Shadowed Beginning: Daughters of the Vieux Carré Prequel

by Rhys Rowlyn

  Gabriel grips my elbow, pulling me away from the girl. “Phillipe, may I speak to you?”

  I reluctantly leave her to speak with Gabriel, and the rest of my famille has gathered around us.

  “What is going on? Why did you say that girl was yours? And you growled when I touched her.” Gabriel is watching me closely, but I don’t know how to answer him.

  “Gabriel, I don’t know, but I know she’s mine. Her scent is divine, and I am compelled to change her. When I touched her, sparks flew.” I scrub my face with my hands, needing to return to her side.

  Gabriel’s gaze quickly turns to Bram. “Bram, have you ever heard of such a thing?”

  “Alastair once talked of us having mates.” Bram nods, smiling broadly at me. “He described much the same symptoms as what Phillipe just said.”

  “Symptoms? You make it sound like a disease.” I give him a look of horror. Surely this isn’t a bad thing.

  “No, he said it was the greatest of blessings.” Bram slaps my back, wagging his eyebrows.

  The others are looking at me with a mixture of joy, wonder, and laughter. I look over at the girl who is standing alone against the far wall, looking at the floor, and I decide I’m going to consider this a blessing. I’ve only had to think of myself and my famille for many years but am happy to have this special girl under my care.

  Phillipe

  “Why am I so important?” Giselle is sitting primly in the only chair available in the room I’ve taken her to.

  We are in a room down the hall from the dining room, where the others are congregated. I wanted to talk with her away from the others and wanted to be the one to explain what we are and her place in my life. I only hope to not mess up the way I did earlier. I have to be gentle and do everything in my power to reassure her.

  “Giselle, what I’m going to tell you is going to seem unreal, and I don’t want you to be frightened.” I kneel before her, taking her hands in mine and meeting her gaze.

  Her hands tremble slightly, and her bottom lip quivers. “Why would I be frightened?” Her voice is high with fear.

  “We have been good to you, correct?” I know I must quiet her fear. It would be devastating if she feared me and my kind. She has to know we will never harm her. I will never harm her.

  “Oui, you have been most gracious and generous. I am most grateful for all Gabriel has done for me.” She bites her lower lip, looking at me with wide eyes.

  “Oui, Gabriel, he has helped you, but all of my famille is at your disposal, especially myself. You are one of us now.” I want her to know she is a part of the famille, even if she is still a human. I am her mate, but my brothers are her brothers too. “I will ask one thing of you right now.”

  Giselle leans away from me slightly, pursing her lips. “What is it?”

  “To remember we are good men and only want what’s best for you.” I know I’m about to shock her and she will probably not believe me, but my hope is she will remember this and hold on to it.

  “Oui, I’ll remember.” She eagerly nods, and I can’t imagine what she thought I was about to ask of her.

  “I am not a human man.” Blurting out the truth, I watch her carefully.

  She surprises me by bursting out laughing. “Mon Dieu, really? Well, you look human.”

  “Yes, we do. I do not want you to be afraid of me.” I squeeze her hands, looking at her somberly. Her laughter quiets, and she frowns at me. “Know I will never hurt you, or anyone for that matter.”

  “You are going to have to explain.” Giving me a confused look, she bites her lower lip again, and a rush of desire runs through me. The need to kiss her is almost overwhelming, but I know I must hang onto my control.

  “Many years ago, I was nearly killed, but Gabriel came upon me. He saved my life, but the way he saved me was to change me.” I rub my thumb over her wrist gently.

  “What did he change you into?” She cocks a brow at me, dipping her chin.

  “I am a vampire. Have you ever heard of such?” If I’m lucky, she has never heard of my kind and won’t be influenced by silly rumors.

  She stands and paces the length of the room. “I have heard stories of these creatures coming in the night and taking your blood.” Turning quickly, she faces me. “I have heard they are monsters, but you and your famille don’t seem like monsters.”

  “We aren’t, but we do need blood to survive. I will admit there are some of my kind who are monsters, but they are the ones who have gone crazy with bloodlust.” I stand but don’t go near her, giving her space to come to terms with what I’m telling her. I want her to know we are not evil, but I also don’t want to lie to her. She needs to know some of my kind are, but it is the same with humans; all are not good.

  Giselle wraps her arms around her waist. “And none of you have this bloodlust?”

  “No, we require blood to live, and this is why we have requested the help of the women. We would not be able to make the journey across the ocean without assistance.”

  “Are you planning on taking blood from us?” She backs up a step, and a small part of me dies at her fear.

  “We might, but mostly we will ask you to guard us during the day and then help us find donors when we require blood. We are more guardians than anything.” I must make her see my only desire is for her to be protected and safe.

  “Guardians?” She draws her brows down, narrowing her gaze at me. I can sense the distrust in her.

  I step closer, and her scent washes over me. I clench my fist to keep from reaching out for her. “Once you have helped us cross the ocean, we will do everything in our power to assure your safety and that you have the life you desire.”

  “Is this what Gabriel is telling the others?” She moves away from me, walking toward the small window, and peeks out the curtain into the night.

  “Yes, he is explaining everything to them the same as I am with you.” I clasp my hands behind my back. I know this is some unbelievable information and she will have questions. I’m unsure how this mate thing works. If she’s even half as drawn to me as I am to her, I would imagine it is frightening her.

  “Will we now be forced to comply?” Her gaze quickly darts to the door, and she slowly begins to edge toward it.

  “No, anyone wanting to leave will be allowed to do so. Someone will take their memories and compel them to leave, forget everything, and not return.” Merde, I hope she doesn’t decide to leave. I know I won’t be able to allow her to, or if she does decide this is what she wants, I’ll simply have to stay with her. I know in my soul I can never leave her.

  Giselle closes her eyes and rubs her temples. “You can control minds?”

  “A bit, but we only use compulsion if it’s absolutely necessary.” It’s true we can control certain things, such as memories, and we can strongly encourage humans to do things, but it’s limited.

  “You didn’t answer my question. Why am I not with the others?” She continues to edge toward the door, watching me closely.

  Shaking my head, I place myself between her and the door and laugh when she glares at me. “You are very special to me, and I wanted to explain things to you alone.”

  “Why?” She finally meets my gaze, raising her brows.

  “I know you had to have felt the attraction when we first met.” Lightly, I touch her cheek, running my knuckles against its softness.

  “Oui, you are a very handsome man.” Her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink, and she avoids my gaze.

  “So are all my brothers, but you didn’t feel the draw to them as you did to me. Am I correct?” I need her to admit she was drawn to me, as I was to her. It’s more than to stoke my ego; I must know she feels the mate bond.

  “You are correct.” She wrings her hands in front of her, staring at the floor.

  Gently, I lift her chin with my finger until her gaze meets mine. “It is because you are my mate.” A thrill goes through me simply saying mate. I have been alive for over two hundred years, and at times it has been
lonely. I have often questioned my existence. Now I will have someone to share it with, and she can’t understand how exciting that is.

  “Mate?” Giselle furrows her brow. “What does that mean?”

  “From what I understand, I was created for you and you alone. We are fated to be together.” I want her to know I am hers.

  Giselle tenses, straightening to her full height. “Does this mean you will force me to be with you?”

  “No, I would never force you to do anything.” Shaking my head in quick denial, I only want to reassure her she can trust me, but even this soon I know I could never leave her side. “I will hope after you get to know me you will want to be with me.”

  “What do you know about this whole thing?” She tilts her head slightly to the side, giving me a questioning look.

  “If I’m honest, not much, but Bram seems to know a great deal, and Alastair, Gabriel’s creator, knows even more.” I never thought to ask about mates, and Gabriel only mentioned them in passing. I never thought I would find one, especially with Gabriel never seeing a mated pair. It all became a myth of sorts.

  “Is Alastair one of the others?” She crosses her arms over her chest and nods toward the door.

  “No, he isn’t going with us, but Bram is. We could talk with Alastair before we leave so we can understand our connection more.” I will do anything she asks if it will make it easier for her to accept this bond.

  Giselle takes a deep breath, relaxing a bit. “I would like that.”

  “Then I shall make it happen.” I hold my arm out for her to take but hesitate before leading her from the room. “You are sure you’re not afraid of me?”

  “I don’t know how I know this, but I know you will not harm me.” She grips the crook of my arm and meets my gaze. “I knew this about Gabriel also. I can’t explain it. It simply is.”

  “I want you to know, I would give my life to save yours,” I vow solemnly, patting her hand.

  Her eyes widen as she stares up at me. “How can you say that? You have only known me a matter of hours.”

  “It doesn’t matter. You have become the most important thing to me. I feel you in my soul.” This is the most surprising thing. I don’t normally feel things deeply. Even when I was human, I was a bit of a cold fish, but with Giselle, my emotions are already deeply engaged. I know this feeling is only going to grow deeper.

  “I’m not sure how to respond to that.” She faces forward, staring at the closed door.

  “Don’t. I only hope in time you will feel the same.” I squeeze her hand. “Now let us see if we can locate Alastair and have our questions answered.”

  Phillipe

  We take a coach to Alastair’s residence, and Gabriel accompanies us. We arrive and are ushered into a parlor by a staid butler to await Alastair. It is the first time I have visited Gabriel’s creator. I have met the man many times over the last two centuries but have only had casual conversations with him. Alastair has kept himself apart from everyone in our famille except Gabriel and Bram.

  He arrives after only a few minutes, surprised we are visiting. “Gabriel, I thought you were meeting with the women tonight?”

  Gabriel stands, giving Alastair a slight bow. “We did but something important happened and we needed to see you. We need information.”

  “Oh?” Alastair furrows his brow and motions for us to sit.

  I lead Giselle to a sofa and help her sit. She looks around nervously. I know she’s not used to the riches surrounding her. I need to remember she’s young and grew up in an orphanage. Gabriel told me she was dressed in rags when he found her. I shall see she has anything she desires. I sit beside her and take her hand in mine, then give it a reassuring squeeze.

  Gabriel takes a seat in one of the chairs across from us, crossing his ankle over his knee. “Yes, Phillipe has met his mate. I’ve never known of this happening.”

  “Oh my, this is interesting.” Alastair sits forward, turning his attention to Giselle. “I take it you’re the young lady?”

  Giselle’s gaze darts to me, and I nod encouragingly. “Oui, it is what I’m told.”

  “What questions do you have? I’ll tell you what I know.” Alastair smiles and sits back in his chair.

  “If I choose to not accept the bond, will I be able to resist it?” Giselle stares at Alastair, not looking my way. “Also, will I have to be turned?”

  I would be lying if I said her questions didn’t bother me. I need to remember this is all new to her. Before tonight, she didn’t know vampires existed, much less that she would be one’s mate. I can’t allow myself to take it personally, but it’s damned hard not to.

  “I must say I haven’t seen this in many years, but what I remember of mates is that they could not resist each other. To stay with your mate you will have to be turned, but you will desire it.” Alastair steeples his fingers in front of him and crosses his legs at his knees.

  Giselle tenses next to me but doesn’t let go of my hand. “Against my will?”

  “Dear, having a mate is a blessing.” Alastair continues to smile patiently at Giselle. He motions toward me. “He will always take care of your needs first. You will be the most important thing in his life. He will protect you from all harm, and you will eventually have a love that will surpass all others.”

  “I felt an instant attraction; what does this mean for the journey?” I know resisting her is going to be difficult, but I need to know it won’t be impossible. I have promised not to force her into anything she doesn’t want, but I also need to know if there will be consequences to me resisting my basic instincts.

  “I will recommend not changing her until you reach the New World or decide to stay here. She won’t do well on the journey as a new vampire. She’ll require too much blood. It will be hard not to, but you’ll be able to resist because you’ll know it’s the best thing for her. The longer you are together, the more the bond will grow. As your bond grows, you’ll be able to sense each other and know when one or the other is upset or happy. I also remember mates knowing each other’s whereabouts. I think that came as the bond grew,” Alastair explains.

  “What does this mean?” Gabriel stares intently at Alastair, no longer relaxed. “Why has he found his mate at this time?”

  Alastair shrugs. “I don’t know the answer to that. No one can know what fate has in store for us.” He raises a brow, nodding in Giselle’s direction. “Are you going to make the journey or stay here?”

  Giselle shakes her head, gripping my hand tightly. “I can’t stay here. It’s not safe. I still have that awful man, Louis, looking for me and would rather have an ocean between us.”

  “I agree. We should make the journey.” I would protect her if she wanted to stay here, but for some reason, I know making this journey is the right thing. I had my doubts earlier, but meeting Giselle has erased them, and I have the urge to get her out of France.

  “Thank you for your time, Monsieur.” Giselle stands and we all follow suit.

  Alastair takes her hand, bowing before her. “You are very welcome, young lady, and I look forward to seeing you again one day. I’m sorry I don’t have more information, but I was a young man the last time I saw a mated pair. I do want to offer my congratulations. I know the two of you will be very happy.”

  Gabriel slaps Alastair on the back. “You are sure you won’t come with us?”

  “Not at this time. I have too many responsibilities with the family I have created here.” Alastair grips Gabriel’s shoulders and faces him. “One day we shall reunite, but I must allow you to make this journey alone.”

  Gabriel touches his forehead with Alastair’s. “I shall miss you, Father.”

  “And I you, my son.” Alastair pulls away from Gabriel, coughing to clear his throat. “Take care of Bram. He tends to get in trouble.”

  “I shall, and you take care of yourself.” Gabriel chuckles but quickly sobers. “Until we meet again.”

  “Until we meet again.” Alastair waves us off.
<
br />   We return to our house instead of the inn. The other women are staying there, but I want Giselle close to me, and she will be safer at our house under the care of the Hopkinses. Hopefully they can reassure her she’s safe with us.

  “Giselle, I’ll have Mrs. Hopkins prepare you a room and a bath, if you like,” I say as we enter the house. This will be the last day we shall stay here. We are due to board the ship tomorrow night.

  “Oh, I don’t want to put her to any trouble, but I may see if she has anything to eat. I am a bit hungry.” She shuffles from foot to foot, looking uncomfortable.

  “Of course, I am so sorry. I forget you need food. You must ask if you need anything.” I can’t believe I forgot to feed her. We have been so wrapped up in the mate thing, I completely forgot she had physical needs.

  Mrs. Hopkins appears and takes Giselle’s hands in her own. “Come, child, I have stew left from the mister’s and my supper. We’ll get you fed, a nice bath, and to bed. You look dead on your feet. I’m sure you’ve had quite the day.”

  Thank heavens for the Hopkinses. I am truly going to miss them. Hopefully we’ll find someone in the New World to help care for us. At my nod, Mrs. Hopkins leads Giselle toward the kitchen.

  Once they are gone, Gabriel turns toward me. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m nervous and worried, but mostly in awe. I can’t believe this has happened.” I scrub my face with my hands, not knowing whether I want to follow Giselle or let her have some time away from me.

  “You need to feed. She is in good hands with the Hopkinses and she’s safe here. We are all to feed before boarding the ship, but I know once we leave the house, you’re not going to want to leave her side. I’ll stay here to ensure she’s safe.” Gabriel leans an elbow against the newel post at the bottom of the staircase.

  I know he’s right but still don’t want to leave her. “I won’t go far; I’m sure I can find a donor close.”

  “Go, and come back soon. I believe Giselle will feel your absence and will be more comfortable when you return.” Gabriel straightens, rubbing his neck.