Dragon Alpha's Special Mate

4. The Calm

Maxson

I keep looking at my clock, hoping Sophia will actually show. I shouldn’t have put her on the spot like that. I probably scared her. But I couldn’t help it. When I saw her standing there, something inside me changed.

She looked nothing like I usually see her. Though, the school’s gym uniforms definitely don’t make anyone look flattering. Still, seeing her on the sidewalk, standing with the sun shining down on her, I couldn’t let her walk away.

Then, her dress falling out of her bag seemed like the last chance I’d get to ask her out.

I might die tonight, and I just knew I had to spend at least one night with her.

Adonis seems to be talking in slow motion as he tells a story about him and Flax on one of their lavish vacations. I turn toward the doors as both are opened, and Sophia is standing there, her small stature evident against the large opening to the outside. It couldn’t be anyone but her.

Her arms are crossed over her stomach, hiding the beautiful dress I asked her to wear. I don’t even excuse myself as I’m drawn toward her.

“You look wonderful.” I gently tug her arms away from her body. She shouldn’t be covering up her pretty waist. Her arms relax as she allows me to take both of her hands in mine. “You’re beautiful.”

The way the sun shines behind her makes it look like she has an ethereal black aura caressing her skin, reflecting and melting with the stunning raven dress she wears.

“Thank you.”

Her cheeks flush the sweetest shade of red at my compliments. I release her hands, intertwining her arm with mine to take her further into the castle. Her eyes light up as I show her through the main foyer at the entrance. She’s probably never been in here before, so I let her look around and get her fill. It’s really a beautiful place, despite my mom adding some interesting decorations.

Like the two dragon heads that look exactly like Syry and Orion over the doors leading into the grand room. They’re frightening, but there’s also a softness there. White dragons are very uncommon, and the fact they both have them is something to be celebrated, I suppose.

“Your mother’s waiting.” Rina’s voice pulls me from my thoughts as we stand in front of the grand room, waiting for my entrance. Mom told me how much she used to hate these, yet she keeps doing them because it’s tradition.

“Good luck out there.” Rina winks at Sophia, and I watch her face fall.

“Don’t let her scare you. It’s just my family.”

“Yeah, right.”

I pat her arm as the doors open for us, and the room explodes in applause for me. I have to practically pull her from her spot to walk in, waving and thanking some of my family who are closer to us.

Mom’s eyes are on me, and I see her studying Sophia. She leans over and whispers into Dad's ear, who just nods and keeps the applause going. I told the guards she was coming, but other than that, I didn’t tell anyone else. I kind of assumed Rina would spill the beans, but it seems she can keep a secret better than I thought.

We get closer to the front stage, and Dad walks over to the microphone, the applause dying out.

“Thank you all for coming to the pre-celebration party. Marina and I want to thank each and every one of you for making the trip out. We couldn’t celebrate Maxson without you.”

Dad pauses for some applause, and I can physically feel Sophia shaking beside me as she tries to keep her smile strong.

“Remember, no matter what happens tomorrow, you’re going to be the next Alpha, and we couldn’t be more proud of you.”

He sets the microphone down, and I finally feel like I can relax, and it seems Sophia feels the same way. We find one of the cocktail tables, and the music starts playing. I smile as Grandpa’s the first to get on the dancefloor, as usual.

It isn’t a party if Grandpa isn’t dancing.

Mom is the first to join in with Grandpa; they’re so much alike. Normally, I’m the third one out on the dancefloor, but I didn’t want to ditch Sophia or make her uncomfortable.

“Would you like to dance?”

I look down at the beautiful, timid girl who seems to have finally found her voice. Her green eyes light up when I grab her hand and bring her onto the dancefloor.

Mom and Grandpa excitedly invite us in, and I give them a quick introduction.

“Mom, Grandpa, this is my friend, Sophia.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Shaw and Alpha Marina.” I laugh at the formality from her.

“Please, call me Daemon.”

Grandpa takes her hand and spins her around, pulling her gently to his chest before spinning her out again. Her dress flairs as he twirls her, and she looks so comfortable and confident as she dances. Her lips are wide in a smile as she laughs, and he lets her go.

I take her hand as she looks up at me with the brightest smile I’ve seen from her all day. I release her as Mom reaches her hand out.

“And please, call me Marina. At least when it’s just family.” Sophia nods at my mom, shaking as her delicate hands reach out to shake the alpha’s hand. Once they release, her eyes meet mine, and she’s beaming with excitement.

It doesn’t take long for the rest of the family to join us. Rina’s dancing with Mark and Mack, while Grandma is holding Milo and dancing with him. She’s raised so many children and has such a way with them. I swear Milo’s only ever content when she’s with him.

After some time, I excuse myself to get some water, but Sophia opts to stay out with Rina and the twins. I know I don’t really know her, but it’s amazing how she's fitting in so quickly. I’ll have to thank Rina for making her feel so welcomed.

She seems much more comfortable around all of them than with me. As I stand at the bar, Damari comes over and orders a few shots. He and Mom are definitely going to be hungover tomorrow.

“So, who’s she?”

“I met her today. Well, she’s in my gym class, but I ran into her today, and we got along, so I asked her to come. We’re just friends.” Dad walks over in the middle of the conversation, taking one of the shots from Damari.

I swear he only does it to make sure those two don’t drink too much.

“You like her more than a friend?”

I know Dad’s teasing me, but I also know he’s genuinely asking as well.

"Honestly? I never thought about her until I saw her on the street today. Something was just different about her.” I finish my glass of water, setting it back down on the bar while shrugging my shoulders. “I thought maybe she had her dragon, but her birthday is the day after tomorrow." I watch Damari and Kai share a look, “What?”

They both bring a drink to their lips, refusing to answer me. I stare at Dad, and he immediately gives in.

“Look, it always feels better when you remain faithful to your future mate. So, don’t let your teenage hormones make you do something you might not be happy with in the future.”

I already told them we’re just friends; I don’t know why they have to make everything so serious.

“You're one to talk. You and Mom had your first kiss on a dare from Aunt Briana."

"He's got you there." Damari laughs, and Dad glares at him.

“We were lucky to be mated. Just make sure you think about your future.”

I know he’s just trying to be helpful, but Sophia and I are just friends. I do plan to save myself for my mate. It’s common in our culture, which is why I don’t entertain friendships outside my species. Fae, humans, and mystics always try to hook up since they don’t get mates unless mated to a dragon wolf or become beloved to a vampire.

“I always do.”

I’m done with the conversation, so I walk away, finding Mom and Grandpa on the dancefloor to see if they know where Sophia went since I don’t see her, the twins, or Rina.