Page 86 of Walking in Darkness

“Good grief, the idea of the two of you on a shopping trip is terrifying,” Austin teased. “Seriously, Isadora. I think you just might have found your new partner in crime.”

“Anotherpartner in crime, you mean,” Isadora corrected.

“We’ll corrupt him together. How does that sound?” Austin chuckled.

“It’s amusing you think I’m not already corrupted,” Kit mused.

Isadora’s gaze darted to Kit for a moment before she finally nodded. “Interesting. I’m curious. Did Hudson tell you what I am, Kit?”

“He did, yes,” Kit said quietly. “He explained who everybody was here.”

“And does that terrify you?”

“Absolutely.”

“Honesty. I approve.” Isadora patted Kit on the arm. “But I am no threat to you. Just as I am no threat to Austin. You are a mate to two very honorable men, and Hudson is a genuine friend to me. I offer you my protection.”

Connie was kind of surprised, but then again, he sort of wasn’t. She had taken a liking to Austin and offered friendship to him, as well as her protection.

She seemed to have a thing for young human males. Connie’s gaze wandered over to her newest addition—the waiter named Jamail. He wondered what the story was with him.

Kit opened his mouth and then closed it. “I… don’t know how to respond to that appropriately. No one has told me what that means, but thank you. I have a feeling that’s a very big deal.”

“She’s a formidable ally,” Hudson said. “Tell her you accept.”

“I accept,” Kit said immediately.

“Your Majesty? Right Hand? I like your mate,” Isadora declared.

“We like him too,” Hudson joked, breaking the sudden tension that came with the seriousness of Isadora’s offer.

“Please give him my phone number when you have a free moment, Hudson,” Isadora said. “Kit? It was a pleasure to meet you. I do hope we can go shopping soon. Please feel free to call me anytime, especially if you are ever in need of help and Hudson or Connie or any of his dragons are unavailable.”

“Thank you, and I will,” Kit said.

“Good night, everyone,” Isadora said, and then drifted off.

“Denisha, Maia, Austin, and I are going to Club Nomadic. Would you be interested in going?” Kage asked.

Hudson looked at Kit, who shook his head. “It appears not, my friend. But be careful.”

“Always. Maybe we can get together and have dinner one evening at Embers,” Kage said.

“I’d like that,” Kit said.

“While it’s on my mind, I wanted to let you know I consider you an honorary member of my clan. In other words, I am offering my protection to you, as well. If you ever need help and cannot get ahold of Hudson or Connie, contact me. I can open a portal and be to you immediately,” Kage said.

“Oh, wow, thank you. That’s an unexpectedly generous thing,” Kit said.

“Hudson is my best friend,” Kage replied. “Of course I would offer you my protection.”

“I’ve done the same for Austin,” Hudson added. “Plus, Isadora has also offered. Those are two very powerful allies.”

Kit held his hand out to Kage. “Thank you. I am honored.”

Smiling, Kage shook Kit’s hand.

“Now, on a lighter note, I just remembered that Lanny said she’s going to call and set up another book signing with you. Is that okay?” Austin asked.

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