Page 126 of The Dragon's Gambit

Xander took a small step away from Reiya, and Lee took the moment to wrap his arms around her again. “Speaking of interesting, I haven’t seen the two of you for a whole night and half a day now. And Reiya, you smell completely like Levi here.”

“Shouldn’t you have been busy tending to your mate, too?” Lee asked with a small smirk.

Xander was about to answer, and then his eyes bulged. “All this time?! All this time? You’ve been … you know, all this time? Man, I don’t have the stamina.” Xander shrugged, then grinned, seeing Reiya’s deep red face. “Why do you smell like him, though?”

“La la la la, not hearing this … la la la la!” Brody said loudly, shooting Xander an annoyed glare.

“I’m not sure. I guess after … well, afterward … it changed the way I smell,” Reiya answered in a quieted voice.

Lee grinned down at his bashful mate. “Anyway, are you two going to explain what just happened?” He cleared his throat, trying to escape the topic of his night for Reiya’s sake. He had nothing to be embarrassed about. If anything, he was quite proud of it. He wouldn’t mind broadcasting his night to everyone, but the timing still wasn’t quite right for that.

“Did you feel the pain, too?” Reiya asked. She watched as Xander nodded.

“Sure did. Man, that really hurt.” Xander looked up from Reiya and gazed into Levi’s eyes. “I’m sorry to say that I am veryconnected to your mate,” Xander said, trying to mess with Levi’s head. “We’re really close.”

Reiya shook her head and smiled. “I don’t think you can mess with his head anymore. Not after the evening we spent together. My wolf said he’s our mate.”

It then clicked for Xander. “So that’s what happened.” Xander smirked and looked at the two of them. “I guess your wolf wanted to seal the deal more than Levi’s beast.” He heard Levi let out a low chuckle as he continued to poke at him.

“Get back on topic, young whelp.” Lee gently stroked his hands over Reiya’s arms as he held her close. He was no longer worried about Xander being her mate, but he did want to know how they were connected.

“Reiya and I are connected by our souls.” Xander told the story while Reiya filled in the gaps.

A small frown rested on Lee’s face after they finished explaining. He knew about the Gemini twins and knew of their first fate. He felt very concerned and protective. The two people he was closest to would have a big target on their backs. At the same time, they would be incredibly strong together. He stood there, deep in thought over everything. The fates had their hands in this. It was no coincidence that someone who was like a brother to him and his fated mate happened to be the Gemini twins. He was in their lives to protect them. He wasn’t the only deity watching over these souls, though. They would have several that would back them. Maybe this would be enough to get the other deities to accept his relationship, since he was mated to one of the Gemini twins.

“So, when the two of you are near each other, you’re immune to magic and fire resistant?” Brody had intently listened to the story, since it pertained to his sister. “In a sense, you’re Reiya’s brother as well.”

Xander smiled and nodded. “She always seemed like a sister to me. I guess this is why.”

“Well then, I guess you’re my brother too.” Brody hopped up and patted Xander on the back.

Xander’s eyes widened and he jumped back a bit, shocked.

“What?” Brody asked, looking around.

“Didn’t touching me burn you?” Xander looked at Brody incredulously.

“Xaaannndddeeerrr … I’m a guardian.” Brody chuckled. “You really didn’t think your pathetic dragon skin could burn ME, did you?”

“Wait! I’m a guardian, too. Let me see.” Chelsie walked up and touched Xander. She then removed her hand and wiped it on her pants. “It didn’t burn, but it’s just a bit gross. I hope this smell comes off.” She raised her hand and grimaced at the scent that remained. Dragon musk was gross.

Xander stood there, staring in awe. Inwardly, he could barely contain his happiness. These were people who would be staying in his kingdom, and they could all touch him. For someone who started out so alone, he felt like a family was growing around him. Even Chelsie was becoming like an annoying little sister to him. He had his mate, his brother, his soul twin, and now the two guardians. He had a houseful, and he would never feel lonely again.

Xander reached out and clasped hands with Brody. He then leaned in with his other hand and patted him on the back. “I told you we would end up being great friends.”

Brody chuckled and nodded. “I never would have imagined it before.”

Reiya leaned into Lee and smiled. This felt like such a good moment. She didn’t want it to end, didn’t want the future to come. Couldn’t the demons just disappear? She tilted her head up to look at Lee, his eyes already on her. He lowered himselfand gently kissed her nose. She enjoyed the tiny sparks she felt from the contact. The sparks and electricity had gotten stronger since she got her wolf. Oh … her wolf. She finally had her wolf! She wanted to shift.

About damn time you thought of me. I need to stretch my legs. You know I’ve only been stuck in a bubble forever,Lumi teased, but she was also enjoying this moment with Reiya. It had a very familial feel to it, one that Lumi craved as well.

Sorry. You’re right. I’m ready for my first shift.Reiya turned and looked at Lee. “Any chance a girl who just got her wolf might be able to shift and go on her first run?”

He smiled down at her. “Yes, but I want to be there with you for your first shift.” He nuzzled his nose into her hair, taking in their joined scents.

“Let’s go to the far end of the woods. It’ll give us plenty of privacy. I want to see her shift, too. Lila is busy today anyway,” Xander said with a small pout.

“I’m so excited! I can’t wait to see your beautiful wolf.” Chelsie was bouncing around in excitement, so happy for her dear friend.