Page 44 of Walking in Darkness

The acidic scent of distress rose from Kit, and Hudson simply could not allow that. “We would miss you, of course, but the choice is yours.” Hudson softly petted Kit’s knee. “Neither one of us would be upset.”

Connie nodded. “Forcing you into our bed defeats the purpose, you know?”

Kit blew out a breath. “True. And neither one of you would do that. Okay. If you’re sure it won’t cause a problem, then yes, I’d like to stay tonight.”

“Then let’s go to bed,” Hudson said, standing. “I hope you don’t mind, but I always sleep closest to the door.”

“It’s a protection thing,” Connie said, also getting up. “He can’t help it. Okay, Kit. Do you want the middle? Or the outside edge?”

Leave it to Connie to downplay Hudson’s instinctual need to protect his mates.

“I sleep on the edge of the bed. Would it be okay if you slept in the middle?” Kit asked.

“Sure.” Connie immediately crawled into the center of the bed and patted the empty space next to him. “No problem.”

Hudson slipped under the sheets. His dragon rumbled contentedly in his head. “It’s probably going to be a little tight with three grown men, even though this is a king-sized mattress.”

“Yeah, that could be a problem,” Kit said, settling down.

“For tonight, possibly,” Hudson admitted. “But I’m having a custom bed made that’ll be much larger. It’ll be the size of two king-sized mattresses.”

Kit goggled. “Well damn. Do they even make sheets for something that large? What about a comforter? Headboard? Footboard?”

“All of it will have to be custom made, and we’ll pick out a comforter and sheets together, along with a head and footboard. I want something that appeals to all of us,” Hudson said. “I also plan to enlarge the master bedroom, the master closet, and do some work in the master bathroom.”

“Construction. That’s going to be fun.” Kit snickered.

“I’d already planned to expand an underground area for Connie’s hoard, so I decided to go ahead and do this as well. Now that you know you’re our mate, I want to get started on that. I also want your input,” Hudson said.

“Oh, wow, really?”

“Of course,” Connie said. “Eventually you’ll be staying here too. Why wouldn’t he want your input?”

“Thank you,” Kit said. He leaned over Connie so he could kiss Hudson. “That means a lot to me. Good night.”

“Anything for my mates,” Hudson said. “Good night to you.”

Kit kissed Connie too. “Night.”

“Night, babe. Sleep tight.”

MORNING FOUND Hudson awake first, so he fixed himself a cup of coffee and went out on his back deck. The birds were chirping, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. Another perfect California morning.

He enjoyed the view for a little while before he returned inside. Both of his mates were still asleep, so Hudson brushed his teeth and took a shower. He’d just finished drying his hair and braiding a section near his face when Connie stumbled in to use the bathroom.

The countertop in his bathroom had two sinks, but they really needed three. One more thing to add to the list, along with the makeup vanity he planned for Kit. He couldn’t wait to see Kit’s reaction when he told him about it.

Connie washed his hands, then brushed his teeth. When he was done, Connie leaned against Hudson. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” Hudson took the offered kiss. “How’d you sleep?”

“Great. What about you?”

“Very well. It was like I could finally truly rest now that Kit was there with us.”

“I know. Even my dragon felt more relaxed.” Connie stepped toward the shower and turned it on. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Sounds good.” Hudson took his coffee and walked into the closet. He flicked through his clothes until he found a pair of jeans and a silky black button-down shirt. After he dressed, he returned to the bedroom.

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