All American Rejects (Users #3) by Stacy, Jennifer Buck

sending fiery missiles flying into the air, only to fall back down upon them like flaming rain. They put their hands over their heads, but the flames bit at the skin of all except for Carter. Being impervious to fire meant that he only had to watch out for the bigger pieces that threated to smash his skull. The foursome was showered in the fiery debris, but they were all still standing after the deluge was over.
    "Well that was fucked," Evan said.
    "Indeed," Alaric said. "That was indeed fucked." They turned in unison to find Alaric standing amid the burning debris. His suit was smudged with black streaks of charcoal, his hair looked singed, but he otherwise appeared unharmed. Likewise, his companions, who were just then getting to their feet, seemed to be just fine judging by the way they popped up after Alaric had blasted the collapsed roof off the place.
    "Bobby," Alaric said. "The fire."
    Bobby nodded and spun in a circle, sending out a wave of mental energy that fell over the burning debris like a blanket, snuffing out the fire. Wisps of smoke from the smoldering debris wafted around Alaric and his companions.
    "I see you've made your decision," Alaric said.
    "And I see you've made yours," Carter responded not missing a beat. "Was there really any other way this was going to end?"
    "I guess not."
    "And are your friends aware of the types of decisions you make as their almighty leader?" Carter asked.
    "What's he talking about?" Stella questioned, and she coughed as she took in a lung full of smoke.
    "Are you the only one that knows about the pile of dead bodies you're leaving in your wake, Alaric?" Carter asked. "Or are you all in on the joke you've become?"
    "Bodies? What bodies?" Bobby asked.
    "Don't listen to him," Alaric said. "He's a criminal and a liar."
    "No, he's not!" Barber shouted. "He's telling the truth and I've seen it." Barber extended his arms. "We've all seen it. There's a pile of bodies in the basement of the building you guys are delivering the Users to."
    Stella and the other All American's looked at Alaric skeptically. Bobby even took a step back away from the man, but Alaric quickly changed the subject.
    "Apprehend them!" Alaric yelled, and when his companions didn't immediately move, Alaric turned on them. "Do as your told! Get them now!"
    Michael recoiled like an abused child at his outburst, and the others had stunned looks on their faces.
    This time they went into action, Alaric having apparently scared them into submission.
    Bobby was first to make his move, sending a wave of mental energy at Carter, but Evan stepped in between them and countered with a wave of his own. The impact of the two waves knocked Evan back, but Carter caught him and kept Evan from falling on his ass. Ryker went on the defensive, throwing down a wall of ice between the two parties.
    "That should slow them down," Ryker said.
    He couldn't have been more wrong. The ice shattered like broken glass as Alaric punched through the wall. On came the All Americans with Alaric leading the way.
    "Stand your ground," Carter commanded his companions.
    The flesh on the back of Barber's forearms ripped and his bony spikes popped out.
    "I'm ready," Barber said.
    "Me too," Carter agreed and with a growl, he charged right back at the oncoming All Americans.
    Ryker, Evan, and Barber let out similar cries of rage as they joined Carter in the full frontal assault. The teams crashed over each other like two rogue waves, but Carter and Alaric made sure they were aligned to hit one another amid the chaos. Carter jumped into the air and kicked out with both legs. Alaric accepted the blow to the chest, and his super strength proved too much for Carter. It was like kicking a concrete wall. Carter's legs buckled and he fell flat on his back, leaving him gasping for breath.
    From the corner of his eye, Carter caught a glimpse of Barber swinging wildly with both spikes flying in round house punches right for Stella's head. She ducked and opened her