"Speak for yourself," Rosa said. "Milena and I have a very normal life together. She acquires antiques. Can't get any more normal than that."
"Whatever," Ash said, turning his attention back to Hudson. "Come on, Doc. Look at what's happened in the past year alone. Are you sure?"
"Yes, Ash," Hudson replied through his teeth. "It was Alfie on that table, and he was very much dead. Believe me, I wish I had doubts, but I can still see him." Hudson dropped his gaze to the floor.
"Did you...." Ash cleared his throat. "Did you examine him?"
Hudson shook his head. "It may have been possible, with my father's influence, but my family would never have allowed me to lay a hand on him. At one point, I tried to step closer. My father grabbed my arm and pulled me back." He wiped a tear from his cheek and sniffed. "Not that it mattered. All the evidence I needed was in front of me."
Dex looked thoughtful. "Could the scent have been something else masking itself as Hudson's brother? Is that possible?"
"What do you mean?" Sloane asked.
"I'm thinking about the sleeve Sparks gave me to mask the scent of my mark. What if it's possible to mask a scent with another? Therians have a keen sense of smell. One they rely on, especially THIRDS agents. What if someone was trying to fuck with Hudson?"
"Why? Why would someone do such a thing?" Hudson closed his eyes.
Sloane shook his head. "That doesn't answer why you went feral. I can see it being a catalyst, but Therians don't go feral that easily. I know things have been... a little stressful lately. Anything happen that may have pushed you over the edge?"
Seb stroked his hair, and Hudson met his gaze. He gave Hudson a subtle shake of his head. He wasn't quite ready to tell Ethan about TIN yet. The rest of Destructive Delta would find out soon, but the conversation was one he'd have in private with his little brother. He hadn't even decided what to say to his team or Dom. Seb had a lot to think about, like whether to bring his team into this mess or not. The more people he told, the more lives he placed in danger. Dom was his best friend, and Seb didn't keep anything from him, but he had to think about Dom and his family--his parents and four older brothers, two of whom worked for the THIRDS, one in Defense, the other Recon. If something happened to Dom because of Seb's association with TIN, Seb would never forgive himself.
Hudson released a heavy sigh and turned his attention to Sloane with a nod. "I'm not ready to discuss it at the moment, but yes, you're right. I think with everything that's happened recently, the scent was the final straw. It was all too much. I never thought I could lose myself in such a manner."
"Hey, everyone has their limit," Sloane offered gently. "You reached yours. It happens. Trust me."
Hudson nodded. He leaned against Seb, burying his face in Seb's shoulder. "I just want to go home. Take me home, Sebastian."
Seb swallowed hard. He looked over at Nina, who nodded, her big brown eyes filled with worry. Sloane had Ethan stop by a Therian restaurant, and Calvin ordered them some food to go before they dropped Seb and Hudson off at Seb's house. Once he got Hudson settled in the kitchen and eating, he texted Dom and asked him if he wouldn't mind picking up Seb's Suburban, and returning it to HQ. Then Seb texted Sloane to thank him and the team for everything.
That's what family is for.
Seb smiled at Sloane's text. It warmed his heart to know Sloane still considered him part of the Destructive Delta family, even if he was no longer on the team. He returned his phone to his pocket and joined Hudson at the island counter. His Lobito was lost in thought, but at least his appetite remained healthy. Once they'd eaten, they settled on the couch, Hudson lying between Seb's legs, his head on Seb's shoulder as Seb flicked through channels and absently ran his fingers through Hudson's hair, smiling at the soft sigh Hudson let out. It was all so... normal.
"How about a shower?" Seb asked, kissing the top of Hudson's head.
Hudson grunted. "That would require my having to move."
Seb chuckled. "I don't know. Let's see." He sat up, his arm wrapped around Hudson's waist, holding him against Seb as he stood before flopping him over his shoulder.
"This isn't what I had in mind," Hudson grumbled, and Seb smacked his butt for good measure, laughing at his yelp. "You're lucky I'm too tired to do anything about that."
Seb carried him upstairs. "That's a shame." He dropped Hudson onto the bed before pulling his uniform shirt and undershirt up over his head, then dropping them to the floor. "And here I thought you might want to fuck me. But if you're too tired...." Seb shrugged and turned to go, but Hudson launched himself across the bed to snag hold of Seb's hand.
"Wait!" He looked up at Seb, blinking innocently. "Did I say tired? I meant comfortable. Your shoulder was very comfortable."
Seb stretched, arching his back, an arm lifted over his head, drawing Hudson's eyes to his torso. His blue eyes raked over Seb's chest, pupils dilating before he met Seb's gaze, his tongue poking out from between his lips.
"Darling, I would very much like to fuck you."
"Oh, okay, then." Seb turned to face him. "I'm going to go take a shower first."
Hudson scrambled to sit up, and Seb held back a laugh. He took hold of Seb's belt to keep him from moving away. "May I join you?"
"Sure." Seb winked at him, and Hudson let out a huff.
"You enjoy teasing me, don't you?"
Seb lifted Hudson's chin and brushed his lips over Hudson's. "I don't enjoy it. I love it." He kissed Hudson, taking hold of his shoulder, moaning at the taste of him. Hudson's mouth was sweet from the fruit tea he'd had with dinner, and Seb's kisses grew more urgent as he explored Hudson's mouth with his tongue. He pulled Hudson's sweater vest and shirt over his head and dropped them on the floor, a groan escaping him at the feel of Hudson's slender fingers gliding over the muscles of Seb's abdomen to his chest. If he didn't get Hudson naked and in bed, he was going to go crazy. His skin was on fire, his body eager to press against Hudson.