Page 93 of Edge of Darkness

“Yes and no,” Hudson said. “So there isn’t any confusion, let me explain how relationships with dragons work. We don’t think anything of having multiple partners. It’s not uncommon for there to be threesomes or even foursomes. And it can be any combination of partners too.”

“I remember you saying dragons didn’t have the same hang-ups as humans on same-sex pairings,” Kit said.

“We also don’t consider a woman a whore if she has multiple lovers either.” Connie shrugged. “Or a man, for that matter. Again, that’s more of a human thing.”

“Dragons are very accepting. Good to know.” That was encouraging. “Back to my original question. Are you guys in an open relationship?”

Hudson hummed softly. “Connie and I arenotin an open relationship. Neither one of us had any interest in someone else until we met you.”

“It’syouwe’re interested in, Kit,” Connie said, leaning forward. “Not some random human. Or anybody else. Just you. And neither of us is looking for a quick hook up—you need to understand that.”

Kit’s mouth dropped open. “Wait. Wait just a minute. Are you saying you want arelationshipwith me?”

“That is what we want,” Hudson said. “We want to play with you, yes, but not for a day or two. No, we want something much longer.”

“Shit. Okay, hold on. I was expecting a quick hook up. Iwasn’texpecting to get invited into an established relationship.” Kit set his glass down, then he hopped up and started pacing. “Just… hold on. I need a minute.”

When pacing in front of the couch wasn’t enough, Kit widened his circle. Of all the things he’d been expecting, them wanting a relationship hadn’t entered his mind.

There were so many things to consider, least of all the fact that he was human, and they were dragons. To him, that was a huge hurdle.

Connie caught Kit by the hand as he passed by, bringing him to a stop, and pressed a small kiss to the back of it. “What concerns you?”

Kit goggled at Connie. He wasn’t sure if it was the kiss or the question that caused his response. Because seriously? It could’ve been either one.

“It’d be faster to list the things thatdon’tconcern me.” Kit waved his hand at himself. “I mean, I’m human. You are dragons. I have a very limited lifespan. Have either of you thought of that? I’m going to die waaaaaay before you. Hudson over there is a thousand years old!”

Hudson and Connie shared a look.

“Okay, that right there.” Kit tugged his hand from Connie and pointed at them. “That look. I don’t know what that look is supposed to mean, but it definitely meant something.”

“Can’t give up all my secrets at once,” Hudson said, grinning. “But there are ways around the age thing. That’s all I’m going to say right now. Next concern?”

“There are ways around that, he says,” Kit muttered, hands on his hips. “Like that didn’t cause me to think of a millionmorequestions.”

Hudson chuckled.

“And speaking of you, Your Majesty.” Kit plastered on his most serious-looking face. “You’re a royal. The king of these dragons. How will your people react to you dating a human, hmm?”

“You’re putting too much emphasis on the fact I’m a royal. All that really means is I was born to leadbecauseI was born a solid red dragon. Royal is just a word, Kit. A title. A job, if you will,” Hudson said.

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

“No, seriously,” Connie said. “His age has more meaning than the fact he was born a solid color. With age comes strength. Wisdom. Patience. And knowledge.”

“I’m going to trust what you’re telling me because I have no way of knowing any different. So answer the question: How will your dragons react to me?”

“Why would there be a problem?” Hudson asked.

“Why? Because I’m human. Argh. Don’t answer a question with a damn question.”

“Ha, he called you out on that.” Connie snickered.

“Look, Kit, if someone’s going to have a problem with you because of your species, isn’t it safe to assume they’d have a problem with anyone whowasn’ta dragon?”

Kit scowled.

“And if they do, they can leave my court, because I don’t want such bigotry infecting my people.”

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