Page 14 of Clash of Kings

Sebastian and Anthony had discussed how to handle the truth of their species, and they decided honesty was best if they wanted Kingston Bridgewater’s compliance regarding the council. But he wouldn’t admit anything out in the open.

“I’m Sebastian. This is my second-in-command, Anthony, and Lydia, another member of our Clan. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.” Bas reached out his hand, and when Kingston shook it, Sebastian got a hint of something… familiar. Some scent he recognized.

“This is my second, Sloane,” Kingston said, indicating the large, broody male at his side. “Please come inside, and we’ll get settled for our discussion.”

When Sebastian didn’t move, Anthony stepped beside him. “You okay?”

“I’ll tell you later,” he whispered before following the Alpha. The inside of the lodge was as Bas expected. Lots of wood with a stone fireplace. The main area was currently set up as a dining room, but King didn’t stop. Instead, he led them upstairs to a suite, with Sloane following.

“I thought we’d be more comfortable up here, away from everyone. Not that they can’t hear our conversation if they try, but at least this way we have the semblance of privacy. I had dinner catered, but I thought we’d talk first. Can I get you a drink?”

“Beer if you have it. Water’s fine if you don’t.” Anthony also asked for beer, while Lydia stated she was good. Sebastian tried not to be obvious as he took in the Alpha’s living quarters. The living area was spacious, furnished with a sofa facing two armchairs. A large flatscreen television hung over the fireplace. There was a small kitchen off to the side, where food was set out on the counter. It was nothing extravagant, but the room was tidy if dated.

Sloane retrieved four beers from the refrigerator, then passed them out. King gestured to the sitting area. Sloane stood behind King as he chose one of the chairs, and Anthony took a similar position behind Bas who sat in the other chair, leaving the empty sofa for Lydia. As he sat, Sebastian caught another whiff of that same aroma, and it was all he could do to keep from sniffing the fabric. The chair was covered in it, and Sebastian’s beast rumbled in his head.

Not now.

But that’s her scent!

Her? As in our mate? How do you know that? You weren’t around when I was attacked.

I’ve always been with you.

King crossed his ankle over his knee, propping the bottle on his thigh. “Before we discuss this council you’re proposing, why don’t you tell me what you are? Because you sure as hell aren’t wolves.”

“You’re correct. We’re Gar—"

“Alpha!”

Both King and Sebastian jumped to their feet when the newcomer threw open the door, yelling. “She’s gone.”

Kingston narrowed his eyes at the male. “Phoenix, we’re in the middle of a meeting. Who’s gone?”

Phoenix moved closer to Sebastian. “Dakota.” He too emitted the same scent as the Alpha. Sebastian inhaled, doing his best to be subtle. Not only that, but there was something else familiar about the male. Something that had his beast ready to rip the male’s head off. Anthony noticed, and he frowned at Sebastian. Bas thumped his Gargoyle mentally, thanking the gods Kingston wasn’t paying them any attention. His focus was on Phoenix.

“I just saw Kody half an hour ago at The Depot,” Kingston growled.

“I know. Noah got there for his shift, and Dakota said she was coming here for the meeting, but she turned right out of the parking lot instead of left, and her car was packed with a bunch of her stuff. I asked her about it, and she said she was donating it. If she had come here, I might have believed her, but after what happened earlier…” Phoenix looked at his feet with his neck bared.

“I take it this Dakota is important?” Anthony asked.

“Yes, she’s the Alpha’s mate,” Phoenix explained.

“Nix,” King growled. “I’m sorry, but I need to reschedule our meeting. I have a runaway she-wolf to locate.”

“Maybe we can help?” Anthony offered.

“Why would you do that?” Sloane asked. That’s what Bas wanted to know. If this female was who he and his beast suspected, they needed to keep her far away from Kingston Bridgewater.

“Why wouldn’t we? Sebastian, Lydia, and I came here to form an alliance of sorts. What better way to show we’re honorable than to offer the resources at our disposal?”

Sloane set his hand on King’s shoulder, and after a few seconds, King said, “I appreciate the offer. We should be able to track her, but if not, we might entrust your help.”

Sebastian had to get out of there. “We’ll leave you to it then. You have my number if you change your mind.” He tipped his head toward the door, and his cousins followed him out. They didn’t speak until they were in Anthony’s vehicle. “I think Dakota is my mate.”

“What? Is that why you were sniffing the air?” Lydia asked.

“Yes. I first scented her on Kingston. Then again on the chair I was sitting in, and Phoenix smelled of her too.”

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