There was also the glaring fact that Dex had yet to bring up anything about what happened with Wolf. Not just what happened to him physically but what Wolf had revealed. When Sloane had been hurt by Hogan, Dex had run himself ragged, risked his life, his career, everything, all in the name of justice. Now he’d discovered his parents had been killed, murdered, and the reason behind it was in the wind. Sloane had expected Dex to launch a one-man military operation to get to the truth, to find this file and seek justice for his parents. He’d expected Dex to be chomping at the bit, pacing a hole in the floor as he waited to hear back from Sparks about speaking to Shultzon. Nothing. Dex hadn’t even brought it up.
They followed Dex through the busy Saturday-evening crowd, finding a table across the bar, not far from the dance floor. Dex had suggested somewhere other than Dekatria, and after what happened at the last bar they’d gone to where Sloane had almost gone feral after some Therians tried to mess with Dex, Sloane didn’t question the decision.
They took a seat, and Ash picked up the first round. For all of Sloane’s concerns, once he was sitting beside Dex, his arm around his shoulders, he relaxed. It felt good to be out. Sloane hated being cooped up. He couldn’t blame Dex for getting a little stir-crazy after a week indoors. Sloane wouldn’t have lasted that long. Though these days it was easier with Dex at his side. He didn’t feel as restless, and if he felt the urge to leave the house, he asked Dex to come with him. He never wanted time away from Dex. He just needed fresh air, even if it meant going for a jog or a walk around the block.
Ash returned with their drinks, and Sloane thanked him. It was nice to hang out with his family. Family. Sloane was caught off guard by his thoughts. Destructive Delta was also his family, but Dex, Cael, Ash, even Maddock, they were his family.
“What are you all smiley about?” Dex asked, leaning in to give his jaw a kiss.
Sloane shrugged, the smile not leaving his face. He gave Dex a squeeze. “Nothing. Just happy to be here.”
Ash shook his head sadly at him. “What’s happening to you, man? Now you’re smiling for no reason?” He narrowed his eyes at Dex. “I blame you.”
“Me?” Dex folded his arms over his chest and lounged against Sloane. “How do you figure?”
“You’re turning him into a sap.” Ash turned his attention back to Sloane. “That’s sad, bro. Really. Next thing you know you’re picking out color swatches and redoing the kitchen.”
Sloane chuckled. He didn’t have to reply, because he saw the mischievous look Dex got in his pale blue eyes. Sloane braced himself. Dex was moving in for the kill. He looked like a cat waiting to pounce. Dex leaned his elbow on the table and smiled sweetly at Ash.
“How was your trip to Bed Bath and Beyond last week?”
Sloane let out a bark of laughter. “Oh shit. What?”
The more Sloane thought about it, the harder he laughed. Ash had never set foot in one of those places. In fact, Sloane could recall Ash saying something about how he’d rather shave his mane off than be caught shopping anywhere that sold scented candles and potpourri. Ash’s face turned crimson, and he gaped at Cael, who was having trouble meeting his gaze. He innocently sipped his beer, his cheeks pink.
“You told him?”
Cael’s eyes went wide. Sloane knew this trick. He’d seen the brothers pull it off plenty of times. His bottom lip jutted out a fraction, and his voice softened.
“We were talking about bathroom rugs, and it slipped out.”
Ash’s expression softened before he seemed to realize what Cael had said. “Bathroom rugs?” He looked from Cael to Dex and back. “Who the hell talks about bathroom rugs?”
Dex let out a snort. “Normal people.”
Ash jabbed a finger at Dex. “You have no place talking about normal people. You are as not-normal as they come.”
Dex laughed, and Sloane couldn’t help but join him. If Sloane was a sap, Ash wasn’t far behind. Of course, Sloane couldn’t care less about shopping for curtains or bathroom rugs. It was kind of nice. For Ash, it used to be the equivalent of being neutered. His best friend had certainly changed his tune on that front.
“Whatever,” Ash grumbled, throwing an arm around the back of Cael’s chair, all very macho. “I don’t have to justify shit.”
Dex nodded sternly. “Of course not. I’m sure you ended up with something very manly. Like bacon-scented air freshener or gunpowder-scented aftershave, for that ‘just survived an explosion’ fresh feeling.”
The table burst into laughter, and Ash flipped them all off. Dex wiped the tears from his eyes, and Sloane was glad they’d come out. This was just what Dex needed. Ash finished his beer and nominated Dex for the next round. With a salute, Dex jumped to his feet. He motioned for Cael to come with him.
“I need to ask you something about Dad.”
“Sure.”
The two walked off, and Sloane admired Dex’s body as he walked away. When he’d stepped out of the bathroom dressed the way he was, Sloane had almost changed his mind about going out. Dex’s choice in outfit had a very rockabilly vibe to it, from the cuffed dark blue jeans and brown belt to the pale blue button-down short-sleeved dress shirt. He’d let his beard grow out over the last few days, and he was keeping his hair trimmed on the sides and long enough on top that he could style it to one side. He was muscular but lean. The way he moved was almost… predatory.
“Hey, lover boy, snap out of it.”
Sloane blinked and turned to Ash, a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry.”
“Jesus, it’s not like you don’t live with the guy.”
“So? What difference does that make?” Sloane settled back, curious at his friend’s somber expression. “What’s up, Ash?”