Page 98 of Edge of Darkness

If someone had told Kit a month ago that he’d be in an isolated field, scratching a dragon’s belly, he would’ve insisted they check into a mental hospital. But here he was, doing just that.

The power rolling off Connie was unlike anything he’d ever felt before. It danced along his skin, little pops and tingles that tickled. He realized then how much Connie kept his power under wraps when in human form.

But it flowed over him like a gently moving brook over smooth pebbles. That’s about how Kit felt too—so insignificant in front of such a powerful being, but… safe, like this was what was meant to be.

With one last good scratch to Connie’s belly, he grabbed Hudson’s hand and continued his exploration. Connie rolled so his belly wasn’t exposed anymore, and it dawned on Kit what Connie had done—he’d shown Kit his stomach.

That wasn’t something animals did unless there was trust. He had to swallow past the lump in his throat. Connie trusted him. He patted Connie and received a low, growly purr in return.

The muscles Connie had were astounding. His legs were impressive, but that made sense considering the weight they had to uphold. He looked at Connie’s back foot, or whatever Connie called it.

The talons at the end were nearly as thick as his forearm. He shivered slightly, imagining Connie picking up something like a cow right off the ground.

Kit quickly walked around the back end and examined Connie’s tail. Obviously, it could move on its own and was also covered in scales. The arrowhead on the end was deadly sharp from the looks of it.

Kit decided not to touch it. He walked up the other side of Connie, following the spikes that ran the length of his spine.

Then he focused on the wings. Kit shook his head in amazement. They were set above Connie’s muscular shoulder blades. Currently they were folded and lying flat against Connie’s back, but before they left this field, Kit was determined to see them opened and stretched out.

Kit drew closer to Connie’s skull. Connie’s eyes were a sunburst of reddish gold with a slitted pupil, like a reptile’s.

Connie slowly closed one eye at him like he was winking. Kit giggled, then was slightly mortified at the sound. Oh well, giggling might not be the most manly sound to make in such a moment, but at least he wasn’t screaming in terror. He wondered how many had.

He paused before walking around in front of Connie. Standing in front of Connie unnerved him. Maybe it was the idea of what Connie could do with such a mouth. Straightening his shoulders, Kit reminded himself there was nothing to be afraid of and walked toward Connie’s snout.

A warm breeze lifted his hair, and Kit jumped, realizing what he felt was Connie’s breath. Not to mention that was where the fire came from. Lovely thought that was. He also hadn’t realized until then how much heat Connie put off in this form.

Kit moved back around to where he could see one of Connie’s eyes. Connie must have recognized he was done exploring and slowly clambered back up to his feet.

“Can I see your wings?”

Connie extended them, and Kit gasped. They were enormous. They reminded Kit of bat wings, only more leathery and a thousand times bigger. Of course, they had to be if they were going to support Connie as he flew. And they were indeed monstrous.

“Like I said, magnificent.”

Connie preened.

Kit laughed softly. “Honestly, you’re terrifyingly beautiful.”

Connie flapped his wings, and the breeze practically pushed Kit off his feet.

“Hey, now!”

Connie snorted as he looked down at Kit.

“Who ever thought a dragon could snort?” Kit sighed as he looked at the superb creature standing in front of him. “I take it since you have wings, you’re capable of flight?”

Connie nodded.

“That must be wonderful,” Kit whispered. “Soaring up there, looking down on all of us, nothing but the moon and stars around you. I can’t imagine.”

“We crave it. Flying relaxes us,” Hudson said.

“I also want to see your dragon.”

“I pretty much look the same, just bigger and a solid red color,” Hudson said.

“Still. I want to see you.” Kit looked at Connie in his dragon form, then at Hudson, who was in his human form. “But maybe not right now? There are other things I want to do right now.”

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