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

Alex back
to the world of the living. A green and yellow gypsy wagon came into view.
Lanterns made of brass and colored glass swayed with the lazy gait of the
docile horses. The driver was a man in sixties, tall and lean, wearing a red
cap perched on top his head, his long, white hair flowed down his broad
shoulders. Black pants and a brightly-embroidered white shirt completed his
outfit. Four men on foot followed the wagon. They were similarly dressed to the
driver and were holding long rifles ready to fire. The driver called out to his
horses and stopped beside where he sat.
    Starving,
Alex saw them not as men but vessels holding the precious substance he and Kai
needed to live. He felt his fangs drop, his mouth watering in his thirst for
hot blood. For a moment, he could actually see the blood running through the men’s
veins. Deafened by the thunderous beating of their hearts, he realized the
humans were aiming their rifles at him and Kai. A low growl issued deep in his
throat as he struggled to lift his gun and point it at them.
    The white-haired man called out in German,“ Ich sehe dich, Freunde . Dawn nähert . Beantragen sollten nicht Sie Ihre Erholung in den Armen
der Mutter?”
    “I see you, friends. Dawn approaches. Shouldn’t you
be seeking your rest in the Mother’s Arms?”
    Alex
dropped his gun to his side, squinting to see the man was smiling at him. Working
his mouth to speak, he whispered, “Please … save her.”
    The
Gypsy leapt off the wagon. He took the lantern hooked on the side and
cautiously approached them. Alex found he could see the Gypsy’s swarthy face
better. There was a familiarity about him, reminding him of someone he once
knew long ago. The Gypsy motioned to the nervous men to come to him.
    Strangely,
he switched from German to English, his accent not course as he would have
expected, “My sons, I need you to put Master and his woman in the wagon.
Careful! Do not cut yourself or they’ll be on you with vicious intent. The poor
creatures are starving to death.”
    The
tallest, oldest looking of the brothers glanced worriedly at Alex, who glared
back at them. “Father, are you certain they are the ones we seek? Mary has been
known to be wrong.”
    “Your sister’s gift is like the surface of a pond.
Ripples can cause her vision to change. Not this time. Mary knew exactly where
we should look for the Master.” Patting his son’s powerful forearm, the man
nodded confidently. “Besides, Michael, I would know Alexander Wulf anywhere.
Remember this?” He showed his sons the tattoo of numbers forever marked into
his skin. “Master saved me and our clan, risked his life so we could escape the
Nazis. We owe him a blood debt. More importantly, we are honor-bound to serve
his family, sworn by my grandfather, pledged in blood and love. Especially to
him.” He pointed at Alex. “Let us be quick about putting them in the wagon,
shall we?”
    They slung their rifles over their shoulders and
cautiously approached him as he held Kai closer. The one called Michael
squatted down next to him. “By the color of your skin and the weakened state
you exhibit, you need blood. We will get you what you require at the manor. The
problem I have in helping you is that I will not have my brothers harmed trying
to save you and the girl. Do I have your word you will not kill us?”
    Focusing on the muscular Gypsy, he hoarsely swore,
“My word as a Borne and a Slayer, you and your people are safe from me and my
friend.” It took several tries but finally Alex managed to lift his hand out to
the surprise and relief of the big Gypsy, who clasped it his strong grip.
    “Come, brothers. We must hurry. The hunters we
encountered ten kilometers back will not dally as we have.”
    Before Alex knew it, he and Kai were safe in the
wagon. He heard the older man order, “Boys, keep a sharp eye out. Let’s go,
yip-yip,” he clucked to the horses, who walked on. “Michael, call your mother and
ask her to prepare