Red Moon Rising (7 page)

“I’ve frightened her.”  Tristan replied. “I’m sorry Bree, I
did not mean to.”

“What did you do?”  James snapped at him.

Tristan stared at him silently, and James flushed before
looking away.  “Sorry dad.”

“He didn’t do anything.”  Bree said.  “It’s me.  I’m just um
– a little nervous that’s all.”

She took a deep breath and gave Tristan a shaky smile.  “No,
my lord.  I do not know how to ride a horse.”

“Then I’ll have James teach you.”  Tristan replied. 

“Teach her what?”

Still keeping his arm around Bree, James turned to see
Nicholas and Evan ambling down the aisle of the barn.

“I’m going to teach Bree how to ride a horse.”  James
squeezed Bree’s shoulder and smiled at her. 

She knew she should be stepping away but the gods be damned,
it felt so good to be standing against him.  She wanted to wrap her thin arms
around his waist and bury her face in his chest.  The only time she didn’t feel
afraid was when she was near him.

He shifted her against him, and she leaned into his warm
body and stared up at his mouth.  Kissing him had excited her in a way that she
didn’t understand.  She wondered what it would be like to share his bed, to
straddle him and feel his hardness rubbing against her.  She would –

“Bree?”  James was looking at her curiously, and she blushed
and pulled free of his embrace.

James was kind to her and he was the most human-like Lycan
she had ever met, but she needed to remember that he was still a beast and not
to be trusted.  He had saved her life, and sooner or later he would demand some
type of payment for it.

What if he demands you join him in his bed?  What if his idea
of payment is taking your innocence?

Instead of being horrified at the idea, a tremor of lust
went through her belly.  For his size and strength, he was surprisingly gentle.
 There was a secret part of her that wanted him to take her to his bed.  She
wanted to be under him.  She wanted his hands on her body and his mouth –

“Bree?”  James took a step towards her and she backed away. 
What she was thinking was madness.  Her brother, at great risk to his own life,
had protected her from the Lycans who had wanted to rape her.  Now she was
betraying him by hoping the Lycan in front of her would take her to his bed.

“You’re fine little one.”  James murmured soothingly.  He
reached for her, and she stumbled back until she ran into the solid wall that
was Nicholas.

Nicholas patted her shoulder awkwardly as she staggered away
from him. 

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t sleep well last night.”  She muttered.

“Is your side hurting?”  James frowned.

She shook her head.  “No, it isn’t.  I swear it.”

She hoped he could see the truth on her face.  She really
was feeling better.  Nothing hurt at all, and just four days of eating three
meals a day had already made a difference in how she looked and felt.

He studied her carefully for a moment and then nodded as
Evan stared at her curiously.  “How come you don’t know how to ride a horse
Bree?”

“I just never learned.”  She stared at the sword he was casually
swinging back and forth.

“Oh.”  He turned to Nicholas.  “Are we going to work on
sword training this morning or just hang out in the barn?”

Nicholas punched him lightly on the shoulder.  “Be careful
Evan.  Your cheekiness will get you extra push-ups.”

She gathered her courage.  “Would you train me on how to use
the sword Nicholas?”

Nicholas blinked in surprise and then looked to his father. 
Tristan gave Bree an appraising look before nodding at Nicholas.

“Sure, I – “

“No.”  James interrupted.  “She does not need to learn to
use a sword.”

Nicholas frowned at him.  “And why not baby brother?  Sophia
and our mother both know how to use one.  As will Leta when she is big enough.”

“Bree is too little.  She can barely lift a sword, let alone
swing one.”  James scowled at Nicholas.

“She can build up her strength James.  There is no reason
she can’t at least try.”  Nicholas protested.

“I said no.”  James snarled.

“I heard you the first time.”  Nicholas said cheerfully.  “But
if father says I can train her on the sword then I will.”

“Do not try my patience Nicky.”  James growled.  “Bree does
not need to learn sword fighting.  I will protect her and keep her safe.”

“Travelling to Vanden with her then, are you?”  Nicholas
raised his eyebrow.

James flushed.  “No sword training Nicky.”

Nicholas laughed.  “It’s not your decision to make.”

“It’s not yours either.”  James replied.

“Do the two of you realize how incredibly insulting you’re
being to Bree?”  Sophia had joined them in the barn.

She gave her brothers a look of disgust.  “Bree is a grown
woman.  She does not need either of you making decisions on her behalf.”

Tristan grinned.  “Your sister is right.”

“Dad, I – “

Tristan held up his hand.  “Enough James.  If Bree wants to
learn sword fighting then Nicky will teach her.”

James swore violently, making Bree shrink back nervously,
and stomped from the barn without looking at any of them. 

Sophia rolled her eyes.  “He’s so dramatic.”  She held her
hand out to Bree.  “Come Bree, mama and I are going to town with Jeffrey and
she wants you to come with us.”

“I’m going as well.”  Tristan replied.

“Papa,” Sophia gave him a loving look that was tinged with
exasperation, “it was five years ago and the attack came from the village to
the south.  The people in this town have always been welcoming.”

Tristan shrugged and gave the giant black horse one final
pat.  “I’m still going with you Sophia.”

“No, I don’t need them.”  Bree crossed her arms across her
chest and shook her head.

Sophia frowned.  “Bree, you can’t walk around barefoot. 
It’s just going to get colder, and none of our shoes will fit you.”

They were standing in a small store on the edge of town. 
The shelves in the store were stacked high with clothing for both men and women,
and there was a small section at the back that carried shoes and boots. 

While Sophia and Avery had started looking through the
clothing, Tristan and Jeffrey had gone next door to the food supply store. 
Although they grew most of their own food, Marian had requested a certain type
of spice and Avery needed more tea. 

Bree was fascinated by the glass display case that ran the
length of the counter.  It was filled to the brim with necklaces and bracelets
and rings that sparkled and shone under the weak light.  She was almost as
fascinated by the lights as she was the pretty jewels.  She had never been in a
building that had electricity, and she had stared for some time at the bulbs
that glowed in the ceiling before directing her attention back to the display
case.

“Do you like them girl?”  The store owner had leaned over
the counter and grinned at her.  She had given him a polite smile and held her
breath.  He was smeared with grime, and the smell of ripe cheese was wafting
off of him. 

He was missing both of his front teeth, and he had touched
the tip of his tongue to the gums as he grinned.  “Perhaps you’d like to try
one on Miss?”

She had shaken her head quickly.  “No thank you.  I’m only
looking.”

“Are you sure?”  He had wheedled.  “These pretty pieces come
from the old city they do.”

She had stared doubtfully at him.  She knew of the old
cities, but had never actually seen one.  There was a rumour that the buildings
of the ancients towered so high into the sky, you couldn’t see the top of
them.  She had often wondered what it would be like to walk among the ancient’s
structures, but she would never do so.  Too many people who visited the old
cities or lived too close to them, died horrible deaths.  They vomited for no
reason and lost all of their hair.  At least that’s what her brother had told
her.  To think there were people who would risk going to the old cities just
for a few shiny objects baffled her.

“It’s true.”  The man spoke as though she had expressed her
doubt verbally. “These all come from the old cities.  The men who brought them
to me are long dead of course.” 

He had lifted his head and brayed laughter.  “Foolish
buggers.  As soon as the first sores appeared they were driven to the outskirts
they were.”

Bree had shuddered.  The outskirts were filled with faeries
and leeches, and the gods only knew what other types of creatures.  She had not
objected when Sophia had appeared and pulled her away from the display case.

Now, she shook her head again as Sophia showed her the boots
she had picked out.

“I do not have the money for them Sophia.”  She said
quietly.  “And I have gone nearly my entire life without shoes.  I will be fine
without them.”

“Do you believe you can walk all the way to Vanden without
shoes?”  Sophia raised her eyebrow at her.

“What’s wrong?”  Avery had joined them.

“I found the perfect pair of boots for Bree.”  Sophia said. 
“But she is insisting she does not need them.”

“I do not have the money for them.”  Bree scowled at
Sophia.  “Drop it Sophia.”

Sophia grinned.  “She shows some spirit.  I was beginning to
think she would be a scared, creeping mouse forever.”

“Sophia, enough my love.”  Avery said quietly.  “Bree, you
can’t go without boots.”

“I can and I will.”  Bree replied.

“Tristan will not let you learn to use a sword without
wearing boots.”  Avery said simply.

Bree sighed and looked at the floor.  “I do not have money
for them.”  She repeated quietly.

“How will you travel to Vanden if you have no money?” 
Sophia asked suddenly.

Bree flushed.  “I thought I might see if there is a family
in town who is looking to hire a housekeeper.”

Sophia frowned.  “This is not the city Bree.  People here
still use slaves.”  Her nose wrinkled with distaste.  “You will not find a
family who will pay you to work for them.”

Bree could feel the tears threatening to fall.  She had come
up with her plan on the ride to town, and had been proud of herself for devising
a way to make some money.  She was anxious to return to Draken’s home and save
her brother, but after some time to think on it she had realized she could not make
the journey without money.  Although she was worried for her brother, she knew
that Draken would not kill him.  By now Kaden would know she had escaped the
Lycans during the hunt.

She sniffed and blinked rapidly.  She suddenly missed Kaden
so much it was a physical ache in her belly.  She wished there was a way she
could tell him she was safe.  He would know she had escaped the beasts, but he
would not know if she had survived beyond that.

“Bree?”  Avery’s arm was suddenly around her.  Without
thinking about it, Bree turned and hugged the redhead.  She buried her face in
Avery’s neck and breathed deeply.  Avery rubbed her back and kissed the side of
her head.

“What is wrong my love?”

“Nothing.”  Bree whispered.  “I just – I miss my aunt very
much.”

“Of course you do.”  Avery answered, stroking her hair
lightly.  “We will hire you to work in our household.  A few months and you
will have the money you need to visit your aunt.”

Bree leaned into Avery.  Warmth was radiating through her
entire body and she already felt better.  “You said you had no need for more
workers.”

Avery put a hand under her chin and tipped her head up
gently.  “Aye, but I bet Marian will disagree with me.  She will be more than
happy to have help with laundry and cooking, and other house duties.”

“Mama – “ Sophia began but Avery gave her a look that
quieted her instantly.

“Now,” Avery wiped away the tears on Bree’s cheeks with her
thumbs, “you must go and pick out some clothes that fit.  Pick out some pairs
of pants, and a few shirts and a dress or two.  We will take these boots and
find you a pair of shoes as well.”

Bree opened her mouth to object and Avery pressed her hand
gently over her lips.  “You can pay me back with your first week’s wages. 
Deal?”

“Deal.”  Bree smiled happily at her before crossing the
store to the shelves piled high with clothing.

“Mama, you said earlier that you don’t believe she has an
aunt in Vanden.  Why are you pretending otherwise?”  Sophia asked once Bree was
out of earshot.

“She obviously needs money for something.  And there must be
a reason she has asked to learn how to fight with a sword.  Perhaps with time
she will trust us enough to tell us the truth, and allow us to help her.” 
Avery replied. 

“James likes her.”  Sophia said suddenly.

“Aye, he does.”  Avery smiled fondly at Sophia.  “Do me a favour
my sweet Sophia, and do not tease him about her.”

Sophia grinned at her.  “Will you ask Nicky the same favour
mama?”

Avery returned her grin.  “I already have.  He has promised
to be on his best behaviour.”

* * *

“Bree!  Look at what I can do!” 

Bree turned from where she was hanging the bed sheets on the
line, and watched as Leta did a cartwheel.  She clapped loudly and the girl
bowed deeply.

“Well done Leta!”

“Thanks.  Sophia showed me how to do it last week, and I’ve
been practicing every day.”

The little girl watched as Bree continued to hang the sheets
on the line.

“Do you like it here Bree?”

“I do.”  Bree smiled.  “Your family is very kind.”

“Do you like me?”

“Very much so.”  She winked at the little girl.

She pinned the sheet carefully to the clothesline and began
to hang the next one.  Over the last four weeks she had grown very fond of Leta
and the rest of her family.  She snorted softly.  Fond was an understatement
for how she felt about Avery.  She was fooling herself if she tried to pretend
that she didn’t love the Red. 

She had never been in a household like Avery’s and
Tristan’s.  The humans who worked in their home were treated as equals to the
family, and most nights there would be at least three or four of them in the
common room.  They played games and shared stories with the family, and no one
seemed to think it odd. 

Bree had tried to hide her affection for Avery but she
feared she was doing a poor job of it.  Avery was the mother that she had
always dreamed of having, and she found it difficult to stay away from her. 
Avery was very kind and would often invite her to sit next to her on the couch
in the evenings.  She would cuddle Leta on one side and Bree on the other, and
Bree soaked in her gentle touch and sweet words like a flower in the rain.

“I like you too.  My brother has a crush on you.”

Bree’s heart sped up.  James had been teaching her to ride
for the last three weeks, and the first few days she could hardly concentrate
on what he was teaching her.  Every time she looked at him she remembered the
way it had felt to kiss him, how warm his mouth had been on her breast and how gentle
his touch was. 

She would end each riding lesson with trembling limbs and
butterflies in her stomach.  Although there was nothing in James’ infrequent
touches that suggested he even remembered that morning in the common room, she often
pretended that he wanted to kiss her.  Pretended that he had touched her and
kissed her not to heal her, but because he wanted her. 

She wasn’t afraid of him anymore.  In fact, she wasn’t
afraid of any of them.  A month of living with them, of seeing how kind they
were to each other and to humans, had gone a long way in showing her that not
all Lycans were like Draken and his pack.

A twinge of guilt went through her.  Although James and his
family were not like Draken, she still felt like she was betraying Kaden by
loving Avery and lusting after James.  Even before they were captured by the
cruel Lycan, her brother had cautioned her to stay away from creatures that
were not like them.

She gave Leta a small smile.  “Does he now?  Did he tell you
this?”

“Nah.”  Leta tugged on one of the wet sheets and then wiped
her damp hand on her pants.  “But I found one of his drawings of you.”

Bree frowned.  “Drawings?”

“Yep.”  Leta grinned at her.  “Evan spends most of his time
reading or drawing.  Look.”

She pulled a folded-up piece of paper from her pocket and
handed it to Bree.  She carefully unfolded it and stared at the surprisingly
good portrait of her face.

“Evan has the crush on me?”  She asked as she handed the
paper back to Leta.

“He does!  He’s always mooning over you when he thinks
you’re not looking!”  Leta said gleefully. 

Bree ignored the disappointment in her belly.  Of course
Leta wasn’t talking about James.  She spent two hours alone with the Lycan
every day, and he treated her no differently than he treated Sophia or Leta.

This hope that he wanted her the way she wanted him was
ridiculous.  Besides, it didn’t matter.  In another month or two she would have
enough money to leave their home and go after Kaden.  Even if she was
successful in rescuing him without being captured, tortured and killed, she
would still never see James or his family again.  Kaden would never agree to
work for Lycans, and she would not leave her brother.  No matter how good the
Lycans were to her.

“Where’s Tia?”  Leta asked suddenly.

“She’s around here somewhere.  Whistle for her.”  Bree
replied.

Leta whistled piercingly and after a moment, Tia came
darting around the corner of the house.  She leaped at Leta who caught her and
giggled loudly when Tia licked at her face, her entire body wiggling happily.

“Tia loves me.” 

“Yes, she does.”  Bree smiled at her.  “Who are those men
with your father?”

“I dunno.”  Leta shrugged disinterestedly.  “I think they’re
here to purchase some horses from papa.  They’re human.”  Her nose wrinkled. 
“They smell bad.”

Bree laughed.  “Not everyone has access to running water
like we do Leta.”

“I’d rather bathe in the lake.  Do you know how to swim
Bree?”

“No.”

“I could teach you!”  Leta said excitedly.  “Mama taught all
of us how to swim.  She even tried to teach papa to swim better.  It’s so funny
to see him trying to swim.  He’s terrible at it.”

“It’s too cold to swim Leta.”  Bree shivered.  “We’d freeze
to death.”

“I’ll teach you next summer.  After mama, I’m the best
swimmer.”  She boasted.

“That would be nice of you.”  Bree smiled at her.

“I bet we – “

“Well hello there.”

Both Bree and Leta whipped around as Tia growled deep in her
throat.  A man, he was tall and lean with dark brown hair, was leaning against
the corner of the house.

Leta took a step back.  Her head was up, and she was
inhaling deeply as she stared mistrustfully at the man in front of them.  Her
brown eyes were starting to lighten, and she was squeezing Tia so tightly the
little dog made a whimper of discomfort.

“Don’t fear me little half-breed.  I wish you no harm.”  The
man smiled and held his hands up.

“Who are you?”  Bree asked bluntly.

“I’m here to buy horses from the half-breed’s father.”

“Don’t call her that.”  Bree snapped at him.  “Go into the
house Leta.”  When the girl didn’t move, she gave her a gentle push.  “Go on
now.”

Leta turned and ran to the house with Tia as Bree went back
to pinning up the sheets.  Her stomach was churning and her palms were
sweating.  There was something about the man that made her anxious, but she was
determined not to let him see her nervousness.  She wished for a brief moment
that she had a sword but scoffed inwardly at herself.  Although she trained with
Nicky nearly every day, she was nowhere close to being able to use a sword
effectively.