Page 22 of Clash of Kings

“I want to see this place,” she said, setting her fork down on her empty plate. Lydia was one of his cousins who could work from anywhere.

“And I’d love to show it to you.” Bas prayed once Lydia saw it in person, she would agree to move there. It was then he realized he’d already made his mind up about buying the lodge. “Like I said, it won’t take much work to turn it into what I envision. Even if the surrounding property isn’t for sale, I’m positive I can turn this place into a profitable endeavor.”

Lydia patted his arm. “Of course you can. You’re Sebastian Di Pietro, King of Gargoyles. You’re also Sebastian Stone, brilliant architect and businessman. What are we going to do until we hear back from Kingston?”

Anthony leaned forward. “I say we head back to Panther this afternoon and hang out at The Depot. With Dakota coming back, Bas will be that much closer once she arrives.”

“Won’t it look suspect for us to hang around a bar all day?” Lydia asked.

“Nah,” Anthony replied. “We’re there to meet with the Alpha. If anyone asks, we can say we’re waiting on another meeting.”

Lydia scrunched her nose like a bunny, the same way her mother, Sophia, did. “I’d prefer to hang around the hotel instead of sitting at The Depot all day. No offense to your mate, Bas, but I’m not cut out for the roadhouse vibe.”

“None taken. If King calls for a meeting, I’ll make sure you’ll have enough time to make the drive. I’ll ride with Tony, and you can drive my Jeep.”

Lydia wiggled in her seat. “You know I love your Jeep.”

Bas did. That’s why he offered it to her. “I do.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Let’s get out of here. My Goyle is getting antsy.”

“And you aren’t?” Anthony asked.

“Shut up.” Sebastian flagged down their waitress, and once he paid the tab, they exited the restaurant and walked back to their hotel. Bas breathed in the fresh air. West Virginia was different from Atlanta. There were small towns in Georgia, and he had visited several when clients contracted him to build homes there. But the air here felt different. Crisper.

Lydia noticed a side road that was lined with little shops, so they detoured that way. Sebastian was glad for the distraction. He was nervous about returning to Panther. About meeting Dakota for the first time. Jolee might have said Dakota was waiting on Bas, but what would she think of him when they came face to face? He wasn’t that teen any longer, and she might not like the man he was.

She’s our mate. She won’t be able to deny the bond.

His Gargoyle was right, but that didn’t alleviate his nerves. Other than becoming King, seeing his mate for the first time would be the most important moment of his life.

Chapter 11

Dakota groaned loudly, but she was smiling inwardly as Jolee squeezed the shit out of her. “I’m sorry King found you, but I’m really glad you’re back,” Jolee said when she released Dakota. “You want help with your stuff?”

“Sure. Just so you know, I called my mom after I talked to you, so be ready for my father and a tirade.”

“You using me as a buffer?” Jolee asked as she opened a box to see what was inside.

“You bet your ass I am. I asked Mom to give me some time alone, but you know my dad. He doesn’t give a shit about what I want.”

“I know. But I’ve got something to lift your mood. I met—”

The door flew open, and Dakota’s father entered the cabin. Both her mom and Phoenix were behind him. “Dakota Diana Young, you have some explaining to do,” he bellowed, stalking toward her. It wasn’t until he was a few steps away that he noticed Jolee and stopped walking. “Jolee, this is a family matter. You need to leave.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Dakota fisted her hands when her claws itched to release. “This is my home. She was invited. You weren’t.” Jolee, bless her heart, stepped next to Dakota and crossed her arms over her chest.

Diana placed her hand on Arthur’s bicep. “Let’s all calm down and talk about this rationally.” Phoenix remained by the door. Dakota narrowed her eyes at her brother, and he tilted his head, baring his neck like the little bitch he was.

Arthur not so gently removed his mate’s hand, and Dakota growled. Her dad’s eyes widened, but he didn’t apologize to Diana.

“I don’t have to explain anything, but since you won’t leave until I do, here it is. I hate Kingston Bridgewater with every fiber of my being. He may be the Alpha, but he isn’t and never will be my mate. You need to get that through your head. You hounding me at every turn will never change that fact, and if you don’t want me to hate you too, I suggest you let it go. If you want the families united, let Nix mate with Savannah.”

“Leave your brother out of this,” Arthur growled.

“Of course. Let the great Phoenix do as he pleases because he’s your little lap dog.” Dakota turned to glare at her brother. “While we’re at it, Nix, the next time you get in my business? I’ll show you who’s more alpha.”

“Kody!” Diana gasped.

“What, Mom? I’m tired of the bullshit. You know this. It’s why I left.”

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