Page 130 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Good. It takes an army to look after you. Bloodthirsty wolf or not, I don’t want you fighting. Love you, my sweet fairy.” He gently prodded her nose and reluctantly left.

Reiya watched as he vanished in front of her. She let out a soft sigh and went to get ready for the day. This would be her first day being fully mated without Lee. It was the first day ofhaving her wolf, knowing Lee is also her mate, and not having Lee near her. Yep, this was going to be torture. It had only been a few minutes, and she already missed him. The mate pull was so strong, demanding that she be near her mate. They were stronger together, and nature knew what it was doing by making the pull so powerful. It was an act of self-preservation, one that she had to fight off all day.

Reiya walked out of her room and was greeted by Chelsie and Brody. She met with their eyes, hers a bit more dull than usual. “Aww, Reiya, your face looks so sad today,” Chelsie pouted, looking at her friend’s face.

“Levi had to leave today, huh?” Brody gave her a crooked grin as he took a big bite of his sandwich.

Reiya rolled her eyes at Brody. “Mind your business and keep eating your sandwich.”

“Ouch. Ray Ray is grouchy today.” Brody frowned and solemnly nibbled on his sandwich.

Reiya giggled. “Okay, okay, Brody. But you did start it.”

“Do we want to watch some movies today?” Chelsie asked, looking around the room.

“I wouldn’t mind going for a walk. I don’t think that’ll be a problem. I’ll just let Xander know with our fancy, new mindlink,” Reiya said in a show-off tone.

Xander … do you copy? Over.Reiya giggled a bit over her silliness.

Wow … that was lame, Reiya. That was like a dad joke … gross.Xander smirked as he replied to her.

Just for that, I’m not telling you of my plans.

What plans?

Wouldn’t you like to know?This time Reiya was the one smirking.

Alright, I’m sorry princess. What are you planning?Xander swallowed his pride and admitted defeat with an apology.

Now that’s better. Anyway, I want to go for a walk. Nothing big. Just to get some fresh air. That shouldn’t be a problem, right?

No, it won’t be. Dex and Weston will be joining you. Mason, the girls, and I are stuck in this dumb unity luncheon. I will come see you after it’s done, though.

Dex and Weston don’t have to join me. I really don’t need a group for a small walk,Reiya protested lightly. She knew she wouldn’t win, but it was ridiculous.

I know you don’t need it. But I’ll feel better, and I’m sure your mate will, too.

Whatever. I’m not waiting for them, so I guess it depends on if they find me.She heard Xander chuckle in her head.

Okay, Reiya. Good luck with that.He smiled as he felt her close the link. She was like an annoying little sister, always trying to get her way. Or at least always looking for the loophole.

“Okay, let’s get moving. We have to hurry or we’re going to get stuck with goons following us around.” Reiya sprinted toward the stairs, her two guardians hot on her heels.

Brody was quickly scarfing the rest of his food, eating on the run.When did I order fast food?

“What do you mean goons? Who are the goons?” Chelsie was laughing as she chased after Reiya. She didn’t mind her leaving without extra guards. She and Brody would be with Reiya, and she would be perfectly safe with them.

Reiya giggled as she swung the door open to the bottom of the stairs. She turned back to look at Chelsie and “Ooof”.

Reiya looked up to see who she had collided with. She was met with Dex’s smile, and right off to his side was Weston, grinning widely.

“Trying to ditch us, huh?” Weston chuckled and winked at Reiya.

“How did you guys get here so fast?” Reiya pouted as she straightened herself back up.

“Xander asked us to stick around here in case you decided to wander out. Then he let us know you were going to try to ditch us and wanted to make sure we were still in position,” Dex said, grinning down at the mischievous girl.

Brody was laughing lightly, and the two girls looked back at him. “If you weren’t so busy racing down the steps, I could have told you they were down here waiting. Xander let me know this morning.”