James Knight: Teenage Superhuman: James Knight: Teenage Superhuman, #1

By Jordan Romero

Sixteen-year-old James Everett Knight wishes for nothing more than an ordinary life. However, being a superhuman comes with its own set of challenges, especially when he has to keep his powers hidden from his father and others around him. When mysterious supers appear in Phoenix, Arizona, James must overcome his fears and protect his family and the city while trying to navigate his teenage life. But when he discovers a treatment that his father, Samuel Knight, has been researching for years, James' enemies target him to take away his powers and use them for a more sinister plan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jordan Romero
• Release date: Mar 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224121861

Book preview

Prologue

As a child, I was incredibly curious and always bustling around my Uncle Samual's laboratory. I entertained the idea that I was moving so quickly that he couldn't keep up with me.

With my parents serving in the LAPD, he became my part-time babysitter and scientist. Little did I know, the government organization he worked for held secrets darker than the shadows clinging to his lab corners.

One day, Uncle Sam, a government scientist with classified projects, became my accidental superhero mentor. It wasn't planned, like most things in my six-year-old life.

My brother Derek was off on a father-son day at the police station, leaving Samual to doodle notes for his research while I played in a makeshift kiddie corner. But my attention, like a butterfly, danced towards the vibrant vials scattered around.

Sam, hunched over his computer, battled sleep deprivation with bags under his eyes and messy bangs. He often seemed too engrossed to notice my mischief, which, naturally, fueled my desire to get his attention. I zipped around the lab, my sneakers whispering against the polished tiles, a pint-sized tornado waiting to happen.

James Everett Knight, watch it! he warned, his voice strained. My hip bumped the wide marble table where the vials stood, a silent dare to my ever-present curiosity.

Uncle Sam, I'm a superhero! I declared, oblivious to the approaching storm. His gaze flitted to the table, a flicker of worry replacing his weary smile.

The cool air from the vent swirled around me as I zoomed past Sam, his tired eyes pleading for me to slow down. But my fascination with the glowing vials was like a moth drawn to a flame. With a racing heart, I snatched a vial, its liquid warmth spreading in my palm.

Suddenly, a shadow shifted from the corner. A boy my age, with dark eyes and wild curls, gestured toward me. Fear pricked my skin, but before I could decipher his message, Sam reacted with alarm, ushering my mysterious friend away.

I couldn't help but feel intrigued. We'd played before, but this time, his urgency left me confused. He pointed at the vial in my hand, urging me to drink. Driven by a child's impulsive nature, I tilted the flask, the fluorescent liquid trickling down my throat.

The boy vanished. A heavy weight settled on my head, blurring my vision and paralyzing my limbs. Sam rushed to my side, his voice filled with panic and tears. My name echoed in his frantic pleas, but it all faded into a muffled haze. The vial slipped from my fingers, and the last thing I saw before darkness consumed me were Sam's frantic eyes.

Beep, beep, beep.

The rhythmic pulse of the monitor brought me back to a hospital room. Below me, the bed lay in fractured pieces, reflecting my shattered sense of reality. How are you doing this? Sam's voice trembled as he paced, anxiety etched on his face.

I-I don't know, I stammered, still trying to grasp the situation. Like any hero discovering their origin story, I was surprised, a laugh escaping my lips. I, a six-year-old, defying gravity?

Sam cursed under his breath, eyes darting towards the door. He peeked outside, shut the curtain divider, and returned, his demeanor grim. James, can you get down from there? he asked, a flicker of hope battling fear in his eyes.

I can try, I replied, taking a deep breath. Closing my eyes, I focused on the air beneath me, willing myself to stay afloat. My vision flickered, but then, slowly, I descended, landing with a soft thump. Relief washed over Sam, but it was laced with worry.

The hospital my newfound powers - both were secrets we now had to keep. Excitement and fear warred within me. Superpowers! Like Golden Goliath and the Mad Thumper! But this wasn't a comic book. This was real, and the consequences were unknown.

Sam looked at me, his brown eyes filled with concern. James, I don't know what's happening to you, but we'll figure this out together. He paused, his voice hoarse. I'm so sorry, he said, tears glistening. I should have protected you more.

My heart ached for the guilt he carried. I'm just glad you're here with me, I reassured him, placing a small hand on his shoulder.

He smiled, a weak, sad attempt at reassurance. I'm not going anywhere, James.

As I lay there, my mind buzzed with questions. How? Why? What had the strange liquid done to me? But Sam's warning echoed in my head:" secrecy was paramount.

The hospital buzzed with the nervous energy of the unknown. My world had just shattered, pieces scattered around me like the wreckage of the bed I'd woken up in. Sam's hand on my shoulder, warm and reassuring, grounded me amidst the chaos. We'll figure it out together, he promised, his gaze sweeping the room with practiced efficiency. Escape, our immediate goal, pulsed in his voice.

Geez, he muttered, taking in the damage with a grimace. I mirrored his movement, climbing off the broken mattress with care. We navigated the unfamiliar terrain, avoiding prying eyes and hospital staff, the silence thick with unspoken questions.

Then, a man's voice cut through the tension, drawing us closer to the exit. Sam's grip tightened on my hand, pulling me into the sanctuary of a nearby bathroom. We stood in the darkness, hearts hammering a frantic rhythm against our ribs, waiting for the footsteps to fade.

The door creaked open, revealing my father and a man I vaguely recognized from the lab, tall, athletic, with piercing blue eyes like my father's. Relief washed over me, followed by joy as I flung myself into my father's arms. His initial glare at Sam dissolved into concern as Derek materialized, slushies in hand, his infectious grin a welcome sight.

Sam, usually calm, wore a mask of worry. He'd been my rock since Dad was distant, a constant presence since infancy. Trust in him ran deep in my veins.

A scolding nurse interrupted our reunion, the broken bed and scattered objects her target. Sam, ever resourceful, whipped up a believable cover story, diffusing the tension. As she left, a silent exchange passed between Sam and me, a knowing glance that acknowledged the shared secret simmering beneath the surface.

Leaving the hospital, Sam insisted on driving, his face etched with the lingering fear of the ordeal. Back home, the familiar sounds of Mom's laughter and Uncle Henry's booming voice greeted us. Mom's worried embrace tightened around me as she demanded answers. Just a little accident, I mumbled, my gaze flicking to Sam, his finger pressed against his lips in a silent pact.

The following days were a blur of experimentation. I secretly pushed and prodded at my newfound abilities, trying to grasp their limits to harness the power thrumming within me. Uncle Sam, ever watchful, became my silent guardian, ensuring my secret remained buried. He became my mentor, guiding me through this strange new world and helping me hone the raw power surging through me.

With time, control came, and confidence bloomed. Though the secret life weighed heavy, the knowledge of Sam's unwavering support bolstered me. I could manipulate gravity, defying the pull of the earth, soaring through the air with exhilarating freedom. Sam, patient and understanding, helped me navigate the complexities of this gift, reminding me of its immense responsibility.

My abilities remained hidden, as per Sam's instructions. The yearning to help, to be a force for good, gnawed at me. But Sam insisted on caution, urging me to master control before entering the light.

Derek's eleventh birthday became the turning point. Sharing my secret with him forged an unbreakable bond. Sam and Derek became my confidantes, my partners-in-crime. And on my twelfth birthday, I embraced my destiny, taking on the mantle of Alpha, the city's protector, a tribute to the fallen hero, Golden Goliath, who once tried to save my mother.

Forgiveness, in time, bridged the gap between Sam and me. Together, we moved forward, determined to leave a positive mark on the world. I, following in his footsteps, a superhero fueled by knowledge and compassion. And Sam, ever the researcher, advocating for normalcy, searching for a cure, a glimmer of hope in his unwavering eyes.

One

TEN YEARS LATER...

James, Derek whispered, his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. I groaned and buried my face into the pillow, resisting the intrusion. I mumbled in protest, but the shaking didn't stop—his muffled voice grumbled something incoherent as layers of blankets and comforters yanked from my torso before my eyes landed on my brother's uniform again.

Don't you have work? I muttered through my pillow.

Get ready, my brother demanded, his grin fading as he glanced at the picture of us hanging on my wall. I hastily pushed Derek onto the sheets, leaving him in shock.

I found myself in the doorway, my eyes wide open. My brother was still motionless on the bed. I had left him there a few moments ago, but time seemed to have stopped. The room was in disarray, a result of my hasty departure. I glanced over at the bedside table and saw the clock reading seven-thirteen. I had promised to leave by seven but had lost track of time. I turned my attention back to Derek, resting comfortably on my soft, inviting blue and yellow sheets. I had never seen him look so relaxed.

I hurried around the room, and the ceiling fan slowly came to a halt. The walls, adorned with paintings and posters, were suspended in time, painted in a dull off-white. The familiar scent of Derek's cologne and the aroma of a cola-scented candle filled the air.

As I moved quickly around the room, it felt as though time had come to a standstill. I quickly opened the dresser and grabbed a new pair of jeans, exchanging them for my plaid pajamas, white t-shirt, and dark hoodie. As I rushed to the bathroom, Derek remained glued to the bed, crashing into the frame as I bumped into it. It must have hurt.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I pulled on my pants, feeling self-conscious about my godlike figure and abilities. Sam's attempts to change me were pointless. I had always longed to be a regular boy, but with each passing day, my abilities only grew stronger, making it increasingly difficult to blend in.

James, you almost ready to go? my father called from the living room below. He held a high-ranking position in the Phoenix Police Department, with Derek following closely behind.

My father and brother took their jobs seriously, but Derek often allowed me to join him, making our mornings an exciting routine. It also provided the perfect excuse to skip out on school assemblies.

As the door creaked open while I brushed my teeth, Derek appeared in the bathroom doorway, peering inside. James, my shift starts soon, and I don't want the chief calling me out again. I'm sure you can put your powers to good use, he ordered.

Spitting and rinsing, I tore myself from the mirror and hurried downstairs, sliding down the worn banister to reach the bottom steps. I'm finished, I announced, anticipating Derek's expected look as I watched my wide-eyed brother. Derek followed closely behind me as our father entered the room.

Stop pushing me on your bed at super speed, you jerk, he whispered from behind me, roughly massaging my shoulder blades with his fingers.

I snorted, whispering back, You're such a baby.

No. You're super strong, he argued loud enough so my Dad could hear us. I shoved him into the railing playfully and laughed as my Dad stopped pacing.

You're taking James to school? my Dad inquired, running his hands along the edges of his collar, straightening the lines. Derek pulled his keys from his pocket and waved them at our father. He stared back, a neatly trimmed beard sitting atop a square jaw. My father nodded and returned his gaze. Derek's keys hung on a small ring, reflecting the difficulty of finding a keychain that could withstand the force needed to open the locks.

Just to school, Derek replied. Our father grimaced, his gaze shifting between the two of us. It was as if I had disappointed him, but he took a deep breath and focused on adjusting his collar once more.

My father knew Derek and me too well, and I knew my brother even better. So, as soon as we got into his cruiser, I transformed into his superpowered sidekick, fighting crime during the morning. I was no longer James Everett Knight but Phoenix's prominent and only superhero known as Alpha.

∆∆∆

Derek's police scanner murmured in the background as he drove, but he turned down the volume to prevent the noise and chaos from overwhelming me. However, some instinct within me kept me attuned to it. Don't feed into Mark Reignson's bullshit today, Derek warned. I know he's a bully and an asshole...

Derek! I interjected, meeting his gaze through the rearview mirror. I can handle myself. You don't have to remind me every time. Despite Derek being like a third father figure to me and always protecting me from trouble, his constant reminders were grating on my nerves.

Derek grunted in annoyance, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. Suddenly, a voice crackled through the scanner, prompting Derek to increase the volume and grab the intercom.

Ten-four, Derek replied.

The voice belonged to Officer Garrett Reignson, the police chief's brother-in-law, who typically handled calls from the station. Two-Eleven, approximately ten minutes ago, Garrett reported. An armed robbery. License plate: YDS-1134. Black Bentley with tinted windows. The suspects are wearing black masks. The witness described them as inexperienced delinquents, last seen heading down Torto Avenue.

Roger, Derek responded with a sly grin, parting his tight lips.

As we merged into the line of cars and sped off, the flashing lights and blaring sirens of multiple police vehicles filled the air. Derek took the lead, maneuvering through the traffic.

Cars on either side of us quickly made way, but a bullet ricocheted off Derek's side reflector, shattering the glass as the two young men in the fleeing vehicle discarded trash out the window. Undeterred, Derek sped up, guiding the car to force the suspects off the road and into a wall.

James, stay in the car and don't use your powers. I mean it, Derek instructed, his gaze fixed on me before unholstering his gun. Our father was nowhere to be seen amidst the sea of cops. Ignoring Derek's command, I returned to the unfolding scene.

Come out of the vehicle with your hands up and slowly walk back towards my car, my brother demanded. One boy complied, extending his hands through the passenger window. A row of six police cars lined the path, with a dozen officers aiming their guns at the young men. The suspects emerged from the vehicle. One dropped his firearm, and the robbers exchanged glances before fleeing in opposite directions. Derek cursed under his breath and took off after one of them.

As I pulled up my hoodie, covering half of my face, a memory flashed in my mind, as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. A young boy wandered into the laboratory, where Sam watched over me. His eyes fixated on me playing with a superhero action figure, pretending to make it fly around the room.

Samual sat in the background, wearing headphones and typing on his computer. I paused when I noticed Maximus standing there, observing me with curiosity. I greeted him with a toothless grin, waving enthusiastically. The boy shyly hid his face behind his hands but gradually revealed it as I approached.

Hello! I greeted him with enthusiasm. What's your name?

Max looked nervously at Sam before answering. I'm, uh... Max. Who are you?

I'm James, I introduced myself. Max stared at my toy in awe, seeing nothing like it. Being the selfless kid that I was, I offered it to him.

This is Skye... He's a superhero, I explained, handing Max my toy. However, to my surprise, it slipped from my grasp and floated effortlessly two feet above the floor. I giggled, and Max took hold of it, making it soar around the room.

Suddenly, a man who would later become my greatest enemy burst into the room. Sam looked up, removing his headphones, and his expression turned to shock upon seeing the intruder.

MAX! Go to your room NOW! the man commanded, and Max dropped the toy, his smile fading. His eyes pleaded with me and then with Sam. Now, Max! Hurry, before I have to call security, the man snapped. Max cast one last pleading look at me, tears streaming down his face, before being escorted away.

You were in the alleyway, The robber sneered in an Australian accent, flicking his hands by his sides.

So what? I murmured, grimacing as I scrutinized the teenager standing before me, returning my presence. The robber stepped forward, puffing his chest out and trembling with clenched fists. He had quite an inflated ego if he thought he could challenge me.

The Australian boy chuckled, his smile fading as he controlled himself, his tongue flicking across his straight teeth. I devised an escape plan, watching his eyes widen behind the mask. Impatiently, he lunged at me, slamming my back against the concrete floor. I gasped, momentarily breathless.

That hurt, I muttered, peeling myself off the ground, dazed and confused. I could usually dispatch villains in the blink of an eye, superhuman or not. But this guy was different, stronger, and a worthy rival.

The boy roared, his hand gripping the front of my hoodie, lifting me off the ground. Where is Samual Jonathan Knight? he shouted. It baffled me how he was connected to my uncle.

I-I don't know, I stammered, uncertain how he knew about my family, about Sam.

I felt a hand grab my shirt as the other reached for his mask. But before I could catch hold of his disguise, the boy quickly pulled back. Suddenly, another figure appeared in front of me. The second boy spoke in an American accent, but with a more subtle Australian-style drawl, trying to disguise his voice. He told the first boy to leave me alone and urged him to leave.

I dropped to the ground as the two boys vanished into the alleyway, leaving me speechless and defeated. A few officers glanced my way, but my hoodie still obscured my face as the sunlight beamed directly at me. Derek leaned against his cruiser, observing me, swinging his keys in a circle as our eyes met.

You okay? Derek inquired. I glanced at the other officers and cleared my throat, altering my voice.

Yeah, I reassured him, my tone a few octaves deeper than usual. Derek and I exchanged glances, and he gestured toward the significant