Page 51 of Wolf’s Fated Bride

Sven swallows. “How long have you known?”

“I found out this morning after Peter’s autopsy.”

“Autopsy? Peter was cremated,” Sven says.

“Was he, though?” Blade asks, humor lacing his tone. “We wrapped a log in cloth and burned it.”

“I sent him for an autopsy,” I say.

“I didn’t know werewolves did autopsies,” Sven says.

“We don’t. It was done within the city walls.”

I let the implication that I have spies within the human cities sit with him.

Sven’s teeth chatter. I think he might actually freeze to death out here. I should send him inside.

I unhook the sled from the dogs. “We’ll ride out the storm.”

Chapter 21

Ash

The fire moon releases energy that makes people more aggressive and bold. At the very least, we need to run until we fall over with exhaustion. It is the moon that encourages people to do things that they wouldn’t dare do otherwise.

Big decisions shouldn’t be made during the fire moon.

But humans don’t believe in the fire moon, or the Moon that comforts us as the pillar of our faith. They believe in alchemy, placing their faith entirely in those who can wield the earth element.

Alchemists are at the top of the human power structure. Those with no access to the element are powerless and often placed at the bottom of their societal ranks.

The Stormcrest pack ignores their human counterparts and celebrates all the full moons, including fire. They don’t celebrate it the way we do in my pack, but any celebration of fire is better than none. It tells me their pack still honors werewolf traditions.

“Remind me why I’m hanging out with you tonight of all nights,” Blade says while he scratches his belly. Since fire has been riding me tonight more than usual, being around me during the fire moon amplifies its energy. Every werewolf is itchy. The urge to shift and run for miles rides us while we’re stuck in the castle.

“We’re promoting world peace,” I tell him.

“Do you think the treaty will last?” he asks.

“We’ll find out tonight. Three elemental werewolves from three warring packs will be stuck under one roof while the fire moon shines down upon us.”

“What could possibly go wrong?” Blade asks.

Mmhm. “What did Sören say when you suggested we drop downers into the barrels of ale?”

“He ordered it done.”

Everyone is drinking, so unless he plans to kill off his pack mates, it’s safe for me to drink. I swallow a mugful and grab another one. My fire will burn through the alcohol, but a happy little buzz is better than nothing. “Crises may yet be avoided.”

“Only if you stay away,” Blade counters.

I accept a small piece of bread from a female walking around the entertainment hall carrying a basket of baked goods.

She smiles kindly and bats her lashes at Blade, who winks at her.

“Will you take a female for the night?” I ask.

“Looks like it. Runa is a no-show, it seems.”