Dragon Alpha's Special Mate

5. Ignoring The Chatter

Sophia

I’m unsure where Maxson went, but when Rina took Mark and Mack to the bathroom, I walked over to the bar and ordered some water. They really know how to wear me out! All the kids here are amazing and just so adorable. In fact, there isn’t a single ugly person in this entire place.

Well, maybe, except for me.

Their skin is perfect and glowing, while Ruby had to use pounds of makeup to cover my acne. I have no idea why Maxson invited me and not Sapphire.

I stand near Czar Malakai and one of the ambassadors, Damari, though that’s hardly the right title for someone who used to be Alpha of the air dragons. I can’t believe I’m at a party with such influential dragons.

“What do you think?”

I can’t help but overhear their conversation. It’s not like they’re talking quietly at the table behind me. I’ve seen them all take a few shots of liquid that’s definitely not water.

“I don’t know. I felt the mate connection toward Marina when I was 17, despite her being 15. But neither of them are 17. I mean, neither of them even have their dragons.”

My heart starts to race at Malakai’s words. They can’t be talking about me and Maxson, can they? There’s no way. They’re probably talking about Rina. She’s been known to…well… get around.

“You and I both know connecting to his dragon is going to be difficult. This could be nature's way of making it easier.”

Damari’s words cause fear and confusion to rip through me. Rina already has her dragon, and they’re talking about a guy. They said ‘his.’ I shakily take a drink of water, not daring to move.

“Only time will tell. Her birthday’s so close to his, so let’s see what happens between then and keep it on the down low.”

Yup, they’re talking about me. But there’s no way I could be Maxson’s mate. I don’t even know if I’m getting a dragon! And we’re freaking 15.

I look around the room, seeing a few of the groups break up, and I can see Maxson directly standing with Alpha Marina. My stomach fills with butterflies as I look at the joy in his face as he talks and laughs with his mother. He’s so handsome, and I can’t help but compare his appearance to mine.

I continue looking around, seeing how well everyone seems to be getting along. It’s a huge family gathering for them, and I’m merely an outsider.

And that’s when I decided I absolutely had to leave.

I shouldn’t have come. I set my water down and walk directly toward Maxson as he talks with his mom.

“There you are!”

He reaches his hand out for me, but I keep my arms tucked at my side, plastering a smile on my face. “Thank you for allowing me to come tonight, but it’s, unfortunately, time for me to leave.”

“You have to stay longer!” Alpha Marina says, looking at me with a big smile. Shoot, she’s so nice! This only makes it harder.

“Thank you, but my parents just messaged me, and I have to go. Thank you so much for having me.”

It’s always good to blame things on your parents. No one questions it, or tries to fight it once you pull out they ‘my parents said so’ card.

“I’ll walk you out.”

I nod at Maxson and thank our Alpha again for letting me come. Maxson holds his arm out, but I don’t take it this time, trying to keep as much distance between us as possible.

We walk to the front in silence, and when we reach the door, I’m sure he’s going to leave me there, but he ends up walking me down the steps.

“Well, thank you again.”

I try to walk away, but he grabs my arm, causing me to look up into his beautiful brown eyes. He’s a perfect blend of his mother and grandmother. His red hair, those brown eyes, and a sharp gaze that can cause anyone to go weak under it.

My skin buzzes under where he touches, and I want nothing more than to step into his embrace.

“Do you really have to go, or did you just want to leave?” I feel my cheeks flush at his words, and I open my mouth slightly. “Don’t lie.” He adds before I say anything.

“I really have to go. But it was great to do this tonight. I’ll see you around.”

Despite my inner desires, I pull away from him, breaking the connection we previously shared. I awkwardly wave goodbye to him as I turn down the street and start booking it toward Sapphire's house.

I don’t know if what they said holds any truth, but I don’t want to find out. I’m going to avoid seeing Maxson at all costs because I cannot be the Czarina.

I can't be with the Alpha. He's so perfect, and the women who’ve led before me are so strong. I don't spend my days working out. I spend my days watching TV, drinking coffee, reading books.

I am not Alpha mate material.

And I’ll make sure to limit my interactions with Maxson. At least until I find out if I even have a dragon or not.