Caliste & Gerard

Gerard

Chapter 3

Caliste shoved down the panic threatening to rise. If she gave in now, it would swallow her whole. She tried to block out the images her fear conjured. Vampires—a room full of them. Her, alone. All eyes on her.

What would stop them from attacking her once she was in their domain? Her gris-gris flared against her skin. Would her magic be fast enough to keep her safe?

Logic told her she didn't have anything to fear. The vampires wouldn't start trouble with the witches. Not when they were outnumbered and out powered. But this wasn't just any blood sucker.

Gerard Bergeron. The viceroy.

She'd seen him before and knew of his lavish lifestyle. He was the queen's bonded sireling after all. Handpicked and groomed by her to oversee and rule New Orleans on her behalf. How was Caliste going to convince him to help?

Pushing away the fear and doubt, Caliste made her way up the stone steps and into the front entrance of the giant building.

Ignoring the stares, she marched up to the secretary's desk. "Hello. I need to speak with the viceroy please. I have something urgent to discuss with him."

The gorgeous vampire lady sniffed and sent her a scathing look. "Is this some kind of joke?"

As if she couldn't believe Caliste had the audacity to request an audience with the viceroy dressed in her simple skirt and blouse too.

Caliste scowled back at her. "Do I look like I'm joking? I'm not here for my own amusement."

The vampire's eyes narrowed. "I'm sorry, but the viceroy is busy. He doesn't have time to chat with some lowly witch."

Caliste's face flushed. Busy, her ass. She'd seen him on his terraced roof, sipping on what she hoped was wine or a cocktail.

Her fingers itched to cast, but she refrained. This was their territory. She had to play nice.

Forcing a polite smile on her face, she leaned forward, invading the vampire's space. "I think he will make an exception. This is very important. But if he's too busy, I'll just send word to Queen Damaris. I'm sure she'll love to learn what I have."

The vampire recoiled at her desk. Her lip curled as she studied Caliste. Probably contemplating the validity of her threat.

It was a bluff. Even Stéphanie wasn't important enough to have any contact with the vampire queen. Using her best poker face, Caliste held the secretary's stare.

"Let her through," a deep, accented voice interrupted them.

Caliste stood straight and turned, surprised to find the viceroy himself.

He smirked at her. "This sounds intriguing. Come with me, witch."

She gaped at him. He stood tall and intimidating in a well-tailored, dark suit. Who wore a full suit in the heat of New Orleans summer? Though she had to admit the effect was striking.

Amusement shone in his bright, blue eyes and his lips were pulled back in a smug smile. Immediately, Caliste schooled her features.

"It's Caliste." She lifted her chin.

He arched a manicured dark brow. "I'm sorry?"

"My name is not witch. It's Caliste. Caliste Baudin."

The room fell silent as he regarded her. Caliste fought the urge to squirm under his penetrating stare. His pale skin, golden wavy hair, and giant stature painted him god-like, but it was his dark, blue eyes that unnerved her. They were eyes that had seen much and knew too much.