Page 38 of Beyond the Darkness

“You thought I was hurt, so it was understandable. We get it, Connie. I also don’t know what I’d do if one of you got hurt, so believe me when I tell you, I totally get it.”

Connie buried his head against Kit’s neck.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but something good came out of that. We found out that I am indeed immune to a red dragon’s fire.”

“Fucking hell, I know, and I’m so thankful, but I could have fucking well done without that,” Connie muttered.

Hudson wrapped his arms around both of them. “We’re all okay. Just keep telling yourself that, Connie.”

Kit had also felt a moment of fear—something so terrifying and dark, Kit didn’t want to examine it too closely—from Hudson too, even though Hudson hadn’t said much.

“Should we go back to the house?” Kit asked.

“No, no, we were having such a good time, and I don’t want to ruin it. I’m okay.” Connie leaned back and kissed Kit onthe cheek. Then he kissed Hudson on the lips. “Why don’t we see what Miles didnotmanage to eat in the ice chest?”

Laughing, Kit grabbed both their hands and led them to the wrecked ice chest.

THE SUN rose early on Monday morning, casting a warm glow over the horizon. The scent of fresh brewing coffee filled the air. The three of them sat around, still in their pajamas and nursing cups of coffee.

They had spent the previous night wrestling with a decision, then soaking in the luxurious hot tub and having some fun.

Kit had responsibilities that needed his attention, but he wasn’t going to put his life in danger for them. If his mates wanted him to stay home, then home he would stay. He wouldn’t like it, but he’d do it.

Even though Connie was on board with their plans, Hudson brought up a valid point: They were attacked while on their own territory. Staying at home didn’t guarantee safety from Lennox if he came after them again.

But after the freak-out Connie had about the sparks of dragon fire—and even though Hudson hadn’t said anything, he was a bit more intense than usual—it had been agreed that Connie would stay with Kit at the bookstore for now. Beckett, along with two other dragons currently employed by Kit, were also there.

Hudson had an appointment with his lawyer that morning, then he planned to meet Kage at the Dominion to see the damage. After that, he would swing by Kit’s bookstore. While the three of them were gone, Kayden and his construction crew would be at the compound working. Once they were all dressed, they met Beckett outside. After al long goodbye, Beckett, Connie, and Kit left.

BECKETT WAS driving, while Connie was sitting shotgun. Kit was in the back, looking over the calendar on his phone.

“This Saturday is the book signing for Austin,” Kit said. “I guess I need to check with him and see if that’s still on.”

“Probably smart. I heard there was significant damage done to Embers,” Connie said.

“What about the rest of the building?” Kit asked.

“There’s an inspector coming out today. They cleared it after the attack last night as a safety precaution.” Connie turned around slightly so he could answer Kit.

“So, Hudson won’t be alone for long. By the way, how many are in Kage’s clan?” Kit asked. “Just curious.”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I think somewhere around fiftyish,” Connie answered. “We have forty members.”

“And Raven?” Beckett asked.

“Not sure how many members he has. But fortunately for the vampires, the attack happened at night,” Connie said. “There was some scrambling, but Raven managed to get his coven to another property before daylight.”

“Oh, yeah.” Kit frowned at Connie. “Daylight.”

“Exactly. All of the leaders are trying to assess the damage and the needs of their people,” Connie said. “There was one death of a leader, and that’s Alpha Li Li.”

“She was a great Alpha.” Beckett clenched the steering wheel. “Shit. She was mated.”

“And her mate is now at risk,” Connie added.

Kit frowned. “What do you mean he’s at risk?”

“When a new alpha comes in, they could either forcibly mate Jerome—he’s the surviving mate—kill him, or banish him. It’s highly unlikely a new alpha will allow him to remain without a bond in place,” Connie said.

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