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. I can turn at will.Michael s eyes widened, their bright blue depths mirroring the vast bright sky abovethem. You wondered about it on the second day of my change.I can turn at will on any daybut those three.During the tri-fold days of the moons full phase, I have very little control.Theleast control on the day of the true full moon.Michael s brow furrowed. I don t wish to discuss it. It hurts.Quite a bit, actually, Atherton continued, as though Michael hadn t spoken. I m not sure how to teach a wolf comportment in the fine parlors of London.I m fairlycertain the arrangement of silver and seating location wouldn t matter.Michael began walking again. That s why I need those three days every month.Only the few trusted servants I haveknow of this.Their families have served mine for as long as we have record.They are fiercelyloyal, and we treat them well. Look, I believe I see a sparrow on that branch. It s a curse, Atherton continued.He wanted Michael to know everything.He neededMichael to understand.Whatever it took, full confession, anything.Michael s opinion dearGod, it mattered. I didn t think I d see one this time of year.How odd. Michael, Atherton said, exasperated. It s just up ahead.Come along.We need to prepare you for the inevitability of beingalone with a woman of breeding.There s a way to do it such that you aren t found orcompromised. Is there a way to be alone with a man of breeding? Atherton bit back.Michael lifted his brows in surprise. Why yes, you re doing that as we speak.See? Hesmiled. Not a whiff of scandal in it. Unless I kiss you. Atherton stepped forward.Michael s lips formed a grim line as he pushed his hand on Atherton s chest. You won tbecause I don t want to be kissed by you.Atherton felt like he d taken a strike to the belly.He swallowed the bitter bile at the backof his tongue. Because of what I am, he assumed aloud.Michael met his gaze steadily.He didn t deny it.He lowered his hand, caught it behindhis back again, then moved on. Michael. You re getting married, Michael snapped gruffly.His eyes flashed at Atherton when heshot a look his direction. To a woman.Not a man.Not an animal, thank God.Not to anyoneelse but a woman.You ve hired me to accomplish that end. I must.To break the curse, I must, Atherton told him.Did he dare hope that Michael sanger meant he wanted Atherton to himself?  I must marry and conceive an heir before mythirty-third birthday, or I ll never fully be human.I ll always remain as you see me today.Michael snorted humorlessly. Unless there s a full moon about. You see why I must find a wife. Right.Ten paces.There s the opening in the shrubbery.I m sure the lilies are stillclogging the edges. Michael smiled falsely bright. You are a walking megrim. You aren t paying attention to your lessons.You ve less than a month before the ball andI believe you ve arranged for a fitting in town next week.That s two full days and another threejust before you leave, in which I won t be permitted to tutor you. Have you considered that marriage doesn t mean we can t be together? Athertonpushed.He probably shouldn t have.He had the sense he d pushed too far already, yet he wantedMichael to know that Atherton wasn t finished with him.That he wanted Michael after vowswere said.Hell, he wanted Michael during, as well. Doesn t it? You d cuckold your wife? You aren t the man I thought you were. For you, Michael.I d route my entire household and burn it to the ground if you askedit.Michael paused.He lifted his chin and looked into Atherton s eyes.Michael seemed sosad, bruised if one could judge by an expression. I d never ask it, and you should never offer.Your future wife doesn t deserve the heartbreak of sharing you with anyone else.Michael turned away. I wouldn t share you, he whispered.Atherton wouldn t have caught the words if his hearing had not been so acute.But hehadn t intended Atherton to hear. Can I not have you in any capacity? Atherton asked.Michael ducked his head.A resigned sigh escaped him. No.Even if you embracedbachelorhood, I couldn t accept what you are. I understand, Atherton said.His chest ached.He flexed his fingers, grasping at nothingbut the air at his sides. Doubtful.* * * *Michael lifted his soup spoon, barely noticing the warmth of the liquid as it slid down histhroat.Standing in the garden a week ago, he didn t know if he told the truth.He d barelygrasped the life Atherton must have led and the reality of seeing man become wolf.CouldAtherton have really expected him to know his mind when he announced that a curse wasinvolved?He d seen the pain changing forms gave Atherton.He couldn t ask Atherton to sufferseveral times a month for the rest of his life if marrying a woman and producing an heir couldcure him.Putting the decision in his hands, however generous of Atherton, wasn t fair.He couldn t ask it of Atherton.He wouldn t allow Atherton to forego a normal life tospend it with Michael.And he d meant what he d said about not having a relationship ifAtherton married.The world was made up of bad marital choices, that didn t give Atherton thepermission to hurt his young bride.Truthfully, he didn t expect Atherton to do that either.If itcame to a decision, Michael knew he could count on Atherton s integrity to choose his wife.Atherton only needed to come to terms with his selection.He would.Michael counted on it from everything he d seen of the man.Atherton, withthe exception of his curse, was an honest man.If Michael faltered and begged Atherton to takehim as a side relationship, it would only be a matter of time before Atherton sent Michael on hisway.If that happened, Michael would be dealt a crushing blow. Michael, you ve already finished your soup.There s nothing in your spoon. Atherton stone was teasing.Michael held his spoon out speculatively. I suppose I have. He carefully laid it down. It s proper etiquette to put it in your bowl for easier removal, Atherton correctedsmugly.Michael tried to laugh, but he didn t feel lighthearted. Who s teaching whom?The question hung there.Cook brought the next course and removed the soup bowls. The clothing I ordered will be ready for you at the tailor tomorrow, Michael saidinstead. Would you attend me? To pick out accessories for the new wardrobe? Atherton asked.Michael looked him over. With the exception of the beard and hair, you appoint yourselfin fine form.You don t need me.Atherton put down his wine glass.He leaned forward. I do need you, he insisted.Michael s cheeks heated.He busied himself with the small roasted bird centered on hisplate. Will you at least help me groom for the season? Atherton requested.Michael nodded. You ll either need to find a barber in London, or pay special attentionwhen I trim your whiskers. You ll come with me. No, I won t.My duties end the moment you take the carriage into London.Atherton lifted his wine glass, holding it up before he sipped. Then I won t leave for theball until the evening before. You have to.There are things to prepare and invitations to acquire. I ll acquire them after my appearance at the ball, Atherton insisted.Michael sawed at the bird, beginning to lose patience. You ll need to unpack your thingsand set your household to rights. My townhouse has been opened and a staff is cleaning it as we speak.That caught Michael s attention. You have other staff? What of your condition? They re family of the current household and while they don t know of my condition, asyou put it, they won t need to.I ll be out of London before the next full moon cycle.That surprised Michael [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]