Immortals of New Orleans Box Set (Books 1-4)

by Kym Grosso

  “If all that you told me is true, there must be someone helping Simone, a witch or mage perhaps, or possibly a Voodoo priestess. Simone may have some of this knowledge, but a practitioner would need supplies to help to carry out these killings and spells. It is possible that Simone is experimenting…using a living girl as a Voodoo doll. She seeks the assistance of evil spirits to help her with her goals.” Ilsbeth stared deep into Kade’s eyes. “Kade, Simone may have started off with a simple goal of revenge, but the darkness of her practices points to a monumental goal, perhaps to have power…power over all the supernaturals in the city. If her experiment showed any promise the first time, she’ll kill again until she takes over this town.”

  “Thank you for your insight, Ilsbeth. As always, you bring profound knowledge and perspective to the problems we face. Tomorrow night, we are going to follow a lead on Simone. Do you have any recommendations about how to proceed with regards to the witchcraft? More importantly, do you know anyone in the witch community who would want to help her? Someone must know. It is hard to keep secrets within covens.”

  “You are correct in your assumptions. I plan to scour the books, seeing who made the purchases necessary to create the oil and rope. These ingredients are widely available online, but any self-respecting witch or mage from New Orleans would buy them in our shop. We certify the authenticity of ingredients for all our products and supplies, which includes Van Van oil as well as hemp and hair. And if a vampire attempted purchasing these supplies at any stores in the city, I am confident someone would remember. That would not go unnoticed.”

  “Thanks, Ilsbeth,” Sydney interjected. “Look back a year or two in your records, just to be safe. We aren’t sure how long she’s been in the city. If you send us the list of possible suspects, Kade and I can check it out from there. We really appreciate your help on this. If you saw what was done to those girls…well, we’ve got to stop it.” While she didn’t understand witchcraft, Sydney had to admit that she felt glad the witch was helping them. It was possible Ilsbeth could lead them to tangible clues so they could nab the killer.

  Ilsbeth nodded. “I will contact you if I find anything. Like I said, I have been with my coven the past week. I will need to go back to the shop for the records. My escort, Zin, has been with me. He is my cousin, a practicing warlock, but most importantly, he’s trained in security. I will be going everywhere with him. We cannot be too careful. I must go, but I will be in touch.”

  After everyone had said their goodbyes, Sydney quietly retreated to her room. She wanted to give in to her desire to be with Kade, but she was on business and had to get up early. Being around him was beginning to cloud her judgment. If she could only get some sleep and shopping therapy, she’d be good…okay, maybe not good, but she’d be ready to go out tomorrow night. They needed to catch a break on this case.

  Chapter Twelve

  Dressing up to fit into a vampire fetish club was a bitch. Sydney spent the better part of the morning shopping for clothes that would say, 'I roll with kinky vampires'. She hoped she’d fit in. She knew better than anyone that people had a tendency to clam up around cops, and the supernatural crowd was even more tight-lipped when it came to revealing secrets. They had their own code of honor and laws.

  Xavier had accompanied her on her shopping expedition to help her choose just the right outfit. She wasn’t above letting Kade pay for everything; after all he was the one who had dragged her ass down here to New Orleans. Xavier had promised not to reveal the details of her 'costume' to Kade. Oh yeah, baby, she wanted this one to shock him. They all needed a good laugh, she supposed; a human girl dressing like some kind of sex-crazed dominatrix. She was planning on cracking the whip all right.

  She finally managed to get the damn, thigh-high, fishnet stockings attached. Garters were not as easy to put on as they looked. She had to admit, glancing at herself in the mirror, that she looked smokin’ hot. She would have preferred to look dangerous, but tonight she was playing a part; sexy, wanton, open to handcuffs, whips and paddles.

  She had chosen a tight black fishnet camisette with garters, and a black leather miniskirt. The fishnet cami was tightly woven and see-through, so it showed off her pert, rosy nipples underneath. She topped the outfit off with a sexy pair of Christian Louboutin, black leather over-the-knee boots that were adorned with silver zippers that ran all the way up from the back of her ankle to the back of her thigh. Xavier had given her slim, silver stakes that fitted into the boots nicely. No one would feel them even if they patted her down. She also concealed a small silver knife and chain in her right boot that she could easily pull out if necessary.

  Sydney conceded that she could not do much about her long blonde hair. There was no way she was dyeing her hair black, or any other freaky color just for one night. She tried on a few wigs, but they were too hot, so she stopped by a local salon and had them tightly curl her long locks. Her perfectly spiraled, golden curls flowed over her shoulders.

  Sydney fingered the mask she’d purchased in Jackson Square. Its swirling diamond rhinestones added an enigmatic flair to her sexy, fetish look. She held the delicate black metal to her face and fastened the ribbon behind her hair. With one last glance in the mirror, she left her room, wishing she was home going to a Halloween party instead, but this was her life. There was no room for games or mistakes tonight. She would play the part and do everything she could to glean information about where Simone was and who else was helping her. She knew from experience that seedy bars were good places to get intel, as long as you had sources who were either afraid of you or trusted you; either worked. Unfortunately, in this town, she had neither.

  Kade gaped at Sydney as she descended the staircase. Holy mother of God. What is she wearing? His cock jerked to attention and his eyes widened as he struggled to remain composed in front of his fellow vampires. In all his life, he had never wanted one woman so badly. He immediately noticed how her tight, hard peaks pressed against the fishnet weave. He could not believe she would freaking wear a see-through top to a vampire club. What was she thinking? Every supernatural in the place would want her. Let them try, he laughed to himself. She belonged to him and no other.

  “So, who wants a spanking?” she asked seductively. Despite her bravado, her face flushed, aware that she was half naked in front of a group of free-loving vampires. “Mistress Sydney is here to make your fantasy come true.”

  Everyone started laughing, except Kade. He strode across the room, possessively grabbing Sydney’s waist. Pulling her flush against him, he captured her mouth. It was a hard, dominating kiss, one that let everyone know she was his. His tongue forced its way into her mouth, and Sydney opened for him. She kissed him back, letting him know that she would not simply be taken. No, she would take as well. Her hands snaked up his back, feeling the soft leather of his jacket. She breathed in his masculine scent, feeling controlled in his arms, seeking all of him.

  Dominique coughed loudly from across the room.

  “Okay, you two, ya want to get a room and fuck, or go catch bad guys? Come on!”

  Interrupted, Sydney and Kade broke their heated connection.

  “Uh…yeah, that would be ‘go catch bad guys’,” Sydney responded, dazed from Kade’s kiss.

  Sydney glanced away from Kade to Dominique. She wore a dark purple bustier with matching leather pencil skirt and calf-high, patent-leather lace-front boots.

  “Nice leather. And those boots…We need to go shoe shopping together someday, seriously,” she suggested, attempting to bond with the vampire.

  Dominique smiled at the compliment. “Okay, girl, so we actually do have something in common. I’ll take a rain check. It may be nice to have another woman around all this testosterone.”

  “Listen up everyone,” Kade ordered. All eyes fell on him. “Before we go in, Luca will be clearing the site. Sydney, you will enter with the second group. I will approach Miguel and introduce you as my director of Philadelphia security. Luca and Sydney, stay close in the cl
ub. You are supposed to be working together. The rest of you work the club and try to find out anything about Simone’s whereabouts, or accomplices. The witch who is helping her may also frequent the club. Stay on your toes, and try to fit in. It cannot look like we are there investigating, or people won’t talk. Luca, please run down the security situation.”

  “We’ve got two limos. Xavier, Dominique and I will take the first one. We’ll go in and case things out before we give you the all clear. We need to make sure Simone is not in the club. If she is, Kade will enter. You,” he said, pointing to Sydney, “will stay in the car. Under no circumstances are you to enter the club if Simone is in there. I am serious, Sydney. What happened with the vampire in Philly is child’s play compared to what Simone could do to you.” Sydney rolled her eyes.

  “Once the go ahead is given, we can all enter the club. Spread out. Like Kade said, we are not there to investigate, so it can’t look that way. Play, feed, gather information. Kade will give the signal when it is time to go. Kade and Sydney will leave first.”

  Kade put his hand around Sydney’s waist, clutching her to his side.

  “Okay, everyone, let’s roll. Sydney love, stay close to Luca or me. Remember, while you carry my scent at the moment, other vampires will most definitely try to lure you.”

  Sydney shot Kade a defiant look, growing annoyed with his rules. Kade might be the boss of his vampires, but he was not the boss of her. She would play nice so long as she was on the case, but no man, not even a sexy as hell vampire, was going to run her life.

  Chapter Thirteen

  After Luca had given the all clear, Kade entered Sangre Dulce with Etienne and Sydney flanking him. A tall, thin man with jet-black hair and a goatee rushed up to greet them. He almost looked like a pirate with the black leather pants and white ruffled linen open-chested shirt he wore.

  “Sir, I am honored to have you here. We have a special VIP table set up for you and your guests, which provides a wonderful view of the dance floor as well as the public play area,” he explained.

  Sydney struggled to keep her mouth shut. Public play area? What the hell?

  Miguel was soon joined by a naked petite woman with long bright red hair, which was braided down her back. The woman wore a small chain around her neck that Sydney assumed was some kind of a collar. Sydney didn’t know much about fetishes, but assumed this pixie of a woman was a submissive. Miguel placed his hand on the woman’s back, gently pushing her toward Kade.

  “Sir, this is Rhea. She will serve you and your party tonight, in any way you wish. She is human and has agreed to be a donor. Rhea can procure additional donors, submissives or Doms for your party, should you need these services. And of course, she will be your waitress for the evening. She is new to Sangre Dulce, but as you will experience, she was born to serve others. She is quite the little obedient sub. I am certain you will enjoy her.”

  Studying Sydney, he extended his hand. She reluctantly allowed him to take it, cringing as he kissed it. Before letting her go, he turned her arm over and smelled her inner wrist. Sydney snatched her hand away from him, shooting Kade a pointed look.

  Miguel didn’t seem to notice.

  “Sir, what a lovely human you have brought to my club tonight. Shall we expect a public performance from her? I would most enjoy seeing her tan skin turn pink.” He licked his lips and smiled, displaying his fangs to Sydney.

  Showing very little emotion, Kade approached Miguel in an authoritative manner. “Miguel, this is Miss Willows. She is director of my security operations in the Philadelphia area. She is being mentored by Luca.” Kade’s eyes narrowed. “Miss Willows is in my employ, and is not to be touched or seen by anyone but me.” He paused and winked at Sydney. “That is, unless I grant permission for her to be touched.”

  Sydney fought for self-control as blood rushed to her face. She was pretty sure Kade was teasing her. Wasn’t he? Oh my God. She so needed to get this case over with so she could get back to her less than exciting life in Philadelphia. What the hell was wrong with these freaky vampires? She took a deep breath in an effort to gain her composure before she said anything she’d regret. She tried to remind herself she was just playing a part…here on a case.

  “So sorry, sir, it is just that she is so very beautiful and so very human. She smells lovely.” Miguel bowed his head. “Please forgive me.”

  “No harm done. Rhea, please show my guests to our table. I have business that I need to discuss with Miguel.”

  Sydney was about to lose it. What was Kade doing? He was not just sending her off with some naked waitress? Etienne gestured for Sydney to follow Rhea. She reluctantly followed the submissive up onto a raised platform area to a large table, where she agreed, the view was great. They’d be able to see pretty much everything that was going on in the club, except for the private rooms. She took a seat and Etienne sat down next to her. He looked at the wine menu and ordered.

  “Please bring us three bottles of Salon Le Mesnil, 1997. We are expecting additional guests.” Rhea bowed her head and scuttled off.

  Sydney straightened in her chair, trying to appear as if she regularly frequented kinky, BDSM, vampire clubs. Trying not to look surprised, she noticed several dominatrix-type women at a table across from them. They were drinking and laughing while naked men with collars knelt at their feet. The dance floor appeared to be rhythmically moving as one. Waves of bodies in various forms of dress - from fully clothed to no clothing at all, danced.

  Observing what they referred to as the public play area, she saw a large naked bald man who was tied to a bench. He writhed in pleasure and pain as an older woman dressed in red leather spanked him relentlessly with a pink paddle. Sydney shook her head. To each his own, she supposed. Not that she was totally opposed to spanking, or being tied up every now and then, but tied to a bench in the middle of a dance club? Guess it took a lot to get that guy’s adrenaline going.

  Dominique, Luca, and Xavier approached the table and sat down to discuss the next steps. Kade was the last to arrive, and he sat next to Sydney.

  “So, curious thing, our friend Miguel said the bartender who reported Simone’s appearance, quit. He’s gone. So we’ve got no one specific to question. Sydney, what are your impressions?”

  “I say we question the submissives first.” Sydney scanned the room, focusing on Rhea who was all the way across the club waiting for drinks at the bar. “I know we can’t act like we're investigating, but we could ask around to see who they’ve played with. Maybe some prefer women Doms and would remember her. It’s likely that if Simone was here she could easily have shopped for a victim. We should also question the Doms and find out if there are any new ones on the scene who match her description. We need to do it in a subtle way, so they don’t suspect we're investigating. I have to say, as kinky as this place is, it only looks like maybe fifty percent of the people in here are regulars. Is it possible that some of them are tourists?" Sydney took note of the several patrons who appeared out of place. A casually dressed couple sat at a table, nervously playing with their drink straws.

  "Yes, I'm sure some are, but there are also regulars,” Kade agreed. “We’ll need to spread out. Etienne and Xavier, start with questioning the submissives. Go ask Miguel to line them up and pretend you are looking for a sub. Be discreet. Do not make it seem as though we are conducting an investigation. Dominique, take on Rhea. Something seems off with her. Miguel said she just started, yet he assigned his least experienced server to our important party? It doesn't make sense.”

  As the other vampires left the table, Kade, Luca and Sydney moved together so they could more easily talk.

  “I don’t like this thing with the bartender going missing. If Simone found out that he told someone she was here, why wouldn’t she take out Miguel too? She expected to have this reported, so why kill him?” Sydney asked.

  “Good question, indeed.” Kade took notice of Miguel, whose gaze lingered too long on Sydney. “Right now, I want you and Luca to go danc
e. You are supposed to be close. I don’t want anyone questioning our intentions. I will join you in a few minutes then we will retire to the private rooms to investigate.”

  “As you wish…Sydney?” Luca stood and gestured for her to take his hand.

  Sydney knew she wasn’t Luca’s favorite person, but he was polite, she’d give him that. She stood, glancing from Kade to Luca, finally going to him. He led her onto the dance floor and as she went, Sydney’s eyes never left Kade’s. She'd stopped counting how many times a day she wanted Kade to make love to her. She had never felt so connected to one man in her life, but she couldn’t admit to herself that this might be a real opportunity for a long-lasting relationship.

  Luca took Sydney in his arms, pushing his thigh between her knees. Sydney felt his strength against her, his muscular, lethal body brushing hers. She leaned into him and put one arm around his neck, swaying to the music. As Luca pressed his hips to hers, Sydney’s eyes flashed open, surprised to feel his hardness against her belly.

  “So, Luca, is that a stake in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” she joked.

  “Sydney darling, let’s just say that you are starting to grow on me, and that outfit of yours is delectable. I may be a vampire, but I’m not dead.” Luca grabbed the back of her head, pulling it toward his and whispered in her ear. “Even though you belong to Kade, it doesn’t stop me from appreciating you…all of you.”

  Horny vampires, geez. Sydney had been somewhat unnerved at his sudden sexuality on display for all to see in the club. She kept trying to remember that she was there playing a part. They were supposed to be acting, and it was easy to do. She was attracted to Luca as well, as most women would be. He was ruggedly handsome, but not a pretty boy. Despite his forward comments, she felt, oddly, as though she could trust him. But she also wondered what Kade’s reaction would be to having another man’s hands all over her. But he’d told her to be with him. Look like you are close to Luca.