Shadowed Valor (Daughters of the Vieux Carré Book 3)

by Rhys Rowlyn

  We enter, and stale air hits my nose like a wall. There is dust everywhere.

  Cassie waves her hand in front of her face, coughing lightly. “I’ll text Giselle and see if the cleaning company she uses for the club can send a crew over to clean. I haven’t been over here in a couple of years.”

  Backing her up against the wall, I take her mouth in a deep kiss. She lifts her arms and curves them around my neck, opening for me with a gasp. Taking advantage of her acquiescence, I deepen the kiss and brush my tongue against her fang. She grips my neck, and her nails pierce my skin.

  Cassie runs her hands over my shoulders and back up into my hair. I pull on her ponytail, freeing her mouth, and move my assault down her neck.

  “Bram… Oh God…” She moans when I put my thigh between her legs, then suddenly she pushes me back, panting.

  Fleur walks through the back door. “Man, it’s dusty in here. I’ve got the keys. Are y’all ready to go? Oh wait, sorry. I’ll meet you at the truck.” She stutters toward the end and rushes out.

  “Well that was awkward.” Cassie’s face is bright red. “I’m going to go open windows.” She takes off upstairs before I have a chance to say anything.

  Grinning, I follow her and open a couple of windows in the back of the house. She meets me on the landing.

  Cassie steps in front of me, drawing her brows together and biting her lower lip. “What is your relationship with the witches?”

  “I told you we were friends a long time ago. We did not have modern ways of communicating, so this is the first time I’ve spoken to Cara in centuries.” I hide my smile behind my hand, finding it encouraging she is jealous.

  “Okay, I get that, but what was your relationship while you were living with them? You’ve said you lived there for a long time.” She narrows her eyes, her lips forming a straight line.

  “We did, and I saw the sisters’ births. There is no relation with them other than friendship or maybe strange uncle.” I cup her face in my hands and kiss her lips gently. “Don’t worry, my little mate, you have nothing to be jealous of.”

  She knocks my hands away from her and stomps past me. “I’m not jealous, just wanting to know the degree of awkwardness to expect.”

  Cassie flies down the stairs, and my laughter follows her. I bounce down the stairs with a smile, feeling lighter than I have since I awakened.

  We drive to Fleur’s parents’ house, and I can’t stop poking fun at how nervous André is. He’s acting like such a child. I love the way the vehicle feels while driving through the streets. The power of the engine is amazing, and I can’t wait to learn how to operate one.

  I sober when we pull into the alley behind the building, knowing something dark happened here. It’s faint, but the remnants still linger in the area.

  “Bram, you sense something, don’t you?” Cassie moves to my side and takes my hand.

  “Yes, it’s faint, but it still lingers. The witches are going to need to come by and cleanse the building before your father moves back in. They will be able to tell us much more about what happened.” During my time in the coven, they taught me to sense dark magic and how it tastes. New Orleans has a slight bitterness in the air, but it is more concentrated here.

  “So something has happened to my maman? Do you know what?” Fleur’s eyes are bright with unshed tears, and I hate causing her this distress.

  “Fleur, I don’t know exactly what happened to your mother, only that there was evil energy here. It’s not strong, and only fragments remain, but I wouldn’t let your father stay here until it is thoroughly cleansed and warded.” I hold out my hand for the keys. “I’ll go in alone. Where is the jewelry located?”

  Fleur pushes me aside and shoves the key into the lock. “I know you’re going to say it’s dangerous, but I’ve been here since I was turned. Besides, I want you to show me how to sense the darkness like you can.”

  “Yes, I would like to learn that too. It seems like we’re going to need to know more about magic. Giselle and I have always kept to ourselves and not had anything to do with the other supernaturals in town, but now I’m beginning to think we may need to know more, especially if your witches think it’s necessary to come.” Cassie crosses her arms over her chest, tilting her head to the side.

  Shrugging, I nod. I believe a quick lesson is in order. “All right, I agree. Before you go into the building, step out here onto the sidewalk and take a deep breath.”

  Everyone does as I ask, wrinkling their noses at the smell of the city. There are many scents that are unpleasant—car fumes, musty odors, and unclean human bodies—but there is also the faint odor of dark magic.

  “Do you taste the slight bitterness? It’s faint but there.” I know they’ve picked up on something. I only hope it’s not just the foul odors.

  Cassie widens her eyes and stares up at me. “Yes, it burnt my tongue when I concentrated on it.”

  “That’s strange. I’ve never noticed it before.” Wrinkling her brow, Fleur takes another deep breath.

  “What is it?” André massages Fleur’s shoulders, tilting his head toward me.

  “It’s dark magic. I believe all the practicing witches in the area are using some form of it. I don’t think they realize it, and I don’t know its source, but that’s its flavor.”

  Leaving the front of the building, I lead them inside. “Now take a deep breath.”

  They all do, then cough and gag.

  “What the hell? Why haven’t I noticed this before?” Fleur waves her hand in front of her face.

  “Because you weren’t looking for it. The witches showed us this little trick so we would know when black magic was being used and to stay clear. The stench from this building is strong, and I believe whatever happened when the two magics converged caused it to get even darker.” The foulness of this place is almost more than I can stand. I want to grab Cassie and get her as far away as possible.

  “So what you’re telling me is there’s not much hope for my mother.” Tucking her hands in her pockets, Fleur stares at the floor.

  “I don’t want to give you false hope, but I believe you should allow the witches to see what they can do. They’re coming for a reason. Let’s wait until they get here to make any judgments.” I take Cassie’s arm and guide her closer to the door.

  André puts his arm around Fleur’s shoulders and leads her up the stairs. “We’ll go get the necklace and return shortly.”

  Cassie and I go back to the truck and get in. She turns toward me. “Give me the truth. You don’t hold out any hope for her mother, do you?”

  “No, sadly I don’t. Something evil happened here, and I think it may be more than just the two magics mixing. I don’t know what, but I have a feeling something more is at work. Let’s not say anything until the sisters get here. I don’t want to upset Fleur any more than I have to.”

  “I agree. Poor girl’s been through a lot in the last few weeks.” Cassie faces forward and looks off into the distance. “Thanks for showing us that little trick. Giselle has always been leery of witches, and I guess I took on her attitude. I never really paid them much attention. Maybe if I had, I would have known what Fleur’s family was up to.”

  “A spell from a witch would have never registered as a problem. Don’t blame yourself for Fleur’s mother’s actions. There is no way you could have prevented it.”

  “I know you’re right. I just feel bad for my new sister.” She takes a deep breath, then smiles at me. “How would you like to have a driving lesson?”

  It takes everything I have not to clap my hands with excitement. “I would love it!”

  “You would love what?” André opens the back door and peeks his head in.

  “Cassie’s going to give me a driving lesson.” I turn in my seat facing him, grinning widely.

  “Then we’ll leave you here and walk back. Merde, I am nervous enough riding with Cassie driving, and she knows what she’s doing. There is no way I’m riding with Bram in control of this beas
t.” André slams the door shut and pulls Fleur away from the truck.

  “I didn’t mean at this moment. We could give you a ride home.” Cassie laughs when André waves his hand and backs another step away.

  “We don’t mind walking. It’s a beautiful night.” He looks up at the sky, and Fleur shakes her head.

  “You’re missing out. Who knows, André, we may have gotten you behind the wheel,” Cassie says teasingly.

  He shakes his head, pulling Fleur behind him and waving good-bye without looking back. Fleur laughs, looking over her shoulder as she shouts, “Bye!”

  “One day, he’s going to need to know how to drive.” Watching them leave, Cassie shakes her head.

  “I agree. Maybe once he gets used to riding, he’ll want to.”

  “Why don’t moving vehicles scare you? Phillipe didn’t like them, although he’s getting better, and André would rather do anything else.” Cassie tilts her head to the side, rubbing her thumb across her bottom lip.

  Wagging my brows, I give her a saucy grin. “Me guesses it’s me Viking blood that makes me so adventurous.”

  Cassie throws back her head, laughing as she starts the engine.

  Cassie

  With a stretch, I look around and find I’m alone. Today’s dream was especially hot, and my resistance to Bram is weakening with every day. We were on a beach, and the orgasm I had still has me throbbing. I jump out of bed and head to the shower, needing to cool down.

  After I’m dressed, I head down to the kitchen for some blood. The sisters were supposed to arrive some time during the day, and I’m anxious to make their acquaintance. Bram swears there was nothing between them, and I believe him, but I want to see for myself. I enter the kitchen, and our whole household plus Chi are listening to Bram talk about our night.

  It’s funny how it went from only Giselle and me to six others. Before long, we are going to have to start working on the other house. We are running out of room.

  “Phillipe, you must learn to drive. I can hardly wait until I’ve mastered it and then I want to buy a sports car. I looked at several online this morning before I went to bed.” Bram was holding his phone out for Phillipe to look at.

  I roll my eyes at Giselle, reaching inside the refrigerator for a bag of blood. Men and cars… It appears it even affects really old guys.

  “Cassandra, tell us, how did he really do? According to Bram, he’s all but conquered learning to drive.”

  I laugh, remembering our lesson. “At the beginning it was rough, and I almost went through the windshield with the sudden stops, but by the end he was getting it. I’m not saying he’s ready to be set out on his own, but it was a good start.”

  Bram sticks his chest out, smirking at the other men. “See, I told you, and when I master it, I’m buying a car.”

  “Have the witches arrived?” Raising my brows, I put the bag to my fangs.

  “Yes, they are blessing the house and said they would call when they were done, which should be any minute.” Bram looks down when his phone buzzes. “They’re ready.”

  I toss my empty bag into the trash and follow Bram to the front of the house, along with everyone else, then we travel the short distance down the sidewalk to the house next door.

  I sidle up to Chi and bump his shoulder. “What are you doing here? I thought you scoffed at all things witch related.”

  “So sue a guy for being nosy. Besides, that has to do with my family issues, not necessarily witch stuff.” He wags his finger in my face. “From what Giselle says, these witches are like really old. I want to see what they look like. I ain’t never heard of a witch this old. Bet they’re the stuff nightmares are made of.”

  I burst out laughing, but deep down I hope he’s right, then I want to smack myself for the unkind thought.

  The door opens as we approach, and a beautiful, bright-red-haired woman steps into view. “Bram! It’s so good to see you! Come in, the sisters are anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

  I growl under my breath, my body tensing.

  Chi grabs my arm. “Down, tiger, let’s not attack the witch until we know more.”

  “I’m not going to attack her. What ever would give you that idea?” Rushing up the steps, I paste a smile on my lips.

  Chi’s laughter follows me inside.

  “Hello, everyone, I am Cara. This is Ciara and Circe, my sisters. We are incredibly pleased to meet you and thank you so much for the hospitality.” Cara is the redhead, Ciara is blonde, and Circe has dark hair.

  Bram wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me to his side. “Sisters, this is my mate, Cassandra. Behind her is Fleur and André. Her mother is the one we’re worried about.” He points at the rest of the group one-by-one. “That is Chi, Rebecca, Giles, Phillipe, and Giselle. I think I got everyone.”

  We follow the woman into the living room, and the raven-haired and blonde beauties follow us. These women are definitely not dried up old hags as Chi had thought, and he’s looking at them in amazement. They each have a completely different hair color, but other than that, they look identical. They have bright, jade-colored eyes and small straight noses and are about my height. They are each dressed completely different, and I wonder if their outfits reflect their personalities.

  Cara has on a light-yellow sundress with tiny pink flowers. She’s wearing sandals and has a yellow ribbon holding her hair away from her face. Ciara is wearing yoga pants, a tank top, and hot-pink running shoes, her hair in a high ponytail. Circe is the one I’m drawn to with her long braid, ripped jeans, biker T-shirt, and Doc Martens.

  “Wow, are y’all really the witches who knew Bram, or are you descendants?” Chi walks around the women, tapping his chin and looking them up and down.

  As they watch his inspection, they laugh and it’s a tingling sound.

  Cara returns his inspection and, with a nod, smiles. “Yes, we’re the ones who knew Bram. I know it’s strange for you, but you have much to learn, and we’re going to teach you.”

  “What do you mean? I don’t know what you’ve heard, girlfriend, but I try to stay away from all this witchy drama.” Chi puts his hands on his hips and twists his neck.

  “Oh, we have heard nothing, and you may not have done much magic before, but it’s time you tapped into your power.” Cara folds her arms across her chest, tilting her head to the side. “You will need to move in here with us, and I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to quit your jobs so you can concentrate on what needs to be done.”

  I glance at Giselle, who is focusing on the exchange. Turning back, I almost burst out laughing. This is not going to go well.

  Chi’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, and a vein pops out on his temple. “Wait, what? Have you lost your mind, lady? I can’t quit my jobs. I have to have money, and I’m not going to just move in with you. Look, magic ain’t never gotten me anything but trouble, and I ain’t about to open that can of worms.”

  Ciara wraps her arms around his stiff body and murmurs softly. “I understand, child, but everything is going to right itself. Things have not gone well, and your family is to blame, but now you are our family. We will make it right.”

  Chi relaxes and hugs her back, then he pushes away, narrowing his eyes and raising a brow. “What do you mean you’re my family? And you’ll make it right?”

  “I’m curious about this myself. How do you know so much about him?” I loop my arm through his, providing a united front.

  “Let us sit down. We have much to discuss. Would anyone like tea—oh, never mind.” Cara’s cheeks turn pink and she looks down, waving for us to sit.

  Bram pulls me onto the sofa beside him, and Rebecca and Giles sit beside us. Phillipe sits in a chair across from us, and Giselle sits on the arm, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. Fleur and André sit on the other sofa, and Chi takes a seat with them. The sisters sit in chairs positioned between the furniture.

  “Cara, how is everyone in the coven? When I tried to make contact, you were the only o
ne I could find. What was it you were advertising? Psychic advice? What is that?”

  Cara laughs, waving off Bram’s question. “It’s a front to lead old friends to us. Sybil has been fighting us getting too involved in the world for quite some time. She still wants to hold on to the old ways and us stay separated, even though Delphine is constantly telling her it’s time to branch out.”

  “Oh, the fight when we told her we were coming here…” Circe says. She speaks with a thick Irish accent, unlike Cara, whose is lilting and light. “We knew a month ago we were going to be needed, and when we told her, she about had a fit. Finally the other elders came forward and told her she couldn’t stand in our way. It was time. She acts as if she’ll never see us again.”

  “Who is Sybil?” Rebecca has been sitting quietly until now, but she leans forward, staring at the women.

  “She’s our mother and high priestess of the coven, but we are her second set of triplets and have stayed much longer than we were meant to. It is time for us to help our blood form its coven here.” Ciara smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

  My gaze darts between the three women. I want to know what exactly is going on. “What do you mean your blood? That’s the second time you’ve referred to that.”

  “Chi is part of our bloodline,” Cara states in a matter-of-fact tone.

  Bram is sitting silently beside me, but his body tenses at Cara’s words. I glance up at him, and he shakes his head. He’ll be doing some explaining later.

  Chi leans back, shaking his head and waving his hands. “There’s no way. My family is Haitian, African, and Chitimacha Indian. I hate to pop your bubble, lady, but there is no way I can be ’kin to you.”

  Ciara kneels in front of Chi and takes his hands in hers. She rubs his palms, murmuring soft words I don’t understand. A vision of a man with bright red hair and green eyes pops up. “This is your great-grandfather, Simon Byrne. He was our mother’s youngest brother and left home a young man. He owned a sugar plantation in Haiti.”