Vampire in the Woods (Merlin's Hoods Book 2) by Carl Waters Read Free Book Online

somehow killed, it would mean years of training—from someone who wasn’t the Red Hood. Years of the people going unprotected. Years of a broken and scattered brotherhood. Merlin—and the other Hoods—wouldn’t be able to do it all.
    She paused when she drew close to the house, hearing voices inside, and realized that not only were the boys still there—thank the Heavens—but that they were speaking with her girls about everyday matters.
    “What would you know about it?” Alison was snapping. “You’ve never touched a boy in your life.”
    Angeline could almost hear the shrug that Adela threw back at her younger sister.
    “I don’t have to touch one to know that they’re built differently than we are, Alison,” she said smugly. “Just look at Louis and Geoffrey. Far stronger than we are, and they always will be, even when we’re full grown. Men are given that advantage. I find it unfair, is all.”
    Angeline nearly laughed at that. How very like Adela to come up with that piece of logic. The reply didn’t surprise her in the slightest.
    “That’s because men are meant to protect women.” Alison’s voice was prim and proper, and Angeline could imagine the preening look she was sending toward … Louis, if her read was correct. In fact, now that she focused and brought the hood’s powers to bear, she could sense that both the girls had their eyes on Louis. He was larger and more adventurous than Geoffrey, who’d always been slightly sicklier than Angeline liked. And Louis certainly presented himself as more of a dashing figure.
    “I’d protect anyone who needed it,” Louis said stoutly, confirming Angeline’s thoughts.
    She nearly laughed but then choked on Adela’s answer.
    “I won’t need any protection. I’m going to be Red Hood, and that means it’ll be my job to protect those around me. If you’re in trouble, I’ll be coming to help you too.”
    “Then perhaps we’ll manage to protect each other,” Louis said, his voice growing suddenly tender.
    Well, Angeline thought, that was quite enough of that. These youngsters were far too innocent to be thinking of such things, and she didn’t want another fight between the girls about the hood and its eventual mistress. She opened the door, walked through it, and closed it firmly behind her, mindful that there were creatures in the night.
    Glancing around the room, she saw that the girls were both sitting with Louis at the table while Geoffrey leaned against the wall, his eyes only for Alison. So that was where his affections lay, Angeline thought, amused. She did not think there was any hope for him, however, as Alison would always consider him small and weak compared to her.
    None of which was important right now. They had limited time left, and the boys needed to get home.
    “There are strange creatures out tonight,” she said shortly. “You boys will return directly to your homes, and you won’t dawdle on your way. It’s important that you’re under your own roof before the sun sets on the horizon. Avoid the shadows, and make haste, if you please. Geoffrey, when you arrive home, tell your father to keep the fire burning all night. He will know what I mean.”
    For of all the men in the forest, Piers was the only one she had ever trusted with the truth about who and what she was, and what she faced on a daily basis. She’s prepared him for the possibility of other creatures, and given him steps to take in case of this sort of disaster. He and Geoffrey, at least, would be safe. As long as the boy made it home in time.
    She shooed the boys toward the door, despite their arguments, and stopped them at the threshold.
    “Where are you going?”
    “Home, as quick as we can,” Louis answered. “Though I don’t like it, Madam Angeline. If there’s trouble, you should let us stay and help.”
    She shook her head. “You cannot help, though I appreciate your spirit, Louis. And what are you to do?”
    “To keep the fire burning all