by Ruby Raine
“Oh, well I’m glad they could help.”
“See, you’re relaxin’ already.” Grace smile broadened.
“Huh?”
“You’re a nervous wreck, Dearie. Just relax, you’re amongst friends here.”
Melinda just stared, unsure what to say.
“Look now, I can come off a bit harsh,” Grace explained. “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 bein’ out and about again.”
The way she said it indicated 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 you 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, waitin’ for you.” She returned to helping another customer that had walked up to the counter.
Melinda looked over the collection of unclaimed mugs. “A simple, normal, local kind of thing. 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. She rinsed it out and filled it with coffee. “I’ll still let you add your own cream and sugar. But one of these days, I’ll figure out just how you like it.”
After Melinda added the cream and sugar, 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 like you to be hangin’ inside with a bunch of old cooks.” The locals sitting inside just laughed and nodded; there was no one relaxing inside the Wicked Muddy under sixty-five. “Go find yourself a nice young man to talk to,” Grace encouraged with a wink.
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 on 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 motorcycle man she’d run into previously. Instead, she caught Michael and Emily headed her direction.
“Hey guys,” Melinda shouted, waving them over.
“Hey, Sis.” Michael grinned 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 be nice not to sit alone, or explain herself again. Or notice every eye gawking at her.
“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 revealed with a quiet squeal.
“Well, it’s about time. He’s been in love with you for years.” She could not help but smile, Emily’s happiness radiated out of her infecting anything within reach.
“We spent the night just walking on the beach. Sitting under the moon. Holding hands.” Her tone indicated it was pure bliss.
Melinda imagined a few other things had happened, but was glad Emily kept those to herself. Even with the task of locating their father looming over their heads, Melinda did not remember a recent day when she felt this good. That good feeling also had a little 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 me everything!”
“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. On the sidewalk when I came around a corner.”
“What’s he like?”
“Taller than me. Dark scruffy hair. Molasses eyes. And,” Melinda trailed off remembering his hands running down her back. It shot fiery pulses up her spine just thinking about it.
“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. Even if it takes one of those souls a ridiculously long time to come around and admit how he feels.”
“You really shouldn’t go easy on my brother,” Melinda laughed. “Make him suffer a little. But I never thought about it like that, souls, knowing they’re right for each other. But like I said, probably won’t see him again. Did I mention he drives a motorcycle?”
“Oh. A bad boy,” Emily replied wickedly. “Don’t tell your brothers.”
“Too late. Michael caught me gawking at him, more like drooling, while walking through town yesterday. 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 mundane thing could bring him such joy and relief. It was starting to feel like she was herself again.
Perhaps if the time came that he did leave the Isle, she would be all right. This was a good place for her. A simple place, minus the job as witches and protectors of the Isle, of course. And things didn’t change much on the Isle.
His desire to leave had subsided. Some. He still wanted to travel and explore the world. But it didn’t have to be today, or tomorrow. He had lost that urgency for it to be right now.
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. Just the touch of her hand sent a yearning thrum up his arm. Or maybe his empathy was picking that up from her. Their emotions were starting to meld in his mind. It was getting harder to see where his ended and hers started.
He also discovered he liked this. Possibly the first time he enjoyed anything about his magical inheritance of empathy. Moreover, if he hadn’t been the largest dick in the world, he could have been enjoying all of this, years ago.
I’m such a stubborn dumbass!
The luckiest stubborn dumbass.
He squeezed her fingers tighter, needing to let some of the overabundance of emotion out of him. She squeezed back, understanding, her gaze still fixed on Melinda.
Even with the task of finding their father still looming overhead, life today seemed better than it had in a very long time.
A bit later, coffee mugs emptied, refilled by Grace, and almost empty again, a familiar 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.
&nb
sp; “’Fraid not. Funny thing is I was just about to call you guys.”
Michael and Melinda were surprised when she did not return Michael’s flirtatious gesture. She rarely missed an opportunity to hassle him about his ridiculously 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 you don’t mind, I’ll just follow you home. I’m afraid I’m gonna need Charlie on this one.” There was a telling chill in her tone that cooled their good moods; no coffee Grace could brew hot enough to warm 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 mumbled under his breath. Emily let out a short giggle and Melinda just nodded in agreement, not wanting to think about her brother’s sex life.
Mack inhaled, exhaled, and then shook her head, looking torn up.
“Sorry, but I think this is better discussed in person, and I need Charlie present.”
Melinda grabbed the new cell phone she’d gotten that morning, to replace the one she’d broken a day earlier, and tried Charlie’s number. William had left the phone in the kitchen for her before locking himself in his luxury dungeon. Always on the ball that vampire. She never needed for anything.
“Voicemail,” she whispered to Mack. “Hey, um, Charlie, when you’re awake and um, whatever, we need you home, okay. Mack needs our help. Like ASAP.”
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.
“Mornin’ to you too, Grace.” Mack gave her a curt nod.
“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 you back here real soon.”
“I definitely will.” Melinda paused. “Thank you, Grace.” She needed to say it. It was nice not to be treated like the local freak.
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.
CHARLIE LAY SPRAWLED across the floor. A sheet partially covered his nakedness. 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 suggested lustfully. She lifted her head, to see his response.
“You know I can’t. 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 up, so she faced him. “You’re right, that is a smart design. And I’m sure you’re right that I can’t hurt you, Nina. But I don’t dare chance it. I will be back tomorrow night,” he reminded, as much for her benefit as his own.
He pushed her backwards, the weight of him pressing down, pinning her to the floor. A mouth invasion and a pulse pounding moan later, his body ached to stay all day and night. Screw the full moon. Screw his life. Screw everything! Especially the hot, curvaceous body underneath him.
Charlie pulled back, letting out a disappointed groan. He freed her and sat up, searching for his clothes. Nina laughed and located her tee shirt. Oh, right. Destroyed. She ran to a closet and grabbed another. 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 grab for a coffee can just barely within her reach. She was doing it on purpose and he knew it. But holy hell she had a splendid ass. The perfect amount of jiggle, and plenty to grab onto while he... God damn it. He threw on his tank and shorts, walking up behind her. His arms easily stretched over her head to grab the can, keeping it teasingly out of her reach. He pressed up against her, showing what her sexy curves had just done to him.
She let out a tempting breath and turned her head to look at him. “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 caved, handing her the can. He backed away with hands in the air as if to surrender. He took a seat on a tall stool at the bar in the kitchen, adjusting himself until he’d cooled down.
“So, Nina, how are you anyway?”
“Now you ask?” she replied, 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 wolfman 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 incredible and terrible.”
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. A mutual understanding of what they both wanted. Release. With no strings attached. No complications.
“So it’s life as usual.” Nina handed him the first cup from the coffee pot.
“Yeah, life as usual.”
“If you want me to be honest, Charlie, there’s something different about you.”
Nina was always keen on seeing the 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 was nothing of importance.
“Actually, I think you’re right. The wolf is much more present than usual. Definitely extra frisky and aggressive.”
He shook his head, wearing a grin. This was true. Although she certainly hadn’t minded last night.
She chuckled, poured herself a coffee, and joined him at the island. “It’s sort of like the moon is demanding you transform, Charlie. Almost like it’s saying you’ve avoided me long enough, you’re out of time.”
He stared in bewilderment. Nina was right, as usual.
“It frightens you, doesn’t it?” She reached out and stroked his stubble-covered cheek.
“It does.” There was no point in hiding the truth. “But I’ll deal with it, just like I do every full moon.” He tossed her a smile that said not to worry about it. “I think last night took off some of the pressure.” He licked the tip of her nose, ready to claim her lips when his phone buzzed indicating he had voicemail. He had turned the ringer off before arriving at Nina’s the night before.
“Damn. Duty calls,” he grumbled after listening to Melinda’s message. He really was going to have to leave and go back to reality.
“You witches, always on the job.” Nina cracked 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 he didn’t have time to decipher.
She pulled away. He groaned again.
“Tomorrow night, Nina. You’d better be ready for me.”
She sucked in. Her head filled with a delighted haze as she escorted him to the front porch and watched him disappear down the road.
“Oh, my big bad wolfma
n.” Nina’s voice grew uneven, riddled with emotion. “I'm afraid there won’t be a tomorrow night. My duty calls as well.”
She stepped back into the house, slipped the protection ring off her finger, and walked into the bedroom gently placing the ring in the center of the sea of white covering her unused bed.
She lovingly ran her hands over the blanket, erasing any creases or wrinkles.
She stood, taking a deep, certain 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.
He smelled her blood before she’d gotten down the first stair. He breathed it in. It was tolerable now, but as she got closer, that tolerance lowered.
“William,” she called out. “You probably already heard her in the kitchen, but if not, Mack’s here and she needs our help with something.” Melinda’s fearful inflection shoved his cravings back in their rightful place. Yes. This is a good shock to the system. A reminder of where his cravings needed to remain. Locked away, at a safe distance for all.
He exited his cell after she unlocked it for him.
Cravings in their rightful place or not, William kept to the opposite side of the kitchen near an open window as far from Melinda as he could get without raising suspicions over his actions. Better safe than sorry. There was still a hint of human blood in him.
Michael asked Mack if she’d like a cup of coffee.
“Can’t ever turn down a good cup.” She nodded thanks as he filled a mug from the freshly brewing pot. Michael grabbed the cream and sugar, adding just a touch of cream and three heaping teaspoons of sugar.
“Damn my sweet tooth,” Mack joked uneasily when he handed her the cup.
“Charlie called,” Michael announced, for Melinda and William’s sake. “He’ll be here any minute.”
