Page 6 of The Dragon's Gambit

If you need me, call me … I wonder how far that really goes … what needs does that all include?Reiya smiled coquettishly as she walked into her bathroom. She needed a nice, cool shower to regulate her raging hormones. He had no idea the effect he had on her. Well, if he did, then he was one sick deity, to get her worked up like that. To be fair, she knew this was all her. He was just … well, a god. He had the body of a perfect man. Everything about him was perfect. That was how god’s bodies were, which was horrible for a young, hormonal girl who was mate-deprived.

Moon Goddess, you better send me a mate, quick … and my wolf, too, while you’re at it.

Chapter 4 Chelsie’s Place

Reiya came out to the breakfast table and sat across from Brody, who was scarfing down a plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, biscuits, and orange juice. He could really eat.

“Here, sis. I made you a plate, too.” Brody grinned as he shoved a mile-high-stacked plate toward her.

“Umm … I can’t eat all that. I haven’t gotten my wolf yet, or I’m sure I could.” Reiya looked up as Uncle Grayson walked in. “Here, Grayson, take my plate. I don’t even need half of what’s on here.” She giggled as his eyes lit up.

“Thanks, Reiya!” Grayson sat down and began scarfing down his food, just like Brody.

Reiya put some eggs and bacon on her plate, along with a slice of toast. This was about all she could handle. Of course, she loved food. She loved to eat. She just couldn’t shovel it in like the rest of them. Reiya was certain that, when she got her wolf, she would also be able to overindulge.

Her mother and father sat down next to her, both carrying well-stacked plates. It had to be an animal-shifter thing.

“What are everyone’s plans for today?” Lita asked, looking up from her food.

“Uncle Grayson and I are going fishing. You guys want to come?” Brody asked as he stuffed another bite of food in his mouth.

“That sounds like fun. We’re in.” Asher winked at Lita.

Lita smiled and shook her head. This would be turning into a competition. Some things never changed. “What about you, Reiya?”

“Chelsie and I are hanging out today.” Reiya stuffed a bite of egg into her mouth.

“You girls don’t want to come fishing, too?” Lita asked with a frown. She liked spending time with Reiya. She might be tough on her at times, but she always tried to spend as much fun time as she could with her. It was something she’d missed out on with her mother, so she made sure that Reiya didn’t.

“Not this time. I promise I’ll go next time.” Reiya smiled up at her mother, who nodded back to her in return.

“I still don’t like you going off with Chelsie,” Brody grumbled as he stuffed a biscuit in his mouth.

“Brody, Chelsie is her friend. Cool your overprotective jets.” Lita grinned at her son. He was just like his Uncle Grayson.

“Remind you of someone?” Asher chuckled and rubbed Lita’s back.

“I’m afraid you’ll just have to learn to live with it, Reiya. All guardians are like that. Even now, Dylan is still like that with your grandma.” Lita gave her daughter a knowing, sympathetic smile.

Reiya giggled. “I know, mom. They just can’t help it. We’re so loveable.” The two girls giggled as they listened to Grayson and Brody snort objectively.

“We know troublemakers when we see them,” Brody snickered and Reiya rolled her eyes at him.

Reiya got up, gave her daddy a peck on the cheek, and then walked over to do the same with her mom. “Love you. I’ll see you guys when you get back. Don’t miss me too much, Brody.” Reiya stuck her tongue out at him and giggled as she walked out of the room.

“Chelsie!” Reiya yelled, waving as she approached the lake.

“Ready to go for a ride?” Chelsie asked as she walked over to her.

“I can’t wait!”

Chelsie transformed into her horse. Her horse was beautiful, just like her father’s, all black with a long, flowing mane and tail. Reiya climbed up onto her back and squealed as she took off running.

The dark horse raced along the lakeside, allowing the freshwater breeze to wash over Reiya, her long hair flowing behind her. She closed her eyes, feeling the air on her face, and for a small moment, she felt free, not contained and locked away, not the precious princess who needed protection. She was just a girl with a free spirit. It felt … liberating.

Reiya stayed silent, her eyes closed, absorbing the moment. She then opened her eyes and blinked. Where were they? She looked behind her and could see the pine forest wall behind them. They had left Elysia.

“Chelsie?! You know I’m not allowed to leave!” Reiya gasped in shock. If her parents found out, she was toast.