The Loup Garou of New Orleans

1

Sylvie

Mamma always told me that something wasn't quite right with those Ledoux's. There were rumors, of course. But this was New Orleans, after all. Paranormal stories and spooky rumors were the norm. I was rushing to work, late, and trying to make up time. As I rounded the corner I ran smack dab into a man. I bounced off of his chest, nearly landing on my behind, right there on Bourbon Street. A squeak left my mouth as a large, muscled arm swooped around my waist and hauled me up to eye level with the man. My feet dangled more than a foot off the ground. "Now what's a good little Cajun girl like you doing out here all alone?" A rich, gravely voice asked. "I'm late for work. Please put me down." I said stiffly, squirming in his hold. He gently lowered me to my feet, and held out a massive hand. "Johnny Ledoux, and you are chér?" He asked with a half smirk. "Sylvie Breaux.. Wait... Ledoux?" I asked and took a step back. He nodded. "The eldest of my siblings. Tell me Sylvie, where do you work sweet girl?" His voice made my breath catch. It was deep and wise, gravelly but gentle. He nearly purred. "My mamma taught me not to talk to strangers.. I'd better go.." I mumbled and scrambled away from the large man. All the warnings I had ever heard about those Ledoux's were clanging in my head, and I hurried to work, unable to shake the butterflies in my stomach.