Page 23 of Spooks & Specters

“It’d be interesting to try,” Connie said, nudging Kit.

“We could experiment on Hudson,” Kit mused, playing along with Connie.

“I’m always up for a little experimentation.” Hudson ushered his mates into their quarters. “But first, swimsuits. Connie? Please make sure and grab the sunscreen for Kit too.”

“Are we going to the lake? Or the pool?”

“Lake, so make sure to wear your lake shoes,” Hudson suggested. “And wouldn’t you know it? I forgot something. I’ll be right back. You guys go ahead and change.”

Both of his mates murmured agreement while Hudson hurried back to the kitchen and grabbed the two picnic baskets that were waiting for him on the counter. When he walked back into his quarters, Kit and Connie were ready.

Kit was dressed in light blue swim trunks that had donuts and shark fins plastered all over them and a light blue tank. Connie wore ombre blue trunks and a white T-shirt, and both wore old tennis shoes. Connie had also grabbed several beach towels.

“Oh! A picnic?” Kit clapped happily. “I am so on board for that.”

“But do we really need two picnic baskets?” Connie asked.

Hudson set both of them down on a table in the living area. “One is full of food, and the other comes with picnic service for the three of you, plus wine glasses and cheese amenities. Interior straps secure the glasses, flatware, and accessories.”

“So there probably isn’t a lot of room for food,” Kit mused. “Which would be a problem for two dragons. Okay, that makes sense.”

“What’s in there might tide Connie and me over until dinner.” Hudson laughed. “Maybe.”

“I believe it. I’ve never seen anyone eat the way dragons do,” Kit commented.

“If you think we’re bad, you should see the werewolves. Or any type of were. They burn through a lot of calories when they shift, and no kidding, they can put away the food,” Connie said.

“Very true,” Hudson agreed. “Anyway, we’re going to make a day of it at the lake out behind the house. It’s more private.”

Kit peered at the basket. “I hope whoever packed that put nonperishable foods in it then.”

“It’s spelled to keep cold.”

“That’s convenient. Having magic certainly has its perks, doesn’t it?” Kit joked.

“I’ll say. Let me go change and then we can go,” Hudson said.

He hurried into their walk-in closet and changed into a pair of simple black swim trunks and a white T-shirt, and he slipped on some old shoes too, then went to the bathroom. He braided his hair so it’d be out of the way.

On his way out of the bedroom, Hudson paused. Where they were going was very isolated, plus he’d warned everyone to stay away.

He debated with himself for several seconds, then decided why not. What did he have to lose? Nothing. Opening a drawer, he pulled out a vibrating butt plug and some lube.

Hudson didn’t know if Kit would be up for something like that, but Connie definitely would. Dragons weren’t known for their modesty, and it wouldn’t be the first time they’d fooled around outside.

Hudson slipped the things in his pocket and joined his mates. “Ready to go?”

“Yup.”

Hudson grabbed one of the picnic baskets, and Connie grabbed the other.

“I can carry that, you know?” Kit poked Connie in the ribs. “I don’t mind.”

Twisting, Connie caught the finger that had been drilling mercilessly into his side. Without hesitation, he brought it to his mouth and nipped at it with his teeth, then ran his tongue around the digit.

Kit’s gaze zeroed in on Connie’s finger and groaned.

While the two were distracted, Hudson slipped the extra things into the basket that held the plates and silverware.

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