Page 45 of Clash of Kings

Lydia bit her lip at Sebastian’s question. “About a year ago. I was visiting the twins, and we were talking about elemental magic. Luna said she could see both fire and water in my aura, which is odd since people who are attuned to the elements are usually only gifted with one.”

“That’s amazing,” Tony said. “I wonder if all of us will be blessed with special abilities, or if you, Bas, and Connor are the only ones?”

Dakota angled her head, smiling at Bas. “What’s your gift?”

Bas sighed. “I wouldn’t call mine a gift, exactly, but there have been a few times I’ve seen snippets in my dreams that later came true. Unlike Connor’s visions, mine aren’t a big deal.”

“He’s being modest,” Lydia countered. “Before he was born, Bas spoke to both his parents and warned them something bad was going to happen.”

Sebastian frowned at his cousin. “How the hell do you know about that?”

Lydia shrugged. “Our parents talk.” She tapped out a message on her phone. “I’m asking Lilly to create some bracelets for Kody.” She glanced up. “Do you want silver or gold?”

“Silver please.” Dakota wiggled on the bench, and Sebastian could feel the excitement radiating from his mate. Knowing she preferred silver over gold was good information to have for future purchases.

“Got it. Now, Bas, who do you want to call on to help?” Lydia asked, bypassing the conversation of his gift.

They spent the next hour discussing which Clan members they wanted when they went back to Panther. Lydia was a given for the females. Anthony said if he didn’t choose his twin, there would be hell to pay, so he stepped away to call and see where Tabby was with her current case.

“Harlow would be amazing,” Lydia suggested. “I’ll see how busy she is with H3, and if she can swing it, I’ll ask her to help.” Harlow, having Gargoyle and Gryphon parents, was a hybrid of the two, and one of the toughest of all their females.

Dakota placed her hand on Bas’s arm, getting his attention. “What do you think about asking your papa? He did offer.”

Before Bas could answer, Anthony retook his seat at the table. “Tabby’s in, and she suggested calling Mom. I agree with Kody. Let’s ask Rafe and my parents.”

Lydia agreed. “And if Harlow agrees, you know Lucy and Tamian will want in on the action.”

“What about the twins?” Harlow’s siblings were fourteen, so Bas wasn’t sure Lucy would want to leave them behind.

“I’m sure one of Lucy’s uncles or her grandmother would watch them for a few days.” Lydia typed out another message on her phone. A few seconds later, it rang.

“Harlow, I’m putting you on speaker,” Lydia said.

“Carleigh and Nikita have things covered with H3, so I’m in. My parents and the twins are in Italy right now. Dad’s doing King things, but you should totally ask Major and Uncle Mav.” Harlow’s cousin and uncle, Major and Maveryck, were Gryphons and members of The Hounds of Zeus MC. Sebastian hadn’t considered asking anyone other than Goyles, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the other species show their support.

“You know we have to ask Frey. His size alone will intimidate the fuck outta some wolves,” Anthony added. He wasn’t wrong. Their uncle was the one who trained them in both hand-to-hand combat and with a myriad of weapons.

They continued adding names, more than they needed in case some weren’t available. When the list was compiled, Harlow agreed to set up a video conference so Bas could ask them face-to-face after explaining what was going on. She scheduled the call for the next day.

“Thanks, Harlow. If we don’t hear back from you, we’ll talk to you tomorrow at noon,” Bas said.

“You’re welcome, My King. Dakota, welcome to the Clan. I can’t wait to officially meet you.”

“Same here,” Dakota responded.

“Bye, everyone.” With that, Harlow disconnected.

“Man, this is gonna be great,” Anthony gushed. “I know we are going as backup, but if it does come down to a fight between us and them, we’re gonna wipe the dirt with these scumbags. No offense, Kody.”

“None taken. As I told Bas, you all are my pack now. If need be, I’ll fight them too.”

Anthony fisted his heart and inclined his head. “I know you’re capable, Kody, but on my honor, I’ll stand between you and every godsdamned wolf from here to China. You are our Queen.”

Sebastian had never been more proud of his cousin than in that moment. Dakota reached across the table and patted Tony’s hand. “I appreciate that, but as Queen, I won’t hide behind wings if my Clan needs me.” At his mate’s declaration, Sebastian blinked hard to keep the tears at bay. Gods, she was fierce.

Lydia smiled at Bas, and seeing he probably needed a minute, she tapped the table. “Now that we have our list, we need to talk logistics.”

Bas cleared his throat. “I want this over with as soon as possible. Everyone on our list is on this side of the country, so they should be able to get here quickly. We’ll send the jets to Atlanta and New York. For those not in those areas, I’ll charter planes for them so they can bring their swords. I’m praying we won’t need weapons, but having our Clan stride onto pack land with Claymores strapped to their back will send a message.”

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