Page 8 of Witch (Gray Wolf Security #24)

When the service was done, they waited beside the caskets until they were loaded into the hearses to be taken back to Belle Fleur. The way Irene explained it, their physical bodies would be buried, but their ghostly selves would be alive and well.

“Alive?” frowned Gaspar.

“Just go with it, son,” chuckled Matthew.

Although they knew that the five individuals would still be with them, seeing their bodies lowered into the earth was still emotional for all of them.

“I keep trying to find a reason why this is so upsetting,” said Camille. “I mean, we get to speak with them, touch them, enjoy time with them, all the things we did before. So why is this so hard?”

“Because it’s still final,” said Erin. “They are gone from the physical world, and that feels horrible.”

When the graves were filled, the stones put in place, Gaspar began to laugh. The others stared at him, wondering if he’d lost it. Then he pointed to the headstones.

Here lies Irene

Mother to hundreds

A woman of laughter and cheer

Always in the middle of things

With a heart for animals and children

Here lies Matthew

Always giving a father’s wisdom

A spiritual kiss of light and love

Full of kindness and guidance

A man with an angelic heart

“Oh, Mama, seriously,” said Marie, shaking her head with a smile.

“I think they’re quite nice,” said Matthew, standing above his own grave. “I let your mother choose these, and I think she did a fine job.”

“She did, Pops. They’re perfect,” laughed Miller. “Thank you for making us a little lighter.”

“I don’t understand you children,” said Irene. “Can you see us?”

“Yes,” came the cry.

“Can you hear us?”

“Yes.”

“Can you touch us?”

“Yes.”

“Then what on earth do you have to be sad about? Do you understand how fortunate you all are? You will get all of us until it is your time to leave, and then you’ll have all of us, and then some.”

“What do you mean?” asked Suzette.

“My child,” smiled Matthew. “Your mother and I, Ruby and Sven, and Teddy can now see all of our ancestors before us. Those who are not here already.”

“Oh,” said Suzette with a rounded mouth.

“Don’t be selfish,” said Matthew. “This gift could be taken if you’re not careful.”

That brought everyone to attention, nodding at the newest spirits.

“We’re going to retire for the night to our island, and we’ll see you all at breakfast in the morning,” said Matthew. “But listen to me. Marcus Hopkins has not given up on this vendetta of his. He wants to prove that your mother was a witch.”

“Why? To what end?” asked Alexandra.

“If he proves that she is a witch, he can then pursue her daughters.”

“Wait. What do you mean?” asked Claudette.

“Witches passed their skills to their daughters, or so everyone believed. We know that’s not true, but he believes it. If he can prove that your mother has done witch-like things, he can try to come for Marie, Claudette, Camille, Adele, Rachelle, and Suzette.”

“Over my dead body,” said Clay.

“Same,” said Mac. Dex, Cruz, Sly, and Jake all nodded.

“I know that you will protect them,” said Matthew, “all of you. But know that he will stop at nothing to prove that he is right and that he has a special skill in finding witches.”

“What do we do, Pops?” asked Antoine.

“Be diligent. Watchful. Do what you always do and ensure that the women are never alone. This man is not above kidnapping women and torturing them to get them to admit that they are witches. He’s done it in other states, other countries.”

“Then we end this now,” said Alec.

“No,” said Matthew. “I cannot explain it all to you, but this must play out. Legally.”

Nine stared at Matthew, taking a step toward him.

“Even you,” said Matthew, smirking at the man. “You are as much my son as anyone here. Even you must play by the rules.”

“How is that fun?” asked Max. Matthew chuckled beneath his breath, taking Irene’s hand and literally disappearing into the night.

“That will take a minute to get used to,” whispered Zeke. The others all smiled, nodding. Ruby, Sven, and Teddy were already gone.

“Bodhi, Cade, Milo, and Carsen. How are y’all doing with all of this?” asked Ghost. “It affects all of you as much as the Robicheauxs.”

“Honestly,” smiled Carsen, “I sort of knew all along this is how it would be with Grandma. Remember, I’ve known since I was a child that she was voodoo.”

“And you, boys?” asked Ghost, turning to the others.

“Ghost, I had my grandfather for more time than I ever thought possible,” smiled Milo. “Now, I get him for eternity, I suppose. I can’t bitch about that.”

“Same,” said Bodhi. “Dad’s with Ruby, and that’s where he’d want to be. We’re happy for him.” Cade nodded, smiling at the others.

“You know,” said Rory, “it occurs to me that if this man would come after the sisters, he might also go after the kids. We need to keep an eye on the schools and make sure the kids are always being watched.”

“You’re right,” nodded Miller. “Kari, baby, is there anything we can do about this man?”

“I can file a restraining order against him. You saw how the NOPD reacted. They’re tired of his nonsense as well. He won’t find us out here, but even if he did, that wouldn’t end well for him.”

“Alright,” nodded Gaspar. “Give it a few days, allowing time for the family to grieve, and we’ll see what this asshole does. If he attempts to make one move toward any of us, we’ll file the restraining order. If not…”

“If not,” said Trak, “Alvin is very hungry.”