Red Moon Rising(85)

“Nothing has happened to me Kaden. I won’t be treated like some object for the two of you to fight over.”

He glared at her. “The Lycan treats you like you’re his property! He told me himself that you belong to him, that you’re his – his mate. Are you honestly okay with that?”

She sighed. “Kaden, the Lycans are different from the humans. They can be overly protective and possessive of their loved ones. James knows that I do not actually belong to him. It is just his way of letting others know that we are together. When James calls me his mate it means only that he loves me, that he – “

“Loves you? Bree, the Lycans are incapable of love. You should know that better than anyone!” Kaden ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “You spent two years being tortured by Lycans, and yet now you’re professing your love for one? Have you gone mad?”

She squeezed his arm lightly. “You cannot paint all Lycans with the same brush Kaden. These Lycans are not like Draken. They are good and kind, and they love their family the same way we love ours.”

“I do not believe that.”

She gave him her own look of frustration. “Now who has gone mad? These Lycans risked their lives to save me from Draken. Sophia offered herself as a bargaining chip. James and Avery saved your life for the gods sake!”

She shook him lightly. “When I first came here, I was like you. Even though James had saved my life, I didn’t trust any of them. I tried to run away. I was attacked by faeries in the woods, and they risked their lives to save me. They have been nothing but kind to me since the moment I met them.”

“Bree, he was only being kind to you because he wanted to sleep with you!” Kaden shouted.

She laughed a little. “You’re wrong Kaden.”

“I am not!” He snapped. “You are young and naïve to the ways of men. The Red wanted what you had to offer and like a fool, you gave it to him. Gods Bree, he is a Lycan! Every time he takes you to his bed, he could kill you! Did you ever think of that?”

She paled and stepped away from him like he had slapped her. He knew immediately that he had gone too far, and he gave her a pleading look. “I’m sorry Bree. I did not mean that. I’m just – I’m tired and I’m confused, and I don’t understand how you can trust the Lycans after everything they have done to you.”

She crossed her arms over her torso and stared silently at him for a moment. “Listen carefully to me Kaden. James would never hurt me. Not in his bed or anywhere else. And before Draken showed up, James and the others were devising a plan to rescue you. They were going to go to Draken’s home and save you – a man they had never met – because you were my brother, and because they think of me as part of their family. I did not ask them to rescue you, they volunteered.”

He gave her another look of confusion. “It doesn’t mean they have your best interest in mind. I’m your brother – I love you and I want to keep you safe.”

She smiled at him. “James loves me too Kaden.”

“Please Bree, we cannot stay here. It isn’t safe.”

“Yes it is. Draken is still alive. He will come after us again. You know he will.”

“Which is why we should leave. Draken knows where we are.”

“And where would we go? I only have a little money, and you have none. How long will we survive on our own?”

“We did just fine on our own before. I kept you safe, did I not?” He said quietly.

“Aye, you did. And I will always be grateful to you for that. I know how difficult it was for you to care for me after our parents died. I know that I would be dead if it wasn’t for you.”

“Then trust me and leave this place with me Bree.” He pleaded. “I will take care of you.”

“I won’t leave him Kaden.” She said softly. “I love him and cannot live without him.”

“So that’s it then? You’re choosing him over me?”

“I’m not choosing anyone. I love you both equally.”

He tried one final time, desperation evident in his voice. “Please Bree. If you love me the way you say that you do, then you will leave this Lycan and come with me.”

She smiled sadly at him. “If you love me, you will not ask me to make such a choice.”

He felt a rush of shame and stared down at the floor. “I’m so tired Bree. I’m tired of being afraid. I’m tired of being hungry and cold, and worried that the only person I care about is going to be hurt.”

She put her arms around him, and he bent and buried his face in her neck. “I’m so sorry Bree.”