Page 24 of Clash of Kings

“Girl, chill. I was just saying he’s exactly your type, or would be if you weren’t hung up on Utah boy. Did you figure out why his name sounded familiar?”

“No. There was just…” Dakota shrugged. “I can’t explain it, but even looking at his photo, something about him drew me in.”

“Maybe you’ll figure it out when you meet him. I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Anthony again.”

“What about Sloane?”

“Sloane’s an ass. I know he was upset on King’s behalf when you left, but the way he barged into The Depot and grabbed me? Any male who would put his hands on me in anger isn’t someone I want for a mate or even a bed partner. If he’s that volatile in public, I would be afraid he could be worse behind closed doors.” Jolee shivered, and Dakota didn’t blame her. Jolee might be a shifter, but she was an omega, and as such, nowhere near strong enough to fight off an alpha, even one of Dakota’s size. “I will say this much; if it came down to a fight between Sloane and Anthony? My money would be on Anthony. I can’t tell you why, but I could sense the power radiating off the male when Sloane grabbed me. He growled low in his chest, and it was different than any sound I’ve ever heard.”

Hmm. Maybe she didn’t trust Jolee with everything. Dakota wasn’t going to admit about the dream or the connection her Wolf felt to Sebastian’s beast, whatever it was. At least, not yet. Not until she met the male and figured out if there was something there. Dakota was torn between the memory of the teen and her newfound interest in Sebastian. Just then, a phone pinged. It was the one she’d left behind. Dakota opened the drawer where she’d left it to find a text from King.

Alphahole:Meeting tonight at six at the pack house. Do not disappoint me again.

Me:I’ll be there.

And Dakota would. She was looking forward to meeting Sebastian Stone and his cousins. “The meeting has been rescheduled for six tonight.”

“What are you going to wear?” Jolee asked.

Dakota turned the eye off and removed the pot from the stove. She drained most of the water from the noodles, leaving a little to mix with the powdered cheese since she’d tossed out her milk. After it was stirred, she opened the can of tuna, drained it, then dumped it into the noodles and stirred again. Dakota set the pot on the counter and pulled two forks out of the utensil drawer, handing one to Jolee. Her best friend didn’t balk at eating the less than stellar meal.

“Nothing special. If Sebastian can wear flannel, so can I.”

As Jolee chewed her bite of tuna mac, she twirled her fork in the air. After swallowing, she said, “He might already know what you look like. Anthony wanted a picture of me, and I sent him one of you and me together.”

“Which one?” Dakota shouldn’t care what a stranger thought of her looks, but she did.

Jolee pulled her phone out of her back pocket and held it up for Dakota to see. “Don’t worry. You look gorgeous as always.”

“As my best friend, you have to say that.”

Jolee grinned, and Dakota smiled back. She wasn’t glad to be back in Panther, but she was glad to have Jolee by her side again.

After finishing off the food, Jolee washed the pot and utensils with Dakota drying them. When they were finished, she hugged Dakota. “I’ve gotta get ready for work. Speaking of, are you going to ask for your job back?”

“No. I will take any part-time shifts no one wants, but I won’t take the money away from Noah.”

“You’re a good egg, Dakota Young. Now, go do something with your hair other than braids. And for the love of the goddess, if you must wear flannel, at least wear a shirt that’s not ancient.”

Dakota whipped the drying cloth at Jolee’s legs playfully. “Get out of here.”

When Jolee reached the door, she turned, and her eyes were shiny. “Love you, Kody,” she whispered.

“Love you, too.”

Dakota still had a couple hours before the meeting, but she wanted to look nice when seeing Sebastian Stone, although she couldn’t figure out why her stomach felt like a million hummingbirds were flitting around inside. Even though she’d showered at the hotel, Dakota took another so she could wash her hair and do something with it like Jolee encouraged. Braids were fine for work but not for making a good impression with someone like Sebastian.

With fifteen minutes to get to the pack house, she was finally ready. Dakota had chosen a nice pair of bootcut jeans and topped them with a soft, oversized sweater that fell off one shoulder over a matching tank top. She opted for her least-scuffed pair of cowboy boots. Makeup was minimal, but her hair was what she felt set off her looks. Dakota had left it natural, a bit of wave falling over her shoulders. She didn’t own lipstick, so she rubbed on some scented moisturizing lip balm. Then she chose her two favorite rings and claimed herself done.

With shaking hands, Dakota climbed into her car and took a deep breath. She was excited and nervous. Her Wolf was surprisingly quiet, but Dakota felt contentment coming from her beast. Exhaling, she started the engine and headed out. When she arrived, two strange vehicles were parked in front of the pack house. One was a jacked-up Jeep, and Dakota wanted to take it for a spin in the mud. Sloane was on the porch, speaking low to one of the pack enforcers. When she got out of her car, Sloane inclined his head her direction, and the other male took off. Sloane crossed his arms over his chest as she approached. Dakota scowled at him, remembering what Jolee said. When she reached where he was standing, Dakota lowered her voice.

“If you ever put your hands on Jolee again in anger, King’s second or not, I will fucking end you.” She shouldered past him, ignoring his growl, and entered the house. When she didn’t see King or the visitors, she used her shifter hearing to find them upstairs. Dakota took the steps at a normal pace, lest King think her excitement was for him. When she entered his suite, all eyes turned her way.

Dakota froze just inside the door when her eyes landed on Sebastian. He was even more impressive in person, and she wanted to run to him. To grab hold and never let go. Whatever her Wolf had felt before, Dakota now sensed the same intense desire to get close to the male.

King cleared his throat. “Kody, this is—”

“Sebastian Stone,” she finished. Sebastian stepped up to Dakota with his hand out. Instead of shaking, he kissed her knuckles gently. If she wasn’t mistaken, he inhaled before rising.

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