Page 104 of The Dragon's Gambit

“She’d be touched to hear you say that.” Mason smiled at him, knowing he didn’t express his real feelings often.

“She would, but she won’t. It’s easier on her this way. If she doesn’t realize how important she is to me, then it won’t hurt her to leave.”

Dex glanced at him. “Wow, Weston. You always like to play the clown, the jokester, but how you really feel about things has always been the biggest mystery.” For as long as he had known Weston, he’d always hidden behind being the prankster. The player.

Weston chuckled. “Now don’t go analyzing me, Dex. There’s already too much seriousness in life. I want to have fun and enjoy it. I like watching everyone’s reactions. They tell me a lot.”

“So, what are your real thoughts about getting involved in the upcoming war?” Dex asked quietly.

Weston’s gaze shifted to the two smiling girls. “It’s our war, too. Do you really think that, after conquering the fairies, they’ll stop there? Besides, I don’t think I want to exist in a world where the fairy princess doesn’t exist.”

“Hmm? That sounds like a declaration of love,” Dex teased with a small laugh.

“You trying to get me killed by Xander?” Weston chuckled and shook his head.

“I know what you mean, Wes. I feel the same way. She’s important. Already, she’s important to me as well, in a sister way.” Dex made sure to add at the end.

“Good. It better be a sister way,” Mason growled lightly.

“Poor Reiya …” Weston said with a sigh, and the other two looked at him. “She grew up with three overprotective brothers,and she just got a few more.” The three men nodded their heads, laughing.

“Don’t be nervous about later, Reiya,” Ruby said quietly as she leaned down, studying the flowers. “Just forget about the crowd.”

Reiya smiled and nodded. “The crowd is the only part I’m nervous about, honestly.” Reiya closed her eyes and breathed in. There was a strange, sweet scent in the air. She didn’t think more about it because the next thing Ruby said shocked her.

“You love Xander, don’t you?” Ruby asked, and Reiya’s chest tightened a bit. She didn’t want to lie. But she didn’t have to. She did love Xander, but she wasn’t in love with him. There was a difference.

“Mm-hmm. I trust him completely.”

“He’s a good guy. Despite his early life, he grew up well,” Ruby added with a slight frown.

“He’s happy now. He isn’t lonely. And I promised him I would always be there for him. He’ll never be left alone again.” Reiya watched as Ruby straightened up and turned to look at her. She held out her hands and grasped both of Reiya’s.

“You’ve touched all of our lives in such a positive way. Are you sure you’re not a fairy godmother or something?” Ruby smiled and Reiya giggled at her.

“Have you been watching Cinderella lately?” Reiya shook her head with a smile on her face.

Ruby sighed. “It’s about that time. Let’s escort each other. It will be the last time we’ll be able to do so.” Ruby wrapped her arm around Reiya’s, and the two walked back up the path.

The group made their way to the party. Reiya could see Brody and Chelsie seated in the very back in a secluded spot. Most of the seats had already been taken, and dragons were happily chatting amongst each other.

“My sister Lila is here.” Dex pointed out in the distance at a very pale girl. She had both ivory skin and light blonde hair.

“Maybe I should go spend some time with her?” Weston teased and Dex snarled at him lowly. “Easy there. It was obviously a joke. This is her first mating party, isn’t it? You nervous about maybe losing your baby sister?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it,” Dex said in a gruff, annoyed voice.

Mason walked up behind Reiya and Ruby. He wrapped both his arms around the two girls and led them toward the head table.

“Hey. That’s not fair, Mase!” Wes snorted. “You can’t hog Reiya when you have Ruby.”

“Can’t I? Come and take her then, little whelp.” Mason grinned and watched Weston frown.

“You’re such a bully.” Weston walked to the table and plopped into a seat.

Dex walked over and winked at Mason. “This one is mine until Xander comes and claims her.”

Mason nodded and relinquished Reiya to him.