CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: CONNIE

THURSDAY MORNING, Connie and Hudson were on their way into San DeLain when Connie’s phone rang.

“Oh, it’s Mom,” he said, checking his cell phone. “Hey, Mom! What’s up?”

“Good morning. You wouldn’t happen to be around Hudson, would you?” Henrietta asked.

“I am, actually. We’re heading into the office.”

“Perfect. King Hudson? I am officially requesting permission for myself, Leo Bennett and Ford Bridgemar to visit Connie. May we have permission to enter your territory?”

Connie didn’t bother to put the phone on speaker. He knew Hudson could hear his mother perfectly well.

“Good morning, Henrietta. Of course you and your mates can come visit. I am officially welcoming you to my territory,” Hudson said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Now that the formalities are out of the way, when would be a good time for us to come, Hudson? I understand there has been a lot going on lately.”

“Whenever is best for you. How are things in your court?” Hudson asked.

“There wasn’t much damage done from the attack, thankfully. There were a few injuries, but nothing too terribly serious. Is everything okay in your court?” Henrietta asked.

“A few outbuildings were damaged, as were a couple of cabins. No one was hurt.”

“I’m glad to hear that. If you really don’t mind when we come to visit, would it be okay if we arrive tomorrow? It’s been a while since I’ve seen the two of you, and I really want to meet Kit,” Henrietta said.

“Tomorrow would be fine. I look forward to seeing you and your mates too. The only event we have scheduled is a book signing at Kit’s bookstore. It’s Kage’s mate, Austin Berkshire, who is doing the signing,” Hudson said.

“The Austin Berkshire?”

Connie rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom, the Austin Berkshire.”

“I have all of his books!”

“Would you like to attend the book signing, Henrietta?” Hudson asked.

“You better believe I would. Would that be okay?”

“I don’t see why it would be a problem. Besides, the more protection we have there, the better.”

“Oh, yes. We wouldn’t want those sweet boys hurt,” Henrietta said. “Well, then, my king has graciously offered to fly us in, so we should be in San DeLain early tomorrow morning. I’ll text you tonight, Connie, and let you know what time we’ll be in.”

“I’ll have someone pick you up,” Hudson said.

“Thank you. We’d appreciate that. Okay, Connie, we’ll see you tomorrow. Love you, bye.”

“Love you too, Mom, bye.” Connie ended the call, then grinned at Hudson. “She’s going to fangirl all over Austin.”

“Then we better warn everyone who’s going to be there because you’re probably right,” Hudson joked.

As they continued their drive to the office, the conversation shifted back to what they had on the agenda for the workday. However, Connie couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of seeing his mother and dads again.

It’d been almost a year since their last visit, and there was something comforting about having family close, especially with all the recent troubles.

“When’s the last time you saw your mom in person?” Hudson asked, glancing over at Connie as he navigated through a particularly congested part of town.

“About a year ago,” Connie replied with a sigh. “It’s been too long, but with everything that’s gone on....” He shook his head slightly.

“I know,” Hudson said softly.

AT THE office, Connie took a moment to call Torres, their head of security, to brief him on the parents’ visit and discuss any additional measures they would need at the bookstore during the signing event.

Connie had no idea why it hadn’t dawned on him before then that his parents’ status had suddenly been elevated now that he was mated to Hudson. Really, that was something he should’ve thought of before. They all should have, as a matter of fact.

He couldn’t wait to see the look on his mom’s face when he pointed that out.

“Connie? Since you have Torres on the phone, make sure to ask if he’s willing to pick up your parents tomorrow morning,” Hudson asked. “If he’s busy, I can ask—”

“I can do it, Hudson. It’s no problem,” Torres said, answering Hudson’s question.

After Connie hung up, he and Hudson got to work. The rest of the day went by in a blur of meetings and preparations.

BY THAT evening, they were fully prepared for his parents’ arrival and Saturday's highly anticipated book signing event. The streets were chaotic with the usual rush-hour traffic, horns blaring and engines revving in a frantic symphony.

Connie kept a lookout as Hudson expertly navigated through the varying lanes of traffic. The rush hour had hit its peak, giving everyone on the interstate a headache.

He couldn’t spot anyone following them, but his guard remained up, especially for a beat-up white Chevy truck that could easily blend in with the other vehicles on the road.

The journey back to the compound was smooth and uneventful. The familiar sights and sounds of their home welcomed them back, a sense of safety and comfort washing over Connie. Not long after they arrived, Kit and Beckett’s vehicle pulled up next to theirs, the roar of an engine breaking the peaceful silence.

After they’d changed into more comfortable clothes, the three of them gathered in the communal living area. The room was alive with the sound of laughter and animated chatter as they all caught up with each other.

As the delicious aroma of dinner filled the room, they made their way to the large dining table, where everyone sat together.

Amidst the sounds of clinking glasses and silverware, several dragons offered their condolences for Hudson’s recent loss. Their somber expressions a stark contrast to the otherwise jovial atmosphere.

It was so very obvious the court was worried about their king. Connie was well aware that not every court had such a comfortable relationship with their ruler.

He couldn’t help but appreciate the unique dynamic between Hudson and his court, knowing that not all dragons were fortunate enough to have such a close and comfortable relationship with their king.

He gave silent thanks to fate for bringing him to Hudson’s court so many years ago.

“Lanny? Is everything ready for the signing on Saturday?” Hudson inquired.

“Oh yes,” Lanny said. “We’re prepared on our end. I will, of course, stay.”

“And I’m ready too,” Kit said. “There will be snacks offered during the event for our customers.”

Torres nodded. “We’re ready on my end too. I checked in with Denisha. Kage, Maia, and Denisha will be there. She thinks Doc Terry and Axel will be there. So that makes four daemons and an Alpha werewolf.”

Good,” Hudson said. “And on our end?”

“I will be there, along with Audrey and Nelson, our combat specialists. That gives us you, Connie, Lanny, me, Audrey, and Nelson.”

“I’ll be there also,” Beckett volunteered. “That gives us seven dragons, four daemons, and an Alpha werewolf. Anyone who tries something stupid Saturday is just asking for trouble.”

“Don’t forget my bookstore also has a ward on it,” Kit said.

“Nevertheless, no one drops their guard,” Hudson said. “And whatever you do, do not underestimate Lennox. Kit? Would you pass me the salt?”

Everybody promised they would not.

Kit nodded as he passed Hudson the salt. “I’m really excited about it. We always have a good turnout when Austin does a signing. It’s good for him and me both.”

“Speaking of good things.” Hudson shot Connie a mischievous look. “Have you told Kit that your parents are coming to visit tomorrow?”

Kit choked on his water, coughing slightly as he set his glass down. “Shit. Say what now?”

“It’s not a big deal, Kit,” Connie admitted with a playful roll of his eyes. “My mom and dads are coming to visit tomorrow. They’re really excited about meeting you. Remember? I told you about this.”

“Well, yeah, but you never said when. I mean, tomorrow is like… tomorrow!”

“That gives you all night to panic,” Beckett said helpfully.

Kit glared at Beckett. “Thanks. That’s so helpful. I appreciate you.”

“Seriously, though, Connie’s parents are great,” Beckett said.

“I’ve met them,” Audrey said. “They are as nice as can be.”

Torres nodded. “I agree with Audrey. I’ve never heard Henrietta say an unkind word. His dads either.”

Several other dragons around the table reassured Kit about how great Connie’s parents were too.

Connie leaned back in his chair and looked at Kit across the table. “They will love you.”

“They really will,” Hudson agreed solemnly before reaching over to squeeze Kit’s hand reassuringly.

“Okay. Okay. I got this. It’ll be okay.”

“It really will be,” Connie said.

Dinner progressed as subjects turned to recent court happenings and shared stories of past adventures. Laughter filled the room again, breaking through the tension that had momentarily settled over the group.

After dinner, as they were clearing the table, Connie caught up with Kit near the kitchen. “You’re really worried about tomorrow, aren’t you?” Connie asked softly.

Kit sighed. “I guess I am. It’s silly, right? They’re just people, but meeting the parents is a big thing to humans.”

“They’re important to me, yes, but so are you,” Connie said. “Just be yourself. They’ll love you.”

Kit managed a small smile. “Thanks, Connie. I’ll try not to embarrass you.”

“You couldn’t if you tried,” Connie assured him.

Kit still looked unsure.

Hudson appeared out of nowhere, wrapping his arm around Kit’s waist. “I heard what you said. Don’t you know by now how proud we are that you’re our mate? We adore you. Everything about you. In fact, I think we should take you to bed and prove it to you.”

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Connie said, picking Kit up, causing Hudson to let go, and then swinging him over his shoulder so they could head toward their bedroom. “Good night, everyone. Don’t bother us unless the compound is under attack."

Hudson chuckled as he followed Connie.

Kit, still slung over Connie’s shoulder, let out a surprised yelp but couldn’t help the laughter bubbling from his lips.

With Kit plastered against him, Connie felt the tension melt away. He entered their bedroom and gently set Kit down next to the bed.

Hudson closed the door behind them with a soft click.

“Look at me, Kit,” Connie said seriously. “I mean it when I say you have nothing to worry about. My parents are going to see what I see in you—your kindness, your humor, your intelligence. How could they not love you? Please stop stressing about this.”

Kit took a deep breath and nodded.

Hudson moved next to them. “He’s right. But for tonight, we focus on us, no worries about tomorrow.”

Connie slowly started working Kit’s shirt off. Hudson moved so that he had Kit trapped between him and Connie.

Connie wasted no time because he wanted skin, dammit. Easing Kit’s shirt off, he tossed it to the ground.

Then he cupped Kit’s chin so that his mate was staring into his eyes. “I love you. Hudson loves you. And my parents are going to love you. Focus on us. And if you can’t do that, then we’re going to help you.”

Connie nipped Kit’s lips in a silent plea to open, which Kit did immediately. Connie kissed him thoroughly, exploring every inch of his mouth.

When he eased back to let Kit breathe, he noticed that Hudson had been busy while he and Kit kissed. Hudson had eased the top of Kit’s jeans and underwear down just enough that the head of his cock was free.

“Connie? Take care of this for me.”

More than happy to follow that order, Connie knelt, one of his hands resting on Kit’s hip. His mouth watered, and he licked his lips. Glancing through his lashes, he saw that Hudson had turned Kit’s head enough, so they were kissing.

Hudson had one hand wrapped around Kit’s throat and the other toyed with one of his nipples.

What a picture they made. It was definitely affecting Kit, if the bobbing cock in front of Connie’s face was anything to go by. He blew across the top, making Kit shiver, before sucking the crown in his mouth.

Kit moaned, his voice muffled by Hudson’s mouth on his own. Connie worked him expertly, taking him deeper, relishing the salty tang of pre-come and the heady musk of his excitement.

Kit dropped his hands to Connie’s hair, fingers threading through the thick locks in a gentle yet desperate grip. He tugged gently, sending little waves of pleasure through Connie’s body.

Hudson broke the kiss for a moment to whisper in Kit’s ear. “You see? We’ve got you. You are loved. Now let us love you.”

Kit nodded breathlessly.

As Hudson roamed lower, Kit gasped and squirmed with need. He slid one hand along Kit’s hips to link with Connie’s, joining the three of them together in their pleasure.

Connie sensed Kit’s approaching climax and increased his efforts, his eyes locked on Hudson’s as they shared their partner’s imminent unraveling. The silent communication between them was a perfect orchestration of love and lust.

Kit trembled. “I—I’m gonna—”

“Let go, love,” Hudson encouraged softly, his lips brushing against Kit’s earlobe as he spoke.

With a shudder and a choked sigh, Kit flooded Connie’s mouth, then sagged into Hudson’s arms, breathless and spent.

Licking his lips, Connie slowly rose to his feet after ensuring he had cherished every drop. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and smiled at both of them. “How’s that for proving you have nothing to worry about?”

Kit chuckled weakly, still trying to catch his breath. “I think I’m convinced.”

Hudson gently undressed Kit, then lowered him onto the bed. “Clothes off, Connie,” he demanded.

Connie willingly stripped, his gaze on Hudson as he too undressed and tossed his clothes to the side.