Page 108 of The Dragon's Gambit

Ruby shut her mouth for a moment. “So, I guess I won’t be killing him then,” she giggled quietly.

“Wait, he branded her? She’s his mate? Oh man, I am dead. I’ve been flirting with Leviathan’s mate. I did it in front of him, too. I am so dead. Underworld, here I come.” Weston slapped his forehead.

Reiya giggled. “I think he’ll give you a pass this one time, since you didn’t know any better.”

Dex and Reiya filled them in on the whole story, explaining the reasons for everything. They were now waiting to hear their responses.

“I’m sorry we lied to you all,” Reiya added quietly.

“Well, no wonder. You’ve had a lot happen to you. Then to find out that you’ve been claimed by a deity. He better be easy on you. That experienced ogre better not have been rough with you. Is he attentive with you, sweets?” Ruby asked as she placed a gentle hand on Reiya’s shoulder.

“Ruby, are you asking her about their sex life?” Weston asked in curious disbelief.

“She’s such a sweet, innocent fairy. What if she’s being mistreated?” Ruby snorted at Weston and turned back to Reiya.

Reiya couldn’t believe what was just asked in front of everyone. Her cheeks were hot and flaming red.

“Ummm … he … we … haven’t,” Reiya choked out quietly.

Weston leaned against the wall. “Damn, he has more restraint than I do, I’ll give him that.” He looked up at the ceiling but noticed the small nod from Dex in agreement.

“He hasn’t completed the mating bond yet?” Ruby asked, astounded.

“He was waiting until he worked everything out. He said he wouldn’t be able to stay away from me afterward, so in order to keep our secret …”

“Aww, so underneath that rough persona, he is a sweetie, isn’t he?” Ruby gushed and held onto both of Reiya’s hands.

Reiya smiled. “He treats me well.”

“Well, guess I’ve struck out completely. Stealing you from Xander was one thing. Stealing you from Leviathan is never going to happen.” Weston smiled and winked at her. He then straightened himself up and spoke more seriously. “No one will touch you, Reiya. They don’t need to know who your mate is. Just that you have a dragon mate, and you will let them know when the time is right. Anyone who gives you a hard time after that will have to deal with me.”

Ruby smiled back at her brother and nodded. “You have the support of the four kingdoms. Anyone who doesn’t have a death wish will leave you alone.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” Reiya felt herself relax a bit.

“So, you were going to let Xander … you know … on your neck, even though he isn’t your mate?” Mason asked incredulously.

“Xander is like a brother to me, and I’m like a sister to him. I know it’s hard to understand, but we’re connected somehow. I’m hoping I’ll know more when my wolf comes out. All we both know is that we feel like family. But it’s nothing more than that, from either of us.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I guess I can feel better about this whole situation, then.” Lila’s voice echoed as she entered the room with Xander at her side, bearing a fresh mark on her neck.

Chapter 69 Xander’s Brand

“Well, I see you got right down to business, Xander.” Weston winked, looking at Lila’s neck.

“Treat her well, Xander,” Dex said gruffly and then placed a hand on Reiya’s shoulder. “I’ll see to Reiya tonight, so you can enjoy your evening with my sister.”

Weston gasped loudly and then flashed his gaze at Reiya. “So, when you were talking about marking your mate, you mean to mark Leviathan! You are so brazen. Wow! Such bold tenacity right there.” Weston whistled and rubbed the back of his head. This girl was in a league of her own.

Reiya smiled and looked up to meet eyes with the blonde-haired beauty beside Xander. She wasn’t sure if she should say something to her, if she should reassure her that her relationship with Xander wasn’t anything. Part of her wanted to tell her to treat Xander well. She felt protective over him because of everything he’d been through, and she didn’t know this girl, only that she was Dex’s sister.

“Xander is a good guy … I … please be good to each other,” Reiya said quietly, not sure if she was out of line or not.

Lila giggled and looked up at Xander. “Aww, she’s protective of you.” Xander looked at Reiya and smiled. She was being like a big sister now, even though she was the younger one.

“I promise I’ll take good care of him.” Lila met with Reiya’s gaze and nodded her head. Lila wasn’t a jealous girl. Actually, she was the opposite of Reiya in many ways. She was quiet and wasn’t big on violence. She was not a fighter but a great diplomat … the perfect complement to Xander's aggressive nature.

“So, how do you think we should proceed with this? How do I denounce a mate to take on a new one?” Xander chuckled a bit but wasn’t sure how to do it without putting Reiya too much in the limelight.