First Female Dragon Alpha

5. Kinia’s School Party

Marina’s POV

I’m in Kinia by myself for the first time ever. Damari asked me to go with him to their school party tonight. We have our school party at the Fire court after the first day of classes. But here, they do it early.

I only agreed to go with Damari because I figured Syry could get some information out of the Air Court.

So, here I am. At Damari’s high school party, celebrating the start of 10th grade.

“Are you ready?” Damari put his arm out, and I looked him up and down.

“I’ll be on the left, leading,” I told him, moving to the other side of him and putting my arm out.

“Oh no, this is my court; I’m leading,” He rebutted, moving to stand on the other side of me.

I shook my head, “I’m a Fire Dragon; my court outranks yours,” I pressed, stepping to the side of him again.

“Will you two stop it and walk in! They already called your name,” One of the generals snapped at us, and we both started giggling.

“Fine, the princess can be on the left,” He sighed, holding out his left arm for me to take. I gladly wrapped my arm with his to walk in. I could tell his father was not amused to see me leading, but I won’t let him take away my ranking.

We finally got to our spots, and the party started as more Dragons continued to fill in.

Damari talked to who I assume are more of his father’s generals while I drank fruit punch near him. I looked around, trying to see if I knew anyone, but I didn’t.

“Got anything?” I asked Syry, hoping she was able to get some information as they talked. I wasn’t looking for anything specific; I just was curious about what I could find out.

“I can’t seem to get anyone to talk; I don’t know why,” Her defeated voice sighed in my mind. She was doing so well when I first got her, but now it seems she can’t get that same connection anymore.

“That’s okay; I’m having fun anyway,” I lied to her, but I don’t know why. She knows I’m lying. She knows I’d rather do literally anything other than be at the Air Court.

Sure, it’s beautiful in the sky. But until Damari’s the Alpha, I won’t feel welcomed.

At least my Uncle Henry works here, so I know nothing bad can happen to me.

I took another sip of my juice when a group of girls walked up to me. They all looked like carbon copies of each other but with different hair colors. They were the same height and build, wearing the same dresses in different colors.

Who does that?

“You’re a Fire Dragon, right?” The blond girl, clearly their leader, asked as she obnoxiously chewed her gum.

“I am,” I answered politely, glancing at Damari.

Please come over here to save me. I linked him, but it didn’t work. He’s too deep in conversation with them.

“What are you even doing here? Fire Dragons can’t go to school here until college,” She sneered. I guess she arrived after we were announced.

“I’m here with Damari. He asked me to be his date tonight,” I glanced at him as I said his name a bit louder, hoping to get his attention before continuing, “Besides, Kinia is beautiful, so I couldn’t turn down the chance to come,” This is the worst part of being part of a court. I always have to be polite. Even though I’d much rather tell them to go crawl back into whatever cave she came out of.

“You’re here with Damari?” She looked at him, her eyebrows raising so high I thought they’d get lost in her hairline. She slowly turned back towards me as she spoke in a low, harsh tone, “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave him alone. He’s going to be mated to me,” She placed her thumb on her chest so hard it looked like she stabbed herself with her nail. I couldn’t help but laugh at how ridiculous she looked.

She’s so stupid; the Goddesses wouldn’t mate us together. I’ll be mated to a Fire Dragon, and he’ll be mated to an Air Dragon.

“Excuse you,” She scoffed as I tried my best not to cover my laugh with a cough before responding.

“I can promise you, I’m no threat to you being mated with Damari,” I chuckled softly. Hopefully, this will make her leave me alone.

Instead, she walked right up to me, putting her long finger on my chest.

“Stay away from him!” She yelled as I slapped her finger away. I glanced at the guards, who were ready to spring into action, waving them off, so they didn’t attack her. Does she really not realize who I am?

“What are you gonna do if I don’t? Blow me away?” I mocked her. I typically try to limit making jokes about the other elements, but it’s too easy with Air Dragons.

“Marina,” Damari called my name, stepping between the fuming girls and me, “I see you’ve met Sage and her friends,” He’d have to be a moron to not notice the tension between us.

“Damari,” Sage whined, elongating the vowels in his name, “Your date is rude,” She pouted, crossing her arms. He looked at Sage, then back at me as I raised my eyebrows.

“Uh, Sage, do you not realize who she is?” He asked, watching her look me up and down.

“Why does it matter?” She complained, tossing her long hair off her shoulder.

“Allow me,” I cut Damari off, putting my hand out, “I am Marina Shaw. Daughter of Daemon and Elle Shaw, and I am the next Fire Alpha,” Her face fell slightly before she recovered.

“You should have said that first,” She jeered before turning around and walking away.

“Wow, she’s… charming,” I told Damari, who rolled his eyes.

“She’s a mistake is what she is,” He sighed. I looked up at him, surprised by his admission.

“Let’s not talk about it. Instead, let’s get on the dancefloor,” He smiled, knowing he said the one thing that would make me drop the topic as he held out his arm.

“Gladly,” I smiled at him, following him to the floor. I let him lead since the Air Dragon dances are slightly different than Fires. He’s surprisingly a good dancer, almost as good as Adonis.

After a few fast-paced songs, a slow song came on, and Damari looked down at me, wrapping his arms around my waist, keeping his hands high. Smart boy.

“Are you nervous about being the Alpha?” He asked me, and I looked up at him, surprised. His eyes were full of worry, and it seemed like he’s been thinking about this a lot lately.

“Not at all. Are you?” I asked him, watching as he threw his head back with a laugh.

“f**k yes. I don’t think my court will like me very much,” He admitted.

“Why’s that?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“I’m going to bring us into this century. The backward ideas stop with my father, and I will make progress,” He was passionate about changing their ways. And honestly, it’s about time we get an Air Alpha with a good head on his shoulders.

“Marina?” I heard someone call my name. I glanced around, my eyes landing on Kai. As soon as I saw him, I stopped dancing.

“Kai, what are you doing here?” I asked him as he tilted his head before laughing.

“I start 12th grade this year,” He explained, and I always forget that he's only two school grades ahead of me even though he’s a few years older than us.

“Oh yeah,” I responded, somewhat embarrassed.

“Can I cut in for a dance?” He looked at Damari, who immediately stepped between us.

“Go find someone in your league,” He snapped, and I was somewhat surprised.

“Um, I’m sorry,” Kai quickly responded, holding his hands up in defense before walking away. Damari put his hand on my shoulder, and I shrugged him off.

“That was mean,” I said to him, and he put his hand behind his neck.

“Sorry, I promised your brother I’d keep him away,” I glared at his admission.

“Really? Which one?” I pressed, watching him laugh before pulling me closer to him.

“Yes, really. And both,” He continued. I rolled my eyes and went to walk away when I was stopped by Damari’s uncle.

“Marina, I heard you were here. How are you?” Xaphan Jr. said as he shook my hand.

“I’m great; how are you doing?” I politely asked. X’s parents thought he would be the Alpha; it’s why they named him that. Boy, were they surprised when he turned out to be Earth, and Emery was their Alpha.

“Great, sorry I couldn’t make it to your party. Congratulations, by the way, Damari was very excited for you,” He continued, and I could feel Damari stiffen next to me.

“Until your brother took that away from her,” Damari sneered, and X ignored him.

“We all have our opinions,” He said, looking down at Damari, “All of us,” He continued before walking away.

“Ugh!” Damari threw his hands up in frustration, walking away. I quickly followed him into the hallway.

“I’m sorry,” He said as he leaned against the wall, “My family makes me so mad! I can’t wait to find my mate and turn this place around!” He yelled, resting his head against the wall. I reached out and grabbed his hand, watching as he looked back at me.

“You will be the one to change it. The Goddesses know; that’s why they chose your father, and that’s why they chose you,” I told him, watching him nod and smile. I couldn’t imagine if Xaphan’s son, Lamar, was the Air Alpha.

I’ve only met him once, but once was enough.

Damari got off the wall, pulling me into an embrace. I hugged him back, taking a deep breath as I did.

Instantly, the scent of sugar cookies filled my senses, and I pulled away, confused by the scent filling my senses. I looked into Damari’s bright blue eyes, noticing them soften as he looked back at me.

“Get your hands off, my man!” I heard Sage scream from the end of the hall, pulling me from my trance as a gust of air flew at me. I put up a shield of fire, stopping it from pushing me all the way down the hall.

“Sage!” I heard Damari yell at her as her face twisted in a fury.

“You should be with me!” She yelled at him, the wind flowing freely from her hands. I put up another shield, keeping it up this time as I glared at Damari.

He was shocked by what was in front of us and didn’t move at all. I’ll have to do this myself. Thankfully, I know a ton of magic, thanks to my mom.

I pushed the firewall over to her and switched it to a dome. I completely trapped her but made sure the fire wasn’t burning her.

I could feel her test her air magic against my fire, but all it did was puff the dome up a bit.

“Henry!” I screamed for my uncle, who I knew was charged with protecting me while I was here. He came around the corner, worry written on his face as a piece of cake fell from his mouth and onto the plate he was carrying.

“s**t,” He yelled, dropping the cake on the floor and running into the dome of fire I created. After a few moments, I let the dome down, and Sage was in magic blocking cuffs.

“Great timing, Uncle Henry,” I teased him.

“I am so sorry, Mar-Mar,” He started, “Please don’t tell your parents,” He pleaded, and I laughed.

“I won’t, just get her out of here!” I told him. He quickly nodded as he dragged her away. She was slightly slumped to the side. Clearly, she hasn’t been practicing magic enough.

I turned around and looked at Damari, the scent of sugar cookies filling my nostrils once more as we made eye contact.

What’s going on with me?

I stepped closer to him, and he was finally snapped out of his daze. Or maybe not? He looked at me in a way I’d never seen before as he stepped closer.

“Damari?” I asked him as he grabbed my chin and tilted it towards him. He leaned down, and we were so close the scent of his minty toothpaste was now the only thing I could focus on.

“Damari,” I whispered his name again as he stayed close to me.

He leaned in, gently placing his lips on mine. I kissed him back as he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

After a moment we pulled apart, breathlessly staring at each other.

“Marina… You’re-” He started to say, but we heard someone at the end of the hall. We stepped apart quickly and made eye contact with Lamar.

“The Alpha wants to see you,” He said as he looked between us, “Both of you,” He clarified, and I swallowed hard before walking with Damari.

Whatever’s going on between us is going to have to wait.

Mihail’s POV

“What’s up, loser,” Shay teased as she barged into my room and sat on my bed.

“Wow, how nice,” I joked back to her.

“I’m bored. Why did your sister have to go with Damari?” She asked with a huff.

“Play this video game with me; it’s two-player,” I told her, handing her the extra controller. She took it from my hand and pressed a few buttons.

“It’s better than hanging out with Zaire and Adonis,” She shrugged, and I couldn’t agree more. Adonis on his own is fine, and so is Zaire. But when they’re together, it’s like they ignore everyone else.

I explained the game mechanics to Shay, and after a few rounds, she and I started beating other teams.

“Yeah, take that!” Shay yelled at the screen after killing the last player on the other team,

“That was awesome!” I shouted as we laughed at the replays.

“I’m hungry; let’s go get some snacks, then come back up for a few more rounds?” She asked, and I couldn’t agree more. No one ever wants to play video games with me; I finally found someone who will.

We walked down the hall towards the kitchen, reminiscing on our wins.

“Do you know how hard that shot is? Killing someone who’s falling in is badass!” I told her, and she laughed.

“It was nothing once you figured out the timing!” She casually said, and I rolled my eyes. I was about to say something when I heard her father's voice.

“What are you two up to?” He asked as we got closer to him in the hallway.

“Playing video games, getting snacks,” She told him.

“Very well, you’ll be in later for training?” Tyson asked as he raised his eyebrows at him.

“Yes, sir,” She said, saluting at him dramatically.

He shook his head with a laugh before walking away.

“What training do you do with your dad?” I asked, remembering how much she hates exercise.

“Fae magic, of course; I want to be a magic researcher one day. I want to create new magic that the world has never seen!” She explained, her excitement getting me excited.

“Well, if anyone can, it’s you,” I told her, watching her smile brighten.

“But, I still have time to play a few more rounds, so let's hurry,” She quickened her step to get to the kitchen as fast as possible.

Marina’s POV

“And that’s all that happened?” Emery asked as he glared at us. We told him everything that happened with Sage. Leaving out the part where Damari and I kissed.

“Well, Sage is sorry and young with her magic. She has apologized to me, and I accepted it. There will be no punishment,” Emery explained as I watched Damari immediately go off.

“She should be apologizing to Marina! Sage should be in more trouble. She tried to assault two to-be Alphas!” He complained, and I put my hand on his wrist to calm him down before turning and looking back at his father.

“Thank you, Alpha Emery. I wouldn’t want her to get in trouble; I understand she was confused. Plus, no one got hurt, so I think we’re good to go,” I watched as Emery waved his hand, and I dragged Damari from the office.

As soon as we got into the hallway, he ripped his arm out of my grip.

“Why did you do that?! She can’t get off the hook that easily!” He shouted, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?” He snapped at me, fury building in his face as his cheeks turned red.

“And they say women are too emotional to lead,” I teased him.

“Marina,” He warned, and I put my hands up in defense.

“Look, I’m glad I didn’t get in trouble, okay? I didn’t want to be in there longer, and fighting with the Alpha isn’t a great look. For either of us,” I narrowed my eyes at him before continuing, “Let’s just get out of here and go somewhere else,” I told him, and he started to nod.

“You’re right. Besides, I think there’s something else we need to talk about,” As he said it, my stomach sank. I haven’t smelled that scent again since X broke us from the trance, and I really don’t want to talk about what that might mean.

“Damari,” I warned him as I shook my head.

“Marina,” He said back, matching my inflection. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into one of the war planning offices before locking the door.

“Did you feel anything with me back there?” He asked, and I shook my head.

“No, I didn’t,” I lied to him.

“I swear my Dragon was about to call you as my mate when we kissed. Then Lamar walked in and everything kind of broke,” He explained, and I could feel my heart racing.

“We’re only 15. It’s not possible,” I explained the obvious, though I thought the same way. I smelled that scent, and I wanted him to kiss me. I’m glad he kissed me.

But I won’t tell him that.

“You’re right,” He sighed, “Besides if you were my mate, I don’t think anyone could break my connection with you,” He thought out loud, and I nodded as I thought to myself.

These damn Goddesses better not have made another Alpha my mate. And they better not give me my mate early.