Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS 9)

"I missed you," Hudson admitted. He took his teacup to the sink and rinsed it off when "Shake Your Groove Thing" by Peaches & Herb came on the radio. Julia had told him stories of when she and Thomas dated, how much they loved to get their groove on at the discos. She'd shared pictures with Hudson, images of a twentysomething couple in love, Julia looking fabulous with her Farrah Fawcett hair and bell-bottom jeans, and Thomas with his skintight T-shirt, his feathery hair reaching his ears. They made a stunning couple. Hudson quickly dried his hands on the dish towel before rounding the counter. He took Julia's hand, walked her away from the table, then twirled her, loving the sound of her laughter.

"I haven't danced to this in years." Julia's smile was radiant. She was a beautiful woman who hadn't lost her glow despite the trials and tribulations she'd faced over the years. Hudson clapped his hands in time to the music, bumping his hips into hers. She threw her arms in the air, dancing her way back to Hudson to bump her hips to his. Hudson laughed, giving it all he had as he shimmied around the kitchen before ending in front of her again. She took his hands and turned him, right into something hard.

Hudson gave a start. "Good Lord." He put a hand to his chest and let out a shaky laugh. "For heaven's sake, Sebastian. You scared the life out of me." Blasted Felids and their stalking.

Seb chuckled, little wrinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. "Don't stop on my account. Has Mom shown you her funky chicken yet?"

Julia giggled as she danced over to Seb. She pulled him into the kitchen, and he laughed, shaking his head. "Whatever dance genes you and Dad have were not passed down to me. You both know this."

"Nonsense." She pulled him up to the left of her and held out her other hand to Hudson, who didn't hesitate in taking it, allowing her to pull him to her right. "Come on, boys. Just like I taught you."

They lined up and did the hustle, stepping forward and back in unison. They clapped before pulling a John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, followed by the roll. Hudson couldn't believe he remembered. Julia had taught him and Seb several moves for a disco-themed wedding they'd attended years ago. Hudson laughed as they started again, keeping in time with the music.

The first time he'd seen Seb dance, he'd been amazed by the fluidity of his movements. He'd been a little surprised, and a hell of a lot turned on. Tiger Therians were large, bulky, and muscular, but Seb was far better at controlling his body than he gave himself credit for. As for dancing, all he had to do was observe and follow along. He picked up the steps quickly, then adjusted them to fit his frame. The movement of Seb's hips gave Hudson terribly naughty

thoughts.

Soon Thomas wandered downstairs to see what the commotion was all about. Julia shimmied to him, and he laughed, the adoration in his eyes unmistakable. She danced around him, and he joined in, clapping along, doing the roll and pointing. Julia murmured something at him, and he grabbed her by the waist. She let out a girlish squeal as he pulled her onto his lap. He whispered in her ear, and she blushed, batting him playfully.

Seb took Hudson's hand and twirled him before dipping him, making him laugh.

"Don't you dare let me go." Hudson was going for serious reprimand, but it was cancelled out by the half laugh, half yelp he let out when Seb pretended to drop him. "Sebastian!" Hudson clutched at him, unable to help his giggles. Good Lord, he was giggling. Fine, so he could see why West had reacted the way he had. It was hard not to when Sebastian Hobbs was holding you in his strong arms. His roguish smile should be considered a lethal weapon.

"Never, Lobito," Seb promised, his voice low and husky as he brought Hudson back up.

Realization of what he'd said and Seb's reply had Hudson's cheeks growing warm. He pretended nothing had happened.

"Son, could you bring the laundry up for your mom?" Thomas asked, his arms around Julia as he kissed her cheek.

"Sure thing." Seb kissed the top of her head before giving his dad a hug. "You two behave yourselves. We have company."

Julia batted her lashes innocently. "Us? We're not the reason the basement had to be soundproofed." She and Thomas both turned their knowing gazes to Hudson.

Hudson gasped, his face going up in flames. "Oh my God!"

Thomas grinned. "Yeah, we heard a lot of that coming from downstairs."

"Oh my God!" Hudson clamped a hand over his mouth, mortified. The two broke into laughs and giggles while Seb was of no help at all, cackling his head off. Hudson smacked Seb's arm. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Ouch! I didn't want you to feel embarrassed."

"Well, that was a failure of epic proportions. I'm going to strangle you!"

Seb took off around the counter and out of the kitchen with Hudson darting after him.

"Get back here so I can wring your neck!"

"You want me to kneel so you can reach it?"

"Oh! You... you scoundrel!" Hudson chased him across the living room to the door leading down to the basement/game room. Downstairs, Seb ran around the pool table, putting it between him and Hudson. "You told me it was soundproofed so the sound system wouldn't disturb Thomas."

"True, but mostly it's because everyone could hear you...." Seb let out a low, guttural moan that went straight to Hudson's cock. Seb gripped the edge of the pool table, his face an expression of pained ecstasy. "Oh God, Seb, yes, please, oh God, yes, right there, do it again, love."

Hudson gaped at him, his face all but ready to spontaneously combust. "That's not...." He sputtered, trying to find the right words. "Your accent is terrible," he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

Seb laughed, rounding the pool table to pull Hudson close. Hudson growled but allowed himself to be pulled into Seb's embrace. Seb kissed his cheek, his breath tickling Hudson's ear when he spoke.

"You made the most beautiful noises when you were under me."