Alpha Moon (Silver Moon, #0.5)

Alaric tipped back the last of his ale and stared at the usual patrons at Murdock’s. Most were still recovering from the merriment of last night’s events, and he was one of them. He should have never drunk so much wine; he knew the repercussions of doing so. Besides, syrupy drinks never rested on his stomach.

  After the previous evening’s conversation with his brother, Alaric did not sleep well. His dreams consisted of wolves and the beautiful but mysterious Daciana. Why had her family come to Colchester, of all places? He could not quite place what distressed his conscience, but it seemed the Lowell family was hiding something. He aimed to unearth their secrets, and the only way to do that was to become closer to Daciana. He did not know what outcome this would have on his brother, but in a town where everybody knew each other, it seemed like the correct approach.

  Or mayhap he was over thinking.

  Led astray by his thoughts, Alaric was surprised to see Ulric sit down across from him at the table. He had not noticed his entrance.

  “What brings ye here, brother?” Alaric asked.

  “I may have been a bit melodramatic last evening, and I wanted to apologize if my actions offended ye.”

  Alaric waved him off. “No need. Ye obviously had too many spirits at the ball and they toyed with thy head. Sip ale with me and we shall forget what happened.” Alaric signaled for a barmaid to bring two more tankards.

  “I know ye think me mad, but I plan on pursuing Daciana,” said Ulric.

  Alaric coughed to prevent laughter. “So, ye have taken my words to heart and do not think her a vile monster?”

  Ulric hesitated, thinking how best to pursue the subject. “I think there is more to her than what we see, and I intend to find out what that is.”

  “Seems we can agree on something, then,” Alaric said. When Ulric’s features twisted into uncertainty, Alaric added, “I planned on doing the same. Only moments before thy arrival, I thought to myself, ‘Find out what that family is hiding.’”

  “Yet ye do not believe they could partake in dark territory, one that may include witchcraft?”

  One of the barmaids brought Alaric and Ulric their ale at the most opportune moment. Alaric saw the break in conversation as reason to drink more. He was already feeling lightheaded, but not as greatly as he felt earlier.

  Ulric studied his brother without taking a swill. Was this truly his plan, or was he hiding something more? Mayhap he favored Daciana and sought this as an opening to become acquainted with her. Ulric hated to admit his brother was a favorite among the ladies, but Daciana did not seem like the type who was easily won over by flattery and seduction.

  “I shall take thy silent tongue as affirmation of thy intent,” Ulric said. “And I will raise my cup to ye. Cheers, brother.”

  Cautiously, Alaric raised his, as well. “Cheers.”

  When their tankards bumped in a clatter, the two silently swore they would triumph over the heart of the mystifying Daciana.

  Chapter Seven