Page 47 of Edge of Darkness

Kit glanced out of his window. “Yeah, I’m not sure that would do any good. It didn’t last time.”

“Kit, you had the misfortune of running into a mimic. There aren’t too many paranormals who can stand against them. Look, I need to tell you something while we’re on this subject. I’m an Ancient too.”

Kit’s head snapped around, and he goggled. “Shit. Just how old are you?”

“I’m a little over a thousand years old. The only one more powerful than me is Hudson, and that’s because he’s royalty. Thereisone other Ancient in our court, and that’s Grand Lady Stella. She’s a close second in power to me. AndIwouldn’t want to tangle with a mimic.”

“Wow. Really?”

“Really.”

“That… that kinda helps. Thanks. And wow, you’re a thousand years old.” The hits just kept coming. “That boggles my mind. My God, the things you must’ve seen. Wait. Wait, you said there was another Ancient, right?”

“Yes. Grand Lady Stella.”

“That’s a title, right? So, you are…?”

“Grand Lord Beckett.”

Kit collapsed against the seat. “Good grief, should I be bowing to you or something?”

“I will smack you upside the head if you do.”

Kit snickered. Now that he knew how old Beckett was, hearing him use slang was cracking Kit up. Oh, the old man jokes were writing themselves in his head!

“That crap went out years ago, along with kissing the signet ring of a queen or king. And kneeling. And pressing your forehead to the floor in front of them. And them killing you because you didn’t grovel enough.”

What? Was Beckett kidding? That was horrifying. Kit massaged his temples. “You know what? I need a drink.”

“Most people do when dealing with dragons.”

KIT DID indeed have a drink with his lunch. In fact, he had two, because by damn, he’d earned them. Unfortunately, the slightly tipsy feeling didn’t last nearly long enough to suit him.

He and Beckett returned to work and finished out the day. As usual, Beckett walked Kit out to his car and then followed him home. He waved as he drove off. Kit nodded his head to Leo, the dragon who would take over watching Kit.

He fixed himself a glass of wine, had dinner, then took a long, hot bubble bath. He read a bit instead of watching TV, then went to bed. He was glad to see the backside of this Monday. Tomorrow had to be a better day, surely.

It certainly couldn’t be any worse.

He heard his mom’s voice in his head, yelling about tempting Fate, and cringed. He sent up a quick prayer. He really couldn’t handle another day like today.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN –HUDSON

HUDSON WAS sipping his morning coffee and debating on calling Kage when his cell phone rang. Pulling it out of his pocket, he quickly unlocked it when he saw that it was none other than Kage. Funny how that worked—it was like Kage knew.

“Well, good morning. Was your nose itching?”

“Good afternoon to you… and what?” Kage asked, laughing.

“Haven’t you heard that if your nose is itching, someone is thinking about you? I was just debating calling you, in other words.”

“I have now. How’s it going?” Kage asked.

“It’s going.”

“That doesn’t sound encouraging. What’s up?”

“Do you have a moment?”

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