Witches of The Demon Isle Box Set, Volumes 1, 2 & 3

by Rachel Humphrey - D'aigle

  The woman seemed in a good mood, so Melinda tried her best to make small talk.

  “Good morning… Grace. I think I do plan on visiting more often.” For some reason her voice sounded awkward, as if talking with someone that could not understand her. Melinda forced a smile, but as she reached into her pocket for cash accidentally swiped a pyramid of coffee gift packs. They went flying all over the floor.

  She sighed, shaking her head.

  “I can’t even get a stupid cup of coffee without …” she mumbled the rest under her breath, bending down to pick up the mess.

  Grace came around the corner.

  “Ah, hell. Don’t worry about it. Been telling myself for days that was gonna happen. Shouldn’t a put’em so damn close to the register.”

  Grace watched Melinda’s poor attempts at picking up the mug gift packs and replacing them, without success.

  “Why don’t you let me handle that?” Grace urged after a moment.

  Melinda handed her the mug she held, taking an embarrassed huff.

  “You okay there?” Grace asked, catching Melinda off guard. Seeing she wasn’t going to respond, Grace continued. “You know, I knew your parents. Good folk. Took real good care of the people on this Isle.” She winked, as if with special meaning.

  Melinda cocked her head to the side, taken aback. It had not dawned on her that Grace was a long time local that new about the Isle’s supernatural side.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you knew them,” Melinda said, hoping Grace would get her hint.

  Grace headed back behind the counter. “They helped me out on more than one occasion,” she admitted quietly.

  “Oh, well I’m glad they could help.”

  “See, you’re relaxing already,” Grace said, smiling.

  “Huh?”

  “You’re a nervous wreck, Deary. Just relax, you’re amongst friends here.”

  Melinda didn’t know how to reply.

  “Look, I can come off a bit harsh,” Grace added. “Frankly though, once I like someone, well, that’s just it. I like’em from that day on. And I like you. You just need a little practice at being out and about again.”

  The way she said it indicated that Melinda had been the topic of conversation previously. She suddenly felt as if every eye in the room was watching her. They really had been talking about her these last few years… that weird girl that never comes out of the house.

  Melinda sucked in deeply. Her body wanted to run back home and lock herself away, alongside William. But her brain tried to reason. Just give it some time. You can’t be that weird girl forever…

  “Tell ya’ what I’m gonna do,” Grace continued. “You pick yourself out a mug and write your name on it. Put it on that shelf over there, and whenever you come in, it’ll be there, waiting for ya’.” She returned to helping another customer that had walked up to the counter.

  Melinda looked over the shelf of unclaimed mugs. “A simple, normal, local kind of thing,” she muttered. “Pick out a mug.” She finally decided on a skinny, handle-free style mug, and grabbed the marker on the shelf.

  Melinda Howard, she wrote on it.

  “Good pick,” Grace mouthed. “Very sleek.” She motioned for Melinda to hand it over to her. She rinsed it out and filled it with coffee. “I’ll still let ya’ add your own cream. But one of these days, I’ll figure out just how ya’ like it.”

  After Melinda had added the cream, she had to decide where to sit. Grace didn’t give her the chance.

  “Outside,” she ordered. “Too nice a weather for a young, pretty girl to be hanging inside with a bunch of old cooks.” The locals sitting inside just laughed and nodded; there was no one sitting inside the Wicked Muddy under sixty-five.

  “Go find yourself a nice young man to talk to,” Grace said, winking.

  Melinda decided she liked Grace. It also made her wonder how many other things she had been missing these last four years. How many other people in The Demon Isle would she come to like?

  She stepped outside and found a seat in the sun. She recognized some of the locals, but was surprised at how many she did not. Had they changed that much in the four years she’d kept herself hidden away? Or, when she was a teenager, had she just not paid attention?

  Melinda hoped that amongst the locals and tourists she might happen across the dark-haired stranger she had run into previously. Instead, she caught Michael and Emily headed her direction.

  “Hey guys,” Melinda shouted, waving them over.

  “Hey, Sis,” Michael said, grinning widely. “What are you doing here?” He held up his hand as if to say, don’t answer. “You know what, why don’t we grab a coffee and join you.”

  Melinda nodded yes eagerly. It would nice not to sit alone, or explain herself again.

  “I’ll grab yours Emily,” Michael offered.

  “Thanks,” she said, sucking on her top lip, barely able to contain her smile. She took the seat next to Melinda.

  “You look like you’re about to burst,” Melinda laughed. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m just… happy. It’s a beautiful day and my day off. Michael’s not leaving and well, we’re officially dating,” Emily added with a quiet squeal.

  “Well, it’s about time,” Melinda said. “He’s been in love with you for years.”

  Melinda could not help but smile, as Emily’s happiness radiated out of her infecting anything within reach.

  Even with the task of locating their father looming over their heads, Melinda could not remember a recent day when she felt this good. That good feeling also had something to do with motorcycle man... she kept glancing, hoping to catch him wandering by.

  “Looking for someone in particular?” Emily asked, taking notice.

  “Guess I need practice if I’m being that obvious.”

  “It’s a guy, isn’t it? Tell!”

  “He’s probably a tourist and I doubt I’ll run into him again. Which is what I did last night when I was on my way home from your place... quite literally ran into him.”

  “What’s he like?”

  “Taller than me. Dark scruffy hair. Molasses eyes. And...” Melinda trailed off remembering his hands running down her spine.

  “And?” prodded Emily.

  “Just this intense feeling. Like we were supposed to meet. That sounds crazy to say about a total stranger.”

  “No. To be honest, that’s how I felt when I first met your brother.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup. I think it’s a good thing. I think it’s like your souls somehow know you’ll be a good match for each other.”

  “I never thought about it like that. But, like I said, probably won’t see him again. Oh and did I mention he drives a motorcycle?”

  “Oh a bad boy...” Emily replied wickedly. “Don’t tell your brothers.”

  “Too late. Michael caught me looking at him while walking through town the other day. And I didn’t really get a bad boy vibe.” Melinda scrunched her nose. “Okay, maybe just a little bit...”

  Michael returned with two steaming mugs, unable to control the smile on his face from widening when he saw his girlfriend and his sister deep in conversation and laughing happily. He noticed Melinda’s personalized mug as she took a sip of coffee. He’d never thought such a simple thing could bring him such joy and relief. It was starting to feel like she was really okay again. Perhaps if the time came that he did leave the Isle, she would be okay. This was a good place for her. A simple place... minus the job as witches and protectors of the Isle, of course.

  He handed Emily her coffee and took a seat next to her. His hand fell to her knee and she grabbed hold of it, entangling her fingers with his, having no desire to let go. Michael felt stupid for not asking her out months ago. Heck, years ago! It still nagged at him though, what would happen if he decided to leave the Isle, but for now, even with the task of locating their father ahead, life seemed better than it had in a very long time.

  A short while later, a fami
liar voice called out. “Howards!” It was Mack, The Demon Isle sheriff.

  “Hiya, Mack,” said Michael. “Would you care to join us?” He had his arm around Emily as he spoke, but winked at the sheriff in their usual playful manner.

  “’Fraid not. Funny thing is I was just about to call you.”

  Michael and Melinda were surprised when she did not return Michael’s flirtatious gesture. She rarely missed an opportunity to hassle him about his good looks.

  “Perhaps we should move somewhere a little less, full of people,” Melinda suggested.

  “Actually, I hate to break up your party, but if ya’ don’t mind, I’ll just follow ya’ home. I’m afraid I’m gonna need Charlie on this one.”

  The tone in Mack’s voice worried them.

  “We could just call him,” Melinda offered. “To be honest, I’m not even sure he’s home.”

  “His summer fling must be back in town,” Michael muttered under his breath. Emily let out a short giggle and Melinda just nodded in agreement, not wishing to think about her brother’s sex life.

  Mack inhaled, exhaled, and then shook her head looking torn.

  “Sorry, but I think this is better discussed in person, and I need Charlie present.”

  Melinda grabbed her new cell phone and tried Charlie’s number.

  “Voicemail,” she whispered to Mack. “Hey, um, Charlie, when you’re awake and um, whatever, we need you home, okay. Mack needs our help.”

  Melinda hung up and headed into the coffee shop. Michael and Emily followed. Upon seeing them enter with the sheriff at their heels, Grace’s smile dropped a little, but she nodded politely.

  “Morning to you too, Grace,” Mack nodded back.

  “I’ll take care of those mugs,” Grace said, grabbing them. “I can see you’ve got business to attend to. You don’t be a stranger now, Melinda. I expect to see ya’ back here real soon.”

  “Definitely,” Melinda replied. She paused and added. “Thanks Grace.”

  Grace nodded kindly and went about her work.

  Melinda, Michael and Emily walked in tense silence toward the Howard Mansion, the sheriff not far behind.

  TWO

  Charlie lay sprawled across the floor, a sheet partially covering his naked body. The woman, Nina, shared the sheet, sleeping soundly, just inches away. Slowly, the morning sun crept in warming their bodies and bringing them out of their contented slumber. Charlie gently pulled her body closer, her head on his chest.

  “You could come back tonight,” she whispered lustfully. She lifted her head, to see his response.

  “You know I can’t,” he said, apologetically. “It’s the full moon. I know you don’t think I can hurt you, Nina, but I can’t take the chance. Not tonight. The ring makes you strong, but I can’t trust that it makes you unbreakable.”

  “You can’t blame a girl for trying,” she spoke softly, sitting up to face him. “But the ring is stronger than you think. And it doesn’t come off unless I take it off, voluntarily. A well designed safety feature.”

  He pulled her body closer.

  “I’m sure you’re right, but I can’t chance it. I’ll be back tomorrow night,” he reminded, as much for her benefit as his own. He pushed her backwards with his body, so she was lying on the floor and kissed her feverishly. His body begged to stay, but he knew he could not. He sat up, let out a disappointed moan and searched for his clothes. Nina laughed and located her tee shirt. A second later, she was on her feet and in the kitchen.

  “You want coffee?” she called out.

  “That, and maybe a cold shower,” he mumbled, watching her grasp for a coffee can just barely within her reach. He walked up behind her, easily stretching over her head to grab the can, keeping it teasingly out of her reach.

  “Either you stay, Charlie Howard, or you let me make my coffee,” she admonished devilishly. “You know how I get when I don’t get my coffee.”

  “All right, all right,” he said, handing her the can. He backed away with hands in the air as if to surrender. He took a seat on a tall stool. “So, how are you anyway?”

  “Now you ask?” she replied, her eyebrows turned upward. “Eh. Same old, same old. You know the game… nothing but work, work, work. But I’m on vacation now. I don’t need anything but coffee in the morning, a bottle of tequila in the evening and my wolf man every night.”

  Charlie was tempted to break his own rule and come back tonight, regardless of the full moon.

  “So how’s life on the Isle?” she asked him in return.

  “Actually, to be honest, things are pretty equally terrible and amazing.”

  Small talk was about all Charlie and Nina ever got into. They preferred to keep any serious details out of their three-summer long relationship.

  “So life as usual,” she said, handing him the first cup from the coffee pot.

  “Yeah, life as usual,” he agreed.

  “If you want me to be honest, Charlie, there’s something different about you.”

  Nina always was keen on seeing small changes that took place in Charlie. Then again, that was part of her job when she wasn’t vacationing on The Demon Isle.

  “Just a full moon thing,” he insisted, acting as if it were nothing of importance.

  “Actually, I think you’re right. I can feel the moon practically begging you to transform, more so than I’ve ever felt from you before.”

  He just shook his head in bewilderment. Nina could not have been more right.

  Just then, his phone buzzed indicating he had voicemail. He had turned the ringer off before arriving at Nina’s the night before.

  “Duty calls,” he said after listening to Melinda’s message.

  “You witches… always on the job,” Nina said, cracking an understanding smile.

  “Says the gal who’s on the clock twenty-four-seven, except for six weeks every summer.”

  “Ah, but I love my job. And look at how I get to spend my vacation.”

  She pulled him in, begging one last kiss out of him before allowing him to leave.

  Something about the kiss felt different to Charlie. Deeper. Fuller. Tinged with hidden meaning that he did not have time to decipher.

  “Tomorrow night,” he groaned, begrudgingly letting go.

  She sucked in a breath, her head feeling hazy as she escorted him to the front porch and watched him disappear.

  “Oh, my big bad wolf-man,” she whispered, her voice riddled with emotion. “I'm afraid there won’t be a tomorrow night.”

  She stepped back into the house, slipping the protection ring off her finger and walked into the bedroom, gently placing the ring in the center of the sea of white that covered her unused bed. She lovingly ran her hands over the sheets, erasing any creases or wrinkles.

  She stood, taking a deep, even breath. “Well that’s that,” she spoke to no one.

  Nina got dressed and slipped out of the cottage, following a pathway alongside the back of the beach, which veered off into the dark woods of The Demon Isle.

  ##

  Upon arrival at the Howard Mansion, Michael and Emily headed into the kitchen. From the look on Michael's face, his empathic abilities were picking up some very disturbing feelings from the sheriff. Melinda went down to let William out of his prison, whether he was ready to come out or not. She had a bad feeling, and knew he would want to be present to hear what Mack had to say.

  William did not argue after being informed that Mack needed them for something. Although he kept his distance from Melinda, standing on the opposite side of the kitchen near an open window. He focused on the outside smells wafting in, keeping his mind off blood. The other’s blood did not bother him. Only Melinda’s. He did not know why this was.

  Michael asked Mack if she’d like a cup of coffee.

  “Can’t ever turn down a good cup.” She nodded thanks as he poured a cup from the freshly brewing pot. Michael grabbed the cream and sugar, adding just a touch of cream and three heaping teaspoons of sugar.

&n
bsp; “Damn my sweet tooth,” Mack joked when he handed her the cup.

  “Charlie just called,” Michael announced, for Melinda and William’s sake. “He’ll be here any minute.”

  Mack hadn’t taken more than a few sips when Charlie sauntered through the back kitchen door.

  “Morning, everyone,” he called out, upon seeing them. “I’ll take a cup of that,” he told Michael. He grabbed a mug, filled it and handed it to Charlie.

  “Thanks,” he said, taking a big gulp.

  “You looked relaxed considering what day it is,” Michael noted with a slight smirk.

  Charlie just shook his head and scrunched his face. It was his look of, yeah, we’re not going there… instead, he made a quick change of the subject. “So what’s up?”

  They all turned to Mack.

  She set down her cup, clearing her throat.

  “There’s something I need your help with, and more importantly, Charlie, you need to hear what I have to say.”

  Charlie’s relaxed demeanor morphed into uneasiness. “You know you can count on us for anything, Mack, supernatural or otherwise.”

  “Truth is,” she started, “I just came back into town from a crime scene, out in White Pines National Park.” She paused after, seeming apprehensive to continue.

  “Do you need help figuring out how someone died?” Michael asked her.

  She shook her head no. “Coroner already has a cause of death.” She aimed her next words at Charlie. “Wolf bite… although I’d say more like wolf shred.”

  Charlie pounded his mug onto the counter, splashing the coffee, nearly breaking the mug. He stood up, his body fully aware of what Mack was telling him, but his mind refused to believe it.

  “There are no wolves on the Isle,” he insisted, knowing full well that there had been at least one wolf on the Isle previously.

  “Yeah, just like there weren’t any wolves on the Isle ten years ago when you got bit,” Mack retorted, as if she had read his thoughts.

  “What does this mean?” Melinda asked faintly.

  Michael, already realizing what it meant, wrapped his arms around Emily, pulling her as close to him as possible.