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His father was one of the few who knew about the enigmatic figure responsible for Ethan’s relentless training. The mysterious mentor was a ghost who operated outside the usual Guardian channels, guiding him through unsolvable puzzles and encrypted mazes that tested his intelligence to its absolute limits.
In theory, nobody knew who his mentor was. But Ethan wasn’t naïve. Jason would know. Saint would know. The deepest roots of Guardian’s leadership had access to nearly everything, though Ethan wasn’t sure if the newer, evolving leadership had been briefed into this particular operation.
And Ethan himself? He was becoming something of an enigma. As far as Guardian was officially concerned, he no longer worked for them. His connections had been methodically moved farther and farther away. Now, he was just anothercomputer specialist contractor.
Only a select few—Lycos, Jason, Saint and his mentor—knew the truth.
Even Jewell, his aunt, in the most indirect way, believed he’d transitioned fully into the private sector. She’d been disappointed when he’d “left” Guardian, but she’d supported his choice, telling him to follow his own path. If only he could have told her the truth—that his heart and brainpower wouldalwaysbelong to Guardian.
But that was the price of the work he did. Secrecy. Distance. A carefully woven cover story that included tax returns, contracts, and completed projects—enough to make his “private business” airtight.
Lycos pushed up from his chair. “Well, get some clothes on, son. We’re heading into the city. Justin’s reserved us a table at his restaurant.”
Ethan shot to his feet. “You feed Thor while I get dressed?”
His father glanced at the old dog, who was still sprawled lazily on his bed, his graying muzzle resting on his massive paws. Lycos walked over and crouched down, running his fingers through the thick fur on Thor’s neck.
“This old man still taking care of you?”
Thor’s tail thumped against the cushioned bed in response.
“You bet he is,” Ethan said, pausing at the edge of the stairs.
Lycos glanced up. “You know, Missy’s expecting.”
“One of those wild wolves finally got to her?”
“We’ve tried to keep her cooped up when she’s in heat, but she’s more wolf than dog, and we decided to let her run. She came back and stuck close. Not sure she liked the pack out there.” Lycos stood up. “It’d be good for Thor to have a puppy around. I could bring you one after she whelps. Keep him young. Give him something to do while you’re fiddling around with all those keyboards.”
“I’ll take you up on that, and, Dad, don’t look now, but your soft side is showing.”
Lycos lifted his hand and flipped him off.
Ethan laughed, patting his leg as Thor pushed himself up and followed him toward the stairs. Lycos strolled behind, winking as he passed.
His father was the hardest, roughest man Ethan had ever known. No one was as guarded or formidable. But beneath all that steel was a damn good man who loved his family fiercely and cared more than he’d ever admit.
* * *
The dim lightingof the secluded table in Justin’s high-end restaurant cast a warm glow, making the polished wood gleam. The scent of seared steak, fresh herbs, and perfectly aged whiskey lingered in the air, blending with the low hum of conversation around them.
Lycos leaned forward, elbows on the table, his expression unreadable as he studied Ethan over the rim of the cocktail he’d ordered while they waited to be seated.
“So,” he said, voice dry with amusement, “tell me about your neighbor.”
Ethan groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “Oh, hell. What did you see?”
Lycos smirked. “Everything.”
Ethan dropped his head onto the table with a dramatic thud. “Dammit, Star.”
Lycos laughed, shaking his head. “Son, I think you’ve finally met your match.”
Earlier, as Ethan and Lycos crossed the street toward his father’s Guardian-issued SUV, Ethan spotted Star walking toward the hardware store. She looked up, caught sight of him, and waved enthusiastically.
“Going out to dinner?” she called.
“Yep, in the city,” Ethan replied, lifting a hand in return.