Page 82 of Spooks & Specters

His dragons were both protectors by nature. They defended their court and now Kit. But tonight, though, they would also be partygoers, having fun at Raven’s Halloween Bash. For just a little while, they would partake in this holiday’s charm and chaos.

THEY TOOK one of the many black SUVs Hudson owned, and the traffic into San DeLain was insane as usual. As they drew closer to Club Nomadic, Kit saw that the streets were bustling with people dressed in their Halloween finest.

Vampires mingled with witches, ghosts floated past superheroes, and Batman walked past arm in arm with the Joker. The Joker was a cool character, but Kit much preferred his gladiator and pirate.

Since they were downtown, it was adults only, and it was already getting crowded. All the businesses in the area had a Halloween theme going too.

Hudson used valet parking, then escorted Kit and Connie inside the club. The doorman welcomed them with a nod as mysterious music drifted from inside. The building was the size of a small warehouse. The outside was nothing to look at, but the inside certainly made up for that with its exposed brick, concrete floors tinted black, and open stairwells heading up to the second and third floors.

There were plenty of awnings throughout and private nooks enclosed with drapery. Heavy ornate black leather furniture fit the theme of the place, along with the black chandeliers. A rolling fog crawled throughout the area, the lighting dim. Finally, there was a massive bar and dance floor. And that was just the everyday décor. Raven had gone the extra step for the holiday, of course.

Stepping into the main room was like entering another realm.

There were huge spiderwebs in the corners, red strobe lights gave everything a demonic glow, and pumpkins and skulls adorned every table. Even the staff had dressed up in gruesome costumes, adding to the otherworldly feel of the club. At least the ones who hadn’t come as what they truly were—vampires.

Orange and purple lights danced on the walls, casting eerie shadows throughout the club. People were dressed in a variety of costumes, from witches to zombies to ghosts.

A large cauldron bubbled in one corner, emitting a slight metallic odor. Everywhere Kit looked, there were signs of Halloween festivities. Every so often, a fake bat would swoop down from the ceiling, its wings making a fluttering sound as it dived toward unsuspecting guests. At least he thought it was a fake bat.

The music playing was a mix of spooky sound effects and classic Halloween tunes like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller.” The atmosphere was alive with excited chatter and the occasional scream from thrill seekers.

Raven had outdone himself. The club was a haunted haven that beckoned with its eerie glow and enveloped all who entered in a ghoulish embrace. Lights danced across masked faces, laughter blended with melodious tunes, and an air of exhilaration filled the space.

“Ohwow.” Kit pulled slightly away from Hudson and Connie to fully take in the scene.

Hudson watched him fondly, then he turned to Connie. “Be on guard,” he said softly.

“Always.”

As they made their way farther inside, Connie leaned over to whisper in Hudson’s ear. “No setting anyone who looks at Kit on fire,” he teased.

“Might I remind you thatyou’rethe one who had to make frequent trips to the pool?” Hudson joked back.

“Oh, now that’s just cold,” Connie complained. “As was that water.”

Kit snickered.

“I’ll be good, but I make no promises if someone tries to steal a dance with our Kit,” Hudson proclaimed.

Kit chuckled, squeezing their arms tighter. “Honestly? I don’t think that’s a worry. Everybody knows I’ve been claimed by the both of you. Besides, I’m only dancing with my favorite dragons tonight—unless you’re planning on breathing fire on any admirers?”

“Don’t tempt him,” Connie warned.

“That can be arranged,” Hudson replied simultaneously with mock seriousness.

Kit laughed as he pulled Connie and Hudson into the crowd, ready to lose himself for an evening where their worlds blended perfectly—where magic met fun under the spell of moonlight and romance.

“Let’s make sure we stick together, no matter how tempting it might be to wander off,” Connie reminded Kit, his voice carrying a hint of protectiveness.

Kit nodded, feeling the gravity in Connie’s words mesh with the excitement bubbling up inside him. “Of course. Together,” he agreed, linking his arms through theirs. “Always better together.”

The three of them moved in perfect synchrony, their bodies swaying together as if they had been dancing like this for a lifetime. In the midst of the swirling crowd of dancers, Kit couldn’t help but feel as if he was in a dream—surrounded by magic and romance under the watchful eyes of his dragon mates.

As they spun around the dance floor, Kit’s heart overflowed with love and gratitude for the bond they shared. It flared between them, an enduring flame that burned brighter with each passing moment.

The music seemed to embrace them, carrying them along in its thumping tempo. This.Thiswas what he needed—an escape from the shit that life could be sometimes. Just him and his mates, thrusting and grinding together in a dance as old as time.

Chapter Two

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