Melinda shook her head as a cold tingle ran down her spine. Talking about leaving
was simple, but actually leaving the house was a much scarier thought. “I made the
mess, I’ll clean it up,” she insisted. “Besides, it’s sort of a badge of honor, first time
making the potion for My William and all. I just hope I got it right.”
Charlie threw her a look that said ‘You’re making excuses,’ but let it slide, as the
vampire, William, suddenly threatened to turn himself into a pile of ashes. He had
unbuttoned his high-collared shirt, rolled up his wide cuffs to mid arm and stepped in
front of the kitchen window, opening the curtains, allowing the bright morning
sunlight to flood into the room.
Both Melinda and Charlie stood wide-eyed, waiting to smell smoke or see flames
erupt. Instead, William’s mouth turned into the slightest of smiles.
“You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Melinda shouted. “What if the potion hadn’t
“There is only one way to find out if the potion did work.”
“But you could have tested it on a finger, not your entire body!” she protested.
“I have complete faith in you, Melinda,” William spoke, while fastening the offset
She made a face, knowing he was just trying to prove a point, by agreeing with
Charlie. She was a bright, beautiful and talented young woman that needed to find a
life outside of the Howard Mansion. She refused to give in though.
“You haven’t tested it completely, William. It’s the other function of the potion
that’s the really tricky part.”
“I will be out taking a stroll if you need me,” the vampire replied testily.
Melinda spoke quite seriously as he departed. “If anyone suddenly realizes you’re a
vampire that has lived in this town for over a hundred years, and hasn’t aged… come
home at once and I’ll try again.”
Getting the potion just right was usually Charlie’s job, as he was the most practiced
at making potions out of the three siblings. But after a heated argument with his
brother, Michael, he had abruptly left for a fishing trip, and had forgotten to make
William’s masking potion. This potion allowed William not only to walk in the
daylight, but allowed to him to live freely; to lead almost a normal life.
