EPILOGUE 2
Marcus
Drake still hadn’t returned from Nevada, so that left me spending even more time with his Alpha-Six team. I assumed he would have been back months ago, but I couldn’t complain about my current arrangements.
He wanted me trained for whatever would be coming at us next, so Dennison had been instructed to take me under his wing like a mentor, and honestly, he was a lot easier to work with than Drake.
Once a week, we would train at the gun range, where I learned how to use various types of firearms properly. I was a natural with the assault rifle and leaned on that more than any of the others, but Dennison insisted that I perfect my sniper skills for future consideration.
Juggling the CIA and the extensive training with Alpha-Six was a lot more work than I had anticipated, and I wished I had significantly more free time to do other things, like sit around on my ass and schooling Dean in Call of Duty, but I knew the long-term payoff would be worth all the effort invested.
I started my training with Dennison early this morning before dawn even broke. We started with our usual run through the city, building my endurance, and then finished at the range with sniper practice.
Our sessions had become routine, starting with the run and ending with some form of tactical or weapons training.
Dean was jealous. Nothing interesting happened this past year at the CIA, and if any significant assignments did come in, they were usually given to Atlas, Derek, or one of the other senior agents first.
We were essentially chained to our desks and laptops for the time being, which pissed him off because he was bored as fuck. I was more than okay with it, having more time to focus on my Alpha-Six training.
Drake rarely called me, and if he ever did, it was to tell me to stop being a pain in the ass to Dennison. Fucking tattle tale…
Being Drake’s eyes and ears while he was out of state no longer felt like a favor. I was sure that request was just used as an excuse to skate around the fact that he didn’t want to invite me into his ranks formally. Manly pride and all.
“You’re done for the day, kid. I’ll check in with the Sergeant for you. I know you’ve got somewhere to be.” Dennison slapped me on the back of my shoulder as he took the sniper rifle from me, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Thanks for rescheduling today, man… ”
Even though he called me a kid, a nickname I fucking hated—today, of all days, was one where I wouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me.
There was nothing to be angry or pissed off about today.
I changed out of my running clothes and stuffed them into the gym bag I had brought with me. Then, I picked up my phone to check the time.
Eleven. I had roughly an hour to spare.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I rushed out of the range and hopped in my car, making a beeline to the venue Atlas and Chyler had booked for their wedding ceremony and reception.
When I pulled up to the stunning historic building, I was pleased to see Dean already standing outside the main entrance. After getting out of my car, I tossed the keys to the valet and swaggered over to where Dean had been waiting.
“Almost thought for a second that you were going to be late.”
“And miss out on this? Fuck no. Drake and Dennison would have to strap me to a cement pillar if they wanted to stop me from being here.” I chuckled lightly as I slung my arm over his shoulders, and we made our way inside.
“Are you two sure about this?” Derek approached us as we entered the pre-decorated ballroom.
Chyler had called their wedding coordinators to set up the space to preview what they wanted for their ceremony.
“Sure as I’ll ever be,” I nodded, flashing a wolfish grin at Dean, who returned the sentiment .
“You know she hates surprises…” Alexis sang in a lilting tone from behind Derek, crossing her arms over her chest with a devious smirk. “Let’s hope she doesn’t rip either of your heads off. My best guess is she’ll start with blondie first, since dark and stormy tends to be her favorite.”
I don’t know how Derek puts up with that bratty attitude…
“She won’t. Not if Chyler has anything to say about it.” Atlas smiled wide as he entered from one of the side doors, unable to contain himself. “What can we do?”
“I just need to make a few minor adjustments for Mads before they arrive. Follow me,” Alexis instructed, leading Atlas and Derek to the far end of the room.
Dean and I stood beside each other ruminating in silence, taking a deep breath before releasing a long exhale as we admired the extravagant layout—the perfect setting.
Derek dimmed the leading lights, and as we looked up, we admired the hundreds of tiny LED fairy lights embedded in the ceiling tiles, which gave the enchanting illusion of stars.
“Five minutes!” Atlas called out across the room after checking his phone.
“You ready, bro?” I huffed with a smirk before giving Dean one of the tightest hugs I could muster.
After today, Dean and I would be more than just best friends.