Chapter 3

 

 

THIS WAS a terrible idea, but also the most obvious choice.

Hudson paced the concrete room, his wolf unhappy with the enclosed space. The small room made him anxious. He could only imagine what Sloane must be feeling. Felid Therians abhorred tight spaces. “Are you certain you want to do this?” Hudson asked for the umpteenth time.

“Positive, but Sloane has to stay here,” Dex replied, cringing at Sloane’s glower.

“Are you out of your mind? You want me to stay in here while you face a Therian stuck in feral form?” Sloane shook his head. “Absolutely fucking not.”

“It’s not just any Therian. It’s Taylor,” Dex reminded them.

“Exactly! Taylor who tried to kill us!”

Dex appeared to give that some thought. “He wasn’t trying to kill me. Only you. I think.”

Sloane threw up his hands. “Oh, well, I feel so much better now.” He folded his arms over his chest, his lips pressed in a thin line.

Hudson couldn’t blame Sloane for his concern. Taylor was far more lethal in this state, but Dex also had a point. If Sloane was present, Taylor’s hostility would increase exponentially, and any chance Dex might have to reach Taylor would become nonexistent.

“Babe.” Dex tugged at Sloane’s arm, and Hudson held back a smile at the way Sloane’s anger melted away.

Sloane pulled Dex into his embrace, his words laced with tenderness. “What if he hurts you? It’s been weeks since Moros injected him with that fucked-up version of Shultzon’s drug. We have to consider that maybe… maybe Taylor’s gone.”

Hudson swallowed hard, his stomach lurching at the thought. For weeks TIN scientists and medical experts had worked furiously to determine what concoction Moros injected Taylor with to force his humanity to become dormant. Mere hours ago, they were informed Moros had pumped extremely high doses of Thelxinomine into Taylor’s system. Hudson was horrified to discover it was the same drug Shultzon managed to get into Sloane, Ash, and Ethan before they were kidnapped, in hopes of turning them into mindless soldiers. With enough doses, Thelxinomine would short-circuit the Therian brain, leaving the feral half in control and susceptible to Peitharchia7, which would allow the Therian to be controlled in their Human form. The thought of what Moros had done to Taylor made Hudson sick to his stomach. He turned to Sloane.

“We need to do what we can to help him, Sloane. What Moros did was barbaric. It’s a miracle Taylor isn’t dead.”

Dex nodded his agreement. “If seeing me helps him in any way, I have to do it. Yeah, he’s pulled some real dick moves, but he’d gotten his act together, and he sure as hell doesn’t deserve this. Moros used him to get to us. We can’t do nothing. Besides….” Dex sucked in a sharp breath, his expression pained as he held up his hand. Hudson stared at the claws piercing Dex’s skin as he drew them out. “Things are different now.”

Hudson couldn’t stop from taking Dex’s hand to examine it. “Extraordinary.”

Dex chuckled. “Weird, huh? It’s taking some getting used to.” Something occurred to him, and he gasped, his wide eyes on Sloane. “Dude, I was right. X-Men.”

Sloane rolled his eyes. “You are not an X-Men.”

Dex looked unimpressed. He waved his clawed hand in front of Sloane.

“Yeah, okay, Wolverine. Go do whatever it is you gotta do, and try not to give me any heart palpitations today. You might be strong, but your bones aren’t made of Adamantium.”

With a big smile, Dex kissed Sloane. “I love that you’re as big a nerd as I am.”

“No one’s as big a nerd as you are. Except maybe your brother.” Sloane gave Hudson a pointed look. “Make sure he doesn’t do anything reckless.”

Hudson’s expression was deadpan. “Oh? Mastered the feat yourself, have you?”

“You know what, Doc? You’re starting to sound like him. Stop it.”

Hudson laughed before knocking on the steel door. It was immediately opened by a very large bear Therian in a black suit and auburn tie. He towered well over seven feet tall, was as wide as the doorframe, and looked as though he was carved from granite. Hudson pondered how a man that size could be a spy.

Seeming to read his thoughts, Dex leaned in to murmur, “I’m guessing they send him to places with a lot of mountains. Blends right in.”

Hudson snickered, following Dex and the giant bear Therian down a somber-looking corridor. Where were they? Dex had picked Hudson up at his office, and with Sloane, they’d walked to the THIRDS garage, where a black Suburban with opaque tinted windows waited for them. Inside, a partition ensured they couldn’t see the front of the vehicle or who drove it, and the windows were as black on the inside as they were on the outside. Hudson attempted to listen to his surroundings but was met with nothing but silence, and all his sense of smell picked up was Dex and Sloane. It was impossible to discern where they were being taken, other than to a secure TIN facility.

A large iron door slid open at the far end of the gray concrete corridor. Two uniformed soldiers with frightful-looking tranq rifles emerged and took positions outside the room. Hudson swallowed hard. He certainly didn’t want to come up against those men in a dark alley, or anywhere for that matter.

The vast room was bare, with nothing but what Hudson suspected was a two-way mirror high on one wall. At the end of the room was a steel cage, and inside, Taylor paced in his leopard Therian form, hissing and spitting. Hudson stopped cold with a gasp. He knew of feral Therians, had even come across several in his time at the THIRDS, but seeing someone he knew, one of his colleagues, in that state was difficult. Dex put a hand to Hudson’s shoulder, and Hudson nodded.

“I’m all right.”

They approached the cage, and Hudson’s heart squeezed. Poor bloke. Taylor might have been brash, rude, and often inappropriate, but he didn’t deserve to be locked up in a cage like a rabid beast. Inside that ferocious leopard beat the heart of a man, a good man despite his many flaws and past indiscretions. Taylor’s change over the last few months had come as a surprise to everyone in Unit Alpha. At some point, the inappropriate comments had ceased. He no longer spoke incessantly of sex or his conquests. Where he’d once flirted with anything and everything that had a pulse, he had become thoughtful and at times playful. Hudson had overheard him reprimanding a fellow agent for boasting in lurid detail of his night spent with another agent. Hudson had no idea what had brought on such a change in Taylor, but it suited the man.

Dex slowly approached the cage but stopped far enough away that if Taylor were to swipe his paw through the bars, he wouldn’t reach Dex.

“Hey, buddy, it’s me.”

Taylor continued to pace, fangs bared as he hissed. He was agitated and frustrated by his confinement. Canid Therians despised being locked up, but they could cope far better than Felid Therians. A trapped Canid Therian would lose heart, whereas a trapped Felid Therian would lose its mind.

“Taylor, listen to my voice. It’s Dex. You remember me, right? I know you can smell me.” Dex edged closer, gingerly approaching the bars. Hudson remained still. If Dex should need him, he’d have to move quickly. Dex crouched in front of the bars just a foot away, and Hudson stifled a gasp when Taylor roared and made a swipe at Dex through the bars. To Hudson’s astonishment, Dex smacked Taylor’s paw away before he could get slashed. He’d never seen a Human move that fast.

“Knock it off,” Dex scolded. “Don’t be a jerk. I’m here to help you.” Taylor hissed, and Dex moved closer. “Hey, what did I say? I’m here to help you, you ass. I want to help you. I know you’re in there. Come on.” Dex moved his hand closer to the bars, and Hudson had to refrain from asking him what the bloody hell he thought he was doing. If Dex lost a hand, Sloane was going to kill them both.

Hudson waited with bated breath as Dex slipped his hand between the bars. “Come here,” he said softly. “It’s me. You like me. I like you too.”

Taylor flattened his ears. He lifted his head and sniffed. When he opened his mouth, Hudson thought they were doomed. Instead of biting, Taylor stuck out his tongue. He was sniffing the air, trying to get a better idea of who Dex was.

“Yeah, that’s it, buddy. It’s me. Come on.” Dex held his palm up, and Hudson stared, stunned as Taylor edged closer. He stretched out his thick neck and sniffed at Dex’s hand.

“Yeah, that’s it. You remember me, don’t you? It’s okay. I’m not mad.”

Taylor rubbed his head against Dex’s hand, and the very distinct motor-like sound of purring filled the room. Oh, thank bloody goodness. Hudson released a shaky breath.

“Yeah, you remember. I’m here. It’s okay. Everything’s gonna be okay.”

Taylor lowered his head, releasing a grieving wail that broke Hudson’s heart. He padded to the corner of the cage, where he curled up in a tight ball, his back to them.

“Hey, don’t do that. I know you didn’t mean to. You probably don’t even remember most of it, and that’s okay. It wasn’t your fault. Someone messed with you. Why don’t you shift so we can talk about it?”

Another low wail followed by a mewl came from Taylor. Hudson was familiar with the sound of a heartbroken Felid. Curious. Taylor no doubt felt remorse for his actions, but why did he sound so… despairing?

“We’ve been worried about you. You need to come back to us.”

Nothing.

Dex took a deep breath before speaking, his voice gentle. “Ellis Taylor, you listen to me.”

Taylor’s ears perked up, and he looked at Dex over his shoulder.

“It’s okay. I promise. Please. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be right here. For you.”

Taylor stared at Dex for a minute before getting up. He walked to the center of the cage and released a huff. After several failed attempts, an anguished cry left Taylor’s mouth as his muscles flexed and shifted beneath his fur. Hudson shut his eyes tight as the roars gave way to harrowing screams. Taylor was clearly in great pain. It was to be expected after how long he’d been in his Therian form. When the screams ebbed, Hudson opened his eyes. Taylor’s transformation was nearly complete.

Hudson turned to one of the guards. “Bring us a blanket, please.”

“Someone open this door,” Dex ordered, standing aside while one of the guards crossed the room, then opened the cage door just as Taylor finished shifting. He was so weak he lay curled up on his side, shivering violently. Hudson took the blanket from the guard and handed it to Dex, who quickly laid it over a stark-naked Taylor.

The door opened, and several medical officers rushed into the room. Taylor flinched and curled up even tighter, shaking his head vehemently.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Dex assured him gently, running a hand over Taylor’s head. “They’re going to give you PSTC and take good care of you. I promise. Then we’ll talk, okay?”

Taylor opened his mouth to speak, but only a hoarse sound escaped. He cleared his throat and tried again, his voice low and rough. “Don’t go.”

“I’ll be right here,” Dex promised.

They stood to one side as the medical officers administered PSTC. They dressed Taylor in a pair of sweatpants and a white T-shirt, a hoodie, and white crew socks. He looked like he’d been dragged through hell, deep dark circles around his bloodshot hazel eyes. Once Dex coaxed Taylor into eating some protein, they helped Taylor out of the room and into the room next door. It was as sparse as the one they’d vacated, but instead of a cage, it was filled with medical equipment, including a state-of-the-art hospital bed. They helped Taylor sit on the bed, and then Dex pulled up a chair next to him. Hudson took a seat beside Dex.

“Tell me what happened?” Dex asked gently.

Taylor stared down at his hands. “I… I’m so sorry.” He winced, as if it hurt to talk.

Whatever tremulous hold Taylor had on his emotions shattered, and Dex was there to catch him, holding him as Taylor quietly sobbed against Dex’s shoulder. Taylor clutched Dex’s arms, as if Dex was the only thing holding him up. Several minutes later, Taylor pulled back with a sniff. He rubbed his eyes and averted his gaze, embarrassed it would seem. His face was flushed, his nose and eyes red.

“I think you need to rest,” Dex said gently. “We’ll come back.”

Hudson agreed with Dex. Taylor didn’t look well. He’d been in a feral state for so long, who knew if there was any internal damage after his shift? The room flooded with TIN medical staff, and a tall, elegant-looking cougar Therian with bright green eyes stopped at the end of the bed. Her smile was warm.

“Agents,” she greeted. “I understand Agent Taylor has important information you need. However, I must insist we be allowed to take all the necessary measures to ensure his health—both physically and psychologically—has not suffered irreparable damage due to the ordeal. I would suggest returning in two days.”

Taylor’s eyes widened, and he grabbed Dex’s hand, the fear in his eyes tugging at Hudson’s heartstrings. Dex covered Taylor’s hand with his.

“It’s going to be fine. She’s right. You’re more important. We’ll talk about what happened when we return. I promise you I’ll be back. Do you trust me?”

Taylor nodded, his shoulders slumping in resignation.

“Hey, you can do this,” Dex assured him, squeezing Taylor’s bicep. “You’re a THIRDS agent, remember? We’re made to kick ass, right?”

Taylor’s lips curled up on one side. He wrinkled his nose and nodded.

They stayed a few minutes longer as the doctor in charge explained to Hudson what they’d be doing for Taylor, the tests they would be running, along with any medication he might be given. Dex spent some time reassuring Taylor, as well as making certain the doctor knew to contact him immediately if anything changed.

“I’m leaving him in your hands,” Dex told her.

Despite his smile, Hudson didn’t miss the intensity in Dex’s eyes. He was certain the doctor hadn’t missed it either. If anything happened to Taylor under her watch, she’d be dealing with Dex. What startled Hudson was how much sway Dex seemed to have around here. Not as surprising, however, was the confident manner in which Dex seemed to embrace that power.

 

 

BACK AT the office, everything continued as if they hadn’t left. Being involved with an organization as powerful as TIN was definitely odd. So much went on behind closed doors with not even a hint as to their existence. Of course they existed, and everyone knew they did, but on the surface, it appeared as if they didn’t. No one spoke of TIN. What was there to speak of? Operatives were out there, but it wasn’t as if they announced themselves or listed their employment as “Operative for the Therian Intelligence Network.”

As Hudson walked to his office, he surmised it was likely TIN had more operatives working at the THIRDS. Hudson’s phone buzzed, and he received a text from Nina stating she was in the canteen grabbing some lunch and would be back soon. Hudson had just taken a seat behind his desk and powered up his desk interface when someone stood in his doorway. Rafe hovered by the door, and Hudson wondered if Rafe had been waiting for him. Odd. He couldn’t remember the last time Rafe had been to his office.

“Nina’s not here,” Hudson informed him. “She’s gone to the canteen for some lunch.”

“Actually, I’m here to talk to you.” Rafe motioned to the chair in front of Hudson’s desk. “May I?”

“Of course.” What on earth could Rafe Hobbs have to talk to him about? Having Rafe in front of him was difficult. He stirred up too many painful memories of a time when Hudson had once again found himself losing what he cared for most. For some time, Hudson had feared he might lose his career as well. His life had been placed under a microscope. Every case he’d ever worked on, every testimony, every signature had been called into question, all of it gone over with a fine-tooth comb. Even though Hudson knew his work was beyond reproach, he feared for his position, feared losing the only thing he had left. It had taken years to repair his reputation. Few blamed Seb, believing he had no choice but to protect his mate, while most placed the blame on Hudson, even if they didn’t say as much. As the one who was marked, his “pull” on his mate—as if he had any control over the actions of others—was always brought up. It wasn’t fair, by any means, but it was the way it had always been. Hudson lay the blame at both his and Seb’s feet. Together they had failed, and a little boy died because of it.

“How are you doing today?” Hudson tried to summon a smile. The least he could do was be civil, for Seb’s sake. The brothers were closer than ever, and Hudson wasn’t about to come between them. Rafe squinted at him, and Hudson let out a soft sigh. “I’m not being snide. I’m genuinely interested.”

Rafe still had a way to go to redeem himself in Hudson’s eyes, but Hudson felt for him. Having known the Hobbs family for years, being present for some of Thomas’s worst days, Hudson wouldn’t wish the condition on anyone. The knowledge that Rafe would one day end up in a wheelchair like his father, at the mercy of agonizing pain, hurt Hudson. Rafe was Seb and Ethan’s big brother. A huge tiger Therian, built of what seemed like solid muscle. At seven foot two and over three hundred pounds, he eclipsed Hudson’s smaller wolf Therian frame. As big as Seb was, Rafe was just that tiny bit bigger, certainly broader. It saddened Hudson. Rafe hadn’t always hated him. Once upon a time, Rafe had been kind to him, even smiled.

“I’m okay,” Rafe replied. He cleared his throat, looking larger than life as he sat across from Hudson. “Thank you for asking.”

Hudson nodded. “What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to talk to you about Nina. I know things are still strained between the two of you, and it’s my fault. She did it to protect me. Please, don’t be mad at her. She loves you, Hudson. If you could only see how much pain she’s in, how much she misses you.”

The last six months had been rather awkward. Although Hudson was on speaking terms with Nina, their relationship had suffered greatly. How could they get back to the way things were after she’d purposefully kept him in the dark? For months, day after day, she’d looked him in the eye, going on as if nothing had happened, and all the while sharing Rafe’s bed.

“I would have thought you’d be happy to be rid of me once and for all. She’s the only connection left between me and your family.” There was no bitterness in Hudson’s voice, only sadness.

Rafe straightened, looking affronted. “How can you say that? You’re connected to my brother in the most significant way possible, which, by the way, I don’t get you. You took three bullets for him, are obviously still as much in love with him now as you were then, and he worships you, yet you keep pushing him away. Why won’t you come home?”

Hudson inhaled sharply. Rafe’s words hit him harder than expected. “Why… why would you say such a thing?”

“That you two should be together?”

“No. That I should come home.”

Rafe raked a hand through his hair and let out a heavy sigh. He appeared to give a lot of thought to the question, as if trying to find the right words.

“Fuck it.” Rafe met Hudson’s gaze, his eyes intense. “Because you’re a part of our family, always were. You’re his home, Hudson. He’s been lost since you left, and I don’t want to see him in pain anymore. He deserves to be happy, and that’ll never happen without you. He needs you. My family needs you. My mom misses the hell out of you. She’s always asking about you. Ethan misses you, my dad—”

“Don’t,” Hudson pleaded, blinking back the tears in his eyes. “Please don’t use Thomas.”

“It’s the truth. You may not want to hear it, but that’s the way it is. We are your pack, Hudson. You walked away from us, and yes, I hated you for a long time for what I believed you were doing to my brother, but I think I also resented you.”

Hudson was stunned. “For what?”

“For leaving. No one blamed you. Okay, I blamed you, but I was an asshole. My mom, dad, Ethan, Seb, none of them blamed you. They just wanted you home.”

Hudson didn’t know what to say. The Hobbs family had taken him in, a lone wolf without a pack in dire need of a family, of love. They’d embraced him from the moment they met him. Unlike his own family, who had looked down their noses at Seb, the Hobbs family had welcomed Hudson with open arms, despite knowing his family had cast him out. If anything, it made Julia more determined to show him how much he was loved. How could he have thought they’d not miss him?

Hudson studied Rafe, a man who for so long had been a source of grief for him. Unlike Seb and Ethan who looked so much like each other, sharing their father’s pitch-black hair and bright green eyes, Rafe had his mother’s chestnut hair and hazel-green eyes. His edges were harder, his expression stoic. Seb and Ethan had kind eyes, and despite their size, appeared gentle. Everything about Rafe radiated fierceness, which was why Hudson was caught off guard when Rafe reached across the desk, his palm up and his eyes filled with unshed tears.

“I’m sorry for what I did to you. Even if you never forgive me, don’t turn your back on Nina. Please.”

Hudson had opened his mouth to reply when a knock at the door startled him.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m looking for Dr. Colbourn.”

“Yes?” Hudson asked. An agent he’d never seen before stood in his doorway. A handsome leopard Therian. Curious. The patch on his uniform stated Beta Ambush. “Can I help you?”

Rafe turned in his chair to look at their guest, his expression darkening. Hudson could only fathom that Rafe’s walls were once again rising firmly into place. Why else would he scowl so deeply at the poor man?

“You’re Dr. Colbourn?” The agent approached with caution, his gaze flickering to Rafe’s name tape before he swallowed. He moved his gaze quickly back to Hudson and gave Rafe a wide berth as he approached Hudson’s desk. Hudson smiled warmly at him.

“Last time I checked.” Hudson stood and held out his hand. “And you are…?”

Rafe stood, and the agent almost jumped out of his skin. With a smile that could only be categorized as frightening, Rafe slapped a hand down on the agent’s shoulder. “Agent Trent Carson on loan from Philly,” Rafe answered, his voice a deep growl. “He’s stepping in for Taylor.” He leaned into Carson, his voice slightly lowered but still loud enough for Hudson to hear. “You made some first impression.”

“Yeah, um, your brother Seb’s quite the guy,” Carson said, then cleared his throat. He winced when Rafe gave his shoulder a squeeze, then released him. Carson held out his hand to Hudson. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Hudson shook his hand. “Good to meet you, Agent Carson.”

“Trent. Please. Call me Trent,” Carson said with a smile, earning a scoff from Rafe.

What on earth was going on? Rafe shook his head. He turned to Hudson, his expression softening for a slip of a moment.

“I’ll talk to you later, Doc.” Rafe turned and gave Trent a hearty pat on the back before heading to the door, calling out behind him, “See you around, Carson.”

Hudson blinked after Rafe, wondering what that was all about. He turned a questioning gaze to Trent, who simply shrugged, a lopsided grin on his handsome face.

“New-guy syndrome. You know how it is.”

Hudson chuckled. “Welcome to Unit Alpha.” He resumed his seat and motioned to the chair in front of him. Trent shook his head.

“I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself since we’ll be working together. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh?” Hudson’s smile faltered, an old habit he had trouble breaking after years of hearing his name whispered around the office. He braced for a pitying look.

“Yeah, heard you’re one of the smartest guys around here.”

Hudson let out an indelicate snort. “Someone’s been filling your head with nonsense. I’m extremely good at my job, but I’m hardly one of the smartest around here.”

“You seem to have done pretty damn good for yourself.”

There was no mistaking the implication, and Hudson had grown weary of these games years ago. “You mean for a marked Therian lacking his mate?”

Trent had the courtesy to look abashed. “I didn’t mean to imply you wouldn’t have, uh, or I mean… shit.” Trent laughed. “I’m sorry. I’m really shitty at first impressions.” He smiled wide, and it reached his eyes. “I don’t care that you’re marked, and I don’t think anyone else should either. I just meant that despite what obstacles you clearly faced, you rose above all that shit. I admire you.”

Hudson peered at him. “You really don’t care?”

Trent shook his head. “Why should I? It’s none of my business. All I see before me is a very successful, smart, beautiful man.”

Hudson opened his mouth, then closed it, uncertain of how to respond. His cheeks felt warm, and he bit his bottom lip. Bollocks! He was blushing.

“Anyway, I just came by to introduce myself, and make an ass of myself apparently.” He laughed, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I’ll, uh, leave you to more important things.” He turned, and Hudson called out to him.

“Wait, Trent.”

Trent paused, then turned back, smiling at him. “Yeah?”

“You didn’t make an arse out of yourself. Thank you for stopping by.”

Trent nodded. “Thanks. I better go, or I’ll just stand here all day listening to that accent of yours. What part of England are you from?”

“Kent,” Hudson replied.

Trent smiled, and with a wave, he walked out. Hudson sat, unable to help his smile. His cheeks were still somewhat flushed, which was a strange sensation—mostly because someone other than Seb had put it there. At times he wondered if anyone else in his unit felt the same as Trent and simply didn’t approach him out of respect for Seb, which was silly, considering Hudson was no longer with Seb and had no obligation to him.

“Who was that?” Nina walked into his office, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. The familiar tag at the end of the tiny white string dangling from beneath the lid gave it away. She placed it on his desk before depositing herself in the chair Rafe had vacated.

“Thank you. And that was Agent Trent Carson from Philadelphia HQ. He’s filling in for Taylor while he’s on leave.” He removed the lid from the steaming-hot cup of tea, unable to help his contented sigh. This was just what he needed. Now that Trent was gone and Nina was here, it brought him back to Rafe’s visit. He took a sip of his tea and closed his eyes for a moment. Nothing soothed him like a good cup of black tea with a little milk and sugar.

Nina took a sip of her coffee, and Hudson could tell she was trying hard to make it appear as if nothing was wrong. They’d been playing this little game for months now, skirting each other, being polite, cracking the occasional smile. Nina would sit with him in his office, much like now, and they’d have their tea or coffee, but whereas before it was filled with lighthearted banter, gossip, and teasing, now there was a heavy silence, a thick fog of hurt between them. Hudson missed his friend. One thing was for certain; they couldn’t continue like this. Rafe’s visit gave him a lot to think about.

 

 

TWO DAYS later, as promised, Hudson once again accompanied Dex and Sloane to the TIN facility holding Taylor. Sloane waited in a separate room as he had the first time, only now he was a little more at ease since he no longer feared Dex would lose a limb. He’d been relieved the first encounter had gone without incident, until Dex recounted what happened, and Sloane all but had a bloody aneurism after he learned Dex had stuck his hand inside the cage while Taylor had been feral. Sloane’s blustering left him red-faced and winded, and Hudson couldn’t help but pat Sloane’s shoulder in sympathy. A few sweet kisses and a little purring from Dex helped soothe Sloane and his bristled jaguar Therian half.

Hudson and Dex were led to an infirmary of sorts, and inside they found Taylor resting. The back of the bed was inclined, so they smiled when Taylor opened his eyes. He smiled in return.

“You came back.” Taylor’s voice was still rough, and he clearly had quite a bit of recovery to do, but he certainly looked better than he had two days ago.

“Of course,” Dex replied, coming to stand by Taylor. “Let me get you some water. I’ll be right back.” Dex patted Taylor’s shoulder and walked to the door. Hudson studied Taylor as he followed Dex’s every move. The yearning in his eyes was unmistakable.

“I’m sorry,” Hudson said quietly. “I didn’t realize.”

Taylor gave a start, as if he’d only just remembered Hudson was there.

“You care for him.”

Taylor shook his head, his frown deep before he let out a shuddering sigh. “I don’t know when it happened, when it went from just wanting to… sleep with him, to thinking about him all the time. It’s not like we get to talk on callouts, or any other time, really, but when I’m around him, he just… he takes my breath away, and that’s never happened to me before. I know I can’t have him, ever, but a part of me keeps hoping, and I hate myself for it because he’s happy. If Sloane left him tomorrow, I wouldn’t care that he’s marked.”

“You wouldn’t?” Hudson blinked at him, stunned by the intensity in Taylor’s gaze.

“No.” Taylor let out a heart-wrenching sigh. “I don’t know what to do. I need to forget about him. To move on. How do I do that?”

“He’s getting married,” Hudson offered gently.

Taylor scrunched up his nose, the gesture clearly more to keep his emotions at bay than anything else. He pressed his lips together in a thin line and nodded. “Yeah.” His voice broke, and he cleared his throat. “That’ll do it, then. Thanks, Doc.”

Hudson nodded. He knew what it felt like to love someone and want nothing more than to move on with your life, yet find yourself unable to do anything but wish to be in that person’s arms. If he could provide Taylor with any solace, help him leave behind the torture of pining for a man he couldn’t have, then Hudson would do what he could.

Dex returned with a pitcher of water and a stack of paper cups. He placed them on the small tray table beside the bed before taking a cup to pour Taylor some water. Hudson declined the offer. While Dex and Taylor made small talk, Hudson removed his tablet from his messenger bag and swiftly typed away, taking notes of everything that had occurred up to this moment. Hudson wasn’t merely here as Dex’s personal physician. He was here to witness and document everything for Dex, and for reasons Hudson had yet to uncover, TIN was allowing it. Hudson had every intention of getting answers from Dex once they were in private, away from TIN.

“Can you tell me what you remember?” Dex asked, leaning forward, his hand on Taylor’s arm.

Taylor released a steady breath. “I was in the armory, double-checking the inventory on my team’s equipment when Moros walked in. I can’t remember why he said he was there, but something felt… off. I figured it was just my general dislike of the guy. I’d always thought he was an asshole. I love my job and what we do, but I hate those fucking pricks. They sit behind their desks, breathing down our necks for every little thing we do, while we’re the ones risking our lives out on the streets. I know we signed up for it, but they’re supposed to help us, not throw us under the bus to save their own asses. Besides, he might have been a soldier once, but he betrayed that part of himself a long fucking time ago.

“Anyway, he asked me to accompany him to his car, said he wanted to talk to me.” The muscles in Taylor’s jaw clenched before he continued. “There was no reason for me not to trust him. As much as I disliked him, he was the Chief of Therian Defense. If the man tells you to jump, you say, ‘Yes, sir,’ and fucking jump. When we got to his car, he patted my cheek, and then everything went black.” Taylor closed his eyes, and Dex leaned in to put a hand on Taylor’s shoulder.

“Take your time. There’s no rush.”

Taylor nodded. He opened his eyes, his smile tremulous at best. “Thanks.” He continued, his voice unsteady, “When I woke up, I was so out of it. I had no idea where the hell I was. I couldn’t see anything. There was this blinding white light in my face. I… I remember not being able to move, and I thought my heart was going to explode with how fast it was beating. The smell was rank. I thought I was dying. My body was on fire. Like my muscles were being torn from their bones, and my head felt like it was being crushed. I think I might have been sick at one point, but I blacked out soon after.” Tears welled in his eyes, and he rubbed his eyes with the base of his palms.

“You’re doing great,” Dex said, smiling at Taylor.

Taylor breathed in deeply through his nose, then released it slowly through his mouth. He nodded. “I heard voices. Moros and some other guys, but I didn’t recognize them. I think I had a seizure or something, heard shouting. Someone said I was going to die.” Taylor frowned in thought. “When I next woke up, I was at work, in one of the sleeper bays. I was a little sore, but fine, so I figured I’d just had a really fucked-up dream. We were called out, and I remember shifting in the back of the BearCat. I jumped out and helped round up those frat boys. I….” He worried his bottom lip with his teeth before dropping his gaze to his hands.

“Taylor?” Dex ducked his head so he could get Taylor’s attention. “Tell me.”

“Everything was fine, and then… I caught your scent. I saw you running, and this overwhelming need to catch you came over me. I took off after you, and suddenly I realized I wasn’t in control. I was fading. I screamed, and then everything went black.” Taylor started shivering, and he wrapped his arms around himself. “I’d never been more scared than I was at that moment. I was clawing to stay, but something was dragging me into the darkness.” The tears spilled over, and Taylor gulped for breath. “Everything went black, and I couldn’t see, but I could hear you screaming at me, and fuck….” Taylor doubled over, his body racked with sobs. “I was hurting you, and I couldn’t stop. I screamed and screamed, but something took hold, pulling…. I was on the verge of disappearing into nothingness.”

“It’s okay.” Dex stood, leaned in, and brought Taylor into his embrace. Taylor held on for dear life, the trauma of what happened to him turning his face ashen.

Hudson’s hands trembled, and keeping his tears at bay took effort. He couldn’t imagine a worse fate than feeling himself fade away within his Therian form, to lose himself completely to his feral half. His inner wolf was a part of him, offered comfort, protection, and the unfaltering truth that Hudson was always present, in control. At times it was an incredible freedom, shifting into his wolf Therian form, running with the wind in his fur, his paws on the dirt, and his senses heightened. But to lose himself? To be forced into the farthest recesses of his own mind without the assurance he’d return? It was the stuff of nightmares.

Forcing past the emotions, Hudson resumed his typing. Taylor would require extensive help recovering from this event, but Hudson was grateful Taylor hadn’t ended up on his examining table, the tragic victim of a deranged man.

Dex was gentle with Taylor, and Hudson’s heart broke a little at Taylor’s wobbly smile. Poor Taylor had it bad. He’d been very good at hiding his feelings for Dex. Hudson was aware of the aggression between Taylor and Sloane, but Hudson, like most of their unit, had assumed Taylor’s interest in Dex was purely sexual. The fact Dex was marked by Sloane, an Alpha who’d ruffled Taylor’s fur from the beginning, aided in the assumption Taylor simply wanted what was Sloane’s.

When Taylor had calmed, Dex motioned to the door. “Sloane’s here. Do you mind if he joins us?”

Hudson looked from Dex to Taylor and back. Was that a good idea?

“Sloane? Shit, he probably wants to kick my ass.”

“He knows it wasn’t your fault,” Dex assured him.

Taylor nodded with some reluctance, and Dex stood. He pounded twice on the door, and it opened. Sloane stepped into the room, his expression softening when he saw Taylor. Clearing his throat, Sloane took a seat on the other side of Taylor. He held his hand out, and Taylor stared down at it before taking it.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Taylor’s voice was rough when he spoke. “I’m sorry for what happened.”

“It wasn’t you.” Sloane released Taylor’s hand and sat back. He didn’t look angry or upset, and Hudson was relieved.

Taylor was having trouble meeting Sloane’s gaze. “Do you believe that? After everything I’ve said and done?”

Sloane nodded. “I do.”

“Thanks.” Taylor shifted uncomfortably. “Congratulations, on, um, your engagement.”

Sloane smiled, a genuine one that reached his amber eyes. He put a hand on Taylor’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you. You need to get better, okay? Your team needs you, and Herrera’s been driving everyone nuts.”

“Why?” Taylor look puzzled.

“He’s been worried about you. Whenever we see him, it’s ‘Do you think Taylor’s okay? When do you think Taylor will be back? Why isn’t Taylor back? Have you heard anything about Taylor?’”

This piece of information seemed to have thrown Taylor for a loop. His mouth opened, but no words were forthcoming. He closed his mouth and looked up at Dex for confirmation. Dex shrugged and chuckled.

“It’s true. You should see him. It’s like he’s lost without you.”

Taylor blinked at him. “Herrera? Angel Herrera?”

“You guys have been friends for like, ever, right?” Dex asked.

“Yeah. We were at the THIRDS Training Academy together. Graduated in the same class.” Taylor squinted. “That was about ten years ago, I think, maybe a little longer.” He appeared to be processing what Dex and Sloane told him, a frown on his face. Brows furrowed, he looked up at Dex. “He was really worried about me?”

Dex nodded. “I think he misses you too, so, you know, when you get back, maybe let him fuss over you, huh?”

Taylor’s eyes went wide. He nodded. “When do you think I’ll be back?”

“That depends,” Sloane said thoughtfully. “They need to run some tests and monitor your health for a while, but if you agree to some checkups, scheduled sessions with Dr. Winters, and you’re willing to ride a desk for a while, Sparks will reinstate you. A month or two. As for how long it’ll take before you’re cleared to go out in the field, that I can’t say.”

Taylor thought about it before extending his hand to Sloane. “Deal. To be honest, I’ll just be happy to get my life back.”

Sloane took Taylor’s hand and smiled wide. He patted Taylor’s shoulder and stood. “I’ll let her know. If you need anything, you have Dex’s number.”

Taylor smiled. “Thank you, Sloane.” He turned to Dex and held out his hand. “Thank you. For everything.”

Dex gave him a wink. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

Taylor looked stupefied. “Friends?” He shifted his gaze to Sloane, who nodded. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Just get better,” Sloane said, heading for the door.

Hudson put away his tablet and stood. Taylor grabbed Dex’s arm, stopping him from leaving.

“Could you, uh, do me a favor?”

“Sure.”

Taylor cleared his throat, his face somewhat flushed. “Do you think they’ll let me talk to Angel?”

Dex’s smile was dazzling. “I think I can make that happen.”

Taylor’s smile mirrored Dex’s, his relief instant. “Thanks.”

Hudson patted Taylor’s shoulder before he followed Dex and Sloane out of the room. The door was closed behind them, and they walked down the corridor. Hudson couldn’t help his smile. He cast a sideways glance at Dex.

“Lost without him, ay?”

Dex shrugged, his smile sly. “I may have embellished a bit.”

“Right.”

“Herrera’s definitely missing Taylor, and if you ask me, he’s a little in love with the guy. He just hides it well. Really well.”

“And you know this how?”

Dex sobered up, and he elbowed Sloane gently. Sloane cleared his throat.

“He kind of lost it a little bit when Ash took Taylor’s name off the roster. Herrera cursed at Ash and shoved him.”

Hudson stared at Sloane. “Herrera shoved Ash? The same man who fears retribution for the infamous fern incident?”

Sloane nodded, amusement in his eyes. “The very same. He told Ash what he could do with his fern.”

“Oh dear Lord. What was Ash’s response?” Hudson was stunned that Herrera, who was not only a cheerful, even-tempered man, but spent a good portion of his time avoiding Ash Keeler, would not only have a few choice words for the fierce lion Therian, but shove him.

Sloane cocked his head. “After the initial shock wore off, Ash just stood there quietly until Herrera was done. Then Herrera stormed off.”

“And Ash let him go? Pardon me, but did you say Ash stood there and let Herrera curse at him?” Hudson shook his head. Was he missing something? Ash Keeler had let another person—one whom he threatened with imminent demise on an almost daily basis—be aggressive toward him?

“Ash is more perceptive than he gets credit for,” Sloane replied. “Herrera’s not one to fly off the handle like that. And he did. About Taylor. Seeing his name removed from the roster hurt him somewhere deep. Ash saw that.”

Hudson agreed Ash was a very perceptive man. He was far more intelligent than most believed him to be. Sadly, it was one of many ridiculous assumptions made about lion Therians. That they were lazy, thick-skulled hotheads. Ash might have quite the temper, but he possessed a greater range of emotions than simply anger. His relationship with Cael exhibited as much. The young cheetah Therian seemed to bring out Ash’s gentler side, one few believed he possessed. Hudson’s thoughts wandered off to his relationship with Seb, and how much Hudson had changed from the man he’d been when he first arrived in New York City. He’d been so closed off from the world, from everything around him.

Two TIN operatives appeared out of nowhere, startling Hudson from his thoughts. He let out a very—in his opinion—rugged squeak before glaring up at one of them, a sleek-looking jaguar Therian.

“Blooming hell! Honestly,” Hudson huffed, “must you pop out of the shadows like some bleeding vampire? We’re in your facility. There’s no one else here!”

Sloane had some manners and put a fist to his mouth to keep from laughing. Dex on the other hand had been raised in a bloody barn and didn’t bother, laughing without reserve.

“Oh, quiet, you.” Hudson pointed a menacing finger at Dex. “If you ever sneak up on me like that, I will kick your arse.”

“No, you won’t,” Dex said with a chuckle.

Hudson pursed his lips, his eyes narrowed. “Well, I’ll be miffed at you, that’s for certain.”

“That, I don’t doubt,” Dex said, throwing an arm around Hudson’s shoulders, his boyish grin wide.

Hudson grunted his displeasure at being so blasted predictable. Maybe he wouldn’t kick Dex’s arse, but he’d certainly want to.

They were escorted out into an empty garage, where an SUV like the one that brought them waited to transport them back to HQ. The doors had closed behind them when Dex surprised Hudson by taking a seat beside him instead of across from him where Sloane was sitting.

“Everything all right?” Hudson asked.

“Yeah. So, you know how TIN let you come along with us and take notes?”

“I was curious about that,” Hudson admitted. “Why were they so… agreeable? Whatever you asked for, they jumped to it, as if you were—” Realization slammed into him, and he gasped. He moved his gaze from Dex’s concerned expression to Sloane’s somber one and back. “You…? Both of you…?”

Dex nodded, but Hudson couldn’t seem to grasp the situation. Dex and Sloane… TIN?

“But… how? Why?”

Dex explained all the good he wanted to do with TIN, and the more Hudson listened, the more it made sense. Dex was a passionate man, with a strong sense of righteousness the likes of which he’d never seen. Family was as vital to Dex as breathing. After everything he had suffered with the loss of his parents at the hands of Moros and his cohorts, it was no surprise he wanted to do everything in his power to protect the family he had now. Hudson understood. For Sloane, his passion was akin to that of his future husband.

“I know I’ve put you in danger by bringing you into this, but it’s not too late to back out,” Dex said, placing his hand on Hudson’s shoulder. “If anything happened to you because I pushed you—”

Hudson put his hand up to stop Dex. “You didn’t push, Dex. You came to me in need, and I agreed to help. Since that day you walked into my home, you’ve made no secret of the dangers I could be facing. You’ve given me ample opportunities to walk away, and have continued to voice your concern since Wolf’s warning. I appreciate it. I truly do, but I want to do this.” He smiled warmly at Dex. “You’re not the only one who wants to make a difference. I’ve spent a long time dealing with victims who’ve met their ends too soon. If I can do something to help prevent them from ending up on my examiner’s table, then please, let me do that. Let me help you.”

Dex nodded. “Okay. But if you ever want out, you tell me.”

“You have my word.”

Hudson loved his job, but sometimes he wished he could do more. This was his chance. It had been rather frightful knowing a lethal killer had been observing him closely enough to have photographic evidence of events in Hudson’s life. Why Wolf decided Hudson needed protecting was beyond him. Then again, no one could explain why Wolf did anything. The man was an enigma. It could all be an elaborate setup. For now, Hudson would continue to exercise caution.

With Hudson’s assurances, Dex changed the subject to a more jovial topic, including the party taking place this evening at Dekatria. Dex and Sloane would be announcing their wedding date, which they refused to share with Hudson despite his poking.

“Very well,” Hudson said with a sigh. “Any thoughts on the stag nights?”

Dex eyed him. “The what now?”

“Stag night. The, um….” What the hell did Americans call it? “Oh.” He snapped his fingers. “The bachelor party.”

“Ah, stag. Right. Makes sense.” Dex shrugged. “I have no idea, to be honest. Cael’s my best man, so he’s been put in charge of that.”

“Ash will be putting mine together since he’s my best man,” Sloane said, smiling.

Dex shook his head, his eyes wide. “I don’t know whether to laugh or be absolutely terrified at the idea of Ash putting together a bachelor party. I can’t even picture it. The dude hates everything. A gun-range theme maybe? Bobbing for grenades?”

Sloane rolled his eyes. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Just as long as he brings you back in one piece,” Dex replied sweetly, patting Sloane’s knee.

Hudson looked between Dex and Sloane. “Two stag nights during which both of you will be without the other. This should be interesting.”

Sloane sat up suddenly. “Shit, that’s right.” He stared at Dex. “I won’t be there for your bachelor party.”

“That’s sort of how it works, babe,” Dex said, laughing softly.

“You’ll be at a bachelor party, where there’s lots of alcohol, and then let loose on the city. All night. Without me.” Sloane looked like he was on the verge of hyperventilating. “Please don’t blow anything up.”

Dex arched an eyebrow. “Being a tad dramatic, aren’t we?”

“Who’s going to keep an eye on you?”

Hudson pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. Poor Sloane.

“Babe, it’s fine,” Dex cooed, running his hand through Sloane’s hair to soothe him. “I won’t be alone. Lots of people will be there.”

Sloane scoffed. “Yeah, none of whom are equipped to handle a Threat Level Fuchsia.” He gasped and clamped a hand over his mouth.

“A code what?” Dex peered at him, and Sloane groaned. He let his head fall into his hands.

“What’s a Threat Level Fuchsia?” Hudson asked. Whatever it was, clearly Dex didn’t know either.

Dex crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowed. “I’m waiting, oh love of my life. Husband-to-be. Holder of the sexy pants. Snuggle muffin who is five seconds away from sleeping on the couch tonight.”

“All right. It’s a code Ash and I came up with when you first joined.” He put his hands up, his expression pleading. “It was before we were dating. I’m so sorry. It was immature.”

“And when was this code used?” Dex asked, his expression unreadable.

“When we came across a situation that might possibly lead to you going a little, um, nuts, and where maybe it would be necessary to keep the situation contained.”

Dex studied him. “So, let me get this straight. You and Ash came up with a threat level code for me and my crazy, and when said threat level code was used, it meant you and/or Ash would need to contain the situation.”

Sloane winced. “Yeah, something like that.”

“And who would be the one in charge of containing my crazy?”

“Well, me obviously. You’re my partner. Ash helped. Sometimes. Not often.”

Hudson had no idea what to think of that, other than it was genius. Not that he was about to mention it.

“Sloane,” Dex growled, and Sloane pouted before Dex threw himself into Sloane’s arms. “That’s the sweetest thing I ever heard! You were crazy about me from the start even if you didn’t know it.” He trailed kisses all over Sloane’s face.

“You’re not mad?” Sloane asked, laughing at Dex’s enthusiasm.

“Mad? Even if I was your partner and nothing more, you didn’t have to care. You could have just looked the other way, or reported me, but you didn’t. You cared, and you kept an eye on me, and you and Simba cared enough to give me my own code. Whatever he says, I know Ash loves me too. This confirms it.”

“Yeah, I think maybe we should keep this between us. You’re really not mad?”

Dex chuckled. “Are you kidding? I have my own threat level. How awesome is that? Let me guess, Ash picked the color.”

Sloane nodded.

“Of course he did. The big dork.”

“So we’re good?” Sloane eyed him.

“Yes,” Dex promised. “And don’t worry about my bachelor party. Hudson will keep an eye on me.” Dex turned his 1,000-watt smile at Hudson. “Right, Hudson?”

Bollocks.