“I promise, Chirpy. You and Hudson put together an incredible night. We drank, danced, laughed, had fun. It was perfect.” He brought his brother in for a hug. “Darn you and your precious little face. I love you, bro.” He kissed the top of Cael’s head. “Thank you. Really. Thanks.”

  Cael nodded, a big boyish smile coming onto his face. “Okay. Good night, guys.”

  As soon as he was in Sloane’s arms, it would be an even better night.

  Ten

  They all said their goodbyes and told each other to get home safe. They had tomorrow off, and Dex planned to spend it in bed with Sloane, rocking his world, eating tasty food, and watching movies.

  When Dex got home, Sloane was in bed, as expected. Dex did his best not to wake him while he took a quick shower. The house was locked down for the night, and as soon as Dex pulled on his faded Journey T-shirt, he took hold of the end of the duvet. Sloane tugged it out of his hand.

  “Did you think you were getting away with what happened earlier tonight?” Sloane asked, his voice a sexy, sleepy rumble. He turned on the bedside lamp and sat up, one eyebrow arched at Dex.

  “Um… yes?” Dex smiled and tried to look hopeful.

  Sloane chuckled. “Not on your life.”

  “But we had hot—very hot—sexy times,” Dex whined. That had to count for something, right?

  “We did, and I loved every second of it. That does not, however, absolve you from your actions after the hot sexy times.”

  Damn. So close.

  “You’re not going to make me sleep on the couch, are you? I want to sleep with you.” Dex was pouting. It was pathetic, but he couldn’t help it. He was so tired. All he wanted was Sloane’s arms around him. And maybe a donut. Man, he was suddenly in the mood for a maple frosted donut covered in bacon bits.

  Sloane peered at him. “You’re thinking about food right now, aren’t you?”

  “Um, no.” Dex blinked innocently.

  Sloane’s expression melted into one of amusement. “I’m not going to send you to the couch. Don’t be ridiculous. I want you right here next to me.” He flipped back the duvet and patted the mattress beside him. Dex didn’t need to be told twice. He scrambled into bed and snuggled close, letting out a long, happy sigh.

  “You’re the best.”

  “I know. Tomorrow you’re going to tell me everything that happened tonight down to the very last detail.”

  Dex grunted. “Yes.” That was going to be a fun conversation. He’d have to make sure he had lots of unhealthy snacks to ease the pain, especially when he reached the part of the evening that involved Wolf.

  “Then you’re going to help me clear out the attic.”

  “But it’s our day off,” Dex groaned. “What about sexy times and pizza?”

  “If we make good progress, there will still be sexy times and pizza. You’re the one who wanted to convert the attic into the Bond Batcave.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Dex grumbled. Damn him and his evil genius ideas. What good was being a superspy if you didn’t have your own Bond Batcave?

  “I asked Cael to help. He and Ash will be by around noon. We can all have lunch.”

  Dex let out a loud sigh and rolled over dramatically, draping his body over Sloane’s. “I have to spend my day off with Ash? Why are you punishing me? It’s not like the grenades went off. Can’t believe that dork was walking around with grenades in his stupid bear suit the whole time.”

  Sloane slowly panned his head toward Dex. “I’m sorry, did you say grenades?”

  “Um…” Shit.

  “What? What grenades?”

  Dex leisurely rolled onto his back and slinked toward the edge of the bed. “Grenades? Who said anything about grenades? I said Gatorade. I can’t believe the guy had Gatorade in his suit the whole time. It made me so thirsty.”

  Sloane threw the duvet back, and Dex bolted from the room. He ran downstairs and into the living room with Sloane right behind him. Why was Sloane mad? It wasn’t like the grenades had gone off. He didn’t blow anything up. This time.

  Dex ran to one side of the couch while Sloane glared at him from the other. Ooh, his sexy cowboy was not happy. “Nothing happened,” Dex offered sweetly. “Babe, I’m trained to handle those kinds of situations.” He cringed at the vein bulging on the side of Sloane’s neck. Still sexy, though definitely not happy.

  “In what training scenario were you provided with illegally obtained explosive devices to wear on your person while you chased perps down city streets dressed like a bear to then dive off high structures in an attempt to get yourself blown up! Tell me, Dex, because I would love to know when we had that training.” Sloane was red in the face, and Dex felt guilty. He was pretty sure he was the reason behind the additional gray hairs Sloane’s pitch-black hair had acquired since they’d met, even if they did make Sloane look even hotter.

  “Come on, Sloane. It’s been a really, really long night. All I wanted was a few hours without facing down criminals, clandestine societies, or rogue operatives. It was my bachelor party, for crying out loud, and I had to deal with a bunch of trained kidnappers, Wolf, and if that wasn’t bad enough, that stupid bear—”

  “Kidnappers? Wait, what? Wolf?” Sloane balled his hands into fists at his sides. “Wolf showed up? Bastard just can’t stay away. Tell me he showed up because of Hudson.”

  “Um, no. He seems to have it in his head that he’s more fun than you, and—”

  “What?” Sloane’s voice went up in pitch. “That son of a bitch!”

  “I know, right? You know what he’s like. So damn smug. The guy has absolutely no grasp on personal space.”

  “Not helping.”

  “Sorry.”

  “What happened?”

  “He warned me about the kidnappers, then came back to flirt some more.”

  “He’s an asshole, that’s what he is,” Sloane growled before he started to pace. “Why am I not surprised. Jesus Christ, Dex.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s not like I want these things to happen. They just do.”

  “To you! They only happen to you!”

  Dex opened his mouth to reply, but what could he say? Sloane was right. “Should I not have gone after the drug dealer or dealt with the guys out to kidnap my brother?”

  “You should have done what you needed to do, that’s not the issue. The issue is how little regard you have for your own safety, Dex.” With a heavy sigh, Sloane dropped down onto the couch. “Any number of things could have gone wrong. You didn’t think about what could happen to you because all you cared about was catching the perp. I thought you were done running into the fray?”

  “Are you talking about the drug dealer or the kidnappers?”

  “The drug dealer and that stupid bear suit.”

  Dex was confused. “Really?”

  “Dex, I have faith in you and your abilities. I’ve been training with you for months. I’ve seen what you can do when you’re up against highly skilled opponents. I don’t know anyone, save for TIN, who can do what you do, and, baby, I am so fucking proud of you. But you using your training, knowing what you’re getting into, and applying those skills to get the job done, is not the same as taking a stupid risk because in your head it’s no big deal and everything will work out fine. In your head, you were up against some street thug and not some trained assassin. I mean, how hard can it be, right? What could possibly go wrong?”

  Dex had no idea he’d upset Sloane this badly. He took a seat next to Sloane and turned to face him, one leg tucked up on the couch against Sloane as he took Sloane’s hand in his. “I’m sorry. What I did was stupid, and selfish, and you’re absolutely right. I didn’t give any thought to what could have happened and where that would leave you. I’m sorry I scared you. I won’t do it again. I promise. I’ll try harder to change.”

  “I don’t want you to change, Dex.” Sloane put his hand on Dex’s cheek, his warm smile softening his features. “I love you just the way you are. I…” He sighed and shook his head.

  “What’s wrong? It’s not just about the grenades.”

  “In a few months, our lives are going to change forever, and I don’t mean us getting married. TIN is not the THIRDS. When we’re out there, we’re on our own. We have to rely on ourselves, on our own skills, and most importantly, each other to get the job done and stay alive. I need to know that I can trust you to make the right choices.”

  Before Dex could reply, Sloane held a finger to Dex’s lips.

  “I know you. I know you’d sacrifice anything for me, for your family, and for what’s right. But maybe you could consider other ways that don’t involve me losing you, huh? I mean, have you thought about what you want beyond saving the world?”

  Dex blinked at him. He gently moved Sloane’s hand from his mouth. “You mean, like retirement?”

  Sloane leaned back against the couch, pulling Dex with him and tucking him against his side. He kissed the top of Dex’s head, his fingers stroking Dex’s hair.

  “We can’t be dodging bullets and explosions forever, Dex. I need to know there’s an end. One that doesn’t involve the kind of danger and sacrifice we’ve been facing for so long and is yet to come. I want to know we’ll get a chance at a quiet, peaceful life where we can enjoy each other, maybe get a dog, and I don’t know…” Sloane shrugged. “Maybe even have a family.”

  Dex closed his eyes, his heart full of love and adoration for Sloane. “Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the job, in trying to save the world, that I lose sight of what’s most important to me. There will always be a new threat, a new organization, or a lethal force to face, but there’s only one you, one us. What good will all my badass training be if I lose myself, or worse, you?” Dex pulled back enough so he could brush his lips over Sloane’s and caress his stubbly jaw. Sloane’s smile and the light behind his glowing amber eyes seeped into Dex’s soul.

  “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me,” Sloane said quietly. “I know the kind of life we’re leading now, going to lead, is far from predictable, but I need you at my side for as long as possible.”

  Dex nodded. “I like the sound of that.” He kissed Sloane, melting against him and relishing the feel of Sloane’s strong arms around him. They could do this. Together they could face anything. Dex just had to remember it was them, not him. For now, he lost himself in the taste of Sloane, in his soft lips, warm mouth, and heady scent, the feel of his solid body against Dex’s.

  Sloane pulled back and gave him a pointed look. “We also need to be realistic.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Let’s face it. You’re going to get into situations most people would never even dream of ending up in. I get that. Experience has taught us better than to fool ourselves into believing weird and ludicrous is not going to follow us wherever we go, so I just want you to remember your words to me, and I’ll trust that we can get ourselves out of whatever mess we get into.”

  Dex laughed softly. “I love how you said ‘we’ and ‘ourselves,’ when you really meant ‘you’ and ‘yourself.’”

  Sloane smiled sheepishly. “Caught that, did you?”

  “Yes, but that just makes me love you all the more.”

  Sloane’s eyes went slightly wide as something seemed to dawn on him. “While I’m alive. I think your dad may silently be plotting my demise.”

  “Why?” Dex’s brows furrowed together. What could Sloane possibly have done to—

  Dex gasped. “You didn’t play air hockey with him, did you?”

  Sloane nodded, his bottom lip jutted out.

  Oh God, it was worse than that. “You beat him?”

  “Twelve times,” Sloane admitted. He winced. “I, um, also called him an old man.”

  Dex’s jaw dropped.

  “I know,” Sloane said with a groan, covering his face with his hands. “It’s not my fault. He got me drunk.”

  “Ooh, that sneak.”

  Sloane looked up at him. “I know, right?”

  “Well, I warned you,” Dex said, getting up and taking Sloane’s hand in his. Sloane stood and followed him toward the stairs leading up to the bedroom.

  “It’s your dad. What was I supposed to say?”

  “Anything but yes.”

  Sloane groaned, and Dex chuckled as they got back into bed. Man, it was almost five in the morning. He was beat. He crawled under the covers, a contented smile on his face when Sloane pulled him close, spooning him from behind.

  “Seeing as how you already said yes to marrying me,” Sloane murmured before yawning, “should the need arise, I’m using you to get out of whatever vengeance your dad has planned for me.”

  “That’s what husbands are for,” Dex replied, feeling sleep descending on him. “Just remember, you’ll owe me.”

  Sloane grunted. It was followed by a nuzzle against Dex’s hair, then the steady rise and fall of Sloane’s chest. He laced his fingers with Sloane’s. Maybe life was about to get even more unpredictable, but the one thing he could count on was Sloane and the love they shared, come gummy bears or grenades.

  What’s next for Dex, Sloane, and the Destructive Delta crew? You are cordially invited to the wedding of Dexter J. Daley and Sloane Brodie in Tried & True, the tenth and final book in the main THIRDS series. Available on Amazon and KindleUnlimited.

  A Note From the Author

  Thank you so much for reading Gummy Bears & Grenades. I hope you enjoyed the shenanigans, and if you did, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Reviews can have a significant impact on a book’s visibility, so any support you show these fellas would be amazing. The adventure continues with Dex and Sloane’s wedding in Tried & True, the final book in the THIRDS series, available from Amazon and KindleUnlimited.

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  Thank you again for joining the THIRDS crew on their adventures. We hope to see you soon!

  Cast Members

  You’ll find these cast members throughout the whole THIRDS series. This list will continue to grow.

  DESTRUCTIVE DELTA

  Sloane Brodie—Defense agent. Team leader. Jaguar Therian.

  Dexter J. Daley “Dex”—Defense agent. Former homicide detective for the Human Police Force. Older brother of Cael Maddock. Adopted by Anthony Maddock. Human-Therian Hybrid.

  Ash Keeler—Defense agent. Entry tactics and close-quarter combat expert. Lion Therian.

  Julietta “Letty” Guerrera—Defense agent. Weapons expert. Human.

  Calvin Summers—Defense agent. Sniper. Human.

  Ethan Hobbs—Defense agent. Demolitions expert and public safety bomb technician. Has two older brothers: Rafe and Sebastian Hobbs. Tabby tiger Therian.

  Cael Maddock—Recon agent. Tech expert. Dex’s younger brother. Adopted by Anthony Maddock. Cheetah Therian.

  Rosa Santiago—Recon agent. Crisis negotiator and medic. Human.

  COMMANDING OFFICERS

  Lieutenant Sonya Sparks—Lieutenant for Unit Alpha. Cougar Therian. Undercover operative for TIN (Therian Intelligence Network).

  Sergeant Anthony “Tony” Maddock—Sergeant for Destructive Delta. Dex and Cael’s adoptive father. Human.

  MEDICAL EXAMINERS

  Dr. Hudson Colbourn—Chief medical examiner for Destructive Delta. Wolf Therian.

  Dr. Nina Bishop—Medical examiner for destructive Delta. Human.

  AGENTS FROM OTHER SQUADS

  Ellis Taylor—Team leader for Beta Ambush. Leopard Therian.

  Rafe Hobbs—Team leader for Alpha Ambush. The oldest Hobbs brother. Tiger Therian.

  Sebastian Hobbs—Team leader for Theta Destructive. Was once on Destructive Delta but was transferred after his relationship with Hudson ended in a breach of protocol and civilian loss. Middle Hobbs brother. Tiger Therian.

  Dominic Palladino—Defense agent. Close-quarter combat expert for Theta Destructive. Human.

  Angel Herrera—Defense agent. Pilot and BearCat driver for Theta Destructive. Human.

  Osmond “Zach” Zachary—Defense agent for Alpha Sleuth in Unit Beta. Has six brothers working for the THIRDS. Brown bear Therian.

  West Delray—Recon agent for Theta Destructive. King cheetah Therian.

  OTHER IMPORTANT CAST MEMBERS

  Gabe Pearce—Sloane’s ex-partner and ex-lover on Destructive Delta. Killed on duty by his brother Isaac. Human.

  Isaac Pearce—Gabe’s older brother. Was a detective for the Human Police Force who became leader of the Order of Adrasteia. Was killed by Destructive Delta during a hostage situation. Human.

  Louis “Lou” Huerta—Dex’s ex-boyfriend. Human.

  Bradley Darcy—Bartender and owner of Bar Dekatria. Jaguar Therian.

  Austen Payne—Squadron Specialist agent (SSA) for Destructive Delta. Freelance operative for TIN. Cheetah Therian.

  Dr. Abraham Shultzon—Head doctor during the First Gen Recruitment Program who was personally responsible for the well-being of THIRDS First Gen recruits. Was also responsible for the tests that were run on Therian children at the First Gen Research Facility. Recently apprehended by TIN for creating an unsanctioned Therian mind-control drug and for kidnapping THIRDS Therian agents for an unauthorized project.

  Wolf—AKA Fang, Reaper. Former TIN operative turned rogue. Wolf became a freelance agent for hire after feeling he was betrayed by TIN, the organization that caused the death of his partner. Wolf Therian.

  John Daley—Dexter J. Daley’s biological father. Anthony Maddock’s best friend and partner at the Human Police Force. Killed during a shootout in a movie theater during the riots. Human.

  Gina Daley—Dexter J. Daley’s biological mother. Worked for the CDC in NYC. First to volunteer to work with Therians. Killed along with her husband during a shootout in a movie theater during the riots. Human.