Page 41 of Clash of Kings

“The Italian, Papa. And if you wanted more action, you should have kept the crown. I appreciate the offer, but I’m hopeful once Knox Millard begins calling the other Alphas and explains what really happened, we won’t have any trouble with those we seek out for the council. As for Kingston, I can handle him. Dakota and I want to come for a visit. I put in an offer on a lodge in Carlton, and soon, Dakota and I will be the new owners. We want to come to New York before renovations begin.”

“We’d love that. Will it just be the two of you, or will the twins be tagging along? I know Tessa would love to see them.”

Sebastian parked in the lot at the hotel and let the Jeep idle. “I’ll ask, but you know they’re busy with their caseloads. Anyway, we wanted to call even though you already knew about us. We’ve got work to do, so I’m going to let you get back to whatever it was you were doing.”

“We appreciate the call, Bas. We love you both,” Rafael said.

“Love you too. Talk soon.” Sebastian disconnected.

“Wow, they sound amazing.” Dakota’s father wasn’t big on demonstrating affection, yet here was Sebastian’s dad, the former King, giving it freely to her even though they’d never met.

“They’re awesome.” Bas shut the engine off and pulled the parking brake. Dakota waited for him to come around and open her door.

As he was closing the door behind him, Dakota gestured to the Jeep. “Is this your everyday vehicle and you have a Ferrari at home in the garage?”

“No, but I do have an Audi. It’s sporty and fast but also a four-door. It’s the only thing I’ve ever splurged on. Why? Do you want a Ferrari?”

“Well, you did say you’re loaded,” Dakota teased.

“No, I saidwe’reloaded. If I gave you free rein with our money, what would you buy?”

Dakota toyed with the end of one of her braids. “It wouldn’t be a two-hundred-thousand-dollar car. There are so many struggling just to make ends meet. Kids are going hungry, and people are living on the streets. I know I can’t save them all, but I’d like to try and help as many as I can. Living in a pack in a small community wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t hard either. It’s what we were used to. You saw Panther. The Depot is a shithole, but it was ours. The kids didn’t go hungry, and they always had clothes and a place to sleep. That’s because pack takes care if its own. But I’ve seen the statistics. You’d think that a nation like ours would do better. I guess what they say about the rich getting richer is true. Why have billions of dollars and not spend it to help the less fortunate? I’m sure there are some who do help, but it’s not enough.”

Sebastian pulled Dakota into his arms. “And this is why you’ll make a wonderful Queen. Because you care. Maybe while we’re renovating the lodge, you can contact the schools and see if there are kids in need. I know we can’t save them all, but it’s a start.”

“I love that idea.”

Sebastian kissed her softly, then turned them so they could head inside the hotel. The door to their room hadn’t fully shut before they were stripping out of their clothes. They spent the next couple of hours getting each other off with their hands, mouths, and bodies. Dakota was sprawled on her back after her last orgasm. Bas climbed from between her legs and lay on his side next to her. He propped his head on one hand and the other was circling her navel.

“As much as I don’t want to move, I really need to call my mom and Jolee.”

“Stay here. I’ll get your phone.” Bas rolled off the bed. Dakota admired his long legs and toned butt as he walked away. When he came back, she gazed at his defined abs. Dakota was one lucky-ass female. Bas climbed back on the bed, returning to the same position he had been in.

She took the burner phone and pulled up the two contacts she’d added. Dakota texted Jolee, knowing her best friend wouldn’t answer an unknown number. She didn’t have to wait long for the phone to ring.

“Hey, Jo.”

“Dakota Diana Young! Are you okay? Did Sebastian Stone really kidnap you? Who sent Sloane flying through the window? Goddess, I wish I’d seen that. What in the hell is going on?”

“Breathe, Jo. That’s why I’m calling. No, I wasn’t kidnapped. Sebastian saved me from Phoenix. And before I tell you what happened, you need to know Bas is the boy from Utah, and I’m his fated mate.”

“No frickin’ way. Kody, that’s…”

“It’s astonishing is what it is. He’s amazing. We were at the meeting in King’s suite and things got out of hand. Sebastian was talking about the council. King said he couldn’t participate because he couldn’t travel, and when Sebastian said he wanted to talk to me about being on it, King lost his shit. Words were said, claws came out, and King used his Alpha voice on me. When the wings came out, I ran.”

“I heard about the wings. So they really are Gargoyles? I knew Anthony was something other, I just didn’t know what.”

“Yes. As for Sloane, that was Anthony’s doing. Sloane had their cousin, Lydia, by the throat, and she stabbed him with a knife. When he turned loose, Anthony punched him, then kicked him, sending him flying. I missed all the action too, having already run from the room. As soon as I was outside, I shifted and took off. Of course my dickhead brother chased after me, but Sebastian grabbed me and flew me to safety.”

“He flew you? With his wings? Wow. That must have been scary.”

“Actually, it was fun. He took me to my cabin where I packed a bag, and we met up with his cousins, and then we got the hell out of Panther. Jo, King is calling other Alphas, telling them lies. I’m not asking you to go against King, but I wanted you to know the truth. Also, I have a proposition for you. Bas and I are buying a lodge, and we think you’d make a wonderful addition, helping with the interior design, then possibly taking over as manager.”

“Kody, slow your roll, girl. You’ve been gone less than twenty-four hours, and you’re already playing house?”

“Playing lodge is more like it,” Dakota joked. “Did you miss the part where I said I’m Sebastian’s fated mate? That’s why I never could let the thought of him go. It was as though my Wolf knew somehow I was destined to be with him. We’re mated, Jo. Seal-the-deal bites and everything.”

“I’m happy for you. Truly, and if you could find some way to get me out of here without starting a war, I’d do it in a heartbeat, but I won’t ask you to do anything that’ll bring you back here. I take it you haven’t talked to your mom?”

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