Page 30 of Clash of Kings

“It’s Italian for little cub. I hope that doesn’t bother you.”

“Not at all. I think it’s sweet. I noticed your cousins call you Bas. Is that what you prefer?”

“You can call me whatever you want. I’m hoping someday you’ll call me mate.”

Dakota couldn’t imagine why Bas thought she would refuse the bond. Not only was he a handsome, successful businessman, he was the freaking Gargoyle King. Maybe he felt being Queen would be something she wouldn’t want. Granted, she didn’t know what the role entailed, if anything, but it wasn’t a job or title she would turn down. She had waited for what felt like forever for him, and there was no way she was letting him go, and she told him so.

“I’ll call you that now because that’s what you are to me. No, we haven’t exchanged bites, but for all intents and purposes, I’m yours. I denied my Alpha on the slim chance of meeting you one day. Why on Earth would I not want to be your mate or your Queen? I have no idea what that entails, but if it means standing beside you, working with you, loving you for the rest of my life? I’m in. My Wolf has been fighting me to claim you since the moment I set eyes on you.”

Sebastian visibly relaxed as he lifted her hand to his mouth. It was such a sweet gesture, and Dakota loved it. In all her years, she couldn’t remember her father showing her mom such tenderness. Maybe he did behind closed doors, but Dakota couldn’t see it. Neither could she imagine Kingston ever doing something so gentle. He was all Alpha all the time, and she didn’t think that included showing vulnerability even when he was alone with his mate. Bas, on the other hand, had already shown he valued her as an equal. He wanted her opinion on the lodge. If she said she didn’t like it or didn’t feel it was a good investment, he wouldn’t sign the papers. She would have to get used to that since she’d never encountered mates being true partners. In both her packs, there was the alpha of the relationship, and whatever they said was law.

“The best person to talk to about being Queen is my momma. She’s human, but she’s as tough as they come having been chief of police. From what I can tell from observing my parents, she was the rock my father needed when shit went sideways. The one who kept him grounded while helping him soar. She’s still his best friend and confidante. There’ll be times when you’ll have to speak on my behalf should I be unavailable. When I named Anthony my second, I didn’t believe I’d ever find you. As my mate, you’re my second, but Anthony will still be my trusted next-in-command after you. I’ve only been King a month, so this will be a learning experience for both of us, but we’ll manage it together. My papa has been preparing me for a while, and my momma will be thrilled to help you any way she can. That’s the type of person she is.”

“I can’t wait to meet her. Both of them, actually. It’ll be nice to see how a true partnership works.” Dakota was excited but also nervous. She was an unemployed bartender, not something as exciting as a police chief, but she was willing to learn how to be a good Queen and partner. Dakota had done well in school, but she was still just a backwoods wolf. Maybe when they went shopping, she could get something besides flannel to wear when meeting his parents. That was a tomorrow Dakota’s problem.

Sebastian drove for a while until Anthony pulled up alongside of them, and Lydia pointed to the right. Sebastian dropped back so Anthony could lead, and he followed them to a famous store that had been around almost a century. It was a large gas station as well as a humongous store. He parked beside his cousin, and Lydia climbed out of the SUV, but she didn’t go inside. She stood at the front of the Jeep with Anthony stepping up beside her.

Sebastian said, “Wait there,” and got out, jogging around to open the door for her. She placed her hand in his even though she didn’t need help climbing down. He closed her door, then pressed the lock button on his fob. The four of them made their way inside, and Dakota slowed her steps to take it all in. She’d seen signs for this store on the highway, but her dad had never stopped at one, saying it would take too much time for them to browse. Now she understood why he said that. The place was huge. They followed the signs to the restrooms, and Sebastian kissed Dakota quickly before she went with Lydia into the women’s.

“Holy cow. This bathroom’s bigger than my parents’ house,” Dakota whispered, taking in the rows of stalls and the long line of sinks. “Cleaner too, and that’s saying something. My mom’s a neat freak.”

Lydia grinned before ducking into one of the stalls. Dakota took one farther down. When they finished peeing, they met back at the basins. As they washed, Dakota glanced at Lydia in the mirror. “Are all of Sebastian’s cousins as gorgeous as you?”

Lydia chuckled as she placed her damp hands over one of the dryers in between the sinks. Dakota would have been searching for paper towels if Lydia hadn’t finished first. “We have good genes, but don’t sell yourself short. You’re stunning. And exactly Bas’s type.”

Dakota dried her hands before asking, “Yeah? And what’s that?” Dakota didn’t really want to think about being compared to the others who had come before her, but she couldn’t judge him too harshly. She hadn’t been a saint.

Lydia gestured at Dakota’s shirt. “Bas could open his own flannel store. The only time he dresses up is if he’s meeting clients, or the day he took over for his father.”

“So, he likes his women to look like biker lumberjacks?” Dakota rolled her eyes, but she smiled at Lydia to let her know she was kidding.

Lydia laughed, but then she narrowed her eyes. “Come to think of it, I don’t actually know his type. He’s never dated anyone. Pretty sure he was waiting on you.”

“I hope he’s not disappointed. He’s… him, and I’m me, an unemployed bartender.”

“Think of it this way. If you’d met while you were still working, you would have quit anyway. At least I think you would have.”

“Oh, definitely. I’d follow that man through Hell and back,” Dakota admitted.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that. Now, let’s go get the guys to buy us something to eat. I’m starving.” Lydia strode to the door and held it open for Dakota. The guys were waiting on them in the hallway, and Dakota didn’t hesitate in meeting Sebastian as he held out a hand for her. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve such an important male, but she thanked the goddess Bas was hers. Now, she just had to not screw things up.

Chapter 14

Sebastian was enthralledwith his mate. He didn’t think anything of stopping at the huge store slash gas station, but by the way Dakota’s wide eyes took everything in, she’d never been in one. It had taken longer than expected for her and Lydia to exit the restroom, but he figured his cousin was either giving Dakota the third degree, which he doubted, or she was edging her way into a new friendship with his mate. That scenario was most likely. He didn’t ask what they talked about. He could have listened in, but he didn’t want to invade their privacy by doing so. Instead, he’d texted the realtor, asking if they could see the lodge the next morning.

When the females walked out, they were both smiling. Lydia winked at Bas over Dakota’s shoulder. “I’m hungry,” his cousin announced.

“Fuck,” Bas whispered. “I suck at being a good ma— uh, boyfriend,” he stammered. Too many humans were around. “I’m sorry,Cucciolina. I should have asked if you wanted to stop to eat.”

Dakota ran her fingertip down the bridge of his nose. “Stop. I’m a big girl. If I’m hungry or I need to stop to pee, I’ll tell you.”

“Got it.” Bas led her toward the food section of the store. “Do you like brisket? They make some fantastic sandwiches here.”

“I do. For future reference, there’s not a whole lot I won’t eat. I’m not a fan of sushi. I used to like shrimp, but I got food poisoning after eating it a couple years ago, so now that’s on my will-not-eat list.”

“What about pineapple on pizza?” Anthony asked, his eyes narrowed at Sebastian.

“I’ve never tried it, but it’d probably be something I’d enjoy. I like salty and sweet together, like popcorn and chocolate.” Sebastian grinned, waiting for Anthony’s response. His cousin was so anti-pineapple on pizza, he would throw down over it.

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