Love and Payne

by Charlie Cochet

  Austen grabbed Brayden and brought him into a hug. “I’m sorry I scared you, Bray,” Austen promised quietly. “I’m okay.”

  “You’re such a dick! Let go of me. God, I hate you.”

  “No, you love me,” Austen said with a smile. “Stop fighting me.”

  Brayden shook his head before giving in and burying his face in Austen’s neck, clinging to him. Zach should have been jealous of their relationship, but he wasn’t. Brayden was a good guy, and he obviously loved Austen. Whether as friend or more, Zach didn’t know, but he was glad the two had each other. It struck him then how lucky he was. Austen had hidden his heart away, unwilling to allow anyone to claim it, but with Zach, he’d not only allowed Zach in, but he’d chosen to gift his heart to Zach.

  With a sniff, Brayden straightened and wiped at his cheeks. “I’m glad you’re not dead.”

  “Me too.” Austen motioned to the love seat beside the bed. “Have a seat.” Austen turned his attention to Zach. “Next to you and Sloane, he’s one of the most important people in my life. I’d like him to be here for this.”

  Zach nodded, uncertain of what Austen had planned. “Sure.” He ran a hand over Austen’s hair, and Austen closed his eyes, a bone-weary sigh leaving him.

  “When I was a kid living on the streets, I did what I had to do to survive. My hate for the world, for what I believe it had done to me, kept me alive. It was the only thing I had. The only thing that couldn’t be taken from me. And then one day, I stole this guy’s wallet….” Austen smiled at the memory, and Zach knew instantly who Austen was thinking about.

  “Sloane.”

  Austen nodded. “I gave him a hard time, even propositioned him.” His smile faded, and he stared off into the distance. “I’d expected him to take me up on my offer. That was the kind of lowlife I was used to dealing with. Not only did Sloane not accept, he was genuinely worried for me. No one had ever given a fuck about me. He ended up buying me some pizza and a soda. There was a stickup while we were there, and Sloane managed to take down this giant-ass tiger Therian without anyone getting hurt. The THIRDS showed up, and he introduced me to his team. In that moment, I knew what I wanted. I started shadowing him and Destructive Delta, trying to help out.” Austen shook his head with a laugh. “I was driving the poor guy nuts. He was scared I was going to get hurt. So he introduced me to Lieutenant Sparks.”

  “Is that when she took you on as an SSA?”

  Austen worried his bottom lip with his teeth before coming to some kind of conclusion. “I trust you, Zach. More than anyone. That day, Sparks didn’t just hire me for the THIRDS. She hired me to be a TIN freelancer.”

  Zach blinked at him. “Um… wouldn’t that make Sparks…?” His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped open. “Sparks is TIN?”

  “She’s my boss. Actually, she’s all our bosses. Mine, Brayden… Sloane and Dex’s.”

  “Are you telling me Dex and Sloane are TIN?” Zach’s mind was officially blown. He’d known something was up with his friends. Things had been weird for Destructive Delta for months, but Zach would have never connected Destructive Delta to TIN.

  “Their new roles are a cover. Destructive Delta are their assets, though their new role is genuine.”

  Zach frowned. “But, you have to be a Therian to be a TIN operative. Dex is Human.”

  “Well….” Austen cringed. “He is and he isn’t. He’s sorta both, which makes him valuable to TIN.”

  Zach opened and closed his mouth a few times in an attempt to find the right words. In the end, he found none.

  “Yeah. It’s one hell of a long story.” Austen looked at Brayden and nodded.

  “Let’s just say Sloane’s blood contained some unexpected anomalies, and when he marked Dex, bonding with him and making him his mate, it did something to Dex’s DNA. It’s a huge deal to TIN, so we’re trying to keep it under wraps.”

  “Thank you for confiding in me,” Zach said gently before turning his attention back to Austen, and taking Austen’s hand in his. “But why are you telling me all this?”

  “Because joining TIN gave me a purpose. They made it possible for me to never be at the mercy of another abuser again. I learned to hold my own, to be strong. I trained harder than anyone my age and classification. I learned to take down guys bigger than myself. Never again was I going to be kicked around. I thought I had everything I needed. Then I met you.” Austen’s expression softened, and Zach smiled, his heart skipping a beat. “I spent a long time fighting the obvious,” he admitted.

  “And what’s that?”

  “That I need you. Which is why….” Austen reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. “I made a phone call.”

  Just as he said the words, there was a knock on the door, and Zach slowly stood when Sparks walked in. Lieutenant Sonya Sparks was a formidable cougar Therian who looked like she belonged in a 1940s pinup magazine, with her ample curves, vintage style makeup, and long thick red hair that fell in waves over one shoulder. She was a stunning woman, dressed in one of her signature pantsuits and sporting her usual five-inch heels. Like everyone else at the THIRDS, he also found her terrifying. Never a hair out of place, Sparks was the epitome of calm and collected. Her expression never gave anything away. If she wanted you to know something, she would tell you.

  “I received your message,” Sparks said, closing the door behind her. She nodded a greeting to Brayden before turning to Zach. “Agent Zachary. I’m glad to hear your recovery is going well. The THIRDS looks forward to having you back on duty again soon.”

  “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

  She turned her attention to Austen, and Zach almost fell out of his chair when a warm smile tugged at her bright red lips. Holy crap, Sparks was smiling! It was such a rare occurrence that most agents couldn’t recall ever seeing her smile.

  “I received your message.”

  “You could have called,” Austen teased.

  She strolled over to Austen’s bed and took a seat at the end of it, then crossed one long leg over the other. Lacing her fingers on her knee, she arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow. “You knew I wouldn’t. Not for this.”

  Austen nodded. “I want to thank you for everything. I owe you a lot.”

  Zach swallowed hard. Was Austen doing what Zach thought he was? Then he heard the two words he hadn’t expected to hear.

  “I’m out.”

  “Oh my God.” Zach covered his mouth to stifle a gasp. Brayden wasn’t so subtle. He jumped from the couch.

  “What? You’re walking away?”

  “It’s what I want, Bray. The THIRDS will have to be enough for me. I want to spend some time with my boyfriend.” He moved his gaze to Sparks, who hadn’t moved or said a word, her expression unreadable. “It is about time, isn’t it?”

  The room was silent, all eyes on Sparks. Zach thought he was going to die from the anticipation, and then she finally spoke up.

  “No one walks away, Austen. You know that.”

  Austen’s expression softened. “I do. I’m prepared to face the consequences.”

  “Wait, what are you talking about?” Zach stood, the sadness in Austen’s eyes too much for him. He faced Sparks. “What are you both talking about?”

  Sparks moved her green eyes to Zach’s, her gaze unwavering. “As a TIN operative, Austen possesses a vast network of assets and resources at his disposal, not to mention the power of an entire intelligence organization and its operatives. If he walks away from TIN, those resources, that protection, goes away. He’ll be on his own.”

  “Meaning?” Zach swallowed hard. He had an idea, but he needed to hear it.

  “Meaning any enemies he’s made during his career who’ve known better than to enter US soil seeking retribution against Austen due to his connections will no longer have reason not to seek him out. He’s no longer under TIN protection.”

  Zach slowly sank down into the couch. He hadn’t thought of that. Years of missions abroad, of doing God knew what for his government—how co
uld Austen not have made enemies? Enemies who’d stayed away because of who and what he was, but without TIN, he’d be vulnerable.

  Sparks shook her head. “I’m sorry, Austen, but you can’t walk away. Not only would you be putting yourself—and possibly TIN—at risk, but you would be placing Zach and his family at risk as well. We’ve both faced monsters far worse than Kerner. You know what would happen if one of them were to get their hands on Zach or a member of his family.”

  Austen swallowed hard, reached out for Zach, and took hold of his hand.

  “Zach, everyone knew how I felt about you before I did. I was the stubborn one who refused to see it because I was too scared. But as scared as I was about fucking things up with you, when I saw that asshole pushing a gun against your head, nothing terrified me as bad as the idea of not having you in my life.” He cupped Zach’s cheek. “I can lose my job and move on, but I can’t lose you.” Austen’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You, I won’t be able to move on from. You’re it for me. For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to do. Sparks is right. If I walk away, who knows how long we’d have?”

  “I can’t believe this is happening,” Zach whispered. His gut twisted, and his heart splintered. He loved Austen. How could he allow Austen to take such a chance? For all they knew, Austen could be targeted before he even stepped foot in the city. Then there was his family. What if someone hurt one of his brothers, or his parents?

  “There is one other solution. You could simply be transferred into a new role.”

  They all turned their attention to Sparks.

  Austen peered at her. “What are you talking about?”

  “Despite what you believe, you are not easily replaced. You’re one of our best operatives, but I understand people change. You’ve evolved beyond being just the job. You want more, and I can’t fault you for that. However, what you do is important for our country’s national security, and the security of our allies. Perhaps I can offer you a role with less… moral and physical risk.” She glanced at Zach before moving her knowing gaze back to Austen. “Sloane and Dex could use someone with your experience and connections.”

  Austen frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “I have yet to assign them a case officer.”

  Austen’s jaw dropped. “Wait. Are you suggesting I manage Sloane and Dex?”

  Sparks shrugged. “Why not? You have fourteen years of TIN field experience under your belt. I would say you’re more than qualified. You trust them, and they trust you. With you as their handler, you’d make a formidable team.”

  “Is that good?” Zach asked Sparks. It wasn’t like TIN published a handbook on their inner workings. Would being a case officer mean less risk? Sparks had mentioned less moral risk. What did that mean?

  “Austen’s sole purpose would be to train, assist, and manage Sloane and Dex. He would provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in their missions, and communicate their objectives.”

  “It also means their lives are in my hands,” Austen said quietly. “If I fuck up, I could get Sloane killed. Or the man he loves.”

  Sparks arched an eyebrow at him. “Then may I suggest you not fuck up.”

  “Thanks, that’s really helpful,” Austen drawled, unimpressed.

  Sparks stood and smoothed out her pantsuit. “Austen, you’re one of the most resilient operatives I have ever come across. If anyone can do this, you can. This is your best chance at a somewhat normal life. Take the job.” She turned to Zach. “There will still be risk involved, and at times he may have to drop everything to fly out and assist Sloane and Dex, but he will no longer be required to do what he did as an operative. You need to ask yourself if you’re willing to live with the secrets.”

  Zach thought about what she was saying, and what she meant. Austen might not be out there pulling the trigger himself, but he’d be the one passing on the orders to Sloane and Dex, providing them with the intelligence they needed to do the job. Could he live with that? Then there was the possibility of something happening to Sloane. Austen would never forgive himself. He felt Austen squeeze his hand, and he lifted his eyes to meet Austen’s, his sad smile squeezing Zach’s heart.

  “I love you. Whatever you decide, I’m with you.”

  “Do you want the job?” Zach asked. “Be honest.”

  “I will always be honest with you, Z,” Austen said softly. “Always. Yes, I want the job.”

  Zach looked up at Sparks. “He’ll take the job.”

  Sparks nodded, then headed for the door, but paused to glance at them before opening it. “It’s done. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. You can give Sloane and Dex the good news, as they’re back from their training mission in Paris.” Her eyes softened. “Try not to jump in front of any more bullets.” With that, she slipped out, and the room once again fell into silence until Brayden’s bark of laughter scared the shit out of them.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” Austen hissed, his hand to his chest. “You trying to give me a fucking heart attack?”

  Brayden was in tears he was laughing so hard.

  “I think we broke him,” Zach murmured.

  “Yeah, well, he was always a little funny in the head, so you know, it was only a matter of time,” Austen grumbled.

  Brayden flipped him off before wiping the tears form his eyes. “Oh my God. This is going to be amazing.”

  “Would you just tell us what’s got you pissing yourself with laughter?” Austen demanded.

  Brayden blinked at him. “Dude. You’re going to be a case officer.”

  “And that’s funny why?” Austen asked, arching a brow.

  “You’re going to manage Dexter J. Daley.”

  Austen’s eyes went wide as saucers. “Fuck.”

  Brayden lost it again, and even Zach couldn’t help but laugh. He patted Austen’s hand in sympathy.

  Austen gasped. “That harpy! She totally duped me!” He pulled out his phone, tapping away at it.

  “How did she dupe you?” Zach asked.

  Brayden waggled his eyebrows. “Sparks recruited Dex and Sloane, which means she should have been their case officer.”

  Austen shouted into his phone. “You tricked me!” His eyes went comically wide. “Oh my God, are you laughing?”

  Brayden and Zach exchanged glances before bursting into laughter again.

  “You know what? You can all bite me!” Austen hung up, and crossed his arms over his chest, his pout fierce. He glared at Brayden. “Get out. Go find Edan and drool over him some more.”

  Brayden stood, still laughing, and headed for the door. He stopped and turned, grinning wickedly. “You want me to put in a prescription for some blood pressure pills? You’re going to need them soon.”

  “Fuck you, Bray.”

  Brayden cackled as he left the room, closing the door behind him.

  “Oh God.” Austen groaned, and Zach chuckled, earning him a scowl. “This is all your fault.”

  “My fault?”

  “Yeah, you and your stupid handsome face and sexy sexiness making me fall in love with you. Now look what you’ve done. I have to manage the fucking Daleys.”

  Zach held back a smile. He knew Austen wasn’t really mad. He loved the Daleys, even if Dex did drive him bonkers. Zach stood, and Austen patted the bed beside him. Carefully Zach climbed in beside him and turned to face him, his smile wide.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you fall in love with me and my sexy sexiness.”

  “You’re just going to have to make it up to me,” Austen huffed. “You can start by kissing me.” Austen leaned in and pressed his lips to Zach’s. A shuddering breath left Zach, and Austen took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside Zach’s mouth. They kissed softly, Austen’s lips caressing Zach’s in feathery kisses as if they had all the time in the world. It struck Zach then that they did. Austen was staying. For good this time. He wrapped his arms around Austen and buried his face against Austen’s neck.

  “I lov
e you.”

  “I love you too, Z.” Austen pulled away, his expression somber. “There is one thing I’m going to need from you. It’s extremely important to my well-being that you do this.”

  “Anything.”

  “Run interference when you tell your family. They’re going to want to hug me, and I don’t think my bones can withstand that many hugs.”

  Zach blinked at him before throwing his head back and laughing.

  “You think I’m kidding?” Austen narrowed his eyes at Zach, but Zach could see his lips twitching, and it only made Zach laugh harder, especially when Austen started poking him. “What? You’re just going to throw me to the bear Therians?” His eyes went comically wide. “Oh God, your mom’s going to want to know things. Like my birthday. Am I going to be expected to wear sweater vests to holiday dinners? Is that what happened to poor Monroe? Your sister gets her claws in him and suddenly he has a closet full of sweater vests?”

  Zach howled with laughter. He was laughing so hard the tears were streaming down his cheeks. Then Monroe popped his head in the room.

  “Everything okay?”

  They both dropped their gazes to Monroe’s sweater vest and burst into laughter.

  “What?” Monroe asked, looking down at himself. “What’s so funny?”

  The room flooded with Zach’s family, and Austen stopped laughing. Zach huddled close to Austen, whose eyes were wide like a deer in headlights. “It’s the Viking horde,” Austen whispered hoarsely, clutching Zach’s shirt.

  “Hey, everyone,” Zach announced loudly. “Austen and I love each other, and we’re dating.”

  The room erupted into cheers, and everyone swarmed the bed all at once to hug them, pat them on the back, and congratulate them. Austen was gently crushed against Iona’s bosom. He glared at Zach.

  “I hate you so much right now.”

  Zach laughed. “No, you don’t. You love me. You told me so yourself.”

  Iona cooed and fussed over Austen while Austen glared at Zach and quietly promised swift retribution.

  Zach laughed and leaned in to kiss Austen’s cheek. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”