Sloane stood, and Cael walked over to hug him. Everyone clapped and cheered, and Dex had never felt prouder. He was so blessed to have all these amazing people in his life. It was important he never take that for granted or lose sight of what really mattered.

  After Cael’s toast, they went back to eating their dinner, talking, and laughing. Then Sloane turned to Dex and held his hand out. Dex’s heart swelled in his chest as he took Sloane’s hand, and everyone clapped. The lights dimmed, and Sloane led Dex to the dance floor as Journey’s “Faithfully” started playing.

  Sloane drew Dex in close, one hand to Dex’s lower back, the other holding Dex’s hand. With a soft sigh, Dex let his head rest against Sloane’s shoulder as they danced, his arm around Sloane’s waist.

  “I remember the first time you sang this to me,” Sloane said, resting his cheek against Dex’s head. “I tried so hard to tell myself it didn’t mean anything, that the song didn’t strike something deep inside me. And then you looked at me while you sang, looking so damn beautiful up there. I thought you were the sexiest thing I’d ever seen. I was mesmerized.”

  Dex pulled back enough to gaze up at him, his heart in his throat. “I picked that song because it’s what I wanted so badly. I wanted to be yours always.”

  Sloane cupped his cheek and leaned in for a kiss. It was sweet, gentle, and had Dex melting against Sloane. Everyone clapped, and the song ended. Another slow song started, and Dex called out across the room.

  “Okay, I want all the parents up here to join us. Julia, Thomas, move your sweet little keisters. Ash, bring your mom up here. Darla, Armel, Dad, come on.” The parents all made their way to the dance floor, and Dex walked to Sparks and took her hand. She looked striking in a royal blue figure-hugging dress. Like a movie star from the forties.

  “Dex, what are you doing?” Sparks asked through her teeth, her smile never leaving her face.

  “Tony needs a dance partner.” Dex brought her to his dad and smiled brightly.

  Tony narrowed his eyes at Dex.

  “Sorry, Dad. My wedding, my rules.” He patted Tony’s shoulder, then rejoined Sloane on the dance floor.

  “You really think that’s a good idea?” Sloane asked. “They look kind of uncomfortable.”

  “I’m not the only one in my family who’s stubborn,” Dex said. “They need to talk, and can you think of two people less likely to share their feelings than those two?”

  Sloane nodded his agreement. “I think your dad’s even worse than Ash. I didn’t think it was possible, but yeah.”

  As the parents danced, Dex snuck a peek at his dad and cringed. Jesus, it was painful. “Babe, I’ll need you to run interference for me. Wait for my signal.”

  “Um, okay,” Sloane said with a chuckle, his eyes filled with amusement. Dex kissed him, then walked over to Sparks and Tony.

  “May I cut in?”

  “Sure,” Tony said, taking a step back. He turned to go, and Dex took his father’s hand and pulled him into a dance. Tony rolled his eyes at him.

  “Sweet baby Jesus.”

  “What? You’re my parent, so tradition states I get to dance with you. Suck it up, buttercup.”

  Dex pointed behind him, and Sloane headed toward Sparks to dance with her. Tony glared at him, and Dex’s grin widened.

  “You’re not allowed to be mad at me. It’s my wedding.”

  “I have not forgotten,” Tony muttered.

  “Good, so when are you and Sonya going to talk?”

  “What is there to talk about?”

  “Dad, I’m not about to tell you what you should do, but I need you to know that I’m okay with her. Yes, what she did was wrong, but none of us can say we wouldn’t have done the same in her situation. She watched her husband get blown up and lost her daughter. Should she have told you? Yes.”

  “Dex,” Tony warned.

  “All I’m saying is I’m willing to forgive her. I’m alive, Dad, and I’m going to be okay.” Dex hugged his father tight before leaving him and finding Sloane, who had taken his seat behind the table as the music picked up and the parents got down and jiggy with it. Dex and Sloane had agreed the parents should have the dance floor before all the crazy started. Dex took a seat next to Sloane as the floor erupted into cheers as everyone on the dance floor formed a circle around Julia and Thomas.

  “Look at them,” Sloane said, lacing his fingers with Dex’s as Julia danced around Thomas, who was pulling some serious moves from his wheelchair, arms in the air like he just didn’t care. “After everything they’ve been through, they look at each other like they’re falling in love for the first time.”

  Dex hummed as he leaned into Sloane. “You think we’ll look at each other like that when we reach their age?”

  Sloane kissed Dex’s temple. “I have absolutely no doubts.”

  Dex looked out across the room at all their guests, so many of whom he’d met when he first joined the THIRDS. How was it possible these people had only come into his life a few short years ago? It felt as if he’d known them his entire life. Had it really only been a few years since he’d been salivating over Darla’s cooking? Or plotting with Thomas on how best to smuggle Hudson’s Cornish pasties out of the kitchen without Julia noticing? Hadn’t he always been conspiring with Hobbs on all the different ways they could annoy Ash? Rosa had taught Dex how to make empanadas so he could bribe Sloane, and Letty texted him pictures of dumb things she knew would make him laugh.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  Dex nodded, swallowing past the lump in his throat. “Just thinking about how incredibly blessed we are.”

  “Yeah, we are,” Sloane said quietly, bringing Dex’s hand to his lips for a kiss. The song ended, and everyone cheered. “Ready?”

  “You bet.” Dex jumped to his feet, and they walked out onto the dance floor. They turned to their guests, and Dex undid the first button of his suit. There were catcalls and whoops as Dex started to move his hips as the Bee Gees’s “You Should Be Dancing” started playing. Sloane came to stand next to him, moving along with him, both of them unbuttoning their jackets.

  “Take it off!” someone shouted, and Sloane laughed.

  At the same time, they pulled open their jackets, revealing the tangerine waistcoat Dex had been hiding, and Sloane’s turquoise waistcoat. The crowd went nuts, and the rest of their wedding party joined them, the guys removing their jackets, and the girls unsnapping the bottom half of their long gowns to reveal a flowy knee-length skirt. They lined up in two rows behind Dex and Sloane, and together they all danced in unison, even Ash. They performed John Travolta’s routine from Saturday Night Fever as an ensemble. The first time they’d pulled it off in rehearsal, they’d played back the recording, and Dex had been impressed, especially with Ash. He’d grumbled about it at first, but when it came down to it, the guy had come through. The moves were energetic and intense. By the end, they were all sweating and panting, but everyone jumped to their feet cheering and shouting.

  Dex laughed, breathless as Sloane lifted him off his feet and spun him.

  “Let’s party!” Dex shouted, and the dance floor flooded with their friends and family. The music was a fantastic mix of oldies, eighties, and modern dance tunes, all carefully selected to keep everyone buzzed and out there dancing. Dex and Sloane danced with all their guests, and soon even Dex was ready for a break. The music faded, and he held up a hand.

  “I think it’s time for some cake. What do you guys think?”

  They were met with loud cheers, so Dex joined Sloane over by the table, and the photographers snapped away as Dex put his hand over Sloane’s and together they cut the first slice of cake. Sloane scooped some frosting off and touched it to Dex’s nose, making him laugh. They fed each other before Dex grabbed a handful. He turned and smooshed it into Ash’s face at the exact moment Ash hit him with a face full of frosting. Apparently, they were both extremely predictable. They laughed along with everyone as the staff began dishing out cake and champagne.

  Sloane pulled Dex close and licked his cheek as Dex laughed, a flash going off to capture the moment.

  “Mm, strawberry.” Sloane waggled his eyebrows. “I always thought you were a little fruity.”

  Dex laughed and shoved a piece of cake at Sloane’s face. He poked his tongue out and licked the corner of his mouth.

  “Ooh, salted caramel. This was my pick,” Sloane announced.

  They cleaned each other off, giggling and laughing like a couple of schoolboys, then Dex stuffed himself full of cake like Sloane had told him he could. He made sure to have a piece of each flavor. By the time dessert was over, Dex was bouncing. He grabbed Sloane’s hand, and they headed back to the dance floor as the music kicked off again. Everyone crowded together, doing everything from the Twist to the Electric Slide. When “Time of My Life” came on, everyone cleared the floor.

  Sloane took Dex’s hand, and he winked at the crowd. “Come on, you all knew this was coming.”

  Dex nodded. “Because he loves me.”

  “Because I’m a sap,” Sloane added before turning to Dex. “Plus, I get to be Swayze.”

  Dex threw his head back and laughed as he played his part, dancing the routine with Sloane, their eyes on each other as they dirty danced. Then Sloane kissed his hand, and Dex backed up, watching Sloane go all sinfully sexy Swayze on him, and the crowd lost their minds. Sloane spun around, and the wedding party danced behind him, following his moves. He stopped and nodded to Dex, who couldn’t believe he was actually going to do this without a mat.

  Dex ran, and when he neared Sloane, he hopped, and Sloane lifted him, his arms spread out for balance just like the choreographer had taught him. Sloane’s strong hands held him at his waist, and when he lowered Dex to his feet, everyone joined them again on the dance floor.

  “Have I told you how amazing you are for agreeing to this?” Dex asked, beaming up at Sloane. Who else would have gone along with his shenanigans? Whenever Dex suggested something crazy, Sloane never thought he was being ridiculous or stupid. He was always receptive, incredibly sweet, and open to being crazy right along with Dex. There was no one who was better suited for Dex than his wonderful husband.

  “Are you kidding? And miss the look you’re giving me right now? Never.”

  “And what look is that?” Dex asked, feeling as though his heart was going to beat out of him with how happy he was.

  “Like you’re the luckiest guy in the world because you have me.”

  Dex brought his arms around Sloane’s neck and drew him in for a kiss. “Babe, I am the luckiest guy in the world because I have you. I won’t ever forget that.”

  The rest of the night went by in a blur of music, dancing, and laughter. The wedding couldn’t have gone better, and Dex would remember this day for the rest of his life. When the time came for them to leave, everyone blew bubbles as Dex and Sloane walked by their loved ones toward the sleek vintage Rolls Royce waiting for them.

  They stopped at the end of the aisle, where the photographer stood to take more pictures. Sloane turned to Dex, wiped the tear from his cheek, and leaned in, murmuring against his lips, “I love you, Mr. Daley.”

  Dex returned the sweet kiss. “I love you too, Mr. Daley. For as long as I live, my heart is yours.”

  The driver opened the door, and Dex climbed in first, followed by Sloane. The evening was cool but lovely, so the top was down. The driver closed the door and climbed behind the wheel. As they drove away, they waved to everyone. Dex blew a kiss to his dad, his eyes misty. He turned in his seat, his hands in Sloane’s, and smiled at his husband.

  “Kind of feels a little bit like the end, doesn’t it?”

  Sloane brought Dex’s fingers to his lips for a kiss, mischief in his stunning amber eyes that were also filled with passion and adoration. “Sweetheart, this is just the beginning.”

  Dex let out a loud whoop before pouncing on Sloane. Whatever future they faced, they would be doing so together. Sloane was right, this was just the beginning, and Dex couldn’t wait to get started.

  What’s in store for Dex and Sloane? Join them on their new adventures with TIN in Gone But Not Forgotten, the first book in the new TIN series.

  Looking for more stories from the Destructive Delta crew? Ever wonder about those moments between Dex and Sloane that we don’t see in the books? How about when Ethan and Calvin became best friends? Or when Sloane and Ash first met?

  Join us as we celebrate the THIRDS universe with two collections of flash fiction stories written to prompts submitted by fans. Sometimes we want to know more about our favorite characters. Where they came from, how they became who they are, their families, friendships, and past heartaches. These snippets of moments in time offer an inside look at the lives of our favorite THIRDS characters. Whether it’s first shifts, the forging of unbreakable bonds, or a night full of shenanigans, these stories are sure to enrich your THIRDS reading experience.

  THIRDS Beyond the Books Volume 1 and Volume 2 Available now on Amazon and KindleUnlimited.

  Looking for Austen and Zach’s book? Love and Payne, A THIRDS Rebels Novel, is also available on Amazon and KindleUnlimited.

  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.

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

  Julietta Guerrera “Letty”—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 Maddock “Tony”—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.

  Levi Stone—Team leader for Beta Pride. Arrested for being a mole inside the THIRDS and part of the Ikelos Coalition.

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

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

  Osmond Zachary “Zach” —Defense agent for Alpha Sleuth in Unit Beta. Has six brothers working for the THIRDS. Brown bear 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, and 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 the THIRDS First Gen Recruits. He was also responsible for the tests that were run on the 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 unsanctioned project.

  Admiral Abbott Moros—Chief of Therian Defense. Tiger Therian.

  Arlo Keeler—Ash’s twin brother killed during the riots in the 1980s.

  Beck Hogan—Leader of the Ikelos Coalition. Killed during a confrontation with THIRDS agents. Tiger Therian.

  Drew Collins—Beck Hogan’s second in command. Cougar Therian. Killed during a confrontation with Destructive Delta.

  Felipe Bautista—Drew Collins’s boyfriend. Wolf Therian.

  John Daley—Dexter J. Daley’s biological father. Anthony Maddock’s best friend and partner at the HPF. 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.

  Darla Summers—Calvin Summers’s mother. Human.

  Thomas Hobbs—Ethan, Sebastian, and Rafe Hobbs’s father. Suffers from Therian Acheron Syndrome. Tiger Therian.

  Julia Hobbs—Thomas Hobbs’s wife and mother to Ethan, Sebastian, and Rafe Hobbs. Human.

  Benedict Winters—THIRDS appointed psychologist.

  EXTREMIST GROUPS AND GANGS

  The Order of Adrasteia—Group of Humans against Therians. Leader was killed by Destructive Delta. THIRDS arrested its new leader along with remaining members.