Page 50 of Edge of Darkness

“Well, I lost that bet. Thanks, Hudson,” Kage said.

Austin giggled as he slipped the money into his billfold. “I told you, Kage, I never bet unless it’s a sure thing.”

“You two have been betting on my love life? What is wrong with you?” Hudson asked. “What is even going on right now?”

“Austin pointed out that he thought something was going on between you and Conrad a while ago,” Kage said.

“Conrad’s reaction when you were attacked coming back from the airport was very telling,” Austin said. “Plus, I write romance for a living.”

“Good grief.” Hudson wasn’t sure how to react. He wasn’t ashamed that he was dating one of his dragons. That wasn’t it at all. But he did have concerns, especially since they were not soul bound. The current situation was an excellent example ofwhyhe had concerns.

“Why hadn’t you told me about you and Conrad?” Kage asked.

“I had intended to when you returned from Greece,” Hudson admitted. “There’s been more important stuff going on with you than my love life.”

“Wait a minute,” Kage said. “You said you and Conrad are in a relationship, but you’re soul bound to Kit. Is that right?”

“Yes, and it appears Connie isalsosoul bound to Kit,” Hudson said.

Austin whistled. “Holy moly, the plot thickens.”

“When I returned from the bookstore, Connie picked up Kit’s scent on me and had the exact same reaction I did—in other words, he lost control too. But unlike me, Connie was on the verge of shifting into his dragon.”

Okay, that was a lie, but they didn’t need to know that. Hudson would never hear the end of it from Kage if he knew just how close hedidcome to losing it.

“He’s younger than you, isn’t he?” Kage asked.

“Yes. He’s only six hundred years old.”

Austin rubbed his temples, mumbling about the wordonly.

“I ended up dumping both of us in my pool. It washed the scent off us, and the shock helped Connie get control. It appears our dragon god has mated both Connieandme to a human. Which reminds me. We need to talk to you about how we go about having a relationship with a human.”

“Oh my, this is going to be interesting.” Austin hooted.

“On that note, I shouldalsoadd that Kit is unaware of all of this,” Hudson said, staring at Austin.

“Soooo interesting. There’s all these juicy plot elements.” Austin rubbed his hands together. “I love it.”

“This better not show up in one of your books, Austin.”

Austin grinned widely.

“Good luck with that, my friend.”

“Shit.” Hudson ran a hand through his hair.

KAGE AND AUSTIN visited long enough to finish their coffee, then Kage used the shadows to return them to Greece.

A few minutes later, Connie knocked on the door and entered. “Hey. I heard Kage and Austin. Everything okay?”

“Of course.” Hudson motioned Connie to have a seat at the table.

“Kage is your best friend.” Connie poured a cup of coffee and sat down. “I had a feeling you needed to talk to him.”

“You could’ve still joined us. I didn’t say anything to him that I wouldn’t have said in front of you. You’re my loverandmy right hand.” Hudson reached out, resting his hand on the table. “You’re always welcome. Always.”

Connie took Hudson’s hand. “Thanks.”

---