“Glad someone’s is.” She gave him a weak smile.
“Go. Rest.” There was nothing more to be said between them at this moment.
Lizzy spun around. “Lucas, you can come out of hiding and take me home now.”
With a sheepish shrug he appeared in the doorway.
CHAPTER 10
Melinda wasn’t far behind Lucas. Lizzy rolled her eyes and headed for his truck. Lucas had been waiting just inside, assuming she’d still want to go home, but allowing them their privacy. He was surprised though when Charlie engaged him on his way by.
“How are the lessons going?” Lizzy had filled him in on what they’d been up to in between all the Grayson stuff. At first, Lucas thought he must be asking his sister but the wolf’s gaze was fixed on him.
“Oh, um, good, I guess. A lot of info trying to shove its way into this stubborn brain.”
Charlie let out a sharp chuckle.
“You’re doing just fine, Lucas.” Melinda shook her head at Charlie, wondering what he was up to, instantly suspect. Since when did he care about Lucas and his lessons in magic? Probably trying to rack up some points with Lizzy.
“I feel you about the information overload,” went on Charlie. “It should be against the law.” He swore if he turned right now, Lizzy was rolling her eyes at him… although he’d been doing more research since William had left the Isle, and was about to embark on more research about Charlotte. And curses. And the like…
“Let’s hope I can keep up,” said Lucas. “Melinda is going to be hard to beat.” He tossed her a wink.
“For goodness’ sake, it’s not a competition. Bye, Lucas. Go take your sister home already.”
“Yeah. Later.”
Even odder, Charlie gave Lucas an encouraging pat on the back as he went by.
“Really trying to rack up some karma points, aren’t we?” Melinda muttered under her breath. Charlie’s wolf hearing picking up her words perfectly.
“Oh, no. Just trying to be nice. You know. Just, because…” Shit. He was terrible at this being a good example, and leader, without telling anyone why he was. He needed to figure out how to urge Lucas in the right direction, without it being so obvious and out of character. And how was he going to ditch this sense of urgency in his veins? He had to remind himself they had many years ahead to make sure the Deane brothers lived worthy lives. And just as many years to keep the secret…
Michael met them at the front door, gave his brother a short wave and tight smile.
“Come on inside. We’ll fill you in on everything Lizzy didn’t get to. Oh and ah, welcome home?”
Charlie lifted a brow, half-heartedly amused. “Is that a question?”
“Yeah, I guess it is.”
“Couldn’t stay on my boat forever. I’m sorry I left you guys to…” his sister stopped him.
“No apologies, Charlie. We only want to know that you’re okay. And don’t say you’re sorry for making us worry, and sticking us with witch stuff to take care of,” she bleated hotly.
He let out a clipped laugh. Melinda was becoming more like their mother every day. She used to say things like that to their father.
“I’m okay as I can be.”
She scrunched her nose. That was not the vague answer she was searching for.
He smirked. “Fine. I’m not okay. I think I am possibly as far from okay as I can be. My time on the boat was equally clarifying and confounding. But I do feel…” they let him take his time. “I’m glad to be home. And I’m ready to get back to work. Does that answer meet with your approval?”
“Yes.” She smiled stiffly, tossing Michael an apprehensive tug on her lips. “We’re glad you’re back too. We did worry about you, but we understand why you had to go. We um…” she shook herself nervously.
“Did you have a dream? Did something else happen?” He glanced between the two.
“No, nothing like that. We did some thinking of our own while you were gone.” And suddenly Melinda was nervous and thinking of chickening out, which was the exact opposite point she was hoping to make. “Charlie, you’re always going to be my big brother. And Michael’s,” she aimed her head at him. “And this means you’ll always freak out and act like a big brother, but… you don’t need to worry about me, not for the reasons you used to anyway. And that’s still not really what I’m trying to say.”
Charlie’s lips turned up in a smile. “We really are terrible at sharing, aren’t we?”
“That’s kind of the point. The sharing thing, the talking thing, we have to get better at it. And it can’t just be us, or others coming to you with problems to fix, and you handling everything because that’s what you do, or think you have to do. Or feel responsible to do,” she rambled. She hoped coherently.
“You can come to us too,” took over Michael. “You can… should… need to,” he corrected, “depend on us. It works both ways. Or at least it will from now on.”
Charlie stared at them, a bit stunned. Especially hearing this from Michael, who hated his job and being on the Isle, and Melinda, who only recently started embracing her life as a witch. This wasn’t the homecoming he expected.
“I will try,” he promised. “We’re all on new ground and I can’t promise not to fall into my old habits of taking lead or acting the big brother.”
“I don’t expect you to. Neither does Michael,” clarified Melinda.
Michael nodded. “You are a natural for the job. We just don’t want you to think it has to be you, all the time.”
“We can share the responsibility. It can’t all be yours, Charlie. Even though you might officially be in charge, we don’t want that to be a burden only you carry. We do it as a family from now on. Does that make sense?” Melinda hoped it did.
Charlie didn’t know what came over him. Without a second thought about it he had his arms around them in an awkward family hug. Apparently it made perfect sense. A long overdue sibling chat that laid it all out on the table.
Michael sensed the change in his brother. Like some heavy weight had lifted. Like the clear knowledge that they were in this together, truly together, provided relief Charlie didn’t realize he needed.
“Okay, so awkward family talk over,” sniffled Melinda. She made her way into the kitchen. Michael and Charlie passed a silent nod between each other and followed her.
Courtney was there, keeping watch over Grayson.
“Hiya,” she called out from atop the kitchen counter where she was perched.
Charlie nodded in greeting. “You look good. How are you doing? Adjusting?”
“As long as I keep my belly full of that ever so delightful animal blood, and away from crowds with pulses, I’m just dandy as candy.”
He laughed, glad she’d stuck around. Her help had proven invaluable already. He only hoped they didn’t fail her while she adjusted to her new life as a vampire.
“We just gave her the daylight potion yesterday,” remarked Michael with a grin. And then a curt laugh at the memory.
“Oh sure, laugh at the scaredy-cat vampire. I’d like to see you step into the blazing sun with the full knowledge it’ll turn you into blisters and ashes.”
“It worked, I take it,” quipped Charlie.
“Perfectly. A little disappointing not to feel the heat from the sun, but no burny-burny is a beautiful thing,” she cracked. “And I cannot express what going back into the daylight means. I might be able to go back to work someday. I’m not ready yet,” she clarified pointedly. “But it’s a good step forward I think.”
“I’m glad. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to live an almost mirror-like life to the one you had before. Not everything can be the same, obviously, but you can reclaim a lot of it. Don’t rush yourself though, Courtney. You’re welcome here as long as it takes.”
“Thanks.”
“So, catch me up,” he told his siblings. “What else did I miss?”
They set in, graciously ignoring the biggest reason for his departure. Lizzy. H
e was only a man after all, no matter how hard he pretended not to be. He’d broken for a few days. It took a lot for that to happen to Charlie. And he’d been so concerned about everyone else’s wellbeing he had not taken time to mourn the loss of their father. Or that he’d had it decided in his mind he’d have to kill William. Or just unwind from all that had happened. Period.
Which is what had gotten them talking about how things should work from now on. They were each determined they needed to make sure Charlie didn’t take on too much. And that he needed to admit when it was too much.
Charlie was grateful for his siblings taking over the last few days. Thankful to Courtney for sticking around. She was being extraordinarily understanding, even eager, to help out. He was encouraged to see his sister looking better, physically, and in a focused, energetic mood after her lessons with Lizzy. And was impressed by all Michael had accomplished on the to-do list he had not finished. And was super impressed by the alarm system he’d created around the power source in White Pines. It was meant to be temporary, but he saw no good reason it shouldn’t remain permanently.
He had to admit, these last days and weeks had been the most trying in their lives, but they were surviving, and managing, and even in all the chaos, thriving in some ways. Still broken in so many ways too, but piecing themselves back together and finding their paths.
And now it was time for him to do the same.
But from now on, he’d make sure to be more open with his siblings, and not take on more than he could handle.
The Mack line rang out. Clattering like doom around the Howard kitchen.
Charlie groaned. “Seriously? Didn’t we already play this game not too long ago? Me, not even thirty minutes’ home…” This is how their nightmarish summer had begun. Right before they’d first encountered Eva Jordan under the water in Bloodsucker Bay. They were the ones who’d ended up getting suckered… duped into her deranged plans.
Melinda did the duty of grabbing the line this time. “Hiya Mack, what’s-”
“There’s been an accident.”
Melinda sucked in, Mack’s tone, a gruesome warning.
“Get to the hospital. I’m heading there now.”
Charlie heard, so did Courtney. Michael sensed the dread.
“Who?” squeaked out Melinda.
“Lucas and Lizzy. They’re alive, but Lizzy is… shit. Just get to the damn hospital. I’m behind the ambulance we’ll be there soon.”
Click.
The sheriff hung up.
Melinda let the phone fall.
Of all the things… her eyes lifted and met Charlie’s.
“Go.”
There was a brief moment he could not go. Not even move, or breathe.
And suddenly his legs moved without his request, running as if his life would end if he stopped.
“Lucas and Lizzy were in some kind of accident,” Melinda explained to Michael.
“How? They left not thirty minutes ago.”
Melinda did a full body shrug. “Mack said they’re alive, but...” vomit threatened to surface. Michael reached out and grasped her arm to steady her. “The way she sounded. Oh, Michael. I think something really bad happened to Lizzy.”
There was an anguished cry from the basement.
Grayson. His vampire hearing was getting better again.
The werewolf blood was getting out of his system. They almost felt bad for him, hearing this news, helpless and tied up. But recounting the innocent victims he’d killed dampened that sympathy.
Michael had a fleeting thought of panic that it was night. Nothing like a vamp in agony over the one he loved to up the odds of escape. And Grayson would only be able to at night seeing as he was not given any daylight potion.
“When did we last dose him with werewolf blood?”
“This morning,” Courtney answered. “It was the last vial.”
“I meant to have Charlie give us more but…” Melinda tossed her hands up. “What now?”
“Um… I’ll stay here,” offered Michael. “Courtney, you stay with me?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Melinda, go make sure Charlie doesn’t lose his fricking mind and keep us updated on what’s happening. And if the moment arises, remind him we really need more of his blood.”
“I’ll look around,” promised Courtney. “I might have missed a vial.”
Michael grabbed a couple empty vials and handed them to his sister. She tucked them into a sweater pocket and took off. She drove the jeep, fully aware that Charlie even on foot, would beat her there.
CHAPTER 11
A long time ago on an island not so far away…
Lisbeth Deane realized her mistake far too late. She’d not been careful enough and was being followed. Her head just wasn’t in it today. And she hadn’t been worried about something like being followed.
Which is the exact point her father and teachers were always trying to make: one must always be ready. Most especially when you’re not feeling like it. That’s when your guard is down. That’s when you’ll be vulnerable to attack.
Her stalker kept to the shadows of the trees as Lisbeth lightened her step through the woods toward her crying beach. Although she no longer fled here to cry, not lately anyway.
Was there some way to manage this stalker off her trail before she reached her destination? Perhaps she ought to dive into the woods and confront this spy? But it might mean giving up her secret, one not totally hers to reveal.
Lizzy shook her head in personal chastisement over her lack of preparedness and alertness. She should have guessed someone would try to follow her; she’d been sneaking off too often lately and the others were bound to get curious. Especially since she’d so adamantly denied it was because of a man. Too adamantly. And therefore they had not believed her. But that also could have been because of the giant grin on her face as she attempted denial.
They were dying to find out what man she’d fallen for, and more so, what man had taken on the outspoken Lisbeth Deane. But who of them would dare follow like a spy? So few of the women were taught stealth, or spying. Many learned basic defensive skills so they were safer when alone on the Isle and capable of defending themselves if necessary. Required training considering all the magical creatures and supernatural beings that ventured here. Like the ones she’d dealt with months ago on the night Mathew died. But the training wasn’t nearly as in depth as what she was doing almost daily to become a fighter, and hopefully one day, a trainer or teacher.
There were many supernatural beings who were not on the side of good, and many attempting to locate the magical power source. Sadly, no one knew where it was located. Not even the Howards who were in charge of keeping the peace on the Isle. But they’d never allow evil to find it either. And it never stopped trying.
The man she was sneaking away to see, months ago, might have been considered such an enemy. Unfortunately, some might still see him as such since they didn’t know him like she did.
Regardless, her training was going well, and although her teachers were coming around and impressed with her, more often than not whenever she was called upon to assist in some way, it was inevitably for a job considered woman’s work. This frustrated her to no end, but her father insisted upon patience, and pointed out how far she’d come in the last few months. However, she’d had just about enough of spending her days making potions, harvesting herbs, or preparing for the men coming home after an all day, or all night, patrol of the Isle. All good lessons, but not the action she craved to be a part of.
Rarely was she ever allowed in the field. Even so many months into training and proving herself over and over. When it came down to it they had a difficult time placing her in the line of danger. Something even her father disagreed with, but again, encouraged patience, insisting her time would come.
How lucky was she? Such a great man as her father. He understood and encouraged her, but was hard on her too, for her own good. And she did her best not to disappoint.
In time, they’d all meet, and accept this man she was seeing in secret. But it might take convincing for some. Especially since she’d only recently convinced herself. And now that she had come to this conclusion she was determined to make others see him the same. To say she was enamored would be an understatement.
She’d love nothing more than to go to sleep in Grayson’s arms every night, and wake there each sunrise. To spend one beautiful life together. Of course, that might have to be sleeping every day and waking each night, something she’d adjust to. Was already adjusting to seeing as he could not go out in the daylight. She believed he had it in him, but Grayson did not yet hold the same confidence. Lizzy was eager to see where this relationship would lead, just how much potential it had. If going by her heart, she was already all in, hook, line, and sinker!
However, she was wise enough to look beyond the organ drumming in her chest at the mere idea of being in his presence again. There had to be more than this for a relationship to last a lifetime than just the allure of the vampire. Physically, he was a fine specimen; a body chiseled to icy perfection, skin that glowed under the moonlight. Coal eyes that dazzled and owned her.
He wasn’t a witch, but he had the most magical of hands. Which he used to drive her to levels of insane pleasure she only ever imagined possible. Or sometimes, just fingers entwined with hers as they walked down the beaches under the cover of night. Talking. About everything. And nothing. The past, the future. He’d lived for such a long time, had seen so much of the world. He was… interesting. Learned. Confident in a way no other man she’d ever met had ever been. He taught her things she’d never have learned had she not met him, or left The Demon Isle, which she had no intention of doing. But yet sparked a fire within her to learn more. Try more. Be more.
Hexed and Dangerous (The Wicked Witch of Future Past) (A Wicked Good Witches Paranormal Romance Book 9) Page 12