Thick & Thin

by Charlie Cochet

  "No. I want to promote Destructive Delta."

  Sloane had to admit he was equally as confused as his team. Sparks hadn't mentioned anything about making changes in Destructive Delta if he and Dex accepted. Why hadn't she said something sooner?

  Calvin frowned. "Promote us to what?"

  "To the THIRDS' first International Training Team." She walked to the podium and tapped something. The screen on the wall came to life with dozens of headlines featuring Destructive Delta, whether individual members or cases they'd worked. Everything from the murders committed by Isaac Pearce to the most recent shooting involving their sergeant.

  "Let's face it. Destructive Delta is the oldest THIRDS team. The very first. You've had more press coverage than any other THIRDS team in the country. People know who you are. They know your faces. Your names. How long will it take for another Hogan to make you a target? To make your families a target? Destructive Delta can no longer work the field without drawing attention to itself. It's time for a new beginning. It's time to take your skill set and reputation and do something even greater with it."

  "That all sounds real pretty," Ash grumbled, "but what does it mean?"

  "It means that besides working as assets for Dex and Sloane, you'll train THIRDS teams, whether they be on US soil or abroad. You'll show them what teamwork means. What it means to have your family at your back. Do you think you're the first to lose a team member?" Sparks tapped the podium surface again, and the screen divided up into dozens of smaller ones, each displaying profile images of both Human and Therian agents. Some of them looked like they hadn't slept in weeks. A few looked on edge, like it wouldn't take much to push them over. Sloane swallowed hard. Whatever these agents had been through, it had been rough.

  "Who are they?" Cael asked.

  "These are THIRDS teams across the country who are facing demobilization. Promising Defense agents about to be moved into desk jobs, while others will be dismissed. They've lost members, been crippled by tragedy, and never recovered." Sparks met Sloane's gaze. "They had people they loved killed, had innocent civilians die under their watch, their names and reputations dragged through the mud. There was no one to guide them back out of the darkness." She turned her attention back to the room. "Their teams are dysfunctional. Many work out of boroughs that could be confused for warzones. Some of these agents live and work in places like Greenpoint or worse. They don't get to go in and get out. They're always in."

  The room was quiet, and Sloane knew the rest of his team was probably feeling as shitty as he was right now. It was easy to forget sometimes how good they had it. They worked out of HQ in a city allotted resources and prestige. Because of who they were and where they were, they got everything they asked for. Their budgets were double and triple the size of other field offices, and not just because they were bigger. Yes, a lot was expected of them, but they were also given leeway that few others would be given. It wasn't fair, but that's the way it was.

  "These agents need more than therapy sessions," Sparks pointed out. "They need agents who understand what they've been through. Fellow agents who've bled like they have. Who've lost loved ones. Who've been pulled apart and pieced back together. They need hope.

  "This training program has been in the works for some time, but I have the power to get the program fast-tracked. Five other teams will be added as part of the program, but Destructive Delta will be at the top. When you're not helping your fellow agents make it through another day, you'll be assisting Dex and Sloane on their operations."

  Calvin sat up, his interest apparently piqued. "So, we'll still be out in the field?"

  "Yes. It'll be like any other day, except instead of going out in the field on your own callouts, you'll be going out on theirs. You'll be there to provide backup, assessment, and then put together a plan of action to get the team back to operable status."

  "What about Dex and Sloane?" Cael asked.

  Again the screen changed, and Sloane couldn't help the way his heart swelled at the images of Dex and all the public events in which he'd taken part. It drove Dex crazy, but the joy on his face as he read to a large group of Therian children was unmistakable. There were images of him laughing and smiling with children and members of the public, of him showing teenagers, both Human and Therian, around the BearCat, explaining equipment and cracking jokes.

  "Dex has made great strides in the way the public views the THIRDS. Because of this, it'll come as no surprise when he's made THIRDS International Public Relations Liaison, dealing with THIRDS relations across the globe."

  The screen flickered, and Sloane swallowed hard at the photos of him across the years at the THIRDS. One was of his swearing in, fresh-faced and vulnerable, a scared kid given a second chance. He'd been sixteen. God, had he really been that young?

  "Sloane has been out in the field since the THIRDS hired him. It's time for him to pass on his experience to the next generation as a THIRDS International Training Officer. Both Dex and Sloane will be in different roles, but ultimately, they represent Destructive Delta and the THIRDS."

  Everyone went quiet, lost in their own thoughts. Sloane and Dex exchanged glances. Whatever Sparks was doing, whatever her intentions, Sloane had to admit she had a point. Was it just to set his and Dex's minds at ease? They'd both been worried about leaving their team. This way, despite their new roles, they were technically still part of Destructive Delta.

  Calvin was the first to speak up. "Let's say everyone agrees to this insanity. Who's going to lead Destructive Delta?"

  "I am."

  Sloane was surprised by Ash's declaration.

  "We're not replacing Sloane and Dex. I'll lead the team, and we remain as we are."

  Cael sat up, worried. "But you'd be two men down. That's against protocol."

  "It's against protocol for teams out in the field," Ash corrected. "We're a training team. As long as the number of Human and Therian agents remains even, with at least, let's say, two Defense partnerships, we're good." He met Sparks's gaze. "Right?"

  Sparks arched an eyebrow at him. "That is correct. Training teams require flexibility, so protocol sets the minimum number of agents required for field work as four."

  Dex peered at her. "You just made that up."

  "I did, and now it's protocol."

  "So, does that mean I can--"

  "No."

  "Why?"

  "Because my classification and clearance levels supersede yours."

  Dex scratched his jaw, and Sloane could see the little cogs in his head turning furiously. "By how much?"

  "By about thirty years."

  "Shit."

  Calvin chuckled. "Nice try."

  "Well?" Sparks leaned her arms against the table and studied them.

  Ash pursed his lips. He glanced around the room. "Do we get one of these fancy training bays?"

  Sparks laughed, amused. "All right, Keeler. You accept, and this training bay is Destructive Delta's. Anything you need."

  "And the Sarge?" Calvin asked.

  "We'll leave that up to him. We'll discuss it when he's back on duty."

  That should make for an interesting conversation. Tony knew all about Dex and Sloane joining TIN. The man was smart. It was too much of a coincidence that Dex and Sloane would be moving into new positions at HQ the moment they're sworn in and become active operatives. Would he suspect Sparks had something to do with it? Did he already? If not, how long was Sparks going to keep the truth from him? Leading a double life was no foundation for a loving relationship, if that's what she had in mind.

  Ash stood and turned to Sloane. "This is really what you guys want?"

  Sloane stood, and Dex joined him at his side. They both nodded.

  "All right, then." Ash faced the rest of the team. "I'm in. How about you guys? Feel like kicking a little international ass?"

  Calvin stood and let out a laugh. "Ash mentoring, Sloane training newbies, and Dex being a spy? Can't wait to see how that turns out. I'm in."

 
Ash flipped Calvin off. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, you dick."

  "You're only strengthening my case," Calvin drawled.

  Ash grabbed Sloane's arm and hauled him into a fierce hug, growling in his ear. "You watch each other's backs. You get me? If either of you get killed, I'm going to be so pissed off at you."

  "Don't get dead. Got it."

  "Shut up."

  Sloane chuckled, and Ash pulled away, but not without leaving Sloane with a little parting gift of a punch to the arm.

  "Ouch, that hurt. Asshole."

  Ash grinned smugly. "Something to remember me by."

  "We're not going anywhere just yet," Sloane reminded him, rubbing his arm. "Jesus."

  "Oh, that's right. After the wedding. Oops. Slipped my mind."

  "You're so full of shit," Sloane grumbled. "Where the hell did Sparks go?"

  "Doesn't matter." Dex and the rest of their team gathered at the end of the room. "I know we're the ones pushing this change, but we're in this together. We always have been, and we always will be. Whatever happens, whatever you need, Sloane and I will be there for you."

  "Aw," Ash teased. "Should we have a group hug?" Dex moved in, and Ash held him at bay with a finger to the chest. "You try it and you're going to be walking down the aisle in crutches."

  Dex turned, grabbed Calvin, and squeezed him. "Destructive Delta forever."

  "You are such a dork," Calvin said with a laugh.

  Their future might be uncertain, but one thing wasn't--no matter what happened or what they faced, they had a family to come back to, one that grew stronger with every passing day. Destructive Delta wasn't just a team. It wasn't a badge or a patch on their sleeve. It was home.

  Sloane took Dex's hand as everyone chatted about the changes and the wedding. He pulled Dex close, loving his warmth and the way he melted into Sloane, his lips parting for Sloane's kiss. At the center of everything was the man he loved, and Sloane couldn't wait to exchange vows.

  "I love you," Sloane murmured in Dex's ear, holding him close.

  "I love you too. Can we have a donut wedding cake?"

  Here we go.

  Exclusive Excerpt

  Darkest Hour Before Dawn

  THIRDS: Book Nine

  By Charlie Cochet

  THIRDS Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs and Chief Medical Examiner Hudson Colbourn are as much in love now as they were nearly seven years ago when a tragic event on the job destroyed their relationship. The two drift together only to be pulled apart time and time again. When Hudson draws the interest of dangerous enemies, both within and outside the organization, Seb wants nothing more than to protect the man who still means everything to him.

  As life and death events, an uncertain future, and startling truths draw Hudson and Seb to each other yet again, they must make a choice: trust their love and take strength from what they share, or lose what matters most for good this time.

  Coming Soon to

  www.dreamspinnerpress.com

  Chapter 1

  "SPREAD OUT, and watch your backs."

  Seb motioned for his partner, Dom, to follow him as the rest of Theta Destructive split off into pairs, with Peyton, Brianna, Lee, and Zoey in their Therian forms. They spread out through the trees, and Seb was grateful for the sunny day despite the biting chill in the air. In a couple of days, March would give way to April, which accounted for the temperature rising from polar icecaps to just above meat locker. In Seb's opinion, Spring couldn't come quickly enough. Winter wreaked havoc on his joints, especially his bad knee.

  "What did you get your boy for his birthday?" Dom asked from behind his raised tranq rifle as he scanned the woods around them.

  "I still have two weeks." Seb held his rifle at the ready as they approached the pagoda where the four tiger Therians had last been spotted. "Sort of. I'll find something this weekend."

  They were getting closer. Seb could feel it. They needed to round up these assholes before anyone else got hurt, especially since the perps were running out of places to hide. THIRDS agents managed to shrink the original perimeter around Prospect Park down to Lookout Hill, the boathouse, and the pagoda. Cornering Felid Therians never went well.

  "You're the only guy I know who buys presents for his ex," Dom said, stopping in his tracks. "Did you hear that?"

  Seb didn't tear his gaze away from the path ahead as he tipped his head toward a tree to his left. "Squirrel."

  Dom nodded and continued to move forward, muttering something about furry pains in the ass.

  Theta Destructive along with several other teams had been called after a shooting outside an auto club on Empire Street led to one death, two injured, and four tiger Therians leading THIRDS agents on a chase through Prospect Park. Human agents cleared the park while Therian agents in their Therian forms sniffed out the perps, formed a perimeter, and hastily began to close in to reduce the square footage. Everyone knew parks provided the best cover. Unfortunately parks were filled with citizens, tourists, pets, and wildlife. It was a security nightmare.

  "Dex buys presents for his ex," Seb pointed out, smiling at Dom's snort.

  "Are you seriously using Dexter J. Daley as an example of rational behavior?"

  "Right." Seb chuckled. "What was I thinking. Anyway, you know Hudson is more than an ex-boyfriend." Dom knew a hell of a lot more than that. He was one of two people Seb had bared his soul to in his lifetime. Hudson was the first, and as of three months ago, Dom had become the second.

  "Cutting it kind of close, aren't you? What did you get him last year?"

  Seb peered into a thick brush of shrubbery, but nothing stirred. He needed to be careful, making sure to sniff out their fellow agents so he didn't find himself accidently shooting a tranq into one. Of course that would only happen if the Therian attacked, pretty much assuring him it wasn't one of their own.

  "I got him this really nice, soft, blue robe that matched a pair of TARDIS boxer shorts he loves, and some fuzzy slippers."

  Dom snickered. "The doc is such a nerd."

  Seb couldn't help his dopey grin. "Yeah."

  "Did he like it?"

  "Are you kidding? He practically lives in it. He's a wolf Therian, remember? They love fluffy, cozy stuff." Unlike Seb, fall and winter were Hudson's favorite seasons. During the cold weather, Hudson wasn't content to simply sit or lay on the couch under a blanket. Nope. He'd draw his legs onto the couch and wrap up like he was cocooning himself, with only his face exposed, and even then he'd pull the blanket over his nose so it wouldn't get cold. Hudson hated having a cold nose. Fuzzy blankets brought out his Therian side like nothing else. It was the most adorable thing Seb had ever seen. Movie nights always included a host of snacks and a nest of blankets.

  The air changed, and Seb stilled. Dom followed his lead, coming to a halt beside him. Seb tapped his nose and motioned ahead of them to the woods behind the pagoda. He was picking up two very distinct tiger Therian scents--neither THIRDS agents. Dom motioned to the right, and Seb gave him a curt nod. Seb would take the left.

  Silently he stalked through the trees, listening for sounds that weren't meant to be there. The wind rustled the leaves, water trickled somewhere in the distance, and birds chirped. A squirrel bounded from one tree to another. Seb's pulse picked up, and his muscles tensed as he hunted. The scent drew closer, and he followed it to a thick patch of shrubs. Finger on the trigger, Seb approached as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He spun on his heels, and a three-hundred-pound tiger Therian barreled into his knee head on.

  Motherfucker!

  Pain exploded through Seb's body as he slammed onto the ground, his helmet cracking against a cluster of rocks, momentarily stunning him. The blow to his head was nothing compared to the electrifying bursts of sheer agony shooting through his leg. He blinked away the tears and sucked in a sharp breath. His lungs burned from the gulps of air he rapidly dragged in. He couldn't black out. Not now. A feral growl got him moving, and his adrenaline spiked. If he stayed on the grou
nd, he was dead. The tiger Therian shook himself off before charging, and Seb was still down. There was no way around it.

  Three tranq darts to the neck and a punch across the muzzle, and the tiger Therian was out. Good thing, considering Seb was still seeing stars. His muscles rippled with spasms, and he gritted his teeth. It was as though his ligaments and tendons were being torn from his bone. As if someone had taken a hammer to his kneecap. He cursed his genetics for the thousandth time. Not that it helped.

  Seb was always careful out in the field, as careful as someone in his position could be, and although he'd suffered plenty of injuries, it was the first time some asshole had head-butted his knee. If Seb had been a Human, something would have shattered. Instead, it only felt as if it had. The pain was blinding, and he was faintly aware of his partner hauling ass in his direction. Damn it, what now?

  "Seb!"

  A roar had him rolling onto his side, plowing through the pain and pushing himself onto his good leg, putting all his weight on it. He needed a second to get his bearings, but the tiger Therian speeding toward him wasn't going to give him that chance. Two darts stuck out of its neck, but adrenaline was helping it push through, and with Dom being chased by a third perp, it left Seb to deal with this bastard. One wrong move, and it was over.

  Seb readied his rifle, cursing under his breath when the last tiger Therian showed up, barely missing Dom as it leaped from the shrubbery.

  "Fucking fuck!" Dom pulled a move worthy of any NFL champ, turning sharply and throwing his gloved hand to the ground to keep from keeling over face-first. He regained his balance and took off toward Seb just as a round of hair-raising roars resounded through the trees. Seb grinned.

  Lee was the first one through the trees, his mane providing him protection when one of the perps tried to snap at his neck, getting nothing but a mouthful of fuzzy mane. A second bite was thwarted by Brianna, her slender cougar Therian frame landing on the larger tiger Therian, claws outstretched. The perp's pained roar shook the trees around them.

  Peyton and Zoey leaped from the greenery, fangs bare as they each faced off a perp. Zoey was slightly smaller than the three male tiger Therians around her, but she was by no means the least fierce. In fact, Seb was glad he wasn't on the receiving end of her fury. Zoey could take down a Therian twice her size no matter what form they were in, and she wouldn't even break a sweat.