Merysekhmet

By Katie Vincent

Ramses Tariq-Omari has walked the world of man for millennia, a lion shifter, a healer and a soldier, he protects those who know nothing of the paranormal world, of the creatures that seek to harm them. Having served the Goddess Sekhmet since the age of ten, it has been lonely existence indeed, but one he has never regretted having chosen.

Elizabeth DeAnglo needed 'time out' from hunting paranormal creatures. Taking a job as a PA to a Wall Street seemed like a plan, until she discovered that her new boss was also the wolf-shifter Alpha of the Hellfire Pack. Since the loss of her fiancé and child to a Wendigo attack, she has trained as a paranormal hunter, driven to hunt down the creature responsible. Only then is she certain that she will find peace. Despite living and working with the Hellfire Pack, despite having a family in her fellow paranormal hunters, she is alone, always on the periphery. When she is attacked, again, by unknown Hellhounds, Elizabeth wonders why she is being targeted. She also wonders at the identity of the mystery archer who comes to her aid.

A millennia-old paranormal warrior and a modern day paranormal hunter. Two sides in opposition, yet fighting the same enemy. The attack will change Elizabeth’s life and force her to face some harsh truths. Can she straddle the worlds of the paranormal and those who hunt them? What will happen if she is forced to choose? Can love overcome the deep-seated prejudice which Ramses will face from Elizabeth's friends?

Merysekhmet is the first paranormal romance novel written by Jo Pilsworth and Kaitlyn Bosch, two friends who met via Facebook role-play. Based on the legend of the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet, it forms part of the Diaries of the Cwn Annwn: Hellfire Pack series. Content is aimed at an 18+ audience and contains scenes of mild violence. Some sexual content.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katie Vincent
• Release date: Mar 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463796177

Katie Vincent

Too many nights away from home led to my joining an online role-play group based on Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters universe, giving me an enjoyable hobby whilst in hotels on my own. As a result, I became friends with some of my fellow writers, Tracy Andrews and Donna DeBoard, who joined me when I started what was known in the role-playing world as an ‘own character’ group. Thus The Hunter’s Arrow and the worlds of the Anghelescu Hellhounds and the Negrescu Cŵn Annwn were born.When not concocting fiendish plots, I work as a Store Manager for The Works, a UK-based chain of art and craft supplies. I am supported in my writing endeavours by my wonderful husband of more than 25 years, David, and my son, David Junior.The Diaries of the Cwn Annwn consists of nine books, so far, with at least a couple more in the works. The books available here start with Merysekhmet, then Toho, Medved and Ma'iitsoh. Omega and Gemelli are in the production stage. Dare you walk in our world?

Book preview

How then did one allow for a human employee who could cope with the world of the paranormal? This was not your usual ‘Situation Vacant’ advertisement. Experienced, loyal, hard-working. All the usual descriptions. Trustworthy. Definitely. By the way, your bespoke-suited, controlled and refined employer also turns into a wolf and has demonstrated exemplary skills as a hacker and sniper, both of which he has used extensively. Uncle Sam knows of him, at least by his handle. His mother is a Demi-Goddess of Warfare. His cousin is an uncouth biker who happens to be a Hellhound capable of incinerating you if you look at him wrong. And let’s not forget that his sister is married to a soul-harvesting Welsh legend. Yes, fair to say that composing a ‘Situation Vacant’ advertisement was not easy.

Sitting in his office, Casimir indulged in a series of breathing exercises as he reviewed the requirements for finding the right candidate for the role of his assistant.

Casimir's previous assistant had been working for him since he had started his company, on discovering that he had been left a substantial financial inheritance. Several years had passed and she had fallen pregnant. She and her husband were delighted, but from Casimir's perspective, it was a potential disaster. It made him appreciate just how much rested on finding the right correct replacement.

So, now, he waited. This latest candidate, Elizabeth DeAnglo, had agreed to meet with him, but there was something she was hiding. Casimir had researched her background, of course. That was one of skills which he needed to share with the right individual. Was she the sort of individual whom he could trust? Fane, his cousin, had the formidable Bhavita as his ‘desk jockey’. The woman had chewed out FBI agents who had tried to arrest her boss and intimidate her. His assistant would need to be of a similar calibre, not least because some of what he achieved was through less than legal means.

After a few years of training and tracking, Elizabeth had come to realize she needed to take some time off from hunting the thing that had killed her husband. Ever since she lost him and her unborn child, she has done nothing but train to become a decent enough hunter to find whatever took that part of her life away. Her father had stopped helping with her finances after he realized his hard-earned money was being put to unrealistic things. After he cut her off, she had needed to find a new way to earn money. On that score, Elizabeth was a particular woman and didn't really work well with some people but as the time passed and she had yet to find a job, she needed to settle on something. That's when she came across an assistant’s job. She wasn't much for doing someone’s bidding for them but it was a job and something felt right about. Like she would fit in. It was a gut feeling but her mother did always tell her to follow those feelings.

So here she was, standing outside the building. She hadn't gone in yet but if she didn't move now, she would miss the job opportunity before her. Sighing, she looked down at her attire. Pencil skirt, button up blouse, heels. Not her normal attire but she wasn't going to be killing in this job. Her long hair was hanging over her shoulders, again, not something she normally did but she needed to look the part.

Taking a deep breath, she put a large smile on and walked into the building and right up to the front desk where she looked at the receptionist and spoke in a sweet and soft tone. Elizabeth DeAnglo to see Casimir Mignot.

Answering the call from Reception, Casimir debated whether he should ask the candidate, Ms DeAnglo to be sent up, or should he go down to meet her. He shrugged. The latter was probably a better option since he would need to let her through the comprehensive security system for his office. He had no wish for her to have the time to study such arrangements yet. That much he had learned from this process. Who would guess that the door plates, looking like any other fire door in any other upmarket office, were coded to fingerprints depending on the level of security clearance.

The express elevator brought him down to the Reception area and gave him the opportunity to study her further. She was watching those milling around. Yes, she wore the usual sort of attire one might expect, but ... He doubted that it was her first choice of attire, which was interesting. 

Ms Elizabeth DeAnglo? He approached her, and as she stood, he extended his hand. I am Casimir Mignot. Casimir had taken to using his dam's surname, rather than his sire as a psychological way of cutting ties with the latter and everything that he had meant.

Hearing her name, Elizabeth turned her head to the male approaching her. She put on her 'winning smile' and looked at him. She extended her petite hand and shook his. As he introduced himself, Elizabeth nodded in greeting as well. Pleasure, Mr. Mignot.

Casimir noticed the smile did not carry to her eyes, but then again, it was a job interview for a very well-paid position. Thank you for meeting with me. If you would care to follow me, we will conduct your interview in my office upstairs.

Releasing his hand, she nodded and kept that smile on as he asked her to follow him. Of course, sir. And with that, she found her feet moving after him as moved further into the building.

The elevator access was controlled by a handprint, given that it was the route to his private floor. It couldn't be helped that this female would see that. Let her make of it what she would. She had the appearance of being delicate, petite, but there was definitely something more, something she wished to hide. Determining the potential for that to be an issue would be interesting.

Elizabeth walked on and entered the elevator behind him. Standing there, she kept silent but her eyes looked around casually as the doors shut. She was observing what she could on her way to his office. It wasn't as if she needed to be worried or cautious but just something she had learned while training. She was always on her toes that it became a natural thing for her.

Passing through several doors, all controlled by hand or fingerprint access although the security measures were not immediately apparent, he opened the door to his office, aware that the panoramic view would take most by surprise, given that the building was off Wall Street.

As they moved, she noticed most if not all doors were to be accessed by some kind of print of his hand. Unusual, right? She made quick note but continued on her way.

Please take a seat. Casimir indicated the sofa and coffee table to one side. He watched as Ms DeAnglo did just that before offering her refreshment. We have tea or coffee." He suggested, making himself his usual black Kenyan coffee. He was also aware that in doing so, he had turned his back on this candidate, although the mirrored wall by the refreshments gave him the opportunity to study her some. His instincts were telling him that her reaction to this simple action would be telling.

Walking into his office, the first thing she noticed was the view. It was most certainly surprising but none the less, she continued on as if it was something she saw every day. Lovely view.

Walking over to the couch he motioned to, Elizabeth moved to sit down. She chose to sit on the sofa, smiling at his offer for a drink but declining anything to drink. Thank you but I'm fine, Mr. Mignot. While his back was turned, Elizabeth looked around the office some. She was taking in everything she saw. The office was well appointed, as well as the building itself. She could see herself working here for some time.

Was that an almost imperceptible nod as she gazed around the office? A penthouse office with a panoramic view screamed wealth and success. That was the intention: to impress clients and 'colleagues' alike. 

Taking a seat, Casimir took a sip of his coffee whilst he studied Ms Elizabeth DeAnglo. So, this role is for my Personal Assistant. Let me make it clear that this is more than taking dictation and typing my correspondence. My assistant will be privy to all my business affairs. It is a position which requires trust, it requires discretion, and most importantly, it requires an open mind. Not everything should be taken at face value, after all. 

Replacing his coffee cup on the table, he sat back in the seat, the better to study the young woman before him. Your details demonstrate that you would appear to appreciate that, but I was curious, since the agency clearly felt that you are suitable, for all that your resume is somewhat light.

Elizabeth looked at him as he sat down and took a sip of his coffee. She sat up straight and had her ankles crossed in front of her. Her hands rested on her legs gently. Inside, Elizabeth felt like screaming or slamming her head against a wall. She hated all this fanciness and proper-like way of living but she needed the job.

Hearing his words, that smile was on her lips once more. The job requires trust, discretion and an open mind. Elizabeth could do that. Hearing him mention her resume, she nodded briefly. It was light because she hasn't really worked in this type of area before but when has she been one to turn down a challenge.

She smiled and looked at him. As she spoke, her voice kept a soft and professional tone. Yes, my resume. Well, this would be my first Assistant’s job, but do not think that makes me unqualified. I was top of my class the year I graduated from Military School. Plus, I move quick, I get the job done, and I am a fast learner.

I am a very trustworthy, optimistic, and opened minded person, Mr. Mignot. My parents raised me right and I feel I can do a great job here and help you accomplish many things while working here.

And yet, something tells me that you find all this ... He indicated the office behind them, ... pretentious? Dare I say, you may have formed an opinion of me already? The two questions in succession were intended to leave her less time to think. Without a doubt, moving 'quick' as she put it, was key.

You appreciate that the world in which I operate can be ... Casimir paused, choosing his words carefully. ... cut-throat, in more ways than one. How would you protect yourself from such dangers?

Elizabeth looked at him and her big smile changed. It shrunk slightly where it wasn't beaming but a more casual smile. I'm not used to being around such things like this, sir. As for an opinion of you, I can tell you are a very powerful and smart man besides, doesn't the saying go, 'Wolves don't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.'?

Hearing his question on how Elizabeth might protect herself from dangers. She smiled a bit more now. Mr. Mignot, looks can be deceiving. A woman of my nature learns how to survive in a world that be quite ruthless in many ways.

An interesting choice of phrase, Casimir thought to himself. "And are you the wolf or the sheep, Ms DeAnglo? He asked. And your choice of words that you have learned to survive in a ruthless world? Looks can be deceiving, it is true."

Elizabeth looked at him and smiled. I wouldn't know what I am, sir. She nodded and lifted her hand to brush a strand of hair out of her face that has been bothering her since she left her apartment. It was true, she knew how to protect herself in many ways, not just with a knife.

He picked up his coffee, taking a sip and composing his thoughts. But equally, trust is an important part of this role. Can I trust you with what will be quite critical information. Replacing the cup, he smiled. Or would I find myself having to hunt you down afterwards to protect my interests?

Hearing his words on trust, Elizabeth took in what he was saying. Letting it sink in, she looked at him, her friendly smile fading. It was time to stop being that perfect little Barbie doll. She needed to be serious for a minute. Leaning forward slightly, she looked at him. Mr. Mignot. As I said, this may be my first Assistant’s job but I take whatever work I'm doing seriously. I am quite serious on my tasks, sir. You can put your trust in me. Fully.

You are advised to remember what you have just stated, Ms DeAnglo and hope that you don't give me cause to regret my decision. Casimir’s was not smiling. Yet.

He stood, extending his hand to her. I like to trust my instincts. He informed her. Yeah, the instincts of the grandson of a God of Warfare, Fertility and Divination. I would like to offer you the position of my assistant. I trust your unfamiliarity with these surroundings may be outgrown. I believe in looking after my employees, hence the $70,000 package that applies to the role. You will also have your choice ... He emphasised the last word, ... of transport. Casimir shrugged. I use a car when circumstances require a particular impression, but otherwise, my choice is a Ducati Diavel. Much more practical for crowded streets.

Nodding, she smiled a true grateful smile. Thank you so much, Mr. Mignot. I promise you will not be disappointed. Hearing the words of transportation, she nodded. When he mentioned what kind of transportation he chooses, it actual came as a shock. She didn't take him for someone who rode.

"And I will also require you to meet with my ... wife, Daniela."

Elizabeth looked at him and nodded. Smiling, she stood up taking his hand in hers. She had been offered the job. Amazing. She really needed this. Maybe working here will help her ease back on her hunting career and actual have a normal life for once.

Hearing of his wife, she nodded gently. It was only to be expected of course if someone was going to be working closely to another. Of course, sir. It would be my pleasure to meet her.

Excellent. Casimir nodded. Daniela is away on business right now, but when she returns, we will arrange a meeting. Now, my existing assistant is due to finish in a week's time. Are you free to cover some sort of handover process? If nothing else, we will need to ensure that you are logged on our security systems. Casimir looked thoughtful.

Elizabeth looked at him and nodded smiling. Of course, Sir. Anything you need me to do, I'm free. She just thought this was perfect. Maybe this could keep her head from the hunting for a while.

You might also consider disclosing any ... information which might have the ... potential to cause a problem. He smiled. Of course, I doubt that you are a hidden axe murderer. Casimir was curious to see how she would react to that statement.

Hearing the comment about an axe murder, he reaction was slightly delayed. She chuckled after a moment. No. Of course, not. Mr. Mignot. Axes aren't really my style. She was trying to be funny but there was truth in it. She never used axes.

There it was, Casimir thought, the clue, that little grain of truth which he knew had been there. No, I didn't think they were. He paused, examining her build, her relatively petite frame. No, I would suggest knives, rather than axes. I see you more as a close combat type ... Speed and because the kill is ... Personal?

Elizabeth looked at him waited a moment before speaking. Her body had tensed ever so slightly at his comment. She said too much. She really didn't. There had to be a reason for this conversation. Elizabeth felt herself putting her walls up again. Well, being an army brat, such as myself. My father did teach me a lot, preferably combat with knives.

He smiled. Most trained fighters had a tell, one that said the target had moved from the observation phase to the 'active' phase. I would also suggest that heeled court shoes are not your preferred footwear. As my assistant, I will expect you to maintain ... all your skills. We have extensive facilities available.

She glanced down at her attire and smiled lightly. No, sir. Not really. This whole outfit isn't my preferred wardrobe.

Whilst they had stood when he offered her the position of his assistant, once more Casimir indicated that she should take a seat. I doubt very much that knives are your only choice of weapons. Take a seat, Ms Elizabeth DeAnglo. As I mentioned, I need to trust my employees give the nature of my business.

So, to a certain extent, we shall restart the interview process again. He indicated the papers on the table, her resume, which detailed her suitable skills for the role of assistant to a venture capitalist CEO based on Wall Street. I believe that your ... real resume is far more interesting. So, let's have some of that honesty which I deem to be a key skill. As for trust ... Casimir pressed a button on the arm of his chair, and the soft whirring sound of the shutters being engaged was just audible in the silence of the room. ... You may ... trust ... that our discussions will not be overheard.

Elizabeth looked at him and sighed softly, nodding and sitting back down. She listened to him talk and bit her lip. Great. She clearly didn't cover herself enough as she thought. Or maybe not. 

She knew listening to him, that he knew something. He had to. It made the most sense. She couldn't lie. She didn’t like it. She had to be honest. If she lied and he knew, it would fuck up the chance to get this job.

Finally, she sighed and spoke up. I'm not used to this world because I couldn't have a life worth living. I lost my unborn child and fiancé at the ages of 19 to something … something cruel and ruthless. My world has revolved around that event and trying to end it. I need a break from it.

Elizabeth wasn't even sure what she was saying, she just opened her mouth and words just poured out.

Casimir steepled his fingers before him, contemplating the human female before him. That slight sigh, the acknowledgement that there was little to be gained in trying to flee or, more importantly, in trying to lie to him, that was telling.  And does this something have a name? Is it a person or ... something else? You need not worry that the position of my assistant is in doubt. You have that role, because despite your initial ... reticence, my instincts tell me that you may be trusted. When you say you wish to end it, do you wish revenge on this ... something or is your search for that 'something' only the start?"

Casimir shrugged. So many questions, I know, Ms DeAnglo, but as I have implied, in return for my employees being honest with me, I like to think that I demonstrate good qualities as an employer. Specifically, under these circumstances, it would mean whether as a result of you wishing to 'end it', this something might track you, or other 'somethings' might come looking.

Casimir allowed his own eyes to change to the gold of his wolf. You are human, Miss DeAnglo. As I said, I take the protection of my employees very seriously indeed.

Elizabeth  looked at him and listened to him talk. Listened to him ask all these questions. She didn't even know where to begin if she did tell him what she was, what she was after, and so on. She didn't know if her mentor would approve of being so open with what she was just for a job but she had a feeling her mother would.

Looking up at him, she still couldn't figure out if she should open up or not but something changed right then. His eyes. They changed. She could have sworn they were blue, but now they seemed solid black. She narrowed her eyes and tensed up, her hand moved to her side instinctively but useless right now for she wasn't carrying a weapon on her.

Well, now there was no way she was keeping what she was hidden. I'm a supernatural hunter, Mr. Mignot. I lost my family during a camping trip. I think the creature I am referring to would be called a Wendigo. He skinned my fiancé alive after throwing me down a ravine and causing me to lose my unborn child. I met a hunter like I am now, and he said he would train me. I have been tracking this Wendigo for a few years with no luck.

I try not to think about what will happen when I find him. Whether or not I continue down this hunting path, is undecided. I just don't want another family being put in my position.

A Wendigo. Being Canadian, Casimir was more than familiar with the creature and its habits. There were two types, or more to the point, two appearances, depending how far down the road the wendigo spirit had claimed its human host.

This raises an interesting issue, Ms DeAnglo. How much do you understand of the Wendigo as a species? Casimir's lip curled, If you can call them a species, since the spirit is more of a parasite than a creature in its own right.

For example, are you comfortable with the knowledge that the Wendigo who attacked you might well have skinned your husband, but the spirit would then possess what remained, creating another Wendigo. It is how they ... procreate, for lack of a better description.

Miss DeAnglo, what I am saying is that you might find yourself face to face with something ... another Wendigo ... but it will bear a strong resemblance to your late husband. It won't be your husband, but it will look like him and believe me, the creature will use your inevitable hesitation to its advantage.

Elizabeth looked at him and listened to his words. It seemed he would have knowledge of the beast. She nodded to his words as he spoke, letting him know she was fully listening. Everything he was saying was close to what her mentor had told her. 

She looked him in the eyes as he finished speaking. Yes, Mr. Mignot. I am fully aware that it will not be my husband. Another reason why I dedicated my life to finding this creature. I won't let it live in Leon's body. It’s not right. I want to end it. End my suffering and finally be at peace with what happened.

Casimir nodded. On the plus side, the creature is unlikely to track you here. He indicated the office suite. However, tracking you elsewhere is a possibility. Given that you have chosen to train yourself to hunt down and destroy creatures of its ilk, the Wendigo spirit wearing your husband's form, will be drawn to you by both the residual feelings the body may feel, and its own need to destroy a danger to its continued predation.

So, my next question would be this. Where are you living at present, and is it a secure location? Are there other humans in the vicinity? If there are, they will hunt you. The Wendigo usually works alone, but all it will take is a rumour of a hunter being in the area, and others sharing its philosophy, if you can call it that, will come for you.

Casimir shrugged. Even if you do not intend harm on other species ... He smiled, ... such as my own ... He inclined his head in acknowledgement that he was not human, ... you will be met with suspicion. It is the nature of the beast, so to speak. There are some hunters who will look at any non-human and regard them as prey. It results in a mutual distrust.

Elizabeth looked at him and nodded. She would take what he has to say to heart. Not many people looked out for her. Hell, some think she is crazy but that’s besides the point. 

She sighed and looked at him. My mentor left me his home. It’s secure. Very. He was living there for years without a problem. Security is high. My secret is safe. I don't normally go around pretty the word that I hunt supernatural creatures but I understand your precaution but I'm safe.

As to what you are saying, I understand as well. The only thing I am hunting down is the thing that took my life away. That's it. My mentor was different, he hunted to keep the humans safe. If a supernatural being was harming a human in anyway, he would get involved but that’s about it. He didn't hunt for game and neither do I.

Casimir inclined his head. You may see a distinct difference in what you do: hunt those who harm your fellow humans, but there are those in the paranormal world who see only that you hunt. Standing, Casimir went to refresh his cup of coffee. Are you sure you would not like some refreshment? He offered again.

Returning to his seat. There are some who view humans as little more than prey. To them, they are committing no crime, since they hunt in order to feed. Is that any different to say, a deer hunter amongst the humans? That is how they view it. He gave a bark of laughter.

I am not claiming that they have the right of it. However, that is the way of the world. For me, those creatures that risk the paranormal world being revealed to the wider world of humans, they are the ones whom I hunt. Casimir took a sip of his coffee. We have co-existed for millennia. Human governments in the main believe the paranormal world to be stories, legends and myths, things with which a child might be scared into good behaviour. Those who endanger that status quo, they are the dangers. Thus, creatures like the Wendigo, like the vampire which kills for the pleasure of killing leaving a nice clear calling card on their victim's neck. They are the creatures that have pushed the boundaries.

Casimir nodded. I believe that you will be more than suited to role of assistant to the CEO of Gosselin Enterprises. He smiled.

Elizabeth nodded. She could see where he was coming from. She never really had sat down with someone that wasn't human, at least not in a civilized manner such as right now. 

When he offered her a drink once more, she shook her head. No thank you. Coffee makes me jittery and tea makes me tired. I'm fine, honest. Thank you though.

Hearing him out, she nodded. "Of course, some need to hunt to survive. What I was trying to explain was that doing harm towards humans without reason. Ruthless killing, torture, human trafficking. It’s all stuff I have come across and put a stop to, or at least tried. My mentor had told me there are some good beings out there but also others who have no morals. No remorse towards anything. Either way, I am trying to take a break from the hunting. From the killing. It has left