sounded both relieved and glum. So far he hadn’t found out any news of the missing soldiers. He didn’t seem very optimistic either, and Wolfram admitted he felt the same. Joseph must have more ferals at his beck and call. Klaus’s reinforcements could be the reason why there had been only four additional enemies in the church.
“We’re sending more troops now, My Lord,” Klaus finished.
“Stay safe.”
Wolfram thanked his friend and ended the call. By now, Sebastian had taken Marcus to sleep in the bedroom, aided by a much recovered Fritz. The double bite seemed to have worked, and the human moved and prepared the bed for Marcus with striking ease. Wolfram sent another prayer of thanks to the Spirit Mother for helping them see the solution. He vowed that when Joseph reappeared—for, doubtlessly, the feral would return—they would be ready. Never again would Wolfram cower in fear or struggle against nightmares. From now on, his mates would be by his side, and together, they could overcome whatever came their way.
Two Mates for a Magistrate
79
Chapter Seven
Of common accord, it was decided Dietrich would be the one to keep guard until morning. He’d escaped the confrontation unscathed and had not used as much power as Wolfram. His lover looked like he might fall over any moment now, something that didn’t surprise Dietrich, given all the spiritual energy Wolfram exhausted during and after the battle. Neither of them had been injured severely, but that didn’t mean Joseph couldn’t attack again.
Fritz and Wolfram went to sleep on the couch in the living room, while Sebastian and Marcus took the bedroom. While the others rested, Dietrich considered what he’d learned. It still made Dietrich sick to the stomach to think his own father could become such a monster.
From what Wolfram told him about ferals, Dietrich managed to make some sense of the situation. Joseph must have lost control of the wolf shortly after the departure from Trier, and because of this, he’d never returned. Joseph had been right about one thing, though.
Dietrich now understood why his mother insisted so much on keeping the beast inside him perpetually leashed. In the end, her advice didn’t help. Instead, it just limited his use of both his magic and the wolf. If he’d accepted his abilities, he might’ve been more prepared for the moment when the beast broke free, but of course, she couldn’t have known that. Dietrich was just thankful Wolfram had been there for him in his time of need.
Memories flashed through his mind, of his childhood, the few years he’d lived by his father’s side, here in Trier. He’d admired the man so much and had been awed at his ability to change forms. There 80
Scarlet Hyacinth
was nothing left of that man now, nothing left of their family. But Dietrich could build a new one, with his two mates. The bond between them strengthened with each passing moment. He’d never be alone again.
Deep in his musings, Dietrich kept watch all throughout the night, his senses always open even as his mind wandered. At last, just as dawn broke over the Moselle, Dietrich felt a heavy presence approach. It didn’t seem hostile, or familiar, but he couldn’t be certain, not anymore. He admitted he didn’t know what he’d feel when he saw Joseph next.
He got up and decided to notify his mate. As much as he’d have liked to let Wolfram sleep more, the other wolf needed to know.
Before he could do so, Wolfram woke, and through their connection, Dietrich sensed the exact moment when his mate processed what was going on.
Wolfram slipped off the couch and joined Dietrich. He squeezed Dietrich’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. “It’s all right. It’s only Klaus.”
Dietrich admitted he felt a bit apprehensive over the famous Klaus. While he knew Klaus had been Wolfram’s friend and companion for many centuries, this closeness made him jealous.
Wolfram’s smile reassured him. “It’s nice to see you
C. J. Cherryh
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