Blood & Thunder (THIRDS 2)

“We’re going to Bar Dekatria tonight. Cael says if one more Intel guy calls him to add another algorithm to the case, he’s going to lose it and take everyone with him.” Ash chuckled. “You should have seen him. He got all red in the face and started stomping around. At one point he got so mad, he knocked over someone’s empty soda can.”

“Did he pick it right up and apologize profusely?” Dex asked with a grin.

“It’s Cael. Of course he did. Then he offered to buy the guy a new one.”

Dex shook his head with a laugh. “You should have seen him when he was a kid, and he’d get pissed off in his Therian form, chirping all over the place, his little cheetah fuzz at the top of his head sticking up. It was adorable.”

Ash actually laughed along with Dex. It fascinated Sloane how the two were always arguing, annoying the hell out of one another or wishing fiery pain upon each other, except when it concerned Cael. Then they were a couple of mother hens, clucking away over their little chick. It was sweet, and at times, frightening, especially where Ash was concerned. If it weren’t for Cael, Sloane would never have guessed his friend possessed any kind of nurturing instinct. Something moved behind Ash and Sloane coughed into his hand. When that didn’t work, he elbowed Dex, only to be once again ignored.

“Guys,” Sloane warned.

“What are you two talking about?”

Ash and Dex stopped abruptly, both turning to Cael who stood there, a deep frown on his boyish face. Dex waved cheerfully. “Hey, little brother.”

Cael folded his arms over his chest. “You were talking about me, weren’t you?”

“Us? No.” Dex’s grin got wider.

“You’re a shitty liar. I’m not in the mood for you, Dex. Stupid Intel with their stupid algorithms, and their stupid stupidness.” Cael sighed, looking embarrassed. “I’m sorry. They’re not stupid.” He looked up at them with a pout. “What?”

Dex threw his arms around Cael’s neck, petting his head and murmuring softly. “You’re so precious. So, so precious.”

“Get off.” Cael pushed Dex away from him. “So are we going to Dekatria tonight or what? I need alcohol.”

“Of course we are,” Ash replied, throwing an arm around Cael’s shoulders. “First drink’s on me. What do you say?”

Cael perked up. “I say awesome!”

“Hey, I’m cute, too,” Dex protested as they followed Ash and Cael to the bullpen. “Why don’t I get a free drink?”

Ash flipped him off, calling out over his shoulder, “You’re not cute, Daley.”

“Screw you. I’m fucking adorable!”

Sloane leaned into Dex, whispering. “I think you’re cute.”

Dex smiled at him and batted his lashes. “Do I get a free drink?”

“No.”

“Damn.” Dex craned his neck and waved his arms. “Hey, Rosa! I have to ask you something.” He ran off and Sloane chuckled, hearing Dex calling out after her. “Where are you going? I want to ask you if you think I’m cute. You do, right? Rosa?”

Well tonight should be interesting to say the least.

Chapter 5

SCRATCH THAT. This wasn’t going to be an interesting night. It was going to be horrifying.

“Oh no.” Sloane tried pushing Cael back out the bar’s entrance, but Rosa and Letty were crowded around him with Hobbs blocking the doorway. “Get out. Everyone out!”

“Why?” Cael stood on his toes, trying to peer around Ash and Sloane.

Damn it, there was no time. “Just get out—go, go, go.” He grabbed Ash’s arm, hissing in his ear. “Threat Level Fuchsia. Fuchsia!”

Ash’s eyes widened and he turned to usher everyone back out. “Shit. Everyone out before—”

“What?” Dex swept past them, God knew how, slowing when he saw what Sloane had been trying so hard to avoid. He turned and threw his arms up with a loud “whoop” in victory, followed by a sing-song, “Karaoke night!”