Page 34 of Claimed By The Dragon Daddy

We rounded a corner, stepping into a vast clearing. Sebastian was already there, standing several yards to the right, where he was speaking with some men I recognized as his senior advisors. As soon as he caught sight of us, he excused himself and made his way over.

“Mariah.” He took my hands and brought them to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. “I’m so glad you decided to join us. What do you think?” He gestured to the clearing.

I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but everyone here was still in human form. “No one's shifted.”

Sebastian chuckled, and Evan slid an arm around my waist. “There’s a bit of ceremony to it first.”

I frowned, but I didn’t get a chance to ask more as Sebastian’s attention moved to a couple who were walking toward a massive bonfire. He lifted a hand, calling out, “Lyla, Jace!”

Sebastian led us toward them. He had such a commanding presence not just because he was the alpha, but because he was so genuine and approachable.

"Mariah, meet Lyla and Jace," Sebastian said when we stopped before the couple. They looked to be somewhere between my age and Evan’s. We’d spent a little time with Lucas and Cynthia, but I hadn’t met any other couples since I’d come here.

Lyla, a petite woman with fiery red hair, was the first to greet us. “Mariah! I’ve heard all about you.”

She had? I glanced up at Evan, my eyes wide as I felt my cheeks turning red.

Jace, a tall man with sky blue eyes, laughed. “All good things, don’t worry.”

I immediately felt at ease when they gave warm smiles, asking about what I thought of the clan lands. We chatted for a bit, but then Sebastian was guiding us away, introducing me to more members of the clan.

There was no way I’d be able to keep track of all their names, but I was overwhelmed by their kindness. Despite my insecurities about being the only human here, everyone made me feel included, as if I were one of them. It was a comforting feeling, and one that made the butterflies in my stomach subside.

Evan kept his hand around my waist the entire time Sebastian walked us around. Eventually, Sebastian excused himself. “I need to get things started.”

He left us standing there together, and I turned into Evan, resting my hands on his chest as I looked up at him. His eyes sparkled like black diamonds under the moonlight, and my heart fluttered at the sight.

"How are you feeling?" he said.

“Really good,” I said, happy things had gone so well. "Everyone's been so nice and welcoming."

Evan nodded, looping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer. "They're glad you're here, Mariah," he said quietly but firmly. “They know who you are. Most of them suspect what you are to me.”

“You mean your mate?”

He nodded, his eyes flickering gold for a brief second. “Yes. You're a part of this clan now, and they're happy to welcome you."

I looked around at the faces of the clan members and felt a warmth spreading through my chest. I hadn’t known just how much I was craving that until this very moment—to be a part of this, a part of them. There was a sense of camaraderie here, a feeling of extended family I’d never known before right then and there.

It wasn’t long before the chatter subsided, and all eyes turned to Sebastian who moved to the middle of the clearing, ready to address the gathering. His imposing figure was so similar to Evan’s it was like looking into the future. He stood, illuminated by the writhing flames of the bonfire.

"Welcome, everyone," he said as his words resonated across the clearing. They carried weight, a blend of power and respect that commanded the attention of every person present. “I’m honored to all gather here once more under the full moon, together as a clan, as a family.”

His eyes swept across the crowd, and when they met mine, he gave me a subtle nod, a silent welcome that warmed me from the inside.

"We all play a role in our clan's strength and prosperity," he said. "From the youngest to the eldest, each one of you contributes in your unique way. I'm deeply grateful for your efforts, and proud to call you my family."

As I watched the crowd, every face seemed etched with deep admiration for Sebastian. The regard was palpable, and even as a newcomer, I felt it as well. Sebastian was a good man, a man of honor…much like the man who stood beside me. I looked up at Evan, tightening my arms around his waist. He smiled down at me, love shining in his eyes.

Sebastian went on to speak of unity, an invisible bond that held the clan together, and I could see why he was such a strong, powerful leader. Tomas Hawthorne should have been shaking in his boots going up against an alpha like Sebastian.

Having ended his speech on a resounding note, Sebastian lifted his hands to the sky.

“That’s the sign,” Evan murmured in my ear. “It means the shifters can begin the ritual of shifting under the full moon.”

A sight I was both excited and nervous to witness. Evan's hand found mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I turned to look at him, at the dancing flames reflecting in his eyes, filling them with an intensity that took my breath away.

"Ready?" he said, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

---