Page 3

CHAPTER 3

E than had just made it back to his house when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the screen and smirked before answering.

“Hey, Pops. What’s up?”

Lycos’ chuckle rumbled through the line. “Are you up for dinner tonight?”

Ethan’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. “Are you in town?”

Lycos snorted. “Well, it’d be kinda hard to have dinner with you if I weren’t.”

Ethan rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Yeah, okay, that was a stupid comment.”

His father chuckled. “You know, for a genius, sometimes you say some pretty dumb things.”

“Without a doubt.” Ethan laughed. “Is Mom with you?” Ethan asked, tossing his keys onto the kitchen counter as he walked through his house.

“No, she went to visit Jewell, Bengal, and the kids. Kelly and Karson wanted to start hydroponic growing for their science project this year, and Jewell went to the source for information. I came out to work with some of the recruits.”

Ethan stilled, his fingers drumming against the granite countertop. He knew exactly what his father meant by recruits . Lycos wasn’t talking about bright-eyed college grads looking for internships. He oversaw the Shadows—not just their handling but their mental health and wellbeing. Since taking over for Demos, Lycos had become the steady hand guiding new assassins into the life and ensuring those already in the field didn’t burn out before their expiration date.

And expiration dates were very real in their world. Ethan had never met an old assassin working in the field. Older? Sure. Old? No. The ones who lasted either transitioned into leadership, intelligence, or training, but eventually, everyone either retired or ended up in the ground.

“Is this a recruitment check or an update?” Ethan asked as he descended the stairs, unlocking his secure work area.

Thor, his loyal companion, padded after him, curling up on his soft bed in the corner of the room with a low grunt of acknowledgment.

Lycos made a noncommittal sound. “A little of both, perhaps.”

Ethan raised a brow. “Where are you?”

“Across the street.”

Ethan barked out a laugh. “You mean you’ve been sitting over there, watching me, instead of just coming over?”

“Well,” Lycos drawled. “I’ve got to admit, the little fiasco with your neighbor was interesting.”

Groaning, Ethan scrubbed a hand down his face. “ Which fiasco?” He didn’t even want to know how comical her falling on top of him looked .

Lycos didn’t answer. Just let out a low, knowing chuckle.

With a shake of his head, Ethan climbed back up the stairs, Thor lumbering after him. He made his way to the front door, opened it, and sure enough, his father was standing there like a damn specter from his past.

Hanging up the phone, Ethan reached for Lycos and pulled him into a massive hug, gripping him like the lifeline he’d once been. The man had literally saved Ethan and his mother’s lives. Another assassin had chosen an anti-social, foul-mouthed assassin who lived on a mountain to protect them. She sent them directly to Lycos. The rest was history.

“Damn, it’s good to see you, Pops.”

Lycos patted his back in that strong, reassuring way only fathers could. “It’s good to see you, too. Your mom wants to know if you’re eating right.” He held Ethan at arm’s length, giving him a once-over, eyes sharp. “Looks like you could use a little more meat on those bones and some lessons on how to avoid a punch.”

Ethan snorted and smacked his father’s stomach. “And you look like you could use a little less food. I’ll spar with you, but don’t you think you’re getting soft in your old age?”

Lycos’ laugh was low and dangerous. “Not likely. Looks like the only one getting soft would be the city boy.”

Ethan scoffed, leading the way inside. They moved through the house with the ease of men who’d spent a lifetime navigating dangerous spaces, their bond unshakable. As they headed downstairs into Ethan’s secure work area, Thor settled back into his spot, his eyes watchful but relaxed.

Lycos had been there plenty of times, his clearance allowing him access, but Ethan never disclosed his projects or what he was working on. And Lycos never asked. That was how their relationship worked. It was built on a lifetime of trust, respect, and a mutual understanding that some things were simply not meant to be shared.

The monitors on the walls remained blank, but the security of Guardian surrounded them. It had always been that way for Ethan. He’d grown up with Guardian and been raised within its unspoken rules and relentless mission to make the world safer.

“How long are you on the East Coast?” Ethan asked, finally breaking the silence.

Lycos shrugged. A nonchalant gesture that gave nothing away. “Not sure. Depends on several factors.”

Ethan didn’t press. His father had his own missions, just as Ethan had his. They both understood the necessity of secrets and their weight. The unspoken promise that when it mattered they would share what needed to be shared was always there.

“You’re staying here, right?”

Lycos shook his head. “No, my business is a little farther north.” He held up two fingers. “Two states north, actually. But I had time to come see my kid.”

“I’m not a kid anymore,” Ethan replied, grinning

Lycos smirked, his gaze sharp and knowing. “You’ll always be my kid, Ethan. And I’ll always make time for you.”

Ethan’s throat tightened at that. He didn’t need to say anything. His father had already said enough.

Lycos exhaled, his gaze steady as he studied his son. “In my mind’s eye, you’ll always be that scared little boy who bravely defended his mama on that mountain. At least to me, you will be. Although I have to admit, I’m pretty fucking proud of the man you’ve become.”

Ethan swallowed hard, a warmth settling in his chest. He wasn’t one for emotional moments, but hearing those words from his father meant everything. He tilted his head and smirked. “And I’m pretty fucking proud to have you as a dad.”

Lycos huffed out a breath. “Well, damn, let’s not get all teary-eyed.”

Ethan chuckled. “No worries about that.” He stretched his arms above his head before cracking his neck. “I was just thinking about you this morning.”

His father raised a brow. “Really? Why?”

Ethan nodded toward the sleek row of high-tech monitors lining his desk. Their blank screens hid layers of encrypted chaos waiting to be unraveled. “Something you taught me a long time ago helped me crack one of the puzzles. ”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“If you think you can’t, you probably can’t. If you think you can, try harder and do that shit like a motherfucking boss.”

Lycos chuckled and followed his line of sight, eyeing the computers before lifting an eyebrow. “Still getting those puzzles?”

“Yep,” Ethan confirmed, dropping into his chair. “And they’re getting harder. But the things I learn and push myself to discover are incredible.”

Lycos sat back, arms crossed. “I’d like to meet the man teaching you all this.”

“Yeah.” Ethan let out a dry laugh. “So would I.”

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 na?ve. 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 another computer 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 would always belong 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 lighting of 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.

“Enjoy!” she said cheerfully, continuing on her way, completely oblivious to the curb ahead. She tripped and wobbled dramatically before catching herself on the light post. “I’m okay! Everything’s good!”

He could only shake his head and give a rue chuckle. Lycos, ever observant, raised an eyebrow as they climbed into the SUV.

Ethan let out a long breath and told his dad about his neighbor, “She moved in about six months ago. Her name’s Star and she’s a walking disaster.”

Lycos turned the ignition. “That so?”

“Yeah, her background’s not all that exciting—except for the part where her great-uncle left her the house. That’s where it gets interesting. Turns out, the guy was a bookkeeper for two mob families.”

Lycos lifted an eyebrow again, this time in genuine interest.

Ethan nodded. “Yep. He was an interesting old fart. Lived to a ripe old age, too, so he must’ve had some serious dirt on those families. But get this—she didn’t even know the guy. Probate court had to track her down. The house sat empty for a long time before they found her.”

Later, Lycos leaned back in his chair as they settled into the restaurant. The wine steward approached, presenting a deep, rich Cabernet. Lycos went through the ritual—swirling the liquid, watching the slow, rich legs of the wine streak the glass, inhaling the aroma before taking a measured sip. Satisfied, he nodded, and the waiter poured them both a glass.

Setting the glass down, Lycos fixed his sharp gaze on Ethan. “Explain what you meant by ‘walking disaster.’”

Ethan exhaled, shaking his head. “Frankly? Everything she touches … erupts.”

Lycos cocked his head. “Erupts?”

“Yeah. There’s really no other way to explain what happens when she’s around. Whatever the scenario, if you put Star into it, the situation explodes into the worst possible outcome.”

Lycos frowned, clearly intrigued. “Such as?”

Ethan took a sip of wine and set his glass down. “Once, she called me over to the house because she was stuck behind the dryer. Upside down.”

Lycos scowled. “How the hell did she manage that?”

“She was trying to get a sock that had fallen behind the machine. Somehow, she slipped— while holding her phone—and wedged herself between the dryer and the wall.”

Lycos let out a long breath, scanning the restaurant briefly to ensure they weren’t being overheard, before leaning in slightly. “You realize people have died from hanging upside down for extended periods of time.”

“Oh, I know. You definitely know.” He smirked at his father.

Lycos had a unique skill set—one that had ensured he was damn good in his previous line of work. If anyone knew the bizarre ways someone could die in an “accident,” it was Lycos.

“And, well, you did see the incident today,” Ethan added.

Lycos inclined his head. “I did.”

“And to top all that off? She’s renovating that Victorian.”

Lycos blinked. His mouth opened slightly before he snapped it shut. “Repeat that . ”

Ethan laughed outright. “You heard me right. She’s renovating the house. By herself .” He held up a finger. “With the exception of the electrical system—which, by the way, is apparently faulty as fuck.”

Lycos took another long sip of wine before exhaling sharply. “You have a good fire suppression system in your house, right?”

Ethan chuckled. “The best. And you know why.” He shook his head. “I’m not afraid of her house burning and taking mine with it. I am afraid of her going down with the house.”

“And you have a thing for her.” Lycos sat back in his chair, swirling his wine with his knowing, shit-eating grin.

“Yeah, I do,” Ethan sighed.

“Your mother will be glad to hear that.”

“Yeah, no.” He shook his head quickly. “Don’t tell Mom. Every time I get close to making a move, Star has this uncanny ability to do something so ridiculous it absolutely wrecks the moment. I asked her to dinner today. She’s going to cook for me. I hope she can cook and doesn’t poison me.” He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. “I swear, getting close to her could kill me.”

Lycos let out a rare laugh, full and deep, just as the waiter approached with their menus.

Ethan settled in, shaking his head as he and his father enjoyed a fantastic meal. They talked about the unclassified parts of Guardian, the latest recruits, in the most general and benign terms, and the new home in Colorado. Well, not new anymore. Yet only three people had set foot inside. His mom and dad and himself.

Then again, it was built into the mountain and purposefully remote.

The mountain cavern Jewell and Bengal had purchased from Lycos was now well known by too many people for Lycos to be happy. But the home in Colorado? That was something else entirely.

Epic. Remote and unseen by a stranger’s eyes. Built directly into the rugged mountains, it was more fortress than house, designed for endurance, security, and absolute self-sufficiency. Every inch of it had been meticulously crafted, designed to be lived in for generations. One day, he would return, but his mentor wanted him in New York. Why? He had no idea.

When the time was right, he’d pack up and move his base of operations out there. When his life slowed down, when he was ready.

But that day wasn’t today.

Right now, his world was there in the thick of things. Living on the outskirts of New York City, just close enough to taste the chaos but far enough away to keep his sanity, was exactly where he wanted to be. With the energy, the constant movement, the endless opportunities, he thrived.

His work with Guardian had expanded his horizons in ways he never could’ve imagined. He’d seen the world from every angle—through the eyes of soldiers, spies, diplomats, hackers, and criminals. He’d worked in shadows darker than the night itself, yet somehow, he’d managed to hold onto a sense of himself.

One day, he’d settle down.

One day, he’d return to Colorado.

Maybe he’d even take care of his aging parents—not that they’d ever allow it. Bethanie and Lycos would fight tooth and nail before admitting they needed help.

One day, he’d find someone, a woman, who could put up with his particular brand of insanity, someone who fit seamlessly into his world. He’d build a life with her. A family, if he were lucky.

But until that day came? He belonged there in the middle of everything. Because that was where he needed to be. His mentor had told him that. He hadn’t believed it at first, but as the years had passed, he was certain it was what he was born to do.

Ethan was meant to inherit the throne of secrets. The vast network of knowledge, power, and control his mentor wielded couldn’t be passed to just anyone. It required a mind capable of unraveling the world's deepest mysteries, a mind that could see the patterns beneath the chaos.

Ethan had been chosen for it. And deep down, he knew it was true. One day, when his mentor retired, he would take on that role alone.

But today?

Today, he had a job to do. A puzzle to finish solving. And maybe a certain accident-prone neighbor to keep from burning her house down.