A Wicked Good Witches Paranormal Romance Books 1-7 (Wicked Good Witches Seasons) (27 page)

“I know,” she said, agreeing with his unspoken response. “If we could get our hands on that ring… and Charlie Howard…”

“There’s no chance we would fail.” A malicious grin settled on his face. “The only problem is how will we get the ring? And how will you become his alpha if he’s got that ring on his finger?” 

Eva smirked, her eyes cruel. “Charlie thinks he killed the alpha tonight. His guard will be down. Don’t worry, Dad. Before I’m finished, Charlie Howard will be completely under my control.”

CHAPTER 15

Michael pulled the jeep into the driveway. His mind reeled with constantly shifting emotions: awe over watching his brother transform into a werewolf. Amazement over the fact that Charlie was sleeping with a Guardian who willingly sacrificed her life for him. Relief that Charlie would be okay and equally relieved that Emily was safe. Confusion over how exactly Melinda knew what was going to happen and concern over where she had disappeared to all day, and finally…
William
. Michael groaned as he thought the name.

He couldn’t keep his eyes off Emily sitting in the backseat next to Melinda. They had been whispering and giggling the entire drive home; as if everything that occurred had made perfect sense… or was it something else? Melinda’s feelings were changing as quickly and as often as his own were. Maybe he was misreading her.

William had not spoken and neither had Michael. He let his sister and Emily pass by him into the house, but reached out to stop William.

“I’m sorry,” Michael stated. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I…” he didn’t know what else to say. Words didn’t seem to cover it.

“I understand. There’s no need for an apology, Michael.”

“Yes. There is, William. You’ve always been there for us, no matter what. You are… ridiculously patient. I totally lost it.”

“You’re human, Michael. If I were still human, I would have felt the same. I am a vampire. I still feel emotions, but they don’t control me so easily. I would have expected no different a reaction from you.”

“I threatened to stake you,” Michael droned.

William raised a brow, unconcerned. 

“I just need you to know that I’m sorry.”

“If you need to hear it, apology accepted. You love her. It is obvious that you cannot live without her.”

“I don’t think I realized how much I loved her until tonight. The thought of losing her…”

“Nearly drove you to madness. It is not such a bad thing, Michael, to love so wholeheartedly.” 

“Thank you, William. I don’t think we say it enough. I don’t say it enough. Thank you,” he repeated.

“I will always be here, for as long as you’ll keep me.” William turned to head inside.

Michael felt lighter now that he’d apologized. His thoughts turned to his next biggest concern. “Do you think Charlie is okay? It feels weird to just leave him out there.”

“I believe Charlie is fine,” answered William. “I’d wager more than fine.”

“You sure we shouldn’t go after him?”

“It’s his first night trying out his new form. I think he deserves a little time. And if it is the alpha you’re worried about… the ring won’t let anything life threatening happen. Remember, Charlie is protected now.”

Michael nodded as they stepped into the kitchen, where Melinda and Emily were making plans.

“Okay, so tomorrow morning, right when they open. We’ll find you the perfect outfit.”

“Thanks, Emily. Really appreciate your help.”

“Are you kidding? About time we went on a shopping spree together.”

“Shopping?” questioned Michael. “What’s the occasion?”

Melinda shrugged. “Just feel like my clothes are a little outdated. Time for something new.” She bit her lip in hopes of keeping her feelings to herself, so Michael wouldn’t sense what she was actually feeling. She wanted to keep Riley to herself, for now.

Emily gave Melinda a look that only the two of them understood.

“I will be in my study,” William told them. His face was blank and his emotions impossible to read.

“Oh, but first,” Melinda started with a wild look in her eye. “We haven’t talked about Charlie yet! Wasn’t that just the coolest? He was Charlie one second and then like, boom, a full on massively scary werewolf.”

Michael just laughed at his sister.

Even William seemed to lighten up and could not help but turn the corner of his mouth into a smile.

“That must have felt so… freeing,” she expressed, finally for the first time understanding the meaning of the word. Her favorite word of the day. And a feeling she wanted to get better acquainted with herself... she wished tomorrow would arrive faster. A giddy relief poured out of her as she thought about seeing Riley again. “Charlie doesn’t have to struggle anymore… this day has been so...” she could not find the right word to describe it all. It had gone from good to terrible, to really freaking awesome to terrible and then beyond incredible... she couldn’t find a word that did it justice. 

Michael could not keep track of all the emotions floating around the room but the happiness his sister felt was infectious.

“And what about the Guardian?” Emily brought up.

“Oh my God! Nina was so regal and compassionate, and good,” Melinda spoke reverently. “And well, let’s face it. Pretty attractive!”

“I also found her to be a most resilient and beautiful woman,” William admitted in a pleasant tone.

“She came to me, in a dream,” said Melinda, her tone more serious. “Told me everything.” She explained this mostly for Michael’s benefit since she’d already told this to William and Emily. “Nina knew years ago she would die today. She was so brave. I don’t think I would want to know when I’m going to die. I could certainly never live out my final moments with Nina’s grace or bravery.”

The room went quiet; as if each were paying a silent respect for the lost Guardian, whose bravery saved Charlie from a terrible fate.

“Well, I don’t know about you,” said Emily after a minute, “but I’m beat, and I should probably get home and check in on Dad.”

“I’ll take you,” offered Michael. He did not relish the idea of Emily leaving his sight.

“See you in the morning,” Emily winked at Melinda.

She replied by grinning and rubbing her hands together in nervous anticipation. After seeing them off she turned around to find the kitchen empty.

She sauntered into William’s study.

“Are you okay, William?” 

“I am fine. Why do you ask?”

“You just seem off.
For you.
”

“Are you sure you’re not getting your brother’s empathic abilities?”

“I’m sure,” she retorted. “Besides, they don’t work on vampires.”

There was something different about her tonight. A new confidence in her smile. It was most appealing to him. 

When he did not reply, she stepped closer. “C’mon, William. I can tell something is bothering you. I may not be empathic, and you may not express your emotions in a human way, but I know you… is this about what Michael said to you? You know how sorry he is about that, right?” She missed talking openly with William. This felt more like
them
. As they used to be before she’d gone all awkward on him.

“I’m not worried about Michael. He was impassioned by the moment. My fear is what Nina, the Guardian, spoke of… the battles to come. If the Guardians chose to give Charlie that ring, it means they fear the balance of good and evil may shift towards evil.”

He stopped for a moment in need of the right words.

“The truth is, as Michael feared losing Emily, I fear losing each of you. And even as a vampire, my emotions do sometimes overwhelm me.”

Melinda walked up to William and put her hand on his face, daringly, lovingly, without questioning the choice to do so. His arm darted up to stop her, but dropped. Her warm fingers against his cool skin felt too pleasant to force them away. 

“You won’t lose any of us. I know how deeply you love, William. I saw it every day when my parents were alive, and I see it every day now, with us. You mean everything to us. You mean everything to me.”

Her words melted over him. The shouldn’t have, but they did.

He reached up fervently grasping her hand, bringing it to his lips.

Melinda shuddered, losing all ability to breathe, speak, or think clearly. She’d never felt such an intense feeling over a simple act. The sensation raining down her arm was just like in her dream of him.

She’d forgotten all about her fiery dream until just then. Riley had pushed it far out of her mind. It forged back into her thoughts as if her day with Riley hadn’t even happened.

Riley? Riley who? 

She didn’t understand how she could feel like this. Just minutes before she’d been begging the hours to speed up so she could see Riley again, and now the only thing she could think about was William’s touch. And how much more of it she wanted. 

His eyes closed, his lips parted, still holding her fingers hostage. He could not force himself to let go.

She couldn’t stop the dreams from replaying in her mind. Each tempting scene unraveling. Begging her to lean in closer. To taste his mouth with her lips. Every impulse, every nerve pleaded for her to do it. 

Her heart fluttered, the same way it had just a day before. The same way it always fluttered when she got worked up over William.

The vampire’s reaction was instant. His eyes flew open wide, a look of shock washing over his features. He dropped her hand and before Melinda could blink, she was alone in the study.

She stood speechless, breathless, and unsure how to respond. William had never touched her like that before. Hell, he hadn’t touched her in any manner, for months. She didn’t understand why his actions towards her had changed all those months ago. All she could think was that she’d done something to upset him. Or that he just didn’t enjoy spending time with her anymore. That he’d grown tired of her flirtatious playing… but that had all been before the dreams had started.

“Oh who am I kidding?” Melinda blathered. “I’m in love with two men. One a total stranger and the other a vampire I can’t have. I’m a complete idiot!”

She wandered into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of merlot. She turned to go to her bedroom and spun back around, grabbing the bottle. “Time for a hot bath and
all
of this bottle…”   

Today had been too weird. No, weird didn’t even begin to cover it.

It had been a rollercoaster. And whatever this thing was with William, it didn’t change the fact that he was off limits... romance wise.

Wasn’t he? She wasn’t so sure just now.

And why now?
Why not before this morning?

Before she’d met Riley.
Perfect, say everything I need to hear, Riley.

She ran her bath, adding bubbles. She absolutely had to have lots of bubbles tonight. She got in, one foot at a time as the water was steaming hot. The water and the wine didn’t do much to clear her head. Nothing made any sense. How could she possibly want two very different guys at the same time? She downed a deep chug of her wine.

William was…
William!
Adoring, handsome as hell, and her best friend. Someone she trusted with her life, and her heart. Someone she could be open with, until these last months since her dreams had started at least. Her crush changing to something more had ruined that. She could see it now. She had changed the dynamic of their relationship, not William. He was pushing her away. Because it could not be. Ever. No matter her dreams. No matter what had happened tonight.

And then there was Riley. He was not off limits, and quite willing and eager. There was already a deep connection between them considering they’d only known each other for a day. He brought out a side of her she’d hidden away for far too long. And she liked it. She liked how she felt with him. That he made her feel like a queen. 

Her mother’s last words rattled Melinda’s brain. It was like she had seen this coming. Somehow known her daughter would fall in love with two men.

She could only have one, and William was off limits, no matter what had happened between them earlier. And she was certain if he knew Riley, he’d agree with her choice.

But if she had the option to choose between them, would Riley be the man she’d give her heart to? If not, was that fair to Riley, to be her consolation prize? Would it be fair to any man? Or to her?

If William was the love of her life, would any man be able to make her happy? In the end, was she doomed to a life of wishing she was with William?

Melinda sank into the water with a whimper.

This might just be a two bottle of wine night.  

CHAPTER 16

William didn’t stop until at the outskirts of The Demon Isle. He thought for a moment of leaving. Without any explanation or goodbye. It was too dangerous for him to return.

Why had he kissed Melinda’s hand? It seemed so simple and innocent. In that fleeting moment, he had given in. Without a thought or care. She’d needled her way inside his lifeless heart without any effort.

He’d kept his distance, tried to keep their friendship as it had always been. Not because she’d done anything to make him think she actually had feelings for him, but something had changed. He could feel it. Sense it when she was near. And he enjoyed it too much. The little thoughts wrapping around his brain. Tugging at the emptiness he carried inside. Little delights he took in the possibility she did…
did what?
Loved him?

How could she?

It was a childish crush and nothing more.

This is what he’d thought until he’d kissed her hand and let his guard down. Allowing Melinda to engulf his senses. He’d accidentally slipped into her mind. Something that required an intimate connection, which he hadn’t allowed to take place in a hundred years.

In doing so, he witnessed her thoughts. The desires playing out in her mind.

His hands exploring her deepest secrets. Flesh against flesh. Fangs puncturing her delicate neck. Tasting her. Melinda’s reaction to his touch shattering all his defenses.

The sights, the sounds, emblazoned in his mind. Waking carnal cravings that had slept for too long now. Too long to allow them to wake up and take control of him.

And then he’d heard that heart flutter, the one driving him mad for days. And realized with the utmost clarity and certainty that
he
was the cause of it.

He delighted in the fact he was responsible for that flutter.

Confirmation of her true feelings…

And then he’d left. Left her alone without explanation. 

He would not allow it to go any further. Even if it meant giving up his life on The Demon Isle.

Catherine Howard’s final words haunted him. He refused to allow them to fill his thoughts and pretended she’d never said it. He could not do what she asked. Ever.

He’d made a promise to protect the Howard Witches. Long ago.

But he’d made a second promise as well, to never fall in love with another human.

To protect the Howards, he might
have
to leave the Isle.

“I am a vampire. I cannot love Melinda Howard.”

It’s too late
his dead heart echoed.

“Then I will love from afar,” he proclaimed.

##

Before going home, there was one stop Charlie wanted to make. He stood in front of Nina’s house. He wanted to miss her, to mourn her, but he felt nothing but devout gratefulness. He looked at his finger, now adorned by the black ring. He looked up at the full moon, no longer fearing its rise.

Nina.

The Guardian he’d been seeing for three summers.

The Guardian that had given him physical release had now saved his life.

He recalled their first meeting like it was yesterday.

Nina had walked right up to him and kissed him. She hadn’t even introduced herself. He was standing on this same beach, late at night. Worked up. Full moon just days away. Bottle of tequila four shots down… worried about his sister. His brother. Missing his parents. Unsure he was able to do his job well enough to keep them all alive.

They spent the rest of that night on the beach, and many other nights that summer. He chuckled at the memory. She might have been a Guardian watching out for him and not actually on vacation, but they’d had a lot of fun while she did. He would definitely miss her.

Damp stung at his eyes. He did love Nina.

He wasn’t in love with her, she wasn’t the settling down type and he wasn’t ready for that yet either. Although he’d never been able to think like that. Too afraid he might bite a woman and turn her into a werewolf.

He felt obligated to settle down and start a family. It was his job to do so and carry on the Howard line. He peered at the ring… he knew so little about it. Would it really protect him? Keep him from getting hurt, or from hurting anyone else? 

Footsteps approached. He turned to see who it was. “Michael, hey.” He was surprised to see his brother.

“Everything okay?” he asked with a bemused smile. “Melinda told me where this place was. I assumed you might come here.”

Charlie nodded. “Alpha’s dead,” he said matter-of-factly. 

“I can’t imagine how that must feel.”

“It’s like I’m breathing as a free man for the first time in ten years.”

Michael patted him on the shoulder. “I have tried to imagine you transforming before, but to actually see it, I have to say it was pretty insane.” He paused before asking, “What’s it like?”

Charlie thought for a moment before replying.

“It’s like… giving in to every primal instinct. Giving in to every desire you’ve ever had. Every urge. Without a single fear of the consequence.”

They stood in silence for a moment. The only sound, the crashing of waves against the shore.

“You know, in some ways, Michael, I’ve been hiding myself away, just the same as Melinda did. I was so afraid I might hurt someone, or find something meaningful and have to give it up... I guess I’d let the wolf win a long time ago.” Charlie looked at the ring again. “What Nina gave me today, I only hope I can prove myself worthy to own.” He paused before continuing. “It’s what set me off at the morgue, seeing the ring missing from her finger.”

Michael waited for him to explain.

“Nina told me that a Guardian’s ring can only be taken off voluntarily. Built in safety measure. When I saw it missing, I knew she had for some reason, taken it off. I just couldn’t imagine what that reason could be.”

“I guess she thought it was for a good cause,” Michael comforted, his tone sympathetic. “I’ll leave you alone. Just wanted to make sure you were still alive and kicking. See you at home, Charlie.” 

He nodded with a humbled exhale. “I won’t be far behind.”

Michael left, and Charlie walked out onto the deserted beach, the full moon tossing shadows onto the water’s surface. He swallowed hard, his throat tight.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed saving, Nina. Thank you. Thank you.”

##

A block away, a body that looked like Michael Howard began to shift and contort as it walked down an empty moonlit road. When the shifting was completed, Eva Jordan craned her neck, stretching.

“Too fucking easy,” she congratulated herself. A sinful grin spread across her face as she walked away from Charlie Howard. “The ring can only be removed voluntarily. I can definitely work with that…”