Page 65 of Beyond the Darkness

“There wasn’t much damage done from the attack, thankfully. There were a few injuries, but nothing too terribly serious. Is everything okay in your court?” Henrietta asked.

“A few outbuildings were damaged, as were a couple of cabins. No one was hurt.”

“I’m glad to hear that. If you really don’t mind when we come to visit, would it be okay if we arrive tomorrow? It’s been a while since I’ve seen the two of you, and I really want to meet Kit,” Henrietta said.

“Tomorrow would be fine. I look forward to seeing you and your mates too. The only event we have scheduled is a book signing at Kit’s bookstore. It’s Kage’s mate, Austin Berkshire, who is doing the signing,” Hudson said.

“The Austin Berkshire?”

Connie rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom,theAustin Berkshire.”

“I have all of his books!”

“Would you like to attend the book signing, Henrietta?” Hudson asked.

“You better believe I would. Would that be okay?”

“I don’t see why it would be a problem. Besides, the more protection we have there, the better.”

“Oh, yes. We wouldn’t want those sweet boys hurt,” Henrietta said. “Well, then, my king has graciously offered to fly us in, so we should be in San DeLain early tomorrow morning. I’ll text you tonight, Connie, and let you know what time we’ll be in.”

“I’ll have someone pick you up,” Hudson said.

“Thank you. We’d appreciate that. Okay, Connie, we’ll see you tomorrow. Love you, bye.”

“Love you too, Mom, bye.” Connie ended the call, then grinned at Hudson. “She’s going to fangirl all over Austin.”

“Then we better warn everyone who’s going to be there because you’re probably right,” Hudson joked.

As they continued their drive to the office, the conversation shifted back to what they had on the agenda for the workday. However, Connie couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of seeing his mother and dads again.

It’d been almost a year since their last visit, and there was something comforting about having family close, especially with all the recent troubles.

“When’s the last time you saw your mom in person?” Hudson asked, glancing over at Connie as he navigated through a particularly congested part of town.

“About a year ago,” Connie replied with a sigh. “It’s been too long, but with everything that’s gone on....” He shook his head slightly.

“I know,” Hudson said softly.

AT THE office, Connie took a moment to call Torres, their head of security, to brief him on the parents’ visit and discuss any additional measures they would need at the bookstore during the signing event.

Connie had no idea why it hadn’t dawned on him before then that his parents’ status had suddenly been elevated now that he was mated to Hudson. Really, that was something he should’ve thought of before. They all should have, as a matter of fact.

He couldn’t wait to see the look on his mom’s face when he pointed that out.

“Connie? Since you have Torres on the phone, make sure to ask if he’s willing to pick up your parents tomorrow morning,” Hudson asked. “If he’s busy, I can ask—”

“I can do it, Hudson. It’s no problem,” Torres said, answering Hudson’s question.

After Connie hung up, he and Hudson got to work. The rest of the day went by in a blur of meetings and preparations.

BY THAT evening, they were fully prepared for his parents’ arrival and Saturday's highly anticipated book signing event. The streets were chaotic with the usual rush-hour traffic, horns blaring and engines revving in a frantic symphony.

Connie kept a lookout as Hudson expertly navigated through the varying lanes of traffic. The rush hour had hit its peak, giving everyone on the interstate a headache.

He couldn’t spot anyone following them, but his guard remained up, especially for a beat-up white Chevy truck that could easily blend in with the other vehicles on the road.

The journey back to the compound was smooth and uneventful. The familiar sights and sounds of their home welcomed them back, a sense of safety and comfort washing over Connie. Not long after they arrived, Kit and Beckett’s vehicle pulled up next to theirs, the roar of an engine breaking the peaceful silence.

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