Chapter 9

 

 

“I CAN’T believe this.”

Hudson paced the cell floor furiously as Seb stood staring down at his shaking hands. Seb had just thrown his career away, his life. A tear rolled down Seb’s cheek, and he wiped it away absently. Oh God, this was it. They were going to crucify him, bury him so deep no one would ever find him again. Their family, Julia, Thomas, Ethan…. Fuck. Fuck.

“Damn it, Sebastian!” Hudson shoved Seb before moving away, his hands in his hair. “How could you?” The only reason they’d even allowed him near Seb’s cell, much less inside, was because of who he was. And because Seb was a THIRDS Team Leader, they’d taken him to the private cellblock, the one reserved for high-profile cases or cases requiring discretion, such as this one.

“I don’t regret it,” Seb replied quietly as he sank down onto the steel bench bolted to the floor.

“Why?” Hudson dropped to his knees in front of him. He cupped Seb’s face. “I just got you back. Why would you do this to us? I’m tired of losing you.”

“The way he hurt you? They could have killed you. I lost it.” Seb shook his head. “When I saw those filthy texts—”

Hudson straightened. “What texts?”

“Your phone woke me up, and I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t have pried, but when I saw those disgusting words, things he said… I couldn’t stop myself. I read the texts. Then I found his address in your contacts, and—”

“How?” Hudson removed his mobile phone from his pocket. He scrolled through his texts and shook his head. “There are no texts here, Sebastian.” Hudson showed Seb.

“What?” Seb grabbed the phone and stared at it. “No, that’s not possible. They were there. Dozens of them.” Seb tapped away at Hudson’s phone, his eyes going wide. “The address was here. In your contacts.” He looked up, pleading. “I’m not making it up.”

Hudson took his phone and returned it to his pocket. “I believe you.” He paced the cell, his heart breaking. “What are we going to do?”

“We?” Seb shook his head. “You’re going home. This was my choice, and now I’ll face the consequences of my actions. If I’m lucky, the judge will go easy on me. It would have been worse if Trent had been a regular citizen. Since we’re both THIRDS agents, the fact I have training shouldn’t be used against me. He could have fought back, but he didn’t.”

Hudson stopped pacing to face Seb. “Haven’t we paid enough?” His voice broke, and he closed his eyes. He was so tired. All he wanted was to live a relatively normal life with his mate. Was that too much to ask? They were both quiet as they waited. And waited.

“Why haven’t they booked me yet?” Seb asked, looking around.

The rest of the private cells were empty, and the usual agents on duty were absent. Hudson agreed it was odd. Seb should have been processed by now. The THIRDS had Seb’s personal information along with his fingerprints, but agents would have taken a mug shot by now. His personal property should have been confiscated, recorded, and stored. Not that Hudson was in any hurry, but it was certainly not the usual. Of course, the usual would have meant a cellblock filled with detainees.

“You should have taken me up on my offer. This could have been avoided.”

Hudson started at the familiar voice. The cell door opened, and Sparks stepped inside. Bloody Felids. Wait…. He looked from Sparks to Seb and back. “What offer?”

Seb didn’t reply, so Sparks answered for him. “To join TIN as an associate. He would have been trained, his knee given the best medical treatment available. He would have been protected from all this.”

Hudson considered her words and read between the lines. With Sparks, one was often forced to really listen in order to hear what wasn’t said. “If he joins you, would this situation be… cleared up?”

Sparks cocked her head, her piercing blue eyes studying him. “It’s too late, Dr. Colbourn.”

It couldn’t be. Hudson wouldn’t allow it. After years of heartache, of needing his mate, he wasn’t going to lose him now. This was his mess too. Seb was here because of him.

“You can have me, and not as an associate. I’ll join TIN as an operative.”

Seb jumped to his feet. “Absolutely not.”

“You have no say in this, Sebastian,” Hudson snapped. “It’s my decision.” He was already in bed with TIN through Dex. Why not make it official? He couldn’t let Seb lose everything because of him.

“The hell I have no say,” Seb hissed, taking hold of Hudson’s arm. His expression softened, fear and panic in his eyes. “You’re my mate.”

“And what good will that do us when you’re in prison? I won’t let them come between us. Not this time. Trent was the one who acted reprehensibly, and I’m supposed to sit back and watch them punish you? What you did was wrong, Sebastian, but what Trent did, what he was going to do, what he’s gotten away with?” He pressed his lips together in an attempt to calm his rising ire. He’d allowed others to dictate his life, and what had it gotten him? He’d lost what was most important to him. He’d been bloody miserable. This was his life, their life. For years he’d fought against his family, refusing to have his path chosen for him, only to arrive in the States and end up in the same position, submitting to his guilt and the will of others. He’d had enough.

Sparks shook her head at him. “That’s not how it works. You don’t simply get to become a TIN operative because you feel like it.”

“You asked Dex and Sloane.”

“Yes, but I don’t see what—”

“Then you can ask me,” Hudson insisted. “I’m valuable, and not just because of Dex. I can be a trained operative, as well as one of your TIN medical examiners or medical specialists. I know I can be of value to you, to TIN.” Whatever it took to have some semblance of a life with Seb, Hudson would take it. At least he wouldn’t be on his own with TIN. He’d have Dex and Sloane. That would be enough for him. Sparks seemed to give it some thought.

“What if you get us both?” Seb asked.

Sparks arched an eyebrow at Seb. “I’m listening.”

“If you make this go away, and you take Hudson… you get me too. But we’re a partnership, just like Dex and Sloane. We come together or not at all.”

Hudson swallowed hard, his nerves somewhat eased when Seb’s hand slipped into his and gave it a squeeze. After what seemed like an eternity, Sparks turned away from them.

“Agent Jones. We’re done here.”

Apparently, Sparks wasn’t the only TIN operative working undercover inside the THIRDS. Hudson had suspected as much. Were Stevens and Rodriguez operatives as well? The huge tiger Therian approached, and Hudson took a step closer to Seb. Please don’t take him from me. Agent Jones opened the cell door and waited. Sparks spoke quietly to him, but loud enough for Hudson and Seb to hear.

“Get Agent Hobbs cleaned up, and cut him loose. Protocol Poppy Fields.”

“Both of them?” Agent Jones clarified.

Sparks nodded. She paused to look over her shoulder at them. “We’ll be in touch, Agents. Welcome to TIN.” She walked off without so much as a second glance. That was it? Hudson felt somewhat weak in the knees, and Seb walked him over to the bench, where Hudson took a seat. Could it be that easy? What the hell was he thinking? Easy? What they’d just done was as far from easy as they could get.

Agent Jones removed his phone from his pocket and tapped away at it. Once he was done, he returned the phone to his pocket and stood motionless. Hudson and Seb exchanged glances. Now what?

Several seconds later, another agent appeared. He handed Agent Jones a large bag through the bars. Receiving a nod from Agent Jones, the leopard Therian left. Were all TIN’s operatives so deadly serious? Hudson thought of Dex, and he almost felt sorry for Sparks. Was she aware what she was about to unleash in her organization? She had to know. Agent Jones handed the bag to Seb, his stoic expression never faltering.

“Change. Take everything you have on and put it in the bag, including your phone.”

“It’s THIRDS issued,” Seb reminded the operative. All THIRDS agents were issued secure cell phones to use while on and off duty. Just because they weren’t on the job twenty-four hours a day didn’t mean the THIRDS could take any chances with classified information.

“Regardless, you need to hand it over. We need to make sure nothing connects you to Trent Carson’s friends. It’ll be returned later.”

Seb nodded. He took the bag, placed it on the bench, and started undressing just as Hudson’s phone rang.

Hudson frowned, feeling certain he’d never had a ringtone of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” much less applied it to any of his contacts. The caller was unknown. He answered quietly.

“Hello?”

“It’s taken care of.”

Austen. Blimey, that was quick.

“Did you change my ringtone? Never mind. What does that mean?” Hudson asked, afraid to hear the answer. What Trent did was unforgiveable, but that didn’t mean Hudson wanted him dead. Oh God, what if TIN had… disposed of him? Would they do that? Trent was a THIRDS agent. Surely someone would notice Trent’s sudden disappearance.

“It means it’s taken care of. Sorry, Doc. You don’t get to ask questions until you’re sworn in and get a pretty new tie. I would recommend a blue hue to match your eyes.”

“Are they…?”

Austen released a heavy sigh. “The arresting agents work for TIN, and douchebag Trent is being privately escorted back to Philly, where he’ll face charges for three counts of assault and battery and six counts of sexual assault on marked Therians. Seems his victims suddenly feel safe enough to talk. Trent is going away for a very long time.”

Hudson couldn’t believe what he was hearing. It struck him then, how much worse it could have been the evening he’d been attacked. That bloody wanker. “What if he mentions me?”

“You? Trent’s never met you. He has no idea who you are or that you exist. There is nothing that connects you to him, his home, or his friends.”

Hudson was going to ask how that was possible, but then he remembered who he was speaking to. If TIN could make Dex forget about his seizure, why wouldn’t they have the means to make Trent forget? It was… terrifying. “And the others? His friends?”

“We’re not worried about them.”

“But what if they go to the THIRDS?”

“That’s not going to happen.”

Austen sounded so sure. Hudson stood, unable to stop from pacing. “Did TIN…?”

“No, your guardian angel took care of them.”

Hudson froze. “What?”

“Wolf got to them first.”

A chill swept through Hudson, making him shiver. Oh heavens. Was that who had come to his rescue? He was grateful for Seb’s strong arms around him, holding him up. Why had Wolf taken an interest in him? Why save him from those men? Far more frightening was Wolf dispatching those two men for what they’d done. It meant he felt something, whatever it was, but why would he? Hudson had never even seen the man, only heard of him. It was unsettling, having the attention of a trained psychopath.

“What are you talking about?”

“Neither men were in their homes when TIN arrived. An operative at each scene received an anonymous text telling them not to worry, that it was taken care of. There was also a nice little tip on where to find Trent. Your man, Seb, must have put the fear of God into him, because after he called in Seb’s visit, he was on the way to the airport with a one-way ticket to LA.”

“What does TIN know about Wolf? And why does he care what happens to me?”

“TIN operatives aren’t the sharing type. Besides, when Wolf went off the grid, he destroyed any information TIN had on him. All we have to go on is what Sparks personally knows about him. There’s something else, but you’re not going to like it. I told Dex, and he almost had kittens. So to speak. Wouldn’t that be something if he could?” Austen snorted out a laugh. “Sloane would lose his shit.”

The man was off his trolley. “Austen,” Hudson hissed. “Tell me.”

“It looks like Wolf might have been keeping an eye on you longer than we thought. It’s likely he stepped out of the shadows because someone forced his hand. Possibly the Makhai.”

Sparks had told Hudson briefly about the Makhai, the group Moros had been associated with. Hudson walked back to the bench and sat down, Seb worriedly accompanying him, his eyes questioning. He held up a hand. He’d tell Seb everything in a minute; he just needed to process all of this.

“Why?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

“So what happens now?”

“That’s up to the boss lady. What I can say is she doesn’t like cleaning up other people’s messes, and this whole thing with Wolf has her all kinds of pissy. Anyway, consider this one a welcome gift. Next time, you’ll owe her, and trust me, you don’t want to owe her.”

“Thank you.”

“See you around.”

Hudson returned his phone to his pocket, his thoughts going to Wolf. It just didn’t make any sense.

Seb placed his fingers to Hudson’s jaw. “Lobito, what’s going on?”

“We’ll discuss this when we get home.”

Agent Jones returned with Seb’s phone and a new set of clothes. They were released from the cell without a word from Agent Jones, whom Hudson supposed they’d be seeing more of around Unit Alpha. Seb called a cab, and soon they were outside Seb’s front door. This night was so surreal. First that nasty business with Trent, then Seb getting arrested, TIN, and now finding out about Wolf?

As soon as Seb opened the door, Hudson hurried to the kitchen. He opened the end cabinet, grateful Seb still had the electric kettle Hudson had purchased years ago. He filled it with water, aware of Seb hovering quietly beside the island counter. Seb waited patiently as Hudson made some tea. He wasn’t about to burn through any more brain cells on this mess until he had a cup of tea in his hands. Once he did, he headed for the living room and sat down on the couch. Seb took a seat beside him.

“Lobito, talk to me.”

Hudson sucked in a sharp breath before letting it out slowly. “Wolf’s been keeping an eye on me for longer than TIN thought.”

Seb blinked at him. “Come again?”

He relayed everything Austen had told him. When he was done, he took a big sip of tea and waited for all that to sink in. Seb reacted as expected. He stood, wincing at the pain in his knee before throwing up his arms.

“Are you fucking kidding me? And they only just found this out now?”

Hudson took another sip of tea. Perhaps he should take up yoga or meditation. He had the feeling he was going to need it. Seb continued to pace and rant. Hudson let the poor man vent. He’d been through so much already. When Seb was done, he let out a huff and dropped down onto the couch beside Hudson.

“Tell me what’s going through your head.” Seb’s voice was soft, his fingers gentle against Hudson’s jaw.

“Wolf has been watching me, and we work for TIN now. I’m… not sure what else there is to say.” He was still attempting to wrap his head around it all. “Are you going to tell Dom?”

Seb ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I don’t know. I mean, if I was an associate like Sparks originally proposed, I wouldn’t have hesitated. I would have still been a THIRDS agent first, and TIN associate second. But as a full operative? How could I do that to Dom? We’re going to be sent God knows where to do God knows what. If I fuck up, and heaven forbid I’m exposed, everyone I care about will become a target.”

Hudson considered this. It was different for him. He had people he cared about, but his family was Nina and Seb’s family. Speaking of which…. “Ethan already knows about Dex and Sloane. He’s an associate along with Destructive Delta.” Seb let out a grunt, and Hudson put a hand to his cheek. “I’m certain he was going to tell you. I imagine he’s struggling with the very thing you are at the moment. Between him, Cal, and you, I’m confident our family will be safe.”

Seb’s smile at the mention of “our family” was breathtaking. He turned his face so he could kiss Hudson’s palm. “What do you think I should do?”

“I think whether you tell Dom or not, he could still be in danger because he’s your best friend. I believe it’s better for him to be prepared than to be caught off guard. He would want to know.”

Seb nodded. “You’re right. He would. No matter what happens, I know he’d want me to confide in him. The rest of the team… I’ll have to think about.”

“Fair enough.”

Seb took Hudson’s hands. “Whatever happens, we won’t let that change us. Me and you. We’re in this together. Always. As long as we’re together, I can make it through anything.”

Hudson finished his tea and placed the cup on the coffee table before turning to face Seb. There was nothing he could do in regards to Wolf or TIN, but there was certainly a concern he could address, and it was sitting beside him, eyes filled with love. “What are we doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“I have no doubt you love me, Sebastian. No one will ever love me the way you do, but that love is dangerous.” Hudson brushed his fingers down Seb’s stubbly jaw. The love he felt for this man was frightening at times. “You can’t go around beating the pulp out of everyone who poses a threat to me. What if Sparks hadn’t been there? What if… what if you’d killed Trent?”

Seb straightened. “You make me sound like some kind of monster. I’d never murder anyone.”

“When my life is in danger, you lose yourself to your feral half. You allow him to take control. It terrifies me. How far would he go to protect me?” He met Seb’s gaze, pleading for him to understand. “Something needs to change, Sebastian. If this is going to work, we need to change. I have to learn to lean on you, and you have to learn to take a step back and let me deal with uncomfortable situations.”

Seb opened his mouth to reply, but Hudson placed his fingers to Seb’s lips.

“I’m not asking you to step away completely. You’re my mate, and you need to protect me, I understand, but if you come to my rescue for every little thing, it makes me feel weak, as if I can’t take care of myself. All my life, I’ve been coddled, by my parents, my brothers and sisters. I don’t want that from you. I need you to have faith in me.”

Seb frowned, taking Hudson’s hand and tenderly moving it away from his mouth. “I didn’t know I made you feel that way.”

“Not you, your actions, and although they come from a good place, it hurts me, hurts us.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll try harder.” Seb lowered his head, but Hudson cupped his face, lifting it so he could place his lips to Seb’s.

“We’ll try harder. We’re in this together, remember? I love you.”

Seb’s smile took Hudson’s breath away. “I love you too, Lobito.” He drew Hudson into his heavenly embrace, and Hudson closed his eyes, basking in Seb’s warmth. He loved Seb’s strength, loved how safe it made him feel, how loved and protected, but that didn’t mean Hudson couldn’t be strong enough for the both of them too. As he snuggled against Seb, inhaling his scent, he tried to think less about the madness around him and concentrated on the one thing that mattered most. He had his Sebastian back. Hudson smiled despite his worries. He’d spent so long living in the past; he couldn’t wait to get started on their future.

 

 

“YOU’RE SMILING like a loon,” Hudson muttered, tapping away at his tablet.

Inside he was as giddy as Nina, but he was hardly about to start giggling like some preteen with their first crush. He was determined to perform his duties as if nothing had changed. Word of his and Seb’s reconciliation seemed to have spread through Unit Alpha like wildfire. Hudson was certain a gummy-bear-eating scoundrel was behind it. The man was a worse gossip than the tabloids, especially when he was excited about something. Hudson couldn’t be upset, though; Dex had been so ridiculously happy for him. So had the rest of their unit, judging by all the smiles he’d received since arriving at work this morning. And what a morning it had been!

Hudson was still reeling from waking up in Seb’s bed. He woke ten minutes before his alarm went off, like he always did, but this time was different. This time, when he turned, a lump formed in his throat at the beautiful sight before him. Seb lay asleep, long lashes against his cheeks, full lips slightly parted. He had one arm thrown over Hudson’s waist, holding him close. Hudson studied his face, the barely there freckles sprinkled across his nose and cheeks, the dark stubble on his chiseled jaw. He couldn’t keep from reaching out. He ran a thumb across one thick, dark eyebrow, and Seb moaned softly. He opened his eyes slowly, his lips spreading into a beautiful smile.

“Good morning, darling.”

Seb pulled him closer and kissed the tip of his nose. “Great morning, Lobito.”

That had been followed by Seb pouncing on him, the incredible sex waking him up like no amount of caffeine ever could.

Hudson let out a sigh before he could help himself, and Nina laughed at him, grabbing his arm and shaking him. So much for going on as if nothing had changed.

“Why are you trying to tear my arm off? Honestly, Nina. We’re at a crime scene.”

Nina rolled her eyes. “Fine. Pretend you’re not squealing like a schoolgirl inside. Besides, we’re all done here. Vic’s on their way to the lab.” She released him, and he scrunched up his nose. He was not squealing like a schoolgirl inside. His dreamy sigh was very adultlike.

A lovely breeze washed over Hudson as he stood downwind. It felt good against his face. Then a scent struck him from out of nowhere, sending a jolt of familiarity through him. He reeled back, his heart threatening to beat out of him. Sniffing the air, his lungs filled with the unmistakable scent, but it wasn’t possible.

“Hudson?”

Hudson shook his head. It couldn’t be. No. Not again.

The first time he’d smelled it, he told himself it was a mistake, a result of stress and sleepless nights. He’d been recovering from several gunshot wounds, followed by nightmares of that evening, and with everything going on with Seb, his mind conjured up the one scent he would have given anything to have again. Only there was no comfort this time, because there was no possible way this could be happening. His feral half woke, its fur bristling and fangs bare. It was confused, frightened, and angry. So much had happened in such a short time, and now this. He was feeling overwhelmed suddenly.

Hudson’s vision sharpened, and his breath quickened into harsh pants. Oh God.

“Hudson, what’s wrong?” Nina tried to get close, but he snarled at her, backing up near the shop door behind him. His body screamed in agony, and he wrapped his arms around himself. He was shivering, and darkness encroached on his vision. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not to him.

Before the darkness claimed him, he heard Nina’s panicked voice.

“Seb, Hudson’s going feral!”

 

 

SEB WAS pretty sure he’d broken every traffic law in existence. He didn’t care. The lights on his Suburban flashed, the siren howling his approach as he sped through the city to get to Hudson. He had no idea what the hell was going on, but in all the years he’d known Hudson, his little wolf had never, ever lost himself to his feral half. Hell, Hudson might throw a tantrum and get pissy, but he never lost control. Period.

According to Nina’s panicked phone call, they’d been out on a routine callout. Nothing to warrant Hudson losing it. To make things worse, Hudson wasn’t responding to anyone. Not to Nina, and not to any of the members of Destructive Delta who’d been on scene and about to head back to HQ when Hudson ran into the café and started stripping. The team cleared the area, and after Hudson snarled at Nina and almost bit Ash, Sloane locked him inside the café. It had to be bad when the team remained outside. Seb was grateful Sloane hadn’t given the order to tranq Hudson. Not yet, anyway.

Seb pulled the Suburban up near Destructive Delta’s BearCat, turned off the engine, and darted from the car. He hurried over to Sloane, and laid a hand on his shoulder when he got there.

“How is he?”

Sloane pointed to the café’s glass door. “Have a look.”

Seb gave a start when Hudson threw himself against the glass, snarling and baring his fangs. He’d shifted into his feral form, all bristling fur and sharp teeth.

“Shit.” Seb turned to Nina. “What the hell happened?”

“I don’t know.” Nina ran a hand through her hair. “One minute we were talking like normal, and the next he was going feral. Nothing like this has ever happened with him. Is he going to be okay?”

Seb turned to Sloane. “I’m going in.”

“Seb, I don’t….” Sloane hesitated, and Seb pulled him aside, speaking quietly.

“He’s my mate, Sloane. You would do the same for Dex.”

Sloane thought about it briefly before nodding. “Okay. But if things go south, I need to know you’ll be able to tranq him. We can’t let him out on the streets like this.”

“You know what you’re asking of me?”

Sloane clenched his jaw, his amber eyes intense as he met Seb’s gaze. “Yeah, actually I do.”

The answer was unexpected, but Seb didn’t question him. Clearly Sloane did know what he was asking, and at some point, either he or Dex had been in a similar position. If it meant saving Hudson from hurting himself or someone else, then Seb would do it. It might kill him, but he’d do it.

“You have my word. And thank you”—he patted Sloane’s shoulder—“for understanding.”

Sloane nodded. He motioned for Ash to open the door, and Seb quickly slipped in the moment it was unlocked. At the far corner of the trendy little café, Hudson was in his wolf form, beautiful and lethal. A sleek, gray wolf with stunning blue eyes. He was also extremely pissed at being locked up in here. His ears were pointed forward, his canines bared, and his fur bristled. He had his neck arched, head up, and tail held high. Hudson was ready to strike.

“Lobito, it’s me. It’s Seb.” Slowly he placed his hands up in front of him and edged closer, taking care not to make any sudden movements. Hudson growled and snapped his jaws, saliva flying as he snarled at Seb. “Come on, baby. Come back to me.” Seb stayed exceptionally still. Hudson sniffed the air, and he started pacing. Okay, they were clearly not getting anywhere. He wasn’t responding. Maybe if….

Seb slowly edged away, making sure not to give his back to Hudson or move his gaze away. Hudson might not have sharp claws like a Felid, but his jaws were powerful, his teeth capable of shredding through Human flesh.

Gingerly Seb removed one piece of clothing at a time and laid them on a chair beside him. Hudson lowered his head, watching him as he undressed. At least he wasn’t snarling at Seb. Once Seb was naked, he breathed in deep through his nose and let it out slowly through his mouth. He gritted his teeth and willed his body to change, inviting his feral half to come out. The first bone popped, and Seb sucked in a sharp breath. Physical pain was a constant in Seb’s life, but shifting into his tiger Therian form was a different kind of pain altogether. He grunted as more bones popped out of place, and his muscles pulled and contracted, his mass changing as his body tore itself apart to piece itself back together.

Blackness encroached on his vision, but he remained focused on Hudson, who paced from one end of the café to the other, releasing a small whine.

Soon, baby, soon.

Fur pierced Seb’s skin, and the agony in his face as his skull elongated had him screaming. Claws cut through the skin at his fingertips, and his body trembled as he curled in on himself, another cry tearing from his throat as his tail bone sliced open his flesh, growing out. Seb landed on his paws, his vision sharp and his sense of smell picking up the subtlest of scents. His transformation complete, he shook himself from nose to tail. He opened his mouth wide, and stretched his long, muscular body, spreading his toes and twitching his tail. Done stretching, he sat on his haunches and chuffed.

Across from him, his mate paused, flattening his ears back and narrowing his eyes in suspicion. Seb flattened his ears, rotating them back before wrinkling his nose and letting out a long, low roar followed by a series of short, low roars for his mate. Hudson whined, his head perking up and his tail slowly moving. He released a bark-howl, and Seb roared again, calling his mate to him. Hudson bounced over, tail wagging. He stopped in front of Seb and lowered to his front paws, butt in the air as his tail wagged. His Lobito let out a series of howls, and although Seb couldn’t understand—what with Hudson being a Canid and not Felid—he knew his Lobito was happy to see him.

Seb mewled at him, and Hudson licked at Seb’s muzzle before nuzzling Seb’s fur under his chin. Seb lay down, front paws spreading as Hudson lay down against him. Hudson rolled onto his back, paws up in the air, whining and licking up at Seb’s chin, pawing at him. His mate had returned to him.

Seb threw one massive paw over Hudson’s chest and nuzzled him before grooming him, his broad tongue cleaning Hudson’s soft fur. His Lobito made happy noises as he wiggled beneath him, his tail wagging joyously.

“You two are freaking adorable.”

Hudson rolled onto his belly, his tail wagging for Dex. Seb pushed his nose against Hudson’s cheek, and Hudson jumped to his feet, bounding over to Dex and howling playfully. Dex crouched down, laughing when Hudson licked at his face.

“Yeah, I’m happy to see you too, buddy. You scared us for a second there.”

Hudson was so playful and beautiful. Seb pushed up to his paws and trotted over to knock his head against Dex’s side.

“Don’t be jealous,” Dex teased, scratching Seb behind his ear. Seb loved a good ear scratch. “All right, let’s get you two in the back of the BearCat before the news crews get wind of this.” He held the door open, and Seb dashed outside. Hudson sped out, running circles around him, howling and bouncing. He wanted to play.

Seb chuffed and pounced, swatting at him, his claws sheathed. Hudson ducked and dodged, releasing a series of barking-howls as Seb sat up on his haunches, front paws up in the air. Hudson ran and tackled him. They both fell over, wrestling and nipping playfully.

“All right, you two,” Sloane said with a chuckle. “In the truck.”

Seb got up as Hudson stilled. He sniffed the air and let out a low, mournful wail of a howl that had Seb moaning from the pain it caused his heart. Everyone stilled, their compassionate gazes on Hudson. Therians might not always be able to understand each other when in their Therian forms, but even in their Human forms they understood the sound of anger, pain, loss…. His Therian friends could feel the heartache in Hudson’s howl. When Hudson was done, he hung his head, and Seb quickly joined him, licking his muzzle before rubbing his face against Hudson’s fur, offering comfort. His Lobito’s soft whines broke Seb’s heart.

The doors to the BearCat opened, and Seb nudged Hudson. Reluctantly, Hudson padded over to the truck. He hopped up with ease, and Seb followed, then plopped his huge tiger butt beside the bench where the team sat. Hudson curled up between Seb’s front paws, as close to Seb as he could get, his paws covering his head, and his tail hiding what his paws couldn’t.

“What’s wrong with him?” Dex asked worriedly.

Nina crouched beside Hudson and gently stroked his fur. “I don’t know, but I think it has something to do with what made him go feral.”

“He was sniffing the air just now,” Cael said. “Do you think it’s whatever he smelled?”

Hudson lifted his head and howled mournfully.

“I guess that’s a yes,” Sloane murmured. “But there has to be more to it. We don’t go feral just from a scent. Something else happened.” He turned to Ethan. “Why don’t you help your brother shift back and give him PSTC after Nina helps Hudson.”

Hudson stood, turning his head to poke his tongue out and lick Seb’s muzzle before he slinked off after Nina. The screen dropped, and Seb raised his head to look at his baby brother. He chuffed, and Ethan smiled. He kneeled in front of Seb before throwing his arms around Seb’s neck. His sweet little brother.

Seb closed his eyes, content as Ethan held him and ruffled his fur. He exhaled a purr and was rewarded with a scratch behind the ears. Hudson’s painful howl caused Seb’s ears to flatten and his tail to twitch. He moaned and groaned, feeling his mate’s pain as he shifted back to Human form. When Hudson was done and dressed, Nina helped him around the screen, and he stopped in front of Seb, his touch gentle as he brushed his fingers through Seb’s fur. Nina helped him sit, and Seb got up and put his head in Hudson’s lap with a chuff. Hudson smiled, but he was sad. It coursed through him, and therefore through Seb. He moaned, and Hudson placed a kiss to the top of Seb’s head.

Ethan tapped his leg, and Seb reluctantly left his Lobito. He followed Ethan behind the screen, turning his focus from his mate to shifting his form. He willed his body to change, releasing a roar as the transformation began, bones popping, stretching, muscles contorting under his skin, his fur drawing in along with his claws and fangs. The pain was blinding, and Seb shut his eyes tight, his jaw clenched as his mass morphed from tiger to man. When it was done, he trembled. He was cold and only strong enough to stand with Ethan’s help. His brother tapped his shoulder, and Seb gripped him tightly, holding on as Ethan held his boxer briefs out for Seb to step into.

PSTC was generally reserved for partners, family, and lovers, and although most Therians didn’t think anything of being naked in front of strangers—considering it was a prerequisite to shifting—Post Shift Trauma Care was different. It was an intimate act, though by no means a sexual one. Shifting to Human form left a Therian at their most vulnerable, a difficult position for any Therian to be in, which was why most Therians preferred someone they trusted to see them this way and to perform PSTC. Ethan helped Seb back into his uniform, doing up his buttons for him, his expression one of concentration. Once Ethan tied Seb’s shoelaces, he straightened and smiled that crooked, boyish grin before kissing Seb’s cheek. Seb chuckled, throwing his arm around Ethan’s shoulders and heading back out to join the others.

They’d need to pick up some meat on their way back to HQ, but for now the Gatorade and protein bars would have to do. His strength slowly returned, and Seb crouched beside Hudson, who sat lost in thought.

“What happened back there, Lobito?”

Hudson looked up at him, blinking as if he’d just woken from a trance. “Seb?”

“Yes, sweetheart.” Seb took Hudson’s hands, noting how Hudson’s whole body was racked with shivers.

“I think… I think I’m losing my mind.”

Seb ran a hand over Hudson’s hair, brushing his bangs away from his face. It was growing long, the front falling over his brow. “Tell me what happened,” he said gently. “Why did you go feral?”

“I swear I thought it was his scent.” Hudson’s voice broke when he spoke. “And it’s not the first time, but it’s… not possible. It couldn’t be him.”

“Who?”

Hudson gazed at him with wide eyes. “Alfie. It was his scent.”

The truck fell into silence, broken when Ash spoke up. “Someone wanna tell me who that is?”

Hudson sniffed. “Alfie was my brother.”

“Was?” Cael asked softly.

Seb rubbed circles around Hudson’s back, wishing he knew what the hell was going on. Hudson was right, this wasn’t possible, but his sense of smell was extraordinary and rarely off its mark. Wolf Therians were exceptional trackers, with the ability to sniff out things others might miss. That skill, along with their keen eye for detail, was why so many of them worked in the medical profession. They also made up a good portion of Unit Alpha’s Therian Recon agents, along with cheetah Therians.

“He died years ago,” Hudson replied with a shuddering sigh. “It’s why I was shunned from my pack, my family. They blamed me for his death. It was an accident.” Hudson told them the story of his beloved brother’s death and how his body had been discovered. Seb had heard it years ago, and it broke his heart hearing it a second time, mostly because of how much it still pained Hudson.

“You sure it was him on the table?” Ash asked. Seb glared at him, and Ash returned his glare. “Hey, I know what it’s like to lose a brother, okay, so fuck off. It’s a shitty question, but it has to be asked. You gotta admit, when this team is involved, shit has a way of turning all kinds of weird and fucked-up. I swear this team is fucking cursed.”

“Speak for yourself,” Rosa said. “Milena and I have a very normal life together. She acquires antiques. Can’t get any more normal than that.”

“Whatever,” Ash said, turning his attention back to Hudson. “Come on, Doc. Look at what’s happened in the past year alone. Are you sure?”

“Yes, Ash,” Hudson replied through his teeth. “It was Alfie on that table, and he was very much dead. Believe me, I wish I had doubts, but I can still see him.” Hudson dropped his gaze to the floor.

“Did you….” Ash cleared his throat. “Did you examine him?”

Hudson shook his head. “It may have been possible, with my father’s influence, but my family would never have allowed me to lay a hand on him. At one point, I tried to step closer. My father grabbed my arm and pulled me back.” He wiped a tear from his cheek and sniffed. “Not that it mattered. All the evidence I needed was in front of me.”

Dex looked thoughtful. “Could the scent have been something else masking itself as Hudson’s brother? Is that possible?”

“What do you mean?” Sloane asked.

“I’m thinking about the sleeve Sparks gave me to mask the scent of my mark. What if it’s possible to mask a scent with another? Therians have a keen sense of smell. One they rely on, especially THIRDS agents. What if someone was trying to fuck with Hudson?”

“Why? Why would someone do such a thing?” Hudson closed his eyes.

Sloane shook his head. “That doesn’t answer why you went feral. I can see it being a catalyst, but Therians don’t go feral that easily. I know things have been… a little stressful lately. Anything happen that may have pushed you over the edge?”

Seb stroked his hair, and Hudson met his gaze. He gave Hudson a subtle shake of his head. He wasn’t quite ready to tell Ethan about TIN yet. The rest of Destructive Delta would find out soon, but the conversation was one he’d have in private with his little brother. He hadn’t even decided what to say to his team or Dom. Seb had a lot to think about, like whether to bring his team into this mess or not. The more people he told, the more lives he placed in danger. Dom was his best friend, and Seb didn’t keep anything from him, but he had to think about Dom and his family—his parents and four older brothers, two of whom worked for the THIRDS, one in Defense, the other Recon. If something happened to Dom because of Seb’s association with TIN, Seb would never forgive himself.

Hudson released a heavy sigh and turned his attention to Sloane with a nod. “I’m not ready to discuss it at the moment, but yes, you’re right. I think with everything that’s happened recently, the scent was the final straw. It was all too much. I never thought I could lose myself in such a manner.”

“Hey, everyone has their limit,” Sloane offered gently. “You reached yours. It happens. Trust me.”

Hudson nodded. He leaned against Seb, burying his face in Seb’s shoulder. “I just want to go home. Take me home, Sebastian.”

Seb swallowed hard. He looked over at Nina, who nodded, her big brown eyes filled with worry. Sloane had Ethan stop by a Therian restaurant, and Calvin ordered them some food to go before they dropped Seb and Hudson off at Seb’s house. Once he got Hudson settled in the kitchen and eating, he texted Dom and asked him if he wouldn’t mind picking up Seb’s Suburban, and returning it to HQ. Then Seb texted Sloane to thank him and the team for everything.

 

That’s what family is for.

 

Seb smiled at Sloane’s text. It warmed his heart to know Sloane still considered him part of the Destructive Delta family, even if he was no longer on the team. He returned his phone to his pocket and joined Hudson at the island counter. His Lobito was lost in thought, but at least his appetite remained healthy. Once they’d eaten, they settled on the couch, Hudson lying between Seb’s legs, his head on Seb’s shoulder as Seb flicked through channels and absently ran his fingers through Hudson’s hair, smiling at the soft sigh Hudson let out. It was all so… normal.

“How about a shower?” Seb asked, kissing the top of Hudson’s head.

Hudson grunted. “That would require my having to move.”

Seb chuckled. “I don’t know. Let’s see.” He sat up, his arm wrapped around Hudson’s waist, holding him against Seb as he stood before flopping him over his shoulder.

“This isn’t what I had in mind,” Hudson grumbled, and Seb smacked his butt for good measure, laughing at his yelp. “You’re lucky I’m too tired to do anything about that.”

Seb carried him upstairs. “That’s a shame.” He dropped Hudson onto the bed before pulling his uniform shirt and undershirt up over his head, then dropping them to the floor. “And here I thought you might want to fuck me. But if you’re too tired….” Seb shrugged and turned to go, but Hudson launched himself across the bed to snag hold of Seb’s hand.

“Wait!” He looked up at Seb, blinking innocently. “Did I say tired? I meant comfortable. Your shoulder was very comfortable.”

Seb stretched, arching his back, an arm lifted over his head, drawing Hudson’s eyes to his torso. His blue eyes raked over Seb’s chest, pupils dilating before he met Seb’s gaze, his tongue poking out from between his lips.

“Darling, I would very much like to fuck you.”

“Oh, okay, then.” Seb turned to face him. “I’m going to go take a shower first.”

Hudson scrambled to sit up, and Seb held back a laugh. He took hold of Seb’s belt to keep him from moving away. “May I join you?”

“Sure.” Seb winked at him, and Hudson let out a huff.

“You enjoy teasing me, don’t you?”

Seb lifted Hudson’s chin and brushed his lips over Hudson’s. “I don’t enjoy it. I love it.” He kissed Hudson, taking hold of his shoulder, moaning at the taste of him. Hudson’s mouth was sweet from the fruit tea he’d had with dinner, and Seb’s kisses grew more urgent as he explored Hudson’s mouth with his tongue. He pulled Hudson’s sweater vest and shirt over his head and dropped them on the floor, a groan escaping him at the feel of Hudson’s slender fingers gliding over the muscles of Seb’s abdomen to his chest. If he didn’t get Hudson naked and in bed, he was going to go crazy. His skin was on fire, his body eager to press against Hudson.

“Come on,” Seb growled against Hudson’s lips. He took Hudson’s wrist and pulled him along into the bathroom. They tore at each other’s clothes, mouths sucking, biting, and nipping with every patch of skin exposed. Naked, they stepped into the shower. Normally they would have gotten each other off under the stream of warm water, but Seb was going to lose his shit if he didn’t get Hudson inside him. A quick towel dry later, and Seb lay on the bed, his hips lifted so Hudson could place a pillow underneath his stomach. His body was thrumming with anticipation.

The last man to fuck Seb was Hudson. Hudson, of course, had other plans. He wasn’t about to dive right in. Nope. His Lobito was going to torture him first. Seb moaned as Hudson sat on his ass and lightly stroked Seb from his shoulders to his lower back. Pushing his hard cock against the pillow, Seb pleaded with Hudson, but Hudson pressed a kiss to his right shoulder, then his left. He planted kisses around Seb’s back, alternating with nips to Seb’s scorching flesh. Seb grabbed fistfuls of the sheets, rutting against the pillow as his desire threatened to consume him.

The globes of his asscheeks were parted, and Seb bucked his hips, cursing under his breath and gritting his teeth when Hudson licked at his hole. Seb pressed his forehead down against the pillow as Hudson used his tongue to breach Seb’s tight entrance.

“Oh fuck.” Seb’s breath was coming out in pants as Hudson nibbled at him. “Baby, please.”

Hudson chuckled, and a rumbling sound rose deep from Seb’s chest. Seb heard the lube’s cap being opened and the bottle squeezed. Soon after, he shivered at Hudson’s cold, lube-slicked finger pushing tenderly into him. The wait was going to drive him nuts. In no apparent rush, Hudson buried his finger down to the knuckle before he pulled out slightly, and a second finger joined in.

“Lobito,” Seb growled. “If you don’t fuck me, you’re going to be the one pounded into the mattress.”

“That’s not much of a threat, darling.” Hudson pulled out his fingers, and when Seb looked over his shoulder to reply, Hudson breached his hole with the tip of his cock. He released a fresh barrage of curses, and Hudson laughed softly. “You were saying?”

Hudson wasn’t as big as Seb, but he was hardly small. His cock was thick and long, and Seb was so tight, his muscles fighting the intrusion until they finally accepted and gave way, making him cry out with how damn good it felt to have Hudson inching in until he was balls-deep inside Seb’s ass.

“You feel amazing,” Hudson breathed. He released a low moan as he started to rock against Seb. The pleasure building inside Seb sent a shiver through him, and he lifted up onto his elbows so he could look back at Hudson, groaning at the sight of Hudson pulling out only to plunge inside Seb, his fingers digging into Seb’s hips.

“That’s it, baby. Fuck me. God, you’re so beautiful.”

Hudson closed his eyes and let his head fall back, his lips parted in ecstasy as he picked up his pace, the sound of his skin slapping against Seb’s, making Seb whimper. Seb pushed a hand underneath him and took hold of his rock-hard cock.

“Not yet,” Hudson warned, lying across Seb’s back. He took hold of Seb’s hands and laced their fingers together. “Kiss me.”

Seb turned his head and sucked on Hudson’s tongue before Hudson snapped his hips against Seb’s ass, driving his cock in deep.

“Fuck!”

Hudson snapped his hips again. “Like that?” He rotated his hips, pulled out, and then drove in at a different angle, hitting that sweet spot inside Seb.

“Fuck! Baby, yes! Yes, just like that. Fuck me just like that.”

Hudson drove himself in deep and hard with each thrust, pounding into Seb until he was seeing stars. The sounds coming from him were unlike anything Seb had ever made. Hudson’s moans, his panting breath, and his fingers digging into Seb’s hips were going to make him lose his mind. Hudson hit that sweet spot in Seb again, and Seb’s muscles tightened. His orgasm threatened to send him spiraling down into the abyss. Hudson lay against his back, one hand on Seb’s shoulder holding him in place, while he slipped his fingers into Seb’s hair with his other hand, grabbing a fistful of it. He tugged at Seb’s hair, pulling his head back so he could lick Seb’s neck. He snapped his hips against Seb’s ass, his teeth scraping Seb’s nape before he bit down gently, suckling Seb’s skin and sending him over the edge.

Seb’s pleasure tore through him, his orgasm causing his body to tighten, his hole clenching around Hudson’s dick. Hudson gasped, throwing his arms around Seb’s neck as Seb milked his cock, the heat of Hudson’s come coating his insides. Seb rode out his release, his fingers closing around Hudson’s arm, his groan deep and long as white heat spread through him. Hudson thrust several more times before stilling, his panting breath hot against Seb’s cheek.

“See. Just like… riding a… bike,” Seb teased.

“Darling, if my scooter made me come like that, I’d never get off.” Hudson kissed his cheek. “Besides, I much prefer riding you.”

Seb laughed. He turned his head so Hudson could kiss him, slow and languid this time. Hudson pulled out of him gently before rolling off him and onto the bed. His Lobito was a picture of wanton decadence, his black, tousled hair a contrast against his fair skin now flushed from his exertion. He looked sated and happy. The words left Seb’s lips before he could catch himself.

“Let’s get married.”

Hudson rolled his head to look at Seb. “I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me.”

“Are you mad?”

Not the reaction he’d been hoping for.

“We haven’t been together a week and look at the mess we made!” Hudson got out of bed, stalked over to the dresser, and pulled out a pair of boxers. “Must be a new bloody record. One week, Sebastian, and you end up in jail, I end up part of a covert organization of Therian spies, and then you go and jump in the fire with me. I lose control to my feral side after having a go at you about that very subject, and I keep catching my dead brother’s scent.” He pulled out a T-shirt and stilled, his bottom lip quivering. “I’m a jinx.”

“Hey, you’re not a jinx.” And if he was, he was the most adorable jinx Seb had ever known. He got out of bed, stepped up behind Hudson, and wrapped his arms around his waist. “You smelling Alfie, I don’t have an answer for, but I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. We just haven’t found it yet. And as far as TIN is concerned, I’m not going to be anywhere you’re not. So, are you going to be my husband?”

Hudson worried his bottom lip, and Seb would have given anything to know what was running through his mate’s mind. Seb pulled a pair of pajama bottoms from the dresser and quickly slipped into them before taking Hudson’s hand and turning him so they faced each other.

“Baby?”

Hudson met his gaze, his blue eyes filled with so much love, and worry. “I love you, Seb, more than anything. I just…. Will you give me some time to think about it?”

Seb nodded. “Of course. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here.” A small part of him was disappointed Hudson hadn’t said yes, but he couldn’t blame him. Everything that had happened between them, plus the events of the last few days, would have broken a less strong man. Hudson needed time, and Seb would give him all the time he needed. He had his mate back, and for that, Seb was grateful. The rest could wait.