Dragon Alpha's Special Mate

14. Need To Know

Maxson

"Tell me your stories. What did your dragons tell you?" I look at my mom, then back at Sophia. We agreed not to tell anyone what our dragons said. I know I can withstand the glare from Mom, but I’m not sure Sophia can withstand the scrutiny when asked directly.

"That I'm a new dragon."

I answer first to take the heat off my mom's glare.

"Me too."

Sophia's small voice echoes mine as she keeps her eyes glued to the table. Mom doesn’t seem to buy it as her eyes study us. I swear I see a flash of Syry, but it’s gone before I know it. I stare at her until I hear Avian in my mind.

"Oh Syry, what a strong dragon we made her. Too bad your mother doesn't realize her special ability doesn't work on me or Auriel."

“There’s nothing to tell, mom. Let it go.”

Her eyes snap toward me, but this time, I can feel the intensity of her stare in my core.

“Your dragon is coated in Zinnalite. You were able to shift into your dragon the day you were born. You genuinely think I believe your dragons didn’t have a story to tell?”

“We don’t, Marina. I’m sorry.”

My mom slams her fists on the table as she yells at Sophia. “Your father has already taken the last of my patience! You will tell me exactly what your dragons told you. You will tell me why Syry can’t read your dragons. You will tell me everything that happened when you were in the void, and you’ll tell me right f*****g now before I force you to!”

“Marina.”

I don’t take my eyes off Sophia as she turns to look at my dad in the doorway. A tear slips down Sophia’s cheek as her lips tremble, and her jaw starts to shake. I’m not afraid of my mother; she’s never once scared me. But, poor Sophia. Her parents don’t look like the yelling type. And that’s her Alpha yelling at her.

“It’s your mom. They need you, now.”

Now, I avert my gaze, looking at Dad.

“What’s wrong with grandma?”

“It’ll be okay, son. Just, Marina needs to see her. Now.”

Mom stands up, pointing at Dad as she passes him, “You get them to talk, or I’ll take them downstairs and force them to talk.”

Dad nods as she leaves the room. He waits until she’s gone to enter, and I can see his shoulder visibly relax as he gets to his seat and sits down. He started to eat some of the food we had, and I forgot just moments ago that we were supposed to be having dinner to discuss my and Sophia’s relationship.

“What’s going on with Grandma?”

“Huh?” Dad says, then quickly remembers what he told Mom just moments ago. “Oh, nothing. She’s fine, just asking for Marina. I figured I’d give you two a break.”

I sit down, a little more relaxed, as I look at Sophia.

“Are you okay?”

She nods before taking a deep breath, but I can hear the shuttering of her lungs as she breathes slowly. Her delicate fingers pick up the napkin from the table, and I can see them trembling as she brings it to her cheeks and starts dabbing the tears away. I get up and move to sit beside her, taking her hand and relaxing as I feel her stop shaking.

I meet her gaze, frowning slightly at her bloodshot eyes from crying just moments ago. I don’t care how upset Mom is; she had no right to talk to my mate in such a way.

“Look, Mom wants you to talk. I told her to drop it because you’re never going to tell her anything that happened.” Now, Dad's eyes are solely on me. “You two are so much alike, you know? Stubborn?”

He swirls the wine around in his glass as he takes a deep breath.

“But that won’t satisfy your mother. I got her away for a few minutes, but she’ll be back. Tell her everything you can about M. It’s who has grandma all messed up, and Marina’s worried. That’s her mom, you know? They both have been through a lot. So, any insight into M you can offer will calm her down. And she won’t press you about the secrets you keep. At least for a little while.”

As he finishes talking, the doors open, and Mom strides in, sitting right next to Dad. We both look at her, and I’m surprised by the smile she has while reaching for the wine, finishing it in one gulp.

She sets it down, and Dad immediately fills it back up for her.

“Look -” I start, but she puts her hand up.

“No need. Grandma was awake long enough for me to learn everything I needed to know. For now.”

Sophia and I both look at each other. Then I turn to Mom. “Well, what’d she say? How does she know M?”

She laughs loudly as Dad looks at her, then back at me, shaking his head.

“Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t concern anyone but the Alpha.”

I guess that’s pretty fair.

“Good.”

I tell her, staying next to Sophia despite her parents coming in. Her dad sits next to her, and her mom takes my old seat.

“Now. About Maxson’s ceremony tomorrow. We will have seats for you in the front, but Sophia cannot fly with us.”

I’m about to protest when Ryder speaks up, cutting me off.

“Sophia won’t be able to attend. She’s grounded still.”

I look at her, about to jump in, but the subtle shake of her head tells me not to say anything. I’d go to bat for her if she’d let me. But, despite the emotions raging through me, I know better than to pick a fight she doesn’t want. So I sit back, deciding that if she can’t go, I’ll have to accept that.

At least I know how we feel about each other, even if our parents are having a hard time accepting it.

“So…” Rebecca starts as she taps her fingers together, trying to break the thick tension in the room.

“How are things at the coffee shop?”

I ask her, watching her eyes light up as she starts talking about how wonderful her customers are. I smile politely at her, encouraging the conversation. Dad’s quick to join in while Mom and Ryder decide to sit in angry silence.

We just need to make it through this dinner. Then we’ll be able to plot how we’ll see each other tomorrow.