FALL IN Central Park was one of Dex’s favorite times. The weather was in the high seventies, the sun was shining, and all around them the trees and shrubbery were beginning to change color. Soon the trees would be ablaze in reds, oranges, and yellows. It was a perfect day. Dex zoned in and out, his foot tapping along to the sweet tunes coming through his headphones. Next to his music, the only other sound he heard was the soft chainsaw-like purr coming from his warm furry pillow. Dex turned his head, chuckling at Sloane’s contented expression—his eyes were closed, front paws crossed in front of him as he lay tucked against Dex. His tail occasionally twitched where it lay protectively around Dex’s left arm.
Reaching up, Dex scratched Sloane underneath his chin, and the purr intensified. This right here was bliss. Lying on a blanket in the grass, the gorgeous scenery—which included Belvedere Castle to their right—a backpack full of snacks, and a PSTC kit for Sloane. Dex plucked an earphone out of his ear, and turned to look up at Sloane.
“We should do this more often.”
Sloane let out a huff of air, most likely in agreement. He opened his eyes, and pushed his nose against Dex’s, making Dex chuckle.
“I love you too.”
Sloane turned his head, observing the people scattered around them, some having picnics, some napping, others kissing or reading. It was Dex’s opinion that jaguar Therians had the best facial expressions. Granted, he was a little biased, but no other Therian in their Therian form could pull off resting bitch face like a black jaguar Therian. Dex was familiar with all of Sloane’s quirks. He understood every ear twitch, tail twitch, yawn, or huff, but anyone who didn’t know Sloane would look at him in his Therian form and think “that guy gives zero fucks,” which in some cases was true.
Unless someone was a threat to him or Dex, Sloane’s Felid half was chill. He had no interest in anyone who wasn’t Dex, or someone close to him. Lion Therians liked to preen. Black jaguar Therians thought you were annoying and needed to go away. The only Therians whose expressions superseded black jaguar Therians on a whole other level were cheetah Therians. Dex didn’t have to know the cheetah Therian to understand what they were thinking. It was written all over their furry face. Black jaguar Therians might have the best resting bitch face, but no one did unimpressed like cheetah Therians.
A couple of familiar figures headed their way, and Dex sat up, smiling brightly. “Hey, Cal. Dominic.”
“Hey, Justice,” Dom replied with a grin.
Dex laughed softly as Sloane arched his neck, his tail thumping against the grass as he watched Seb, Hudson, and Hobbs running and pouncing.
“Go play, fuzzball. I know you want to.”
Sloane didn’t need to be told twice. He got up and bounded over, hopping through the grass like a giant black bunny. Seb, Hudson, and Hobbs stilled when they saw him, sniffed the air, realized it was Sloane, and lost their furry minds. They were too stinking adorable for words.
“Glad you guys could join us,” Dex said. “Ash, Cael, West, and the girls will be here soon.”
At the mention of West’s name, Dom glanced over at him. “West’s coming?”
Dex could tell Dom was trying hard not to look too interested, but his scent had changed slightly, and there was a slight flush to his skin. Calvin had the best poker face ever, but Dex noted the tiny curl of his lip on one side.
“Yeah. He and Cael are like besties now. I swear, when they get together, it’s like they’re talking another language.”
Dom chuckled. “Yeah, I don’t understand a third of the shit they talk about. Tech isn’t my thing, but it’s sweet watching them get all excited about that stuff. It’s damn impressive, though. I’ve seen West do crazy shit with a computer. Makes me glad he’s on our side.” Dom cleared his throat, and Dex waited. The guy was working his way up to something, but whatever subject he wanted to broach was clearly a difficult one. “So, um, TIN, huh?”
Calvin cleared his throat. “I’m gonna go even the odds. Poor Hudson’s out-felined.” He got to his feet and jogged over to the guys to play, and Dex turned his attention to Dom.
“Seb told you?”
Dom nodded. “Yeah. He thought he was protecting me by not telling me, but you know how the doc is the voice of reason. He said I’d want to know, and he was right. I’d rather be prepared and know what I’m getting into than be blindsided. Seb’s ‘promotion’ to THIRDS Recruitment Officer and my promotion to Team Leader of Theta Destructive goes out while you guys are on your honeymoon. It’s going to be one hell of a shock for the team.”
Dex cringed. “How do you think they’re going to take it?”
“No fucking clue.” Dom sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He stared off at Seb, bounding across the grass with Hudson, Sloane, Hobbs, and Calvin on his tail. “Not gonna lie. Kinda shitting myself over it. The dynamic was finally perfect. He’s one hell of a Team Leader. Firm but fair. They love him.”
“He’s a great guy.”
Dom nodded, a frown on his face. “Yeah. We worked well together, complemented each other. He bitches and grumbles, and I fuss and mother everyone.” He laughed, as if recalling some memory. “Drives the team fucking nuts, but they love it.”
Dex put his hand on Dom’s shoulder. “You’re going to do great, Dom. Do you think he would have left his team to someone he didn’t trust?”
Dom blinked at him. “What do you mean? Sparks was the one who approached me.”
“Because she asked Seb who he thought would be the best fit to lead your team, and he didn’t hesitate. He said it had to be you or he couldn’t step away. He refused to leave your team in anyone else’s hands.”
Dom’s eyes got glassy, and he wrinkled his nose. “Asshole. Always looking after everyone.” Then he met Dex’s gaze, his eyes hard. “You better fucking watch my boy’s back out there, Daley.”
Dex held his hand out to Dom. “You have my word.” It was already agreed that if Dex and Sloane were going to work alongside any other operatives, it would be Seb and Hudson.
“The only one who seems to be taking all of this really well is Nina.”