Crimson Moon Read Online Free PDF

Gunnar couldn’t stand the defeated posture of such a strong Blessed Creature.
    Audric eventually did as asked. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have stuck my nose into your business, but I’ve only just started to remember what I went through, and I don’t want that for you.”
    Gunnar decided to sit down. Perhaps a less defensive posture would help put Audric at ease. Rubbing his hands together, Gunnar decided to be completely honest. “I’m having more trouble relinquishing my hold on my Alpha status than my wolf. Does that make sense?”
    “No, and do you know why?” Audric asked, looking Gunnar in the eyes for the first time since he’d entered the room.
    “Because my wolf has been with me longer than my status?” Gunnar offered.
    Audric snorted. “No. Because being Alpha has nothing to do with your wolf.” He shook his head. “ Weres are so fucking conceited. Being an Alpha isn’t exclusive to your wolf. It’s who you are. It’s about being the best in your particular group. I consider Ramiro an Alpha. If you’d put your heart into what you’ve become instead of what you were, no one would be able to take the title away from you. But you have to want it, and you have to accept who you are in order to get it.”
    Gunnar had never heard a vampire refer to himself as ‘Alpha’. Was Audric right? Was he so conceited he’d discounted every other species of Blessed Creature?
    Audric walked over and placed his palm over Gunnar’s heart. “This is where a true Alpha lives.” He moved to tap Gunnar’s temple. “Not here. Because even in were form, your heart is always your own. It may be what drives the animal inside of you to excel in battle, but pure strength can’t win the war.”
    No one had ever put it so directly and eloquently before. Given his new situation, Audric’s words spoke directly to Gunnar’s soul. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.” Audric smiled. “Now you’d better change your shirt before Haig and Kern detect my scent on you.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Gunnar purposely sat across the table and several chairs down from Ramiro as he waited for the meeting to start. He had noticed upon entering the conference room how agitated Ramiro seemed, and wondered whether Ian’s Chief of Security was still pissed off with him.
    The door opened and Haig ushered Galena into the room. He spoke softly to his sister before guiding her to a chair beside Kern. Although Gunnar had not taken part in Galena’s rescue, he’d heard Ramiro mention the deplorable living conditions the mate of Juniper Cavanaugh had lived in.
    As soon as she was seated, Galena lifted her feet onto the chair and curled her arms around her legs, rolling her body into a ball. Gunnar made eye contact with Haig, asking silently if the meeting was too much for the traumatised were.
    Haig leant over and whispered in Galena’s ear once more. Several moments later, Galena put her feet on the floor.
    Before Gunnar had a chance to examine the situation further, Neo and Michael stepped into the room, followed by Spiro. When Spiro turned to shut the door, Sema head-butted the wood until he was allowed entrance. Spiro shook his head at the large black jaguar and pointed towards the corner of the room behind his chair. Sema went dutifully to the indicated spot and lay down.
    “May I speak to you?” Ramiro asked Neo.
    “No need. Michael already told me Ian isn’t coming.” Neo’s restraint was visible. “I’ll speak to Ian after the meeting. I’d like you to be there.”
    “Yes, sir,” Ramiro answered.
    “Would you like me there as well?” Gunnar asked. As Neo’s head of security, it was customary.
    “That won’t be necessary.” Neo returned his attention to Ramiro. “Tell me exactly what King Kildare said when you asked him about the sword.”
    Ramiro shifted in his chair. “He said the sword had never belonged to Morwyn . That Morwyn stole it from Faelan , but he managed to get it back when Morwayn was exiled