenty guys. What was so special about this part of The Creed?

I pulled the small metal lever that turned the shower on. Drops of frigid water dripped onto my hair and flowed down my face, trickling over my chest and abs, rinsing away my sweat. I shivered as the icy stream cascaded over my exhausted body. The tension from the grueling workout we'd endured moments ago began to ease as the cold water lessened the ache in my muscles.

Every part of my body had protested the intensity of the drill we'd been forced to do. The addition of new exercises had pushed me beyond my limits, leaving my body spent. Even our martial arts training had been taken up a notch. "You better get used to it," one of the guards, acting as my sparring partner, had said. He proceeded to speak more bullshit, but I tuned him out once he mentioned how "lucky" we were to be "the chosen ones." Blah, blah, blah. And what was up with the additional training? It wasn't like we'd be sent into combat or anything. We never left the compound!

As a warm spray gradually replaced the cold, steam enveloped the small stall. My mind began to wander. Just when I thought this community couldn't get any creepier, disturbing shit kept happening.

Lost in my own thoughts in the fogged-up bathroom, it took me a minute to notice a man standing just beyond the shower area. After squinting through the thin layer of steam and water dripping off my lashes, I recognized Napoleon. What the fuck was he doing in here?

Between steam billows, I caught Napoleon's eyes travel down my body and lock onto my cock. My skin crawled. What the hell? Was he fucking for real? He licked his lips, lust evident in his beady eyes. The intensity of his gaze was unsettling, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. I wasn't afraid of him, since I knew I could take him down easily, but he was an authority figure and I shuddered to think what he could do to me and my family if I did anything outside the norm. He'd find any excuse to punish me.

I reached for the shower curtain, pulling it shut with a resolute tug. The thin plastic barrier offered a semblance of privacy, shielding me from his creepy presence. With my heart pounding, I leaned against the tiled wall, letting the warm spray soothe my nerves as I mulled over what the hell he was doing here.

As the falling water echoed and mingled with my own ragged breaths, it gradually washed away not only my physical exhaustion but also the riddle that had clouded my mind these past couple of days. I needed to refocus. I couldn't afford to lose concentration, not with uncertainty in the air. This was the perfect opportunity to unravel the mystery of The Creed. I just needed to keep my eyes peeled and my ears perked.

I turned off the shower and shook the remaining droplets from my tired body before pulling back the curtain.

"Be ready in five minutes," the overhead speaker blasted.

I quickly reached for my towel, dried myself off, and grabbed my clothes that were sitting on top of the counter. Where the fuck were my underwear? My jaw clenched but I didn't have time to look for them. It'd be a wasted effort anyway, since I had a suspicion who had them. When I exited the shared bathroom, I cast a subtle glance toward Napoleon, who was now standing further away, maintaining a watchful distance. Asshole. I made my way back to our living quarters. I had four minutes left to get ready.

The guys who opted out of showering were resting on their bunks instead. Heavy feet slapping on the floor and collective groaning filled the space. "I'm tired of this shit," one of the guys said. He could say that again.

"I'm so sore," Seven said as he headed in my direction, glancing around cautiously as he neared. "Hey." He scanned the room once again. "The guys talked to me before we were taken," he whispered.

I kept a neutral expression, waiting for him to elaborate. "Oh yeah? What about?"

"Listen—"

"How many times do I have to tell you ‘no talking!'" Napoleon barked.

"Damn it!" Seven muttered. "Talk to you later." He scurried away and stood next to his bunk. It was a smart move, since he'd been warned on multiple occasions, and one of these days he'd suffer the consequence. I was surprised it'd taken this long.

"What were you fools talking about?" Napoleon asked. Like a bonafide creep, he inhaled deeply when he reached me, eyelids fluttering. It was subtle, but not subtle enough. Fucking perv.

I shrugged. "Just wondering what's for dinner, sir."

"I'm watching you," he said, walking away.

The six of us were taken into a metal-caged arena a five-minute walk from our new barracks. The ring, illuminated by a spotlight, was a contrast to the dark space. "Up," someone behind us ordered. We did as we were instructed and made our way to the ring. The tan-colored canvas surface was splattered with dried blood. Some appeared to be fresh because of the bright red color. Even the white pads in the corners were stained. It didn't smell great either, the room permeated by sweat, vinegar, and alcohol.

"Line up and don't move a muscle." Like fucking robots, we stood in formation, hands behind our backs, without speaking.

I chanced a glance to my side and locked eyes with Seven, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension written all over his face. "What's th—"

"You! Again!" Napoleon marched over and elbowed Seven's stomach before he had a chance to complete his question. "I said, no talking!"

Seven grimaced, coughing up saliva, but he remained standing.

Lights flicked on, and the dim room brightened. Between the shifting crowd of guards, figures emerged from one of the heavy doors that lined the arena.

Orcus, distinguishable by his commanding presence, walked forward, followed by a tall man with dark hair. My attention was immediately drawn to the stranger. He stopped behind the shadow of a post, which obstructed parts of his face. He had a jaw for days. He was muscular, with broad shoulders and tattoos all over his arms, some peeking out of the collar of his shirt, running to his thick neck. He swallowed hard, his pronounced Adam's apple bobbing. Man, I wanted to lick it. His well-trimmed facial hair was sexy as fuck. I wondered how the rough hair would feel dragging on my skin. The striking man was what wet dreams were made of. This day wasn't so bad after all.

My head filled with excitement—a little too much for the occasion. I looked away as my cock stirred to life. I was reminded that I wasn't wearing any underwear when the head of my dick brushed against the stiff fabric of my pants, causing slight discomfort. I stuck my ass out slightly to readjust without any success. Great. There was no hiding the bulge in my crotch. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing until my racing heart and boner calmed down.

When I opened my eyes, the man appeared to be staring in my direction. Maybe he liked what he was seeing; I was not mad about the perusal. Come on, come closer. I wanted—no, I needed—to see his face, hoping his features matched his physique. Something to imagine when I jacked off later.

Orcus stepped forward. He looked back to where the man stood and nodded, inviting the new guy to stand next to him.

And when he did, my heart skipped. There was no denying who this man was. His face was etched in my mind, the subject of my wildest dreams. The man who'd made me realize I was attracted to guys. The one I could never forget. Stories my dad had told me about him and the fantasies I'd made up flooded my brain. It'd been ten years, but every fiber in my body was telling me it was him.

When he stood under the light, my suspicion was confirmed. He threw a blank stare my way, seemingly unaffected by my presence.

My eyes widened in disbelief. Tobias? What the fuck was he doing here? Did he recognize me?