Page 135 of The Dragon's Gambit
A liquid crystal trickled down Chelsie’s cheek. She walked up to his side and buried her head into him. She knew he had to protect Reiya, but she couldn’t imagine losing him. Somehow, she became someone who needed him. She really did. She needed Brody.
Reiya stared at her tea. She also had a similar ability. A double-edged sword. Brody had confided in her about his. It would only be fair to also let him know about hers.
Only yours is more powerful. You and Hunter can single-handedly take out the demon army … at your own demise, of course. It’s the thing you have been secretly banking on all this time—protecting everyone no matter what,Lumi said in minor annoyance. Such a waste of life. In her mind, the point was to kill everyone else to protect others, not sacrifice yourself to protect others. It seemed dumb to her.
You’re right, Lumi. It’s wrong to plan for that, isn’t it? I’m able to really understand that now. Knowing that that’s what Brody almost did ... it’s a horrible feeling. To live because of someone else’s sacrifice.
Exactly, Reiya. You are a werewolf. You are a fighter. You will fight. You will protect everyone by fighting. And we will win. We are much stronger than you think. You and Xander are strong together, just like you and Hunter are strong together. The three of you together will be amazing.
“The thing is …” Reiya agreed with Lumi, and she wanted Brody to also hear this. “Brody, you’re a fighter. Your job is to fight. You fight to protect those around you. You don’t give up by sacrificing yourself. Then you won’t be there for the next threat.” Reiya let out a breath and then stared at the liquid in her cup. “The thing is … I know. I know what it’s like to have a double-edged sword.” She glanced into his deep brown eyes and smiled. “You feel like because you have this, it’s your responsibility to use it. I know because I thought so, too. You see … Hunter and I can use a power together that is strong enough to wipe out an entire army. But if we use it, it will kill us with it.”
A low growl was heard by the door. Their eyes shot up to see Levi staring at Reiya with ice blue daggers.
“Leave,” he snarled lowly as he looked at Brody and Chelsie. He walked in at the part where she said she and Hunter had a power that could wipe out an army. He hadn’t heard what she said before. All he could think about was losing his mate, and how he almost lost her today. His protective instincts were in overdrive. He looked at Brody and Chelsie, who seemed hesitant to leave her. He let out a puff of air and controlled his anger. “I need to speak with her alone.” Reiya nodded to them, and this time Brody and Chelsie walked out together. They needed some time to talk as well … or not talk.
Lee shut the door once they left and turned to face Reiya. His light blue eyes looked her over as he strode toward the bed. He reached out and gently cupped her chin in his hands. “Don’t you ever, and I mean ever, think about using that power. I swear, Reiya, I will lock you away so you will never see your twin brother again.” No twin brother meant no way for her to use her destructive power.
Reiya leaned her head into his touch and smiled. “Lee, I was only explaining it to Brody because it was what he planned to do. I was trying to tell him that it would feel horrible to be alive at the expense of someone else’s sacrifice, that our job is to fight and keep fighting so that we can be there to fight in the future alongside those we love.” She watched his eyes soften. He slid into the bed next to her and pulled her up into his chest.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice deep and tender.
She leaned into his hot chest, smelling his relaxing scent. He was the best therapy in the world. Her body immediately relaxed against him. The minor pain she was still feeling vanished next to him. “Mmm, much better with you by my side.” Reiya tilted her head up to him with a small frown. “So, what happens now?”
He looked into her worried sapphire crystals and gave her a reassuring smile. “Everything is going to work out, baby. All the dragons know who you really belong to. You will have moreprotectors out there now than enemies. I know now you will be well looked after.”
“I mean, as far as the other deities go ...” she whispered.
“I’ll talk with them tomorrow.”
“Do you think they know?”
“Oh, they know. There’s no hiding it now. The spectacle today would have had them watching what was happening. They definitely know. I will explain everything to them. We have the support of the four dragon kingdoms. You are a fairy princess and a Gemini twin. It will all work out, Reiya. You’re not just an ordinary mate to have. I don’t think there will be a problem now,” Lee said, trying to reassure her. He felt her body grow tense, and he knew she was worried.
Reiya closed her eyes and listened to the gentle thudding of her mate’s heart. The soothing rhythm was just what she needed to help her body relax. She was tired … Lumi was tired. Their body needed to rest.
Lee smiled as he felt her body ease more into his. He listened to the soft sounds of her sleeping breath and felt the gentle rising and falling of her chest. He wrapped his arms around her protectively and held her close. His precious fairy mate. Now everyone knew … everyone. For better or for worse, it was out in the open now.
“Sleep well, my sweet fairy.” Lee kissed the top of her head tenderly as he whispered into her hair. He took this quiet moment for himself, breathing in her scent to help him relax as well.
When he heard Lumi’s panicked voice in his head, he immediately flashed to Reiya in his dragon form. His murderous intent was high as his beast demanded to protect his mate. When he saw her lying on the ground with blood all over her body, he had never been more afraid in his entire life. If she didn’t have her wolf … he didn’t want to even think about that. He knewwhat would have happened had Lumi not been awakened. If only he really could lock her up in a tower and keep her safe.
Her safety was worth any price he might have to pay. Exposing her as his mate was the first step. This would guarantee even more protection for her, with more eyes looking over her. The next was a gamble. He was hoping, now that all the dragons knew and she was accepted by all four kingdoms, that it would force the deities’ hands.
No matter what, he had to keep her safe.
Chapter 84 Wolf Fight?
She could hear gentle baritone voices. They were just a soft hum at first, then the muffled sounds began to clear. She could feel the light vibrations of the chest she was lying on.Damn… even his chest vibrations turn me on.Reiya stirred ever so slightly into his warmth, his scent invading her nostrils and filling her thoughts with him.
“Baby, are you waking up?” Lee asked quietly as he stroked her cheek. Her face looked better and had color to it once again.
Her eyes fluttered open, meeting the sight of heaven. She felt completely refreshed. The pain was gone, and she felt great. The only thing bothering her now was the hunger she had for her mate. She looked him over with a very lustful gaze, slightly wetting her lips as her mind began to play over what she wanted to do with him.
“Kahem.” A gentle voice made his presence known. Xander smiled as he watched her eyes flicker toward him. “You look like you’re feeling much better.” He gave her a crooked smile. She didn’t look like she was in pain anymore, and it was easy to see exactly what was on her mind.
“I do. I feel great.” Reiya stretched herself and sat up against Lee. Glancing back at him, she noticed his eyes had slightly darkened. His beast was well aware of her intentions and wanted to rise to the call.Oops, didn’t mean to provoke him.“How long was I asleep?”
“Two hours. It’s evening now.” Lee leaned his head down and brushed her lips delicately with his. “I was starting to worry.” He had stayed there, holding her against him for the full two hours. He wouldn’t leave her side or risk moving and waking her.
