The Dragon Mate

A Step Forward

Frost’s POV

I sit quietly in Levi’s office as he tends to his duties as alpha, I had been clinging close to those I care about. The hive had been dealt with but I felt as though I had still failed as a Van Helsing. There had been bodies of victims that hadn’t been saved, how had we missed a hive? We should have noticed, it’s what our family does. Father assured me that we did the best we could, that we cannot see everything or know every single time a hive was around. I thought of the vampire had encountered not long ago but he was a lone vampire, not part of a hive and only smelled of animal blood.

None of them seemed to mind as I clung close to them. Levi even had someone bring me food when it was around the time for usual meals, when I refused he’d take it instead. No one was pressuring me to get over what I’d seen, they were giving me the chance to come to terms and accept that I’d done all I could. The woman who had escaped had recovered and having no one left, Sebastian had kindly asked the two families we’d helped previously to aid her in settling in. He had been bringing them food and money in exchanged though he did that without asking.

I thought about visiting them but it felt…odd I suppose. Like just coming by randomly wasn’t right. I thought about it, trying not to think about my own perceived failings. I knew I had reacted the moment I knew there was a hive, I didn’t let pack territories change my duty as a Van Helsing, I didn’t hesitate or argue when Levi stated the pack wouldn’t help. I knew why he decided that, it is a reason he’s alpha. I studying Levi for a long moment, his eyes focused on his work and not letting my presence in anyway hinder him. He was a remarkable man, the true qualities of an alpha and I had no doubt those qualities would make him a wonderful mate.

I had been rejected by my own, had him attack me, claim me as his after rejecting me only because I had moved on. Being of a mindset it seemed that I should just cry for the rest of my days instead of seeking happiness. Or, as my Veather had mentioned to me it was possible he’d learned what was possible with the bond with someone that lived for far longer and possessed magic. It had been far easier to accept the fact that my soulmate had wanted to use me for his own means as opposed to finding others already having fallen victim to the hive.

I lifted my gaze to the nearby window and thought of Sebastian, a loyal and honorable man. Skilled and creative with his own limitations. He was a good man to and with his charm and kindness would also make a fine mate. I was fortunate to have two wonderful men courting me. I felt as though I hadn’t offered enough into this courtship. I wanted to do something, something to show them that I cared for them. I knew without a doubt that they were the ones for me, the only ones I could imagine having at my side as mates.

I decide then that I need to offer them something to show how much they mean to me. I get up and wave to Levi when he finally looks up, he waves back and returns to his work as I leave his office. Deciding to work on this alone in private and use a teleportation spell to one of my favorite ingredients gathering locations.

With several deep calming breaths, I focus on everything Sandalphon had taught and showed me. Shifting was easy and quick, my dragon form large and a wingspan that according to him was impressive. I take another calming breath before I begin to work them out. I wanted to show my mates the beautiful sights my brother had showed me, to finally be able to reach the sky and share it with those I loved. I work out my wings for a good hour before I allow myself to take off just a little off the ground. I feel panic boil up within me but think of what Sandalphon showed me, think of Levi’s confidence and protectiveness, think of Sebastian’s smile and support, think of my parents who would come to my side if I needed them. I raise higher, panic giving way to a calming peace within me.

I steadily raised higher until I was far above the height I had been when I fell all those years ago. I fly at a slow pace to familiarize myself with it, taking in what was around me and finding my lungs fill with wonderful air and the wind passing over my form making me feel at home in the sky. By the time I finally land I feel a warmth fill me and I shift back with a smile on my face. I decide to sit there for a while, just enjoying my accomplishment.

By the time I returned home it was starting to get dark out. Entering my home, I found my family and mates waiting for me, they had made dinner and were waiting for me.

“Welcome home Mana.” Sebastian greeted me with a kiss on my cheek.

“Hope you’re hungry.” Levi greeted and pulled me to his side and nuzzling my cheek.

“Sit down and eat.” My father ordered as he took his seat next to his mate.

I took a few bites before gathering my courage to speak.

“Are you available in the morning?”

They looked at me and I realized I had addressed all of them though I was pleased with that because I did want to share this with my parents as well.

“I don’t have anything early in the morning so I’m available for a few hours.” Levi finally answered.

“I’m on patrol later in the day so I’m available.” Father answered with the others giving nods.

“I have a surprise for you.” I tell them with a small shy smile, it would be the first time my father would see me recovered from my past trauma.

“Looking forward to it daughter.” Fern promised.

I went to bed that night excited for the morning to come. Hardly able to settle in to actually sleep. I managed and woke early already filled with excitement. When I leave my home I find the others awake and ready. I spot my brother not to far off, talking with Samantha but when he sensed my gaze on him, he walked over.

“So what’s this surprise?” Fern asked curious.

I motion them to wait as I move far enough to shift. They look at me confused as I stood before them fully shifted. When I lower my body and motion them to get on it’s Levi who realizes first and eagerly climbs on. The others follow and as I start to take off I see Sandalphon shifting to fly with me.

“By the goddess…” Levi breathed out as she rose higher.

“A sight merely a legend to our own.” My father whispered as he gripped onto her tightly, the only sign that he was nervous of falling.

Sandalphon flew ahead going at a faster speed than I was as I feared losing my passengers. He circled around before joining me at my side again, it was comforting to know he was here with me. Offering support like what my father had always offered.

“Thank you for this Mana.” Sebastian said softly as he ran a hand over my scales.

We fly around ours and the fae territories, as we did so the queen rose above the trees to join her mate, her wings only appearing when she chose to fly were a sky blue that glowed with a soft light. Her time with us was short as she would not stray from the fae forest for long. We all say our goodbyes as she descended into the forest and disappeared from sight.

Returning to pack territory we were met with an excited crowd as we landed. Wolves of all ages asking to ride but I was done for the day, I had done what I strived to do. I shared this with those I care about and I took one step closer to being where I wanted to be in life. One day soon I hope, I can say in words my feelings towards these two.