Meeting dad

A giant of a man walks into the room, standing maybe six and a half feet tall, and muscular. With close cropped red hair and red eyes, his resemblance to Maya is strong. Maya lets out a squeal of glee and runs to him, leaping into a bear hug. Both of them laugh as he sets Maya on her feet.

“Maya! How are you here? It’s...it’s so good to see you...I never should have sent you away.”

Maya smiles, hugging him tightly. “It’s a bit of a long story...but I guess I should introduce you to...my mate. Dad, this is Josh, and he changed the portal so we could move freely through it.”

The big man...no, dragon, you remind yourself...looks your way with an appraising eye. He looks at you, and also looks at the girls around you. Releasing Maya, he walks over to tower over you. Then, he offers a hand with a smile. You take it and shake, and a laugh rumbles in his chest.

“So, you’re the one, are you? Tell me, are these others with you as well?”

You blush, wanting to make a good impression. “Well, yes. We left two girls behind, including someone very close to Maya. But yes, we are all family.”

The big man raises an eyebrow. “Family? Fair enough. As long as Maya is happy. Greetings, Josh. I am Daigo, Maya’s father, if you hadn’t guessed.” He releases your hand, and squints slightly. “I can feel the power coming off you. You are a mage, a powerful one.”

You nod. “I am an absorption mage. It’s how I changed the portal.”

Daigo nods. “Impressive. Now, I feel like you should introduce the rest of your family, since my daughter is clearly one of many.”

You chuckle, and introduce the girls. When you introduce Kali, Daigo stops. “Kali, is it? Are you...”

Kali nods. “I am. Josh saved me, and I fully renounced my father. That’s how I became...this.”

Daigo smiles. “It’s a good look for you. I must hear the story of this.”

You nod, but before you can begin, Gregor clears his throat. “Honored guests, you may be more comfortable in the dining hall. I cleaned out the stench of our last...visitor.”

Daigo looks curious until Gregor clarifies. “Halid. He is not a fastidious man. Follow me.”

You are led into the dining hall and your group sits. You take the time to tell your story, with the girls interjecting when necessary. When you finish, Daigo smiles.

“Maya chose her mate well. I give you my thanks for treating her with love, and I give my blessing, unnecessary as it is. As to your mission. You go to Halid first, correct?”

You nod, and Daigo smiles. “I will accompany you. Now that I can see my daughter again, I will keep her family safe. Also, all of you are welcome in my village.”

You smile, and Maya, sitting beside you, gives your hand a squeeze. “Thank you, Daigo. I feel safer already. And having your blessing makes me feel better as well. Maya was the first, and the one, along with Anna, to save me from myself.”

Daigo leans back in his chair, which creaks slightly under his weight. “Now, enough serious topics. How long am I going to have to wait for grandchildren?”

You blush, and Maya laughs. She nudges you. “See? It’s not just me!”

Daigo laughs. “She’s already pestering you about it? That’s my girl. Take control of your mate.”

Maya grins. “Oh I do! But he hates it when we call him daddy...”

Daigo blinks, then bursts into belly laughs. You have no response but to blush, as the other girls join in the laughter.

Daigo regains his composure, though he’s still grinning. “Well, that’s probably more than I needed to know, Maya. And Josh...enjoy it, it’s good for you.”

You can’t help but chuckle.