Chapter 13

Once outside of Enchantment, Jared found himself in a crowd of people gathering in front of the store. A plump frazzled-looking woman carrying a camera headed right for him.

“Hi, I’m Claudia Casteel from the Times Picayune. Isn’t this wonderful? I can’t wait to see the inside. I was supposed to be here earlier to interview the owners but I got held up covering some awful fashion show in the Garden District.” Claudia slid her oversized glasses back up on her nose and peered at Jared. “I saw you come out of Enchantment. Are you one of them?”

He knew what she meant, but he couldn’t resist teasing her. “One of whom?”

She waved her hand. “One of the witches. People say there aren’t such things as witches, and the Wiccans just pretend to do magic, but I believe they’re real. There’re too many unexplained happenings around New Orleans for it not to be true.”

Jared cocked his head. “I guess it’s up to everyone to make up their own mind.”

Claudia smiled. “You’re absolutely right. As for me, I believe in witches. And I think you’re one.”

Just then an excited murmur went through the crowd. When Jared turned to see what had grabbed their attention, his breath caught. Kendra, Loren, and Deanne had stepped from the store onto the sidewalk, and what a bewitching trio they made. They wore identical handkerchief-draped dresses made of black gauzy material shot through with silver thread. Thin straps of the same material held up a V-shaped bodice where a moonstone nestled. Bangles of black and silver sparkled on their wrists and black strappy stiletto heels adorned their feet. Claudia gasped. “Oh, aren’t they striking? A blonde, a brunette, and a red head. I hope I’m not too late for an interview.” Without a backward glance at Jared, she hurried away, her camera bouncing on her hip.

Jared slipped on dark glasses and leaned against a large live oak, focusing his attention on Kendra standing on the opposite side of the street. He’d expected her to be royally pissed and could probably count himself lucky to have only silver bells and cold water dumped on him. What he hadn’t been prepared for was the hurt in her eyes. That alone had almost done him in.

He planned to be on her doorstep when the store closed, and if the Gods were with him, tonight he’d be able to convince her he still loved her. Hopefully she’d listen to his explanation and forgive him. When he’d regained consciousness, he should have called, but he didn’t want to explain over the phone all that had happened and how Adam had forced him to call her. She had to be able to see the truth in his eyes. He wanted to return to her strong and whole.

His mouth formed a thin line. Who was this woman Kendra kept accusing him of being with? And who the hell was this new guy she was seeing?

Kendra’s light laughter drifted across the street interrupting his thoughts. His mind drifted back to her eighteenth birthday and the summer solstice when the coven had asked her to light the ceremonial candles and cast the circle. She stood barefoot in a flowing dress of ice blue that showed every supple curve. When a shaft of sunlight struck her long red hair turning it to burnished gold she glowed like a young goddess. He knew, despite the six years’ difference in their ages, she had to be his. Four months later, on the eve of Samhain, he laid claim to her body while she had unknowingly claimed his heart.

Taking her mind back to that night had been a chancy thing to do, but he hoped that reminding her of what they once had would soften her resistance. He knew he had a long way to go to regain her trust.

He watched Deanne and Loren go inside Enchantment while Kendra remained out front greeting customers. Deanne’s and Loren’s hostility was going to be another obstacle. Like it or not, he was back, and they’d have to get used to it.

His eyes narrowed as a man stopped and put his arm around Kendra, then bent to kiss her cheek. The intimate smile she gave in return made his gut clench. Guessing it was the new man in Kendra’s life, Jared cursed colorfully in both French and English. Enjoy her now, asshole, because she’s always been and will always be mine.

The man glanced his way and Jared’s blood ran cold. “Son-of-a-bitch.” The person staring back at him was someone he thought he’d never see again, someone he thought he’d killed. He had a moment of satisfaction seeing the surprise on Adam Montief’s face when he recognized Jared standing in the shadows. Then Adam’s expression changed. He held Kendra against him and gave Jared an arrogantly triumphant smile.

Jaw locked, fists clenched, Jared watched as Adam followed Kendra into Enchantment. What the hell was going on? The demented bastard was supposed to be dead. Adam was a powerful witch, but even witches couldn’t come back from the dead—or fly. The last time he’d seen Adam, Jared had plunged the steel tip of his falcata into his chest and sent him over a cliff to the rocks and the ocean below.

Jared stepped into a dark building entrance where he could still see the front of Enchantment but wasn’t visible himself. He pulled out his cell phone and prayed the damn thing worked. There was static on the line, but thankfully he heard Philippe’s voice.

“Hey, bro’, it’s me,” Jared said when Philippe answered. “Is everything all right?”

“Yeah, sure. Why? Are you home? Have you been able to see Kendra?”

“Yes, and things didn’t go all that well, but that’s not my biggest problem. Adam Montief is here, and he's with Kendra.”

“No way. That monster is dead.”

“Unless he had a twin we knew nothing about, which I doubt, he’s alive and well. I wanted to make sure you were safe and he hadn’t messed with you or the McBrides.”

“Yeah, no problem, we’re all fine.”

Not only had the McBrides’ and their coven been a huge help during his and Philippe’s healing process, their influence in Philippe’s life was remarkable. Violet, with her gentle ways, had read to him, and they’d talked for hours. Philippe had soon opened up, sharing with them his internal turmoil over his direction in life. When Jared had left, Philippe was even talking about painting again.

“I don’t understand. How can Adam be alive?” Philippe asked.

“Hell if I know, but he is. And now he’s after Kendra.”

When Jack and the coven had rescued Jared and Philippe, they’d also searched the rocks for Adam’s body. They hadn’t found it, so they assumed he was swept out to sea.

Jared watched as a group of giggling teenagers came out of Enchantment, happy and care free. How many innocent lives had Adam destroyed? He was convinced Adam and Daman had learned all they could about Philippe before planning his destruction in order to get to Jared. Now Adam had his sights on Kendra.

“Jared, I swear to you, I’ve learned my lesson. No more screwing up. As I said, I love it here, and I love Violet.”

“I’m glad to hear Violet is a special girl.”

“I’ll never be able to repay you for getting me out from under that man’s control. I’ve done some stupid things, but getting involved with the Montiefs was beyond stupid.”

“We’ve had this conversation, and I told you that you don’t owe me anything. Besides, if you hadn’t been able to summon the McBrides, we’d both be dead.”

“All I did was crawl to your mirror and ask for help. I didn’t even know if it would work. We both have Angelique’s ghost to thank. Violet can’t believe how freaked she got when Angelique materialized in their kitchen. I’m still convinced that just before Adam fell off the cliff, I saw a woman’s form standing behind you.”

Jared recalled the burst of energy that had shot through his body. “Something sure as hell got me onto my feet. I assume it was her.”

“That reminds me. The Montief school is temporarily closed. Right after you left, we spoke with some of the boys, who were grateful to have finally gotten away from Adam. There are some still living in the compound who say they will continue with the school, but without the dark magic. We were told that after Adam went over the cliff, the boys heard a sound like someone screaming in pain coming from inside the library, but when they went to investigate, no one was there.”

Jared thought about the broken, disillusioned people Adam had left in his wake. “Probably one of the students mourning their leader’s death.”

Philippe snorted. “You can’t kill the devil.”

“What I’d like to know is how Adam was able to recuperate so quickly, get back here, and win Kendra over.” Jared didn’t know how badly he’d hurt him, but he’d felt his falcata sink into Adam’s flesh and he’d watched him fall off the cliff. His injuries had to have been severe.

Adam’s sword had slashed deep cuts in Jared’s body. His last thrust had entered Jared’s abdomen causing internal injuries. He’d been delirious for days, and the McBrides’ coven doubted he’d survive. While he’d been unconscious, Jared had dreamt of Angelique and the ghost in the flowered dress.

“Listen, Philippe, I’ve got to go. I want you to keep your guard up and stay alert.”

Jared ended his call as Adam came out of Enchantment. Adam glanced up and down the street, then headed away from where Jared stood. Okay, let’s see where you go.

Jared flicked his wrist and a New Orleans Saints ball cap and matching jersey appeared in his hand. He replaced his own shirt with the new one and adjusted the hat down low on his forehead. Keeping his distance, he followed Adam through the narrow streets of the French Quarter, past sidewalk musicians, gift shops selling everything from T-shirts to Mardi Gras masks, a Cajun restaurant with patio tables where people sat eating gumbo, a small grocery advertising muffalettas, and a wine and cheese shop.

Adam neared the crowded French Market on Decatur, and Jared quickened his pace. They wove their way past endless displays of tourist souvenirs. The pungent breeze carried the smell of the Mississippi. An air horn blasted as a riverboat churned past.

When Adam took a seat in the outdoor section of the Café Du Monde, Jared scanned the crowd. He sensed the energy of other witches, but no one seemed interested in him or Adam. As he watched, a young waitress took Adam’s order. To Jared’s dismay, she smiled and seemed instantly smitten. He supposed Adam’s rugged good looks could be attractive to women, but couldn’t they see the evil lurking behind his eyes? The thought of that witch anywhere near Kendra brought the taste of bile into his throat. He swallowed it back as his hands curled into fists. He knew it would take every bit of self-control he possessed not to take Adam down, even in a public place.

He focused his energy inward until he felt calm enough to confront his enemy. When he slid into the seat across the table, he was able to control his urge to punch the self-satisfied smirk off Adam’s face.

“Well, look who finally showed up.” Adam leaned back in his seat. “Surprised to see me?”

Jared shrugged. “Considering that the last time I saw you, your ass was going over a cliff, I would say so. I assume one of your fellow demons rescued you from Hell?”

Adam’s expression turned hard. “And it seems you have our whore of an ancestor to thank for saving you. After telling Kendra you didn’t love her anymore, I was wondering if you’d have the balls to come back. As usual, you’re too late. I told you I’d have some fun with your girl, and I’ve done just that. In fact, I’ve done more than have fun, I’ve won the lady’s heart. Tell me, Dupre, how does it feel knowing she’s been with me?”

Jared folded his arms on top of the table and leaned forward, his self- control slipping. The smile he gave Adam could have turned his steaming cup of coffee to ice. Jared’s words were a low growl. “Now listen, you son-of-a-hag, I don’t know why you’re not dead and rotting in Hell but hear me well. Kendra is mine, and she’ll always be mine. So if you ever go near her again, I’ll make sure you scream in agony while you die. I’ll scatter your parts so far and wide they’ll never be able to find them all. So I suggest you get the fuck out of New Orleans and never come back.” Jared could feel Adam’s mounting fury and leaned in closer. “Unless you’d like to finish this right now. If so, I’d be happy to oblige.”

The table vibrated with the suppressed power that shot between the two men. Coffee spilled from Adam’s cup and splashed onto the floor. Powdered sugar rose in a pale cloud. The waitress, wide-eyed, slowly backed away.

Now it was Adam’s turn to lean in. “I’m not dead because you’re a fucking poor excuse for a witch who doesn’t have enough power to do the job right. Your family has always been cowardly and weak like that pathetic brother of yours. So I’ll not only take great satisfaction in killing you, I’ll see to it Philippe watches you die.” Adam’s smile was pure malice. “As far as Kendra, you fucked that up as well. So while you’ll be the one lying in a grave, Kendra will be lying beneath me in my bed, moaning her pleasure.”

Both men were halfway to their feet when Jared felt a strong hand clamp down on his shoulder.

“Don’t either of you boys make a move,” a harsh rumbling voice said.

Ready to strike, Jared stared into the black beefy face of Woodrow Charbonneau, Deanne’s father and a man he’d known since childhood. Woodrow kept the pressure of his hand on Jared as he smiled. “Nice to see you back, son. Now whatever problem you’re having with this gentleman, I suggest you take it out of here. The hostile energy from you two is so palpable you’re attracting attention, and not just from your own kind.”

Jared’s rage was still flowing hot. If it hadn’t been for Woodrow’s timely intervention, he knew either he or Adam would be lying dismembered in the middle of the cafe. He took a few calming breaths and stared into Adam’s burning eyes. “It’s okay, Woodrow. He was just leaving.”

Adam’s eyes shifted from Jared to Woodrow before he sneered. “This isn’t over, Dupre. Next time we meet, you won’t have your protector to save your ass.” He gave them both a contemptuous glare and turned to leave.

Before he took a step, Jared spoke. “Remember, if you want to live, you’ll heed my warning and keep your filthy hands off Kendra.”

Adam snorted derisively. “I don’t think it’s up to you who Kendra allows to touch her. According to her, you gave up that right when you left her. You lost her trust. I now have it. So perhaps it’s you who should keep your filthy hands off.” Without another word, Adam strolled from the restaurant.

“You look like you could use something stronger than coffee,” Woodrow said, patting Jared’s shoulder. “Let’s go get us a shot and a beer, and you can tell me what the hell is going on.”

A short time later they sat in Finnegan’s bar sipping glasses of ice-cold stout. Jared filled Woodrow in on what had happened.

“So you’re telling me this Adam tried to kill you over some family feud you know nothing about?” Woodrow asked.

Jared nodded. “He drugged and almost killed Philippe. He didn’t do such a bad job on me either. I had some deep cuts on my arms and legs, the worst injury being a sword wound through my abdomen. Thankfully, the coven had some strong competent healers, but it was still a slow recovery. I understand both Philippe and myself were out of it for a few days.”

“And Adam?”

Jared hesitated, then sighed. “I stabbed the bastard and sent him over a cliff. Until this morning, I thought he was dead. Now he’s trying to use Kendra to get to me.”

“Do Kendra’s parents know she could be in danger?”

“I don’t see how. An hour ago, I didn’t know myself. Besides, if they’ve met Adam, I’m sure he has them convinced he’s a perfectly nice guy. Considering the way they probably feel toward me, I’m sure they wouldn’t listen to anything I have to say, or believe me if they did.”

Woodrow studied Jared with sympathetic eyes. “Unfortunately, I’d say you’re right. A number of folks were real upset. Son, we had no idea what you and Philippe were going through. I’m sure once everyone hears the truth, you’ll have all the support you need.”

Jared scowled and drained his beer glass. “Yeah, but in the meantime the list of people pissed at me is growing. And your daughter is at the top of that list.”

Woodrow cocked his head. “You’ve seen Deanne?”

Jared nodded. “This morning at the store. Trust me, it wasn’t a fond homecoming. She and Loren have appointed themselves Kendra’s personal bodyguards, and their main objective is to keep me as far away from her as possible.”

Woodrow sighed. “Those three girls are as close as sisters. Did you know that after you left, Kendra hid out at Loren’s cottage until they opened the store? She did nothing but guide tours and make those blown glass figurines. She didn’t want to see anyone except her mother, her brother, Deanne, and Loren. The rest of the coven tried to help, but she sent us away. When the girls came to the restaurant and told Serene and me of their plans to open the store, we were concerned about them taking on such a responsibility, but we were thrilled Kendra was showing an interest in something.”

“Woodrow, if I had it to do all over again, I’d definitely handle the situation differently, but I can’t turn back time. I did what I thought I needed to do to save my brother and Kendra from a monster.”

Woodrow patted Jared’s shoulder. “I know, son. Now that Adam’s in New Orleans, we can help you. Even if there are those who aren’t pleased with you, they still care about you and Kendra.”

Jared hesitated. He’d like to be able to tell Woodrow he could handle this on his own, but considering Kendra’s current state of mind, he didn’t know if she’d ever forgive him or allow him back into her life. So for the time being, Woodrow and the others in the coven were trustworthy people he could count on.

“Thanks. Since Kendra is barely speaking to me, I’m happy to accept your help.”

“Good. What do you want us to do?”

“Kendra doesn’t know who Adam is or how dangerous he is. Tonight I plan on putting a security charm around her store.” Jared frowned. “She needs protection at home as well, but I just realized I don’t even know where she’s living.”

“That’s simple—in the apartment above the store,” Woodrow replied.

“I also want to block Adam’s ability to spy on her, so I’ll put a charm around Kendra as well. If you and the others could keep an eye on her when she’s out, that would be a big help.”

“No problem. I’ll spread the word. And what will you do?”

“Oh, I have two simple tasks—convincing Kendra I love her, and it was necessary for me to leave; and convincing her that her new boyfriend is a demented killer.”

Woodrow smiled. “Good luck, son. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes for all of Midas’ gold.”