Emerald Reign

By Rebekah Shelton

Gracey has lost the only person she loved more than her mate Stone and is determined to get revenge. With new magical powers, Gracey and Stone are more dangerous than ever. They begin their reign of terror in New Orleans, hell-bent on finding who is behind the death of Gracey's father. No one in the supernatural community is immune from Gracey and Stone's mythological strength. It is a lesson that will be evident within minutes of the Snow Wolves setting foot in the French Quarter. Torture, murder, and annihilation are just a few options to find the truth while seeking retribution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekah Shelton
• Release date: Mar 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370743971

Rebekah Shelton

Rebekah Shelton, originally from Northeastern Ohio and now residing in Middle Tennessee with her husband, is an empty nester who found her passion for writing through her love of reading. Her literary journey began with her first book, "Emerald Eyes," which started as a tragic romance but evolved into a captivating paranormal romance. Captivated by the characters she created, Rebekah continued to delve into their world, crafting the ongoing series known as the "Legend of the Snow Wolves." Expanding upon her storytelling prowess, she ventured into the realm of the supernatural with a mythological twist in her spin-off series, "The Red Wolf Chronicles."Driven by her addiction to sci-fi movies and her boundless imagination, Rebekah embarked on her third series, titled "The Battle for Zarcon," immersing readers in an exhilarating science fiction universe. Displaying her versatility as an author, she co-authored a book alongside her husband, Jeff, entitled "Operation De-ICE - The Battle for Earth," delivering a collaborative tale filled with thrilling adventures and epic battles."Address for Murder" draws inspiration from a real-life incident that sparked the author's imagination. The story revolves around a woman who faces difficulties receiving packages at her post office box, which had previously been rented by an FBI agent. Intrigued by the possibilities, the author began contemplating what would unfold if the box came into the possession of a CIA agent entangled in a dangerous web of deception and betrayal. Thus, "Address for Murder" was born, weaving a thrilling narrative that explores the consequences of a double or even triple cross, putting the life of an innocent girl in jeopardy.

Book preview

Prologue

As the last of the vehicles came to a halt at the top of the hill. Gracey jumped out and rushed into the mansion while Tripp and Alec carried John's lifeless body to the clinic in the basement. She could sense the sorrow emanating through every inch of the estate. Gracey could hear Tia crying hysterically in the banquet room. She could hear the sobs of the rest of the family. They were sad. But Gracey was frantic.

Where is she? Gracey called out, entering the room.

Who? Lane asked.

Gemma! I need to see her. I need to see my daddy. I want to talk to my daddy!

Gracey could hear Gemma, but she could not see her.

Gemma was hiding behind her father, Josh. She was frightened and crying. Gemma knew Gracey was angry. She also knew Gracey would be even more enraged in a matter of seconds.

Tara moved closer to Josh, hoping to hide Gemma and put a physical barrier between Gracey and her daughter. Denise stood resolutely next to Tara. Gracey stepped toward the three. She moved with a purpose, a woman on a mission with a singular goal. Gracey charged ahead like a predator.

The older Antoine knew Gracey was determined to use Gemma as a conduit to the other side. He also knew Gemma would not be able to fulfill Gracey's wish. Antoine stepped in front of Gracey to stop her.

Stop! Antoine demanded. He's not here.

He has to be, Gracey screamed, trying to hold back her tears. She fought not to cry. If she cried, she knew she would have to accept the fact her daddy was dead. And she wasn't ready to let him go.

Tia was still crying. John was the love of her life. He had loved her with every fiber of his being, just as she had loved him. Every ounce of her heart ached. Still, she knew Gracey's pain was just as painful, excruciating.

Tia forced herself to her feet and walked toward Gracey. Tia knew nothing could alleviate Gracey's pain. Tia had loved Gracey as her daughter for sixty years, and as her stepmother, she would hold Gracey and let her cry.

Really? Gracey growled. You want to hug it out?

Gracey! Gabriella admonished, coming to her mother's aid. I know you're angry, but it doesn't give you the right to lash out at everyone.

Don't tell me how I feel. No one knows how I feel!

Gracey looked around the room. Nearly a hundred of her extended family, from at least six packs, stared back at her. Some were confused, some were frightened, and most were crying.

Rudy moved toward Gracey. You need time, and you need to rest. Go take a shower and clean up. Then we'll make all the arrangements for John's funeral.

Gracey glared at Rudy. She couldn't believe Rudy wanted to talk about John's funeral. I don't want a shower! I want revenge! I'm going to kill them all!

Please, sweetie, Rudy stated softly. Revenge isn't going to bring John back.

But it will make me feel better, Gracey growled vehemently.

Rudy could see the determination and hatred consuming Gracey. He took another step toward her. The mind readers and empaths could hear or feel her intentions. They knew Gracey was seconds away from going on a killing spree in which no one would be spared. They weren't sure if Rudy would be the first casualty, and they knew they needed to stop her. In unison, they rushed toward Gracey.

Gracey swung her hands out in front of her and pushed outward. Her attackers, Boone, Antoine I, Gretchen, Paulo, and Tyler, flew back as an unseen force knocked them back.

Gretchen screamed in pure agony as the wave of Gracey's anger and fury bombarded her mentally. She covered her ears to muffle the screams of the others around her. She fell to the ground and buried her head into her knees.

Stop! Lane yelled at Gracey as her Alpha.

Gracey glared at Lane, filled with outrage. She pushed one hand out in front of her. A blue light flew out of her palm. Striking Lane, it knocked him back through the crowd until his body lay unconscious against the wall.

Next! Gracey growled.

Andrea ran to Lane while Terry continued to cradle Gretchen. There was too much anger and fear in the room, attacking Gretchen relentlessly. Gretchen couldn't block the bombardment of emotions and panic.

You're killing her, Danni screamed, kneeling next to her twin brother. Danni's mate, Berge, started toward Gracey, incensed and ready to retaliate. Gretchen was his Alpha and his mate's sister-in-law.

She'll live, Gracey snarled, but those responsible for my daddy's death won't. And I'm starting with the witch who betrayed us.

Gracey glared at Willow and walked toward her, arm outstretched, and growling deeper with each step. Several members of the family stepped forward to thwart Willow's imminent demise. They found themselves racked with pain as Gracey's thoughts entered their brain. They fell to their knees, unable to fight it.

Willow knew she was just moments from dying. She smiled as Miriam's locket fell from her neck. Willow’s magic was back, and she could defend herself. Willow tried every spell she knew to attack Gracey, to stop her. But Gracey blocked every spell, mental and physical. Willow threw out spell after spell while backing away. Soon Willow ran out of floor and found herself against the wall.

I'm sorry, Willow cried as she covered her upper chest with her hand. She was trying to conceal the scar left by the merrow blood from Miriam's pendant. The disfigurement bore evidence of her betrayal. They were going to kill me. I wanted to help you. You have to believe me.

Too little, too late, Gracey growled and plunged her hand deep into Willow's chest. Willow screamed as Gracey grabbed her heart and squeezed.

Die! Gracey commanded.

The room gasped as Willow's body burst into a ball of flames and disintegrated into a flurry of sparks and ash. Then they screamed as they saw Willow's heart in Gracey's hand, gray with steam emanating from it, dead and cooked.

Ready, Stone? Gracey asked, her expression stoic and blank.

Yes, my love, Stone replied with a smile and turned wolf.

Gracey tossed Willow's heart into the air, which Stone caught in his mouth and quickly ate while Gracey turned wolf.

Gracey and Stone loped from the room. Within seconds, they had left Emerald City.

How do we stop them? Rudy asked.

I'm not sure we can, Abby replied. Get ready for a reign from hell.

Chapter 1

Where to first? Stone asked Gracey as their private jet landed in New Orleans. He asked the question aloud even though the two shared the same brain. He could hear her every thought, and she could hear his. They were speaking aloud only for Tripp's sake.

There was a club in the French Quarter where Daniel met some wolves back in '52. I'd like to see if the place still exists and if the wolves still frequent the establishment. Maybe they know who owns the shell company that owns the house in Chicago that Charlotte was held in. It had a New Orleans address.

Good idea, Stone nodded in agreement.

The three grabbed backpacks out of the storage closet and gathered a few changes of clothing and some basic toiletries. After collecting weapons and ammunition, they told their pilot to fly back to Lone Hill. Seconds later, they were on the curb on the public side of the airport and hailing a cab.

It was a short ride from the airport to the Quarter, and within minutes, they learned the location of Moon Memories. While surprised the club still existed, they were delighted it was. They only hoped the clientele had remained the same for twenty-plus years.

After locating the wrought iron gate with a crescent moon, they entered the courtyard. They heard the sound of soft jazz playing. Smelling wolves, they smiled.

Tripp walked into the bar first, followed by Stone and Gracey. It only took a second for the crowd to stop and stare at the three. The room became eerily silent. Only the sound of the musicians on the small stage remained. Nearly everyone in the bar knew three unknown wolves had just entered.

As Stone and Gracey glanced around the room, they recognized most patrons as wolves. However, there were a few humans and even a witch. Gracey pointed at the female humans. Out! she snarled. And you, she growled at the female witch, You need to go too!

She's my mate, one of the male wolves growled.

I don't care who she is, Gracey growled louder. She's not welcome here. I killed the last witch who crossed me. I don't mind killing another one.

The female witch stood to leave. Erase her mind, she snapped at Stone. I don't need her kind trying to stop what I have planned.

You can't, another of the patrons laughed as a warning.

Try me, Gracey yapped as Tripp moved forward. Within seconds, the wolf was faced down on the floor with Tripp restraining him.

Don't tell her what she can or cannot do, Tripp barked. Show her the respect she deserves.

I mean, you can't, the man choked out. We have no powers here.

Gracey did not even attempt to stifle her laugh. Maybe introductions are in order, she chuckled. I'm Gracey Rudolph, and this is my mate Stone. I'm sure you've heard of us.

Snow Wolves, several of the patrons mumbled.

Now you get it, Stone laughed. And of course, I can, he added as he grabbed the witch by the arm and stared into her eyes. You never saw us, Stone whispered as he shoved her out the door. Then he closed and locked it.

What about the musicians? Tripp asked, still holding the first man down.

They're minions, Stone replied. Their memories have been wiped clean a few too many times. They're brain-dead. They play music and nothing more.

And I like it, Gracey laughed. Please continue playing; a little softer, please.

The musicians kept playing and complied with Gracey's request by reducing the volume by half.

That's perfect, Gracey nodded happily.

What do you want me to do with this one? Tripp inquired.

Kill him, Gracey replied with a sinister grin.

A small smile came across Tripp's face. He wrapped his hands around the man's head and, with one jerk, snapped his neck.

Next? Gracey asked stoically. No one moved; no one breathed.

No one turned, Stone stated more like a question. Why weren't you able to turn wolf and protect yourself?

None of the supernatural beings has any abilities while in the Quarter, a second female wolf explained.

Your name? Stone asked her.

Iris.

Thank you, Iris, Stone replied. So we are safe here?

Yes, Iris answered. But it seems the quarantine has a few limitations. I never imagined, Iris added while bowing reverently.

Please do not do that, Stone stated as a warning. My mate hates it.

Sorry, Iris muttered as an apology, her bottom lip quivering while she tried not to stare at Gracey. Iris was afraid of retaliation and kept her eyes on the ground.

Why are you here? one of the males asked.

To kill shifters, Tripp replied. They killed Gracey's father.

You are looking for revenge?

Yes, Tripp answered matter-of-factly. And we need to identify who the shifters are.

I am Dexter Waters, one of the men announced. I met a man from the Rudolph pack many years ago. Daniel Black, or maybe it was Newsome.

Daniel is my step-brother. He told us about you, Gracey nodded and then snarled. You did not help him.

I did not know the doctor he was looking for, Dexter replied. None of us did.

Do you know the shifters in the area? Gracey inquired.

A few, Dexter replied. But I do not think they were behind your father's death.

I just need to find out if they know who was, Gracey growled. We need to get our hands on someone who does have answers.

We have worked hard to maintain peace in the Parish, another man called out. We do not need you ruining everything for us.

Shut up, Bruno, Dexter snarled to his Beta. You really do not want to make enemies with the Snow Wolves. They have already proven they are more powerful than we are.

You need to call Father Ignacio, Bruno suggested.

Who is Father Ignacio? Gracey asked.

He is the liaison between the houses, Dexter explained.

We need him to arrange a meeting with the shifters for us, Gracey demanded. If not, we will find them ourselves, and it will not be pretty.

Dexter pulled out his phone and made the call to the priest. Father Ignacio will be here shortly. You will have to talk to him out in the courtyard. He is not allowed inside the den.

So no one here is going to help us? Tripp asked, looking around the bar.

We can't, Dexter replied. "While the Quarter is neutral territory, New Orleans and the surrounding parishes are not. We, the wolves, used to live rogue, but with the division of the parish, we had to come together as a pack. Still, we attempt to stay out of PACT politics and separate ourselves from the Convention. We try to remain as independent as possible. We do not live together in isolation per se, but our movement is restricted. We stay out of the other neighborhoods."

This is bullshit, Tripp barked. You will answer your queen!

You are asking us to kill our neighbors, the people we live with, Dexter continued. The parish has been divided into five neighborhoods. We do not fight within the districts. There is nothing to gain by doing so. We have enough enemies without going after our own kind.

Tell me about these neighborhoods, Stone demanded, wanting to know more.

District one is for the bloodsuckers, the vamps, dhampirs, and twinks, Dexter began.

Twinks? Gracey interrupted.

Daywalkers, Dexter replied. "There are two types of vampires; the ancient vamps, the originals, those who can only come out at night, and then there are the daywalkers. The twinks were nicknamed after the movie vampires who sparkled in the sun; twinkles or twinks for short."

Twinks, how cute, Gracey chortled.

Then there are the magic users; witches, warlocks, Wiccans. The third group is the Dark Fae, such as daemons, devil worshippers, trolls, and leprechauns.

The leprechauns are evil? Tripp called out in horror and shock.

Oh yes, Dexter nodded and grinned before continuing. The fourth group is the Light Fae; they include pixies, sprites, fairies, elves, and gnomes.

So the wolves are in the last group? Gracey asked.

Yes, the creatures, for lack of a better word, Dexter confirmed. Our district houses the wolves, werewolves, werecats, and wyverns, just to name a few, and, of course, the shifters.

So that is why you are hesitant to betray the shifters? Stone mused.

We don’t need a war on our own turf.

Well, that does complicate things a little, Gracey snarled and then stared at Stone, who nodded.

So here is the deal, Gracey started. "Either you help us with the shifters, yes, betray them. Or we kill you, and then you will not have to worry about retaliation. The choice should be simple.

That's no choice, several of the wolves called out. We have families too.

The decision is yours, Stone stated as a display of solidarity with his mate. Don't you agree, Tripp?

Hell, yes! Tripp called out with a big grin. If I have to kill some wolves to get my hands on the shifters, I will do it. It sounds like fun.

You would take out your own kind? Dexter asked.

You would protect shifters and betray us? Gracey retorted. She paused and looked around the bar. Gracey knew everyone was afraid of her, but that was not her ultimate objective. She just wanted to talk, maybe torture a shifter or six while discovering who was behind Charlotte's kidnapping and her daddy's death.

Let me remind you, I make a horrible enemy. Together, Stone and I could take out everyone in this room simultaneously. Then we will go to your district and do what we must to get the information we want. If I have to kill all the shifters in the district, I will. Then I will hunt down every shifter everywhere. I will make it my life’s mission, and I plan on living a very long time.

Everyone in the club looked toward Dexter. You are their so-called Alpha, Stone chuckled. What is it going to be?

I would like to talk to the shifters first, Dexter recommended. Let me see what I can do. Please give me some time.

Morning, Gracey replied in one word.

Shall we meet back here? Stone proposed.

Please, I am begging you, Dexter countered. Give me until tomorrow evening. Give me at least twenty-four hours.

Before Gracey or Stone could reply, they heard footsteps in the courtyard. We have a visitor, Stone announced. And it is not a wolf.

Everyone went quiet as a loud knock sounded on the large wooden door. Dexter faced the door, lifted his nose toward the ceiling, and inhaled deeply. Father Ignacio, Dexter apprised everyone. Then he addressed the Snow Wolves, Please talk to Father Ignacio before you do anything. I am sure he can help me persuade the shifters into cooperating.

Gracey took a deep breath. Okay, we will talk to the priest. But in twenty-four hours, I want answers, or the creature district will be decimated. I will not spare anyone or anything. Do you understand?

I will do my best, I promise, Dexter replied and bowed slightly.

Gracey nodded. Open the door, she instructed.

Dexter moved slowly to the door. He turned the thumb release on the lock and then pushed the door toward the courtyard.

Stone and Gracey gazed at the tall, white-haired man dressed in solid black. The man bowed from the waist, lowering his eyes to the ground. It is an honor, Ignacio stated softly and with reverence.

Tripp started toward the entrance ahead of Stone and Gracey. Just as the Snow Wolves crossed the threshold into the courtyard, they heard a female voice mutter, I hope that bitch dies.

Stone turned and glared at the woman. You’re lucky. I am going to let you live, Stone snarled as he threw his arm forward. A yellow ball of light flew across the room and hit the woman squarely in the chest. Her body flew back several feet before being caught by other wolves.

Stone turned to Gracey and smiled. That was fun.

That was sexy, Gracey smiled in return and then kissed Stone ardently. I will thank you properly later.

Tripp coughed loudly to get their attention. Then he laughed as Stone pushed a thought to him. If you want, we will find you a playmate too.

Stone and Gracey separated and looked toward the priest, who was still bowing. You know who we are? Stone asked.

I was notified of your arrival the moment you set foot in Louisiana.

By whom? Gracey asked.

Several of the Gods, Ignacio answered succinctly. They wanted me to be aware of potential trouble.

Yes, Gracey laughed. If we do not get what we want, there will be trouble, lots and lots of mayhem and destruction.

You have already killed, Ignacio replied. Killing in the Quarter is prohibited.

Oh well, Stone sneered. It seems we did not get the memo.

Do not think you are exempt from the laws here, Ignacio warned sharply. The Gods have decided to allow you a little leeway, but if you go too far, no one will protect you.

"We will do