Time seemed to fly by and all of a sudden, it was time to go home. The kids were all packed and ready to go and Damon took a picture of all his grandkids and great-grandkids since they were rarely all in one room together. He then hugged each and every one.

“I expect to see you back here very soon,” Damon instructed them.

“You will, Dad.” Stefan took his hand. “Count on it.”

The first two months on the mission were horrendous. James was certain he’d lost fifteen pounds through sweating, and his gear wasn’t helping. He and Theo were on top of a mountain ridge tonight watching the valley below. Dominic and Mason were five miles away watching the trail, and Tomas and Leo were sitting up in the mountains watching the opposite side.

“All clear,” Tomas spoke into his radio.

“It’s quiet for now. Keep your eyes and ears open.” Dominic looked down below.

James was wearing his night vision and spotted two men riding through the valley on horseback. He motioned to Theo, who had the sniper rifle.

“Two moving through, waiting on confirmation.” James zeroed in on them and gave Theo all the information.

“They’re hostile.” Theo focused the scope.

“Take them out,” Mason’s voice came through.

James switched to his rifle and they took their shots. They waited for one of the other teams to go and clean up the area. Theo was back on the radio with Mason. If James had thought Theo couldn’t be any sexier, he was wrong. The man was drop-dead gorgeous in uniform.

“You two, get some rest; your back-up is on the way.”

“Thanks, Mason.” Theo turned to James. “Good job.”

“You too.” Theo had been nothing but professional since they had gotten there and in a way it was driving James crazy. All he could think about was Theo kissing him and touching him; it was making it hard for him to concentrate. The worst part was they were sleeping in same tent and every time Theo took off his shirt James had to try not to drool — or jack off.

“James?”

“Yeah?” James came out of his daydream to find Theo looking at him.

“I said, you ready?”

“Yup.” James grabbed all his gear.

Tomas was taking his vest off when Leo walked into their tent, shirtless. He walked straight up to Tomas and rubbed both hands over his chest. The next thing Tomas knew, he was flat on his back and Leo was kissing him. Clothes flew everywhere and then Tomas felt Leo enter him hard and fast; he moaned into Leo’s mouth as he searched for his tongue, tangling with it in a bruising kiss.

“Oh, God, Tomas!” Leo kept his movements slow as Tomas moved with him.

The two of them were strictly professional during the day but at night? All bets were off. Leo’s hand gripped Tomas’ hair and Tomas dug his fingers into his back.

“Leo!” Tomas took his face in his hands.

“Let go!”

The slow thrusting put Tomas in a daze. This wasn’t just sex. Leo was making love to him; he let loose with a loud moan as he came, with Leo following seconds later.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” Leo murmured.

“Neither was I. I have feelings for you.”

“Ditto.”

It was a half-hour hike back to their tent and James was dying. He couldn’t wait to get out of his gear and pass out; they were out in the middle of the jungle and the only source of water was a waterfall a half-mile from where they were bivouacked. Theo headed there as soon as they got back.

James peeled out of his gear and checked all the bruises on his chest and arms. Even though the vest protected him from bullets, explosions were different. They’d had a few close calls when they arrived. James grabbed a change of clothes before going to the waterfall. As he moved the thick branches aside, he enjoyed a view of a naked Theo rinsing himself off. His breath caught in his throat as Theo’s hands ran up and down his torso. James was pretty sure he was drooling.

Theo had the body of a Greek god. His strong hands were slowly rubbing his abs and James narrowed his eyes to make sure Theo’s eyes were closed. From the way Theo was touching his body, James would have bet that he knew someone was watching him. His hands came up to rinse his hair and James got a nice view of Theo’s cock. Even that was beautiful.

James sighed. Shit.

He let out a short cough and turned around. “Are you almost done?”

“Yep.”

Theo climbed out of the water and dried himself off before throwing some shorts on. He walked up the path toward James, and noticed his bad bruises. He felt along James’ bicep.

“These look bad.”

“I’ll be okay.” James shrugged.

“I’ll be a few feet out, just to make sure.”

“You don’t need to babysit me, Theo.”

Theo bent down and kissed his cheek. “Maybe I would just feel better if I know you’re okay.”

Blue eyes met green ones and James couldn’t look away. Theo’s hand was resting on his face and James’ legs were about to go out from the intensity of Theo’s gaze. It’s not as if he didn’t want to throw Theo on the ground and fuck his damn brains out — because he did. Every second of every fucking day he wanted Theo. His eyes were a beautiful shade of green that reminded James of emeralds.

“Okay, so yeah I better get in there.” James tore his eyes away.

Theo smiled as he watched James get in the water; it had been difficult to keep his hands to himself; more and more he found himself thinking about James. Partnering the two men was Lorenzo’s way of making him better at his job — or so he said.

James let the water wash over him. His whole body hurt and the water felt good. He closed his eyes and tried to decompress. He toweled himself off and grabbed his clothes. That’s when he felt something bite him. His yell brought Theo running.

“What is it?” Theo grabbed him.

“Something — bit —” James collapsed.

Theo was pacing the campsite. He had rushed James back minutes after the snakebite. The doctor had given James an injection that combined different anti-venoms from the poisonous snakes of the region. The bite mark alone couldn’t tell them which snake struck him.

James was moaning and writhing on the bed and Theo took his hand.

“Is he going to be okay?” Theo demanded of the doctor.

“Time will tell us more.”

“What if he doesn’t have time?” Theo yelled. “If he dies, you die.”

“Theo!” Mason shouted. “Get outside. Now!”

Theo stomped outside and Dominic studied him closely. Mason had told him he thought there was something going on between James and Theo. Dominic could see it now and then by the way they looked at each other, as though they were starving and the other one was a cracker.

“Calm down, big guy. James will make it.”

“He has to.” Theo sat down and put his face in his hands.

“Is there something we need to know?”

“There’s no relationship other than a working one, Dominic.” Theo sighed.

“Who’s holding back?”

“James.”

“You can stay here with him, okay?” Dominic crouched down and put a hand on Theo’s shoulder. “I’ll have back-up come in.”

“Thanks.”

 

Three days had gone by and James was getting worse. In fact, the doctor feared evacuating him would put too much stress on his weakened body. He was riddled with fever and delirium; the bite area was red and swollen. The doctor had to puncture it more than once to release the fluid buildup. Theo didn’t sleep for three days as he kept a vigil by James’ bedside. Tomas showed up on the night of the third day after Mason felt he should be there — in case he had to say goodbye.

The doctor had drawn a sample of James’ blood to verify that the anti-venoms were starting to work; they were waiting on a phone call to know for sure. He had explained that James would get worse before he got better as his body tried to fight the poison.

Theo left them alone and Tomas took James’ hand. James was soaked with sweat and trembling uncontrollably. Tomas’ tears soaked the fabric as he put his head down on the bed.

“Theo?”

Tomas looked up; James was delusional and calling out Theo’s name.

“James?”

“Theo. Where’s Theo?”

“He’s right outside, James.” Tomas caressed his cheek. James closed his eyes again and Tomas kissed his forehead before going outside. Theo was sitting on a chair and he looked as though he was crying.

“What the fuck is going on?” Tomas demanded.

“What do you mean?” Theo stood up. “Is he okay? Did he wake up?”

“He’s delirious and calling out for you, Theo. So, again, I ask — what the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing Tomas, absolutely nothing. Thanks to you, I might add.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“I have feelings for James, and I’m pretty damn sure he returns that, but he won’t be with me because of you.”

“Good.”

“Excuse me?” Theo gasped.

“I think you heard me.”

“You know, if I didn’t know better I’d say you were jealous of the idea of James trying to move on. Are you really that selfish?”

“James will always be mine, Theo. Plain and simple.”

“What?”

Tomas whirled to find Leo staring at him, a look of obvious hurt on his face.

“So this thing between us? It’s just some fling until James comes back to you?”

“That’s not what I meant —” Tomas started.

“So you’re allowed to move on, but James can’t? Is that it? You can be with Leo but James has to stay alone?” Theo was beyond pissed. “Not to mention that you’re toying with Leo’s feelings!

“Fuck you, Mitchell.” Tomas marched over to Theo.

“Oh, did I hit a nerve?” Theo stood his ground.

“That’s it, isn’t it, Tomas? You were using me.” Leo sounded sad.

“Leo, wait.” Tomas turned and reached for the older man.

“No, I get it.” Leo waved him off and hurried in the opposite direction.

“Well, now’s where you make that decision. Find Leo and explain or stay here and fight some more with me.”

Tomas walked into the tent and looked at James. He was still mumbling Theo’s name.

“Will he live?”

“The fever is coming down and I have given him a transfusion. I’ve never worked with a team as well prepared as this one. He will come out of it. Another doctor with more expertise is on his way. The results just came back on the blood sample I sent; the poison is leaving his system.”

Tomas leaned over and kissed James’ forehead again. “You’re going to be okay.”

“Theo,” James sighed.

“I’ll get him. I love you, James.” Tomas held back his tears and left. He found Theo slumped again in the chair and he told him, “Take good care of him.”

Tomas ran to the airstrip just as the helicopter carrying Leo headed off. He could see Leo’s dirty blond hair as the chopper dipped, making its turn. Tomas ran to the edge of the landing pad.

“Wait!” he shouted.

“It’s too late, Tomas. You’re going to have to wait for the next chopper,” Mason snapped.

“Oh, God.” Tomas sat down. “I fucked up.”

“He was hurt — I’ve never seen him like that. What the hell is going on?” Mason demanded.

“How much time do you have?”

Theo went back into the tent and took James’ hand; he wiped the sweat from his forehead and kissed his cheek. The feelings he had were nearly overwhelming. James had always been special to him; even at eighteen James had been a force of nature. When Theo told him at the coffee shop that he had asked for another assignment, James had cried. Theo had to leave because it hurt so badly to see him distraught. He had always known somewhere deep inside that James had meant more to him than he realized.

“Theo.”

“I’m right here, James.” Theo caressed his cheek.

“Don’t leave me.” James sighed.

“I won’t leave you. I promise.”

“He is much calmer when you are here.” The doctor smiled at Theo.

“I’m, um, sorry about what I said before,” Theo stumbled over his apology.

“I am used to it. Men in love? They are crazy.” The doctor left, shaking his head.

“Theo.”

“Right here, babe; I’m right here.”

Stefan was pacing the floor and Jordan was staring at the phone, willing it to ring. Parker was holding Jake and soothing him the best he could. Kyle was trying to keep Dante calm. The phone rang and Stefan snatched it up.

“Is he okay?”

“He is coming around, Mr. Santorno,” Mason’s tired voice came over the phone. “Tomas is on his way to another detail as we speak.”

“But James is out of danger?” Stefan asked for the group.

“Yes,” Mason answered. “I’ll call you tomorrow morning with more details. Tell everyone he is going to be all right.”

They held their collective breaths as Stefan talked to Mason. Jake was ready to hurt something — not knowing if his brother was all right was killing him.

“Thanks, Mason,” Stefan said wearily as he hung up the phone. He looked up. “He’s out of danger.”

Jake broke down crying as Parker rocked him in his arms. It had been a week of pure hell. Jake had wanted to go to his brother in case he had died without knowing how much Jake loved him.

“He’s going to be fine, Jake.” Parker took his face in his hands.

Dante hugged Jake and they both cried. Kyle took Parker’s hand as they watched their men release their unbearable tension. They had been friends since childhood, more like brothers.

“Tomas is out on another detail, Dante. According to Mason, he’ll be gone for a few weeks,” Stefan told him.

“Please tell me he’s not in some place with poisonous snakes,” Dante pleaded.

“Nope.” Stefan grinned. “He’s in Iceland.”

“What?”

“Apparently, your brother has feelings for Leo. He asked for an assignment where Leo was on duty. Ergo, Iceland.”

“Oh, crap.” Dante sat down. “My mom’s going to have a heart attack.” Kyle smiled wide and Dante narrowed his eyes. “You knew.”

“Did not,” Kyle denied.

“Kyle Russo! You knew!” Dante wrestled him to the floor.

“So where is James now?” Jake asked, ignoring his friends on the floor.

“On his way to a hospital, just to make sure he’s got enough fluids. They want to monitor him.”

“I want to go.” Jake stood up.

“Done.”

James woke up slowly as a woman looked at his IV drip. She smiled at him and took his temperature.

“You look much better, Mr. Greco.”

“Where am I?” James shifted.

“In a hospital in France. Mr. Landry sent you to us with specific instructions to take care of you ‘or else’.”

James closed his eyes briefly. That was so Mason.

“How long have I been out?” He studied the IV inserted into his hand.

“Almost a week and a half. Your friend has been very worried.”

“My friend?”

“Yes, very tall man, lots and lots of muscles, gorgeous green eyes.” She sighed.

“Theo.”

“They had to sedate him.”

“What? Why?”

“He hit a few of our doctors when they were cleaning your wound. You were screaming and crying and he — well, he got angry.”

“Where is he now?”

“Next door. Would you like to see him?”

“Can I?” James asked.

“How can I refuse?” She smiled sweetly.

 

James sat beside Theo’s bed and held his hand. Bruises marred his knuckles, presumably from hitting doctors. He smiled at the thought and ran his fingers through Theo’s hair.

“You are so crazy,” James whispered.

“Ah, you are awake.”

James turned to the sight of a doctor with a black eye.

“Hello.”

“Your friend will be out for a few more hours.” The doctor checked Theo’s IV line but made sure he stayed as far away from the bed as possible.

“He hit you?”

“I was the one who had to re-open your wound and clean it out.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I am very well educated when it comes to matters of the heart. You should be back in bed, however.”

“Can I be moved in here?” James asked.

“I believe that can be arranged.”

“Thank you.” James turned his attention back to Theo and caressed his face. “I’m okay, Theo. I’m okay.”

“James.”

James smiled as Theo mumbled in his sleep. “It’s okay now.”

When Jake arrived with Parker, he found James in the cafeteria. He hugged him hard — but carefully — and sat down at the table with him.

“Thank God!” Jake took James’ hand. “I was so worried.”

“I’m okay.” James smiled. “I guess it was touch and go for a few days.”

“That’s what Mason said — more than a few days, though.”

Parker took other his hand. “Dominic said Theo never left your side.”

“Yeah, and I think he beat up some doctors.”

“Are you involved with him?”

“I want to be but this whole thing with Tomas — I told Theo I can’t.”

“Good,” Jake approved.

“What?” Parker looked flummoxed.

“Look, someday James and Tomas will get back together. James getting involved with Theo is just going to slow that down.”

“But Tomas getting involved with Leo is okay?” Parker responded incredulously.

“Tomas is with Leo?” James asked slowly.

“It’s temporary. He’ll come back to you,” Jake assured him.

“So, let me get this straight. It’s okay for Tomas to be with Leo right now — as he has been since Malta apparently — but James can’t be with Theo? He’s supposed to sit by the phone waiting for Tomas to…what? Get his fill of ‘no strings’ sex? Has he bothered to tell Leo it’s ‘no strings attached’?” Parker was getting good and pissed. “Because, from what I hear, Leo didn’t get that memo.” If he’d been a cartoon, Parker would have red steam coming out of his ears.

“Well, obviously it’s better if both them aren’t involved,” Jake admitted. “But James needs to be available when Tomas puts his head back on straight.” He looked at his brother. “You know how Mom loves the two of you together.”

“I have to go.” James stood up.

“James, wait,” Parker jumped up also.

James gave them a sad smile. “I have to go.”

As soon as James left, Parker turned on Jake. “Oh, my God! You are unbelievable!”

“What did I do?” Jake looked genuinely surprised.

“James should stay single on the off chance Tomas might come back to him when he’s finished sleeping with Leo? Wake up from the Dark Ages! Jake, that is so unfair!”

“Look, I know they still love each other.”

“Did it ever occur to your Neanderthal brain that they may love each other but are no longer in love? And you just possibly took away the one chance James had to find romantic love again. I love you, Jake Greco, but right now?” Parker threw his hands up in the air and stormed off.

“What the hell?” Jake sat back, flabbergasted.

When Tomas got to Iceland he found Leo had left when he heard that Tomas was coming. He sat on the bench in the infirmary and let out a loud sigh.

“You hurt him pretty badly.”

Tomas jumped at the sound of Justin’s voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Taking his place.”

“I didn’t mean to — shit. I’ll always love James but I have real feelings for Leo. And now I’ve fucked it all up.” Tomas put his face in his hands.

“What the hell happened?”

Tomas launched into the story of how they had shared a kiss when Tomas was younger and Leo had told him he cared for him then but Tomas’ heart belonged to James. He moved on to how he and Leo had gotten together in Malta.

“I think that what I said to Theo when James was sick was instinct. I think just seeing him with James carried me back to when I was seventeen and I had to watch James and Theo date. It really hurt. My mouth opened and I just vomited a whole lot of stupid shit at the campsite. I really do care for Leo.”

Justin smiled at him. “Then I suggest you find him.”

“I will, and when I do I’m going to beg him to forgive me for being an ass.”

“Ass is a major understatement,” Justin warned. “Spend your spare time on coming up with much more appropriate words to describe cutting out a man’s beating heart and handing it to him.”

Tomas’ jaw dropped. “Gee, thanks for going easy on me, Justin.”

“Any time, buddy.” Justin walked off, whistling.

Theo awakened to find Jake sitting by his bed. He sat up and looked around.

“Where’s James? Is he okay?”

Jake sighed. “James checked himself out AMA. I’m pretty sure that was my fault.”

“Oh God, where is he?” Theo struggled to get out of bed.

“I don’t know, Theo. I don’t know.”