“Mama, I’m going to need a new dress for the wedding!” Dani crowed excitedly to Maya as Leta, with Tia in her arms, skipped up to her father.
“I’ll need a new dress too papa!”
“Will you now Leta?” Tristan lifted her into his arms and gave her a mock frown. “And how will you get this new dress?”
“You’ll buy it for me.” She replied sweetly, and Tristan laughed and kissed her on the forehead.
Avery stood next to Bree and stroked her long blonde hair gently. “I’m so happy for the both of you sweet Bree.”
Bree stood and hugged the Red. Avery returned her hug and then kissed her on the cheek as Bree smiled hugely at her.
“Thank you Avery.”
“I’d like it if you called me mama.” Avery brushed her hair back from her face. “Unless you would rather not?”
Bree blinked back the tears threatening and shook her head. “No, I – I would like that very much.”
“Good.” Avery hugged her again before James tugged Bree towards him.
He pulled her on to his lap, and she put her arms around his shoulders and grinned happily at him. “I believe your family is more excited about this wedding than we are.”
“Aye. They do love a good party.” James laughed but Bree’s face had paled. She was staring at the doorway to the kitchen.
He followed her gaze, his grip tightening about her waist when he saw Kaden standing in the doorway.
“You’re marrying him?” He said hoarsely as the others quieted.
Bree stood up and took a few steps towards him, stopping when he backed away. “Yes, I am.”
“When were you going to tell me?” He gave her a look of hurt, and she made a soft soothing sound.
“I’m sorry Kaden. I should have told you first.”
“How could you Bree?” He whispered. “How could you marry a Lycan?”
“I love him. You know that.” She took another few cautious steps forward and he held up his hand.
“Don’t come near me Bree. I – I don’t even know who you are anymore.”
“I’m still your sister and I love you.” She replied. She held out her hand. “Come for a walk with me Kaden. We’ll talk and – “
“No. I need to be alone.”
She gave him a pleading look. “Promise me you won’t leave Kaden. You promised you would stay two weeks.”
His gaze flickered briefly to Sophia. “Aye, a promise I now regret.”
He turned and stormed from the kitchen. Bree made a low cry of distress and chased after him. He banged out the front door and ran across the yard to the barn, disappearing inside of it. Before Bree could follow him, James had caught up to her. He tugged gently on her arm, pulling her to a stop. She stared up at him, shivering in the cold air, and he pulled her into his embrace.
“Give him some time Bree. It’s a shock to him that’s all. He’ll come around.”
“Will he?” She said softly. “I’m not so sure James.”
“He will.” He replied firmly. He rubbed her arms and kissed her forehead gently. “You learned to trust us and so will he.”
“If he leaves and Draken finds him…” She trailed off, giving him a look of misery.
“We’ll convince him to stay. We Lycans can be very loveable when we put our minds to it.” He paused. “Well, most of us. Maybe Nicky and I should stay away from him for the first little while.”
She laughed in spite of herself, and he grinned and kissed her lightly once more. “Come little one. It’s cold out and you have a wedding to plan.”
“Aye, I do.”
He took her hand and led her back to the house. “Do not worry little one. It will all work out in the end. Your brother will accept us, and we’ll be married soon. Trust me alright?”
She nodded. “I trust you.” She hesitated. “But James, what about Draken? He’s still out there and he knows where we are. What if he comes back?”
He squeezed her hand firmly. “If he’s smart he’ll never set foot on our lands again. But if he does, we’ll be waiting for him.”
As he led her towards the house, he smiled down at her. “Come little one, this is a day to celebrate with my family – our family now.”
She smiled up at him. “Aye, our family.”