Page 5 of The Dragon's Gambit
“I mean … no way!” Brody gave her a wide, cheesy grin. Grandma was the only one who really protested about language. It was common knowledge to watch your tongue around her.
Reiya was smiling, though inwardly she was sad. It wasn’t something she could use right now, and was another bitter reminder that she couldn’t shift into her wolf. She tried not to do that to herself. She wasn’t the overly jealous type. But really … there had to be something wrong with her. She went ahead and beat up on herself. Why couldn’t she do what every other normal shifter could?
“So, is there anything else to eat besides troll fingernails?” Brody grinned, hoping there was more for dinner. He was a growing boy, after all.
Chapter 3 Homesick
Reiya stayed up and talked with everyone until late in the evening before she finally excused herself for bed. She walked into her room and shut the door, sighing heavily. Her lips curled down, and a few tears trickled down her cheek. Todaywas a tough day for her. She couldn’t help it. She really missed Hunter and Chasen. They visited last month, but it wasn’t the same. And she had the feeling that something was bothering Hunter, but he didn’t say anything. If only she was there, too. She was used to seeing them daily and being surrounded by her fun-filled family. The isolation was getting to her. Then, on top of all that, she still couldn’t reach her wolf. Maybe if she had her wolf to talk things over with, it would be different. She would have someone who knew her mind and that she could confide in. It was so hard to have people you were so close to but couldn’t talk to daily. They couldn’t use cell phones at all here, either. There was no way she could even video chat with them.
She walked up and peered out the window. The sky was lit up by the brilliance of the bright moon. A few more tears streamed down and onto the ground. She hated that she was being sealed away. Why shouldn’t she get to live her life where she chose? Why did her whole life have to change because of some demons?
She had always tried to keep a brave face for everyone, because she didn’t want her parents to feel bad. She knew they hated separating their family and that they both were struggling leaving Chasen and Hunter behind. Even though they could travel to visit them, they stayed close to her since she couldn’t. She knew she was being a bit pitiful right now, but this was just her emotional dam finally overflowing. And since there was no one around to see her, she let the liquid crystals fall.
A warm hand wrapped around her and gently spun her around. She jumped, startled, and her eyes widened at the unexpected visitor. She looked up and then relaxed, seeing who it was.
“Why are you crying?” Lee asked as he reached up and wiped the tears from her face.
Reiya smiled and shook her head. “Silly stuff, I guess.”So much for being alone.His presence was a comfort to her, so she didn’t mind having him near.
“If it’s bothering you, then it isn’t silly. Why don’t you talk to me about it?” Lee withdrew his hand from her and looked at her expectantly.
Reiya took a breath. “I miss my family. I want to go back to the Black Ice Pack. I hate that I’m being kept in the dark and locked away. I hate that everything had to change for me because my parents were worried about some demons that I’ve never met.” Reiya bit her bottom lip to stop it from quivering. She wasn’t afraid of these demons. If they were after her, then let them come. She would fight. Though, she didn’t want anyone to be injured fighting on her behalf. She knew this was the best way to keep everyone safe. Admittedly, she was just feeling a bit lonely and selfish.
“It’s safer for you here. Those demons can’t come in here and take you. If the opportunity arrives, they will try. That’s why you’re here ... to keep you safe. The land is in unrest. Something is approaching, and the demons are restless. Something is going to happen. You need to stay in Elysia, where it’s safe.” Lee stared into her deep sapphire eyes. This was something that couldn’t be helped. The world was growing more and more dangerous, and she was precious. She had to be kept safe.
“I have you to protect me, though.” Reiya scrunched up her nose with a smile.
Lee chuckled. “I will protect you the best I can. As strong as I am, I can’t protect you against the army that’s forming. This is one of the safest places for you.”
Reiya smiled at him weakly.Of course.How could he understand? He could come and go as he pleased. How could anyone else possibly understand? She was the one who was a damn canary, forced to live in a cage. She should just sing andbe happy, and she better not dare try to fly with those wings. She should just sit tight and enjoy her safe cage.
“Don’t think that I don’t care, Reiya.” Lee’s voice sounded a bit agitated. He reached out and tipped her chin up, forcing her to look into his eyes.
“Yeah. I get it. This is where I’m safe. I need to be happy and accept it.” Reiya turned away and looked out the window, staring back at the moon. He pulled her backward, holding her against his chest. “You would probably feel differently if you were trapped,” Reiya whispered out.
Lee leaned down and spoke lowly in her ear, trying to soothe her. “I would change it if I could. I only want you to be happy, Reiya. Safe and happy. You know I care. I’m sorry I can’t do anything about this. I’m sorry you’re stuck here. It isn’t forever, though. It’s just for now.” She was distressed, and it made him sad that he couldn’t give her what she wanted.
Reiya felt his hot breath against her skin and couldn’t stop the shiver that rippled over her body. His hot chest seared her back. She could feel his muscular body … feel his chest rising and falling. Her heart rate quickened. Something so simple was sending tingles through her body. She leaned her head back onto his chest, taking in his scent. Her senses were going wild. Everything was pulling her to turn herself around into his arms.
“Reiya?” Lee called out quietly, gently spinning her to look at her face.
Reiya felt her cheeks heat up as she stared at him. He got her worked up too easily.
“Everything is going to be okay. You’ll see. This is only a minor inconvenience. A small part of the big picture you’ll be involved in.” Lee smiled at her and patted her head.
Ugh. Her mind had gone straight to the gutter, and he was patting her on the head like a little sister. Dang, she needed to find her mate. Once she found her mate, her attraction to himwould go away. A mate consumed your thoughts, and even those who thought they were in love forgot, their thoughts revolving only around their mate. She really needed hers, because Lee was too attractive. She imagined that was how women felt when they were around Caspian before, since Caspian was a fairy who could attract women to him. Maybe Lee had some sort of attractant too … that, or she was just an unmated, lovesick girl.
“It was just a bad day. I’ll be better tomorrow.” Reiya smiled up at him, letting her eyes wander over his delicious face … sculpted shoulders … intoxicating smile. She inhaled his sweet scent.
“Reiya, you look a little flushed. Are you feeling okay?” he asked as he rested his hand on her forehead, checking for a temperature, then moving his hand to her cheeks.
“I feel fine.” Reiya was inwardly screaming, though.I’m fine. Just blushing away as my eyes devour your incredible body. Don’t mind this insignificant life force here. Can’t blame some lowly peasant like me for being attracted to a god. I mean … he is a god. And that is the body of a god … mmmmm … Reiya! Gutter! Get out of the gutter! He’s looking right at you! Focus, woman!Reiya shook her head and smiled. “It’s been a long day. I guess I am tired.” He flashed a wide smile at her.Yep, he’s melting me.
“Get some sleep, princess. I hate it when you’re stressed out. I feel like I’m not doing my job.” Lee patted her head once again, smiling down at her.
I know a way you can unstress me out, if you’re offering …“I’m going to grab a shower and then get to bed. I promise I’ll be back to normal tomorrow.” Reiya knew she would be taking a cold shower.
“Sweet dreams, princess. If you need me, call me.” Lee smiled and kissed her on the forehead before he vanished.
