Breathing harshly, Tristan looked at Kaden. “If you want to see your sister again, you’ll let us help you. Don’t be a fool. If you go after them alone, they’ll kill you. They nearly killed you once already.”
Kaden’s hand rubbed at his abdomen through the shirt Dani had given him. He still had no idea how he had survived the stabbing, or why there was no trace of the wound. He was opening his mouth to ask when Sophia’s low voice drifted across to him.
“What we need is a distraction.”
Marshall frowned. “What do you mean?”
Sophia stood beside her father and looked up at him. “Papa, the Lycan wanted me. I could smell it on him and see it on his face. He even muttered something about taking me instead of Bree.”
Tristan frowned. “You’re not going with us Sophia.”
“Like hell I’m not.” She immediately retorted. “I’m not a little girl.”
He opened his mouth to protest again and she scowled. “Draken wants me. I may be able to distract him while the rest of you surround him. You can still use the human and horse scents to try and mask yours. The combination of both scents, as well as my presence, may be enough to allow you to at least get close.”
“Sophia, do you really think he won’t suspect something if you just come strolling up to Draken? He’ll know we’re planning an attack.” Nicholas said softly.
Sophia stared at Kaden. “He’ll go with me. He’ll tell Draken that he’s taken me as a hostage, and brought me in exchange for his sister.”
“No.” Nicky said. “I don’t trust the human.” He stood next to his sister and put his arm around her.
Kaden snorted. “I don’t trust you either.”
“It’s our best chance Nicky. You know it is.” Sophia said quietly.
“Sophia – “
“Nicky, be quiet.” She squeezed his waist before moving past him to James. She cupped her brother’s face and kissed his forehead.
“I can’t ask you to do this Sophia.” James whispered.
“You’re not asking me baby brother. I’m offering because I love you and I love Bree.”
James looked at his father and Tristan sighed heavily. “It’s the best idea we’ve got.”
Chapter 21
“Just do it already Nicky.” Sophia’s voice held a note of impatience.
“Sophia, I can’t.” Nicky said miserably.
“You have to. It’ll make it more real.”
Kaden stood in the yard and watched as Sophia smacked Nicholas lightly on the chest. “You and James punch each other all the time. Pretend I’m James.” She closed her eyes and lifted her chin.
“Sophia – “
“Gods be damned Nicky!” Sophia growled. She glanced over to where Kaden was standing and watching them silently. “I’ll ask the human to do it then.”
She started to stalk towards him. Nicholas grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “He’s not touching you.”
“Then just do it! Don’t be such a chicken! Just – “
Her head flew back and she fell to the ground as Nicholas’ fist connected solidly with her face. Nicky immediately dropped to his knees beside her. “Sophia! I’m sorry! Are you okay?”
She rubbed her aching jaw. “I’m fine. Good job Nicky.”
Nicky helped her to her feet as Tristan led a large, black horse from the barn. Kaden could see the swelling starting on Sophia’s face as Dani approached Nicky. She had what looked like a few of her dresses in her hand and she rubbed the material all over Nicky’s bare upper body before hugging him for a few minutes.
“There cousin, that should help a little.” She wrinkled her nose. “You smell like horse as well.”
“Good.” Nicky replied grimly.
Tristan smiled at Evan as the young boy approached him. “I’m going with you dad.”
“No Evan. You’re staying here.”
“No! Bree saved me from the faeries. I’m old enough to fight the Lycans. I’m going with you.” Evan protested fervently.
Tristan clapped his hand on Evan’s shoulder. “I need you to stay here and protect your mother and the other humans.”
“Ian and Doran and Leo are staying. They can protect them.” Evan replied.
“Aye, but they will need your help.” Tristan spoke with a finality that Evan knew was useless to argue against. He crossed his arms as Dani put her arm around his shoulder and drew him away.
“Marshall, promise me you’ll be careful.” Maya whispered as Laura rubbed his naked back with articles of clothing.
“I will sweet Maya. You have nothing to fear.” Marshall pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. “I will see you soon.”