Fallen Secrets

By C.R. Johnson

Sophia’s eighteenth birthday is four days away, and she can’t wait to be free to choose her own fate. Her mother is the high priestess of the French Quarter Coven. Her father is the regent of all New Orleans covens and the mayor. That makes her next in line for both high priestess and regent. Blessed with the power to control fire, both a blessing and a curse, she is a French Quarter fire witch. When she turns eighteen, she’ll learn all of the secrets about her life and her real identity. But her world turns upside down when she meets Luca, an alpha wolf who makes her feel things she didn’t know were possible. Sophia suffers loss, finds love, and fights for her light. Will she crumble under the pressure of darkness, or will light save her soul?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jun 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665742429

C.R. Johnson

C.R. Johnson is a dreamer, lover of books that make her feel anything, and the person who always has a crazy idea about anything and everything. She is a wife and mother in a small town in Oklahoma.

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Copyright © 2023 C.R. Johnson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-4240-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-4241-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-4242-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023907026

Archway Publishing rev. date: 6/23/2023

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Good Morning, Sunshine!

Chapter 2 Our Time Is Coming!

Chapter 3 Hello, Love

Chapter 4 All Is Not Lost

Chapter 5 Tour Guide

Chapter 6 The Ceremony

Chapter 7 Best Birthday Ever

Chapter 8 Confessions

Chapter 9 The Shift

Chapter 10 The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 11 Consecration

Chapter 12 Hybrids, Tribrids, and Vamps, Oh My!

Chapter 13 A Perfect Luna

Chapter 14 The Keepers of the Light

Chapter 15 The Witch’s Brew

Chapter 16 Vanishing Acts

Chapter 17 Lilith

Chapter 18 Beware of Crows

Chapter 19 When the Darkness Comes

Chapter 20 Let There Be Light

Chapter 21 Secrets

Chapter 22 Two Weeks!

Chapter 23 Babies!

Chapter 24 When Darkness Falls

About the Author

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CHAPTER 1

GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE!

Sophie

T he moonlight coats my skin, sending shocks of warmth over my entire body, consuming me. I feel a sense of peace wash over me as the blue-hued rays act as a force, pulling me through the dense woods of the bayou. I stop as my toes dip into the cool stream of the creek, sending a chill up my spine.

When my eyes move up from the cool water covering my feet, I am not surprised to find myself face-to-face with the most mesmerizing wolf I have ever seen. This wolf has been haunting my dreams for the past week, but this is the closest I have been so far. I’m frozen, unable to move, but for some reason, I’m not scared. I know wolves are not our enemies. I think of Becca, my best friend, who is a wolf.

This wolf is different, larger than most, with an odd color of dark gray that looks almost shiny, like dark silver or gunmetal. I notice the shimmer as the light from the moon hits its fur from different angles as the wind tosses it around. A light silver crescent moon crosses from above its left eye down to its cheek. The eye in the center of the crescent is pure silver and shines as bright as the moon itself. I’m shocked when its right eye looks like flames dancing. The wolf almost smirks at me.

Good morning, sunshine! The words boom in my head.

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I shoot up in my bed, looking around for the loud voice. I take a deep breath, realizing I was just dreaming again. That’s the third time this week I have had the same dream. First time with the voice though.

I’m dripping in sweat, just like the last two times. I take a few deep breaths and let them out slowly to control my breathing. This must mean something. Witches don’t have reoccurring dreams for no reason. I will have to speak to Becca about this.

I wrestle all the thoughts in my head as my phone starts going off, alerting me it’s 6:00 a.m. and time to get ready for the day. Fuck my life, I grumble to myself as I take in my appearance in front of my bathroom mirror.

My long, dark-brown hair has decided to look like I put my finger in a light socket. I have dark bags under my hazel-green eyes, and honestly, I look like I haven’t slept at all. Oh well, there is always coffee. I sigh as I get in the shower. I’m on the shorter side at five foot four, and I’m smaller, but I have tons of curves. OK, it’s mainly my ass, but hey, it’s curvy. I have a darker complexion than most of my family, but I live in the sun, and I have worked hard for my olive skin. I train hard, and my body shows it.

My eighteenth birthday is in four days, and I cannot wait to be free to choose my own fate. My mother is the high priestess of the French Quarter Coven. My father is the regent of all New Orleans covens and the mayor. That makes me next in line for both. High priestess and regent, not mayor—my dad can keep that one.

I was blessed with the power to control fire. It’s a blessing and a curse really, seeing as my mother tolerates me, and I think she despises the fact that I was blessed with this power because I’m the first one in more than two hundred years. It is not a gift given lightly. Most witches get their powers when they come of age. I, on the other hand, was born with it.

My parents had to bind my powers when I was four because I would make things catch on fire when I threw fits. When I was ten, they unbound my power so I could learn to control it.

Everyone is acting as if my birthday will awaken more in me, but I don’t know. I’m only one of two witches in New Orleans history to be born with her powers.

Marie Laveau was the other. She is my four-times great-grandmother on my mother’s side. I have no idea how my mother, Cathy, could ever have the same genes as one of the greatest women who ever lived. I strive to be the kind of person Marie was. Cathy just wants power, and she doesn’t care who she has to step on to get it.

I honestly don’t see what my father sees in her. Everyone knows she cheats on him constantly, but my father refuses to believe it.

Jazz Gerard is a great man and regent. He is kind, fair, loving to everyone, and the type of leader and witch I want to be. Everyone loves my father—that’s why he is the mayor as well. You could say I’m a bit of a daddy’s girl.

Sophie, breakfast! my father calls.

Coming! I holler back.

I take one last look in the mirror and decide I’m good enough before heading down. I decided to be comfortable today in a simple light blue, thin-strapped, flowy dress with a few buttons on my bust with white Hey Dudes with light blue threading on the back heel. It’s too hot in August in NOLA to wear too many clothes.

I throw my hair up in a messy bun with curls hanging down around my face and neck to hide my birthmark, as Cathy always advises me to do. It looks like a crescent moon with a fleur-de-lis in the middle of it on the back of my neck. I opt for just lip gloss and mascara today. I hate makeup and usually don’t wear much. I always feel prettier when I do, but once again, it’s August in NOLA, and I’ll just sweat it off.

I head downstairs to the dining room just as Cathy is leaving for the day.

Cathy, have breakfast with us. It’s an important day, and Sophie needs our love and support.

I turn the corner to the dining room and sit at the long mahogany table filled with bowls of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns. Good morning.

Oh, is it a special day? I’m sure Sophia will be fine with you as her cheerleader all day. Break a leg, dear. Cathy replies between gritted teeth with a sly smile as she walks out of the room.

Sorry, Dad.

He puts his hand on mine and squeezes it reassuringly. I don’t know what has gotten into your mother lately, Soph. I know she loves you.

It’s OK, Dad. I know she has a lot on her plate right now. I try to sound like it doesn’t bother me. I pour a large mug of coffee with steamed milk and two sugars and let the wonderful, intoxicating smell hit my senses.

I know for a fact that the bitch hates me, but there is nothing I can do. I’ve heard the stories of my birth. I was a twin, and my brother was stillborn. Cathy nearly died giving birth to us. I’ve always known she hated me because she would have rather had a son, and she blamed me for his death. She has said it on multiple occasions.

I wish I still had my brother. I have always felt like a piece of me was missing.

I shake my inner demons and load my plate with bacon, eggs, and hash browns. I love mornings with my dad. He always makes me feel loved. We discuss the details for the August Eve celebration while we eat.

August 1, the first day of the harvest festival, celebrates the Rite of Lammas. It’s a witches’ sabbat. Lammas is a time of gratitude and service. New Orleans witches use this time as a reminder to serve humanity and focus on its abundance, protection, guidance, and health. We live by faith because of God and the moon goddess.

After God cast Lucifer to hell, Lucifer wanted revenge on God’s perfect creation, humans. Lucifer created Damien, the first vampire and the god to all vampires. God created witches with the fallen, but in the sixteenth century, many were wiped out due to the witch trials, thanks to vampires.

When Lucifer created Damien, the scale tipped to evil. God decided to create the moon goddess, Selene, to help him balance the scales. Selene created werewolves as the balance. Werewolves were created to take out vampires, protect humans, and be peaceful creatures. One bite from a werewolf is lethal to a vampire.

Witches were supposed to keep a balance of good and evil, but that’s where dark and light magic began. We all choose between light and dark. For us, there is no in between.

We show our appreciation for our gifts through our traditional rituals and harvest festivals. There will be parades on the fifth, and NOLA always has Hex Fest to keep the tourists happy. We usually do a few minor spells and use our magic in front of tourists to keep them coming. It amazes me that most still don’t believe in magic when we use it in front of their faces.

I’m especially excited for the festivals to start since my birthday is on the day of the Tide of Fire, which is especially important for NOLA witches. Being born in August, during the sabbat, is an honor in itself, but to be born on the fifth, the day of the Tide of Fire, and to be born with my gift is unheard of. Becca and I have been preparing for the festival for months.

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After breakfast, I head down the elevator of our home, which my father bought because he knew he would be mayor someday. He wanted to feel the nostalgia of living where the first mayor of New Orleans lived: Napoleon House. The top floor is our home, and the rest is a hotel and one of the best restaurants NOLA has to offer.

Good morning, Ralph, I shout over the ruckus of the kitchen.

The amazing chef and owner, Ralph, is one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and he loves feeding me. Thank the goddess! He is also a friend and business partner of my father. I’ll have the gumbo ready for lunch, Soph!

I shoot him a big grin as I bounce out to the main lobby.

I step out to the French Quarter, take in a deep breath of fresh air, and let it out. It’s going to be a good day. I decide to head to the training facility for witches and wolves.

The Old Ursuline Convent has been several things since it was built in 1752: a convent, a makeshift hospital, and an orphanage. Most people only know what it has been portrayed to be. In reality, it’s four stories and not two. The building itself has been turned into a museum that holds our offices and tours for the general public and tourists.

Most people don’t know that there are two more floors underground. One floor is a training facility that has everything from an Olympic-sized pool to every piece of equipment you could use for training. There is a large dojo-styled room with weapons covering every inch of the dark wooden walls except the one that is covered in floor-to-ceiling mirrors. In the center of the room, there is a boxing ring. It’s mostly used for all weapons training, but since we all love a good brawl, hand-to-hand combat is a daily occurrence. The floors are padded in deep red leather for easier movement.

There are also classrooms and a library. Every room has a purpose, and the only purpose of this place is to train to kill vampires and keep our city safe.

Forget everything you think you know about vampires. It’s all lies that vampires put out there to stay hidden among humans. Sunlight doesn’t hurt them or make them sparkle, garlic just gives you bad breath, and holy water burns them, but it doesn’t kill them. The only way to kill a vampire is to put a stake through their heart or rip their heart out.

The bottom floor is a line to the entire city. You can go anywhere in New Orleans. It was created as an underground railroad for slaves, but we expanded it all the way to the bayou. Yes, I cheat sometimes if I’m running behind.

I head to my office, which is still new to me. When I graduated, my dad decided that I needed to start working and learning the ropes—like I haven’t been soaking everything in my entire life? Plus, it kept my mother from tormenting me in the cemetery training. Win-win.

Sophie! Becca barrels into me, wraps her arms around me, and lifts me up and twirls me. Becca is five foot eight with a model build, but she is more toned, and her legs go on for days. She is a Crescent Moon Pack werewolf, one of their top warriors, and daughter to the Beta. When she finally quits squealing and puts me down, I see that she isn’t dressed in her normal morning workout clothes. She is bouncing up and down, almost squealing again. Her cute light pink halter dress comes up around her neck and flows out down to the knee, and she has nude ankle-strapped heels.

You look exceptionally professional today, Becca. I smirk and raise an eyebrow.

Surprise! I’m your new assistant! She is grinning from ear to ear, showing off her perfectly straight, whiter-than-white teeth.

I’m in shock because Cathy said she would never let a wolf be an assistant to a witch—not over her dead body. Dad must have pulled rank! I’ll have to remember to call him and thank him later.

Becca pulls me toward the office as she chatters on about how my dad talked to her dad, and then it was a done deal.

I’m so happy, Becca. We actually get to start working together before my birthday, and we can start putting all of our ideas to work to help the witches and the wolves. I am almost crying because I didn’t believe it would happen.

Usually, when Cathy puts her foot down about something, that is it. I wonder what Dad had to give her this time to get her to cooperate. That woman doesn’t do anything for nothing. The only reason she is high priestess is because Dad gave it to her. She has never earned a thing in her life, and her magic is subpar at best—and every witch in our coven knows it. Everyone is onboard with me taking over. It usually never fails. She is able to get what she wants without even using magic. She has meetings, and she somehow gets whoever it is at the time to get what she wants. There is no denying she is a beautiful woman, but she always makes sure—whatever her ventures are—that men are at the head of the table. She refuses to deal with women.

Becca and I get to work on our first order of business. Since I will be taking over as high priestess on my birthday, I want to bridge the gap between the witches and the wolves. We share a common goal, and we shouldn’t be working against one another. I know that the witches were created to keep a balance, but that was before Damien was created—and he is responsible for the deaths of countless witches.

Any witch who stands with the vampires turns dark. It’s inevitable. I refuse to see any more of my people being turned dark. I will do everything in my power to protect our coven and all covens everywhere. Eventually, I will be regent. I am going to start building off of what my father has already started. We will have peace if I have anything to say about it.

Some of the witches are set in their old ways and do not trust the wolves any more than they would a vampire. It will not be easy, but I know that is what needs to happen. I’m not afraid of hard work.

For my birthday, I decided to invite all the packs and covens to celebrate the Tide of Fire together and form alliances with them all. I know it will not be easy, but I have to start trying before I have to take over. Dad has tried, but Cathy always finds a way to ruin it. This time, she will have no clue what’s coming. Therefore, she cannot plan anything to ruin it. Unfortunately, neither does my dad, but he will appreciate it if I can make it happen.

Hey, Becca, how many more calls do you need to make before we go to lunch? I’m starving!

I’m good to go, Soph. I called all the packs, and almost all have accepted the invitation. The only thing left to do is to put the finishing touches on the ballroom at the Palace Hotel for the after-party. Becca sounds almost surprised with herself.

I called all the surrounding covens, and they have all assured me that they will be there to celebrate with us. I have never felt so good about continuing my father’s legacy.

Since when are you hungry before noon, Soph? I usually have to make you finally eat something by dinner. She turns into a mother hen and feels my forehead.

I don’t know … I even ate breakfast.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were getting your wolf. Becca laughs hysterically. We both know I’m a full-blown witch, Beccs, but that would be funny. Could you imagine my mother’s face? I cackle at the image in my head.

Just saying it’s nice to see you smile and have an appetite. Becca puts her hand on my shoulder.

I know, Becca. I feel good today. Let’s go get some gumbo. Ralph said it would be ready by noon. I pull her arm dramatically, flutter my eyelashes, and look straight into Becca’s light green eyes. Becca what the hell? Quit playing.

She doesn’t budge. She just keeps looking at me like she is a statue.

I get in her face and snap my fingers in front of her eyes.

She jumps back away from me as if I startled her., What the hell was that, Soph? I couldn’t move. It was like you had me under some kind of spell or something!

I didn’t do anything. I swear! I furrow my brows. I swear … I was trying to get you to snap out of it. Let’s go get some food. Are you running on E? Did I work you too hard this morning? I tease, trying to lighten her mood.

I know you didn’t mean to, Soph, but I think you did. Maybe you are getting a new gift. Becca’s face lights up at the possibility.

I honestly didn’t think of that, I blurt out.

We laugh and head out into the Quarter.

Wanna get po’boys instead? I ask with a mischievous smile.

Soph, you are the worst! Becca playfully slaps my arm.

What? You know you wanna see that hunk of a wolf. You can’t help but drool over him every time you see him. I laugh.

Becca sighs with a look of sadness. He isn’t my mate.

When Becca turned eighteen last month, she was sure that Grayson was her mate. However, when she went into Killers, she realized there was nothing there. Nothing ever happened between them, but I know she was hoping.

I guess we will stay virgins forever. I throw my hands in the air and stomp off toward Killers Po-Boys sandwich shop.

Becca catches up to me, red as can be, embarrassed by my admission to us being virgins in the middle of the square for all to hear. Hell if that’s the worst someone hears in NOLA they are definitely not doing it right..

I can’t believe you just shouted that in the middle of Jackson Square! Becca hush shouts at me with angry eyes and furrowed brows.

I start laughing hysterically. My sweet, innocent best friend literally has not even had her first kiss because she is waiting for her mate.

All I can say for whoever this dickhead is that you are waiting for is that he better be as pure as my bestie and put his needs on hold for you to—or I will cut his dick off, I reply with a smirk.

We both laugh as we head toward the sandwich shop.

Becca stops in front of me and says, You know that he will probably be a man whore like most wolves as soon as they hit puberty, right?

Bitch, I’m only kidding about cutting his dick off … kind of. I snort laugh as I open the door to Killers stopping dead in my tracks. Holy shit! I feel my panties get wet at the sight of this Greek god of a man. He is six foot five and has sandy blond hair, the most crystal blue eyes I have ever seen, a chiseled jawline, and broad shoulders. He is clean-shaven, and his lips are small but his upper lip is the perfect shape of a heart. The left side of his top lip twitches into the most adorable sexy smirk I have ever seen. I am gawking at this perfect specimen of a man, and I’m not even being shy about it.

I hear Becca calling my name, but I don’t care. I walk right up to him as if something else is moving me. I try to pull myself back. I’m begging myself to stop, but I can’t. I stand right in front of him and look up into his gorgeous eyes. Mi—

Becca turns me around and shakes me.

Once I feel in control of my body again, I’m mortified by what just happened. I feel like a complete psycho. FML! I repeat my mantra until I am standing tall again. I look my best friend in the eye, plaster the best smile I can muster, and slowly turn around to meet my shame.

Hello. I’m Sophia. How are you? My hand is shaking as I extend it to the mysterious hunk. Fuck! Stop it, Soph. Calm yourself down and act like a good, normal little witch.

Sophie, this is my cousin Luca. Luca, this is my best friend in the entire world, Sophia Marie Gerard.

Our eyes don’t leave each other as she introduces us. I hear her but I can’t make myself look away. He grabs my hand and shakes it, and I feel tiny bits of static electricity going up my arm. It feels amazing, and it’s almost as if I have relaxed completely. His eyes are so beautiful and mesmerizing. I can’t pull mine away, and then it hits me. He’s a wolf.

Once the realization sinks in completely, I jump back, breaking our hands apart. I’m missing that feeling already. It’s like I want his touch back. What the hell is wrong with me?

I’m sorry. It’s nice to meet you, Sophie. Have lunch with us? He replies.

Umm … actually we are getting our food to go so we can eat in the park, but that’s very kind of you to offer. Have a good day. I take Becca’s arm and lead her to the counter. What the hell was that, Becca? My skin is on fire, and I feel like I’m going to pass out.

Soph, calm down. I think you just found your first crush. Becca smirks, puts her hands on my shoulders, and laughs in my face.

Oh, my goddess … a crush? Holy shit. I would have at least expected him to be a witch. I pout and stomp my foot like a three-year-old.

Soph, there is nothing wrong with you getting it on with a wolf. Maybe you are his mate! Becca jumps up and down and claps her hands.

"Oh, hell no! I don’t believe in that mate shit. Sorry, honey, but this girl believes in the old-fashioned kind of love. The Notebook and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days are my dating advice!"

Mates are a thing, and if you want to get all these packs to align with you, then you should get on board with it. It is our gift from the moon goddess … the other half of our hearts that make us whole. Ya know, they’re like soul mates for humans. Lucky for them, they get several—but we only get one who is specifically created for us.

I Interrupt Beccas long explanation of mates, not to be rude, but because I know this story. Blah blah blah. I know, I know, I can blow smoke up their asses. I know the history, which you have told me a hundred times. I won’t embarrass you. I’ve got your back until my last breath. I hold out my pinkie.

Becca takes it with hers, and we kiss our thumbs and press them together.

Until my last breath, Becca repeats as she always does.

We order our food and leave quickly.

I look back at Luca and blush.

He hollers bye to us and waves.

His smirk gives me butterflies.

The second the door closes, I say, OK, Beccs. Spill it. Who is he exactly—and why is he so hot? I spit the words out quickly almost panting.

Oh, shit, Soph. You really like him? Beccs laughs at me and almost spits out her soda. She tells me about Luca. Damn … even his name sounds sexual. Apparently, he is the ultimate fuck boy who bangs a different girl