Page 73 of The Dragon's Gambit
“Freja, your life is your own. You’re free to live it as you choose. However, I would like to have you as a friend, and as a friend, there is something you can do for me.”
A friend? This girl wanted to be her friend? No one ever wanted to be her friend. In truth, she’d never had a friend before … except for one person, who she hadn’t seen since she was a child. She looked at Reiya, and her eyes began to mist, though she fought back the tears that threatened. She hadn’t cried in the longest time, and now she was on the brink of twice in one day.
Chelsie understood the look on Freja’s face. She knew it all too well. Reiya was her friend … her only friend at first. It was because of Reiya that her acceptance of others broadened, to the point of becoming attracted to Brody, something that never would’ve happened before. Reiya saw worth in her, and she saw worth in Freja. Chelsie let her arm brush into Brody, content just to feel his touch. She understood. This girl was actually someone who was not unlike herself. She wasn’t someone she needed to be afraid of. They were kindred spirits.
Freja smiled and nodded her head. If that’s what the girl who saved her life wanted, then that’s what she would get. She didn’t know much about friendships, but she would try her best to be one for Reiya. “I don’t know how being friends works. I might make mistakes, but I’m willing to try.”
“All friends make mistakes sometimes, and we’re all constantly learning from one another.” Reiya knew it deep inside. This girl was meant to be her friend. They were connected.
Freja nodded. “What is it that you need?”
“First, don’t think that you have to. Being a friend means you can say no. But there are demons that might be going after my old pack. Two of my brothers are there. One of them is the alpha of the pack. I was hoping you could go and help keep an eye out for me.” Reiya bit her bottom lip nervously.
“There is also a specific demon who might show up who is after Reiya. His name is Abaas, in case you’d like to know,” Chelsie added with a smirk. Naturally, you would want to kill the enemy of the person who saved you. And she could see it in Freja’s eyes ... they immediately hungered for Abaas’ head.
“I’ll go and keep an eye on your pack, along with your brothers. If I hear of this Abaas, I will take care of him as well. Is there something I need to have so your brothers will know you sent me? I’ve encountered werewolf packs before, and they don’t takekindly to trespassers.” Freja had to take out a small pack of wolves before because they decided to attack her for trespassing. They were not the most levelheaded species she’d encountered. Maybe if they had more sense, they wouldn’t needlessly attack a stranger who was only passing through. Of course, they probably never imagined that the person they were attacking was more powerful than four werewolves.
“I will send a letter with you, plus my friend here will let them know you’ll be around.” Reiya motioned to Chelsie.
Freja studied the girl. She took in her stance, her features and her smell. It did not take her long to put together who the girl was and how she would manage to beat her there. Freja nodded in understanding. “Give me directions and I will head out immediately.”
Reiya frowned. “But it’s late. You need to rest, and—”
“I travel best in the cover of the night. Trust me, now that the curse is gone, I feel amazing. I never realized how draining it actually was.”
“If that’s what you really want to do. Just be careful. And don’t do anything too dangerous. Abaas tends to keep demons around him in numbers. Be careful, and tell Hunter and Chasen to be careful for me, too.” Reiya smiled, covering the pain she was feeling. She wanted to be there, with her pack and her brothers.
“Don’t worry, Reiya. There’s a reason I am the most sought out. When it comes to demon hunting, there isn’t anyone better than me. When I have the demons taken care of, I will come back to you. I’ll help protect you, and I will fight for your secret.” Freja gave Reiya a sad smile. “My parents were what you would call forbidden lovers, too. It might not be much, but you have an ally in me.”
“Now you’re acting like a true friend already.” Reiya beamed. This time, Lee allowed her out of his arms so she could embrace her new friend.
Freja stiffened at first. It had been so long since she’d been hugged. She could feel the genuineness in it. A small smile formed on her lips, and she gently hugged her back. It was like a light that was once burned out had lit up again inside her. The feeling of having someone ... someone who cared. It had been too long since anyone had cared about her. Not only did Reiya save her life, but she was the first person to care about her since she’d lost her parents. No matter what, she would protect this girl. In her mind, she decided Reiya would be her family.
“I’ll show her out, and I’ll head over to the Black Ice Pack,” Chelsie offered quietly. She was shocked. Instead of being jealous like she normally was when Reiya was close to someone, she was touched by the exchange in front of her and she wanted to extend her hand in friendship to Freja as well. She would take the few moments they would be alone to talk with her.
“Oh, wait one second. Brody, come with me.” Reiya ran and grabbed some paper out of the drawer, scribbling some things down and then allowing Brody to write a few words as well. “Here.” Reiya handed the folded piece of paper to Freja. “Give this to Hunter and Chasen. Thank you.”
Freja nodded and tucked the paper away. She then looked at Chelsie expectantly. “Ready?”
Chelsie smiled.This girl gets straight to it.“Yes, let’s go.”
Chapter 50 Run
Lee grabbed Reiya by the hand after Chelsie and Freja left. “Excuse us. We need to talk.” He led her to his bedroom, shut the door, and turned to look at her.
“Is this going to be a new thing for you? See how close you can push it without dying? It seems that, since you left Elysia, that’s all you’ve been doing.” Lee’s voice was dripping with irritation. “Tell me …” This time he softened his tone and met her sapphire eyes with his baby blue ones. “I want the truth … did you think you were going to die?”
At first, Reiya wanted to lie, but she knew better. He already knew the answer to the question he was asking. “For a moment, yes.”
She heard a sharp intake of his breath and watched as he slowly walked over to her. Then he dropped to his knees right in front of her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I can’t, baby. I can’t lose you, Reiya. I just can’t. I know you’re trying to help, and I don’t want to stop you from helping others. But please, don’t risk your life anymore. I can’t continue this life without you.”
There was so much tenderness and vulnerability in his voice. Her heart ached for him. Her chest was burning, and her nose stung as a small tear crept down her cheek. He looked so vulnerable as he clung to her on his knees. This mighty deity was crumbling at the thought of almost losing her. And as much as this pained her, it also made her heart swell with love. For him to care about her so much truly touched her.
She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I scared you, my sweet Lee. It’s okay. I’m right here, and I won’t leave you. How could I leave you alone? I came back from death for you, Lee.” His hands tightened around her legs and he hoisted her upward, carrying her to the bed. Her heart fluttered in excitement as they got closer to the mattress. Then he spun around, leaned backward, and laid them both down on the bed, with her on top of him. He held her tight against him and breathed in her scent.
“Can you promise not to do anything dangerous? Especially while I’m away ...” Lee’s voice trailed off quietly.
