Free Act of Surrender: An Immortal Ops World Novel (PSI-Ops / Immortal Ops Book 2) by Mandy M. Roth Page A

it’s true.”  
    James glanced over at Striker and Boomer to find they actually were dancing together now. They were waltzing through the lab as Striker started in on his William Wallace songs. James didn’t comment, instead looking at his longtime friend. He knew Duke had done him a solid by lying to their captain, but James didn’t think for a second Corbin really believed he was ready for full duty.  
    Duke took a seat on an extra stool. “Got anything in here that will blow up if those two dipshits run into it?”  
    James shook his head. “No. Unlike your wife, I try to keep my testing explosions to a minimum.”
    “I love explosions,” added Boomer from the sides of the lab.
    It was how he’d gotten his nickname, so no one was surprised at his declaration.  
    Pride slipped over Duke’s face. “My mate is a hellion and I love her.”  
    “I know.”  
    Duke cleared his throat. “You need to take a break from this lab and get your mind off things.”  
    “Not really that easy,” admitted James. “I need to know what’s wrong with me.”  
    “Yeah, but you haven’t figured it out yet and staring at the same old shit day in and day out isn’t making it any clearer. Get out of here. Relax. Do something to take your mind off it all.”  
    James put an elbow on the counter. “As luck would have it, I have a date tonight.”
    Duke’s brows lifted. “With a woman?”
    “No, I’m taking Dumb and Ass—” He pointed to Striker and Boomer. “—out for some quality dancing time. When we’re done doing that, those two superheroes are going to single-handily save the city from evil villains.”  
    Duke huffed. “Don’t get shitty with me. It was a legit question. I know we put ten years between heart-to-hearts, but the James I remember didn’t date. Hadn’t actually dated in decades. He managed to get into a lot of fights, all while wearing designer clothing, but he didn’t date. And let me tell you there is nothing like a smart guy, dressed to the nines, leveling a jackass.”  
    “Jinx told me it had been over a century since I visited her place,” he confessed. “I hadn’t noticed it had been that long.”  
    “Losing Elsbeth was hard on you,” stated Duke, compassion in his eyes. “She was a sweet girl, but James, she wasn’t your mate.”  
    He nodded, thinking back on his ex-fiancé without deep guilt consuming him as it once had. She’d died prior to them ever marrying but he had cared greatly for her. “I know. I’ve moved past her death. Really, I have, it’s just, I didn’t feel like dating.”  
    “Dating and fucking are not one and the same,” said Duke. He grunted. “An alpha male needs to fuck. You know it was well as I do. You could end up going off the deep end if you don’t get your rocks off and soon.”  
    With a shaky laugh, James shook his head. “I’m not too worried about that. I’ve managed this long without it.”  
    “Famous last words, brother,” whispered Duke. “Mark my words, we’ll be dealing with an out-of-control you before too long. While you may have been fine before, you’re not now. The Corporation fucked with you, James. Who knows what will come of it. Do me a favor. Get this date of yours tonight into bed.”
    James bit at his lip. “You might not be hoping for that for long when I tell you more about her.”  
    “Why? She married?” Duke questioned, judgment in his voice before he gasped. “She’s not a vampire, is she?”
    “No.” It was amusing that Duke considered being a vampire worse than being a married woman going on a date with someone other than the man she was married to. He suspected Duke wouldn’t feel the same if it was his mate they were discussing. Bet being a vampire would win out over Mercy wanting to date another man. “She is a recent person of interest to PSI, though.”  
    Duke groaned. “Not the hacker chick. James, Corbin will shit a brick if he finds out you’re romancing the target.