Page 51 of Clash of Kings

Lydia smiled gently. “I didn’t do anything but yell for help. It was the witches who saved him, but you’re welcome.”

“Hey, you didn’t thank me,” Anthony huffed.

“And what exactly did you do to help?” Dakota asked.

“I didn’t go after you and your brother. If I had, neither one of you would be alive today.”

Lydia pushed against Anthony’s thigh with her foot. “And who stopped you from doing that?”

“Tabby,” he mumbled, and Lydia then slapped him with a pillow.

“That’s right. Seems Phoenix isn’t the only hot-headed brother around.”

Anthony grabbed the pillow and pretended to shove it against Lydia’s face. The two grappled and ended up falling off the sofa. Sebastian grabbed the coffee table, moving it out of the way so their wrestling didn’t break it.

“Ow, that’s my nipple, you maniac,” Anthony yelled. Lydia jumped up and ran behind Dakota, laughing.

Anthony rubbed his chest, scowling at his cousin. “That shit ain’t fair or funny.” He climbed off the floor and smoothed out his shirt. He marched to the door and grabbed the handle. When he looked at them over his shoulder, he was grinning. “I’m going to ride four-wheelers. Who’s coming with me?”

“Let me change into something more suitable,” Dakota responded.

Anthony huffed. “Flannel it is.” He got another pillow to the face, this time from Dakota.

Chapter 20

Before heading toWalker’s Outfitters, they stopped at a small pizza joint for a late lunch. A bell rang when they entered the restaurant, and a female voice called from somewhere in the back that she’d be right there. There was a chalkboard menu hanging above the counter, a soda machine stood off to the side, and a small refrigerator held a few types of beer. As they perused the menu, a young woman stepped from the kitchen area to greet them.

“Welcome to Maddio’s. I’m Angela, and I’m so happy to meet you all. What can I get you?”

Before Bas could ask Dakota what she wanted, she said, “We’ll have a regular crust pepperoni and pineapple,” ignoring Anthony’s smartass remark under his breath. “I want soda to drink. Bas?”

“I’ll take a Guinness. This will all be on one check.” He stepped aside so Anthony and Lydia could order. They chose a meat lovers to share, with Anthony opting for a bottled IPA and Lydia also choosing soda. Angela rang them up, and while Bas was sliding his card through the machine, the female placed a tray on the counter and loaded it with plates, silverware, two cups for the sodas, then finally the bottled beers.

After handing Bas a receipt, Angela said, “I’ll get right on your orders.”

Lydia plucked the cups off the tray and handed one to Dakota. Anthony lifted the tray and followed Bas as he chose the farthest booth from the counter. After getting their drinks, Dakota and Lydia joined them.

As soon as her butt was on the seat, Lydia broached a topic Sebastian had already been contemplating. “You need to get one of the Trio to change Dakota’s documents.”

Dakota looked between Lydia and Bas. “What do you mean?”

Bas slid his arm across the back of the booth, tracing circles on her arm with his fingertips. “We’re mates, but we don’t have the same last name as if we’d gotten married. That might have saved a lot of trouble this morning with the deputy. The Trio can produce a new driver’s license and a fake marriage certificate so you can get a new Social Security card.”

Dakota narrowed her eyes. “Why don’t we just get married and do it the legal way? I’m not saying we need to go all out with an elaborate wedding, but we could pop over to city hall and get hitched.”

“Can I be the flower Goyle?” Anthony asked, batting his eyelashes.

“Who said you get to be there?” Dakota deadpanned.

“Ouch. Keep it up, and I’m going to think you don’t like me.”

Dakota arched an eyebrow, and Lydia fell against Anthony laughing. “She has your number.”

Angela brought their pizzas, and when she walked off, Lydia said, “I think it’s a good idea. It’s probably easy to get a license, then go before a justice of the peace.”

Bas looked down at Dakota. “What do you say,Cucciolina,want to be my wife as well as my mate?”

“Hmm, I’ll have to think about it.” Dakota rolled her eyes. “I’m the one who suggested it, so yes, I do.”

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