“Exactly. He is a Howard, and like it or not we have a responsibility to uphold…”
Charlie was cut off by his sister.
“Michael gets that, Charlie. He’s just not as accepting of his fate as we are,” she
added dramatically. “He sort of has a point though,” she continued. “I mean, why
should he be forced to spend his life protecting the Isle, just because he’s a Howard?”
“We don’t get to make that choice, Melinda,” Charlie stated with finality. He
glanced at the vampire, searching for approval, but William’s face showed no sign of
his true feelings on the matter.
Charlie changed the subject.
“Thanks, by the way, for making the potion for me, Sis. I left for my trip so fast I
completely forgot about it.”
“No worries. You’ve had a lot on your mind. Besides, you know I’d do just about
anything for My William.”
The vampire breathed out heavily. “Melinda, you really must stop calling me that.
It’s not right. Not only am I nearly four hundred years old, but until quite recently I
was your guardian. Must I keep reminding you of this?”
“William. I’m twenty-one and you’re the only man I can flirt with in this
testosterone filled house. Besides, you make it so easy. I mean look at your chiseled
pale perfection, behind those smoldering green eyes. Oh, right! You can’t! So I must
take it upon myself to remind you how handsome of a vampire you are.”
William tossed Charlie a look that insisted upon his agreement in the matter.
“Maybe, Melinda, you would be better off saving your affections for someone your
own age,” Charlie said, backing up the vampire. “And not to bring it back up again,
but maybe if you got out of the house more…”
“Charlie, you scared off the last guy I dated! He was only a year older, and between
you, Michael and William drilling him with questions no normal human would
comprehend. It’s no wonder he didn’t call back for a second date.”
“You know I’m just looking out for you, kiddo.”
“Well, you can’t have it both ways, Charlie. If I leave the house and start dating
more, you have to accept the guys I go out with. No more scaring them away!”
“Okay. You’re right. Why don’t you go out now? I can clean up this mess.”
