Page 35 of Walking in Darkness

Connie held his breath. This was the first test. Hudson was a powerful dragon with a great capacity to love, but hewasa dragon. He was everything he’d told Kit and more. They both were. But Hudson was also capable of the most horrendous acts imaginable if pushed.

Kit nipped Hudson’s thumb. “I see you. You’re kind of scary, aren’t you?”

“He really is, but he has to be,” Connie said, drawing Kit’s attention. “But that scariness is tempered by his goodness. And heisa good dragon, Kit. But yes, this is who our mate is. He’s my king, and yours too.”

Kit looked back at Hudson. “Idosee you, and I do accept you. But I also need you to understand something. I need you to accept me for who I am. You might be my king, and wow, I hadn’t thought of it like that, but I won’t let you smother who I am, either.”

“I would never,” Hudson vowed.

“I hope not, because then I wouldn’t be the person you’re attracted to. The person you’ll hopefully come to love. I understand that as your mate, I could be used against you and Connie.”

“Very true, but I’m not the one who has the power to destroy an entire continent,” Connie mumbled under his breath.

“You dragons are all about the drama, aren’t you? There will be no destroying continents, do you hear me, Hudson? Jesus. I’ll accept whatever precautions you need me to take. But I won’t become something I’m not, not even for you. Can you accept me? Canyouseeme?”

“I can, and I do. So, will you help me persuade your parents if it’s needed?”

“Yes, I will, because I agree they need to be protected.”

“Excellent. Thank you.” Hudson pressed a quick kiss to Kit’s lips. “I’m curious about something.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve heard you sayMother of allseveral times,” Hudson said. “I’ve also heard Michail use it too. I’m curious. Is that a religious thing?”

“It is. My human parents aren’t religious, but Michail is, and he taught me that Ailuros was his goddess. The Egyptian version is Bastet.”

“Ah, okay. I hadn’t heard of Ailuros, but I have Bastet,” Connie said.

“I have, but Bastet is the more well-known name,” Hudson added.

“They’re pretty much one and the same. According to Egyptian myth, which is better known, as Hudson said, she was depicted as the daughter of Ra and Isis, and the consort of Ptah, with whom she had a son, Maahes,” Kit said.

“The Egyptian lion-headed god of war,” Hudson said.

“Yup. Maahes is the best known of those she birthed, but Ailuros had a lot of children. A lot. So, in other words, she is the mother of all.”

“Interesting. I’ve heard you use God and Jesus as well. Do you also follow the Christian God?” Connie asked, standing. The damn floor was getting hard.

“Absolutely not. When I use those terms, they’re just words. They’re not any different to me than words like damn or shit.” Kit shrugged. “For example, I wish to God you’d kiss me, Hudson. And Jesus, I’d like Connie to suck my cock too.”

“Is that so? You know, I think I can do one better than that.” Hudson stood with Kit in his arms. “Come along, Connie. Let’s show him exactly what we can do.”

“Can’t wait,” Connie said.

Kit groaned, and from one heartbeat to the next, Connie’s body lit up as Kit’s arousal flooded the room.

“I can smell how much that excites you.” Connie took a deep breath. “Your scent right now is kind of floral and definitely lemony.”

“Magnolias,” Hudson said. “He smells like the Southern magnolia.”

“I do? Wait, there are certain types of magnolias?”

“Yes. And yes, you smell like a magnolia in full bloom. Very lush,” Hudson said, gently setting Kit on his feet.

Kit slid down Hudson’s body. Connie wanted Kit to do the same with him, minus clothes, of course. His cock started to harden at the idea of Kit against him, naked and wiggling.

“But before we continue, you need to tell us exactly how far this is to go.”

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