WE WITCHES THREE BOOK 11

ISLE OF JUDGEMENT

COURTNEY JESSUP WAS about to finish her first night watch in White Pines, keeping an extra lookout on the area around the Power Source on behalf of the Howard Witches—people she was eternally grateful to, for helping her out with her new predicament—becoming a vampire. And people she was so quickly falling in love with and held great respect for.

She didn't blame them at all for what had happened to her.

More and more, as each hour passed, she had begun to blame herself more so than anyone else. It was her own blind determination to seek revenge for her murdered coven that had gotten her into this mess. She could have come to The Demon Isle and sought her revenge differently—well, there were much smarter ways she could have gone about things. Ways that would not have ended with her sneaking into the woods and getting into a fight with a tortured vampire on a rampage.

Had she bothered to get involved and find out what was happening, and get off the revenge wagon for just a minute, she'd have known Eva Jordan didn't deserve saving and Courtney would still be walking around as a human.

The Howards, and those they held company with, really lived up to the expectation and the rumors she'd heard over her lifetime. And were now her lifesavers and anchors as she tread the waters of her new life. One she was adapting to almost too easily, but it wasn't without its hardships.

Mostly, all the dang blood.

Sniff sniff here—blood.

Sniff sniff there—blood.

Sniff sniff everywhere—blood blood blood.

It was like a constant track playing over and over and over.

Keeping busy helped.

Keeping super busy helped more.

But being out here in the woods was far easier than trying to be around too many people—erm, human blood bags. The Howards were used to dealing with vampires and they trusted her. But she didn't hold that same trust in herself yet. But she'd offered to do this watch to give them a much needed reprieve.

Lizzy Deane dying and coming back to life, to almost be possessed by a super old and powerful witch who'd gotten into dark magic. Only then to mate with werewolf Charlie, and use this new power to kill her fiancé, Grayson Moone. A once good vampire who'd killed too many innocents to count.

And never mind the Feyk attack and battle, and just overall nonstop supernatural trouble.

But being out here in the woods all night so close to where it happened, also gave Courtney too much to mull over. Mostly, how it had all happened—she'd been trying to take out the Feyk, Stricker, otherwise known as Sir Tinkham Sickereaux. But had accidentally gotten in the way of the vampire, William Wakefield, and his attempt to take out Eva Jordan. A woman Courtney had mistaken for an innocent, and therefore gotten into a fight with the vampire, died, and been turned.

But tonight, all was quiet around the Source. Nothing nefarious going on at all.

And yet there was something else lingering in the shadows. Not an evil presence, but just that general sense that she was being watched, and was not alone. She sniffed outward, darting here and there, but smelled nothing living but a few scurrying woodland creatures.

She checked Michael's alarm system for the tenth time, it was still working fine. But she couldn't scratch the itch that someone or something was close by. Watching her. Even as she moved at vampire speed around the Power Source.

What possible thing could keep up with her?

And that's when she saw it. A wisp of hazy white off in the distance amongst the trees. Or was it just a silvery shadow from the moon overhead?

Courtney shoved off to find out and slammed to a stop right in front of the thing.

She stilled herself, eyes peering at something impossible.

Her mouth fell open in shock.

A ghost.

Hovering in the woods like it was waiting for her.

"Bree?" Courtney breathed out in ragged disbelief.

The ghost smiled and lifted its arm as if to caress the vampire's cheek, but of course, it slipped right through her skin like an icy sleeve.

"Is it really you?"

The ghost nodded serenely. But there was no way for the dead woman to speak. And yet Courtney saw relief in the spirits gaze.

"Were you—looking for me?" Courtney's vocal chords faltered. She hadn't even imagined such a thing. Bree nodded, and though satisfied that she'd finally accomplished this, there was a clear mark of stress in her ghostly gaze.

Damn. Courtney never wished so hard for a ghost to be able to speak.

"Oh, Bree. I didn't even think any of you would stick around. I thought you'd all moved on. I guess I wanted to believe you had moved on, and were at peace. Are the others here too?"

Bree shook her head.

"Just you. Okay. Why haven't you moved on? If it's because of me, don't stay here for that. I got myself into some trouble but I'm going to be okay. Promise."

Bree smiled, but shook her head and rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, I know. I can't ever stay out of trouble. But I came here for all of you." She spoke of her murdered coven. "I tracked that Feyk here. I was so close to getting him. But I messed up. And now look at me."

Bree glided ever so close. For a ghost, the stress lines lining her eyes were prevalent.

"You didn't just stay behind for me, did you? There's something else?"

Bree nodded. But she had no way to share this information.

"Too bad Emily Morgan isn't still on the Isle. She's a Spirit Vessel. You could have used her to speak to me. And I—" Courtney clipped herself off. "Oh, God, Bree. I miss you so much. I'd give almost anything to hold you one more time. We didn't really get to say goodbye."

Their once bright future stripped down to nothing.

Bree, dead.

Courtney, a vampire, who'd live for a very long time. Maybe even forever.

This has been weighing on her more than she realized. Along with human feelings and memories, still quite present in her vampire mind. Her need to seek and fulfill this vengeance—to make that devil, Stricker, pay for his crimes. For taking away the woman she had planned to marry and live out her life with. For stripping away her coven—her true family when her own had pushed her away.

Oddly enough, they hadn't tossed her out on her butt because she was into chicks. Not that they were totally down with it, but they'd handled it. Mostly. But when she came out to them as a witch, it tipped the scale to some previously unrealized level of too far.

And her being a witch made no sense because neither of her parents were witches and she had no idea how this had happened. It was the only reason she'd even tried to talk to them about it, trying to figure out which side of the family came from a witch bloodline. Instead, they called her an abomination they wished they'd never taken into their family. It was also the day Courtney learned they weren't even her real parents, she'd been adopted.

But it wasn't long after this that her coven had been murdered and she'd been so focused on revenge, she hadn't spent any time at all trying to find out who her real parents were.

"Will you move on now?" she asked Bree in a soft whisper.

The ghost shook her head. She lifted her hazy fingers and kissed two of them, then placed them against Courtney's lips. It was their see you soon goodbye that they'd used daily, whenever they spent any time apart, for work, or whatever.

Courtney closed her eyes wishing to feel those fingers as real against her lips. It was partly encouraging to know Bree was still around and wasn't leaving today. But equally heartbreaking as Courtney wanted her to be at peace, and she wasn’t.

The vampire opened her eyes to silvery shadows of the moon. Her beloved Bree was gone. If she still had a living, beating heart, it would have broken through her chest with the pure ache of this visitation. As it was, it still hurt deep within her soul and she hoped Bree was able to find closure on whatever was keeping her here so she could move on.

A vehicle door slammed shut in the distance.

Her watch was over and her relief had arrived.

Putting her human life behind her was proving difficult. She had so many unfinished things to deal with herself. Revenge for her coven. Finding her real parents. And now Bree...

And don't forget her new life, too.

Don't feed off humans and adjust to life as a vampire.

Which might last forever.

She had a sick thought about Bree sticking around, even as a spirit... perhaps life would be bearable in a hundred more years if the ghost of her fiancé was still with her... but it wouldn't be fair or right to Bree. As painful as the thought was, Courtney would do anything she within her power to make sure Bree moved on.

##

EMILY MORGAN PLUNKED down on the swing outside on the back porch of her Aunt Lucy's home in Georgia. The heat was sticking to her skin like an oven on constant pre-heat, even as night set in. And they'd spent the entire day practicing how to control her power as a Spirit Vessel.

Basically, the spirit of her dead mother tried to possess her, and her aunt was teaching her how to block that from happening. So far, Emily had only succeeded once, and she was pretty certain her mother had gone easy on her to give her a win.

But now, it was late night mojitos under the bright mooned and starry sky.

Emily only wished there was a way both her aunt and mother could join her at the same time. Still, she'd not trade a moment she could take with her mother because the reality was at some point too near, she'd have to move on. And they'd have to say goodbye.

"Is it really possible to block spirits?" Emily questioned Lucy, exhausted from the effort of trying. 

"It is. But it takes time to learn, like anything."

"And what happens if I get possessed before I learn how to do this?"

"You have me, and my skills to exorcise the spirit out of you."

That was a bit of relief, at least.

"How does that work?" Emily asked.

"There's a few ways. It depends on the depth of the possession and how strong the spirit has attached themselves to you."

"Okay." She shuddered at that idea.

"There's a potion, that if drunk can usually do the trick and force a spirit out. There's a spell, but the more witches saying it the stronger it will be—and, you need witches hanging around. And, well, there's also simply just—asking..."

"Seriously? Ask it to leave?"

"Sometimes, a spirit doesn't fully realize what they've done and simply need to take care of some unfinished business, and is quite willing to leave and move on when finished. Sometimes, they just want to pass along an important message and will voluntarily leave when done."

"Let's hope that's the case if it ever happens to me."

"The issue is, once they are back inside the body of a living person the feeling can be addictive and they don't want to leave. Once they get back a sense of humanity and being alive again, they don't always want to give it up. And if you're invaded by a supernatural being..."

"Like Eva Jordan." Emily winced at that name.

"Yes, like her. It's just like being alive again. The memories. The gifts. The skills. Their entire person downloaded into yours."

And that was something Emily didn't want to feel again. She hadn't been present and aware right as it was happening. But the memories of her possessed time had slowly come back to her and it was overwhelming to feel so helpless. To hold onto those vicious memories. To Michael and Charlie manhandling her like she was really Eva Jordan because they'd believed she was. They'd thought Eva had shifted into Emily to confuse them, but it was actually her body they attacked. And stabbed. And wrapped burning silver around.

Emily was smart enough to see that they'd done their jobs the best they could. And she didn't even disagree with what they'd done when they believed Eva was playing games with them. And in the end, they were not responsible for her father's death, for what happened to her, or to William or Melinda or anyone.

Without her ring to protect her anymore, though, thanks to Stricker stealing it, she had never been so vulnerable. The Feyk known as Sir Tinkham Sickereaux—just thinking the name made her cringe—would hopefully get what was coming to him.

In the end, the fault was with Eva and Stricker and the Feyk.

Not the Howards. Not her own ability. Not Riley's curse. Not anything else.

But even though logic told her all of this, her heart just wasn't caught up yet.

And more so than this, it was the reality of what she was and what frightening possibilities that led to. She was more and more grateful to be here with her aunt to learn how to make sure a possession like that never happened again.

"You okay?" Lucy asked. Emily caught her aunt's concerned smirk. "Your jaw is grinding pretty hard."

Emily relaxed her jaw. "Just thinking. About what happened on the Isle."

"That's good. The jaw grinding is progress from the hardened scowl that would scare my crows away."

Emily's mouth lifted in the smallest of smiles. "The distance is helping. I just needed some Demon Isle free air I guess." Of course, that meant Michael too. She'd lifted her phone more times to count with the thought of reaching out, but she still had no answers for his questions, so she had chickened out every time.

"A change of scene can give some clarity to things. But, you might also consider that returning, at some point, would have its benefits as well."

"How do you mean?"

"Meaning you can't run from what happened any more than you can run from what you are. Take it from an aging woman who's learned the hard way." She spoke of the spat that split up her and her twin, Lily.

"How do I do that, Aunt Lucy? Go home and face that place. Go to where my father was murdered? Face the people, whom I love dearly, but my brain and my heart hold partly responsible for not saving him. And frankly, a place I despise for simply the fact that we were living there because of me. My parents moved to the Isle, for me. Hoping the rumors they'd heard about magic being stronger there were true, so the ring would never fail me." 

"Those are things what will take time, Emily. There is no easy button for forgiveness. Or acceptance. But I think it starts with reclaiming what is yours. Taking back your power. Your life. Nothing will ever go back to the way it was, things have irrevocably changed. That's a hard truth for anyone to accept."

Emily sipped on her drink.

"I see your points. They make perfect sense. My heart and mind just aren't there yet."

"And that's okay. They don't have to be tonight. Because tonight—is for moonlight and mojitos."

Emily chuckled and clanked her glass to her aunt's and they each took another swig.

"I appreciate your faith in me, but I'm doubting it in myself. Not just the blocking spirits thing, but that I'll ever be ready to go back."

"I think you'll surprise yourself. One of these days you'll just know you're ready. And if you're an Arnaud like me, rather than your mother, you might need a little push and I'll be sure my foot meets your butt if that time comes."

Emily almost spit out her drink trying not to laugh at that picture.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"I won't let it. I don't want you to be like me. Living with regret, and fear of change."

Emily nodded. When her aunt put it so simply, it almost seemed silly that she wasn't in her car right now heading back to The Demon Isle.

"A toast to the future," said Emily, lifting her glass. "No regrets. Accept the things we cannot change. And don't be like you..." she trailed off in a drunken giggle.

Lucy broke out in laughter. She couldn't recall the last time she'd laughed so hard.

##

WHERE HAD THE TIME disappeared to?

"Is it really two in the morning already?" Lucy slurred out.

"I guess times flies when you're—I've lost count—how many mojitos in," Emily slurred right back. As well as hours into interchanging conversations between your aunt, and your dead mother possessing your aunt. They stumbled across the porch, arm in arm, neither really doing a good job at holding up the other, and made it into the house. They climbed the stairs to the second floor, one slow attempt at a time, after backtracking a step or two in between.

It seemed like climbing a mountain by the time they reached the top. 

Lucy stumbled into her bedroom with an incoherent goodnight to Emily, and faceplanted on her bed, fully dressed, with a groan and a half-hearted attempt at putting her head on her pillow.

Emily never thought a bed looked so inviting as when she fell backwards onto hers, letting the dizzy in her brain suck her into a haze of darkness. But a sudden chill broke through the stale heat. She shivered, an icy warning standing up the hairs on her arms to attention.

Somewhere in the depths of her drunken mind, she told herself to wake up. That something wasn't right. That something was in her room. She pried her eyes open and blinked away the haze only to freeze with her eyes wide open, the air sucked out of her lungs, and wondering if she'd passed out or if this was real.

As she lay flat on her bed, the spirit of a woman lay over her like a mirror image. And without a moment to even try to gather her thoughts or fight the thing off, the spirit sank down into Emily.

Her bedroom door flew open and Lucy filled the frame—only it wasn't passed out Lucy but rather her sister, Lily, possessing her. She'd sensed the arrival of another spirit but she hadn't moved fast enough to stop it from invading her daughter.

Lily/Lucy held up a hand with a potion bottle in it.

"Get out of my daughter, and I won't force you to move on. Or try to stay, and this will be your last day on this earthly plane."

Emily's body stretched upward off the bed, the new inhabitant taking a quick glance downward as if shocked that her attempt had worked. But the moment was fleeting and sharp eyes pinned on Lily/Lucy.

"Please don't use that on me. I'm not here to harm anyone. I need help."

Lily/Lucy faltered. There was a fine line between knowing when to give a spirit a chance, because sometimes they just needed to pass on a message and moved on.

"Speak quickly," she decided. But her potion hand remained vigilant.

"I must get to The Demon Isle off the coast of Maine. Someone I love is in grave danger there. I must warn them and then this vessel can have herself back. I'm not trying to stay. I swear it. But I'll not let the love of my life die because I didn't warn her."

Lily/Lucy let her hand drop.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Bree Laurent. I'm a witch. My coven was murdered and now my fiancé, the only one of us who survived, is in grave danger. I have to go to her and then I'll leave this vessel. I swear on my dead coven's graves."

Lily/Lucy thought hard about it for about six seconds.

"Fine. We'll start driving right now because I sense no lie in you. But any funny business, and—" she waved around the potion bottle. "I'll take first shift driving. My sister is passed out right now." And boy was she going to be pissed when she awakened in a car, on the road, and not her bed in Georgia.

##

TWO NIGHTS LATER...

Footsteps lit down the stairs of William Wakefield's basement in Sorcier, in the heart of the French Quarter, where Riley Deane twisted in relief to see Annie flying toward him.

"Thanks for coming," he called out as she glided closer to William's cell. He was in the final hours of his detox from the bloodlust. But it was also the most brutal part. Like a harsh fever before it burned out.

And Riley was freaking out because the vampire appeared to have passed out—after throwing a massive fit of epic proportions, which involved kicking and punching and shouting and snarling—to the point where Riley was poised with the werewolf blood just in case he broke out. And pretty much figuring he was William's next meal.

The cell was trashed and there were a few new craters punched into the cement walls. And the vampire was slumped onto the floor mumbling to himself, but unresponsive to outside forces.

"Damn," Annie hissed out as she saw him. "Poor William. Detox is hell."

"Is this supposed to happen?" asked Riley. "I mean, he said things would get freaky but he never said anything about passing out. Or what to do if that happened. He was having a major fit and seconds later his eyes rolled up and, well..." he pointed into the cell. " It's definitely the worst it has been and we're in the final hours. He hasn't moved since he fell down. But he's talking to himself."

"He looks more zombie than vampire right now," Annie tried to make light. But she wasn't wrong there. William's face was sunken in and paler than normal, a touch green even. Dark circles rung his eyes and even his normal tidy appearance was taking on the look of a wild man. And he was babbling incoherently, like he was fighting with himself. 

"What can I do?" Riley asked. He held up a blood pack. "He's supposed to drink this in a few minutes. We're well into the animal blood now. There's no human left."

"We can't open the door," Annie breathed out. "This does happen sometimes. Withdrawal can be brutal. But only so as I've witnessed. I've never had to do it myself." Because she'd never drank any human blood.

"How long will this last?"

"Hard to say. Hours, most likely. But once he wakes up from this, he'll be done."

"Just like that. From zombie vampire to detox over?"

"Yes. Whatever human blood remains inside of him is turning on him. It's like a crazy sugar high. You have some, you get a burst of energy, you crash, and then your body screams for more. But picture that like a hundred times more powerful. His body is freaking out over the lack of human blood and setting off a craving bomb trying to get more, and it's punishing him for not doing so."

"Remind to never get hooked on drugs," Riley mumbled airily.

"It's not so different. From what I understand, coming off human blood can make a vampire relive their worst nightmares and memories. Turn their greatest fears against them by forcing them to face them. And even admit their truest and most brutal desires—which, admittedly, for a vampire can run on the dark side of things. It's like the mind is broken wide open and there's no way to suppress the things you might have forgotten about, or stuffed in deep in the hopes of forgetting."

"Ah, so he's having a bad trip of the suppressed memories kind," Riley surmised.

"Something like that. But it can also be—healing in a way. Like an oversized, slam you in the face dose of therapy and clarity. It's kind of sick, but just like in the human world, where certain drugs are thought to open the mind and offer some explanation on the meaning of life, some vampires will knowingly go on a planned human blood binge just to suffer the detox and explore the depths of life's little mysteries."

"That is a bit twisted. But, I guess even vampires have the right to find answers to life's philosophical questions, the same as humans."

"Wow. I think you've been living with us vampires too long. Look at you giving us cred and all that."

Riley rolled his eyes. "I just can't diss anyone trying to better themselves, even if it is kind of a messed up process to get there. You've never been tempted to try it?" he was compelled to ask.

"Tempted, yes. No point in lying about it. But in the end, I decided it wasn't worth taking the chance I'd get hooked on the human crack."

Riley let out a snort. What had his life come to, hanging out and being friends with vampires? 

"What tempted you? I mean, was there a specific question you were trying to get answered?"

She nodded. "My purpose in this existence. Something I still haven't managed to figure out. But there's got to be a point to all of it, right? Even for someone like me?"

"I suppose. But it is much more of a human trait, to believe in a purpose."

"It is, I'll give you that. But I think because of our lifestyle choice we tend to keep more of our human traits than vampires who hold no value on humanity, other than a food source."

"Not a topic I've ever given any real thought to."

"Can't imagine why not?" she teased, taking another look in on William. No change. She sighed. "It's too dangerous to open the door. He's at his most dangerous at this point because he's not in his right mind, he's stuck deep inside of it." She gave a shudder at that idea. A vampire's mind was often treacherous when forced open. 

Riley put the blood pack back in the fridge and scrubbed his hand through his hair.

Annie patted him on the shoulder.

"You're doing a fabulous job, if it's any consolation."

"A job that wouldn't be needed if I hadn't gotten cursed by the Feyk."

"Moot at this point because we can't go back in time, Riley. You seriously need to forgive yourself for what happened, because it wasn't your fault. William knows that, as does everyone else. And I'm sure once William comes through this, he'll agree you suffered enough penance, regardless."

Riley plunked down in a chair outside the cell and let his head fall into his hands.

"Sorry to have dragged you into this," he apologized a minute later. "William didn't want that because of all the blood. I guess most of it is gone now though. We're down to the last of it."

Annie smiled. "I'm used to it. Not that it's not a constant temptation, especially so much of the human stuff when it's in one place. But we only serve animal blood at the pub. No one in Sorcier drinks the human kind." She took a seat near Riley. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Before the detox got too freaky, was William—I don't know—acting normal?"

"Um—" he shrugged.

"Stupid question, because of course he wasn't." She changed subjects. "Has Jean been acting funny at all, when she's stopped in to check on things?"

"No—" but there was a hesitation. "I can't say she was acting weird or not since I don't know her all that well, and it could be because she was worried about him going through this."

"What did she do?"

"Just some far off looks. But also this weighted thought in her eyes. Why do you ask?"

"I can't say exactly. Something is just—off. Jean's been acting funny and from experience, there's something she doesn't want me to know. And I realize William's been through a lot, but he hasn't been his normal self since he got here. He seems—distant."

"Why would they hide something from you? And what would they have to hide?"

"Can't imagine. They never have before. But I can tell when people or vampires are lying. And I was packing some of my things to bring to The Demon Isle and Jean just... I don't know. I can feel it surrounding her. This lie. Some secret. And it's eating her alive, whatever it is."

"Is she just sad you're leaving, to go with William?"

"Worried a little, I'm sure. But I've left before, and something this time is different."

There was a groan from the cell and they both bounded upward to peer inside. William's lips were moving like he was talking to himself, but he was still on the floor, unmoving, other than his lips. He was saying something Riley wasn't able to hear, but from the lifted eyebrow on Annie's face, and sudden looking in the other direction, she'd heard it, and did not want to share.

"Am I an idiot to assume it was about me?" he retorted. "Oh, no, wait." Riley smirked and shook his head. "It wasn't me. It was Melinda, right?"

Annie didn't need to reply to confirm it was true.

"He's not in his right mind," she reminded.

"His controlled mind, you mean. He's actually in his honest mind."

"I suppose that's one way to look at it."

"So, what did he say?"

Annie sighed. "Honest mind or how he really feels or not, just remember it doesn't change anything in real life."

"Wow, that bad?"

Annie deflated, but held her tongue.

Riley's jaw tightened. Perhaps this was a good thing though, just break open the wound, pour in some salt, and see what the vampire was really thinking. His guess—William threatened to kill Riley if he ever touched Melinda again. Seemed like it's what the vampire would be thinking.

"Just tell me, Annie. I'm sure it's nothing I don't already know or haven't heard. William and I have talked about this subject in far more depth than I ever wanted to."

"Very well. It's your choice. He said—Melinda Howard's heart belongs to me. She'll never truly love another." Annie paused and pursed her lips. "I am hers through death. She is my life. When hers ends, so does mine."

Riley chuffed out a bitterly sarcastic breath. "That's quite to the point. So, detox is more like a truth serum?"

"You asked me to tell you. But I would remind you that it doesn't matter what he says, Riley. I know William as well as I know myself. He will never take a human as a life partner. He'd rather die than..." those words fell from her lips. Riley didn't hear it, too wrapped up in his own misery.

"I already know he loves her." But hearing it again still sucked, and knifed at the ache in his chest. "And he can deny it all he wants, but I'm starting to think I don't really have much chance at all."

Annie sucked in like some light bulb popped in her brain. She spun and peered into the cell at William.

"Oh my God." 

"What? Did he add he'll end my life if I ever touch her again, to the mix, too?"

"No, that's not—shoot."

"What then?"

She spun and fixed her gaze on Riley.

"I know what the big secret is. I know what he and Jean are keeping from me."

"For real?"

"I think William is speaking literally, about ending his life. When the woman he loves dies, he plans to die too."

"That's kind of romantically morbid." 

"I think this is the big secret though. I think he must've told Jean his intentions and that's why she's been acting funny. And she would not want to tell me this."

"That's a big secret." Riley was all kinds of confused. Damn, he really wished he could just hate the vampire. It would make things so much easier.

Annie plunked down in a chair, uncharacteristically unbalanced.

"It makes sense. Sick sense. I wondered why he suddenly signed Sorcier over to Jean. He talked about it years ago, but she refused. But she accepted it this time."

Riley was stuck between bitterness for himself, and empathy for his new friend. He felt like he was losing any chance at a possible future with Melinda with each passing minute, but Annie was just finding out the man she considered family, a father almost, wanted to die. It was a suckfest of a reality either way.

"William doesn’t mean to come back to Sorcier." And Annie was heartbroken over it.

"If he really loves Melinda that much..." Riley trailed off, because what point was there to discussing it. It wasn't a question any longer, but a painful understanding.

Annie was so blown over by William's intentions she'd forgotten this was probably like shoving a hot poker into Riley's heart.

"Oh, Riley, I—" he held up his hand to stop her.

"I already knew all of this. I just didn't want to believe it was so—decided. Not that he wanted to die with her, just that he loved her."

"I'm still sorry. My own shock made me not think."

"It doesn't change the truth though. Maybe it's high time for a dose of reality."

"You haven't spoken much about her," Annie prodded gently. "I have to admit, I'm rather curious to meet the woman so adored by two great men."

Riley tried to make light. "Let's hope she's not into chicks too. We don't need even more competition."

"Oh, you're hilarious. But I wouldn't even dream of it. What's she like though?"

He shivered out a breath. "Smart. Stubborn. Beautiful. Vulnerable. There's not much to tell really. I met a great woman I saw a potential future with. And in some other set of circumstances I think we'd be incredible together. But then I was cursed, and I hurt her. And I tortured the vampire she's in love with in front of her. And I didn't just hurt her, I was—cruel. So terribly cruel. In a way I promised never to be with her because she'd already been hurt before. And this thing with William always got in the way. Is still getting in the way."

"Does she love him?"

"Yes." Not even hard to answer because it was true. "She loves—loved—both of us. It really came down to William being unavailable. But if I am honest, no matter how hard it is to admit it, if she was forced to choose, I don't think I'd win. It always comes back to William." The vampire who could pretend it was possible to live out his life watching Melinda love someone else, but Riley was beginning to think they were all fooling themselves. She was at the forefront of the vampire's mind, even stuck inside this bad trip.

And perhaps Melinda would change her mind, some day. But today it seemed the most distant of possibilities that she and Riley had any chance. So why had his feeling brought him to her? Was it just because she'd needed him? Had he fixed something? Only to break it later.

His lack of proper rest wasn’t helping his mood or confidence either.

Riley groaned and let his head lower into his hands. 

"Maybe you should get some rest," suggested Annie. "I can take watch for a couple of hours. I don't mind."

"Maybe. Yeah. The whole Melinda issue set aside, what about William? I mean, if you're right and he means to kill himself, why even bother going through this nightmare?"

"You want the truth?"

He nodded.

"Because he means to stick around while she's alive, to make sure she has the best life possible. He will protect her with his life. Even if it means watching her love someone else. But to live without her in this world—vampires in love are not good at surviving alone. Once we give into true love it breaks a vampire to live without it. It would be a literal hell on earth for him. Which just makes it all so much harder and more complicated."

"Why is that?"

"Because I feel selfish for wanting him to stick around. I don't want him to die because I love him too. Not the same as romantic love, obviously. But if he's miserable and living in hell, how can I ask that of him? To live, for me?"

"Is there any way to change his mind? To help him?"

"That is quite concerned of you, considering."

"I don't hate him," Riley stated, although with gritted teeth. "I even kind of like the guy."

"Even though he's stolen what you love?"

"Can't steal what was already yours. My timing was just—bad. We can't help who we love, you know? I want to be furious about it. But after everything we all went through, I don't have it in me. And I'd rather see her happy, over stuck in a relationship that's like a band aid that will never quite fix the problem."

"That's some serious adulting, Riley Deane. Sucks though, huh?"

"Sucks hardcore. I'd much rather be a selfish jerk and try to win her back." He pushed at his chest. Ache or a feeling coming on? He wasn't sure. "I'm not going to be able to sleep, but I could use some air. Or a bottle of tequila. You sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all. I could use some thinking time myself," Annie admitted. This theory of William's impending demise was a depressing thought and she needed to figure out how to broach the subject with Jean, or William. He wasn't her father. But he'd sired her and she'd come to think of him as family. A dear friend. A mentor, even a father in a way. Especially when she was first turned and he did not abandon her like his own sire had done.

She looked up to an empty hallway. Riley's shadow disappearing up the stairs. Poor guy. He'd had a tough go of it. Human life. Vampire life. Both had its flaws. Neither was perfect.

Annie wondered what it was like to love someone so much that you'd rather die than live without them. She wondered if she'd ever meet that kind of woman, or if she even existed. In some ways, she wanted it. But if love just morphed into what William was becoming, she kind of hoped she never met that woman of her dreams. Unless she was an immortal, like herself. That would make it easier.

And that was the problem right there. William was in love with a human, not a vampire, and he would not turn her. Annie wondered if there were any conditions in which he would change his mind? Or if this woman, Melinda, was for or against such an idea. It was one of many things to ponder.

##

RILEY AIMED HIMSELF into the kitchen and found a bottle of tequila and downed two quick shots, breathing out the burn. He stepped out onto the balcony and sucked down another swallow. He lifted his gaze and peered overhead at the hazy moonlight. He let out a shudder, not because it was cold. It was downright hot, sticky, and humid in Sorcier. It was the thing riding the shudder. This wave of change. Like when you wake up to an early morning chill in late summer and can feel autumn trying to win. The edge of a new season vying for control.

Was it his gift? His feeling, telling him he needed to go somewhere? That there was something he needed to fix?

There was no sense of extreme urgency though. Not the usual, go here and go now.

Perhaps it was just exhaustion playing tricks on his mind.

Perhaps the ache in his chest was him accepting the truth.

In a different reality, he and Melinda would be perfect together. But in this one, there was always going to be this thing—William—between them. And Riley could not live, or love like that. Not being a runner up, because he refused to spend his life always questioning. Always knowing she loved William more, or in a way she'd never love him.

The reality of it hurt.

But living a lie, or a half-truth, would hurt much, much more.

There could never be a him and Melinda, because there would always, in some way or another, be a William and Melinda. If William was still alive, Riley didn't have a chance.

But this thing riding his nerves, aching in his chest... yes, part of it was the reality and the hurt. But there was something else riding along too. His feeling had never worked like this before. Then again, he'd never known how to heal someone from a bullet wound either. And yet, he'd saved that young woman who'd been shot while vacationing in the Quarter. His gift had somehow shown him how to save her.

Magical gifts changed.

And his was sending him a clear warning. A clear picture.

No matter how hard it might be, he needed to go home.

He needed to return to The Demon Isle.

##

MELINDA SLID BACK INTO bed after downing a glass of icy water from waking up overheated. She'd kicked off the sheets in the heat of the night and they'd fallen onto Finn. He'd snorted and shook them off, and they were in a pile on the floor now.

Finn, as usual now, took up the nightly charge as her personal guard Gargoyle, snuggling up on the floor beside her bed. She'd even gone out and purchased the largest oversized dog bed she could find, and though he barely fit onto it, he'd adopted it as his own in minutes.

He whined and flashed her his giant pit-bull sized grin and she lifted herself and pet his head before getting herself comfy in bed again. Only, now that she'd been up, her brain had awakened and refused to go back into sleep mode.

Finn whined again when she huffed and shifted, unable to get comfortable.

Darn summer nights. Wouldn't be so bad if the humidity would settle down.

Her mind wandered to the upcoming mock battle that was in the works. Lizzy and Mathew Bishop—Guardian, and old friend of Lizzy's—had turned the backyard of the Howard Mansion into a mock battle ground. In which they could run drills and learn new skills and have mock battles against each other. And one day soon, they were planning an all-out, two-sided mock battle to test their skills and work on new moves.

Because, unfortunately, war would return to The Demon Isle and none of them wanted to be unprepared for that eventuality.

It was a strange thing though, because in the days of, well, months ago, before this summer, Melinda would never have dreamed of participating in such a thing. But after the events of the previous months, and wanting her revenge on the Feyk, mainly Sir Tinkham Sickereaux, she was eager to learn everything she could and become the best witch she could. Especially since the Feyk were not giving up their strike for the Power Source.

But it wasn't just the mock battle weighing on her mind.

She was worried about her brother Charlie, and him not losing his last marble as the first full moon approached—Lizzy Deane's first full moon, which meant her transition as a werewolf would be complete. The woman was having a blast trying out her new abilities, which of course, had Charlie on complete edge. They thought he'd been a worrier before! Now that he'd taken a mate, he was reaching never before seen levels of freaking out. He needed a serious vacation—erm—worryectomy. Stat!

Although, the two of them working together was like magic that made itself. They were a great team, when Charlie managed to control his angst at all the things he had no control over.

Michael participated, albeit in a more and more withdrawn fashion. Not hearing from Emily was ripping him apart. She'd only contacted him the one time, to let him know she was okay. And that was all. He was starting to join the Charlie ranks in the keeping himself busy department. He and Lucas had also been building the new kitchen in the basement and it was done enough to use. It suited their potion making and storage needs far better than keeping it in the kitchen in the main house. On Lucas' part, Melinda was keenly aware he was also keeping himself busy, and if at all possible, away from practicing magic, and away from Mathew.

Which had failed tonight as they'd both taken a shift to guard White Pines and the Power Source. Lucas had been willing, but was still so unsure about his magical abilities he hadn't dared do it alone, and since Mathew didn't require sleep... well, Melinda imagined their watch was going just swimmingly. She let out a low, sarcastic chuckle.

Whatever had happened between those men, it was not something easily repaired. Still, it was impossible to miss the longing stares, the regretful weak smiles, the tension... but Melinda was doing her best to stay out of it. However, if they didn't at least talk something out soon, she was going to lock them in a room and make them do it so they could at least be friends, and not tiptoe around each other every minute of the day or night.

Especially since it seemed Mathew would be sticking around for a time.

There had been no additional contact from Riley. No messages that he was coming back to the Isle. And no one had a clue where William was, other than they did now know it was Jack Howard, their own father, who asked him to leave. And upsetting as the whole experience had been, Melinda was starting to understand why he'd requested such a thing.

These last few weeks with William away had been eye-opening. And had them working together in a way they'd never done before. But it didn't mean they were whole, or healed, or moving on even. They were doing their best to get through each day, but so much of their lives still felt unfinished and incomplete, and always a step behind trying to catch up.

Well, Charlie was moving forward, albeit stubbornly. But as soon as Lizzy was fully transitioned, Melinda would bet babies would be coming along sooner than later. That would really change things up around here.

Melinda's own unsettledness over her man problems had been pushed aside by her focus on the Feyk, and the Power Source, and the inevitable future battle to come. But her man troubles never stayed buried for long and she wished more than anything to just hear William's voice. To hear him tell her that he was okay. And maybe, hopefully, sooner than later, have him come home.

And as much as she thought about Riley, and was ready to face him, and had completely forgiven him, and knew that Lucas and Lizzy were quietly worrying about him too, he wasn't the last thought in her mind before she went to sleep, or the first thought when she awakened. It was always William.

Did that mean she loved him more than Riley?

Or differently so?

Or? Or what?

She was exhausted, having this same conversation with herself. And had concluded that the best thing right now was to focus on the day to day and not worry about the future too much. At least the man troubles part. It had become abundantly clear that what she needed was to learn to stand on her own two feet before she'd have anything of true value to offer anyone else.

It sucked when old clichés were proven true. But she really did need to learn to love herself before she could share that love with anyone else. She'd spent years depending on others to take care of her problems, rather than face them herself. That had to end.

So, in the end, perhaps it was a good thing that the two objects of her affections were off the Isle. It would give her the chance to gain more confidence in herself.

It was as these thoughts meandered around her mind, and as she listened to the soft, fluttering snore of Finn down on his bed, that her mind rested and fell into sleep again. And that's when it happened... when she slid into a vision.

At least, so she thought. And dang it! Didn't she just have normal old visions of people dying anymore? Every time now it was like some new mystery. Some new way of seeing things. This was not the typical, watch like an observer from afar, type dream vision. And regrettably, whenever her dream visions veered off the normal course, it always ended badly.

She had an ominous feeling about this one...

Or maybe it was the dodgy looking street she found herself on. She spun around soaking in the location—was it The Demon Isle? It was similar, but not quite right. There were cobblestone streets and firelit lanterns throwing orange glows all around her. But something about it wasn't right for the Isle.

She walked a bit and let out a shiver and realized she was in her bedclothes. A tank top and shorts, but by the grace of whatever force was in charge of this, she had on slippers.

She stopped, listening. Was that a river?

She crossed the street and sure enough, this town was on the banks of a river. She made her way closer, but her balance staggered when she lifted her gaze to see—a castle. A freakin' castle sitting high up on a hill off in the distance.

She spun around breathlessly. Where the heck was she?

Clip clop. Clip clop. Clip Clop.

She darted back to the edge of a building and watched as a carriage drove by. Not the recently restored, antique types like were used on the Isle. This driver was dressed in clothes straight out of an ancient history book.

Why did she get the distinct impression that whatever this was, it was the distant past, and not the future? Which made no sense as she only saw the future and how people died so she could save them. Was her gift changing?

She stepped back onto the sidewalk looking around for anything that might tell her why she was here. Other than the carriage driver she hadn't seen anyone else. But the carriage was already rolling out of view.

"Hello." A young voice called out from behind her.

She spun around to see a young boy around nine or ten, in warm pajamas and a robe.

"Hello there," she replied with a fleeting smile.

"I saw you from my bedroom window. Are you lost? You look lost."

She chuckled. "I guess I am. Don't suppose you can tell me where I am?" Although, by the boy's accent, he was probably German. And was he the reason she was here?

"This is Trier, Germany."

"Oh. Okay." She was definitely out of her league here. Why the heck was she in Germany, clearly in the past?

She saw visions of people about to die...

These people, this little boy, had been dead a long, long time.

There was nothing to change here. No one to save.

"Who are you?" he asked her. 

She smiled sweetly at the boy. "I'm Melinda. And who are you?"

"You're really pretty," he told her, but didn't answer her question. Instead, he gawked at her like she was some sort of angel. Of course, for these times, she was rather scantily clad. Ugh. What if others could see her and not just this boy? She needed to get off the street.

The boy held out his hand.

"We should get inside. It's not safe to be out here at night. At least, that's what my momma says."

"Why isn't it safe?"

"The moon's almost over the tops of the buildings. We have to get inside before that happens."

"Why?" she asked again.

"So the monsters don't get us."

"Monsters?"

He nodded, getting wide-eyed and fearful.

"The demons will come for you if you're not indoors before the moon tips over the edge of the rooftops. That's what my momma says. It's what all the mommas say. Although, I think they are lying. I think it's just because she hates it when I sneak out at night."

"Troublemaker, are you?"

He laughed delightfully. "That's something my momma says too. Come." He stretched out his hand for her to take it.

She grabbed his hand and he led her across the street to a charming house. However, they did not go through the front door, but rather tiptoed down a small pathway to the side of the house and an open window. He had a box underneath the sill to climb in with.

"You really do sneak out a lot, don’t you?"

"I like to lie on the ground and look up at the stars. She only really gets mad if I fall asleep and forget to climb back into bed. She says I daydream too much."

"I think all parents say that at some point."

They climbed inside.

There was a toasty fire going and Melinda hopped over to warm herself. She looked about, this way and that. It was the room of a child, no doubt. Orderly and cleaned up, but also cozy and welcoming. And even though his mother gave him a hard time about daydreaming, it was filled with whimsical toys and playthings. Plus a painted fantasy scape mural on his wall.

"You never told me your name," she said to the boy. His stare deepened, only now in the lamplight of his bedroom did she notice the green specks in his eyes.

"Vilhelm. Vilhelm Wakefield."

She made a garbled attempt at a reply and forgot to blink and breathe.

This was impossible.

A crazy dream and nothing more.

Her subconscious mind had probably been stuck on the William subject before falling asleep, and therefore, she was now dreaming of him. But as a young boy? That threw her for another loop.

Was she really staring down at William? Her William, as a young boy. Still innocent, and still human.

But how? Because he'd died a long, long time ago. He'd been turned at age thirty-one. And he was speaking with a German accent. How odd, because it was barely an inflection in real life. He must have lost it over the years.

Why would she be seeing this? She couldn't change the past. She couldn't undo what was done. She had no way to stop his death.

And my God, though! He was crazy adorable as a boy. The same spark had never left his eyes. And the same dimples adorned his cheeks. The same shape of his smile. It was so apparent now that she was really looking.

The bedroom door opened and soft light poured in. Melinda froze, assuming she'd be found out. But the woman who entered acted like she wasn't even there. Apparently, only William could see her, or talk to her.

"Why aren't you in bed, Vilhelm? Quick now. Be a good lad." She padded over and closed the window he'd left open.

"Yes, Momma."

She went about tucking in her son and kissed his head.

William's mother. His actual mother. Wow. Wow. Wow.

Melinda didn't know why but her eyes got a little watery.

How surreal. How difficult it must be for William, today, to have lived so long and have only a memory of this so distant, it must seem almost foreign at this point. But a treasure, Melinda thought. To witness such a precious thing from his past. Something she'd guess no one else in recent history had ever done. And that was assuming this was a real memory of the past.

Things got weird again though.

Melinda watched a ghost-like shape push its way upward, out of young William from on his bed. It rose and formed into that of a man—William as Melinda recognized him. A grown man. Peering longingly down at himself in the bed, and his mother doting on him.

Melinda got the distinct impression in that moment, that whatever the hell this was, she was seeing real history. And this was William as a boy. And this was his real mother tucking him in and humming a song to lull him to sleep.

"Life was so innocent then," William sighed from beside her. Melinda didn't know what to say. It was quite the thing just to see him after all his time away, never mind whatever they were witnessing together in this dream.

"Your mother is beautiful." Was all she came up with. "You're pretty adorable yourself."

He twisted to see her, a question quirking his gaze.

"Are you real? I can't tell."

She nodded. Heck—something super bizarre was going on if William wasn't even sure she was real.

He let a breath sink out of him. "I didn't want this."

She wasn't sure what he meant, but nothing changed and his gaze returned to his mother.

"I can't remember the last time I saw her face. I'd forgotten what she looked like."

"That must be hard, not to remember."

"Yes. But it’s a curse of this life. One of many. To live so many lifetimes, it's impossible to keep in current memory all those things you do not wish to forget."

It was hard to fathom living so long you'd forget what your own mother looked like. Then again, in today's age, they had photos and videos to help when things got fuzzy.

Melinda sucked in and turned to William. "Is this a dream? Are we dream sharing? I thought you were too far away?"

"For me to easily enter your mind, yes. I'm afraid I have accidentally dragged you into something far darker than a shared dream." Which was saying something seeing how dark her dreams often were.

She furrowed her brow. "It's sad, yes. Nostalgic even. But it's just you as a little boy. A rather adorable boy. And your mother."

"If I was in my right mind I'd send you away. But as it is, I am not. And I have lost all control, which is why you ended up here with me."

"Why would you send me away?" she couldn't help but feel a bit hurt by his dismissal of her presence.

"My demons are coming for me." His eyes closed as if he was begging some secret power to end this before it started.

"William?" she called out in question.

His gaze fixed on hers and the room started to spin, the floor disappearing under their feet.

The innocent young boy and his mother vanished into the blackness.

Melinda caught her breath and gasped when a golden glow opened up over their heads, lighting up the darkness to an eerie yellow.

"What is all of this, William? Where are we?"

"In the depths of my mind. Memories I haven't been able to reach in many years. Fears that I buried in the darkest of recesses. My deepest regrets. And my most wanted desires. My transgressions..." His eyes took on a wild warning. It wasn't so dissimilar to when she'd told him to run, when he'd first found her tied to a stake in White Pines. But then he'd not left her, gotten caught, and tortured. And just like him, she was compelled to do the same thing: stay and face the nightmare.

"Please don't try to make me leave. Please let me do this with you."

She had no clue what was happening, or why William was going through this, but he needed her. He must have because his subconscious mind had dragged her into this. And she'd never turn her back on the vampire she loved.

##

TURNS OUT, THE MIDDLE of the night in White Pines was rather dark and creepy. Even with the nearly full moon lifting high overhead—its silvery shadows just added to the creep factor. And while Lucas was grateful for the company, he wished of all people it wasn't Mathew Bishop. However, he was the only other person free tonight to take watch at the Power Source and Lucas was not confident enough in his own abilities to manage it on his own.

Courtney had offered, but half-heartedly. They were worried about her, but she claimed she was just a bit worn from the transition and dealing with some lingering human stuff. Still, it was a bad idea for a moody vampire to be out and about, especially a new one still trying to keep the blood cravings at bay. So, they'd suggested she take it easy instead.

She'd agreed. But remained restless. Only she wasn't sharing why.

Lucas also had the worry of when his new gift might kick in. He had no way to tell when a glimpse of the past might suck him out of the current moment, and he didn't need another Lizzy disaster again.

Mathew had driven them here—another problem. Lucas still didn't dare drive yet. He wondered if he'd ever be able to again. It made getting around much harder, especially since he couldn't just ask Riley to drive him.

Mathew had seemed insistent that as Lucas accepted his gift, and had more experience with it, he'd start to see the signs of it happening. Lucas sure hoped the Guardian was right, but he was having a difficult time taking anything Mathew said, seriously. But that was just Lucas being stubborn and he knew it, but still... it wasn't easy to believe a guy who'd lied to him about who he was, and broken his heart—way harder to get past.

Michael, Melinda, Charlie, and Lizzy had been sharing and taking turns on watch, and during the daylight hours had just one of them keeping a lookout. When after a couple days they were already feeling stretched thin, they'd begun to debate whether it was really needed. But after Courtney's run-in with the Feyk the night Charlotte Howard almost returned from the grave, they hadn't wanted to take any chances.

So far, tonight was quiet—except for the night animals making their eerie noises and the shadows casting under the moonlight.

Lucas accepted a cup of coffee from a thermos Lizzy had handed Mathew earlier that evening, and nodded in clipped thanks. Even in this humid night air a hot cup of coffee was soothing to the nerves.

They'd made their rounds a few times, checking the alarm system and the perimeter, and as another night of watch was half-way spent, they were indeed wondering if there was any point to the vigil. The biggest hurdle was that even if the alarm Michael set up, went off, it would take them a good thirty minutes to get here and check it out. They couldn't always count on Courtney to fly to the rescue. And since her run-in, nothing new or sinister had happened. Of course, letting their guard down was not an option either, and the alarm system Michael had built and installed was still working perfectly.

It came down to them being on edge and not wanting to be caught off guard.

And with Lucas' poor magical skills, having someone like Mathew around for backup was a smart idea.

But seriously? Of all the people.

Lucas let out an audible sigh that Mathew guessed the meaning of instantly.

"I don't have to stay if it makes you uncomfortable." His offer was genuine, but held a touch disappointment too.

"I already told you, it's fine. It's not like we have lots of people to take your place." His insinuation, I wish there were.

"I didn't mean for you to get stuck with me. I'm just trying to do what I'm here for. Help where it's needed."

"It's really fine, Mathew." But he refused eye contact with the Guardian.

Mathew fidgeted, the awkward silence, telling of the tension still heavy between them. "More coffee?" he offered.

"No. I'm good. Thanks."

It was about as deep a conversation as they'd tried.

Small talk.

Weather. Coffee. More weather. More coffee.

"Should we do another alarm check?" Lucas asked simply because he was on edge. The tension was about as uncomfortable as the rock under his butt. And the rest of the night was going to be super long if he didn't at least try to engage. Especially as his mind unwillingly wandered into memory lane—more like the memories he'd began to create with the man—Guardian—sitting a few feet away glowing under the moonlight like the beautiful angel he was.

Dammit.

He couldn't afford thinking like that. He'd just get his heart broken all over again. As it was, seeing Mathew every day was bad memory enough. And another constant reminder of how much magic had screwed with him and his life.

"I don't think we need to check it this soon," Mathew answered.

Lucas nodded and chewed his bottom lip. "So, um," he cleared his throat, pressing down the steamy, unwanted memories. "I don't know much about this Power Source, other than it exists and for some reason we need to protect it."

"I don't know everything about it either," Mathew claimed.

Lucas lifted a brow, like, yeah, right. "More things you're not allowed to share, more like."

Mathew sighed. "I speak the truth, Lucas. I don't know everything about everything. But I can share all I do know."

"That's a change." The bitterness was obvious. Apparently, it was only the Lucas Deane subject Mathew was ordered to be silent about, and he didn't argue the point.

"The Power Source is important. Vital, even, to the survival of magic."

"Then why not have it guarded day and night every day? Heck, no one even knew where the thing was until recently."

"And until that happened, it was the safest way to protect it. Keep it lost. The less attention drawn to it, the better."

"And now that's it's been found?"

"The Howard's will do what they've always done, and protect it."

"Yeah, and while they've always done this, I'm pretty sure in the past there were a lot more of them. But why is it so vital to magic? And why not just destroy it and let magic die? It's not like magic does the world any good."

"I would argue that point, but it seems useless with you."

"You can't deny magic has its pitfalls."

"I would never argue that. But it also has its benefits. And those far outweigh the pitfalls, Lucas. Magic isn't the problem. People are. To be human is to be flawed. We're not all perfectly good or perfectly bad. But in the end, we do choose to lean one way or the other. People, and bad choices cause damage, not magic."

"If magic didn't exist there would be one less massive weapon for bad people to get their hands on."

"It's not so simple."

"Well, maybe it should be," Lucas argued. "And why do Guardians care so much about magic? Or what happens in the supernatural world? I mean, are you even part of that world? Aren’t you all like, I don't know, angels or something?"

Mathew went silent. But after a thoughtful moment said, "Not angels." But he did not expand on the subject.

"Topic you can't discuss," Lucas assumed. Why had he insisted on talking? Oh, right. Long uncomfortable night ahead. He ground his jaw, trying to be understanding but he just didn't have it in him. Not when it came to Mathew, apparently. Because every time he looked at the guy it was like a knife straight through his chest.

"I don't know how to make you see it," Mathew sighed out. "Magic can do a lot of good. Just look at you."

"Me?"

"Yes. You. Without your gift, Lucas, that woman you saved would have died. Possibly her baby too. Because of your vision of that man and his illness, you saved two lives. And at the least, kept a mother alive to raise her baby."

"And while that is indeed an incredible thing, and I don't take it lightly, the good just doesn't outweigh the bad. Not in my book. We are out here right now instead of curled up in our beds because more bad people want to come back and start another war."

Mathew decided to try a new tactic.

"This island is where we believe magic began on this earth. And that is something I'd wager the Howard's don't even know. But now that the Source has been located, perhaps one day we'll manage to prove our theory."

"You think this is where magic was born? What's so special about this place?"

"I'm afraid I do not know. But I do know that if this Power Source were to fall into the wrong hands, it would be disastrous for the magical and non-magical world. The scales would be tipped to the side of evil. Maybe for good. As Guardians, we do our utmost to make sure this does not happen. That is our main goal in existing. To keep evil from spreading so far and wide that good loses out, forever."

"Is that really the best we can ever hope for?" Lucas replied. "It's a touch depressing really. To think we just need to keep evil at bay enough to keep it from taking complete control."

"It's not as easy or as simple as I make it sound. But I, for one, would rather live in a mostly good world, over a mostly evil world, any day of the week."

"Well, so would I. No good person wants that."

And that made Mathew smile. "And you are a good person, Lucas. I know none of this has been easy for you. I wish—well, there's no sense wishing. But I do anyway. I wish I could make it better for you. But in the end, your future is your choice. How you want to live is your choice. Magic, or not."

"It's not all my choice. If I'd had my choice, you wouldn't have—" Lucas jammed his mouth shut. Because, screw this. There goes broken hearts again.

"I cannot change what is, Lucas. All I can say is that I'm sorry I let myself get carried away. I guess perhaps because I died in my human life so young I—I missed out on ever having a real relationship. Some of those things, those wants, don’t change just because we shed our human life. You made getting carried away easy, and forgetting my place, even easier. It's as easy as breathing."

Lucas heard the truth in Mathew's words. They struck right to his core because he felt the same way. But it only made the truth suck even harder because they didn't have a future together. And it wasn't lost on him that Mathew said, it's as easy as breathing. As in, still is. Hasn't changed.

"What was it like, when you first died, but didn't really?" Lucas was genuinely curious.

"You really want to know?"

"Are you allowed to talk about it?"

Mathew gave him a closed mouth smile. "Yes. I can. Some of it, anyway. Dying, but not really dying was—surreal." Mainly at first because it had been his own mother who greeted him, and explained their bloodline. And how now that he was dead, his spirit was free to re-inhabit his body and become a Guardian.

The part he could not tell Lucas because it might affect his judgement and choices. If Lucas had any clue, his own mother was a Guardian...

"I didn't believe them at first," he recalled aloud.

"No. I imagine it might not feel so different as what some people think await them after death. An afterlife, of some kind."

"Yes, exactly. But when they shoved my spirit back into my body and swept me away to join other Guardians in training, the reality hit home pretty fast. The hardest part—it's brutal really—is cutting off ties with your human life. It must be as if we no longer exist in that world."

"Why?"

"Can you imagine if I died, but suddenly showed up a week, or months later knocking at the door?"

"Yeah, okay. I get that. I guess."

"Even in the Supernatural world, that wouldn't go over well. Even witches die."

"Right." His eye caught Mathew's. It was just another reminder that the man he'd fallen hard for would outlive him. By, like, only forever.

"It's a policy that also ensures our success and survival. There's a process, and it works."

"That's good, I guess."

"Good doesn't always equal easy. But I can say, even with all its harshness in those first weeks and months as my humanity morphed into something more, and I mourned my human losses, I truly love what I do. I am blessed to have been given such a chance. As a Guardian, I am allowed to freely practice and use the gifts I was never encouraged to use in life. There are no constraints based on silly notions and human made tropes, like gender. I would never give up this life for anything."

The undeniable honesty and deep respect in Mathew's words were humbling, and not lost on Lucas.

"You're lucky. Few people can say they love their jobs and mean it like you do."

"I don't see it so much as a job. And even though there are rules, they don't impede on my ability to dabble in experiments with new potions, or other things that might prove beneficial to humanity, or our own world. Being a Guardian is a full-time existence, but it never feels that way. I feel far freer in this life than I ever did in my human life. And it helps that we live longer than the average human too," he added with a playfully adorable gleam in his eye.

Lucas gave a smile for that. "Yeah, I imagine getting up every day and knowing it won't be your last gives a new meaning to there's all the time in the world..." The humor of it died fast though. "I admit, I'm a bit jealous of those who've found their calling. I've been so surrounded by chaos these last few years that I'm starting to think I'm never going to find it."

Mathew was smart enough, at least he thought, to steer clear of the witch topic, because that was the last thing Lucas wanted to hear.

"You have amazingly talented skills with your hands—" he choked over his choice of words, the skin on his cheeks rushing with blood. 

Lucas fought back a grin and felt the rush of heat in his own cheeks. He couldn't help but use up the poor man, just a little.

"What things come to mind? What would you say I'm most talented at, Mathew?"

"I mean—you know—building things, and um—growing things," Mathew tried to correct all flustered and flushed. And he in no way meant how Lucas had the ability to make him lose all reason. Except, he totally meant that.

Lucas grumbled and lowered his head. "You're far too beautiful when you're flustered."

"Sorry. I wasn't trying to be."

"I know. You just—are."

Mathew tried to refocus through the butterflies swimming in his belly.

"What I intended to say, is that you're an inventor on your own front. Where I use science and magical knowledge to create potions, you can take something that's broken, and mend it. You can see something in your head that doesn't yet exist, and build it. You can plant a seed and bring it to life. Those are some pretty amazing sets of skills in any book."

Lucas never realized Mathew ever noticed those things. And he'd never thought of them as real skills. Just things he happened to be good at doing. But he did always say he'd take a job working with his hands over sitting behind a desk any day.

"Well, if you ever hear of some afterlife where they need a carpenter and a gardener, be sure to let me know."

Mathew grinned. "If I ever discover such a place, you'll be my first thought."

It was almost a real conversation for a minute. A bit of the ease they used to have. But it left an ache that might never fix itself because like his last words hinted, Mathew would be off on other jobs soon enough.

Lucas caught the other man cocking his head and getting a curious look on his face.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure." But Mathew got to his feet like whatever he was hearing warranted the act, so Lucas followed, his heart beat ticking up a notch. Mathew made to move closer to the Power Source but wasn't paying attention to his feet and his shoe got hooked on the edge of a rock. Lucas caught him before he went down and got him balanced again.

The rush of blood to his cheeks returned and Lucas almost let out a groan at how adorable he found it—that and the man's never-ending clumsiness. Why he found these things forever endearing was lost on him. But their eyes lingered on each other longer than he was comfortable with and he pulled himself away before uncomfortable landed them in other acts they'd both regret.

"What do you hear?" Lucas asked in a ragged tone.

Mathew got back to task and approached the entrance of the Power Source, watching where he stepped this time.

"It's not so much a sound, but a vibration. A change in energy."

"That never turns out well," Lucas grumbled, which made Mathew smile because it was so perfectly Lucas. But soon it was loud enough he'd heard it too, and felt it, like a charge prickling the hot, stale night air.

"It's coming from inside." And it was getting closer.

"Is that—normal?" questioned Lucas.

Mathew didn't answer and splayed his hands up against the roots that made up the entrance and closed his eyes. Lucas came up next to him and waited silently, leaning his ear up to the entrance.

BOOM.

It flew at them out of nowhere.

Lucas found himself flying backward in a blink. Mathew too, only he was a Guardian and popped out of the blast and managed to materialize mid-air, grab Lucas, and bring them both safely to the ground.

Too bad he hadn't thought of that when he'd almost tripped a minute ago, and saved him from having Lucas' hands on him. The memory of what that felt like was yet another brutal reminder of something he missed. 

Lucas planted his hands on his knees and caught his breath.

"What the heck was that?"

He got himself righted himself and shook off the unexpected blow.

Mathew stared down the entrance of the Power Source like he was expecting something else to happen, or ordering it to reveal its secrets, but nothing of the sort happened.

"It was a release of magical energy," Mathew said a minute later.

"And that is normal?" Lucas asked again.

"No. It's not."

"So, what does that mean? Do we need to wake up the cavalry?"

"I-I don't know." And he sounded completely perplexed by the fact that he was not sure. Which threw Lucas for a loop because in all the time he'd known the Guardian, he'd never been unsure of things. Clumsy yes. Not always open about himself, a definite yes. But he always held a confidence in his knowledge that was—Lucas hated to say it—attractive and becoming.

They waited with bated breath, listening for any new sounds. Or to feel another magical burst. But nothing. All appeared settled and normal again.

"No use waking anyone," Mathew decided after a while. "Not yet at least. Nothing's changed. We can report in the morning."

Lucas nodded. But he had the distinct impression there was something Mathew was not telling him. And he was getting darn sick of that.

##

MELINDA GASPED AND almost lost her balance when the scene surrounding her and William dissolved, and so did her clothing. Her tank and shorts morphed into a long white dress that ruffled around her neck, and fell to the floor in a train behind her.

"What's this now?"

She was alone on a sidewalk, in front of stairs leading to a stately looking home. The sun was fading and lanterns being lit up and down the street, which bustled with people finishing up their business before day's end.

This was still the past.

And now, she was playing out a part, and no longer a spectator. But what part was she playing? And what year was this now? And what was she dressed in?

"Sofia."

She spun as if her own name had been called, her smile widening at the familiar face.

They'd jumped ahead in time to when William was a grown man, no longer a boy.

He was younger than his forever thirty-one though. Melinda guessed mid-twenties. And as handsome as ever—even more so with the adoring smile and dancing emerald eyes fixed on her.

He was just hopping down from a carriage parked a few feet away. He reached back inside to grab a bag and set it down near Melinda—erm, Sofia, whoever she was. He strode up to her and wrapped his arms around her as if their separation had been far too long.

"I thought I'd never get away. Finally, my love. We're finally home. Our new home."

Melinda wasn't sure what he meant by all of it but was compelled to play along.

"I missed you every minute," she told him.

William's grin bowled her over and swept Melinda's breath away.

It was easy. Natural. And filled with such genuine happiness.

She wasn't sure she'd ever seen her vampire smile like this. It was rare, for sure.

"I will make our short time apart up to you," he promised. There was a wicked edge to his tone. So far, Melinda was missing how this was some kind of nightmare. So far, she'd gotten to catch a glimpse of William as a boy, and see his mother, and now had him ogling her like some kind of goddess he planned to ravage.

How was this bad? Oh, right. They were supposed to not do this sort of thing together because it blurred the lines of their real life non-relationship.

William returned to hand the carriage driver some money and the older gent smiled and gave them a playful wink before shuffling off down the road.

Melinda gazed down at herself wondering who Sofia was. She'd never heard William speak of her before. He'd never spoken much at all about his time as a human. Or even his early years as a vampire. Another reminder of how much she didn't know about him. But he had told her it was difficult to share such things because it made the inevitable departing that much harder. Meaning, when his human friends died, and he did not... but these memories had to be dredged up from some deeply hidden stores.

William came striding back over to her. 

"My beautiful bride..."

Melinda's eyes peeled wide. What did he just say?

Bride? She looked down at herself again.

Holy wedding dress! A bridal gown. That's what she was wearing.

Wait. William was married while still human? He'd never mentioned that before.

But she forgot to question or speak because he was a foot in front of her, staring with a familiar savage intensity. Apparently, even before he was a vampire, he still had a simper that knocked a gal's stocking's off.

Screw these dreams.

They were so unhelpful when it came to her trying not to love the vampire. They kept throwing her right into his arms, and she was far too willing to let it happen. This time, however, she was pulled into his chest and dumbfounded into silence by having him so close. The blush in his cheeks. The living heart pounding against hers. His hot breath against her lips as they brushed gently against her own.

She let out a shocked squeak when his arms slid down behind her, and swoosh, she was gasping and lifted into his arms and he was carrying her up the stairs. So much for no touching. Or kissing. Or behaving themselves.

But he didn't even seem aware it wasn't his Sofia he was even carrying up the stairs. But Melinda playing out the part. And, of course, all rules were most likely out the window seeing as this was some dream, or nightmare, or bad trip, and she had no clue how long it would last or if William had any control over what happened, or if he was even fully aware of what was happening. She seemed stuck in playing along. But at the moment, she was perfectly contented to do that.

"Our new home," whispered William into her ear, which he was nibbling most invitingly. "It's only right that I carry you across the threshold for our first night as husband and wife."

"Husband and wife," Melinda muttered as if the world was suddenly filled with words she didn't understand. "First night."

Oh, good heavens. This was getting out of control, fast.

But as they swept up the stairs and through the doors, everything changed again and Melinda was on her feet staring down a rounded belly. Like time had sped up and landed them in the future again.

"Pregnant. Holy big, big belly," she mumbled to herself. "Like, way seriously pregnant." This dream or nightmare of a trip was winding along and getting wacky fast. She was still feeling all jelly-legged and worked up from thinking about wedding night, and now, boom. A kid on the way! And she didn't even get to have the fun part of making the baby.

Her gaze lifted to a silhouette approaching.

It caught her breath, the foreboding in this form. It was the William she recognized—broody. Not playing any part other than, perhaps, lost in sad remembrance.

He knelt down in front of Melinda—Sofia, really, the part she was still playing—and he let his forehead rest on her belly.

"So long ago. So very long ago. Lifetimes..."

It was like he was there in the room, but not quite entirely present in reality—erm, dream. But things were taking on a darker edge. Melinda felt the change all around her. She had a terrible feeling the nightmare part was about to begin.

"You had a child. You're a father." She wasn't sure what else to say.

But he glided upward to his feet again and shook his head in grim response. His body floated backwards, sucked into the darkness.

"I should have been a father..." his voice dissolved into the distance and Melinda had a cold sweat breaking out on her brow and an icy shiver running down her spine. Where were they going now? 

##

CHARLIE AND LIZZY WERE lying out in the backyard of the Howard Mansion, staring up at the stars. Lizzy wore a thin summer dress, wishing it was acceptable to just stalk around in her bare skin. She couldn't get enough of her feet touching the earth—like somehow that touch connected her to the earth in some way she'd never known before. Every blade of grass felt like a brand new discovery. The texture, the scent—the call of the wild, of nature.

Every sight, every sound, every smell, every touch, it was all like living and breathing in a new way—a primal way. Or as Charlie simplified it, it's a wolf thing...

Watching his new mate take to her new life, though, was an experience he'd never forget. 

In pure Lizzy fashion, she wanted to soak up and never miss any new experience. She never let anything get in her way of stretching out her new talents, and she wanted to try out everything. And while watching her bloom into this new part of her life was more than incredible, surreal even, and he'd never felt so lucky in his entire life, in pure Charlie fashion, he was on constant edge and worried about all the things that might go wrong.

Or as Lizzy called it, creating problems where there weren't any!

Somehow, it was like opposites meeting in the middle. A perfect yin and yang.

But it was getting late and they were supposed to take watch at White Pines tomorrow, so it was time to call it a night and head indoors. Currently Lizzy's least favorite place, and not just because it felt confined and made her restless. But that Charlie would try to sidetrack them with research, reading, and sleeping, rather than frisky, lets fool around time.

The werewolf was being tediously stubborn. Not that this was so different from any other given day. But Charlie refused to consummate their new mating for fear she might get knocked up before her transformation was complete, and he outright refused to take any risks with her health or life before it was official.

She argued, wear a condom.

He refuted, they can break.

She argued, it's just a few more days until the full moon, even if I happen to get pregnant, I'll be a full on werewolf long before any baby comes along.

He argued, exactly, so we can wait a few more days, just to be on the safe side, because, what if something goes wrong on the first full moon?

She argued, what could go wrong? I'm going to shift, and voila! Werewolf.

He argued, questions and problems we don't know to ask or expect.

As they got ready for bed, Charlie made his new normal move of grabbing a few notebooks out of the stack now adorning his bedside table. They were from the box of research his parents had left for him.

And if he was hoping she wasn't going to put up a fight over this boring bedtime tradition, the wolf had another thing coming.

Charlie put up his hands to stop her before the words even escaped her lips.

She growled and scowled.

"You don't even know what I was going to say."

He eyed her and smirked, and set a notebook down on her side of the bed.

She shoved it out of the way and plunked down, and let her question ring loud and clear in her mind, and therefore, shouting into his seeing as she was impatient and pissed and well, frisky and not getting what she wanted.

Charlie set his notebook down and twisted to see her.

"You want to talk about living space?" He wasn't expecting this topic, but at least it wasn't sex.

"Yet..." she corrected with a fake smile. "But yes, let's talk where we're going to live."

"We live here. I've always lived here."

She sighed. "I realize it's a foreign concept to you, but I need you to open your mind a little and hear me out."

He plunked back against his pillows in surrender. This whole making choices as a team was not something he was used to.

"Sorry, Lizzy. I'm trying not to just spew whatever's in my head..."

"Actually, you should probably spew more often because it might keep you from overthinking. The issue is, you're the big bad Alpha who always has to be in charge. With every aspect of your life. But you're not a single Alpha anymore. So you need to realign your thinking. You're a we now."

And he smiled at that, because it was true, and even though something he was still adjusting to, he'd never been in a long-term relationship before. And now he had a mate.

"The whole being in charge thing is a problem I've had my entire life. I'm trying to let others take the reins, but it's not so easy. And my first instinct is to just say whatever order comes to mind. And I can't stop the what ifs..."

"I know. And that's not a fault, Charlie. That's not the topic here. You're a good leader. But when it comes to the you and me part, you need to remember the me part. Like, you just assuming that, of course we'll just live in this bedroom... which is a nice bedroom. I'm not saying it's not."

Charlie sighed, because her point was clear. And an actual point.

"Yeah, okay, I see your point. It's just..." how did he explain?

She slid over and straddled his lap. Even if he wasn't willing to get frisky, she was still willing to make it as hard as possible on him not to.

"I know the mansion is home for you. I'm not asking you to move out tomorrow. But—are you against the idea of ever leaving it?"

Charlie planted his hands on Lizzy's hips, mostly to try to keep her still because her attempt to wiggle her way in was pure torture and he was determined not to break his own wishes until after her first successful transformation.

"I've never thought of leaving this house," he answered honestly. "Not once. My parents raised their family here, and until my grandparents were gone, they lived here too. Not every Howard has lived here, always, it's just..."

"The Elder Howard, always has," finished Lizzy.

"Do you not like it here? Are you not comfortable? Is there something we don't have that you need? We don't have to stay in this particular room, or even this floor. There's rooms that don't get used much. I'm sure we could do something to make it more like a home for you—for the two of us."

"It's not just that, Charlie. I feel quite at home here. It's just, you know, wouldn't it be nice to be in a place with just the two of us? Not always sharing a living space with others. Getting up in the morning and sipping coffee on our own porch, or cooking dinner in our own kitchen. Walking around naked. Christening every room, or surface without worrying someone's going to be walking in at any moment."

A throaty growl flitted around his throat. "You're making extremely good points."

She chuckled. "I don't even mean for this to be right away, Charlie. And I don't want to tear you away from your home. It's really more of a down the road a little thing to think about. But one of these days, you're finally going to give into me." He growled and squeezed her hips. "And knock me up, and we'll start a family. And not that having extra hands around to help is a bad thing..."

"But privacy and it just being us isn't a bad thing either. I just hadn't thought about that part. It—us—is all so new."

"There's always the manor," she put out there. "It's big and almost empty with just Lucas there."

"And Mathew. For now. And I'm sure Riley will come home soon."

She caved on that one because she hoped that too.

Charlie grabbed her and dragged her closer, fixing his gaze on hers.

"I want you to be happy, Lizzy. You're not a guest here. If there is something you need, we'll make sure it happens. But I do see your point. There might be a time when we just want it to be the two of us... and our family." If they were so blessed in the future. Although it was a future that still sent him into an instant panic. Darn stupid overthinking brain.

"You're actually not overthinking the living situation thing," she gave him. "I sort of pounced it on you. It's just one of the things we need to think about though. And I get why you want to be here, Charlie. I really do. It's your family heritage. Where you grew up. Where you work. I just want us to find us, too."

"Yeah. You're right. About all those things. I just never considered leaving this house before." Them living alone together made sense on paper. But when it came down to it, he was not sure he could ever have the gumption to leave the home he'd grown up in.

Lizzy gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Her mate was a complicated man, but spending more time inside his thoughts was giving her a better picture of how his brain functioned.

"How about, we survive through your first shift, and talk about this again after," he suggested. "I'm not blowing it off," he insisted. "Just, one new big thing at a time, maybe?"

"I can agree to that. See, we can talk without constant arguing."

He rolled his eyes at her in a way that said, I'm sure the truce won't last long.

She took the chance to sway him out of his no sex rule and growled at him enticingly, nipping at his lips.

"You know I want to, Lizzy. But there's so many unknowns that I just can't add another potential problem to the mix."

"Charlie, sex isn't a problem."

"It is when the result might hurt you before we know exactly what's going to happen once you shift for the first time."

"Sex is a solution," she argued. "A way to relieve stress from actual problems."

"You're not going to behave, are you?" he ground out.

"I want babies," she tormented him. "I didn't go through all the hell I've gone through to wait a few more days, Charlie Howard."

"I'm not arguing that."

"You need to stop overthinking every choice."

"You know I can't do that, Lizzy. My job is to do the opposite."

"More like you're incapable and unwilling to try."

Charlie groaned again. Did all new couples argue like this right from the start?

He captured her hands behind her back.

"Naughty wolf," he warned.

"I'm trying to be," she grumbled.

He loosened his grip and she held herself back. Stubborn, stubborn man.

But he sensed the disappointment edging on hurt, and sighed.

"You know it's not because I don't want to."

But she tore herself off him in a mix of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and frustration.

"I'm kind of tired of the conversation, Charlie. Actually, I'm kind of tired of you thinking you're right about everything. That your word is final and that's just that. We're a partnership, not a dictatorship."

"That's not fair," he argued grumpily. So much for thinking they'd made a truce. "Can you look me in the eye and swear you don't have a single worry about your upcoming transformation? Or that if you were to find out you were pregnant right now, that you'd not be totally freaked out because neither of us knows what to expect? I could go on and on."

"About problems that are not problems yet."

"Yet. But they will be. And I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be the final word on things jerk. I just can't—I don't have the ability to step into the unknown and figure things out after. I need to know and prepare. I can't gamble with the people I love on, let's hope..."

And Lizzy began to understand what his issue was really about, just a little bit more.

"Charlie, you don't live a life of predictability."

"That's not by choice."

Lizzy nodded and climbed back onto his lap again.

"So instead, you control what you can. Or at least, try to."

"I don't like chaos. I might be able to think quick, and act quick, and give orders when I'm on the job. But it's not my natural state to jump into some big unknown unless I'm certain it will save lives, or fulfill my duty. I need some control—over something. Not dominance, just—I need something in my life to be stable, and predictable, and move on my own terms. However boring, frustrating, or downright irritating it is. So yeah, that's where I am, I guess."

"I do understand that, Charlie." She smirked and gave him a half eyeroll. "It's easy to forget we're still getting to know each other. But have no doubt that the one thing you can always count on, no matter what, is us. When the world is chaos, we will be each other's stability. So... I'm going to give you a break. And not pressure you into doing something you're not ready to do."

"I will make it worth the wait," he promised with a nibble on her ear.

"You're damn straight you will."

His growl morphed into a dark laugh. He pulled back to her lips and gave her a gentle kiss. "Did I tell you how incredible I think you are yet today?"

"Mmmmm, yes, but you can tell me again."

Instead, he showed her with a kiss that only fired her up. But for a few precious minutes, though, it did connect their minds, their new mating bond becoming stronger. Mingling together in a blissful fullness of just the two of them, bonded together. The merging of their minds and souls an intensity that had them reeling in wonder, and drowning in the sensations of sharing this new one-mindedness.

He shared an image of Lizzy, with a big rounded belly. And when she could feel it, as he did, and see how badly he really did want this, well, if images alone could knock a woman up, Lizzy expected to open her eyes to a pregnant belly this very moment. The picture swam in her thoughts, a perfect depiction of how Charlie truly felt, showing what he wanted deep down to his core.

But she also recognized the fears he had, and acknowledged them, and knew she'd done the right thing in letting him go at his own pace about things. Because even though he couldn't always explain in real words, easily and clearly, what he wanted, the images proved what he wanted over and over again.

But patience was hard when you were ready to start your life.

##

LUCAS AND MATHEW PICKED themselves up off the ground.

"That hurt," Lucas cursed the hard ground he'd slammed into. He brushed off some dead leaves and twigs.

"Sorry. I wasn't fast enough that time." Actually, they'd had little warning this time. And Mathew had been too lost in the conversation with Lucas, which had morphed into a fun and familiar rhythm, rather than constant tension, and he'd not been paying attention. The energy pulse released from the Power Source had caught them off guard.

Mathew had barely caught the two of them before they'd slammed into a tree trunk hard enough to break bones, but the landing was anything but soft. He caught his breath and peered at Lucas.

"Anything broken?"

"Only my pride. Seems that's becoming a common occurrence."

Lucas smirked. "Next time, if we have any notice, I'm thinking duck, not run."

"Like it might roll right over our heads if we're flat on the ground?"

"The pulses are airborne and lifting, so yeah. I think on the ground is the safest bet."

"Duck and cover. Got it. What now? The uncommon pulse has now manifested itself twice."

"Yeah, that does pose a problem. Let's start with a quick check of the alarm system, just to make sure the pulses aren't messing with it."

They headed off.

Thirty minutes later, the check done, and the alarm system unaffected by the pulses, Mathew approached the entrance to the Source. He reached out with his senses, and now that he'd experienced it a couple of times, he was better able to latch onto what he was searching for.

"I can't tell when it'll hit, but I can feel that another release is brewing."

"Well then. Middle of the night or not, we need to call this in."

"Raise the calvary," sang out Mathew. And Lucas made the call.

##

CHARLIE AND LIZZY HAD propped themselves up against pillows in bed, snuggled in close together, and started reading. The more they learned about their own future selves as werewolves, the better. And the faster the better, to alleviate concerns and answer unknown questions.

Because there was no way Lizzy was waiting a single night longer than her first full moon to break the no baby-making rule. And because as adamant as she was about Charlie not worrying so much, there were things she wanted answers to as well.

Mainly, whether she'd be in her right mind while she was transformed. Or if Charlie would have any measure of control over her actions, being that he'd be her Alpha as the wolf who bit her and turned her. Her biggest concern of course, not hurting anyone else.

In an effort to stave off that worry, they'd turned William's cell in the basement into a secured area for her first shift. And Courtney gladly donated some vampire blood as a backup, just in case Lizzy got out of control and they needed to use the blood to slow her down.

Charlie was having trouble picturing himself using anything on Lizzy that would cause her pain, but he realized if it was needed to keep innocents safe, he would do it. That, and Lizzy had made him swear to it, because she didn't want to be responsible for a single injury to any innocent. She'd rather die than ever do that.

She let out a shock of breath a few minutes later, tapping her fingers on the notebook, like, look at what I found!

"What is it?" Charlie questioned.

Lizzy straddled his legs and held up the notebook and pointed to what she was reading.

"We're not fully mated yet."

His brain stalled for a few seconds.

"Um. What? I—I—I—I bit you. I marked you."

"Yes, and therefore you've claimed me as your mate. But to create a true mate bond, both wolves have to mark each other."

Charlie's jaw went slack for a few seconds.

"Careful wolf. You're going to get drool on the bed."

He growled in annoyance and hunger.

"Let me read," he pushed out. She handed him the notebook and pulled herself off of him to let him read the passage. And she was right. According to werewolf lore, they were not fully mated yet. The bond was only partial.

"Once I've shifted," Lizzy said, "I have to bite you. Well, not like that second, just after I'm a full on werewolf." She wore a genuine look of wonder. "Can you even imagine it?"

He lifted an eyebrow, like, are you seeing the images in my head?

She bit her lip and laughed. "I mean the bond. It’s already so strong. Getting Stronger every day. But it's not even complete."

Charlie thought about it for a minute. The bond was already intense. Bringing a level of intimacy he never even imagined possible between two people. The idea that it wasn't full strength yet was almost overwhelming, but not in a bad way. More like eager.

A harsh clanging brought him out of his dreamy stupor.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"The Mack line?" assumed Lizzy.

Charlie peered at his bedroom door. "And this late. That can't be good." He bound out of bed, Lizzy too. Throwing on enough clothes to be presentable outside the bedroom.

They met Michael in the hall, peeking out his door.

"Is that the—"

"Yup!" said Lizzy as she swept by him.

"Be right down," he replied sleepily.

Courtney came flying into the kitchen a minute later. She'd been out sitting under the stars contemplating her future, and thinking of her past, when she'd heard the phone.

Charlie picked up the phone, but it wasn't Mack. He'd given the number to the Deane's as well, as a sure way to reach them if needed.

"Lucas. What's up?"

He and Mathew explained the unexplainable bursts of energy at the Power Source, which had Charlie perplexed and sucked right out of mating and bonding, and back into duty, and witch mode.

"We'll be there as fast as we can. Stay safe. Lay low."

"What's going on?" Michael was mid making coffee. Charlie explained and they were all perplexed by this turn of events.

"Maybe it is normal, but because no one was ever hanging out before no one noticed it?" suggested Lizzy with a probably not, shrug.

"Mathew indicated it was not normal. What he knows that we don't?" Charlie shrugged.

"Okay then. Let's go get dressed."

"I'll head out there," Courtney offered.

"You sure you're good?" Charlie felt the need to ask her.

"Yeah. Promise. I've just been a bit wigged out. So much change so fast. Just thoughts ganging up me, like they like to do sometimes."

Charlie was all too familiar with that territory.

Courtney had almost blurted out about seeing her ex-fiance's ghost, but decided the timing was bad. They had enough on their plate and no way to help her anyway.

Charlie nodded. "When you get there, tell them we'll be there as fast as we can. And bring some extra blood with you, just in case. Stress can catch you off guard," he expressed gently.

"Already packed a couple in my jacket," she patted the pocket. "I know you're just doing your job and all, but I promise I'm good. I wouldn't go if I wasn't confident about it."

Charlie accepted that. "Okay. See you out there."

"What about Mack? Should we tell her?" asked Michael.

"Let's not get her panicked yet. It might be nothing."

"When is it ever nothing?" Michael drilled tiredly.

Charlie was getting concerned by the fact that it looked like his brother hadn't slept in weeks. Probably because he hadn't, at least not well. Charlie caught onto the thought Lizzy was having, they should get Mathew to knock him out for a few hours, like he had Charlie.

To which Charlie both agreed, and growled playfully over, seeing Lizzy had used his exhaustion to her advantage that night.

Charlie made it up the stairs and stopped by Melinda's door. It was open just a crack and she was out cold, with Finn, the wonder Gargoyle keeping watch next to her bed. He opened the door just a little and Finn picked up his head and grinned and snorted.

"We're leaving," Charlie said, hoping the thing understood him. Melinda didn't stir. He saw no point in waking her too, unless he really needed to. He left her under Finn's watchful eye.

Ten minutes later, Charlie, Michael, and Lizzy were piled into the Howard's jeep and pulling out of the driveway onto the streets of The Demon Isle. It was getting late, and the streets were fairly deserted and quiet.

Except for Mackenzie Briggs, and Grace, the owner of the Wicked Muddy Cafe. Mack was standing outside on the sidewalk talking to Grace. Neither were in uniform, however. And the way the two of them were staggering, ever so slightly, and laughing, hard, they guessed the two women had probably tossed back a few after a long day.

Charlie pulled over. Since the sheriff was awake, he might as well fill her in.

"Late night?" Mack noted, sobering up some. Because it usually meant witchy business.

Charlie filled her in on the strange bursts at the Power Source.

"Well that's just dang weird." 

Grace shook her head. "Never ends, does it? You guys wait here. I got a hot pot I just made to sober myself up." She disappeared into the shop and came back out with a to-go package of coffee and all the fixin's.

"Thanks, Grace," said Charlie. "Appreciate it."

"I tossed a few sweet things in there too," she winked.

"Bismarks?" clapped Lizzy excitedly.

"Just for you, honey."

"Gimme gimme gimme." She started scrounging around until she'd found it. Charlie had to ignore the delighted sounds escaping her lips. Because they were happening over pastries, and not baby-making. Just a few more days he reminded himself.

Michael just groaned in the backseat, because he so enjoyed sensing his sibling's emotions, especially when it came to love.  

Mack accepted a refill of her own to-go mug.

"Wouldn't you know, tomorrow is my day off." She cackled at that idea. 

"You actually get those?" Michael retorted jokingly.

"It's rare. But since I'm not tired, and only a little whiskey tipsy, why don't I tag along?"

"Yeah, if you want to. Hop in," said Charlie.

Grace gave Mack a private wink with some meaning only the two of them got. But seeing as Mack's cheeks went blush, they wondered just what topic the two women had been discussing. But then Grace, good old can't keep nothing to herself, Grace, let the sweet nugget out of the bag. 

"You let me know how your dinner with Mr. Dante goes."

"You said yes?" Lizzy needed to know with all seriousness.

Mack grimaced and mouthed a playful, screw you... at Grace, who returned it with an amused cackle of her own.

"With any luck, sheriff, you'll be the one gettin' lucky. Not me, honey." She aimed at the others, "And she didn't so much as say yes, as give in, because the dang man refused to leave her office until she agreed."

A round of chokes and chortles later, Grace waved them off as they pulled away and sped toward White Pines.

"This place just keeps getting stranger and stranger."

She shrugged and grinned, because darn it, if she didn't love it exactly like that. After all, the unpredictable gave her so much to talk about...

##

RILEY GRIMACED AND clutched his chest.

"Everything okay?" Annie asked him as he wandered back down into the basement.

"Yeah. Feeling—nothing I need to do this second," he explained. "But it keeps coming at me in these bursts. It's never done that before."

"You sure it's your gift, and not something else?"

"Yeah, definitely the gift. It's acting odd though. It's like this constant low buzz, but a few times now it's like the buzz gets turned up on high or something. It's already better now."

"Good. I guess."

"I'm not so sure. It's um, telling me I need to go home."

"To The Demon Isle?" she assumed.

"Yes. I guess once William is better we'll be taking a road trip." His only solace, at least he'd be on his motorcycle and not stuck in a car with William. "Any change?"

"No. The same. It'll probably be a couple more hours."

Riley nodded and took a seat. "And once he comes out of this?"

"He'll basically be finished. This is his body going through the final stage of withdrawal."

"Okay. I can handle it. Don't feel obligated to stay."

Annie smiled. "I don't mind. However, I do need to speak with Jean."

"I can imagine. If William did actually tell her he plans to end himself, that's some pretty heavy news."

"I'm guessing that's exactly what happened. Only, William didn't plan on accidentally revealing his intentions to us." Annie got thoughtful. "I was thinking, perhaps for the time being we should honor that he didn't want us to know. But at the same time, I want to figure out some way to help him, or change his mind. Sway him out of this notion that he wants to die, rather than ever accept love into his life." Annie clipped her mouth. "Sorry. Realized I was speaking of the woman you both love."

"Did love. Do love. Might still love. I'm starting to think it doesn't matter. At least, not right now." He clutched his chest again as the slow buzz ached with the constant reminder that he needed to go to the Isle. "There seems to be more pressing issues than my love life," he joked badly. But Annie heard the inflection behind the blowing it off too.

"What's really going on, Riley?"

He glanced at her, knowing she could tell if he was lying, so he answered honestly.

"Something big is coming, Annie. Not necessarily bad. But it's unlike anything I've ever felt before. And it definitely needs something from me. And it's on the Isle."

"Makes you wonder if the power rising Aunt May spoke of might be true."

"There's always that. But according to my brother—he keeps sending me messages even though I'm not brave enough to reply—anyway, he told me a she tried to rise to power, but they foiled it and all was okay."

William had informed those on the Isle of Aunt May's prophecy but they'd already been dealing with it. At least, so Riley had thought.

"Perhaps it was bad timing," suggested Annie. "Perhaps that was not the power she was speaking of."

"I suppose. But heck. Enough with the she-devils on the rise already."

Annie chuckled. "Does seem to be a rampant problem."

"I've had my fill. I mean, aren't there bad guys anymore? Oh, wait. Stricker..."

"Jerk of a Feyk." Annie shook her head. "Magical gifts... they run our lives."

"Yeah, I imagine knowing when someone is lying to you has to suck sometimes."

"It has its moments." She got up to leave him. "Holler if you need me."

He nodded. "Thanks for your help, Annie." He smirked at himself. "It's um—nice to talk to someone who's not giving me crap about my bad choices."

"I'd like to think we're friends Riley. The lifelong kind."

"That's a nice thought." He didn't recall the last time he really had a true friend. Someone trustworthy. Who listened and offered advice, but didn't push their ideals onto you. It was a nice change. "True friends are hard to find. It's probably one of the most priceless possessions someone can own."

"That's kind of sweet. And I agree. See you later?"

"Yeah. If William wakes up anyway." He gave her a wave and she vampire-sped out of the cellar.

She reached the pub and slammed to a stop in front of Jean, planting her hands on her hips.

"You really thought you could hide such a thing from me?"

Jean sighed. "Should have known I wouldn't be able to get anything past you."

"Yes. You should have. William is being talkative during his detox. But don't worry, Riley and I have decided to let him keep his vile secret, for now."

"That is gracious of you." Jean plunked down onto a stool at the bar in an uncharacteristically spent manner. "I would have told you eventually. But I've been far too furious and depressed about it."

"Is it really as bad as he makes it sound?"

"Yes. I fear he's already slid down too deep to draw him back up."

"And what's the real reason he asked me to come with him?"

Jean lifted an eyebrow, like, surely, you can guess. "It's completely your choice."

"What is?"

"Taking over for him."

"He wants me to take his place on The Demon Isle?"

"Yes."

"Wow." Annie plunked down next to Jean. "So, he's um, really serious about this?"

"Yes. But don't think for a minute that I'm giving up on him. He's not lost yet. But I fear, nearly there."

"But I'll be there. At least now I understand why. I knew something was up, but this is not what I imagined. He's like a father to me. A better man than my own father ever was to me."

"Which is why he didn't want to tell you, Annie. He didn't want you to worry. Or feel sad. But he knows you've struggled with having a purpose and he's hoping you'll find one on the Isle. But he'd be pleased even if it's not the one he has in mind for you."

Annie nodded. This was a delicate situation that was going to take some serious thinking and sorting out.

"I won't give up either. Not until his dying breath." However long in the future that was.

##

A CLOUDY, FORLORN SKY matched the mood.

A graveyard.

A funeral.

It was over, and only one man remained behind—William.

Two caskets, side by side. His wife and his child. Both lost in childbirth.

Melinda had never known William had experienced such loss.

She was no longer playing the part of Sofia—now dead. But herself, the observer.

Her eyes teared up watching William stare like death itself was trying to claim him too. Something had broken inside of him.

Had his transition into the William she knew today, started this far back? The man—vampire—who smiled, and meant it, but somehow it never quite reached his eyes. And never in the manner it had on his wedding night.

When life was young and full of promise. Now, a morose and lonely future.

Melinda's breath shook and she feared a single loud inhale or exhale might break William even more. He hadn't moved in a long time. Just staring at the caskets like he was looking right through them.

Two young men were standing off to the side, out of the way, waiting patiently for him to say his final goodbyes so they could bury the caskets.

William's eyes were sunken in, a clear lack of rest. But in his gaze was a hazy numbness, like part of him had just checked out. The loss was so new, the wound so deep, that he hadn't fully processed it yet.

"This isn't how it was supposed to be." His voice was flat. Lifeless. "This isn't..." he sank to his knees as if life had given up on him.

Melinda wiped her eyes.

Loss was part of life. But when it happened long before it should, the pain and unfairness could eat you alive. She was keenly aware of this because of her parent's deaths.

And William had been losing people far too soon since before he was a vampire. This unforgiving cycle had begun even before he'd become a vampire. No wonder he had issues about letting people get close to him. It was one thing to think about William's long life and the losses he had endured, but to witness the loss from this position, and know just how many long years ago he'd suffered this first tragic loss... it made a person begin to understand why William had become the William of today.

Swoosh...

The scene changed.

Moving forward in time, but how long Melinda was not sure. She wiped her eyes dry and tried to sort out where she was now. It couldn't have been too many years forward, and yet the man in front of her was barely recognizable.

Unkempt. An empty liquor bottle at his side. Passed out on the sidewalk with people stepping around him like he was poisonous. The once respected banker who'd lost everything, and spiraled into a pit of despair.

Even with the knowledge this was history that could not be changed, Melinda wished desperately she could. And in some ways, it only made her love him even more, for surviving all he suffered, even if it was like this for a time.

She couldn't fault him for checking out. She'd done the same thing. She'd hidden in her bedroom and refused to participate in life. Only difference, she showered now and then and had a bed to sleep on, rather than a sidewalk.

In the end, he was human. Imperfect. Broken. In need of mending.

That was something she understood too well. But she wasn't used to being the one trying to help, most especially when it came to the vampire.

Melinda's head flicked upward. A sweet singsong voice was echoing into the still of the night. She watched William groan and lift himself with a shake of his scraggy head, and eventually climb to his feet. He staggered to balance himself and blinked a few times to clear his vision. He heard the voice... it even called his name.

A sickening sweat chilled Melinda, her nerves singed in fear. 

It was a vampire calling for prey.

Crap. Was this the night William was turned? It would make him thirty-one, so a few years had passed since his wife and child had died.

But this wasn't the night it happened.

It was the night he met and was seduced by a vampire.

A female named Mina. Who cleaned him up and used him as her own personal blood bank.

That first night she'd used her persuasion to lull him to her. But after a few days it wore off and he stayed on his own accord.

Why?

She was feeding off his blood, and he was feeding off the pain. For the first time in years, he was feeling—something. Anything other than numbness and being lost at the bottom of an empty bottle. He practically begged to be brought to the brink of death. It became a nightly obsession. An addiction.

Melinda found herself the unseen observer to a horror flick shuttering in and out all around her in too many parts to watch all at once. All around her were flashes of the next months of William's life.

Blood.

Pain.

Frenzied feedings.

Near death after so much blood loss, so many times.

A haze of hours and days and weeks passing without a care other than to feel something.

But something else was rebuilding inside William too.

Slowly, the pain, the ability to feel it, began to do something else to him. He started to heal.

He started to feel true emotion again. And what he'd become sickened him. It besmirched the memory of his lost wife and child. He was feeding an abomination. A monster that should not be allowed to live.

Mina had kept him alive, only because he fed her. And she got a sick thrill out of torturing him with the pain he needed to rebuild himself again.

But it had to stop. He needed to leave this behind him and find a way back to living again.

The shuttered images of blood, vampire, and William fluttered to a stop, just one scene playing out. Oddly, William fixed his gaze on Melinda like he was speaking directly to her. But there was no intimacy in his speech. Only explanation.

"I plan to revolt tonight. Mina must die. When she comes to feed and is in the throes of the blood gushing in her veins—" he pulled out a wooden stake. "I will end her swiftly, as I should have done the first night she called to me. I should never have given myself over to her. I need to end this torment. I need to find some way to repent for what I've done. For what I've allowed to happen."

His head lowered, shamed. But he lifted it and forced his gaze to meet Melinda's.

"I may not have been the one to strike the deathblow, but I watched Mina drain human after human, and never once tried to stop her. All because of my own delusion and addiction. Staking her is merely the first step in my redemption, but I fear true redemption may be lost upon me."

Melinda didn't breathe.

This is where it all started. William's need to make up for his past. The sins he needed to repent of. The transgressions which still followed him today. And while what he said was true, he'd been a broken man when Mina dragged him into this life. She'd used his vulnerability to her advantage.

Or perhaps, Melinda was just turning a blind eye to the truth. In part, maybe. Knowing what he'd gone through, what he'd lost, watching him sink lower and lower... he had no one but himself to help him recover from his tragic losses. And worse, it lingered so much longer than it should have because of Mina.

She arrived to feed on him.

He offered himself as usual.

And when her fangs were buried deep, he yanked out the stake from underneath the sheets to plunge it into her back. Only, it didn't even cut into her skin. She moved to quickly. She'd suspected something had changed. He hadn't been careful enough. And as payment she ravaged his vein with the intent to suck him dry. He'd outworn his usefulness and she could always find another poor wretch to suck from.

She pulled out and let his body drop.

William's eyes rolled up in his head—death was close. So very close. And that's when Mina heard his final request. He spoke so quietly Melinda didn't hear him. But the grin on Mina's face was vile and her eyes painted in cruelty.

"You want to be reunited with your wife and son."

Melinda knew what was coming next and it was still jarring to watch. She wrapped her arms around her center trying to hold herself together. Nightmare, indeed. But unfortunately, the reality of William's life. The night it was snuffed out and forever altered.

Mina was not going to allow William this final request—to be allowed to die. She slit her own wrist and shoved it against his lips, forcing him to feed from her. She leaned over him and gave him a bloody, final kiss.

"Welcome to the rest of your very long life, Vilhelm Wakefield." And she snapped his neck, stripping away his humanity. Rebirthing him into a new form. And abandoned him right where she left him, never to appear in his life again.

Melinda wondered if the bitch of a vampire was still alive after all these years?

William lay still. Dead. But not dead. His body transitioning into the vampire. And she stared helplessly like an observer watching the scariest and saddest horror flick ever. And she had a deep, sick feeling, the nightmare was not nearly over, but merely beginning.

She'd wanted to know more about William's past.

And she wasn't sure yet whether either of them was better off for it or not.

William's limbs began to twitch. His eyes to flutter. His tongue sliding along the new fangs protruding against his lips. He sat up with a deep inhale, emerald eyes bright and starving and fixed on Melinda.

She stepped back, like that would do any good.

"Have you ever been hungry?" he leveled out at her. "Starving? So hungry, it drove you to madness?"

She didn't answer, only took a rock-hard swallow.

"You've never known true hunger until you've fed off the blood of the living." A flash of movement later he was on his feet and staring her down like a predator. But she held her breath and stood her ground. "I wanted redemption. What I got, was hunger."

And no one to help him understand how to live as a vampire. Or how to live without feeding on humans. Not like they were doing back home with Courtney—ack. Melinda couldn't even think about that topic.

With a snarl and another flash of movement, Melinda gasped and once again was stuck in the middle of a horror movie unraveling all around her. Except this time, it was like she was running in place, trying to get away from the violence and blood raging all around her. Her feet moved, but she might as well have been on a treadmill for the distance it got her.

But there was no escaping the macabre reality that was William's first years as a vampire unless she closed her eyes and refused to look, and for reasons that made no sense to her logical, stay safe brain, her eyes had never been so open.

On all sides of her flashed scenes of a feral monster, feeding. Stalking its prey. Hiding in the shadows. Fangs striking into skin. Blood spattering all over the place.

But he never killed.

He made a bloody mess but never drank to death.

He always managed to pull away, collect some measure of control, and leave his meals before he drained them of too much. Somewhere deep inside the monster he still grasped to a thin string of humanity.

And even though it was difficult to see William living in this way, the gore, sickening, the fear he caused making her own heart race like it was running for its own life... above it all, she wondered just how he had risen above this horror.

How did he rise above what he had lost? His wife and child. His humanity. Being abandoned by the one who turned him? Left to maneuver through a new, dark world he didn't understand. Left to fend for himself. How did he leave behind the feral monster to become the William Wakefield she knew, and loved?

She watched it unravel. A slow decay of time. A loathing of himself he could not run away from. The need for redemption stronger than ever—but not stronger than the need to feed.

He tried to stop. He truly did. He didn't want to be the monster stalking dark alleys and preying upon unsuspecting humans.

He fed from rodents and other animals. But it didn't satisfy him. And after weeks of the hunger not getting satisfied, chaos broke free. A frenzy. Not so unlike when he'd been tortured by the Feyk and Riley, and was out of his mind and high on human blood.

Once he had surrendered to the need, and fed, it ignited a fury of hunger that only screamed in his veins—more—more—more. And continued on and on from one victim to the next. Until the flashings of horror changed. They slowed. Merging into one graphic scene. The end of the frenzy.

A young woman.

Pretty, but sick and dirty and probably living on the streets.

William, his face ravaged in red, approached her in a drunken savagery.

She didn't even put up a fight. Death was a gift over her life. Ending it now was a grace and a blessing. She wouldn't suffer anymore.

She was on the cusp of her last breath when William pulled out of her like he'd drank poison. It hit him all at once what he'd done. How far he'd fallen. That he'd gone too far.

He stumbled, with her, to the ground, wailing and begging for her to live. But he'd gone too far. He'd drank too much. She was growing weaker by the second and he panicked, slit his own wrist, and fed her his own blood in hopes to save her.

Save her to what end? To be like him? To be stripped of his humanity.

She could choose not to live, and end the new life given. He could offer her that much. A choice.

She died, and turned.

Reborn into a new life.

Melinda watched it all happen and realized shockingly, that Courtney wasn't the first human he had turned. He'd done it at least once before. Melinda sucked in and pushed out some shaky breaths. So many things she did not know about him.

However, unlike his own sire, he did not abandon this young woman.

Instead, he became utterly determined to have her lead a better life than he had. He taught her from hour one to only drink animals. Never from a human. There were scares over the next weeks and months, but the young woman, named Annie, never strayed under William's watchful eye.

But while he preached it, he wasn't able to live it. Still sneaking off to feed on humans himself. But he never again gave into the frenzy. He never allowed himself to starve and get to the point of another frenzy being possible. As he taught Annie, he also taught himself. He became determined to make sure she lived a better life than he had.

She became, in a way, his anchor to sanity. To keeping and remembering his humanity.

He took care of her like they were family. She became his connection to life again. Gave him the strength to control himself.

Melinda watched all of this unfold as she spiraled into a cacophony of emotions.

He'd turned this woman. Her life had clearly been hell, and she'd welcomed death. But it didn't just make his actions acceptable. But it also changed him. It was the revelation he needed to regain control of his future. To have that chance at true redemption. Turning her started him on the path to the William he was today. But it had taken stripping away a human life to get there. But William hadn't abandoned her like his own sire had. He'd stuck around and saw to it she made better choices.

No one did that for him.

But was that enough of an excuse to wave off his previous shortcomings?

Why were there always two equally important sides to every story?

And why did the bad always far outweigh the good? And how much good did it take to properly redeem oneself? Melinda had felt certain his recent torture to save her life alone, was far and wide enough.

Life could be hell sometimes with the thinking and the knowing of things.

They jumped further into the future again.

William treating Annie like a daughter, even though she was a grown adult. Over the years they carved out a life for themselves. They moved around. Explored entire new countries with the cover of moonlight. But each time William looked at Annie, it was like he'd just taken her life all over again.

He was consumed by guilt—although, she seemed to take a liking to being a vampire. Even claimed it saved her from a terrible fate as a human. Because rather than the quick death offered by William, she'd have suffered for years and still died, without ever having truly lived.

But this wasn't enough validation for William and he grew more and more withdrawn. He saw Annie as something he'd used to regain his own control. He felt as though he'd turned her simply to relieve his own guilt at what he'd done. And felt as though he'd used her as a tool, a prop, to keep himself in check.

She never saw it that way.

Their views were quite opposite of each other.

One thing that had not changed—William was just as stubborn and unforgiving of himself then as he was today.

Annie feared a breakdown if the guilt continued to consume him. She feared losing him.

And it was this time when they befriended another vampire. Her name was Jean and Melinda's first impression of her was mother nature incarnate. A walking form of art. And she was like Annie, only drank from animals. And she told William it was possible for him to live this way too. Because she'd once been like him.

He didn't believe her at first. Mostly out of fear and self-preservation.

But Jean, William, and Annie, became fast friends. Kindred spirits even. And after some time, William agreed to try it. The first step, and the most brutal, was a human blood detox.

If Melinda thought she'd witnessed hell already, this was right up there with it.

It was a brutal finale to all she'd seen from his past. Even right up there with watching him get tortured for hour upon hour. He sank in and out of consciousness and mumbled incoherently. And when done looked as though he'd been raked over with a metaphorical bomb. He explained his mind had taken him to dark places. Forcing him to relive all he'd lost. All he'd done. All he still sought redemption for. 

Not unlike what was happening now.

Is this what was going on? Was William going through another detox? To get the human blood out of his system? It made sense. Only this time he'd somehow tagged Melinda along for the ride. She was positive it was not by his choice. Because William in his right mind would never have wanted her to witness any of this. Not because it might taint her opinion of him. In fact, part of her was surprised he'd never used any of this to try to push her away.

It would merely be because he was letting her in. Letting her see the real him. Letting someone into his dark world. His past. And that meant letting himself trust someone enough to do that. Or in this case, loving someone enough to let them see all he was.

She refused to be judge and juror.

She was learning, hard and fast, there wasn't any such thing as pure good or pure bad. But often a fine line between both. She could not judge the vampire on his past any more than he'd ever judge hers.

And even though all of this stirred up a ton of emotions and questions, it didn't change the fact that she still loved him. With all his faults. With all her own. Who was she to turn on him because of his past? Didn't it matter most who he was today? That he had spent all these years since turning Annie making up for his mistakes.

Shoot, though.

Courtney...

What about her?

Seeing what William went through the first time he changed someone, finding out he'd done it again, this time unknowingly, might be his undoing.

But there was no hiding it. No denying it. He would find out.

"All the times you told me," she muttered softly. "That you were a monster seeking its prey." Hearing it was one thing, seeing it, experiencing it firsthand definitely put a new perspective on it. "You did the best you could with what you were given."

She heard a sigh behind her and twisted to see William—her William, standing and watching as if he'd been reliving all of this right alongside her.

"You always give me more credit than I deserve."

"Perhaps. But that's what it means to love someone. Unconditionally."

"You cannot allow love to blind you to the truth, Melinda."

Had love blinded her?

Had never forgiving himself, blinded him?

Perhaps they were both fools. Neither seeing things for what they really were.

"This is what I am capable of. What you've seen is all true. Not some distorted memory. I did all those things."

"And have spent the rest of your life trying to make up for it."

"How much time is enough? What can I ever do to repent for all my transgressions? I am a vampire. I will always be a vampire. Those things that I did are always with me. I am a monster. And I will never deserve the way you look at me. The way you see me. The way you love me... because to do so would taint something pure and right in this world. You deserve something better than a monster waiting to break free."

"You act as though I'm some angel, William. I'm far from perfect. We all make mistakes in this life. I think what makes us worthy of anyone's love, is what we do to make up for those mistakes. If we learn and grow and change and prove to those we wronged that we won't make those mistakes again..." she stopped herself because William had made the mistake again. He just didn't know it yet.

Melinda wished there was a way to go back in time and stop the whole Courtney thing from happening. Because, if William, after hundreds of years, was still guilty for his crimes back then, he'd never forgive himself after he found out what had happened.

And there was that sucky morality thing again, getting in the way.

Her duty was to innocents. Courtney was an innocent who'd been in the wrong place at the worst possible time. Although done a bit underhanded, her goals were good. Her intentions in attacking William, good.

Didn't Courtney deserve justice too?

Damn it. Melinda hated this. Seeing his past only made her fear the future even more.

Because even with all she'd scene, this didn't scare her away. If anything, she felt closer to William than ever. She understood him now better than ever. She was in love with him more than ever.

##

THE CHOICE WAS MADE, but everyone's nerves were on edge about going through with it.

It was dangerous to chance opening the doorway to the Power Source. But even with this awareness, it was a necessary risk.

They'd checked the alarm system and Michael advised it was working perfectly. Which would give them advanced warning if they were attacked. And they needed to investigate the mysterious pulses and make sure it wasn't something potentially dangerous that might hurt other people on the Isle.

Charlie and Mathew were going to venture inside and check out the Power Source, while Michael, Mack, Lizzy, Lucas, and Courtney, kept vigil outside the perimeter. Being the middle of the night, they were confident there wouldn’t be any late night tourists in the park.

"The door will close once we're in," Charlie reminded. "We won't know what's going on out here."

"Actually, I can sense the general atmosphere," corrected Mathew. "If panic sets in, I'll know it."

"Oh, well, that's good then. A relief actually," said Charlie. He hated the idea of being inside and not knowing what was going on with everyone else. And he wasn't certain that once inside, if he'd still have his new bond connection to Lizzy.

She rolled her eyes. "We can handle ourselves wolf, now go do your job."

Mathew snickered. Lizzy was just like she'd always been. Man, he missed that. Missed her. It was a blessed gift, he thought, to be given this chance to reconnect with his old friend.

"Be careful in there," Mack told them.

"Same out here," Charlie told them all.

"We'll be fine," Michael insisted. "We've got a sheriff, a vampire, an almost werewolf, and two witches," speaking of him and Lucas.

"Right. Yeah." Charlie thinned his lips.

Michael groaned. It was like they'd never had the conversation about all of them sharing the load, together. And Charlie not having to take lead every time. But he was trying to give his brother some slack because he was tense about Lizzy's first shift. And she was being her usual stubborn self and pushing every nerve.

"Let's go," said Mathew. "Night's not getting any younger." But as he spun to go his foot caught and he staggered, catching and balancing himself. Pleased that he didn't actually fall, he gave himself a pretend pat on the back but happened to catch Lucas casting him an amused simper. And that was when his other foot found the same stupid catch on the ground and he did almost go down, but for Courtney's quick reflexes.

She straightened him and laughed. "You almost need your own bodyguard, Guardian."

Lizzy laughed, because some things didn't change, no matter what.

Mathew groaned and refused to catch Lucas' gaze and focused on his feet as he followed to the Power Source. Clumsiness is one left over human trait he wished he could dispose of.

Charlie unconsciously toyed with the ring on his finger. He still had moments when he thought about putting it on Lizzy, at least until her full transformation when she'd be a bit more indestructible. But it had been gifted to him so he kept it on.

He knelt down and scooped up some dirt and rubbed it on the roots that blocked the entrance to the Source. He grabbed a handful of water from the stream and splashed it on. Blasted some fire at it, and blew some air on it. And finished it off with a prick of his finger for the obligatory blood sacrifice—specifically, blood of a witch. And stepped back as the roots shifted and the door revealed itself, and opened. He and Mathew cast a last wary glance behind them and headed inside. The door closed behind them leaving the others to the silvery night.

Inside, Mathew snapped his fingers and torches lining the walls burst and ignited. He'd never been inside before, though, so Charlie led the way, pointing out the places to avoid, like the pit of death the Soul Hunter had fallen into years before. He froze for a moment when they came to the spot where his mother had died, but he sucked in and pressed onward.

"I haven't found a moment alone to speak to you," he said to Mathew.

"It has been a bit chaotic. What did you wish to speak of?"

"Just, um, I wanted to make sure you were aware that I know. What Lucas and Riley are."

"Ah, that. Future Guardians in the making. Nina was given permission to share that with you. It was deemed necessary, and unfortunately, an act of desperation as well."

"I got that message pretty clearly. And I've been thinking about the Lucas problem."

Mathew let out a clipped huff. "The Lucas problem." He shook his head.

"I didn't mean that in a bad way. Just—"

Mathew tossed his arm in the air to cut him off. "You're not wrong. As much as I was eager to come here and be granted this opportunity, which made it possible to catch up with my old friend at the same time, I'm starting to question whether my elders were correct in picking me."

"Because you're in love with him?" guessed Charlie.

"Yes. But also in the fact that because of our jarred history, and his continual stubbornness on the whole magic thing, that he will not truly hear me. I'm not sure I'm going to make any real difference in his life. I'm even afraid I might hurt things, not help them. Because he pulls away from me, almost like when you tell a child they can't have something, or do something, and they run right out and do that anyway."

"Well, it's sort of how we learn as children though. Sometimes, the hard way."

"I suppose. I just don't want to see him, or Riley, fail. Riley is more openminded about magic. And he has a good heart. But he's got a lot of Lucas' stubbornness in him too. Lucas just—fights. He does not like to give in. And even when he does, it doesn't stick. He falls right back into old habits. But I get why."

"I'm not sure I do." Although, weren't he and Lizzy having the same issue, in that Charlie was always sliding back into old habits? Still, he wanted to understand where Lucas was coming from.

"Habit equals comfort zone," Mathew explained. "It takes him a lot of time to accept big changes in his life. Moving him and his brother back to the family home on the Isle was the biggest thing he'd ever done, and it was not easy to try to make that happen. But he and his brother were desperate and needed a fresh start. That helped."

"I'm not super fond of certain changes either," admitted Charlie. "So, I guess I can’t judge that." Just earlier he and Lizzy had been talking living situations, and he had wanted to just shut down the entire idea. But he owed it to Lizzy to at least give it some thought.

"Change is never easy. But for Lucas it's like an incurable disease."

"Perhaps with each time he succeeds he will pull back less," thought Charlie. "The routine can change, just slowly. At his pace. Rather than the one we'd all prefer. Wow..." he shook his head.

"What is it?" Mathew asked worriedly. 

"Just, perhaps Lucas and I are more alike than I'd care to admit. Stubborn and slow to adapt. I was taking a play right out of a conversation—argument—with Lizzy from earlier tonight."

Mathew chuckled. "She's always making good points."

"Yeah, but it comes back to that whole being willing to actually hear what she's saying."

"I'm sure you'll sort it out. Lizzy won't stop until you do. However, even with all she's gone through, I can tell how happy she is. I remember a time when neither of us thought that a possibility." He laughed. "We were going to get married." He laughed again.

"Um, really?"

"So hard to believe? Think of the times back then. It wasn't like today. Strong women had to fight hard to be accepted, still do. And weak men had no place in witchy business. We were best friends and thought that might be as good as it got for us. At least we'd be together, and find some sort of happiness."

"Yeah, people's ideals and hang ups about what people should be, that's a thing that's just got to go. But I have to say, as terrible a road as it was, I'm pretty glad about how it all turned out."

"Me too. And getting back to the Lucas problem, my biggest concern is that I don't know how much time I'm going to get here on the Isle. It might be weeks. Months. I'm guessing probably not years. And I want to do the very best with the time I have."

Charlie stopped and faced Mathew.

"Especially because your own future might be changed by his."

"There is always that thought in the back of my mind. But more than anything, I just want him to succeed in this life. To find his way. And not always feel like he needs to run from this thing that he is. I want him to embrace it, and not because he must. But because he wants to."

"I don't envy you though," Charlie said. "It's a tough spot to be in, human or Guardian, to love someone and not be able to be honest with them. I get why, I'm not questioning that."

"It is the hardest thing I've ever done. Because if he chooses right in life, as a Guardian, we could have endless lifetimes together. And the idea of watching him fail, and dying, and becoming a Demon, and living with that reality the rest of my days..." Mathew gave a somber shudder.

"I can't imagine the pressure of that. It's like having this precious thing just out of reach and knowing how to get it, but not being able to." It's not so unlike what it had felt like to watch Lizzy in love with Grayson. Only, Charlie's torment had only lasted days. Not months, years, or lifetimes...

"Something like that, yeah. Anyway, before we got sidetracked by my non-existent love life, you were saying you had an idea about the Lucas problem?" Mathew reminded.

"Right. It kind of goes along with that whole constant push and pull, him being in his comfort zone. I think Lucas tends to withdraw into his own thoughts and experiences about things, and needs reminded often, of what good magic can do. But, like you pointed out, just hearing about it isn't going to work. He'll just tune it out."

"Yes, I agree."

Charlie continued. "I think we need to treat it like a campaign, of sorts. One he can see with his own eyes. Experience himself. When Lucas saved that woman and her baby, that stuck with him. He needs more hands on experiences... whether it's his own gift or something else. I'm not quite sure how to put it into action without it feeling staged. I want it to be real. I just think he needs more hands on with the positive, considering how much crap he's seen just since arriving on the Isle alone."

"That's not a bad plan. And not so unlike how we operate from time to time. Give them the information, educate them, but in the end, it's still their choice which path to choose. I actually have high hopes for his new gift, even though the first time went so badly."

"Yeah, if Lizzy had died it would have negated the lives he saved. I fear we'd never have been able to change his mind." Never mind her death would have broken Charlie.

"I remain cautiously confident," Mathew said as they started up the path to the Power Source once again.

"I mostly just wanted you to know you can always count on me. And if you need help, or have an idea, or whatever, let me know how I can help. I understand how vital both Lucas and Riley are in keeping the scales tipped to the side of good."

"Thank you. I'm sure at some point, I'll take you up on that."

The closer they made it to the Source, the more intense the energy buzz became, and after a few more minutes, and Mathew almost tripping twice underneath the poor lighting, they arrived at the Power Source.

They stepped into the cavern and peered around in an alert and curious manner, but at first glance, other than the energy flowing freely in the space, nothing else appeared abnormal. Not that Charlie really knew what normal was for this place. But nothing nefarious appeared to be going on.

He sucked in and let out a controlled breath. Both is his parents were buried in here. So much had happened the last time they'd been in here and they'd not had any proper time to process it at the time.

But there was no use getting emotional about it. He had a job to do.

He approached the Power Source, Mathew at his side.

It was pulsing, not so unlike when they'd been here before. Almost like a heartbeat. But the rhythmic pulse wasn't quite the same as he remembered it. It felt heavier. More intense. Which made sense with the extra magical energy it was mysteriously releasing.

Mathew eyed it in reverent wonder.

"How incredible. The Power Source, right before my eyes."

"There is something rather surreal about it," Charlie expressed. "And sort of odd, to protect this thing I honestly know so little about, but has been part of my family's heritage for so many generations."

"The Power Source is a mystery to us all. In part, at least. We know of its existence. And that it stems back from the time that magic first appeared on this earth."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"We are not certain," clarified Mathew, "but we believe it even pre-dates the creation of us. The Guardians. Because magic existed before we did."

"Wow. I had no idea."

"We believe," continued Mathew, "but I must express, are not certain, that this spot right here might even be where magic began. The original birth place of all magic. And if that is true, Charlie, it is the most powerful source of magic in existence. And, if it were to be destroyed, it might destroy all magic. Or, if it were to be taken over by evil—dark magic would rule this earth."

Charlie eyed the gooey blob-like cocoon and cocked his head. It was hard to picture this strange looking thing being the birthplace of magic.

"I still remember all the debates," he told Mathew. "Growing up in the Howard home meant conversations around the dinner table, or holidays, or backyard BBQ's, always debating various possibilities and locations." It was a bit sad those days were over now. Not because it had been found, but that Michael or Melinda had never been too interested. And William had gone the rounds so many times there just wasn't much else to debate.

"We've never managed to prove that this is where magic began, but regardless if that's true or not, its age equals incredible power. Protecting this Source is the most vital job anyone could be given. And your family has done so, vigilantly, and that is something to truly be proud of."

"Can I ask you something, Mathew?"

"You can. I'll answer, if I can."

"Why not protect it yourselves? Why witches?"

Mathew thought about that. "Because we are not truly magical beings. I know Nina told you a bit about our history, but, um, did she explain how we came to be?"

"Only that you're not what so many people think you are. You're not angels, and don't have anything to do with God."

"True. Very true. You see, we're um, actually descended from, well, aliens."

"Huh?"

Mathew chuckled. "Three beings who were not from this earth, but were out traveling the universe to search and investigate life on other planets."

"Okay. I'm listening with an open mind, but I gotta tell ya, that is not what I was expecting."

"It's not so hard to believe is it, that life exists elsewhere than earth?"

"No, I suppose not."

"Anyway, three beings visited this earth. They held two forms, a spirit-like form that was more like moving energy, but also capable of forming into physical beings. This came in handy when they wanted to blend in with a new species. They could make themselves look like this new species and walk amongst them hidden right in the crowd. And such was the way when they came to earth."

"Okay. So, they came to earth and looked the part of human."

"Right. Only, to their surprise, once they took on this human form, there was something they'd never experienced before about this planet. They were stuck in the physical form. They were unable to return to their spirit bodies. They got stuck here."

"That must've been quite the shocker."

"Indeed. They decided to make the best of it, and as time passed began to integrate themselves into human life. They married. Started families. Aged. And died. Only, after they died, their spirit forms were freed. Another big surprise."

"I can only imagine." Charlie was doing his best, but this sounded like some crazy made up bularkey.

"More importantly, however, is what they created. A new species. Part human and part alien. And they were obligated to remain here and look after their newly created bloodline. Because sure enough, once their children aged and died, they too became freed of the human form, able to live as spirits and re-inhabit a physical shape. Something about human death frees the spirit within, and why this happens is knowledge my elders have never been able to figure out."

"The mysteries of the universe..." Charlie breathed out in awe.

Mathew continued. "Most importantly, in regard to your question, our Guardian abilities stem from our alien bloodline, not because of magic. While some of us happen to be descended from magic, and we have integrated some magic into our work, magic is not truly our past. So, we felt it wiser that good witches, the true keepers of magic, were best to protect it."

"Makes sense. But my minds a bit blown here. Am I allowed to ask, how is it your people became Guardians?"

"You can imagine that after years and years of the bloodline growing, that the spirit population grew. We needed a purpose. At first, it was to protect the bloodline we created. But it expanded into helping the human population too. But then the Downfall happened."

"What's the Downfall?"

"A war between our kind. Remember the three beings who started our bloodline, well, two of them lived with the same manner of thinking. To aid this world, especially since they'd changed it by coming here. That even though they were of superior minds and abilities than the human race, at least in the beginning, they felt it was their duty to protect and serve the best they could. The third being, however, over time, came to see humans as weak and easily manipulated. And that our superiority should rise us to the top, as leaders. That humans should be beneath us."

"So, even in alien races, greed and power lead to conflict. Good to know this is not just a human trait," droned Charlie.

"It is not merely human. This being took many spirits with him and there was a great battle. In the end, we were left with two sides, good and evil. Guardians and Demons. Those who wish to protect and nourish humanity. And those who wish to rule over and enslave humanity. We have always kept the balance to the side of good, but it's not an easy task. And our bloodline is weakening."

"Why?"

"Inevitable decay of time. Bloodlines run out. Our numbers will reach a finite end. And when that happens, we're hoping the scales will remain in our favor."

Charlie slumped a little as Mathew explained all of this. He'd never given any thought to these sorts of things. He'd really only ever been concerned with the Isle and the Power Source and his family's legacy. This was a so much larger picture kind of deal.

"I can guarantee you, Charlie, that evil will be working hard to influence both Riley and Lucas. They already have. It's probably part of why Lucas is so stubborn. Because of the influences they've put in his way."

"Then we will do our best to fight back. It is hard, though, keeping these secrets from those I love." Never mind he was worried that his mate bond would eventually share it with Lizzy. And he had no clue what her reaction would be.

"I realize that, Charlie. It's a heavy burden we ask of you."

"But I understand the need for the secret. Because once you tell one person, and then add on another, it can be like a spiral even if you trust those people."

"No doubt. But to get back to your question about why we don't protect the Source... because it's not part of us and our own history, we felt it needed a more human touch. To be under witch control. We didn't want to force ourselves onto something that was truly born of this earth. However, we also realized the importance of it, and that evil would try to get their hands on it to serve their own purposes as well. Plus, of course, those on the dark side of magic. So, we always offered assistance when needed. And tried to learn as much about the Source as possible. Which isn't a heck of a lot more than you already know, I'm afraid. But I can guarantee you, if Demons get their hands on this, it would be bad for Guardians, witches, and humans, alike."

And that was a point that took no arguing. And only further deepened Charlie's desire to live out his legacy and protect this Source.

"Is it getting—louder?" Charlie asked a moment later. "No, louder isn't right."

"No, but I feel it too. It's like noise, but not. It might be another energy burst building up. Take cover, Charlie. It won't hurt me, and you've got the ring, but you could still get slammed into a stone wall and that would hurt badly."

"Not going to argue that." He took cover behind some roots and grabbed hold as they waited. The pulsing sped up, like the heartbeat was struggling, or trying to do something. Or struggling...

Mathew approached the Source. The pulse quickened and intensified. Charlie thought it almost like he could feel the pulse inside his own veins.

The energy burst exploded outward with little warning. Charlie hung on as the force ricocheted through him. Mathew spirited himself and reformed a moment later. Charlie waited for Mathew to sense outward and that everyone outside was okay. His connection to Lizzy was frayed, but he got the impression she wasn't panicking.

Their new bond was taking some getting used to. But he was getting the impression that the less he fought it, the better it worked. Almost like natural instinct. But when he got into a tense situation like this, and tried to force the bond to work, it almost worked against him instead. The key was to relax and let it happen. Easy... just relax.

Charlie grumbled inwardly. He needed to work on his issues, and he was trying. But when chaos ensnared him, he went to his comfort zone. It only made it harder to fault Lucas for doing the same. It was how humans were programmed to work. Charlie needed to work on himself if he had any hope of proving his case to Lucas though.

The plan outside the Source, as long as they heard it coming, was to fall flat to the ground and hope the energy flew right over them. Mathew didn't seem sure for a moment, but smiled in relief a few seconds later and gave Charlie a thumbs-up. He sensed everyone was okay. There was a general sense of awe, but not panic.

Charlie and Mathew approached the Source to see if anything looked different right after the pulse. Again, at first glance, all appeared as it had been.

"Why the change?" Charlie whispered absentmindedly. "Is it a warning?" he thought aloud. "Is it in some kind of trouble? Is it a cycle none of us are aware of?"

"All equally good questions," Mathew replied.

They got close enough to peer right over and into the thing, and Charlie did what his father had done, and splayed his fingers, daringly laying them on the surface. As his palms touched the silky surface and the pulse bumped against his skin, something happened to shake him to his very core.

He yanked back his hands and he gasped out, "Are you seeing that?"

Mathew nodded, speechless.

Something was moving inside the thing.

Charlie stumbled backwards.

"Son of a witch!"

There was a hand pressing upward from inside. A five-fingered human hand. Stretching and splaying upward against the inside of the cocoon. They stared in stunned silence as the throbbing pulse began to increase again and the hand disappeared into the depths of the thing.

"What the hell is this?" Charlie stammered. "Is there a—a—a—person—inside there? How? Why? How?"

Mathew's eyes widened. It dawned on him what all of this reminded him of. His hand flew up to his mouth in shock.

"I think I know what's happening."

"Please enlighten me," begged Charlie.

"Birth. New life. I think this is something trying to be born. The pulses started because the Power Source is—in labor."

Charlie replied with a series of incoherent babble and syllables.

"Are you serious?" he finally pushed out.

"I can't be sure. But, I think, yes."

"What's being born though? Magic? A magical person? How long have they been in this womb-like thing?" he stuttered out in awe.

"I'm sorry. I have no answer to that. But I think I need to report this to my elders. I can't believe it. We're living in a time where we might learn all the secrets of this Source."

"And we're sure it's a good thing?" Charlie had the need to ask. "I've protected this thing all my life, my ancestors too, but I never once actually worried it might not be a good thing until this very moment. We have no earthly idea what's about to come out of that thing."

And this was the biggest unknown. What exactly was the Power Source? The thing so many Howards, as well as other witches, had dedicated their lives to, and some given up their lives, to protect.

"I cannot say, Charlie. But I daresay I believe the time has come when we're going to find out."

And wasn't that the most unbelievable thing ever.

##

THE GROUP PICKED THEMSELVES up from the ground. The duck and cover plan had worked, more or less, with the energy pulse flying mostly over their heads. They'd skidded across the ground a bit and were covered in leaves and debris, but more or less unscathed. But they'd also had little warning. Only enough to fall flat onto the ground.

Courtney swished away and returned a minute later.

"The blast zone isn't getting any larger at least. The energy pulse isn't pushing out too far and it's dying pretty fast."

"That's good, at least," said Michael, swiping off a few dead leaves and pine needles from his jeans.

"Yeah, but I wonder how they fared inside?" Mack wondered.

"Mathew can move faster than William," reminded Lizzy. "And Charlie has the ring. And..." she shrugged, their bond acting up a little. However... "He's worrying about something, so all is as it should be." They got a little chuckle out of that.

"I'm going to check the alarm system again. Make sure the pulse isn't messing with it." Michael went off to do just that, but Lizzy sent Lucas with him in the interest of none of them going off alone. Michael agreed. And Lucas was starting to feel more like an obedient pet who tagged along as company more than someone actively helping.

Michael held back a chuckle at the emotions he was sensing though, and they took off together into the woods surrounding the Power Source to check the alarm. 

Lizzy, Mack, and Courtney kept guard at the entrance until they returned a short while later.

Michael held up a darkened crystal, once pure white and now burnt. "Energy pulse might not be going too far out, but it is intensifying. It burnt one of the crystals right up."

"Alarm still working?" asked Lizzy.

"It is. I made a temporary fix. I've got to run back to the mansion and grab a few supplies to make a better fix though."

"I'll tag alone," offered Mack. "I'm gonna grab my patrol car. I've got weapons in there. Just in case. And not just guns."

The Howards had long ago loaded up the sheriff with supernatural weapons in case she ever came across something while on duty and they were not around to help. Mostly crossbows and stakes and a few potions.

Michael and Mack sped off with the notion they'd hurry back.

Which left Lizzy, Lucas, and Courtney outside the Power Source. It didn't take long for Lizzy and Lucas to notice the vampire pacing.

"Everything okay?" Lizzy asked, concerned for the vampire's well-being.

Courtney stopped herself, realizing her anxiety over the Bree ghost sighting was getting to her more than she thought. "Just energy to burn off. Feeling—restless." Like life wasn't moving forward. Which it wasn't. The reality was, her life was truly frozen in place. But the need for revenge still burned heavy in her veins.

"You're doing an incredible job adjusting," Lizzy told her with a kind smile.

"I guess it's all just sinking in a bit. What my life was. What it isn't now. Not just the being a vampire thing. Losing my coven—my family really."

"I can relate. A little," Lizzy quipped. She'd lived through more losses and betrayals than she could count at this point. "Although my oncoming change was chosen by me. Not for me."

"But what you did was pretty damn impressive too," Courtney returned, speaking of Grayson. Lizzy's smile faltered some. "Sorry. Didn’t mean to dredge up bad topics."

"It's not that," Lizzy responded. "I will always love Grayson. But I feel no guilt over what I did. I do feel tremendous sadness that he never got the chance to live the life we tried to carve out for ourselves. But it could not have been recreated here, in this time. And not just because I'd fallen for Charlie."

"Melinda had a vision about it, right?" Lucas chimed in.

"She did. And she told me, so that I could make the decision myself. But Grayson was never going to fully recover from what happened to him. Even though it wasn't his fault he was cursed, even when the curse was broken he would have killed more innocents. I could not allow that."

"I don't know if I could have pulled the trigger," lamented Courtney. "I'd like to think I am strong enough, but what you did was true strength and for the greater good."

"None of us discover our true strength until faced with the moment that tests it. I've not always won, either." Lizzy gave them a weak smile.

Courtney huffed and shook herself. "I'm going to do a quick perimeter check. Do a run through the park just to make sure nothing's lurking. Burn off some of this energy."

Lizzy nodded and the vampire sped off.

Lucas plunked back into a tree trunk leaning against it. If anything, this night time watch was giving Lizzy some time to catch up with everyone. She'd been rather preoccupied with Charlie and his eye-candy self, and her impending first shift.

"I kind of abandoned you," she stated aloud. "I didn't mean to do that."

Lucas caught her apologetic gaze. "What? How so?"

"Leaving you alone in the manor, with Mathew."

"You're with Charlie now. You're not my babysitter."

"Of course not. But we're family too. And I haven't really been there for you."

"It's not like you don't have a lot going on," he chuckled.

"Well, yeah. But that's like, always, isn’t it?"

Lucas laughed at that. "Does seem like it."

"So, how are you doing?"

"I don't even know how to answer that. Worried about my brother. Tip toeing around the house to—not avoid—but, not deal with Mathew. All this magic stuff is overwhelming. It's just a lot at once."

"I don't want to pry, but this thing with Mathew, is there any hope of fixing it?" Lucas opened his mouth, closed it, and then blew out a huff. "Just the fact that you didn't instantly say no, gives me some hope," said Lizzy.

"I just can't see how it might be fixed."

"Neither could I. But look at me and my life, Lucas. I can't say you and Mathew are meant to be, but don't write it off either. Stranger things have happened."

"I suppose."

"I mean, if anyone had told me when I was in my twenties and still alive, that in a couple years I'd fall in love with a vampire, get ghasted, and hundreds of years later get my body back and fall in love with a werewolf..." she shrugged.

"Yeah. I see your point."

"It's a pretty darn good one," she returned. He rolled his eyes at her.

"It's just that until I'd met Mathew, I'd never seen any kind of future with anyone. It's not like I was really out in the world trying, either."

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me," Lizzy teased lightly.

"I know. I'm a bit—stuck—in my ways. But it was easy with Mathew," Lucas admitted. "Almost as natural as breathing. So when he left without any explanation... and then months later here I am on the Isle and he steps out of the woods not at all who I thought he was... and it's not just him. This whole magical life is—overwhelming. Out of my comfort zone. I can't stay in a routine. Everything keeps changing, too fast."

"And that makes you uncomfortable. I get it."

"It's like my brain and my body and my personal beliefs and all of this magic stuff are fighting each other. One minute, I can see the path forward and it feels right. But then my brain and experiences kick in and say, slow the heck down."

Lizzy gave a clipped chuckle. "It's odd how our pasts can enslave us. Keep us from moving forward."

"You've succeeded." And Lucas almost sounded a bit jealous over that.

"But it wasn't without tremendous struggle," she reminded. "And there's no hurry, Lucas. It's not a race, no matter how crazy things get around here. Or how fast life sometimes changes on us."

"It's not that I can't see there's a bigger picture and a greater good to consider. I just can't see how I fit myself into it, because a life of magic is unpredictable. And that is my worst day ever. I like some measure of control over my life. The idea that fate holds the reins, and not me, is just—something I can't simply accept." Lucas shrugged, like, what else can I say.

"That's the thing though, Lucas. I think fate does exist. We're given gifts. And knowledge. However, we're humans. We have freewill. So, what we do with that fate given baseline of our lives, is up to us."

"You think?"

"I do. Because if fate was truly in charge, and had some specific destination for this world, we would not have freewill. We'd just be zombies, or robots, fulfilling fate's wishes. And I don't see your need for things to happen at your own pace as a fault. It's how you cope with the unexpected chaos of life. I know everyone, including me, is keen to make you see that magic is a good thing. And while I'll always impress that thinking upon you, it's okay to question things."

"It's not so much that I have to question everything, I just need time to process it all. I'm not as fast about accepting things at face value as you are. But I do like the idea that I am in control of my future, at least a little."

Lizzy grinned. "I promise, we're not purposely trying to gang up on you. We just want you to see the good magic can do. And be a part of that. Because even though it comes with hardships—but what life doesn't—it's not a life I would trade for anything."

"I want to feel that way. I want to wake up each morning knowing I'm living the life I was meant to. I guess I'm just not there yet."

"Well, you are welcome to tell us all to bugger off."

He smiled. "That easy, huh?"

"Sure. I'll make it so. I've got some clout around here." She winked and teased. He rolled his eyes. "But don't expect me to stop calling bull, when it is."

"Ah, that's the Lizzy I know." He took a glance around. Still quiet. Charlie and Mathew were still inside the Power Source. Mack and Michael were probably heading back their way soon. "I've, um, been wanting to ask... what's it like? The transition?"

Lizzy sucked in.

"Kind of like living in an alternative reality. Surreal. I'm changing right before my eyes. I know it's going to happen and yet it sometimes feels like someone else's life, not mine."

"But you're happy?"

"I am. And as for the wolfy part of things—it's like a whole new way of experiencing the world. Not that being a human or a witch is worse, or better. It's just different."

"How so? Do you still feel like yourself?"

"Yes. Me, underneath it all. Still, my mind. My body. My ideals. But my senses are super honed in. I'm physically stronger. Charlie and I have this bond that's sometimes like our brains are attached and working together. But it can be tough too, because there's really no hiding how we feel about anything. And it's not all the time, yet. But there's no lying or holding back. And that's good, but still, a very unhuman way of living."

"I don't even know how I'd deal with something like that. I very much like my head to myself, thanks."

Lizzy grinned. "If it wasn't Charlie I don't know as I could handle it either. It's different when you love someone, I think. Or maybe just because we're wolves. But it works and I've kind of already become addicted to it. And not that I'm not nervous about this first shift, because I am. I'd be an idiot not to be. Things can go wrong. But don't tell Charlie I said that. He's freaking out enough for the two of us already."

"Seems to be his thing."

"You need routine and time. He needs to worry about problems that don't exist yet. And I need to tell it how it is. We all have our ways. But I love the roller-coaster. Charlie would prefer to be the driver. And you'd prefer if it parked and never moved."

"You've never been on a roller-coaster, have you?" Lucas retorted.

"No. Something else I need to remedy. And in a few more days, once I've made it through my first full moon, a certain werewolf and I are going to be making lots of babies."

Lucas choked out a snort. "I hope you've informed him of this."

"Oh, he's aware. And I'm not allowing a single excuse more after the moon rises."

Lucas heard the hint of disagreement on the subject and could only imagine the two of them arguing it out.

"I suggest doing it right away then—the roller-coaster thing. Because if how you explain it is true, once you get knocked up, your wolf is going to lock you up."

Lizzy smirked. But she feared Lucas wasn't wrong there. Charlie was going to freak out to never before levels once he had a child on the way.

Lucas grinned at the ridiculously happy gleam in her eyes. He wished he could see that on himself when he looked in the mirror.

"For the first time since I was ghasted, I'm living the life of my choice," Lizzy said. "That alone is pretty incredible. The rest will work itself out. I feel confident about that."

Lucas wished he could muster that sort of confidence about his own life.

"You'll get there, Lucas," she spoke aloud. His inner thought had been easy to read outwardly. 

Footsteps approached. Mack trod back into the clearing.

"Michael's just a few minutes behind me."

"Good. The sooner we perma fix that alarm the better." Lizzy glanced back at the entrance to the Power Source, wondering how much longer they'd be. A few minutes later Courtney reappeared in a flash of arrival.

"All's good in the park," she advised.

Michael arrived shortly after and he went off to fix the alarm.

"Courtney," Mack grabbed the vampire's attention. "When you were out doing rounds, did you see exactly how far out that last burst made it?"

"I did. It stopped a couple hundred feet out. I could tell by the bend in the shrubs and whatnot. And as far as I can tell, there were no humans out and about the area. At least, I didn't smell any human presence nearby." And damn, didn't they have an unmistakable, yummy scent about them.

"Hungry?" Lucas noted with a raised eyebrow. "You'd better wipe the drool..." he made a teasing motion with his hand to wipe off her chin. Lizzy laughed. It wasn't often, but Lucas could be funny when he was more at ease with things.

Courtney grumbled and took out one of her blood packs.

Mack gave them all a headshake. But ran to her patrol car and returned with a map.

"Can you show me on this map how far away you saw the blast? That way I can make sure there's no sign of anything left behind, just in case, once this is done."

"Sure."

They'd just finished outlining the area on the map when Michael rejoined them, and—squawk—squawk—squawk.

"You've got to be kidding me." Michael shifted, gazing into the woods as the alarm blasted a warning.

"Sure you fixed it?" Mack couldn't help but question.

"Yup. It's going off. For freakin' real." Michael's palm raised expecting an incoming attack.

"What direction is it coming from?" Lucas asked.

"Everywhere," Lizzy answered grimly.

The five-some stood backs to backs in a circle, ready for an attack to fly out of nowhere. Hearts racing, adrenaline rising.

The blast of the alarm silenced, as it should, but the crystals were lit up in the distance like beacons of doom encircling them.

Now, would be the worst possible time for Charlie and Mathew to exit.

So, naturally, this is when they started to hear the roots of the Power Source's entrance moving and contorting into the doorway to let them out.

But what materialized out of the woods, pushing its way through the crystalized beacons and hazy darkness shocked them all into silence.

Michael's mouth fell open, and he staggered forward a few steps, sure he finally snapped, lost his mind, and was hallucinating.

"Emily?"

##

WILLIAM WENT SILENT, his eyes forced closed as if he was trying to hold off whatever was coming next. Melinda saw the shame and defeat in his features. He was desperate for this trip through his past to end. But Melinda didn't imagine there was much left to feel any shame for. She'd already seen him at his lowest. At his most dangerous. She'd suffered alongside him as he relived all he'd lost and overcome.

What more could there be?

Out of nowhere, a bright sunny day surrounded them. And Melinda had rejoined the cast, playing out the part of herself. However, the, what more there could be, had yanked them out of the past and jumped them ahead into the future. Not the real future, but some possible version of it.

Melinda was not alone. She was on a beach wearing a pale yellow sundress, walking along in the hot summer sand with Riley Deane. But a breath-stealing thing was happening... she was pregnant. But with her own child this time, not some past version of William's dead wife.

And most shockingly, was the second young child running and playing behind her and Riley. A son. Maybe four years old. Hers and Riley's. He had her eyes, but Riley's molasses mop of hair.

Riley was suddenly in front of her, all grins, and on a knee. He rubbed her belly. And kissed it in loving adoration.

"I don't know how you do it," he said, peering upward at her. "But you're more beautiful every day. And each day I think, this is it. She can't go anywhere from here, this is perfection. And then you blow my mind and do it all over again."

Melinda smiled back. She couldn't help it. Even though just a figment of William's mind, the happiness radiated out of Riley and engulfed her in secure warmth like a heated blanket fresh from the dryer. 

But equally transfixing was when her gaze lifted upward, over a rocky bank on the edge of the beach, was William, wearing a faraway stare that fixed downward at the happily playing family having fun on the beach.

And flash forward.

The beach and sun dissolved into a cloudy day in a park somewhere. They were surrounded by tall pines and she and Riley wrangled three youngsters to a picnic table—it was a birthday party for her youngest child. A daughter. Her son, older now, was running and playing with his younger brother. Two sons and a daughter. How surreal.

And when her gaze drifted off into the edges of the clearing, there, off in the shadows of the trees was William. Taking in the happy family from afar. Always at a distance. There. But not there. Part of her life, but never like it was now.

And even though he wore a genuine gaze of satisfaction for the happiness he'd wanted Melinda to find, there was a spark of truth that never left his eyes. He wanted it to be himself by her side. And even though he wanted this, he'd rather see her happy with someone else than to spend one wasted life with him.

He was trying to show her what she'd miss out on if she chose him.

She'd miss a life of family.

And even though it was her responsibility to bring new Howard Witches into the world, didn't she get some say about her future too? Did this have to happen? Was there a future where she got to choose not to have a family, if she was so inclined? Whoever she ended up settling down with... she loathed the pressure of this choice.

And even though it painted a lovely picture, it wasn't real.

Her fake family vanished. The misty grayness enclosing in around Melinda as William stepped out of the shadows. She had the impression he was struggling against his actions, but that his mind was forcing him to see this through.

He reached out and touched her cheek so tenderly she had a hard time swallowing.

"My greatest joy and my greatest fear are equal and the same. To see you truly happy with another, and then watching you succumb to the inevitable decay of humanity."

The gray mists surrounding them widened out into a graveyard.

And aged woman was lying in an open casket.

Melinda's name was carved on the tombstone.

This was a reality that bowled her over. To see herself old, and dead.

But it was inevitable.

It would happen.

To her, to everyone she loved.

To everyone William loved.

"To watch you die will be my undoing." William's voice was almost like the wind itself, carrying off to some distant, faraway place. The vision tore him away from her side and a flash later he was part of the vision, kneeling in front of her gravestone. His body as cold and still as the stone itself.

Melinda had a fleeting moment of panic to think that her body was buried down there. Many feet below the surface and stuffed into a casket. Which isn't the way it would happen anyway. Witches were burned after death because it was believed it freed their magic back into the world. But, like that was any better a thing to think about.

The sky started to lighten.

The fog, lifting. The sun peeking downward.

Melinda sniffed, smelling smoke, and sucked in the truth.

William...

He must have stopped taking his daylight potion.

"Get out of the sun," she shouted from the sidelines. "You'll burn. You'll die."

But he didn't obey her demand. He lifted to his feet and twisted to see her. The pain in his features was far heavier than any sting of the sun. Or the blisters forming on his skin.

"Please don't do this," she begged him.

"Whatever awaits me after death, it comes for me on the day you die."

He never cried out once, only closed his eyes and outstretched his arms in a motion that meant, take me. I'm done. The physical pain far less than the emotional burden of living.

This was so much worse than watching him get tortured, because he was choosing it. Choosing to end his life. And something ignited inside Melinda.

Anger...

Disappointment...

"How dare you do this?"

It shocked the vampire right out of the nightmare, and the sun vanished, his skin, healing itself. He eyed Melinda like she was a stranger invading some private and secret moment.

"How dare you do this?" she threw at him again, approaching him. "How dare you force me to spend the rest of my days knowing what you intend to do?"

"I never intended for you to know."

"That does not make this okay."

"It's the right choice."

"Right choice? You're kidding me? Right?"

He stepped back like she'd slapped him in the face.

"Melinda—"

"No." She cut him off. "You don't get to blow this off like it's already done. Have you even once thought there was another way? How is this any better than what I did? It's just a longer, more drawn out hell of what I did to get you tortured. Have we learned nothing? William—I love you. Why can't that be enough?"

He blinked. And stared. And blinked. Like his mind was fighting for coherent thought.

Melinda wasn't done yet though.

"If you plan to die when I do anyway, then why not have one life together?" But it wasn't like that was a perfect plan either, because she'd grow old and William would not. And suddenly the weight of it all buckled her legs. She sank downward, steadying herself on her knees. A torrent of defeat stealing away her anger.

"Is this really what you plan to do, William? To kill yourself after I die?" She needed to hear him say it. "Do you really mean to end your life with mine?"

The silent shame of the truth was painted on his features.

"William... I understand your loneliness. I understand the things you believe you don't deserve. And I understand the things you're still trying to make up for. But this..." she scrunched her face, her features morphing into great sadness.

He was suddenly there in front of her, not so unlike in her dream of him after he'd saved her from the Feyk, their knees touching, swiping the tears from her face.

"This is not your burden," he told her. "This was never to be your burden."

"You are not a burden, William. What you feel doesn't have to be a burden. I get why you wouldn't want to tell me these things. But it doesn't need to be like this. It doesn't need to end like this."

"It does," he stated gently. "Because I fear what I will become if I remain alive and you're not here. It's not purely just being in love with you, Melinda. I don't think I can love and lose again. The inevitable losses have become more than I can bear. If I don't end my life I will turn into something vile. A true monster."

"Then don't lose me. Don't become that thing you fear. If you love me so much that you don't want to live once I'm gone... why won't you do something about it while I'm still alive?"

"You're young, Melinda. You can't know what you ask."

"I'm twenty-three in a few weeks. I'm a grown adult who can make up her own mind."

"But I cannot live with myself if I steal your humanity."

"And you can't live if you let me keep it, either."

This wasn't getting them anywhere. But Melinda had one burning question on her lips and she pushed it out into the cosmos before she lost her courage, and hoped that William, in this state of painful honesty, would show her the truth. 

She leaned in and gently pressed her lips again his and pulled away with a calming breath.

"What is your greatest desire? What is the one thing you want more than anything else?"

The scene flashed and changed around them as if he had no control, but to answer her, honestly and brutally.

"To live the one human life I never got to live, with you."

And just like that she was back in a wedding dress. Out in the middle of a field surrounded by her family. With William across from her as her groom. Alive. Human. With a nervous blush on his cheeks and a shuddering in his heart as he looked upon his bride.

But when he strode forward and kissed her, everyone vanished, the field vanished, and they were in a home. Not the mansion, somewhere else. It was Christmas and William was unhooking a stocking from a mantle and handing it to—their son.

A son he'd never have as a vampire.

A child he'd lost before his own humanity had been taken from him.

He gazed down at the child with such adoration it shattered Melinda's heart to see it, holding the knowledge that it would never be. It really was a dream, and nothing more. But with a swipe of his arm, the scene vanished like a veil dropped over them, and suddenly it was just William and Melinda and he was striding toward her with an intensity in his gait that would not be stopped.

His lips crashed into hers and she nearly melted on the spot.

Melinda shuddered at his warmth.

This was William as he wished to be. Human. Alive. Their hearts pulsing against each other.

His kiss filled her heart and her mind, tearing deep into her soul.

Every part of her taken over and drawn into the dream of William's greatest desire. They broke apart, eyes fixed on each other. Ragged breaths intermingling. And in that moment, it was like William had some frightening moment of clarity, or decision, or regret. He'd taken this too far. Shown her too much. Given in completely to a future that would never be, and there was no turning back from that.

Their scenery changed again.

As if the dream had somehow heard the subconscious thoughts, it answered with a swift change of direction. Melinda's eyes refocused to a darkly lit room of red. Like someone had put a bloody colored filter over her eyes and everything was the color of dark or blood. Like she'd just been thrown into the middle of a horror flick.

She was dressed in a flimsy white nightgown, her chest heaving as the heat of William's lips on hers still lingered. Her arms wrapped around her waist as she caught her breath and William, the vampire, stalked out of shadows.

Wild.

Untamed.

Wanting.

Melinda had a feeling he had lost total control over where this whole nightmare was going.

"This is the answer to your question Melinda. The only way we can be together."

As he spoke, he reached out and unwrapped her arms and before she knew what was happening, he'd shackled her wrists above her head and yanked on a chain that spread her arms wide and to the side.

She gasped, breaths coming out raggedly. Part fear. Part heat. Part understanding—like even deep within his own mind, as it broke wide open and revealed his deepest secrets, he was still fighting it. Still denying them.

"Not fighting," he corrected, as if he silently understood what she was thinking. Or maybe he saw it in her eyes. "If you want the truth, all of it, you have to see the monster too. Because that is the truth. That is the existence."

"You're just trying to frighten me," she argued breathlessly. "Hoping I run away."

"You should be afraid, Melinda. Because after my greatest desire, this is a dangerously close second. I am a vampire, and those desires are much, much, darker." He leaned in and teased his fangs along her neck. She shuddered and tensed involuntarily, the shackles pulling taut. A snarl rumbled in his throat. "You fight, but I can tell that you like it."

Part of her brain was ordering her to beg to stop. To be afraid of this.

Part of her was shutting down and getting lost in the promised pleasure.

And the warning growl pushing through his fangs made her keenly aware the vampire knew how intoxicated she was, and that he was falling under the same unstoppable spell.

Part of her needed to see the full measure of what the vampire wanted, what he was truly capable of. As well as just how dark her own desires were.

But a sense of power came over her.

She was the one in shackles. And the vampire's fangs were riding across her skin in dangerous movements. But the power came in that she was not going to show fear. Or beg to be let free. She wasn't going to run away from him. William needed to understand, once and for all, scaring her into submission—in this case, running away—was not going to happen.

She lifted her gaze and met his with that intent in mind.

"Show me your darkest desire," she dared him. 

He snarled, eyes wild with hunger.

In a blink he was behind her, growling in her ear.

"Do you have a dark side, Melinda? Do you want to know what my bite feels like? Do you want to know what my blood tastes like? Do you want to see what it's like, to live like me?" He never gave her the chance to answer. His fangs sank into her neck and she cried out in the pure shock of it.

He pulled out with a rough breath.

"I could lock you away. Feed from you every night for the rest of your life." His hands wandered around her stomach, pulling her into him. "I could give in—to every depraved thought."

Melinda writhed and gasped bit her lip to hold back a scream when his fangs punched into her again. Her eyes fluttered and for a second as sound left her ears, she thought she might pass out.

But a blink later, as she dangled under the shackles, breathless, and drained, William was in front of her. A storm of feral need in his eyes and his own wrist, slashed, and dripping red. 

"Drink."

He shoved his wrist against her mouth and she had no choice but to swallow the liquid that would take her humanity if she were to die.

But watching her suck his wrist brought a shudder out of the vampire the likes of which melted Melinda's insides. She groaned, thinking suddenly she'd never get enough of it. Her overwhelming satisfaction morphing into her body screaming for more.

William tore his wrist away from her mouth and slammed his lips on hers. Like the very vision of her drinking from him had thrown him into a fury of uncontrolled lust, his mouth punishing her into a fire about to burn for all eternity.

He followed the trail of his blood down her chin, licking it off her neck, tasting her own mingled in with his and lapping and sucking like he was eating his last meal. And if she was a last meal, she was too lost to care.

The shackles released, her arms freed. William lifted her and she wrapped herself around him. A mess of hot, sticky blood covering their skin.

She pushed out a throaty gasp when her back slammed into a wall and his fangs sank into her skin. Her head fell back, her hands twisting in his hair, hanging on for dear life—as the life was sucked out of her, feeding the frenzy.

Some small piece of her mind warned her she was being sucked dry, and would die, and to come down from the euphoric cloud she was so perfectly contented to take her last breath in.

But the storm that was William blew away that cloud for her, and with a ragged effort he pulled out his fangs in a drunken stupor.

Her head was still upright only by the cooperation of the wall behind her. She had no strength to lift it herself. Blood dripped down William's face, his eyes finding hers in a final warning.

"This is how a vampire loves," he growled viciously. It was the last thing she recalled as one of his hands gripped her neck and she heard the echo of a snap.

And like no time had passed, she was gasping awake in a bed, her throat dry and burning. She sprang upward, hands flying to her neck. So dry. So thirsty...

Fangs punched out her lips.

She licked them like she was already tasting her next meal.

Hungry. So hungry. And only one item on the menu.

Blood.

She flew to her feet discovering that she had a sudden strength and speed in her movements. She peered down at her skin. It had a porcelain glow to it—just like William.

When her head lifted she was surrounded by mirrors.

Her lips upturned and she let out a snarl, taking in the vision of herself.

William slid upward from behind her, his hands winding around her, ensnaring her against him as within each of the mirrors, faces burned into the glass. Friends. Family. Strangers, both young and old.

"Who would you like to taste first?"

"No." She pushed out the demand shakily. But so help her God, she wanted to taste all of them. To tear into their skin and suck out the hot yummy life that was the only food in existence that would ever satisfy this ache in her gut.

"This is what it means to live as a vampire. To live, day and night, year after year, craving this one thing. Always fighting the need for it. Always wanting it."

"But it is possible to fight it. You have done so."

"I may succeed. But I also fail. We always fail."

"That's not true. You didn't let Annie fail. You're still trying to scare me off."

He snarled at her daring display. "Even if you managed to keep your conscience clear, you will live to see the day you're in a world you no longer recognize. When all those you loved are taken away from you. Replaced by strangers, who you grow to love just as much. But are stolen from you again. Over, and over, and over—until there's nothing left for you to feel anymore. Because the pain of all that inevitable loss will carve out your heart and strip away your humanity, leaving only a heartless monster in its place."

"I hear you, William." She spun around to fix her gaze on him directly, and not through some mirror image. "But our love would never be lost. And we would keep each other from becoming lost. Can you not trust in that, in us?"

And it was William's turn to ask the question burning his lips.

"What is it you want, Melinda? What is your greatest desire?"

She reached out and touched his cheek.

"That you would rely on me, and trust in me, the way I already do in you. That when I look at you I see what you truly are, and not what you want me to see. That when I hear you speak, I hear the true words you mean, and not what I think you mean, or what you think I need to hear. I—want—you. Just you, as you are. With all your flaws and imperfections. With all your fears. Your regrets. Your hopes. I want you to let me love you."

And that, apparently, was asking too much, and broke something.

Because with a gasp and a shock to her heart, she was out of the dream and back in her bed. Staring upward at the ceiling, with Finn climbing to his feet next to the bed, whining at her.

She gave him a weak smile and a pat on the head, but he whined again.

"I'm okay, Finn. I'm okay... I think."

She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to get her bearings.

The sting of the dream still vivid in her mind and all over her skin.

What a roller-coaster of a night.

She glanced to the window are saw the skyline wasn't so dark—sunrise wouldn't be far behind. She pushed herself up to her elbows and sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Finn nudged her legs.

"I'm okay, Finn."

In reality, she was far from it.

Had she lost the vampire for good after her proclamation?

He'd done his best to frighten her away, even if a lot of what he used to scare her was also based in reality.

Melinda replayed the entire dream over again. But it wasn’t like she was going to forget one single moment of it. 

How unfair, that William had so much stolen from him.

And how unfair, that she was in love with a man who loved her, but didn't feel worthy of it.

And how would it ever work?

To be a vampire, she'd have to give up being a witch. Their numbers were small enough as it was. So, the sickening reality is that William wasn't so far off base in that she couldn't be like him—not that this was his only excuse. He saw his life as a curse, and something he didn't want her to experience.

But in the end, she'd seen his truest desire. To do just that. Because living out his life in a human way wasn't possible.

And it was almost too much, seeing how badly he wanted that chance to live out the one life he never got to... knowing the impossibility of it hurt in a way she had no description for. This topped with the fact that he loved her so much he'd rather die than live a day without her, even if it meant she lived her days out with someone else.

And what about Riley? Where did he fit into this? Did he fit at all?

Because if she had to choose one of them, if she truly had to, it would always be William. Even with all he'd done in the past, she could only see what he'd lost and what he'd done to change things. To fix things. Even when it came to Courtney. Perhaps love was blinding her, but she didn't care anymore. William needed someone strong enough to fight for him.

Perhaps her blindness was an illness?

Perhaps others would even think her sick?

It didn't matter in the end because her feelings hadn't changed—not so true. Tonight, it had changed, into something more. Something bigger. Something more powerful than she'd ever experienced before. Even the parts where she had to admit, she enjoyed the darker side of the vampire. Perhaps she really was sick. But she supposed each of them had a dark side they wanted to explore. A side that wanted to live with reckless abandon.

And if it came to pass that she and William could never be together, could she ever actually bring herself to live out her life with someone else? The idea seemed foreign to her tonight. A betrayal, almost. Not just to Riley or whatever man she ended up with, but to herself as well, because she'd be living a lie.

Finn nudged her arm, still concerned, and pointing out that he needed to leave soon because daylight was coming. She smiled weakly at him.

"I'll be okay. Just a lot going on up here." She pointed to her head and repositioned herself to where she was sitting up against her pillows. "I have a problem with no clear solution." Her eyes narrowed and pinched together. A series of thoughts, memories, and ideas merging together. Very possibly, one of the craziest notions she'd ever gotten.

What William wanted more than anything was to be human again.

She leaned forward, a new mission unraveling. 

Was there any possible way to undo his curse?

Was there some way William could be made human again?

Once a vampire, was there any way to undo such a thing?

It might be foolish endeavor, but—what if?

What if William Wakefield could be made human again?

##

CHARLIE AND MATHEW exited the Power Source, closed it up behind them, and froze upon spinning around and witnessing Emily Morgan enter the clearing.

"Emily?" Michael stepped closer, confused as hell. To his knowledge she was not on the Isle, and yet here she was, appearing out of nowhere. Her eyes trained on him almost like he was a stranger, because it wasn't truly Emily returning his stare. He saw nothing of the Emily he loved in the eyes peering at him from across the clearing. 

"She's possessed," he warned the others in a brutal admittance. "It's not really Emily." 

It was the first time seeing her since she'd fled the Isle, and him, and days since she'd messaged him, telling him she was okay and not to worry. And now out of the blue—here on the Isle, possessed.

His worst fear had been something like this happening. That without her ring she was vulnerable and he'd not be around to help her.

But to the shock of all of them, Emily's gaze abandoned Michael and located Courtney.

Emily marched up to her in a slow procession, as if she'd been waiting for this for—ho—ly—she's lost her mind. They all gasped when Emily reached the vampire and kissed her like there was no tomorrow.

Courtney gasped and pulled away as shocked as any of them.

"What the heck are you doing? You’re his girlfriend." She knocked her head toward Michael.

"Perhaps normally. But tonight, I'm yours."

And Courtney recognized it in her eyes. Her mouth fell open and she took another step back in shock.

"Bree?"

Everyone eyed each other wondering who Bree was, and why she was possessing their friend.

"Yeah, CJ. It's really me."

Courtney would've teared up if vampires could, when Bree used her personal nickname for her. She fled forward and slammed her arms around Bree, forgetting her new strength.

"Hey," shouted Michael. "Easy."

"Sorry." Courtney pulled away.

Bree glanced at Michael. "Don't worry, dude. Your gal is fine, and will be back in control soon enough. I just had to hitch a ride here."

"Yeah. I've heard that one before," he grumbled out bitterly. But what was he to do? Even with all his concerns about being there to help Emily, he had no blasted clue as to how to free her from a possession.

"Why are you here?" Courtney asked Bree. "I can't believe it's really you. Why didn't you move on?" This part concerned her the most because she'd wanted to believe those she'd lost to the Feyk, were at least at peace in the afterlife. "God, Bree. I miss you so much."

"Some of that is my fault. I haven't let you go. I haven't let you move on. I couldn't do that. Not until I told you the truth about what happened to me. And the others."

"What do you mean? Stricker did this to you. I've been tracking him." Courtney gazed down at herself. "I didn't do a very good job. He's still out there and now I'm a vampire."

"I've been watching. And doing my own investigating—not so easy when you're dead. And watching you, and not being able to tell you what I know all this time... it almost killed me all over again."

Everyone listened, intrigued, because they knew little about the new vampire's human past. Only that her coven had been murdered and the Feyk were responsible in some way. But they also felt like they were invading on a private moment between two people who loved each other, and were about to say their final goodbye.

So as hard as it was to leave her, Michael motioned for everyone to give them some space and was the first to leave. But every step he took away from Emily felt like he was leaving pieces of himself behind.

Charlie gave him a mental pat on the shoulder—sensing even that effort was more than he wanted. He didn't need their sympathy and emotions on top of his own. 

Alone in the clearing, Courtney pleaded with Bree.

"Please tell me what happened." 

"Stricker was involved. There's no denying that. His hands are bloody as hell. But he was working for someone else, CJ. He was acting on the orders of someone else. Stricker did not request our assassination. Someone else did."

"Who?"

"I don't know." Bree groaned in disappointment. "I spent my first month's dead trying to find out, but some things just aren't meant to be seen by the dead. And, I fear there are other more nefarious things at play too."

"Like what?"

"Dark magic."

And wasn't that a truly frightening thought.

"Wow. So, someone using dark magic decided they wanted our entire coven dead?"

Bree shrugged. "I have no solid evidence. But my experiences, my gut, all tell me yes. It also warns me that whoever did this, was someone we knew. Someone we trusted. Someone we dealt with regularly enough to know us, and catch us off guard like they did. Not just anyone could pull off murdering an entire coven. Well, almost all of us." She reached up and touched Courtney's cheek. She placed her own hand over Bree's.

"When I find out who did this, they will rue the day the killed all of you, and stole you from me. And I've got a heck of a long time to look."

Bree gave her a thinned lip smile.

"I pity the fool stupid enough to get in your way."

"I won't stop looking until I find the right answers. I promise you that."

Bree gave her a quick kiss and pulled back with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Your new life suits you, you know. I could never have imagined it before, but if you were beautiful before, you're a knockout now."

Courtney rolled her eyes, but her insides flashed hot.

She'd give almost anything if Bree could stay with her.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there when it happened," she pushed out. "I'm sorry I couldn’t save you. Any of you." As it was, she'd been called away on a middle of the night flash news story and had left in a hurry. Never once thinking it would be the last time she saw her coven alive. Her fiancé, alive.

"Don't ever take on any of the blame. None of this is on you, CJ. We were living life, just like we were meant to. It got messed up. It didn't go like we planned. Sometimes, that happens."

Courtney let her head fall against Bree's—Emily's—so wrapped up in the moment she didn't even see Emily when she looked at her, only Bree.

"I miss you already."

"Miss me. Mourn me. But don't give up on life because I'm not in it any longer. Once I move on, you'll finally feel some of that closure you've been needing. But I couldn't move on until I'd told you that you were still in danger. Because the real killer is still out there."

"Looking out for me, even after death." Courtney's face pinched inward like she wanted to cry, but vampires just didn't.

"I'll always be looking out for you. In fact, I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of something headed your way. I think you're going to like it. You'll be stubborn at first. But try to keep an open mind. You've got a long life ahead, and I want you to live it. Fully." She reached up and caressed Courtney's cheek.

"What's coming?" she mumbled shakily.

"You'll find out soon enough. This moment here, right now, belongs to us."

Courtney smashed her lips into Bree's in an impassioned goodbye, and with a silent plea that it last forever. She pulled away with caught breath.

"I don't want you to go."

Bree backed away because they both knew the reality was, their time was over.

"Live fully, CJ. Don't spend every moment seeking revenge, or you'll miss out on the best thing that will ever happen to you."

Courtney was too bowled over to question her meaning, but she got the point. Do what she needed, but don't let it steal away her chance to live.

"I love you, CJ."

Emily's head shook and cocked to the side as if control of her body was being released, and a second later a hazy wisp of white separated itself from Emily, who was blinking and shaking her head and taking in her surroundings in total stunned confusion.

Bree's spirit glided to Courtney. She smiled. And reached out her ghostly hand.

"Love you, Bree. Forever."

Bree's eyes closed and her ghostly form morphed from a hazy wisp of white to a halo of gold and dissolved into nothing but air. Ten feet away, stared a befuddled Emily Morgan, back in control of her mind and body. Her last memory, mojitos with her aunt...

"Courtney Jessup?" she whispered in confusion, seeing the vampire more clearly. 

The vampire didn't answer her, simply flashing away to find the others. She flew to a stop, freezing them in whatever conversation they were having. She aimed herself at Michael.

"Emily is back there. You know, um, free and all that. Confused as all get out, I think." No one was quite sure what to say to the vampire. "I'll see you guys at the mansion."

She flew away, needing some space to get herself together. A safe space, because she did not trust her judgement right now. In minutes, she was in the basement of the Howard Mansion, and in almost unseen speed, locked the basement door from the outside and darted through before it latched shut on her.

She plunked down to the floor. A sudden very human defeat washing over her.

She'd gotten a chance to say goodbye. It was so much more than many ever got.

And whoever the culprit was who murdered Bree and the rest of her coven would pay, as would Stricker for his part in it.

In a flash of uncontrolled anger, she was on her feet and snarling and shouting and pounding on any surface her hands came into contact with. When her fit ended and she fell to her knees, she was glad she'd had the wherewithal to lock herself up. Because the idea of preying on some weak, pathetic soul, and sucking them dry, sounded pretty darn appetizing.

##

"UM, YOU GUYS GO TAKE care of Emily. I'm going to go check on Courtney."

They eyed Michael like he was crazy.

"That's your girlfriend out there," Charlie needlessly reminded.

"Who left me. And the Isle. And did not return by her own volition." He was trying to honor her wishes and be logical, but it was killing him to do it. "If she wants to see me, it has to be her choice."

"C'mon," said Lizzy gently. Because as painful as it was, he was right. She, Charlie, Lucas, and Mathew headed back to Emily. Mack offered to give Michael a ride home so the others could use the jeep. She needed to check in the office anyway, even if it was a rare day off.

The gang approached Emily like none of them were quite sure what to say, or how to act. Almost like they were approaching a stranger, not an old friend.

She was leaning back against a tree—eating a sweet treat from a bag she'd found near their thermoses, from Grace.

"Needed the sugar," she tried to smile. "Helps recover faster after a possession." She glanced, expecting Michael, her gaze less tense once she saw he wasn't there.

"He's not coming," informed Charlie. "You didn't come here by choice, he's trying to—"

"Be what I said I needed."

Charlie nodded. "You okay, Em?"

"Sure." Sounded more like a who the heck knows...

Emily wished she had the wherewithal to go after Michael. But she wasn't ready, and that was the truth of it. She was impressed though, that he'd left without trying to see her, if even for a minute. He really had heard her and was trying to grant her wishes. Which just made the pain of not seeing him that much worse. But it could not be tonight. She was far too befuddled by what had happened.

Lizzy patted her on the arm. "I'm sure you're still adjusting to the fact that you're here, from wherever you came from." They remembered they had no idea.

"Georgia. Long story." Emily's head cocked. "What's that sound?"

"On the ground." Charlie gently pushed Emily down with them. Another energy burst fled out of the direction of the Power Source and tossed them around the ground.

When it was over they picked up their heads and seeing everyone was okay, let out a sigh of relief.

"Let me guess," said Emily. "Trouble on the Isle?"

"Always," Lizzy droned.

They picked themselves up and dusted off. Nothing like a magical energy burst to get them back on task.

Charlie approached Emily.

"I realize it's not your choice to be here, but our home is still your home." He wasn't sure what else to say, and she was grateful for the effort. But not ready. But staying in her old house, where her father had been murdered was not going to happen either.

Lizzy piped in. "Stay at the manor. There's plenty of space."

Emily nodded. "Thanks. I appreciate that." Her eyes widened then. "Oh my God. I've got to make a call." Her aunt must be freaking out right about now.

"Phone is in the jeep," said Charlie.

Emily headed to go get it.

"What about this?" Lucas waved at the direction of the Power Source?

"We'd better keep watch. We need to know if the pulses get bigger, start happening faster, go farther," said Charlie. "It stretches us thin, but we need to do it."

"Seems like you all have your hands full, so I'll take first watch." Mathew offered kindly.

Lucas chewed his lip wondering what the right thing to do was. Go with the others and be rather useless, or stay here and still be rather useless.

Lizzy smirked and made up his mind for him.

"I'm going to go get Emily settled into the manor. Charlie can drop us off and I'll come to the mansion later." She winked at Lucas as they departed. She wasn't going to let him off the hook so easily. Her gaze ordered, life's too short, fix what's broken...

But was that even possible?

Could his heart handle the inevitable break?

Could he live with whatever time Mathew had to offer?

Lucas glanced his direction. He was crouched, cleaning up the thermos and other supplies that had been strewn about in the last energy pulse.

Everyone else was managing to squeeze in real life in between the chaos. Refusing to give up on love just because the crap storm of life refused to relent. Heck, this Bree chick had stayed beyond death because of love. And here he was, with it staring him in the face. Shouldn't he take it in whatever form Mathew could give it?

Somehow, he needed to stop being afraid of doing the hard, new thing. To not always need to stand still. To let life, move forward.

So, Lucas Deane did the scariest thing in the world and pulled Mathew upward, knocked the stuff out of his hands, and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. Because for them, there might not be.

Mathew gasped in shock, and found himself manhandled up against a tree trunk and sucking in every ounce of what Lucas was offering, and attacking right back with a rekindled hope for the future Lucas didn't even have a clue was possible.

They broke apart with breathy exhales, their eyes fixed on each other for a long moment. It was all there, the dream of, what if... it bloomed, but died just as fast. Because the break was inevitable when Mathew had to leave.

But even in the full awareness it would come, Lucas was tired of fighting for life to hold still. But as if the ground decided to settle under his feet, he realized he'd rather have Mathew in his life even for a while, versus never.

"If we only get a short time, then that's all we get," he whispered.

Mathew could only stare with a dumbfounded grin on his face.

What had brought on this change?

Was this the pivot he'd been hoping for?

Or would Lucas wake up tomorrow and revert back to same issues, old Lucas?

Mathew didn't want to push the wrong way, so rather than do all the naughty things he was imagining, he wiggled out of Lucas' grasp, picked up the thermos and the empty mugs, wiped them off, filled one with coffee, and handed it to Lucas.

He filled one for himself, slid down the tree trunk until his butt hit the ground, and patted the space next to him. Lucas joined him and their eyes met.

"I'll take whatever time I can get with you," Mathew told him with a shy smile. But inwardly, he was hoping that someday, they might get forever.

##

WILLIAM RETURNED TO consciousness with a penetrating and painful inhale.

His eyes fluttered open to see the ceiling overhead.

Ah. He was lying on the floor. Nice.

Like that actually mattered.

He'd been flayed alive. Broken open. All his secrets freed for all the world to see.

Not the whole world, but the only person in this world it mattered to the most.

Everything about his world had just changed. Utterly and completely.

His body was spent. Both physically and emotionally, as well as redly. Meaning, the human blood was gone from his system, completely. The worst was over. But a new worst was about to begin.

His final sick attempt to make Melinda fear him had failed miserably, because she'd been too willing to see it all through. She knew him better than he wanted to admit.

Everything he'd tried to hide was out in the open, in the mind of the one woman he never wanted to burden. And yet she had not shunned him. Only loved him. Which made it a thousand times worse because he'd weakened. And she'd chosen him even though he wanted her to choose someone else.

How did he go home and pretend a second longer that he could live this life without her? And survive as she married another? Or had a family with anyone else? It would kill him, but that could not change.

Perhaps—perhaps—he should not return to the Isle.

If he was brave enough, and truly wanted the right thing, he'd end his life this moment and never return, thus freeing her to live out her human life. Alas, he was not brave enough. And even dared believe, didn't want to do it. That ending his life now would be a cowardly exit. He could at least remain alive and vigilant, as planned, through her life. Which would give him time to properly prepare for his own death, and the job he'd leave behind.

And for all that's holy and precious on this earth... 

He hadn't thought of his dear Sofia and his lost child in more years than he could recall. Or the night he was turned. All the blood he'd drank. The people he had terrorized. Not killed, but stalked and preyed upon mercilessly.

Tonight, was more than he'd ever shown anyone. More than he'd ever wanted to show anyone. Because what would it change? In the end, nothing. Not a thing would change. It would only cause Melinda to suffer. To be consumed by guilt if she ever gave in and loved another.

"Hello, old friend." It was a familiar voice, but not Riley's. However, when he lifted his head, he saw them both staring at him.

"Aunt May. Riley. How long was I out?"

"Quite a few hours," he replied. He held up a blood pack. "Hungry?"

"Starving. And yet, not in the mood. And that is a good sign."

"It's nice to have you back." Aunt May smiled in at him as Riley tossed in the blood pack.

"I'd like to say it's nice to be back, however..." he clambered to his feet rather clumsily for himself.

"Bad trip?" Riley guessed.

"The worst." His gaze lingered on the young man for a moment. The truth was there in his eyes. William's planned out future unraveling bit by bit. "I talked in my madness." Not a question, an assumption.

"Yeah. You talked a lot."

William said nothing, instead, turning to Aunt May. "And what brings you my way?"

"Checking in. And Mr. Deane over here wanted to ask me a question."

"And did you answer him as vaguely as always?" retorted William, sounding worn out.

Riley chuckled. "Actually, she did answer me. Not vaguely. It was a yes or no question."

"And now that it's done, I have an appointment to make." She waved at William and nodded to Riley.

When she'd gone, William said, "I never thought of making it a yes or no, only. I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever want a straight answer."

Riley gave the vampire a clipped laugh.

"I asked her if she was faking my current feeling. Seeing as you guys did that to get me here. I just wanted to make sure that wasn't what was happening."

"You're getting a feeling?"

"Yes." He eyed William. "I need to go home. I need to go to The Demon Isle."

"Ah. I see."

"And since it's not faked, I guess I have to put my other fears aside and get on the road as soon as possible. Question is, will you and Annie be returning with me?"

William sank onto the edge of the messed up bed.

Annie... he was hoping she might take over for him on the Isle. He supposed that he'd have to return if he wanted that to happen. He wouldn't just turn her loose and expect her to take over, just because. And he didn't want to leave the Howard's without the help they needed.

He eyed Riley.

"Yes. I suppose the time has come to go home."

Riley nodded. "You good now? Can I unlock the door?"

"I'm sober as it's possible to be." And the vampire was miserable about it.

"Sounds like someone's going to end up going through rehab again—" Riley slammed his mouth shut. But then apologized. "Sorry."

"I won't end up here again. I'm just—tired."

And Riley understood it was not sleepiness, but of life in general. Things got quiet and awkward between them. But the detox was done, and so Riley unlocked the door and freed the vampire from his prison.

William emerged in an apprehensive pace. Not because of fear that the detox had failed, but that leaving meant he had to face the future. Once out in the hallway, he refused to look at Riley, but had to ask him the question burning on his lips.

"Were you alone when I got—talkative?"

"No. Annie had come to check in on you. She knows your plans." No point in lying, even if they had wanted to try to grant the vampire's wishes, because Riley had a feeling William would guess he was lying anyway. And Riley just didn't have it in him to lie anymore. It was—exhausting—to live a lie. But he felt the sting of the truth in the defeat weighing down William, even from feet away.

His gaze twisted to Riley. There was one last thing he needed to ask—Riley cut him off at the pass.

"You don't need to say it, William. I already know I've lost Melinda."

"It is not what I wanted. Or intended."

"But it's the reality. And I think it's one you need to start accepting. Because as hard as it is to say, and give in to, she will always choose you. And I can't go into a relationship with someone who deep down, really wants someone else. Perhaps there's some other guy out there who can do this for you. But it's not me."

And wasn't that the hardest thing he'd ever spoken. And yet somehow, he felt better for saying it. Lighter, and yet stronger. Saddened by it. But it was owning his life. Taking control. And knowing himself. Freeing himself from this burden that had been weighing him down.

"I'm going to go clean up. We'll leave as soon as we're packed and ready." William walked away keenly aware of every step he took, every breath he held in, every ounce of heartache he'd caused. And felt.

It would not be Riley Deane to win Melinda's affections. Perhaps there would be someone else. Or perhaps, with time, Riley would change his mind. Perhaps after some distance between what happened here, and the future, he and Melinda could find happiness together.

Or perhaps he was being a gigantic idiot too stubborn to accept the truth.

She'd chosen him.

Even after all she'd seen of his past.

Even after she'd seen his deepest desire, and his darkest imaginings.

Young or not, she was so much stronger and wiser than he ever gave her credit for. Not because he'd never thought it of her, but because she'd chosen to use those gifts to love him. And until tonight, he'd not been able to understand or accept her love as genuine, versus some whim of a young woman who hadn't lived long enough to know what she wanted.

The reality that it was unconditionally real, changed things.

He had hoped to push her into the arms of another.

Instead, he'd grabbed hold of her even tighter, and with a grip that might never release. 

##

A FEW MINUTES BEFORE pulling into the driveway, with the sun just starting to peek over the horizon, Lizzy let out a thoughtful intake that Charlie was quickly learning was her, "I've thought of something," breath.

"What is it?"

They'd gotten Emily situated at the manor. She was worried that she'd been unable to reach whoever she was trying to reach—someone she didn't explain, and they hadn't pushed the subject. Charlie and Lizzy would not be half surprised to stop in later and find out Emily had left again. She really didn't want to be here.

"I have an idea," Lizzy explained. "One that would make things easier when it comes to the Power Source, and I can get started on it right away."

"Okay. And?"

"You know how magic was used to create portals in the lighthouses, to get other places fast? Well, I can make one from the Howard property, that steps right out in front of the Source."

"Wow. That would make things way easier. We could come and go in a blink, not a thirty minute each way car ride. Brilliant idea, if you ask me."

"I know. Actually, I should have thought about it sooner. I guess the whole full moon's a comin' had me sidetracked."

"Can't imagine why."

They chuckled at that idea and pulled into the driveway, and made it inside where Michael was already making coffee.

"She's at the manor," Lizzy informed him. He nodded somberly. That was a start, he guessed. It was killing him and taking every ounce of strength not to run right over there and pound on the door like a lovesick idiot. 

"How's our new vampire doing?" asked Charlie.

"Locked in the basement," Michael answered.

"She didn’t—" Lizzy started, but he cut her off.

"She did good. She knew she was a mess and locked herself in. I was about to go let her out, if she's ready."

"What happened?" Charlie asked, concerned.

"She hasn't said. I'm sure she will when she's ready."

Melinda came sauntering into the kitchen from upstairs, casting a confused gaze at everyone already awake, dressed, and looking like they were just getting home.

"Why do I have the feeling I missed something?"

Charlie, Lizzy, and Michael couldn’t hold back a low chortle.

"Let us fill you in," began Charlie. But when he looked at her, he caught the hint of something familiar. His sister was overwhelmed. "Or... we can have some coffee, get cleaned up, and then sit down and have a family meeting. We have a lot to figure out and discuss."

Melinda nodded and blew out a breath. Why had she gotten out of bed? Oh, right. She'd wanted to talk to Mathew.

"Um, where's Mathew?"

"Power Source, with Lucas," answered Lizzy as she downed some coffee.

Charlie caught Melinda stealthily trying to eye the study and chewing on her lip. Something was up. A dream she didn't want to plant on everyone maybe?

"I'm going to go shower before family meeting time." Michael jaunted up the stairs, both to shower and clear his head.

"Geez. I missed something big, huh?" Although, Melinda had a hard time fathoming it was bigger than what she'd gone through. Her gaze wandered back into the study.

"I'll go check on Courtney," offered Lizzy. Her connection to Charlie was telling her he wanted to talk to his sister.

"What's up?" he aimed at Melinda.

"That obvious, am I?"

"You have a dream you need help with?"

She deflated some. She'd promised to be open and honest. But how did she do that without betraying William at the same time?

"I want to tell you about it, but now is not the time and it can wait. Promise."

"Okay." He didn't argue. But didn't make to leave her alone either.

"It's a private thing, okay. I'm just not ready to talk about it, and really, there's nothing you can do about it."

Charlie nodded. "Okay."

"I promised to tell you if it was important to the job, and if it turns out that's the case, then you'll be the first to know."

"I can't ask anything else." But the seriousness of his sister's tone worried him.

Ding dong. Ding dong.

It was the outer gate at the end of the driveway, which they'd been closing more often as an extra precaution. Supernaturals would still trigger the alarm if they stepped across the property line, but it seemed redundant not to lock the gate and put their reliance purely on the alarm.

"Who on earth would be ringing the bell at this early hour?" chimed out Charlie.

Footsteps marched down the stairs.

Lizzy and a more controlled Courtney flew up from the basement.

They were all on edge at this unexpected arrival though.

They all meandered toward the front door, deciding safety in numbers, just in case. Charlie opened the door, and from this distance they noticed a woman standing far out front, looking rather lost.

The closer they got though, Michael's footsteps faltered.

Even Charlie and Melinda had to take a double—make that a triple-take.

"Hello," the woman greeted. "I'm sorry for ringing your gate so early, and unannounced. You are the Howards, correct? The Howard Witches?"

Standing at the gate was a woman nearly the spitting image of Emily's dead mother. Was this a sick trick?

"Who—um—what—" Charlie's tongue was befuddled into speechlessness.

Lizzy didn't have that problem though. She'd never met Emily's mother before she'd passed on.

"Who are you? Why do you want to know?"

"I'm sorry. I'm doing this all out of order. I'm afraid I'm in a panic. My name is Luciana Arnaud. Call me Lucy. I can see I've confused some of you. I am not Lily Morgan. I am not Emily Morgan's mother. I am her aunt. Lily's twin sister. A few inches shorter, but otherwise, identical."

"Amazingly so," said Michael.

"I'm looking for my niece. You see, I woke up in her car. Very far from home. But I've been told she's somewhere on the Isle, by a reliable source." Her sister, which she left out for fear of sounding off her rocker.

Charlie made the call and opened the gate.

"Please come in."

"Thank you." She followed them back inside and graciously accepted an offer of coffee from Michael. "Lots of sugar in there please." She was recovering from an almost two day possession by her sister.

"Again, I'm sorry for barging in like this but I have a problem I'm hoping you might help me with, seeing as you are Emily's friends."

"We can try. But—" Michael shook his head in befuddlement. "I'm sorry. Emily never spoke of an aunt."

"No. She wouldn't have. She didn't know I existed. It's a long story, let's just chalk it up to a stupid sibling spat that went too far. But when Emily left here, she found me. I can explain how, later. But first, I must ask, have you seen her? I'm terribly worried. You see, we were practicing blocking possessions, had a long day of it, had a few too many drinks, and... well..."

"She got possessed?" finished Charlie. "Wait—you're a Spirit Vessel too?"

"Yes. It's passed down to all the females in my family. Anyway, I was hopeful you might help me track her down so I can get the spirit out of her."

"Actually, Emily is on the Isle," said Michael.

"And the spirit already left her," added Lizzy. "She's fine. And staying at my house."

"Oh, thank God." Lucy's hand went up to her heart.

"C'mon," said Lizzy kindly. "I'll take you there. Although, shoot, I can't drive." Something else she was going to need to remedy about her life.

Melinda piped in. "I'll drive you," she aimed at Lucy. "Let Lizzy and everyone else get ready for the day." And whatever craziness was about to unleash at this family meeting. Plus, she'd love to say hi to Emily. And apparently, she'd missed a heck of a lot while she was going down memory lane with William.

She went to slip on some shoes and grab a sweater. Charlie found her in the kitchen staring into the study though.

"The dream?" he guessed.

She spun around, startled.

"Um. Yeah. I was just thinking I could start some research on something later."

Now she really had him curious.

"Can I help?"

Melinda sucked in her cheeks nervously. "I know I promised to be open, but this is hard, Charlie."

"Why?"

"Because, it's William."

"Oh. So, it wasn't a prophetic dream?"

"Of sorts." And then she was explaining anyway. At least in part, that he was going through a detox, wherever he was, and she'd been dragged into his chaos as his mind unraveled.

"That had to be—interesting?" he wasn't even sure what else to say.

"More like, freaky, frightening, and incredibly revealing."

"And what are you researching?"

"Charlie, I have to ask you something first. I don't like to, but... can we keep this between us? For now, at least."

Charlie's eyes scrunched together, but he nodded. He was keeping a lot of secrets lately and it was sure to backfire. He wasn't sure he was going to be able to keep them from Lizzy, seeing as their new bond allowed her access to his thoughts. And he was sure to let down his guard one of these days.

Melinda shook out an anxious breath.

"I'm researching about vampires. More specifically, if there's any possible way a vampire could be freed from the curse—I'm not talking about death. But becoming human again."

Charlie's jaw swung open. "Um—"

"I realize it's an extreme longshot. And probably a waste of valuable time. But I need to do this. And I will try to explain better, but another time. I can't. Not today."

"Okay. But if you need me, stop me from whatever I'm doing."

"Thank you, Charlie."

She left the kitchen and sped off to drive Lucy to the manor, and speak to Emily and then Mathew.

##

JEAN GAVE ANNIE A THIN lipped smile.

Goodbyes were always hard, but this one was extra so. She and William had not spoken much after his detox. And Annie had kept quiet, but decided to still go to the Isle even once it was painfully clear William's secrets were out in the open. 

However, because of Riley's growing distress, and these continual bursts of his feeling getting stronger, they'd deemed it necessary to reopen the portal from Sorcier directly to The Demon Isle. They would be home in a blink. Not a couple of day's drive.

Once the travelers were through, they'd close up the portal again.

Annie promised to call home often.

William promised nothing, and Jean and he spoke a hushed goodbye that might well be their last—she hoped not. However, resigned herself to the possibility. But also promised not to give up on her friend, just yet.

Annie gave Jean one final hug, topped with an anxious smile. Even with all the awkward, she had to admit she was excited to see this magical place William had lived for so long.

Annie and William got into his car and waited for Riley. Before straddling his motorcycle, he hopped over to Jean. 

"Thank you, for taking me in. I was pretty lost when I wandered in here."

"But you're not now. I can sense the change."

"I still don't know exactly where I'm headed, but I'm a heck of a lot less lost than when I got here. So, thank you. For everything."

"Anytime. And I mean that. You ever need a place to lay that pretty head of yours, Sorcier is always open to you, Riley Deane."

He nodded, straddled his two-wheeled machine, slid on his helmet, and fell in line behind William's car.

The portal was opened and they sped off into the darkness, popping out a blink later.

And just like that, they were pulling onto an old, not so frequently used road on The Demon Isle. Home, just like that.

Riley pulled up alongside William.

"I'm guessing my brother will be at the manor. I'm headed there."

William gave him a curt nod, Riley already knew where he was headed.

"See you soon," Annie called out from the passenger seat. Even though things were a little rocky between her and William, she was excited to be here. To see the place William had called home for such a long time. And to meet this woman, Melinda, who had her sire wound up so badly.

They went their separate ways, which seemed odd after their time together. But they'd see each other soon enough. Riley sped off toward town, and up toward the manor. He was surprised when he pulled in and parked that the Howard's jeep was in the drive. His heart stammered as he dismounted the bike and watched Melinda racing out and down the stairs, and looking up and freezing at the sight of him.

Their reaction was similar. Breath frozen in their lungs, brains not quite firing correctly.

"Hi," he finally got out. Riley hadn't expected to be confronted with this so soon. Seeing her blew him off course for a minute. She was still beautiful. But it didn't change anything. 

"Hi," she managed back. She unfroze and shook herself back into the moment. "You're back."

"Yeah. Just now." Awkward much. He didn't know where to start.

She shoved her hands into her shorts pockets, fidgeting anxiously.

"How are you?" she asked him. "We've all been worried about you. I've been worried about you."

"I can't really imagine that."

She gave him a quick smile. "When you left I was—out of my mind. Processing things. I didn't know where to place any of my feelings because there were too many of them. It wasn't your fault, Riley. What happened. No one blames you. I don't blame you."

"I know. And," he let out a breath, "I don't blame myself. Not now. But I needed to—get away. Clear the space up here." He pointed to his head.

"I get that. I really get that."

"You're okay though?" he asked her.

"I am getting there. You?"

"I'm getting there too. But yeah. Mostly good."

"It's kind of a constant work in progress, isn't it? Being okay?"

He groaned, but agreed. "Listen, I um, was hoping to talk to you, I just didn't think it would be tonight to be honest."

"If you don't want to, that's okay. If you're not in the right headspace, I get it. But I'm glad you're okay. I'm glad you're back."

"Actually, it might be better if I just get this out now." Before he lost his nerve. His voice trembled a bit. He didn't want to explain this minute that he'd spent his time away with William, but he kind of needed to in order to explain his conclusions. "It's um, kind of a long story, but I've been with William all this time."

"William?" Her shocked tone and awed gaze said it all. In all her time with the vampire, in his mind, this hasn't come up at all.

"Yeah, he kind of saved my butt."

Damn the vampire. He had gone out to try to take care of Riley. Probably for her.

God, that hurt bad. Because she was confident it had pretty much backfired.

She rolled her lips between her teeth because she got a sense of what was coming and she refused to cry. Not here. Not now.

"William is like, so seriously in love with you, Melinda."

She nodded. And forced out a soothing breath.

"And I love him." No hesitation, but wow, that was hard to say to Riley. 

"I know you do. And while you may or may not still have feelings for me, I know it will never be the same as what you feel for William. And I don't want to be a middle party."

"I don’t want that either, Riley. I never meant for that to happen. I never believed that being in love with William was an option. And I still don't know that it is, and yet it's sort of too late. I've also spent some time working on me. And I've still got a ways to go. But I realized I needed to learn to stand on my own two feet, and fight for what I want. I needed to find confidence in myself before I had anything real to offer anyone else. I needed to love and accept who I am before I could decide anything about my own future."

"Sounds like you've had some productive time on your hands."

"Part voluntarily, part forced, but in the end, revealing and needed. I've spent so many years letting everyone else take the reins, and I need to take them now. But, Riley," she stepped closer and fixed her dampening gaze on him. "You helped me so much more than I can express. Forget the curse and all that happened. When I met you, I needed exactly what you offered. I cannot ever thank you for setting me on the path that got me here. Even if it was hell, because now I know what I need to do. You helped me get there. I'm just so very sorry you got hurt in all of it."

She leaned up and kissed his cheek, spun around, and hopped in the jeep to get away as fast as possible before the tears refused to hold back.

She'd just broken up with Riley Deane.

Smart decision?

The stupidest thing she'd ever done?

It didn't matter, because it was the only choice her heart would let her make. And she was doing just as she'd promised, taking control of her life and fighting for what she wanted.

It might fail.

But if she didn't try, she'd regret that choice for the rest of her days.

##

WILLIAM ALMOST PULLED over before pulling into the driveway. He could not recall the last time he felt true nervousness. How had they managed while he was away? Was Melinda inside? What would he say to her once they were face to face?

"Nervous?" Annie guessed.

"No use lying with you, so—yes, I am."

Annie squeezed his hand. "Would you like to go in alone? I can wait."

"No, that's not needed." He pulled into the drive, expecting to park when a blast of noise cascaded all around them. He'd set off some sort of alarm.

"Well, we're making a grand entrance," stated Annie.

He parked as the front door swung open and out piled everyone from inside, with palms raised, ready to strike. They'd left the gate open after Melinda had departed.

William stared raggedly, wondering what the heck had happened while he was gone?

All palms dropped when they saw him get out of his car. And the alarms silenced.

"William..." Charlie smiled, stunned. But his welcome faltered. At least the alarm was working and sounded off when a vampire strode through.

William heard the stuttering of heartbeats and it was impossible to catch eye contact with any of them. They were nervous about something.

Annie smelled it first, another vampire, close by. A rather delicious smelling one actually.

But when Courtney Jessup stepped out from behind them all, it was like his mind went blank. William just stared at her. His brain not willingly piecing it together.

Annie smelled turmoil, and read it clearly on all their features.

But instead of waiting to find out what this was all about, she daringly marched forward and stuck out her hand. First to Courtney, since she was closest.

"Hello. I'm Annie. An—old friend of William's. And a vampire," she stated the obvious.

Courtney's gaze flicked to Annie's. Out of human habit, she accepted Annie's hand and almost jumped at the jolt it sent down her arm. Even Annie seemed caught off guard by it. The reporter let go, all kinds of confused thoughts raging in her mind. She eyed the stone-faced William one more time before disappearing in a flash.

She wasn't ready to face any of this tonight.

Charlie cleared his throat and introduced everyone to Annie, and shook her hand.

"My brother, Michael. My mate, Lizzy. My sister and some others are not here at the moment, but it's nice to meet you, Annie. Would you like to come inside?"

"We just happen to have a supply of your favorite beverage," Lizzy joked darkly. It did little to ease the tension though.

"Warmed animal blood?" guessed Annie. "My favorite."

They kept glancing back at William.

Was it possible for a vampire to have a nervous breakdown? Or just check the heck out? And what exactly had happened that she wasn't clued into yet?

But the answer swung back into view a second later.

Courtney returned wearing a look of determination, mixed with, let's just get this over with... she'd had a rough night, but she needed to get this out in the open and get it done.

"Figured it out yet?" she asked William.

"How?" it was the only word that processed out of the dead zone.

"We were fighting. I bit you. You killed me. I came back. Pretty much how all vampires are made."

Annie's mouth fell open. She swung to her sire, a vampire already on the verge of breaking completely. Of all the things to happen right now? Why did it have to be this?

"You didn't mean to do it," Courtney told William. "And I didn't know I was fighting for someone who didn't deserve my help. I messed up. You messed up. But we're stuck with each other now." She approached him thoughtfully.

Accidental turning all over again. Annie thought this was the worst possible nightmare ever.

Courtney made it to William.

"Don't check out on me, vampire. Because—I need you to help me. It might not have been the plan I had for my life, but this is what I am now. And you owe me your help."

"I—" William's voice faltered.

Was he still stuck in the nightmare?

Had he not actually awakened?

Was he still lying in the basement of his home in Sorcier?

This tragedy was hitting him and bouncing right off and not sinking in. This was the last possible thing he'd feared facing when he arrived home. He'd been so wrapped up with Melinda, and detoxing, and his future...

He forced his emerald gaze to meet Courtney's. The torment of the reality slowly sinking in.

"I'm sorry," he muttered so low it wasn't heard by any human ear. He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry this happened," he spoke with as much strength as he could muster. But he let his head hang in shame. "Sorry, is such a useless word."

"Then screw being sorry. We both messed up. I jumped into a situation I didn't understand, and you were under the influence of bloodlust and torture." A simplified but true enough explanation of it. She leaned closer. "But this is how it is now. So, help me live with it. I was so angry at you after it happened. But... I also believe in fate. In some form or another. And if this happened, I've come to the conclusion it was for a reason." Hopefully, to get revenge on her murdered coven, to start.

William's gaze wandered and found Annie's.

Two young women stolen of their humanity, by him.

And as difficult as it was to accept, something had changed inside of him. As the initial shock and horror began to wear off, and he truly saw into Courtney's eyes, her true soul, he believed her words. And while regret would surely follow him, he straightened himself, and accepted his responsibility in what he'd done.

"I will not abandon you."

Courtney nodded, and having said her piece, vanished again.

And for reasons perhaps only fate understood, Annie found herself with hope on the horizon. As terrible as this turn of events was, it might be the one thing to shake him out of this silly notion of ending his life. Because he had a new life to take care of. And he was a man of his word, he'd not abandon Courtney.

William wondered now more than ever, how Melinda was capable of still loving him. She'd known about what he'd done to Courtney before she'd been dragged into his nightmarish trip down memory lane. And it hadn't scared her away. It hadn't changed her view of him.

And somehow, because of this knowledge, it changed everything—for him. Broke through an invisible ceiling he'd never even come close to reaching before.

When someone saw you at your lowest, at your scariest, at your most vulnerable, and at your darkest... and still loved you, it left a mark that couldn’t be washed off. Like a protective shell that encased his dead heart. Claiming, no matter what happened, ever in this life, this one thing would never change.

True unconditional love.

And for reasons even his logical vampire mind could not express, it made this new tragedy survivable. It didn't lessen the pain of it. Or lessen the importance of it. But for the first time in more years than he could recall, it didn't feel like a weight that would bury him.

Charlie came over and patted William on the shoulder.

"I'd like to say, welcome home, but..."

William lifted an eyebrow in reply, and let it drop. "I have few words to offer in reply to that."

Charlie nodded. "I realize what happened has knocked the wind out of you, but... I'm glad you're back. We missed you. And there's some crazy things about to go down." But wasn't there always?

William replied with a fleeting smile.

Lizzy strode over and gave the vampire a quick hug. "What my mate's trying to say is that life on the Isle hasn't changed much in your absence. But we are very glad that you're home." Her meaning, this was still his home.

"Mate?" he eyed the two of them, only now realizing the closeness he'd missed before.

"We have a lot to catch you up on," said Charlie with a blush covering his cheeks. "And we're about to having a meeting if you'd like to sit in. I haven't even had the chance to completely explain what Mathew and I saw at the Power Source. But, you know, if you need some time..."

Seeing as William had no idea who Mathew was, and had a terrible feeling about crazy things happening... well, what was new? And how would time change anything?

Welcome home indeed...

##

MELINDA WIPED HER EYES and blew out her nerves, wishing they'd fly away with the wind. She didn't want to show up to Mathew and Lucas with swollen eyes and sniffles. She ordered herself to keep it under control and made her way back to the Power Source where she stopped for a moment, shocked to see Lucas and Mathew sitting side by side, laughing about something, but clearly something between them had mended.

It had been a rough go of things. But it did seem like the universe was giving them all the tiniest of breaks. The ability to mend things. To grow and have the daring to fight for the lives they wanted. It was a small win, but there was a general sense that at least not all things were lost.

But seeing the two of them giving each other genuine smiles brightened her mood.

She stepped down over the bank with a wave and smile as they looked her way. They climbed to their feet to greet her.

"Hi guys." She chose not to mention what she saw, and just let them enjoy whatever moment of peace they'd found. She smiled at Lucas. "Your brother is home."

"What! Are you serious?"

"Yeah. I, um, saw him just a bit ago." When she couldn't quite meet Lucas' gaze he guessed it hadn't gone well. "He's at the manor if you want to see him." She hadn’t even warned Riley he had company staying there—Emily and her Aunt Lucy.

"You all right?" Lucas asked her.

She caught his eye and shrugged. Speaking the words, we broke up, just wasn't going to happen without another slew of tears. He nodded, not pressing her. But it was hard to hold back the relieved smile that his brother had come home.

He eyed Mathew.

"Go already. Geez. You don't need to stay."

"I'll keep Mathew company," offered Melinda. She needed time alone to speak to him anyway.

But before Lucas left, though, he wrapped an arm around Mathew and pulled him in for a kiss. Lucas had a lost puppy dog look on his face. But Mathew pushed a bit of hair back away from his face and smiled.

"I will have to leave for a short time to speak to my elders. But I'll be back. Promise."

Lucas nodded. That was the best he could hope for today. And at least now he understood why Mathew would leave, which made it a lot easier. He gave Melinda a quick nod goodbye and tore off with a smile on his face to go find Riley.

It was a nice change to the constant broody frown, thought Melinda with a sigh.

Mathew let out one of his own and she had to hold back a laugh as he dreamily watched the man walk away. He realized he was caught and a rush of color hit his cheeks. But as he took a good look at Melinda, his blush morphed into curious.

"You've been on quite the journey, haven't you?"

"How much do you know? And how do you know?"

Mathew chuckled. "I know very little. And it's just that your aura has changed. Your energy. You have this sudden fiery determination about you. But also, some sadness."

"Considering I just broke up with a man I might regret breaking up with, that does not surprise me." She took a long, cleansing breath, because crying wasn't going to change anything. "You're right on both counts, Mathew," she pushed out. "These last weeks have been quite eye-opening for me. But last night, like, crazy so. I'd say with all things considered, I'm doing pretty darn good, because I have never been so certain about what I want."

"Sounds like last night was pretty darn powerful. A lot of healing and growing going on." And that couldn't have made Mathew any happier. "But I am sorry things didn't work out between you and Riley. It's always bittersweet."

"The bittersweetest," she agreed. "I have to tell you, Mathew, I originally wasn't coming out here to tell Lucas his brother was home. That just sort of happened. I actually needed to talk to you."

"I'm all ears. Shoot."

She straightened herself and gathered up that fiery determination.

"Have you, in all your lifetimes, ever heard of any such thing as a cure for vampirism?" Nothing like just shoving her crazy notion right out there.

Mathew thought about that for a moment and shook his head.

"I'm afraid I have not. Why do you ask?"

"Because I want to find a cure. I want to find a way for a vampire to get back their humanity."

"That's a pretty impressive task."

"And a possibly foolish one. But I have to try."

"Let me think on it. Dig around." His mind was already delving into his potions, sifting together ingredients. It would be a massive undertaking, and an equally massive achievement to create such a cure. "Give me some time," he told Melinda.

And she smiled, relieved.

"Thank you."

"You thought I was going to say it was an insane idea?" he assumed.

"It had crossed my mind."

"One of the perks of my job, I never have to turn down an opportunity. Especially one that has the potential to change lives. I can't give any hope at all that we'll succeed. But I can guarantee you I will give it my best effort."

"And that is all I can ask. I hold little hope of success. But I need to try."

"Then try we will."

Melinda felt lighter in her own skin than she had in recent memory. Mathew hadn't laughed in her face and turned her away. Which gave her hope that they might prove the impossible, possible. It was truly an odd thing, to have chaos surrounding you, but also feel a new breath of hope lifting you upwards.

##

EMILY SAT IN SILENCE until her Aunt Lucy returned with some hot tea and a sweater to stave off the early morning chill. They'd run into Riley right after Melinda had left, and he'd been shocked to see them in his home, but friendly and welcoming regardless. Then Lucas had come home not long after and the two of them had disappeared to catch up.

"Good thing I grabbed all your things... well, your mom grabbed all your things." Seeing as Lucy had been knocked out by the mojitos, and Lily had possessed her and driven her to the Isle.

"I guess that was smart of her," agreed Emily. "Must've been quite the shocker to wake up in the car though."

Lucy took a seat nearby. "Heck, yeah. I spent about ten minutes just trying to get my wits about me. And then you—that Bree gal—explained. Disappeared right after. But yeah. Jarring. It was lovely of Lizzy to offer up this place, though."

"She's kind like that. All the Deane's are really. And Lucas has done an incredible job fixing up this place. I'm sure you'll get to know the Deane's a little if we stick around."

"You're not sure if you want to?" Lucy prodded.

Emily set down her tea and got up and paced restlessly.

"I'm not sure what I want. But, it's a bit insane, isn't it? I mean, I got possessed, and the one place on this entire vast planet the woman needed to go was The Demon Isle."

"It is something to ponder."

"I still have so much to learn, Aunt Lucy. And I wasn't in the head space to come back here yet. But here I am."

"I can stay on for a while, if you'd like. We can train here too. My house will be waiting for me when I get home."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course. I'd love to get to know your friends. And Michael... when you're ready."

Emily nodded. It was so hard not to run to him, especially knowing he was so close and probably hurting by the fact she'd made no effort to see him. And it wasn't that she didn't want to, it was just the inevitable questions about them and their future she wasn't ready to deal with yet. But for some reason that made no sense, her gift had brought her back here. And even with the uncertainty, her gut was telling her to stay.

She breathed out and let the acceptance reach her tongue.

"Welcome to The Demon Isle, Aunt Lucy."