The Rogue Venator

By C. S Luis

Sent to a small Mexican city to await further instructions, Jack has no idea what he’s doing. The Company has left him alone to fend for himself. With no guardian watching his back, Jack quickly falls in line with the local cartels. Only out for number one, he betrays everyone and endangers his life.

After Jack has burned all his bridges, a mysterious young woman appears. He’s never been the sappy sort, but he’s drawn to her. Discovering her powers, he knows he can use her to bargain for his life. When his plan goes all wrong, she’s the one that will need a savior.

Will his betrayal cost her life, or will he stand up and be the man she believes him to be?

The Rogue Venator is a spinoff to The Mindbender Series. While they don’t need to be read together, it is recommended.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Feb 3, 2024

C. S Luis

C.S Luis write Gay Romance and Science Fiction.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THE SHOWOFF

5 years earlier

The tension was broken with a simple game.

I bet — I can beat your time at disassembling this firearm, I said.

Shit... As soon as I walked into the barracks, everyone turned to face me. I was the new face, the new guy who caught their attention. I was about to be initiated.

If I beat you, I’ll take that bunk, I said.

Hell no! You’re new, and we say where you sleep. Those here longer get first dibs. Get it? Another boy pressed a finger into my chest. Of course, I wanted to break it, but fuck, I also wanted to make new friends.

You afraid to lose? I asked.

With a creepy grin, he said, Fuck no. I’m not afraid of anything. I don’t have to prove anything to you.

I made chicken noises. He creased his brow at me.

Fine, asshole, but this is a hell of a way to start your first day here. You’re on! There was excitement among the group. Jackson, time us.

Another cadet stepped up, holding a timer in his hand. Another set two handguns in front of us.

This should be easy. I hope you know what you’re getting into, new guy.

Yeah, Bruce is the fastest in our group, the other cadets agreed.

I let out a big huff, rolling my eyes. The only one I couldn’t beat was Johnny.

Stop talking and get ready to prove it. I smirked.

Fuck, you can have my cigarettes if you beat me.

I grinned. Cigarettes, I heard those things were addictive. Dr. Nicholson didn’t allow them, neither did the sergeant. Older soldiers brought them back and threw them to the younger ones over the fence. Anyone caught with them would be placed under lockdown and guarded.

You’re on. I said.

The timer started. The minute his thumb touched it, I had already set the gun down in pieces. The challenger’s eyes blinked and gasped in disbelief.

Done, I announced.

They just gazed at me for the longest time, wondering, Who the fuck is this guy? Or perhaps they were more interested in what I was. Fuck, I used to wonder what I was too. Aside from the obvious, of course. I was a braggart first and an asshole second. The order, however, had a habit of shifting.

It took a moment before they could look at me, let alone speak again. Shit! How did you do that?

I shrugged and grabbed the parts of the gun, putting it back together as fast as I had taken it apart. Then set it down again. Their eyes widened.

Shit! That’s awesome! one of them said.

Would you like to see something else? Grinning, I inquired. My new audience pleased me.

Their smiles widened, and they nodded.

I drew up my arm’s sleeve and took a blade from the side of my leg strap. Then placed the sharp end on my skin.

Shit! What the fuck, dude?

Relax.

I made a deep incision into my arm. Of course, not deep enough. Only sliced enough that it wouldn’t take a day to heal. When I cut, it bled, and they were terrified.

Fuck! Are you insane? They all gazed at me as if I were spewing crabs from my head. Yeah, I was a little different.

I laughed. The dagger was sharp enough to cleanly puncture the skin.

The incision was deep and long on my forearm, slicing down past my wrist. Normally, anything like this would necessitate sutures, but not for me. Watch this, I said.

They blinked in surprise. It took a few moments, but I was generally able to keep it under control. I’m not sure how. It was dubbed willing it by me. Johnny could do it if I could. I witnessed him take a thrashing and still appear unharmed. Normally, a cut heals from the inside out. It did, however, leave a mark. I wasn’t sure if Johnny was any different.

What do you mean? You just cut your arm.

That’s not the cool part, I said, holding my arm. Blood was pooling on my skin and dripping to the side of my forearm; I could see the fear as well as amazement in their eyes. They wanted to see it as much as they wanted to flee from this crazed youngster. Dr. Nicholson would have something to say about this, and Johnny would deliver another of his lectures.

They did keep an eye on it. The cut closed and then vanished. It was as if I had never sliced my arm in the first place. There was no further evidence of what had recently happened, save for a single mark—a thin line, my tiny signal. My arm was covered in bruises, scars from the past.

They lost it.

Holy shit! That was fuckin’ amazing! one of them said.

How the hell are you able to do that? another demanded.

I’m not sure. They did something to me, I said quietly, but they didn’t hear me. The man in white had done this to us.

It’s something I could always do, I said. I discovered it a while back.

That’s some crazy shit! I was more approachable now. The new guy was fuckin’ awesome. Their eyes beamed as they looked at me. I was no longer just another face among a bunch of cadets; I was someone they looked up to.

They teach that over there? one guy asked. I just nodded and smiled.

They were all impressed. That moment got me in the crowd. Coming from the other side, as they called it— that had given me the upper hand. I wasn’t like everyone else.

The challenger moved up. Name’s Bruce, he said, putting out his hand.

Jack, I said. Jack Sanders.

So, Jack, what else can you do?

I cracked a smile.

Like I said—ice broken. That was that.

They were impressed by what I was capable of. They raised their eyes to me.

Early on, I realized I could learn almost anything quickly. My method of mastering languages was by memorizing a few words at a time, then immersing myself in them. Everything was a possibility.

1

THE PREMONITION

Suddenly, I was in a corridor. The halls of what appeared to be a school were unsettling. The property needed extensive repairs; pipes were leaking, and lights were flickering. The quantity and variety of football and championship trophies on display indicated that this was a high school. A wall depicting school events was also constructed near a set of offices.

Walking on, I felt like I was looking for something, or someone rather. They were expecting me, and I had to find them. And something was going to happen if I didn’t find what I was searching for. I had to be there; I had to protect them.

Passing a few offices, I could make out the names, but as I neared, the words strangely became blurry. I made out the words Assistant Principals, Mr. Cl— before the letters seemed to melt away. No matter what I did to look at them—whether I turned sideways or stood on my head—I could not clearly make the words out. So, I moved on.

Walking a few steps before I turned to look back, to continue down the hall.

Nearing a corner, I heard sounds coming from the end of the hall.

Hello? Anyone there? As I neared the end of the hall, I saw a figure standing over a body. Frozen momentarily, I watched another figure walk away. As I approached, he stopped and turned with a grin on his face. Clad in a white lab coat was Dr. Nicholson staring back at me.

My first instinct was to turn back and run away from that man, but he was the one that moved back from the two other figures. He moved so quickly that he seemed to vaporize into the endless hallway. Looking at the other two figures, I realized that the one standing over the other was Johnny.

John? I uttered in a tiny whisper and approached. Hurrying over, I could see he was standing over a girl who was lying on the floor. He kneeled as I neared, sobbing. He reached down and took her into his arms. As I came closer, I clearly saw her. Something knocked me over. Then immediately, an energy began pulsating throughout my body with a sudden weakness and strength all at once and took me over. Dropping near Johnny, I stared at her. Why did I feel like I knew her?

Strangely, Johnny began to fade as if he had never been there. His cries faded with him as if he were some strange ghost roaming the hallways. It was just her on the floor, motionless.

I crept up to her side, stealthily. I had no idea what to do. My heart ached because she was so lovely. Was she still alive? Was she all right?

Reaching over, I touched her cheek; her skin was soft and warm on my hands. An electrical charge raced from her skin into me, sending waves of pleasure unlike anything I’d ever experienced. My skin tingled and came alive with a connection that linked us together, and then that awareness that I’d known her all my entire life. Only now did I realize that I had been looking for her.

Pushing back her lovely locks of hair, I stroked her golden-brown face. How perfect she was. I longed to know her.

Who are you? How do I know you? Why do I feel like I’ve always been in search of you—like you’re the one thing missing in my life?

She opened her eyes and raised her gaze to mine. It was both forceful and exhilarating to feel a thrust in my soul.

You’re so beautiful, I whispered.

An electrical current surged from her fingertips when she stretched out her hand to touch my face. My eyes were dancing, and my heart was exploding. I felt a flutter in my gut. Leaning close, I wanted to kiss her. My emotions were out of control, and I was losing my willpower.

Jack, she whispered my name. That alone removed the last of my constraints. I immediately placed my lips to hers. It was too much for me to bear. I felt like I was drowning in her mouth when her soft lips pressed against mine.

Her hands made contact with my shoulders and she started pushing me back. However, I couldn’t stop myself.

I need you! Why do I need you so much? Who are you? Tell me, please! And as I exhaled, an electrified energy was exploding throughout my body. I had never felt so alive!

Jack, stop!

There was a hard shove, and I was thrown back. Hitting the lockers, I dropped to the floor on my face. Slowly raising my head, all I saw was her fleeing down the hall.

Shit! Great with the ladies, Jack.

"Jack! Jack! Get up!" A voice said from somewhere around me.

My eyes sprang open, blinking wildly, and I began spinning my head all over the place. One of the cadets was speaking to me in hushed tones, recognizing that I was still in my bunk. He had obviously been the one to wake me up from the best fucking dream. Immediately I rushed to my feet to stand along in line with my fellow cadets. But all I could think of was— what was her name? I couldn’t put it together, but I got the impression she wanted me to find her.

Clearly, there were footsteps approaching, and I realized we had an unexpected visitor. The unannounced guest instilled fear among the other cadets. The staff sergeant was the first to address us. I expected a regular check of the barracks and a lecture about our last leave visit. All the cadets were in alert stance, lining a path for him, as his dress shoes then resonated on the marble floor.

Peering over, I noticed him in his nice white coat walking by the cadets. He proceeded down the line. The cadets’ features reflected their nervousness and the questions that were likely on their minds. They were all wondering the same thing. They were curious as to why Dr. Nicholson, the director of the science sector, was present.

Dr. Nicholson came to a halt beside me and turned. A few others gasped. He fixed his baby blue eyes on me and greeted me with his slightly odd, arrogant smile. You could almost hear a pin drop. The cadets in my group looked at me in bewilderment.

He’s here to see Jack, they said quietly.

They realized I wasn’t normal after seeing what I was capable of. There was something unusual about me. Why wouldn’t he pay me a visit? After all, I’d come from the other side, and he was Dr. Nicholson, the ADA director. He was the most feared of all the top scientists. You sought his attention while also attempting to escape it.

Walk with me, Jack, his voice was like nails on a chalkboard. The accent both familiar and distinguished. He walked. I followed, receiving a few curious looks before hearing the staff sergeant’s voice admonish the other soldiers.

This doesn’t concern you, ladies. At alert!

As Dr. Nicholson and I exited the cadet barracks, the staff sergeant’s voice faded. Dr. Nicholson remained silent until we exited the building. It wasn’t long after we walked, that same familiar voice with the German accent began to speak. It was harsh as always, and Dr. Nicholson bold and straight to the point.

I’ve heard you’ve been making quite a spectacle of yourself among the other cadets with the use of your capabilities, he stepped aside and turned to face me. His blond tresses danced in the fingers of a tiny breeze.

How in the world did he know? That was the look in my eyes. Obviously, I was resisting the need to voice the question aloud.

They respect me, sir, unlike others, I explained instead.

"You call that— respect?" Dr. Nicholson’s displeasure was evident as he turned and glared away, then back.

They hold me in high regard, I rephrased with a frown.

They see nothing but a mutant with a gift, he replied, even harsher. One who will comply upon their request in order to gain acceptance from his peers. You’re far more than that.

I suppressed my wrath.

You’re an embarrassment. I didn’t create— He didn’t complete his sentence, instead taking the time to gather himself. That took me by surprise. When he spoke again, it was nothing like I had anticipated. You are a valuable asset, Jack, he said after a brief pause to gather his thoughts.

How so? I was quick to say. I actually didn’t expect an answer and was surprised when I received one.

You were born with a flaw that would have killed you if I hadn’t been able to produce a treatment.

This was the first time I’d heard anything about it. Curiously glancing over, he continued. This had been more than he’d ever disclosed about my past or why I was the way I was. I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear it.

When the drug was administered into your body, a unique aberration appeared and mutated within you and John. It made you much more powerful and superior to others. You and John are unusual; the chemistry of your bodies embraced the medication and saved you. This medicine has bestowed gifts upon you.

Unique? Gifts? Whatever you want to call it. This is far from a gift. Why us, and why me?

I already explained everything to you, Jack. You and John were born with a disability, and you would have died as children if it hadn’t been for the⁠—

I know, the drug you invented. You rescued us. Why do you keep feeding that shit to John? His brows furrowed slightly with each stubborn retort and response from me.

Do you not believe?

I don’t think a silly medicine rescued us. I don’t think we were ever sick, or that our bodies could bond with the drugs you provided us.

What makes surviving a terminal disease or the concept of a mutation impossible? I loathed it when he looked at me with those bright blue eyes. To him, Johnny and I were lab rats.

Because of what I am capable. No one can take something and transform it into this—no ailment bestows a gift on you. This is reality, not a child’s fantasy. Not Spiderman or any bogus superhero.

I’ve already explained, Jack; you, like John, are anomalies. Your body’s chemistry has mutated features that have given you and John an advantage over ordinary people. You are exceptional.

Bullshit, I snapped.

Dr. Nicholson’s brow wrinkled. It could have been my tone or the phrase I used. In any case, I wasn’t believing his nonsense. He would not give me a straight response.

As he inhaled, Dr. Nicholson’s lips tightened into a thin line. He wanted me to believe the fairy tale he had fed us for so long. I’d had enough of it. My defiance had made him furious, since I had opted to play by my own cards. Yet, he had always appeared uninterested in me. Although I hated to admit it, I was envious of his attention to John. The man had been the closest thing I had ever known to a father. And I felt forgotten in comparison to John, his prize hunter. There was never a day he wouldn’t constantly compare me to him in some way. I’ve never measured up, so why even try? I wasn’t going to be anything other than what I was— a fucking renegade. I had my position, and John had his.

What exactly am I? Who am I? I asked him directly. Nothing about the inquiry changed his arrogant expression. I expected him to at least offer me that. In any case, what did I anticipate finding there? Perhaps surprise. A glimpse of humanity in his eyes. Anything to tell me I was on to something. Anything that would make him human. However, there was nothing.

You are a young man endowed with a rare talent. You should feel pleased with yourself. You are unlike any other child in significantly more ways. That was all he had to offer, nothing more than what I had expected from him.

I rerouted my question. Have I ever had a family? Parents? I was expecting no response.

His eyes flashed. Had he anticipated being asked that question? I believe he did. I knew your mother— before she passed away.

Quizzically, I raised my head again. What I was hearing was unbelievable. I waited until he stepped aside. I couldn’t read his expression to figure out what he was thinking. Was he recalling her, or maybe the moment I arrived here?

Tell me, what was she like? What made her abandon me? I insisted on knowing. Did I not mean anything to her?

Your mother passed away while giving birth to you. His statements were direct and nasty. That wasn’t something new. You would have died, as well, if I hadn’t interfered and found you when I did.

While I didn’t want to believe his words, I knew they were all I could expect from him. The man approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder. Perhaps he was trying to console me. If that’s what he was trying to convey, he had failed miserably. His touch and loving demeanor were surreal.

It was as if the powers that be had brought you and John to me. You both belong here, Jack. Among those who can support your talents. Dr. Nicholson lifted a hand and wagged a finger back, with a frown on his face. Not misuse—Be proud of yourself. You and John are both exceptional individuals. Play the part.

Can I go to training with John like we used to? I intervened.

Dr. Nicholson’s eyes squinted, and his lip curved back. No, he responded flatly. That was something I expected.

So, what brings you here? A lecture cannot be your primary motivation, sir. He raised his brow, his lip thinned once again.

I want you to start training with the senior recruits right away, he said immediately. Now we were talking. Then, I’m going to send you out into the field with them.

He had no reaction to the look of surprise on my face. The news made my stomach swirl, making the hair on my arms go up. A loud ringing echoed inside my head. I was sick one minute, then excited the next. This was so unexpected. He was planning on allowing me to go out with the military. Why? I wanted to ask, but I was worried my inquiries would send me back to where I’d been stranded, and he’d change his mind.

Report back to me in two weeks after your training with the senior recruits. Sergeant Jones has your transfer paperwork; please collect your belongings and relocate to the adult barracks by the end of the day.

The sergeant emerged from the barracks and approached us. Dr. Nicholson walked away. The sergeant saluted me, then handed me an envelope before he moved to escort Dr. Nicholson back to his awaiting vehicle and back to the building where his lab was located.

Sir, Dr. Nicholson stopped and looked back. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to prove myself.

Dr. Nicholson peered at me as if he were dissecting a specimen in his lab. Was he taking notes in his head? I was perplexed. His expression was devoid of reason or feeling, merely the cold, condescending regard he was known for. He nodded and followed the sergeant away.

It was an easy acceptance the day I moved into the senior barracks. As the outlier, I was Dr. Nicholson’s pet project. They aspired to be like me. Soldiers looked up to me, seeing me as a symbol of what they would become. It was odd how I was received. I didn’t need an ice breaker since I was feared and respected. I was already there.

Later that night, I experienced the dream again. I was roaming the corridors of that odd school building like a frantic man in search of the girl in my dreams. I had to find her, just like the first time. She gave me tremendous strength and I felt a connection to her. I loved her, despite the fact that I had never met her.

After a fast run through the halls, I spotted her. Her first reaction was to