* * *
Bree lay in her small bed, shivering a little despite the blankets. It was almost dawn and the Lycans would be home soon. Dani had told her that they came back around dawn and went to bed for most of the day. She squirmed into a more comfortable position. She had barely slept the entire night, and she was tired and a little out of sorts. Although he had spent only one night in her bed, she missed James’ warmth. She wondered if he would come to her when he came home.
She didn’t want to admit it but she was hoping he would. She sighed and turned on her side, staring at her closed door. He most likely wouldn’t. He would be tired from his night of hunting and her bed, although comfortable, was too small for just him, let alone the two of them.
She bit her lip, her brow furrowing with indecision, before she suddenly threw back the covers. She wanted to be with him and once she rescued Kaden, what was happening between her and James would end. For now, she would enjoy it while it lasted. Shivering in the cold air, she left her room and crept quietly down the hall.
* * *
James hesitated at the entrance to the kitchen. He was tired and cold and he wanted to go to Bree’s room, but they hadn’t spoken about what would happen when he returned from the hunt. He paused for a few moments longer and then, with a heavy sigh, headed to his own room. As much as he wanted to join her in her small bed, he didn’t want to frighten her. He had taken her multiple times last night; his need for her had been a steadily beating drum that he couldn’t, nor wanted to, ignore. Although she had responded enthusiastically each time, he still wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about him.
He closed the door of his room and slipped out of his shirt. Someone had thoughtfully built up the fire in the fireplace and he stood close to the dancing flames, holding his hands out to warm them up. He didn’t get chilled very often but it had been an especially cold night, and all the Lycans had been feeling the bite of the wind as they had loped back home.
He inhaled deeply. Oddly enough, he could smell Bree’s scent in the room and it made his chest ache with loneliness. Perhaps he should have gone to her room. He pushed the thought out of his head.
He stretched, his spine cracking, and smiled a little as he remembered the hunt. The thrill of the chase, the way the pack had worked together, always made him feel happy and content. It had been a good night and he –
He turned as his door opened and Martine slipped into the room.
“Hello James.”
He sighed. “Hello Martine.”
“It was a good hunt, was it not?” She was wearing a thin white shift and she crossed her arms over her waist, pulling the material tightly against her ample breasts. She lifted her head and inhaled, wrinkling her nose a little as she stared suspiciously around the room.
“Aye, it was.” He gave her a guarded look. “Why are you here?”
“I was cold.” She pouted prettily at him. “I thought you could warm me up.”
He shook his head. “No. You need to go back to your own room. I told you last night before the hunt started that I wouldn’t mate with you.”
She pouted again and moved a little closer to him. “It’s because of Bree isn’t it?”
When he didn’t reply, she gave him a wounded look. “What does she have that I do not James? We had a pleasant time together three years ago.”
“I’ve told you before, that was a mistake. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to hurt your feelings but – “
“Just give me a chance.” Martine whined. “The human is too small and fragile. You’ll break her bones just trying to take her to your bed.”
“Martine.” James tried to keep the impatience out of his voice. “You’re not listening to me. I have no – “
“My lord?”
Both he and Martine jumped at the sound of the soft voice coming from his bed. Bree had apparently been burrowed deep under the covers, and he couldn’t stop the smile of delight from crossing his face when she stuck her blonde head out from under them.
“Are you coming to bed soon? It is lonely without you.” She said sweetly.
“Aye, little one. I’ll be there in a minute.” He replied.
Martine, her mouth open and her gaze shocked, stared at Bree for a full minute before closing her mouth with a snap.
“Unbelievable.” She huffed and stomped from the room, slamming the door behind her.
Bree flushed prettily at the look James was giving her. “What?”
“Nothing.” He smiled. “I am glad you’re here.”
He shed his pants quickly and climbed into the bed, molding his body against hers. Her skin was warm and fragrant, and she shivered lightly at his cold touch.