The Red Wolf (The Wolf Fey #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

said to me. “Your sister's wedding...”
    “I'm just going to stop to – uh – buy her some flowers,” I said. “I'll make it the rest of the way by myself.”
    “But your friend paid the full way.”
    “Keep it,” I muttered, and hopped off the cart.
    The Duke of Autumn Spring's castle was relatively easy to find. Indeed, it was the only building of any substance in the whole area, which was largely dotted with small thatched cottages and farmland. I made my way to the turrets rising high into the sky into the distance and, hoping the Duke of Autumn wasn't unduly friendly with the Prince of Winter, called out my business to the sentry standing guard before the moat.
    I told him my grandfather's name. “Tell him that Logan, the Prince of the Wolf Fey, is here to ask the Duke to honor his grandfather's memory by granting him shelter.”
    The sentry vanished and returned moments later, letting down the castle gate and allowing me access to the central courtyard.
    “So, you are Logan.” A tall man cloaked in brilliant scarlet velvet approached me, his gray beard glinting in the light of mid-afternoon. “I remember your grandfather well.” He pointed to a scar upon his neck. “I got this alongside your grandfather, and it is thanks to him that the wound was not a good deal worse. I am sorry to hear of your loss.”
    “As am I,” I said. “He was a great man.”
    “And a great wolf.” He beckoned me closer. “I am happy to extend any hospitality I can muster in return. Wolves are rare in these parts, but they are always welcome in our castle. You are a young Prince, Logan – younger than I would have thought. But no matter. Come – you must meet my nephew Alistair.” He motioned to a young, golden-haired man of about twenty-one, who bounded forth eagerly. He bore the bearing of an elegant fey royalty with his aquiline nose, high cheekbones, and slim but toned carriage.
    “Are you really a wolf?” He looked me up and down with wide blue eyes. “I mean, you look so human.”
    I smiled sheepishly as I transformed into a wolf for his benefit, even letting lose a flamboyant howl. Normally, I didn't take kindly to comments that fairies made about my wolfishness: they were usually derogatory at best and downright threatening at worst, but Alistair's genuine enthusiasm thawed my natural antipathy to being asked to perform like some kind of trained puppy.
    “What amazing agility!” Alistair rushed forth. “Do you mind if I...I mean – do you think I can pet him, Uncle?”
    “Ask the Wolf,” the Duke smiled wryly.
    I bowed my head at Alistair's feet, allowing him to scratch a little at my ears, but decided he had gotten a bit too close for comfort when he tried to rub my stomach. I transformed back into a human and Alistair stepped back more than a little awkwardly.
    “Sorry,” he said quickly. “I’ve heard tales about the wolf fey and have always wanted to see for myself. Fascinating!”
    “No problem,” I said. “Just make sure it's a werewolf you're petting, next time you come across one. Real wolves don't like it when you do that.”
    “Of course,” Alistair cut in quickly. “Listen, Logan, would you like some food? Human food, I mean. We've just sat down for our afternoon meal, and we'd love for you to join us.”
    “And perhaps you could tell us what you are doing in these parts,” the Duke cut in. “These lands are ancient Fey lands – perhaps the oldest Fey settlements of all are around here. Their magic is great and storied for those of our race, but few of yours have ever chosen to settle here. As you can see, you're the first fey wolf Alistair has ever come across.”
    “And I've been around,” Alistair added as we walked towards the Great Hall. “When I was battling the pixies a few years back – they tried a raid on the whole Autumn Springs area – we were fighting alongside a mercenary troop of unicorns and a few phoenixes. We even had a giant. But no wolves.”
    Of course,