Countering the Hands of Crime. Sythe Series, #2

To succeed in his Monster Containment career and team, former lone wolf Rarkin knows he must learn to trust his teammates, and let them in. It's more daunting when a brand-new classmate, with her own secrets, joins the team. And when his class learn to craft magic, the destructive potential of which Rarkin's afraid to touch. But the only way is forwards, so he'll give it his best shot. Even when monsters turn up in places they shouldn't.
And when Rarkin finds himself in over his head, and resorts to reckless bravery and autistic bluntness, somehow successfully navigating situations in ways that win him great acclaim. Then it's time to confront how child abuse in his past still impacts his self-worth. Because his character, experiences and capacity are drawing attention not only in the highest ranks of the institution he works for, but of a powerful vigilante.
And she's working with a familiar crime boss. Said crime boss is still at large, is as clever and capable as Rarkin suspects, and less than half as rational. In countering him, Sythe's resources are stretched thin. Rarkin finds his team on missions at the edge of their monster containing and fledgling magical capabilities. If he doesn't start trusting his team to have his back, and actively value himself while confronting danger beyond his abilities; he's going to get himself killed. This is book 2 of an intended 4 book SciFi-Fantasy Crime Series, with mystery and political thriller elements, a queer (especially asexual) cast and neurodivergent rep.
Subplots include exploring queer and neurodivergent relationships and gender identities. Content Warnings: can be viewed on Elise Carlson's website or on the copyright page.