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Spooks & Specters: A San DeLain Short Story Collection Chapter Three 100%
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Chapter Three

THE SUN had barely crept over the horizon, casting a golden glow that bathed the city in a warm, comforting light as Kit, Hudson, and Connie waited for their SUV to be brought around. The fresh morning air was invigorating after the stuffiness of the club and carried the faint scent of brewing coffee.

And speaking of that. “Coffee. I’m in desperate need of coffee.”

Connie looked down at what he was wearing. “I’m thinking drive-through.”

“Yeah, probably a good idea,”

Kit agreed.

Hudson unlocked the SUV that they’d taken into San DeLain. “Three coffees coming up.

As Kit climbed inside, his thoughts returned to the night before. “That was quite a night, huh?”

he asked as he buckled in.

“It was,”

Connie agreed from the back seat. “But I’m ready for some quiet time with my favorite people.”

Hudson chuckled as he pulled out of the club’s parking lot. “Quiet? With us? You must be joking.”

After a quick trip through a drive-through, they were armed with their much-needed java. This early in the morning, traffic was actually pretty decent. Hudson and Connie chitchatted while Kit’s thoughts circled. He kept coming back to the prize money and all of the good it could do.

And while good intentions were, well, good and all, mismanagement of funds often happened. Instead of the money going to the people it needed to go to, it often ended up in the pockets of CEOs and such.

ONCE THEY arrived home, the smell of fresh pastries wafted through the halls. Kit’s stomach growled as he made his way to the dining area, where breakfast was already being served.

He grabbed a plate of warm croissants and a cup of steaming coffee before following his mates to their quarters. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, evident in the steady yawns that escaped him as he ate.

It’d been ages since he had pulled an all-nighter, and he was more than ready for bed. After finishing their breakfast, Kit removed his makeup while Hudson and Connie showered. Once they were finished, Kit joined them under the warm water, feeling the tension slowly melt away from his body.

Kit slipped into a delicate lace lingerie set, the fabric soft against his skin, and then climbed into bed next to Hudson and Connie. A sense of contentment washed over him as he snuggled closer. The dimly lit bedroom radiated peace. Kit closed his eyes and allowed himself to fully relax, basking in the loving energy of his two mates.

Hudson set his coffee down on his end table. “So, now we have this donation to think about. We need to decide exactly where it’s going.”

“I’ve been thinking.”

Kit was tired, yes, but he wanted to get his thoughts out there while they were fresh on his mind. “What if we don’t just donate to any existing charity? What if we start our own foundation? Can we do that?”

Connie and Hudson exchanged surprised glances.

“I don’t see why not,”

Hudson said. “But I’ll certainly ask Raven if he has a problem with that.”

“A foundation, huh?”

Connie mused.

“Yes! We can focus on LGBTQIA+ youth, but also incorporate elements that deal with mental health support or even scholarships,”

Kit explained enthusiastically.

“It’s ambitious. I like it,”

Hudson said. “We could really tailor it to provide support where it’s most needed.”

“We have enough resources and connections to make it happen,”

Connie added thoughtfully. “We could really make a difference.”

Kit’s heart swelled at their support. “And we can ensure it represents all aspects of our community—from providing safe spaces to educational resources.”

“Is this going to be geared toward the humans only?”

Connie asked.

“That was going to be my next question. The paranormal community takes care of its own, doesn’t it? I remember Austin saying they had members who were not daemons.”

“The daemons are a bit different than the vampires or the werewolves,”

Hudson said. “For one thing, vampires have rules they’re required to follow when they enter an Area, which is otherwise known as a vampire’s territory. All vampires are bound to the laws of that Area.”

“Oh, wow, I didn’t know that,”

Kit said. “So, if a vampire comes to San DeLain, they have to report to who? Raven?”

“Yes, as he is the Master of the City,”

Hudson said. “Werewolves are also very territorial. When Axel was first rescued, it was a concern because he wasn’t a member of the two werewolf packs here in San DeLain, although Nox mimicked Axel and became the Alpha of the Crimson Fangs.”

“Huh.”

Kit pursed his lips.

“And honestly, dragons are not well known for accepting members who are not dragons. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen. I’m saying it doesn’t happen often. You’re the first human mate in a long time,”

Hudson said.

“What about the gargoyles?”

Connie shrugged. “They’re an extraordinarily private species, but there are humans who work for Wade. I mean, I’m not sure what the story is behind those humans, but gargoyles are stone during the day. Somebody has to run Ward’s castle and daytime activities.”

Kit raised an eyebrow. “Castle?”

Hudson nodded. “Oh, yes. It’s pretty awesome too.”

“The vampires do have human workers and feeders, too,”

Connie added. “And Isadora is pretty good about accepting people, although she’d tell you she doesn’t claim territory or people.”

“So what you’re saying is basically paranormals take care of their own,” Kit said.

“For the most part, yes. That’s not to say there isn’t occasionally someone who falls through the cracks,”

Hudson said. “But it’s unusual. Especially here, since the leaders of San DeLain have a good working relationship. Not all huge metropolises do.”

“Okay, then, I think we should focus on the human population.”

“Tomorrow morning I’ll start checking into that and see what all is required to set up a foundation,”

Connie said. “We’ll also have to look into property, and that’s just to start.”

It wasn’t long before their quiet morning evolved into an animated discussion about potential names for the foundation, types of programs they would offer, and people they could collaborate with.

As they talked, it became clear that this new undertaking would be more than just a way to give back—it would be another adventure, a challenge they could tackle together.

“Okay, I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, but there’s something I want to touch on first. Maybe we could also provide some sort of support for those rare cases you mentioned, Hudson—the paranormals who fall through the cracks.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Resources would have to be provided quietly, of course, but I’m going to plaster pictures of the three of us everywhere, so everyone knows who’s opening this,” Kit said.

Connie nodded. “That makes sense.”

“And if any of the other paranormal leaders want to provide services to our foundation—like counseling by Dr. Frederick King, for example, then maybe any paranormal needing help hopefully understands it’s not just the dragons who are involved.”

“That’s brilliant,”

Hudson said, “We could work on integrating services for those needing shelter or guidance because of their unique circumstances—like Axel would’ve needed if Kage hadn’t stepped in.”

“I’d like to point out that if Kage hadn’t intervened, the Crimson Fangs would’ve probably ripped Axel to shreds,”

Connie said.

“Regardless, you get my point.”

Kit snuggled down into the bed. “Okay. I’m done. I know you guys don’t need as much sleep as I do, so if you’re going to talk? Try to keep it down, please?”

“I think Connie and I are both tired too,”

Hudson said. “Good night, babe. Love you.”

“Love you,”

Connie echoed.

“Love you guys too,”

Kit said, yawning again.

THE DAYS that followed were a flurry of activity. Raven had no problem with them establishing a foundation, so that question had been answered.

Kit, Hudson, and Connie each took on roles that played to their strengths. Hudson reached out to his extensive network of contacts within the paranormal communities, ensuring that their foundation would have the backing, blessings, and volunteers of other supernatural beings.

Connie dove into the logistical aspects, which was already in his wheelhouse. He researched nonprofit regulations, drafted potential bylaws, and began scouting locations in San DeLain where they could establish headquarters.

Kit himself became the visionary spokesperson of their budding organization and made a point to dress as non-binary as possible so those in need would understand their foundation accepted everyone. He also plastered about pictures of him with Connie and Hudson, along with Raven, Kage, and Isabella, who were also involved.

He used social media platforms to start raising awareness about their mission, sharing personal stories and insights about the importance of mental health support and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

His posts were heartfelt and quickly gathered a following—stories from those struggling found a platform, and words of encouragement flowed freely in an ever-growing community.

As their plans gained momentum, they met with designers to discuss branding for the foundation—everything from logos to promotional materials. Kit insisted on imagery that was vibrant and inclusive, symbols that could resonate across various demographics yet remain meaningful.

One evening, after another long day of meetings and planning sessions, he and his mates sat in their living room, surrounded by piles of notes and coffee cups. The air was thick with a sense of accomplishment but also an undercurrent of fatigue.

“We’re really doing this,”

Kit said softly, almost as if he couldn’t believe it himself.

“We are,”

Connie declared. “And it’s going to be amazing.”

Hudson reached out, taking a hand of each of his partners in his own. “Not just amazing. Necessary. You’re both incredible for spearheading this.”

It wasn’t long before they started receiving emails from interested volunteers and potential donors who had heard about their initiative through the grapevine or Kit’s online efforts. Each message was a reminder that what they were doing mattered beyond their small circle.

One particularly touching email came from a young human man who’d been kicked out by his family after coming out as gay. He wrote about how he felt invisible until he stumbled upon one of Kit’s posts. It gave him hope knowing there would be tangible support tailored for someone like him—a safe space amidst the chaos of rejection.

That email cemented Kit’s resolve to push forward with even greater determination.

As launch day approached, they reviewed every detail meticulously—from guest lists for the inaugural gala to press releases prepared to go live. The foundation was more than just an idea now—it had become a beacon.

Finally, under a banner proudly proclaiming “Unity Foundation: Lighting Paths, Building Futures,”

they opened their doors not just to fanfare but to real people looking for guidance, support, or simply acceptance.

The journey had just begun, but already it promised to reshape lives—including their own—in profound ways.

It was both amusing and strange to think that all of this had originated from a simple Halloween party. Had Fate, with its mysterious and often unpredictable ways, intervened once again in their lives? Kit didn’t have an answer, but in all honesty? He didn’t mind one bit. The magic of the moment far outweighed any rational explanations.

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