Shadowed Beginning: Daughters of the Vieux Carré Prequel

by Rhys Rowlyn

  “You stay away from him, Simone,” I growl.

  “Or what? I think you need a lesson in manners, girl. I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m the leader of this group, and you will do as I say. If I want him, I’ll take him.” She shoves me back, glaring at me.

  Anger consumes me, and before I know it, I lunge at her, screaming, “You will not go near him! I will kill you before you touch him.” Balling my fists, I hit her, attacking her like a madwoman.

  She shrieks, and I’m pulled away from her by the others. “Hold the little bitch. How dare you strike me? I will teach you a lesson on who your betters are, girl.” She slaps my face again, and I taste blood.

  “Simone, please don’t hurt her. You don’t know what he’ll do to you,” Amy pleads, stepping between us.

  Simone turns her glare on Amy, who shrinks back. “Amy, are you protecting her? Do you want to join her?”

  Amy shakes her head in denial. “No, I only know he doesn’t treat her like the others treat us. He is very protective of her, as are the others. I worry about what they will do.”

  “What can they do? They need us. I say show her who’s boss. Why should she get special treatment?” Rosaline smirks at me. I knew the others were jealous of my treatment, but I had no idea it ran so deeply.

  I gasp when Simone punches me in my stomach, catching me off guard. “I believe I will. And like I said, I’ll take your man if I want.”

  “No, you won’t, now release her immediately.” Phillipe is standing behind Simone, and I feel weak with relief.

  The two women holding me let me go, and I stumble forward. Phillipe grabs me, pulling me to his side.

  “What is the meaning of this?” He glares at each of the women, anger radiating off him.

  “How are you awake?” Catherine whispers, clutching her chest.

  Phillipe holds me closer to his side and snarls. “I asked you a question.”

  “She attacked me, and I was defending myself.” Simone lowers her head, wiping the corner of her eye.

  “If Giselle attacked you, I’m sure she had reason.” Phillipe glares down at Simone, and she has the good sense not to meet his angry gaze. “If you ever touch her again, I will see your miserable life is unbearable. That goes for any of you. Giselle is to be left alone. None of you matter to me, and trust me, you don’t want to cross me. I won’t kill you, but there are some things worse than death, and I promise I know most of them.”

  All of the women stare at him with fear; some are visibly trembling. He wraps his arm around my waist and leads me away. We return to the back galley where his crate is located.

  I lean my head against his shoulder, so happy he came when he did. “How did you wake up?”

  “I felt your fear, ma chérie. By this point, you know we sense each other’s emotions.” He hugs me to him, rubbing my back gently.

  “I hate I woke you up, but I am glad you came when you did. I don’t know what she would have done.” Rubbing my cheek against his chest, I take a shuddering breath.

  “If your life would have been compromised, to Hades with the consequences, I would have turned you.” He pulls away and his gaze roves over me, looking for any sign of injuries. “Now, are you hurt?”

  “Only bruised, but nothing serious. You came before she could do too much damage. I should have known not to try to go up on deck without you. I’ve heard them whispering about how I’m treated differently.” I haven’t spent much time with the other women, but what time I have hasn’t been pleasant. The only one who is halfway tolerable is Amy, and she is so afraid of the others, she would never befriend me.

  Phillipe’s rage radiates off him, and I would know he was angry even without the mate bond. “Gabriel will hear of this, and they will know never to come near you again. No one touches my mate and gets away with it.”

  I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his head down until our lips meet. I kiss him, so thankful he’s mine. I know he wants to turn me, and I feared it, but now I can’t wait. Nothing can come between us, including death.

  Kissing his neck, I whisper into his skin, “I want to make love.”

  “Now?” he asks, looking around. We are alone except for the crates containing his brothers. “Come on.” He leads me toward the front of the ship to a walled-off area that looks like a storage room. “I would rather have you in a rich bedroom, on a soft bed, but I can’t deny us. Waiting would be tortuous.”

  He backs me up to a barrel and lifts me up. We have made love in our dreams for the past week, and I find I feel no hesitation. I only want him, need him. I open my thighs, and Phillipe pushes my dress up until it gathers at my waist.

  He kneels before me, his lips touching my thigh. “Are you as delicious as you are in my dreams?” He puts my legs over his shoulders, and I gasp as his breath touches my center.

  My hips jerk up at the first touch of his tongue against me, and I lean back, moaning. He runs his tongue from top to bottom. My eyes roll as he continues to move his tongue against me. I feel a finger at my entrance and gasp when he presses it into me. He moves it in and out, sucking on my sensitive nub. I shatter, digging my heels into his back to hold him as close as possible. I bite my lip until I taste blood to keep from crying out.

  Once I calm, Phillipe lifts his face, smiling. “Delicious.”

  “Please, I need to feel you inside me,” I beg. He leans forward and kisses me. I can taste myself on his lips, and it only makes me want him more. I claw at the buttons on his breeches, wanting him with every cell of my being.

  Finally, I pull his cock free and wrap my hand around him. I feel a moment of hesitation at his size. I have taken him in my dreams, but there is no pain there.

  “We can stop if you don’t want this.” He kisses my neck, nuzzling me along my jawline.

  “No, I know it will probably hurt, but I still want you.” I grip him tighter, moving my hand up and down. I am rewarded with a moan.

  He positions himself at my entrance. “Are you ready?”

  I nod and he presses in slowly. My breath catches as he stretches me, and I feel a burning. He stops, but I shake my head. “No, keep going.” He moans and thrusts deeper but only a bit. I know he’s trying to be gentle, but I need to get past this pain. I wrap my legs around him and thrust my hips, forcing him past my barrier and fully into me. Tears form in my eyes at the pain, but he’s finally inside.

  “Ma chérie, damn, are you all right?” He leans his forehead against mine.

  “Give me a minute.” I hold him close and then I need to move. I lift my hips and feel pleasure. “Please, Phillipe, I need you to move.”

  That’s all the encouragement he needs. He moves slowly at first, but the more I moan, the faster he moves, and the pleasure builds within me again. Moving against him, I chase the wave of delight until it bursts. Phillipe kisses me, swallowing my moans. He stiffens above me, and his release fills me. He kisses me down my neck, and I feel the prick of his fangs as another wave of pleasure flows through me at his bite. I writhe against him as he takes my blood.

  Phillipe licks my neck to seal his bite mark, and I lie back in his arms, limp but happier than I’ve ever been. “I love you, ma chérie. I know we are mates, but even if we weren’t, you would still have my heart.”

  “Phillipe, I love you too. I never want to part from you.” I know at that moment I want to be turned. I could never bear to be away from him.

  He hugs me tightly to his chest, kissing the top of my head. “Does this mean you want me to change you?”

  “Yes.” I lift my face until my gaze meets his.

  “You have made me the happiest man alive. Thank you.” He kisses me deeply, and all I can think is I’m the luckiest of women to have met a man as wonderful as Phillipe.

  Phillipe

  Land has been sighted, and I couldn’t be happier. We should arrive in the Port of La Nouvelle-Orléans an hour before sunset. I am so happy to have this journey behind me and am ready to begin my new life with m
y mate. We have been on this ship for over two months, and the only good thing about it is Giselle. We have come to know each other and are deeply in love. She has agreed to the change when we are on land, and I am so relieved.

  After her attack by the other women, it hit me how fragile she is as a human, and I have worried for her safety. I have had her sleep with me during the day ever since. The poor girl hasn’t seen sunlight. I know I’m being paranoid, but I also know I wouldn’t survive if something were to happen to Giselle.

  Gabriel was livid when he found out what Simone had done. I worried he would throw her overboard and possibly become feral, but he held his temper and punished her in other ways. He had her feed all of us, and we all had a turn at compelling her. Simone hated us for it. She likes to be in control, and it infuriates her we can take that from her. Needless to say, I will be glad to be rid of the women, as will the others.

  “Phillipe, we are close, aren’t we?” Giselle is dressed in the blue day dress she was wearing the first day I saw her. The color is very becoming, and her bright blue eyes are shining.

  “Oui, it won’t be long, and we will be on dry land. I for one will be glad to get off this ship. I’m ready to see what all the fuss is about with this New World.” And I’m ready to turn her so I can stop this incessant worrying.

  Giselle rubs her lower back, sighing deeply. “I, too, am ready to be off this ship, and I am glad sailing didn’t bother me as it did some, but I am ready to see our new home.”

  Sasha pokes his head around the corner. “Phillipe, Gabriel has gathered the women. We need to meet with them.”

  “Come, ma chérie, let’s see what Gabriel is going to do with these women. I am curious as to how he’s going to handle them.”

  All of the women are seated around the larger galley of the ship. Giselle and I stand in the back. Gabriel is in the center, commanding their attention. “Ladies, it appears our journey has finally come to an end. I have gold for all of you to buy supplies and whatever you need. We shall be staying in a warehouse close to the river if you desire to come and reside there until you can make other arrangements, otherwise you are free to do as you please.”

  Nathanael hands out small bags of coins to each of the women. Some open them and count, others simply tuck them away.

  “Once we are in the Port of La Nouvelle-Orléans, you are free to go. We promised to assist you if you needed. We will help to set you up in your new life.” Gabriel paces in the center of the group, his hands clasped behind his back.

  Simone stands, facing Gabriel with one brow cocked. “Can you find us if you want to?”

  “We have taken your blood throughout the journey, so yes, we can find you if we desire, but as long as you keep our secret and don’t need our assistance, I see no reason for us to do so.” Gabriel answers her truthfully, and this causes a murmur among the women.

  “What does he mean?” Rosaline whispers to Helene, unaware we can hear what she’s saying.

  Bram steps into the center of the group to stand next to Gabriel. “Each woman served one of us for the voyage, and after taking blood a few times, a blood bond has formed.”

  “What about Simone? Gabriel had her feed everyone.” Celeste loops her arm through Simone’s and glares at Gabriel.

  “Yes, but Gabriel fed the most, and he was the last to feed from her. As awful as it is, a bond has formed between them,” Bram explains. I don’t like the look the women are giving him.

  All the women start chattering at once, and Gabriel looks up at the ceiling as if his patience is at an end.

  “What does it mean?” Giselle whispers to me.

  I shrug, blowing it off. The bond really only means something if the women try to cause problems; then we can find them. “Nothing really, simply he can locate her if he wishes, and for a few days may feel what she is. A milder version of what we feel.”

  Gabriel claps his hands, silencing everyone. “Enough. As long as you do not cause any problems, you won’t see us. Now it’s time to depart.”

  The women all go above deck, and we stay below and huddle together.

  “I don’t trust those women. How are we going to be sure they won’t spread tales?” Tristan voices the concern we are all feeling.

  Gabriel pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes. “We will have to keep a close eye on them, but we didn’t have much choice if we wanted to come here.” He opens his eyes and pierces us all with a stare. “I know many of you have questioned my decision to come here, and all I can say is this is the right path for us. Whatever the future may hold, know you are all my family.”

  André grips Gabriel’s shoulder in support. “We trust you to lead us, Gabriel.”

  “Good, now let’s get off this blasted boat. I’ve had enough of the ocean to last me a lifetime.” Luca grins and we all laugh, turning to follow the women above deck. The sun has set, and we can safely leave.

  Gabriel pulls me to the side, and Giselle moves to stand next to Bram. “When do you plan to change her?”

  “Tonight, if possible. I thought to get off the boat and get her a nice meal, if one can be found, then do it.” I want Giselle to enjoy her first night here for a bit before going through the change.

  “I think that is best. I’ve heard this town can be dangerous, and I would feel better if she wasn’t as vulnerable.” Gabriel rubs the back of his neck, and I frown at his apparent worry.

  Giselle joins us, wrapping her hand around the crook of my arm. “I can hear what you are saying, and if you believe I could be in danger, why don’t we start the change immediately? I ate earlier and would rather get it over with.”

  “We will do it when we are at the warehouse. Each person is different, and you never know how fast the change will start. Don’t worry, we will protect you until then.” Gabriel smiles at her, no sign of his earlier concern evident.

  “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s begin our adventure.” Giselle tugs my hand, leading me off the boat and onto the land we will now call home.

  Giselle

  Pain, all I feel is pain. Thrashing about, I scream as fire burns through my blood. My body feels as if it’s turning inside out. I don’t know if I will survive. I try to break free, to escape the pain, but something is holding me in place. I scream again, needing to escape the pain. It’s unbearable. What is happening to me?

  “Mon amour, I’m so sorry. It’s the only way, I’m so, so sorry.” Phillipe sounds as if he’s in pain. Is he being tortured also?

  Why? Why is this happening? I thrash my head back and forth, and someone holds it into place. Why am I being held down? I try to call out to Phillipe—I need him—but all that comes out is another scream. So much pain. I buck against my bonds, trying again to get away, but they hold.

  How long this goes on, I’m unsure. Coherent thought is beyond me; all I know is pain. When will it stop? Someone is stroking my forehead and murmuring to me softly. I focus on their touch and soft voice. I can’t understand what is being said, but it is comforting, and I fall into blessed darkness, away from the pain.

  “When will she wake up?” Is that Phillipe’s voice? He sounds worried. I try to open my eyes, but my lids are heavy. I sense my mate is upset, and this has my eyes popping open. I need to go to him.

  Phillipe’s face appears above me, his brow wrinkled. “Giselle, ma chérie. How are you feeling?”

  I sit up, my gaze darting around. Everything is sharper. Colors are brighter. I sniff the air and wrinkle my nose. I smell the river and the streets outside. It isn’t a very pleasant scent.

  “You learn to not breathe too deeply. Scents can be a bit much when you’re first turned.” Phillipe smiles.

  “Giselle, what are you feeling?” Gabriel is standing to the side of the table I’m sitting on.

  “Hungry, I feel hungry.” My stomach growls, and I press my hand against it.

  “Oui, you need to feed.” Phillipe takes my hand and helps me stand. “Marc and Nathanael have found some donors for y
ou. They are to depart on ships tomorrow, so we won’t have to worry about them remembering you if things don’t go exactly right.”

  “What do you mean?” Hurting someone wasn’t part of this. Phillipe had assured me I would not do anyone any harm.

  “Sometimes the first few feedings can be difficult until you learn how to do it,” Phillipe explains.

  Now I am worried. Will I be able to do this? “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

  Gabriel smiles at me, squeezing my shoulder. “I know, dear, and you won’t. We’ll help you.” Gabriel motions for me to follow him. I take Phillipe’s hand, and we leave the small room we’re in.

  Leaning close to my ear, Phillipe whispers, “When you approach your donor, gaze into his eyes and push your desires to him. Think ‘relax’ and turn your head. From the beginning to the end of the feeding, constantly push the thought that they like what you’re doing and for them to only feel pleasure. Once you finish, push the thought ‘forget me’ into their minds and for them to leave.”

  “And simply pushing my thoughts at them will work?”

  He had told me I could do this once I was changed, but it can’t be that simple.

  “Oui, you have the power of compulsion. It is how we stay hidden from humans. But if you use it too many times on the same human, it loses its effect.” Phillipe links his fingers with mine and gives my hand a squeeze.

  “I know you are nervous, but Phillipe and I will be here to help you. We won’t allow you to take too much or hurt anyone,” Gabriel says over his shoulder.

  The men lead me into the main part of the warehouse. The others are gathered there. I see four strange men standing near the far wall. Gabriel nods to Marc, and he leads one of them toward me. I can scent his blood and hear his heart beating. Hunger burns in my stomach, and I rush toward him, only to have Phillipe move between me and my prey.

  “No, Giselle, breathe. Control your hunger,” he commands. I stop and breathe deeply. “Slowly, remember what we told you. Push your thoughts to him.”