Page 114 of Edge of Darkness

“Okay, just a second. A dragon whois from the Fire Courtcan survive a red dragon’s fire. Any other dragon from any other court will eventually succumb,” Hudson said slowly. “But you’re saying a human mate can do the same, Beckett?”

“According to what I found, yes.”

“I don’t care,” Connie snapped. “I don’t care if there are stories handed down about bonded mates who aren’t dragon-born surviving our dragon fire. There’s only one way to find out,and we’re not doing that.”

“Settle down. Of course I’m not suggesting that,” Hudson replied calmly. “But it is interesting.”

“Dangerous. It’s dangerous, and we’re going to forget Beckett brought it up,” Connie growled.

“Speaking of Kit, Monday night is the meeting with the paranormal leaders of San DeLain. Are you planning on taking your mate with you?” Beckett asked.

Connie groaned loudly. “Shit. Remember how everybody acted when Kage showed up with Austin?”

“I don’t think that’ll happen again,” Hudson replied. “It was the first time a human had ever attended something like that. Kage made his feelings quite clear when certain paranormals reacted negatively to Austin too.”

“Fucking Raven,” Connie said.

“Indeed, the Master of the City was on thin ice with Kage that night,” Hudson said.

“He wasn’t the only one,” Connie said.

“True. But no, I don’t think we’ll be taking Kit with us. That’ll cause questions neither of us are ready to answer because Kit doesn’t know he’s our mate. And because he doesn’t know, that would render us incapable of explaining his presence at a meeting he shouldn’t be at,” Hudson said.

“So we’re leaving him here?” Connie asked.

“It’s probably the safest place for him,” Hudson said. “Or maybe we could ask if Austin is attending the meeting. And if he isn’t, maybe Kit would like to visit with Austin.”

“Here?”

“Well, that’s the issue. Of course we want Kit here in our territory,” Hudson said.

“And Kage is going to want Austin inhisterritory,” Beckett finished. “And since we would be the ones asking if Kit could visit with Austin, we would be the ones asking for the favor.”

“Meaning Kit would be in Kage’s territory and not ours,” Hudson said. “Kit really doesn’t know anybody outside of my inner circle. At least if he was with Austin, he’d have somebody he knows to talk to.”

“I don’t like it,” Connie argued.

“Here’s an idea,” Beckett said. “Why don’t you check with Kage and see what he plans to do concerning Austin? Then tell Kit you have a meeting with the other leaders andaskKit what he’d rather do.”

“You mean instead of making the decision for him,” Hudson said.

Connie wrinkled his nose.

“Yeah, I agree,” Hudson said, noticing Connie’s reaction. “But that might be the best thing to ensure a happy mate. I’ll talk to Kage tomorrow. Thank you, Beckett. We appreciate you taking the time to find that information for us.”

“Glad I could help. And if Kit wants to stay home that night? I’ll be happy to hang out with him.”

Connie liked how Beckett phrased that. He wanted Kit to think of this as his home eventually.

“Thank you. That would mean a lot to him, I’m sure,” Hudson said. “I’ll let you know. Good night.”

“Night.” Beckett disconnected the call.

Connie laid his cell on the end table next to him and rolled into Hudson’s arms, his head on Hudson’s chest. “It’s going to be hard not doing what we think is best for Kit.”

“Good old dragon instincts,” Hudson quipped, running his hand through Connie’s hair.

“I’ve always poked fun at you older dragons, and yet I find myself battling the same desire to stuff Kit in my hoard to protect him.”

---