Catch A Tiger By The Tail (THIRDS 6)

Sloane cringed. “Yeah, that was my bad.”

“You’re lucky you’re damn sexy, Brodie,” Dex grumbled before addressing Ethan. “That’s my middle name. Justice.”

Rosa and Letty broke off into laughter, and even Calvin seemed unable to keep himself from laughing. Ethan grinned broadly at Dex. That was so adorable. The look on Dex’s face told him he didn’t agree.

“Yeah, all right. Get it out of your systems. You can all bite me.”

They laughed at Dex’s grumbling. Ethan thought the name suited Dex, even if his friend didn’t think so. According to Dex, he’d been named after his great-great-great grandfather, who’d been a Pinkerton Detective back in the day.

They finished cleaning themselves off and changed into new uniforms before reaching HQ. Austen was outside the truck when Ethan hopped down. He really didn’t like anyone driving his BearCat. Except for the sarge, obviously, and maybe someone from his team. Occasionally. But he really didn’t like anyone else driving it.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t feel her up.” Austen threw Ethan the keys before wriggling his eyebrows. “Too much.”

Ethan growled and made a swipe for Austen, who darted behind Dex with a laugh. They were seeing a lot more of Austen these days, with him being their liaison to Sparks and anything TIN related. The guy was exhausting. He was filled with boundless energy, never-ending innuendos, and loved to pop out of the shadows like some damn ninja. Austen gave Dex a sniff and purred. “I know Sparks gave you that arm thing, but you still smell good. Like Broodie Bear.”

Sloane promptly clamped a hand on Austen’s shoulder and removed him from Dex’s person. “What have I told you about that?”

“Don’t rub up against your boyfriend without you?” Austen asked hopefully.

“Nice try.” Sloane released Austen before pulling Dex up against his side and nuzzling his hair. Dex no longer batted an eye at Sloane’s Felid Therian needs, though Ethan had noticed Sloane was more possessive over Dex than he’d been before. He wasn’t very vocal about it, but he didn’t have to be. It showed in his actions. The way he always had to touch Dex in some way when another Therian was close by, whether it was a subtle gesture like a hand on the small of Dex’s back or a clear message like him wrapping his arm around Dex.

“Speaking of bears,” Dex said as they headed for the corridor leading to Sparta. “Have you talked to Zach lately?”

“Not cool, man.” Austen narrowed his eyes at Dex, who looked puzzled by Austen’s sudden change in mood.

“What? I was curious. Sloane said he asked about you the other day.”

Austen peered at Dex before moving his gaze to Sloane, who nodded.

“He did. He asked me if I’d seen you around, if you were doing okay.”

“Oh.” Austen frowned.

“What? No cheesy comeback? No zingers?” Ash cocked his head to one side, his expression smug. “Looks like our pal Zach’s managed to accomplish what no one else has. Leave you speechless. Wonder why that is?”

Austen’s expression darkened, and for a moment Ethan wondered if the guy was going to plant one in Ash’s face. Wouldn’t be the first time someone on their team had managed it. Instead, an evil smile spread across Austen’s face as he turned and walked backward ahead of them. “Have fun in training. Try not to get your asses kicked too badly. We’ll be in touch.” With a salute, he disappeared into the shadows at the end of the garage.

“By the way,” Dex said to them, “don’t forget tomorrow’s moving day. Bright and early.”

“Yeah, yeah. We’ll be there, your majesty.”

Ash held the large steel door open while everyone walked through. With a wide smile, Dex patted Ash’s chest.

“Thank you, Jeeves. Next time perhaps a little less snarl.”

“You know what? That’s thirty minutes, Justice. Starting now.”

Dex’s jaw dropped, and Ash grinned smugly. When Dex made to open his mouth to speak, Ash held a hand up.

“Nope. Rules were clear. This isn’t an emergency, so for the next half an hour I get blissful silence.” Ash patted Dex’s cheek none too gently and smiled widely. “That’s a good boy.” Ash ruffled Dex’s hair, talking to him as if he were a puppy. “Who’s a good boy? You’re a good boy, that’s who. Yeah, now get lost.”

Dex’s jaw muscles tightened, and he flipped Ash off before thundering down the corridor toward one of the larger training bays, much to everyone’s amusement, especially Ash’s.

“I’m so going to enjoy this.”

Ethan was pretty sure they wouldn’t be enjoying whatever Sparks had in store for them. They stood in formation, their hands clasped behind their backs while Sparks tapped away at her tablet with her bright red manicured nails. She was back in her signature white pantsuit and five-inch heels. Ethan was still getting used to the fact she was some kind of secret spy agent. According to Dex, Sparks had been with TIN since the THIRDS opened its doors, so Ethan had to wonder how long that had been. He had to give her credit. None of them had ever suspected a thing.

The room was empty except for their team, Sparks, and some random equipment, including tactical vests and a privacy screen. He noticed there were no mats. At the end of the room was a climbing wall, and at the top in the center a black case dangled from a rope. Between them and the case was a shitload of obstacles that included hurdles, tires, ramps, blockades, and scattered everywhere were a bunch of little discs with green lights.