Page 136 of The Dragon's Gambit

“I guess healing really wore me out. I feel great now.”How are you feeling, Lumi?

I spent an hour healing you while you slept, and then I used that extra hour to rest up myself. We are one hundred percent ready for our next fight.

Reiya giggled. “Lumi says we’re all healed up and ready for the next fight.”

Lee and Xander both growled. “I don’t want there to be a next fight.” Lee snorted and wrapped his arms around her possessively.

“Next time, I’m staying glued to your side. That way, nothing magical can hurt you.” Xander folded his arms and nodded his head.

“I’m fine now. I feel great. I definitely learned my lesson. Now I know I need more practice before I mess with life energy,” Reiya answered casually.

“WHAT!” Lee and Xander yelled out. Their eyes immediately went from shock to anger. Their faces hardened, and Lee set his jaw.

Oops ... guess I said too much.Reiya’s eyes darted to both men’s faces and she gave them a sheepish grin.

Way to go, Reiya. Now I’ll never be allowed out to fight,Lumi grumbled and laid her head down on her paws, sulking. She also didn’t like having her mate upset with her.

Reiya chuckled nervously. Feigning innocence, she asked, “What happened?” Yes, innocence was good.

“You said you messed with his life energy,” Lee said lowly, his voice edging darker.

Okay … is it bad that I find it hot and not threatening?Reiya asked Lumi.

Sounds like he just needs to take that aggression out on someone. I wouldn’t mind being on that receiving end.Lumi sighed, thinking about her mate.

“Oh … that. Heh heh heh …” Reiya cleared her throat a bit and shrugged. She then looked back at Lee and frowned.Yes, Reiya. Work this angle instead. Let’s get a sympathy ticket.“I didn’t know what else to do. He was much stronger than us. I had to try to block his flow of energy. It was the only thing I could think of.” Reiya fidgeted with her fingers and glanced up to see Lee’s dark eyes.

“Really, Reiya? The only thing?” Lee snorted angrily. “You could have called for me then. Instead, Lumi had to call for me. You almost got yourself killed when all you had to do was yell for me. Hell, even if you’d thought of me, I would have felt it.” Lee snarled in agitation. He would have come to her in an instant and could have prevented her from ever being injured.

Her eyes flipped to Xander, who was also giving her a stern look. His jaw was stiff and clenched as he nodded his head in agreement. Both men were visibly upset. They were angry … with her.

Lumi growled lowly.Oh? Well, if they want to rumble, then I’m game. Just look at the way they’re looking at us. I didn’t get my chance to fight earlier, and I am more than willing to put them in their place now.

Suddenly both men started looking at her in amusement, their eyes laughing and their lips turned up in smiles.What the freaking whiplash of emotions is this?Reiya thought.

“Looks like my little wolf here has quite the temper.” Lee smiled as he rubbed Reiya’s arm.

Did he just pet me?Reiya furrowed her brows. Lumi gnashed her teeth in Reiya’s mind, insulted.

“We can see your eyes changing color. Your wolf is fighting for control.” Xander grinned and leaned back on his heels.

They think me getting angry is CUTE?!Lumi roared, even more enraged. She was an agitated werewolf, and her animal instincts were surging.

Reiya had never experienced anything like this. Her wolf’s attitude was so much more aggressive than hers. Sure, Reiya was getting annoyed, but Lumi was angry. For the first time, she felt what it was actually like to fight with your animal, which she had seen her family do all the time. They all managed so well, making it look effortless. This was not effortless. She was really struggling.

Another battle was ensuing, only this time, it was a battle of wills. Reiya grabbed onto her arms as her body began to tremble slightly. Why was this so much harder for her? What was going on?

Lumi, what the hell are you doing? This is our mate and our friend, who is also our soul twin. Rein it in,Reiya barked inside her head.

We won’t be disrespected,Lumi snarled.

You’re acting just as bad as the dragons do. We’re better than that. Now, THAT’S ENOUGH! Control your temper NOW,Reiya commanded in her head. The moment she did, Lumi was able to settle.

Wolves needed a pecking order. All Lumi needed was for Reiya to take complete charge of the situation. She was an animal, after all. Sometimes her animal instincts took over, which was why a strong wolf like her needed a strong partner. It was when the partner wasn’t strong enough that accidents happened, and people accidentally got hurt.

Thanks. I’m better now.Lumi laid down, placing her head on her paws.

Reiya sighed. Having her wolf was more of a handful than she thought it would be. Of course, had she gotten her wolf at sixteen, she would have mastered being a werewolf by now. She’d only had Lumi for one day.