Page 53 of The Dragon's Gambit
Lee lowered his head onto hers and gently pecked the top of it. “You are my little troublemaker. I can see you’ll always keep me on my toes.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want you to get bored.” She smiled into his chest as she felt his hand rub her in soothing motions. His very touch put her at ease. The effect he had on her body was amazing.
“Here it is.” The old man walked over with a small vial. “Let me see your arm, my dear.”
Grandpa Sage put three drops from the vial onto her burn. Reiya lifted her arm and sucked in a sharp breath at the sting. Lee instinctively nuzzled into her neck, trying to comfort her.
“There. In about thirty minutes, you’ll be as good as new.”
“Hey, what was that stuff? You never used it on me when I was hurt.” Xander looked at the vial with interest.
“I said it was only for someone precious, that’s why.” Grandpa Sage walked back to his desk and locked the vial away in his drawer.
“Ouch.” Xander held his chest in fake pain but wore a smile on his face. He liked these games and playful banter.
Lee continued to keep constant physical contact with Reiya, rubbing her back with his fingertips and resting his head on hers. When he heard she’d been injured, it took all his self-restraint not to fly to her instantly. Then he had to watch Xander go up to her first. Touch her first. Hold her first. And then seeing her in that outfit that was barely covering her body ... yes, his jealousy was out of control. Xander was playing along on his behalf, but he wanted to torch him for touching his mate.
“Is it feeling better?” The low rumble of Lee’s voice sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn’t help it. Her body just naturally reacted to him. She nodded her head into his chest. It was feeling better, but the truth was, she was just happy to be in his arms. She’d missed him. She’d wanted to see him since she woke up this morning. From now on, he was to at least kiss her goodbye in the mornings if he was leaving. She had to at least get a small fix in to hold her off until she could see him again.
“I have to say it. This side of you, Levi ... she brings out the better in you.” Grandpa Sage smiled as he took his seat.
“Right? Seeing Levi like this is such a complete flip. It’s like seeing a different guy.” Xander beamed and Lee let out a small grumble in annoyance.
Reiya looked out from Lee’s chest and over at Xander and Grandpa Sage. “Really? He doesn’t seem that different to me.” Lee had always acted like this with her. There was a bit more touching now, but he was the same guy she’d always known.
“He’s a complete grouch when he isn’t with you. A mean snake that can’t wait to lash out and sink its fangs into someone. He’s like a wasp. You don’t have to do anything, and the bastard will sting you. You calm him down and make him more like a cuddly puppy.” Xander smiled widely as he noticed Lee’s annoyed glance.
Reiya looked up at Lee. She raised her good arm up and brushed his cheek gently. “Not my Lee. He’s always beencuddly.”Damn it, Reiya, you did it again. Just pour the wine and cut the cheese.She was the one acting like a lovesick puppy. Though the way his light blue gems were shining down at her, it looked like he didn’t mind her corniness.
“Hahaha, trust me, he isn’t. He’s like a rabid dog when you aren’t around. You do your best to tiptoe around him, because you know you’re going to get bit if he wakes up.” Xander laughed loudly, obliviously destroying the mood between the two lovers.
Lee flashed Xander a quick, unreadable look. Well, it was unreadable to Reiya, but Xander seemed to have read it loud and clear because he instantly quieted down. He looked back at Reiya and gently tilted her chin up to him. He held her there as he looked her up and down. His eyes flickered with his beast as his gaze landed on her thighs. “Are you trying to test my restraint today, princess?” His voice had a low rasp to it. He drew his mouth closer to hers so that his breath tickled her lips.
“This is your fault for not having clothes ready for me this morning.” Reiya pointed the blame back at him.
“You should have just worn my clothes.” His lips brushed against hers as he spoke.
“I don’t think that would have looked right. Why would Xander's mate be wearing your clothes?” Reiya smirked against his lips.
“MY mate,” Lee growled, and crashed his lips against hers, claiming possession. He didn’t care about the two other men in the room. This was his mate. HIS. And he’d already had to suffer, having restrained himself so much. He couldn’t hold back anymore. He torched her lips, branding them as his own. All the while, he made sure he held onto her gently, trying not to aggravate her injury. He eased away from her, listening to her staggered breaths for air. “I might have to play along with this charade for now, but that doesn’t mean I’m a willing player. I’mbarely tolerating it. I don’t share. I don’t pretend to share. I’ll kill anyone who touches what is mine, and you are mine.”
“Well, that last part sounds more like the Levi that I know.” Xander smirked and then made the lock and key motion over his lips when Levi shot him a dirty look.
Reiya sighed, smiling and resting her head against his chest. She needed that contact from Lee. She’d been craving it. She liked hearing him call her his and claim her. It was what she’d always wanted him to say over the years. And now, hearing him say it was like pure ecstasy. She was his and he was hers. She hoped he really was her mate. She wanted that complete bond between them, but even if he wasn’t her mate, he belonged to her. She loved him, and that would never change. It was her wolf’s fault for taking so long, so she wasn’t going to wait for her to identify their mate.
“We should probably head out. Brody and Chelsie are sitting out there worried,” Reiya said reluctantly. She didn’t want to leave his arms, but she didn’t want her brother and friend worrying out there.
“How is your arm?” Lee lifted her arm and stared at it. It had only been maybe ten minutes, and her arm already looked completely healed.
“Now that is an interesting turn of events.” Grandpa Sage hobbled back over to inspect Reiya’s arm. “This stuff works fast, but not that fast. This must be some sort of reaction with your fairy powers. That is the only explanation.”
Reiya looked at her arm, quite pleased. It looked as good as new, as if nothing had even happened to it. She moved it around and smiled. “It feels completely normal.”
“I guess it’s back to the meeting room again,” Xander huffed a tired breath.
“How’s the meeting going?” Reiya looked between Lee and Xander.
“Eh, it’s about what I expected. Actually, in truth, it’s a bit better. Mason and Ruby are taking a hard stance in support. Their views alone are very strong for our side. We just need a bit more support for all the dragons to accept it, maybe from one of the Northern leaders and one of the Southern leaders. Ruby’s brother will be here today, and she said we can bank on his support. We’re expecting the Northern leaders in about a week, so we’ll have to wait until then for full support. It’ll work out. It’s not like they can do anything about it. We were just looking for complete acceptance. If the four main leaders all accept it, then no dragon will have any room for protest.” Xander rubbed the back of his head and yawned.
