Page 73 of Curse of Ancients

When Carleigh parked at Holt Lodge, Sebastian and Dakota were waiting for them. Kody bounded down the steps, not waiting for them to get out. She peered in the back window, grinning. She opened the door, and leaned in. “Hello, Juni.”

“Juni, say hi to Dakota,” Carleigh prompted.

“Hi, Keen Koda.”

Kody laughed, clapping her hands. “Oh, my.” She stood and turned to her mate. “I want one, Bas.”

Sebastian arched a brow. “I told you whenever you’re ready, I’ll give you as many as you want.”

Carleigh pushed open her door, and as soon as she was on her feet, Dakota engulfed her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. Now, introduce me to your family.”

“Let them get out of the car, Cucciolina.” Sebastian pulled Dakota back against his chest.

Bayu came around the hood and bowed. “I am Bayu Tan, and it is an honor to meet you.”

With one arm around Dakota, Sebastian held out a hand for Bayu to shake. “The honor is ours, Bayu. Welcome to the Clan.”

Carleigh lifted Juni from his car seat, and Gemi got out on the other side. Carleigh introduced Gemi, but Juni decided to introduce himself. He grinned up at Sebastian. “Hi, King Bas.”

Sebastian was no more immune to the cub than anyone else as his face broke out in a huge grin. “Hello, little cub.”

Juni held out his arms to Dakota. “Up, pease.” She picked him up, and Juni shoved his face in her neck. Dakota rubbed her cheek against the top of his head, marking him as pack.

Sebastian helped Bayu with their bags, and they headed inside where several people were waiting. When Diana, Dakota’s mom, caught sight of Juni in her daughter’s arms, she placed her hand over her mouth. Carleigh had sent videos and photos of her son, but they were nothing compared to seeing him in person.

Jolee, Dakota’s best friend and pack mate, grinned at Sebastian. “You’re in trouble now.”

“Bring it on. I’m ready.” Bas winked at his mate as he led Bayu upstairs to their room to stow their bags.

Gemi looked around, taking in the lodge. Carleigh got it. The place was stunning. Jolee had done an amazing job with the interior design, meshing comfort with rustic charm that matched the exterior.

Dakota, who normally tended bar and offered her guests a drink, appeared to be in heaven where she was, so Carleigh did the honors. “Gemi, would you like a drink? There’s a fully stocked bar, or I can get you some tea from the kitchen.”

“Sorry. I’m usually a better host, but have you seen this kid?” Dakota didn’t appear too chagrined at her lack of hospitality.

“Tea would be nice.” Gemi took a seat close to Juni and Dakota, not sitting back, but perching on the edge of the chair.

“I’ll get it.” A petite blonde with a round belly had bounded into the lobby but made a U-turn toward the kitchen. Kennedy was an arctic fox shifter and seven months pregnant. Her mate, Dooley, was right behind her. They were friends of Lydia and Beck and had moved from Alaska when Beck relocated to be with his mate.

“What’s doing, C?” Dooley was a hacker, and Carleigh often pitched jobs to him.

“Just getting here. We wanted a chance to look at property before the rest of the gang shows up.” Carleigh moved to the bar and poured herself a soda. She wasn’t ready for beer. “Harlow will be here in the morning, and we’ll need to go over a few things with you.” Dooley was going to help with their surprise. With as large as they planned it to be, they needed several hands.

Dakota removed her ever-present cowboy hat and set it beside her on the sofa. “Missy came by last week with a list of properties she wants to show you. I told her to email them to you.”

“She did. There are a few that look promising.”

“Does that mean you’ve decided to move here?” Dakota’s tone was hopeful.

“We’re still talking about it. I want to, but I also don’t want to leave Harlow behind in Atlanta, especially now that she’s all sad panda.”

“I’ll have to work my magic on her then. I’ll pout like Anthony, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll pull the Queen card.”

Kennedy returned with a tray filled with all the accoutrements one needed for a cup of tea. “I didn’t know what kind you wanted, so I brought an assortment.” She placed the tray on the coffee table nearest Gemi, then plopped down in an armchair. “I should have asked, but the bigger my belly gets, the foggier my brain.”

Juni was now staring at Kennedy where she was holding her stomach. Kennedy noticed, and she patted her roundness. “I’m going to have a little one like you, but she’s a lot smaller.”

When Juni frowned up at Carleigh, she explained, “There’s a baby in Kennedy’s belly.”