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

by Kym Grosso

  Playing and tantalizing, she flirted while skillfully removing her gloves, one by one. A man whistled as she threw them to patrons in the front row. Turning her back to the audience, she deftly removed her bra, never revealing her breasts. She swung the garment round and round, then flung it across the room. Though the feathers artfully brushed over her creamy pale skin, revealing little, her erotic display captivated the crowd. The dancer bent over, shaking her behind, and encouraged the audience’s catcalls.

  Her mesmerizing hips rocked side to side, sexy and slow. As anticipation grew in expectation of the big reveal, Wynter glanced up to both Logan and Dimitri, who, astonishingly, weren’t watching the show. Rather, both men were intently watching her, and she blushed. Giving them both a small smile, she drew her attention back to the stage just in time to see the woman raise the fan clear over her head. Striking a pose, she proudly displayed her red sparkling pasties and perfectly matching panties for everyone to admire. The audience clapped wildly in appreciation, while she curtsied.

  Wynter had never seen a woman strip before but found the experience both arousing and erotic. The artistic dancing seemed to have the same effect on the crowd as she noticed several couples begin to intimately touch and kiss in response. As the dancer pranced off stage, Wynter felt a tug on her wrist.

  “Did you enjoy the show?” Logan inquired with a grin. Judging by her heartbeat, he knew she did.

  “Yes. I’ve never been to a burlesque show before. She was amazing.” Wynter caught both Dimitri and Logan raising their eyebrows at each other. “What? Can’t I admire art?”

  “I just find it interesting that you spent all that time around a pack and weren’t exposed to any nudity,” Logan commented. He couldn’t understand why Jax would keep her so secluded from his wolves.

  “She didn’t seem to have a problem with it this afternoon,” Dimitri joked.

  Wynter’s cheeks heated and Logan laughed.

  “No, my friend, she didn’t. And I must say that I very much like her that way.”

  Wynter was about to protest and tell them both that it hadn’t been her idea to strip in the pool, when the maître d’ from earlier rushed over to Logan. He efficiently ushered their party out of the theater and into a different area of the club. Within minutes, they were seated. Their small circular table barely held enough room for their glasses but provided them with an excellent view of the room, including the bar and adjoining dance floor.

  Scattered tables filled the lounge, leaving only a small area around the bar stools for standing room. Checkered stone floors and blackened walls adorned with gas lit lanterns reminded her yet again of the club’s dark nature. A long copper bar ran the length of a wall where men and woman waited for drinks. Several glass tubes filled with a dark red substance ran from the ceiling down into taps. Wine? Blood? She couldn’t tell without getting closer and there was no way in hell that was happening.

  Sitting between Logan and Dimitri, she felt secure, but curious. “What’s with the tubes?” she whispered. “Please tell me it’s wine.”

  Logan lowered his voice. “Blood. They serve it many ways. Live donors are usually preferred by the vamps, but this room is more of a waiting room so to speak. When donors are ready, they can go to private rooms. The disco also has semi-private areas. Feeding occurs everywhere here…even in public.”

  Wynter’s eyes widened and her mouth tightened in surprise, and Dimitri jumped in to explain further.

  “The people who come to these clubs…they enjoy it,” he told her.

  “Enjoy being bitten? Here?” She’d heard it was true but had never really discussed it with anyone who could verify the rumors.

  “It’s not like I’m into it, but hey, I don’t judge. Everybody’s looking for something. Humans, wolves, witches, vampires, they’re all here for a little kink. Public feeding. Public sex even. You’ve got voyeurs and exhibitionists and everyone in between,” Logan added. “I’m surprised you didn’t ever go to a club like this in New York. I mean, there’s no doubt this place is a little heavier than most clubs, but that’s only because the vampires run it.”

  “Yeah, they don’t mind pushing the envelope of what’s unacceptable, which isn’t much. It’s kind of a free-for-all,” Dimitri pointed out. “I’m actually surprised Kade would come here. I didn’t think he was into all this, but what do I know?”

  “I guess I was sheltered. But Jax, he’d never go somewhere like this.” Sure, she’d been sequestered from the nudity but never did she imagine that these clubs could be commonplace in Jax’s life or anyone else in his pack for that matter.

  “Trust me, Wyn. Even the almighty Jax Chandler has been in a club like this. He’s the New York Alpha. He may not like to be bitten, but then again, you never know,” Logan sniffed. “But the sex? To see and be seen. Oh, he goes. And if you think he doesn’t…well then maybe you don’t know him as well as you think you do.”

  Logan considered her reactions and comments about the club, and it occurred to him that even though she was an adult, she hadn’t been exposed to the supernatural culture at all. A whisper of innocence laced her words, and he couldn’t help but want to be the one to help her learn.

  “Just because I live with Jax, that doesn’t mean he tells me everything.” Wynter played with her hands, reflecting on her ignorance. She knew she’d been kept in the dark. Her parents had insisted on it, and when they died, Jax continued the ruse. She felt like an idiot, living with an Alpha, yet inexperienced with the way of wolves. “He’s a wolf. I’m just a human. We’re both busy.”

  “What do you mean, just a human?” Logan asked. It was going to be interesting when his little wolf shifted. It would finally be real to her.

  Wynter was about to attempt to come up with a witty comeback to his question, but noticed both Logan and Dimitri go on alert, both putting their hands possessively on her thighs. As much as she wanted to reflect on how she felt about having two men touch her at once, and oddly, she really did, she was more curious about the spectacle across the room that had captivated the men’s interest. She squinted, attempting to see in the dimly lit room and wished whatever supernatural wolf powers she might be getting would apply to her eyes. It wasn’t too long before she saw a sight that very much held her attention.

  A woman with long flowing black hair writhed on top of a man’s lap. His face was altogether buried in the woman’s neck and as she moved up and down, it became apparent that they were having sex. Her long flowing skirt covered any evidence of their coupling, but the telltale movement of her hips on his provided little question as to what they were doing. Surprisingly aroused by the sight, Wynter watched intently as the man and woman grunted in ecstasy. Blood ran down the woman’s neck, and the man slowly lifted his head. Wynter gasped as the vampire’s eyes snapped open and locked on hers.

  Chapter Nine

  The vampire had licked his bloodied lips and then smiled at her. And that was the exact moment she’d recognized him. Monsieur Devereoux, from New York City. One of the university’s most influential benefactors was a vampire? What was he doing here in this club? Oh my God.

  Her mind raced, as she struggled to compose herself. How was she supposed to talk to Monsieur Devereoux right after she’d watched him have sex? Wynter had found it difficult to tear her eyes away. And oh dear Lord, he knew she’d been watching. Not only did he know, he liked it and smiled at her. Wynter’s heart beat frantically as Léopold confidently strode across the room. She tried to look away and could hardly believe this was happening. Logan would know and she’d be forced to tell him everything.

  Dressed in a stylish all black suit and tie, Léopold Devereoux looked as debonair as she’d remembered. His perfectly coiffed hair accentuated his model good looks and lithe muscular body. As if he’d stepped out of an issue of GQ, the man was exceptionally handsome. Yet tonight, there was something different about him, an otherworldly, dangerous edge to his presence. All heads turned to watch him as he made his way toward their t
able, and she’d almost forgotten where she was until he stood before them offering his hand to her. Wynter heard him address her and swallowed the lump that had lodged in her throat. As she did so, she gave a brief nod to both Logan and Dimitri who stood protectively at her sides. Clearly angry at this development, their faces were set into hardened frowns, staring at him.

  “How lovely to see you again, Dr. Ryan.” Léopold bowed his head slightly, never taking his eyes off hers. Wynter struggled to respond as the shock of hearing his familiar French accent brought forth the reality that he was who she’d thought he was. Time stopped as she gaped in disbelief. She’d just voyeuristically watched as he covertly yet openly, made love to that woman in his lap.

  “Monsieur Devereoux. Why, hello. Very good to see you again,” she managed with a cough. What was she supposed to say? Thanks for letting me watch you have sex. And oh by the way, you’re a vampire? She dug deep to find appropriate diplomatic words that seemed to elude her. “I’m surprised to see you here. Are you wintering in New Orleans?”

  Léopold took her hand gently into his before pressing his cool lips to her skin. Logan growled in response, and he quickly released her hand. He gave Wynter a puzzled look, sensing she’d changed. Wolf? Now how did that happen when she’d clearly been human? And where was the ever possessive Jax, letting his little human out to play with strange wolves? Very interesting indeed. Amused, he smiled at the trio and addressed Wynter.

  “I could say the same of you. New York winters can be cold, no? And I see you’ve taken up with a new Alpha. Hmm,” Léopold observed and nodded to Logan. “Monsieur Reynaud. We meet again.”

  “Monsieur Devereoux,” Logan acknowledged without emotion. “This is my beta, Dimitri. Please call me Logan.” He reluctantly gestured for him to sit.

  “Logan it is.” Léopold grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat. He crossed his legs and picked a piece of lint from his trouser.

  From the minute Logan spotted Devereoux, he knew that this evening was fucked. The last time he’d seen the powerful vampire, he’d been in Philadelphia. And while Léopold had been helpful in locating his Alpha’s mate, it was no secret the vampire was extraordinarily dangerous. Where the hell was Kade? Why had he sent his maker to meet them? And what exactly was Wynter’s connection to the most lethal vampire on the east coast?

  When Léopold had kissed her hand, he’d nearly lost it. Logan decided right then and there that he’d be having a sit down with Miss Ryan or Dr. Ryan or whoever the hell she was as soon as they got out of there, because he was sick of the damn lies. Protocol or not, he was done with all the secrets. If he had to call Jax himself tonight, he’d have the truth. In the meantime, he had to deal with Devereoux.

  “Where’s Kade?” Logan inquired but then was interrupted by Wynter.

  “He’s not my Alpha, Monsieur Devereoux,” she corrected Léopold. “And please call me Wynter.”

  Logan gave her a stern look. What the fuck was she doing? Did she have a death wish? A she-wolf didn’t go announcing in the middle of a vampire bar that she wasn’t with her Alpha, especially in his city. A lone wolf was a vulnerable wolf. Every protective instinct in him told him to throw her over his shoulder and drag her back to his home.

  “Please forgive her ignorance. Wynter is under my protection,” Logan explained to Léopold and then turned a hard stare on Wynter. “So until Jax gets here, you’re mine.” Mine. He knew how he was using the term, and it wasn’t as if she was a mate. But in the back of his head, the idea bounced around briefly, and it bothered him to think he’d even go there.

  Dimitri shot him a look of surprise. Hearing his Alpha go all territorial and call a woman his was unusual, given the conversation they’d all just had in the theater. So far, this evening wasn’t going how he expected. He readied himself for more surprises, sizing up the vampire at their table.

  Wynter held her breath for a minute, stifling her anger. Why was Logan saying that she was his? Jax always made it known that she belonged to him, with his pack. No matter what feelings she was developing for Logan, it could be no other way.

  “No, Logan,” she argued. She needed to explain the situation to Léopold. She couldn’t have him running off to Jax, spreading the misconception that she now belonged to Logan. No, that could not happen. Jax would be pissed, for sure. “While it is true that I’m under his protection, I don’t belong to him.”

  “Ah, seems mademoiselle can’t decide where she belongs, Alpha. Perhaps she needs to be schooled in wolf rules, no?” Léopold laughed, well aware of the implications of their conversation.

  “Wynter, on this, Léopold is correct. Look around you. This club. Anything goes. By entering, your consent has been granted. If you didn’t belong to me, you’d be free to be taken. This is my city, and at least for tonight, you’re mine. No one will touch you without my permission. And that’s not happening. Now tell me how you know each other,” he ordered.

  Wynter quieted at his words. Was that true? If he didn’t claim her as his wolf, anyone in this place could go after her? God, she hated this club. Great, now Logan was angry at her, and it made her stomach twist. She hadn’t intended to make him mad. In fact, she found herself wanting to please him. He’d been so kind to her, and this wasn’t how she dreamed of repaying him. In truth, part of her wanted to belong to him. But after their conversation, he agreed that she had no claim to him. She sighed in defeat. Looking around, she realized he was right. What good would it do to declare she belonged to Jax or worse, pretend that she was a single female? It was too dangerous.

  “Wynter. Explain. Now,” she heard Logan say. Maybe this wasn’t how she’d pictured telling Logan, but at this point, she had no choice but to tell him the truth…at least more of it anyway. Uncertain about what Léopold would tell him, she realized it would be best if he heard it from her.

  “We…we met last year at a charity gala,” she stuttered. “You see, I used to teach, well mostly did research. Virology. There was a fundraiser at the Guggenheim.”

  “Dr. Ryan, here, gave an excellent speech about the implications of trans-species viral infections. Quite interesting. And how is Jane Doe doing? Your case study?”

  “Well, I haven’t seen her in a few months,” Wynter said sadly. Emma, her best friend Mika’s sister. She was the entire reason she’d gone into virology and decided to work at ViroSun.

  “Pity, no? You see, Alpha, Jane Doe was a hybrid. Although if I remember correctly, you didn’t specify which type of shifter; only that she was a child.”

  “Well, yes. She’s a teen now.”

  “Hybrids don’t get sick. What’s wrong with her?” Logan asked.

  “Um, it’s complicated. It’s a long-term illness and it could be fatal, I’m afraid,” Wynter commented, trying to avoid his questions. She neglected to specify that she knew Jane Doe and that she had a viral infection. “So anyhow, that’s how we know each other. Monsieur Devereoux’s made very generous donations to the school, helping to fund our research.”

  Emma’s illness had been the catalyst for Wynter going into virology. Early on, Wynter had suspected leukemia. But unlike human leukemia, which could be treated, sometimes even pushed into remission, this leukemia was lupine in nature. And like feline leukemia, she suspected that it would eventually be fatal. The quagmire rested in the fact that shifters, even hybrids, were supposedly immune to viruses.

  She hated lying to Logan. It was wrong and she knew it. But she’d promised Jax that she’d keep everything confidential. As far as she knew, only Jax and his beta knew about the virus. But Logan deserved to know as well. This was his city and he was putting himself out there, killing the vampires who’d attacked her. This was far from over and she knew it. They’d come for her. And she suspected his pack could be in danger because he’d taken her in and protected her. Her heart ached. She couldn’t take the guilt. She decided then that if Jax wasn’t in New Orleans by the morning, she’d call and ask for permission to tell Logan everything.

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nbsp; Logan tensed as he listened to Wynter explain how she knew Devereoux. The story of how they’d met seemed feasible, but he could tell she was still withholding the truth. When she finished speaking about the sick girl, he noticed she withdrew from the conversation entirely. She wore her sadness like a mask as she stared into her drink. It was as if she held the weight of the world on her shoulders. Whoever the hybrid was, Wynter must have known her. It wasn’t just a case; no, it was personal. And like how Wynter had been sick when he’d first met her, it made no sense how a hybrid could contract an illness. Just what exactly had she been working on in New Orleans? He was about to probe further when Devereoux interrupted his train of thought.

  “And to answer your other question, Kade is out of the country. And Luca is with him. Business. I do apologize for the surprise. But I’d prefer not to have the whole city on alert that he’s gone,” Léopold elucidated with an air of arrogance.

  Logan simply nodded, not sure about whether he believed his story. He didn’t trust the vampire as far as he could throw him. Kade’s damn secretary knew their meeting was important, and she’d lied. It seemed like lying was par for the course when it came to vamps, he thought.

  Without warning, two large vampires came up behind Léopold. They flashed their exposed fangs at Wynter, and she wondered if they did it on purpose for intimidation. Or maybe they were getting ready to feed? She backed up as far as her chair would let her.

  Unfazed by their presence, Léopold blithely introduced the two vampires. “Pardon my manners. These are two of Kade’s men. Étienne and Xavier.”

  Étienne, a young blonde vampire, appeared to be in his mid-twenties, and he gave Wynter a cool smile that didn’t reach his eyes. Not wanting to be impolite, she managed to return the smile. She glanced over to the older, exceptionally well-built vampire, Xavier. It appeared to Wynter that perhaps Logan knew the vampire, as he acknowledged him with a handshake.