Wild Rapture: A Chiasson Story (Book 5) Page 2

  Riley rolled her eyes as she shook her head. “I’m more than capable of carrying them. George doesn’t need to follow me everywhere. Besides, I’ve been doing really good this week.”

  “So you have.”

  Riley stood still so Delphine could inspect her with her black eyes that seemed to see through everything. She noted that Delphine had once more covered her long, black hair with a white cloth piled high atop her head.

  Riley was quite envious of Delphine’s mocha skin and seemingly ageless face. But how could she remain jealous of a woman who had taken her in and given her shelter while healing her?

  “Come, child,” the Voodoo priestess urged.

  Riley didn’t give the siblings another thought as she walked beside Delphine back to the streets that she ruled. The area was the only place Riley felt safe, so she didn’t venture outside of the ten-block radius.

  Because, outside of Delphine’s domain, lurked the monsters who had attacked her.

  “Any headaches today?” Delphine asked.

  Riley shrugged. “Minor. I can handle it.”

  “And the nightmares?”

  “None.” Riley wasn’t sure why she lied. The word was out of her mouth before she realized it, and she couldn’t take it back.

  Delphine smiled, showing even, white teeth. “That’s wonderful news.”

  “I told you. I’m getting better.”

  “Yes, you are, my dear.”

  Riley preened when Delphine put an arm around her. Everyone they passed stared in awe because every one of them wanted to be in Riley’s place. She was well aware how lucky she was to have Delphine take her in. Why the priestess had chosen her when there were thousands of others she could’ve picked, Riley would never know. But she would never turn on Delphine.

  Once they reached the house, Riley made her way to the kitchen, looking for her friend, Elin, as she did. She couldn’t remember ever having trained to cook—or even where she learned—but she was decent at it. And she liked the activity. It was her way of repaying Delphine for everything.

  She set the bags of groceries on the table and took each item out before putting them away. Then she got out a knife and sharpened it before peeling and chopping the garlic and onions.

  Riley turned on the radio and smiled when an Eagles song came on. She continued the prep for the spicy shrimp fettuccine while she sang. She didn’t know how long she stood there before she felt as if someone were watching.

  A glance over her shoulder confirmed that someone was. She flashed a quick smile at the young man who had deemed himself her protector while trying not to shiver in dread. George was nice, but there was just something about him that set her on edge.

  “Delphine said you went out alone,” George said as he ran a hand over his short, black hair.

  Riley rinsed the knife and nodded, not looking into George’s black eyes. “I needed to do it. Besides, it was a quick trip. And I was fine.”

  “No one bothered you?”

  She laughed and set the knife down as she faced him. “The only person who spoke to me was the cashier. It was actually good. I feel good, too.”

  He moved closer, his eyes searching her face. She wasn’t able to back up, and while he had a nice body and an attractive face with his deep black skin, he made her uncomfortable.

  “I can see that,” he said.

  “I’m getting better.”

  “It’s only been a couple of months. You should take it slow.”

  She glanced away. He’d made it known that he was interested in taking their relationship further, but she didn’t have those types of feelings for him. The fact that she’d leaned on him for so long allowed him to think they were getting closer like that. It was one of the reasons she’d gone to the store by herself.

  “I am taking it slow,” Riley said before turning back to the food.

  But he didn’t take the hint. George drew closer as he came up behind her. “I worry about you. The way I found you that night—”

  “I know,” she said before he could continue the sentence.

  He tenderly spun her around. “That’s just it. You don’t. You didn’t see what I saw.”

  “You explained it to me.” She sidestepped to put some distance between them. “I don’t want to talk about that night again. I want to put it in the past.”

  His face fell as his hands dropped to his sides. “Put it in the past then, but don’t ever forget it.”

  She didn’t move until he turned and walked out of the kitchen. Only then did she resume the prep. Riley turned up the music and immersed herself in the meal creation to drown out the thoughts that were growing louder in her mind.

  If she were lucky, she’d get some time alone with Elin to share her feelings. It seemed Riley wasn’t the only one Delphine saved from an attack. Elin had also been brought to the house to recover. Riley was thankful for her friend, because Elin had been a comfort during all the horrible recovery days.

  * * *

  Riley loved the moon. She could stare at it all night, just as she did now. Every evening, she sat beside her window on the second floor and gazed up at the orb. It didn’t seem to bother Delphine that Riley wasn’t part of the Voodoo religion. If Delphine asked, Riley would have gladly joined in, but the priestess had never pushed.

  Muted music reached her. Apparently, there was another gathering of Delphine and her followers. The drums beat a rhythm that was both steady and sensual.

  Movement below her caught Riley’s attention. She saw George walking in a pair of white linen pants that billowed around his legs. His muscular chest was bare, and his chocolate skin gleamed in the moonlight. He paused and looked up at her before continuing on.

  Curious, Riley rose and hurried down the stairs to the back entrance of the large manor. The family next door had given their home to Delphine to use for her gatherings. For long minutes, Riley stood in the entryway, looking across the lawn. Finally, she took a step out and closed the door behind her. She walked barefoot toward the house, the beating of the drums seeming to match her pounding heart.

  The music held her in thrall. The concrete was still warm from the sun, but the grass was cool upon her feet. She walked toward the open door where she saw a red-orange glow from the many candles within the dwelling.

  She reached the entrance, but hesitated. There was something about the house that seemed familiar, which couldn’t be right. She’d never been inside it before.

  The music subtly shifted. Her eyes wouldn’t stay focused, and her limbs grew heavy. And through it all, something drew her forward, into the building.

  Someone touched her. It took a great amount of effort for her to turn her head and see that one of Delphine’s followers had taken her arm. The older woman was chanting something as she guided Riley.

  Soon, someone was on her other side. She couldn’t tell them no, couldn’t refuse them. Nor could she yank herself away. She was powerless, but she wasn’t scared. In fact, she was calm.

  And that worried her.

  Something in her mind shouted for her to run, to get far away.

  Suddenly, Riley was on her knees in the middle of the room. Delphine came to stand before her with her arms raised upward. Riley tried to keep her eyes open as people gathered around them in a circle, their chants strident—but not as loud as the music.

  Riley realized it held her captive. There was something in the notes, some rhythm or melody that made her a slave.

  Delphine put her hand atop Riley’s head as she shouted something. Riley’s arms were taken once more and held out at her sides. Someone came up behind her, pressing against her. Then they were gone.

  Riley could feel sleep calling to her, but she fought it. She wanted to know what was going on. And she needed to know who was touching her. It had been nothing sexual…yet. But she could sense the carnal, wanton atmosphere within the room.

  It took several tries before she was able to open her eyes. The women holding her were rocking, causing her to
sway upon her knees. Delphine released Riley’s head and took three steps back, her eyes closed the entire time.

  Riley couldn’t understand the words of Delphine’s chant, but she felt their power. Hell, she could feel the magic within the room. It pulsed, growing with each beat of the drums.

  No longer could she keep her eyes open. She let them fall shut, listening to the music and the murmur of the people around her. She didn’t know how long she remained that way before the women released her arms and slowly laid her on the floor. Though Riley fought the blackness that threatened to claim her, it was too strong. She was lulled to sleep by the sensual tune.

  Somehow, she clawed her way back to consciousness. The music still filled the room, but it was...different. Riley slit open a lid and saw that the group around her was gone.

  Yet she wasn’t alone. She could hear heavy breathing and soft moans. Without having to see, Riley knew someone was having sex. She wanted to leave, but her body wouldn’t obey. It was as if it belonged to someone else.

  She opened her eyes further and caught sight of a foot. She followed it up until she saw George lying naked on his back with Delphine atop him, writhing in lust—all while George’s eyes were on her.

  Delphine looked over at her and grinned. Then she leaned over George and stroked his face. “Soon,” she whispered.

  Riley could only watch as Delphine rose and walked toward her, her breasts jiggling with each step. Riley noticed the priestess was clean-shaven between her legs.

  Delphine kneeled beside Riley and stroked her hair before moving her hand along Riley’s cheek and then down to her breast. Riley tried to tense, but once more, her body denied her control.

  “Shhh,” the priestess said in a low tone. “Stop fighting this. We won’t hurt you. We’re protecting you. Remember? We saved you. We’re making you stronger.”

  Safe. Yes, Riley knew she was safe and protected with Delphine.

  “Yes. That’s it,” the priestess said. “Let my magic work to finish healing you. It called to you tonight, and you answered. That means there is something special in store for you.” Delphine leaned closer after glancing at George. “And you have a man who longs to have you as his own.”

  Riley tried to shake her head.

  “Shhhhhhhhh,” Delphine insisted. “Not tonight. Tonight, he’s mine. But soon, my dear, you’ll want him as much as he wants you. Think of the beautiful babies the two of you will make. Dark and light together.”

  Delphine let her hand continue down Riley’s side as the music grew louder. The last thing Riley saw before sleep claimed her again was Delphine taking George within her body once more.

  3

  There was something about the city of New Orleans that set it apart from anywhere else in the world. There were those who believed it was the people that made it stand out. And that was true.

  In a sense.

  Marshall drove down Charles Street in the heart of the French Quarter, looking at the people—and the supernatural beings. Because it was the mystical aspects that made New Orleans a mecca, boasting the largest concentration of such individuals on the continent.

  He meandered through the streets until he came to Gator Bait. The bar owned by the LaRues was a favorite of both locals and tourists, but Marshall didn’t stop. For now, he was going to search for Riley on his own. He knew without a doubt that he’d eventually have to come to the LaRues, but not until he had no other choice.

  For the next hour, he drove all over New Orleans until the sun went down. He made a stop at a local store to pick up some food. Then Marshall pulled into the driveway of his old partner’s house and turned off the ignition. He sat in his truck for a moment before he grabbed his duffle bag and headed to the front porch.

  Marshall was glad that Donnie was out of town for the next week on a cruise with his girlfriend. It would allow Marshall to go about his business without having to hide anything from his friend.

  Inside the house, he made his way to the spare bedroom and dropped his bag on the bed. He unzipped it and pulled out the files of everything he had on Riley. Then, he walked to the kitchen and laid it all out on the table.

  Marshall got out a steak and seasoned it while reading over everywhere the LaRues and Chiassons had looked for Riley. Like the rest of them, Marshall was sure she was still somewhere in the city.

  The problem was the city itself. There were so many places for her to be hidden away, especially the area that Delphine had claimed as hers. The Chiassons hadn’t ventured into that district, not that he blamed them. They’d gotten as close as they could, but their clashes with the priestess made them targets. The four LaRue brothers, as guardians of the city, were able to freely walk the streets, but they’d gleaned nothing that could help either. Marshall hoped he would have better luck.

  He went out back and lit the gas grill before returning to the kitchen to open a can of baked beans. In no time, he was sitting at the table eating his steak and beans and studying the map of New Orleans.

  Without a doubt, the first place he needed to look was in Delphine’s district. He’d agreed to contact the Chiassons twice a day, every day, with his location. If he didn’t, they would assume that something happened to him and would know where to begin searching.

  He’d been a damn good detective with the NOPD. He loved the city, but he didn’t love how the supernatural had important and influential people of the community in their pockets. Those high-ranking individuals—including his superior—had made Marshall repeatedly let guilty parties go because they happened to be supernaturals.

  The only sect who hadn’t given the NOPD any shit were the werewolves. Mostly because the LaRues were the only ones around back then, but that was changing with the reemergence of the Moonstone pack.

  After his meal was finished, Marshall sent a quick text to the Chiassons, letting them know he was at the house and settling in for the night. Then he began to go over the different factions within the city to mark off who wasn’t involved with Riley’s disappearance.

  Obviously, the weres weren’t involved. The LaRues would’ve sniffed out if someone from another pack had taken their cousin, so that faction was quickly scratched off.

  The vampires could have done it, but it wasn’t likely. They liked to make a statement, so if they had been the ones to abduct Riley, they would’ve either turned her or killed her—and either way, they would’ve shown her off to the LaRues afterward.

  The djinn were a possibility. They certainly had the power to do it, and their victims weren’t usually recovered. Though they generally kept to themselves, they had been consorting with vampires recently. Still, if a djinn had Riley, a vamp would’ve found out and quickly told everyone, thinking it would give them an advantage over the LaRues.

  As for the witches, they had no reason to want to harm Riley, the LaRues, or the Chiassons since it was one of their own, Minka, who’d stood up to Delphine recently. And the LaRues had helped to band the witches together as they all stood and fought the priestess.

  So that only left Delphine.

  It was the same conclusion the LaRues and Chiassons had come to. And it meant that Marshall would have to tread carefully.

  He’d seen Delphine when she came to Lyons Point to try and get Davena to join her followers. The sheer amount of power the priestess possessed terrified Marshall because he had nothing to combat it. Not his gun or his knife could damage Delphine.

  But she could do a number of things to him with just a thought.

  That wasn’t going to stop him from searching for Riley, though. It had been over eight weeks since she was last seen. That was eight weeks of suffering at Delphine’s hand. Just as Marshall was sure Riley was in the Voodoo district, he was sure she was alive. If Delphine had wanted her dead, she could’ve killed Riley on the street.

  No, the priestess had something else in mind for Riley, a plan that would strike at both the LaRues’ and Chiassons’ jugulars. The question was: what? What could she possibly do that
would stop two such strong families from coming for her?

  Because it would happen. It was simply a matter of when. Right now, they were waiting to locate Riley. Once that was done, the two families would unite and descend upon Delphine and her followers.

  All that was holding them back was Riley.

  Marshall shook his head as a thought took root. It was a dangerous one, and something that left him a bit sick to his stomach. He rose and went to the fridge for another lager. He twisted the cap and lifted the longneck bottle to his lips to drink deeply.

  He set the beer down on the counter and braced his hands on either side of it, hanging his head.

  “Fuck me,” he murmured.

  Riley’s brothers and cousins were so wrapped up in locating her while praying she was alive, that none of them had stepped back to try and determine what Delphine wanted with Riley.

  And Marshall wasn’t so sure he wanted to tell anyone his theory just yet. Because if he was right, and the Chiassons and LaRues learned that Delphine was using Riley as a shield of sorts, that would keep both families from ever attacking. Marshall wasn’t sure what they would do.

  He ran a hand down his face and straightened. Damn. His job had just gotten harder, not that it had been easy to begin with. If his prediction were correct, then Delphine would be watching anyone in her district closely—especially outsiders.

  She’d need a place to keep Riley so that she couldn’t escape, but also someplace that Delphine could show the Chiassons and LaRues to get them to back off.

  Marshall didn’t know the Voodoo area as well as he knew some of the other parishes. He hadn’t been stationed there while still in uniform, and once he’d made detective, the police were rarely called into that area.

  He grabbed a cupcake that he’d bought and walked back to the table. Once back in his seat, he studied the map again, memorizing the streets of Delphine’s area as he ate the sweet. Between the map and looking at various pictures of Riley that all the Chiassons had sent to his phone, he was at the table for hours.