He shook his head, wishing he could lessen the sting. “I last saw my mother and sister when I was fourteen.”
“So long ago? You were only a boy.”
“I was not a boy for long.”
“But you loved them. Something kept you apart from them. I know what it is to lose—” The corner of her mouth trembled. “I loved my father.”
He did not pursue the path she offered. “They are gone,” he said. “Life continues.”
“Yes.” After a time, she smiled. Always the smile, fore-bearing and generous, covering what she did not want the world to see. “I still have Niall, and my work.”
Niall Munroe—arrogant, confident… and human. “Your brother knows what you are, and doesn’t care?”
“As I said, he is my half brother. He has known since the first time I—for many years.”
And he was undoubtedly glad that she kept her secret from anyone else. Few humans were so tolerant. “Your father was married twice?”
A faint blush came to her cheeks. “No.”
So. Either she or her brother was what humans called a bastard—illegitimate, bom to a mother without the status of a wife. Such things meant much in her world. When werewolves mated, it was for life… unless one of the pair was human.
“You have never tried to Change again?” he asked, eager to escape the subject.
“Not since the accident.” Her smile was achingly brave and thoroughly fraudulent.
“Were you afraid?”
He had not meant the question to be so challenging. He did not expect an answer, but she gave it anyway. “I did not know what would happen if I tried to Change after I recovered from my injuries,” she said. “It happened in the mountains, in wintertime. I was in wolf shape just before the accident happened, but I Changed back when my legs were hurt.”
Then she had known what it was to run free. Once more he was forced to amend his assumptions about her. From his own experience, Morgan knew that an injury was not always the same in both shapes. It was risky to Change when severely wounded, for the great effort could lead to death. But a minor injury could be healed by the Change itself. What crippled the woman might not cripple the wolf.
But he couldn’t be sure. If she tried to Change and became a wolf with two useless legs…
That was what she feared. That was why she tried to forget her dual nature—until he reminded her of it. Better to live half a life than become a mockery of nature.
But she had said some part of herself could not forget.
“The past is the past,” he said. “I can’t help you, Miss Munroe.”
She dropped her gaze, seemed about ready to reply, and gave her head a small shake. “You have been most helpful, Mr. Holt. You saved my life, and answered my questions willingly. I can ask no more. Now, if you would be so kind as to bring my chair…”
The courteous wall was back in place, vulnerability banished behind the boundaries of propriety and status. “You owe me nothing. But I do… ask… that you not blame Caitlin or the troupers for what happened. It was an accident.”
“You do care about them, don’t you?” she said softly. Her eyes warmed, and for an unbearable moment she looked as though she might reach out to him. She regained her senses quickly enough. “Never fear. I intend to go ahead with the performance. I am sure Miss Hughes will make sure the horses are safe for the children. Please thank Mr. French for a most enjoyable visit, and reassure him of my goodwill.”
Morgan recognized the dismissal. She had spilled out her heart to him, purged herself of doubts, and now she was ready to return to her life. He could banish any thought of a mysterious bond between them.
“One last piece of advice, Miss Munroe,” he said.
“Give your trust sparingly. Do not mistake enemies for allies.”
He started for the exit before she could respond. Caitlin blocked the way just outside, pushing Athena’s chair before her.
“Is she all right?” the girl asked, peering over his shoulder. “I was so worried, but I had to quiet the horses… I can’t believe that Pennyfarthing bolted like that. It is not like him, and he couldn’t tell me what was wrong. Harry is beside himself, but he thought we ought to leave you two alone. She is all right, Morgan?”