Page 3 of Clash of Kings

The last time so many of them had been at the hotel, it was summer, and they were in swimsuits or shorts and tees. It had been a celebration when Connor received his master’s degree, but it was more like a family vacation. Today, everyone wore attire suited for a different type of celebration. It was the first time he’d seen some of his female cousins in a dress, but they’d done it for him. He looked around at everyone in attendance, and his nerves settled. Growing up with so many cousins and shifters his age, they weren’t merely family by blood. They were his family of the heart, and each one of them would lay down their life for him, as he would them. Gone were the days of the King leading only Gargoyles. His Clan was made up of Goyles, wolves, Gryphons, and hybrids. Those weren’t the only types of shifters in the world, and Bas would welcome any species should they find their way into the fold.

Taking a deep breath, Sebastian wound his way through the myriad of people to where his parents stood waiting. His mother was stunning in her blue dress. His sister, Seven, was Kaya’s spitting image and wore a similar dress in the same shade of blue. His papa was regal in his tailor-made suit with his sword strapped to his back. Bas walked up to him and dragged him into a tight embrace.

“I’m ready, Papa. I’m sorry for being an ungrateful ass these last few months.”

Rafael gripped Sebastian’s neck, pulling away so they could see each other. “No apologies, Son. I get how big a responsibility this is, and nobody is ever truly ready for a task of this magnitude. Now, let’s get this done so you can get out of that tie I know you hate.” Rows of chairs were set up in front of a stage, and when Rafael told Frey they were ready, he let out a sharp whistle.

“Please take your seats,” Frey said when he had everyone’s attention. While that was happening, Bas, his parents, and sister made their way to the stage. They paused at the steps where Julian waited. He attached lapel microphones to Rafael’s and Sebastian’s coats so the cameras would catch every word. They would also help the humans among them to more easily hear what was being said. Julian cupped Sebastian’s cheek briefly before he found his seat beside his mate, Katherine, and their kids, Carleigh, Jacob, and Juniper. Rafael escorted Kaya up the steps, with Bas helping Seven. Once the females were seated, Bas took his place next to his father, and the crowd fell quiet.

Rafael cleared his throat. Sebastian sneaked a glance at his father and wished he hadn’t. This strong male, King of their kind, had tears in his eyes. He gave Sebastian the same smile he had worn as long as Bas could remember. Not once in his life had his papa ever yelled at him. He’d never raised a hand to him that wasn’t to offer a hug or a shoulder squeeze. He had given Sebastian words of wisdom, words of praise, and words of love. Even during teaching moments, Rafael’s tone had been warm. Never condescending. Never hateful. He was the epitome of what a father should be, and Sebastian prayed he would be half the father…

“I love you, Papa,” Bas whispered.

Rafael pulled him in for another hug and returned the sentiment. When Rafael faced the crowd once more, he laughed and shook his head. “I would apologize, but then I would need to be sorry for the tears. I’m not, and I have no doubt those of you with kids of your own know how I feel. Standing before you today, I am honored. Honored to have been your King these last two hundred and twenty-eight years. When I took over the throne, I wasn’t given a choice. As the oldest son, the crown fell to me when my father was slain. I was certain I had several centuries before it would be my turn. I wasn’t ready. Hell, some days I still feel like I’m not ready for the task.

“Some of you may feel Sebastian is too young to lead our Clan. He certainly does, but I have faith in him. I have watched him grow from this tiny creature into an amazing man. He has the fortitude, the intelligence, and mostly the heart to lead not only the next generation but all of us. As I had my brothers and cousins to stand by me and guide me, Sebastian has not only those same males, but their mates, his mother and I, his cousins, and his sister. As I told Sebastian, times are changing, and he is the perfect male to lead us through those changes.

“It has been an honor leading you, but I am even more privileged to present to you Sebastian Holt Di Pietro, your new King.” Rafael removed his sword and held it in his palms, bowing when he did so. Bas took the hilt, turned to the crowd, and raised it above his head. Everyone in attendance stood, fisted their hearts, and as one, said, “On my honor.”

Sebastian placed his father’s sword – his sword now – in the sheath on his own back. Once everyone was reseated, he addressed them. “As my father said, it is an honor to lead our Clan. I have some big shoes to fill. No one understands this more than I, but today, I make this solemn vow; I will rule our Clan with the same grace, fairness, and strength my father has. The world around usischanging, and the biggest threat is humans discovering our secret and exposing us, or worse. By now, you should all be aware of what happened in South Carolina, when one of Connor’s visions led him there. I have already begun gathering leaders from other species to form a council, including Alpha Knox Millard from Charleston’s wolf pack.

“We must be on guard. My first duty is to our Clan, and the biggest part of that duty is keeping us safe. Though I will be traveling, I will always be but a phone call away. Should there be a reason you need me immediately and I’m unavailable, I am appointing my cousin, Anthony Stone, as my second-in-command.” Bas glanced down at his cousin, and Anthony’s shock quickly turned to acquiescence. He nodded once, agreeing to take his rightful place at Sebastian’s side. “I appreciate each and every one of you, and I am proud to take up the mantel.” The crowd broke into applause and cheers. Sebastian held up his hand, and when the noise quieted, he continued, “The Baxters have prepared a feast fit for a King.” Bas smirked, and the crowd laughed. “Please enjoy yourselves.”

Bas turned to his papa who wrapped him in a hug. His momma and sister joined in. The four of them stood quietly for a bit, enjoying the moment. They were interrupted by Anthony, who gripped Sebastian’s shoulders.

“Dude, you couldn’t spring that on me before your big speech?”

Bas grinned. “And give you time to dwell on it? Hell no.” Anthony pulled him away from his family and wrapped a beefy arm around his neck.

“I’m honored to be your second,” Anthony whispered when he released Bas.

“Hey, that’s the King you’re manhandling,” Seven fussed, smacking their cousin on the stomach.

“Oof.” Anthony rubbed the offended spot. “What the hell, Goldilocks? You been eating your porridge?”

Seven held her fists up in a fighter’s stance. “Maybe I have. Wanna have a go?”

“Nope. I’ve seen you sparring with the others. I like my pretty face just the way it is.”

Stefania Seven Stone was like the other females in their Clan – fierce. A few of their cousins lovingly called her Princess, being the King’s daughter. “Okay, pretty boy, escort me down the steps and feed me.” Seven wrapped her hand around Anthony’s bicep, and he did as instructed.

Kaya placed her hand on Sebastian’s cheek. “I’m so proud of you, My King.”

Bas glanced at his father to see how he would react to no longer being king to his queen, but his papa smiled. “As am I. There is no one better to take my place, Son. Now, you should mingle and let the others wish you well.”

“Can I take off this damn tie first?”

Rafael grinned while removing the tie for him. Kaya reached up and undid the top button. “Better?”

“Much. I hope our Clan doesn’t expect me to dress this way all the time.”

“You do you, Bas,” his mom said.

When they reached the bottom of the steps, Julian was there to remove the microphones. Carleigh stood by her father, arms crossed over her chest. Like their other cousins, she was tough, having trained with Frey in the gym, but Carleigh took after her dad in the smarts department. She, along with another cousin, Harlow, and a dire wolf shifter, Nikita, had their own cyber security company called H3. The Trio, as they were referred to, were badasses with anything digital. They scared the shit out of Bas, and he was glad they were on his side.

“What?” Bas asked.

“You had to go and make Anthony your second? Like his ego isn’t big enough?”

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