“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 them 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 looked 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 had 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 what?” Dex peered at him, and Sloane groaned, letting 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.”