She couldn’t stop the shiver running through her body as a snippet of Jeffrey’s story came back to her. She stared down at the point of the dagger resting against her skin as Kaden murmured in her ear. “Don’t move Lycan.”
Chapter 22
They came out of the trees, four black wolves that stood nearly as tall as the horse she and Kaden were riding on. Sophia’s pulse was pounding, and she unconsciously leaned back against Kaden. She could feel his heart beating solidly against her back. Oddly, it comforted her a little.
He held the dagger against her chest as the Lycan’s bared their teeth at them. The horse they were riding on whinnied nervously. Kaden held the reins firmly with one hand and spoke loudly.
“I am here to speak with Draken. I wish to propose a trade.”
The Lycans snarled at him and Kaden waited patiently. Sophia was trembling lightly and he tightened his grip around her waist, his fingers pressing against her ribs. He took a quick glance at her face. Her face was pale and serene as she stared at the Lycans standing in front of them.
Finally, the four wolves turned and took a few steps into the woods before pausing and looking behind them. Kaden used the dagger to slice through the rope tying her to the saddle horn, and then surprised her by pushing her roughly off the horse. She hit the ground with a loud thud, the wind knocked out of her, and he jumped from the horse and wrapped one hand in her long dark hair. He yanked her to her feet, and she bit back her snarl of pain as her hair pulled painfully against her scalp.
He held the dagger over her heart again and kept his other hand wrapped in her hair. Holding it tightly, he pushed her in front of him. “Start walking Lycan bitch.” He snapped.
She growled at him but followed the wolves through the trees. It took them only a few minutes to reach the Lycan’s camp. Kaden breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Bree sitting on the ground, her hands and feet tied together with rope. Two Lycans in their human forms were standing close to her, and they gave Kaden a surprised look.
“Kaden!” Bree cried.
“How did you survive the blade human?” Draken drawled sardonically.
Kaden turned towards the Lycan emerging from one of the tents. “It’ll take more than a sword to kill me Lycan.”
“Apparently so.” Draken replied calmly. He stared at Sophia. “Hello pretty one. Have you missed me?”
He hesitated and lifted his face to the sky. He inhaled deeply before frowning. “I smell horse.”
The four wolves shifted into their human forms. “They were riding on a horse Draken.” A tall, thin man said.
Draken inhaled again. “Did you see the others?”
Before they could answer, Kaden spoke loudly. “There are no others. This one was treating my wound. I overpowered her and took her hostage. The other Lycans were out searching for my sister. It was easy enough to steal a horse and take this one with me.”
“And then scampered off back to me?” Draken grinned at him. “Do you wish to go back to your old life as my slave then?”
“I am here to propose a trade.” Kaden replied. “This Lycan bitch for my sister.”
Bree gasped in horror. “Kaden – no!”
“Interesting.” Draken looked Sophia up and down. “She is very pretty. I imagine she would look spectacular lying naked in my bed.”
Kaden’s hand tightened in her hair. “Do we have a deal then Draken? I will give her to you in exchange for my sister’s freedom. Let us go free, and you can do whatever you want with this one.”
He shook Sophia roughly, the dagger pressing against her skin, and Sophia growled loudly as her eyes flashed a brilliant green.
“No Kaden!” Bree shouted. “I won’t let you do this!”
“Be quiet Bree!” Kaden snapped. He looked at Draken again. “Do we have a deal?”
Draken regarded them silently for a moment. Kaden could feel Sophia trembling violently against him, and she seemed to be swelling in his arms. He yanked her head back and stared into her pale face.
“Shift and I’ll shove this dagger into your heart. I swear to you.” He spoke loud enough for the others to hear.
She took several deep breaths, and Kaden looked back to Draken. “Do we have a deal?” He repeated.
Draken grinned at him. “Aye human, we do. You may take your sister and slink away like frightened deer.”
“Do I have your word that neither I nor my sister will be harmed?”
“But of course.” Draken said. “You have my word that no harm will come to either of you. Of course, I cannot say the same for your pretty little bargaining chip.”
His grin widened and his eyes glowed red. Sophia swallowed thickly as Kaden’s hand tightened again in her hair for a brief moment.