Chapter 7

 

 

NINA BLINKED at him. “Say that again?”

“I have a date,” Hudson replied, smiling widely as he packed up his messenger bag. He was leaving an hour early to get ready—mostly so he had time to calm his nerves.

“Really?” Nina clapped her hands gleefully. “When?”

“Tonight. Trent’s picking me up at seven.”

Nina stilled. “Wait, Trent?” She planted her hands on her slim hips and narrowed her eyes at him. “Trent, the guy you were dancing with to make Seb jealous?”

Hudson rolled his eyes. “Trent, the very nice fellow who wants to take me to dinner and doesn’t care that I’m marked.” He tapped his security clearance into his desktop interface to place it into overnight mode.

“Is this what you really want?” Nina asked, her tone gentle.

Of course it wasn’t what he wanted. What he wanted wasn’t possible. Not anymore. A week had gone by since Hudson’s world had come crashing down for the third time in his life. Thankfully, Seb was staying away from him, only stopping by the office once—while Hudson was out—to drop off the photo album Hudson had left at Julia’s. It had taken everything Hudson had not to give in to his grief yet again when Nina asked him what it was. He’d lied to his dearest friend, unable to get into it at the time. He would tell her eventually. Right now everything was too raw, too… painful. But it was for the best. Dom was sweet, pleading Seb’s case, despite knowing Seb would be cross with him if he found out. After the fourth day, Dom simply smiled sadly at Hudson and told him if he needed anything to call him.

“I’m moving on, Nina. I know I’ve said that before, but this time I mean it. My Therian half will simply have to stop being such a tosser and get on with it. Seb and I are over. For good. Perhaps if I finally move on as I intended to do years ago, Seb will too. He deserves to be happy.” Every word was a fresh wound to his heart, but it was the only way. How much longer would they have gone on the way they were? Living off lingering glances, feathery touches, or the brush of a hand. Hudson couldn’t go back to that slow death. Maybe he should nudge West in Seb’s direction, and then Hudson would no longer have a choice in the matter.

“What about you, hon? You deserve to be happy too.”

Hudson nodded. One day, if he was lucky, he’d find love again. “This will do for now.” Who knew? Maybe Trent would surprise him. “I’m off, then.” Hudson tried his best to be excited. Trent deserved a chance. Hudson kissed Nina’s cheek and promised he’d tell her all about his date in the morning.

Traffic was awful, as usual, but he’d left work an hour early. He still had plenty of time to shower and figure out what to wear.

Once he faced his wardrobe, he started to feel nervous and a little nauseous. His inner wolf was not happy about this.

“Behave yourself,” Hudson scolded, determined to have a good time tonight. It had been months since he’d so much as attempted going on a date, and even longer since he…. Hudson’s cheeks burned. Thinking about sex was certainly not helping matters. Should he… be prepared? What would it say about him if he brought supplies on a first date? Still, better safe than sorry. THIRDS agents were tested regularly, and Trent would have undoubtedly been tested this quarter, the same as everyone else, but that hardly mattered without seeing the results.

“All right, I think that’s enough of that. One fret at a time.” He chose a pair of dark blue jeans, a brown leather belt, and a blue-black-and-white-checkered shirt, which he tucked into his waistband before neatly folding the sleeves to his elbows. His hair required a little more product than usual. It was probably time to cut his fringe. Perhaps then it would stop incessantly falling over his eyes. Should he wear his contacts? Sod it. He despised those things.

Standing before the mirror, he looked himself over. The outfit was casual but neat, accentuating his body in all the right places. A horn honked, and Hudson let out a slow, steady breath. He could do this. If he didn’t, Seb might go on believing there was hope for them, and Hudson couldn’t allow that. He should have done this sooner. If he hadn’t been such a coward, they both might have been spared the heartache. He’d been so foolish, kissing Seb, letting things go as far as they had at Julia’s house. If he didn’t do something, the memory would drive him out of his mind—Seb’s hands on him, the feel of his hard body pressed against Hudson’s….

“Bollocks.” Hudson turned off the lights in his bedroom and quickly headed downstairs to the front door. He opened it, smiling brightly at Trent, who looked so handsome in his black turtleneck and slacks. So sophisticated.

“Hi, Trent.”

“Hey.” Trent raked his gaze over Hudson and let out a low whistle. “Wow, Doc, you look amazing.”

Hudson waved a hand in dismissal. He grabbed his jacket and locked up after them before following Trent down to the street. Hudson stopped short.

“Is that your car?”

Trent turned the alarm off with a beep and opened the passenger-side door of the flashy, red convertible, a wide grin on his face.

“Yep. Are you impressed yet?”

Hudson smiled coyly. “Well, it’s not a terrible start.”

Trent laughed, closing the door after Hudson climbed in. It would seem Trent Carson was quite fond of the finer things. Having been surrounded by wealth all his life, they had never been important to Hudson.

Trent slipped in behind the wheel, and the engine roared to life. The tires squealed as Trent peeled away, and Hudson was thankful he’d thought to put on his seat belt before they’d taken off. He had no idea where they were going, and the butterflies in his stomach were out in full force.

“Thanks for saying yes,” Trent said gently. “I wasn’t sure you would. I know you’re still, um….” He cleared his throat. “Heard maybe you still had a thing for Sebastian Hobbs.”

Hudson shook his head. “That’s over.” He summoned up a bright smile. “Let’s not talk about Seb. Tell me about yourself.”

“What would you like to know?”

“Why Manhattan HQ?”

Trent smiled. “Well, if you’re a THIRDS agent, it’s kind of where you want to be, right? I mean, you guys have the best equipment, the biggest budgets, see the most action. I don’t think a week goes by without one of your teams showing up on the news. You guys are treated like heroes.”

That was certainly news to Hudson. “I believe it’s a matter of perspective and how the press is feeling that day. I’m quite certain you heard about the incident with Agent Summers not long ago.”

Trent frowned. “Yeah, I remember that. He did his job, saved those other civilians, and they wanted to paint him a Therian killer. Can’t believe that agent was so stupid, giving intel to that reporter. Doesn’t matter that they were sleeping together. They shouldn’t have been waiting for Summers after he returned from taking that shot. The guy had already killed someone. He had several more hostages and was going off the deep end. What happened was messed-up, but we weren’t the ones who put the gun in his hand and told him to take hostages.”

“Yes, well, there are two sides to every story, but they’re rarely reported. The truth is no longer enough. Scandal sells.” Hudson shook his head sadly. “They perpetuate anger and hate. As if civility between Therians and Humans isn’t strained enough. It’s frightful, and the bigger the city, the more challenging it is. Therian crime has grown bolder, more lethal.”

“Ain’t that the truth. I remember when Therian perps used to wet themselves at the mention of the THIRDS. Now we’re getting perps who think confronting us is some kind of show of how tough they are. Like if they can kick our asses, then it proves something. I don’t know.”

Hudson nodded. It was rather frightening, some of the stories being spread by those who believed Therians were the superior race. How if the THIRDS didn’t exist, Therians would be running the world. How Therian agents were traitors.

“I actually jumped at the chance to be here, because some friends of mine from college moved to New York City a couple of years ago, and they keep trying to convince me to transfer,” Trent said with a big smile.

On the ride to the restaurant Trent had picked, he told Hudson about his life in Philly, about his parents and sisters. Trent was enthusiastic, energetic.

“I love socializing, clubbing, good food, and….” He put his hand on Hudson’s briefly. “Good company.”

Hudson couldn’t help his blush as he returned Trent’s smile.

Trent had made reservations at a chic French bistro on W 44th Street. The décor was modern, with framed artwork of bicycles matching the red, black, and white hues. The wood-paneled walls and glowing orb chandeliers gave it a warm feel. They were asked for their jackets, and Hudson promptly removed his and handed it to the lovely attendant, who checked them in before an elegantly dressed cougar Therian showed them to their table. Hudson was pleasantly surprised when Trent pulled Hudson’s chair out for him.

“Thank you.”

The waiter arrived with their drink menus, and Trent looked up at Hudson from behind his menu. “Do you drink wine?”

“A little. I’m afraid I’m not very wine savvy.”

“Lucky for you, I am.” Trent gave him a wink. He smiled his dazzling white smile at the waiter and put in an order for a wine Hudson had never heard of and doubted he could pronounce. The waiter seemed very pleased. He bowed before taking off. They were soon brought some delicious-looking appetizers, at least until Hudson realized they were stuffed mushrooms.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Trent said, looking sheepish, “but I took the liberty of ordering us an appetizer. These are to die for.” Something on Hudson’s face must have given him away, because Trent winced. “You don’t like mushrooms?”

Hudson shook his head. “No, it’s not that. They look amazing. It’s just… I’m allergic to mushrooms. I’m sorry. I should have said something.”

Trent waved a hand in dismissal. “Totally my fault. I should have asked first. I’m sorry. I got a little carried away. I’ll have them take it back.”

“Nonsense. They look delicious. You should enjoy them.”

Trent’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”

“Of course.” The waiter appeared just in time with a basket of sliced bread and some butter. “This is perfect.”

“It’s not too late to order something else.”

Hudson waved a hand and smiled. “Believe me. I love freshly baked bread. Too much, actually.” The sliced baguette was crunchy and warm and tasted fantastic with the imported butter; Hudson couldn’t help but moan. “God, this is so good.”

“Never thought I’d be jealous of bread.”

Hudson blinked at him, half a bread slice in his mouth. “Hmm?”

Trent leaned forward, his voice lowered and a wicked gleam in his eyes. “I’m jealous it’s the bread causing you to make that sound and not me.”

Hudson almost choked. He finished swallowing and drank down almost an entire glass of water.

“You okay?” Trent asked, looking amused.

Hudson nodded. He didn’t trust himself to speak. The wine arrived, and the waiter poured them each a glass, then left the bottle at the table. They put in their orders and continued to chat and eat after the waiter left. Well, Trent talked. Hudson ate his weight in delicious bread. He was going to have to put in twice the workout this week, but sod it. He was on a date. Bleeding hell, he was on a date! Calm down. People do this all the time. It’s no big deal.

“Can I be honest?”

Hudson took a sip of his wine first. “Of course.”

“I thought you were going to be kind of stuck-up.”

“Oh?” Hudson cocked his head. “Why’s that?”

Trent hesitated. He looked adorably embarrassed. “Well, I heard you come from this big, wealthy family. I kind of figured you wouldn’t give me the time of day. I mean, you’re this smart, handsome, rich doctor, and I’m some nobody from Philly.” He met Hudson’s gaze, his smile apologetic. “I kind of judged you before I knew you.”

“It’s all right,” Hudson assured him. “Honestly it is. I left that life behind a long time ago. I was a poor fit from the start.”

Trent studied him. “Wealth really doesn’t matter to you, does it?”

“I admire those who work hard for what they have, no matter how much or how little. From a very young age, I was aware of the privilege I’d been born into. I simply couldn’t understand my family’s response to those who had less than we did. It was even more apparent when my grandparents took me on trips to London. During one particular outing to Covent Garden, I saw a little boy about my age, at the time, huddled by a trash bin, shivering from the cold. I pulled my hand out of my grandmother’s and ran over to him. I took off my cap and gave it to the boy. He gave me the most wonderful smile. I remember how good it felt to see him so happy. I returned his smile just before I was yanked away and scolded by my grandfather. I was confused by his anger. It was only a hat, and I had so many at home. Why couldn’t I give it to someone who didn’t have any? I thought about it on the train ride home, and I decided the reprimand wasn’t going to stop me from doing it again. And I did. Again and again. Gloves, scarves, hats, money for sweets.” Hudson laughed at the memory. “I’d come up with the most outlandish tales for how I lost them.” His smile fell away, and he dropped his gaze to his fingers.

“They didn’t take it well, huh?”

Hudson shrugged. “I was different. Stubborn and difficult. Some things never change.”

“Hey.” Trent covered Hudson’s hand with his. “Look at me.”

Hudson did, surprised by the warmth in Trent’s eyes. “You’re amazing. If they couldn’t see that, it’s their loss.”

“Thank you.”

Hudson was having a lovely time. He ignored his inner wolf’s growls. It was not happy with Hudson in the slightest. In fact, the sweeter Trent was, the more furious and unsettled his inner wolf became. Pacing, growling, spitting, refusing to behave itself or take a bloody nap.

Calm your fucking tits, all right? Piss off.

The coq au vin was delicious, and Hudson appreciated how Trent had informed the waiter to exclude the mushrooms as Hudson had completely forgotten. He was feeling a little warm from the second large glass of red wine Trent insisted he have. Hudson wasn’t much of a wine drinker, but he didn’t wish to be rude. It was delightful, of course, but far more than Hudson usually drank. After one glass of wine, Trent stuck with nonalcoholic drinks, since he was driving, a detail he admitted to having overlooked in his eagerness to impress Hudson.

After their sumptuous meal, where they talked about everything from work to the weather, they walked next door to Glaukos, a posh martini bar awash in blue lighting, with comfortable chairs and a pleasant atmosphere. Hudson’s blueberry lemonade was fabulous. He’d have to tell Dex about this place. Dex loved a good cocktail.

“I don’t get it.”

“What’s that?” Hudson asked, before taking another sip of his cocktail.

“How someone so gorgeous hasn’t been swept off his feet.” Trent leaned against the bar, facing Hudson. It was a little disconcerting being the focus of Trent’s intense gaze, but that was likely due to the fact Hudson hadn’t been looked at in such a way in a long time, at least not by someone who wasn’t Seb. Trent took Hudson’s hand, his thumb stroking Hudson’s wrist, making Hudson’s cheeks flush.

“Yes, well, being marked tends to put a damper on things for some.”

“Good thing I’m nothing like those idiots. Some people can be so narrow-minded. I admit, I didn’t really get it at first, the whole being marked or marking someone, but it makes sense. I mean, you fall hard for someone, think they’re going to be with you forever, and one day they’re not. Why shouldn’t you find happiness again?”

Hudson’s heart skipped a beat when Trent slowly straightened. He put his hand to Hudson’s cheek, his smile stunning. “You deserve to be happy, Hudson.”

Before Hudson could respond, Trent kissed him. Hudson stiffened, the taste, scent, and feel of Trent foreign to him. This was not his mate, and his inner wolf was livid. Hudson quickly shook himself out of it. He leaned into the kiss and placed his hands on Trent’s shoulders, slanting his mouth and parting his lips in response. It was a sweet kiss, their tongues exploring languidly, tasting, caressing. Trent was in no hurry, and Hudson relaxed. When they came up for air, Hudson felt his face flush at Trent’s incredible smile.

“Wow.”

Hudson laughed softly. He averted his gaze, but Trent gently turned his head back to him.

“I really, really don’t want to say good night. Not yet. I thought maybe, since I missed your birthday, you’d let me make it up to you?”

“Oh?” Hudson blinked at him, surprised Trent had known about Hudson’s birthday.

“Yeah, I got you a little something. It’s back at my place. You can say no. I’ll just bring it in to work tomorrow, and it’s all good.” Trent laughed and shook his head. “My God, that sounded like the cheesiest pickup line ever.”

“You bought me something for my birthday?”

“Yeah.”

Hudson was touched. He really was having a good time. What would it hurt to extend the evening a little longer? It wasn’t late by any means, and they were just getting to know each other. They didn’t get to speak much at work, and it wasn’t as if Hudson was committed. Besides, Trent wasn’t some stranger he’d met at a bar or club. He was a colleague. This was the perfect opportunity to see where things could go with Trent. A chance at a new beginning.

“All right.”

“Great!” Trent got up and offered his arm to Hudson, who took it with a bright smile. It started to rain, and Hudson laughed as they ran down the street to the garage where the car was parked. By the time they reached the front door of Trent’s ground-floor flat, Hudson’s hair was a mess. They were both a bit of a mess, actually.

 

 

HUDSON TOOK a seat on the couch in Trent’s living room as Trent fetched them each a towel. Hudson dried his hair and ran a hand through it before wiping his glasses. They’d fogged up from the run, forcing him to take Trent’s hand.

“Thank you,” Hudson said, handing the towel to Trent. The flat was sparse but neat. A few boxes remained unpacked in one corner, but the living room was set up, for the most part. The leather couch Hudson sat on was comfortable, matching the sleek black-and-silver coffee table in front of it. A furry white rug lay elegantly beneath the coffee table, and a large flat-screen TV was nestled in a black entertainment center, its shelves occupied by video equipment, movies, and books. Everything was high-end, but a little… impersonal. No photographs of family, friends, or even art hung on the walls or sat framed on shelves. Perhaps Trent simply hadn’t decorated yet.

“Be right back.” Trent left the room, and seconds later returned singing “Happy Birthday” and holding a blue-frosted cupcake with a lit candle in the center.

Hudson laughed softly, touched by the gesture. Trent sat beside him and held the cupcake out. “Make a wish.”

Hudson thought about it. He smiled at Trent and made his wish, the only one he’d ever wanted to come true—to find happiness once again. Trent removed the candle and tossed it onto the napkin he placed on the coffee table. He held the cupcake out to Hudson, and when he went to take it, Trent tapped the frosted peak against Hudson’s nose, making him laugh.

“I’m sorry,” Trent said with a chuckle. “I couldn’t help it. You’re so damn adorable.”

Hudson felt himself blushing as he took the cupcake. He peeled back the paper and split it in half. He bit down on his and handed the other to Trent. Instead of taking it, Trent took a bite while Hudson held it. Hudson watched Trent eat from his hand as he finished off his own cupcake. Two of Hudson’s fingers were covered in frosting, and he gasped as Trent pulled them into his mouth and sucked the frosting off with a decadent hum.

“I wonder if the rest of you tastes this sweet.” Trent waggled his eyebrows, and Hudson’s laughter was cut short by Trent kissing him again. The shock quickly wore off, and Hudson closed his eyes, parting his lips to give Trent access to his mouth. Trent tasted sweet, and Hudson leaned into him, allowing Trent to slip his hand around Hudson’s nape, drawing him closer and deepening the kiss. Hudson curled his fingers into Trent’s shirt, heat building inside him as Trent pushed gently. Hudson followed Trent’s lead, lowering onto his back as Trent continued to kiss him. Trent shifted, bringing Hudson’s leg up off the floor and over his hip so Hudson lay stretched on the couch beneath him. It felt so good to be desired, to feel Trent’s ragged breath against his skin, to know Trent didn’t care that Hudson had another man’s mark scarred into his skin.

“You’re so beautiful,” Trent said against Hudson’s lips before he moved his mouth to Hudson’s neck. Hudson’s breath hitched as Trent ground his hard erection against Hudson’s. It had been so bloody long….

The doorbell startled Hudson, and he put a hand to Trent’s chest.

“Shit. Sorry.” Trent stood, calling out over his shoulder as he walked to the door, “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited a couple of friends over.”

Hudson was confused. He sat up and ran a hand through his hair. “Oh. Um…. Okay.” Was their date over? Perhaps the evening hadn’t gone as well as Hudson had thought. Trent seemed to have been enjoying himself. Had he not expected things to go smoothly? Why else would Trent invite friends to join them?

“Guys, this is Hudson. I told you he was gorgeous, didn’t I?”

Smiling, Hudson waved at the two Therians. He wasn’t quite sure what to say. Or do. This felt… odd. Trent dropped down on the couch beside him again, and the two men took a seat to Hudson’s left, far too close for comfort. The one closest to Hudson put his hand on Hudson’s thigh. Hudson bolted to his feet.

“I should, um, I should go, Trent.” Hudson smiled apologetically. “I had a wonderful time tonight, and thank you for the cupcake, but I have a very early start tomorrow.” He lied. He had a half day tomorrow and wasn’t due in until noon. “You know how it is.” He headed for the door, but Trent caught his hand, turning Hudson to face him. He looked disappointed.

“Don’t go. Please.” Trent’s pupils dilated as he stepped closer to Hudson. He ran his thumb across Hudson’s knuckles, his other thumb brushing Hudson’s bottom lip. “I think you’ll enjoy yourself.”

It took Hudson a moment to catch Trent’s meaning. Suddenly he felt sick to his stomach, not to mention incredibly foolish. Was that why Trent had asked him out on a date?

“Oh, I, um, I thought you—” Hudson shook his head. “Never mind. I’m sorry, Trent, but I’m not interested. I hope you have a good night.” He tried to leave, but Trent gripped his wrist tightly. Hudson’s inner wolf stirred, his hackles going up.

“Come on, Doc. None of us care that you’re tainted. It’s just a bit of fun.”

Tainted.

Hudson glared at Trent. He didn’t know which insult he found more disturbing. “I see. I’m tainted, so therefore I must be desperate for a shag from anyone who’s willing and able to put their dick inside me.” Hudson jerked his arm away, his voice a low growl. “Well, thank you for your charitable offer, but I would rather go celibate the rest of my life than let one of you touch me. Excuse me.”

“Come on. Don’t be that way. We had such a good time at dinner, which wasn’t cheap, by the way.”

“And neither am I,” Hudson snapped. Was Trent serious? “Had you made your intentions clear from the start, I would have declined your generous offer.” He ignored Trent’s pleas, grabbed his jacket, and left the flat as quickly as he could, slamming the door behind him. He threw open the front door to the building and ran down the steps, then took off down the street, not caring about the rain, not caring that he had no idea where he was or where he was going. He just needed to get as far away from here as possible.

Hudson hated himself for the sting in the back of his eyes. He’d been such a bloody idiot, believing someone might love him for who he was, mark and all. What a fool. Falling for Trent’s charms, for his smile and sweet words, when all Trent wanted from him was a bit of fun. Hudson had nothing against a casual hookup. He wasn’t such a prude, but to believe Hudson was so desperate for intimacy he would eagerly accept what Trent offered. Because he was tainted.

Hudson had been called many names in his life. It came with being a Therian in a world that at one point believed them to be an abomination, a scientific mistake. But to be looked down upon by his own kind? It hurt more than any slur ever flung at him.

Where the hell was he? He paused long enough to glance around, and found a closed thrift store to his left and warehouses to his right. The street was poorly lit, consisting of either residential buildings or businesses closed for the day. A blow to his lower back had him reeling forward, and he hit the pavement hard, his hands getting scraped on the concrete. His glasses landed several feet away. He pushed up to his knees, but he was dragged into the thrift store’s empty parking lot and tossed to the ground behind a set of huge dumpsters. He hit the asphalt, the wind knocked out of him. With a groan, he rolled over and stared up at the three hooded men.

“You think you’re better than me?”

Hudson’s eyes widened. “Trent?”

“You tainted piece of shit.”

Hudson scrambled to get up, but Trent kicked him in the stomach. The blow had him gasping for air. The kicks were fast and fierce, and Hudson did his best to protect his head. He grabbed one guy’s leg and was kicked in the face. Coughing, Hudson tasted blood.

“Stop! Please.” Hudson put out a hand. “I work for the THIRDS! You won’t get away with this.”

Trent crouched down and snatched Hudson’s wrist so he wouldn’t punch Trent in his stupid face. “Oh, you’re not going to say a word. They never do.”

“Fuck off, you miserable wanker piece of shit!” Hudson spat in his face, and Trent laughed.

“Ooh, I knew there was a wild wolf under all those sweater vests.” Trent dragged Hudson to his feet and shoved him into the wall. He moved in, his fist raised, but Hudson managed to duck. He threw a right hook, catching Trent on his ribs and making him cry out. Hudson was going in for another hit when one of the other men grabbed a fistful of his hair and slammed him into the brick wall, his head smacking against it. He gasped for air, the world spinning around him. For a slip of a moment, he thought he was going to pass out.

Refusing to give in, Hudson fought with all his strength, keeping his fists up in front of him. He kicked out, bit, and scratched whoever came close enough as they took their hits. Trent fell over as Hudson got a good kick in and managed to stagger free of the group, only to get tackled. His hands and knuckles were bleeding, his body sore from being used as a punching bag. They kicked him, and someone punched him in the kidney. Hudson shielded his head, but a blow to the face stunned him, his vision growing blurry. Another kick to the stomach had him coughing and wheezing as he curled up on his side.

“You’re a fucking tease, Colbourn,” Trent spat. “You think you can strut around like you’re better than everyone, getting guys to wine and dine you, and then when they get close, you pull the rug out from under them, acting all chaste, instead of the filth you are? Like that cocktease Daley.”

“You stay the fuck away from him,” Hudson snarled. He kicked out, catching one of the bastards in the knee, relishing the painful howl the cougar Therian released.

“You little shit.”

If it had been just Trent, Hudson could have defended himself and perhaps even subdued him. Hudson was a trained agent, after all, but he wasn’t trained like Trent. Defense agents were prepared for all manner of lethal situations—situations THIRDS medical examiners rarely expected to encounter. Against three Felid Therians much larger and stronger than him, Hudson didn’t stand a chance.

The lights above the thrift store’s side entrance flickered, and Hudson prayed it wasn’t his vision, that he wasn’t about to lose consciousness. Everything was plunged into darkness, and Hudson gasped, scrambling to get away. A white light burst around them, blinding him, and from the shouts behind him, the other men as well. A pungent odor Hudson couldn’t pinpoint flooded the air around him, wreaking havoc with his sense of smell. He coughed, crawling carefully toward the parking lot exit. This was his chance to escape. He had no idea what the hell was going on, but if he didn’t move now, Trent and his friends were going to put him in the hospital. If that’s what they even intended. A firm grip on his arm startled him, and he clawed at the hand, finding it was gloved. Fear swept through Hudson, but before he could say a word, he was hauled to his feet.

“Get the hell out of here,” the figure growled in a low voice before shoving him past the chain-link fence and out onto the pavement. Hudson flailed but managed to stay on his feet. He spotted his glasses on the ground and swiped them up, then put them back on. One of the lenses was cracked, but he could see well enough. The rain poured down, but he was free. He forced his legs to move and ran down the street. A cab sat idle in front of one of the buildings. Hudson ran over, surprised when the cabbie opened the window.

“You call a car? Geez, you okay, man?”

Hudson nodded. He hadn’t called a car, but the cab driver didn’t need to know that. He got in and gave the address of the only place he would be safe. As the cab pulled away, Hudson wrapped his arms around himself as he began to shiver uncontrollably. It would be okay. He’d be okay soon. He just needed to get home.

 

 

“COME ON. Answer your damn phone.”

Seb paced his living room, trying not to lose his shit or put in an emergency call to headquarters. He prayed he was overreacting. That any minute now Hudson was going to call him back and tell him to fuck off.

His body was sore, his muscles ached, and his stomach was queasy. He hurt all over. Where the hell was Hudson, and why wasn’t he answering? Even when Hudson didn’t answer Seb’s calls, he’d text to let Seb know he was being ignored. They hadn’t talked in days, but Hudson wouldn’t let him worry like this if he was okay. Hudson was out there somewhere, hurt.

The doorbell rang, and Seb stilled. A multitude of scenarios ran through his head, none of them setting his nerves at ease. What if it was one of their own agents come to let him know something terrible had happened to Hudson? That he was lying in a hospital somewhere. Seb shook his head and hurried over to the door, unlocked it, and threw it open. He was stunned silent by the sight before him.

Seb’s heart warred with itself, struggling between the overwhelming need to comfort and the sheer rage threatening to consume him. He would have given anything to have been wrong. Hudson shivered violently as rivulets of water streamed down from his hair, over his bruised and bloodied face, to the torn, dirt-stained clothes plastered to his skin. The left lens in his glasses was cracked, and from behind the right lens, Seb could see the redness in Hudson’s tear-filled eyes. His bottom lip was bloodied and trembled, much like Hudson’s voice when he spoke.

“I… I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have come… after… what I did, but I… I need…. You always make me feel safe.”

Seb didn’t hesitate. He held out his hand, and Hudson took it. Seb closed the door behind them and locked up before leading Hudson upstairs to the bedroom. He grabbed a big fluffy towel from the closet and began drying Hudson in the hopes of warming him up. Hudson tried to move away from him.

“You’re soaked to the bone and freezing.”

Hudson shook his head. “I ran out on you, and now you’re taking care of me. Why?”

Seb cupped Hudson’s face. “You know why.”

Hudson nodded. He allowed Seb to take his hand and lead him into the bathroom. As Seb turned on the water and checked the temperature, Hudson stood silently, staring at the floor. It was likely shock was beginning to set in. What the hell happened to him? He had bruises, scrapes, and cuts all over. By the looks of his hands and knuckles, Hudson had fought fiercely. Seb didn’t want to leave him, but Hudson didn’t need him adding to his unease.

“I’ll be just outside, okay?”

Hudson nodded. He looked up at Seb, his blue eyes filled with so much heartache and pain. Seb wanted nothing more than to take that hurt from him. If only Hudson would let him. Hudson opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. He turned away from Seb and started unbuttoning his shirt. Seb quietly stepped into the bedroom and closed the bathroom door behind him. He walked to his dresser and pulled open the bottom drawer to remove a pair of soft pajama bottoms and a comfy T-shirt.

Seb couldn’t help his smile. When Hudson walked out nearly seven years ago, he left some clothes behind, and Seb never had the heart to get rid of them, telling himself Hudson could have taken those too. It had given him hope. The clothes sat where Hudson had originally stored them in the dresser. The gray T-shirt had an atom symbol in the center, and beneath the drawing, it said: “Never trust an atom. They make everything up.” Hudson was so fucking nerdy it was adorable.

Seb went to the bathroom door and cracked it open. “I’m just going to leave some clothes for you on the hook behind the door, okay?”

There was no reply. Seb stepped inside, mindful to give Hudson his privacy. He hung the clothes up and stood facing the door. “I need to know you’re okay, sweetheart.” More silence. He was about to turn around, when Hudson spoke up, his voice barely audible over the spraying water from the showerhead.

“I’m okay.”

“I’ll be outside, then. Take as long as you like.” He left the door slightly ajar in case Hudson needed him. While Hudson showered, Seb turned down the bed. The water turned off quicker than expected, and a heartbeat later, Hudson was standing in the bathroom doorway, a frown on his face as he held his dirty clothes.

“I don’t want these,” he murmured, looking as if he were on the verge of tears. “Can you get rid of them? I don’t want them.”

Whatever the hell had happened, it had done a number on Hudson. Seb didn’t make any sudden movements. He crossed the distance between them at a normal pace and carefully took the clothes from him, his voice gentle.

“You got it. Why don’t you lie down and rest? I’ll be right back.”

Hudson nodded, and Seb left the room, hurried downstairs, and dropped Hudson’s clothes off in the laundry room on the washing machine. He’d worry about them later, but at least this way they were out of sight. He made sure there was nothing Hudson might need in any of the pockets. Hudson’s wallet, keys, and phone were still in his jeans. Seb removed them and brought them upstairs. Hudson hadn’t moved from the spot where Seb left him. Seb’s heart squeezed at Hudson’s flushed cheeks and dazed expression. He looked like a lost little boy.

Seb placed Hudson’s belongings on the nightstand, then returned to him. He didn’t touch Hudson, afraid he might spook him.

“Sweetheart?”

Hudson didn’t even blink.

“Lobito?”

A sharp intake of breath was followed by Hudson’s bright blue eyes meeting his. “Seb?”

“Yeah, baby, I’m here. Why don’t you come rest?” Hudson was a little unsteady on his feet, and Seb was afraid he wouldn’t be standing much longer. He looked exhausted and in pain. Seb held out his hand. “Come on.”

Hudson nodded. He took Seb’s hand and followed him over to the bed, where he sat down on the edge. Several heartbeats later, he lay down on his side, turning away from Seb. He curled up on himself, and Seb’s heart broke all over again. He yearned to comfort, to seek out the source of Hudson’s pain and take it away, but this wasn’t about what he wanted. It was about what Hudson needed. Seb pulled the blanket over Hudson and stroked his hair before he realized what he’d done.

He pulled back his hand. “If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll be downstairs.” He turned off the light and was about to leave when Hudson sat up.

“Don’t leave me.”

Seb turned, swallowing hard at Hudson’s wide, glassy-eyed stare as he sat with the duvet pulled up to his chin. He looked so unlike himself, so… vulnerable.

“Please. Please don’t go.”

Seb climbed into bed under the covers. He lay on his side facing Hudson but didn’t move. Hudson searched Seb’s gaze. What was he looking for? Without a word, Hudson gingerly moved closer and shifted down, his head under Seb’s chin as he snuggled as close to Seb as he could, as if he were trying to burrow inside Seb. He slipped an arm around Seb, his face buried against Seb’s chest, and his right leg in between Seb’s. His entire body was pressed against Seb’s. When he was settled, he released a heart-wrenching sigh.

“I’m not going anywhere, Lobito,” Seb murmured before kissing the top of Hudson’s head as he wrapped an arm around him, holding him tight. “I promise.”

Hudson nodded. He trembled in Seb’s arms, his silent sobs tearing at Seb’s heart. Closing his eyes, Seb pushed down his rising fury. Someone had hurt Hudson, and Seb wanted nothing more than to find whoever it was and return the favor. For now, he’d remain right where he was and be whatever Hudson needed him to be.