Red Moon Rising(49)
“Grandmamma, I want you to meet someone. This is Bree. Bree, this is my grandmother Vivian.”
“Hello.” Bree whispered.
James’ grandmother gave her a cool and appraising look. The woman bore a striking resemblance to Sophia, and Bree was immediately intimidated by the older woman. She could feel herself wanting to shrink into the ground as Vivian stared at hers and James’ clasped hands for a moment.
“Hello Bree. It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s lovely to meet you as well.” Bree squeaked out. She was barely able to contain her sudden and wildly inappropriate urge to curtsey.
“Where are Marshall and the children?” Avery asked.
“They dropped Vivian and I at the house, and then drove the wagon straight to the barn.” Maya shivered delicately.
“Come, let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here.” Avery said as Tristan took Vivian’s arm and led her towards the house.
“Hi Vivian.” Avery hugged her mother-in-law and Vivian kissed her loudly on the cheek.
“Hello darling.”
* * *
“Tell me child, how did you meet James?”
Bree gave Vivian a nervous smile. Tristan’s mother had cornered her by the fireplace in the common room almost immediately, and she had no idea if she should tell her the truth or not.
She breathed a sigh of relief when Avery appeared beside her. “James and Nicky found her in the woods, about a day and a half from here. She had been attacked by Lycans and was close to death.”
“What?” Vivian gave Avery a startled look. “Attacked by Lycans?”
Avery nodded. “Yes. Apparently there is a Lycan named Draken who is collecting humans and using them for hunting purposes.”
“Gods be damned.” Vivian breathed. “I thought that had died out years ago.”
Avery scowled. “So did we.”
She put her arm companionably through Vivian’s and leaned her head against her shoulder. “James healed her, and he and Nicky brought her back home. Bree has agreed to stay with us for a while and we’re so glad she did. She’s lovely.”
Bree flushed with embarrassment as the door to the common room opened and a dark-haired man, followed by a young woman and man, entered the room.
“That’s Marshall, Tristan’s brother.” Avery said as Tristan and Marshall embraced roughly. She pointed to the young woman who resembled Maya from her slender figure to her pale, blonde hair. “That’s Maya and Marshall’s daughter Danielle.”
She laughed as a young blonde man picked up Leta and tossed her high into the air. “And that’s Doran, their son. Doran and Danielle are twins and only a few weeks younger than James.”
Another young woman, this one dark haired and full-breasted, entered the common room. She searched the room and gave a shriek of delight when she saw James. Bree watched as she sprinted across the room and launched herself at him.
He caught her, his eyes widening with surprise as she kissed him fully on the mouth. She clung to him, kissing him deeply and running her hands up and down his back as Bree sucked in her breath and turned to face the fire.
Her hands were icy cold but her face felt like it was on fire, and anger and hurt were warring within her.
“What is Martine doing here?” She heard Avery ask quietly.
“She was visiting Dani and when she found out we were traveling here, she asked to join us. You know how fond she is of James.” Vivan replied.
“Aye.” Avery’s hand was on her back, rubbing softly, and Bree blinked back the tears that were threatening.
“Bree? Are – “
“I should go my lady.” Bree gave her a large false smile. “I imagine Marian needs help in the kitchen.”
Before Avery could respond, Bree had pulled away from her and skittered out of the room like a frightened deer.
“Avery? Why is Bree helping in the kitchen?” Vivian frowned at her.
Avery sighed. “It’s a long story. Later this afternoon we’ll have tea with Maya, and I’ll tell you both what’s happened.”
* * *
“Marian, let me take those for you.” Bree hurried over to the older woman and took the pile of laundry out of her hands.
“You’re a sweet girl Bree.” Marian smiled at her. “It’s all my own clothes anyway. I was just going to run them back to my room before I start on supper.”
“I’ll take them back there for you.”
“That’s very kind of you. It’s the last room on the right.” Marian called as Bree walked down the hallway of the servant quarters.
She hesitated at the end. Had Marian said right or left? She shrugged and chose left, turning the knob and peering into the room. It was a small room without a fireplace, and the layer of dust suggested no one had been in it for a very long time.