Wulf's Redemption (Borne Vampires Book 3) by W.M. Petzler Read Free Book Online Page A

responded to his words. Some of
the women fainted, their fears their children were dead had been confirmed.
    Another man asked, “How came you your conclusion
that a wolf is responsible?”
    “Upon the freshest scene, I found a single set of
tracks leading into the house of the latest victim and out of it. They were of
a wolf, and the largest set of prints
I’ve witnessed in my life. To counter this threat, I have assembled men to
patrol the boundary of the River Elbe and our beloved city, bade them keep the pyres
burning high throughout the night, to hold back the wolf packs.”
    Breber shifted his feet. “Furthermore, I implore
you to keep foodstuff locked in your houses, do not allow your pets or children
to be left unattended.” He searched the faces of the people as he spoke,
finally settling on Alex, as if he were addressing him directly, making him uneasy.
“Keep your weapons handy at all times. Do not allow the beast to penetrate your
homes nor your minds. It thrives on fear, basks in making us tremble at its
stealth and ease to steal our children. I bid you return to your houses post
haste, do not delay. Keep fires burning in every fireplace, lock windows and
doors, ensure the beast has no possible way to enter your homes. Do not open
your home to anyone until full light has touched the sky. I will find and kill
this beast and see its head piked in town square. I swear this!”
    There were no cheers, only sadness as those who
had lost their children nodded their acceptance at his oath. Subdued by the
news a wolf was to blame for their woes, the townspeople filed out of the hall.
Alex watched as the humans left, the idea a wolf could enter homes without rousing
the patrons and grab the children without causing them to scream in terror
seemed impossible, except if the one entering the house was a vampyre. To his
knowledge the only ones in Magdeburg were him and his family.
    Had another taken residence? How could a stranger
arrive and not be subject of interrogation? No, whoever was the villain he was
one amongst the folk, hidden in plain sight. But who?
    Nudging his arm, Aldric whispered, “Alex, I need to feed. Let us walk on to
White’s and find us a girl or two.”
    Hunger clenched his gut, reminding him that he had
not fed in several days. Although Ulrich had commanded him and Aldric to feed
on the servants and not those in town for fear of arousing suspicion, he could
not, would not, feed on them for he considered them family, not cattle.
    “White’s
it is.” They were almost to the doors when a soft, lily-white hand pressed to
his chest, halting him. Recognizing it, he bit back the groan he nearly issued.
    Lisle
Breber stepped before him and smiled tightly at him and his brother. “My lords,
you honor us with your presence. Will you aid my husband in his patrols
assigned?”
    “Actually,
we were on our way to White’s,” he replied as he attempted to sidestep her. She
refused to let him leave.
    Her
eyes hardened. “You leave to play cards while children are stolen right from
under their parents’ noses? How typical of the aristocrat. Are you so intent on
your own pleasures, you cannot help your fellow man search for their missing
children?”
    “We
have business to conduct. Not that it is any of your business,” he reminded her in a firm tone.
    Furious,
she made to retort back when Breber placed his large hands on her narrow
shoulders. Her demeanor quickly became polite and meek, not fooling him or
Breber, who warily watched Lisle.
    “My
lords, forgive my wife. She is passionate about finding the children. We will
not detain you further.”
    Executing
a short bow, Alex offered, “My brother and I extend our service to you in
searching for the villain, Magistrate Breber, once our business is concluded.”
    “Your
offer is much appreciated, my lord. Be safe.” Breber inclined his head and
gently pushed his wife to walk on.
    Aldric
commented dryly, “It appears we are on patrol