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

couple’s loving care, Kevin and his three sisters learned to adapt to their new way of life and flourish. Each sibling owed Charles and Rosetta so very much, and would do anything in the world for the two vampires they considered their parents.
    Kevin entered his father’s office and found both Charles and Rosetta. They were already knowledgeable on nearly all the problems with Erica. Kevin just needed to bring them up to date.
    He walked over and placed a dutiful kiss on Rosetta’s cheek. “I wanted to inform both of you that Erica is here. I am inviting her to stay in my guest room.” He was a bit uncertain as to how they were going to handle the news of a human residing under the same roof alongside them on a constant basis.
    Charles was the first to speak. He sat back in his office chair, and took a moment, as if he was digesting the information Kevin had just handed him, or contemplating his response. “I assume she has finally left Shawn.”
    “Yes, she has, and I have plans in place to deal with the problem. I am going to get her settled, and then I need to get her some medical care. She went through another attack last night, and I am fairly sure she has some damaged ribs at least,”
    “How bad was this one?” Charles inquired.
    “I did a quick sift through her memories, last night was pretty bad. His temper seems to be escalating the more time she spends with him.”
    Charles held out his hand. “May I?” he requested. Kevin walked over to him and lightly touched his hand. He purposely lowered his guard to allow Charles access to his thoughts and memories. A few seconds later he felt the usual shuffling, as Charles went through his memories that he had pulled from Erica just a few short hours ago and had stored in his own memory bank. Ten seconds later, Charles broke contact with a hiss.
    “Bastard,” Charles growled. “I hope you are documenting everything well.”
    “You can rest assured of that. Marshall is in charge of the mission until I return to the office,” Kevin replied.
    “Does she know about us, yet?” This came from Rosetta. She was sitting across from Charles, and had looked to be writing a letter when Kevin came into the room. Her question had not come out harsh. Indeed, Kevin didn’t think it possible for Rosetta to do or say anything harsh.
    “No, I can’t tell her right now. Once you see her, and see how scared she is, you will understand the need for me to keep that from her, at least, for the time being. She has some real trust issues. I am hoping a little time will help.”
    “And how long do you plan to keep your little secret from her?” Charles asked. “Keeping secrets is a good way to doom a budding relationship, son.” As Kevin shot a surprised look at Charles, he was aware that his elder had many years of experience to draw upon, and normally, Kevin would take any advice offered. This was one of those rare exceptions.
    “A relationship?” Kevin repeated, with a look of denial on his face. “Who said I was pursuing a relationship?”
    “Come now, son,” Rosetta’s calm voice answered. “Why are you attempting to fool us? I have watched you fret over this girl for quite some time now. I am aware she is like a wounded doe right now, and I have always loved your compassion. However, mark my words, you will fall for her. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out she is your mate. Your interest in her goes far beyond friendship.”
    Charles glanced over at his son. “Are you planning on wiping her memory?”
    “Hell no, I’m not wiping her memory, and neither is anyone else!” Kevin’s temper exploded as he spun around to face the challenge. “Why can’t everyone just back off a little and give this woman a chance to get her life back together?”
    “Son, I asked the question, to hear your response,” Charles calmly replied. “You just told me what I wanted to know. I agree with your mother, whether or not you are willing to admit it, you already have feelings for her. You have my blessing, by the way. I am looking forward to meeting this special woman, when she has had the chance to get settled, of course.” Charles immediately turned around in his chair and started typing on the keyboard sitting in front of him, clearly closing the subject.
    Kevin simply stared at his father for a long moment. He wasn’t about to argue with the man. Obviously, Charles had already figured out he was in love with Erica. And it seemed that Rosetta was suspicious