Autumn Feast - Charlie Richards Page 0,63

put a ring on it. What’s a goblin to do?

It’s time for the Autumn Feast, a time for celebration, a time for a goblin to finally convince his wolf to marry him. Well, that’s what Calyx Akiyama is hoping for, and all the sanctuary with him.

What will it take for Trey Bowden to say yes? How about a war?

Dedication

For my little ones, thank you for being willing to share your time so I can tell my tales.

Just like I found my dream, I’ll never hesitate to help you discover your own.

Love,

Mommy

Chapter One: Protect Our Own

Calyx stood in the forest with his father, Haru, and his brother, Dimitri, as they scoured the area searching for more signs of the trespassers. For now, they only had shredded earth and bent grasses, clues that those who cared nothing for the property treasured by the sanctuary had been here. There was a chill in the air with autumn approaching, and preparations for the Autumn Feast were in the works.

“When will we have what is required?” Haru asked.

“Soon, Father, the permits, documentation of the action, and all will be in our hands. We’ve proved the ownership of the land and acquired the witnesses. That should be enough to establish this property belongs to our people. It’s the law.”

“Waiting for human laws to do what we could do ourselves is interminable,” Dimitri growled as he bent at the knee to retrieve a smoldering cigarette from the earth. The only thing in flames in the vicinity of the sanctuary should be incense from the temple. What Dimitri held is his hand was enough to start a forest fire. “While we wait on these actions from human courts that will evidence our ownership of grounds we have protected for centuries, those seeking entry into the sanctuary encroach on our territory and threaten the safety of our people.”

Calyx admired his brother, Dimitri, but they had different views. Dimitri was more like their father’s first sire, all dark hair and unruly curls, with sparkling green eyes and vicious temperament. Where Dimitri was broad like their father, Calyx was of slimmer build, yet muscular and capable in his own right. His skill lay not in the field of battle like Dimitri’s, but in the war of human law as his father had bidden him.

“I would join you in eviscerating them if that were a better choice, Dimitri, but if we are to do this properly, then that paperwork you scoff at is the legal way to ensure our people are safe. The priests have agreed, and we accepted this. They believe in our carrying out their decisions.” Calyx spoke calmly, but he was tired of Dimitri’s doubts.

“Your brother is correct, my eldest. Times have changed, and the way of the Tengu goblin must change with them.” Haru rose then, and the customary gold braid at his back swung with his movement. That was where Calyx’ and his father’s similarities lay. While Dimitri was all dark power, Calyx was golden, both in hair and body. He was light to Dimitri’s dark, a benefit to him when he was in the courtroom. He was not above using his beauty to gain him an extra advantage when needed.

“But...” Dimitri argued.

“Even your husband agrees, Dimitri,” Haru was quick to add.

Ah, Eric. My brother’s human mate. Just seeing the softening of Dimitri’s eyes, and the gentle smile that rose when someone mentioned Eric’s name, was a blessing to behold. Gone was the hard man Dimitri had been before he fell in love with Eric. Now, the mere thought of Eric could turn the tide from vengeful and angry to warm and calm. Eric was a gift to them all.

Calyx thought back to two nights before, when everyone around them probably heard his brother’s cries of Harder, Eric. More, Eric. Please, Eric. The sounds of Dimitri’s lovemaking had stirred Calyx to seek own his mate, to fuck Trey long and deep, filling him with his seed.

Calyx was grateful to have found the happiness with the mate he’d prayed so many years for, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted them to share each other’s names, to marry as his brother had married Eric, but each time he’d asked, Trey denied him.

He suspected the reason for the denial was the same that compelled Trey to hesitate to release his wolf. Trey’s mother. The pain and fear she’d raised her son with crippled his spirit and his ability to accept love, causing him to erect walls that were formidable to