Red Moon Rising(12)

James growled with frustration and Nicholas clapped him on the back. “I will take the first watch. Get some rest.”

* * *



“It is not much further now Bree.” Nicholas said encouragingly.

Breathless and her side hurting so much she thought she might faint, Bree nodded. They had been walking for most of the morning, and she wasn’t entirely sure how much longer she could continue to walk.

James had wanted to carry her on his back again but she had refused. She had felt well enough when they started out, but now each step she took sent a jolt of pure agony through her ribs and into her lungs. She was lagging further and further behind. She stared grimly at the ground below her feet, and forced her tired legs to move one step at a time.

There was soft muttering ahead of her. She heard Nicholas telling James not to, and then James was standing beside her and lifting her into his arms. She knew she should tell him to put her down, but she was so weary that she let her head drop to his shoulder and closed her eyes. She would just rest for a moment and then tell him to release her.

She woke when she heard the woman’s voice. She blinked and squinted at her surroundings. James and Nicholas were standing in a large room with an enormous fireplace. A couch was placed in front of it, and a fire crackled loudly in the fireplace. The woman standing next to the couch was tall with long dark hair and dark eyes like James’.

“You were supposed to be home yesterday. Mom was ready to send out a search party.”

“We ran into a bit of trouble.” Nicholas grinned at her. “Nothing we couldn’t handle though.”

She ducked back when Nicholas tried to ruffle her hair. “Stop it Nicky.”

She eyed Bree curiously. “Who’s the girl?”

“Her name is Bree. This is my sister Sophia.” James gave no other explanation, and Sophia didn’t press for details.

“Hello Bree.” Sophia smiled a bit guardedly at her before looking down at the dog sniffing at her boots. “And who is this little fuzz?” She reached down and petted the dog roughly.

“That’s Bree’s dog. Her name is Tia.” Nicholas looked around. “Where are mom and dad?”

“They’re upstairs having a nap.” Sophia emphasized the word nap and Bree, her mind tired and her body throbbing, frowned in confusion.

“Gross.” Nicholas replied cheerfully.

“We’ll have another sibling soon if they keep that up.” There was a hint of laughter in James’ voice.

Sophia studied Bree closely. “When did she eat last?”

“She ate last night.” James replied. “She’s been badly injured and needs rest.”

Still carrying Bree, he left the room and carried her down a long hallway. The house was bustling with activity; James passed at least three people who all bowed and murmured, “welcome home my lord”. He greeted them politely by name as he moved further into the house.

He stopped in front of a door and opened it. The curtains were drawn, and Bree strained to see in the dim light. A fire had been started in the fireplace and the room was deliciously warm. She tensed when she realized that James was carrying her towards the bed.

“No! Put me down!” She pushed weakly at his shoulders.

“I’m not going to join you in the bed little one.” He set her down gently and unwrapped the blanket from around her. He pulled back the covers on the bed, and steadied her with a hand on her elbow as she climbed into it. The bed was large and soft and she sank into it with a soft sigh. It had been two years since she had slept in a bed and even then, she had never had a bed as comfortable as this one.

James patted her awkwardly on the shoulder as he tucked the blankets around her. “Go to sleep Bree. You’re safe now.”





Chapter 5




“Hello.”

Bree blinked at the young girl sitting on the end of the bed. For a moment she wondered if she was dreaming.

“What’s your name?” The girl spoke again.

“Bree.” Her voice was hoarse and she cleared her throat roughly as she sat up. She flinched a little as the girl watched her carefully.

“Where am I?” She looked around the large room.

“You’re in my brother’s bed. You’ve been sleeping almost all afternoon.” The girl chirped.

She scooted a little closer and raised her head, inhaling deeply. “You’re a human!” She announced with delight.

“Are you...” Bree trailed to a stop.

“I’m a Lycan. Well, a half-breed, but I can shift just as well as Sophia and Nicholas and papa can. At first I had a hard time controlling it but I’m really good at it now. Look!”