Page 13 of The Dragon's Gambit

Lita giggled. “Werewolves and fairies don’t age like humans. When we reach maturity, our aging slows significantly. Much like how dragons do, too. So … are we still friends, now that you’re all grown up?”

Xander laughed. “Of course.”

“Good. Then why is my friend holding onto my daughter like that?” Lita’s green emeralds met with his amber ones. She watched as a smile spread across his face.

“I figured, you already had a mate when I met you, but since your daughter doesn’t, I thought I might be in luck.” Xander grinned as he heard the rippling growls from Asher and the two guardians.

“I think we can go and discuss this situation rationally.” Grandpa Sage walked up and patted Xander's shoulder. “Quit provoking them.” There was a mild, fatherly scold in his voice. Xander gave him a crooked grin and shrugged.

“Grandpa Sage, it’s very good to see you again.” Lita smiled while she held onto Asher to stop him from rampaging. She could feel he was about to snap.

“Let’s go inside and chat.” Grandpa Sage looked at Xander and nodded.

Xander smiled at Reiya, loosening his grip on her. He let his arm drop from his protective hold. “Would you two please follow us? Reiya … you can wait here with your … people.” Xander looked at Asher and Lita, who agreed to follow him.

Reiya watched as her parents followed Xander and Grandpa Sage into the castle. She was then blindsided by a crashing force from the side. Brody held her tightly and then pulled away from her with angry eyes.

“I knew it! I knew you going out with Chelsie was trouble—”

“Hey! Don’t start on me!” Chelsie snapped back.

“Cool it, you two! We don’t need a continuation from earlier now, do we?” Grayson growled as he walked up to Reiya.

Brody was livid with Chelsie when he heard what had happened. The two were in each other’s faces, yelling at the top of their lungs. Thankfully, Lita managed to calm them both down.

“Are you okay, princess?” Grayson looked her over and pulled her from Brody into his arms.

“I’m fine, Uncle Grayson.” Reiya hugged him back and smiled.

“Are they really not planning on letting you leave?” Brody asked bitterly.

“Yeah … but I can work on relations and see if I can get them to become our allies,” Reiya said, trying to smooth it over.

“Okay, so say you’re able to do that, then what? Will you be allowed to return then?” Chelsie asked in a snotty voice.

“I don’t know … I’m not sure what the plan is. How did you guys get here so fast?” Reiya tried to change the subject.

“We took the hippogryphs. It was much easier than climbing up the mountainside.” Brody frowned as he looked at the small cuts and bruises over her body.

“Asher won’t let them keep you for nothing. They better have a good reason, or he is going to blow a fuse.” Grayson looked out toward the castle, wanting to be with Asher and Lita.

“There is no good reason.” Brody folded his arms and sighed. She wasn’t theirs to keep. She was the fairy princess. She was his sister. Damn snakes needed to step back.

“How was fishing?” Reiya asked sheepishly, trying to deescalate the tempers. She didn’t mind staying here for a little bit, but she didn’t want to stay here permanently. She would just take it one step at a time.

“Fishing? Seriously, Reiya?” Brody rolled his eyes at her pathetic attempt to change the subject.

“Where is your summon at?” Chelsie spat out with her brows furrowed. “Why hasn’t he whisked you away from here.”

“He’s here somewhere. From my understanding, he doesn’t interfere with how things are run in the kingdom. So, I don’t think he can take me away from here, even if I asked him. As long as I’m safe, then he’ll leave it alone.” Reiya looked around. She hadn’t seen Lee since the argument earlier. She hoped he was okay.

“I knew it … he’s a dragon too, so he can’t be trusted.” Chelsie crossed her arms and sighed.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure my parents will work something out.” Reiya smiled. She trusted her parents. Surely, they could do something about this situation. “In either case, I will be staying here for a little bit. So, where’s my stuff?”

“Oh no. I forgot. I can go back and pack up your things.” Chelsie had been too caught up in the moment and in fighting with Brody to remember.

“I can bring it to you. If you’re staying here, then I am, too, so I’ll need to go back and pack up some of my stuff.” Brody sighed. He didn’t really fancy staying there, but there was no way he would let Reiya stay there alone.