Autumn Moon Read Online Free Page A

family appear weak, a greater risk when dealing with Pendaran. No, this threat must be faced directly at home—preferably hers.
    A low growl filled the room, lifting the hairs at her nape, more because it had come from Cormack and not her brother. He held the crumpled letter in his fist. Obviously he’d learned how to read. Among other things, she was sure.
    â€œWhat the fuck is this?” He brandished the wrinkled parchment in accusation. “That putrid ass mentioned a dress. Has he been contacting you?”
    His outburst surprised her enough that it never occurred to her not to answer. “Pendaran has sent me a few gifts.”
    â€œGifts?”
Apparently he’d also learned how to swear. Quite proficiently, in fact, as more vulgar words followed. “What kind of gifts?”
    â€œNothing of significance.” Truly, the jewels, brooches, paintings, garden statues, and silk gown held no value to her when given with ill intent. The collection of pebbles she kept on her windowsill, given to her by Melissa, Cormack’s niece, was far more precious.
    Cormack turned to Dylan. “And you allowed this?”
    Her brother sneered at the insult. “Do you think I haven’t considered every other alternative that doesn’t involve ceding my territory to our enemies?”
    A trail of mottled red began to crawl from Cormack’s neck to his face. He was angry, Elen realized. Livid, actually. “If you’ve sanctioned communication from their leader, is that not yielding?”
    â€œSpoken like a wolf,” Dylan returned with more appreciation than annoyance. “But you must learn to embrace your humanity if you’re to protect others who have.” He went on to state the stark reality of their precarious position. “The Guardians have attacked us twice now; once here, and once in Avon. As you know, there are other leaders willing to stand with us against them, but not enough. You saw how many followed Pendaran’s orders in Avon.”
    Cormack’s lips peeled back at the memory. “Cowards,” he spat.
    â€œSome, but not all. Power is seductive to our kind.” Green bled into her brother’s dark gaze. He held tight control of his wolf, but lines bracketed his face with strain. “I have five hundred and seven people living in Rhuddin Villageunder my protection, but only eighteen of them can shift. Nineteen,” he amended, “now that you’ve returned. Luc and Rosa have eleven shifters among two hundred and twelve, and I included them in that tally.”
    All true, of course, but hearing their numbers stated in such a way only strengthened Elen’s resolve for the approaching evening. Rhuddin Village and Avon were mostly inhabited by members of their race born without the ability to shift. They lived for centuries, healed faster than humans, but were vulnerable in a battle against shifters who healed instantly during the change. The Guardians, led by Pendaran himself, viewed them as undeniable proof that their bloodlines were weakening due to overbreeding with humans. A ludicrous notion born of fear and prejudice. But poisoned minds weren’t easily swayed. And like her brothers, she would do what she must to keep their people safe.
    As if he hadn’t heard, or didn’t care, Cormack shoved the balled parchment in her face. “You’re not going.” He spoke low, but his eyes raged.
    â€œAgreed,” Dylan confirmed. “It’s time to end this farce. Elen, make a list of what you need from your cottage. You’re moving into Rhuddin Hall.”
    â€œNo,” she said. “I won’t bring danger directly into your home, not with Sophie and Joshua here.”
Not again.
He’d almost lost them six months earlier because of her, and she refused to risk their lives when she was fully capable of defending herself. “My cottage is close enough. I won’t leave our territory, but I must