Thick & Thin

  "You do that," Dex said before calling out over his shoulder, "And don't forget to hang up your towel."

  "Yes, dear." Sloane smiled as he ran up the stairs. Dex hated when Sloane left his bathroom towel on the bed. It wasn't like he did it on purpose. For some reason, he was just really shit at remembering to hang it up. After a quick shower, he changed into a comfy T-shirt and pajama bottoms before heading downstairs.

  Halfway down, he heard Dex call out, "Hang up your towel."

  Shit. He turned and ran back up to hang his towel. Every freaking time.

  Downstairs, Dex was lounging in the living room, watching TV, his socked feet propped up on the coffee table. Sloane hopped over the back of the couch and landed next to him. He gave Dex's cheek a big sloppy kiss, making him laugh.

  "You sure you're not boozed up?"

  Sloane reached over and took Dex's left hand in his. He brought it to his lips and kissed the silver band on his finger. "Just happy."

  "Aw, listen to you, all sappy and romantic." Dex kissed his cheek before resting his head against Sloane's shoulder, his hand still in Sloane's. "How did it go with Ash?"

  "You first."

  "That good, huh?"

  "Yeah, well, I chickened out. He was getting some stuff off his chest, and then I told him we were getting married, and he was so happy I just couldn't tell him. How much did you tell Cael and your dad?"

  "Everything."

  Sloane wasn't surprised. Dex hated keeping secrets from his family. Too bad they'd soon be up to their ears in information they wouldn't be able to divulge to anyone.

  "Cael wanted to kill you at first."

  "Can't say I blame him for feeling that way." Sloane wrapped his arm around Dex. He pulled Dex close and nuzzled the top of his hair. He loved the way Dex smelled. It made his inner Felid very happy, knowing its mate was here. "And how's he feel now?"

  "He just wants to kick your ass."

  Sloane could hear the amusement in Dex's voice. "I guess that's... better?" Certainly an improvement over dead. He listened intently as Dex recounted everything that was said, along with Cael's reaction.

  "I don't blame him," Dex admitted. "He's been through a lot of shit."

  "And you haven't?"

  "Yeah, but my job is to keep him from all that shit."

  Sloane rubbed his arm, knowing Dex was more worried about Cael than he was about himself. Dex always put everyone before himself, and although that was an admirable trait, this wasn't the time for it. Not with the unpredictable mutation now inside him. "He's all grown up, Dex. You can't protect him from the world."

  "I can damn well try."

  "And when we're sent to the middle of God knows where, what then?" Sloane kept his tone gentle. It worked both ways. With them soon setting off to parts unknown, Dex wouldn't be around to ride in on his white horse to protect his little brother. It had to be worrying him.

  "You're right. I won't always be around, and I won't let something happen to you because my head's somewhere else. Ash will have to look out for him then. I mean, he already does, but it's up to him to keep my family safe."

  "Does this mean you still want to go through with it?"

  Dex sat up, his eyes searching Sloane's. "Does this mean you don't?"

  "I meant what I said. Wherever you go, I go."

  "Will that be enough?"

  "What do you mean?" Sloane turned and brought one folded knee up so he could face Dex comfortably. Dex did the same.

  "What if you hate it? What if it changes us? It's enough for you now, but what about tomorrow? How about a year from now? Two years? Five? I wouldn't be able to stand it if you ended up resenting me for dragging you into this."

  "Dex." Sloane took Dex's hands in his. He'd come to know his partner so well by now that he'd prepared for this. "I love you, but that's not the only reason I'm doing this. Not anymore."

  "Oh?"

  "I've done a lot of thinking. This is my opportunity to do what I set out to do when I joined the THIRDS. I wanted to prevent what happened to me, Ash, and the other Therian kids in that facility from happening to anyone else, but those responsible for the hell we lived through, for the deaths of innocent Therian children, were never within my reach. Not as a THIRDS agent, and not without TIN. Don't get me wrong. We make a difference out there, but you're right. As THIRDS agents, we can only stop the pawns. As TIN, maybe we can stop the ones controlling the board."

  "Everything's changing," Dex said with a frown. He looked down at his hands, his brows drawn together. "I need to know that whatever happens, nothing will change us, or what we have. I love you, Sloane, and I'm willing to make sacrifices for this, but I won't sacrifice you. You're my family now too. Nothing means more to me."

  "I know that, sweetheart. We're in this together, and that means keeping each other grounded. TIN operatives, agents, spies, whatever name they give us, it doesn't matter." He brought Dex's hands to his lips for a kiss. "The only title that matters to me is the one on our marriage license."

  "I like that." Dex's smile stole his breath away, and the tension seemed to ease out of him. Dex's cheeks turned a pleasant shade of pink, and Sloane's heart skipped a beat. Dex wasn't usually bashful in front of him. "So, um, have you thought about what that title might be?"

  Sloane pretended to think about it. Actually he'd known from the moment he proposed. "Sloane Daley has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

  Dex's eyes went wide. "Really?"

  "I think for work purposes, I should go by Brodie, but legally? I'd like to be a Daley if that's okay with you."

  Dex's bright blue eyes turned to liquid gold before he leaped forward, tackled Sloane, and kissed him within an inch of his life. Sloane wrapped Dex tight in his arms and returned his kiss, his insides alight with love and joy at the happiness he'd brought Dex. It was no contest really. Brodie had no ties to his family, and his past was something Sloane had been trying to get away from for so long. Dex's family name stood for something. There was so much love and goodness behind it. Sloane wanted to be a part of that. This was a new chapter of his life, one he faced with a man he adored. It was fitting he take on an appropriate name.

  When they were forced to come up for breath, Dex laughed softly, his forehead resting against Sloane's. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

  Sloane kissed the tip of Dex's nose. "Like I would ever get tired of hearing it."

  "I love you." Dex brushed his lips over Sloane's. "Thank you. This means so much to me." He shimmied down to lie on Sloane and rest his head against Sloane's chest. "I feel better now. I was tired of adulting. I don't want to adult anymore today."

  Sloane nuzzled the top of Dex's head. He hummed at the softness of Dex's hair and breathed in the familiar scent of citrus shampoo and his mate. "How about I take your mind off things for a while with a different type of adulting?" He traced Dex's jawline with his fingers, his touch feathery, barely there. He lifted Dex's chin and brought their lips together for a sweet, sensual kiss. As he indulged in the taste of Dex's plump lips, Sloane continued to trail his fingers down Dex's jaw and neck, loving the feel of the rough stubble. He reveled in the way Dex trembled in his arms, in the way his breath hitched, and how he dug his fingers into Sloane's biceps.

  Dex allowed himself to be seduced, and that was exactly what Sloane intended. So much had happened in such a short time, and although Dex had yet to ask Sloane for reassurance, Sloane knew Dex needed it. Dex was different, biologically, but it was up to Sloane to show him that those differences didn't change what was between them. It didn't change how Sloane looked at him or how much he loved him. If anything, the change seemed to bring them even closer. Dex carried a part of Sloane inside him.

  Sloane trailed his fingers down Dex's arm before pushing to sit up. Dex followed him up, and Sloane wrapped an arm around his waist and lifted Dex with him as he stood so he could sit back down on the couch. Dex straddled his lap, his hard erection pressing against Sloane's as Sloane moved his lips to Dex's neck
. He planted kisses, moving his hand down Dex's torso, giving his waist a squeeze. Sloane slipped his other hand under Dex's T-shirt. He returned his mouth to Dex's, teasing his bottom lip with a nip before sucking on his tongue. The taste of sweet coffee lingered. Sloane explored beneath Dex's shirt, sliding his hands up Dex's body. His skin was so soft and smooth, the muscles of his abdomen and chest more defined than they had been months ago, thanks to the intense training sessions Sparks had been putting them through.

  "Sloane."

  His name was almost a whisper on Dex's lips, Dex's chest rising and falling rapidly. Sloane opened his eyes and was met by stunning pools of glowing amber. He shouldn't be surprised. Dex's eyes were the most beautiful blue he'd ever seen, and now they turned into a smoldering gold. They were brighter than Sloane's, as if flames burned behind them. Dex's lips were swollen from Sloane's kisses, his fair skin flushed.

  "I'm sorry for being so selfish," Sloane admitted quietly as he stroked Dex's skin under his T-shirt.

  Dex's brows drew together. "What are you talking about?"

  "There's so much we don't know about what my blood has done to you, but... I can't help thinking about how you carry a part of me inside you. You'll always have a piece of me. With my claws, I pierced your flesh, and my blood bonded us. Now my DNA is fused with yours." He pulled a hand out from under Dex's shirt so he could take hold of Dex's hand. Embarrassed, Sloane shook his head and brought Dex's fingers to his lips. He kissed the tip of each finger in the spot from which Dex's claws extended. "I've made your life more difficult, and I've put you in danger."

  Dex opened his mouth to reply, but Sloane placed his fingers to his lips.

  "We both know it's true. God knows what would happen if word got out. A Human with Therian traits? Our strength, speed, enhanced healing, razor-sharp claws and teeth." Somewhere out there, someone--or more likely a group of someones--wanted Humans like Dex dead, and for the most part, they'd succeeded, as far as TIN knew. How long would it take them to find out about Dex? "What if they try to take you from me?"

  Dex's eyes clouded over. His canines elongated, and his amber eyes flashed. "They can try."

  Despite the ferocity in Dex's hiss, Sloane couldn't help his chuckle. He placed his hand to Dex's cheek. "Look at you. My fierce little Felid-in-training."

  All at once, warmth flooded Dex's features, and his expression softened. His eyes returned to their brilliant blue, and he smiled at Sloane.

  "The only reason I'm not freaked-out about this is because it's you. Like you said. What's inside me is a part of you. I know you. I know the kind of man you are, and I know how much you love me. I'm not scared." Dex looked up at Sloane from under his lashes. "I am curious, though."

  Sloane arched an eyebrow. "About what?"

  "What the sex will be like."

  "Oh." Sloane hadn't considered that. Dex was stronger now. Maybe even as strong as Sloane. "Oh."

  A wicked smile spread across Dex's face, gold spreading from his pupils. "I think it's time to practice my pouncing."

  Sloane's eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat, and his pulse soared. He could smell it now. The shift in pheromones. The thick fog of sex and heat threatened to consume him. Well, this is new. He wasn't simply being confronted by his mate, but another predator. For the first time, Sloane was the prey, and his body knew it, could feel it. He gingerly slipped Dex off him, his eyes never leaving Dex's as he stood. Sloane's movements were slow, deliberate as he edged closer to the stairs, his gaze locked on Dex's, but Dex didn't move a muscle. He just followed Sloane with his eyes. Sloane was so hard; the softest touch would be painful.

  Dex's lips tugged at one corner. "You should run," he said, voice low and filled with the promise of a good, hard fuck when he caught Sloane.

  Sloane took the steps two at a time up to the bedroom, making it just inside the door as Dex grabbed him from behind and lifted him off his feet.

  "Holy fuck!" Sloane flailed briefly before he was tossed onto the bed. He rolled onto his back, his pulse racing as Dex crawled over him. Damn, Dex was fast. And strong. Dex kissed the breath out of him before taking hold of Sloane's T-shirt and pulling it off. They clawed at each other's clothes, and Sloane's boxer briefs were wet from precum. Dex trailed blazing kisses down Sloane's body, his fangs grazing Sloane's skin, sending a shiver through him.

  "Fuck. Dex."

  "Funny, because all I hear is 'Fuck Sloane.'"

  Sloane nodded fervently. He couldn't string two words together to say how much he wanted that. He rolled over to reach into the nightstand only to have Dex grab his hips. He pushed Sloane onto his stomach, and when Sloane felt the light graze of Dex's claws down his back, he almost came.

  "Oh God, Dex. Please, fuck me. Now. I need you to fuck me right now."

  Dex planted a kiss on Sloane's shoulder blade before reaching into the nightstand for the lube. Sloane took fistfuls of the sheets, moaning with need as Dex lifted his hips, shoved a pillow under him, and spread his knees. Dex's claws on his ass almost sent him over the edge.

  "If you keep doing that, I'm going to come without you."

  Dex folded over him to murmur in his ear. "My dick better be inside you when you come."

  "Then you better get fucking."

  Sloane sucked in a sharp breath at the cold lube against his hole. His muscles tightened in anticipation, and he forced his body to relax. It felt so good to feel stretched, to feel the sharp sting turn into the delicious sensation of fullness. Dex buried himself to the hilt, and when he began to pull out, Sloane shivered. The sudden thrust was unexpected, and Sloane cried out in surprise. His reaction spurred Dex to double his efforts. He pulled out to the tip before plunging back in, his hips smacking against Sloane's ass.

  "Oh.... Oh fuck." Sloane was doubly grateful they had a Therian-sized bed. It meant it was also Therian strength. For the first time, it was being put through its paces, as was Sloane. The force behind Dex's thrusts was definitely new, and Sloane pushed himself to his knees. He threw a hand against the headboard and braced himself. Sounds he'd never heard come out of his mouth before filled the room as Dex fucked him senseless.

  "Yeah, you like that? Who's the apex predator now?"

  Sloane laughed. "Is that what you think?" Sloane's inner Felid stirred at the challenge. Dex might be part Therian now, but there was only one Alpha in this room, and it was Sloane.

  With a growl, Sloane pushed back hard, making Dex gasp and distracting him long enough to pull off Dex, turn, and grab Dex's arm. He jerked Dex down onto the mattress on his back, grinning smugly as he pushed Dex's legs up against his chest and held him down. He took hold of the lube with one hand, popped the cap, and squirted some onto Dex's hole. He tossed the lube and pushed a finger inside Dex; all the while Dex writhed and moaned beneath his hold. The muscles in Sloane's arm pulled, and sweat beaded his brow. He couldn't hold Dex down much longer, not with one arm.

  Dex was about to get up when Sloane plunged inside him.

  "Oh fuck!" Dex arched his back, his lips begging to be kissed. It was time to put Dex's newfound vigor to the test. With a purely Human Dex, Sloane had always been mindful of his strength, of not hurting Dex, but now? He had no reason to hold back.

  Sloane kissed him hard as he fucked him, each stroke harder than the last. Excitement, and a need to dominate his spirited partner washed over him. A feral growl escaped him, and he slipped a hand behind Dex's neck, the other gripping Dex's shoulder, as he plunged into Dex time and time again. Dex took all of him, his moans and whimpers music to Sloane's ears.

  "You were saying?"

  "I was, wasn't I?" Dex pushed at Sloane's chest, and what would have been a nudge before, sent him onto his back. Dex landed on him, and they rolled, fell off the bed, and hit the carpet. Sloane laughed, and Dex did the same. Dex seemed determined to get the better of him. He rolled Sloane onto his stomach then grabbed his hips and pulled him onto his knees before he pushed inside Sloane, making him cry out. Fuck, it felt so good. The burn, t
he building pleasure, the desperation for release. Dex fucked him, and Sloane closed his eyes, hissing at Dex's deep thrusts. His muscles burned in the most amazing way, and he could feel his release building up, but he wasn't done with Dex yet.

  Sloane pushed away from him and rolled, got to his feet, and grabbed Dex's arm, then hauled him to his feet with a feral growl. He grabbed him by the ass and lifted him, carried him to the wall, and pushed him up against it. He drove inside Dex, pinning him to the wall and leaving him no choice but to wrap his legs around Sloane. Dex's flushed skin glistened with sweat, and his swollen lips were parted as Sloane fucked him hard. Sloane used his weight to keep Dex pinned, as he laced his fingers with Dex's. He lifted Dex's arms above his head, feeling the exact moment Dex surrendered himself.

  "Sloane...."

  "Say it," Sloane said with a growl.

  "You're the Alpha here."

  "And?"

  "I'm yours. Only yours. You're a part of me, Sloane. Always."

  Sloane's thrusts lost their rhythm, and he pumped himself inside Dex's ass, his breath coming out in heavy pants, and his muscles strained with both Dex's weight and his impending release. Another thrust and Sloane's white-hot release exploded. He laid siege to Dex's beautiful mouth as he came inside Dex. Once he was spent, he pulled out, placed Dex on his feet, and took Dex's hard cock into his mouth.

  "Oh fuck. Sloane." Dex threaded his fingers into Sloane's hair, holding on tight as Sloane all but devoured him. He pushed a finger inside Dex, making him gasp, and a shiver went through Sloane at the feel of his come sliding down his finger when he pulled it out. Dex let out a strangled cry as he emptied his load inside Sloane's mouth. Sloane took all of it and licked his lips when he popped off. He pulled Dex against him and kissed him so he could taste himself. Dex melted against him, and Sloane held him up, kissing him until they were breathless. When he pulled back, Dex's eyes were bright amber, and his lips were parted in a beautiful smile. Sloane shook his head with a soft laugh.

  "Did I just fuck you speechless?"

  Dex nodded.

  "Debauched is a good look for you. As long as it's my doing."