Page 70 of Edge of Darkness

“Kit is our mate.” Smiling, Connie glanced at Hudson. “Both HudsonandI have a soul bond with him. We want the court to know because this changes everything.”

“Connie and Iwillclaim Kit. Meaning that both Kit and Connie will be my consorts—their titles only second to mine.” Hudson held out his hand and Connie took it. “Connie and I don’t share a soul bond—I don’t know why—but as many of you know, we’ve been seeing each other.”

“We have, and now the two of us share a bond with Kit. Throuples aren’t that unusual with dragons, although having a human thrown in the mix seems to be less common,” Connie admitted.

“I’ve stated what I plan to do concerning these two males,” Hudson said, straightening. “If anyone has a problem with that, I will grant permission for you to leave my court and will even help you transfer to another.”

There were several gasps.

“Yes, I’m that serious. You can either accept a human as our mate or leave,” Hudson said, making eye contact with every dragon there.

So far all he saw was happiness on the faces looking back at him, but there were several dragons missing who had work that morning and couldn’t get out of it.

“Kit is also unaware he’s our mate. We’re going slowly because heishuman,” Connie stressed. “And quite frankly, he’s had a rough time of it lately. Being introduced to our world due to an attack by a mimic has caused problems for Kit.”

“Don’t let it slip what he is to us, and treat him with the utmost care,” Hudson said. “Or you’ll be answering to me.”

“And me. Plus, Beckett is a friend to Kit.” Connie grinned at the crowd, flashing his fangs. “You know, one of the three Ancients we have in our court.”

There was plenty of good-natured laughter—although there wasn’t a dragon there who wanted to tangle with someone of that age.

“That’s all. Thanks, everyone, for attending. Have a good day,” Hudson said, sitting down and pulling Connie with him.

Another thirty minutes passed while Hudson’s dragons congratulated him and Connie and asked questions about Kit. Hudson had a feeling Kit’s business was going to suddenly be inundated by a bunch of curious dragons.

Connie pulled out his cell phone, wiggled his fingers out of Hudson’s grip, and started typing.

After the last dragon drifted off, Hudson leaned over, kissed Connie on the cheek, and looked down at his phone. “What are you doing?”

“Giving Beckett a heads-up that a bunch of busybodies are probably going to be showing up at Kit’s business,” Connie said, reading over his message.

“And this is the reason you’re my right hand.” Hudson patted Connie on the knee. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Hopefully they’ll buy something while they check Kit out,” Nelson said.

“I think it’s a pretty good bet they will, especially since they’re driving all the way into San DeLain.” Torres glanced between Connie and Hudson. “I’d bet on it, in fact.”

Audrey stared into her mug. “You know, I haven’t been in a bookstore in ages.”

“Me either.” Sheila perked up. “Suddenly I have the urge.”

“Do you have anything going on today?” Audrey asked.

“I don’t, in fact. You?”

“Oddly enough, my schedule just cleared.” Audrey laughed. “How do you feel about making a trip into San DeLain? Maybe we could do a little shopping too.”

“Absolutely. It’s nine now. I’ll meet you back here, say, around ten?” Sheila asked. “How does that sound?”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then,” Audrey said, standing. “Bye, you guys!”

Torres watched Sheila and Audrey leave. “Those two are trouble.”

“You watch, they’re going to adopt Kit.” Nelson shook his head.

“Poor Kit.” Torres snickered.

“You guys laugh, but I’ve seen firsthand how Denisha and Maia treat Austin. They’d both deny it with their dying breath, but Kage’s mate has both ladies wrapped around his pinky. They’d move mountains for Austin,” Hudson said.

---