Chapter 29 Gag
Lee leaned down and kissed her forehead.
How had the tables turned so quickly? Within a day, she was now actively pursuing him.
He went from trying to keep his distance from her, to marking her, to her pushing herself on him.
Talk about a whiplash of emotions right there.
He couldn’t help the wide grin that formed over his lips.
He was happy ... happier than he’d ever been.
He wanted to enjoy it all. All stages of their relationship.
The very thought of the word relationship made his chest throb in excitement.
Things couldn’t be conventional between them because they would have to keep a certain level of secrecy, but he wanted to do things right.
He wanted her … pretty damn bad. But as much as he craved her and desired her body, he wanted to wait.
He wanted to bring more to their new connection than just being physical.
He wanted all of her, though, and he was determined not to screw this up.
She was his mate. She was his, and he wouldn’t lose her.
“My sweet fairy,” Lee cooed lowly near her ear.
He felt her shiver from his hot breath. “I promise we will get to that part, and it’s going to be great.
But I want to try to do all of this right and not let my mate urges take over.
I want to form an even stronger emotional connection with you, so there will never be any doubt that it isn’t only a physical attraction.
Though—” Lee chuckled lowly. “I promise, that’s there, too.
All too strongly.” He nipped at her earlobe and trailed a couple of gentle kisses to her neck.
“Please don’t continue to tempt me, because I won’t be able to resist you. ”
She shuddered as she felt his steaming breath on her neck, heating up her delicate skin.
She was honestly touched. He wanted to really build a relationship with her, and he wanted to start from the ground up.
It made her feel special to him, as if she really was someone he found important.
She understood what he meant. She didn’t have the mate pull instantly connecting her to him.
She never wanted to question their relationship and what it meant to him.
For her, this would feel like a more primitive relationship, not an animal-driven one.
It was like one that humans had for one another.
Without her animal screaming at her to be near her mate, this was all on her and her emotions.
She did feel connected to him, though, and she always had been.
Maybe it was because he was the most beautiful male specimen she’d ever seen, and he always catered to her when he was around.
She couldn’t help but be attracted to him.
And over the years, she finally recognized that feeling.
She finally realized it was more than just attraction.
She was in love with him. She appreciated the fact that he wanted her to fully understand his love for her, and honestly, maybe it would be good for him as well.
Lee knew he was attractive and desired. What female wouldn’t find him attractive?
She wanted him to also know that she was interested in all of him.
She never wanted him to doubt that he was the one she wanted, and it wasn’t only physical.
She smiled and gently placed her hand on his cheek, which he nuzzled into.
“Is food off limits?” She scrunched her nose up.
“I didn’t have a chance to eat earlier, and right now I would be happy munching on stale bread.
” She heard him chuckle, and his eyes danced with laughter as he looked down at her.
“That can definitely be managed. I’ll have Xander bring some stuff up, and I’ll have Brody and your friend brought up here, too. There are some things we need to iron out before we go out into the public eye again.”
“Okay, but I should probably find some bottoms to put on before company arrives.” She watched as his dark gaze trailed down to her exposed thighs.
“Yeah, let’s see what I have. I don’t want anyone else to see you like this.
You are mine. All of you belongs to me. I don’t share, and that includes views that should only be mine.
” He smirked at her and walked her over to his closet.
He had some lounge pants in there with a drawstring that she could use.
He might not be partaking in everything she had to offer right now, but that didn’t mean he didn’t claim it all.
He was possessive, and he certainly didn’t share.
She was his. He had no clue how he would ever be able to let her go if she did have another mate out there.
If she ended up leaving him for her mate, he didn’t know how he would ever be able to cope.
It was what he’d always been afraid of. He didn’t want to fall in so deep, only for her wolf to claim someone else as her mate, pulling her into another’s arms. It could happen.
It was now a risk he was taking. He would love her deeply, forever and for always.
Reiya walked back out of the closet with Lee’s pants on. She did a little spin for him. “There, all better now.” She giggled and watched as he walked over to her. He gripped his hands on her hips and pulled her into him.
“You look perfect. And what’s even better is that now, you smell like me in them.
” He lowered his head and let out a pleased grumble as he took in her scent.
“Mmm. I’ve always dreamed you would wear my scent.
” He felt the excitement of the animal within him.
His animal had claimed her as his own, but he wanted more.
He felt his fingers begin to tighten into her possessively but was able to reel his emotions in.
He kissed her cheek gently and then straightened up.
Clearing his throat, he said, “They’re on their way up.
” He winked at her and swooped his arm around her, tugging her out into the main room.
Reiya might have been new to relationships and men in general, but she could feel it now.
She was suddenly aware of his desire for her and how much he was fighting for control.
How had she not noticed it before? She must have told herself it was so far-fetched that she’d turned a blind eye to it. But it was definitely there.
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 he realized 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.”