Page 79 of Walking in Darkness

Kit’s voice dropped. “You’ll be the first. But I’m leaning toward sexy.”

“I like it.”

“Then sexy it is.”

Hudson reminded himself that the drive into San DeLain to Kit’s bookshop would take close to an hour. At least. For once, he envied the way Kage traveled. Sort of. Okay, not really, but it was damn convenient.

“So? What’s up?” Kit asked again.

Hudson explained the reason for his phone call. Once he finished, he waited to see what Kit would say.

“Wow. Now that’s a decision, isn’t it? What is it you want me to do?”

“Make this decision on your own.” Look at him being a modern dragon and such.

“Aren’t you sweet? But you’re also not fooling anybody. I think I know you and Connie well enough to know that you’d prefer me to be with you guys.”

“Totally up to you.” Hudson would not confirm or deny that one way or the other. “But if you wish to stay with Austin, I need to let Kage know soon.”

“I like Austin and all, but if I’m going to be your mate, then I feel like I should act like it. As long as you understand that me attending will totally out me as your and Connie’s mate.”

“I’m sure word has already gotten around.”

“Well then, I think I’d prefer to go. Not gonna lie. It’s kind of scary meeting all these other paranormals, but Austin will be there, right?”

“Of course.”

“I won’t be the only human. Well, you know what I mean.”

“Neither Connie nor I would allow anything to happen to you,” Hudson promised. If that was what Kit was worried about, he need not be.

“I’m aware of that. I trust you guys.”

Warmth spread through Hudson at Kit’s words. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“That I trust you? I think I’ve mentioned that before. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. You know that.”

“Of course. Doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy hearing it.” There was something else he yearned to hear, but he would not rush that.

“Well, I do, so you don’t have to worry about that. What time is the meeting tonight?”

“Nine p.m. at Beau Monde.”

“What is Beau Monde?”

“A fancy restaurant that’s considered neutral territory where we hold monthly meetings,” Hudson said. “I’ll explain the rest when you get home.”

“I could just meet you there since I’m already in town.”

“No, you need to come home. We’ll all ride back together. Plus, you’ll want to dress for this too.”

“Great. I don’t know that I have any badass clothes.”

“Oh, I assure you that you do. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, babe, just come home at the regular time. We’ll eat and then leave for the meeting.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then, I guess. Bye.”

A LITTLE before six p.m., Kit walked into their private quarters. He went straight to Hudson and kissed him, then leaned down and kissed Connie.

---