“I was nice to him because he’s not a fuckwit like the rest of you. He’s also Maddock’s son. I’m being respectful.” Everyone gaped at him, and he flipped them the finger. “You can all kiss my ass.” He stormed out of the room toward the locker room to get rid of his shirt and get his new one. They were wrong, of course.
How could he like someone he’d only just met? Sure, he was an exceptional judge of character, but he’d only just met Cael, and they’d hardly said more than a few words. He entered the locker room and chucked his shirt in the laundry bin before making his way to his locker. Just his luck, Cael was there, struggling to open the locker next to his. Ash silently observed him for a moment.
Cael muttered under his breath as he placed his thumb to the keypad. “What do you mean invalid? Oh, come on. Cut me a break. Stupid technology. You can tell me the molecular structure of a gummy bear, but you can’t read one thumbprint?”
Ash tried to hold back his laughter. Should he say something? The poor guy was getting frustrated. He cleared his throat, causing the cheetah Therian to give a start.
“Geez, you scared the hell out of me.”
“Sorry,” Ash said with a chuckle. He walked over and took hold of Cael’s hand, observing those amazing eyes as they widened again. “You forgot to take off your gloves.”
Cael’s gasp was adorable. “Oh my God, I am such an idiot.”
Ash pulled off Cael’s glove and pressed his thumb to the keypad. It clicked, and the locker opened. He released Cael and returned his glove to him. “You’re not an idiot. First day is always the most stressful. Lots going on.”
“You probably think you have the world’s biggest dork on your team.”
Cael’s cheeks flushed, and Ash found himself smiling again.
“I don’t think that. You must be pretty smart to get assigned to Destructive Delta.” He gave Cael a pat on the back, feeling something unfamiliar stirring in his stomach when Cael beamed up at him.
“Thanks.” Cael bit his bottom lip. “Listen, it’s almost lunchtime, and I don’t really know anyone. Would you mind if I joined you? I understand if not. I mean, you’re probably a popular guy around here—”
“Actually, I’m an asshole. You’ll hear that a lot.”
Cael cocked his head to one side thoughtfully. “Oh. But… you’re not an asshole to me.”
Ash pursed his lips. “True.” He gave Cael a wink and nudged his cheek playfully, making Cael smile. “Guess there are exceptions to every rule.” He threw his arm around Cael. “Come on. Let’s get some lunch.”
They headed for the canteen with Cael chatting away at him. Normally it was the kind of cheerfulness that annoyed the ever-living hell out of Ash, but he found himself really interested in what Cael had to say. He ignored the gapes and stares of their fellow agents. If Cael didn’t notice, Ash wouldn’t either. He liked Cael’s company.
Cael was funny, shy at times. He also had these charming little quirks that Ash supposed could be kind of endearing if he thought about it, which he wasn’t. But he’d never had this kind of connection with anyone, and once Cael had gotten over his initial shock after the coffee incident, he appeared comfortable around Ash, which was also a first for Ash. Usually everyone was scared shitless of him, especially smaller Therians. Cael didn’t seem to care. Ash had a feeling they were going to become good friends.
Prompt #17: I’m totally for a sweet scene between Cael and Ash. How about a car scene? We learned that when Cael took Ash home after a bar night, they sat in the car and discussed. A little more insight on their discussion would be great.
CAEL PUT his car in park just outside Ash’s apartment and killed the engine. He turned to smile at the gruff lion Therian, sprawled on his backseat snoring softly. Without a second thought, he shoved his car keys into the front pocket of his jeans, climbed into the back, and crouched down on the floor beside Ash. Did watching Ash sleep make him a total creep?
Ash groaned and rolled toward Cael, the muscles of his thick biceps flexing under the snug black T-shirt. Don’t be such a perv. But how could he ignore how hot Ash was? He was huge, taking up the whole of Cael’s backseat and then some. His auburn hair was cropped yet long enough for Cael to run his fingers through—if he ever found the courage to try it—and he was tanned, with thick dark eyebrows. His lips looked soft, and his chiseled jaw was covered in stubble.
Cael let his eyes wander south, across a broad chest, flat stomach, muscular thighs and legs. Ash’s scuffed brown biker boots alone looked like they weighed more than Cael did. Another soft groan escaped Ash as he reached down to adjust himself. Cael’s face went up in flames. Stop looking at his crotch, dumbass.
“Hey.”
Cael gave a start, a tiny squeak making it past his lips. His cheeks burned, and his wide eyes met Ash’s sleepy ones. Oh my God, he knows you were staring at his crotch! What’s wrong with you? Dude, that is so not cool. He’s going to think you’re a total perv!
“Hi.” Cael’s voice cracked, and he promptly cleared his throat. “Um, how are you?” Smooth. That didn’t make him sound like a dork at all.
Ash chuckled and rolled onto his back. “What time is it?”
“Um—” Cael looked at his watch. “—still early. Ten past midnight.”
“Good. We have time.” Ash’s words were laced with sleep. “Why are you on the floor? Sit up here.”
Cael waited for Ash to move or make some room, but he didn’t budge. “Uh, where?”
As if only just realizing he was taking up all the space, Ash pulled himself up just enough to leave a small gap on the seat. Without giving it another thought, Cael wedged himself into the tight space. Ash lowered himself back down, his head coming to rest on Cael’s lap.
“That’s better,” Ash mumbled, making himself cozy. “You’re comfortable.”
“Thanks.” Oh my God. Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out because then he’ll freak out. Cael sat there like an idiot. What was he supposed to do with arms? Why was he so damn awkward?
Ash opened his eyes, and their gazes met. He had such amazing eyes. They were golden amber, bright despite the shadows, and Cael could see the fiery flecks in his irises.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Oh, uh, nothing.” He hoped he didn’t sound as nervous as he felt. “It’s dumb.”
A deep frown came onto Ash’s handsome face. “Nothing you say is ever dumb.” His expression softened, and he smiled. He had such a nice smile. “Tell me.”
Cael tried not to fidget. “I was thinking about how amazing your eyes are. There are so many different colors in them. Vibrant colors. Not like mine. Mine have no color. Just boring gray.”
Ash’s expression darkened, and Cael wondered what he could have said wrong. Had he made Ash uncomfortable? Cael was about to apologize when Ash reached up and put his hand to Cael’s cheek.
“Nothing about you is boring, so you can forget that right now. You have the most stunning eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“Really?” Ash’s words swept through him, leaving warmth in their wake. No matter how many times the little voice in his head told him not to read anything into Ash’s affectionate behavior, he continued to ignore it. He just wished—
“You blush a lot.”
Not helping. That only went to deepen Cael’s blush. He was about to apologize again—because apparently his brain had decided to vacate the premises, taking his extensive vocabulary with it and only leaving the word sorry—when Ash’s thumb started to stroke his cheek.
“It’s cute. I like that it’s usually because of me.”
Cael had no idea what to say to that. He could feel his face going red. His pulse was rising fast. It had to be the booze talking for Ash. What should he say? Tell him you blush when he smiles because he sets you on fire from the inside out. How his touch makes you go weak at the knees. How his voice makes you light up with joy. Say something!
“I should probably head in.” Ash dropped his hand, and Cael almost whim
pered at the loss.
Cael tried his best not to let his disappointment show. They’d get to hang out in the car when he came to pick Ash up and throughout the day at work. Ash sat up and let out a fierce yawn before he gathered his shirt and jacket, reached over the front seat, and almost fell over. Cael caught him.
“Careful, big guy. Let me get the door.” Cael climbed into the front seat, got out, and pulled the seat forward to make it easier for Ash to climb out. Soon as Ash stood on the sidewalk beside him, Cael turned and shoved his hands into his pockets. “You okay to get upstairs?”
Ash nodded but didn’t move.
“You okay?” Cael asked again.
“I was just thinking…. Tomorrow’s your turn to drive, and since you’re already here, it might make more sense for you to crash here tonight. Save you from having to make the trip again in a few hours.”
Cael blinked. “Okay.” He couldn’t help his stupid grin. “If you don’t mind.”
Ash winked at him and gave his cheek a playful nudge, like he had a habit of doing. Cael managed to keep himself from leaning into the touch for the umpteenth time.
“Come on.”
Ash motioned to the apartment building, and Cael locked his car before accompanying Ash to the lobby, his head lowered so Ash wouldn’t see his blush at having Ash’s arm around his shoulder. As they walked, Ash hugged Cael close against him. One of these days, Cael would find the courage to tell Ash how he felt. He had no idea how Ash would react. His chances that Ash would feel the same were slim.
They stepped into the empty elevator, and as the gleaming stainless steel doors closed, Ash pulled Cael back against him, his arms around Cael’s shoulders and his chin gently resting on the top of Cael’s head. In the door’s reflection, Cael could see Ash’s eyes were closed. He looked peaceful.
Maybe… just maybe… his chances weren’t so slim after all.
Prompt #18: The first time Seb and Hudson meet.
“DO YOU want to kick Ash’s ass or not?”
Seb laughed at his little brother’s eager nod. He’d been training Ethan for weeks now. Ash was still the undefeated champion in the ring, and the word modesty did not exist in their teammate’s vocabulary. Sloane could take Ash down, but the lion Therian always got back up, as if his anger provided some kind of surplus energy.
“Come on, little brother. You can do it.”
Ethan was determined to hold his own in the ring against Ash, especially since Ash was always asking Ethan to spar with him. The bigger the Therian the better. It was one hell of a workout, but it meant putting up with Ash’s gloating. Despite being the biggest Therian on his team, Seb still couldn’t beat Ash. He suspected the guy may have bested the devil via dueling banjos or something. It was the only way he could accept being defeated by Ash.
Seb gently tapped Ethan’s head with his glove. “You gotta protect your head, Ethan. I know you want to knock his ass down, but you can’t sacrifice your position to do it. Also, keep your distance. Remember close quarters is his proficiency.” Seb motioned to the space between him and Ethan. “You let him get in here and you’re done.”
Ethan straightened and motioned to the clock.
“We’ve got plenty of time. Sarge says the new chief medical examiner won’t be here until eleven.” He put his gloves up, his brother less enthusiastically so. “Come on. Show me that left hook again.”
Seb sparred with Ethan for the next half an hour, showing him his weaknesses and instructing him on how he could play to his strengths. His brother packed a hefty punch. He just needed to believe in himself more often. Seb would always be there to catch his little brother, but he wanted to show Ethan that he could do anything he set his mind to. Ever since they were kids, he’d been telling Ethan his disabilities didn’t define him. He defined himself.
“Remember your head,” Seb warned, tapping the side of Ethan’s head again when he left it exposed.
Ethan groaned and stopped. He shook his head and headed for the ropes. Seb quickly caught up to him and put his glove under Ethan’s chin, lifting his head to meet his gaze. Ethan was having a bit of a rough day today, which would explain why he was off his game. It hadn’t happened in a while, and Calvin was at the range testing his new rifle.
“Hey, it’s okay.” He brought their heads together. “You’re okay, buddy. I’m here. Calvin will be back soon, and you can tell him how you kicked my butt.”
Ethan chuckled and playfully pushed at him.
“How about one more round?”
With a big dopey grin, Ethan nodded and went back to his position in the center of the ring. He pulled his elbows in and raised his gloves to protect the sides of his head. They slowly circled each other, and Seb waited for Ethan to take a swing at him.
“Pardon me. I don’t suppose you chaps could tell me where I might find a Sergeant Maddock?”
Seb turned his attention away from Ethan for a split second, and before he could see who the British accent belonged to, Ethan clobbered Seb on the side of his head, sending him spinning and hitting the platform hard.
“Bloody hell!”
Seb let out a groan. Damn, if Ethan pulled that move on a bad day, on a good day he might just take Ash down. His vision blurred, and he shook his head.
“I’m so terribly sorry! Are you all right?” A figure dropped to their knees in front of Seb, and a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder.
“I’m fine,” Seb grumbled. “My own fault for not paying attention.” He lifted his head and froze. Fuck. The guy was… stunning.
“You’re bleeding,” the wolf Therian said worriedly. He turned his attention to Ethan. “Could you bring me the first aid kit, please?”
Ethan eyed him warily but nodded. He ran off while Seb lay there gaping like an idiot. He promptly shut his mouth. Not that he was the most eloquent of guys, but he could usually say something. He tried again. Nope. Nothing was happening. Well, something was happening, just not the speaking of words or forming of sentences.
Seb was mesmerized by the wolf Therian before him. His pitch-black hair and thick eyebrows were a stark contrast to his pale skin. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes and trendy black frame glasses. Seb couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen someone wear a sweater vest, but on the sexy Therian, it worked. Whoever he was, he was new to the THIRDS or Seb would have noticed him. He was also wearing a temporary security clearance badge.
You should probably say something.
“Um… hi.”
Wow. Nailed it. I’m such an ass. And get up, man. What’s wrong with you?
Seb sat up, and the wolf Therian blinked at him. His eyes went wide and his cheeks flushed pink. Was he blushing? Seb tried his best not to smile like an idiot. The guy was blushing.
“Oh, um, yes, hello,” the guy stammered bashfully.
My God, he’s adorable.
“Sebastian Hobbs.” Seb held his hand out, then remembered he was still wearing his boxing gloves. He tugged at the strap with his teeth and pulled it off, then removed the other one before he made another attempt.
“Hudson Colbourn.”
Hudson took Seb’s hand, and a spark went through Seb, lighting up his insides and sending a radiating warmth through him. Something told him Hudson felt it too, if his flushed face was anything to go by. Seb also noticed Hudson was still holding on to his hand.
Hudson looked down at their hands and pulled away with a nervous laugh. Seb felt oddly disappointed, but hearing Hudson’s laugh made up for it. He had no idea why he was acting like such a sap, but he was just enthralled. He was drawn to Hudson. That had never happened to him before.
“I’m so dreadfully sorry.” Hudson worried his bottom lip, and Seb fought the urge to reach out and run his thumb over Hudson’s lips. Did they taste as amazing as they looked? Okay, rein it in, Romeo.
“It’s okay. I got a hard head. Runs in the family.”
Hudson leaned forward and placed his thumb to Seb’s eyebrow. “Well, I suppose we should
be grateful for that, then.”
His smile gave Seb butterflies, and he found himself leaning into the touch. Hudson’s voice grew quieter as he stroked Seb’s eyebrow.
“I think you’ll live, Sebastian.”
“Seb. Everyone calls me Seb.”
“Seb.”
Hudson gave him a nod when a shadow loomed over them. Seb turned his head up to find Ethan standing there with the first aid kit in one hand, the other resting on his hip. He looked from Seb to Hudson and back. A smile spread across his face, and he handed Hudson the kit.
“Thank you, um….”
“This is Ethan Hobbs, my baby brother,” Seb stated proudly. He gave Ethan a wink, chuckling when Ethan rolled his eyes at him.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ethan.” Hudson smiled warmly. “Thank you for bringing the first aid kit. I apologize greatly for interrupting your training and for getting your brother injured.”
Ethan shook his head and tapped his fist against his head, making Hudson laugh.
“Yes, or so your brother tells me.”
Seb was as surprised as Ethan at Hudson’s response. Usually when someone met Ethan, they didn’t know how to handle his not speaking. Their first reaction was usually that something was wrong with him or that he was being rude.
Ethan pointed to Seb’s eyebrow where Seb could feel the sting. It was most likely just a small cut. Ethan looked worried. He held a thumb up to ask if Seb would be okay.
Hudson winked at Ethan. “Your brother’s a big brave tiger Therian. He’ll be just fine.”
With a big grin, Ethan gave Seb two thumbs up before waving good-bye to Hudson and leaving.
“He’s very sweet,” Hudson said as he opened the kit. His smile faded, and he looked up at Seb. “Mutism?”
“Selective mutism,” Seb said as he reached into the kit and removed a packet of Therian-strength antiseptic wipes. “Since he was a kid. He only talks to me and his partner, who’s also his best friend. Social situations are difficult for him.”
THIRDS Beyond the Books Volume 1 Page 10