James slammed his fist down on the table. “Have they gone mad? What would make them do such a thing?”
Tristan sighed. “It used to happen all the time James. Twenty years ago it was not uncommon for packs of Lycans to release ten to twenty humans deep into the woods, and then spend the next few weeks hunting them down systematically one by one. It has gotten better, but I am not surprised that there are still a few of our kind who participate in such hunts.”
“I can’t believe she survived.” Nicholas said softly, staring down at his tightly-clenched fists.
“She got lucky.” Avery replied. “Three Lycans hunt one human. They give the human a three hour head start, and then the first Lycan goes after them. If, after another three hours the Lycan has not returned with the human’s head, they send the next one. Three hours later, the third one goes on the hunt. They bring the head back and hang it on a pole for the other slaves to see.”
She sighed and leaned against Tristan. “The first Lycan caught up to her quickly. It taunted her for a bit and then when she fought back, beat her badly. She doesn’t remember everything that happened, but she knows that it ripped her side open and threw her against a tree and broke her ribs. She was lying on her stomach on the ground and there was a fallen branch beside her. She picked it up and rolled on to her back just as the Lycan was leaping on to her.”
She shivered a little. “She was extremely lucky. The branch pierced the Lycan’s heart and killed it instantly. She staggered to her feet and kept going. She told me that she knew she was dying. She believed walking would kill her faster than lying on the ground would. She wanted to be dead before the other two Lycans found her.”
The others were staring at her, their faces pale and sick looking, and she rubbed at her forehead. “She’s only nineteen years old.”
James cursed again and stood up, moving jerkily back and forth in the kitchen. “Gods, no wonder she is terrified of us.”
“When she found out that we had no slaves, that we paid humans for working, she asked me if she could have a job with us. She told me that she was good at cleaning or could work outside.” Avery shook her head. “She said she was stronger than she looks.”
“A strong wind would blow her over.” Sophia muttered. She glanced at her brothers. “I thought you said she was going to Vanden to see her aunt.”
Nicholas shrugged. “That’s what she said.”
“I don’t believe she has an aunt in the city.” Avery said. “She is young and afraid, and she believes that we will treat her like the other Lycans have.”
James grunted with frustration. “I don’t know how to change her mind.”
“I think our biggest concern right now is healing her.” Tristan said quietly. “Is she frightened of you Avery?”
Avery shook her head. “No. When she found out I was a human she was obviously relieved. Although she thinks it is strange that I am married to a Lycan and bore his children.” She smiled at Tristan who squeezed her thigh gently.
“Aye, but there are many humans who think that way. We will stay away from her, and let her spend time with you this evening.”
“Actually my lord, I think it might be better for her to see us interacting as a family. If she sees that you and the children are nothing like the Lycans she has always known, perhaps it will help her to not be afraid.”
Tristan thought carefully and then nodded. “Aye, you are probably right.” He gave his children an affectionate look. “Be on your best behaviour. I want none of your usual squabbling at the dinner table.”
* * *
Bree closed the door to James’ bedroom and leaned against it. Her side was throbbing and burning, but her stomach was full and she was more relaxed then she had been in months. The door had no lock on it, but even that didn’t bother her. After watching James with his family, she was sure he would not come to his room without her permission.
“Come Tia.” She murmured to the little dog. The dog followed her eagerly to the bed and she bent, her face tightening with pain, and picked up the dog. She plopped her on the bed, and Tia circled three times before curling up into a ball.
“It’s nice here isn’t it Tia?” She whispered as she took off the dress that Sophia and Leta had found for her. She slipped into James’ shirt. She didn’t need to wear it any longer. The Lycans had found several pairs of pants and shirts, as well as underclothes and a few dresses, that were a little big but weren’t falling off her. Leta had even found a long white nightdress for her to wear to bed. Wearing James’ shirt comforted her in a way that she didn’t understand, and she rubbed her hands along the soft fabric as she curled up in the bed.