The man was off his trolley. "Austen," Hudson hissed. "Tell me."
"It looks like Wolf might have been keeping an eye on you longer than we thought. It's likely he stepped out of the shadows because someone forced his hand. Possibly the Makhai."
Sparks had told Hudson briefly about the Makhai, the group Moros had been associated with. Hudson walked back to the bench and sat down, Seb worriedly accompanying him, his eyes questioning. He held up a hand. He'd tell Seb everything in a minute; he just needed to process all of this.
"Why?"
"Your guess is as good as mine."
"So what happens now?"
"That's up to the boss lady. What I can say is she doesn't like cleaning up other people's messes, and this whole thing with Wolf has her all kinds of pissy. Anyway, consider this one a welcome gift. Next time, you'll owe her, and trust me, you don't want to owe her."
"Thank you."
"See you around."
Hudson returned his phone to his pocket, his thoughts going to Wolf. It just didn't make any sense.
Seb placed his fingers to Hudson's jaw. "Lobito, what's going on?"
"We'll discuss this when we get home."
Agent Jones returned with Seb's phone and a new set of clothes. They were released from the cell without a word from Agent Jones, whom Hudson supposed they'd be seeing more of around Unit Alpha. Seb called a cab, and soon they were outside Seb's front door. This night was so surreal. First that nasty business with Trent, then Seb getting arrested, TIN, and now finding out about Wolf?
As soon as Seb opened the door, Hudson hurried to the kitchen. He opened the end cabinet, grateful Seb still had the electric kettle Hudson had purchased years ago. He filled it with water, aware of Seb hovering quietly beside the island counter. Seb waited patiently as Hudson made some tea. He wasn't about to burn through any more brain cells on this mess until he had a cup of tea in his hands. Once he did, he headed for the living room and sat down on the couch. Seb took a seat beside him.
"Lobito, talk to me."
Hudson sucked in a sharp breath before letting it out slowly. "Wolf's been keeping an eye on me for longer than TIN thought."
Seb blinked at him. "Come again?"
He relayed everything Austen had told him. When he was done, he took a big sip of tea and waited for all that to sink in. Seb reacted as expected. He stood, wincing at the pain in his knee before throwing up his arms.
"Are you fucking kidding me? And they only just found this out now?"
Hudson took another sip of tea. Perhaps he should take up yoga or meditation. He had the feeling he was going to need it. Seb continued to pace and rant. Hudson let the poo
r man vent. He'd been through so much already. When Seb was done, he let out a huff and dropped down onto the couch beside Hudson.
"Tell me what's going through your head." Seb's voice was soft, his fingers gentle against Hudson's jaw.
"Wolf has been watching me, and we work for TIN now. I'm... not sure what else there is to say." He was still attempting to wrap his head around it all. "Are you going to tell Dom?"
Seb ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I don't know. I mean, if I was an associate like Sparks originally proposed, I wouldn't have hesitated. I would have still been a THIRDS agent first, and TIN associate second. But as a full operative? How could I do that to Dom? We're going to be sent God knows where to do God knows what. If I fuck up, and heaven forbid I'm exposed, everyone I care about will become a target."
Hudson considered this. It was different for him. He had people he cared about, but his family was Nina and Seb's family. Speaking of which.... "Ethan already knows about Dex and Sloane. He's an associate along with Destructive Delta." Seb let out a grunt, and Hudson put a hand to his cheek. "I'm certain he was going to tell you. I imagine he's struggling with the very thing you are at the moment. Between him, Cal, and you, I'm confident our family will be safe."
Seb's smile at the mention of "our family" was breathtaking. He turned his face so he could kiss Hudson's palm. "What do you think I should do?"
"I think whether you tell Dom or not, he could still be in danger because he's your best friend. I believe it's better for him to be prepared than to be caught off guard. He would want to know."
Seb nodded. "You're right. He would. No matter what happens, I know he'd want me to confide in him. The rest of the team... I'll have to think about."
"Fair enough."
Seb took Hudson's hands. "Whatever happens, we won't let that change us. Me and you. We're in this together. Always. As long as we're together, I can make it through anything."