Page 64 of The Dragon's Gambit
Was Hunter going to be in danger soon? She needed to get word to him.Brody ... I need to see Chelsie. I think Hunter and Chasen may be in trouble. I don’t know what I should do.
I’m coming. Where are you?
Just outside.
Almost instantly, they heard a wrecking ball barreling out the door. Brody spotted Reiya and made hasty strides over to her, yanking her out of Xander's arms and pulling her into his own. He could feel her trembling. He should have been with her. He could tell from Reiya’s voice that something had happened. Without even waiting for Chelsie, he had taken off like a maniac. His only goal was to get to her as fast as he could. Chelsie wasn’t far behind him, though. She was by their side now, smoothing Reiya’s hair.
What happened?
Reiya shook her head.Brody, I don’t know what to do. I want to be with Hunter and Chasen. I can’t stand this.
Reiya, stop. Calm down and tell me what happened.
All Reiya could feel was this deep, strong desire to get to her brothers. They were stronger together. But was this what Abaas was trying to do? Was he trying to provoke her into leaving the dragon kingdom? She was suddenly so conflicted and torn. She let out the tiniest of whimpers as she struggled to compose herself.
Brody ... it’s Abaas. I heard his voice.Reiya just couldn’t say any more at that moment, because she was still trying to process it. She was worried about the Black Ice Pack. What should she do? Obviously, she needed to warn them and her parents, but she wanted to be there. She wanted to help. She needed to try to think about this with a level head, but she couldn’t right now.
Brody’s face turned very serious the instant he heard the name. What the hell happened? This was why guardians shouldn’t take a mate. He would have been near her when whatever it was happened. Instead, he was with Chelsie. A surge of guilt panged inside of him. “Reiya ...” Brody cooed to her. He could feel the tension in her body and her wet tears against his chest. “Let’s talk, okay? Let’s go somewhere we can talk, so we can figure things out.”
Her lungs seized as if drowning, each breath a battle against the crushing weight in her chest. Xander and Lee needed to know about the traitors lurking among them. Her gaze collided with Lee's, his midnight eyes burned into hers, his knuckles white, jaw clenched so tight she could almost hear his teeth grinding. The invisible thread between them pulled taut, vibrating with need. Reiya pressed a hand to her sternum where an actual, physical ache bloomed. She needed his comfort. He was only a few steps away but it seemed like an impossible chasm. She just wanted him, needed to touch him, breathe him in, and find shelter in his arms.
Chapter 44 Traitors
Lee stood there, quietly observing everything. When he saw Reiya leave and then Xander follow her, he had to go, too. He was compelled to have his mate in his sight. He walked out to see her turning into Xander's arms, her face distressed,seeking comfort, and it was hell not being the one to give it. He was immediately livid. What had happened? Seeing his beautiful fairy in this state put him in a murderous mood. He was seething with anger when he asked what was going on.
Brody could see how distressed his sister was and he couldn’t handle it. Taking matters into his own hands, he picked her up and held her to his chest, taking her back to their room for now.
Xander understood immediately what Brody’s intentions were. “Follow me. There’s another entrance we can use so we won’t have to walk past everyone.”
Reiya had been so quiet. She didn’t even fight being carried, which was completely out of her character. His sister for once seemed very fragile to him. His instinct as her brother and as her guardian put him in full protection mode. He wasn’t allowing anyone to touch her right now. There was an almost primal look in his eyes as he carried her up the stairwell.
We’ll be in the room soon. I’m sorry, Reiya ... I should have been there with you.
Reiya was leaning into his chest as he carried her up the stairs. He had a protective grip on her. Knowing her brother, she immediately understood his words. He regretted not being there. She was afraid this would mean he would end things with Chelsie. Okay ... now she had to fess up and intervene. She didn’t want him ending something before it barely had a chance to start. She wanted him to be happy. She wanted him to also have love in his life. To have more than just her. Grayson had always seemed happy enough. It was fine if Brody wanted that too, but she knew he wanted more. He wanted a family, too.
Brody, nothing would have changed if you were there. I had Xander with me. I wasn’t in any danger. So ... don’t be stupid, okay?
Brody looked down at her and gave her a peculiar look.
Reiya sighed and then hid her face in his chest.I know, Brody. And I’m happy about it. I hope it works out. I honestly think it’s awesome.
Wait ... what? What do you know?Brody entered the apartment and gently put her down. He watched her as she scrunched up her face, a wave of embarrassment washing over her.
Let’s just say that I wasn’t gone as long as you think before I stopped by the first time.Reiya watched the light switch on for him, his face reddening.
What did you see?
Reiya scrunched her face and nose up even more, shaking her head. No details. He didn’t need to know details, just that she saw enough. Before she could answer him, though, she was smothered into a tight embrace. Lee placed his head down into her neck, gently nudging her marking spot, sending calming vibrations through her body.
The bond she had with him was so powerful that being in his arms and feeling his gentle touches helped her make sense of the world again. It was like getting a dose of rationality. She could think clearer, and her body relaxed into his. She leaned into him, allowing him to comfort her and himself.
Her Lee. No one else existed in that moment. She was in his arms and she felt safe. How did things change so fast? How was it that now she felt like she had to have him? It was intense. She grasped her fingers around him, pushing herself deeper into him.
Reiya could hear the voice replaying in her head, saying that Abaas was going to claim her. All of her. His horrible plans for her. Lee would never let it happen. Ever. But what if he wasn’t there to protect her? What if their relationship was discovered? She finally had the mate she wanted, but she couldn’t fully enjoy it. She rested her head on his chest, where she could listento his heartbeat. Her relationship with Lee was putting him in danger ... and herself. Maybe she should just run and get the Ocean’s Tear. But what if Abaas was watching and waiting for her to leave?
She had Lee’s strength and support to lean on right now. So, first things first. She needed to tell them what had happened. Brody was the only one who knew it was Abaas. Reiya took in a deep breath and tilted her head upward, meeting with the light blue gems patiently waiting for her. Her eyes lingered on his face and focused on his lips. She wished she could just forget everything else and continue to seek comfort in him.Focus Reiya. This is important.She turned slightly in his arms so she could see everyone else. He refused to loosen his grip on her, though. Not that she minded.
She looked up at the waiting sets of eyes. “Umm, where to start ...” Reiya said to herself quietly.
