Page 10 of Clash of Kings
“You’re right, but I can still ask how things are going.” The good thing about his cousins was they still spoke their mind as they always had. “Anyway, I got an alert that someone was searching your name, and I wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“You sure it wasn’t someone looking to hire me to build a house? I had two emails from potential clients earlier.”
“I’m sure, unless one of those prospects was in Panther, West Virginia.”
Sebastian leaned back in the uncomfortable chair. He should have settled on the bed instead. “Anthony, Lydia, and I have a meeting with the Alpha of a wolf pack there this week, so it’s probably him checking out who’s coming into his territory.”
“That would make sense if the person doing the searching was male.”
“Then it could be his mate or someone in charge of security. If I were him, I’d want as much information about a stranger requesting a sit down too.”
“She doesn’t have the same last name as the Alpha, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t mates. And you’re right, she could be on his security team. I’m still going to keep an eye on her.”
“Sounds good. Any updates on Agent Stallings?” The GIA agent was the main reason Bas wanted to form a council. He and the medical examiner in South Carolina had no definitive proof shifters existed, but they were aware Hadley hadn’t been a normal human. Connor had put the fear of the gods in Stallings, but the agent had been the protégé of another agent, who, in the past, had knowledge of shifters. It was thought that all evidence had been destroyed, but they couldn’t bank on it.
“He’s still keeping a low profile, but the medical examiner took early retirement. We’re watching him as well. Bas, are you sure you want to move to the middle of nowhere? I get you wanting out of Atlanta. I just figured with your folks being in New York you’d want to move there too.”
“I love my parents; you know that. But now that I’m King, I need space from them. I need to lead the Clan my way. West Virginia is halfway between Georgia and New York, so I’ll be able to get to both places easily.”
“Just make sure there’s good Wi-Fi because you know some of the Clan are probably going to move with you.”
“I hope so. At least those of you who have jobs you can do from anywhere.” Yes, Bas was hinting strongly. He needed some of his cousins close by when he embarked on this venture. “Anyway, keep me posted if you find something off about the female trying to research me.”
“Will do. Good night, My King.” Carleigh disconnected before Bas could chastise her. Yes, he was her King, but he was her cousin and friend first.
Sebastian’s phone vibrated on the table. He tapped the screen and opened the text.
Anthony:My case is complete. I’ve already talked to Lydia, and we’ll head out first thing. Where do you want to meet?
Me:I’m in Southville, but that’s several hours north of Panther.
Bas did the math. If he got up early and skipped breakfast, he could go see the lodge. If it turned out to be a good prospect, he could come back after the meeting in Panther to see it with a realtor.
Me:If you leave at nine, that’ll put you in Panther around four. That gives me time to look at the property here and arrive around the same time. I’ll give Alpha Bridgewater a call in the morning and see if he wants to meet tomorrow evening or wait until Sunday. Either way, I’ll book a hotel now and send you the address.
Anthony:Sweet. I don’t have to get up at the crack of ass.
Sebastian laughed out loud. He could always count on Anthony to put a smile on his face.
Me:Get your beauty sleep. I’ll text you after I talk to him.
Anthony sent several emojis, before responding withGood night, My King.
Sebastian scrubbed a hand down his face. That was going to take some getting used to. Shutting down his laptop, Bas stood and took the few steps to the closest bed. He flopped down on his back, threaded his fingers behind his head, and closed his eyes. He didn’t feel like a King yet, but meeting with the Alpha would require Bas to exude confidence. That he could do. And who knows? The two of them might become friends before it was all said and done.
Chapter 7
Dakota’s whole bodyshook as she pulled into her parents’ driveway. She had considered blowing off her father’s demand to come to the house until her mom called, begging her to show up. Now she knew why. Kingston was there. She put the car in park and sat there, letting it idle. She could either turn around and run, or she could get this over with. Whatever this was. If it had only been her parents, it would be the same argument as always, but if the Alpha was there?
The front door opened, and King stepped out. Maybe he was leaving. He crossed the porch and leaned his forearms on the railing, waiting. Okay, so not leaving. Fuck. Dakota shut the motor off, blew out a breath, and got out. As she made her way to the steps, King raked his eyes down her body. After her mother called, waking Dakota up, she had crawled out of bed, thrown her hair into a ponytail, and pulled on jeans and a T-shirt with sneakers. She added a hoodie to keep the chill running through her bones to a minimum. No need to dress up to get a dressing down from her father.
The door opened again, and her mother stuck her head out. “Don’t just stand there. Come on in. Lunch is ready.”
King pushed off the railing and waited for Dakota, then followed her into the house. Dakota stalked into the kitchen, ignoring her father. Seeing the table was already laden with food, she plopped down at her spot, her appetite gone.
King waited until Diana was seated before taking Nix’s chair. “I just stopped by to give your parents the good news, and your mom invited me to stay for lunch.”
Diana beamed as she began piling King’s plate full of pork, baked beans, and mac ‘n cheese. Someone was full of shit. Her mother didn’t cook a spread for their daily lunches. As a matter of fact, her mother couldn’t cook all that well on a good day. There’s no way she smoked the pork butt they were eating. Her father had yet to say anything, but his eyes were on Dakota, daring her to misbehave.