Page 43 of The Dragon's Gambit

Her thoughts were interrupted by the creak of the wooden door as it was flipped open. She saw Xander’s head emerge first, followed by Brody and Chelsie.

“Reiya!” Brody yelled and quickly walked over to her. He knew that Leviathan was her mate, but that didn’t stop him from worrying about her. After all, before she was ever anyone’s mate,she was his sister, and he was her guardian. “Is everything okay? Are you okay?”

Reiya smiled and nodded her head. “I’m fine. I promise.”

“I’m a bit hurt. You act like I would mistreat my mate,” Lee said with a soft chuckle.

A loud gag sound was heard in the background, and all eyes turned to Chelsie.

“I’m sorry. No, no, honestly, I’m really happ—” She retched again, covering her mouth with her hand. “Seriously, Reiya. I’m really happy that you found your mate. Even if he is a—” She let out another dry heave and her eyes watered up. “Sorry. The idea of being touched by a dragon, blllleeeehh.” Another strong gag hit her as she waved the others off. “I promise, I really am happy for you, Reiya.”

Reiya rolled her eyes but giggled at her friend. She walked up to her and patted her on the back. “Thank you for trying, Chelsie. And thank you for saying you’re happy for me.” Chelsie gave her a small, apologetic smile.

“I’ll get used to it. I promise. It’s just ... the smell, and the scales.” Chelsie quickly cupped her hands over her mouth and shuddered in disgust.

“Well, tell me how you really feel,” Lee said, slightly annoyed. A kelpie looking down on a deity ... now that was a joke in itself.

Reiya rubbed the back of her neck and smiled nervously. “I’m sure we’re all going to be the best of friends.”

“So, are you planning to accept him as your mate, then?” Xander asked with a sly grin as he side-eyed Reiya.

Reiya looked over at him and gave him a mischievous smile. “Of course I am. But Xander … I know you were supposed to act like my mate and all, because you really made it seem that way, but I don’t think you needed to kiss me behind closed doors for that.” She saw fear immediately flash through his eyes as herealized what she had just done. A thunderous growl echoed in the room as Lee’s dark eyes landed on Xander.

“No no no! Levi, I would never, ever! She’s teasing. Reiya, you tell him you’re teasing.” Xander pleaded with her as he put his hands up in surrender to Lee.

Reiya giggled. “Serves you right.” She stuck her tongue out at Xander. Seriously, though. How did they know she wasn’t going to fall for his games? They were just lucky that she didn’t. Pfft. Men. They thought they could just manipulate everything and leave her in the dark.

“Well, that was a dangerous game.” Lee smirked and fixed his gaze on Reiya.

“So was yours. What if I would have fallen for Xander and his advances? Then what? You were playing with emotions. Luckily, it was easy to pick up on Xander's attribute of perpetual flirting.”

“Ouch.” Xander grabbed his chest, feigning injury.

“You’re right. This was not a well-thought-out plan, which is why you know it began with Xander and not me. The young whelp still has a few things to learn,” Lee said in minor annoyance. He hated the idea of Xander having to act like Reiya’s mate. It bothered him on a cellular level. Reiya was his, and Xander's hands on her made him want to lash out in anger.

“Well, she just showed up, spur of the moment. I thought I did well for putting together a plan in just a minute.” Xander shrugged. Hey, it worked. Reiya was here. Levi finally had his mate, and no harm was done. “But I agree. Now we need to form a better plan. We don’t want any mistakes.”

Chapter 30 Say It

“Everyone understands, then? Reiya is to be considered my mate for the time being. Lee will keep an appropriate distance unless behind closed doors.”

“So ... what happens at night?” Chelsie asked with a wry smile. “I mean, if she’s pretending to be your mate, Xander ... wouldn’t she be joining you in your room at night?”

“Over my dead body,” Lee growled out.

“We have to avoid suspicion, Lee.” Xander shrugged. He was okay with the idea of taking Reiya to his room. They could work out sleeping arrangements.

“No, it won’t work. I can’t accept it. I won’t allow her to sleep in another man’s room. She’ll stay up here at night. I want her close to me.” Lee’s eyes locked onto Reiya’s. There was no way he would be able to tolerate her sleeping with another man. Even if it was Xander.

“What are those doors over there?” Brody pointed to the opposite side of the kitchen.

“They’re bedrooms,” Xander said uninterestedly.

“Right, so this is like a big apartment suite? A kitchen, a couple of bathrooms, bedrooms, big living room ... are you getting the picture? What if we all just moved up here? You could say it’s for extra privacy for the adjusting mate, and obviously her guardian would come, too. And, since this place is off limits to everyone, no one would ever know what goes on up here.” Brody watched the eyes of the men around him, both on board with his suggestion.

“Good thinking, Brody,” Lee praised him. It was a good idea, and this way, he could have Reiya close.

“I still can’t believe that you knew and didn’t tell me, Brody. You’re supposed to be Team Reiya.” She crossed her arms and pouted grumpily.