Page 89 of Beyond the Darkness

Merchieftain Fenton wasn’t happy, but he promised that nothing would happen to Chester since he’d been forcibly injected with Mer DNA. He promised to get Chester out of there and offer him assistance in learning his new state of being if he wanted it.

Don was satisfied with that.

Don reviewed maps of the tunnels with Kit, going over every possible route they might take if things went to shit. Don was fitted with a wire too. It was no surprise that not a soul spoke to Don.

Throughout it all, Hudson and Connie remained close to Kit. Kit never said a word about them nearly standing on top of him—he just accepted it. Although occasionally he’d rest his hand on Hudson’s shoulder or Connie’s back, telling them without words that all would be fine.

Unable to stop the building tension, Hudson finally locked himself in one of the smaller storage areas and sent a quick prayer up to Gaura to protect his mates and the people who are helping them. It wasn’t much, but it did help some.

As the time drew nearer, Kit left his bookstore with Don. Seeing his mate walk out the door with Don called on all of Hudson’s courage. If Connie hadn’t been standing there with his arms wrapped around him, Hudson wasn’t sure he could’ve let Kit leave.

“He’ll be okay,” Connie promised.

Hudson didn’t bother to reply. Connie already knew what Hudson had threatened if Kit was hurt. He checked his watch. “As agreed, let’s give them plenty of time to get there, then Kage, at the signal, would your daemons start portaling everyone to the tunnels under the Whispering Pages Bookstore?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR – CONNIE

CONNIE SWALLOWED. Watching Kit get into Don’s truck was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. A part of him wanted to stop his mate, to tell him not to leave.

But another part of him knew it was for the best, even though it tore him apart. As he watched them drive off, a million thoughts raced through his mind, each one fighting for dominance in his conflicted heart.

Kit’s bookstore was busting with paranormals, their presence filling the small space with powerful energy. Connie couldn’t help but be impressed by how many had stepped up to help Kit in his time of need.

The gargoyle king, Ward, stood softly speaking to his clan members. Raven, the Master of the City, held court with his vampires. Axel and a group of his werewolves stood ready by his side.

Connie’s gaze swept over the room and noticed that every leader in San DeLain was present, except for Alpha Li Li, of course. Connie wondered briefly about what had become of that situation. No one had heard anything as of yet.

There were fifteen daemons there and just as many dragons. Susan, a member of Kage’s clan, was also there. She was a magic user with some healing ability. If needed, she could deal with the runes.

As Don’s truck sped toward Whispering Pages Bookstore, Connie tuned in to Kit and Don’s conversation through thewire Don was wearing. They were discussing potential scenarios for their upcoming meeting with Lennox, with Don planning to introduce Kit as a surprise for Lennox in front of Lennox’s bosses.

Like he was some sort of damn gift, it made Connie’s dragon want to trample something. Kit wastheirtreasure.

Later. He’d trample something later, he promised himself.

As soon as Kit was presented to Lennox, they’d all portal in and attack. Maia had been tasked with getting Kit out of there. That was her main job.

Connie cracked his knuckles, listening to the tension in Kit’s voice as he talked to Don while they drove. His mate had been scared earlier, no matter how bravely he’d tried to hide it. Something like that couldn’t be hidden in a room full of paranormals. They had all smelled it, and Connie’s heart had clenched at the thought.

But several other paranormals in there had also gazed at Kit with respect in their eyes.

Now the mate bond pulsed with Kit’s nervous energy, causing an uncomfortable sensation in Connie’s chest. From the tenseness of Hudson’s mouth, he was feeling it too.

As the clock ticked down, the air in the bookstore grew thicker with anticipation. Every person there knew the stakes were high and failure was not an option. Connie glanced around, seeing everyone’s faces set in grim determination.

Just then, Hudson cornered Connie, his eyes those of his dragon. They burned with fear and aggression. “We need to be ready the moment that signal is given,” he whispered harshly, his voice barely carrying over the murmurs of the gathered crowd.

“I know.”

“We will protect him.”

“We will,” Connie promised.

“I love you. I need you to keep yourself safe too, mate.”

“And I love you. And same goes. I need both of my mates safe and sound.” Dragging Hudson closer, he kissed him roughly, pouring all his fear and frustration into the kiss.

When they broke apart, Hudson stalked off. Touching his lips, Connie grinned. Hudson had kissed him like he wanted to eat him. He loved that need of Hudson’s. But that spike of desire faded as he glanced over at the large digital clock mounted on the wall.

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