Vampires Among Us [Vampires Among Us 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

front of her forgotten that she was a human? She attempted to put on a brave face as she answered, “Oh, sure, if you think it would help.”
    “I’m sure, my dear, they won’t be able to resist your charms any more than the rest of us have,” he responded with a kind smile.
    Charles glanced down at his watch. “Erica, it is almost noon. Maybe I should let you take a break so you can eat your lunch. The children should be arriving about one o’clock. Come on back down when you are finished with lunch.”
    Erica returned to Kevin’s suite and walked into the kitchen, intent on finding something to eat. Unfortunately, there was little to choose from.
    She opened the refrigerator and spotted a container of leftovers from a meal she had made at the end of last week. She popped the container in the microwave to warm up. Looking around the kitchen, there was next to nothing in the way of food in this room. A trip to the grocery store was a must, as she simply could not starve for a week while Kevin was away. There was only one problem. She was down to the last $5.00 in her checking account. When Kevin had given her all of the cash for her trip to the mall, she had felt uncomfortable and handed it all over to Jennifer. When they arrived home, and things had calmed down, Jennifer had given what was left over back to her brother. Erica really hadn’t had any reason for needing cash since then. Kevin was with her almost constantly, and whenever they were out, he simply took care of what was purchased. As she debated what to do about her situation, the idea took shape to ask Jennifer if she could borrow a bit of money until Kevin arrived home.
    Erica walked into Kevin’s bedroom to retrieve her pillow and put it back on her own bed. As she passed her dresser, on her way to replacing her pillow to her bed, she spotted an envelope taped to the mirror. Evidently, she had walked right past it this morning. Her name was written on the front, and a quick smile came over her lips as she immediately recognized the handwriting. She pulled the envelope off the mirror and sat down at the end of her bed to open it.
    The envelope was thick, and Erica briefly wondered what was in it. She opened the envelope, and out dropped a letter, bankcard, and a stack of cash into her lap. She immediately picked up the letter.
     
    Dearest Erica,
    Please know that I miss you already. This will no doubt be the longest week of my life. I have already asked everyone in my family to keep a watch on you and I am now asking you to please stay safe while I am away. I am aware that your checking account is running rather low, and I wish you had brought this matter to my attention sooner. I shudder to think how long you have silently gone without cash. I could and would have rectified this immediately, had I known.
    I have set you up with a new account. The bankcard and pin number are enclosed. I am also leaving you cash, should you need any. Your account is linked to my own, so whatever you spend will be covered. Grab that sister of mine who enjoys shopping so much and have some fun. You are probably in need of a trip to the mall. Joshua has stayed behind to provide security for both you and Jennifer, and Charles has also offered to help with this if needed. Please do not go out anywhere alone, it simply is not safe.
    By the way, I left my heart on my pillow for you to take care of. I will be home by the weekend and hope you will be ready to join me for our trip to the beach. I would like to leave as soon as I return home.
     
    Love,
    Kevin
     
    Erica glanced down and scooped up the cash that was scattered on the bed. “Does he think I am going to buy out Saks Fifth Avenue while he is away?” she muttered to herself, as she stared at the handful of fifty, one hundred, and thousand dollar bills.
    As she returned to the kitchen to retrieve her lunch, she had a sudden change of heart about her pillow. She retraced her steps and threw her pillow back on Kevin’s bed. At least she could be close to him while sleeping in his bed. She highly doubted she’d be sleeping any other way this week, anyhow.
    Erica ate lunch, and just made it back downstairs in time for the field trip. Charles really wasn’t expecting her to do anything, he just wanted to see how she interacted with these children. His instincts proved him right. Erica found the children fascinating. His office soon became full as ten children ranging from ages three to sixteen, two adult