Free Demons of Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase

explain?” I asked Philip.
He gestured toward the retreating coven. “Ask them.”
I shot him a look of disgust and jogged to catch up with Rosalee. “Hey, hold on a second.”
She stopped and waited.
“ Talk to me. What was that about back there?”
Her brows pinched in confusion. “What was what?”
I frowned, searching her emotional energy for clues. No anger. No frustration. Only mild concern. For me.
“ Are you feeling okay?” she asked, moving closer. “Do you need an energy pill? Magic sometimes drains me if I’m not careful.” She started rummaging around in her designer purple handbag.
I put my hand on her arm to stop her. “Rosalee, I’m fine. Do you not remember what just happened?”
She tilted her head to the side, and a bit of worry clouded her eyes. “Did the spell not work?” She glanced past me. “Are those not the angels you were looking for?” Before I could answer, she called to the other members. “Guys, hold up. Jade might still need our help.”
“ No, no. Don’t worry about it. Go on home or whatever your plans were.” I waved them off just as Lucien joined us. “Something’s not right,” I said to him.
“ I noticed.” He jerked his head back toward the circle. “Philip’s still not talking, and Goodwin’s hitting on Lailah. At least, I think that’s what he’s doing. Doesn’t look like he’s getting very far.”
The Reverend Goodwin was following Lailah around as she picked up candles, talking nonstop. Her silence seemed to only egg him on. On the other side of the circle, Kat appeared to be badgering Philip, no doubt about Dan. Kane stood next to her, embodying the role of a protective older brother. Good. She’d be safe with Kane…unless Philip spelled him.
“ Guys?” Rosalee asked. “I’m totally in the dark here.”
Right. “Can you just tell me what you think happened tonight?”
She frowned and straightened her spine. “What’s wrong?”
I raised my shoulders and hands in an ‘I don’t know’ motion. “That’s what I’m trying to find out.”
“ Well.” She glanced toward the circle. “Lucien said the opening prayer. You recited the incantations, and then those two angels showed up. Lailah seems to know both of them, but that makes sense since she’s an angel. After they appeared, you told us we could go. End of story. Except for the fact the two guys are physically here when we only tried to summon their images. But things happen, right?”
Lucien and I shared a wary glance. “Yeah, things happen,” I said.
She ran a hand over her dark hair and pushed her bangs to the side. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
I nodded. “Yeah, but we can talk about it at the next meeting. First I need to figure out exactly what happened.”
“ You sure? I can stay and help if you want.” Her gaze drifted to her watch, but she shook her head, as if talking herself out of leaving.
“ No, it’s fine. You go ahead.” I gave her a quick hug, truly appreciating the offer.
When I let go, she met my stare, her light brown eyes wide. “Call if you need anything.”
“ I will. Thanks.” As she left, the image of her blackened eyes flashed through my mind. I’d only seen that particular effect two times before. And both were caused by black magic. I grabbed Lucien’s sleeve and tugged. “Come on.”
Once we joined the remaining group, Goodwin sent me a look of contempt and said, “You’re back.”
“ And you’re still here,” I snapped, wishing he’d go away. There was no way we’d be able to work together.
“ Transportation is hard to come by in the middle of the night. My rental car is still in Baton Rouge. One of you—” he glanced at Lailah, “—will need to drop me at the hotel.”
We both ignored him. I turned to Philip and crossed my arms, positive he was the cause of this mess. “They don’t remember anything. I think you have some explaining to do.”
Lailah froze, a candle clutched in each hand.
“ You seem to be making a habit of