Page 146 of The Dragon's Gambit
“We’re still due for that battle. We can’t do it without Levi, though. I still need to show him who’s the best.” Xander’s eyes flicked to a window as he thought about Levi. The sun had made its descent and darkness blanketed the outside. He should be making his return soon. He knew Reiya would probably start getting nervous if Levi took much longer. Truth be told, he was already getting nervous. He looked over at Reiya, who was laughing with the other girls at the table. If she was nervous, she wasn’t showing it. He was glad they were there to distract her for now.
“Yay! I’m out of cards!” Chelsie squealed.
“I’m horrible at card games.” Reiya tossed her cards down with a fake pout. “Oh well. Time for some cookies.”
“You mean the cookies you made earlier?” Brody asked with minor remorse in his voice.
Reiya turned and dead pinned her glare on him. “You didn’t.”
“Those cookies are looooong gone.” Brody gave her a half smile and raised his shoulders in a small shrug.
“Brody!” Reiya took off after him, and the chase was on. Brody hopped over the couch, grinning back at his sister.
“Wow. So possessive over food. Sharing is caring, Reiya.”
“There were three dozen cookies there. I only wanted one. One ... out of three dozen.” Reiya raced around the couch, dodging both Mason and Xander. Xander laughed and grabbed onto her arm as she raced past him. He gently tugged her back and held onto her shoulders.
“Run, Brody! Save yourself!” Xander laughed as Reiya tilted her head to him, giving him a dirty glare.
“HEY NOW!?!” Weston said, pointing at Xander. “Why does Xander get to hold her? If Xander gets to touch her, then we should all get to touch her.”
Dex walked over and placed his hand on Reiya’s shoulder, grinning at Weston.
“Oh … I see how it is,” Weston said, folding his arms over his chest, feigning insult.
Brody walked up to Reiya, grinning. “Peace offering?” He held up a bag of small brown cookies. “Ginger snaps.”
Reiya giggled and snatched the bag from him. She then turned to look at Xander. “Now I know whose side you’re really on. I’ll remember that in the future.”
“Hey, us men have to stick together.” Xander winked at Brody, who reached over and gave him a fist bump.
Reiya took a small bite of a cookie as she looked out the dark window. Time felt fast and slow at the same time. This was the latest Lee had ever been away before. She absentmindedly twirled the cookie in her hand.
Reiya …
I know, Lumi. I feel it too.Reiya stood up and excused herself as she walked into her room. She felt like a piece of her was being clamped, almost strangled. The tightening pressure squeezed inside her. Her mate connection to Lee was being choked. It was like something was weakening the bond.
Lee, are you alright?Reiya reached out through her summon connection and waited, but there was nothing. No answer.
Reiya, we can reach him through our mate link. It’s stronger than a normal mate link and stronger than our summon link. We need to focus our energy together.
Reiya closed her eyes and concentrated, feeling the strings of energy swirl around her. She connected with the strong, warm light that Lumi was pushing forward. This time, she used her fairy magic along with Lumi’s energy and their mate bond to try to reach Lee.
Lee, can you hear me?
Reiya?! How are you able to reach me?
Don’t worry about that. What happened? Are you okay?
Baby, things haven’t turned out well. I’ve been sealed. They were waiting for me. As soon as I arrived, they immediately sealed me without listening. I’m sorry …
Reiya sighed.I was afraid this might happen. Don’t worry, Lee. I’m going to free you. Wait for me.She was going to stay strong. She didn’t want him to worry about her.
Reiya, no. Please, baby. I need you safe.
Reiya giggled through the link she was struggling to keep open. It was incredibly draining on her body. She wouldn’t be able to do this again, not if she wanted to be at full strength when she faced the Merrow Queen. It was a good thing he couldn’t see her, because her eyes were watering up and she had a pained expression on her face. Forcing out a positive voice, she said,Lee, I’m going for the Ocean’s Tear. I’m not going to be able tocommunicate with you for a while, because this is taking too much energy to break through. This time, it’s my turn to protect you. I will free you, I promise. I love you, Lee.
It doesn’t matter what I say. My little troublemaker is going to go anyway, aren’t you?
