Page 16 of Beyond the Darkness

Kit rolled his eyes when Beckett winked at him. Dragon strength was a real thing.

The chatter of morning birds filled the air, accompanied by the low hum of passing cars as they finished up. Once everything was inside, they all went to Kit’s office. They sat around a large table, discussing plans and ideas while surrounded by piles of books and paperwork.

After about an hour, they left for lunch. They ate at Rafferty’s, a popular place not too terribly far from Kit’s bookstore.

Although the company was excellent, and the food was superb as usual, Kit couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. His gaze darted around the restaurant, trying to catch a glimpse of whoever was giving him this uneasy feeling.

And he wasn’t alone—he could see Denisha and Beckett also scanning the room with wary eyes, their bodies tense and ready for any threat, although nothing was said.

At least, not until they were outside and walking to the vehicles. The sun glinted off the nearby cars, casting streaks of light onto the pavement.

People bustled around them, some talking on their phones or hailing a taxi. Denisha’s head was constantly turning, her eyes scanning their surroundings. Beckett mirrored her actions, his body alert.

Denisha said something quietly to Beckett, the words barely audible in the busy street. Beckett’s murmured response added a sense of tension and caution.

As luck would have it, they’d parked next to each other. Once everybody was safely in their vehicles, Denisha and Austin pulled off.

“I’m sorry about ruining lunch,” Kit said quietly as they returned to the bookstore.

“You didn’t ruin anything, my friend.”

“Didn’t I? We didn’t see anyone threatening, and nothing happened. It was just probably some homophobe staring at me because of the way I look and dress.”

Beckett checked the rearview mirror and then looked out the window as he made a right-hand turn. “Don’t ignore your instincts, Kit. Never do that. Someone followed us yesterday. Don’teverignore your instincts.”

Kit bit his lip. “You’re right. I did feel like I was being watched, even though I didn’t see anybody.”

“I didn’t smell hunters, but there were so many humans and other paranormals in there, along with the scent of cooking food and alcohol, it could’ve easily been covered up.”

“Do you think it could have been Don?” Kit asked, blurting out what he’d been thinking.

“I don’t know, but I discount nothing. Here’s another thought—it might not have had anything to do withyouat all. Austin is Kage’s mate, after all. Lennox might be targeting you, but Kage is indirectly responsible for Nox being killed,” Beckett reminded Kit.

“Or it could have been a homophobe.”

“Yes, it very well could have been. Or maybe someone didn’t like that there was a Black woman sitting with a white man. Who knows? But you felt uncomfortable, and we all pickedup on it. That’s all that matters,” Beckett said. “As soon as we get back to the bookstore, I’m calling Hudson.”

Kit didn’t volunteer to do it because he was too busy watching the side mirror. “Please make sure to tell him that I’m okay and nothing happened.”

“Of course.”

“And that they can’t just drop work and come running every time I get an itch between the shoulder blades.”

“Again, don’t ignore that itch, but they probably won’t, although they may show up when it comes time to leave,” Beckett admitted. “In fact, they probably will. Thereissafety in numbers. Besides, your bookstore is warded. No one with ill intent can get inside.”

“That’s right.” How in the world Kit had forgotten that, he didn’t know. His apartment had been too, but he broke his lease when he mated with Connie and Hudson.

“I’m serious, Kit. Don’t downplay this.”

“I know, and I won’t.”

CHAPTER FIVE – HUDSON

HUDSON SAT on his back patio, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers as he enjoyed his cup of coffee. The orange and pink hues of the sunrise painted the sky above, casting a warm glow over everything.

The week was over, and it was Saturday morning. A construction crew was coming to add an underground vault for Connie’s hoard, while another worked on the master bathroom and bedroom.

Yes, he was uncomfortable having other paranormals around his treasure, although technically, the crew wouldn’t have access to his actual hoard. They were adding another underground storage area next to his.

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