“Uh, yeah. Sorry. I started thinking about all the stuff we still have to do before the big day. Remind me why I thought a big wedding would be a good idea?” With each call from Lou, the urge to grab Sloane, disappear, and elope somewhere was more and more tempting.

  Hudson chuckled. “Because you’re Dexter J. Daley, and you don’t do anything without leaving your mark.”

  Dex was taken aback by Hudson’s words. “I really do that?”

  “There’s no forgetting you, Dexter. I’m certain anyone who’s ever met you would agree.”

  “Dude, you guys are killing me with all the feels.”

  Austen slapped Dex on the back. “Well, then, I guess this means it’s time to get drunk off our asses.”

  Dex was handed a couple of colorful shots that he threw back before letting out a loud whoop. A collective cheer followed as he headed for the dance floor, ready to get his groove on. The open bar and his friends made sure Dex was never without a drink in his hand. Thanks to his mutated DNA, he could throw them back without the worry of getting shit-faced too quickly. A little later, he was still trying to work out if that was a blessing or a curse. He’d lost count of how many he’d had, and he was just starting to feel a nice buzz. Dex bounced around with Hudson to Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” while Cael, West, and Calvin danced around Seb and Hobbs. Ash was either drunk or having a good time, considering how much he was smiling and laughing tonight.

  Dex kept checking in with Calvin to make sure Hobbs was doing all right. The club was packed—and would become even busier as the night went on. It had a lot of lighting effects, loud music, and noise. When the invites had gone out, although Dex hadn’t known the plan for the evening, he’d stressed to Calvin that Hobbs’s comfort was what mattered most to him. His feelings would not be hurt if they couldn’t make it, and if they did come, they didn’t need to feel obligated to stay. With Hobbs’s social anxiety, it all came down to how the big guy was feeling that evening and then the situation once he got there. Calvin hadn’t left Hobbs’s side for a moment, and as of a couple of songs ago, Hobbs was still cheerfully bouncing around to the music with his boyfriend and their friends.

  Everyone seemed to be having a great time, including Dex. The only thing that would have made it perfect was Sloane. After dancing to a few more songs, Dex took a seat on one of the banquettes and grabbed the bowl of gummy bears. Hudson took a seat beside him.

  “Open,” Dex ordered, and Hudson opened his mouth, laughing around the gummy bears Dex tossed at him. They all made it in.

  Hudson hummed in delight as he chewed. “Ooh, cocktail flavored,” he said around a mouthful, indicating he was tipsy. They both munched on gummy bears as they watched their friends and family dancing away. Hudson soon broke the silence.

  “You miss him.”

  Dex shrugged. “I’m being an ass. It’s not like I don’t see him every day.”

  “That doesn’t mean you don’t miss him when he’s not around. Your bond with him is deep. That connection tends to intensify certain aspects of your relationship.”

  True. If anyone understood the pull, the need and desire, it was Hudson. It took a hell of a lot of control on Dex’s part not to get overwhelmed at times. He was getting better at controlling his impulses where Sloane was concerned, but it was a work in progress.

  “So, how’s married life?” Dex asked, needing to change the subject. The wedding, TIN, his mutation, and the stress levels that came with everything on his schedule lately were throwing him off his game. Maybe he’d talk to Cael about it. His brother would no doubt jump at the chance to help out.

  Hudson’s cheeks flushed. “Every morning I wake up in his arms, and when he opens his eyes, he smiles, and it takes my breath away without fail.”

  “You two are adorable.”

  “We have a lot of time to make up for.”

  “I’m impressed the two of you left your honeymoon cabin long enough to take pictures,” Dex teased, loving the way Hudson’s face flushed even more. “The picture of you and Seb in your Therian forms playing in the snow is my new favorite. It’s my desktop wallpaper at work.” Dex went thoughtful. “Who took the picture?”

  “Seb’s taken up photography again. He set up a timer.”

  “He’s really good.”

  Hudson beamed at him, but the smile left his face, and he went pensive, then pained.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Hudson worried his bottom lip for a moment before replying, his voice low. “I’m so sorry, Dex. I’m such a terrible friend.”

  Dex frowned. “What are you talking about? You’re an awesome friend. You hid me from Ash when I accidentally spit my coffee in his face.”

  “Yes, that was most unfortunate,” Hudson said, shaking his head sadly.

  “In my defense, he’s the one who decided to stand in front of me and say, ‘you didn’t shove it hard enough.’”

  “Poor choice of words,” Hudson agreed, nodding.

  Even if Ash had been referring to Dex pushing through a street mob where his inability to move three mountain-sized bear Therians with his shield got him trapped and needing rescue from Ethan, Seb, and Ash, he really should have chosen his words better.

  “So, what’s on your mind? What’s got you looking so guilty and British?”

  “I’m not entirely certain what makes me look British. Either way, I apologize.”

  “For what? Being British? Stop apologizing and tell me what’s going on in that overactive brain of yours.”

  Hudson nodded. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him, and… what I asked of you.”

  Dex didn’t need to be told which him Hudson was referring to. “Have you talked to him?”

  “No.” Hudson sighed. “It’s frustrating. Sometimes I think he was only placating me, and just when I believe he’s gone for good, I catch his scent. I keep waiting for him to appear, but he never does.”

  Dex couldn’t believe he was about to delve into this, but he would. For Hudson. “He’s not really your average guy. I’m sure he’s got a reason for not showing up.” Who the hell knew why Wolf did anything? “He doesn’t seem like the type to shy away from a situation. Maybe you’re the exception. You are his brother, after all.” Dex thought about everything Wolf had said to Hudson and everything he’d done to protect his brother, including coming out of the shadows and exposing himself. “He cares about you.”

  Hudson swallowed hard. “You think so?”

  “Why else would he risk his life to protect you?”

  Hudson shrugged. “I’m having a hard time reconciling Alfie and Wolf. There’s so little of my brother left, if anything at all. I mean…” Hudson’s eyes became glassy when he met Dex’s gaze. “He tortured you, Dex.”

  Yep. That he did.

  “And yet, I had the audacity to ask you and Sloane not to hurt him.”

  Dex held up a finger. “Actually, you asked us not to kill him. Hurting is still on the table.”

  Hudson’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Right.” His smile faded. “What you both must think of me.” He averted his gaze, and Dex ducked his head so Hudson would look at him.

  “What we think is that after years of thinking your brother was dead, it turned out that he was very much alive. You have questions, and you deserve the answers to those questions. Who are we to take that from you? You’re like family, Hudson. Whatever you need, you know I will do my damned best to make sure you get it.”

  Hudson nodded as he clearly tried not to get emotional. His sweet smile was all Dex needed to know he’d made the right choice where Wolf was concerned. At least for the time being. Hudson needed to know, and Dex would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious. How had Alfie survived? The biggest question, however, was when did Alfie become Wolf?

  Cael came bounding over, his cheeks rosy and the tip of his nose pink from the alcohol. “Hudson, it’s time!”

  Hudson jumped up and faced Dex. “We have a surprise for you.”

  “What kind of surprise?” Dex asked, laughing when Cael grabbed one arm and Hudson the other. They pulled him to his feet.

  “You’re going to love it,” Cael assured him, winking. “Believe me.”

  “Well, then, bring it on.”

  Three

  Cael whooped, and with a chuckle, Dex followed him and Hudson, wondering what they had planned. At the end of the club were several closed doors. Before Dex could ask what was going on, Cael opened one of the doors and shoved him into what looked like a private room with two windows, the deep curtains drawn. The door closed behind him, and he looked around. It was lavishly decorated to match the rest of the club, with tufted purple seating running along three walls.

  Dex took a seat in the middle so he was directly across from the door. He dropped his gaze to the large, gleaming, round plinth in the center of the floor. It was a small stage, and Dex had a pretty good idea what the stage was for.

  The lid of the platform was actually two doors, and when the music in the room started to build, and the CO2 smoke began to rise around the stage, the platform doors slid open. A black cowboy hat slowly came into view, and Dex arched an eyebrow. He sat back against the cushions and crossed his arms over his chest. Was this really about to happen? Why would his brother get him a stripper? Cael knew him better than that. Dex had no interest in having some sweaty dude gyrating all over him, unless that sweaty dude was his sexy jaguar Therian soon-to-be husband.

  Broad tan shoulders came into view, followed by a muscular back. Dex allowed his gaze to travel down the sinful curve of the man’s spine before he settled his eyes on a sweet rounded ass encased in black denim. Black leather chaps hugged long powerful legs, and the black cowboy boots had Dex unfolding his arms. He placed his hands on his thighs and took in every inch of sleek, solid muscle.

  Fuck. He’d never seen anything so hot.

  Dex adjusted himself, then flexed his fingers, itching to touch. God, the man’s arms alone made his mouth water. “You know, I’m about to be a married man,” Dex said, his voice low and husky.

  “Lucky guy.” The gruff, low growl dripped with sex, and it sent a shiver through Dex. If he wasn’t careful, he was going to come in his pants before the show even started, and this he had to see.

  “Yeah?” Dex sat back against the cushions and spread his knees, heat flaring through him. He fought not to launch himself at the stage and lick the man from head to toe.

  With a sinful look at Dex over his shoulder, his cowboy smiled, amber eyes blazing with lust. “Oh yeah.”

  Dex swallowed hard. There was a promise in his cowboy’s eyes that Dex was eager to explore. The light show kicked off, and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” pounded through the speakers, making Dex’s heart soar. His newest wet dream slowly turned, and Dex moaned, raking his gaze from the top of the black cowboy hat down to a chiseled jaw, then farther down to a delicious set of abs Dex was dying to run his tongue over. God, he’d never wanted anything so bad. The large silver belt buckle set dangerously below the man’s navel called to Dex, but not nearly as much as the sight of the exposed skin of his cowboy’s hips.

  Dex ran his tongue over his bottom lip before he raised his eyes. “You gonna give me a show, cowboy?”

  His cowboy stepped off the stage and sauntered over, then stopped between Dex’s knees. He straddled Dex’s lap before slipping his fingers into Dex’s hair to grab fistfuls of it. He tugged Dex’s head back, exposing his neck, making Dex groan and his cock strain against his dress pants.

  “Baby, I’m gonna give you a show you won’t soon forget.” His voice was almost a whisper, his lips hovering over Dex’s.

  Just when Dex thought he was going to be kissed, his cowboy licked a trail from under Dex’s chin to over his lips.

  He inhaled sharply. “Fuck.”

  “That comes later,” his cowboy promised.

  Dex grabbed his cowboy’s hips and thrust his own hips up. His cowboy released a porn-worthy moan at the feel of Dex’s hard erection, and Dex slipped his hands inside his cowboy’s jeans to grip his ass tight. He leaned in, murmuring seductively, “You gonna ride me, cowboy?”

  He received a sinful smirk before his cowboy got up and stepped back onto the stage. The quirk of those wide, full lips and the knowledge Dex was going to get ridden hard had him all but vibrating with anticipation.

  And then Sloane started to move.

  Sloane wasn’t just dancing for him. He’d created an entire sexual fantasy, learned a whole routine, just for Dex. Had this been planned all along, or was it a last-minute decision? Either way, Dex didn’t care. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. Holy fuck. He’d never seen Sloane dance like that. Hell, he didn’t even know Sloane could move like that. There was a sleek, smooth transition from one step to another, and he dropped to his knees and got up with ease. He took off his hat to reveal a sexy haircut, short on the sides and back, longer on top.

  “You cut your hair,” Dex said before he caught himself. He was such a dork. Here his boyfriend had created an elaborate fantasy, and he was getting dopey over Sloane’s haircut.

  Sloane winked at him before tossing his hat at Dex, who snatched it out of the air, then flipped it onto his head. He stood, smirking when Sloane crooked his finger and summoned him over. Dex happily obliged, taking Sloane’s hand and stepping up onstage with him. Sloane jerked Dex up against him, his leg sliding in between Dex’s. Their bodies were pressed together as Sloane started to move again. Dex wrapped his arms around Sloane’s neck, smiling when Sloane lowered his head, their brows pressed together, meeting Dex’s gaze. Man, he loved dancing with his sexy partner. Sloane wrapped one arm around Dex’s waist, the other reaching for Dex’s shirt tucked into his pants. The look of want in his eyes was going to make Dex melt.

  “We’ve got the room to ourselves for the next hour,” Sloane said, his low growl sending a shiver through Dex. “No one’s going to interrupt.”

  Dex wrapped his fingers around Sloane’s wrist and moved his hand down to the bulge in his pants. “Ride me, cowboy.”

  Sloane grabbed a fistful of Dex’s shirt, then pulled him off the stage, spun him, and pushed him. The back of Dex’s legs hit the banquette and he dropped down onto it, his heart pounding fiercely. He sat, mesmerized as Sloane slipped two fingers into his pockets and returned with what Dex assumed was a packet of lube. He tossed it at Dex, who caught it, his eyes never leaving Sloane as his hotter-than-hell fiancé unbuckled his belt, then shoved everything down. Sloane removed his boots, then stepped out of the few clothes he had on. He straddled Dex’s lap, and with a sultry smile, he took the cowboy hat off Dex and secured it back on his head.

  Their eyes met, and Dex felt a swirling, thundering storm of desire and possession. Sloane sucked in a sharp breath, and Dex knew his eyes had changed. It was hard to control his new feral instincts where Sloane was concerned.

  “Get ready for the ride of your life, cowboy.” Dex brought their mouths together in a searing, bruising kiss, teeth gnashing, tongues tangling. Sloane scrambled to unfasten Dex’s pants. He unzipped Dex, and Dex lifted his hips so Sloane could tug his pants down. His cock sprang free, leaking and ready. Sloane didn’t bother with the buttons on Dex’s shirt, yanking the sides open, buttons popping all over. He pushed it off Dex’s shoulders and waited only long enough for Dex to pull his arms out before he was tugging Dex’s T-shirt up and over his head, then dropping it to one side. He tweaked one of Dex’s nipples, and Dex jerked beneath him.

  Tonight was definitely surpassing all his expectations. Dex put his fingers to Sloane’s lips, and Sloane sucked them into his mouth as he writhed on Dex, his breath as labored as Dex’s. Tearing through the packet of lube with his teeth, Dex prepped Sloane as fast as he could with one hand while his free hand palmed Sloane’s leaking cock.

  “Do it,” Sloane growled and leaned forward.

  Dex shivered. He slicked himself up, and before he could exhale, Sloane was sinking down onto him.

  “Oh fuck. Sloane,” Dex half moaned, half groaned.

  It was a slow start as Sloane moved torturously up and then down, rolling his hips when he was fully seated on Dex, only to do it over again, driving Dex crazy. Sloane was breathtaking. Everything about him, from his sculpted tanned body, the corded muscles of his arms, the mouthwatering abs, even the scar from one of the most terrifying moments of Dex’s life, when he’d almost lost Sloane to an explosion.

  Dex ran his hands up Sloane’s torso reverently. No one could compare to Sloane, and no one would ever have all of Dex’s love and affection the way Sloane did.

  “You’re thinking too much,” Sloane murmured, bringing Dex’s hand over his rock-hard cock. As promised, Sloane rode Dex like he was riding a bucking bronco. Dex was in serious danger of coming way too soon. He ran his hand up Sloane’s chest, his fingernails scraping over Sloane’s taut nipple. Sloane bucked, and Dex leaned in to flick his tongue over one pebbled nub. He licked, laved, and sucked before nipping at Sloane’s skin, his other hand stroking Sloane’s cock. Dex ran his tongue up the side of Sloane’s neck, tasting his salty sweat-slicked skin and making Sloane groan.

  “Fuck me, Dex.” Sloane grabbed another fistful of Dex’s hair and jerked his head back. He kissed Dex within an inch of his life, stealing his breath and setting his blood on fire. Dex dug his fingers into Sloane’s hips as he drove himself into Sloane time and time again, the sound of skin slapping skin mixing with their labored breaths, moans, and whimpers.

  “Baby, I can’t wait to marry you,” Sloane said breathlessly against Dex’s lips.

  Dex grinned and thrust up hard, making Sloane gasp, then curse under his breath. “After I come inside you, I want you to fuck my mouth.” Sloane made a sound between a groan and a whimper that sent a tingle through Dex.

  “Dex,” Sloane gasped, closing his hand over a fistful of Dex’s hair and gripping tight. Dex lost his rhythm, pounding into Sloane as he held on, his muscles tightening as his release exploded through him, his mouth covered by Sloane’s to stifle his cry. When Sloane’s ass had milked every last drop from Dex, Sloane slumped against Dex, who wrapped his arms around Sloane as they both worked on steadying their breathing. Dex absently rubbed circles on Sloane’s back as he softened and pulled out. He left little kisses on Sloane’s shoulders, smiling at the contented sigh Sloane released.