First Female Dragon Alpha

3. So We Danced

Mihail’s POV

I heard some commotion and turned to see my sister storming down the hallway with our brother chasing after her. I looked at the group I was talking to and politely excused myself. I have to make sure she’s okay.

“No, go to the meeting room. With the other Alpha’s,” Levi said to me.

“Why?” I asked him, but when he didn’t answer, I decided I’d listen. Adonis is better at calming her down anyway. I’ll get more answers going directly to the source than out of her right now.

“What’s going on?” I asked the room of Alpha’s, who all wore scowls.

“They just voted to make your sister's mate, who we don’t even know yet, the Alpha when she finds him,” My father's voice was filled with disgust as he looked at his peers.

“That’s not fair,” I started, and Alpha Emery held his hand up.

“It’s not up to you to decide what’s fair or not,” He sneered at me.

Knowing I’d get nowhere with him, I looked at Damari, “Why didn’t you help her? You two always wanted to lead together!” I yelled at him, letting my temper get the best of me. I waited for him to say something but instead, he averted his gaze. Santiago stood up and walked over to me.

“There was nothing we could do,” He said, placing his hand on my shoulder. I threw it off and glared at the men that took away my sisters' dream. I wanted to do something, but I didn’t know what.

“Honestly, her reaction to this proves to me she’s not Alpha material. Leaving to cry like that? Pathetic,” Alpha Emery taunted, and that was the last straw. My hands were soaking wet as I felt Levi push himself forward. I was ready to attack when my mom's voice stopped me.

“How would you react if you were told everything you’ve ever wanted was getting taken away because of your gender? What’s pathetic is you picking on a 15-year-old,” My mother snapped at him, “Trust me when I say she’s not off crying. She’s off plotting, and you’ll regret the day you decided to become her enemy,” Mom stood up and wrapped her arm into mine.

“Let’s go check on Marina, shall we?” She asked, her eyes twinkling. I nodded, not giving anyone another look as we left. As we walked down the hallway, I saw Adonis and Marina talking close to each other. She nodded her head, then he wrapped her arms around him before turning and looking at us.

“I assume she told you?” Marina asked, indicating to our mother. I nodded before walking over to her and giving her a hug.

“I am so sorry they’re doing this to you,” She let me hold her for a few seconds before pulling away.

“It’s not your fault. But don’t get it confused; I am going to become the Alpha. I just can’t find my mate until I graduate,” Marina tossed her long hair off her shoulder as she told me she was going to be the Alpha. But I thought they just said her mate will be?

“That’s the rule,” She continued when noticing my confused stare, “If I graduate without finding him and become the Alpha, I stay the Alpha,” She explained.

“Well, that’s perfect then. We just have to keep you sheltered until you’re the Alpha,” I told her. It’s not over yet, this is great news!

“I don’t know about being sheltered, but I do know the Goddesses will wait until I graduate to unite my mate and me,” She said, looking up at Adonis briefly.

“Though, if you do find your mate, being the Czarina isn’t all that bad,” My mom was trying to cheer Marina up, but even I knew that was the wrong thing to say.

“Mom, no offense, but this is my birthright. I will be the Alpha. Nothing on this Earth will stop me from taking my rightful position as the Alpha of the Fire Court,” She spoke sternly, clearly. Out of three of us, she’s definitely the one that deserves to become the Alpha.

“Of course, sweetheart,” My mom agreed, smiling sweetly at us.

“Let’s go back to your party and show the other Alpha’s their game isn’t going to get to you. Prove to them you’re stronger than they are,” I cheered her on, remembering how they claimed she was crying. They really didn’t know my sister if they thought she was crying.

“Okay, but for the record, I don’t need to prove anything to anyone,” She said, walking in front of us to lead the way back to the party. Ain’t that the truth.

We got there, and Damari immediately went up to her. I was going to step in, but I remembered she’s definitely scarier than I am when she put her hand up to stop him.

“I’ve spent enough time with you today. I have some other guests to visit with,” Her voice was cool, calm, and nice. It’s like she flipped a switch, and when she gets that tone of voice, you better watch out. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away. I quickly followed after her, not giving him another look.

They were always great friends and talked about ruling together when we were younger. It must sting for both of them that she may not be able to anymore. Especially since he sat there and did nothing to help.

I caught up with her quickly as she glanced at me, “Please tell me there’s someone I can meet with right now,” She spoke in a hushed tone, not wanting Damari to hear.

“I’ll do you one better; I think it’s time for you to get on the dancefloor,” I said, holding out my hand.

“Really?” She squealed, excitement filling her face. I never dance with her; I always make Adonis do it. It’s definitely not something I enjoy doing, but I know it’ll make her feel better.

“Of course, now hurry before I change my mind,” I teased as she took my hand and dragged me to the center of the dancefloor. A few others joined us as we effortlessly ballroom danced with the group. We did a few of the traditional dances, as well as some new-age ones.

After each song ended, her smile grew bigger when I agreed to another. I looked over and saw the Air and Earth Alphas watching her. I think they’re starting to see the strength and resilience my sister truly has.

“One more!” She begged as my legs started to ache.

“I need a break, please,” I said to her, holding my arm out to walk her back to our family.

“Oh come on. Just one more, please!” She begged again, but I think I would my knees would buckle if I had to do one more dance.

“I’ll dance with you,” I heard a familiar voice say behind me. I turned around and wasn’t ready to see Kai, Adonis’ old best friend standing in front of us.

“How have you been?” I immediately asked him, shaking his hand. He smiled politely and gave me a nod.

“I’ve been doing great. Kinia is beautiful, but as a Fire Dragon, I find myself missing this place more and more each year,” He told me while smiling at Marina. Her cheeks flushed red, and I remembered back to when we were kids and Alpha Santiago’s sister, Briana, dared them to kiss.

Vicente and Sarah had Santiago when they were really young. So Briana is only a year younger than us. Usually, at events like this, we hung out. I guess there was something she had to do at home, which is why she isn’t here.

“Well, thank you for offering to step in, but that little break was all I needed; let’s get back out there,” I said to Marina, wanting to keep distance between her and Kai.

“Really?” Marina said, her face lighting up.

“Let’s do this,” I said, walking away with her quickly. She was oblivious to Kai’s disappointment, but that’s a good thing. It’s my brotherly instinct to keep all men away from her; I can’t help myself. Besides, she needs to avoid men if she’s going to become Alpha.

~

Adonis’ POV

I watched as Kai walked away from my brother and sister. Mihail begrudgingly started the next dance with her, and I couldn’t help but laugh. He’s not bad, but I know Marina is getting frustrated by his missteps.

“This is what I was going to tell you earlier,” I overheard Alpha Emery say to Cyrus, “She’s going to ignore men until she becomes the Alpha,” He continued.

Cyrus said nothing, but his silence is just as much of an agreement as if he actually spoke.

Personally, I couldn’t sit idly by while they said that.

“She’s only 15; she doesn’t feel the mate bond yet. I think it’s okay if she dances with her brother for a couple more years before she starts thinking about boys,” I told them, watching as they looked at each other uncomfortably.

“Unless I mean, Alpha Emery, is your daughter, Lailah, here? She’s 15, right? I’d love to dance with her tonight, if you know what I mean,” I winked at him, smiling with satisfaction as he scoffed.

“That’s what I thought,” I sneered, “Watch yourself around me. Alpha or not, I’m not afraid of you,” I continued when I heard my father come from behind me.

“What’s going on?” He asked, looking at me then the other two Alphas.

“Nothing,” Emery responded, storming off and out of the room.

“Your children are something else,” Cyrus said before following. My dad looked at me with raised eyebrows, so I laughed.

“I asked Alpha Emery if his daughter was here so I could dance with her,” I shrugged, watching as my dad ran his fingers through his hair. I swear I don’t know how he’s not bald after doing that for all these years.

“Why are you like this? She’s two years younger than your siblings; she’s 13, Adonis,” He told me with an exaggerated sigh.

“Oops, oh well,” I shrugged, he shook as head as he was about to give me one of his famous lectures, so I stopped him and told him what Emery had said.

All he could do was shake his head as he looked back at me.

“Your poor sister,” He sighed, looking out as we watched her and Mihail dance together.

“Right now, I’m thinking, my poor brother,” I laughed as Mihail turned around and locked eyes with me.

“I’m going to go save him,” I told my father before walking away.

“Good call,” Dad yelled to me as I walked away.

“Can I cut in?” I asked, and Mihail immediately agreed. I took my sister's hand, and we continued to dance until I felt like my feet were going to fall off. She’s just like dad and could stay out on the dancefloor all night.

The party was dying out; only a few stragglers were left. So, my siblings and I stood next to our parents as they announced the party was over.

We were finally free for the night, and I walked back to our rooms with my siblings. We were about to turn down the hallway when Damari stopped us.

“Hey,” He sheepishly said, looking at us but stopping when his eyes landed on Marina.

She didn’t say anything as we waited for him to say what he was going to say.

“I’m sorry for how things went down in there. My father has some backward ideas and-”

“So why didn’t you say that to him in there?” Marina demanded, cutting him off.

“I just -” He said, and she stopped him again.

“You just cared more about staying on your father's good side than you did about doing the right thing. It’s fine. Now I understand you, I get you,” She said, exaggerating her words, “Thanks for your half-assed apology. Still, it’s not accepted,” She finished before storming off. I looked at Damari as Mihail stayed on Marina’s heels.

“I really am sorry,” He said to me, but I just shook my head.

“I get it, man, but I can’t be the one to accept the apology. Have a good night,” I told him as I walked away.

My siblings changed out of their formal wear then came into my room for the night. It’s somewhat a tradition to hang out after a party and decompress. Usually, there’s drama to spill, and we can’t wait to spill it all.

Marina laid down on my bed with a huff as I sat next to her.

“I know it sucks, but it’s going to be okay,” I told her, gently putting my hand on her back.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” She replied, burying her head into one of my pillows.

“Fine, did you hear why Briana wasn’t here?” I asked, and that got her attention.

“No, why?” She asked.

“Apparently she snuck out last week and was caught drinking. Alpha Santiago was tired of his sister's rebellion so he made her stay the weekend in the dungeon,” I told them, watching as they gasped.

“That’s horrible,” Marina sighed.

“Why did Vicente allow that?” Mihail asked.

“He didn’t want to, but Santiago’s the Alpha. He got to decide,” I told them.

“Don’t get me wrong, I know drinking at our age is bad, especially since she’s a year younger than us. But that seems a bit extreme,” Marina said, and Mihail agreed.

We were silent for a few moments when Mihail spoke up.

“Did you talk to Kai?” Mihail asked me, and I noticed Marina put her phone away to join the conversation.

“Yeah, a little bit. He told me he’s a Fire Dragon and wants to move back here when he finds his mate,” I explained to them.

“Why was he even here if he’s not an Air Dragon? I don’t understand why he’s escorting them,” Marina piped up, looking to me for an answer.

“His parents work for Alpha Emery; they want him to get experience with working for the court. Maybe when you’re the Alpha, you can make him your Beta, since Nic is an Earth Dragon,”

“Ugh, I am so not ready to have to choose my own Beta,” I complained. Lia and Cory only ever had one kid. They were waiting until our parents had kids to have more, but Lia died in an unfortunate accident. We never even met her, but mom talks about her all the time.

Her position as the magical researcher has been filled with various Fae over the years, but none have stuck. We have the new one coming in a few weeks, and I guess they have a few kids our age, so we’ll see how long they last.

“Plus, you know Cory’s going to be heavily involved when it comes time to choose,” Mihail said with a laugh.

“I can almost hear him now,” Marina said while laughing, “That’s not good enough! You need to be as strong as the Alpha!” Her bad imitation of Cory made us all laugh, which was definitely needed.

We heard a knock on the door, and the room went silent as they both looked at me.

I got up and answered it, surprised to see Kai outside the door.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” He said, seeing Mihail and Marina in the room, “I thought since the party was over we could continue to catch up, but I see you’re busy,” He told me, staring at Marina the entire time before he started to walk away.

“I’ll catch up with you later,” I told him as I shut the door. I turned and looked at Marina, and it seemed like she was almost in a daze.

“You okay?” I asked, walking over to her.

“Yeah, totally fine,” She said with a fake smile.

“Yeah, and we believe that,” Mihail teased her, “You’re just thinking about kissing Kai again,” He said, making kissing noises.

“Again?” I clarified, not knowing what they were talking about.

“Shut up!” Marina said, throwing my pillow at Mihail before turning back to me, “It’s nothing!” Her red face told me that was a lie.

“Before he moved away, Briana dared Marina to kiss Kai, and she did!” Mihail shouted as Marina tackled him to the ground.

“Where was I?” I quickly asked, thinking of any situation where Kai would be with them without me.

“Definitely not around, or we all know you wouldn’t have let her do it,” Mihail laughed as Marina was pushing him to the ground. When he finished talking, she stopped, and I could see her bright red face.

“Well, now I have to go retroactively kick his ass!” I said, standing up and going towards the door.

“No!” Marina cried out, getting off the ground to come towards me, but Mihail held her back.

“Oh, so you did like it?” I teased her, watching her face become increasingly red.

“Okay, I am out of here!” Marina yelled at us, getting out of Mihails grip and quickly leaving the room.

“Oh, come on!” Mihail yelled back at her, “We’re just messing around!” He continued, quickly following her out of the room.

I laughed loudly as I watched Marina shove Mihail out of her door frame as she slammed her door shut. He looked back at me, his face turned down.

“We shouldn’t have done that,” He said, and I put my arm around his shoulder.

“She’s fine. Why don’t we go catch up with Kai and make fun of him for kissing our sister?” I asked him, watching his smile grow as he nodded.

“Let’s do it!” He said, walking with me down the hall.