The Red Diamond Dragon

How Long Have You Known?

Johnathan

We walked back to the event center; I wasn't sure how to start asking all the questions I had. The room she was staying in was full of items. She had one dress, which I’m sure was not flattering to her incredible curves. She seemed protective of her suitcase, which meant it had something valuable in it or the case itself was important to her. I noted the suitcase was handmade, finely crafted, and very old. I had a similar one when I moved from Scotland years ago.

“Madeline, may I ask why you have so little compared to your sister?” I questioned finally.

She sighed “Jessica is my stepsister. It’s a weird story. My mom had me with her first mate who was killed. She moved to America and found her second chance mate within the Desert Moon Pack, Jim Harris. He is the man who raised me since my mom passed away when I was eleven. His second mate is a chosen mate named Debbie, and they have a daughter Jessica. She is only 8 years younger than me, given that they had an affair while he and mom were mated. The short answer is I’m not their child, Mr. Harris has allowed me to stay living in his home in exchange for working for them. I also keep a part-time job with a laundering service. Funds and opportunities are limited. It's challenging in my pack for people who can't shift”

“That makes sense, but no matter your shifter status, you should be allowed the same opportunities as others. I normally would want to meet your family, but that does not seem to be important in this situation given you call the man who raised you Mr. Harris” I stated “When we see him, I will let him know you are my mate and being moved to the Guardians Pack. I am letting you know once again that as much as I want you with me, it is still ultimately your choice. Either way, I do not want you going back to that life, I will take care of you regardless.” She let out a breath that sounded releived.

“Are you sure this is what you want? I struggle thinking someone like you would want me.” She looked down at the ground.

“Angel, I want you more than anything else in the world. I have waited years for you. I do not know what made you feel less than worthy, but you are beautiful, and I can’t wait to have a life with you” I said with all sincerity in my voice.

“It’s just you could have any woman you wanted, and I know my place.” Madeline looked at the ground.

“Your place is with me. I have no interest in the shameless attention seekers or high-maintenance ladder climbers. Give me a chance.” The last part I spoke softly against her ear.

“I will try” It was almost a whisper. I have some convincing to do and some torture or killing of whoever made her feel like this.

“Is there anything in your home you would like to eventually retrieve?” I asked.

“The only thing of personal effects there are my clothes, Si.. ….Johnathan” She stuttered.

My hand tightened on her waist “Nice save Angel, you learn quick.” I growled quietly as we stepped back into the event center. I guided her to the large table in front of the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the pack. I could see my daughter-in-law Zyanna jump up in anticipation as her eyes locked on Madeline. By the time we reached the table, everyone was looking at us with smiles.

“Everyone this is Madeline, my mate” I stated. Zyanna, true to form, shot over in the ball of fury she is and engulfed Madeline into a tight hug. Her pregnant belly almost slowed her movements but not quite. “Welcome to the family” She gushed “You are so beautiful; Papa Bear is a lucky man.”

My son Nikolai approached, pulling me in a tight embrace “I’m so happy for you," he said.

I laughed as I hugged him back. He shook Madeline’s hand, welcoming her to the family. I guided her to a chair next to mine just in time for desert to be placed in front of us. I introduced her to everyone. Our Alpha Matthew and Luna Anya, The Beta couple being my son and his mate, the Gamma Jamison and his mate Lucas. The former Alpha and my good friend Xander as well as a good friend of ours Ronan, a Scottish dragon who is usually the life of the party. Everyone included Madeline in the conversation, trying not to overwhelm her. I noticed that Madeline was moving her desert around and not eating. “Do you not like the desert? We can request something else?” I quietly asked her.

“No, the desert is beautiful… It’s just….. I…… shouldn’t be eating the sugar with my weight” She answered.

I contained the rage bubbling inside of me. She was beautiful and more broken than I had realized. I leaned down quietly by her ear “Angel you should enjoy your desert. Trust me, you will need the energy later.” She blushed deeply. How very interesting indeed. My sweet mate was going to be fun for me. She started taking small bites finally.

Zyanna mind linked me “Papa Bear, is she alright?” I kept the mind link open “From what I can tell she has not been treated well, has terrible self-esteem, she thought I was going to reject her, has hardly any clothing with her and a dress lacking for the ball. I need to take her shopping tomorrow, I have a feeling that fully gaining her trust will take time” I responded.

“I’ve got that covered. There is a package that will be waiting for you when you get home it has some necessities and an outfit for tomorrow in it. I was not exactly sure of her size, so it’s a nice soft outfit.” She smiled cheekily at me.

“How long have you known?” This I said out loud, my sons mate Zyanna was a powerful seer. She is in big trouble for not telling me she foresaw my mate.

“About two months.” She grinned at me while running to hide behind Nikolai.

“My son will not protect you, little sunshine. You are in serious trouble for not telling me!” I looked pointedly at her.

“Ruin the surprise for you, not a chance.” She smiled at me “Besides I think you will be happy since I have already set an appointment with Natalia for tomorrow, and the design is already done.

I looked at Madeline, who was watching the interaction with confusion. I would have to explain to her later. I decided to have a late dinner sent up to the house this evening. Zyanna piped up “Papa Bear, would you mind if Madeline got ready with the girls for the ball? We are also heading to the mall for some last-minute shopping tomorrow morning and would love for you both to join us.”

Madeline looked surprised. “We would love to join you, Zy. I have a few things to pick up as well.” I agreed.

I asked the waiter to bring me a Bourbon and a glass of champaign for Madeline. After her second glass, she loosened up. She was sitting on the opposite side of the table and was laughing with the girls. I watched her beautiful face light up when she smiled, I wanted to be the reason for her smiling every day.

“Maddie what do you think you are doing!” a voice screeched “I am sorry she has intruded on your table.” The woman said while harshly grabbing Madeline’s arm.

“If you do not release my mate this instant, there will be serious repercussions” My tone is low and deadly.

The woman released Madeline looking at me. “I don’t know who are to think you have the right to touch or speak to a War Generals mate, but I suggest you apologize right now and remove yourself from Madeline” I stated.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding” The woman changed tactics to a sweet tone “Maddie is my daughter and seems to have not done her duty by informing her father and I.”

“You seem confused Ma’am. I know for a fact you are not Madeline’s mother. Her mother has passed. Madeline works for you and is only obligated to tell you she will no longer be under your employment. Now, I will not ask again. Apologize and remove yourself from my mate!” The woman moved quickly from the table, mumbling a sorry while glaring at Madeline.

I moved next to Madeline, pulling her into my lap. “Are you ok, Angel?” I asked quietly, holding her close.

“I am very sorry for the scene it caused” she said quietly.

“This was not your fault, now go back to enjoying your talk” I kissed her temple, placing her back on the chair next to Zy before standing next to Nikolai. The stepmother was in an angry conversation with whom I assumed was Mr. Harris. I excused myself from the table, sending Zy a look, to which she nodded, knowing it was to keep Madeline safe. Nikolai followed me through the crowd. I approached the couple and took my usual intimidating stance.

“Mr. Harris, I presume” He looked nervous, I could sense he was a low-ranking warrior. “I have already had the displeasure of meeting your mate. I'm here to inform you that your employee Madeline will not be returning she is my goddess gifted Mate.”

“You are mistaken, General; Maddie is my daughter, you see….” He nervously started.

I can not stand a man with no backbone. “I assure you I have made no mistake on Madeline’s background. She stated she was born to a true mated couple, her biological father died, her mother was second chance mated to you making you her stepfather of sorts until she came of age and became an employee to you and your wife in exchange for room and board. She currently calls you Mr. Harris. Did I miss something?” I asked grufly.

“No General, you are correct in those facts” Mr. Harris stated, knowing this was not going the way his wife obviously wanted it to.

“Father. Mother, I am sorry I stepped away. Please introduce me to your guest” A sickly sweet annoying voice came through. The stepsister, I recognized her from the group of warriors earlier today. Madeline was the woman they had been talking about. It all clicked into place.

“Jessica this is War General Johnathan Acroterium “Mr. Harris stated.

“I have heard so much about you and am pleased to make your acquaintance” She gushed.

“I’m sure” I stated, not accepting her extended hand. I turned back to Mr. Harris. “I will collect Madeline’s things when time permits." He nodded, didn’t seem to be a bad guy, just no backbone.

“Why would you care about anything Maddie…” Jessica’s voice was cut short by my growl and glare.

“Madeline is my mate and is to be addressed as such. I suggest you all keep your interactions appropriate, or there will be consequences.” I stated before walking away.