Page 25 of Spooks & Specters

“You know there is a gym in the compound, right?” Connie asked, holding a couple of the empty water bottles.

Kit followed Connie up the walkway, while Hudson walked behind them. “I need to check it out. My apartment had one that I used to go to all the time. I also used to jog.”

“You’ve mentioned that. Want to go with me in the mornings?” Connie asked.

Dragons didn’t require exercise, yet many found it enjoyable, nonetheless. It served as an effective stress reliever, or so Hudson had heard. Neither he nor Connie frequented their gym, but Connie was fond of morning runs.

“You know, I think I’ll take you up on that.”

“Good thing I know where to find you in the mornings, huh?” Connie teased as they walked toward the picnic table. “Want to join us, Hudson?”

“That’s okay, you two go on ahead.”

“Are you sure?” Kit asked.

“I’m sure.”

Although the three of them were in a relationship, he had no issues with Kit and Connie having activities that were just theirs. Similarly, there were times when it would be only him and Kit together.

Jogging could be one of those activities Kit and Connie shared.

Sue him, but he was a thousand years old, and he failed to see the appeal of jogging around the compound, becoming hot and sweaty. It wasn’t that he minded getting hot and sweaty; he simply preferred doing so in more pleasurable pursuits.

Upon reaching the picnic table, Hudson took charge of the basket filled with napkins and other items, concealing his surprises within. He arranged the plates, utensils, and napkins as Connie searched through the food basket.

Connie held up the bottle of wine.

“Let’s save that until later this evening. Alcohol won’t affect us, but it will Kit,” Hudson said. “Also, I asked for cheese and grapes to go along with that wine. Are they in there?”

“Yes. Okay, saving the wine for later then,” Connie said, digging out a couple more water bottles that he placed on the table. “So, I see we got turkey, gouda, and apple tea sandwiches, BBQ chicken salad sandwiches, grilled lemon chicken legs, potato salad, spring salad with strawberries and goat cheese, prepackaged fruit pies, and several kinds of chips.”

Kit gaped. “Good grief, that’s a lot of food.”

“Dragons, remember?” Connie joked. “We eat a lot.”

“And how did you know all that?”

“It’s labeled. There’s also a package of hotdogs and buns. Plus, jumbo marshmallows. Oh, and trail mix. Not to mention the cheese ball, grapes, and wine.”

“Marshmallows?” Kit asked, peeking into the basket. “I can’t remember the last time I roasted marshmallows over an open fire. Can we do that?”

“Of course.” Hudson gestured at the firepit. “I’m sure that’s why they were included. All we need is some wood. You already got your fire starters here.”

“Guess it’s a good thing I’m mated to red dragons, huh?”

“You know it, babe.” Connie poked Kit in the ribs.

“Hey now!” Kit swatted him.

Hudson watched as his two younger mates play fought. Connie, mindful of his own strength, handled Kit with care. Given his speed and might, Connie had the potential to inflict serious injury.

In any combat between a dragon and a human, the human stood no chance. Nevertheless, Connie allowed Kit to land several solid strikes.

Kit seemed aware of this, as indicated by his eye-rolling.

As Connie backed Kit towards Hudson, their eyes met. Wrapping his arms around Kit, Hudson pulled him onto his lap. Without wasting a second, Connie took hold of Kit’s face and planted a kiss on his lips.

Having Kit squirming on his lap was definitely going to lead to trouble, and Hudson was tempted to throw his plans out the window and just go with it, but he didn’t. For one thing, he’d heard Kit’s stomach growling just moments before.

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