Red Moon Rising(53)
“Nothing. I’m so glad I’ve met you Dani.” Bree said. She meant it. She had bonded quickly with the young woman over the last three days. Of course, it was nearly impossible not to like her. Dani was sweet like Maya but with a wicked sense of humour like Marshall’s, and she had a carefree attitude that Bree both admired and coveted.
“I’m glad we’ve become friends too Bree!” Dani kissed her on the cheek with a loud smacking sound. “I’ve already asked mama if you can come to our house and stay with us for a while.”
“Oh, I – that’s very nice of you.” Bree said hesitantly. She didn’t know how to tell Dani that once she rescued her brother, he would take her away from the Lycans and she would never see any of them again. It wasn’t something she could share with her anyway. Dani was sweet and kind but she had lived a sheltered life. She had no idea of the hardships that others had faced. Bree hoped she never would.
She frowned as something Dani said earlier sunk in. “Dani? What do you mean ‘the Lycans’? Are you – are you not a Lycan?”
Dani shook her head. “Nope, I’m as human as you and mama. I didn’t get any of the Lycan genes. Mama says it’s probably because daddy is only half-Lycan himself. Of course, Doran can shift and we shared her womb for the gods sake.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Doran started shifting when he was two but I never did.”
“Does it bother you that he can shift and you can’t?” Bree asked curiously.
“No. I like being just like mama. I never have any trouble controlling my emotions during the full moon, or wrecking my clothes when I shift.”
Bree giggled. “I never really thought about the clothes being ruined.”
Dani grinned at her. “Dad said it nearly drove mama crazy when Doran was a toddler. For a while there she just let him run around naked because he was constantly shifting and tearing his clothes apart.”
Bree frowned. “Is that normal?”
Martine turned around. “No. Doran had a harder time learning to control the shift because he is only a quarter Lycan.”
There was a thin note of condescension in her voice, and Dani immediately rose to her brother’s defense. “He controls the shift just fine now Martine. Besides, if you get your wish and marry my cousin, none of your children will be full Lycans. James is half-human remember.”
When Martine just sniffed in reply, Dani turned back to Bree. “Aunt Avery said your parents died?”
“Yes. They were robbed and murdered while they were traveling home one night.”
“I’m sorry.” Dani said quietly. “Do you have any siblings?”
Bree was saved from answering when Martine stood and began to pace back and forth in the common room. “This is so boring. I’m going out to talk with the boys.”
“Talk with James you mean.” Dani snickered. “And see how many times you can touch him before he runs away.”
“Shut up Dani!” Martine snapped. Her eyes glowed a deep yellow, and she bared her teeth and growled at Dani before flouncing from the room.
Bree gave Dani a look of wide-eyed fear. Dani patted her knee. “Don’t be afraid Bree. She’s just grumpy because there are only two days until the full moon. The Lycans always get – “ she paused and giggled, “horny and kind of grumpy before the full moon. I guarantee you that mama and dad, and Aunt Avery and Uncle Tristan will spend most of tomorrow in their beds.”
She made a face. “Which is kind of gross but that’s what happens when you live with Lycans. All of the Lycans will be moody as hell tomorrow. Mark my words. Well, maybe not James if Martine gets her way. Which she might. She got her way three years ago.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “I am seriously so happy to be a human. Imagine not being able to control yourself just because the moon is going to be full. Ugh.”
“How long does it last?” Bree asked.
“Just until after the hunt.” Dani shrugged. “They’ll come back worn out and sleep the day away, and then they’ll be back to normal. Mama and I always – “
She stopped. Bree had gone completely white and her entire body was trembling.
“Bree? What’s wrong?”
“They go hunting?” Bree whispered.
Dani nodded. “Yes. Every full moon. All Lycans hunt on the full moon Bree. Didn’t you know that?”
Bree stood up on legs that felt like they were made of wood. “No, I didn’t know. Excuse me, I – I have to go.” She whispered through numb lips.
She turned and lurched from the room as Dani stared in confusion at her.