CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: KIT

PEACE WAS a precious gift. Of course, Kit couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the impending wedding, which was only a few months away. Had the days suddenly lost a few hours? Because it certainly felt that way.

He was as prepared as he could be, but there were still so many tasks left to complete. And one of the tasks on their to-do list was to find costumes for the Halloween Bash that Raven was hosting at Club Nomadic.

They’d decided to keep their costumes a secret until the night of the party. Kit had chosen to go as Harley Quinn, specifically the version from Suicide Squad . He was determined to find the perfect outfit for this character… while also searching for a tuxedo that would fit his ideal image for the wedding. It was quite the contrast!

The peace he mentioned stemmed from the fact that Lennox was dead. And if that made him a horrible person, oh well. He could live with that.

They’d taken a day and hit the high-end shops searching for Hudson’s and Connie’s tuxedos. Hudson couldn’t stop grumbling about not being able to see Kit’s outfit or even catch a glimpse of him until their wedding day. His grumpy dragon was being grumpy about it, which amused Kit to no end.

Confidence radiated from Hudson as he confidently strode through the store. After only a few minutes of browsing, he’d found the perfect suit. The tie and pants were a bold, fiery red, matching the intricate brocade design on his vest. Even his dress shoes were a vibrant shade of crimson.

But it was the duster that truly caught the eye, effortlessly flowing behind him in a crisp white fabric. As Hudson tried on the outfit, Kit knew without a doubt that this was the one. His mate would make a statement at any event in this striking ensemble.

Kit had teared up when Hudson had produced the design of their tattoos and demanded red scrollwork be added along the lapels in this design. There was also a white top hat that would have matching scrollwork on it.

Connie’s suit was just as striking in a pure white, with tails that swayed gracefully as he walked. Every piece of his attire, from his shirt to his tie to his shoes, was a matching shade of white.

He too wanted the same dragon scrollwork in the same fiery hue, but it would wind its way up and down the front and back of his pants, as well as along the sleeves and front of his suit jacket, so the suit was no longer just white in color. The absence of a top hat on his head only added to the sleek, modern feel of his ensemble. He looked as sexy as Hudson.

The suits were ordered, and Kit scheduled a separate appointment to choose his wedding tuxedo alone. He already knew what he wanted—he just needed to find it. Taking a deep breath, he couldn’t wait to see it all come together on the big day. The excitement bubbled in his chest as he eagerly anticipated his solo trip back to the store.

He couldn’t wait for November.

They left the shop and walked down the street. The city around them was vibrant, alive with the hustle and bustle of people going about their daily lives, yet none of them knew of the magical world just beneath the surface, where dragons and magic were part of everyday existence.

Kit’s mind buzzed with thoughts about the wedding and the Halloween Bash. Apart from his own costume and wedding attire, they needed to finalize the guest list for the wedding, order the cake, and set up bi-weekly meetings with their event planner for final touches. It was overwhelming but thrilling. Things were falling into place perfectly.

Several months later

IT WAS his wedding day, and mother of all had time flown and dragged simultaneously. Kit gazed out from the grand bay window in the bridal suite.

The Monarch Hotel exuded sophistication through its intricate architecture and sparkling windows that caught the moon’s silvery light. Outside, under strings of delicate fairy lights that lit up the dark, sprawling garden, their guests gathered for cocktails.

The scent of fresh roses filled the air, their vibrant red petals echoing the room’s color scheme. Cascading crystals sparkled from towering centerpieces on each dining table, adding a touch of opulence to the already lavish setting.

It was a night unlike any other, where reality blurred, and fantasy became a tangible experience.

When the cocktail hour was over, and guests were escorted into the grand ballroom, a breathtaking sight would greet them. The hotel’s ceiling had been draped in sumptuous silks of deep blood red and crisp white, creating a rich and regal atmosphere. Everywhere one looked, arches and gilded columns were adorned with a profusion of red and white roses, their delicate petals seemingly dripping from every surface.

Kit had toured the venue earlier and was ecstatic with the results. It was a fairy tale come true.

Kit smiled and softly chuckled as he remembered Hudson’s lackluster reaction to his explanation months ago of the traditional rule of not seeing the bride before the wedding. Hello grumpy dragon.

Hudson had argued but to no avail. He’d then rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief, when he’d seen he was not going to win that argument. He’d freely admitted he didn’t understand the significance or necessity of such a tradition, but for Kit, he’d give in.

But there was a catch. And the catch was that Hudson would allow Kit to travel to the venue without them if he had Stella and Beckett ride with him because they were the only other Ancients in their court.

“What’s so funny, hon?” Grace asked.

Kit turned to his mom. “I was just thinking about Hudson’s reaction when I told him that he couldn’t see me before the wedding.”

Chris shook his head. “Bet that was one unhappy dragon.”

“But didn’t you say that Connie was perfectly okay with it?” Michail asked.

“Well, I don’t know that I’d say he was okay with it,” Kit said. “It was more like he knew he wasn’t going to win that argument.”

Chris let out a derisive snort. “You have that man whipped.”

“Excuse me?” Grace shot him a sharp look, her tone laced with irritation. “Whipped, you say? Because he chose to fulfill his mate’s wishes on their wedding day? Is that what you consider being ‘whipped’?”

The color drained from Chris’s face as he realized what he’d just done.

Michail’s lips curled into a smug smirk as he looked at his mate. “Now you’ve done it.”

Grace wagged a finger at Chris. “I’ll deal with you later.”

Chris hastily tried to backtrack. “Maybe whipped was the wrong word choice.”

Michail couldn’t contain his laughter. “You think?”

“Oh, I see. It was the wrong word choice, huh? Then what word would you use in place of whipped?”

“A little help here would be appreciated, mate,” Chris said desperately to Michail.

Michail shook his head. “Oh, you dug that hole all on your own. No way am I climbing into it with you.”

Chris opened his mouth and then shut it. “You know what? I’m just going to quit talking.”

“Good idea,” Grace said, returning her attention to Kit. “Anyway, as I was saying, I think it’s sweet. He loves you. He loves you enough to respect your traditions, even if he doesn’t understand them. That’s what counts. Isn’t that right, Chris?”

Chris quickly nodded his head. “Yes. Absolutely. You are one hundred percent right.”

Michail snickered.

Kit became teary-eyed with emotion. “Yeah, he’s... he’s amazing. They both are. And, dammit, if you make me mess up my makeup, I’m going to throw a makeup brush at you, Mom.”

Grace quickly hugged Kit. “No need to resort to violence. There will be no tears. Well, no more tears.”

Kit had gotten a little weepy when he’d gotten text messages from both Hudson and Connie letting him know they’d arrived safely. Connie’s message was filled with joy and excitement, while Hudson’s carried a hint of grumpiness as he expressed how much he missed Kit already. Despite being an Ancient, Hudson promised to persevere without one of his loves by his side.

Maybe.

Hopefully.

Connie had then texted that he was keeping Hudson from storming the bridal suite, sweeping Kit off his feet, and flying away with him. Kit had laughed through his tears. Didn’t that just sound like his mates? He was touched by the love that both Hudson and Connie consistently showed, even amidst Hudson’s humorous grumbling.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Chris checked to see who it was. Connie’s mom and his dads popped in to visit with Kit, the photographer with them. After dozens of pictures of Kit, his parents, and Connie’s parents, the photographer left. Henrietta and her mates left soon after that.

“It won’t be long now,” Grace said, checking her watch.

“I know. I’m ready. More than ready.”

“You look stunning,” Grace said, kissing his cheek.

“Thanks, Mom. You don’t look too bad yourself.” Kit giggled when she rolled her eyes.

His mom and Connie’s mom were both dressed in floor-length red gowns, while all the dads were in black tuxedos with red shirts and red rose boutonnieres. Only Kit and his grooms would be in red and white.

Hudson’s dads were not there, of course.

Kit stood before a towering mirror, his reflection merging tradition and modernity. His heart raced as he stared. Every detail had been painstakingly chosen for this night, from the intricate weave of pearls adorning his updo with its few loose strands softly framing his face to his white tux with its long flowing train, which Kit absolutely adored. It was both masculine and feminine.

The tux jacket was open back and heavily embroidered with seed pearls. His jewelry, of course, was pearls… at his wrists and ears. Later, after the wedding was over, he’d return to the bridal chamber and take off the coat since it had such a long train.

It was simply gorgeous but bulky. What he planned to do was stay in the white pants, then add a sheer white shirt. He’d wear the pearl body chain Hudson had given him over the shirt. Yeah, that should get him some appreciative rumbles from his mates.

Wait until they saw what he had underneath his clothes later tonight.

The sound of music floated through the air as the orchestra began to play a soft melody, signaling the end of cocktail hour.

Grace peeked out the window. “Okay, everyone is heading inside. Your dads and I are going to go, but they’ll be waiting for you outside of the grand ballroom.”

There was another knock, and Chris opened the door again.

Beckett walked inside, wearing the classic black tux and white shirt combination. “Hey there. Wow. I mean, damn, Kit. You look amazing. Connie’s and Hudson’s jaws are going to drop when they see you.”

“Exactly the reaction I’m going for.” Kit laughed. “Okay, Mom, Dads. I’ll see you soon. Love you guys.”

Grace only sniffled a little as she left.

Once the door was shut behind them, Beckett grinned at Kit. “So? How are you doing? Any nerves?”

“None. I’m excited, yes. We have a great turnout, from what I saw. My parents are here. Connie’s parents are here. The people we are close to are here, along with the movers and shakers of San DeLain and several celebrities. It’s everything I wanted. I can feel the bond too. They’re excited also.”

Eventually, the music changed again, signaling the start of the ceremony. Kit glanced at himself in the mirror one last time, adjusting his suit jacket. It was perfect—all of it. The reflection staring back at him was a man deeply in love and minutes away from having his dream wedding.

“Ready?” Beckett asked, offering Kit his arm.

“You better believe it,” Kit replied, taking a deep breath as he placed his hand on Beckett’s offered arm.

Together, they walked out of the bridal suite. As they approached the ornate doors separating them from their guests and Hudson and Connie, Kit swallowed. This was it—the moment of moments.

Kit’s dads stood there, waiting. Beckett hugged Kit, then disappeared inside the grand ballroom.

“Ready?” Chris asked as he positioned himself on the right of Kit.

“More than I can say.”

“We’re so happy for you,” Michail said, standing to the left of Kit.

“Do you know, even when I was little, I dreamed about having a big fancy wedding? I never could see my groom, though. Now I know I should’ve been looking for two of them.”

The music shifted subtly, picking up in tempo.

“That’s our cue to go.” With a deep breath, Kit waited for the wedding planner to open the big ornate doors.

Immediately, Kit saw that the walkway had been lined with more red and white roses. The crowd turned then, and together with his dads, he stepped out onto the path that would lead him to his destiny.

At the far end, Hudson and Connie stood before a massive arch filled with red and white roses.

Hudson adjusted his red vest with careful hands, the white duster fitting him perfectly. His long red hair was left loose, and there was a simple braid about his face.

The intricacies of the red scrollwork on Connie’s white suit were a perfect complement to the simplicity of Hudson’s white duster.

The music swelled into a beautiful melody. Smiling faces drifted past as Kit focused instead on where Hudson and Connie stood waiting for him at the altar. Hudson’s eyes were intense, filled with emotion and barely contained longing. Connie’s smile was reassuring and warm—it calmed Kit’s nerves immediately.

As Kit approached them, both men looked at him as though he was the treasure they often called him. Hudson’s stern expression broke into a radiant smile—one that lit up the entire room. Connie winked at Kit, his grin full of promise.

They stepped forward in unison as Chris and Michail handed Kit over. Hudson took Kit’s hand firmly in his own while Connie brushed a gentle kiss on Kit’s other hand.

“Ready?” Hudson whispered.

“Always,” Kit replied with certainty. “I love you both so very much.”

The officiant began speaking, her voice echoing softly throughout the hall. “We are gathered here today to celebrate not just a union, but a joining of hearts that have already been intertwined.”

Kit thought that was a nice way to say they were already bonded.

The ceremony continued, the message one of happiness. Then, it was time for the vows and the exchange of rings.

“Do you promise to love each other unconditionally?” the officiant asked.

“I do,” they each responded firmly, with no hesitation.

Then Kit cleared his throat. “As you both know, I own a bookstore. I have a love for fantasy worlds—knights of the realm, castles… and dragons that patrol the skies. What can I say? Fantasy is my escape. I love me some dragons.”

The humans in the crowd snickered, not understanding the meaning behind Kit’s words. But every paranormal there knew exactly what Kit meant.

“So, since the both of you know how absolutely crazy I am about dragons, you shouldn’t be surprised that I made up a vow having to do with just that.”

There were soft sighs from certain guests.

Holding Connie’s and Hudson’s hands, Kit faced Hudson. “Dragon flame and desire. My love withstood the dragon’s fire. That love is hot; may it burn higher and higher.” Kit slid the ruby and diamond ring on Hudson’s finger. “I accept you, Hudson Redmond, as mine.”

Hudson swallowed thickly. “My treasure.”

Then Kit turned toward Connie. “Dragon flame and desire. My love withstood the dragon’s fire. That love is hot; may it burn higher and higher.” Kit slid the ruby and diamond ring on Hudson’s finger. “I accept you, Conrad Turner, as mine.”

Connie’s lips trembled. “My love.”

Then Kit had to fight not to cry as his dragons repeated their love for him and slid the ring onto his finger.

With those words sealing their commitment, they were pronounced partners in life. The hall erupted into applause as they shared their first kiss bound by a human ceremony—a kiss filled with all the passion of an ancient dragon king and a stubborn right hand.

A kiss that was bound to be.

AFTERWARD, THE celebration moved into full swing outside. Kit changed and quickly returned to appreciative growls from both Hudson and Connie. As they emerged from the ceremony hall, a slightly cool breeze brushed against Kit’s skin, carrying with it the lively atmosphere of the reception.

The scene before them was nothing short of enchanting. Above, delicate string lights twinkled like stars in the night sky, casting a warm glow over the dining tables.

The air was filled with laughter and music, weaving together to create an ambiance of pure joy and happiness. Kit’s heart swelled with emotion as he stood hand-in-hand with his two favorite people in the world, Hudson and Connie, welcoming their guests.

As a breeze moved through the gardens, it stirred the delicate petals of the flower arrangements, spreading their sweet fragrance throughout the air. The heady scent of romance and beauty enveloped everything in its embrace.

The roses, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight, appeared as fragile gems against the dark backdrop of the night. In the distance, the haunting melodies of music intertwined with the chorus of chirping crickets, creating a mesmerizing symphony that enhanced the already enchanting atmosphere.

It was as if time had stopped, and he was frozen in this moment of pure contentment. Even as the festivities continued around him, nothing could eclipse the quiet happiness he felt at that moment.

The band started up a slow song just for them. The three of them stepped onto the makeshift dance floor. With hands entwined, they moved together to the rhythm of the music.

Around them, their friends from various realms watched. As they spun around under the silvery light of the moon surrounded by love and magic, happiness flooded through the bond.

When the cake was cut—an extravagant creation adorned in red roses and pearls—the crowd cheered. Kit fed Hudson a piece, then Connie. Then, they both fed Kit a piece, and Kit made sure to lick both their fingers.

Toasts were made under the starry sky, each proclaiming hopes and dreams for their future. Kit stood between Hudson and Connie during a particularly touching toast made by Chris and Michail, who spoke of their love for Kit and his bravery in love and life.

As midnight approached, lanterns were released into the sky. Everyone gathered to send them off, each lantern carrying wishes for health, happiness, and long life for Kit, Hudson, and Connie.

The sight of glowing lights ascending toward the heavens was mesmerizing; they floated higher until they looked like stars themselves—stars born from the love and joy of all those present.

Dancing resumed, more fervent this time as if everyone was trying to imprint this night on their memories forever. Kit found himself swept away by numerous dances—from slow swaying melodies to faster beats that had their group laughing and attempting synchronized steps.

The festivities finally wound down as dawn approached. Guests began to say their goodbyes with hugs and heartfelt congratulations. The night had been perfect—a blend of magical moments everyone would cherish forever.

Exhausted yet elated, Kit found himself standing beside Hudson and Connie as they watched the last few guests disappear into the morning mist that had begun to roll in over the gardens.

“Was it everything you’ve dreamed of?” Connie asked.

“So much,” Kit replied softly. “So very much. It was absolute perfection.”

With tired steps but happy hearts, they left the venue.