Page 32 of The Dragon's Gambit

“This is our table.” He pulled out a chair for her and helped her into her seat. She sat down as he took his seat beside her.

“Judging by first glances, it doesn’t look like I made any immediate friends.” Reiya chuckled nervously as she glanced around.

Xander smiled and watched her intently. She glanced up and noticed him looking at her. She watched his eyes glance around the room for a moment and then settle back onto her. “I’m going to need to make it well known that you are off limits.”

“I do need to talk to others in order to make friends.” Reiya gave him a crooked smile.

“Talking is one thing. The animals in here look ready to gobble you up. Not that I can blame them. The thought may have crossed my mind once or twice.” Xander flashed her his full, white, toothy smile.

“Does your flirting ever get you anywhere?” Reiya shook her head, smiling at him.

“I guess we’ll find out tonight.” He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes.

Reiya could still feel all the eyes on her.This would be a horrible time to trip or spit a drink out through my nose,Reiya thought with wry amusement.Okay, Reiya. You can do this. Operation Make the Dragons My Pets is a go. Phase one.

Chapter 21 Dragon Party

The band was playing, and dozens of partners were entering the dance floor. Xander stood up and extended his hand to Reiya. “It’s time I make it known that you’re my partner tonight.”

Reiya grinned back at him and gently placed her hand in his, excited to get to dance again tonight. She let him twirl her around on the dance floor. She noticed him shoot a few glares past her on occasion, making sure no one stared at her for long.

“I was really proud of you earlier for how you handled Clovis.” Xander stared into her blue pools. She really was stunning to look at. “I expected you to just stand quietly by. What you did meant even more, though. It showed courage. I was very pleased. You never cease to amaze me.”

“I couldn’t let someone insult me or my kind, especially the likes of him. I honestly don’t understand how you put up with it.”

“I know. Trust me, it’s hard. In his case, it’s best to keep him close so I can keep an eye on him. If I thought he was working alone, it would be over. I have a feeling, though … I need to find out who all is in his pockets.”

She watched Xander as he drifted deep into his thoughts. “So, are you purposely provoking him to try to get him to act?” His eyes refocused on her, shining with amusement.

“Purposely provoking?” Xander grinned as he repeated the question back to her.

“Yes.” Reiya giggled. “Provoking him with having a non-dragon mate.”

“Hmmm. I see. You think I’m purposely provoking him by saying that?” Xander grinned and then twirled her around. As he spun her back, he pulled her deep into his embrace. “I’m not provoking him with that. I’m preparing him. Letting him get used to the idea slowly.”

Reiya felt his hot breath fan against her cheek. She tilted her head up to him and smiled. She scrunched her eyebrows up. “Preparing him for dragons taking non-dragon mates in the future?”

Xander chuckled. “Why are you fighting it so much? Why can’t you accept the idea of me as your mate?”

Reiya felt her heart flutter and her breath caught in her chest. His voice suddenly sounded serious, and the usual mischief was gone. She forced herself to exhale and keep her composure, her gaze meeting with his amber eyes confidently. “You are not my mate, Xander.” She watched a grin spread across his face.

“How do you know? When your wolf finally pops out, you might feel differently.” Xander leaned down and breathed in her scent.

“Xander, quit teasing me.” Reiya didn’t know for sure, but she just didn’t think he was her mate. Yes, she was attracted to him, but shouldn’t it be stronger, even without her wolf? His teasing was starting to confuse her, though. Like she should be feeling more for him.

“Reiya …” His hot breath fanned her hair as his head drew lower. There was a certain tenderness to his tone. It was just her name. Just one word. But it felt like there was so much more behind it, so much more meaning in that one word. She felt an inner moment of clarity, and she was no longer confused. She knew … she knew what she had always known.

She pulled back slightly and smiled up at Xander. “It’s not you.” She gave him a knowing smile. “I might not know who my mate is, but I know what my heart wants. And it isn’t you. Even if you are good-looking, you aren’t the one my heart calls out for.”

Xander smirked at her and continued to sway to the music with her in his arms. “Life has a way of surprising us, Reiya. I’m young … you’re younger still. Sometimes, we can’t wait for the maturity that age brings to us. We are meant to face some futures while young. Your future is heavily intertwined with mine, and soon you’ll realize it.” Xander stared at her sapphire eyes that sparkled under the light. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. A few minor gasps were heard in the crowd asthey witnessed the intimate scene. Their king had just kissed someone on the cheek. This was not casual news.

Reiya felt the soft tickle from his lips on her cheek. There was a certain respect and adoration behind it. She looked into his smiling eyes as he pulled away. He might be a flirt and a tease, but what he just said was genuine. What exactly it meant, she was sure she would soon find out.

“I’m glad we’re friends.” Reiya smiled back up at him as he led her off the dance floor.

“We’re more than friends, Reiya. For now, I’ll just leave it at that.” Xander squeezed her side lightly, a small smile resting on his face.

“My Lord.” An older man’s voice called from behind them as he approached.