Page 42 of Beyond the Darkness

The store itself bore evidence of a long-forgotten glory. There were shelves burdened with books that had turned yellow with age, their spines cracked and covers dusty.

It whispered stories of days when people shuffled through narrow aisles, fingers trailing along the rows of endless adventures and forgotten histories.

“This place has potential,” Hudson muttered. “Kit would love these first editions. Look at this—” He held out a copy ofMoby Dickwith what looked like an original cover illustration. It was not even behind glass to keep it safe.

“Nice. Guess this place does have a few good things.”

Hudson grinned, replacing the book carefully. “Kit would turn it into a haven for book lovers.”

“I can see that.”

“Got something.” Darnell’s voice cut through Hudson’s wandering thoughts.

“Let’s hear it,” said Hudson, leaning closer.

“The property is registered under a shell company that seems to dissolve and reform every few years—classic money laundering or front activity signals. And yes, there are blueprintsthat show an extensive basement not mentioned in any public record since 1958.”

Hudson exchanged a knowing glance with Kage. “What about connections to other locations or mentions of tunnels?”

“Old city records mention complaints from neighboring businesses about noises and vibrations during late hours—which could be from possible tunneling activities—decades ago, but nothing concrete was ever proven,” Darnell said.

“There we go,” Kage said decisively. “We’re going to need to get back down there.”

“Agreed,” Hudson replied.

“Darnell, keep us updated if you find anything more,” Kage said.

“Will do, Elder.”

“Thanks.” As Kage ended the call, Hudson and he returned to the back of the store. The hole where Hudson slammed his fist into the wall was glaringly obvious. As was the hidden door. Hudson sighed at the rickety staircase.

Kage joined him by the door. “You know, if we don’t alert someone to what we found, and our mates find out that we just ran off into unknown tunnels while following Don, who’s a hunter—”

“We’re going to get yelled at,” Kage finished.

“Me doubly.”

Kage snickered. “Right, then. I’m calling Austin, Denisha, and Maia before I take another step.”

Hudson pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. “Do you want to have one of your lieutenants pop in and grab whichever one of my mates and inner circle who’s going to insist on showing up here?”

“The more the merrier.”

CHAPTER TWELVE – CONNIE

“I’M SORRY, what?” Connie’s jaw nearly hit the floor as he stared at Kit in disbelief. Surely, they had not heard Hudson correctly.

“We chased Don into this dilapidated bookstore, but he got away. However, we discovered some tunnels while searching for him. There are several down there actually.”

“Don? Did he say Don?” Kit questioned.

“Back up just a moment.Wheredid you run across Don? And how?” Connie asked.

“After finishing up at the lawyer’s office, I wanted to check on Kage and see how things were going at the Dominion. Due to all the damage, I had to park my car a few blocks away, and while walking over, I noticed the distinct scent of a hunter nearby.”

“He called me when he did,” Kage chimed in. “I portaled to his location.”

“Dammit, Hudson,” Connie snarled.

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