Page 17 of Beyond the Darkness

The next few weeks were going to be absolute chaos, so Hudson was enjoying the peace and quiet while he could. Connie was in the shower and Kit was blow-drying his hair—Hudson could hear the faint sound of water running and the whirring of a hairdryer.

This morning, they moved all their clothes out of the master closet and into one of the larger guest bedrooms, which was where they’d be staying too. It was an inconvenience, but one they were going to have to live with until the project was done.

Hudson’s gaze was fixed on his coffee mug, the swirls of cream blending into the dark liquid as his mind replayed the events of Wednesday’s lunch with Denisha and Austin.

Nothing had come to pass, thank Gaura, but it was clear that someone had been stalking either Austin or Kit. The uncertainty of not knowing who was being targeted weighed heavily on Hudson, causing frustration to bubble within him.

Kage had been notified and shared in the concern, his usually calm demeanor betraying a hint of worry. Hudson couldn’t shake the unease that settled over him like a thick fog.

Kit walked out onto the patio, fully dressed and balancing a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. He was adorned in a stylish black crop top that revealed just a hint of toned stomach and silky bell-bottom pants with a whimsical paisley print.

His feet were adorned with sleek black sandals, and his hair was neatly pulled back into a simple ponytail. Kit’s red toenails were perfectly polished, glistening in the sunlight as they peeked out from underneath Kit’s pants.

They matched the small gems and intricate design on the jewelry that adorned his wrist and neck. Hudson couldn’t help but notice how the color contrasted against Kit’s golden skin, accentuating his features.

The jewelry reminded Hudson of something. From the research Connie had done, wedding bands seemed to be a human thing—a symbol of love and commitment in human culture.

Kit hadn’t said anything about rings, but they were having a human wedding. Why wouldn’t he want that? Although he had mentioned something about the three of them getting tattoos.

Which Hudson was fine with, although he and Connie would have to use spelled ink to make it permanent. Hudson was debating whether he should ask about the wedding bands or just surprise Kit.

The idea excited him, knowing they would have a tangible symbol of their commitment and love for each other. However,he also knew that the rings would need to be spelled to withstand their transformations into their true forms.

“Good morning,” Kit said. “You look nice.”

Hudson glanced down at himself. He wore a khaki pair of pants, loafers, and a simple black, silky shirt. He’d pulled his hair into a low ponytail. For him, this was pretty dressed down. “Thank you. You look lovely, as always.”

Kit flipped his ponytail over his shoulder. “Thank you, darling.”

“Did you happen to see if Connie was about ready?”

“He was getting dressed as I was walking out here. So? Are we still going into San DeLain this morning?”

“After breakfast, and after I talk to Kayden Lancaster.” Hudson had already met with the contractor once and explained what he wanted. Kayden had emailed his schematics to Hudson to approve, which he had after Kit and Connie looked at them too.

He really didn’t need to meet with Kayden. He just wanted to touch base with him before they left for the city. The crew that was working on the bed and bathroom would also remove all the furniture in those rooms.

Hudson, Connie, and Kit were going shopping today.

The massive bed he’d had designed to fit the three of them was scheduled to arrive right as construction finished up. The crew would hang curtains, assemble the bed frame, and set up furniture as the last step. So, now the three of them needed to go buy the stuff to put in their new bedroom.

Connie joined them on the patio, his beautiful red hair messy today. He held a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and his other hand stroked the light scruff on his chin.

Hudson had noticed the hint of scruff, which added an edge to Connie’s already handsome features. Kit stood beside Connie, his eyes lighting up with approval at the new look.

Connie grinned at them, clearly excited for their shopping trip. He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a sky-blue short-sleeved shirt, and tennis shoes.

“Good morning,” he greeted them cheerfully, taking a sip of his coffee.

Connie kissed Kit on the cheek, then leaned down and kissed Hudson too.

“Good morning,” Kit said.

“Good morning.” Hudson licked his lips after Connie kissed him, then stood. “Ready for breakfast?”

“Absolutely. Are we still meeting with Kayden before we leave for the city?” Connie asked as they walked back inside.

“Yes, then we’re spending the day shopping.” Hudson opened the door to their quarters for his mates.

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