Page 37 of So I Dared a Dragon (The Mating Game #6)

Calista

The Mating Ceremony

The last couple weeks had passed in an absolute whirlwind. Not only did we have so much catching up to do with the Rocky Mountain thunder, we needed to find them places to live and teach them how to exist in a world where nothing was familiar. I was proud of them for being so brave, not only for sharing their stories, but with their willingness to live a completely new life.

I couldn’t wait to get to know them all over again.

The Mating Game had as many new production assistants as they could handle. Celeste and Celina had become obsessed with everything behind the scenes: the forums, hair, makeup, and wardrobe. There was nothing they weren’t determined to master in the production world.

When I wasn’t planning the most epic mating ceremony ever, I split all my time between the library and the Museum of Shifter History. Since our encounter with the Montana pack, all the information that had disappeared was back. We didn’t have an explanation for the reappearance, but we safeguarded everything so it couldn’t be lost again. My mom, aunts, and the rest of the thunder had been chatting with Laura, Wendy, Luca, and Lars, recording the history that had been erased and forgotten.

For the first time, I was proud of what I’d accomplished. I could hardly take credit for any of it—there were so many incredible stories waiting to be heard. I was just lucky enough to bring them all together.

I had butterflies in my belly as I was brought into the makeup trailer. My sisters were already in here, but they weren’t working today—they were my maids of honor. Darcy too. We were having our ceremony at the Museum of Shifter History. This was the moment that made everything real. Today, Aarix and I were promising ourselves to each other, uniting the Smoky Mountain and Rocky Mountain thunders.

There was a knock on the trailer door, and I turned, expecting to see Bibi for the traditional pre-ceremony interview, when she’d inevitably ask me how I was feeling and what my plans were for after the ceremony and our mate moon—where Aarix would make good on his promise for that wild, decadent weekend in Vegas.

But instead, it was Hugo. My heart dropped into my stomach and it took everything I had not to breathe fire.

“What’s up?” I asked.

Everything had been going smoothly—too smoothly—after the two run-ins with the Night God in Vegas. We hadn’t heard from the Montana pack at all—even when we’d called home. It was like they’d ceased to exist, wiped from history. My heart hurt for my wolf family. I would’ve loved to have them here today to see what I’d become.

And someday, I hoped they had a chance to experience the peace and possibility I’d found in Sunset Springs.

We hadn’t been able to pinpoint when the wolves who became the Montana pack had broken off from the Colorado wolves or why. If the current Montana wolves had reincarnated to. After I listened to the stories of my thunder, I mourned that I might never have a chance to hear from those wolves. But I could appreciate that part of my life for what it was—a lesson, a bridge, a necessary piece of this puzzle.

Hugo ran his hand over his bald head. “Yeah. Everything’s going according to plan. Super smooth.”

His energy was always blue, but now it had tinges of red.

“You’re a terrible liar, Hugo.” I grinned. The two of us had come a long way in our relationship—like we were actually in the same room and speaking to each other. “If something’s gone sideways, just tell me. We have every shifter in Colorado here—dragons from all over the world and a few unicorns. I think we can handle it.”

“Everything really is fine.” But he couldn’t look me in the eye. “I came to ask for your advice.”

Didn’t see that one coming. “Yeah, of course. What can I help you with?”

“This could be the last episode of The Mating Game , and I want to make sure we wrap up all the storylines.” He knotted his fingers together. “The viewers have fallen in love with Bibi.”

“Of course they have. What’s not to love?”

He finally met my gaze, and his dark eyes brightened. “I’d love for them to know that she’s getting her happily ever after too. Of course, I don’t want to steal your thunder—pun intended.”

“I love this idea already. What did you have in mind?”

“I want to propose to her.” He reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out a velvet box. “I can’t even tell you how long I’ve had this ring. I knew the moment I met her that she was destined to be mine. Of course, no one actually claims Bibi, so the time has never seemed right to ask her, until now.”

The ring was a beautiful platinum band and the sparkliest purple diamond I’d ever seen.

“Wow.” I couldn’t stop looking at it. “That stone is absolutely stunning. She’ll love it.”

“You know her better than almost anyone, so I guess I’m asking if you think she’s ready.”

“I understand why you have reservations—Bibi is an enigma. But she absolutely adores you, and you’re fantastic together. Nobody stands a chance at claiming her, like you said, but that’s why you two work—because you don’t try to tame her. And can I tell you something that would eliminate my doubts?”

“Please.” His shoulders relaxed. The poor wolf was so nervous.

“The ring is the exact same color has her aura.”

Hugo softened. “My plan is to ask her after the ceremony. So you and Aarix will get your day. Once we’re all celebrating, I thought that would be the best time to do it. Like you said, everyone we love is here.”

Almost everyone.

“I never thought I’d say this, but you’re adorable.” And I was so glad he asked me. “If you chicken out, I’ll propose to her”—I laughed as his eyes widened— “on your behalf.”

He shook his head. “No need. I’m ready. Thank you, Calista. I’m glad we had a chance to work together, and you didn’t give up on this show when I tried to drive you away. I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if you’d listened to me.”

“Good thing I don’t listen to anyone.” I grinned. “If it wasn’t for your help, we might not have found my thunder, so I owe you. Big time.”

“I need to check on everyone,” he said as he rose. “I’ll miss this show.”

Same, wolf, same , I thought as I closed my eyes and let my makeup artist work. I’d gone from thinking everyone wanted me gone to not knowing what I’d do without any of these shifters. I’d learned who I really was here.

And I was just getting started. How would I ever follow this up?

My sisters were outside the trailer, looking amazing in their gold dresses. Their scales had developed, and their wings were starting to form. Soon, they’d be strong enough to shift again.

Bibi, Darcy, my mom, and my Aunt Estene were at the trailer, ready to help me get dressed.

“I have to ask the inevitable question,” Bibi beamed at me. “How are you feeling?”

It took everything I had not to share Hugo’s secret. “I feel complete. And we need to talk about happy stuff because I don’t want to ruin my makeup two minutes after leaving the trailer.”

“The ladies are available for touch-ups.” She laughed. “But your answer is absolute perfection. Because when you arrived here, you were anything but. To be candid, there were many times that I was close to calling the whole thing off because I wasn’t sure how we’d get to the end of this episode and still be friends. And that was the most important thing to me. I’m thankful to have you back in my life.”

“Damnit.” I tapped my talons under my eyes, and my mom handed me a tissue. “I’m so thankful you didn’t kick me off the show. Aarix would’ve found me no matter what, but I’ve made some amazing friends here. You all accepted me for who I really am.”

“That leads me to my next question. What are you plans after the show?”

I hadn’t shared my ideas with anyone yet. “I want to finish the work recording the dragons’ history. And learn more about yours and mine, too. There are still so many questions, and it’s amazing to find the information. I’ve talked to the Smoky Mountain dragons, and even though they have more consistent historical records, they seem interested in a similar project.” I grinned at my sisters. “And there are a lot of dragons who could use some help finding their fated mates.”

Bibi gasped. “Do you think they might be interested in going in front of the camera?”

“Hell, yeah,” Celina said. “Sign me up.”

“I’m ready for hot shifters to compete for me,” Celeste added.

“Okay, we’ll talk to the network and see what happens. But The Real Dragonwives has a nice ring to it.” Bibi clasped her hands together. Today she’d gone Team Aarix, and wore a purple and green dress with feathers, a purple wig, green shadow, deep purple lips, and her nails painted to match Aarix’s scales.

They’d look perfect with her new ring…

“But now it’s time for Calista to get claimed by a hot dragon. Your dress is hanging in the other room.”

My mom and sisters came in with me. I could hardly breathe when I saw it hanging on the curtain rod. The lace was the same color red as my hair, and the dress was sleeveless, fitted down to my hips, and then it flared out mermaid style. It had been specially designed to accommodate my wings and tail.

“You look so beautiful,” Mom said with tears in her eyes.

“Were you serious about the new reality show?” Celeste asked.

“It’s a wish-list item, but yeah, I’d love to help you find your mate.” My breath caught at the back of my throat when I saw myself in the mirror. “Everyone deserves to feel like this.”

After a thousand pictures, it was time for the ceremony. We’d set up a spot for the ceremony in the courtyard of the museum. It still wasn’t open to the public, but the exhibits were all in place and updated to reflect the information the dragons had been able to provide. Wendy and her team were working with the thunder to create some interactive exhibits.

“I hope it doesn’t rain,” I said as we headed through the building. The day had started clear, but some angry gray clouds had rolled in while I got dressed.

“Rain is considered to be good luck on your mating day.” Of course Bibi would say that. “We already have a tent set up for the party.”

“You’ve thought of everything,” Mom said.

She laughed. “I’ve earned my title of fairy dragmother.”

The band changed their music when they realized I’d arrived. I could hardly breathe when I saw Aarix waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Sweet moon, he was even more gorgeous than usual. His hair ruffled in the breeze, and his eyes glowed that gorgeous peridot green as he caught my gaze. He wore a black velvet jacket, black top shirt, and leather pants. Luca, Magnus, and more dragons from the Smoky Mountain Thunder stood with him.

I’d asked Mom and Bibi to walk me down the aisle. There were so many people here—and so many that weren’t. I’d held onto hope we see the Montana wolves I’d invited—even if their presence meant nothing but chaos. I wanted to celebrate this day with them.

Had they really ceased to exist?

Mom kissed my cheek and gave Aarix a hug before taking her seat. Bibi was our officiant.

“Did you ever think we’d be here?” I asked as I put my hands in his.

“I dreamed this day into life.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine, leaving me with an insatiable craving to taste every inch of his beautiful body.

In a matter of moments, he’d be mine. Forever.

Bibi cleared her throat. “Today we gather to celebrate Calista and Aarix. When we talk about fated mates, we fool ourselves into thinking that makes the journey from meet to mate easy. But these two overcame incredible odds in more than one lifetime to come together again. And their union will forever be thought of as a not only a symbol of their love, but a new beginning for so many dragons. I absolutely hate this part, but if anyone objects—”

The sky went black like someone had stolen the sun. Gasps erupted from the crowd as they were blanketed in darkness. Somebody screamed.

“Fuck,” Aarix growled.

I gripped his hand, willing him and myself not to shift.

A red glow rose from the same aisle I’d just walked down. A human emerged from the thick, black fog. The Night God didn’t even have a supernatural body. He simply siphoned power from those stronger than him.

“I believe I said I’d send you straight to hell before I let you claim your mate,” the Night God snarled. “And I’ve come to make good on my promise.”

Aarix gripped my hands even tighter. “It’s not me you’re afraid of. It’s Calista. It’s always been Calista. You segregated her from her thunder and stripped her of her supernatural powers. You forced ordinary wolves to do horrible things in the name of protecting her, and from what?”

The Night God scoffed. “Nonsense.”

I slid my hands away from Aarix and approached the creature that had caused havoc in so many lives for centuries. Once I’d come into my full power, I’d recognized many of the people who’d been erased from my life. But the Night God could have been any middle-aged white man. He was handsome, but not remarkable. But he knew he had power, and that was what made him dangerous.

“Why?” I asked, resisting the urge to slash his smug face with my talons when he didn’t answer right away. “What it is about me that you wanted to erase and destroy an entire thunder?”

“There’s absolutely nothing remarkable about you,” he snarled.

“Bullshit. I think you’re just afraid to admit that you’re scared of little old me.” I tapped the talon against my chin.

His aura grayed and his vibration, originally defiant, was quickly sliding into chaos.

“Is he fading?” someone asked.

“She’s stealing his power,” another person called out.

Whoa, this was new. I’d never done this before. The last thing I wanted was his power, but he’d proven that he couldn’t be trusted with any of it. I held up my hand, and the vibration between us felt like an electrical volt going through my veins.

“No!” he cried as his knees buckled. His eyes turned black, and the gray skin collapsed like I was sucking the life right out of him. “Please stop. I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you everything.”

“He’ll lie to you, and I’ve stayed quiet about this for far too long.” My mother stepped forward. “He’s your father.”

Another round of gasps rang from the crowd.

She nodded. “I was lured to him, like many of you were, and thought I was special because he wanted me in his bed. I thought he’d make me his queen, but he used my body for its power, just like he had with the rest of you. When Calista was born, her power was unparalleled, and the elders of the thunder advised me to protect her, to keep her from coming into her full abilities because it would make us a target. The Night God wanted to neutralize her, and when we refused, he threatened a war. Then he sent Aarix, who said that the only way for our thunder to survive was to take shelter in the caverns. I thought it would protect my daughter. But he neglected to mention that Calista would be made part of that war. I didn’t forgive any of you until I saw that Aarix and his dragons had been just as duped as we had. The only thing that comforted me was that Calista had Bibi by her side to keep her safe. That wolf never lost a fight—didn’t matter what the creature was.” She turned to the Night God. She was tiny in her human form, but her energy was enormous. Any powers I had came straight from her. “Your daughter saved us from you. Now it’s time for you to let her come into her full glory, and let all creatures ruled by the sun and the moon benefit from it.”

Holy. Shit. When I didn’t think anything else could ever shock me. “This jackass is my father?”

Mom nodded. “You have far better taste in men than I ever did.”

I waited for him to deny it, but for once, the Night God was speechless.

“What is the power you’ve kept from me?” I asked.

“You spread beauty throughout the world,” he said.

It was on the tip of my tongue to say, that’s it , but honestly, it was everything. This creature was an agent of darkness, and I was his nemesis.

Instead, I said, “You’ll never stop me again.”

He managed to curl what was left of his lips into a defiant grin. “You can’t stop me .”

“But I can shield her from you,” Aarix growled. He stood beside me, the heat from his body felt exactly like his claim. Protection. Shelter. “You knew all along that was my destiny. You fooled us all. You’re on your own.”

The Night God lunged forward. For a human form that was having the life choked out of it, he still had some power.

I held my hand up. Power radiated from a combination of electricity and flames, culminating in a sphere above our heads. The Night God froze, like someone had taken a picture of him, and that picture crumbled at my feet.

Our loved ones cheered as the sky cleared. Birds sang a victory song.

“Did I kill him?” That was the only rule—we couldn’t do that. We needed night. Even if we had a really fucked-up relationship with it.

“No.” Aarix took me into his arms and kissed me. “You sent him back to the earth, which is where he should be. He’ll gain power, but he’ll never have the means to overpower the beauty you bring to the world or take the light away from the dragons again.”

“Good.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “I was afraid I’d royally screwed things up for good this time.”

“Just the opposite.” Light from the sun danced off Aarix’s scales. “When we look back on this moment, you’ll be celebrated as the one who finally liberated the dragons from their long darkness.”

“Oh, I love that.” Bibi dabbed tears from under her eyes. “Should we go on?”

“Yes. I need to promise myself to this dragon like I should have done centuries ago.” Aarix took my face in his hands. “I will fight for you and your light, now and forever.”

“I promise to make every day beautiful.”

“I now announce you mated!” Bibi declared. “What a wonderful way to bring The Mating Game to a close.”

I could hardly take my eyes off my dragon, but I had to correct my best friend. “Girl, we are just getting started.”

**

That’s a wrap!

I can’t believe this season of The Mating Game has come to a close! (well…almost. You’ll want to stay until the end of the credits.) Thank you so much for going on this wild and crazy ride with me. The cast and crew of this show will always hold a special place in my heart. I love writing what I call the “hot mess heroine”—her life is a complete disaster, but she’s willing to start over and open her heart to new possibilities. Of course, there’s a hot shifter waiting in the wings who thinks she’s perfect just the way she is. Who doesn’t want that? But this series had something truly special—our favorite fairy dragmother. The bestie who will pick you up off the kitchen floor when your toddlers are marking the house like wolves and make you believe in love. A BFF who will ride in on a motorcycle to save you from your boring office job. And the one who has infinite patience with you when you’re at your worst.

May you all have a Bibi in your life.

Right now, Bibi is supposed to be relaxing. Ha. We know she’ll be exploring all available options (well, unless Hugo has anything to say about it…keep reading!). I’m sure she’ll be back. She’s just not the type of character to go quietly into retirement.