Nicholas ran to the nearest tent and brought back a blanket as Bree kneeled next to them and, her hands trembling lightly, carefully unlocked the collar around Sophia’s throat. She eased it from her neck and dropped it into the leather bag.
Kaden watched as James ripped the back of her shirt open, eliciting another cry of pain from her, and urged Sophia to relax against his naked torso. He put his arms around her and pressed both of his hands on the wound on her shoulder. She gave a thin shriek of anguish as blood poured out in thin streams between his fingers. Tristan echoed her cry as he knelt next to his children. Nicholas wrapped the blanket around them both, and James kissed Sophia’s forehead and cheeks repeatedly as Tristan stood and paced nervously back and forth.
“She’ll be okay papa.” Nicky squeezed his father’s shoulder reassuringly, and Tristan gave him a naked look of fear.
“We need to get her home to Avery. She needs her mama as well.”
“We will.” Nicky said shakily. “Just give him some time to heal her enough to survive the ride back home.”
Bree stroked James’ head and kissed his forehead gently before rising and walking to Kaden. She hesitated and then hugged him tightly. “Are you okay Kaden?”
“I’m fine. Are you?”
“Yes.”
He put his arms around her and hugged her gently as he watched Nicholas and Marshall patrol back and forth on the edge of the camp. They were keeping an eye out for Draken and Terrence, and Marshall whispered something to Nicholas as he passed him. Nicholas nodded grimly, and continued to stare into the trees as he marched back and forth.
“Bree, the Lycan is dying.” He said softly.
She shook her head. “No, James will save her. You’ll see.”
“What do you mean?” He frowned at her.
“James is a healer.”
“A what?”
“He’s a healer, just like his mother. He can touch people and heal their wounds or their sickness.” Bree replied.
Kaden gave her a cautious look. “That isn’t possible.”
“It is.” She insisted. “I was dying when James and Nicky found me in the woods. James held me until I healed. If it had not been for him, I would have died.”
He continued to stare at her and she smiled at him. “I know it sounds crazy Kaden, but it’s true. She patted his abdomen through his shirt. “You were stabbed. Do you remember that?”
“Yes.”
“James or Avery saved your life. One of them held you until your wound healed.”
“Bree – “
She squeezed him lightly. “Just trust me about this Kaden. Sophia will live – you’ll see.”
Kaden stared at her doubtfully but didn’t argue. She believed what she was saying, he could see it in her eyes, and he sighed and stared at Sophia. The Lycan’s eyes were closed, and her face was pale as James murmured in her ear and Tristan stroked her leg.
An hour later, Nicholas crouched next to James and his sister. “We have to leave soon James. It would be best to be home before dark.”
James nodded and whispered something in Sophia’s ear. Her eyes fluttered open and she nodded weakly. Tristan unwrapped the blanket as Bree and Kaden drew close. As James removed his blood-streaked hands from Sophia’s shoulder, Kaden’s mouth dropped open.
“The gods be damned.” He said faintly.
Chapter 24
Bree sighed with relief. “It’s better.”
“Aye.” Tristan replied. “But not completely healed.”
Kaden crouched down and stared in disbelief at Sophia’s shoulder. The gaping wound had closed over but her shoulder was swollen and bruised. James brushed it lightly with his fingertips, and Sophia gave a short cry of pain.
“Perhaps we should wait a bit longer.” Tristan said hesitantly.
“No.” Sophia whispered. “It’s much better than it was. We need to go.”
Marshall had disappeared into the woods and, as Bree knelt beside Sophia and kissed her pale forehead, he reappeared leading the horse that Kaden and Sophia had been riding.
Nicky ran his hands through his hair. “We’ll move faster if we shift.” He eyed Sophia.
Sophia shook her head. “I’m sorry Nicky. I can’t run on it.”
“Sophia and Kaden can ride the horse and I’ll ride on James’ back.” Bree said.
“No.” Nicky said immediately. “He’s not touching her.”
“Nicky – “ Bree started but Sophia interrupted her.
“It’s the only way Nicky.”
Nicky sighed harshly. “Dad, what do you think?”
“Sophia’s right. She can ride with the human.” He stalked towards Kaden and stared steadily at him. “If you hurt my child, if you lead that horse anywhere other than back to my home, I will tear you apart.”