Alpha Male (3 page)

“How much have you had to drink?” Reedy asked.

“I’m kinda drunk now, but I wasn’t then. After everything went down, we kind of went around scrounging what was left off the ground. But this isn’t some drunken vision, or whatever. I saw this shit happen, and so did they.” he said, looking over at the other people. The group stood there like you would at a camp fire, hovering about, and waiting for nothing to happen.

“First mutants and monsters, now this...” Reedy said.

*****

The digital clock read 9:53 am, flashing its faint glow inside the darkened room. Its green numbers reflected off the empty whiskey bottle, which was turned over on its side and covered in empty condom wrappers. The blackout curtains did their job well, blocking the morning sun from entering the small apartment, but a strewn shoe kept them from closing all the way. Its interference allowed enough light in to give the room some slight visibility.

Alpha opened his eyes and felt the weight of his hangover pressing down on his head as his temples and eyes throbbed. Pressing his fingers to his face, he felt the mask he had worn to bed. Its snug fit subdued the pain pounding in his head.

Letting out a groan, he threw his legs over the side of the bed, and laid there for a moment longer. After mustering up the ability to stand, he turned on the lamp, got up, and stumbled into the cramped kitchen. After pouring a glass of water and grabbing a small handful of aspirin, he turned back to the pullout sofa bed, looking at it over the kitchen island.

"Good morning," said a young blonde girl.

She was an attractive woman, slim, yet curvy in the right places, but he sneered when he saw her. She was draped in his cheap sheets, naked beneath, but showing just enough skin and smiling like a mischievous child.

"Is it?" he asked. He opened his mouth and swallowed the pills, chasing them with a swig of water.

"Oh yeah," she said, sitting up.

She didn't bother to cover herself as she did, and her firm, manmade breasts became exposed. He couldn't divert his eyes from her body, which gave her more reason to show off. Standing up, she approached the counter of the island, swaying her hips in a deliberate fashion. Her trimmed pubic hair was nearly gone and the rest was just a small dark brown patch.

"I've been hoping you'd call," she said with a coy smile. "I'm glad you did."

"Yeah, me too" Alpha said, grabbing the coffee pot nearby.

"Fuck coffee, let's go again," she said, leaning up against the island.

Pouring water into the pot, he looked up at her and said, "I don't think so."

Her face went from pleased to annoyed. "You've done such a good job cleaning up this city, what else do you have to do today?"

"I don't have to do anything, I just want you gone so I can take off this damn mask," he said, pouring the coffee in.

"Whatever," she said, rolling her eyes. She turned away from the counter and grabbed up her clothes. Turning back to him, she said, "You know—"

"I know exactly what you're going to say," he said. "I've heard it before, just like I've said this before. It's nothing personal; it’s just time for you to leave."

As she dressed, he walked over to the door with a Styrofoam cup, steaming from the hot coffee inside. He tried to hand it to her as she left, but she turned her nose up as she stormed out. Just before she got to the elevator, she spun around and said, "What’s to keep me from coming back? Maybe with reporters?"

"Nothing, except this isn't my place. The owner owes me a few favors, and he's often out of town. I stay here when I please as long as I clean the sheets when I'm done."

"Fuck you!" she said, as the ding of the elevator sounded. He watched as she got on, pressed the button, and flipped him off as the doors closed.

Shutting the door, he walked back to his own cup of coffee and inhaled its aroma. Popping the clasps on each side of his mask, he slid it off and placed it on the counter. After taking a long sip, he grabbed the television remote and sat in the chair. Turning the set on, he laid his head back.

"Tonight, on the Adventures of Alpha Man and Beta Boy; the two heroes face off against their greatest foe yet, Omega Man," the TV said as a colorful animated program appeared on the screen.

"Great," he said, closing his eyes. He lifted the remote to change the channel, but paused, watching the cartoon.

"What are we gonna do, Alpha?" he said, mouthing the young superheroes words.

"What choice do we have other than fight this vile villain?" he said talking over the cartoon version of himself.

This went on until the credits rolled and the program was finished. Still holding the remote, he waited until the station announced its next program before finally turning the channel. Just as he landed on the news, his phone went off.

Picking it up, he groaned when he saw the name Rose appear on the screen.

"Fuck.” he hit accept, and began talking. "I know I'm supposed to come see you this morning, but I've been busy. I'll swing by there soon."

Alpha had to pull his ear away, grimacing as the sound of the police commissioner’s yells broke through the speaker. His hangover was in full force.

"I'll come now," he said. He hit end, jabbing the screen with his finger.

With a groan, he got up and grabbed his mask. Pulling it over his head, he positioned it on his face and snapped the clasps. He looked around the disheveled room until he saw his costume hanging from a lamp in the corner. Letting out a chuckle, he walked over and grabbed it. Stepping into each foot, he pulled it up and over his waist and snapped it all together. On his way to the sliding glass door, he checked for his stuff, then stepped out into the morning air.

Covering his face with one hand, he blocked the sun’s powerful light while the lenses in his mask adjusted. A second later, he could see again, but the powerful headache was creeping back in.

"It’s going to be a shitty day," he said.

*****

As the midday sun made its way into the alley he called home, Larry opened the lid of a large red dumpster and eyeballed its contents. It was full of stuffed trash bags and cardboard boxes. Grabbing a few bags, he pulled them out onto the ground and started going through them. His eyes grew wide as he perused their discarded contents.

"Oh, ho ho," he chuckled, with a rotten smile. "Lookie here."

The gleeful old man found plenty of unwanted treasures. Making two piles, he set the useful items like tattered clothes and trinkets to his right, while putting the trash on his left. Inside, he found a jacket, some holey pants, a worn out pair of shoes and a box of stale crackers with half a sleeve left. He munched the saltines until they were mush, then turned up an opened bottle of water to wash them down. Grabbing out another few bags, he positioned himself back on the ground when he heard something from the adjacent alley.

Ignoring the sound, he continued his project until he heard it again. This time, it was unmistakable; the sound of someone groaning in pain. Peeking around the corner, he saw a man lying behind a pile of trash bags. The man’s legs were flung over the pile, exposing his bare feet.

"You OK?" Larry asked, not moving.

"Water, I need water," came a raspy voice.

Larry couldn't help but notice it was a man, and he was as naked as a newborn. "Please, I need water," he said again.

Larry looked down at the water bottle he held. There was only a sip or two left, so he threw it to the man. It hit hard near the man's head, startling him. Once the man saw what the bottle was, he threw the cap away and downed its contents in one gulp.

"Thank you," he said, his voice less raspy than before.

With a frown, Larry turned back into the alley and grabbed up his new treasure. He carried the items back to the man and dropped them on the ground.

"It’s all I've got for ya," he said, looking down at the pathetic man, who was lying in his own piss. The stench was strong, but Larry was used to it.

"Thank you," the man said.

"Do ya need a hospital?" Larry asked, leaning over to examine the naked man’s body.

"I don't think so," he replied, sitting up.

“Are you hungry?” Larry asked, placing his hand on the man’s shoulder.

“Get dressed, I know a place that might be taking people like us,” Larry said, turning away.

“Oh, thank you. You don’t know how hard it’s been,” the man replied, pulling on the pants.

“Trust me boy, I do,” Larry replied, turning back to face his new friend. “I’ve been out here for quite some time. What’s ya name by the way?”

The man paused for a moment as he tried to think, but the words hung in his mouth. His face distorted into fright and he looked up at Larry, meeting his gaze, and said, “I don’t know.”

Chapter Three.

"Where the fuck have you been?" Rose asked through thin, angry lips as Alpha landed on the roof beside her. "I said this morning."

"Look," Alpha said, with both hands out flat and his brow flared. "I was busy, OK?"

"I am the only reason you're still in tights, and not behind bars," Rose said.  "Vigilantism is still illegal, last I checked. You're only tolerated because you've proven useful in the past. You got that?"

"Oh yeah, loud and clear," he replied. "Now tell me, why am I here?"

Rose glared at him from behind her glasses with dark, menacing green eyes. Her long, auburn hair hung by her slender face on each side, contrasting with her pallid complexion.

"There was another incident last night," she said, as her expression shifted to disappointment. Then, she redirected her attention to the city and said, "And the mayor wants you to do a press conference. He thinks the people will respond well to you. It's at 4 o'clock.  Be there early."

She dug through her pocket and pulled out a smashed packet of cigarettes. She bit the filter, and brought a lighter to the tip, striking it a few times.

"Great," he replied, shielding the flame for her. The spark flamed and the glowing red ember brightened. "Is that all?"

"No," she said; exhaling the smoke. She pulled a small piece of tobacco off her lip and flicked it. "I need you to be on the lookout for a new gang. They call themselves Omega, after the villain in that stupid cartoon of yours."

"What?" he asked, surprised. "What do you mean gang? Please don’t tell me someone is stupid enough to move in on my city.”

"Criminals can be stupid," she said, handing him photographic evidence of a teenaged boy selling drugs. The back of his black hoodie was adorned with a large, white omega symbol.  

"I don't understand," Alpha said, looking up. "Why should I concern myself with this? I mean a few drug deals is sort of your jurisdiction, right?"

"Do I need to explain why this is important to you?" she asked, snatching the photo. "They created this gang to spit in your face. It's nothing but a big fuck you." As the words left her lips, a smile formed on the corners of her mouth.

"Seems like that’s becoming more and more popular these days," he said, turning to leave.

"Don't take it personally," she said. "You've done too good of a job, and now, they don't feel like they need you anymore."

"Yeah," he said, getting ready to take off.

"Before you go, do you have any leads on this crazy bullshit?" she asked.

He turned back to her with a straight, serious mouth and said, "I'm working on it."

"Good," she replied, as he flew away. She stood there, finishing her cigarette, watching until he was gone from sight.

*****

Ivy and Jon stood in the shadows of the dark alleyway, waiting for their next victim. In her late 20's, Ivy stood at 5'9, while Jon was a measly 5'6. Both had blonde hair, but hers was brighter, more vibrant than his dirty, near brown shade.

They both watched as a woman walked by in expensive workout clothing, carrying an MP3 player on one hip, a brand new cellphone on the other, and a nice chunk of diamond on her finger. She wore the best labels and flaunted their logos with each step.

Ivy looked at Jon with her bright blue eyes, and nodded. He grinned and cracked his knuckles in preparation. Together, they snuck up on the woman, as she jogged in place, waiting for the light to turn.

They waited at the edge of the alley, peering out at their prey. Ivy held Jon’s shoulder, restraining him from their task.  

"Remember, in and out. We don't want her hurt, ok?" Ivy said.

"I know, I know," Jon replied, anxious.

"Go then," Ivy said, releasing her grip on him. Jon ran, closing the distance between him and the woman. Before she could figure out what was happening, he had the phone and the MP3 player in his hands. She flailed at him, screeching as she did. Jon took a slap to the face, and Ivy giggled at the scene.

"Bitch," he said, trying to grab her hand while she continued to slap with the other. "Give me that ring!"

The woman’s foot went straight into Jon’s testicles, crumpling the boy over. Kicking him with her running shoes, the woman became enraged. She connected with his ribs over and over until Ivy tackled her to the sidewalk. A group of onlookers gathered around to watch the scene.

"Let go!" the woman said, as Ivy did her best to wrestle the rock from her finger.

"Give me the damn ring," Ivy said through grunts.

"Come on," Jon said, grabbing Ivy's shoulder. "We've gotta go!"

"Ha!" Ivy said, pulling the ring from the woman’s finger.

"You bitch!" the woman screamed, while trying to punch her attacker. Ivy jumped to her feet, dodging the quick attack and darted towards the alleyway.

"Give me back my ring!" the woman screamed with tears in her eyes.

"Holy shit!" Ivy said, running through the alley. "What happened back there?"

"What do you mean?" Jon asked, panting.

"You got your ass kicked by a girl," she replied with a smile across her face.

"She was a full grown woman!" Jon said. "You said we couldn't hurt her!"

"Who knew she would fight back so much," Ivy replied. "Those upper east side bitches usually fold; no problem."

Once around the corner, they slowed their pace and made for an open manhole that was tucked away in a dark corner. Scanning the area, Ivy let Jon go first, then climbed down a few rungs. She strained to pull the cover back over the hole, grunting as she slid it across the pavement. Jon was waiting for her at the bottom, flashlight in hand.