“She was around earlier.” Nicky replied. “I think she went to the barn with Ian.”
Sophia frowned. “I already checked with Ian. He said he hasn’t seen her all morning.”
James shrugged. “She must be around here somewhere. You know how she is. She’s always disappearing and coming back covered in dirt and – “
He paused and turned towards the trees, inhaling deeply. “Do you – “
“Yes.” Nicholas answered immediately. “I do.”
“Lycans.” Sophia muttered.
“Find Leta now.” Nicky said urgently. “Find her and take her into the house before – “
“Are you looking for this one my friends?”
The three of them turned as one and stared across the yard. Sophia inhaled sharply. Leta, looking very pale and small, was standing with a group of Lycans at the edge of the woods.
Nicholas, growling lightly, started forward and the biggest of the Lycans shook his head. He squeezed Leta’s shoulder, and she whimpered in pain.
Sophia stared at the group. There were seven Lycans and a human. Despite the cold weather, the human was wearing only a pair of pants. He had a leather collar around his throat, and his hands were tied behind his back. Scars and bruises covered his bare upper chest, and he was tall and broad shouldered with dark hair. He stood silently as the Lycans around him twitched nervously.
“My name is Draken. And you have something that belongs to me.” The biggest Lycan smiled benevolently at them.
Sophia walked a few feet forward and studied Draken carefully. He had long dark hair that hung loose around his shoulders and cold blue eyes. He smiled at her, revealing straight white teeth.
“Well, you’re a pretty one then aren’t you?” He looked her up and down, his eyes darkening with lust.
He inhaled deeply, sniffing at the air like a dog, before smiling at her again. “Oh, I do like your scent. It’s been a long time since you mated. I would gladly take care of that for you, pretty one.”
She didn’t reply and his nostrils flared as he took another deep breath. “I would consider taking you instead of the weak little human. I think you’d be much more fun.”
She bared her teeth at him, and he chuckled before squeezing Leta’s shoulder again. “Careful, I do have something that belongs to you after all.”
“You’re okay Leta.” Sophia called to her sister. “Everything’s going to be just fine.”
Leta, tears dripping down her face, shuddered all over as the Lycan pulled her closer. “I wish to propose a simple exchange. The little half-breed for the woman. I know she is here. Bring her to me, and I’ll let this one go.”
“You’re going to die today.” James was suddenly standing next to Sophia, and she put a restraining hand on his arm.
“Wait.” She murmured.
Draken laughed. “I don’t think so half-breed.”
His smile brightened as he looked past Sophia and James. “Hello Bree!”
James snarled as Nicholas appeared beside him and grabbed his other arm. “Stop it James.”
James looked behind him. Bree was hurrying forward, Tristan and Avery close behind her. He took a deep breath. His need to shift was overwhelming. His fear for both Leta and Bree was making it hard to control. He needed to protect them both; he needed to kill the Lycan and -
“Enough James!” Tristan called sharply.
“Mama?” Leta whispered plaintively.
“I’m here sweet one.” Avery, her voice thin with fear, tried to smile reassuringly at her youngest. “Mama is right here. You’ll be okay my love.”
“Kaden.” Bree whispered. She stared helplessly at the dark-haired human standing with the Lycans. He gave her a small, sick smile but didn’t say anything.
“James – control it!” Tristan roared.
Faintly, James could hear his father’s harsh command but he ignored it. He strained against Sophia’s and Nicky’s hands, as his body continued to swell and the hair on his body thickened. He growled and shook between his siblings as they laboured to hold him between them.
Bree was suddenly in front of him. Her thin face was pale and her hands were cold as ice, but she smiled soothingly at him as she reached up and cupped his face.
“Stop my love.” She said softly.
He stared at her and willed himself to control it. After a few moments of staring into her calm, blue eyes, the urge to shift began to weaken and the red hot rage within him subsided.
“Bree…”
She stood on her tiptoes and put her mouth to his ear. “He won’t kill me right away. He’ll torture me, and draw it out for as long as he can. You’ll have time to save me.”