CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: CONNIE

SEVERAL DAYS had passed since Connie’s parents left for their court. They had only been gone for a short time, yet he already missed them.

However, there was plenty of work to keep him occupied. The construction on their master bedroom and bath was finally complete—the walls were freshly painted, and the hardwood floors gleamed. The new furniture and decor had arrived and been added.

Which was a good thing, since the king of the gargoyles grew increasingly restless as he waited for Kayden and his construction crews to arrive.

Their bedroom now reflected all three of their unique tastes, blending to create a harmonious space. Kit was overjoyed with the addition of the new makeup area, tears of happiness streaming down his cheeks when he saw it. Hudson and Connie were initially horrified by his reaction until they saw the genuine joy in his eyes.

As for Connie’s new place for his hoard, it was perfection too, and he was also tempted to shed a tear or two.

A thrill of excitement rippled through his dragon, causing him to rumble happily. He gazed upon the entrance of the underground vault, envisioning the glimmer and shine his hoard would bring to its dark depths. The thought alone stirred fierce pride and satisfaction in him.

Hudson clapped Connie on the shoulder. “Well? What do you think?”

“It’s perfect. I mean, how could it be anything but perfect? You did this for me. Besides, it’s twice as big as the one I had before.”

“That means you’ll just have to work harder to fill it up,” Hudson joked.

“Of that I have no doubt,” Kit said, looping his arm around Connie’s waist. “But in the meantime, shall we get you moved in? Or is that something your dragon only wants you to do? I guess what I’m asking is, can we help? Does he want our help?”

Connie checked in with his dragon, who was completely unconcerned about Hudson and Connie helping. In fact, he was fine with it since it would get his treasures secured quicker. “He’s all for it.”

“Then let’s get you moved.”

With his mates’ help, Connie began the process of moving his hoard. Each step was slow and meticulous, as Connie’s attention was constantly drawn to the beautiful and valuable pieces of artwork that he’d collected over the years.

But every time he paused to share a special item with Kit or Hudson, his mates’ eyes lit up with genuine interest and admiration. The process was long and exhausting, but seeing their joy at each new discovery made it all worth it for Connie.

Together, the three of them carefully transported each piece to its new display spot, creating a dazzling showcase of Connie’s treasures. As he placed the last piece of art on a shelf, a smile spread across his face.

He ran his hand along the smooth shelf, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. This new addition was more than just space—it was his own personal retreat, where he could escape from the chaos of everyday life.

But there had been one thing that had been on his mind lately—and that was the tattoos Kit had mentioned in passing. Connie had always been fascinated by tattoos, admiring them from afar but never caring enough to go to the trouble to get one.

And it would be trouble, because they’d have to first find a witch they could trust to spell the ink. That in itself was a hurdle. Then both he and Hudson would have to keep their dragons calm while Kit was inked. Because Gaura help them all if Kit displayed a hint of pain.

Yeah.

His thoughts immediately turned to Susan, a member of Kage’s clan and someone they undoubtedly trusted. She was a magic user, which was just another name for an archmage, mage, magus, spellcaster, enchanter/enchantress, sorcerer/sorceress, warlock, witch, or wizard.

Basically, it was someone who used or practiced magic derived from supernatural, occult, or arcane sources. So she definitely had the capability to spell ink for them. If she was willing, she’d be perfect.

“Not too long ago something was said about the three of us getting some sort of permanent symbol to show we’re mated,” Connie started.

“I mentioned something about a tattoo,” Kit said, gently putting down a vase he was looking at. “Why?”

“I liked the idea.” Connie glanced at Hudson. “What do you think?”

“I have no problem with it if that’s something the two of you want to do.” Hudson made his way through the priceless artwork and piles of coins to Connie. “Is it?”

“I think so, yes. I like the idea of wedding bands, but a tattoo would be permanent,” Connie said.

“That’s very true. There’s no reason we can’t have both,” Kit said. “Right? Can paranormals have tattoos even?”

“We’d have to have a magic user spell the ink.” Hudson pursed his lips.

“Huh. Is that not something either one of you could do?” Kit asked.

“We are magic, and we can cast spells, but I would rather have someone who specializes in something like this,” Hudson said. “Susan is a magic user.”

Connie nodded. “I was thinking of her too. Plus, she’s part of Kage’s clan.”

“She can spell the ink, but she’s not a tattoo artist,” Kit pointed out.

“True. But maybe she can recommend somebody who is and is part of the community,” Connie said.

“So? Are we doing this?” Kit asked enthusiastically.

“I don’t see why not. I guess all that remains is coming up with some sort of design and decide where we want it.”

“Oh, I already know the design. I want a dragon stencil type, and I want the dragon to almost be abstract in design. I want two small ones on my right wrist. Two because that would represent the two of you as my mates, and on my right wrist because my wedding band will be on my left ring finger.”

“I’m not exactly sure what you mean by stencil—”

“Just a sec.” Quickly Kit scrolled on his phone. Then he held it out to Hudson. “Something like this. Not necessarily that particular one, but something like this.”

“I see.” Turning, Hudson looked at Connie, who was staring at Kit’s phone over his shoulder. “Sweetheart?”

“I like that too. And I actually like having it on the inside wrist also. It’d be visible there,” Connie said.

Kit nodded. “Exactly. Visible, but also very simplistic. Also, I wanted it done in red.”

“I actually like the designs of the dragons you found,” Connie said. “All we need to do now is find someone to do the tattoo once we have the ink.”

“A good tattoo artist can reproduce this design, I think, and put their own twist to it,” Kit said.

“So? Are we decided?” Hudson asked.

Connie looked at Hudson and then at Kit. “I think we are. Since Susan is part of Kage’s clan, and you are Kage’s best friend, why don’t you make the request?” Connie asked.

“I would be more than happy to.”

SEVERAL PHONE calls later, not only had Susan agreed to spell the ink for them, but she also knew of someone, a paranormal someone, who would do the tattoos.

The shop was nestled deep within an alley in San DeLain and shimmered with the muted glow of enchanted lights, casting eerie, dancing shadows on the outside walls. The sign above the door was a simple, elegant script that read “Eternal Marks,” and it glowed faintly under the moon’s light.

Connie tried to keep his excitement under control as they walked inside. The shop’s walls were adorned with sketches of mystical creatures and spellbinding symbols that seemed to dance under the flickering lights. A gentle hum of a needle buzzed in the background, a lullaby for those accustomed to the ink-stained path of permanence.

“Welcome.”

They turned to see a figure emerging from behind a beaded curtain, his hair a cascade of silver waves, eyes twinkling with an impish delight. “You must be the trio Susan sent over.”

Kit’s smile widened as he stepped forward, extending a hand. “That’s us. You must be Willow Dawson?”

“I am indeed.” Willow’s handshake was firm, his gaze assessing. “Susan told me about your special request—dragon stencils with spelled ink. She also emailed me the sketch you picked out. I’ve prepared something you might like.” He gestured to some papers on the counter.

As they gathered around, Willow showed the concept he’d come up with. Connie caught his breath. The dragons were abstract yet expressive, each line flowing into the next with an almost ethereal grace.

“These are stunning,” Hudson murmured, tracing a finger over the design Willow had put his own twist on.

“I thought you might appreciate these. I understand the three of you are bonded, Your Majesty,” Willow said quietly. “Yes, Susan told me who you were. If you would allow me, I can weave in protection spells too.”

Hudson looked up at him with newfound respect. “You’re not just a tattoo artist, are you?”

Willow laughed softly, the sound like chimes in the wind. “No, I am what you might call a ‘tattoomancer’—magic and ink run through my veins as one.”

“Kage didn’t tell me this,” Hudson admitted.

“I only choose to share this with certain people. You are a dear friend to the Elder of San Delain. My dear friend, Susan, is part of Kage’s clan. So I offer this to you because I trust Kage and Kage trusts you.”

“And he trusts you,” Hudson said, nodding slowly. “You offer me something of great value.”

“I am pleased to see you recognize that,” Willow said, grinning.

“I do. Thank you. My mates and I gladly accept your offer.”

They settled on the final designs and discussed placement—inner wrists for visibility and intimacy. Willow prepared his tools, his hands steady as he began the enchanting process on the ink.

“Ready?” he asked, looking up from his workbench, where vials of spelled ink caught the light, shimmering with contained energy.

Connie nodded, excitement coursing through him as he offered his wrist first. As Willow began his work, a warm tingling sensation spread across Connie’s skin—not painful, but comforting and warm, like sunlight on cold skin.

Hudson and Kit watched intently, their expressions a mix of anticipation and awe. Each dragon took shape slowly and surely under Willow’s skilled hand—the lines sharp and precise, filled with deeper meaning and magic than any ordinary tattoo.

When all was done, the three of them examined their new marks that seemed to pulse with life under their skin.

“These are more than tattoos,” Hudson said quietly as they admired Willow’s handiwork. “They’re declarations—promises bound in ink and magic.”

Kit wrapped his arms around Hudson and Connie, pulling them close. “Now we carry each other not just in our hearts, but on our skin.”

Willow cleaned up his space, then turned to them with an enigmatic smile. “These will serve you well,” he said. “Bound by magic, protected by love.”

Even Connie’s eyes widened slightly when he saw what Hudson paid Willow. It was probably enough to cover the shop’s rent for a year. But in Connie’s opinion, it was worth every cent.

As they left the shop, happiness flowed through their bond. It was odd, but their connection seemed stronger. The night felt alive, charged with an unseen energy that danced through the air like the first breath of spring.

Walking back through the quiet streets of San DeLain, occasionally one or the other would glance down, just to look at his wrist, then smile. Okay, it was him. He freely admitted it was him.

“We should celebrate,” Hudson suggested. “Something low key, just us. Wish Embers was opened.”

“That’s not low key, mate, even if they were open.” Connie snickered. “Actually, I know just the place.” Connie led them down another alley lit by soft, glowing lanterns.

They arrived at a small bar that seemed almost hidden from the world—its door tucked beneath an overhanging willow tree. Inside, the bar was cozy, with an intimate atmosphere enhanced by dim lighting and quiet conversations.

They chose a secluded corner booth, ordered a round of beers, and admired their new tattoos.

As they talked and laughed, Connie leaned back and observed his partners. A lot had happened in a very short amount of time—but the most important thing was the threat to Kit was gone.

The night deepened as they lingered in the bar, reluctant to end this moment. It’d been a long time since they hadn’t had a threat hanging over their heads. But eventually, it was time to head home.

They stepped out into the crisp night air, the earlier energy of the city giving way to a tranquil peace. The three of them walked hand-in-hand to the SUV they’d driven into the city.

When they finally reached home, the house was dark, and they retired to their room immediately.

LATER THAT night, as they lay together in bed after making love, Connie snuggled closer to his mates. The room was silent except for their synchronized breathing and the distant sound of night creatures singing in the darkness outside.

He traced the dragon on Hudson’s wrist, feeling the raised lines of ink and magic blended into skin. He could almost hear the faintest thrum of power, a symphony of ancient spells woven through their veins.

“Feels like we’re part of something bigger now,” Connie whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Hudson kissed the top of his head, agreement silent but palpable between them.

Kit stared up at the ceiling. “I think we’re beyond the darkness now.”

“Beyond the darkness,” Connie mused, turning the words over in his head. “Yeah, that feels right.”

Connie listened to his mates drift off to sleep. Outside, the world continued on, oblivious to the love they shared, and that was okay. They knew.

THE HAPPY chirps of birds woke Connie. For a moment he lay there, content, admiring his tattoo once more. Soon there would be a gold band on the ring finger of his other hand.

“Good morning, love,” Kit said sleepily. “Whatcha looking at?”

Connie slid his arm against Kit’s, their tattoos lining up next to each other. “This.”

“They really are beautiful,” Hudson said, resting his arm across Connie’s chest.

“Yes, they really are,” Kit said. Then his stomach growled angrily.

“And that’s our cue to get up,” Connie joked.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. They shared their new tattoos with the dragons who showed up for the communal breakfast. There were a lot of questions and even more people who wanted to know who had done such beautiful artwork.

As they prepared for the day, pulling on clothes and gathering their things, Connie paused at the doorway and looked back at Hudson and Kit, who were waiting for him.

They stepped out into the new day without the dark cloud of Lennox or Knox hanging over them. Beckett met Kit, and together they headed off to the bookstore, while Hudson and Connie also went into the city to take care of business.

As Connie drove, he occasionally glanced at his wrist. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Hudson doing the same. Even though Kit wasn’t in the same vehicle as them, Connie would bet his most expensive piece of art Kit was doing the same.