Arranged for Alliance

Baltasar Suarez, the lovable but underestimated fourth son of a notorious villain clan, volunteers for an arranged marriage to Dahlia Salah, the ambitious daughter of a powerful hero family. The union is a strategic move to unite two rival clans and secure influence, but neither Baltasar nor Dahlia is truly invested in the match. Instead, the arrangement is a chess move orchestrated by their families, with Baltasar feeling the weight of expectations and his own insecurities. As he arrives at the Salah estate, he's greeted by a cold, competitive atmosphere and the ever-present shadow of his old Deathball rival, Zion Salah—Dahlia's brother. The stage is set for a collision of family politics, personal longing, and the dangerous games of power that define their world.

Rivals and Reunions

The engagement brings Baltasar face-to-face with Zion, his former Deathball adversary and the true heir to the Salah clan. Their rivalry is legendary, but beneath the banter and bruises lies a simmering attraction neither has dared to name. Zion, a shapeshifter with a monstrous lizard form, is both fascinated and frustrated by Baltasar's presence. The two men circle each other with a mix of antagonism and longing, their competitive dynamic masking deeper feelings. As family and clan politics swirl around them, Baltasar and Zion's interactions grow increasingly charged, hinting at a connection that could upend the carefully laid plans of both their families.

The Queen's Little Girl

Amidst the tension, Baltasar finds an unexpected ally in Daisy, Zion's precocious and sharp-tongued daughter. Daisy, shunned by her own family for her lack of powers, immediately bonds with Baltasar, recognizing a kindred outsider. Their friendship becomes a source of comfort and belonging for both, and Baltasar's protective instincts are awakened. Through Daisy, Baltasar glimpses the pain and isolation that haunt Zion, as well as the possibility of a different kind of family—one built on acceptance rather than bloodlines or power. Daisy's presence softens the edges of the Salah household and draws Baltasar and Zion closer together.

Deathball and Desire

The competitive fire between Baltasar and Zion reignites during Deathball practice, their physical clashes on the field echoing the tension off it. As they spar, old wounds and new desires surface. Late-night conversations and accidental touches blur the line between enemy and something more. Zion's monstrous form, once a source of intimidation, becomes an object of fascination for Baltasar, who finds himself drawn to the lizard king in ways he never expected. Their mutual attraction, fueled by years of rivalry, threatens to explode, challenging their assumptions about themselves and each other.

Confessions in the Dark

Alone in the darkness, Baltasar and Zion finally confront the truth of their feelings. What begins as a moment of vulnerability—confessions of loneliness, inadequacy, and longing—quickly turns physical. Their first intimate encounter is raw, awkward, and electric, shattering the boundaries between hero and villain, straight and queer, rival and lover. Both men are forced to reckon with their identities and the consequences of their desires. The connection between them is undeniable, but so are the risks: betrayal of family, clan, and the roles they've been forced to play.

Family Ties, Family Lies

As Baltasar and Zion's relationship deepens, the web of family secrets and betrayals tightens. Both men are caught between loyalty to their clans and the pull of their forbidden bond. Baltasar's family expects him to gather intelligence on the Salahs, while Zion's parents manipulate him as a pawn in their own schemes. The discovery of Daisy's true parentage and the revelation of hidden powers further complicate matters. Old wounds resurface, and the threat of exposure looms. The two men must decide where their true loyalties lie—and what they're willing to risk for each other.

The Lizard's Awakening

Zion's monstrous heritage, long suppressed by his family, begins to assert itself in dangerous ways. The mysterious serum his parents have been dosing him with is revealed to be an attempt to awaken dormant Lacertus (lizard) DNA, making him a living weapon. As Zion's powers grow, so does his connection to Baltasar, who discovers his own latent abilities through their bond. The two men's relationship becomes both a source of strength and vulnerability, as they navigate the physical and emotional changes wrought by their union. The line between man and monster blurs, forcing them to confront what it means to be truly themselves.

Forbidden Bonds

The connection between Baltasar and Zion is more than physical—it's an inventus bond, a rare and powerful soul-link that transcends clan, gender, and even species. This bond grants them shared strength and heightened senses, but also makes them targets for those who would exploit or destroy them. As they explore the depths of their connection, they must also contend with the expectations and prejudices of their families and society. Their love becomes an act of rebellion, a challenge to the rigid hierarchies that have defined their world for generations.

Secrets in the Blood

The true nature of supe powers is revealed: all supes are descended from ancient alien conquerors, the Lacertus, whose DNA has been diluted over millennia. Zion is the first in generations to fully manifest these traits, making him both a marvel and a threat. The Salahs' secret experiments, aided by a shadowy figure known only as "T," have been aimed at recreating this power. The discovery of a hidden lab, a mysterious serum, and a network of lesser supes plotting rebellion exposes the fragility of the hero-villain divide. Baltasar and Zion find themselves at the center of a conspiracy that could reshape the world.

The Lab and the Serum

Baltasar and Zion, aided by Daisy and a mysterious alien ally, infiltrate the secret lab where the serum is produced. They uncover evidence of the Salahs' crimes and the true extent of the Lacertus project. A violent confrontation ensues, culminating in an explosion that nearly claims Zion's life. In the chaos, Daisy and Baltasar escape, but Zion is presumed dead. The trauma of loss and the weight of survival force Baltasar to confront his deepest fears—and his unwavering love for Zion.

Betrayal and Escape

In the aftermath of the explosion, Baltasar and Daisy seek refuge in the city, haunted by the belief that Zion is gone forever. The pain of separation is compounded by the knowledge that their bond is unbreakable, even in death. As they grieve, they are drawn into the orbit of allies old and new, including the enigmatic Ziggy Andromeda, who holds the key to Zion's survival. The lines between friend and foe, human and monster, blur as the true stakes of their struggle become clear.

The Heir's Reckoning

Zion's miraculous return from the brink of death signals a turning point. Armed with evidence of the Salahs' crimes and the support of Baltasar's family, he confronts his parents and claims his rightful place as clan leader. The old order is dismantled, and a new alliance is forged between the hero and villain clans. The inventus bond between Baltasar and Zion becomes the foundation of a new era—one built on love, acceptance, and the rejection of the old, destructive hierarchies.

Mates and Monsters

With the threat of the Lacertus serum contained and the lesser supe rebellion exposed, Baltasar and Zion are finally free to build the life they've fought for. Their unconventional family—complete with Daisy, found family, and a host of meddling siblings—becomes a symbol of hope in a world still struggling with prejudice and fear. The two men embrace their roles as mates, leaders, and partners, determined to protect each other and those they love. Their story is one of transformation, not just of bodies and powers, but of hearts and minds.

The New Order

In the aftermath, the clans are united under new leadership, the old rivalries set aside in favor of cooperation and mutual respect. Baltasar and Zion's love story becomes legend—a testament to the power of vulnerability, the strength found in difference, and the possibility of redemption. As they look to the future, they do so together, no longer defined by the labels of hero or villain, but by the family they've chosen and the legacy they will leave behind.

Characters

Baltasar Suarez

Baltasar is the fourth son of the infamous Suarez villain clan, long dismissed as the "dumb jock" but hiding deep wells of loyalty, vulnerability, and unexpected strength. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his family's ambitions masks a profound sense of inadequacy and a desperate longing for acceptance. Baltasar's journey is one of self-discovery: through his arranged engagement, rivalry with Zion, and growing bond with Daisy, he learns to value his own worth beyond brute strength or family expectations. His inventus bond with Zion awakens latent powers and a capacity for love that transforms not only himself but the world around him. Baltasar's arc is a testament to the power of found family, chosen love, and the courage to defy the roles others assign.

Zion Salah

Zion is the true heir to the Salah hero clan, a shapeshifter whose monstrous lizard form is both his greatest weapon and deepest source of shame. Raised to be a tool of power, manipulated by his parents, and haunted by the loss of his partner Mikki, Zion is a study in contradictions: fierce yet gentle, dominant yet deeply wounded. His rivalry with Baltasar is the crucible in which his true self is forged. Through their inventus bond, Zion learns to embrace his monstrous heritage, finding strength in vulnerability and love in the most unexpected place. As a father to Daisy and mate to Baltasar, he becomes the leader his clan—and the world—needs: one who rules not through fear, but through compassion and acceptance.

Daisy Salah

Daisy is Zion's daughter, a sharp-witted, sassy, and resilient child shunned by her family for her lack of powers. Her bond with Baltasar is immediate and profound, offering both of them the acceptance they crave. Daisy's presence humanizes the adults around her, forcing them to confront their own prejudices and failures. She is the heart of the found family that emerges from the chaos, and her journey from outsider to beloved daughter mirrors the larger themes of the story: the power of chosen family, the importance of kindness, and the hope for a better future.

Dahlia Salah

Dahlia is Zion's sister and Baltasar's intended fiancée, a woman driven by ambition and the desire to prove herself in a world that values power above all. Her initial coldness masks deep insecurities and a longing for agency. As the story unfolds, Dahlia becomes both a rival and an ally, her own struggles with family loyalty and personal desire echoing those of the main characters. Her arc is one of reluctant growth, as she learns to let go of old grudges and embrace a new, more inclusive vision of power.

Wolfgang "Wolfy" Suarez

Wolfy is Baltasar's older brother and the true power behind the Suarez clan. Cold, strategic, and seemingly unfeeling, he orchestrates the marriage alliance and manipulates events from the shadows. Yet beneath his ruthless exterior lies a fierce protectiveness for his siblings and a willingness to adapt when confronted with new realities. Wolfy's relationship with Simon and his eventual alliance with Zion mark him as a leader capable of change—a necessary evolution in a world where old hierarchies are crumbling.

Simon

Simon is Wolfy's partner and the Suarez clan's secret weapon: a half-normie with the ability to leech and wield the powers of others. His sharp tongue, dark humor, and ruthless pragmatism make him both feared and beloved. Simon's outsider status gives him a unique perspective on the hero-villain divide, and his relationship with Wolfy is a model of partnership built on mutual respect and shared ambition. Simon's mentorship of Daisy and his role in the family's schemes highlight the importance of chosen family and the power of embracing one's differences.

Ziggy Andromeda (Star Hopper)

Ziggy is a mysterious, otherworldly figure whose true nature is gradually revealed. As an alien assigned to monitor Earth's supe population, he possesses knowledge and abilities far beyond those of the other characters. Ziggy's interventions at key moments—rescuing Zion, interrogating Preek, and exposing the Lacertus origins—force the main characters to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their world. He is both a guide and a disruptor, embodying the story's themes of evolution, adaptation, and the necessity of change.

Preek

Preek is the Salah family's publicity director, a seemingly minor character whose actions have outsized consequences. As a lesser supe, he harbors deep resentment toward the purebred clans and becomes a key player in the rebellion against the established order. His betrayal and eventual downfall serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of exclusion, prejudice, and underestimating those deemed "lesser."

Lady Tempest and Major Obscurity

Zion and Dahlia's parents, Lady Tempest and Major Obscurity, are emblematic of the old order: obsessed with power, control, and the maintenance of rigid hierarchies. Their secret experiments, manipulation of their children, and willingness to sacrifice others for their own ends make them formidable antagonists. Yet their eventual downfall and reluctant acceptance of change underscore the story's message: the future belongs to those who can adapt, not those who cling to the past.

Xander Marin (Doctor Antihero)

Xander is a member of the Suarez clan by marriage, a brilliant scientist whose research into supe origins and the Lacertus gene is instrumental in unraveling the central mystery. His relationship with Butch (Captain Masculine) and his own journey as a half-normie inventus mirror the larger themes of acceptance, hybridity, and the power of love to transcend boundaries.

Plot Devices

Dual POV and Mirrored Structure

The novel alternates between Baltasar and Zion's perspectives, allowing readers to experience the story's events—and the characters' emotional arcs—from both sides of the hero-villain divide. This dual POV structure deepens the sense of rivalry, longing, and eventual unity, while also highlighting the misunderstandings and miscommunications that drive much of the plot's tension. The mirrored structure—rivalry giving way to partnership, outsider status becoming belonging—reinforces the story's central themes.

Forced Proximity and Arranged Marriage

The classic romance trope of forced proximity is given new life through the arranged marriage plot, which traps Baltasar and Zion in each other's orbit. The engagement, intended as a political alliance, becomes the crucible in which their true feelings are forged. The tension between duty and desire, family loyalty and personal happiness, is heightened by the ever-present threat of exposure and betrayal.

Found Family and Chosen Bonds

The story repeatedly subverts the idea that family is defined by blood or power. Through Daisy, Simon, and the extended cast of siblings and allies, Baltasar and Zion discover the strength of chosen family—those who accept and love them for who they are, not what they can do. The inventus bond, a supernatural soul-link, becomes a metaphor for the power of chosen connection to transcend old divisions.

Ancient Origins and Genetic Destiny

The revelation that all supes are descended from ancient alien conquerors (the Lacertus) reframes the hero-villain conflict as a struggle over identity, evolution, and the fear of the "other" within. The secret experiments, the serum, and the lab are all plot devices that force the characters to confront the dangers of trying to control or suppress what makes them different. The story uses these elements to explore questions of nature versus nurture, the ethics of power, and the possibility of change.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

The novel is rich in foreshadowing: early references to Zion's monstrous form, Daisy's outsider status, and the mysterious lab all pay off in later revelations. The parallel arcs of Baltasar and Zion—both underestimated, both manipulated by family, both longing for acceptance—create a sense of inevitability to their union. The use of recurring motifs (Deathball, the pond, the tutu) ties together the story's emotional and thematic threads.

Analysis

"Putting Out for a Hero" is more than a spicy, irreverent MM romance—it's a sharp, emotionally resonant exploration of identity, power, and the meaning of family. By centering two men from opposite sides of a manufactured divide, the novel dismantles the binaries of hero/villain, straight/queer, strong/weak, and even human/monster. Its greatest strength lies in its refusal to let any character be defined by their role, power, or past trauma. Instead, it celebrates vulnerability, self-acceptance, and the messy, beautiful work of building a life—and a family—on one's own terms. The inventus bond, the found family, and the ultimate rejection of old hierarchies all serve as metaphors for the real-world struggles of queer identity, chosen kinship, and the courage to love in the face of fear. The book's humor, kink, and over-the-top worldbuilding are balanced by genuine emotional stakes and a deep respect for the transformative power of love. In the end, "Putting Out for a Hero" is a story about rewriting the rules, healing old wounds, and daring to imagine a future where everyone—hero, villain, monster, or misfit—can find their place and be loved for exactly who they are.

Last updated: September 23, 2025