Tristan stepped silently into the kitchen. After his discussion with his mother, he had walked deep into the forest before stripping off his clothes and shifting. He had run for a few hours, not thinking, just working off the restless energy within him.
Now, he stared quietly at Avery. She was standing at the sink with her back to him, scrubbing potatoes while Laura chopped vegetables and chattered away to her. Her body stiffened but she did not turn when he stepped behind them and cleared his throat.
"Leave us," he said to Laura who bowed and left the kitchen quickly. "Hello, girl."
"Hello, my lord." Avery continued to scrub the potatoes.
"How are you?"
"Very well, thank you. And you? I imagine you are looking forward to having your friends visit."
"Avery," he said, "will you not turn and look at me?"
She shook her head. "No, my lord. Please do not make me. I have humiliated myself enough for one day."
Her hair was in a high ponytail and he rested one warm hand on the back of her bare neck. She froze, her hands squeezing the potato she was holding, and he sighed. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about, girl. "
She barked a short and bitter laugh. "Aye, of course there is not."
"There isn't," he insisted. He rested his lips on the warm curve of her neck, breathing deeply of her scent and she shivered.
"Please, Tristan. Do not torment me this way."
"I'm sorry, girl," he whispered against her skin. "It was never my intention to hurt you."
"I know."
He put his arms around her waist and leaned against her, staring moodily out the window in
front of her. She was trembling against him, but she continued to scrub the potatoes and her voice was light and cheerful when she spoke.
"How many years has it been since you've seen your friends?"
"Many," he replied. "After our houseguests have left, I will search for a more suitable home for you. I know of a few Lycan households who would be willing to take a Red. They would be no more than a few hours ride from your sister so you will be able to see her from time to time."
She dropped the potato she was holding and gripped the sides of the sink, her fingers turning white.
"Thank you, Tristan," she said.
"Aye," he grunted. His hand tightened around her waist. "Are you that unhappy, Avery? I am not married yet. Is there no part of you that wishes to stay here with me for a little longer?"
"Tristan, I -"
There was the sound of horses and a large, black carriage pulled into the yard. A horse-drawn wagon was behind it, filled with slaves. There were shouts of greetings and laughter, and she patted the arm around his waist.
"Your guests have arrived. You must go and greet them."
He kissed her throat. "I have agreed to sell you to another. Will you agree to share my bed until you leave?"
She hesitated. "If that is what you want, my lord."
He was suddenly angry with her. "I want you in my bed only because you choose to do so. Make your decision, girl."
"Then my answer is no," she replied.
His anger disappeared, leaving him feeling tired and depressed. He sighed and she squeezed his arm around her waist.
"I'm sorry but it will only make it more difficult."
"Aye. It was selfish of me to ask that of you."
"Go to your guests, Tristan," she replied. "And thank you again."
Avery blinked back tears as Tristan kissed her throat once more, resting his mouth against her skin for nearly half a minute before he left the kitchen. She watched out the window as he approached the carriage. The door opened and a young man, his hair so blond it was nearly white, bounded from the carriage. He hugged Tristan, clapping him roughly on the back before turning and helping a young woman climb carefully out of the carriage.
She was as blonde as her brother but shorter with a lean and muscular build. Even from the kitchen window Avery could see the brilliant blue of her eyes. She smiled at Tristan, her eyes traveling down his body and back to his face before she gave him a warm and inviting hug, pressing her entire body against his.
Jealousy flowed through Avery and she gripped the side of the sink as the woman who could only be Victoria, placed a soft kiss on the corner of Tristan's mouth. He smiled at her and said something that made her laugh and place her hand on his arm.
"She is very beautiful." Laura was standing at her elbow, and Avery glanced at her before looking back out the window.
"Aye. She carries herself well."
She stared at the woman's skin. Even in the cold weather, she was tanned, and her skin glowed in the sunlight. Avery glanced at her own pale arms. She had always enjoyed the contrast of her paleness against Tristan's tanned skin but now, watching the woman hook her arm familiarly around Tristan's and walk with him towards the house, she wished bitterly that her skin was tanned and glowing like Victoria's.
As they disappeared from her sight, she sighed and turned back to her sink of potatoes. Tristan had promised he would sell her to another. She should be happy, but she was more miserable now than ever.
"Gods be damned, Tristan! I did not know you had a Red in the house!" Hendrick stared at Avery when she entered the room. She ignored his look and gathered their dessert dishes. Tristan, Vivian, Hendrick and Victoria had retired to the common room after dinner where Maya had brought Sophia and Nicholas in to meet them.
Victoria was sitting between Vivian and Tristan on the couch and holding a sleeping Nicholas. She looked Avery up and down, her nose wrinkling. "I saw a Red once. She was older and had her hair cut short so as not to bring attention to herself."
She glanced at Avery's long ponytail and then at Vivian. "Why do you not cut her hair short? I have some skill with scissors – I will cut it tomorrow."
Maya gave Avery a look of horror as Sophia, leaning on Tristan's knee, frowned, "Papa, I don't want her to cut Avery's hair."
He ran his hand over her dark hair. "Then she will not cut it, my love."
Victoria frowned. "Tristan, it's bad enough to have a Red in the house. Why would you allow her to flaunt her hair in such a way? Do you really think a child, even one as smart as Sophia, should be allowed to make such demands?"
Avery could hear the irritation in Tristan's voice when he said, "This is my home and I am glad to have you here, but I do not take kindly to having my decisions questioned. The girl's hair is not to be touched, Victoria. Have I made myself clear?"
Victoria nodded contritely. "Of course, Tristan. I'm sorry. I did not mean to offend."
He grunted in reply and Hendrick stepped in smoothly. "Well, I've never seen a Red." He waved his arm at Avery. "Come closer, girl. I wish to see you."
Avery hesitated and then set the tray of dishes on the side table. She smoothed her skirt and approached Hendrick. She stood in front of him, staring at a spot on the wall as he smiled and patted his knee.
"Have a seat, girl. I don't bite." He winked at her and she sat down gingerly on the edge of his knee, staring across the room at Maya. He ran his hand over her ponytail and then grasped her chin gently. He turned her face towards his and smiled at her.
"For a Red, you're a pretty little thing."
"Thank you, my lord," Avery said as she studied his face. His eyes were as blue as his sister's, and his teeth were very white against his tanned skin and blond beard. He stared at her for a moment before he cupped her face and drew her closer to him.
"Touching you is very pleasant." His voice was strained, and she watched nervously as his eyes turned a pale yellow.
"Warm," he growled. He shook his head and took a deep breath. "What did you say your name was again, girl?"
"Her name is Avery." Sophia had appeared next to them, and she leaned against Hendrick's other knee and rested her head on Avery's leg.
"She's a slave and she belongs to me. Papa bought her for me." She smiled at Avery who returned her smile as Hendrick released her chin and rested his hand high on her leg. He moved his hand almost lazily, letting his fingers brush against her tightly closed thighs as he smiled at Sophia.
"Belongs to you does she now?" He ruffled Sophia's hair with his other hand, and she giggled.
"Aye. She makes my owie's better."
Avery could hear low growling and she glanced at Tristan. He was staring angrily at the younger Lycan and Victoria touched his arm. "Tristan, are you all right?"
"Fine," he grunted.
"It feels nice to touch her doesn't it?" Sophia said to Hendrick.
"Indeed it does, little one." He smiled again at Avery and squeezed her thigh.
"I want to sit in her lap," Sophia said.
"Excuse me, my lord," Avery murmured.
Before she could stand, Hendrick pulled her further into his lap and then grinned at Sophia.
"Come up, little one. The more the merrier I say! We'll build a tower."
Sophia laughed and clapped her hands before scaling Hendrick's lap and crawling into
Avery's. Avery squirmed a bit. Hendrick had moved his hand from her leg and slipped it around
her waist. He was resting his hand against her hip and rubbing slow circles, and she gave him a nervous smile.
Sophia leaned against Avery's chest and pursed her lips. "Give me a kiss, Avery."
Avery pressed her lips to Sophia's as Hendrick stroked her long pony tail. He smiled and slid his hand around the back of Avery's neck as Sophia leaned her head on Avery's chest and closed her eyes.
"Aye, give us a kiss, Avery," he murmured and pulled her head down toward his. "Avery!"
Hendrick released her at Tristan's angry shout. She turned to look at him, her stomach
fluttering nervously at the pure fury in his gaze.
"Our guests require more wine. Bring it from the kitchen. Now, girl."
She picked up Sophia, sliding off of Hendrick's lap and plopping the little girl down onto his
lap. Sophia leaned companionably against Hendrick who kissed the top of her head and she smiled up at him. "I like touching Avery."
"Well, that makes two of us!" He winked at Avery
She blushed and headed for the doorway as Victoria rolled her eyes and said, "Gods be damned, Hendrick. Try and control yourself, would you?"
"Hendrick seems quite fond of you," Maya said. She was sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery, rocking Nicholas who was drinking a bottle.
Avery, who was sitting on Sophia's bed and stroking the sleeping girl's hair, nodded. "Aye." "Do you find him good looking?"
"He is handsome enough." She tucked the covers around Sophia and sat on the floor next to
the rocking chair.
Maya grinned at her. "I have to admit it was amusing to see you turn so red when he made
you sit on his lap."
Avery smacked her lightly on the leg. "Amusing for you perhaps."
"Not so amusing for lord Tristan either. I thought he was going to leap from the couch and
rip you from Hendrick's lap himself."
Avery rubbed her forehead. "It's getting late and I'm tired. Good night, Maya."
She stood, kissed Maya's cheek, and walked to the door. She opened it and started to leave
before she froze and slipped back into the room. Her face pale, she closed the door quietly and stared at Maya.
"Avery, what's wrong?" Maya said.
"Tristan and Victoria are in the hallway. They're kissing," Avery whispered.
****
"Thank you again for inviting us into your home, Tristan." Victoria smiled up at him and squeezed his arm.
"You're welcome. It is nice for my mother and for Sophia to have visitors."
"Sophia is a lovely little girl. It's a pity she has had to grow up with a mother who was not there for her," Victoria said.
"Aye, a pity." He stopped in front of her bedroom door. "Good night, Victoria."
"Good night, Tristan." She smiled sweetly at him but did not let go of his arm. She looked down the hallway. "Which room is yours?"
He pointed to the one across the hall. "This one right here."
"I like knowing you are close."
He cleared his throat. "It is getting late."
Before he could pull away, she had pushed him back against her door with surprising force
and, standing on her tiptoes, pressed her mouth against his. She kissed him slowly and pushed at his closed lips with her tongue, urging him to open his mouth.
There was a noise to his left and he pushed her back gently. He had thought he heard a door shutting but the hallway was empty.
"Tristan," Victoria draped her arms around his neck, "will you not kiss me?"
"It is late, and I'm sure you're tired from your travels. Perhaps it's best if you retire for the night."
She cocked her head at him before smiling. "You think me too forward, do you not, Tristan?"
"No, I just think -"
She pressed her body against his. "I have found you attractive since I was a young girl. Your mother says you have not been with a Lycan since your wife left you." She ran her hand over his shirt-covered chest. "I know of men's needs."
She reached for his crotch and he stepped away, holding her hands away from him. "I am flattered, Victoria, but right now my concern is for Sophia and ensuring she feels safe and happy."
She smiled. "Of course, Tristan. That's part of the reason I am here – to help you with Sophia. She could use a strong Lycan female as a role model."
"Thank you. Your help is appreciated." He crossed the hallway and opened the door to his bedroom.
"Good night, Victoria. I will see you in the morning."
"Good night, Tristan." She gave him one last slow and inviting smile before he slipped into his room and shut the door.
He leaned against the closed door and stared into the darkness, wondering if Avery was still awake. He had felt nothing when Victoria had kissed him. He couldn't stop thinking about Avery and the way Hendrick groped her earlier. Although the rational part of him knew that Avery would be in her room by herself and not in Hendrick's room, he wouldn't be able to sleep until he confirmed it for himself. He waited a few moments before opening his door and checking the hallway. It was empty and he moved silently toward the kitchen.
Avery peeked into the hallway. It was empty and she sighed with relief. "They're gone. Good night, Maya."
She blew a kiss to Maya who gave her a look of sympathy as she left. Avery walked quietly past Tristan's bedroom door. She was unable to resist from stopping in front of his door and listening for a moment. There were no sounds emitting from his bedroom, and she said a brief prayer of thanks to the gods before she glanced at Victoria's closed door.
He's probably in her room, her mind whispered viciously at her and she muzzled it savagely. Trying hard not to think about Tristan touching and kissing Victoria, she walked quickly through the dark house toward the slave quarters.
As she crossed the kitchen in the dark, a low, angry voice stopped her in her tracks and sent her pulse racing.
"Where have you been?"
Frowning, she stared into the darkness. "Is that you, my lord?"
He stepped into the dim light from the window and she squinted at him. "Why are you hiding
in the kitchen?"
He stepped closer and she backed up until her ass hit the counter. He stared down at her.
"Where have you been, girl?"
"With Maya," she replied.
"It's late to be visiting with your sister. You need to be up early in the morning, do you not?" "You're right, it is late. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed."
"Did you enjoy Hendrick's touch earlier this evening?" He asked.
"What?"
"Did you enjoy sitting on Hendrick's lap? It appeared so," he said sulkily.
"He is your guest, my lord. What would you have me do? Should I have refused him? He
was only being friendly. It was a nice change from how people normally react to me."
"You seemed to enjoy his friendliness," he grunted.
"You seemed to enjoy Victoria's kisses," she said.
He twitched guiltily and glared at him. "That's right, my lord. I'm late because I was trapped
in my sister's room, waiting for you and Victoria to finish your goodnight in the hallway. You seemed very... pleased to see your childhood friend."
He grinned. "You're jealous."
"I am not jealous," she said.
"You are." He stroked her cheek, making her shiver. "Now you know how I felt watching
Hendrick fondle you after dinner."
"I had no choice," she muttered.
"Neither did I."
She snorted. "Of course, you didn't."
"She kissed me. I had no idea she was going to do that. In fact, I pushed her away." "Fine," she replied. "We both were innocent. Good night, my lord."
He blocked her from stepping around him and frowned. "Stay away from him, girl."
"How do you suggest I do that, my lord? He is a guest in your home. If he wants to spend time with me, I cannot say no."
He growled in frustration. "If he touches you again, I'll kill him."
She laughed and couldn't resist teasing him. "That seems a bit extreme. Perhaps you could start with punching him and work your way up to killing him?"
He grinned in spite of his anger and she smiled delightedly at him. He stared at her mouth, and when he spoke his voice was low and filled with need. "I would very much like to kiss you, Avery."
She stiffened and pulled her head back. "Please don't, Tristan."
His nostrils flared with anger, but he stepped back, allowing her to slip around him and head toward the slave quarters.