WE WITCHES THREE BOOK 3

ISLE OF ECHOES

MELINDA HOWARD BLEW out an exhausted breath and plunked down into an open chair on the sidewalk, just outside of the Wicked Muddy Café. Her friend, Emily Morgan, plunked down in the empty chair next to her.

“Look at all these bags!” Emily exclaimed. “I don’t remember the last time I did so much shopping.”

“And it’s only nine in the morning,” said Melinda.

“Just a couple hours until your date with Riley,” her friend squealed. Melinda didn’t know who was more excited, her or Emily.

“Maybe I should get decaf today. I got no sleep last night, but my nerves are shot and adding caffeine to the mix...”

“Too excited to sleep?”

“Excited. Nervous. Confused.”

“Confused?”

Melinda let out another exasperated breath. “Emily, if I tell you something, do you promise not to tell anyone, even Michael?”

Emily’s look turned quite serious. “Of course. You can tell me anything.”

Melinda shook her head in dismay, unsure how to start the conversation. It took her a moment to work up the courage to say, “It’s William.”

“What about him?”

“Well, I’ve sort of always had this crush on him.”

“I can see that happening. William is a major catch. There’s just no denying that fact. I can’t imagine living under the same roof and not having a thing for him... don’t tell Michael I said that.”

Melinda bit her lip trying not to laugh. “Yeah, let’s not kill his ego. Anyway, until a couple months ago, the William thing was just a crush. And then I started having these dreams. All this began before I met Riley,” she made sure to point out. “But the dreams were...” Melinda paused at a loss for words.

“Steamy,” guessed Emily.  

“Very! I keep telling myself to just forget about it. And then I met Riley and I really do like him, but last night this thing happened.”

“With William?”

“Yes. And I’m probably reading too much into it, but we had this moment. An intense, intimate moment, but after it happened he just vanished. Did his super-speedy vampire thing and hightailed it out of the house. I got up early this morning, since I wasn’t sleeping anyway because I wanted to clear the air, but he still wasn’t home.”

“Is William aware you’re dating someone?”

“I don’t even know if I am dating someone! I’ve only known Riley just over a day. He’s so...” she blew out a breath. Hot. Incredible. Easy to be with. Fits me like he was meant for me. “No one knows except you, Emily. At least I don’t think anyone knows.”

“Well, you can’t date William. He’s off limits.” She scrunched her nose. “Isn’t he?”

“I think he is. I mean, I thought he was.”

“Until last night,” Emily understood.

“I keep telling myself last night didn’t change anything. He is still off limits. Even so, is this all fair to Riley? When I can’t seem to get William out of my head. If I was given a choice right now between the two of them, I don’t know which one I’d pick. I am totally excited about seeing Riley. But, well...” Melinda trailed off. 

“What?”

“What if my dream about William wasn’t just a dream?”

“You think it was a prophetic dream?”

“How can I be sure? Sometimes it’s really clear. But these dreams could go either way. People have steamy dreams all the time. But I can’t say for certain, one way or another on these dreams. What if it’s not just a dream? Should I ignore it? Can I ignore it?”

“Geez, this is a conundrum. It’s too bad you couldn’t talk to your brothers about this.”

“That’s so not going to happen.”

“That would be a bad idea,” agreed Emily. “Like you said though, what happened last night with William didn’t change how you feel about Riley.”

“No. It didn’t. Maybe it’s just that I don’t want to hurt William. I do love him. Regardless of what kind of love it can be. Or can’t be.” She shrugged, unsure if she was making sense, but Emily understood.

“Perhaps that’s why he left. He needed a little space to think. I’m sure he loves you too, in some way. But if William is off limits, and Riley is not...”

“You know, Em, it’s weird, but I think I can be anybody I want to be when I’m with Riley. Like I’m starting fresh. Not that I can’t be with William. It’s just been a bit awkward around him lately.”

“There’s nothing wrong with how Riley makes you feel as long as you’re being yourself.”

“And I am. It’s more like, the self I want to be. The self I’ve forgotten about. I hardly know him, but I swear I could be whatever I want, and he’d accept me, no matter what.”

“Melinda,” started Emily, “it sounds to me like Riley is perfect for you. I don’t think you should question that at all.”

Melinda let out a nervous laugh in reply. 

“So are you going to tell your brothers that you’re dating someone?”

“Not for a little while. I want Riley to be absolutely head over heels crazy about me before I do. So much so, that any amount of drilling by Charlie or Michael won’t scare him away.”

Emily tossed Melinda a hopeful smile before saying, “Why don’t I grab...” she trailed off as Grace, the owner and operator of the Wicked Muddy Café, sauntered out of the front door, two steaming mugs in her hands.

“Saw you two with all those packages, decided to deliver your coffees myself this mornin’.”

“This is so nice of you,” Emily said, cautiously taking hold of her mug.

“Hope I got your cream right, Melinda.” Grace tossed her a wink.

“Thank you, Grace.” Melinda grabbed her mug and took a sip. She looked up, amazed. “I don't know how you did it, but the cream is perfect.”

The café owner nodded as if she already knew this. 

Melinda and Emily tossed each other a questioning look, after seeing Grace eyeing the passersby, suspiciously. They followed her gazes, but all they saw was the usual mix of locals and tourists bustling up and down the cobblestone streets. 

“Looking for someone in particular Grace?” Emily prodded.

Grace surprised them by taking a seat at the table. She leaned in close. “Did ya’ hear?” She kept her volume at a gruff whisper.

“Hear what?” Melinda questioned.

“Clearly you haven’t, or you’d know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout.”

Melinda looked at Grace as if to say, What on earth are you talking about?

Grace took one more glance to make sure no one would overhear. She leaned in even closer, speaking in a subdued, but ominous, tone. “The Deanes have returned to The Demon Isle.”

Melinda dropped her mug, spilling the coffee. The mug bounced off the edge of the table, but Grace caught it before it crashed against the sidewalk.

“Oh sorry, Dearie,” Grace apologized. “I should have warned you this was a put your coffee down first kind of reveal.” She used a towel hanging off her belt to wipe up the spill.

Melinda just stared, unable to speak.

Even Emily understood this was not a good thing.

“How?” Melinda finally uttered. “How dare they come back here? It’s been over seventy years, and why come back now? A lot of innocent people died because of them. Howards died because of them. Are they even permitted to come back here?” Her thoughts streamed out in a gust of bewilderment.

“I know. I know,” Grace agreed. “But they still legally own property on the Isle. Someone saw lights up at the old house last night.”

“Did some tourists rent the place?” Emily questioned.

“That was my first thought too until two of ‘em came into the café this morning. Not sure how many there are all together.”

“There were Deanes... in your café?” Melinda clarified, gulping hard as she spoke.

“Sure enough. And to be honest, they seemed nice. Normal actually. Nothing to indicate they were still dabbling in the dark magic.”

“Still. Deanes...” Melinda wasn’t sure how to feel other than wary. “I should go tell Charlie, Michael, and William. They need to know about this.”

“One other thing,” Grace stopped her. “I couldn’t help but overhear them.”

Melinda held back a smirk, understanding that Grace overheard them on purpose.

“They mentioned you guys.”

“They spoke the Howard name?” For some reason this infuriated Melinda.

“Yup. They were talking about walking right up to your house and introducing themselves.”

“Well that doesn’t seem like a bad thing,” Emily thought aloud.

Melinda huffed, distrustfully. “A Deane is a Deane! They cannot be trusted. Dark magic is in their blood!”

Grace grabbed their mugs. “I’m sure you guys'll do what’s best.” She disappeared back inside the cafe.

“C’mon,” said Melinda to Emily. They hoisted their shopping bags and headed toward the Howard Mansion.

“Are you going to cancel your date?” asked Emily as they walked.

“I don’t see what good that would do. If anyone can get my mind off the sudden return of the Deanes...” Melinda smiled knowingly, not finishing.

A few minutes later, they stepped up the stone staircase and walked through the doors of the mansion. Emily made her way into the kitchen while Melinda headed upstairs, throwing her shopping bags onto her bedroom floor. She turned to leave and found the doorway blocked.

“William,” her voice dropped. “You’re home.” She wanted to speak with him, but had no idea where to start. 

“Yes. I am home, Melinda. I was hoping we could speak for a moment.”

“I was actually hoping that too.”

He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, waiting patiently for her to continue. She’d hoped he would go first and struggled to find the right words.

“I think maybe I did something wrong last night.” Her skin flushed, and she couldn’t stop the flutter pounding in her chest.

She didn’t notice William’s pained wince as her flutter flew out at him, like his own personal calling card. He had to say his piece quickly before he lost his nerve.

“You did nothing wrong, Melinda. The fault was mine. But you should know, though I care for you deeply, I cannot return any feelings you might have for me.”

She swallowed a bundle of nerves, holding back a shocked exhale. He was blunt and right to the point. Like I should have expected anything less.

His bluntness didn’t make it any easier.

And when he said, ‘care for you deeply,’ what did that mean? Like a good friend. Like the mentor and confidant he’d always been to her, and her family. Or on a more personal level? She didn’t have the guts to ask him.

She shrugged, tugging at her lip. “I do understand, William. You’ve made it abundantly clear you don’t date humans. It’s just... ugh, this whole thing started over a stupid dream.” She sucked in, disbelieving it slipped out of her mouth.

“A dream?” His brow furrowed, his emerald eyes darkened with uncertainty. “Was it... was it a prophetic dream?” It was the first time Melinda ever heard the slightest stammer when he spoke. 

“Um,” she stalled, petrified to answer him. “I don’t think so.” It came out more like a question, and not a definite, no way on earth! Which was the answer she was certain William prayed to hear. Meaning, he must not have any personal feelings for you and is put off by the thought, so get over it.

His mouth opened to speak, but closed. His tongue befuddled.

Melinda’s face burned hot. Blood rushed, turning her cheeks a deep shade of red.

“I don’t think it was prophetic, William. But I can’t honestly say I’m totally sure about that.”

A slight note of relief returned to the vampire’s gaze.

“Sorry, William. I can’t help what I dream. More than anything, it got me thinking about you differently. I’m sorry it even happened. I’ve put it out of my mind.” Well, not really, but I’m trying to... It wasn’t the first time in the previous months she’d thought of him as more than a school girl crush. But she wasn’t ready to admit that to him, just yet. This conversation was awkward enough already. 

William was at a loss for words.

He realized that the glimpse of what he’d seen in her mind had not been her thoughts, but an actual dream. The two of them together floating on a bed of white surrounded by a vast sea. The taste of her lips... the sounds... the movements.

Whether prophetic dreams or Melinda’s subconscious, either way the visions of what he’d seen in her mind were now embedded in his brain. He wished he could go back and tell himself not to drop his guard, not to enter her mind. Now, there was no way to get these visions, these dreams, out of his thoughts.

The more the memories drummed through his head, the fact it was a dream made the situation worse. Much worse. What if Melinda did have a prophetic dream?

His gaze came to a stop on the vein pulsing blood into her cheeks.

He closed his eyes with a silent groan, wondering how he would ever get the memory of her dreams out of his mind. Were all her dreams so vivid, and lifelike? Or had he been a vampire for such a long time he’d forgotten what it was like to dream? This was an extreme possibility. Regardless, forgetting them was not possible unless he found some way to scrape them out of his mind.

He frowned. Intense and lifelike set aside, they could not be prophetic dreams. The white bed floating on a vast sea, it made no logical sense. It had to be a regular dream and nothing more.

“William,” Melinda called out.

It sounded distant, his mind far away. He opened his eyes to see her baby blues drenched in too many emotions to capture just one.

“Sorry, Melinda. My mind was... wandering.” That was putting it lightly.

“I didn’t think you were capable of letting your mind wander.” Her mouth twitched into a weak smile.

“It is a rare occurrence.”

Her cheeks flushed. She had no idea what was going on in the vampire’s mind, and he didn’t seem to want to share, other than being vague. 

“Are we okay, William?” Apprehension rained heavy on her lips. “I don’t want there to be any weirdness between us. You’re my best friend. I don’t think I could stand it if we can’t be like we’ve always been.”

William smiled. Not his wide grin. Not his easy going, everything is perfect, grin.

A strained, crooked grin, that claimed, yes, we’re okay.

She didn’t think he believed it any more than she did.

Melinda sighed, more confused than ever. She did not know what his reactions meant. Did he have feelings for her? Did it matter if he did? She was pretty confident that no matter the answer, the outcome was the same.

“Melinda,” William began. “We are fine. I only needed to be clear about where I stand. You’re a beautiful young woman, and I’m certain in time you’ll find the right man for you.” It is not me. It can never be me. He hoped she understood this silent message as he found the words too difficult to say aloud.

Melinda nodded. Yup. As she expected. The outcome was definitely the same either way. But Melinda still had no idea if William felt anything more for her than just normal friendship, or was speaking purely about her own feelings toward him. 

She toyed with telling him about Riley but held off. Perhaps one awkward and far too serious conversation was enough for one day. Serious. Deanes. The reason she’d raced home.

“Oh my God! William, I need to talk to you, Charlie, and Michael like, right now! I almost forget. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to shorten our talk, but I just found out something you guys need to know. That’s why I came home actually.”

He motioned for her to go ahead. “I’ll be right down.”

She tossed him a shy smile and headed down to the kitchen.

A mixture of relief and agony stirred in William’s chest. Perhaps he should have left the Isle. He had come close. He’d made up his mind it was the smart decision. The safe decision. But the truth was, he could not bring himself to do it.

The Howards needed him. He had a duty to fulfill. Yes. You keep telling yourself that little white lie.

He’d simply have to keep his feelings in check. He could never allow another moment like last night to happen. Ever. And one like in her dream... he shuddered.

No. Just... no. He could be her friend, her confidant as always, but keep an unclimbable wall between them.

He made his way down the stairs to see Charlie and Michael coming in from the yard in the back. They were covered in splotches of dirt from head to toe.

“We were planting and weeding in the garden and greenhouse,” Michael explained.

Emily hopped across the room and planted a kiss on his lips.

“Wants me even when I’m covered in dirt.” He nipped at her nose.

“You’re even more handsome covered in dirt. Planting a garden is totally hot.”

“Seriously! You're playing right to his ego!” Melinda gagged. “More important things to discuss, anyway,” she reminded Emily.

“Right, of course.” She backed away.

“What’s up?” Michael washed up at the sink. He shook his head and sighed before Melinda answered. “You’re drenched in freaking out.”

“Is that even a real... never mind?” Melinda shot him a nasty glare for using his empathic ability on her. “Anyway, there’s a good reason I’m in freak out mode.” There were many actually, but only one they needed to know right now. 

“What is it?” urged Charlie, sounding overly eager. “Whatever it is, I can take care of it.”

“It is not exactly a taking-care-of-it type situation, Charlie. More like a something we need to be aware of and watch out for, situation.”

“I can still handle it.” Charlie clapped his hands together. “Just tell me what you need done.”

“What is up with you today?” Melinda put her hands on her hips, amused by her brother's behavior. He looked nearly ready to jump out of his seat.

“He’s been like this all morning,” muttered Michael with an eye roll.

“Sorry.” Charlie cleared his throat, forcing himself to sit down. “Didn’t sleep last night, but I am wired this morning. Ready to try on my new life I guess... speaking of my new life,” he lifted his hand, nodding toward the black ring on his finger, gifted from the Guardian, Nina. “As I said, I didn't sleep last night, so I had plenty of time to think about some things.”

“Um, okay,” shrugged Melinda, now sidetracked.

Charlie gazed at her and Michael. “I have decided that I don't want the two of you on the front lines anymore. I have the ring now. I'm protected. You guys are not.”

“I don't know as that's your decision,” Michael argued. “And sometimes, there is no choice.”

“And how is this new?” Melinda pointed out. “You've sort of always taken lead Charlie.” She glanced at William for backup.

“While I may agree with what Melinda and Michael are saying, I have to agree more with Charlie,” William spoke evenly. Before any argument broke out, William clarified his stance. “If it is a situation Charlie can manage, I suggest we allow this. He has protection, you two do not. There is no need to take unnecessary risks.”

Charlie nodded firmly in agreement.

“Fine. Whatever,” Melinda caved. “Still more important things to discuss anyway.”

“Oh, right. Sorry,” said Charlie. “What's up?”

Melinda inhaled deeply and upon exhaling, she revealed, “The Deanes are back on The Demon Isle.”

“Oh,” stammered Charlie.

“What do you mean, back?” It wasn’t sinking into Michael’s head yet. 

“I mean back. Like living here again. I don’t know how many of them there are. Grace met two of them this morning when they came into her café for coffee. She said they talked about coming up to the house and meeting us. Face to face.”

“No Deane will step foot inside this house!” determined Charlie. He stood up as if this somehow made his statement more serious.

“What he said.” Michael nodded for added agreement. “Dark magic and Deanes go hand in hand.”

Melinda looked to William for his opinion.

The vampire’s eyes darkened and a look of bitterness flitted across his face, which just as quickly turned blank and emotionless. “I am not certain how to feel about this. The Deanes have been gone for many years.”

Anger rippled through Charlie, his chest heaving with each raspy breath he exhaled. He set his jaw, narrowing his eyes in contempt. How could William not know how to feel? Deanes are evil. Period. It did not matter how many years had passed.

“I admit,” continued William, “it brings up many painful memories. At the same time, I cannot help but wonder if this is what the Guardian, Nina, spoke of? Is this one of the battles to come? Or perhaps... perhaps we are passing judgment too soon. Perhaps they have chosen not to follow in their ancestors' footsteps. The fact that they are willing to show up at the front door of the Howard family to introduce themselves is worth discussing.”

“I’m sorry.” Charlie’s voice fumed with distrust. “I don’t think I can accept the Deanes being back, or that they come in peace.” His voice started to shake with anger. “And you of all people, William. You were here when it happened, when they battled the Howards for control of The Demon Isle. They killed three of us that day. Plus a slew of others that came to our aid.” 

A low snarl slipped through the vampire's lips. His eyes tightened in indignant remembrance. “I recall quite clearly what was lost that day.” William spoke sharply as if insulted by the unneeded reminder.

His cutting sharpness caught the siblings off guard. They dared not speak.

William turned to leave spitting out, “I must think on this,” and dashed out of the mansion in a flash.

That’s the second time in twenty-four hours he’s done that. Melinda felt terrible that she’d been the cause of the first occurrence.

“Good one, Charlie,” rebuked Michael. “Piss off the vampire.”

“William is just upset,” Melinda insisted. “It was a tragic time for him.”

“A time in which the Howard line was almost wiped out!” reminded Charlie. “I will not allow that to happen again.”

“And we all agree with you. But we do need William for this,” Michael argued.

“He'll be back soon,” Charlie said, not worried about their mentor. “Even vampires need to blow off steam now and again.”

“Just try to be a bit more sensitive,” Melinda suggested. “Or has that ring suddenly stripped you of that ability?”

“I wasn't trying to be harsh. I just refuse to believe the Deanes being back on the Isle can be a good thing. No matter what William thinks, or has lived through in the past.”

Melinda had no argument to that point.

Emily shook with a sudden chill. Michael whisked to her side, rubbing his hands up and down her bare arms. “We're freaking you out, aren't we? There's no reason to be afraid. It's just such shocking news.”

“But you've told me the stories, Michael, and if the Deanes haven't changed, there is reason to be afraid.”

Melinda scoffed in a huff. “You mean how the Deanes were once the dearest friends and allies of the Howard family, and how they started dabbling in dark magic, which infected them, turning them evil. Then they betrayed their friends by murdering them...”

Michael attempted poorly to ignore the feelings of confusion and anger swirling off his siblings and girlfriend. “We should probably warn Mack. She’ll prefer to hear this news from us.”

“Yeah, will you call her, Michael?” Charlie didn’t wait for a response, bounding off his stool and up the stairs to his bedroom.

His head in a daze, he leaned his muscular arms against the bathroom sink staring into the mirror. He didn’t bother shaving. It would just grow back by the end of the day anyway.

His mind raced with a hundred thoughts, none very coherent but each having to do with the Deanes. He spun around and turned on the shower, waiting until it was steamy hot to slip under the water. The heat would have scalded any normal person. But it was perfect for Charlie’s wolf warmed skin.

It did nothing to relax him though.

Why was it he always thought a hot shower, or cold one, would ever help him with whatever mood he was in? It never did.

He gave up, hopping out, and threw on some shorts and a tank top. He leapt down the stairs and stepped onto the front porch. From this vantage point, he could peer down over the bustling streets of the main town, but also up to the opposite side of town, where dilapidated turrets poked out of the treetops. The Deane Manor.

Could they not get a break? They hadn’t even had time to sit down and have a family meeting to discuss how to find their father. He aimed a snarl toward the Deane Manor, his eyes a fury of silver. Whatever it took, he would not allow another massacre at the hand of the Deanes.

##

“MACK WAS JUST AS SURPRISED as we were,” Michael said upon hanging up the phone after a long chat with the sheriff. “Someone had told her they’d seen movement up at the old Deane place, but she had no idea it was actually Deanes.”

“Well there isn’t a thing we can do about it right now.” Melinda decided to put the worry out of her mind for the time being. “Besides, our focus should be on finding Dad. We'll just have to deal with the Deanes, later.” As she spoke, her eyes grazed the clock on the kitchen wall. Another hour until her date with Riley. A ripple of butterflies started in her throat, working their way downward, spiraling through her stomach.

Michael frowned, about to question her when Emily sidetracked him. “Do you have time to give me a ride home, Michael? I promised Dad I would have lunch with him today. You could join us,” she urged. 

Stupid empathic ability Melinda’s mind rambled. Could she keep nothing private?

“Ride, sure, of course. Anything for the woman who loves me covered in dirt.” He sucked in sharply. “Except I can’t do lunch though, sorry.”

“Plans?” asked Emily.

“Yeah. Eva Jordan called me this morning, to see if I’d like to have lunch at her place, to meet her father.” 

“Oh, right. Anthony Jordan.”

“Author of The Modern Day Guide to the Supernatural,” finished Michael. “Too bad you have to meet your dad. Why not just come with me, meet a famous author,” he enticed. “Well, more like infamous,” he restated. 

“I hate to disappoint Dad, but I really would love to meet Mr. Jordan.”

“I’d like to see just how much he really knows,” Michael said. “His book is thorough, and with no magical ties that we know of, I'm curious how he gathers his information, and very curious to find out what he knows about the Isle.”

Emily leaned in and kissed him. “Handsome and curious. My kind of man.”

“I’m totally being a geek right now, huh?”

“A very, very handsome one though.”

Melinda helped Emily pick up her bags, handing Michael a few to carry for her.

“Thanks,” she mouthed to Emily.

“Good luck,” Emily mouthed back, trying not to grin. 

“You know what, Michael?” decided Emily. “I'll call Dad. He won’t mind if I miss lunch. I can always have dinner with him instead.”

“That would be perfect. I can join you for dinner, too.”

Emily stopped and looked him in the eye. “Are you trying to keep me in your sight for a reason? Are you afraid I might run into a Deane or something?”

“Nah,” he played it off, waving his hands around as if she were crazy. “Just hate to take away from your time with me.”

“Intriguing theory,” she muttered, as they loaded her packages into the jeep.

It was only in part, the Deane problem. It was much more that every time he let her out of his sight lately, it seemed like she was getting into some kind of supernatural trouble. He wanted to keep her close, and safe, today. An uneventful day, having lunch with an author and paranormal researcher he was excited to meet.

##

MELINDA RACED UP THE stairs to her room, dumping the contents of her shopping bags onto her bed. “Which one? Which one?” She stood in front of a full-length mirror, draping dress after dress in front of her body. She finally decided on a light beige one, which she slipped over her head. The dress nearly disappeared against her creamy skin. It was perfectly fitted across her chest, flowing out slightly at the waist, and stopped a couple inches above her knees. A single strap tied it securely around her neck.

She let out a doubtful breath upon seeing her full image in the mirror. “I’m really going to step outside dressed like this? There’s nothing to this thing. I’m so... bare. How did Emily talk me into buying this?”

She grabbed a sweater, just in case she had the sudden urge to cover up. Ugh. This is supposed to be a new, bolder me.

She looked at the sweater. Security blanket much? What are you, six years old?

“Whatever, it might get cold,” she argued aloud.

Melinda rushed to brush her teeth, running a comb through the tangled mess she called hair, locking her bangs behind her ears. At the last minute, she decided to try on a little mascara; another item Emily had talked her into buying. She fiddled with the packaging, finally tearing it open. She applied it and gawked at the hideous clumps now lining her lashes.

“Ugh. Terrible!” She snatched a washcloth and rubbed it off. “I’m going to need Emily to show me how to wear this stuff.”

She grabbed the sweater, slipped on her flip-flops and rushed out of the mansion to meet Riley. She stopped on the front porch when she noticed Charlie perched on a stool like he was keeping guard of the house.

“Hey, Kiddo.” He noticed how she was dressed. “New, I take it?”

“Yes. Emily picked it out for me. Not sure I’m digging it yet, but last night I went through my closet and let's just say there's now a very large bag of clothing to donate to the thrift store.”

“It looks nice, Sis. Very... summery. Emily made a good pick.”

“Thanks.”

He really wanted to ask if it had to be so very short. But it wasn’t his choice, and she wasn’t a kid. Most importantly, she was leaving the house, looking excited to do so. His sister could leave dressed in anything as long as she was eager to leave.

However, he knew what thoughts swirled around guy’s heads, and just what they’d be thinking if they got a good look at her walking around in that dress. He grimaced, holding his tongue. She’s not a kid, he reminded himself.

She showed him her sweater. “I’m prepared if it gets chilly.” Yup. Keep telling yourself it’s not a security blanket. “What are you doing out here anyway? You know that staring at the Deane Manor will not solve anything, right?” 

Charlie shrugged. “Just feel a little... out of sorts at the moment. The Deanes are back and we have no idea what their motives are for being here. I am free to live a normal life, whatever that is. However, at this very moment, I am actually thinking about Dad.”

“Oh, okay. What about?”

“Just an idea I want to pass by William, maybe a way to track what direction the blackness monster headed after it took Dad.”

“Blackness monster?”

“No idea what else to call it,” he chuckled. “But if I’m right, we might at least be able to find out what direction it headed when it left the Isle. It’s a long shot though, and a direction doesn’t give us a heck of a lot to go by.”

“It would be more than we have to go on now. Do you need my help?” she asked, hoping he would say no. Instantly, she was guilt ridden. She should be willing to give up a thousand dates to help find her father.

“No. Not right now anyway. Even if my idea works, it will take some time. Just go. Have some fun. You’re obviously headed somewhere.”

“But if you need my help, I can stay.”

“To be honest, it’s nice to see you eager to leave,” he admitted, carefully.

“I did promise to try to get a life.” She stepped down the stairs.

“You got your phone, right?”

She tapped her handbag and nodded. Charlie waved as she disappeared down the street. One bright spot in all the gloom. His sister was leaving the house, voluntarily. And seemed happy about it. He was so thrilled he didn’t think to ask where she was headed.

A few minutes later, he assumed William had returned home as there was a commotion coming from the back of the mansion. His eyes narrowed. William doesn’t make commotions...

When Charlie stepped into the back he froze, eyes wide with amused delight. It was definitely not the vampire. Rather two beautiful young women with eyes and hair the color of the ocean dancing in the garden; their luscious blue locks were the only thing covering their bodies as they danced. They had knocked over and broken a clay pot the brothers had been planning to use in the garden.

“My dear merladies,” called out Charlie, recognizing their true form at once. “What brings you out of the ocean?”

He approached cautiously. The local mermaids were not typically hostile, but one could never be too careful, as they did have severe tempers known to flare at a moment's notice.

They saw him, squealed, and came bouncing over to him. Charlie averted his eyes as they each grabbed hold of a hand and pulled at him to follow them.

“You are Howard, yes?” one asked in a wispy, bashful voice.

“Yes, a Howard?” the other emulated similarly.

“Yes. I’m Charlie Howard,” he confirmed.

“Please to help,” one begged.

“Our sister.”

“Needs help.”

“Yes. We go now.”

“Must hurry.” They tugged at him, begging him to follow.

“Only have to sunset.”

“To get back in water.”

Charlie sucked in a breath and kept his ground, forcing them to let go. Attractive or not, he needed to know more before tromping off with the merladies to who knows where, getting into who knows what, kind of trouble.

He held up his arms. “Hold up just a second, ladies. What kind of trouble is this sister in?”

The merladies echoed each other as if speaking with one mind.

“Caught.”

“Cannot get free.”

“Must get back into water.”

“Before sunset.”

“Please.”

“Not much time.”

“We must go.”

One of the merladies grabbed his hand, but before tugging him away lifted his fingers peering at the black ring on his finger, admiring it closely. “So pretty. Shiny.”

And so easily distractible, noted Charlie, pulling his ring finger out of her grasp. “Sister,” he reminded with a chuckle.

“Oh, yes! Sister.”

“Come, we save now.” They nodded enthusiastically. 

“Okay, I’ll help you,” decided Charlie, grateful for something to keep his mind off the Deanes. Before he asked where they were heading, the merladies squealed again, wrapping themselves around him. His breath hitched, his hands unable to ignore the two curvy merladies adorning his body.

His wolf senses tingled. Paranoia setting in. Were these merladies really here just for his help? He stared down at them and wondered. Why did his wolf not trust them? They were just innocent mermaids that needed help. This was the sort of thing he did.

He chastised his wolf.

Shake This. The heck. Off.

Stupid paranoid wolf needs to shut up and let me help these lasses free their sister.

It kind of sucked that the ring didn’t rein in the wolf paranoia. He still had so much to learn about the limitations of his new ring.

He shook himself to get back in the moment. “Okay, ladies, if we are going to be traipsing around the Isle in broad daylight, I am afraid we’re going to have to find you some clothes.”

They stepped back looking down at their bodies and then back up at Charlie.

“Don’t like clothes,” one of them pouted.

“No. Don’t like,” the other echoed. 

“Hard to wear,” they chimed together.

“Scratchy. Pully. Tight,” the second scowled.

The first one shook her head in agreement.

I can’t believe I’m arguing with mermaids to put clothes on... “Like them or not, ladies, humans wear clothing. So you’re just going to have to, for today. Give me a minute and I’ll find something from my sister's closet for you. Just... wait right here.” He ran inside the house.

When he came back out a few minutes later, he stopped, gawking wordlessly; the merladies were now frolicking through a sprinkler that had just turned on in the garden. His head did a line of bounces as he followed their movements. Since there was no salt in the water, their human legs remained. Only saltwater from the ocean transformed their legs into flippers.

He could not deny they were gorgeous. And built just to his liking. His eyes pinched in suspicion again. The wolf would not relent. It twitched just under his skin as if trying to warn him something was off. It was no secret in the supernatural community that Charlie Howard had a thing for curves. He’d never understood why any woman would suffer and starve themselves to be skin and bones.

“Stupid media,” he growled out vague blame. “Ruins far too many perfectly beautiful women.” On this subject, he and his wolf agreed.

He cleared his throat, calling out, “Ladies,” to regain the mermaid’s attention. “My sister won’t mind if you borrow these, she was getting rid of them anyway.”

They danced forward, grabbing the dresses. Charlie averted his gaze, but couldn’t suppress a laugh while listening to them attempting to dress themselves. 

“Please to help?” one of them requested a minute later.

“Oh, um. Yeah. Turn around. Just needs to be zipped up.” His hand brushed against her skin as he finished. She twisted around, grasping it in her own, stroking it.

“Such strong hands. Good for saving sister.” Her long blue locks shifted in the breeze, enthralling Charlie. “What a shiny ring,” she cooed softly, attention again on the Guardian ring on his finger. 

“Yes, shiny,” repeated Charlie, absentmindedly. She lifted his hand, kissing it gently. It left a pleasant sort of numbness that crept up his arm.

The sister mermaid skipped over to them, bringing them both back into reality. 

“We go now, to sister,” she spoke. 

Charlie squinted his eyes, the strange haze lifting.

He suppressed a laugh when he saw the mermaid’s dress was on backwards as well as inside out. “Good enough I guess. Yes, let’s go save your sister now. Please, ladies, you lead the way.”

##

MELINDA TRIED TO PACE herself as she edged closer to the Wicked Muddy Café where she was to meet Riley. She did not want to appear too eager, but when he came into view, her grin would not obey her, widening happily. He was parking his motorcycle down the street from the café. 

He came! He really came. She realized she’d been thinking he might not. She had worried that somehow he would find out that the locals thought of her as the town freak, and decide to dump her before they’d even had a real date. 

“Hi,” Riley called out, as she approached. “I hope you don’t mind, but I changed our plans.” His eyes smoldered with mysterious anticipation.

“Okay,” was all Melinda managed to reply. She had completely lost her breath upon seeing him. He leaned in a stole a quick kiss, pulling away much faster than Melinda would have preferred. He winked, seeing the pout on her face. 

“I’m saving the good stuff for later.”

How Melinda had questioned if he was right for her, or let her feelings for William make her doubt, she had no idea.

He nodded to the back of his motorcycle. There was a picnic basket tied down to the top of the saddlebag. “I found the perfect spot,” he claimed. “I can’t wait to show it to you.”

Melinda was not hungry, at least not for food. She tugged at her lip and looked down at her dress. “Didn’t prepare for a motorcycle ride. I wasn’t even thinking when I got dressed.” Yeah, this dress was the worst choice, ever!

“No, it’s perfect. You look even more beautiful than I remembered you in my mind.”

“You were thinking about me?”

“Pretty much nonstop. You’re sort of hard not to think about.” He grinned, his eyes dancing to her reaction to this news.

It was all she could do to stop herself from grabbing his lips and forcing him into a much longer kiss.

“Okay. Let’s go. I want to see this perfect spot you found.” She straddled the bike and tucked the dress under her thighs to keep it from blowing up and revealing everything underneath to any passerby.

Melinda caught the eye of an elderly local man driving by, staring at her. His eyes cried out a mixture of hatred and betrayal, rather than the usual, there’s that weird Howard girl... “What’s his problem?” she mumbled under her breath.

“What’s that?” asked Riley.

“Nothing.”

She wrapped her arms around him, body pressed against his making her feel safe and content. But he was wearing far too much leather, and she wanted skin. She daringly ran her hands underneath the edge of his jacket, finding his shirt and wrapped her hands together across his stomach.

Melinda heard him let out a frustrated moan and made to release her hands. He stopped her, turning his head with a look of delight in his eyes. “You have no idea how much I love that.”

Any doubt Melinda felt, vanished completely.

Riley was the perfect man for her.

##

MICHAEL PULLED THE jeep into the Jordan’s driveway. After parking, he hopped out and raced to open the passenger door for Emily, assisting her out of the jeep. He felt a sense of warmth emanating from her over this simple act. He pretended not to, for her sake.

She knew he did and just rolled her eyes. But holding back was impossible. She loved him. Her emotions would show this. And she didn’t want to rein it in. Still, it was sort of unfair that he always knew. And yet they’d always managed before now.

“You read me like an open book,” Michael surprised her by saying.

“Can you read minds now, too?” she jested.

He shook his head. “I just know you as well as you know me. And you’ve always known what I was feeling without the need for a magical ability. I think that’s part of the reason I love you so much.”

She stole a quick kiss. One neither wanted to end so quickly. But they heard the slamming of a screen door and looked to see Anthony Jordan just outside the front of his house.

“I’m so gonna finish that kiss later.” His tone held sinful promises.

The emotion Emily sank into, almost gave Michael no choice but to cancel lunch, and steal her away.

She chuckled. “Maybe this can be more fun than I thought.”

He shook his head and put his arm around her waist, and headed to meet Mr. Jordan.

Eva’s father met them at the bottom of his steps. His hair was stark white, same as his daughter's, except for a few silver whiskers across his chin.

“Michael Howard, I presume,” Anthony spoke vigorously. He held out his hand to shake Michael’s. “Pleasure indeed to meet a witch. Pleasure indeed!”

“Yes, nice to meet you as well,” returned Michael, taking his hand. “Hope you don’t mind, this is my girlfriend, Emily. She runs, Harboring the Book.” He kept secret that she was also a spirit vessel, capable of allowing ghosts to inhabit her body.

“Nice to meet you,” greeted Emily.

Mr. Jordan took hold of Emily’s hand and raised it to his lips, kissing the back of her hand elegantly. “Delighted, my dear, delighted.”

Emily's face went slightly flush as Mr. Jordan gently dropped her hand.

“We are to have a lovely lunch out on the pier.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Emily offered.

Anthony smiled and said no. “My Eva set up everything before she departed this morning.”

“So she’s not here?” Emily confirmed.

“Off on some day hike in the park,” he answered.

“That’s too bad. I was hoping to meet her. Oh well, next time.”

“We have all summer,” noted Mr. Jordan, his voice hopeful that they would meet again. “Follow me if you will.” He led them across the road, down a short path, which opened up to a private pier and beach. Near the end of the pier was a round table with four chairs. He pulled back a chair for Emily.

“Thank you,” she replied, taking a seat. Michael sat next to her with Mr. Jordan across from them.

After helping themselves to iced tea and finger sandwiches, as well as a few minutes taking in the spacious view, Michael started the conversation.

“I have to tell you, Mr. Jordan, that I have read your book cover to cover.”

“Really? Well then, my young sir, it is an honor to have a witch, especially one of your caliber and notoriety, read my work. Let me ask, has the information in the book ever proven useful?”

“Actually, yes. On numerous occasions. The information in your book is quite thorough.”

“Splendid!” he retorted. “What a delight. To know my research has helped in some way.”

“If it's not too much to ask, Mr. Jordan, how did you discover the existence of the supernatural and the paranormal? From what I understand, you’re not descended from a magical line.”

“Ah, yes, it is a simple story really. And you’re right, no magical blood ties whatsoever. My family, we’re just regular humans.” He winked and continued. “When I was a young boy, we lived in a very old house and there were a few... extra residents, if you get my drift.”

“Ghosts?” confirmed Emily.

“Yes. Ghosts. I found them fascinating. And like some young children, I was able to see them. Let's just say I had many imaginary friends. My curiosity never waned though, and I spent my teen years enveloped in research, delving deeper and deeper into the supernatural world. There came a point however, during those years that I stopped seeing the ghosts, but unlike most other youngsters, I did not forget. No siree, I did not forget.” He paused, shifting his body so that he was leaning in closer. 

“I don’t know to this day, why I did not forget, but even though I no longer see those ghosts, I have never stopped believing they are still amongst us.”

Emily coughed, catching herself. She knew they were still amongst us, seeing as one had possessed her body just days earlier. 

Mr. Jordan continued. “That said, it has certainly not been easy, a mere human traipsing in a normally secretive, private world. But I will, until my final breath, find the supernatural and paranormal world intriguing as there is always something new around the corner yet to be discovered.”

He stopped and took a sip of his tea.

“That may seem like a simple story, Mr. Jordan,” said Emily, “But also quite extraordinary.”

“Indeed, indeed.” He held a pensive look in his eye, focused on Michael. “I am supposing you are curious as to why I am here, on The Demon Isle?”

Michael threw a modest shrug in Mr. Jordan's direction. “Can't say the subject didn't cross my mind. I wouldn't be doing my job if it didn't.” 

“As well you should! I am discovering your family is legendary on this Isle. I am sure you feel a strong duty to this island.”

Michael did not respond. He had only recently decided to stay on the Isle, after adamantly arguing it was not the Howard's responsibility to protect it anymore. Mr. Jordan’s statement hung in his mind too. Was he researching the Howard family? What exactly was his purpose on the Isle?

Mr. Jordan continued. “My time here is purely for research purposes. There are many indigenous plants on this Isle that are well known in many magical communities, outside of the Isle. There is an ongoing debate that plants grown here on the Isle are more potent than their counterparts grown elsewhere, plus, like most aware of the supernatural side of the island I am aware of the mystical power source that strengthens the Isle. I am hoping to discover whether the plant’s medicinal qualities are enhanced by this source. Purely for research,” he clarified again. “Curiosity always gets the better of me.”

“Do you think that it's possible?” The idea intrigued Emily. “I've never even thought about how the power source might affect things like local plant life.”

Michael secretly wondered if plant research was all Mr. Jordan was actually researching. He allowed his empathic ability to stretch out and surround Mr. Jordan, but was relieved to get nothing but thrilled excitement over their conversation. 

“The one thing I have learned over the years, dear Emily, is that anything is possible. However, I think my research will prove difficult as my only measure is comparing the same plant families and their compounds from versions grown off the Isle, versus the same growing on the Isle. There are many factors that could change these outcomes, however, including things like climate and growth cycles, not just magical power sources.”

“I don't know as I can be much help,” stated Michael, more confident after not sensing anything sinister. “But I can at least tell you, that even though we have no idea where the source is located, or what fuels this power source, it is not why we are magical. Our family were witches long before we came to this Isle and while we are protectors of the source, and the Isle, it is not the reason we are witches. The Isle's power source does not power us. It is possible to tap into the magic, which is why, unfortunately, malevolent forces incessantly make appearances on the Isle,” he explained.

Mr. Jordan leaned back in his chair, deep in thought over what Michael had said.

“That detail may not seem like much to you,” he said after a while, “but to me it is priceless. If the source does not create your abilities, but can be tapped into, this changes everything! Do the plants on this Isle tap into the power, making them stronger specimen? This could change the course of my research completely! Brilliant!” he concluded.

“Glad to help.” Michael reached out again with his empathic abilities, and again, getting nothing but gratified delight.

Nothing else. Almost like his mind was stuck in one emotion, playing it over and over again. Normally, with others, there were many emotions all at once, with one or two prominent emotions depending on how a person was feeling at the time. Like right now, Emily was happy. However, sided with that happy, was a smaller amount of restlessness and a tiny bit of guilt. Probably over canceling lunch with her father. The restlessness, he was certain of the reason for that. Something he hoped to fix later when they were finally alone again.

It was a rarity that someone felt just one emotion, all the time. Mr. Jordan’s was like a recorded feelings track, which played over and over.

Like Charlie with Eva, Michael could not help but develop an odd sense of distrust in the back of his mind. Something felt off. He decided that he had given Mr. Jordan enough information and hoped that he had noted the gentle reminder of their job here on the Isle: to protect the Isle and its power source.

Mr. Jordan refilled drinks.

“Thanks,” said Emily.

Anthony winked, setting down the carafe of ice tea. “Now, as interesting as this all is, I’m afraid I will find myself rather distracted for the next few days, if not weeks, with the gift your brother and my daughter left in my laboratory last night.”

“Ah, yes, the dead werewolf,” Michael stated.

“You can have it.” Emily shuddered just thinking about it.

It wasn’t a memory Michael was fond of either. “Have you had a chance to examine it yet?”

“Not really. A general, very shocked, once over.”

Michael grimaced. “Yes, I would imagine finding a dead werewolf in your garage would prove a bit of a shock.”

“Indeed. Indeed. But I am curious, no doubt, to see what mysteries lie beneath the surface. And no fear, if I find anything of value, you’ll be the first to know.”

Michael nodded appreciatively, inwardly wondering if leaving the werewolf in the care of Mr. Jordan had been the right move. Normally, they had other measures to take care of supernatural messes that got left behind.

Emily made a strange noise and Michael heard her asking, “What is that?” 

He followed her gaze, off the shore out to deeper waters.

Mr. Jordan turned in his chair and peeked as well.

“There’s someone out there!” She jumped out of her seat, alarmed. She pointed at a rolling wave about thirty feet from the shore where a darkish blue shape, nearly the color of the ocean, was bobbing up and down in the water. It took Michael a moment to catch it in his gaze. 

“Oh my! Is someone in trouble?” Mr. Jordan got out of his chair to investigate. 

Michael jumped up, slipped off his shoes and heavy jeans, diving into the water. He swam vigorously toward the bobbing figure. The water turned from ocean blue to red as he swam closer.

Blood. 

A voice cried out for help.

“Please, it kills,” the voice pleaded. “Cannot get off.”

It appeared to be a woman, with long strands of wavy blue hair.

“Mermaid...” Michael sputtered. A mermaid having trouble in the water? “This can't be good.”

Thump.

Michael gaze tore down below him in the water.

Thump.

Something kept ramming into his legs. A dark shadow circled below. “What’s in the water?” he shouted to the mermaid.

“Big thing. Bad thing.” The mermaid’s voice was weak, and difficult to hear over the splashing of the waves. She thrashed madly, attempting to grasp something on her back.

Michael swam forward and almost swallowed water when he saw what was happening. “Bloodsucker...” Practically the length of the mermaid herself.

She disappeared, pulled under the water.

Michael dove after her.

Another bloodsucker had its mouth clenched to her flipper, keeping her from swimming properly.

Back on the pier, Emily and Mr. Jordan watched in concerned awe. Blood trails were now making their way to the pier. Emily wondered if she should try Charlie, William or Melinda for help. Or perhaps the sheriff would be a better choice.

A terrified scream stopped her from dialing. It wasn’t from Michael, but whatever he was trying to rescue. Emily had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t a human. Thank goodness Mr. Jordan knows about the supernatural.  

Underneath the surface of the water, Michael saw a terrible sight. More bloodsuckers. The blood was attracting them, and quickly.

He was not sure it would work, but he raised his palm and shot off an energy ball. It moved agonizingly slow underneath the water, and when a bloodsucker swam into its path, it did give the creature pause, but did not do any significant damage. He wished he knew more spells that would work under the water.

There was little time. The mermaid was sinking, now unconscious. Michael swam to her and with all of his strength pulled at the bloodsucker attached to her back, while kicking at the one attached to her leg. His lungs burned for air but he did not surface. He could not perform the underwater breathing spell like Charlie.

Michael put his hand up to the sucker attacking her back and blasted it at the closest range possible with an energy ball. Its grip loosened enough for Michael to peel it off.

He blasted the bloodsucker on her leg, yanked the mermaid upward sucking in a deep breath when finally above the water. He swam toward the shore with the mermaid in tow.

Bloodsuckers swarmed, a frenzy of bodies searching for the source of the blood.

As Michael swam, he kept hold of the mermaid with one hand, shooting off spells with the other. The slippery, cold skin of the bloodsuckers chafed his skin like sandpaper each time one got close enough to brush up against him. When Michael touched bottom, he stood and pulled the mermaid toward the beach. Emily and Mr. Jordan raced to his aid.

“Stay out of the water,” Michael warned through heavy breaths.

They waited at the water's edge, helping him pull the mermaid's body onto the shore. Michael ignored his own injuries, which appeared to be minor and thankfully had not punctured his skin, thus adding no additional blood to the sucker’s frenzied search. He collapsed on the shore trying to catch his breath, while Emily checked on the mermaid.

She’d never seen one before. Michael had told her they existed. But wow. A mermaid. And unfortunately a severely injured mermaid.

She had two long, muscular legs with flippers for feet. She wasn’t moving and as her body dried, milky white skin replaced her scaly legs. Her long locks of blue hair lay limp over her body.

Mr. Jordan stared in awe at the sight. He had seen a mermaid once before, but it still amazed him that they were real. “At breakfast a werewolf, and lunch, a mermaid! What’s for dinner?” he cried out in bewilderment.

The mermaid lay on her back, seemingly unable to catch enough air. The sand underneath her body was turning red as she continued to lose blood.

“Can’t move legs,” the mermaid whimpered.

“She’s losing a lot of blood,” Emily warned.

Mr. Jordan’s astonished gaze turned to one of grave concern. “Don’t imagine we can just call an ambulance, can we?”

“No. We definitely cannot do that.” Michael wasn’t sure what to do, other than use magic to try to stop the bleeding. Healing wounds was tricky though. And even trickier when they were supernatural beings, and not human.

Michael crawled over to the mermaid, gently rolling her onto her side to check the wound on her back. The bloodsucker had sliced into her skin, leaving an oval shaped set of teeth marks where it had clamped down on her skin. Blood leaked out uncontrollably. “We have to stop the bleeding or she won’t make it.”

Suddenly the mermaid's eyes flickered, and she tried to speak.

Emily leaned in, listening.

“Bad bad things,” the mermaid stammered. “Killing sisters.”

Emily tried to comfort her while Michael tried desperately to stop the bleeding.

The mermaid peered into Emily’s eyes. “You save sisters, now.” The mermaid grasped Emily’s head, pulling her in close. “I die now.” With her last ragged breath, a stream of ocean blue light poured out of the mermaid’s mouth.

“You must let go!” Mr. Jordan called out quite suddenly.

It was too late.

Emily breathed in the stream of light, now holding a lifeless mermaid on bloodstained sand.

Michael stood up, exhausted and disappointed.

The bloodsuckers were turning out to be a problem after all. They would have to deal with this situation as quickly and discreetly as possible, before anyone else got hurt or died, above or below the water.

However, that was not the only problem.

Emily’s panic reached his mind before her voice.

“Um, Michael... help,” she squealed.

Michael and Mr. Jordan watched with bewildered gazes as Emily’s brown hair lengthened, shifting in color to a shade of ocean blue. A wave crashed to the shore, splashing saltwater onto her legs. Scales erupted on the surface of her skin, lining her arms and neck. Emily fell over, unable to stand as her legs disappeared from underneath her, replaced by thick, brightly colored, scaly flippers. The shorts she’d been wearing shattered. Her hips suddenly shapely and thick.

“Holy freakin’ wow!” choked Michael, in total shock.

“Sorry,” muttered Mr. Jordan. “I tried to warn you, but it was too late when I realized what was happening.”

Michael just stared. Speechless.

“You see, in my research, I have discovered that a mermaid, in their moment of death, can transfer their essence to another sister. But not to fret! We have until sunset to solve this conundrum.”

“What do you mean?” demanded Emily, seeming to be unable to control her wildly floundering flippers.

“If we cannot change you back before sunset, the water will call you home, my dear,” explained Mr. Jordan. “You will not be able to set foot on dry land, or turn back into a human, but one day each month.”

“Oh dear,” Emily whimpered. “This isn't at all what I pictured being a mermaid was like... I used to dream about being a mermaid when I was a little girl...” she paused, now panicked. “I really don't want to be a mermaid, Michael.”

Michael gulped hard, unable to take his eyes off Emily. He struggled to ignore her panic over this development and focus only on his own. He didn’t want a mermaid for a girlfriend, either. He finally allowed his gaze to float toward Anthony Jordan. “Sunset you say?”

Mr. Jordan nodded a curt yes in reply.

“Stay right here, Em. I gotta make a few phone calls.” Michael raced to the jeans he’d left on the pier to get his cell phone. He wasn’t sure who to call first. He just prayed someone knew how to keep his girlfriend from becoming a permanent resident of the Atlantic Ocean. 

##

WILLIAM WAKEFIELD STOOD at the entrance of a mausoleum. It was located in the center of The Demon Isle Graveyard. An engraving over the doorway read, Howard.

He pushed open the heavy iron door with ease, entering into a stone room, which was lined with urn after urn, each carved with the name of a deceased Howard; many of whom he had known and called friend during his many years living on the Isle.

He stood in the center of the room and closed his eyes for a moment as if listening to voices no one else could hear. The voice of each Howard he’d watched come into this world, only to die, typically far too young.

“I have watched many of you come and go.” His mournful whisper echoed softly. He opened his eyes. “And to one of you, I made a promise: to always look after and guide the next generation of Howard Witches.”

He took a few steps, caressing each urn with his hand before continuing, remembering the beginning and end of each of their short human lives.

“It is getting harder to keep this promise,” he spoke to the urns, his voice low. “Harder to watch each of you succumb to your inevitable end, while I remain, unchanged. Although I fully realize your inevitable end, I am beginning to fear it, now more than ever.” The admittance squeezed tight in his chest.

He stopped at an urn, which stood near the back of the room, speaking to it directly. “There are but three of you left. Four, if we can locate and save Jack Howard. If I cannot protect them, what will become of this island? What will become of me? It is selfish of me to consider such things. But you have been my salvation, my family, these many years. But if I fail? If I cannot keep this promise I have made?”

William bowed his head as if to pray, and kneeled in front of the urn, leaning his forehead against it. He allowed memories to flood his mind. Memories he had tried to suppress for many years.

A woman. Young. Standing alone in a snow-covered wood. Her bright blue eyes scouring the area, searching for something. She pushed out frosty breath, her ruby lips illuminated by the surrounding white. Her mouth turned into a captivating smile as a shadow emerged. “William,” she called out as he approached. 

“My dearest Angelina.” William kissed her cheek gently, abruptly letting go, backing away from her. “I do not yet trust myself to be this close to you.”

“Ah, yes, the problem with being courted by a vampire.” Her reproach hinted sarcasm. “If my family finds out what I've been up to...” she shook her head. She imagined telling them, introducing them to the man she loved. A vampire. It would not go over well. 

“You need not tell them, Angelina. You know that I am a friend to the Howard Witches, but they may never fully accept me as such.”

“If you'd just let me tell them all you’ve done, William,” Angelina implored. “Just how many years you have lived here, helping them. Saving them. And all in secret.”

“It does not change my past, my love. I may desire friends. Family. I do not yet deserve these things. How can I ask for salvation when I still have so much to make amends for?”

“And what of me? Do you not deserve me?”

“No,” he responded with absolute certainty. “I do not deserve to be loved by someone as kind and as beautiful as you. But I dare say I cannot help myself.”

“And a mere human no less.” Her eyes teased him, dared him to come closer. 

“The most magnificent human I have ever laid eyes on.” His feet disobeyed his orders, taking lustful steps closer. He stopped, closed his eyes and stepped back. 

Angelina stepped forward and cupped his face in her hands. “I love you, William Wakefield. With all my heart. No matter how my family reacts to you, or us, nothing will ever change that.”

His fingers stroked her chest, stopping over her beating heart. He wished deeply at that moment he was human again. To be rid of this vampire curse. A curse that meant a solitary life. He craved to live just one lifetime. A normal, human life. With Angelina Howard.

Her thumping heart under his hand was proof enough they would never be together. He could not live with himself if he took her life and infected her with his curse... and yet the thought of living without her was equally painful. And this would happen. Their years together would be far too short.

These memories flooded through William like a broken dam rushing towards freedom. His eyes flickered open, just inches from the name carved into the urn on which he leaned his head.

It read, Angelina Howard.

He caressed the stone as if caressing her cheek. “Not a day goes by that I do not miss you.”

Another memory forged into his mind. One that made his brow furrow, his breath heavy and pained.

It was dark, and a summer’s night. Angelina Howard stood by his side. Time had clearly passed; her face aged a few years. A little fuller. Thin lines around her mouth and eyes. Still, William looked upon her with complete adoration.

Other Howard Witches, all of whom had now accepted William into the family, also surrounded them on both sides.

A battle ensued.

Spells cast.

Orders shouted.

Blasts of fire lighting up the darkened night sky.

It continued for hours, witch against witch, Howard against Deane. Deep in the woods of The Demon Isle.

Morning threatened to arrive, casting golden beams over the tops of the trees. The battle raged on. Two Howards and three Deanes dead.

William dashed to block a falling tree that was about to crash to the ground, crushing the unconscious man lying underneath its path. As William thrust the tree out of harm’s way, his beloved Angelina screamed. 

He twisted around just in time to see her collapsing to the ground.

William was at her side so fast she had fallen only inches before he caught her, instantly whisking her away from the battle. He stopped, the battle a distant echo, gently placing her on the ground. 

Angelina clutched her stomach, unable to stop the warm blood gushing out of her body. William's eyes widened as he feared what so much blood would do to him, but he looked into Angelina's eyes and all fear subsided, the blood a mere passing thought.

“I know what I swore to you,” he spoke, in uneven anguish. “But I cannot express how it pains me, to see you dying and not save you.”

“But you have saved me, William. And my family. You discovered the Deane's plot to take over the Isle. It was you who gave us enough warning. Because of you, they will not win.”

“And now, because of me, you are dying.”

“I know you won't change me, William. You swore you would not, and could not, do so. You haven’t forgiven your past, and still hold the belief that you do not deserve love, or happiness.” She stopped, coughing, her breathing labored.

William's face turned to forlorn stone. “I do not know how I will continue through my long years without you.” What would become of his life? It finally held some purpose. Some meaning. Without Angelina, or the Howards, his life was worthless. Meaningless. 

Her heart stuttered, her bloodied hand lifting to caress his face. It took almost all her strength to do it, but she needed to touch his face one last time. “I will never stop loving you, William. One day, I hope you find the one that makes you believe, like I did not.” Her eyes closed and she let out a strained moan.

William’s dejected gaze fixed on her, laden with remorse that he could not give in. That he could not change her and make her like him. A companion to love for the rest of his days, however many those might be.

His fangs bit into his lip, the desire to sink into her flesh, to let her feed off his blood... to save her... but his reasons would be purely selfish. He would not curse her with a miserable existence like his own. To watch everyone he loved grow old and die. Year after year. Decade after decade.

“William...” her voice called out, to him weakly.

“Yes, my love.”

“There is one thing I ask of you. Don’t leave the Isle. Stay. Protect the Howard line. They need you, William. You’re one of us now.”

He promised, “Yes,” without hesitation. “Always. For as many days as I am kept alive by my curse, I will protect the Howard line. For you.”

“Thank you, William.” Her hand dropped, strength used up.

He leaned in, kissing her lips, her warm breath fading against his icy inhale. Her body went still. Silent. Empty.

Angelina was gone. Nothing more than a memory he would never be able to forget. He rocked her body against his, leaning against her forehead. “Why couldn’t I have just saved you?”

Was it too late now?

He knew it was.

Shaking, he kissed her and closed her eyelids. Never again would her brightness lighten the darkness he carried inside him.

“I should have saved you,” he cried, tearlessly.

William pulled Angelina’s lifeless body into his own, her blood covering his clothes. The blood meant nothing. The smell didn’t drag him in. Didn’t tempt him.

But the loss burrowed into his veins, pulsing fury into his core. 

Fury aimed at those responsible for stealing away his beloved Angelina. His eyes opened, peering back towards the direction of the battle. His chest heaved, rage building. He set her on the ground and bounded towards the battle.

He stopped at the edge of the battlefield, a clearing deep in the woods. His eyes narrowed in on his prey: every Deane still alive on the battlefield. He aimed his deadly gaze at the closest Deane.

Something stopped him abruptly. He stood at the edge of the battle realizing Angelina would never condone revenge. To slaughter them all would turn him into the very thing he’d fought so hard to suppress. A monster. With no other purpose than to hunt and kill.

Angelina’s memory deserved more than that. She had taught him compassion. Showed him that love did exist. Her family had accepted him as one of their own. It had taken a few years, but he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that now.

And he’d promised her he’d look out for her family.

The fury didn’t subside. However, rather than take it out on each Deane in the battle, he threw it into the trees lining the field. Smashing straight through the trunks with his fist, splintering them into pieces that went flying through the air like dangerous wooden missiles.

The tops of the trees fell with a deafening crash after crash.

He didn’t care how stupid it was to toy with fate, as one of these wooden missiles could easily have ended his life with a direct hit to his heart, but he did not care. Even after promising Angelina he would live, and stay on the Isle, he did not care. His fury had to let loose. He needed to end this battle before anymore Howard lives were lost.

The fighting stopped, all eyes on William.

A sudden eerie silence filled the battlefield. The only sound heavy breathing. 

“This. Will. Stop. Now!” Each word roared a venomous warning to every Deane listening. Each inhale and exhale holding onto a rage about to burst free. “Every Deane will leave this Island before this day ends! Or I will kill each, and every one of you. This is the only warning you will receive.” He spoke as if the words themselves might reach out and poison any Deane that dared disagree.

The seriousness of his tone frightened everyone, including his friends.

Franklin Howard, Angelina's older brother, Charlie, Michael and Melinda’s great grandfather, rushed to his side. He did not need to ask what had happened to her, realizing instantly where William's rage was coming from. He gently touched William's arm, forcing the vampire to look at him.

The moment William looked into Franklin’s sympathetic eyes, he crumbled. His chest heaved and his face contorted as if he meant to cry. But he could not cry. His body did not produce tears.

He ran away.

The battle was over. They would not dare start up again. Not after his warning.

Angelina’s body lay on the ground. William knelt down and picked her up. With deliberate steps, he carried her home.

The Deane’s would leave the Isle.

He would bury the woman he loved. 

Reality came slicing back to the present day. 

William knelt on the ground in front of Angelina's urn.

He turned and slumped to the floor, leaning back against her urn, speaking to Angelina, as if she was sitting next to him, listening.

“The Deane’s have returned. I always feared this day might come. I steeled myself for it to happen. But so many years have passed. And yet I find myself uncertain. Can I move beyond what they did, what they took from me? What they took from this family? I feel obligated to fulfill my promise to you, Angelina.”

He stopped and closed his eyes tight.

“This life is becoming more than I ever could have imagined. But like you taught me Angelina, love is the hardest thing you can do. And I love this family. You are my only reason to continue existing.”

William reopened his eyes. A pained expression on his face. “But love makes you care. More deeply than I ever thought possible. But even surrounded by this family I love so much, I have never been more alone. I crave something more. What I had with you and wasn’t able to keep. What I lost when you were stolen from my life. When I swore I’d never love another human woman again.” His exhale burned his throat, heavy with the need for answers. Help no one could give him. Because he was the answer. He was the help. To anything and everything, the Howard’s needed.

How much longer could he continue being this for them?

“Who am I kidding?” he reeled.

This wasn’t his biggest problem, and he knew it. He let out a woeful sigh. 

“Oh Angelina. My dearest love. Melinda grows more like you each day. She has your eyes. Your lips. Your compassion and strength... even your vulnerability.” His mouth curled into a sad smile. “And she most definitely has your stubbornness.”

William lowered his head.

“She is the reason I almost broke all my promises. I am... afraid...” his voice trailed off, shame weighting his words.

“Afraid my feelings for her will be my undoing. But she is young. An adult, but so young. Naïve. Sheltered. This is partly my doing. She’s suffered so much already and I cannot stand to see her in pain. In some ways this has made her very... old. Wise. A caring soul. But she hasn’t lived enough to understand her own feelings. To understand love. And she deserves love. To have a normal life. A family. To carry on the Howard line. Something I cannot give her.”

For a moment, his heart ached so terribly he swore it had started beating again.

“I do not know how many generations of Howards I can watch come into this world, only to leave it, and me, behind. If I could bring myself to leave, I would. But I cannot. I tried. Last night I tried with every fiber of my being, but my feet would not obey my request. I have a duty to fulfill, a promise to keep, but more than that... even if I allowed myself to love Melinda, and she returned this love, it will end the same. She will be ripped from my life just as you were. They will all be taken from me, like you’ve all been taken. Whether by fulfilling duty, or old age. They will all succumb to death. Perhaps...”

He paused, a moment of disbelief fluttering through him.

“Perhaps it is time I consider my own. Perhaps my time here must also come to a determined end.”

He thought about how he would do it.

A stake to the heart? Purposely miss his dose of masking potion and burning up in the sunlight? And when? Now? Right away? Or after the current generation of Howards grew to a certain age, no longer needing his help. Perhaps if Jack Howard were found alive, maybe then? With the patriarch of the family returned, perhaps this would be the time for him to slip away and never return...

His thoughts returned to the night his beloved Angelina died.

When he’d been ready to slaughter every Deane on the battlefield, but stopped, knowing she’d never condone such behavior.

His suicidal thoughts sickened him, guilt filling his bloodless heart. How could he possibly think of leaving the Howards? They were his redemption. His penance. For all the despicable things he’d done before finding out there was another way to survive with what he’d become. 

Was he such a coward, that he’d just take the easy way out?

No.

He could not add this blasphemy to his list of failures. He had no idea what awaited him after this cursed life did finally end. But something inside told him he needed to stay. His time in this life was not yet finished.

He bounded off the ground stalking out of the mausoleum. Sudden determination eating away the gloom that had taken over. 

He closed the heavy iron door.

“I will not repeat my mistakes,” he declared. “I will never love another human as I did you, Angelina. But as long as a Howard still lives and breathes in this world, I will keep my promise. They will not be forsaken. Especially at the hands of a Deane.”

##

THE PICNIC BASKET RILEY packed had yet to be opened. It balanced precariously on a rock near their heads, blocking Melinda and Riley from view. They laid on a sand covered blanket facing each other, just inside a small cavern. Just the two of them, hidden away. It was, indeed, the perfect spot as Riley had claimed. Melinda had been on this beach years ago, but she didn’t recall the cavern.

Outside of their little picnic spot waves crashed onto the shore, seagulls squawked as they circled overhead searching for food, while distant voices echoed from people having fun on the beach.

Riley’s fingers ran down her neck and arm in deliberate slow motion, setting off little charges of electricity that drew her closer to him.

“Are you hungry?” his eyes never left hers as he asked.

“No,” Melinda sighed. “Not hungry at all.”

“That's probably a good thing,” he hinted, sounding relieved. “Seeing as when I unpacked the blanket, I realized I must have been so excited to see you that I forgot to pack the food.”

Melinda giggled. She couldn't help it. She had to bite her lip to stop.

“Yup. My brother is probably having a grand lunch right now. I had a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine, seeing as I have no idea which you prefer. A freshly baked bread loaf, and cheese that I picked up from the farmer’s market this morning.”

“I love any wine. And the food, your brother can have it.” Melinda breathed out a dreamy exhale. “I’m not sure I will ever want to eat again.”

“Is that the effect I have on you?” This thought amused him.

“I suppose it is.”

“Well I can't have that,” he told her, casting a dry smile. “I won't be responsible for you wasting away to nothing.”

“I'm hardly wasting away.” She rolled her eyes, insinuating there were a few extra pounds on her body she should lose. 

“When are you going to figure out that you’re perfect? In fact,” he grinned, pulling her closer, “I demand that as soon as you go home today, you eat. Whatever, and as much as your heart desires. No matter how lovesick you are over me. I don't want you to change a thing about yourself.” He teased, and yet exuded complete seriousness.

“Okay,” she answered only half-paying attention. Was she truly this lucky? That this perfect man not only came to live on the Isle, but had fallen in love with her?

Were they really in love? She had to remind herself that she barely knew him.

Melinda could easily have spent the rest of the day laying exactly where she was. She had a thousand questions she wanted to ask him, from his favorite color to his birthday to what he wanted to do with his life, but found she was perfectly contented to stare dreamily into Riley’s molasses eyes, to trace the contours of his face with her fingers, soaking in every dimple, every line, every...

Lips found hers and she lost all thought. Her hand fisted the shirt against his chest. It was like he was kissing her for the first time. Like she’d never tasted his lips before. But it ignited a fire that would not be quenched, as the cavern did not have the privacy of the quarry. He pulled away with great difficulty, almost like there was an electric pulse keeping them together.

Riley’s hand slid around her waist, pulling her in. “I think I’m going to steal you away, Melinda. Never give you back.” He had a wicked gleam in his dark eyes. She sucked in, heartbeats ravaging her chest.

She might just let him steal her away. Riley was attentive and perceptive. But not pushy. Mysterious, and hot, most definitely hot. And yet warm. Inviting. And kind of yummy.

“I’ve never been kissed the way you kiss me,” Melinda revealed to him. Dreams did not count.

His heavenly eyes swirled and danced. “Something tells me you like it.” 

“I really like it,” she whispered confidently.

“If you keep talking like that, I will have no choice but to kiss you again, and again, and again...”

She stifled a jagged breath, her cheeks flaming. He fed her confidence, but it still shattered too easily. She closed her eyes, determined not to let it claim her this time. His lips pressed against her forehead. A gentle kiss.

“I can’t even explain what it feels like to kiss you my little beauty queen. To wrap my arms around you.”

Beauty queen. Did he really just call me that?

He chuckled. “You make me want to act like a crazy man.”

She let out a satisfied sigh. In his voice was nothing but honesty and devotion. “Still with the magically saying everything I want to hear.”

“And I still can’t keep my mouth shut. You make me wear my emotions. No one’s ever done that to me.”

Melinda’s insides quaked. She wished they were back at the quarry. Or somewhere more private. Riley read her easily and grinned. He grabbed her fingers and brought them to his lips, sweeping across them gently. It was the second time someone had done that to her in the last twenty-four hours, and both times stole her breath and stalled time. A pinch of guilt wrapped around her heart just thinking about William. However, it melted when Riley’s voice found her ears.

“Today is all about you, Melinda. I want you to feel beautiful. I want to make you believe how special you are.”

“Two days in a row of this. You’re spoiling me, Riley.”

“You should be spoiled,” he lifted her chin to see her eyes.

She saw only truth staring back at her. “Do you think you could just steal me away and we can pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist?”

His eyes gleamed dangerously, a breath hitching crooked grin appeared. He leaned in to kiss her but pulled away. She saw a flicker of apprehension dampen his dark gleam. “Melinda, will you promise me one thing?”

His sudden seriousness got her worried. She nodded, her head a bit hazy.

“Always be honest with me, even if you think it might hurt my feelings. I’ll try very very hard not to let it, it’s just... I don’t ever want to hurt you. And, well...”

“You can tell me,” she urged.

He shook his head. “I don’t want to keep bringing up the girl I was involved with, it seems so uncool. It’s just, she was never honest with me. I didn’t know until it was too late, but... I don’t think I can go through something like that again. She hid things from me. Lied to me. And the truth is,” he stopped, letting out a nervous exhale. “The truth is I’m falling for you, really hard. I can’t believe how hard. Or fast. I suddenly cannot imagine how I got through life without you in it. I can’t even believe I’m telling you this.”

She smiled, almost giddy over his willingness to share this with her. She couldn’t help it. Partly because she was feeling the same way. Her tongue twisted though, and the words she wanted to say would not formulate. So she leaned in and kissed him instead. Her meaning pouring out of each touch, press, nip, and tug. His arm wrapped around her waist tightly. Melinda pulled her head back, breaking their mouths apart.

“Riley... let’s just promise to be honest with each other.” She pushed out the words before she lost the courage to say them. Before her brain processed their meaning.

Riley answered by rolling her onto her back and draping his body over her. Their eyes met. Stared. Took each other in.

Her heart skipped a few beats. Time coming to a stop. Again.

Her brain was catching up to what she’d just said to him. She’d just promised to be honest with him.

Why did I do that?

William...

I can’t have William.

So that means you just pretend he doesn’t exist?

Not fair! Her thoughts battled.

And pretending you don’t have feelings for William is fair to the guy you just promised to be honest with? Who just admitted he needed honesty. Who opened himself up enough to tell you what he needed.

What’s the point of telling Riley about a vampire I can’t have?

Okay, so what about being a witch?

I can’t tell him that yet either.

I think he can handle it. I really do.

But what if he can’t?

Why did you promise to be honest? You’re an idiot! A heartless idiot. 

Dang it... why did I promise him?

Because it’s what he wanted to hear.

That’s the first honest thing you’ve said.

Stupid brain. Just shut up!

Hello! This isn’t your brain talking, it’s your conscious!

No, it’s all hormones.

If Riley could hear this argument, he’d run away and never come back again! 

Why don’t you just try to be honest with him? Open up a little, it might turn out okay. It might turn out great. You’re going to have to be honest and open up at some point.

Instead, she grabbed hold of Riley’s lips with her own, before he could sense or question the silent struggle roaring in her head. His hands splayed across her back, bringing her as close to him as possible. Jolts awakened every nerve, crawling along her skin leaving behind a trail of yearning and urgency.

He pulled away, out of breath. A dangerous look in his dark eyes. “Maybe this cavern wasn’t a perfect spot after all. I want so much more of you.”

“Me too,” she responded with a hard swallow. See. I can be honest...

Only because it’s an easy thing to say yes to. There’s no lingering consequence other than instant gratification. And so what? You like being kissed and groped! That’s a real big honest reveal, dummy!

“I wanted to go slower today.” Riley plucked at her lips. “Like an actual date. So we could just get to know each other better but...”

Melinda shuddered underneath him. The silent battle thundering in her mind dissolving into a buzz.

No, wait, it wasn’t her.

A cross look whipped across her face. Her cell phone was buzzing, vibrating against the ground nearby. Her heart sank. Somehow, the way this buzz zinged into her brain, her day was about to be ruined.

She tried to ignore the phone, but it refused to stop buzzing.

Riley reached into her sweater pocket and grabbed the phone for her, holding it up to her ear, all without losing contact with her brooding eyes.

“Hello,” she grumbled into the speaker.

“Melinda. Where are you? It’s Michael. Do you know where Charlie is? I can't seem to reach him.” His panicked voice forced Melinda out of her love stupor. She sighed, pushing Riley up. He helped her sit up and then to her feet.

“Sorry,” she whispered to him. “My brother. Just give me a minute.” She collected her head and walked out of the cavern.

Riley rolled over onto his back, closing his eyes.

“Michael, what's wrong? And no, I have no idea where Charlie is. He was at home when I left a few hours ago.”

“He's not answering his phone. But, well, there's a bit of a problem.”

“What do you mean? I thought you were having lunch with Mr. Jordan.”

“Yes. We did meet up with him, but then something happened.”

Melinda heard what she thought was Emily's voice in the background.

“Spit it out already, Michael. I don’t have a lot of time.”

Michael groaned and explained. “Emily sort of got turned into a mermaid and if I can't turn her back before sunset, she'll be a mermaid forever.”

“Um. What?” Melinda blurted back, unsure she had heard Michael correctly.

Riley noted her change of tone and sat up. Melinda sucked her lip anxiously, hoping she could manage this conversation without having to explain anything bizarre that might send Riley running away from her. 

See. If you’d just told him what you are, wouldn’t this be easier?

Oh shut up already! She let out a frustrated groan.

“You okay, Sis?” Michael waited for her reply.

“Yes. Sorry. How the heck did Emily... did this happen?” It was hard to talk freely with Riley so close by.

“I'll explain later. I’m going to need your help though, because remember those bloodsuckers we told you about? Well, they're attacking mermaids now, which means they must be getting desperate to find food.”

“That means they'll be attacking people next,” Melinda mumbled.

Dang it. How will I explain this to Riley?

No time for that! I’ll just have to ditch him.

“You tell Mack yet, Michael?”

“She's on it. Gonna try to clear the beaches. Don't ask me how, no idea. Listen, I just got off the line with William. He's going to try to help Mack. If you could help them too, I can focus on Emily.”

“Yeah. Okay. Where's William?” Just saying his name fluttered butterflies across her already wrecked nerves. Melinda stepped away from the cavern. Riley didn’t follow, giving her the space she obviously needed. 

“Mack’s house.”

“Okay. Keep me posted, Michael. And if you need any help over your way, just holler, okay? I'll be there as fast as I can. I'll even make William super-speed me there if I have to,” she stated in a hushed whisper.

“Thanks Melinda. I think we'll be okay. I've got Mr. Jordan helping me here. Just stay safe and try to keep anyone else from getting hurt.” He paused before hanging up. “Be careful, okay Sis?”

“Of course. You too.”

He still didn’t hang up.

“What is it, Michael?”

He let out a disbelieving sigh.

“You’re not going to lose Emily,” she insisted as loudly as she dare. 

“Are you sure you’re not empathic?”

“No, definitely not. I just know you.”

“Emily’s everything to me, and I’ve lost her almost three times this week. It’s like since I decided to stay on the Isle she’s suddenly a target for everything evil, or that can go wrong.”

Melinda let out a burst of air, glancing at Riley. Is this what would happen to him as well? He would suddenly become an easy target because of who and what she was?

I really need to be honest with him.

Now is not the time, and you don’t have the time!

You’re very good at coming up with excuses Melinda Howard.

See, there’s that honesty peeking out again... her thoughts berated.

“Just, get on it, Michael,” she ordered sharply, trying to keep her words to him vague. “Can’t solve anything over the phone.”

“You’re right. I'll be in touch. Bye.”

He hung up. She turned back to Riley. Just like at the quarry she was going to need to scurry away. What excuse did she use this time?

You wouldn’t need an excuse if you’d just tell him you’re a witch.

It’s not an easy, or quick, conversation! And I don’t know him well enough yet to tell if he’ll be okay with it.

Oh, but you know him well enough to let him put his hands all over you and kiss him like you’re going on a diving expedition?

Oh. My. God. Shut. Up.

She looked to see Riley on his feet and staring at her. There it is. That look. He’s realizing what a freak I am. What kind of mistake he’s making...

“Everything is not okay, is it?” he said, without asking her first if everything was okay.

“Still with the perception,” she muttered, letting out a cleansing exhale.

“Nothing much to perceive really. You're clearly distraught now.”

“I am... it’s just...” What did she tell him?

“What can I do, Melinda?” His eyes pinched together, concern leaking out of his molasses gaze.

Tell me you don’t think I’m a freak... Aloud, she told him, “I need to go. I’m sorry. It’s a family slash work thing. I could use a ride back into town.” 

“Of course. Just tell me where.”

“Don't suppose you happen to know where the local sheriff lives?” she asked, wrinkling her nose as she spoke.

“I can't say that I do. Are you related to the sheriff?” He stepped into the cavern and shook the sand off the blanket, shoving it back inside the picnic basket.

“Oh. No. Not related. But she's an old family friend. I sort of work for her... now and then.”

“So you don't work at that bookstore I dropped you off at before?”

There’s those pesky questions she didn’t want to clarify the answers to. “Just that day.” Before he could question her further, she explained, “I’m more of a freelance kind of gal. Work here. Work there. Wherever my talents are needed.”

She could practically see his brain spinning with questions. She grabbed the picnic basket and threw it onto the bike.

Way to be vague Melinda.

You’re ruining this relationship before it’s even started.

Maybe it really is you? Maybe Jerkface wasn’t really a jerk? Maybe those other guys you dated just gave up on you?

I just need more time. And Jerkface was a total pig! The other guys... yeah, I might have pushed them away.

Guys won’t wait around forever. You have to open up. And I’m not talking about your legs, idiot! 

Riley strapped the basket down to the motorcycle. He had that sneaking suspicion again, that she was having more than one conversation at a time. An inner one with herself, and another with him.

“Sorry I have to interrupt our day again.” She sighed in annoyed vexation. 

He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose, followed by her pouty lips.

He pulled away with a smirk. “You really don’t want to leave, do you?”

“No. But I do have to.” Melinda avoided his eyes. She didn’t want him to catch the inner struggle playing itself out in her mind.

“Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little unsatisfied with leaving so soon. But there’s plenty more days, and nights, to spend together.”

She let out a little gasp. First, that he was still talking like he wanted to keep seeing her, and second... Second? Second what? All thought and reason flew into the breeze. All she could picture was her and Riley hidden somewhere, far far away from the rest of the world.

Riley nibbled on her ear. “I was planning a much different ending to our day...”

“You are such a tease.” Her eyes flew open. She couldn’t believe she’d just said that.

“Me? If you could see you right now. You’re lucky I don’t drag you back inside the cavern and...” She put her hand over his mouth, a dazzling smile breaking underneath her fingers. He nipped playfully.

Melinda shook her head. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“I just don’t want you to stop thinking about me.” 

“That’s an impossibility.”

“Then my job is done, for now.”

Melinda refused to reply, afraid her only response would be to drag him back into the cavern and forget completely about her duties. She refused to listen to the argument ensuing in her brain, shutting it down, instead, letting out a huff as she straddled the motorcycle. She tucked her short summer dress under her butt so it wouldn’t blow up in the wind.

She shouted directions over his shoulder, having him pull to a stop a few houses from the sheriff's, preferring to keep him a secret from Mack and William. She figured she needed to tell William she was seeing someone before just showing up with him at her side. Especially after the vampire had kissed her hand, followed by their awkward conversation earlier that day. How would she tell him though? Ugh. Let’s not think about that yet.

Riley got off the bike, grabbing her waist, helping her off and onto the sidewalk. “So can I see you tonight?” His hands slid around her back, pulling her in. 

“Um, let me think about it. Okay. Yes.”

He grinned. “And you promise not to stop thinking about me?” He didn’t let her answer, leaning in and occupying her mouth.

When he pulled away, she grumbled her reply.

Riley grinned. “That’s the answer I was looking for.”

Melinda had no idea how she was going to concentrate on her job. But she did not have another choice. She couldn’t just skip out on her duties. But having to leave him for the afternoon drove sudden emptiness through her. Left her with a chill. No. That would be the ridiculously short dress.

She watched Riley straddle his motorcycle, helmet in hand.  

It was going to be a painfully long afternoon. She wished she had time to go home and change. This was definitely not work attire. But when she breathed in it was almost like having Riley close. His smell was all over the dress. All over her. He smelled like he looked. Molasses. A hint of brown sugar. A smell she could bathe in.

“God, Melinda. You’re making it so very hard to leave.” His eyes warned how close he was to stealing her away. She was tempted to let him. Her brother and William had taken care of enough jobs without her in the past.

“How about I pick you up at eight, at the Wicked Muddy? We’ll take an evening ride, catch the sunset.” Riley tossed her a crooked grin.

She nodded her answer, afraid if she spoke her voice would sound awkward and broken. He leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, his mouth sweeping down to her ear.

“Plan on getting home very late tonight.” He shook his head. “Strike that. Don’t plan on making it home at all.” 

Melinda blew out a simpering exhale, her brain a flurry of befuddled giddiness. Her nerves a boiling kettle ready to blow. “You claim not to have much experience dating,” she argued hotly. 

“It’s all you. I have no idea where any of this is coming from. You make me want to do, and say, the wildest things.”

Why can’t we just do those wild things now? her inner voice whined.

Oh my God, listen to yourself and get a grip!

Riley eyed her. “I so want to know what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.”

“If you knew, you would not be driving off on that machine alone.” It was her turn to toss a little tension in his direction. This time, he had no reply. “Just wanted to make sure you didn’t stop thinking about me this afternoon, either,” she teased, feeling bolder. 

His helmet slid down over his head, hiding the crimson in his cheeks. “Forgetting about my blue eyed beauty queen is not possible.”

My blue eyed beauty queen... she held her breath. She wasn’t going to win this battle. And she liked the way he called her his. It was possessive, and yet charming. She liked the idea of being his. That someone wanted her like that. Is that all this was though? Was she only reacting to him so much because of the way he treated her and made her feel? No. It had to be more than that.

She trailed her finger across the smooth leather of the seat she wished she was riding away on. She drew away her hand and sighed. Have to go, work to do, remember?

Riley chuckled. “Until tonight, my beauty queen.”

She turned to go to Mack’s house, breathing in deep, letting it out slow.

“Oh, hey,” Riley called out. She spun around. “Don't forget, you promised me you’d eat something.”

Eat? How the heck was she supposed to eat with all this untapped energy surging through her? But she nodded absentmindedly, watching her motorcycle man drive out of sight. Out of her life until tonight.

She wished time would fly right through the afternoon and run directly into eight o’clock. Worked up level was acceding the boiling point, heading toward Mount Vesuvius!

How is it that she’d had more attention from a guy in the last twenty-four hours than all combined in her twenty-one and a half years, and yet felt more deprived than ever? 

She shook herself back into the moment.

Job to do.

Bloodsuckers.

Emily.

Mermaids.

Where is Charlie?

Need to help Mack.

And Michael...

Melinda scurried down the sidewalk and stormed up the stairs onto Mack's cottage porch. So out of her mind, she did not see William Wakefield’s statuesque frame filling the open door.

##

HER EYES MET HIS, AND she froze.

His emerald greens stared back with an intensity she understood instantly.

Her breath caught in her lungs, unable to escape.

Blood sank to her feet, dragging her heart with it.

Everything cracked inside of her.

If William had possessed a living heart, she was positive it had just died, shriveled, and turned to dust. 

Her arms slid around her center, nausea nearly doubling her over.

Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Why hadn’t she been more careful and had Riley stop further away? Heck, she should have gone home and taken a shower. William’s sense of smell was just as keen as his hearing. He smelled another man on her.

Guilty. That was the only look she could muster.

Oh my God! He heard everything Riley just said to me.

Everything I just said... she inhaled, unable to get enough air.

Nothing wanted to function properly. She bit her lip, hard, to keep from crumbling into pieces.

They stood there, neither saying a word for a good long time.

Why hadn’t she just told him this morning? All this could have been avoided if she’d just been daring enough to tell him she’d met someone.

Her and her avoidance of awkward conversations needed to come to an end!

But they are so hard...

And this isn’t much, much harder? her inner voice chastised harshly.

This was entirely her fault, for not being open and honest with William. Why did she always need to avoid confrontation and run away from anything serious? The outcome was never a better outcome.

So why did she keep doing it? And now she was setting herself up to do the same thing to Riley.

Her eyes cried out a hundred emotions, none of which made up for the anguish currently etched in William’s tight gaze. The emerald green she loved so much looked dampened. Darkened. Displeased.

With her? With himself? She had no idea.

He’d told her nothing could ever happen between them.

No, that wasn’t what he said. I cannot. He said he could not. He never said he did not want to. Why was it only now, that she heard so clearly what he did not say?

She never thought for a moment that William actually returned any of her feelings. Yes, he had vanished after kissing her hand. But she still didn’t think... and therein lies your problem! You don’t think Melinda Howard!

How dumb could she be?

She’d shattered him. The unbreakable vampire, crushed by her complete lack of sight.

Ha! Funny, her messed up brain shouted at her sardonically. What good are my dreams if they can’t help me with any of this? Using her dreams as an excuse was beyond pathetic.

William’s face went blank, his usual emotionless expression returning. He stepped aside, motioning for her to come in. “We are making plans to combat the leeches,” he explained, his voice low, but even.

“Okay,” she stammered, stepping through. She had to look away from him, unable to face him. Her throat felt heavy and burdened by the effort of speaking. “William...” she had no clue what to say. Anything she said would come out wrong.

He said nothing. Melinda forced herself to look at him. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. His silence killed her. Sliced her down the middle.

She heard Mack talking on her phone at the back of the house, in the kitchen. She hustled to join her there. The sheriff waved and motioned for Melinda to help herself to anything she needed while she chatted away.

“Ya heard me right!” Mack bellowed into the phone. “Attackin’ sea lions! Like it or not, we need to clear the beaches on the northern shores. Better safe than sorry, don't ya think?”

Melinda lifted her eyebrow in disbelief as Mack worked her magic. Attacking sea lions... this is what we’ve been reduced to for excuses now? She spotted an open box of donuts sitting on the counter. She’d promised Riley she would eat something, but she wasn’t sure she could. A pit had opened, and she didn’t think sugar would fill it, or fix it.

Mack continued her tirade over the phone and Melinda couldn’t help but grin, albeit a tight grin, while listening to her smooth talking whoever she was speaking with, into the idea of attacking sea lions on the beaches of The Demon Isle.

Melinda caught William’s gaze. His look was kind, understanding. An unspoken apology for his reaction. A bit of the tension released, but the pit remained. She shoved a bite of donut into her mouth to keep herself from crying.

He might be okay now, but she’d hurt him. Which meant only one thing: he really did have feelings for her, even if he did not, could not, or would not, admit it.

She shoved another bite of donut into her mouth. It tasted terrible. Like sawdust. She couldn’t eat another bite. That’s a first! Can’t finish a donut. You really are messed up.

She hopped up onto the kitchen counter and poured a coffee, sipping the steamy contents of her warmed mug. It helped the ache, just a little.

Mack hung up her house phone, her cell phone going off a second later. “Some days!” She rolled her eyes, answering, “Hello!” There was silence as Mack listened to the other line. “Odd lookin’ sea lion, you say. Attackin’ eh. Okay, secure the area, I'll be there in a jiff!”

William must have heard what was reported, as he dashed away, already heading to the scene. Melinda felt a twinge of relief that he was gone. Did he need some space as much as she did? She needed time to gather herself.

Mack disconnected her call.

“Those dang bloodsuckers have left the water. Just attacked a fisherman. He wasn't seriously hurt, thank goodness. And the only good thing I can say is at least those things resemble sea lions. Attack of the sea lions! Ha! Never thought I'd see the day I had to use that one.”

Melinda laughed, but it came out in an uneasy shake. She didn't know how Mack kept her sense of humor living in this crazy town.

The sheriff narrowed her eyes. “You okay, Sweetie?”

Melinda wasn’t sure how to answer that question. She didn’t want to talk about it as she was still trying to process it all. And if she did spill, she’d just bawl her eyes out.

“I’m fine, Mack. Just feeling a little...” She let out a frustrated groan. “Guy problems.” 

“Guys. I see. Well...” Mack rubbed her chin in thought. “I’m afraid relationships are not my cup of tea. Hence my lack thereof, and the reason I avoid tea and drink a lot of coffee.”

Melinda bit her lip and let out a tense laugh. “It’s okay, Mack. It’s just, no matter what I do, I’m going to hurt someone I care about.” She hoped if that someone were William, her actions wouldn’t put a permanent wedge between them. She needed William in her life. And the thought of hurting Riley, especially after he’d told her he needed honesty; the pit in her stomach deepened. She worried it might turn into a black hole and suck all her life force into it. 

The sheriff lifted her brow and shook her head. “One of those type situations. I feel for ya, Melinda. I really do.”

Melinda shrugged half-heartedly, sliding down off the counter, changing the subject. “I'm wagering William has already arrived at the scene. We should probably get going.”

“Don't know what the Isle would do without that man! I wish I had an army of vampires just like him.”

“If we had an army of Williams, we might actually get to take vacations, off the Isle,” Melinda jested.

“Imagine that... vacations,” Mack’s mind wandered, debating how to actually find herself an army of Williams. 

“Or, we could just get our kicks killing some bloodsuckers.” Melinda’s gaze turned humorously lethal. 

Mack laughed and motioned for them to head to her police vehicle.

She turned on the siren and they raced to the scene of the attack.

##

CHARLIE FOLLOWED THE two merladies through his yard, into the woods and onto a trail, which came out just down the street from his home. He laughed in secret. If he had realized where they were taking him, he would have just brought them through the front yard and to the street.

The girls were easily sidetracked as they sauntered through the town. More than once, Charlie had to stop the girls from accosting female tourists wearing shiny jewelry that the girls wanted to look at, and touch. They also turned many heads, as it wasn't often that blue-haired, barefooted ladies walked down the streets, even on The Demon Isle.

“Remember, you are taking me to save your sister,” Charlie chided lightheartedly, after apologizing to a third woman the merladies had accosted. She’d worn exuberantly colored, oversized earrings that they would have surely pulled out of the woman's ears if Charlie had not intervened.

“Yes. Sister,” one said.

“Sorry,” spoke the other.

“Yes. Sorry. So many shiny things.”

“This way, Charlie, who is Howard.”

One of the merladies took hold of his hand, pulling him forward.

“Not far now.” 

They hurried along, taking a side street, which came out on the backside of several shops. They scurried in between garbage cans and parked cars, hopping onto a trail that shortly came out to the shore. The path veered suddenly, now following alongside the water's edge. Soon, the merladies led Charlie off the pathway and onto a small stony beach.

“Not far. Not far,” one of the sisters repeated. The path was narrow, forcing them to walk single file. The sisters were cautious not to touch the salty water, to keep their human feet from turning into flippers.

Charlie stepped cautiously, following as they worked their way around a jagged, rocky corner. He was surprised when they rounded the corner that there was a cave entrance.

“This is where we change,” one of them revealed. She spoke as if this had been a long held secret.

“When we come to land,” the other finished. 

It’s the perfect hiding spot for a mermaid to dry out, Charlie thought.

They had to duck to enter, but once inside, there was plenty of space to stand up straight. Once in, Charlie saw the trapped sister instantly.

“Sisters,” she cried out.

“We are here.”

“Yes, we found Howard.”

“You really got yourself into quite a mess,” Charlie noted as he took a closer look.

“Yes. Mess. Hurts.”

“Don't worry. I'm going to get you out of here.” He flashed a bright smile and winked, which seemed to calm the trapped merlady.

Charlie knelt down trying to figure out where to begin. The merlady was completely ensnared by an old fishing net, which kept her unable to walk or swim. Charlie took out a pocketknife and painstakingly cut piece after piece of the net, slowly freeing her. After about twenty minutes, he finally cut the last line and she was free.

The merlady leaned forward, planting a grateful kiss on Charlie’s lips. It only lasted a moment, but when she pulled away, he had to rub his lips together to stave off a tinge of numbness.

“Thank you. Thought I was dead.”

“You’re welcome.” Charlie stood up, assisting the merlady to her feet. She joined her sisters.

“Would have died,” one of them spoke.

“Yes, you save sister,” the third sang, her voice suddenly enthralling and low. 

Before Charlie had time to react, the sisters were side by side, approaching him with a single fluid movement, in perfect sync with each other. Almost in slow motion.

No. It was like they were underwater.

Were they? No. He was still in the cave.

The merladies’ blue strands swayed as they walked. It had a mesmerizing effect.

A sense of calm crept over Charlie. His breathing slowed, his eyelids getting heavier, harder to keep open. Everything started to blur.

Hands. Running all over his chest. He blinked, hard. Is that my shirt on the ground?

Moist lips slid across his chest. It left behind a scorching sting. It didn’t hurt. Only invited. Enticed. Drew his mind into a trance-like slumber.

Except he was awake.

He thought.

The three sisters started to sing serenely, encircling Charlie.

The newly freed sister grabbed hold of his hand and tugged him gently toward the back of the cave. Toward the pool they used when arriving on land to dry off.

“Return with us to the sea,” one of them suggested.

“Yes, come home with us.”

Lips branded pleasurable stings on his skin, but he could not place exactly where. It felt like everywhere.

“Yes,” he sighed. “I’ll come with you.” He closed his eyes, complete mind-numbing bliss pulsing through his body.

“First, take off ring,” the newly freed one soothingly coaxed.

“It’s the only way.”

“To join us.”

Charlie looked at his finger. What did he need the ring for when he could have these goddesses instead? Charlie rubbed the ring. He twisted it around his finger. 

The mermaids urged him closer to the pool at the back of the cave. He didn’t feel his feet moving, he was suddenly just there.

One of the mermaids waited at the edge of the pool, her hips moving in a hypnotizing dance. Her hair fanning out around her, shifting in an invisible breeze.

“Come home with us, Charlie.”

He stepped closer. “Yes. I will.” It was his voice, but it didn’t feel like it was coming out of his own throat.

“Come.”

“Follow.”

“Take off ring.”

“Play with us Charlie.”

“Yes. I...” With each step he took, Charlie's body became heavier; his feet heaving across the cave floor like cement blocks dragging underneath his legs.

A surge of adrenaline raced through his blood and Charlie’s body shook as if he’d been doused in ice water. He rubbed his eyes and stepped back, with each step his body becoming lighter, his mind becoming clear. He stopped when he hit the cave wall.

“The ring...” It was saving him.

He gazed back up at the merladies. “Why are you doing this?”

They approached him, fanned out, blocking his escape. Charlie was pinned against the wall, with nowhere to go.

How did they know about his ring? Moreover, how did they know that he had to be the one to take it off? He’d told no one except Michael. And clearly, they were trying to coax him to take it off.

“Why?” He needed to find out, rage rising. 

Before he commanded them to answer him, the two sisters that had sought him out at his home, fell to the ground, crying out in pain.

“Lost,” one whimpered.

“Sister gone,” the other spoke as if her heart was breaking. She reached out to the second, grasping her hand. The second pulled the other in, embracing her. Each in sudden inexplicable tears. 

The third merlady turned to the two sniveling on the ground, her lips forming into a hissing scowl. Her eyes narrowed and her teeth elongated, coming to pointy ends.

They did not notice.

“Wait!” The first one’s her eyes widened in delight. “New sister.”

“Yes, new sister,” the second spoke, her voice suddenly changing from sad to happy.

“Confused.”

“Unwilling.”

“Scared.”

“Will grow to love.” The first smiled at the second like they’d been happy all along and nothing terrible had happened.

“Will you two moronic creatures shut up!” the third one shouted. “The job is not finished!”

“But sister lost, and new sister scared.” She pouted, tears forming. 

“Must go to her,” the second explained.

“I. Do. Not. Care,” the third mocked viciously, “about your new sister. What about your other sister?” She shot daggers of silent meaning at the two.

The two mermaids stood, cowering next to each other.

“Go get that ring off Charlie Howard's finger,” the irate one spit out.

It really was about the ring. He had hoped he was wrong.

He came close to apologizing to his wolf. It had been paranoid for a good reason. The mermaids were tricking him, and he’d played right into their hands.

No. He just could not resist helping damsels in distress. Especially ones with beautiful curves. He’d have to be more careful in the future though, as it seemed the supernatural community was now using this to their advantage.

His thoughts spun in bewilderment, but he needed to escape before they somehow mesmerized him into taking off the ring.

He stared them down. No one moved. None of them seemed sure of what move to make next. Charlie did not know exactly what the ring would, and would not allow, to happen, but he didn’t want to chance they could get it off his finger.

One day. Not even a full day since he’d put on the ring. And already something was trying to steal it. How did they even find out he had the ring, never mind that he had to voluntarily remove it from his own finger?

None of this made a lick of sense!

He hadn’t even told Melinda, Mack or William yet. Only Michael...

The mermaids approached, although the two taking orders from the mean one did not seem as eager to obey as they had at first.

There were only two ways to escape the cave, the way he had come in, currently blocked by the merladies, or by diving into the pool of water, which could lead anywhere. Including other mermaids or underwater creatures, lying in wait.

##

EMILY HAD DRIED OFF, standing on her human legs once again. She stood on the beach soaking in the rays of sun and letting the ocean mist fill her nostrils. Mr. Jordan had lent her a pair of his daughter’s shorts, seeing as she’d destroyed hers when she’d transformed into a mermaid. As the minutes ticked by, desires expanded in her heart. Desires that were getting harder to ignore by the second. Desires that set her heart aflutter with anticipation.

“Emily,” shouted Michael. “Why don't you come inside? Mr. Jordan is working on a cure.” When she did not answer, he hopped off the pier and strode up to her. “Emily,” he called out again.

“Oh, Michael. I didn't hear you. Sorry.”

“You doing okay?”

She gazed over the vast ocean. “I want to go out there, Michael. I can hear all of them. My sisters... there's so many. I never knew there were so many.”

“Yeah, that's not a good idea, Em. You need to stay on dry land.”

“I know. Sorry. I don't want to be a mermaid. I know I don't...” her voice trailed off as if uncertain. 

“I'm so sorry. If I hadn't talked you into coming with me today...”

“It's not your fault Michael. It’s just, the call of the ocean is like nothing I have ever experienced before. It's like... it's like I can feel the water, without being in it. Like it's my home. Where I am supposed to be. It’s wrong here. This sand is dry. Scratchy. Hot.”

“You're going to have to fight it,” Michael told her firmly, grasping her shoulders. “I will find a way to fix this.” He did not like hearing her speech sound like that of a mermaid.

“Couldn't I just go, for a few hours?” she begged, taking a step toward the water.

“No!” he spoke harshly.

Her face turned sad as if she had been reprimanded. “You're mad,” she pouted.

“Oh, no. No. I'm not mad. I just want my Emily back. If you go into the water, I'm afraid you'll never come back to me. Need I remind you of the dangers lurking out there right now? We still have no idea how many bloodsuckers there are.”

“But they need me, Michael. I feel my sisters, right now. They are in pain. They are in pain over the sister they lost, and sad, for me. Because they can hear my true voice. I don't want to be one of them.” Emily closed her eyes for a moment. “I don't want to be one of them,” she repeated as if reminding herself of who she really was. Her frightened eyes found Michael's. “It's happening so fast! I don't have much time, do I?”

It was like the two sides of Emily were fighting to see which would win.

There was nothing Michael could say to make it better. He just needed to find a way to fix it.

He watched her expression turn from sad concern, to curious, and then angry.

“Emily, what's wrong?”

She said nothing for a moment, but looked as though she was listening to something. “Charlie?” she questioned softly. “Why are you trying to hurt Charlie?” She spoke as if someone could hear her.

“What about Charlie?” asked Michael. He still had not successfully reached his brother.

Emily gasped. “Oh no!” Her head snapped to the ocean and before Michael could stop her, she ran straight into the water, diving. Clothing shattered, floating on the water’s surface.

He shouted after her, but to no avail. He stood just inches into the crashing waves, searching for any sign of her. For a moment, he thought his heart had stopped beating. She was gone. Just like that. Gone.

Emily's head popped out of the water, about fifty feet off the shore.

“Please come back,” Michael shouted after her. 

“You have to trust me, Michael,” she yelled over the crashing waves. “I know what I'm doing. I'll be back, I promise. Charlie needs my help.” She sank down below the waves, her flippers popping into the air with a splash as she dove, swimming away from him.

“Damn it, Emily!” Michael shouted across the shore. He ran his hands over his head, telling himself to breathe. His heart thudded hard against his chest. Panic rising to levels he had never experienced before. For once, all his own. No one was close enough for him to use his empathy on.

He’d wanted Emily to stay close to him today. Thought she’d be safer by his side, over being alone.

“What the heck is going on? And why is it suddenly impossible for my girlfriend to stay out of trouble?”

Not only was she a mermaid, swimming in bloodsucker-infested waters, but apparently, his brother was also in some sort of trouble that only a mermaid would know about.

“Michael,” a voice called out.

He flicked his head. It was Mr. Jordan. He was standing on the pier, motioning for Michael to join him. When he got back onto the pier, Mr. Jordan ordered Michael to follow him into the house.

He did, stepping into the living room, which was stacked with boxes and trunks filled with papers and books.

“Did you find something?” he aimed at Mr. Jordan desperately.

“Yes, I think I did,” he returned eagerly. “But I should warn you, it's not pretty.”

“Just tell me, please.”

“Emily must die!” Mr. Jordan spoke bluntly. “It is the only way to force the mermaid essence out of her body.”

“Um, okay. Not liking the sound of this so far.”

“And that's the good news I'm afraid,” said Mr. Jordan, his voice lower.

“Killing my girlfriend is the good news?”

“Right before her death, is the only time the essence can be removed. But here's the real kicker. We have to find someone to transfer the essence to.”

“That's...” Michael had no reply. His face contorted as if trying to speak, but nothing came out.

“Potentially a much larger problem,” Anthony Jordan finished for him. His voice held an edge of dismay, which Michael easily noticed. “Don't lose hope my young man. Don't lose hope. I have just the concoction to kill dear Emily. First problem solved.”

Michael just looked at Mr. Jordan as if he were completely insane.

“Trust me, Michael Howard. I am an expert with plants. We can make it so for all intents and purposes, Emily will be dead, but she'll be perfectly alive. More, in a very deep sleep.”

Michael bowed his head for a moment, holding his breath. When he looked back up, he spoke with heavy skepticism. “Even if I go along with this plan, we're never going to find another person to take on the essence. I can't exactly run an ad that says, any gals out there want to become a mermaid for the rest of your life?”

“No, and I'm afraid I haven’t found anything helpful about transferring the essence. But never fret. We still have time.”

Michael wanted to call William and ask him to research on his own, but realized he would be busy helping Melinda, and with Charlie still missing, he did not relish the idea of Melinda trying to help Mack on her own. Not that she couldn't. He would never forgive himself if he pulled William away, and Melinda got hurt.

“Well, give me a book or something,” Michael muttered, disbelieving what he was about to do. “There's got to be some way to store the essence without transferring it to another woman. And then, I just have to kill my girlfriend.”

##

MELINDA AND MACK ARRIVED at the pier where the fisherman had been attacked. They did not see William, but assumed he was somewhere nearby. Mack walked across the wooden pier to question the fisherman, while Melinda ducked underneath it, looking for any sign of the bloodsuckers.

She did find one, but not the kind she was looking for.

William heard her arrive and glanced upward. 

She joined him at the edge of the rocky shore, underneath the pier. She hated the tension between them and tugged at her bottom lip.

“I do not believe the leeches are still here,” he informed her. “I have seen no sign of them.”

Keeping it all business. Okay... “So it looks like we're playing chase?”

“It does appear so.”

“I'm gonna try Charlie again,” Melinda told him, yanking her phone out of her pocket. She shook her head. “Voicemail. What the heck is he doing? This morning he's all about being in the lead and on the front lines, and now, none of us can even reach him!”

William noted equal amounts of frustration and distress in her tone. “I'm sure he's fine. Most likely he is busy and cannot answer.”

“I hope he didn't go and do something rash.”

“I presume you’re speaking of the Deanes?” guessed William.

Melinda nodded yes.

“Charlie is smarter than that. He wouldn't do anything without passing it by the rest of us first.”

“Even with his new ring?”

William took too long to reply.

“Uh huh. Exactly. Not even your logical brain can answer that with certainty.”

“I don’t believe your frustration is entirely just about Charlie, is it, Melinda?”

Her breath caught in her throat.

“I am going to assume this is regarding the young man who dropped you off at the sheriff's house earlier?”

She knew this was coming. They might as well get it over with.

“I met him the day we found out Emily was a spirit vessel. I was going to tell you about him this morning but I just... chickened out I guess.” She shrugged, feeling stupid. “Sorry.” The word hardly seemed strong enough for how sorry she truly was. 

The corner of his mouth lifted in the faintest of smiles. “I think this is a good thing, Melinda.”

“You do?” She hadn’t expected him to say that.

“Yes.”

She didn’t believe him. He sounded confident as he spoke, but she’d seen his face when he’d opened Mack’s door.

Crushed.

She had completely crushed him.

“Melinda, I cannot express how important it is to me that you find happiness in this life. I meant everything I said to you this morning. Nothing has changed.”

“But there were things you...” she stopped herself. Her daring caught in her chest. She could not ask him about the things he didn’t say. Why force him to admit he had feelings for her. Open a wound that had no potential of healing.

“Go on,” he urged her.

“I, um, I don’t really know what I was going to say,” she lied. “I’m just sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“There is no need. You are building a life for yourself, as you should.”

“I did promise to try. But I did not expect to meet a guy. Not so fast anyway.”

“One who has obviously swept you off your feet?”

“Yes,” she admitted. She couldn’t look him in the eye when she said it.

“Will you tell your brothers?”

She let out a puff of air. “Not yet.”

He tossed her a questioning look.

“I don’t want to scare this guy off. My last few dates, all my dates really, did not go that well. And...” she trailed off with a timid shrug.

William had recalled each time she’d come home from her previous dates. In tears, every time. He had loathed seeing her like that. Never understood it. Why any man would turn her down. It made him want to track each of them down and threaten them. But he hadn’t, in case one of them came to their senses and asked her out again.

“The truth is, William. I like this guy. But I’d like a little more time before he finds out who I am, or has to endure rounds of approval from Charlie and Michael. I've already had to run out on him twice and he probably thinks I'm a total wacko.”

“No man that truly cares for you would ever think this, Melinda,” William replied in all seriousness.

“I’d just like to do it on my own terms, in my own time.”

He nodded that he understood.

“William?” she started, a moment of boldness.

“Yes.”

“Have you ever been in love?” She wasn’t even sure why she asked him this.

William did not answer right away. For a moment, he looked flustered.

“Yes. I have. You don’t live over four hundred years without falling in love a few times.”

“The last time... was she a human?”

His eyes narrowed. Darkened.

The topic made him uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, William. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just sometimes, it feels like you know everything about us. The good. The bad. The awkward. But I realized today that even though I consider you my best friend, there’s so many things I don’t know about you.”

William sighed. “That is more my doing than yours, Melinda. I do not often talk about my past. To do so makes it difficult for me to do my job. I have to keep a certain distance between myself and my charges, for lack of a better term. You’re much more to me than that, of course. But to share intimate details of my life makes things... difficult.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you all leave. And the cycle begins again. Birth. Life. Death...”

“Oh,” she swallowed the impact of his words.

“And to answer your question, Melinda. Yes. She was a human. And she died, much sooner than she should have. After that...”

“I understand, William. You don’t have to explain.”

He nodded.

Melinda took a cleansing breath. She did understand now. Better, at least. He had loved a human, she had died, he’d never put himself through that again. So no matter if he really did have feelings for her, or not, it didn’t matter. But she could try to keep it light around him. Try not to hurt his feelings. Or crush him, again.

“So. This young man of yours drives a motorcycle?”

“Oh. Um. Yes, he does.”

“Please tell me you’re wearing a helmet while he’s riding you around the Isle.”

“Oh. Yeah. Definitely. He’s a safe driver.” Wait a minute... Melinda cleared her throat. Was William really asking about helmets or... this is beyond embarrassing.  

And was he asking this because he smelled Riley on her? This was all just too much. This was ten times worse than her brother’s empathy picking up on her most personal emotions.

“Is everything okay?” William asked her. He hadn’t meant to upset her, only clear the air and move forward. He supposed he could have approached the conversation differently, and realized that perhaps he’d allowed himself a little bitterness toward the situation.

He’d given himself away earlier. He knew this. And realized that Melinda had seen it written all over him. There was no taking it back or hiding it. But his reaction to her was not one he had expected. It had shattered all his normal defenses. And right after swearing he’d never love another human.

If he’d known she had met someone he would have prepared for it. But he hadn’t expected his reaction to be so unhinging. He didn’t wear his emotions, and this displeased him immensely. But if he hadn’t let them show, he might not have controlled his actions.

And they were of the deadly kind. To end whatever excuse for a male had dropped her off and so obviously had his hands all over a woman that did not belong to him... William had smelled it all over her.

This witch was going to be his undoing.

“Are you okay, William?” he heard Melinda’s small voice ask. He caught her gaze, a moist swirling of concern, shame, and regret. It took every ounce of strength to keep his hands from caressing her cheek and wiping away the tears forming in her eyes.

Instead, he nodded uneasily.

She bit her lip and tore her gaze away. William steeled himself, prepared for the heart flutter that had become his personal calling card, but instead her heart stuttered, skipping a few beats. In the manner it always did when she was disappointed and angry with herself. She felt responsible for this.

He needed to fix that. It was his problem, not hers.

“Melinda.” Her baby blues found his gaze, sinking into his emerald greens. “I think it would be best if we put these last few days behind us. Let us forget, and move on. It never happened.”

“Um. Yeah... okay.” She wasn’t sure it would be as easy as boom, forget. “I can do that, William,” she said anyway. 

You’re totally lying by the way.

One thing I’m getting better and better at.

Yes, until your web of lies comes back to haunt you!

William inhaled and exhaled with determined strength. “Well then. Today is like any other day, which means we have a job to do.” His tone was normal, controlled.

How does he do that? It killed her, his ability to turn off his emotions. As controlled as she could try to be, she could never act like nothing had happened. She could pretend though, if that’s what he wanted. What he needed her to do. Pretending is just lying, something you just told yourself you can do well.

“Any other day,” she agreed, putting on the most honest smile she could muster.

“You two find anything useful down here?” Mack’s voice rang out.

Melinda had almost forgotten where they were, or that Mack was there. She shook off her apprehensions and watched Mack work her way across the rocks to join them.

“Actually, sheriff,” said William, on task once again. “I have a theory.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“The first attack, at least that we are aware of, happened near the Jordan's home. Just a short while later they attacked here at this pier. It seems there is a pattern forming. I do believe they are following the coastline, heading north around the Isle.”

“Sounds solid to me. North then,” Mack decided.

“Anything helpful from the fisherman?” Melinda asked.

“Helpful, no. Just had to talk him into believing it was a crazed, weird lookin' sea lion. He seemed to agree.” She shrugged, not really caring one way or the other.

Her phone buzzed again. “Hello.” She listened to the deputy on the other line. “Another sighting of the psycho lions, eh. Where this time?” As she spoke, she motioned for them to follow her. When they got to her car she hung up, lifting an eyebrow in William’s direction. “Looks like your theory was right. Just a few beaches away, headin’ north. A couple of 'em slithered onto the beach and frightened some youngins'.” 

They piled into the sheriff’s car, this time, William rode along with them, an inquisitive look on his face. He slid into the backseat next to Melinda. And although they’d cleared the air, the tension still sliced thick between them.

“What are you thinking?” asked Melinda, hoping his thoughts were on the bloodsuckers. 

He glanced her direction, a wave of emotion in his eyes. It disappeared just as quickly. “Nothing of consequence.”

Nope. Not the bloodsuckers. She wasn’t sure the air between them could ever be cleared at this point. Had she ruined their friendship, forever?

God! Why does life have to be so hard all the time?

She feared their relationship would never be the same. It reopened the pit in her stomach, something dark and heavy settling inside.

She might be a good liar, but she was a terrible actor. Pretending this thing between her and William didn’t exist would not be easy.

No, she admitted. I’m not a good liar. I’m just good at avoiding things. Steering away from situations I don’t want to deal with. And every time I do that, I end up lying so I don’t hurt someone. And they get hurt anyway.

The same thing will happen to Riley, the voices in her head warned.

Melinda let out a long sigh, closing her eyes.

Then I’ll be honest with him. Tonight. I’ll tell him everything.

I will, she argued with the voice that scoffed at her insistence. I will...

Screams echoed in her ears.

Her eyes opened to see they’d arrived at the beach and a chaotic scene ensued. A group of youngsters raced away from the beach.

“They're everywhere,” a boy shouted.

“Looks like we’ve got more than a couple on the beach,” Melinda spoke despondently.

William nodded, opened the door and got out, allowing Melinda to slide out after him.

“You kids all run along home now,” Mack ordered, getting out of the car. She started hanging police tape across the entrance of the beach, but knew full well it would not keep out local reporters, who were sure to catch wind of the story. 

“I'll stand guard,” she told Melinda and William. “Holler if ya need me, otherwise I'll just let ya do your thing.”

“I'll put up a barrier as well,” Melinda told Mack. “Should keep people from seeing what's going on.”

Mack nodded and tugged at her gun belt, making sure everything on her person was secure.

Melinda and William ducked under the tape and headed toward the beach, the ground underneath their feet turning into sand the closer they got.

Melinda stopped in her tracks when she saw the beach. “Oh, William! Wow!”

“I'm not sure wow quite does it justice.”

“I really didn't expect so many.”

“To be honest, nor did I.”

“Do you think this is all of them?”

A sound come out of him that indicated, no. 

Hundreds of bulging charcoal colored bloodsuckers lined the part-sand, part-rock beach, with more slithering out of the water every minute. They did resemble sea lions, except that sea lions were cute, and smart. At least the ones on the Isle. These things were thick, slick, and had just one thing on their mind: blood.

“We really need Michael and Charlie.” Doubt spread, Melinda skeptical of her abilities.

“We can handle this,” insisted William, noting her tone.

Melinda heard the tiniest hint of hesitation and raised her eyelids as if to say she did not believe him. They were going to need something to kill these creatures all at once, and they were going to need it fast.

##

CHARLIE HOWARD HAD his back up against the cave wall, unsure how he would escape the three merladies advancing toward him. The one he saved from the tangled mess of fishing nets was in the middle. Her face savage looking. Her eyes feral, her mouth poised, as if ready to bite him.

“I should have been more careful. Should have trusted my instincts.” Charlie was dumbfounded he’d let himself get tricked. They had seemed so innocent and helpless. And naked, and beautiful. Yeah, it was mostly that. He hadn’t been thinking with his brain. He guessed the ring didn’t stop that from happening.

For some reason, the only solution that came to mind was to be honest with them.

“Look, I'm not taking this ring off, and you cannot take it off my finger, so this is going to go nowhere.”

The two merladies on the sides seemed to believe him and slowed their pace. They did not act as though they wanted to hurt him. One looked on the verge of tears.

“We must,” she whimpered, her words aimed at Charlie. 

“Yes, must get ring,” the one on the opposite side spoke, her voice wavering.

“Oh stop whining you two,” hissed the one in the middle. “If you won't finish this, I will!” She lunged for Charlie's hand, threatening to use her teeth to bite the ring off his finger. He pulled his hand back and grabbed her by the throat. 

“I don't want to hurt you!” he spoke angrily. “But I will if you force me to. You cannot take this ring off my finger!”

The merlady flailed, her eyes wild, her hands grasping for the ring just out of reach. Behind them, in the pool, something splashed, and a head popped out of the water. 

Charlie dropped the attacking merlady, shock spreading across his face.

“Emily? What the hell?” Am I dreaming? Did I let them mesmerize me again? He wasn’t sure he was living in reality at the moment, or not.   

“You’re not crazy, Charlie. It's really me.” Emily splashed her flippers, thrusting herself upward to get out of the water, sitting on the drying ledge.

“But you’re a...” he coughed and lowered his gaze. Emily’s plastered blue strands barely hid anything above the waist, and she seemed not to care, or notice.

His eyes focused on her flippers. Seriously? Flippers. What is going on?

Emily spoke to the two frightened looking merladies. “You cannot do this,” she told them. “It's not right, and I can hear your thoughts. You don't want to hurt Charlie, do you?”

“No. But we must,” one spoke.

“If we do not...”

“I know,” Emily interrupted. “That's why I’m here. I freed your sister. You don't have to do this. Just listen.” The mermaids went quiet.

The nasty one, crawled away from the rest, not yet ready to give up, but determining her next move.

Nothing was making any sense to Charlie, but he needed to be able to look around properly. “Um, Emily. Could you possibly...” he waved his hands in the air, hoping not to have to say it out loud. He did not relish his brother finding out he’d seen more of his girlfriend’s topside than he ever wanted to. 

She pursed her lips, not understanding. Air hit her skin. She sucked in, her hands flying up to cover herself. “Oops.” She shook out her blue strands and got herself more properly covered.

Charlie wanted to ask Emily what was happening, but once covered, she focused on the mermaids. Her facial features changed, as if having a conversation, though he did not hear her speak a word.

The two frightened mermaids, however, seemed to understand her perfectly. They went silent as well, listening to something Charlie could not hear. Then suddenly, bright smiles spread across their faces.

“Free,” one spoke.

“Not taken.”

“Don't need to hurt.” They sounded relieved. 

“We help other sisters now.”

“Yes. We help fight monsters.”

The other looked at Charlie. “Monsters bad. Killing sisters.” They did not explain further but simply darted past the vicious merlady and dove into the pool, swimming away.

Emily perched her body onto the ledge at the side of the pool, where mermaids dried themselves. 

“Stupid girl,” the angry mermaid shouted at Emily. “Ruin everything!” She stood in between Charlie and the pool to her freedom, torn as to keep up the fight or flee, before it was too late.

Her eyes shouted disappointment at not winning her prize, and a deep rumble rose in her throat seeping out through her teeth in thick streams of resentment. She stepped closer to the pool, her eyes drifting between Charlie and Emily. She hissed at Emily, ready to attack. 

Charlie willed the wolf to surface, allowing its strength to envelop him. The ring knew just the right amount to let free. He bent his knees and lurched forward, his body easily passing right by the merlady and landing at the side of the pool, guarding Emily.

Admittance of defeat came quickly, and freedom won out. The merlady jumped into the pool feet first and disappeared out of sight.

Part of Emily wanted to dive in after her. She felt the ocean’s call tugging at her like the unavoidable ebb and flow of the tide. There was also something off about that mermaid and she desired to follow it and discover why.

“Emily,” called out Charlie. The ring had already reclaimed the wolf as he knelt to her side.

“Oh, hi,” she muttered. “Can't go back into the water. Told Michael I would return to him.” Her eyes glazed over as if her mind was somewhere else.

Charlie took a confused breath.

Emily's eyes lost their gloss and she saw Charlie more clearly.

“Are you okay?” she asked him, suddenly her usual self.

“You're asking me if I'm okay?” His gaze screamed 'I'm not the one that's been turned into a mermaid'. “What the heck is going on?”

Emily's reply quickly became nonsensical, confusing Charlie even more.

“Lots, I'm afraid. Obviously, I'm a mermaid now. Everyone was worried. You were not answering your phone. Then I heard the sisters talking about you. I had to come right away once I learned what was going on.”

“What is going on?”

But Emily suddenly seemed sidetracked. She took hold of his hand, rubbing the ring on his finger. “So smooth. So shiny.”

“Um, okay, Emily. Why don't we get you dried off,” Charlie suggested.

This shook her out of her momentary lapse. “Yes. I need to dry off. I have to call Michael. He's probably near death, freaking out right now.”

“I can only imagine,” mumbled Charlie. “How is it, that everything can just go so crazy, so fast?” he asked no one in particular.

He grabbed his tank top from the cave floor and helped dry her legs. She laughed and giggled, saying it tickled, using her mermaid voice again. Charlie cringed. I think I will never tell Michael about this.

But the more he kept her talking, and the drier her skin became, the more sense she started to make. Emily explained the bloodsucker's attack at Anthony Jordan's, and how she was turned into a mermaid. She explained that Melinda and William were helping Mack attempt to control the bloodsucker problem.

“Mr. Jordan seems like a real nice man,” Emily told him. “He's helping Michael research some way to change me back before sunset.” She looked longingly into the pool of water as she spoke again.

When her legs finally dried and her flippers disappeared, her human legs returned, Emily, the real Emily, reappeared. She turned bright red and wrapped Charlie’s wet tank around herself. She peered down and gasped, horrified. White, wet tank.

“Um,” stuttered Charlie. His eyes scoured the cave, stopping at the side of the pool.

One of the mermaid’s dresses was at the side of the pool. Torn a bit, but wearable. And not wet with saltwater. “Thank. You. God.” He reached down and scooped it up. “Sorry, it’s torn a bit, but definitely better than the alternative.”

She took it gratefully.

He turned while she pulled one over her head.

It took longer than he thought it should, and he called out her name to see if she was done. When she didn’t respond he turned around cautiously. Emily was dressed but peering into the pool longingly. 

“Yeah, why don't we get out of this cave, make a few calls and keep you away from the water?” Charlie grabbed hold of her arm before she jumped back in. 

“Sorry. I can't help it, Charlie. The water calls to me. My sisters call to me, except...” she got an odd expression on her face.

“Except?”

“The mean one. The one that tried to steal your ring. Her voice is wrong.”

“Wrong?”

“I’m not sure how else to describe it. It just doesn’t fit.”

“I'm not really familiar with mermaid voices.”

“I don't think she was a real mermaid,” Emily suddenly blurted, realizing why the voice seemed wrong. 

“She sure looked like one,” disagreed Charlie.

“Well, when do things have to look like themselves around here?” Emily asked in her normal tone. She cocked her head, the mermaid side taking over again. “Her voice, gone now. I hear others. They are happy about sisters returning, and yet sad, and scared. Because of sister lost. And bloodsuckers. Bad.” The way Emily spoke was if she were with the other mermaids, listening to them speaking.

“Let’s get out of here,” reminded Charlie, eager to get Emily away from the water. “I'm sure our help is needed elsewhere.”

She followed him out of the cave. As soon as they had cautiously hiked back across the narrow path and aimed back towards town, Charlie took a moment to check his phone. Thirteen voicemails and twenty-three missed calls. Son of a bitch.

He dialed Michael.

“Where the heck...” Charlie cut him off.

“Let's just say you’re not the only one with a mermaid problem, and I have your girlfriend with me.”

“Emily! She's with you?” Michael took a deep breath, suddenly feeling as though he had been forgetting to breathe.

“She's fine, Michael. Other than the whole being a mermaid thing.”

His brother went silent.

“Michael?”

“Sorry. I just needed a second to restart my heart. I’m not sure how much more I can take today.”

“Where are you?”

“Just leaving Mr. Jordan's place. He's working on a cure for Emily, and frankly, I have a terrible feeling it’s not going to work. Besides that, William and Melinda just called. We appear to have a much larger bloodsucker problem than we initially thought.”

“Where are they?”

“Beach on the north side, just down the street from a fishing pier. You know the one. Dad took us there all the time when we were little.”

“Oh, yeah, I remember it. We'll head that direction.”

“I'll meet you there, and Charlie, please, please don't let Emily back into the water.”

“Don't worry, Bro. Already on top of that.”

Charlie hung up and urged Emily far away from the shore. They’d take the longer route to keep her away from the water.

She stopped suddenly, spinning around. “Can we keep this a secret?”

“Keep what a secret?”

“Sorry. The fact that, um...” her pinks turned rosy.

“Oh. Yeah. That. I do not want to tell Michael, any more than you do.”

“I mean, it’s not really that big a thing, in the overall scheme of things, it’s just that, well, crap, I can’t believe I’m telling you this. Michael and I have never... you know. He’s never seen me naked.”

“Shoot. Really? I was so hoping he’d seen you naked. Okay, that maybe didn’t come out like I meant it to. I just don’t need another reason for him to hate me.”

“Yeah, and the fact that his brother saw me in my birthday suit before he did, it won’t go over well.”

“I’ll gladly take it to my grave, Emily.” More like strike it out of my memory.

“Thank you, Charlie.”

“If he brings it up at all, just tell him your hair hid everything and you had the dress nearby and I saw nothing.”

“I hate lying to him.”

“It won’t be lying, just not bringing it up or skimming over that part. It’s not like I really saw anything anyway. It was all very fast and beyond chaotic.” Not true. He’d pretty much seen the entire package and the more he tried to erase the picture, the more it just burned into his brain. 

She let out a determined breath. “I can lie. For Michael’s sake.”

A waft of salty mist washed off the shore, inland. Emily breathed it in, like taking a hit of some drug.

“Okay. Let’s keep moving.” Charlie aimed her in the direction of the bloodsucker-filled beach.

##

“THIS IS GOING TO GET messy,” warned Melinda. She and William decided that the only way to keep the bloodsuckers on the beach was to blow one up. Thus keeping them attracted to the blood, and on the beach, rather than slipping back into the water and popping up somewhere else. They also hoped this would attract any lingerers still in the water, getting them to join the rest on the crowded beach.

Melinda focused on one of the bloodsuckers and held her palm, face out, firmly in front of her. She shot off an energy ball, which hit it straight on blowing it up into chunky, bloody bits. Frenzy ensued. The bloodsuckers fought each other to get to the bloody bits first.

Melinda shuddered at the sight. She took a quick glance at the barrier she had created at the back of the beach. It looked to be holding steady. Only she and William would even know it was there, as the barrier mirrored what the beach should look like, rather than what it did look like currently. It ran the length of the sandy beach and stood about twenty feet high, so no one could accidentally see over it.

“I think you need to blow up another one,” William told her. “They are getting restless.”

“Already? Geesh. Haven't these things ever heard of chewing?” She shot off another spell, followed by another and another. “There, that's three. That should keep them busy for a little while.”

“At least long enough to come up with a plan to kill them all.”

“I could just sit here and take them out one by one if I have to, I guess. It’ll take all night...”

“If you start a one-at-a-time mass killing, some will inevitably get away. We could spend days if not weeks searching them out again.”

“Yeah. You're right.” She took a side-glance at him, noticing a bit of wildness in his eyes. “Is the blood too much?”

“The blood is strong, but thankfully not human or I would quite honestly have to leave, or eat.” He sounded far more tempted than usual.

Melinda trembled at the thought of witnessing William on an unstoppable rampage.

A familiar voice hollered onto the beach from behind.

“I can't imagine blood, from actual bloodsuckers, to be very appetizing.”

“Charlie,” returned Melinda, relieved at seeing him. “And Emily. I thought you were with Michael?”

“Um, I kinda swam away,” she bit her lip as if embarrassed and in trouble.

“What are you wearing?” Melinda had never seen Emily looking so poorly dressed. “Wait, isn’t that... I had that in a giveaway pile at the house.”

“Long story,” Emily said, her gaze wandering out to the ocean.

Melinda turned to Charlie, arms on her hips. “So where have you been?”

“Also a long story, but short version, had a bit of mermaid mayhem of my own.”

“Is this entire island going bonkers?” Melinda shook her head in disbelief.

“I'll fill you in later,” he promised. “Looks like we've got a pretty nasty situation on our hands.” He looked across the beach at the bloodsuckers.

“Melinda has been keeping them busy,” William explained.

She proceeded to blow up another bloodsucker, causing a new fighting frenzy over the newest bloody bits. “See. Fun, huh? One at a time isn't going to work though. We need a way to kill them all, simultaneously.”

“Emily!” someone shouted.

“Michael,” she called back, seeing him enter the beach. 

He raced forward wrapping his arms around her. “You know you're killing me, right? Do you suddenly have some penchant for getting into life-threatening trouble?”

“I do seem to be rather prone to it lately, huh? Sorry.” Emily batted her eyes at him. It was impossible for Michael to stay angry, especially as her long blue locks started to sway in a hypnotizing fashion.

“Enough of that for one day,” stated Charlie. “No mesmerizing anyone,” he chided humorously. “Even if it is your boyfriend.”

“Sorry,” Emily apologized, shrugging cutely. “Couldn't help it.”

Michael’s skin flushed. “If I wasn’t so worried about time running out, I’d be taking full advantage of this situation.” 

She giggled, stopping when he swooped in and kissed her. “Just stay by my side,” he pleaded in her ear. “I don't want to lose you again.” He noticed the dress, recognizing it as belonging to his sister.

“Long story,” she sighed. “Short version, some mermaids were trying to trick Charlie into taking off his ring. That’s what I heard when I swam away from you. Charlie had been trying to help the mermaids, thinking they were actually in trouble.”

“It was a setup. They came to the house,” Charlie explained. “Claimed to need my help, and they were bare naked frolicking in the yard. So I grabbed some of the dresses Melinda had in her giveaway pile before we went traipsing across the Isle.”

“Tricked you for the ring? How would they even know you have it?” Michael pondered.

“No idea. But your girlfriend pretty much saved my butt.”

Michael looked down at Emily. “You did?” He grinned.

“I’m more than just my brain.”

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in. She smelled of peaches and cream, like always, but now with a side of ocean. He wanted to get her to safety. To hide her away from all the trouble she kept getting into. But he had work to do first. Bloodsuckers to kill. And needed to find some way to keep Emily from becoming a mermaid for the rest of her life.

Emotions wavered around him, but the only ones he cared about were hers. She was trying to hide that she was afraid. Forcing other emotions to the front to hide her fear of the impending sunset. And the ocean calling her home, permanently.

“Just... do not leave my side, please,” he begged her.

“I won’t. Promise.”

“So, is there any plan on how to get rid of the bloodsuckers yet?” Michael aimed at the others. “Mack’s trying her best out there to keep people off the beach, especially the local newspaper reporters and the like.”

“I put up a barrier.” Melinda nodded to the backside of the beach. “But no. No real plan yet. We need to hurry before they all decide to plop back in the water and move on.”

“Speaking of reporters,” grumbled William. “Excuse me a moment.” He darted to the back of the beach.

“Oh. My. God. They're climbing trees now!” Melinda pointed. “They've always got to try to get a snapshot.”

“You can't blame them for trying,” said Michael. “I mean, it keeps tourists coming back. It's good for business.” Seeing Melinda's hot tempered simper, he added, “Not that I condone it of course.”

William returned a moment later. “Reporter suddenly found himself on the ground, didn't know what hit him. Mack's got him now. But I was nice. I let him keep the camera. He had taken only one, very blurry shot.”  He was matter of fact in his tone. 

“Nicely done,” noted Melinda.

“So,” started Charlie getting back to the issue of the bloodsuckers, “any thoughts on how to...”

A disturbing scream echoed across the water and onto the beach.

Emily covered her ears as if to block out a terrible noise and started to shake, frightened. “Sisters,” she cried out in angst.

She escaped Michael’s grasp; he grabbed after her but she was too fast. She darted through the bloodsuckers on the beach reaching the water's edge.

“My sisters, they're dying!” Emily shouted back. “I must help.” She ran into the water, diving, her legs and feet transforming as the saltwater absorbed into her skin.

“Holy freakin’ mermaids,” uttered Melinda, upon seeing her friend swim away. 

Michael followed Emily, but stopped at the water's edge. He didn't even bother shouting her name, but rather put his hands to his head in complete frustration. He saw her dress surface and grabbed it. An eddy of blood swirled up to the surface.

Michael froze. He’d lost her. She wasn’t coming back to him. He’d finally just told her he loved her, after being a total idiot for stringing her along all these years, and now he’d lost her.

Warnings shouted in his direction. He spun around to see bloodsuckers plunging their way across the beach right at him. No, not him. They were after the blood. But they wouldn’t stop for anything in their way. It was a mass evacuation of slithering bloated bellies. Each fighting to be the first into the bloody water.

Michael fled out of their path, and rejoined Charlie, Melinda and William.

“We have to do something. Now!” Michael’s chest heaved. “I'd like to at least still have a girlfriend when this day ends, even if she is a mermaid!” 

“This is very bad,” Melinda exclaimed, holding her hand to her mouth, fearing she might be ill. “Those poor mermaids, they're all going to die.” Her eyes popped wide in angst when she saw Michael's face.

Charlie’s gaze darkened, his eyes focused on the suckers fleeing into the water. “Not on my watch,” he announced decisively. He jogged to the shoreline running into the water, diving when it was deep enough. He allowed the wolf to surface, just a little. He needed his wolf’s silver eyes to see better under the water. And the strength to fight the bloodsuckers if necessary.

Not far ahead, he saw a frenzy of bloodsuckers and mermaids, tangled in a brutal battle to feed, and stay alive. Much to his surprise, however, the mermaids were holding their ground. Their deft movements through the water kept them from getting caught.

Back on the beach, they’d lost sight of Charlie.

Emily was nowhere to be seen.

William eyed the suckers slithering across the sand. He let out a growl and flicked his head to Melinda and Michael. “I’ll handle the beach. You deal with the water.” Blackness engulfed his emerald eyes, burning with a predatory hunger. He sprung into the air sailing twenty feet away, letting out an enraged snarl as he landed. Icy fingers connected with hot bloodsucker. William yanked the sucker’s mouth open and with one thrust, tore it down the middle. Ending its bloodthirsty reign.

Melinda sucked in a quick breath, her eyes wide at the sight. Any show of William's strength always gave her pause. Her William, the man she saw most days, made it easy to forget he wasn’t a normal guy. That he was capable of dangerous and deadly things. It didn’t scare her in the least. It only made her want him even more. Really, Melinda? He’s off limits so get over it already! You’ve already crushed him, isn’t that enough damage for one day?

William groaned. Melinda’s heart did that flutter again. He could hear it even across the beach. He twisted to catch a glance of her and caught her looking away from him. This human is going to be the death of me. He tore his gaze away, focusing on the closest bloodsucker and lunged. He landed with a soft thud, grabbed hold and yanked its soft jaw free from its body.

Michael grabbed Melinda and pointed out across the water. Charlie’s head surfaced. They ran to the water’s edge to meet him. Michael’s heart stalled when Emily popped up next to him.

“Two sisters injured, but they got away,” she told Charlie.

Charlie nodded that he’d heard her.

“We know what to do,” Emily continued. “My sisters can stop them. But they need time to gather.” She never stopped moving the entire time she spoke, swimming nimbly through the churning currents, avoiding the bloodsuckers and the blood trails swirling around them.

“Blood not sister’s,” she went on to say. “Found dead shark. Its blood attracts creatures. It’s war down there!”

“Sounds like we need a distraction,” said Charlie. “And nothing attracts a bloodsucker like more blood.” He turned to see Michael and Melinda stepping into the water.

“Don’t come in any deeper,” advised Charlie. “Use that dinghy.” He pointed with his head. It wasn’t far away.

Michael raced to the dinghy to see if the paddles were inside. They were. He untied it while Charlie explained to Melinda what he wanted them to do. Michael dragged the dinghy over to Melinda. He froze for a second when he saw his sister blow up a sucker and go elbow deep in its bloody chunks. 

“This is so totally the grossest thing I have ever done,” she said hotly, as she threw the bits into the dinghy.

“Yeah, I kind of have to agree with you on that one, Sis.” Regardless, Michael dug in, helping her. Once full, they hopped into the dinghy and paddled out, meeting Charlie.

“Wow. You two are covered...”

“Shut up, Charlie,” Melinda and Michael said at once.

Melinda took a bloody chunk and threw it in the water.

Emily dragged Charlie away from the boat as the bloodsuckers began racing mercilessly towards the bloody chunks. Melinda and Michael hoped the sucker’s frenzied movements wouldn’t capsize the dinghy. It wasn’t that sturdy. Meant only to get passengers to larger boats, docked further out. It wasn’t meant for strong currents.

Once out of harm’s way, Charlie asked Emily what the mermaid’s plan was. For a second, Emily sounded a bit more like Emily, and less like a mermaid.

“My sisters will use their sonic call to kill them. The only problem is, it will also kill every other living thing in the water that’s too close.”

“I think I can help there,” said Charlie. “We can put up a barrier, like we did on the beach, which should keep the sonic call within its confines.”

“I tell sisters.” Emily sounded mermaidish again. She did not leave, however, but rather went silent. After a moment, she smiled at Charlie. “They agree. They think will work. They gather now, just below, as creatures surround boat.”

Charlie shook his head, looking at Emily. She grinned, even in all this chaos and battle raging. It wasn’t really her though, he knew this. The mermaid was taking hold. He started to worry Michael might lose her to the ocean.

He had to set that concern aside. It would do no good right now. He shouted for Michael and Melinda, filling them in on the mermaid’s plan. “Just keep the blood coming and keep them busy as long as possible. I’ll be back as fast as I can.”

Emily dove into the water. Michael’s heart stalled again. Each time she disappeared, he wondered if it would be the last time he’d see her.

“We’re not going to let the ocean claim her, Michael,” Melinda comforted. He glanced at her, she saw no hope in her brother’s gaze.

Is this all love could do? Hurt, crush, and squeeze your heart until there’s no breath left. She started to wonder if it was worth it. “C’mon. Let’s keep feeding the suckers.” She tossed another bloody chunk over the side of the rocking dinghy.

##

CHARLIE DUCKED UNDER the water, casting his breathing spell and followed Emily. What he saw impressed him. Hundreds of mermaids all gathered, joining hands in a large circle, surrounding the fury of bloodsuckers feeding on the bits thrown into the water by his siblings. He knew there were many mermaids in the area surrounding The Demon Isle, but had no idea just how many there truly were.

The two mermaids that had tricked him earlier that day swam closer, looking forlorn. Their hair didn’t look so vibrantly blue under the water. And sparkly scales covered their nakedness in all the necessary places. He was glad for that, more so for Emily’s sake than his own. At least in the water they had some natural coverage.

“We are sorry, Charlie, who is Howard.”

“Yes, sorry,” the second one sang.

Their voices were musical, yet as clear to him as though speaking on dry land.

“We do not like hurt.”

“No. Not like. The mean one.”

“Forced us.”

“It's okay,” Charlie spoke into his air bubble. “I get that it wasn't your fault.” He was still not entirely clear on what had really happened, but it did at least seem clear that these two mermaids did not wish him any harm. They approached, one on each side, and kissed his cheeks. This made it hard to stay angry, or on task. They giggled and swam away, rejoining the line their sisters were creating around the bloodsuckers.

Once the line was completed, Emily gave Charlie a nod.

He cast his spell. The barrier started as a glass-like shimmer forcing its way from the ocean floor, up to the surface. It surrounded them in an impenetrable bubble.

“You must get out of the water,” Emily sang. “The sonic call will kill you, too.”

Charlie wondered if his ring would protect him, but decided not to test it and surfaced immediately, swimming toward the dinghy, his body thumping against swarming bloodsuckers.

Michael pulled him into the dinghy while Melinda plunked her last bloody chunk into the water. They paddled into shore, escaping the dinghy, feet back on solid ground. Charlie explained what the mermaids were planning and warned them to stay out of the water.

“Brilliant idea.”

Charlie turned to see William behind them. The vampire’s eyes danced with wild abandon.

“Sonic call should make fast work of it.” William spoke as though they’d already won the battle.

Charlie choked out a laugh as he looked over the beach. “Looks like you had some fun yourself, William.” Melinda turned to look. Michael kept his gaze across the water, for any sign of Emily.

The beach was a bloody massacre. Torn apart sucker parts strewn everywhere. 

The vampire craned his neck and stretched his arms. He toyed with licking his bloodied hands, but decided against it.

“I had a little energy to burn.”

Charlie reached out and patted his shoulder. “William, if you’ve got that much energy to burn, you seriously need to find yourself a girlfr...” William cut him off with a cutting glare. One that said the consequences of finishing that sentence would be severe. 

Charlie sucked in through his lips, keeping his smug reply to himself. He’d seen the vampire do some frightening things, but the damage William inflicted so quickly took him by surprise. He joined Michael watching out over the ocean.

William licked across his teeth. His tongue could practically taste the blood surrounding him. His gaze found and stuck on Melinda. Covered in bloodsucker bits, and blood, from head to toe. Her new beige dress soaked in rusty stains, and ruined. 

A desire pushed to the surface. The darkness he carried longing to be set free.

His tongue craved to bathe in the mixture of blood and warm skin. His fangs ached to drop. Red splotched her thighs. Her arms. Her heaving chest.

His eyes rose upward, freezing on her wide gaze pinned firmly on his.

Her body shuddered, a swallow stuck in her throat.

Melinda was pretty sure William had just mind-licked her entire body.

A day like any other her heart stammered. Right...

There was no going back to the way things had been. They could pretend, but they could never go back. Not for real.

The vampire tore away his gaze, his desires disgusting him. And the fact that she’d shot that flutter at him when he looked at her like she was dessert.

Melinda blinked.

William vanished. 

Nowhere to be seen.

She let out a quick exhale and looked across the beach. He’d fled. Again.

“It’s starting.” Charlie called out. His wolf could hear the sonic call.

Michael frowned. He heard nothing.

Melinda sucked in her unraveled nerves and joined her brothers. Glad that Michael’s empathy could not pick up on the vampire’s feelings, and was too overwhelmed with panic because of Emily to pick up on hers.

She listened, but heard nothing either. The sonic call was not within her range to hear, but the results of it came quick. Ripples tickled the surface. They expanded, widening across the water.

Melinda jumped, startled, when an unpleasant screech exploded out of the water.

“The bloodsuckers,” mumbled Charlie. “They’re dying.”

It was difficult to see exactly what was happening under the water. But they did see shadows swarming, and their ears stung from the hideous screeching. Thumps and thwacks tested Charlie’s barrier. It held firm, keeping the suckers from escaping out to sea or back onto land.

The mermaids held their line, tightly, with mouths open wide. A human ear could not hear their sonic cry. But Charlie could. Even with all the screeches from the dying suckers. 

“It's remarkably beautiful as it is haunting.” William spoke it, his voice giving Melinda a start. He’d returned to the beach, standing alongside Charlie. She kept her gaze off the vampire, and out across the water.

Within minutes, bloodsuckers floated to the surface, dead. It had worked. The mermaids had succeeded.

Michael searched for Emily, hoping she would reappear when it was over. There remained just a couple short hours until sunset.

“She'll come back,” insisted Charlie.

“I don't even know how to feel right now. I'm freaking out that she won't come back. I'm freaking out that she will, but I won't have any way to undo what happened. And... I'm so wickedly proud of her. She was awesome today!”

“She was definitely that,” Charlie agreed with ease.

A moment later, the sonic cry stopped. He released the magical barrier in the water, freeing the mermaids. Bodies of the bloodsuckers started to sink, waterlogged and heavy.

While Michael waited near the shore for his girlfriend, Charlie, William, and Melinda filled in the gaps of their day.

Melinda played her part well. Kept it simple. Professional. Like it was any other day.

William did the same.

When finished, she stepped into a clean section of water and rinsed as much blood off her body and dress as possible. No sense in torturing William any more than necessary. Plus, ick! Covered in bloodsucker bits now topped her least pleasant memories list.

Something nagged in Charlie's mind when it came to the vengeful mermaid that had wanted his ring, but he did not dare say it aloud; his theory would have to wait for a better moment to explain. He wished he could speak with the mermaids again, to clear up a few questions he had about the one that had wanted his ring.

A vehicle pulled onto the edge of the beach.

“It's Mr. Jordan,” noted Michael, his voice anxious.

The sheriff walked down behind him.

“Seeing as he’s trying to help ya, I let him through. Deputies are here now, keepin’ the reporters and camera-happy’s at bay.” She caught her first glimpses of the bloody beach. “Whoa, would ya look at that! What a frickin’ mess. Still blows my mind really. Standing out there by the road, didn’t see a thing. Didn’t hear a thing. And then...” she raised her hands and aimed them at the beach as if words could not express what she was trying to say.

“Yay magic,” jested Melinda weakly. “At least it worked.”

“That it did. So is it done?”

“Yeah, Mack. It's done.” Charlie wished it were all finished. They still needed to find a way to save Emily from turning into a mermaid, permanently. 

“I'd better call the cleaners,” Mack announced, disappearing to make a phone call.

“As hard as my job can be,” said Melinda, “I don't think I'd want the cleaner’s job.”

“Our jobs would be so much harder without them,” Charlie noted. “Can you imagine if we didn't have professional cleaners, willing to keep what they do a secret?”

“It comes to mind that I would most likely do the cleaning up.” William grinned smugly. 

“Well, you are the fastest,” Melinda returned.

“And the best,” William confirmed. They kept their banter light.

Michael's attention was on Mr. Jordan.

“I am afraid I have found nothing new since our last conversation,” Mr. Jordan was saying.

Michael's hope was fading. There seemed to be no solution to returning Emily to her human status.

“Perhaps I should return to my study,” offered William. “There's still a couple hours until sunset. We are not yet out of time.”

Just then, at the water's edge, a mass exodus began. This time, however, it was not bloodsuckers, but mermaids. They stayed near the only section of beach not covered in dead bloodsucker.

Michael raced down searching for Emily. He found her lying in the water and fell into her arms. She laughed and kicked her flipper around. “I told you I’d come back.”

He kissed her, caring less about his soaking wet clothes. Her kiss left a pleasant numbness buzzing into his lips. The blood from the suckers washed off his body, floating away in the water. She batted her eyes at him and reached up to caress his face.

“C’mon, Em. Let’s get you dried off.” He lifted her out of the water and onto the sand, now crowded with mermaids drying out. 

“They all wanted to come ashore,” Emily explained, while he patted her dry. “Some of them have not been on land in many years.” Michael grasped Emily's hand, unwilling now to let go. She was back on her human feet again, and totally bare naked he realized.

His eyes widened and narrowed. He darted to get the dress she’d torn off before diving in earlier. He slipped it over her head in a jiff.

“Oops,” she pouted, tossing him a playful shrug.

“Oops? That’s all you have to say for yourself?” He grinned.

“How about... let’s try that again later. When we’re alone.” She leaned in and grabbed hold of his lips, intent heavy in her attack. 

“You are so gonna get it later,” he groaned.

“Is that a promise?”

Michael had never seen this side of Emily before. He yanked her closer. “You’re driving me crazy, and you know it.”

“I guess being a mermaid all day has made me see things from a different perspective.” A freeing one. One that made her want to claim what belonged to her. 

But there it was again. The awful truth. She was still a mermaid.

Michael wondered, if they were not able to save her, if she’d forget about him. She had one day a month to come to dry land. Would he even get to have her for that long? Or would the ocean steal her from him completely?

Tears stung at Emily’s eyes. She was wondering the same thing and it forced its way to the surface of her emotions now. She could not suppress it, even for Michael’s sake.

Charlie, Melinda and William, plus Mr. Jordan, helped the other mermaids onto the shore and get dry. Soon, the beach was filled with merladies. Their blue hair was long, and thick and it dried, falling on many of them to their thighs. Most barely remembered what it felt like to walk on human legs.

The two that had tricked Charlie danced toward him, playfully. He was ecstatic to have the chance he needed to speak with them again. They had a third sister with them, a different sister than the one he had saved from the netting in the cavern.

“This is real sister,” one of the merladies told him.

“She needed saving.”

“The mean one, not real,” the first one said.

“Took our sister.”

“Held her captive,” they took turns explaining.

“Mean one. Not real. Not one of us.”

“Looked wrong when came to us.”

“Wrong?” This is what Charlie needed to confirm. “What do you mean when you say wrong?”

“Fake. Not one of us.” They shrugged, unable to explain it better. 

“Wanted ring,” the mermaid pointed to Charlie's finger.

“Used our sister. Took her.”

“Said would kill her.”

“If did not get ring.”

“Are sorry.” They spoke as if using one voice.

“It's okay,” said Charlie, once again. “You did what you had to do. When it comes down to it, family is the most important thing there is.”

“Yes. Yes. Yes.” the three sisters agreed wholeheartedly, jumping up and down.

Charlie’s held his breath and averted his gaze. 

“Cannot live without sisters,” they sang together. “Love sisters.”

“I can see that.” He shook his head as they giddily rejoined the others closer to the shoreline. They had gathered around Emily and Michael. She stood by his side, Michael’s arm around her waist, unwilling to let her go.

His sibling’s angst, layering over his own, sent him over the edge. His grip around her waist tightened. William was prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, should they ask it of him. He’d search for a solution until the very last second. 

One of the sisters that had tricked Charlie walked up to Michael and stroked his smooth face. “Don’t be sad. We say thank you now.”

His brow furrowed. He could feel nothing but sad.

“Sister returns to you.” The mermaid shook her head, confounded. “She prefers walk. Not swim.”

Michael just stared, not understanding what she was telling him. 

She pulled a necklace over her head, and removed the shell that dangled from it, holding it up to Emily's mouth.

“Sing,” she instructed Emily.

“Into the shell?”

The merlady nodded yes.

Emily sang softly into the opening of the shell.

A bluish light floated out of her mouth and found its way into the shell. The merlady smiled and held the shell up to Emily's ear.

“Hear?”

“Yes, I do,” Emily replied, a huge smile on her face.

“We save for sister,” she said. “One that want swim. Not walk.” She put the shell back on her necklace and secured it around her neck.

“I don’t understand,” mumbled Michael to his girlfriend. “Are you?” the words escaped him.

Emily wrapped her arms around him. “All yours.”

“You’re not a mermaid anymore? You’re human again?”

“Me human. Not mermaid,” she toyed cutely.

Michael picked her up and swung her in a wide circle. “I was really getting scared there for a minute.” He put her feet back on the ground, his hands cupping her cheeks. “Emily Morgan, can we please, please make it at least an entire week before something else life-threatening happens to you? My heart needs a break.”

She laughed. “I'll do my best. I promise.”

He let go and turned to the merladies. “Thank you. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You save us. We save you.” She came over and kissed Emily on the cheek. “We miss sister already.” She pouted, but it quickly turned to a wide grin. She giggled and raced back into the ocean. She disappeared under the surface in seconds. Her flippers shot up into the air, splashing as she dove, her figure dissolving into the shadows.

Each merlady did the same, kissing Emily goodbye and diving back into the water.

The two that had tricked Charlie kissed Emily and skipped over to Charlie. They each snuggled up to a side and devoured him with kisses.

Everyone tried not to laugh at the two merladies almost taking him down. Even William let out a chuckle. They weren’t sure they’d ever seen Charlie Howard’s face so red in his entire life.

“Supernatural women. Right up your...” Michael stopped. Charlie shot him a don’t you dare look.

The mermaids hung off his sides, their eyes swimming in blue. He held his breath.

“So strong.” 

“You could come.”

“Into water.”

“With us.”

Charlie wriggled out of their grasp. There would be no more mesmerizing taking place today.

“Sorry,” he told them. “I prefer dry land, ladies.”

They pouted. And batted their eyes.

“No more mesmerizing,” he barked in a good-natured manner.

“If you change mind.”

“We find you.”

“You know where we come land.”

“Where dry off.”

“You’ll come.”

“One day.”

They seemed quite sure of this. They left Charlie and bounced back to the ocean. It was all he could do to keep his tongue in his mouth, and not join them in the water. His arms almost left his sides and dragged them back. He was turning them down, why? He watched them sink into the waves.

He’d never resurface is why.

Michael gazed comically at his brother. “I cannot believe you turned that down.”

“I will most likely regret that choice,” Charlie grumbled. Always other issues nagging at him. Keeping him from living any sort of normal life. Moreover though, to leave with them, in front of his family. It would be so obvious... yeah, no. Not going to happen.

All that remained on the beach were drying pieces of dead bloodsuckers.

Melinda skipped over and grasped Emily in a deep hug. Melinda tossed Michael a sympathetic smile. She did not need his empathic abilities to feel the large doses of relief and elation pouring out of him.

The stench of warming blood on the beach however, could ruin any good mood, and turned her stomach. “How do you enjoy this stuff, William? I realize it’s your fav thing and all, but I cannot imagine living on a diet of only blood.”

“Don't diss it until you try it.” His face turned stoic. “That is actually not a funny thought in the least.” He was horrified he’d said it.

“Ah, C’mon. It was funny, William.” Melinda grinned. “You're permitted to make jokes, you know.” She eyed him with a pleading look that said, just forget about earlier, and let’s just be us.

He tossed her a lifted brow, agreeing. It was funny.

She laughed. Happy for the brief reprieve from their tension.

Mr. Jordan sauntered up to them. He had been walking the beach, looking over the devastation, collecting blood samples for his research. “I will bid thee farewell.” He stepped closer to Emily. “Thrilled you are still amongst us in the human world my dear. Thrilled!”

She nodded in his direction, smiling.

“Thank you, Mr. Jordan,” said Michael. “Thank you for trying to help. I'd still love to talk more about your work sometime.”

“Sure enough, young man. I'll be in touch.”

There were quick introductions all around, for those that hadn’t officially met him. Charlie wanted to trust the man, but knowing he was Eva’s father, the same nagging apprehension surfaced. “Mr. Jordan. Seeing as you’re a writer and all, there’s no problem in sharing your findings, but anything you happen to see about what we do...”

He held up his arm. “No need to explain. Complete secrecy. I know when to keep my mouth shut.”

Charlie nodded. “Sorry. I hope I wasn’t being rude. We have to be careful.”

“Understood.” He lifted his hand and saluted the group. Mr. Jordan turned and got into his car and drove off. Just seconds later, they heard the beep beep beep of a truck backing up.

“The cleaners,” said Charlie, rubbing his hands together. “Our work here is nearly done.” A large truck came to a stop, with the words, “Demon Isle Cleaning Service” painted on the side. Above it was their slogan. “Dirty? Get our DICS on it!” He laughed every time he saw it.

A young man around Charlie's age hopped out of the cab. Charlie met him, holding out his hand. The young man grabbed it, shaking it.

“Charlie Howard. It is never a pleasure to see you,” the young man sparred jokingly.

Charlie pretended to hit the young man in the arm. “Yeah, afraid we left you a doozy today, Josh.”

“Someone's gotta clean up this mess!” an older voice called out. “And the pay ain't bad neither.” An older, scruffy looking man walked around the front of the vehicle.

“Where you want me to start today, Dad?” Josh asked him. 

“Survey the scene. Always survey the scene first,” he reminded his son. “I’d start down the beach apiece. See how far down we gotta clean.” His voice was kind, but gruff, like he’d smoked one too many cigarettes.

“I'm on it,” the young man called back eagerly. “Catch ya later,” he aimed at Charlie, passing by, opening the back of the truck.

“I'll owe ya a beer,” Charlie shouted after him.

“Ha, from the looks of this mess, you'll owe me a six pack.”

Charlie thought, maybe an entire case.

“Ah, he's a wicked good kid,” the older man boasted. “Glad he finally ‘cided to come into the family business. I'm thinkin’ on retirin’.”

Mack joined them. “I didn't picture you as the retirin’ type, Earl Skidgel.”

“There comes a day in every man's life when he realizes he'd rather be catching some wicked friggin’ big’uns on his boat. ‘Sides, I been doin’ this on forty years.”

“Well, this Isle is indebted to you,” said Charlie.

“As I said, someone's gotta clean up this heeah supah-natral messes get left behind. Looks like we got a heck of a mess goin’ on today.”

Melinda had a hard time not laughing at Earl’s accent. It was the quintessential coastal accent that you often heard done poorly in any movie, set in Maine. Only he was the real deal.

Earl didn’t question what happened on the beach. Or what the bodies were. Why there was so much blood. He just joined his son at the back of the truck and prepped for the cleanup. 

“I'm gonna stick around, wrap things up here,” said Mack. “Why don't you guys go ahead and take off. Been a pretty long day.”

“Mack, lately, every day has been a long day.” Melinda smirked.

“Ain't that the truth!” she agreed, wiping her brow.

“I'll just fill in the Skidgel's on the beach barrier before I go,” said Charlie. “It will start to fade in about an hour.”

“Good. Good. I'll check in with you guys tonight.” Mack headed back out to check on her deputies. 

##

A SHORT WHILE LATER, after showering, the Howard brothers sat in their kitchen having a well-earned dinner of beer and pizza.

Melinda was just joining them, disappointed that her new dress was ruined by sucker blood. She’d tried to wash it out, but it was no use. She’d ended up enjoying that dress. What a bummer. She tossed it in the trash. She was not surprised to see Michael’s already filling the garbage can as well as William’s.

“Should we really throw these bloody clothes away? I think we should just burn them. Does the garbage man know about the Isle, or us?” she wondered.

Charlie finished his bite. “I’m not honestly sure about that. Probably better not to risk any questions.”

“Give them to me, Melinda. I’ll burn them in my fireplace,” offered William. He’d just come into the kitchen from his study. She grabbed the bag and handed it to him. They passed a gentle smile between each other. The vampire disappeared, but before she helped herself to a slice of pizza, he’d returned.

Melinda had a hard time eating as her evening date with Riley edged closer. But she did not want Michael to catch on to her feelings, so she did her best to ignore the butterflies swimming in her stomach and nibbled on the slice.

She was still eager to see her motorcycle man. Although it was now dampened by her need to be honest with him about a few things. A few revelations that might send him running away from her...

And part of her felt guilty for being excited to see him. But she knew nothing had changed between her and William. Even though everything had changed. Nothing could ever come of it though, and that’s what mattered in the end.

Michael had driven Emily home so she could have dinner with her father, but could only be talked into letting her out of his sight upon her insistence that she was headed straight to bed after dinner. He hoped to join her later.

William took a mug of warmed animal blood out of the microwave. He sipped it, frowned and set it down. It wasn’t what his tongue craved, or satisfying in the least.

After dinner, when everyone’d had a few minutes to eat and relax after the crazy day, Charlie brought up the subject of what the mermaids had told him, about the attacking mermaid and her being wrong. And explained in more depth what had happened to him after the mermaids had shown up in the yard.

“They were really after your ring?” Michael shook his head. He didn’t understand how they’d know about this, any more than Charlie.

“What do you think it means?” asked Melinda.

“Honestly, I'm afraid to say it out loud,” Charlie admitted, glancing at William.

“It does have all the signs of a shapeshifter.” William said what Charlie could not. 

“But you killed...” Melinda stopped, swallowing hard. “Even if somehow you didn't, you've got the ring now. You’re safe from it. It can’t control you, right?”

“No. It can’t, Melinda.” Charlie comforted. “I just have to say it aloud though. It’s possible I may not have killed the alpha werewolf.”

“What or who did you kill then?” wondered Michael.

“I don't know. I remember thinking that the wolf I fought behind Eva's house seemed different. Not as in control. More savage and wild. And it didn't speak to my mind. At the time I just assumed the ring was blocking it, or the alpha had broken the connection.”

“So the whole thing was a setup?” Melinda let out a tense breath.

“Maybe?” Charlie shrugged. “I don’t get how the shifter, alpha, whatever you want to call it... how would they have had another werewolf on hand to fight me like that?”

“Perhaps it was a beta,” suggested William. “Perhaps someone the alpha had control over, but didn’t want as much as you. Someone the alpha saw as dispensable.”

“Anything’s possible I guess.” Charlie couldn’t imagine using someone like that. The thought that he killed some helpless innocent raked him. “What I really don’t get though, is how this alpha shifter knew I had to take the ring off voluntarily.”

“Voluntarily?” questioned Michael.

Charlie threw him a confused look. “I told you this last night. Remember, down by Nina’s cottage on the beach. She told me it could only be taken off voluntarily. It’s a built in safety feature.”

“Well, that’s good to know, but it’s the first time I’m hearing about it. I was with Emily last night. You and I didn’t talk about the ring, Charlie.” 

Charlie opened his mouth to speak and closed it. “When did you get home?”

“Well after midnight. Emily and I were walking on the beach.”

“Walking?” razzed Melinda.

Michael smirked. “Actually. Yes. Walking. And also not important right now.”

Melinda scrunched her nose, something eerie dawning on her. She opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Charlie jumped out, threw his hands to his head and growled angrily.

“I wasn’t talking to you last night, Michael. I don’t believe it. It wasn’t you.”

“What are you talking about?” He didn’t understand. 

Charlie explained being at Nina’s cottage and speaking to someone he thought was Michael. “It looked and sounded just like you,” he explained, completely weirded out by the situation. “The Michael I spoke to last night even told me Melinda explained where Nina’s house was located.”

“I did,” Melinda squeaked out. “It just hit me and I was about to bring it up. Michael had left for Emily’s and I was sitting on the front porch before bed. He came up the driveway a bit later and asked me if you’d come home yet. You hadn’t, and we talked about where you might be. He, it, acted worried about you. I didn’t give it a second thought.”

“This is super freaky.” Michael eyed his siblings, with no idea what to do. 

“And unfortunately seems to confirm that the shifter still lives,” expressed William, wearing a disgruntled frown. 

“Does anyone else have a major case of the hee bee gee bees now?” Melinda shook, goosebumps rising on her arms. 

No one spoke for a moment. The fact that the alpha werewolf slash shapeshifter was still alive, sucked. The fact that it had successfully impersonated one of the siblings, gave them the mega creeps.

“We have much to be cautious about,” William warned evenly.

They each looked at him, hopeful he would shower them with words of wisdom, or somehow soothe their concerns.

“In light of recent events,” William continued, “the warning from the Guardians, the arrival of the Deanes, and now potentially still having the alpha werewolf on the loose... I’d like to make some changes.”

“How do you mean?” asked Charlie.

“I’d like to begin with battle training.”

“We've learned how to battle,” said Michael with a short shake of his head.

“No. You have not,” William disagreed briskly. “Yes, you have used many of the spells, but in a true battle, you would each fail.” His words were cutting, but true. “I do not wish to sound dismal, but if it comes to it, I would rather have you hate me and live, versus die, because I did not tell you the truth. Real war is brutal. Something none of you have yet experienced.”

“What is it we don't know, William?” Melinda was confident she was not ready for a real fight.

“Many things,” William didn’t expand much. “I want to train with each of you, and once I believe you are ready, you will dual each other.” His tone was quite serious. “I may even call upon some experts in this area, to assist me.”

“Okay,” agreed Charlie. “You've never led us astray before, William. If you think we're not ready, then I guess we had better get ready. You're the only one here that's ever been in any real battles.”

William nodded sternly, in approval. “I also believe we need to reassess our security here at the mansion. It suddenly feels, lacking.”

“I’m afraid I agree with you on that one, too,” said Charlie. “We can’t chance the shifter getting in, or the Deanes.”

A quiet awkwardness fell over the table.

On Melinda’s part, she felt oddly uncomfortable sitting in her own home, reeling over the fact that it might not be as safe as she’d always thought it was.

Charlie was eager to get started. He wanted to implement new safety precautions as soon as possible.

Michael just tried to keep his own feelings separate from his sibling’s, as he had the same concerns, but just wanted to get to Emily, and hold her, just to make sure she was really still human. And safe.

William was pleased. He had decided it was time to make some changes, to reaffirm his place in the Howard’s lives. He was their mentor. Their protector. This is how it had been, and this is how it would remain. It was especially necessary after these last few days, to remind himself and not just them.

“Oh, William,” Charlie spoke after a few minutes. “I got so sidetracked today that I never got the chance to tell you. I've got an idea I want to run by you. A possible way to track the thing that took Dad. At least find out what direction it went after leaving the Isle.”

“Really?” Michael’s interest perked up.

“I'm not sure of course. But I think it's worth a shot.”

“We can start right away if you like,” said William. “We can discuss possible new security measures as well.”

Charlie nodded in agreement.

“Do you guys mind if I sit this one out?” Melinda bit her lip, anxiously. 

“Yeah. It's no problem, Sis. We can handle this,” said Charlie.

“Plans?” wondered Michael.

She knew he was using his empathic ability to search out her feelings.

“Thought I might go out for an evening stroll. Maybe grab a cup of decaf before Grace closes up the cafe. And catch a movie,” she lied, needing an excuse as to why she’d be home so late. She didn’t want them to worry or wonder where she was, or ask questions she wasn’t ready to answer. “I just need to clear my head a little.” Another lie. Where does it stop?

“Okay. Go do that.” Charlie didn’t question. He figured it was better to just let her go. Michael eyed her distrustfully and opened his mouth to speak when surprisingly, William came to her rescue.

“Michael, would you reheat my blood mug? I still can’t figure out how to start that confounded microwave, and my blood has gone cold.”

“Oh, yeah, sure. No problem.”

William darted by Melinda, his mouth turning up in the slightest of smiles. A strained smile, she thought. But she thanked him just the same. So softly only the vampire could hear. She slipped out of the house before anyone drilled for in depth answers.

##

ANTHONY JORDAN STEPPED into his house. A short while later, his daughter’s jeep pulled up the driveway. He waited by the front door for what he knew would be an indignant entrance.

Eva stalked up the stairs, each step heavier and louder than the previous, plowing through the door letting it slam shut behind her.

“Don't ask me how my waste of a day went!” Her white hair flailed around her head in a fury, acting out her emotions. She displayed her empty fingers. “No ring, all you need to know.”

She poured herself a whiskey and let her anger fly.

“I almost had him. Those stupid mermaids! They almost had that ring off Charlie Howard’s finger, and they went and jacked it all up!” She took a deep swig, breathing through the burn. “That ring is causing me a ridiculous amount of grief! It’s blocking me from his mind. I can’t tap into his thoughts anymore.”

Her father just waited, patiently, to be sure she had finished.

Eva huffed, taking another swig, emptying the shot glass. She poured another.

Anthony spoke softly, but in a tone meant to pique her curiosity. “It’s a rough blow, no doubt. But... my day went a little bit better.”

She sighed in an irritated manner.

“K. I'll bite.”

“First, I spent the day living in the world of the Howard Witches. I saw hours ago that you had failed, being that the ring was still on Charlie's finger.”

“And how is this a good day?” she barked bitterly, warning him to get to the point. 

“I found out some very interesting news today.” He poured his own shot of whiskey before continuing. “The Demon Isle’s power source does not give the Howard Witches their abilities. They would be witches regardless of its existence.”

“Their powers are not tied to the source. They came out and actually told you that?” Her eyes lit up.

“The young man, Michael. I used some of that plant research drivel, wondering if the power source affected the local plant life and he just offered the information freely.”

“You are good, Dad. I'll give you that.”

“So are you, my dear, it just wasn't your day, today.”

“Hasn't been my day since we came to this stupid island!”

“Things are looking up, regardless,” he reminded. “If their powers are not linked to the Isle, they can be taken. And once they are powerless...” he nodded knowingly.

“Then we can win,” Eva muttered.

“Yes, my darling daughter. Then we can win.” 

##

AFTER DISCUSSING SECURITY at the mansion, and thoughts on locating Jack Howard for thirty minutes, Charlie and William kicked Michael out of the house and told him to go check on Emily already. He had wanted to stay and help, but the need to see Emily was killing him.

His jeep pulled into her driveway. He’d texted her he was stopping in, so she wouldn’t be caught unawares by his arrival. She hadn’t gone straight to bed after dinner, but had strayed only to the front porch, reading on the swing.

It was a dark, starless night. The moon hidden behind thick clouds that threatened rain. But a warm breeze misted off the ocean.

Emily saw him pull in and met him in the driveway, a picnic basket in her hands.

He hopped out to greet her. “What’s this?” He grabbed it from her hands to carry it.

“A late night picnic.”

“Oh yeah.”

“Yup. I thought we’d have a drink and hang out on the beach. I’m not sleepy,” she hinted. 

“You’re wearing your hair down,” he noticed. “I like it. You should do it more often.” He hadn’t seen her wear it down in ages. It fanned around her face, layered down her back a few inches.

“You think? It’s so in the way all the time. I was actually toying with a haircut.”

Michael didn’t want to tell her not to. That would be pushy, plus Emily would keep hair that made her miserable, rather than make him unhappy. But he loved the thought of running his hands through her hair.

“Maybe a few inches off would be okay.”

“You don’t want me to cut it, do you?” A sparkle lit up her eyes.

“Not really. I really want to play around in that hair.” He had to be honest.

A wave of nervous anticipation rippled through Emily at the threat in his tone. She grabbed his hand, leading him down a path they’d taken many times before. A short burst of trees followed by a sandy shore. A small beach that tourists never visited since it was well hidden. Emily stopped just at the edge of the beach, out of reach of the rolling waves, with tree limbs overhead for cover. She opened the basket and pulled out a blanket, spreading it on the sandy ground.

Michael set the basket down and they plopped onto the blanket. “What else you got in there?”

She lifted the lid and took out a bottle of white wine and two glasses. “I already opened the bottle. Just need to pour.” There was a warning sting in her eyes, but an uncertain edge to her voice. 

“Need some liquid courage, eh?”

Emily tossed the glasses. In a quick movement, she had him on his back straddling his middle. Michael’s eyes opened wide in surprise at her boldness.

“When I was a little girl, I always thought being a mermaid would be a dream come true.” She shook her head. “I much prefer being human and I’m claiming you all for myself Michael Howard.” Her admittance had her heart beating erratically, wreaking havoc against her chest.

Michael licked his lips, his voice momentarily broken. She was offering herself to him, and he’d take her. But he’d expected she’d want to move slower. And he had never seen this aggressive, bolder side.

“Every time I think I know you, Emily Morgan, you take me someplace new.”

In another flashing moment, he leaned up, pushed her down and straddled her thighs. She stifled a startled gasp.

“But the first round is on me.” His eyes burned with authority. He stretched down over her, lips finding each other. So many emotions flared to life. Michael lost track over which were his and which belonged to Emily.

He’d planned to go much slower, but his need, combined with her need, sent an uncontrollable surge of urgency rippling through him. He pulled himself away, got to his knees his breaths heavy, intent on slowing down just a little.

“You’re so beautiful, Emily. More perfect than anything I’ve ever imagined.”

“You’ve imagined me? Us? Like this?”

“So many times.”

He sucked in, blood stalling to pump for a moment, her silent response emoting out at him, ensnaring his senses. Love, devotion, and hunger crested in her gaze.

“Enough imagining, Michael.”

His eyes fell half-mast in silent challenge.

She yanked him back down. If they were doing this, they were going at her speed. She’d waited long enough for Michael Howard to come to his senses. She rolled them so that once again, she was on top. Her lips found his, demanding and possessive. Tasting. Tugging. He returned each charge with an attack of his own.

The wave of energy that shuddered through her body shattered him. Feeling Emily’s emotions in response to him overwhelmed him. Took away his ability to speak.

But also awakened him. To everything he needed. Wanted. Had to have. Could no longer live without. And from the overpowering sensations stabbing at his heart right now, Emily would have her way. He could deny her nothing.

She peered down at him, suspect of his thoughts. “Did you think I was going to be sweet, and predictable?”

A storm blasted into his mind. The world thrown into slow motion and chaos all at once. All the years he’d wanted her so badly and not given in... all the years Emily had waited for him to see her for what she really was. His. Always his. 

Their eyes met. Frozen. Unable to close, or look away.

Blood rushed to his ears, blood pumping hard to keep his heart from bursting open. Or was this Emily’s emotion. He couldn’t tell. Didn’t care. He wanted to feel all of it. Everything she could throw at him. For the first time ever, he didn’t despise his gift. To feel everything as she felt it was... earth shattering. Mind blowing. And yet perfectly peaceful. It felt like coming home. To a warm fire. Her beautiful smile. Her eyes, bright and welcoming. Tears brimmed there.

He pushed upward until they were both on their knees. His mouth gently swept across her lips. His mind taken over by the utter joy emitting from the woman in front of him.

“I love you, Michael Howard.”

He wanted to say the words back to her, but his voice vanished. Her emotions overpowering him. It took a moment for the intensity to lessen.

“Michael?” Her voice was quiet.

“Yes,” he returned in a muffled strain. He lifted his head, to look into her eyes.

“What is it like for you?” 

He shrugged, unsure how to answer at first. He wished there was a way to show her. A way for her to feel it as he did. How their emotions mixed in his mind, losing themselves in each other.

“It’s like the most excruciating form of bliss. To feel everything you feel as you’re experiencing it. It feeds me like a drug I will always need more of.”

He stared into her eyes intently. Saying, I love you, suddenly seemed to fall short.

“Emily, you make this gift worth every bit of agony it drags me through. It is like being inside your heart. I could live there forever if you’ll let me.”

“I am yours, Michael. I always have been. But I was worried that maybe the empathy made it uncomfortable for you.”

“In the past, with anyone else, that might have been true. But with you, it’s a good pain.” Addictive... his tone warned. His lips caressed hers gently as he got her down onto the blanket again. So much sand. The blanket was covered. He didn’t want to think about the sand they’d be finding in every crevice of their bodies for weeks after this night was over.

A new energy poured out of Emily.

Michael freed her mouth, letting her emotions fill his mind. His eyes flickered open, meeting a seductive grin etching across her face. Her eyes begged to know if he’d gotten her silent message.

He let out a heavy breath. Wow. Just... wow. He understood exactly what she wanted. Him. All of him. Them. Together. Oneness. Forever. Starting now.

A wry smile spread across his face.

She giggled.

He really had been the biggest idiot on the planet for not giving into this, years ago. He thought he knew her so well, but now they were embarking on a new journey, together. His always-there, always-smiling, always-happy, always waiting for him to wise-the-heck-up, Emily, was not predictable at all.

And as long as it wasn’t her life being threatened, he couldn’t wait to see what surprises she hit him with next. 

##

MELINDA SAT OUTSIDE the Wicked Muddy Cafe. They were about to close and Grace had sat down with a cup of decaf for both herself and Melinda. Riley was late. Her nerves were on high alert.

Had he decided to ditch her after all? She tossed the thought away. There had to be a good reason.

She was anxious about Grace meeting Riley, but sensed the café owner understood why she was meeting him here, rather than at home. Melinda did not dare tell her brothers she was dating someone. Not yet. Grace, however, was tickled to death that Melinda was dating and could not wait to meet the young man.

Although, seeing that Melinda looked a bit sickly over the young man’s lateness got her dander up.

Riley would come. He would. And then she’d have to ruin any good time by opening up and being honest with him. About being a witch at the very least. And what would she tell him about William? Her nerves short-circuited just thinking about the vampire. 

It might well happen that she and Riley would get carried away busying themselves all over each other and she’d just chicken out anyway. In the end though, Riley was the winner. So that had to count for something.

“Grace, have you had any more Deane sightings?” Melinda needed to keep her mind busy.

“Not since this mornin’. What did you guys decide to do about ‘em?” She sounded genuinely curious.

“Nothing right now. Just going to see how things play out I guess. Not that they are welcome to just come into our house, or anything like that,” she added, as if it should be a given that the Deanes were still not welcome here. “I suppose it's basically that we don't like that they're here, and definitely don't want them here, but we can't do anything about it, not without cause at least.”

Grace nodded. “Well, I sure hope it all works out. I'd hate to think of dark magic comin’ back to this Island. From the stories I’ve heard, those were scary times to be livin’ on The Demon Isle.”

Melinda heard the now familiar sound of Riley's motorcycle approaching. She glanced around but did not see him. He must have parked down the street, out of sight. Or perhaps she had misheard. There were many other motorcycles on the Isle.

“Well, would ya look at that!” Grace suddenly blurted. “Speakin’ of a Deane sightin’. There's one of 'em now. One of them boys I met this mornin’, he's walkin’ right towards the cafe. Not a bad lookin’ lad, either.”

For the tiniest moment, Melinda was overwhelmed by a cluster of concerns and emotions.

Should she get up and leave?

Should she call her brothers?

Should she, and could she, handle this on her own?

Melinda bit her lip and stood up, putting on her most serious, I mean business kind of face. At the least, she would show no fear.

The Deane’s needed to learn right here and now that the Howard Witches protected this Isle, and that would never change.

Melinda gathered her bravery and spun around.

For the second time that day, the world stopped rotating. Coming to an abrupt halt. 

Her eyes were not seeing correctly.

Her chest seized, stealing away her breath.

Had her head just been shoved inside a plastic bag? She’d swear it had, and someone was twisting the plastic tighter and tighter, cutting off her air supply. 

Grace had to reach out an arm to steady her. “Melinda?”

She could not answer. Black splotches dotted her vision. Sound disappeared and she couldn’t hear Grace’s voice. Melinda’s head swam in disbelief. Her voice vanished. Her vocal chords refused to work. There was a pain starting at the bottom of her throat that sliced down through her body as if she was being torn in two.

She expected at any moment for her body to just shatter into tiny pieces. Pieces that would never be put back together. 

This pain cutting through her, this is exactly what William’s face had betrayed to her when she’d crushed him earlier that day. Now, it was her turn to get trampled.

“Sorry,” the young man called out, grinning widely. “Didn't mean to be so late, but I got held up. My brother...” he used as an excuse, rolling his eyes.

Melinda swallowed hard, her throat thick and dry.

Her heart skidded across beats so wildly she feared it might stall.

“Melinda, what’s wrong?” He reached out to her, but she jerked out of his grasp.

“Riley?” she choked out in a hoarse whisper. “Riley... Deane?”