Chapter 72 My Home
Reiya walked on ahead of Lee and into the great room.
Lee told her that Xander had sent Dex there to wait for her.
She found him, leaning against a pillar.
His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he flashed her a bright smile.
He didn’t miss the warning glare of the deity in the background as he walked up and took her arm.
“Xander is about to make the announcement soon. You’ll stay close to me. I was going to say I’ll protect you, but I may need you to protect me from your mate later. Make sure you put in a good word for me.” Dex chuckled and slowly walked her back out to the party.
“He knows you’re a good man. Otherwise, he wouldn’t allow you to watch over me.” Reiya smiled at him as they walked together.
Dex stopped and met her eyes. “Really? He thinks I’m a good guy?” He beamed.
Reiya giggled. “What, you don’t think you are?”
Dex laughed. “It isn’t that. I just … never thought he noticed me.”
“Well, he does.” Reiya grinned up to Dex, who smiled softly.
“What’s he like? I mean, I don’t really know him, you know? He’s always just quietly observing. He talks with the Great Sage and Xander frequently, but for the most part, he doesn’t engage with everyone else.”
“He’s … he’s everything. He’s fun, kind, endearing, possessive, strict, protective, gentle … he’s a bit of everything.” Reiya scrunched her nose up, knowing she sounded like a lovesick girl.
“Good.” He smiled at Reiya. “I’m glad he makes you happy. It’s obvious that you really care about him.”
“I do. I love him,” Reiya said shyly.
“So, is he your mate too, then?” Dex asked casually.
“I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. I’m choosing Lee. Honestly, I feel like he has to be my mate because of how strongly I feel about him. But regardless, he is my person. I … I need him.”
Reiya's gaze lifted as they neared the reception area. The massive white tents stood with their side panels tied back, revealing the breathtaking mountain landscape beyond the gathering of dragon lords and diplomats. Dex led her back to the head table, where everyone else was sitting.
“Xander filled us in on what’s going on. You’re safe with me. The Great Sage is already working on the barrier to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.” He watched her nod slowly as she continued to look at the table they were approaching.
“Is it still okay for me to sit here? I mean, because it’s supposed to be for the royal kingdoms,” Reiya asked quietly.
Dex laughed. “Yes. For one, you belong at this table just as much as any of us, especially given who your mate is. And two, you’re my date for the evening, and as such, you are to sit at my side.”
“Oh? I’m your date? Let me go tell Lee that,” Reiya teased.
“Unofficial date,” Dex coughed out quickly and then grinned at her. “You’re the person I’m protecting tonight, so it’s easier if you’re my fake date.”
Reiya giggled. “Don’t get so tense. You act like he’ll slaughter you instantly.”
“Reiya, us dragons aren’t that tame. And that deity of yours … well, he has the scariest temper of us all. His temper isn’t the only scary thing about him, though. He has the skills to back it up. He’s only tame around you,” he said, lowering his voice as they approached the table.
Reiya smiled and shook her head. Lee had to be like that because of his position, but it wasn’t who he was.
He was someone who liked to have fun, too.
She was determined to help him relax and be himself more.
He could have friends and still be their deity.
She wanted them to see just how great Lee was without constantly fearing him.
“Reiya, you look much better now,” Ruby said as Reiya scooted into her seat. She was now seated between Weston and Dex. Beside Dex were two empty seats, where another one had been placed for Lila.
“Perfect timing. Xander is about to make his announcement, and then he will lead off with the acceptance kiss.” Mason nodded in the direction where Xander had entered the large tent and was walking toward the stage area.
Curious eyes were on him as he walked to the front with Lila laced in his arms. Lee took his position in the front of the area near the far end of the tent. He was present but out of the way.
“I know there is some confusion here regarding my mate choice. All you need to know is that there was a reason for my actions. I claimed the fairy princess as my mate in order to keep her safe. However, tonight …” He turned his head and smiled down at Lila.
“Tonight, I met my real mate. I’m here to formally introduce her and accept her, for everyone present to witness.
” Xander turned to Lila and smiled. This wouldn’t be tastefully done.
It didn’t have to be. She was his, and he was going to indulge himself with her.
Weston chuckled as he watched Xander partake of his mate. “What’s the matter, Dex? You not watching the show?”
“No thanks,” Dex said, his eyes averted.
Reiya folded her arms and sighed. “Silliness. Pure silliness. This is really a ridiculous tradition you have going on here. You’re just letting the men make a spectacle of their new mate.” Reiya clicked her tongue in agitation.
“Yeah, but you plan to mark your mate, too, so you’ll be making a spectacle of him as well, right?” Weston grinned, flashing his eyes at her.
“It’s important though, Reiya. Yeah, there might be a bit of fun involved, but it is an important part of the acceptance. Though, when it comes to my sister, it is not one I wish to watch,” Dex said with a small frown. “How about you? You going to watch Mason here feast on Ruby?”
Weston frowned. “Thanks for souring the mood, Dex.”
“Anytime, champ.” Dex flashed a wide grin at him.
“Well, showtime,” Mason said as he helped Ruby to her feet.
“Weston, just so you know, Mason is helping himself to Ruby just as enthusiastically as Xander did with Lila.” Reiya smirked, knowing this would give him the mental image in his head.
“Reiya, you are evil. Just evil.” Weston closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.
Reiya …
Reiya turned her head as she searched for the source of the voice. Her eyes landed on a figure in the distance, away from the tents.
Brody, what did you find? She could tell by his posture that he seemed anxious. Where’s Chelsie?
Chelsie’s fine. I sent her to deliver a message to our parents.
When Reiya heard this, she stood up from her seat. Whatever Brody found had warranted him sending Chelsie away. Dex stood up beside her. “I need to speak with my brother.”
“What a coincidence. So do I.” Dex grinned, winking at her.
“Yeah, me too,” Weston said as he stood up from the table as well.
Not willing to let her out of their sight, they walked with her out of the tented area.
Lee was in the front with Xander and Mason, getting ready to publicly approve of the mates when he saw Reiya leave with Weston and Dex.
He clenched his jaw and inhaled deeply, then turned to continue with the blessing.
“Brody, what is it?” Reiya walked up to her brother and took his hands.
“Reiya, I’m not sure what we should do. I don’t feel like you’re safe here.” His voice was hushed as he glanced up to Dex and Weston.
“Of course she’s safe. We would never let anything happen to her,” Weston snorted out, insulted.
Brody ignored him and looked into Reiya’s eyes.
“Chelsie and I traveled outside of the borders. We went lower, toward the bottom of the mountain. The whole area is covered in the scent of anise oil, along with the stench of rotting wolves. However, we also smelled dragons. I could only pick up the general dragon scent but couldn’t pinpoint it to anyone in particular.
The generic scent of wind and smoke was all I could make out.
How many dragons here have switched to the demon side? ”
Reiya listened to him and nodded her head. They had already suspected there were dragons aiding Abaas, especially since the idiot already implied it. She smiled and looked into Brody’s eyes.
“Do you think I’m the kind to run away, Brody?”
“Ugh, Reiya,” Brody growled and furrowed his brows at her.
“Brody, this is my home now. I’m not being driven from my home again.
The demons already did that to me once. I’ll be damned if they do it again.
” It was the demon’s fault that she had to leave the Black Ice Pack.
She finally had a home again, and it was with the man she loved.
She wasn’t going to lose what she’d just gained.
“Besides, you haven’t gotten to stretch those muscles of yours in a while.
I bet you’re just aching to crack some skulls. ”
Brody sighed and leaned his head into Reiya’s.
“The day is going to come when we will have to face them anyway, huh? Might as well start taking chunks of them down before the big showdown.” Brody smirked as Reiya’s eyes lit up happily.
“But I mean it, Reiya. You stay close, and no wandering off on your own.”
“Deal!” Reiya jumped up and kissed Brody on the cheek. He’d agreed to stay and fight if they had to. She was sure Lee and Xander wouldn’t allow her to fight, but at least Brody wasn’t making her leave.
Dex and Weston stood by, smiling at the two. It was obvious that they were very close. What touched them was that they could tell Reiya wanted her brother’s approval. She wanted him to tell her it was okay to stay. Even though she was independent, she still didn’t want to cause problems for him.
“Just so you guys know, we know we have a few dragons that have betrayed us. We’re working on figuring out who all is involved. We’re keeping a watchful eye out,” Weston said, looking at Brody.
“We’re all working to make sure your sister is safe.” Dex smiled and nodded to Brody. It was no longer just Xander and Leviathan watching out for his sister.
“Thank you. She is a bit of a troublemaker, but I’ve grown attached to her.” Brody squeezed Reiya’s shoulders and grinned down at her.
“Troublemaker … I prefer the term ‘spirited’.” Reiya smiled and looked up at Brody. He shook his head, giving her a crooked smile.
“Man, did I choose the short end of the stick. I should have chosen Hunter. I’d be living the cushy life, and Chasen would be chasing after you,” Brody teased, poking at Reiya’s side.
“Who are you kidding? You know you love that I’m keeping your life interesting.” Reiya stuck her tongue out at him, and he shook his head and chuckled.
“Like I said, as much as I love a paper cut.”
The sound of footsteps approaching made them turn their heads. Xander, Mason and Lee were walking toward them.
“Is everything okay?” Xander asked. Lee remained focused on Reiya but kept his distance.
Brody sighed and filled them in on what he found. “Honestly, I wanted to take Reiya back to Elysia.” He looked down at her. “But she reminded me that this is her home now. We already had to leave our home once because of demons, and we aren’t going to let that happen again.”
“Brody, could you show the area to Reese? I’d like him to look over it as well.
” Xander looked at Brody and watched his eyes flicker nervously down to his sister.
“She will be glued to Dex’s side. Even if he has to follow her into the ladies’ room,” Xander teased and heard a low grumble escape Lee’s lips.
“I would never. Lila or Ruby would follow her in there.” Dex held up his hands and looked at Lee, shaking his head.
“I’ll have my eyes on her at all times tonight.” Lee was staring directly at Reiya as he spoke to Brody. “Go ahead and show Reese the area.”
“Okay.” Brody nodded and looked at Reiya. “Behave.” He pointed at her, right in the face.
“I don’t know why people say that to me so much.” Reiya looked around as all eyes stared at her in disbelief. Then the sound of the guys chuckling filled the air around her. She furrowed her brows and folded her arms.
She shot them a smile and then shrugged her shoulders.
“What I mean is, I don’t know why it’s said to me so much.
It’s not like I heed it anyway.” She tilted her head to Brody and stuck her tongue out at him, then walked away.
As she walked past Lee, she winked at him and gave him a crooked smile.
These men could tell the water to flow in a different direction, but it wasn’t like it was going to listen. It would just be a waste of breath.
“It’s a good thing she’s Levi’s mate. I think it’s going to take a deity to keep her safe.
” Xander laughed and rubbed the back of his neck.
The other men chuckled and nodded. Lee smiled, and his gaze followed her as she walked back to the party.
Even the littlest things she did had a way of making him burn for her.