Page 49 of Edge of Darkness

“She mentioned the wards went off but that everything was under control. She said that Beckett later picked up the scent of a feline shifter,” Kage said. “Of course, that doesn’t mean it was a feline shifter who tried to get to Kit. One could have been passing by.”

“That’s very true,” Austin added.

“Hell, it could be someone who’s homophobic, for all we know,” Kage continued. “Kit does have a pride flag hanging outside the bookstore. I take it more than that happened?”

“Yes and no. Yes, a feline shifter scent was picked up outside the bookstore.” Hudson then went on to explain why that scent was indeed significant.

“Well, shit. You and Conrad felt you were being stalked and picked up a feline shifter’s scent Saturday night? Then Kit feels like he’s being watched at the grocery store Sunday morning.Then, on Monday, a feline shifter is scented around Kit’s business,” Kage repeated. “Is that right?”

“Yes. But unfortunately, the drama doesn’t end there.” Hudson took a deep breath. “Nelson and I went to the bookstore also to check things out. And as soon as I walked into Kit’s office, I promptly lost control of my dragon.”

“What?” Kage demanded. “Youwhat? By the dead gods, Hudson.”

“Oh yeah, it was a thing. I partially transformed unwillingly.”

“Shit. Really? You haven’t done that in a long time,” Kage said.

Hudson didn’t bother to mention just how recently he had. “I managed to scare the hell out of everybody, Kit included.”

“Hudson, come on,” Kage said quietly. “Isn’t Kit traumatized enough? What were you thinking?”

“I know. Iknow!” Hudson snarled. He’d regret that until his dying day. “I lost control, dammit. Hell, I scared myself. And as far as what I was thinking? Well, I was thinking I’d just met my soul bound mate.”

“Son of a—are you alone?” Kage snapped.

“What? That’s the first thing you ask me? Yes, you ass, I’m alone. Fuck, Kage, I just told you I met—”

A few seconds later Kage stepped out of a shadow. He was holding his cell phone to his ear with one hand and had a grip on Austin’s hand with the other.

Hudson rolled his eyes. “I should’ve known.”

Kage smirked. “Yes, you really should’ve.”

Austin let go of Kage and bounded across Hudson’s office.

Hudson scrambled to his feet just as Austin threw his arms around his neck. “A mate! I’m so happy for you! It’s Kit, isn’t it? That’s awesome!”

Kage disconnected the call and pocketed his cell phone. Raising an eyebrow, he studied Hudson’s face. “Why am I not seeing the excitement I’m expecting?”

Austin backed off, then peered at Hudson. “Huh.”

“It’s a long story,” Hudson said. “Would you guys like some coffee?”

“Sure.” Kage walked over to Hudson nevertheless and hugged him. “Congratulations, my friend. Now tell me why you aren’t happy.”

“It’s not that I’m unhappy, Kage. It’s just… a mess. Or it was. I don’t know.” Hudson resisted the need to tug at the braid running down the side of his face. “Why don’t you guys have a seat, and I’ll get you that coffee.”

Kage clasped Austin by the hand and sat at the table in Hudson’s office. Hudson fixed two cups of coffee and took them to the table, then he picked up his own and joined the two men.

“This is probably going to come as a shock, but I’ve been involved with somebody. It’s one of my dragons,” Hudson said. “The thing is, me and this person are not soul bound. And even though we knew it was a risk, we decided to pursue a relationship.”

“Is it Conrad?” Austin asked.

Hudson’s mouth fell open. “How in the hell did you know that?”

Austin shrugged as Kage, sighing heavily, pulled his wallet out and opened it. He promptly handed a folded bill over to Austin.

“The hell?” Hudson growled as he watched the money exchange hands.

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