Page 11 of Walking in Darkness

“Breakfast is over, but there are leftovers. We can stop by and see what we can find.”

“We? Haven’t you two eaten yet?” Kit asked.

“Connie did. I was waiting on you.”

“What? Jeez, Hudson, you didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s not a problem, I assure you. There’s always something to eat. Are you ready to go, or do you need more time?”

“No, I’m ready.”

“Perfect. I’ll stop by your room shortly, then,” Hudson said.

“Just you?”

“Yes. For now. Connie had something he needed to do this morning, which is why he already ate, but he asked me totext him when you were ready. Or you can send him a text and tell him we’re on our way to breakfast if you wish.”

“I’ll text him. How long do you think it’ll take him to get back?”

“He went to his cabin, which is within the compound. It shouldn’t take him more than fifteen minutes to get back here.”

“Good. I’ll text him right now,” Kit said. “I’ll see you shortly.”

“See you soon.” Hudson disconnected the call and stared at his cell. There was something wrong with Kit. Hudson’s dragon rumbled unhappily in agreement.

Hudson couldn’t imagine what could’ve possibly gone wrong since they’d said goodbye last night. Kit hadn’t left his room once he’d retired. And if he had tried to leave the compound, Hudson would’ve been told.

Within moments Hudson was standing in front of Kit’s door. He knocked, and it swung open.

Kit looked tired and annoyed. That was Hudson’s first thought. The second was that Kit was dressed down. He wore a pair of blue jean shorts with the hem frayed, and a sleeveless, lace-up beach tank top that was a faded khaki. On his feet were a simple pair of slip-on sandals. His hair was in a ponytail, and a few strands of hair had escaped.

“Kit? Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine.” Kit walked past Hudson into the hallway, the guest room door swinging shut behind him.

Hudson’s instincts roared awake. Whatever was going on, it was indeed not “fine.”

“Come on. Let’s go,” Kit tossed over his shoulder as he started down the hallway. “I want to eat before Connie shows up.”

He blinked in surprise as Kit walked away from him. Well, that was rude, not to mention disrespectful, especially toone of Hudson’s standing. Reminding himself that Kit was not a dragon, Hudson hurried after his mate. Plus, he’d never seen Kit purposely act rude, so this was out of character.

He tried to make small talk as they walked, but all he got from Kit were one-word answers. He wanted to take Kit’s hand, but he wasn’t sure how that would be received.

Hudson’s unease grew.

By the time they got to the kitchen, Hudson was ready to pull his hair out. Breakfast was indeed over, just as Hudson had said, but there were plenty of leftovers.

He fixed Kit a cup of coffee while his mate munched on some homemade blueberry muffins. Kit smiled and made conversation with the kitchen staff, but Hudson could tell the smile was strained and forced.

Hudson had a really bad feeling.

Time dragged as they waited for Connie, and Hudson was becoming more and more uncomfortable.

“Thank Gaura,” Hudson said softly when Connie walked into the kitchen.

Kit stiffened.

Eyebrow raised, Hudson studied Kit’s reaction. Okay, what wasthatabout?

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