Page 21 of Walking in Darkness

“Magic, remember, Kit? Dragons are creatures of magic. I can make it to where no one can hear our conversations,” Hudson said. “And while I agree your place isn’t the best option, I think your papa would consider your apartmentyourterritory. Not his. Not mine. Yours. Being a shifter, I’m sure he knows protocol for visiting someone’s territory.”

“In other words, you don’t go to someone’s territory and act like a dick,” Connie said.

Hudson nodded. “Exactly. I’d also tell him you’re involved with us. That way, there’ll be one less surprise.”

“Ah, no mentioning you’re my mates yet?”

“I’d rather we be face-to-face with your papa before we tell him that. He’ll most likely have questions and concerns that can be addressed much more easily in person than over a phone,” Hudson said.

Connie didn’t bother to mention it was also much easier to intimidate somebody in person than over the phone. Throwing that out there would only piss Kit off, and Connie didn’t see a reason to do that. At least, not until they had to. If they had to. Because whether or not Kit’s papa agreed, Kit was theirs.

“Okay, good. My place it is. Now I have to figure out how to get them here without triggering the Spanish Inquisition from my mom,” Kit snarked.

Connie patted Kit on the back. “If it makes you feel any better, Hudson and I also have not told our parents about you.”

Kit perked up. “I won’t be the only one going through this?”

Connie swallowed heavily. “Not by a long shot.”

CHAPTER SIX – HUDSON

HUDSON JUST knew Connie was going to make some comment about Hudson’s mom, but he didn’t, thank Gaura.

And wow, that took on a whole new meaning, didn’t it? Now that he knew Gaura was an actual living being. One that Kit had met.

Hudson was so jealous.

Although being in the presence of a dragon deity was kind of terrifying too, he was sure. Gaura was all powerful. Plus, he had the distinct impression that Kit desperately hoped another meeting wasn’t on the agenda.

Hudson had to wonder why Gaura hadn’t come to him, though. Not that Kit wasn’t worthy. He very much was. But Hudson was the dragon king in his area. Did that not count for something?

Then again, it might be because Gaura knew Hudson would question why he and Connie didn’t share a mate bond. Yeah, he still wanted answers on that one.

Hudson’s thoughts turned back to his mother, Queen Abigail. Connie was being ridiculous. She wasn’tthatbad. Was she overprotective? Yes.

Out of her one clutch, only Hudson had survived. So, maybe sometimes she was a bit overbearing. A little demanding.

She’d been hinting for at least a hundred years that if he didn’t find his bonded mate soon, he needed to at least have acouple of hatchlings. She’d certainly tried to introduce him to several female dragons through the years.

His mother was the queen of her own territory and had a domineering personality. He hated to admit it, but she was kind of old-fashioned too. Maybe even a bit narrow-minded. Was she intimidating? Well, yes. Also, very opinionated. She had certain feelings about certain things and voiced them quite loudly.

And she didn’t think too highly of humans either, but considering how they were destroying the planet, he couldn’t blame her for that. Which could be a problem, although Kit wasn’t like the ultrarich who controlled so much of the world.

Fine. He could see why Connie was nervous about her. Which, shit, meant Kit would probably be. Lovely.

“Also, Kit, phone lines are notoriously unsecure, so be very careful what you say to your mother. No mention of what your dad or we are, please,” Hudson said.

“Great. This should be fun. Then again, by refusing to give her a straight answer, that’ll guarantee they’ll be on the next plane out here by tomorrow at the latest.” Kit stood and dragged his cell out of his pocket. “Let the fireworks begin. I’ll be back.”

Phone in hand, Kit walked out onto the back patio.

“Holy shit, Hudson,” Connie said.

“I know.”

“I don’t know where to even start.” Connie glanced outside to where Kit stood. “Gaura, Hudson. He met our god. I have so many questions! Plus, well, I don’t want to sound like an ass, but—”

“Why Kit?” Hudson asked.

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