Bloodbound Hearts: A Tale of Eternal Love

Chapter 10: The Hunt Begins

Sheriff Walker and Deputy Collins continued their rounds through Snowmass Village, their car rumbling down the quiet streets. They turned onto the winding path leading to the Ashford house, the trees casting long shadows in the fading light.

The Ashford residence came into view, its imposing structure blending with the forest around it. Sheriff Walker parked the car and stepped out, followed by Collins. They walked up to the front door and knocked.

After a moment, Mr. Richard Ashford opened the door, his eyes narrowing slightly as he saw the visitors. "Sheriff Walker, Deputy Collins, what brings you here?"

Sheriff Walker nodded in greeting. "Evening, Mr. Ashford. We're here to warn you about the recent animal attacks. Three hunters were found dead in the woods. We believe it was a pack of wolves."

Mr. Ashford's expression turned somber. "Thank you for letting us know. We'll take extra precautions."

Mrs. Vicky Ashford appeared behind her husband, her face etched with worry. "We hope no one else will be hurt."

"We're doing everything we can," Collins assured her. "Just stay vigilant."

As the law enforcement officers departed, the Ashford family gathered in their living room, the air thick with tension. Mr. Ashford stood at the head of the room, his expression grave.

"We need to talk," he began, his voice firm. "I have a suspicion that the attacker is not a pack of wolves, but someone like us."

Mrs. Ashford gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "You mean another vampire? But why would they attack humans so recklessly?"

Mr. Ashford nodded. "It's a possibility. And if it is, we need to find them before the villagers start suspecting us."

Vlad, the eldest son, crossed his arms, his eyes flashing with determination. "If there's another vampire out there, we need to catch them. We can't risk our family's safety."

Cristoff, the skinny and intellectual sibling, agreed. "We should investigate. Selina, I need you to heighten your senses in the woods and see if you can track the attacker."

Selina, the sister who looked most like Laura, nodded. "I'll do my best. Brigette, you should come with me. Two pairs of eyes are better than one."

Brigette, always the quiet and enigmatic one, simply nodded her agreement.

Laura, seated quietly, finally spoke up. "I'll warn Alexis to avoid the woods. He needs to be safe."

Mr. Ashford looked at his family, a mixture of pride and worry in his eyes. "Alright, everyone. We'll start patrolling the woods tonight. Stay alert and stay together."

Night fell, casting the forest in an eerie glow as the Ashford family set out on their search. Richard and Vicky took the northern perimeter, their senses on high alert. Vlad and Cristoff headed east, moving swiftly and silently through the trees. Selina and Brigette moved west, their eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement.

Selina paused, her eyes narrowing as she caught a faint scent on the breeze. "Do you smell that?" she whispered to Brigette.

Brigette nodded, her senses equally sharp. "Yes. It's faint, but it's there."

They followed the scent, moving deeper into the woods. Suddenly, Selina's eyes widened as she saw a shadow flit between the trees. "There!" she hissed, pointing.

Brigette tensed, ready for anything. "Let's go."

They moved quickly, following the shadowy figure. It was fast, almost too fast to track, but Selina's heightened senses kept them on its trail.

Meanwhile, Vlad and Cristoff were having their own encounter. They found fresh tracks in the soft earth, leading deeper into the forest. "These aren't wolf tracks," Vlad muttered, examining them closely.

Cristoff nodded. "They're too large. And the spacing is all wrong. Let's keep moving."

As the Ashford siblings continued their search, Laura made her way to Alexis's house. She knocked on the door, her heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and urgency.

Aunt Jane opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise. "Laura? What brings you here?"

Laura gave a respectful nod. "Good evening, Mrs. Thompson. I'm here to see Alexis. It's important."

Jane hesitated, then stepped aside. "Come in. I'll get him."

A moment later, Alexis appeared, his face lighting up as he saw Laura. "Laura, what's going on?"

Laura glanced at Jane, then back at Alexis. "Can we talk outside? It's urgent."

Alexis nodded, leading her out to the porch. "What's happening?"

Laura took a deep breath. "We think the attacker in the woods might be someone like us. Not a pack of wolves."

Alexis's eyes widened. "You mean... another vampire?"

Laura nodded. "Yes. My family is worried, and we don't want you to get hurt. Please, avoid the woods for now."

Alexis reached out, taking her hand in his. "I promise, Laura. I'll stay safe."

The next morning, the village was buzzing with the news of the attacks. Sheriff Walker and Deputy Collins drove through the streets, their voices ringing out over the loudspeaker.

"Attention, everyone. Please avoid the woods. We believe a pack of wolves is responsible for the recent attacks. Stay safe and stay vigilant."

Alexis listened to the announcement, a sense of relief washing over him. He knew the truth, but he also knew that the Ashfords were doing everything they could to protect the village.

As night fell again, the Ashford family continued their search. Richard and Vicky moved silently through the northern perimeter, their senses attuned to every sound and movement. Vlad and Cristoff patrolled the eastern edge, their eyes scanning the darkness. Selina and Brigette circled the western boundary, their steps light and cautious.

Suddenly, Selina paused, her eyes narrowing as she caught a familiar scent. "There!" she whispered, pointing towards a shadowy figure moving through the trees.

Brigette tensed, ready for anything. "Let's go."

They moved quickly, following the figure deeper into the forest. The air was thick with tension, every sound amplified in the stillness of the night. As they closed in, the figure turned, revealing a face pale and gaunt, eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

Selina gasped. "Who are you?"

The figure smiled, a cold and eerie grin. "I'm like you. But I don't play by your rules."

Before Selina or Brigette could react, the figure vanished into the night, leaving only a chilling laugh echoing through the trees.

Meanwhile, back at Alexis's house, Laura knocked on the door once more. This time, Aunt Jane answered with a knowing look. "Here to see Alexis again?"

Laura nodded. "Yes, it's important."

Jane stepped aside, letting Laura in. "He's in his room."

Laura quickly made her way to Alexis's room, knocking softly on the door. "Alexis, it's me."

Alexis opened the door, his expression filled with concern. "Laura, what happened?"

Laura stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "We found someone in the woods. Another vampire. They're not like us, Alexis. They're dangerous."

Alexis's heart pounded. "What do we do?"

Laura took his hands, her eyes filled with determination. "We need to be careful. And we need to find out what they want. But whatever happens, I promise I'll keep you safe."

Alexis nodded, squeezing her hands. "We'll face this together, Laura. I won't let anything happen to you."

As the night deepened, the village of Snowmass stood on the edge of a new danger, one that threatened not only the Ashford family but everyone they cared about. The shadows in the woods held secrets, and it was up to Alexis and Laura to uncover them before it was too late.