Page 77 of Beyond the Darkness

Kit grinned back. “No one actually said anything to me.”

Henrietta didn’t look convinced.

“It’s fine, Henrietta. My court is completely accepting of Kit,” Hudson said.

“Then where did he get such an idea?”

Hudson sighed. “Before my mother’s untimely demise, I had told her about my mating with Kit and Connie.”

Henrietta held up her hand. “Say no more. I was well aware of your mother’s stance on humans.” Henrietta turned to look at Kit. “My mates and I do not feel that way, Kit. Please believe me. The court we come from also does not have such antiquated views.”

Kit took a deep breath and nodded. “I was nervous, yes. And I shouldn’t have been. Do you know why? Because Connie accepted me without reservation—human fragileness and all. And why was that? Because that was the way you raised him. I temporarily forgot that, and I apologize.”

Hudson frowned.

“Nope. Don’t look like that, Hudson. You’ve been very clear that your mother didnottake any interest in your upbringing, so technically speaking, she didnotraise you. So of course you did not share her views toward humans,” Kit said.

Hudson swallowed heavily. “Thank you, mate.”

“Just telling it like it is,” Kit responded.

“Well, Gaura, now you’re going to make me ugly cry,” Henrietta said, dabbling at her eyes with her napkin. “You are the sweetest thing ever, and I thank our dragon God that Connie and Hudson found and mated you.”

Connie met Kit’s gaze, then winked at him. Kit smiled back, and with that simple gesture, Connie knew then that any worries Kit might have had were gone.

LATER, AS they moved to the couches for coffee and continued chatting, Leo and Ford shared stories about Connie’s childhood adventures, much to Connie’s mock horror.

Kit laughed along, adding his own embarrassing tales when prompted. When Kit yawned, Connie glanced at his watch, surprised to see what time it was.

“Oh my, look at the time,” Henrietta said, seeing Kit yawn. “I think it’s time for us to retire.”

After several rounds of hugs, everybody ended up at the door to Hudson’s quarters.

Turning, Henrietta held out her arms. “I am so glad they found you, Kit. It’s very clear that you make Hudson and my son very happy. I’m glad to have you as part of my family too.”

“That goes double for us,” Leo and Ford said.

“Thank you for welcoming me so warmly,” Kit replied, hugging them.

Henrietta squeezed his arm softly. “You’re part of this family now. And remember—family takes care of each other.”

Everyone said good night, and Connie escorted his parents to their quarters. When he returned, he found Kit and Hudson sitting on the couch. Connie moved the carts with the dirty dishes to the hallway, then joined them.

Connie took Kit’s hand in his, squeezing it gently. “I’m glad everything went well. I told you they’d love you.”

Kit turned to him and smiled softly. “It went more than well. Tonight felt right—like I was exactly where I needed to be.”

Connie’s eyes glinted with happiness. “Youareexactly where you need to be.”

Hudson nodded in agreement, resting his hand on the back of the couch, encompassing both his mates within the circle of his arm. “Tonight reminded me of what’s truly important—family, love, and acceptance. It shouldn’t matter where we come from but where we’re going together.”

Kit leaned into Connie a little more. “It’s funny how a dinner can change so much, isn’t it? I was so worried, and now, I feel like I’ve been part of this family for years.”

Connie laughed lightly. “As I said, that’s because you were meant to be here, with us. And nothing will ever change that.”

The three of them sat in comfortable silence for a few moments; each lost in their thoughts and the joy of the evening.

“You know, family isn’t always about blood,” Connie said thoughtfully. “Sometimes it’s about who stands by you when you need them the most.”

---