Page 52 of Clash of Kings

“Save the ‘I dos’ for later. Dig in so we can go play in the mud,” Anthony said, already grabbing a couple of slices of pizza and adding them to his plate.

Dakota placed three pieces on Bas’s plate before serving herself. “It hasn’t rained in like two weeks, so I doubt there’ll be any mud.”

Even though it was well after noon, several women stopped by Maddio’s. They spoke to Angela in hushed tones, not realizing Bas and the others could hear every word. Bas recognized some of them from having stopped at their establishments. When he caught them looking, he smiled and waved, causing more than one blush.

“You have a fan club,” Dakota whispered.

“Nah, they’re staring at Tony.”

Anthony, who had been focused on his food, perked up. “What?” He leaned around Lydia, wiping his mouth on a napkin. He then gave his cheesiest smile, also waving at the women who giggled like schoolgirls. “I love this town.”

“I thought you wanted to hurry and eat so we can go riding,” Dakota teased, pointing her pizza slice at him.

Anthony turned his grin on Dakota. “I did, but I wouldn’t want to eat too fast and get a stomachache.”

Dakota tossed her wadded up napkin at his face. “Such a goober.”

The women left soon after, waving at them as they walked out. Dakota waved back enthusiastically.

“Kody, are you okay?” Anthony asked, smirking.

“If this is going to be my home, I want to start off on the right foot. I had enough alienation in the pack, and I don’t want that here.”

“That makes sense. Sorry for being a goober.”

“You’re forgiven.” When they finished eating, his mate smiled and thanked Angela for the wonderful meal as they were walking out the door. Sebastian was conflicted. He was glad his mate was trying to make friends, but it hurt his heart thinking of how she’d been treated by the females of her pack.

As they walked down the street to Walker’s, Sebastian suggested a detour. “Let’s stop by the courthouse and make an appointment. I’m not sure how busy the judge or whoever will do the ceremony is, but I’d like to get married as soon as possible.”

Everyone agreed, and they were able to get an appointment for eleven the next morning. Instead of filling out the paperwork for the license then, they agreed to do it when they returned the next day. Thanking the clerk, they left and headed down to Walker’s.

Dustin smiled as they walked in the door. “Back for more ziplining?”

“We wanted to try out the four-wheelers if it’s not too late in the day.”

“Nah, there’s plenty of daylight left. Are you each riding your own, or are you doubling up?”

Bas should have known Dakota and Lydia would want to drive, but he still asked. Dakota gave him the same scowl she often bestowed upon Anthony. “Your own it is.”

Bas paid for the excursion, and they each signed a waiver. As they were studying a map of the trails, the front door opened, and Cole walked in.

“Hey, y’all. Good to see you again.”

“Hi, Cole. We’re trying out the four-wheelers today,” Bas said, shaking the younger man’s hand.

“I know. Dustin texted to let me know. Since I have to drive over there, do you want to ride with me?” Sebastian wondered if the two brothers were the only employees, but he didn’t want to pry.

“That’d be great. Thanks.”

They said goodbye to Dustin and piled into an older SUV. Cole turned the radio down. “I talked to Dustin about you all last night. Not that we were gossiping, but okay, we were gossiping, but it was the good kind. About you reopening the lodge. That’s gonna be great for Carlton and our family. If you bring in enough tourists, maybe Dustin can hire someone else to help him so I can focus on my business.”

“What is your business?” Bas asked.

“I own a small landscaping company, so if you need any help clearing the property or adding greenery around the building, just let me know.”

“Do you have a business card?” Sebastian would love to hire the man to help clear off the property.

“Yes, but not on me. There are some on the counter at the Outfitters. I’ll grab you one when I drop you off. Here we are.” Cole parked next to a small barn. He unlocked a padlock and pulled open the double doors. “Let’s get you fitted for helmets.” Once they found the correct sizes, he asked, “Do you want a guide, or would you rather go by yourselves? Normally, we don’t let first-time customers go off without one of us, but Dustin said it was okay if you wanted to ride around without me.”

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