CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: KIT

KIT RAN through a mental checklist in his head of what all he needed to do as soon as they got to the bookstore. They took three of Hudson’s sleek black SUVs, which made sense since there were so many of them.

“Did somebody get the ice chest full of water bottles?” Kit asked as he got into the SUV.

“Torres loaded it up earlier, along with another ice chest full of ice.” Connie placed a box filled with cups and napkins in the back too. “That’s the cups and stuff. All we need to do is grab the baked goods on our way there.”

Kit scanned the crowd, looking for Torres to thank him, but he was getting into one of the other SUVs. “Okay, thanks, Connie.”

As they rode in, it didn’t escape Kit’s notice that Beckett constantly scanned the flow of traffic around them.

Despite his watchful gaze, nothing exciting happened as they made their way through the bustling streets. Motorcycles revved and cars honked, creating a symphony of urban chaos that surrounded them. But amidst the chaos, Beckett’s focus remained unwavering and alert, ready for any potential danger.

When they pulled into the parking lot, Kage and his people were already there, waiting.

Once vehicles were parked and shut off, Torres got out of his SUV just as Denisha left her vehicle. Together, they walked the perimeter of Kit’s bookstore. After a quick nod, everybody got out.

Kit unlocked the doors and turned off the alarms. They had an hour before the bookstore opened, and everybody got to work. Kit directed Connie and Audrey to go get the tables out of storage to set up so they could put out the drinks and food, while Hudson helped Lanny set up the table Austin would use for his signing.

Denisha and Beckett emerged from the back room with their arms full of sturdy boxes. These contained Austin’s highly anticipated latest release, which he would be signing for eager fans. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone hustled to prepare for a successful day ahead.

Maia and Nelson helped Kit set up a table with the food. Whoever wasn’t helping with immediate setup spread out through the bookstore and did a quick check, just to be safe. Of course, if someone had broken into the store, Kit’s alarm would’ve gone off—as would the wards, most likely—but he understood why everybody was taking extra precautions.

Kit’s employees showed up and also pitched in.

Kit grabbed Austin by the arm and led him out of the chaos for a moment. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself!” Austin grinned at Kit. “So, was your ride in as tense as ours?”

“Oh yes. And we had a lot farther to go than you guys.” Kit looked around at everything that was being set up. “It looks really good. Did you get new swag? I don’t remember those stickers from last time.”

Austin nodded. “Chibi, I think they’re called. They seem to be really popular. I had all my characters done.”

Kit whistled. “I bet that cost a pretty penny.”

“It cost my publisher a pretty penny.” Austin snickered.

“Oh, nice.” Kit spotted Henrietta and her mates. “Hey, also, I want you to meet Connie’s parents. I hear that his mother, Henrietta, is a big fan.”

“Oh wow, really? She’s read me?”

“Look at you blush. And yes, she has.”

“It always throws me when I meet people who’ve read my stuff and liked it. No idea why, though. Imposter Syndrome is a real thing, you know,” Austin said.

Kit gently patted Austin on the back. “I’m not a writer, so I can’t imagine what that must feel like, but I’ve heard other authors talk about it. All I can tell you is that you are insanely popular, and the massive crowd that’s going to show up here shortly in front of my bookstore is a testament to that.”

“That always amazes me too. Okay, so introduce me to your mother-in-law and your fathers-in-law,” Austin said.

Kit opened his mouth and then closed it. “You know, I never thought of it like that, but that’s exactly what they are. Huh, I have a mother-in-law who doesn’t hate the very sight of me. Is that a thing?”

“I have no idea. I don’t have a mother-in-law, remember?” Austin said. “And knowing what I do of Kage’s parents, I’m probably fortunate.”

“That’s right. I forgot. I’m so sorry. But don’t worry, you’re going to love Henrietta. She’s the greatest.” Kit waved at Connie’s mother to get her attention.

Henrietta spotted Kit’s wave and excused herself from the conversation she was having with Leo and Ford, then made her way over, a beaming smile lighting up her face.

“Kit, dear, it’s so wonderful to see everything coming together like this,” she exclaimed, her eyes sweeping over the bustling scene in the bookstore.

“And I have someone I want you to meet,” Kit said, turning to Austin with a grin. “This is Austin, the man behind the books that kept you up too many nights.”

Austin stretched out his hand, a nervous smile flickering across his face. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Henriett—”

“Oh, please, just call me Henrietta,” she interrupted, shaking his hand warmly. “And the honor is all mine. Your stories are like a window to another world that I can’t resist peeking through.”

Austin’s cheeks colored slightly at the praise. “Thank you, that means a lot to me, especially coming from one such as you.”

Kit watched the interaction with a sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t every day he could foster connections between his family and friends and his professional life so seamlessly.

“I must say”—Henrietta turned to include Kit in the conversation again—“you’ve set up quite the event here today. Kit tells us you’re expecting quite a crowd?”

“Yes,” Austin replied, his eyes scanning the room, where volunteers were finishing setting up ropes to guide the expected lines. “It’s always a bit overwhelming but exciting too.”

Ford and Leo joined them then, clasping hands with Austin in hearty greetings.

“Just wait until they start lining up,” Kit said with a laugh. “It becomes real very fast.”

“As long as they keep buying books, right?” Leo added, winking at Austin, who chuckled in response.

Kit kept busy, and customers soon began forming a neat line that snaked around the velvet ropes. The buzz of excited chatter filled the air as people discussed their favorite parts of Austin’s books and speculated about what his next project might be.

Kit stood back for a moment and observed it all—the culmination of weeks of planning and coordination unfolding exactly as he’d hoped. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Beckett giving him an approving nod.

“Looks like everything’s under control here,” Beckett said.

“It does,” Kit agreed with a relieved sigh. “Couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help, though.”

As Austin took his seat at the signing table, Kit watched him interact with each fan with genuine interest and kindness—a trait that not only made him a great author but also a beloved figure among his readers.

THE MORNING progressed smoothly, with books signed and countless photos taken. The energy in the bookstore was palpable—part excitement from meeting a favorite author and part pride from Kit in how well everything was managed.

Kit kept an eye on each departing reader. The smiles on their faces told him how successful this event had been. Just as he was about to push off from the bookshelf to check on Austin’s need for a break, a young lady, probably in her early twenties, shyly approached Auston’s table. Her hands clutched an older, well-loved copy of one of Austin’s earlier works.

“Mr. Berkshire?” she asked timidly as she reached the front of the line.

Austin looked up, his eyes lighting up as they met hers. “Yes?”

“I wrote you a letter,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She extended a folded piece of paper toward him.

Austin accepted it, his smile gentle. “Thank you. I’ll read this very carefully. What’s your name?”

“Lila,” she replied.

“Lila, that’s a beautiful name. Would you like me to sign your book for you?” Austin asked.

She nodded eagerly, pushing the book across the table toward him. As Austin penned his message in her book, Kit watched the interaction, reminded of why moments like these mattered so much—not just for the success they brought to his bookstore, but for the magic they brought into readers’ lives.

After Austin handed back the signed book, Lila beamed at him. “Thank you. I love your work.”

“You’re very welcome, Lila, and thank you,” Austin said, voice warm.

She walked off with a skip in her step, clutching her treasure tightly.

Kit turned to Austin after Lila had left. “You have quite an impact on your readers.”

“Again, it surprises me every time,” Austin confessed as he stretched his arms over his head, easing the stiffness in his shoulders from sitting too long. “Seeing their reactions—it makes all those solitary hours writing worth it.”

Just then, Henrietta reappeared beside them with baked goodies and drinks, courtesy of Connie, who’d been diligently managing refreshments in the background.

“Thought you might need some fuel after all that,” Henrietta said as she set down the trays. “How are you holding up?”

Austin smiled gratefully. “Perfect timing, Henrietta,” he said as he picked up a cupcake. “And I think I’m holding up all right thanks to everyone’s incredible support today.”

As they ate and chatted casually about books and future events Kit could host at the store, Austin seemed to relax more.

THE EVENT eventually wound down. Staff started clearing away signs and ropes while Kit made sure every detail was taken care of—no task was too small or trivial to ensure that everything met his high standards.

When only a few customers remained browsing through aisles not occupied by the event, Kit finally sat down beside Austin at the now-empty signing table.

“You know…” Kit began thoughtfully. “I’d have to say you had an excellent turnout.”

Austin nodded in agreement. “There were a lot of people, weren’t there?”

“Did you notice some of the people were, um, like our mates?” Kit was very careful about his word choice because there were still humans browsing.

“I very much did, as a matter of fact. That really makes me feel good, you know?”

“I bet.”

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment. The soft rustle of pages turning and the occasional whisper from the remaining customers provided a gentle backdrop to their thoughts.

“You know, Austin, I’ve been thinking about hosting some writing workshops here. Given the turnout today, I think there’s a real hunger for not just reading books but understanding how to create them. What do you think about leading a few sessions?”

Austin looked intrigued. “That sounds fantastic. It’d be fun to share some of what I’ve learned over the years.”

“And maybe we could even feature some local authors, too, besides you. Give them a platform to share their work and learn from a seasoned writer like yourself.”

“I love that idea,” Austin said. “Why don’t I call you Monday, and we can talk more about it?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Kit checked his cell phone. “It appears as if you are officially done with the book signing. I’ll let everybody know so we can start packing things up, and you guys can go.”

“Thanks, Kit. I had fun. Glad everything went… safely.”

Kit knew immediately what Austin was alluding to—nothing untoward had happened at the event, which was a great relief.”

“I’ll help clean up, and we’ll get out of your way,” Austin said, standing.

“I think I’m going to call it a day as soon as we do. It’s almost quitting time anyhow,” Kit said, also standing.

Kit spoke to his employees, warning them that he was going to close early so they would know they could leave. Connie, Denisha, Torres, and Axel showed up to help pack the tables up and carted off any of the books Austin did not sell.

Everybody was cleaning up and setting things back to rights so when Kit walked back to his office and saw a trashcan overflowing with paper plates and cups, he stopped.

Grabbing the bag of trash, he veered off toward the back door. Opening it, he stepped outside and walked a few feet down the alley to his dumpster. Getting a good handle on it, he reared back and tossed the trash into the dumpster.

Turning around, he came face-to-face with Don.

Kit opened his mouth to scream for help.

“No, wait! Please, Kit, listen, I’m dying! Dying! Please, don’t call for them. Please!” Don flailed his arms in a frenzy. “Just five minutes. Just give me five minutes to explain why I’m here. Look at me, Kit, please. Really look at me.”

Kit’s gut told him to call for Connie and Hudson, not to believe anything coming from Don’s mouth, but there was no denying he looked like… well, like death warmed over.

The thing was, he wasn’t sure he had five minutes.

Connie or Hudson would soon realize he was gone and come looking for him, especially if that bout of fear showed up in the bond, but he didn’t think it did. Had he been startled? Absolutely. Had he been afraid? No, because he hadn’t really had time before Don basically started panicking.

Odd how the roles were reversed now, wasn’t it?

Still, Kit wasn’t confident he could stop his mates from attacking Don if they found him there, and something was definitely going on with Don. His skin had a sickening yellow tint, his eyes were sunken, and his hair was thin and stringy. His gaunt appearance was evidence of his declining health. He truly looked like he was on the brink of death.

“I’m not here to hurt you. Or kidnap you. Or whatever else you’re thinking! I need help. I need your help. And your mates’ help. Kit, please,” Don begged.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Kit whispered, deciding to give him a chance to speak, although they were both on the clock.

“My body’s rejecting the werewolf DNA, and it’s killing me.”

A wave of remorse hit Kit. He didn’t trust Don, but he did believe him. He could see the truth with his own eyes. No one deserved to die in such a brutal manner, regardless of their past actions.

“And there is nothing they can do about it? Or will do about it?” That seemed suspicious to Kit.

“It can’t be stopped. And I’m not the only one experiencing this. When it first started, the scientists ran tests and quickly figured out the issue. They told Nox, but he didn’t care. His response was that there were plenty of other humans in the world who could take our place.”

“Jesus.” How coldhearted, but unfortunately, it didn’t surprise Kit. Don and those like him were expendable. Wasn’t that always the way it was with the bad guys?

“I know you don’t trust me. You shouldn’t after what I did, but please understand, I really didn’t have a choice. Nox had kidnapped Chester, my baby brother. Do you remember him?”

“I do, actually. He was in college, right? A straight A student, if I remember correctly.” From what Kit could recall, Chester was the complete opposite of Don—sweet, shy, and an all-around nice guy, whereas Don had always been more of a bad boy. It was one of the things that had first attracted Kit to Don.

“Exactly. Much smarter than me, that’s for sure. When I balked at Nox’s plan to use you to get at Austin and Kage, Nox showed me a video of my baby brother tied to a chair in a room.”

“My God.”

“It was you or him, and I’m sorry, as much as I cared about you at the time, that was my baby brother. I did what I had to do.” Don’s shoulders slumped. “And it didn’t matter one damn bit.”

“What do you mean?” Kit asked, although he was afraid he already knew.

“I was too stupid to realize that the room they were holding Chester in was a room in one of our laboratories. And he’s not the only one they have experimented on. There’s a witch there too. She has all three strands of DNA. Anyway, Nox had already injected Chester. After Nox was killed, we found out Lennox was actually the one in charge. He picked up where Nox left off.”

“Is Chester okay?”

“Well, he isn’t rejecting the DNA like I am, so I guess in that aspect, he is, but he’s under Lennox’s control just like the majority of us are.”

“Okay, so what has this got to do with me?”

“You’re mated to a royal dragon. Plus, he’s friends with all the paranormal leaders. But Hudson’s the most motivated to end this because Lennox is obsessed with you, although I don’t know why.”

Kit wasn’t touching that with a ten-foot pole. “Okay?”

Don rubbed his forehead, and when he dropped his hand, the skin sloughed off. Don stared at his fingers for a couple moments, then reached back up where a pink tinted liquid was beginning to rise to the surface. “Fuck.”

“Mother of all.” Kit stared in shock. Any question of whether or not Don was lying about his health was suddenly answered. “Don, my God, is that blood?”

Tears welled in Don’s eyes. “Yes, and it’s getting worse,” he said with a shaky voice. “I can feel it. The pain is constant, and my body is failing. My teeth and nails are falling out, and even my hair is starting to go.” He sighed heavily. “All I want is to save my brother and then just… die, preferably quickly so I don’t suffer any longer.”

“I’m so sorry.” Kit reached for Don, then dropped his arm. No, he had to remember what Don had done to him, even if he maybe did have a good excuse. He was still responsible for the trauma Kit was still seeing someone for. “You’ve dragged me into your mess and exposed me to the paranormal world.”

“I know.”

“That bastard bit me and sucked my blood.”

“I know .”

“What exactly do you want? And what the hell was that tunnel deal? Hudson said they chased you, so why didn’t you talk to him then? What was the point of luring him into those tunnels?”

“Because he wouldn’t listen to me then, and I needed him to find those tunnels, find the weapons in them. I desperately needed him to find those tunnels because that’s where Lennox is hiding out. And there’s something else. That’s where my baby brother is most of the time too.”

“What in the hell are you talking about now?”

“I told you that Chester was injected with paranormal DNA, right? I didn’t tell you what kind. It was mer. Chester is part merman now, and that lake you guys found in the tunnels? That’s basically Chester’s home now, although it does have access to the ocean.”

“Oh my God, I saw something in that lake.”

“I know. Chester told me.”

“Why didn’t he say something?”

“I’d like to know that too, and it’d better be convincing, or I’ll have Kage dump your ass in the ocean,” Hudson growled.