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

as they discover what you have had to endure. In fact, if you would like, I’ll go ahead and set up an appointment. Kevin or I can go with you, that way you would feel safe,” Charles answered kindly.
    A smile stole across Erica’s face as a feeling of exhilaration hit her. She could divorce Shawn, and then she would be free. She would be free if she decided to pursue a relationship with Kevin.
    “Would you like me to set the appointment?” Charles asked cautiously, after watching numerous emotions skitter across her face for a moment.
    Erica blew out a deep breath. “Yes, I know the VCTF is looking for him, but I have no desire to be married to that monster any longer than I have to.”
    Charles gave her a gentle smile. “I understand, and for what it is worth, you are doing the right thing. You have the right to live your life the way you want. No woman should have to live in fear.”
    Not wanting to discuss her psychotic, soon to be ex-husband, Erica decided to voice another curiosity. “You mentioned you have your own schools. Do you have young vampire children? How does that happen?”
    Charles glanced over at Erica, grinning impishly. “Well, I’m sure you know all about the birds and bees, so we’ll skip over that part of the conversation.” Erica immediately felt her cheeks burning, as she noticed Charles’s grin getting wider as he observed her cheeks coloring. He was clearly enjoying embarrassing her.
    “Dad,” Kevin warned from behind Erica. He had been so quiet she had almost forgotten she was sitting in his lap.
    “Oh okay, you know I think a blushing woman is a thing of beauty.” Charles chuckled, but held a hand up in acknowledgment to his son.
    Turning his attention back to Erica, he replied, “The truth of the matter is that two vampires cannot produce. This is mainly because the female vampire body isn’t designed to handle the changes needed. We do, however, have numerous couples that are mixed. In the case of a male vampire and a female human, it is possible for the couple to conceive. I’m surprised you didn’t already know that, being married to Shawn.”
    “No” Erica replied, as she shook her head in embarrassment. Shawn had never even told her there was a chance she could get pregnant. She had been with him for four years. Come to think of it, she had never even given it a moment’s thought. She just assumed that vampires couldn’t reproduce. What did those legends state? The only way to make another vampire was to bite someone? She should have known better than to believe in legends.
    Charles was continuing, bringing her out of her musings. “These half-breeds make for some interesting children. For the children’s safety as well as keeping inconspicuous, we felt setting up our own schools would be for the best. We don’t demand the children go to these schools, but most choose to. Our teachers are much better trained in handling them, and let’s face it, since a vampire’s life span is considerably longer than human’s, we tend to know more about history. Also, when you are dealing with half-vamp children, it is somewhat of a guessing game as to what age they will be when their abilities emerge. Situations come up where a child’s abilities emerge without them realizing it, and suddenly they have an enormous amount of strength or speed. It can be quite confusing to the child, and a possible danger, if not handled correctly. All of our teachers are full vampires themselves, so they are able to handle these crises.”
    “Where are your schools located?” Erica asked curiously, thinking she would love the opportunity to meet some of these children.
    “Our school system is set up similar to a home school co-op. When we decided that our children needed to stay out of the public eye, I did an extensive research, comparing the public school system, private schools, and even home schooling. I stumbled upon a home school co-op program that seemed to fit our needs best. Because we don’t have a high number of children, school is taught in one of several different households of either our teachers or students. As a matter of fact,” he stated as he paused and looked over at his desk calendar. “I’m scheduled to host a field trip in about two weeks, right here in my office.”
    Oh cool, Erica thought. Maybe if she were still there she would have the chance to meet some of these children. “Are you a part of the VCTF also?” Erica asked Charles as she glanced