Chapter 38 Diplomat
Xander rested his hand on Reiya’s waist as Reese walked up to them. “Wow! Your arm looks better already, that’s amazing.”
“Reese, I’m sure you aren’t here just to chat,” Xander said tersely.
“Sorry, my lord. The children have been taken care of, and their parents have been informed so that they can see to their punishment. Also ...” Reese cleared his throat and then his eyes glazed over.
My lord, Clovis is really against your mate. I think you need to handle this situation firmly.
Xander’s eyes flickered over toward Lee as he nodded slowly. “Reese, will you keep a BETTER eye on my mate for me this time while I handle things?”
“My apologies, my lord. I will do better this time.”
“Aww now, it isn’t Reese’s fault. You can’t blame him for an accident.” Reiya defended the man, whose eyes lit with a smile.
Xander grumbled near Reiya’s ear. “You aren’t taking up for another man now, are you?” He spun her around aggressively, making her short skirt reveal her bottom cheeks for a moment. He tugged her flush against his chest. “Do I need to teach you to only look at me?”
Wow ... what an asshole. If this is how he intends to treat his mate, I’m glad it isn’t me. However, you want to pretend we’re mates, then I’m going to teach you how I would treat my mate in this instance as well.
She smiled up at him sweetly, gazing into his amber eyes. She swung her hand up and flicked him hard, right between the eyes. He reached up and held his hand over his head. “Ouwie.”
“The lady dragons may swoon at your feet and love it when you treat them like an asshole, but not me. You see, I have this thing called self-esteem. And you’ve got another thing coming if you think I’m going to allow you to act like that toward me.
What, I can’t stick up for someone else because your ego can’t take the hit?
Well, get over yourself. I‘m going to do what’s right, whether it pisses you off or not.
” Reiya could see Chelsie and Brody leaning against the wall, smiling in approval.
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the laughter in Lee’s eyes as well.
There was laughter there and something else, something dark that she couldn’t place.
Xander smirked down at her, taking his thumb and gently tilting her chin up to him.
“See, right there. That’s hot as hell.” He leaned in and pecked her forehead, a dangerous move in front of Lee, but he had to play his part.
Plus, he really thought she was too damn adorable there.
“This is how you should always be, Reiya. Always do what’s right, no matter who you make angry.
This is proof that you were born to be a leader.
” As he stared into her deep blue eyes, he felt a weird connection between them.
It felt like he knew her or he should know her.
Something deep within her pulled him to her like a moth to a flame.
He didn’t want to analyze it too much. Especially since this was the girl who Levi had taken as his mate.
Whatever the connection was, he would ignore it.
He dropped his hand from her. “Try to stay safe and out of trouble.”
Reiya watched Xander wink at her, and then he walked swiftly down the hall.
She looked up at Lee as he followed after him.
His eyes were dark and unreadable, but his facial expression suggested he was upset.
She wondered if he had noticed it ... the weird feeling that had just sparked between her and Xander.
She wondered what it was. She had this nostalgic feeling deep within her, but she wasn’t sure if it was mutual.
There was definitely some sort of interesting connection between her and Xander.
Whatever it was, it wasn’t like her connection with Lee. That was a whole other animal.
“Thank you ... for sticking up for me.” Reese smiled sheepishly as he nodded his head to her in respect.
“Don’t think anything of it. I was just doing what was right.” Reiya turned and looked at Brody and Chelsie.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I could go for some food.” Brody grinned widely, making Chelsie scoff loudly.
“Of course you could. When aren’t you hungry? You’ve been low on the picnic basket theft lately.” Chelsie snorted but let a soft smile form over her lips.
“I’m hungry too, so food it is!” Reiya smiled and then looked over at Reese. “That shouldn’t get us in too much trouble.”
Reese chuckled and nodded his head. “Follow me. I’ll lead you to the private kitchen. It’s for Xander's personal use.”
“Nice job there with Xander, but next time I think a sucker punch to the stomach would be more fitting.” Chelsie grinned, and a quiet snarl was heard from Reese.
“I couldn’t possibly treat my mate like that, Chels. But a lesson needed to be learned nonetheless.” Reiya linked arms with Chelsie as they followed Reese to the kitchen.
“After this, I think I could use a nap,” Reiya said thoughtfully.
What she was really thinking was maybe Reese would leave them alone for a nap.
Then she could talk to Chelsie and Brody.
It wasn’t urgent, but she felt a strong desire to explain what she needed from them, seeking clarity on where they would stand.
She didn’t want to pressure them into joining her on a potentially perilous journey, but she wanted them to fully grasp the potential risks and dangers.
There was significant risk, but it also promised an equally significant reward.
“You’ll need to use Xander's room on the main floor for that so that I can stand guard. The upper tower is restricted, so I can’t go up. And after what happened earlier, I’m determined not to let anything happen to you.”
Well, so much for that. Reese shot that idea down pretty quickly.
Brody was inhaling the food around him. He’d always told them that the reason he could eat so much was because he was a bear. Honestly, Reiya thought that was just an excuse.
“Should we put the kitchen table on your plate, too?” Chelsie looked at him with a raised brow.
“Depends what’s on it.” Brody smirked and took another bite out of his sandwich. Chelsie took in a sharp breath from his comment. It was unexpected to her, but she understood the meaning behind it.
Yes, there was definitely some subtle flirting going on between the fighting.
Reiya was sure of it. Most guardians never took a mate, since they solely focused on their job of protecting their charge.
Jealousy often played a role, and it rarely worked out.
This was a special case, though. Chelsie was already aware of how things worked with guardians.
Plus, she was just as protective and possessive over her.
The two of them might actually be a really good match, if they decided to give it a chance.
She wouldn’t push either way, but she would support them and be happy for them if they did decide to be together.
“Are you still wanting to take that nap, Reiya?” Reese asked, noticing that she’d finished eating.
The nap was originally an excuse to ditch him, but now, she did feel a bit drained. Laying down didn’t sound like a terrible idea. Plus, it would help pass the time.
“Yes, I think I could use some quiet time.”
“If you’re going to take a nap, then I’m going to head home real quick. There are a couple things that I forgot, and I want to get a couple of my favorite snacks.” Chelsie hopped up to her feet.
“So, I’m getting left all alone? I’m not really feeling the nap thing.” Brody frowned. “But I don’t mind reading a book and watching you rest.”
“You want to stay in the same room as her while she sleeps?” Reese asked with a bit of hesitation.
“Yeah, I’m her guardian and her brother. Is that a problem?” Brody felt a bit agitated from the hesitation in his voice.
“It’s just that ... I would have to allow you in my lord’s chambers, and ...”
Reiya understood. He would need permission for that. “On second thought, nix the nap. I can rest later. Maybe I should walk around and get to know some of the other dragons better.”
“In that case, I’ll wait to head home. I can’t trust these men to watch you properly. No, I know I’ll do a better job keeping you safe,” Chelsie said in her usual snotty voice.
Brody smirked and stood up. “There’s no way you’re a better protector than me, swamp horse. But you can say whatever you like if it makes you feel better.”
“Let’s not start the arguing already.” Reiya quickly shot down the gripe fest that was coming. “Actually, I think I’d better leave you two behind. I don’t need you both making things worse while I’m trying to work on relations.”
“Aww, Reiya, no. I’m coming with—” Brody started, but Reiya shook her head.
“No, I’m pretty sure it isn’t a good idea.
Not with your temper and her attitude. I won’t be long.
You two stay here.” Reiya was certain the two of them would make it harder for her to win the dragons over.
She wouldn’t be long. She just wanted to try to ease some of the tension that was filling her.
“Stay close to me. Some of the dragons are not completely receptive of you right now.” Reese seemed a bit uneasy, but he was not one to deny her request. His job was simply to protect her. That was it.
Reiya looked around the big hall that still had a small crowd gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lee, but he was nowhere to be found. She was sure that he and Xander were dealing with more political garbage. She also didn’t see Ruby and Mason around, which practically confirmed that theory.
“So, this is the fairy that has the King of the West breaking protocol,” a deep voice sounded from the side. Reiya looked up to see a very large, well-built man walking up to her.
“It isn’t fairy. It’s Reiya. Unless you want me to just call you dragon.” Reiya gave him a sassy smile, which the man laughed loudly at.
“Weston. You, my dear, can call me Weston.” He extended his hand out to Reiya, who shook it gently.
“I was beginning to think that I must be a terrifying creature. Most of your kind seem afraid to speak with me.” Reiya looked around the room at the others, who looked apprehensive being around her.
“We usually don’t associate much with other kinds. They’re considered lower than us.”
Reiya internally scoffed. She knew she shouldn’t, but she had a bit of bite in her tone as she answered him. “Well, I’m sure that makes them feel better about themselves. It’s easier to believe your species is superior when they’re never allowed to associate with those who actually are.”
Weston’s laugh boomed out of him. “I like you already.” He let his eyes trail over her for a moment. “I can definitely see what the king sees in you ... all of you.”
Reese shifted his weight as his gaze nervously flicked around the room. Reiya noticed his unease. This man must be a fairly high-ranked noble, since Reese felt uncomfortable around him.
“Hmmm. I wonder if you have some sort of pheromone that draws dragons to you.” Weston stepped closer to Reiya and leaned his head in. He inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. “Mmm, you smell sweet.”
“Wow ... do those pick-up lines usually work for you?” Reiya rolled her eyes. If he was trying to make her uncomfortable, it wasn’t going to work.
A quiet chuckle escaped his lips. “What if I told you that I was someone who could give you what you wanted? All you need to do is play nice with me.” In one quick move, Weston wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. His face was dangerously close to hers and inching closer.