Red Moon Rising(83)
She smiled at him before turning to the woman beside her. “Marian, would you go into the pantry and grab some potatoes? Sophia loves fried potatoes, and I’d like to make something special for her.”
“Of course m’lady.” The lady dried her hands and glanced curiously at Kaden before exiting the room.
“How are you feeling Kaden?” The redhead asked as she finished washing the last of the dishes.
“Fine.” He grunted. “I’ve forgotten your name.”
She smiled a little. “I’m Avery.”
“You’re Sophia’s mother.”
“Aye, I am.” She confirmed.
“She doesn’t look much like you.” He waited to see if she would tell him Sophia was not her child.
She smiled again. “She does seem to favour her father in looks. Why don’t you have a seat? Are you hungry? Marian and Nadine will be starting to cook breakfast soon but if you’d like to eat now, we can find you something.”
He sat down at the table, wincing a little at the pain in his side, as Avery sat gracefully in the wooden chair opposite of his.
“No, I can wait to eat with the others.” He replied. “How is she?”
“She’s much better. Tired, but nothing a day or two of rest won’t fix.” Avery stared at him solemnly. “Sophia told me how you saved her life. How you killed the Lycan about to kill her, and then stopped her from shifting. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you for saving the life of my child. If there’s anything I can do to repay you…”
She trailed off and then reached out and patted his hand quickly. He moved his hands to his lap and cleared his throat. “You can convince your son to let Bree leave with me.”
Avery smiled kindly at him. “But who will convince Bree?”
“I will.” He replied immediately.
“Will you?” She said softly. “I’m not so sure about that.”
She took a deep breath. “Where will you and Bree go? You have no money and no place to live.”
“We did just fine before. I will find us work.”
“My husband tells me that this Draken escaped. What if he hunts you down again?”
His brow darkened. “I will kill him.”
“He has a large pack does he not? Would it not be better to have others who are willing to help you?”
“Why would your family be willing to help?” He replied.
“Why?” She frowned at him. “This Draken took Bree from us and nearly killed our daughter. He is now as much of an enemy to us, as he is to you.”
He didn’t reply and she traced her fingers across the top of the table. “Did you know that we have no slaves here? That the humans work for us of their own free will and we pay them wages?”
“Aye.”
She stared thoughtfully at him. “We could use help in the barn. We’ve acquired more horses in recent months, and it’s a lot for Ian to take on.”
“What are you asking?”
“I’m offering you the chance to work for us. You would earn wages, and have a roof over your head and three meals a day.”
“Have you spoken with your husband about offering me employment?” He asked.
She grinned a little. “My husband trusts my judgement. And I do not need his permission to hire someone to work in our home.”
He rubbed at his jaw. “Thank you, but I think it’s better if Bree and I just move on.”
She held up her hand. “Don’t answer right away. Take the day to think about it.”
“I won’t need the day. I – “
He stopped as Marian came back in from the pantry with a bowl full of potatoes. Avery smiled at him. “Spend the day with us please. Bree will not be able to travel today anyway. She needs rest after what happened. You both do.”
He nodded. He stood up, his hand pressing briefly against his side, and left the kitchen. Marian gave her a worried look.
“Avery, is he taking Bree from us?”
Avery shook her head. “No Marian. I am certain that Bree will not agree to leave with him, and will do whatever she can to convince her brother to stay. Even if Kaden does somehow convince her to leave, you know as well as I do that James will never allow him to take Bree away. He thinks of her as his mate, and you know how the Lycans are when it comes to their mates.”
She gave Marian a wry look and Marian smiled a little. “Aye Avery, I know.”
* * *
“May I speak with you?”
Kaden looked up. He had gone straight from the kitchen to the common room, and it had only been a few minutes before he was joined by James.
“Where is my sister? I wish to see her.” He stared steadily at the large redhead.