Page 29 of The Dragon's Gambit

“What? She is?” Reiya felt almost giddy hearing this.

“Your eyes were changing color, which is something that usually happens to shifters when their beast is trying to come forward. You angry at me?” Reese looked at her with almost a pouty face.

Reiya had to tuck away her excitement about her wolf. She almost choked on her spit. He really had no clue why she would be mad. “I don’t like others thinking they have a say in my life.”

He grinned. “I’m not trying to boss you around. You were born to lead. I’m just making sure no one else is trying to get close to you.”

“Why is that?” Reiya asked with her arms folded. She watched as his eyes flickered and then lowered quickly.

A pair of warm arms snaked around her waist and pulled her backward. Hot, searing breath came close to her neck. “That’s because you’re MINE.”

Chapter 19 Xander’s Mate

Reiya felt the hot breath upon her skin. It was like getting hit with steam. She could feel the heat from the body her back was leaning into, the well-defined chest pressing against her.She sighed and leaned backward, with a small smile on her face. She knew who was behind her.

“I don’t ever recall saying that I belonged to you.” Reiya smirked, enjoying his warmth on her back. It was like having a human electric blanket. It was so comfortable, who wouldn’t soak it in? Especially when the blanket had a chiseled body and a very handsome face.

“I don’t recall ever giving you a say.” She could hear his smirk as he spoke.

Reiya whipped her elbow back, colliding the point with his stomach.

“Ooof.”

Reiya spun around and stared into the amber eyes that were squinting slightly from the impact of her elbow. “Don’t think I’m just going to melt into your arms, Xander. You might be cute, but you’re out of your mind if you think I’m just going to allow you to claim me for yourself.” She reached her hand up and flicked his forehead.

Xander reached up and rubbed his forehead. “Ouch, Reiya. How can you be so mean to your future lover?”

Reiya shook her head and giggled.Such a flirt.

“Where’s mom at?” Brody walked up with Lee, looked around, and then brought his gaze back to Reiya. He watched her eyes gloss over and become a bit dull.

“She’s talking with Grandpa Sage. Apparently, it’s something I’m not allowed to hear.” Reiya frowned and looked down the hall. She looked at Xander and smiled. Grandpa Sage had cleared up the whole map thing. She was happy about that, because she didn’t want to doubt them. Then she looked at Lee. The image of herself calling for him flashed into her head. Her sad and desperate eyes. She could feel her own heart breaking. That was when she heard it—a low snarl deep inside her mind.She heard it only for a moment before it vanished. She turned to see a man in all purple approaching them.

“My Lords.” Clovis bowed, then shot an icy look at Reiya.

Xander reached forward and pulled Reiya into his side. He leaned his head down and nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck. “Clovis, is there something you need?” Xander’s eyes flicked at him with irritation.

Clovis’ eyes glared at Xander's intimate behavior with Reiya. “My Lord, given my position, I must say something. Surely this is just—” He motioned between Xander and Reiya. “This is just some fun to pass the time, right? It’s just, you’re treating her an awful lot like she’s—”

“My mate?” Xander answered with a smirk. He watched the eyes of the man widen, fury building behind them.

“You wouldn’t. You wouldn’t take a … fairy ...” The word fairy almost vomited out of his mouth. “... as your mate? You wouldn’t taint our kind like that,” Clovis’ voice hissed out with contempt.

“Careful.” Lee shot a dark look at Clovis. There was real fear in Clovis’ eyes when he noticed the glare from Leviathan.

“Last I checked, I’m the king, not you. How dare you question anyone’s choice of mate, let alone your king’s!” Xander wrapped his arms around Reiya tightly, holding her flush against him. Meanwhile, he continued to keep his head tucked away near her neck.

Reiya stood there, allowing herself to be controlled like a doll. Xander's hot breath brushed against her neck once again. This seemed like more than just playful teasing. This was more promising, and threatening. Why would Xander go this far for a simple game? She could feel his lips almost brush against her neck, near her marking spot, and she began to feel anxious. This was taking things a bit too far, and she was getting confused. She didn’t want to make trouble. She heard a deep rumbling noiseand could feel the vibrations from the chest she was pressed against.

“Are you not going to discuss this with the rest of the council?” Clovis asked in agitation.

“Why do I need to seek approval from the council about my own mate?” Xander snapped his head up, away from Reiya’s neck as he looked at Clovis.

“Because this is unprecedented. No one has ever taken a non-dragon mate.” Clovis looked at Reiya with disgust.

“Look at her like that again. I dare you.” Xander bared his teeth at Clovis, an imminent threat in his eyes.

Reiya didn’t know what was going on, but she knew she couldn’t appear timid and weak. Making sure she stood fully and confidently, she pinned her gaze back on Clovis. This might not have been her fight, but this man was looking down on her kind. She would not allow it.