Page 12 of Witch (Gray Wolf Security #24)

“Aunt Claudette, I’m never going to remember all of this,” said Luke.

“Luke, I’m just going to the other island. It’s time. It’s time for you, Ajei, Cam, Kate, Sophia Ann, Eric, Hex, and Gwen to take over the big house. Your children are secure in their lives, and you must now know the secrets of the house and all the power it possesses.”

“I’m not sure I can do this,” said Ajei, looking at the magnificence of the home. The antiques alone required care that none of them knew about.

“You can do this, and I’ll be here to help. Jake knows as much as me now. The next generation will now be the keepers of this house. Let’s start with the library.”

“My favorite place in the whole world,” smiled Eric. “I spent hours here as a child.”

“I think we all did,” grinned Ajei. “The volumes of books, the sheer numbers, and the rare books, just boggles my mind.”

“Good. It should,” smiled Claudette. “You’ll need to familiarize yourself with all of them. These books have helped us, saved us on many occasions as resource materials. The information in here about the gardens, the bayou, the land, all of it, is critical to Belle Fleur’s life.”

“Has Noelle been informed?” asked Luke.

“Noelle was informed long before all of this,” smiled Claudette. “Trevon will be the head gardener for Belle Fleur from now on.”

“That’s awesome,” smiled Ajei.

“Yes. He’s exceptional with the plants. Trevon and Rachel will ensure that life breeds through plants, through our soil. You all will ensure that this house remains a beacon of hope, sanctuary, resilience, and a tribute to all those that came before us.”

“That’s a lofty charge, Aunt Claudette,” said Luke.

“Believe me, I know, honey. Alright, it’s going to take years to become completely familiar with the library, but as I said, Jake and I will be here to help. As you know, one of the best rooms in this house is the kitchen,” she smiled.

“Oh, Claudette, I’m not sure that kitchen is the right place for any of us,” said Kate.

“Make it the right place,” she said sternly.

“This kitchen has fed souls for more than two hundred years. It’s been the site of important decisions, private conversations, births, deaths, marriages, engagements, and so much more.

This is truly the heart of this home, and you all will learn to have your time here.

“There are plenty of bedrooms with private baths. Pick one. You eight people will be living together here, just as Mama, Pops, Miss Ruby, Sven, Mary, and George lived. You need one another. You need to have access to consult with each other quickly. You are the new seniors.”

“Oh, shit,” said Cam, staring at the others. “We’re the seniors.”

“Yes, dumb ass. Did you not get that memo?” smirked Hex.

“I mean, yeah. I guess I did. It just sounds so strange coming from her.”

“What does that mean, young man?” said Claudette, hands on her hips, smirking.

“Oh, uh, nothing,” he laughed. She just laughed with him, kissing his cheek.

“Listen to me, I’m going to show you some things others don’t know about. There are secret doors, passages, underground tunnels, hidden closets, and so much more.”

“Tunnels? But, the water, the bayou surrounds us,” said Luke.

“Don’t question so much,” said Jake. “You’ll live longer if you just accept certain things.”

“Yes, sir,” smirked Luke.

“Many of the herbs, plants, and other things will be kept in the tunnels to keep them cool even in the heat of the summer. They need to be protected and cared for, but Trevon will handle that. Come with me to the attic.”

“The attic? Attics are so dark and creepy,” said Gwen.

“Not this one,” said Claudette.

They hit the third floor and opened the door to the attic. A few steps up, and they were in a massive space encompassing the entire length of the mansion. It was filled with historical objects, antiques, paintings, furniture, books, photo albums, and much more.

The space had been curated to allow for objects to easily be found.

“Is all this insured?” asked Eric.

“Yes,” laughed Claudette. “Listen to me. It’s important. As new couples find their love, find their place here, and select a cottage, you will pick one item from this attic that they will have in their home. It’s important.”

“Why?” asked Luke.

“Luke, don’t question everything. Just do it. Every couple must start with an object from this attic to ensure long-lasting love and devotion.”

“Okay,” he nodded. “How will I know what to choose?”

“You’ll know,” said Claudette. “You’ll walk into this attic, think of the couple, and the object will suddenly make sense to you. Now, the artwork is something you will need to make note of.”

“Aunt Claudette, I know nothing of artwork,” said Cam.

“You will,” she said, nodding in his direction. “The artists will be known to you and to the world, but they were gifts to Belle Fleur. It’s important that they stay here.”

“Claudette, are you saying that the paintings have some magic with the house and the property?” asked Hex.

“I said no such thing, young man. Listen to me,” she said. Jake just gave a knowing grin, winking at the group. “The artists are Audubon, Degas, Hunter, Hudson, Odums, and more that I can’t remember right now. Get to know them and their work. It’s important.”

“I should have brought a notebook,” said Luke under his breath.

“You were given a brain for a reason,” said Claudette. “Use it!” Luke stared at his aunt and gave a soft laugh.

“Aunt Claudette, don’t look now, but you sounded just like Grandma when you said that.” She glared at him a moment, then her gaze softened, and she had a small curve to her lip.

“I’ll take that as the highest compliment. Alright now. We’ll head to the tunnels, and I’ll show you where they go. Places you’ve never seen before.”