CHAPTER FIVE: HUDSON

HUDSON SAT on his back patio, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers as he enjoyed his cup of coffee. The orange and pink hues of the sunrise painted the sky above, casting a warm glow over everything.

The week was over, and it was Saturday morning. A construction crew was coming to add an underground vault for Connie’s hoard, while another worked on the master bathroom and bedroom.

Yes, he was uncomfortable having other paranormals around his treasure, although technically, the crew wouldn’t have access to his actual hoard. They were adding another underground storage area next to his.

The next few weeks were going to be absolute chaos, so Hudson was enjoying the peace and quiet while he could. Connie was in the shower and Kit was blow-drying his hair—Hudson could hear the faint sound of water running and the whirring of a hairdryer.

This morning, they moved all their clothes out of the master closet and into one of the larger guest bedrooms, which was where they’d be staying too. It was an inconvenience, but one they were going to have to live with until the project was done.

Hudson’s gaze was fixed on his coffee mug, the swirls of cream blending into the dark liquid as his mind replayed the events of Wednesday’s lunch with Denisha and Austin.

Nothing had come to pass, thank Gaura, but it was clear that someone had been stalking either Austin or Kit. The uncertainty of not knowing who was being targeted weighed heavily on Hudson, causing frustration to bubble within him.

Kage had been notified and shared in the concern, his usually calm demeanor betraying a hint of worry. Hudson couldn’t shake the unease that settled over him like a thick fog.

Kit walked out onto the patio, fully dressed and balancing a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. He was adorned in a stylish black crop top that revealed just a hint of toned stomach and silky bell-bottom pants with a whimsical paisley print.

His feet were adorned with sleek black sandals, and his hair was neatly pulled back into a simple ponytail. Kit’s red toenails were perfectly polished, glistening in the sunlight as they peeked out from underneath Kit’s pants.

They matched the small gems and intricate design on the jewelry that adorned his wrist and neck. Hudson couldn’t help but notice how the color contrasted against Kit’s golden skin, accentuating his features.

The jewelry reminded Hudson of something. From the research Connie had done, wedding bands seemed to be a human thing—a symbol of love and commitment in human culture.

Kit hadn’t said anything about rings, but they were having a human wedding. Why wouldn’t he want that? Although he had mentioned something about the three of them getting tattoos.

Which Hudson was fine with, although he and Connie would have to use spelled ink to make it permanent. Hudson was debating whether he should ask about the wedding bands or just surprise Kit.

The idea excited him, knowing they would have a tangible symbol of their commitment and love for each other. However, he also knew that the rings would need to be spelled to withstand their transformations into their true forms.

“Good morning,” Kit said. “You look nice.”

Hudson glanced down at himself. He wore a khaki pair of pants, loafers, and a simple black, silky shirt. He’d pulled his hair into a low ponytail. For him, this was pretty dressed down. “Thank you. You look lovely, as always.”

Kit flipped his ponytail over his shoulder. “Thank you, darling.”

“Did you happen to see if Connie was about ready?”

“He was getting dressed as I was walking out here. So? Are we still going into San DeLain this morning?”

“After breakfast, and after I talk to Kayden Lancaster.” Hudson had already met with the contractor once and explained what he wanted. Kayden had emailed his schematics to Hudson to approve, which he had after Kit and Connie looked at them too.

He really didn’t need to meet with Kayden. He just wanted to touch base with him before they left for the city. The crew that was working on the bed and bathroom would also remove all the furniture in those rooms.

Hudson, Connie, and Kit were going shopping today.

The massive bed he’d had designed to fit the three of them was scheduled to arrive right as construction finished up. The crew would hang curtains, assemble the bed frame, and set up furniture as the last step. So, now the three of them needed to go buy the stuff to put in their new bedroom.

Connie joined them on the patio, his beautiful red hair messy today. He held a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and his other hand stroked the light scruff on his chin.

Hudson had noticed the hint of scruff, which added an edge to Connie’s already handsome features. Kit stood beside Connie, his eyes lighting up with approval at the new look.

Connie grinned at them, clearly excited for their shopping trip. He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a sky-blue short-sleeved shirt, and tennis shoes.

“Good morning,” he greeted them cheerfully, taking a sip of his coffee.

Connie kissed Kit on the cheek, then leaned down and kissed Hudson too.

“Good morning,” Kit said.

“Good morning.” Hudson licked his lips after Connie kissed him, then stood. “Ready for breakfast?”

“Absolutely. Are we still meeting with Kayden before we leave for the city?” Connie asked as they walked back inside.

“Yes, then we’re spending the day shopping.” Hudson opened the door to their quarters for his mates.

“I can’t wait.” Kit practically bounced on his toes as he repositioned his purse on his shoulder. “This is going to be so much fun.”

JUST AS they finished breakfast, Hudson got a text informing him Kayden was on his way to the main house. Kayden Lancaster owned Lancaster Construction Company and was well-known and well-liked in the paranormal world.

Kayden wasn’t considered paranormal, but he wasn’t fully human either. He had telekinetic powers, which meant he could move objects using his mind.

That was putting it simply, Hudson was aware.

Kayden could manipulate matter with his mind, allowing him to touch, hold, move, and otherwise interact with a target through his psychic ability. As Hudson understood it, for a sufficiently skilled and powerful practitioner, the size, weight, distance, and mass of a targeted object seldom hindered their ability to influence it.

In other words, a user could lift something as small as a piece of fruit or as big as an airplane. And they could also manipulate liquids or dispel gaseous substances. That was all secondhand information, of course.

Hudson didn’t know Kayden well enough to ask such personal questions. He was aware that people like Kayden were often referred to as a “telekinetic,” but the slang name for them was “teek or teeks.”

“Kayden is on his way here,” Hudson said, pocketing his cell. “Why don’t we meet him out front?”

Kit wiped his mouth with a napkin, then got to his feet. “Sounds good to me.”

Connie took one last sip of his coffee and also stood, he and Kit following Hudson out of the front door. Several work trucks and a couple of white vans were making their way down the main road toward them.

Every approaching vehicle had the logo of Lancaster Construction Company on it, which was a smart business move, but Hudson also liked that the vehicles were so identifiable.

A big red Chevy truck parked, and everything else parked behind it. The door opened, and a nice-looking man stepped out of the cab. Kayden Lancaster was a tanned white man who looked to be in his middle thirties, with sun-kissed brown hair and scruff.

He wore a red T-shirt with the company logo on it, jeans, and work boots. He walked toward them with a smile on his face. Hudson had never met the man, although Kayden had come highly recommended by Kage, and he already liked what he saw.

Hudson held out his hand. “Welcome to the San DeLain Fire Court territory. I’m Hudson Redmond.”

Kayden shook Hudson’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. Thank you for allowing my crew and me onto your territory. I’ve reviewed your rules with my employees too.”

“Excellent, I appreciate that.” Hudson released Kayden’s hand. “May I introduce Sir Conrad Turner, my Right Hand and one of my mates. If you should have questions or run into a problem and cannot get in touch with me? Well, Connie speaks for me.”

“That’s good to know,” Kayden said, holding out his hand to Connie. “Your king has already given me your cell phone number, Sir Conrad. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Connie said, shaking Kayden’s hand.

“I would also like to introduce you to Kit Meadows, who is also my mate, as well as Connie’s.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Kayden said, once again holding out his hand. “I had heard through the grapevine that his Majesty and Right Hand had mated a human. Congratulations to the three of you.”

“Thank you,” Kit said, shaking Kayden’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Okay, Your Majesty, may my crew leave their vehicles? I would also like to introduce you to my foreman,” Kayden asked.

“Of course,” Hudson responded. “And you can call me Hudson. I’m not much on formalities.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” Kayden chuckled. “I was scared to death I’d forget to address you properly.”

“And you can call me Connie,” Connie said. “It just makes for a more relaxed atmosphere.”

“I completely agree,” Kayden said. “Thank you.” Turning, Kayden waved at the vehicles behind him.

Hudson watched as an assortment of men and women stepped out. He liked that the construction crew was not strictly male. It showed that Kayden had an open mindset.

An Asian man approached them, then bowed deeply to Hudson.

“This is Mika Suppasit. He’s my foreman, and if I’m not here, he is in charge. So, if you would show me the areas that we are working on, we can get started.”

“Sure,” Hudson said.

“I’ve brought two crew—one will work on the bedroom and bathroom area, and the other will work on the underground chamber for Connie’s hoard.” Turning, Kayden waved at his crews. “I’ll be right back, guys.”

Mika bowed, then walked back toward the vehicles.

Kit frowned at Hudson. “Does that mean they’ll also have access to yours? How’s that going to go?”

“Very carefully,” Kayden volunteered. “Very, very carefully. We’re basically going to build a hallway in Hudson’s hoard, then add a chamber for Connie’s.”

“Um…” Kit glanced at Hudson.

“Exactly,” Kayden added. “We all know how territorial dragons are, especially when it comes to their hoards, but the hallway is a necessity. Hudson and I have discussed this in depth.”

“We have, yes. It simply isn’t feasible for me to empty out my hoard. But my dragon isn’t a fan of having someone in there, which is why Torres and Nelson will stand guard while the hallway is being built. Hopefully, it will be done today.”

“It shouldn’t take that long, considering what we’re framing. After we finish the underground chamber for Connie, we’ll finish the entrance. Connie will be able to access his hoard through that hallway without entering Hudson’s,” Kayden said.

“And you’re okay with that?” Kit asked.

“As much as I can be. My dragon wants to give this to Connie, so that overrides his instinctual rejection of the plan. It will also help that I’m not here and seeing it happen.”

“He isn’t joking,” Connie added.

“And if he’s not done by today, then what?” Kit asked.

“We’ll be making another trip to San DeLain,” Hudson joked. Although everybody listening knew Hudson wasn’t joking. There was no way he could stay there and watch strangers invade his hoard, even though it really wasn’t an invasion. But then again, it kind of was.

Hudson showed Kayden the easiest way to access his private quarters, then did another walk-through with Kayden. They reviewed what had been planned, then Hudson texted Torres and Nelson to come to his quarters.

Once they arrived and Kayden and his crew filed in, Hudson introduced the two members of his inner circle to Kayden. His dragons would keep an eye on Kayden’s crew, although Hudson wasn’t overly worried about theft.

For one thing, the majority of Kayden’s crew were paranormals themselves and were fully aware of who Hudson was and what he was capable of. There were a few humans on the crew, but they also smelled of paranormals.

And now that they were here to do the work, Hudson had scented every last one of them. If they were stupid enough to steal from him, there was nowhere they could hide that he wouldn’t find them, not to mention the ties he had with other powerful paranormal leaders.

After they finished meeting everyone, Hudson and his mates left.

THE DRIVE to San DeLain was insane like normal, but they made decent time considering it was a Saturday. Hudson tried to give his business to paranormal-owned shops, but there were still some places they visited that were human-owned.

As they walked into the first store on their list, a human-owned bedding boutique, Hudson immediately regretted his decision.

The salesclerk behind the counter, a young woman with perfectly styled hair and an air of superiority, glanced at Kit, giving him a once-over. She raised an eyebrow in disapproval at how he was dressed before turning her attention back to her phone.

Connie tensed beside him, and Hudson quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, silently urging him to stay calm. There wasn’t a pool nearby, unfortunately, to toss Connie in if he started losing control.

Hudson was getting ready to usher his mates back out the door when calamity struck.

“Can I help you people find something?” she asked, tone dripping with sarcasm.

Hudson gritted his teeth and forced a polite smile. “We’re shopping for custom-made Egyptian sheets.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, you won’t find anything like that here.” She gave Kit another pointed look before turning back to her phone.

“Girlfriend, you have no idea the mistake you just made,” Kit said.

“Right,” she huffed.

Connie opened his mouth, but Kit grabbed both Hudson’s and Connie’s hands and dragged them out of the shop.

“That bitch!” Connie seethed as they stepped back onto the busy sidewalk.

Hudson turned to Connie. “Find out who owns that, buy it, and then let me know.”

“My pleasure,” Connie said, taking out his cell phone and typing a note.

“What are you doing?” Kit demanded.

“I’m going to buy that business, and then the three of us are going to walk in there and fire that clerk.” It took everything Hudson had not to bare his teeth at the woman.

Kit rubbed his temples. “I appreciate that, my mate, but—”

“But nothing,” Connie groused. “That is a high-end store that caters to the rich and famous. You can’t walk in there without an appointment, which we had. She had to know that. For her to make a derogatory remark is sheer stupidity. I really don’t know what she was thinking.”

“So I’m going to have her job,” Hudson said. “And I’m going to be the one to fire her one day very soon and tell her why.”

“You could financially ruin her,” Kit pointed out. “I mean, it’s not exactly cheap to live here, especially in this economy.”

“I have no time for people like that,” Hudson declared. “She judged you based on how you were dressed, and I simply will not tolerate that. Be glad that’s all I’m going to do. If it had been someone from our world, they would’ve paid with their life.”

Connie nodded. “Besides, he’s not blacklisting her. He’s just firing her from this particular job.”

“Dragons,” Kit mumbled under his breath.

“Yup.” Connie chuckled. “So, where to next?”

Kit rolled his eyes as they started down the street to the next invitation-only business.