The Red Diamond Dragon

Getting To Know You

Madeline

I was so nervous watching Johnathan speak with my so-called family. I felt Zyanna and Luna Anya holding my hands, telling me it would all be ok. My stomach did a sickening roll when I watched Jessica approach Johnathan. She knew who he was, I heard her time and time again talking about trying to get close to him at The Full Moon Balls. Jessica was the typical werewolf beauty tall lean and blonde who wouldn’t want her. To my surprise, Johnathan looked at her in disgust and even refused to shake her hand.

He came back over to the table, lifting me into his lap like I weighed nothing, Nikolai did the same to Zyanna. Johnathan leaned into my neck inhaling deeply. I looked around the table, noticing most of the men had their mates in their laps. Everyone continued laughing and speaking for another half hour before Johnathan excused us to leave. We quietly walked back to his house, enjoying the beautiful evening weather. Upon arrival, I was hit with the most amazing smell. Johnathan picked up a large bag that had been set by the entryway and placed it on the stairs as we walked by.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I arranged for us to have a private late dinner. I thought it would be nice to get to know one another.” He said. I was so hungry, and the desert from earlier just made me hungrier. Maybe I could just eat a little. I hated feeling lightheaded on days I was not allowed to eat.

Johnathan made me a plate of steak and the most amazing-looking pasta. I slowly started eating, making sure to take small bites.

“Angel, what did I tell you about eating? You need your strength so you should eat your fill.” He said, looking at my plate. I was shuffling food around on. “Now I know you like to read, but what else do you like?” He asked. This man seemed genuinely interested in me. How peculiar it felt.

“I like to draw or sketch. I suppose that would be my only other leisure activity. Honestly, I have never had a lot of spare time” I replied “What do you like to do?”

“Aside from our shared love of books, I enjoy training and seeing warriors become better versions of themselves. I have two mischievous grandsons that I would spend all my time with if their parents would let me, and I can't wait for the next ones to be born. I enjoy riding my Harley or working on it. Being part Bear I tend to be more solitary in my downtime except for being around my family. What do you enjoy drawing or sketching most?”

I didn’t think this through. No one had ever been interested enough to ask so many questions. “I like to design jewelry. I’ve always been fascinated with sparkly stones. My mom and I used to go hunting for crystals and natural stones when I was young.” I finally said I guess I don’t have anything to lose getting to know him. He held me in public and didn’t care what people would think of him having an ugly fat mate. Maybe the Mate bond does make people blind to imperfections. My mind wandered off for a moment on what it would be like to be loved, I haven’t had that since mom died.

"That is perfect, I have quite a few loose-cut stones that would be ideal for you to use in your own designs." He said, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly." I started.

"Yes, you can, I was saving them for my mate, which you are. I would love to see them come to life in one of your designs. The dragon side of me loves the sparkly treasures." He chuckled.

I looked down, noticing I had finished all of the food on my plate, and I was feeling much better. "What kind of books do you like?" I felt lame asking him that, but I was at a loss for get-to-know-you questions.

"History and mostly fictional stories based on actual events. What do you like to read?" He questioned back.

Crap, I did not think this through. "Uh, mostly romance novels. Easy reading is more of a mental escape for me." I finally said blushing.

"Interesting." Was all he said with a slight chuckle. It felt like more than flirting with him. It felt like want or need when he was speaking. "What is your favorite food?" He asked, changing the subject for me.

"The pasta we ate tonight is probably topping the list for me right now." I started, I had to really think since I did not eat much anymore. "My mom used to make Scotch Broth, and I loved that. It felt like home. I have not had it since she died."

He smiled. "I love that dish and have my housekeeper make it regularly. It also feels like home to me when I can smell it cooking."

I felt the surprise on my face. He had a hint of an accent similar to my mother's, but hers was a little deeper. He must have been in America longer than she had.

"Don't look so surprised, Angel. I can also tell your suitcase came from Scotland. It's hand-made and finely crafted, " he told me.

"It was also my mother's. I love that I still have a few things that remind me of her." I told him honestly.

“Madeline, I really would love to see your drawings sometime. There is a local jeweler named Stella. She is a fantastically eccentric but sweet lady and will create custom work for you based on your design. She also buys designs and will pay a commission on sales if that is ever something you are interested in.” He told me “Also, I hope you don’t mind me using your full name, I noticed those from your pack called you Maddie. I can do that if you prefer”

“No, I don’t mind being called Madeline, I prefer it. My mom always used my full name.” I admitted it was nice having everyone here use my full name. “I never thought about seeing my designs become a reality. It is just something to pass the time with. Jessica did have one of my designs made into a necklace. At first, it was amazing to see it come to life.”

“What do you mean at first?” He questioned.

I didn’t think this through very well either. "She took credit for the design. After that, I kept all my work hidden so she could not do that again.”

“I’m sorry that happened. I want nothing more than to see you succeed in anything you choose. May I ask where your mom was from?” He seemed curious about me still. He was asking more questions than anyone ever had.

“She was from Scotland; she had a strong accent and was passionate about everything she did. I don’t look like her. She said my looks skipped a generation, and I looked like my grandmother. I always assumed I also must look like my Dad. She never talked about him, though.” I realized I was giving Johnathan more information than I ever had ever given anyone else.

Johnathan had also finished eating and had moved closer to me while I was talking. He poured me a second glass of wine. I loved it, I rarely had wine at home it was usually just during pack celebrations and very limited for people like me. My mind began to wonder once again. What could this life with him be like? Would it really be too much for me to let go and trust the mate bond?