Red Moon Rising(23)

She was opening her mouth to squeak out an answer when a familiar voice spoke behind her. “Good morning.”

She whipped around, her body sagging with relief when she saw James. He frowned at the look on her face and put his arm around her, pulling her slender body against his. “What’s wrong little one?”

“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.”