Page 134 of The Dragon's Gambit
Lee moved his finger to her lips and cradled her in his arms. “This time, kitten, behave yourself and go rest. Please.”
How could she refuse that request? His eyes pleaded with her as he looked her over in concern. She sighed and nodded. She felt her body being shifted into Brody’s arms as she watched Lee’s apprehensive eyes look over her. She could admit it … she looked awful. He leaned in close to her and nuzzled his mark on her neck, trying to give her a bit of comfort. She needed to rest. His eyes then went back to Brody, and he gave him a slight nod.
Lee watched Brody and Chelsie leave with Reiya until they were almost back to the castle. Then he turned to the hushed dragons. The people were standing around quietly, the shocked looks in their eyes very apparent. Across the grounds were a few not-so-surprised faces. Mason and Ruby stood together with knowing smiles on their faces. At their side were Dex and Weston, who also understood the situation.
Xander and Reese were beside him, and kneeling in front of them was the traitor Clovis, who looked completely mortified over what he’d just seen. Lee wanted to slice open his stomach and strap him to an ant hill. He let out a silent sigh. He’d already acted too quickly with the old king. He never liked to interfere, preferring to let each royal handle their own criminals. However, this was a crime against his mate, and exceptions were made. His beast demanded blood for the blood his mate had lost. Nothing else could quell his anger.
He wanted to go to her and be with her as she recovered. First things first, though … it was time to make it known that she was his. They would understand well what it would mean to mess with something that belonged to him. More than that, they would know that she was ranked above them. Above them all.
Chapter 83 MY Mate
Lee glared at the dragons. He looked at the ones that had been subdued, who were now surrounded by guards. They wouldn’t be kept alive. There was no room for traitors. His blue gaze met Xander’s amber eyes. It was time for his announcement.
“From this day forth,” his voice echoed out, crisp and resounding, “I want it to be known that the fairy princess is MY mate.” Shocked gasps were heard throughout the crowd. “I will only ever say this once. To injure my mate will mean certain death to whomever hurts her. And while this doesn’t need to be said, it will be so there is no mistake. As my mate, her rank is unquestioned. She will be treated as you would treat me. She is my equal and should be respected as such.” Lee spoke with a deep, clear, authoritative voice as he looked over the dragons. The other dragons immediately lowered their heads in respect.
He was done. Done tiptoeing around. Done hiding his mate. And if he felt any pushback, he would easily be done with the dragons. She was his first priority. She would be someone they would look out for and protect. Otherwise, they would each have the life snuffed out of them.
Xander smirked as he caught Clovis’ face. He was completely distraught, having heard that Reiya was Levi’s mate. He knew then that he would not live to see another day. It was a crime to harm their deity’s mate, and the punishment was death.
Xander stepped forward, toward Levi, and bowed his head before straightening himself to stand tall before him. “Your mate will be our treasure. You can count on the full support of the West Dragon Kingdom.” Xander smiled at Levi, who nodded his head, smiling back at him.
Next Dex, then Weston, and finally Mason all made their public announcement in support of his mate. The four dragon kingdoms unanimously supported their deity. There was no dragon who could ever oppose him, but showing their support was endearing.
Levi nodded his head, then walked up to Xander. “Find out what you can. See if you can find out how many more traitors are among us, by any means necessary. And see to it that HE doesn’t see the next morning sun.” He glanced over at the othertraitors that were surrounded by guards. “I don’t want any of them wasting any more of our oxygen.”
Xander nodded and Levi swiftly walked past him. This was Xander’s kingdom, but when it came to Reiya getting injured, Levi had no problem pushing his authority. Not that he needed to. Xander would have done the same thing.
Levi looked at the castle and hurried on his way. The dragons had a lot of issues on their hands right now with the traitors. However, his mate had been injured. His place was at her side.
“Brody, I’m fine. Quit hovering.” Reiya batted at him as he leaned over her.
You’re far from fine. It’s going to take me another hour to fully heal you. And that’s with mine and your fairy powers combined, plus the medicine you were given.
I was too naïve, but I think that, with experience, I could have beaten the old man.Reiya smiled internally.
In a couple of years, we would have been prepared enough to kill the old man. Next time, though, I get a piece of the action.Lumi pouted sourly.
As long as they aren’t dragons. What good can you do against a dragon who can fly in the air?
I can do everything you can do, plus I have claws and fangs. It’s better to let me fight. I’m faster than you, too. I have better reflexe—
Okay, Lumi, I get it. Hush. Concentrate on healing me.Reiya listened to Lumi chuckling confidently. She had just gotten her wolf. They needed more time to build the relationship betweenthe two of them. They were already close, like siblings in a sense. The trust in the relationship would develop with time.
“Here, Reiya. I brought you some tea. Brody, help her sit up,” Chelsie snorted in agitation. She was in a foul mood since Reiya had been hurt.
Brody chuckled, adjusting the pillows and pulling Reiya up into a sitting position. It was a good thing Levi came when he did. He would never underestimate the dragons again, especially the royal line. They were very fearsome.
“Brody …” Reiya sipped her tea as she brought his focus to her. “What were you about to do? You were telling us ... goodbye.” Reiya gave him a small, accusing glance, and Chelsie also fixed her gaze on him.
Brody smiled. “Don’t worry about it, Ray Ray. Everything’s okay now.” He didn’t want to talk about it. He already knew how they would feel about what he was going to do.
“Nope. Tell me,” Reiya insisted as she looked at him accusingly.
“I wasn’t going to let either of you die. I was going to protect you, that’s what,” Brody said softly.
“How?” Reiya was curious, since she also had something she had never talked to Brody about, and it seemed like he had something similar.
“It’s a last resort method. I can take out any opponent, but if I use it …” Brody’s eyes met with Chelsie’s. “I will also die. My job is to protect you with my life. You both are too important to me. I will protect you by whatever means necessary.”
