Page 52 of Walking in Darkness

“Right,” Beckett said.

“So, Iwouldbe affected.”

“Well, that’s where things get complicated,” Beckett admitted. “According to the scroll I found, once you take theirblood and you complete the bond between the three of you, youareimmune. The problem is—”

“There’s no way to test that short of a live demonstration,” Kit finished for Beckett. “And yeah, no thank you. I have no desire to be charbroiled.”

“Actually, it wouldn’t even be that,” Beckett admitted. “Dragon fire is about ten thousand degrees Fahrenheit. It immediately carbonizes humans into ash.”

“Again, no thank you. That’s definitely not on my list of things to do. And why the hell are either one of you asking about something like that?” Kit asked.

“Because there are always rumors.” Hudson shrugged, tapping his fingers on the table. “And frankly, knowing you were immune to our fire would be useful information. Unfortunately, testing that possibility isn’t a viable option.”

“I’ll say.” Kit shuddered slightly.

Connie took Kit’s hand. “You can’t blame us for asking questions. We can’t change you into a dragon. Our blood will extend your life span and make you stronger than what you are, but even a dragon can be killed.”

“A dragonbone dagger is a perfect example of something that will kill a dragon,” Beckett said.

Hudson growled softly. “Those are an atrocity.”

“Not arguing with you,” Beckett said. “I agree they are indeed.”

Kit squeezed Connie’s hand. “This is about Lennox, isn’t it?”

“Right now, everything is about Lennox.” Hudson reached over and played with the end of Kit’s ponytail. “We’re just trying to find ways to keep you safe.”

“I know that, and I certainly appreciate it, but you need to keep one thing in mind. Connie said that even a dragon can bekilled,” Kit stated. “Everything dies. One way or the other. Well, I guess unless you’re an immortal.”

“Oh no, even they can be killed,” Beckett said. “It’s just harder and usually only able to be done in a very specific way.”

Kit opened his mouth, then abruptly closed it. “I don’t even know what to say to that. I simply can’t wrap my head around it. Anyway, back to dragon fire. It’s not feasible to test this particular legend. I like my skin on my bones.”

“As do we,” Hudson said.

“But while we’re on the subject, could you look through those books again to see if Kit needs to drink from both of us at least once to establish a mating bond?” Hudson asked.

“I took some notes. I do remember seeing something about that, and I think it said that yes, Kit would need to drink from both of you to officially establish the bond with each of you,” Beckett said.

“But once the bond is established, is there anything that says he must drink from both of us to prolong his life though? Could he get away with only drinking from one of us?” Connie asked.

“I don’t remember, but I’ll check my notes.”

“But that doesn’t seem fair. It’s obvious this is something you guys like, and that’d be cheating one of you out of something you enjoy,” Kit said.

“But—”

“No, I won’t do that. Not to mention it could also cause problems.” Kit blew out a breath. “I’mnotdoing that, Connie. There’s no way I can pick which one of you to drink from. And I know you. You’d insist I drink from Hudson because he’s a royal.”

“I’d like to point out that his blood is certainly stronger than mine,” Connie said.

“It’s a moot point. I’m not going to choose between the two of you.” Kit crossed his arms over his chest. “End of story.”

“Both of us will feed him,” Hudson said quietly. “Never sacrifice your wants for me. I’m serious, Connie.”

Oh look, that was Hudson’s kingly voice. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Yeah.” Kit glared at Connie. “What he said.”

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