Smoke & Mirrors

by Charlie Cochet

  Dex shrugged. “I haven’t really been myself lately. No wonder Hobbs keeps texting me all these Internet memes.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “A lot of them are about squirrels.”

  Cael shrugged. “He likes chasing squirrels.”

  “He likes chasing everything,” Dex corrected. “Remember when that call came in about the disturbance at Chuck E. Cheese?”

  “Oh my God, yes! Those drunk asshats in their Therian forms jumped into the ball pit and it exploded. The balls went everywhere!”

  Cael laughed, and Dex couldn’t help but join in.

  That had been a truly awesome day. It was so crazy Lou thought he’d been making the whole thing up, until Dex showed him the video he’d taken on his phone. “Oh shit. That’s right! I still have the video.” He reached into his pocket to pull out his smartphone. He got up, taking a seat on the desk next to Cael. He scrolled through his videos and found it. He pressed play and turned the volume up. The video shook a little from Dex’s laughter as Hobbs in his Therian form chased a bunch of the balls out into the street. Seconds later, Cal barreled out from the building into the street, hauling ass after Hobbs and calling his name. It was the funniest shit Dex had ever seen. The balls went freaking everywhere. It was pandemonium. The pedestrians and commuters launching themselves out of the way clearly didn’t think it was so funny.

  Cael was in tears from laughing. “Dude, that guy just climbed his Hummer!”

  Dex let out a snort. “Hey, a three-hundred-pound tiger Therian in his Therian form comes barreling in my direction after a bunch of colored balls, I’d get the hell out of his way too.” They watched the video as Dex trailed after Hobbs and Cal. Hobbs bounded and pounced, swatting at colored balls with his giant paws while people around him screamed and ran for their lives. Hobbs was oblivious, too excited about the plastic, colored objects rolling everywhere. He swatted a blue ball, and it bounded down the sidewalk. He took off after it, nearly knocking Calvin on his ass. Calvin was red in the face.

  Hobbs chased the blue ball down the sidewalk, straight for a little old lady who’d been swiftly shuffling a couple of feet behind a yuppie in a suit.

  “I forgot about this. Watch this,” Dex said with a laugh. The little old lady looked behind her, saw Hobbs, and took off like a bat out of hell, body-slamming the yuppie guy like she was a running back for the Giants, her purse clutched against her like a football. Yuppie guy didn’t know what hit him. “The dude fucking soared, man.”

  “Oh my God!” Cael coughed, he was laughing so hard.

  “I remember Cal was so pissed. He ran like five city blocks carrying all his equipment and Hobbs’s PSTC kit. And then Ash took home a bunch of those colored plastic balls and stuffed them in Cal’s locker so when he opened it they all poured out.”

  Dex almost pissed himself laughing. “I gotta hand it to Ash, that was pure gold. The look on Cal’s face.” Hobbs had gotten told off for it, especially when it ended up on the evening news, but Sparks had made sure he didn’t get disciplined. Instead she had the PR department turn it around to show a different side of the THIRDS and their Therian agents. A softer, playful side. No one had been hurt, the perps arrested, and Therian kids got to see that even THIRDS agents were who they were. That you couldn’t ask them to turn off a part of who they were.

  Rosa returned with a cup of coffee in her hand. “What did I miss?” She gave Dex’s cheek a kiss, murmuring in his ear, “Good to see you laughing.” She gave him a wink and sat down. “What we laughing about?”

  Cael told Rosa, who laughed, almost spilling her coffee all over herself. “Shit. You could have waited until I wasn’t drinking,” she scolded Cael, or at least she tried. She was still snickering.

  Dex got a brilliant idea and ran over to Cael’s desk.

  “What are you doing?”

  Dex placed his phone on Cael’s desk and tapped away at the screen. He found a picture of the ball pit and e-mailed it to Calvin. Seconds later, an e-mail popped up on Cael’s desk. Dex tapped to expand it and opened it.

  It said, “Screw you, Daley!”

  The three of them nearly split at the seams. Dex laughed so hard he could barely breathe.

  Man, he loved his job.

  Chapter 9

  DEX COULDN’T wait for this day to be over.

  His head was about ready to explode. After he’d managed to get a hold of himself inside Cael and Rosa’s office, he was ready to go back to work, feeling more like himself than he had in a while. It hadn’t lasted long, what with him being able to feel Sloane on him. He’d wanted desperately to talk to Sloane, but he reminded himself of his promise. Dex was shit at being patient, but he’d have to learn.

  Tony had already been aware of Dylan Reynolds’s suicide. He’d been informed the moment Dylan had been discovered. Recon was chasing up information regarding the inconclusive test scores, and Tony was making a trip down to the hospital himself. His dad was not happy, and Dex felt for the poor bastard who had the nerve to try and give Tony the runaround.

  It had been a long day, and not even his nice extended shower in the locker room at work had helped. At least he was home. Maybe after he stopped feeling so damned sorry for himself, he’d pick up the phone and call Sloane or text him to let him know he was sorry and that Sloane should take all the time he needed. The moment Dex stepped into the house and heard the soft eighties ballad floating out from the living room, he froze. Sloane was home.

  I’m your home.

  Sloane was his home. Which was why it tore his heart out every time Sloane walked away from him, and after being marked, there were moments when it felt like that was physically happening. Aside from feeling really shitty, it was also pretty terrifying. He hated not knowing what was going on with his body.

  Dex had no idea how much things would change for them after he was marked, but he didn’t regret it. Not for a second. Sloane wasn’t the only one who felt things deeper. Wasn’t there a way Sloane could have time to himself without Dex feeling like his world was falling apart? Last night, sleeping—or attempting to sleep—alone in their bed had been excruciating. His body had hurt almost as much as his heart.

  Dex stepped into the dimly lit living room, the numerous lit candles unexpected.

  “Hey.”

  The sound of Sloane’s soft husky voice sent Dex’s pulse racing, and a wave of intense need washed over Dex. Sloane stood at the bottom of the stairs in faded dark jeans and a white long-sleeved T-shirt that hugged his muscular chest and arms. His feet were bare, and in his hand he held a rose. His hair was wet, so he’d just gotten out of the shower. Dex could smell the shower gel from where he stood. God, he smelled so good.

  Sloane made his way over and held out the rose. “I know it doesn’t make up for what I did, but I’m going to spend however long it takes to show you how sorry I am.”

  Dex looked from the rose to Sloane’s face, taken aback by what he saw in Sloane’s amber eyes. Sloane had never look so scared; it almost mirrored Dex’s own fears.

  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m such an idiot.”

  “You’re not an idiot,” Dex assured him. His insides were in turmoil. A mixture of violent heat and desire. Yet at the same time, he wanted to comfort Sloane, hold him, and make love to him.

  “I am. Why else would I do something so stupid?” Sloane cupped Dex’s face, his amber eyes filled with remorse. “I’ve waited my whole life for this. For someone to love me the way you do. For a home. It’s like every time we get settled, I can’t stop myself from messing up. The last thing I want is to drive you away.” Sloane stroked Dex’s cheek with his thumb, his warm breath on Dex’s face, his words quiet. “You are so beautiful. You’re the most amazing thing to happen to me. You always believe in me. Please don’t let that ever change. I can’t keep walking away. I can’t risk you one day not loving me. Not being here. That would kill me. Don’t leave me, Dex. Ever. I… I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  Dex slipped his arms around
Sloane’s waist and smiled up at him. “That’s never going to happen. Not while I can help it.” Before Sloane, Dex would have never made promises of forever, and maybe they didn’t have forever—life was unpredictable that way—but as long as Dex had a say in it, he’d be at Sloane’s side.

  “Promise?”

  “I promise. I know when you walk away, it’s just you needing space. I told you I’d understand, and the first time you take me up on my promise, I back out. I’m sorry. I’ll try harder to give you your space when you need it, no matter where it is or how long you need.”

  “That’s the thing. I thought it’s what I needed, but I was wrong.”

  “Sloane….”

  Dex had never heard Sloane talk like this. He had no idea Sloane was beating himself up this badly. Sloane took Dex’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

  “I love you. I love how you drive me crazy, how you make me laugh, the way you touch me, kiss me, the way you make me a better person.”

  “We drive each other crazy in good ways and not so good, but what I feel for you”—Dex looked down at his arm, scarred by Sloane’s claws—“will never change. What I said about not being here one day when you got back, I said out of anger.” He looked up at Sloane with a smile, his heart pounding. “I’ll always be here, because with every day that passes, I find new ways to love you.”

  Sloane drew in a sharp breath before wrapping his arms around Dex and burying his face against Dex’s hair, murmuring softly, “I know I lose my way sometimes, but if you’re here, I’ll always find my way back.”

  Sloane gently swayed with the romantic ballad, and Dex moved with him, holding on tight. Dex closed his eyes, his body relaxing, and the twisted knot he’d had in his stomach since Sloane walked out unraveled. The two of them stayed in each other’s arms, enjoying their embrace, the warmth, the love as several of Dex’s favorite romantic ballads floated through the house, their house.

  “I just… I need to know you’re going to be here for me,” Dex said quietly. “I need to know we’re in this together. I know saying that might scare you, and we haven’t been living together very long, but I know my heart. I know that I want you to always be a part of my life.”

  Sloane pulled back and met his gaze, his shy smile sending Dex’s pulse racing. “As hard as it may be to believe, that’s what I want. I might not know how to express it at times, but Dex, being here with you, I’ve never been happier. This is it for me. You’re it for me. I can feel it deep down inside. Ash was right.”

  “About what?”

  “He said I was sabotaging myself, my relationship with you, and he’s right.”

  “I don’t understand. Why?”

  Sloane took Dex’s hand and led him over to the couch. He took the rose from Dex and carefully laid it on the coffee table before turning to him. “I’ve been thinking about that a lot. I think I’m just scared this is all an illusion. That any day I might wake up and find myself alone and empty inside, without you. That scares the hell out of me. I’ve never been as happy as I am when I’m with you. I’ve never had a home, a family, the possibility of maybe one day… starting my own family.”

  Dex swallowed hard. “I had no idea you’d been thinking about all that.”

  “I have. I thought maybe we were moving too fast, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized, this is what I want. You’re what I want.”

  Dex couldn’t help his dopey smile. His expression softened, and he ran a hand up Sloane’s arm. “Maybe next time, when you start feeling unsure or scared, you can talk to me about it.”

  “I can do that. I know I’ve broken a lot of promises, and I don’t deserve all the chances you’ve given me, but I understand now.” Sloane put his hand to Dex’s cheek, his amber eyes filled with so much love. “I don’t ever want to be where you’re not.”

  “I’d like you to do something for us,” Dex said, trying not to sound as nervous as he felt.

  “Anything.”

  “I want to put the house in both our names.”

  Sloane’s beautiful smile squeezed at Dex’s heart and took his breath away.

  “Okay.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. If it’s important to you, it’s important to me. I’m serious about our life together.”

  Dex couldn’t help how ridiculously happy he felt. He didn’t want them to be two people who lived together, whose lives happened to be heading in the same direction. He wanted them to be a family, for this to be their lives together, moving toward a future together. “I want this to be our home.”

  “It already is.” Sloane kissed his cheek, and Dex’s heart almost burst. “Come on. I made you dinner. One of your favorites. Homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits.”

  Dex all but melted against Sloane. “You’re amazing.”

  “I asked Darla for her recipe.”

  Dex gasped. “Wait, you made Darla Summers’s homemade Southern fried chicken?”

  Sloane nodded. “And gravy, and biscuits, and fried green tomatoes.”

  Dex launched himself at Sloane, knocking them both back onto the couch. Sloane laughed as Dex planted kisses all over his face.

  “Maybe I should have just started my apology with the fried chicken,” Sloane said with a laugh.

  “If I didn’t love Darla’s fried chicken so much I would totally sex you up right now. I really want to sex you up.” Dex was torn. He wanted to jump Sloane’s bones. Not only had he made Dex one of his favorite meals, but Sloane had used a recipe from Calvin’s mom, who was the queen of Southern cooking. The woman needed to have her own supermarket brand or a cooking show.

  “I couldn’t be so cruel as to make you choose.” Sloane got up, Dex straddling his leg. He gave Dex’s buttcheek a squeeze through his jeans. “Also, I know the second I tell you my next surprise, I don’t stand a chance.”

  Dex’s mouth watered. Could it be? “You mean….”

  “I called her up, told her what a bad boy I’ve been, and could she pretty please help me make my boyfriend love me again. So she made her famous pecan pie.”

  Dex threw his arms around Sloane and placed a sloppy wet kiss on Sloane’s cheek before purring, making him chuckle. “You’re my favorite.”

  Sloane got up, carrying Dex in his arms. “I like being your favorite.” He carried Dex into the dining room. The table had been set up beautifully. “Everything’s keeping warm in the oven.” He placed Dex on his feet and kissed the tip of his nose. “I love you, Batman.”

  Dex threw his head back and laughed. His heart swelled with how much he loved this man. Sloane pulled Dex’s chair out for him, and Dex couldn’t help his blush. He chuckled when Sloane tipped Dex’s chair back so he could bend his head down and kiss Dex. Returning the chair to the floor, Sloane left to get dinner while Dex sat admiring him, taking in the strong set of his shoulders, his muscular arms and legs, the tapered waist. There was a little more silver in his beard and hair since they’d met, but Dex found it sexy. His movements were sleek, catlike, and when he walked toward Dex as if he were stalking him, his amber eyes glowing, Dex all but melted in his chair.

  After Sloane brought the food, Dex ate his weight in fried chicken. By the end of the meal, there was nothing left except the pecan pie. They both eyed it.

  “What do you think?” Sloane asked, patting his full belly.

  Dex let out a snort. “Amateur.”

  He pulled the pecan pie toward him and cut a generous slice before adding a big dollop of whipped cream. Sloane stared at him.

  “I just realized you ate as much as I did. How is that possible?”

  Dex shrugged. “I’ve always eaten a lot. Besides, you make me work it off almost every day.”

  “Both very true statements, but you’ve never eaten the same amount of food I have. My Therian metabolism burns through the calories quicker. It requires more. Despite being a Human with a healthy appetite, eating a Therian-sized meal and then having room for dessert….”
Sloane worried his bottom lip with his teeth, “Babe, that’s not biologically sound. Not without you feeling sick.”

  Dex looked down at his pie. He had eaten more than usual. “Do you think it has something to do with the seizures?”

  “To be honest, I’m not sure what to think. It’s been like this for a few weeks now. We need to figure out what’s going on. Your eating has changed, but you don’t seem to be putting on any weight, which means you’re burning through the calories. It’s the only explanation.”

  Dex pursed his lips thoughtfully. “So… does that mean I can have a second slice of pie? I feel like I may need a second slice.”

  “Need?” Sloane asked, looking amused as he got up to clear the plates. “Do you really need the pie, or do you just want the pie?”

  Dex looked up at him innocently. “I think I need it. I need the pie, Sloane.”

  “Then have the pie,” Sloane said with a chuckle.

  “I love you,” Dex said before stuffing his face with yummy, gooey pecan pie. Oh my God, it was so good.

  “I love you too.”

  Sloane cleaned up and filled the dishwasher as Dex ended up eating half the pie. He could have gone for another slice but decided not to be so greedy and leave some for tomorrow. By the time he was done eating, Sloane had cleaned everything up. It was the perfect night. Sloane, tasty food, and the two of them curled up on the couch together watching TV. Sloane lay across the couch like he always did, his head on Dex’s lap. Dex had his legs crossed at the ankles and propped up on the coffee table. He ran his fingers through Sloane’s hair, a smile stretching from ear to ear as Sloane purred. It was only on exhale, just like when he purred in his Therian form. Sloane was embarrassed by it, but Dex thought it was the most adorable thing in the world.

  “I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” Sloane murmured sleepily.