“You’re absolutely right. I guess I’m just not as prepared for this as I thought I was.”

  This was the first time Cael had seen their dad looking so worried. Other than the time Dex had landed in the hospital after he got jumped by Isaac’s goons, over a year ago.

  Tony put his hand to Dex’s cheek. “If things don’t work out, that mark will make it tough for another Therian to get close to you too.”

  Dex nodded, replying quietly, “I know.” He smiled at Tony. “Thanks, Dad. For looking out for me. Whatever comes our way, Sloane and I will get through it together, but it means a lot knowing I have you guys to turn to as well.”

  Tony brought them both in for a hug, and Cael squeezed them in return.

  “When did you boys get so grown up?”

  “I think it was after the pubes grew in,” Dex said.

  Cael closed his eyes with a groan. “You just had to do it.”

  “Yep.” Dex beamed brightly and ruffled Cael’s hair.

  “I may have spoken too soon about the grown-up thing.” Their dad pulled away and headed for the stairs. “I’m going back to putting the laundry away.”

  “Does everyone have their headphones like we discussed?” Dex called out after him.

  “Yes. Thank you for the horrifying reminder of why we’ll need them,” Tony grumbled as he stomped up the stairs.

  “Come on. It’s just sex.”

  Cael groaned at the same time as his dad. His room was right next to Dex’s as well. Perfect. “You couldn’t not have sex for one day?”

  “You two need to get laid. Seriously.”

  “You know what, eat some damn cookies,” Tony called down from upstairs.

  Dex cackled in amusement, snatched another cookie from the plate, and bolted before Cael could whack him in the arm. The doorbell rang, and Cael froze.

  “Oh my God, they’re here!” He grabbed another cookie and started munching away before Dex took it from him.

  “Stop binge eating.”

  Cael swiped his cookie back. “Pot, meet kettle.”

  “Yeah, well, I have to actually work to keep the weight off, unlike you who burns through the calories just by breathing. You and your freaking cheetah Therian metabolism,” Dex grumbled.

  He’d always envied Cael’s ability to eat whatever and however much he wanted without having to worry about his weight. Cheetah Therians had the highest metabolism of all Therians. It meant their bodies demanded a great deal of food, especially when in their Therian form. Postshift was especially important. It also meant cheetah Therians were more prone to health issues if they didn’t look after themselves.

  “Why’re you nervous?” Dex asked, heading for the front door with Cael trailing after him.

  “Because everything’s changed this year. Things are kind of tense with Ash right now. What if he has a terrible time tonight and things get even worse between us? Should I act like nothing’s changed? Should I give him space? Should I try and ease him into the idea of being together? He said we’d talk, but we haven’t. I don’t want to push him.”

  Dex turned and took hold of Cael’s shoulders. “Relax. I’m here, okay? I won’t let things get weird.”

  Cael couldn’t help himself. “But you said you’ll be here.”

  “Funny. Okay, weirder.”

  “Really? No awkward silences?” He’d never had any with Ash. He really hoped they didn’t start now.

  “When is there ever silence when I’m around?” Dex asked, heading off once again for the front door.

  “Good point.”

  “Don’t worry, Chirpy, it’ll be fine. Who knows. Ash might surprise you.”

  “Please don’t call me that in front of anything with a pulse.”

  “No promises.”

  Dex opened the door, and Cael tried to relax like his big brother had wisely suggested. He felt like an idiot. Dex was right. It’d be fine. He had his family and Sloane to take the pressure off. What would it say about them and their relationship if they couldn’t make it through one meal without things getting uncomfortable? He’d never felt uncomfortable around Ash before, and he hated the thought that the amazing friendship they had might change.

  All right, enough of that. Cael straightened and smiled when Dex stepped aside to let Sloane and Ash in. His brother all but threw himself at Sloane, being mindful of his leg. Cael was sure if Sloane were fully healed, Dex would have climbed him.

  “For fuck’s sake,” Ash growled, raising the large insulated bag over the pair’s heads as he pushed past them. “It’s been like six hours since you’ve seen each other, not six months.”

  Cael was going to say hi when Ash kissed his cheek.

  “Hey, sweetheart.”

  Don’t freak out. It’s just a kiss on the cheek. And a pet name. And oh my God, someone scoop me off the floor. Cael chastised himself for being such a dweeb.

  “Hi,” he managed cheerfully. If this was any indication of how the evening was going to go, Cael was in big trouble.

  Chapter 3

  “HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I made pie. Cherry, pecan, and your favorite, apple and cinnamon.” Ash had spent the whole morning baking. He’d been so damned nervous he’d ended up with enough baked goods to last him well into the new year. He handed the warm insulated three-tiered bag to Cael so he could take off his coat.

  Dex stared at them. “Ash Keeler bakes?”

  Ash removed his hat and scarf and shoved them into his coat pockets. “Shut up, Daley.” There was a reason he didn’t go around announcing his hobby to the world. Just because he didn’t look like Martha Stewart didn’t mean he couldn’t fucking use an oven or follow a recipe.

  “Wow. You bake. Ash bakes. I did not know this.” Dex turned to Sloane. “Did you know he bakes?”

  Sloane hung his and Ash’s coats on the hooks behind the door. “He’s really good too. Like, really good.”

  Dex opened his mouth, then closed it before opening it again. “I got nothing.”

  Cael elbowed Ash playfully. “Dude, you left Dex speechless.”

  “Christmas miracle’s arrived early this year,” Ash muttered.

  Dex let out a sniff and headed into the living room with Sloane in tow. “The only reason I’m not telling you to bite me is because you brought delicious, warm pies.”

  “Apple’s mine,” Cael declared, smacking Dex’s hand away from the bag.

  He took it into the kitchen with everyone following behind. On the way there, Ash noticed the table was all set. Cael mentioned how they were just waiting on their dad to come downstairs so they could start putting the food out. Cael left the bag of pies on the counter, and Ash stepped up beside him, his hand resting on the small of Cael’s back as he spoke.

  “How’s your leg? I noticed you’re not using your crutch.”

  “I’m feeling much better. I should be up for training once we’re back on active duty.”

  “I’m glad. Don’t push yourself too hard, though, okay? If you need a little extra time to rest, no one’s going to hold it against you.”

  Cael turned to smile at Ash and appeared to have misjudged their proximity. Their bodies ended up pressed against each other, and Cael’s face flushed pink. Not wanting to embarrass him, Ash pretended he hadn’t noticed. Cael patted Ash’s bicep.

  “Don’t worry, big guy. I’m doing great. Thank you.”

  Ash pulled him closer and kissed the top of his head. “You’re welcome.”

  “Glad you boys could make it.”

  At the sound of Maddock’s voice, Ash stepped away, noticing how Cael’s smile faded. Cael wasn’t an idiot. Ash couldn’t even have his arm around Cael in front of his family. How pathetic was that? Having Cael so close and being unable to touch him was painful. Ash had loved the feel of Cael’s body against his. He’d dreamed of having Cael in his arms, of holding him and making love to him, and now Cael stood beside him, waiting for him to give them both what they’d wanted for so long. For now he’d work on spending a nice Thanksgiving day with Cael, his family, and friends.

  Maddock shook Sloane’s hand first, then Ash’s, lingering a little on Ash before letting go. Ash noticed the way Maddock’s eyes narrowed slightly. Had Maddock discussed their conversation at Dekatria with Cael? Ash figured he hadn’t, considering Cael hadn’t brought it up. He imagined Fuller was most likely a sensitive topic for Cael, and rightly so.

  “All right, let’s eat,” Maddock declared. “Everyone grab the potholders, and let’s get this show on the road.”

  They hopped to it. The whole thing resembled more a military procedure than the setting of a table. Under Maddock’s command, they all lined up, potholders in hand. Maddock pulled out a dish from the oven and handed it to the next person in line. The line moved, others returned from the dining room and joined the line once again to pick up their next dish. This continued until the table was set, leaving a large gap in the center for two turkeys. Once everything was in its place, Maddock motioned to the chairs.

  Ash pulled Cael’s chair out for him, and Cael once again blushed. God, he loved how sweet and beautiful Cael looked when he blushed. It sometimes annoyed Cael, but the guy had no control over it. Ash always noticed when Cael blushed. He tended not to bring it up so Cael wouldn’t feel self-conscious about it. Ash winked at Cael and nudged his cheek playfully before taking a seat at the table beside him, their chairs closer than he was certain they’d ever been before. Dex and Sloane sat across the table from them, and Maddock sat at the head.

  Maddock said grace, giving thanks for all they had, for their family, friends, and good health. While they served themselves and passed different dishes around, they all chatted and laughed. Most of it tended to involve Dex’s shenanigans. After they’d all eaten their fill, or in Dex’s case eaten his weight in turkey, Dex tapped his fork against his glass.

  “So, um, I—we have an announcement of sorts.” Dex took Sloane’s hand in his. “Sloane and I are moving in together.”

  “That’s awesome!” Cael got up and rounded the table to hug his brother and Sloane. “I’m so happy for you guys!”

  “What’s the arrangement?” Maddock asked curiously, and Ash noticed how Sloane subtly squeezed Dex’s hand.

  It always amazed him the kind of effect Maddock’s presence commanded off duty. Ash didn’t think Sloane was intimidated, but he respected Maddock. Everyone did.

  “I’m moving in with Dex,” Sloane replied. “It made more sense. Plus the labyrinth of ’80s memorabilia in Dex’s basement would never fit in my apartment.”

  Maddock nodded his agreement. “And your apartment?”

  “I might have a friend who’s interested in renting it.”

  “Congratulations, then. I’m happy for you,” Maddock said sincerely. He took his wineglass and lifted it in a toast. “To Dex and Sloane. Here’s to a future filled with love, happiness, and health. May there be many nights in each other’s arms and very few on the couch.” Maddock gave Dex a pointed look.

  “What? Why are you assuming I’ll be the one who ends up relegated to the couch?”

  Cael arched an eyebrow at his brother. “Remember when you ran up the down escalator at the mall, fell on your knees, and had to get stitches?”

  Sloane patted Dex’s hand. “Aw, I’m sure he didn’t know any better.”

  “He was twenty-three.”

  The table burst into laughter, except for Dex, who turned his nose up at them.

  “I thought I could outrun it.” Dex held his glass up. “All right you bunch of jokers, we were having a toast.”

  Everyone cheered and toasted, promised to help move them. They talked and ate. At one point, Ash felt Cael’s leg pressed up against his, and it was ridiculous how happy the tiny gesture made him. If it was even a gesture. Ash swiftly put it off to being an accident, but then a little later, Cael reached over and wiped a thumb over the corner of Ash’s mouth, telling him he had a breadcrumb.

  “You should have seen him,” Dex said with a laugh. “He looked so adorable with his cheetah fuzz shaped into spikes, from his head down to his back. Like a little spotted punk rocker.”

  Maddock shook his head at Dex. “It took me two hours to wash all the hair spray off your brother’s fur.”

  “We were pretending to be Guns N’ Roses,” Cael explained. “Dex was singing ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ and I was backup sing—er, chirping.”

  Ash laughed and playfully bumped Cael’s shoulder. “I’m going to have to agree with Dex. That’s adorable.” Even in his Therian form, Ash thought Cael was the sweetest thing he’d ever laid eyes on. Cael could be in his Therian form among thousands of cheetahs, and Ash would be able to point him out. His little gestures, the heart shape of his nose, or the way he chirped away, as if anyone not in their Therian form might understand him if he tried hard enough.

  Dex grabbed Sloane’s arm. “Tell me you recorded that. Doesn’t matter. I have witnesses.” Dex stood and motioned to all of them. “Witnesses! You all heard it. Ash said he agrees with me.”

  “Oh, good Lord. We’re never going to hear the end of this,” Maddock sighed, getting up to clear the dishes.

  “Do you realize how epic this moment is?” Dex said, helping clear up.

  “It’s not really that epic,” Maddock replied.

  Dex let out an exaggerated gasp. “Where have you been living? Ash Keeler has agreed with something I, Dexter J. Daley, has said.”

  “About your brother being adorable. Not exactly earthshattering. He’s thought that since they met.”

  The table fell into silence as they all gaped at Maddock. Well, this was news to Ash. What the hell? Seeming to notice the quiet, or more likely the lack of Dex talking, Maddock looked up.

  “What are you, fish? Close your mouths.”

  Four mouths promptly closed.

  “It’s not rocket science. I’ve known that boy since he joined, and he’s threatened every agent he’s ever met with kicking their ass. Except for Cael.”

  Hard to argue with that. It was the truth.

  Dex frowned at Ash. “You threatened to kick Hobbs’s ass?”

  Ash nodded. “Yep.” Was it his first week of being on the job? He was pretty sure it was the first week.

  “Dude, that’s not cool. Hobbs is awesome.”

  “He can also be a pain in the ass. Plus when we first met, I didn’t know he had selective mutism. I asked him a question, and he wouldn’t answer me. He’d whisper to Calvin, who’d answer for him. I got pissed off and told him if he didn’t tell me himself, I’d kick his ass.” Ash had never met a tiger Therian as big and insecure as Hobbs. The whole encounter had left him confused. Here was their new demolitions expert, and he couldn’t talk. How the fuck was he going to communicate with his team? Ash wasn’t proud to admit he’d had a shit fit. He understood the THIRDS was about equality and representation when it came to hiring, but he had been genuinely concerned about the safety of his team. Not long after, Ash had seen how wrong he’d been about Hobbs. Not that he’d admitted it.

  Dex let out a sound of disgust. “Dude, not cool.”

  “I said I didn’t know. I apologized afterward, and that’s saying something.”

  Ash got up to help clear the dishes, with Dex going on about how he should really think about using some of those scented candles Rosa had gifted him. Ash proceeded to flip him off.

  When Cael stood to help, Ash put a hand to his shoulder.

  “Relax, I’ve got this.”

  He gave Cael a wink and walked the dirty dishes to the kitchen with Dex yammering on behind him. The guy was like a fucking mosquito buzzing in your ear and trying to suck the life out of you. Ash placed the dishes in the dishwasher, giving grunts and one-word replies. He grabbed the dishes from Dex and put those in as well. He wished he could stick Dex in there. Finally someone up there decided to give him a break, and Dex left the kitchen, singing some stupid song about a lion sleeping tonight or something.

  Ash frowned at Maddock. “Does he never shut up? How the hell did you live with him for so long?”

  “It’s called patience,” Maddock replied. “Not exactly your forte.”

  “Oh, I can be patient. That’s not what’s required when dealing with your oldest. I’d say ‘sedative’ is more the word you were looking for.”

  Maddock laughed. “Just get in there, Keeler.”

  Ash did as he was told, heading back into the dining room and resuming his seat beside Cael with a smile.

  “Miss me?”

  Cael chuckled and gave him a bashful push.

  Dex patted his full belly. “I think we should chill in the living room for a while. Come back for dessert in a bit. What do you guys say?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Sloane got up and followed Dex into the living room. Dex didn’t miss a beat, going on about some movie he wanted to see before Christmas. Cael followed his brother with Ash close behind him. Was it him, or was Dex talking more than ever? Ash sneaked a glance at Cael, who appeared to be lost in thought. Maybe he was overreacting and everything was just fine.

  A few hours later it was evident he’d spoken too soon. When Cael’s family was around, everything was great. There was never any time for things to get weird between him and Cael, what with Dex driving them all crazy as usual, Sloane running interference, and Maddock attempting not to throttle all of them. Then there were the few instances when he and Cael were alone. Like when Maddock went upstairs for a post-Thanksgiving-dinner nap, and Dex got all cuddly with Sloane. The two got to talking about something, and things got quiet between him and Cael. Ash used the opportunity to clear up the living room from the aftermath of Dex’s turkey sandwich. The guy might not be a Therian, but he put food away like one.

  Baking wasn’t the only thing Ash turned to when he was feeling anxious. Cleaning helped. There had been several instances around the house, usually when Dex and Sloane were sucking face or being all cute together, that things got quiet between him and Cael. It was almost like Cael was relying on his brother to fill every second of silence, which was beyond Dex’s capabilities, despite his talent for never shutting the hell up. At some point, Sloane needed some quiet, and that’s usually when he’d kiss Dex. Worked like a charm every time.