Blood Twist (The Erris Coven Series)

4



BRADEN



Before joining the others, Braden crossed the two neighboring front lawns to Torin’s home. The four families lived along the same secluded street. As children, they would run from house to house, exploring their own little universe.

He could see why the elders wanted to live in close proximity. They needed to protect one another, but they also needed the sense of fellowship only other damphyrs could provide. Even in Ireland, the old-ones still huddled together in little covens across different counties.

His grandparents were fond of the northwest shores of Mayo. He had planned on visiting them, but worried too much about Brigid to leave her for long. Knowing she didn’t have an eternity on earth made her vulnerable.

If he could stomach it, he would try to write them a letter explaining why he had to go. Unlike his father and brother, at least they could have answers for his death. For years, the elders tried to understand what happened, speculating different possibilities. But Braden knew and none of their notions were remotely close. His mouth set in a hard line; he hoped it would end with him.

Rounding the patch of large cedars at the edge of the barn, Braden noticed Torin standing barefoot outside his carriage house door. His chestnut hair was slightly tussled and his black tee-shirt rumpled. Braden smiled. His once broody cousin was visibly relaxed. Lexie worked wonders on him.

Torin smiled as he approached. “Why aren’t you next door?”

Braden shrugged his shoulders. He needed time to talk to Torin alone without the others listening in. “Thought I would stop over and make sure someone was going to sit with Ruby.”

“Yeah, my father just went in. Lexie’s changing now and then we’ll head over.” An amused expression flickered across his face. “Are you sure that’s why you’re hiding over here? Liz must be there by now. I’ve seen you watching her.”

Braden stared at Torin, puzzled. “I haven’t been watching her.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Seriously,” he countered. “She isn’t even my type.”

Torin grinned incredulously. “Whatever you say.”

Braden looked up at the house. Lexie’s mother was being kept as comfortable as possible on the second floor. “How’s Ruby today?”

Torin’s expression grew serious. “Not well. The rash has spread and her skin is breaking down.”

Braden swallowed. He couldn’t put off going any longer. “I wanted you to know that I’ll be leaving soon. An old friend of my father’s has access to an antidote for the virus.” Although he hated lying to Torin of all people, he worked at keeping his tone as lighthearted as possible.

“Already?” Relief flooded across Torin’s dark features. “Are you heading to Eire?”

Braden offered a slight nod. “First thing tomorrow.”

Torin’s brows knitted, deciding what to do. “Lexie will want to stay here with Ruby and Ella. I’ll ask Teagan and Cian to take turns watching the place at night. I don’t know if Nicolai will come around, but I want my father to have backup just in case….”

“Actually,” Braden interrupted, “I think you need to stay. You’re the only one with experience fighting a werewolf and if Cian and Teagan were to go through the change while we were away, the elders would need one of us here.”

Braden knew his explanation made sense, but there was more to it. He needed his cousin to take his place as protector of the coven, especially now that his closest friend had a fate-partner. But he also knew he couldn’t risk Torin trying to stop him.

The left corner of Torin’s lip turned up, “Are you putting me second in command around here?”

Braden tried not to smile. “Yeah, do you think you can handle it?”

“I don’t know,” he grinned. “Your cockiness won’t be easy to duplicate.”

“I somehow doubt that,” Braden countered, chuckling at his friend. “By the way, I wanted to apologize for the other night. I should have trusted you. I just didn’t want you to get hurt. I couldn’t stand losing you, too.”

Torin cocked his head, “You don’t need to apologize. You’ve always had my back,” he replied with understanding.

Braden ran his hand through his spiky yellow hair as his stomach twisted with unease. Looking back up at Ruby’s window, he avoided his cousin’s gaze. “Yeah well, I know you would do the same for me.”