It was obvious they were going to stop to watch, and she gave Nicholas a hopeful look. “Could we go somewhere else to train?”
He shook his head. “No. It’s good to have others around. You have to learn to not be so distracted by your surroundings.”
She sighed as he raised his sword. “Raise your sword little one.”
James watched as Nicholas and Bree fought. His stomach was rolling and his fists were clenched tightly at his sides. Leta was chattering beside him but he didn’t hear a word. Every nerve in his body was screaming at him to shift and protect Bree from harm.
His heart was pounding in his chest, and he growled lightly when Nicholas knocked Bree to the ground and held his sword to her throat.
“He won’t hurt her James.” Tristan said quietly.
James didn’t reply. A surge of jealousy went through him when Nicholas took Bree’s hand and pulled her to her feet. He picked some dried leaves from her hair and then ruffled her hair. She gave him a mock scowl that made him laugh before he kissed her roughly on the forehead.
James took a step forward. His instinct had swung from wanting to protect, to showing his impudent brother that Bree was his. How dare he touch her. How dare he try and take what belonged to him. He would show Nicholas that he would be wise not to –
“Papa? Why is James shifting?” Leta’s voice was thin with alarm and she looked around warily.
“Control it James.” His father’s low growl demanded obedience, and James immediately looked away from Nicholas and Bree. He took a few deep breaths as Tristan lifted Leta into his arms and kissed her smooth cheek.
“What’s wrong papa?” Leta was still looking around in alarm and her eyes had lightened.
“Nothing is wrong my sweet.” Tristan tugged on her braid. “Your brother is tired that’s all.”
“Oh.” Leta replied doubtfully. She stared at her brother’s back for a moment before watching Nicholas and Bree again.
“She’s not very good at this.” She said candidly.
“Hush Leta. She will improve.” Tristan replied.
“She’s too small. The sword is too heavy for her.” Leta pointed out. “She can barely lift it and she’s been practicing for weeks. I will be much better at it than she is.”
“Leta, you’re being rude. Do you remember when your mama and I talked to you about not saying everything that you think?” Tristan gave her a stern look. “If Bree heard what you were saying, it would hurt her feelings. Is that what you want?”
“No papa.” Leta said. “But mama says I should always be truthful. Bree isn’t very big, and she’s not very good with the sword.”
“That may be true sweet Leta but you must be more tactful with your words.” Tristan tried to keep the laughter from his voice.
“What does tactful mean?”
“It means that you – “
Bree gasped loudly and Leta gave a small cry as James whipped around. Nicholas dropped his sword and stepped towards Bree, staring horrified at the long, deep cut on her forearm.
“Bree, I’m so sorry!” Nicholas’ face was as pale as her own, and she gave him a shaky smile as she clamped her hand down on the cut. Blood was pouring out of it at an alarming rate.
“It’s fine Nicky. It was an accident.” She assured him.
Nicholas ran his hand through his hair and gave her a decidedly panicked look before reaching out for her. “Come with me little one. We’ll find mama right now. She can – “
Bree’s eyes widened as James appeared. Snarling loudly, he grabbed his brother and tore him away from her. He dragged Nicholas to the ground and leaned over him, his fists twisting in Nicholas’ shirt. “Do not touch her again!”
Nicholas’ face flushed and he shoved angrily at his brother. “Get off me!”
When James didn’t move, Nicholas punched him hard in the stomach and shoved him on to the ground. He climbed to his feet as James stood up. James’ body was swelling and a reddish brown beard was appearing on his face. His eyes glowed brightly and when he snarled at his brother, his teeth had both lengthened and sharpened.
“It was an accident baby brother.” Nicholas’ body was swelling as well as he stared cautiously at James. “I did not mean to – “
“If you hurt her again, I will hurt you. Do you understand?” James said softly.
“You mean you will try.” Nicholas’ eyes had turned yellow and he scowled at James. “Do not make me embarrass you in front of her. Do you really want your woman to watch me hand your ass to you?”
Bree watched in horror as James roared with anger and dove at his brother. Nicholas grunted loudly as James’ shoulder drove into his stomach. They fell to the ground, punching at each other as they growled and snarled loudly.