Bewitched Shadows

CONTENTS Untitled Note to Readers Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Thank You Bonus chapter Copyright © 2022 Autumn Blake All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of the copyright owner. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental. Cover design by @saintjupit3rgr4phic Editing: Ashley Olivier All rights reserved. Created with Vellum NOTE TO READERS This book contains depictions of sexually explicit scenes, grief, PTSD, and violence. It contains mature language, themes, and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised. To my husband: You pushed me to follow my dreams, motivating me to keep going whenever I wanted to give up. I love you. 1 The Coven always warned that a ruby-red blood moon foretold a terrible omen. I couldn’t ignore the warning brewing in the pit of my stomach to remain cautious, despite the warm glow emanating through my body. As the granddaughter of the Coven's High Priestess, my attendance was mandatory, so here I stood, sweating in the Louisiana humidity as I surveyed the field of supernatural creatures. The hedonistic vampires’ attempts at a Grecian Bacchanal barely disguised the Council’s pathetic attempts at harmony within New Orleans's growing supernatural community. As if I wanted to choke on the stench of incense and blood while playing the role of a dutiful witch. The drink table provided better enticement in my current mood. My sisters would kill me for already swaying on my feet under the effects of the imported Fae wine, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Alerted to a presence behind me, I stiffened, knowing who stood at my back without having to turn towards his annoyingly handsome face. Over the cacophony of shouts and laughter, I side-eyed Killian with a saccharine smile, my well-practiced southern manners a quick defensive against his oncoming attack. “Having fun ogling me, demon? Take a picture. I'm sure it would last you longer.” I poured myself another hefty glass of shimmery pink Fae wine, ignoring the demon stalking me with his signature frown and black ensemble to better hide in the shadows. His impenetrable gaze sent delicious shivers down my spine. And not in a good way, I scolded myself. I took in the rest of his face with a silent sigh of discontent. Thick, inky black hair ruffled around his neck, looking at once perfect and effortless, while his tanned skin glowed under the moonlight, emphasizing the scar running from his left eye to his ear. It was his one imperfection, and it only added to his overall roguish appeal. Bastard. When he caught me staring, I ignored the knowing slant of his firm mouth and took in the evening's spectacle instead. But though there was much to observe, I glanced over my shoulder at him once more with a twinkle of excitement. His amber eyes glowed as he stepped closer. “This brings back memories of our first meeting in the marsh, don’t you agree? I’m surprised you’re sober this late into the evening. Though, by the looks of it, you’ll be stripped nude and dancing in the woods in no time.” I turned a bright shade of puce as embarrassment coursed through me. I suppose my reputation proceeded me, with Killian subjected to many of my wild exploits this past summer. The demon looked as if he wouldn’t know fun if it bit him in his sublimely firm ass. I raised a dark brow. “While I’m sure you often fantasize about naked women, you would have to possess some fragment of a personality to lure one into your bed.” He smirked, lifting the scarred skin of his cheek. “Do you often think about me in bed, sweetheart?” I looked away from his smug face, biting my lip to hide a smile. “What are you doing here, anyway? Carreau forcing you to play nice with the other creatures in Gaia for once?” Though a demon sat on the Louisiana Council of Supernaturals, they remained reviled by most of the community. Unlike witches, shifters, and vampires, they held no lands on our plane, forced to remain in Hell. Killian’s amused eyes hardened at the mention of Carreau, and I knew I had touched a nerve. “I’m not here for your precious Council. I have other business tonight that does not concern impetuous witches.” His tone cut, and yet his unwavering attention followed my every movement, brushing along my skin like shadows bleeding through light. Humiliating memories from that afternoon in the marsh floated to the surface. Buoys impossible to ignore. I fought the urge to fan my overheated cheeks under his scrutiny. “As for thinking about you in bed, I only think about you when I imagine Hell on Gaia.” His brows lifted, and I fought a foul curse at my lame retort. I needed to get away from him before more word vomit expelled from my lips, adding another embarrassing exchange to wallow about as I lay restlessly in bed each night. I turned on my heel without another word and trudged back to my sisters’ table, leaving