Shadowed Awakening (Daughters of the Vieux Carré Book 1) Read online

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  About the Author

  Also by Rhys Rowlyn

  In 1728, a group of women were commissioned by the king of France to immigrate to the new French colony of New Orleans. They were known as filles a’ la cassette or, as they are called today, “The Casket Girls.” Many of these women were orphans or penniless, and the New World offered hope for a future. They were to be educated by the Ursuline order of nuns and married to eligible men in the colony.

  Myths have spread throughout history about the girls. Some say they were taken from French prisons and many were prostitutes and undesirables. Some say they were orphans or from poor families and were tested to ensure they were desirable virgins for marriage. All agreed they were the mothers of New Orleans and that if not for them the colony would most likely not have survived.

  With all the stories spread, probably the most fascinating is that they are responsible for bringing the vampires to New Orleans. This tale alone has captured the fascination of many, including my own. Only the ghosts of the past know the truth. We are left to our own imagination.

  New Orleans is a city of magic, mystery, and intrigue. Listen to the tales and decide for yourself which story you want to believe.

  New Orleans

  Present Day

  Giselle

  “Giselle, surely you’re not worried about the inspector. I know he’s a pain in the ass, but we paid his fee and he won’t be back for a while.” Cassandra flings herself into the chair across from me and props her feet on my desk with a thud.

  Rubbing my temples, I try to ease the pain of my throbbing head. “No, I could care less about him. He’s only a minor annoyance. Maybe it’s because I had to get up early or something was in my bag this evening that didn’t agree with me. I don’t know, but something is off tonight.”

  “I wonder if we need to do more screening on the donors. I can’t imagine what would affect you. Nothing has in the past, and we’ve taken about everything there is out there.” Cassandra wrinkles her brow, tapping her chin with her finger.

  “Yeah, I may need to be more particular about what I eat. What time is it? Maybe I could catch a nap. It’s probably just getting up during the day. You know how I hate waking up early.” If I were human, coffee would be a serious addiction for me. Evenings are not my forte.

  “It’s six-thirty, almost sunset, so you should start feeling better. I wonder if there’s a way to add caffeine to blood?” Chuckling, she leans back in her chair, linking her fingers behind her head.

  “What the…” My eyes widen as I jerk my head upward to meet Cassie’s gaze, unable to believe what I’m feeling.

  Jumping up, she looks around the room for imminent threats, her legs apart and hands up. “What’s wrong? What do you sense?”

  “We have to get home now! I mean now! He’s waking!” I push back my chair so fast and hard it hits the floor and slides into the wall.

  Cassandra’s mouth drops open, and she stands frozen for about two seconds before flying into action. “What? Are you serious?” She runs to the back door, then turns toward the bar, motioning for me to leave. “Go! I’ll be right behind you, after I tell Chi Chi we’re leaving.”

  Racing out the back door and into the deserted alley, I check for anyone who may see what I’m about to do. All beating hearts are either on the street out front or in the buildings surrounding the alley, and I sense no one near. After jumping to the roof of the building adjoining ours, I run toward my house in the Garden District, flying from one rooftop to the next. By car it takes around thirty minutes, with traffic much longer. I need to be home in ten, or before sunset.

  I feel the setting sun burning my skin but continue on, ignoring the pain. He can’t awaken alone. I’m unsure what state he’ll be in, but I know I must be there to ensure nothing horrible happens.

  Cassie catches up to me with ease. She’s always been faster, but I tend to be stronger. I don’t want her to try to take on Phillipe without me. I’m worried he may unintentionally hurt her. We reach the park and stop, knowing we can’t race across without being seen.

  “Go below?” She points at a manhole at our feet.

  Nodding, I grimace, hating what we’re about to do. “We’re going to have to.”

  Pulling the cover to the side, I jump into the sewer and gag when my boots hit the disgusting water. Cassie swings herself down onto the ladder and closes the cover above her. As nasty as the sewer is, at least my skin doesn’t feel as if it’s on fire any longer.

  Turning in the direction of my house, I stop, bend at the waist, and grab my head. The closer I get, the stronger he is, and he’s not happy. “Merde, stop! I’m trying to get there.”

  Glancing up, I meet Cassie’s concerned eyes. “We need to hurry.” Taking a deep breath, I push the pain to the back of my mind.

  We race through the tunnels until we are directly in front of our home. I don’t sense anyone in the immediate area, so Cassie climbs the ladder, pushes the cover off, and jumps out. I follow. Looking down at my clothes, I grimace. I’m covered in black mud and things I don’t want to think about.

  I hear wood break, so I run into the house and up the stairs, uncaring of the mess I’m leaving behind. I can’t worry about something so inane at a moment like this.

  Bursting into the room, we catch the angry vampire just as he crashes out of his crate. He’s growling and snarling, now attempting to break free from our hold.

  “He’s strong for not having fed in so long.” Cassie pants as she strains, hugging his waist. I jump on his back.

  “I know. He needs blood to calm him down.” I pull him to one of the columns in the middle of the room, and we push him against the pole as I wrap my arms around both it and him. He’s strong but weakened from not having blood. Thank heavens or we would never be able to hold him.

  “Do you think that will do the trick?” Cassie pushes him tighter against the pole so I can tighten my grip.

  “God, I hope so.” I pray it does. I don’t believe I’m capable of putting my mate down if he’s gone feral.

  “Can you hold him, while I grab the bag out of the fridge?” Cassie tilts her head to the side, panting.

  I tighten my hold on Phillipe, digging my heels in. “Okay, I’ve got him, but hurry.” My voice is strained from the effort I’m putting forth.

  Phillipe growls and tries to break free once Cassie releases him, but my grip holds. “Phillipe, stop! Calm down!”

  He pauses for a moment, and I believe maybe I got through, when the door opens and Chi Chi, our bartender, is standing in front of us with eyes as big as saucers and his mouth slack. Phillipe smells the human and starts clawing and fighting harder to get away, pulling us away from the pole. Cassie races over with the bag and puts herself in front of the frightened man right before Phillipe reaches him.

  Chi Chi lets out a high-pitched scream, clutching his chest, and Cassie loses her grip on the bag. It slides across the room and stops at Chi Chi’s feet. He looks down at the blood bag and back at us. Phillipe’s fangs are exposed, claws are out, and he’s snarling like a wild beast.

  “Chi, throw me the bag!” Cassie yells.

  Chi Chi looks at her, and his eyes roll back in his head as he faints, falling backward against the wall.

  “Oh, mon Dieu.” I grab Phillipe and slam him to the floor, pulling his arm behind
him and sitting on his back.

  He bucks and twists, but I hold firm. “Get the bag and slam it onto his fangs.”

  Cassie grabs the bag and pushes it on his fangs, which suck it dry in seconds. He’s still breathing hard, and his eyes keep darting to the unconscious Chi Chi.

  “He’s going to need more.” I continue to sit on Phillipe’s back, and she crawls to the small fridge, retrieving another bag of blood.

  Chi Chi moans on the floor, sitting up and looking around. Cassie slams the bag onto Phillipe’s fangs and rushes to Chi’s side. She leans him against the wall.

  “What happened?” He looks from Cassie to me, then screams again, pulling his knees to his chest when he sees Phillipe with a bag of blood in his mouth that is quickly draining.

  “Chi Chi, I’m going to need you to calm down.” Cassie taps his cheek lightly, drawing his attention to her.

  He focuses his gaze on her but quickly looks back at Phillipe. “But he has fangs and claws.”

  Phillipe takes a deep breath, retracting his claws, his eyes beginning to clear.

  “Phillipe, do you know who I am?” I whisper in French, continuing to hold him tightly, afraid he’s not in control.

  He nods, and I feel the tension leave his body. I nod at Cassie, and she moves in front of Chi Chi protectively.

  “I’m going to let you up. Please don’t try and kill the human.” I brush the hair from his face and take the bag from his mouth, loosening my tense hold.

  “What is she saying? Is she speaking French?” Chi Chi whispers as he peeks around Cassie’s shoulder.

  “She is telling him not to kill you.” Cassie glances down at Chi Chi, smirking.

  “Arghhhh,” he shrieks, scampering behind her as she bends over laughing.

  Shaking my head, I lift myself off Phillipe. He rises to his full height, well over six feet and towering over my five feet two inches. He scans the room, his gaze finally settling on me, and it travels over my body. Desire travels through me at his look even though his clothes are dry-rotted, hanging on him like rags, and he’s covered in dust, with blood on his chin.

  “Giselle?” Furrowing his brow, he tilts his head to the side.

  “Yes, it’s me.” Knowing I look different and his system must be in shock, I hold my distance, giving him a chance to catch up.

  He reaches for me and pulls me against his chest, and I breathe a sigh of relief to be back in my mate’s arms. He pushes me back and draws his brows together as he looks at me again, taking in every detail.

  “Where are we? What has happened?” His gaze darts around the room, and I feel his anxiety as if it were my own.

  “We’re at our home in New Orleans. I have much to tell you, but first, are you still hungry?” I’m talking slowly and concise, trying not to use modern slang. No need to confuse him even more.

  “I sense you need more blood.” I don’t want to take any chances of hunger overwhelming him. Even though he’s acting more himself, I’m still unsure what may happen.

  “Yes, I will use the slave.” He moves toward Chi Chi and I put my hands on his chest, stopping him.

  “Slave? Excuse me, who are you calling a slave?” Chi Chi steps out from behind Cassie with his hands on his hips and moving his head from side to side.

  Rolling her eyes, Cassie pats Chi Chi’s back. “Chi Chi, he’s been out for like three hundred years. Don’t take offense. Besides, I think they referred to their donors as slaves back in the day. Now we’re more politically correct.”

  “What do you mean he’s been out, and donors? Cassandra, I think you need to tell me what is going on.” Chi Chi turns toward Cassie, crossing his arms over his chest.

  Raising a brow, Cassie points her finger in his chest. “First off, what are you doing here? You’re supposed be manning the bar.”

  He grabs her hand, kisses it, and grins up at her. “Don’t go getting your panties in a twist. Rhonda is in charge, and you left your keys. I didn’t think you could get in the house, and the way y’all left, I thought you needed them. I only came to help out. Now stop changing the subject. I’ve seen some weird shit in my day, but this takes the cake.”

  “Just compel him to forget and send him on his way.” Phillipe waves a dismissive hand in Chi Chi’s direction.

  “He’s part witch, so it doesn’t work well. Besides, he works for us, so it won’t hold the next time we see him.” I walk to the mini-fridge and take out another bag of blood.

  Chi Chi narrows his eyes, putting his hands back on his hips. “Wait, how did you know I was part witch?”

  “We’re vampires and can smell it on you.” Cassie taps her nose, sniffing the air.

  “Dammit, dammit, dammit, I knew something was odd about you two.” He paces in front of us. “Oh man, what am I going to do?”

  Cassie scrubs her face with her hands, shaking her head. “Nothing, you’re going to keep our secret and act like nothing has changed because it hasn’t. So you found out something about us that makes us different. It’s not like we haven’t been protecting your ass and everyone in this city for years.”

  “Protecting us from what?” He stops his pacing to face Cassie with wide eyes.

  “Trust me, you don’t want to know. Let’s leave Giselle and Phillipe alone. They have a lot to talk about.” She turns toward me, nodding, and I smile. She wants to know if it’s safe to leave me alone with Phillipe. My instincts say it is, and I hope they’re right.

  Cassie grabs Chi Chi’s arm, pulls him out the door, and shuts it. I can hear them arguing as she leads him down the stairs.

  “Do you think she’s safe?” Chi Chi whispers to Cassie. What he doesn’t know is our hearing is much better than his and we can hear everything he says.

  “She can handle herself. I know you have a ton of questions, but you need to get back to the bar. Rhonda can’t be left alone for long.” Cassie voice has an exasperated edge to it.

  “What about you?” Chi Chi asks with a note of desperation. I know we’ve introduced him to a whole other side of paranormal, but I hope he knows things really haven’t changed. He is only more aware.

  “I’m going to find him some clothes and then I’ll come in,” Cassie answers.

  Chi Chi gasps, and I know he’s stopped moving. “Girl, you need to leave the shopping to me.”

  “No, he’s straight, and I can only imagine what you would come up with.” Laughing, Cassie continues down the stairs.

  Phillipe raises a brow, frowning. “What does she mean straight, and won’t I need to visit a tailor?”

  “Chi Chi, let Cassie buy the clothes!” I yell at the closed door.

  “Seriously, no trust? None?” Chi Chi’s voice fades as the door closes and they leave the house.

  Phillipe

  The two exit the house, leaving Giselle and myself alone. I’m confused as to what has happened. My mate seems so different. I sense her nervousness and can’t imagine why she feels this way. I feel so strange, almost disoriented, and what did the girl say? I had been out for three hundred years? What could she have meant?

  I sway a bit, shaking my head and straightening my spine. “Where are we and where is the rest of the famille?”

  The room we’re in appears to be an attic, with large crates like the one I burst from lined along a wall. The room is large, and there are humans all around the building we are in. I don’t recognize any of the sounds or smells assaulting my senses.

  “Come sit with me, and I’ll explain what’s happened. You’re still hungry and need more blood.” She leads me to a chair in the room, holding up a bag like the one the other girl slammed onto my fangs earlier.

  “What is this?” I lean away from her as she attempts to put the bag in my mouth.

  “It’s blood. This is how we feed now.” She holds the bag closer to my face, and I lean forward, sniffing it.

  My nose touches the bag, and I jerk away. “But it’s cold.”

  “Yes, and it doesn’t taste as good, but it still has the sam
e effect and feeds us. We don’t have to hunt for food and never take a chance of accidentally hurting a human.” Giselle nods, continuing to hold it.

  I take the bag from her, examining it. “How does it work?”

  “Watch.” She walks to a tall black box and grabs another bag, then pushes it onto her fangs. The blood disappears in seconds, and she takes the bag off her fangs and throws it into a can against the wall. Her cheeks turn pink, and she takes a deep breath. “Go on, you’ve already had two bags.”

  Shrugging, I push the bag onto my fangs and grimace at the taste of the cold blood flowing into my fangs but begin to feel the hunger dissipate.

  Giselle sits across from me, smiling, but I sense her anxiety growing. I look closely at her and notice the changes I was too distracted earlier to pick up on. No longer is she the young girl I knew. Instead a woman sits across from me. She is strong and much older. This is all very confusing. I look down at my clothes, and they are rags. They were the best money could buy, and now I look like a pauper.

  “Phillipe, I know you’re confused, but let me explain.” She leaves her chair to kneel before me, takes my hands in hers, and kisses my knuckles. “Mon amour, I’m so happy you’re awake. It’s been so many years, and I’ve been so lonely.”

  I wipe a tear from her cheek. “What do you mean, so many years?”

  “You’ve been asleep three hundred years.”

  I fly out of the chair and pace. “Three hundred years? How? Where is my famille?”

  She points at the crates, and my eyes widen. I run over and pull the top off the first crate, finding one of my brethren, Etienne. He’s lying in a deep sleep, unchanged from the last time I saw him. When I go to the next crate, I find Gabriel, our creator. He lies unmoving and unaffected as I shake him.

  Giselle touches my shoulder. “They’re all here and all asleep as you were, until tonight. Come, let me explain.”