Page 59 of Clash of Kings

“I’ll keep it safe,” Kaya promised.

Rafael kissed his mate, then escorted Bas and Dakota downstairs. Everyone loaded up in a caravan of black SUVs. Rafael asked to drive, so Bas and Dakota sat in the next row with Knox. Lydia rode with her father and brother, while Anthony drove his parents. Uncle Sinclair was in the passenger seat, and Nikita, Madsen, and Kayden filled the back row of their vehicle. Rafael and Sin chatted quietly, while Madsen talked animatedly about filming the meeting.

“This is going to be epic. Harlow and Nikki have already made plans on how to dub the audio.”

“If we need to. Kingston might see our group and do the right thing by backing down,” Nikita said.

Kayden growled, and Dakota gripped Sebastian’s hand before turning in her seat. “You disagree?”

“I do. He’s an Alpha who was both challenged and scorned.”

Knox looked over his shoulder. “That is true, but when he sees a contingency of shifters far stronger than his pack, he may do the right thing.” Kayden huffed but didn’t argue. He, Nikita, and their mother didn’t belong to a pack, therefore, didn’t have an Alpha, but Bas had noticed the respect the Lazlo siblings showed Knox even though he didn’t demand it.

The rest of the drive was spent talking about random topics like the lodge and Sebastian’s plan to relocate. The closer to Panther they got, the quieter Dakota was. She checked her phone several times, hoping to hear from Jolee. Dakota’s best friend had been radio silent ever since she quickly disconnected. That had been Wednesday, and Dakota was worried about her. Bas didn’t say it, but he was too.

As agreed, the convoy drove straight through Panther to the pack house. What they hadn’t agreed on was Kayden rolling down his window, shifting to his Eagle, and taking off out the window.

“Godsdamnit, what is he doing?” Bas seethed.

“Making a statement,” Nikita said.

“What kind though?” Dakota asked.

“You’ll see.” Nikita obviously knew what her brother had planned. Bas hoped it didn’t come back to bite them in the ass.

As they rolled down the drive, wolves ran beside the vehicles, several of them howling to alert their pack they had company. When the vehicles came to a stop, everyone piled out. Sebastian and Dakota took the lead with the others fanning out beside them. Kingston ran out of the pack house with Sloane and a female at his side.

“What the fuck is this?” King demanded. Dozens of wolves and people alike strode toward their Alpha, ready to defend their leader.

Sebastian made sure Madsen was recording before he spoke. “When I met with you last week, I wasn’t knowledgeable of the ways of wolves. Alpha Knox Millard was kind enough to instruct me that my words could be misconstrued as a challenge. That was not my intention. When I came to you regarding the shifter council, things got out of hand. I have returned to make amends.”

“You kidnapped my Alpha Mate. There is no making amends for that.” The female standing beside King looked as though his words punched her in the gut.

“Regular wolves don’t have fated mates, and Dakota never agreed to be yours. Gargoyles do, however, and Dakota is mine.”

“What’s a Gargoyle?” the female asked. King had lied to his pack about Sebastian, but by the look on his face, King knew he couldn’t lie again. Before King could respond, several of the pack who hadn’t shifted became frantic, pointing at the sky.

“Alpha, look,” an older male yelled.

Bas didn’t have to wonder any longer what Kayden looked like in his hybrid form. A large half eagle, half wolf circled overhead, squawking. It was impressive as fuck, and Bas was glad the shifter was on his side. Kayden landed in front of Sebastian, his powerful wings blowing a gust of wind toward the wolves. He then shifted to his Lion and let out a mighty roar. The wolves closest took a step back.

“Is that a Gargoyle?” the same male asked.

“No, I am.” Anthony removed his shirt, then spread his wings behind him.

The crowd of wolves murmured, and King growled, shutting them up.

“You scared, Stone? Did you bring… whatever he is to fight your battles?” King pointed at Kayden.

Kayden shifted to his skin. Unlike regular wolves, dire wolf magic allowed clothes to shift with the male. Kayden turned his back on King and silently strode to stand beside Nikita.

“Show off,” Anthony grumbled.

Bas ignored his cousin and focused on King. “I didn’t come to fight; I came to talk.”

“And you need all of them with you to talk?” King gestured at the opposing group.

“I brought my friends and family to show your pack there are other types of shifters in the world. We all need to band together to keep our secret safe. As I told you and the wolves who were in the meeting, there is no shame in conceding. Your pack needs their Alpha alive.”

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