Title: Angel's Kisses

Category: Book – Morganville Vampires

Character: Michael x Claire

Chapter 1: First Meeting.

Claire's P.O.V

I woke to the sound of gentle strumming of guitar strings and was immediately captured by the beautiful melody. The song was sweet and filled with longing. It made my heart ache with an intensity. Carefully, I pried myself from the bed and gently opened the door.

The song rang louder though the hallway. It was a little past midnight and I've slept through the day peacefully, silently thanking God for this sanctuary, even if it could be temporary. That must be Michael, the guy that owned this place. Shane and Eve had said that he is normally not available during the day thru the evening.

I sat at the top of the stairs and looked down at the living hall. A boy with blonde hair bent over his guitar and picked gently at the strings and it sang beautifully back at him. Yup, he must be Michael. Nervously, I made my way down the stairs and cleared my throat to alert him of my presence. My breath was caught in my throat as he lifted his head to look at me. He was so beautiful. His blue eyes were staring back at me, not quite in surprise, and smiled, and I thought I saw an angel.

Michael's P.O.V

When I became human again for the countless time, I knew that I would fail to keep firm in my decision. When Eve walked in with a girl filled with bruises, I knew that she needed help. I wouldn't turn her away if it wasn't for the house rules. I can see that Eve and Shane was pleased with her and hoped that she could stay and it was up to me to say yes.

I listened to her story while she was talking to Eve, nervous and hopeful. I frowned and sighed at the things she had to put up with. I sympathise her. So young and far from her parents but as much as I want to help I can't. It would create too much problems with the authorities if we keep her here. Eve would try to persuade me to let her stay at dinner time and I may give in.

Dinner was nearly ready and I returned to being human painfully as usual. It was a daily routine for my as the ghost of Glass House. Shane was heating our dinner as Eve just came out of her room. She trod down the stairs and smiled when she saw me.

"Oh, hi, Michael," she said with a smile, "Um, just to let you know that the girl we heard on the voice mail, Claire. She is here to ask about the room. I let here use the room for the night since it was getting dark and…" she hesitated. I gave her a questioning gaze to urge her to continue. "She's in some sort of trouble in school, that's why she needed to shift out of campus," she said and hesitated a little more, "She's a minor, sixteen," I frowned, "I know, the house rules, but can't we bend it once, just to help the poor girl," she said.

"Well, I don't know what she told Eve, but I agree she needs some help," Shane said offered his opinion and leaned at the wall outside the kitchen.

"Keeping a minor would invite trouble," I started, "I'll talk to her and we'll see how it goes,"

They nodded in acceptance, "I still hope she can stay, Michael," Eve said.

"Speaking of which, where is she?" I asked.

"Oh, I went to check on her just before I came down, and she looked like she needed more rest, so I let her rest." Eve said.

I nodded and entered the dining hall. I sat at my usual seat and didn't need to look twice at the dinner. If Shane was cooking, it's chilli. I scooped a spoonful and tasted it and shoved the rest in my mouth. It's good as always.

Dinner went by as usual with Eve and Shane talking about their day and argued a bit and soon we're done. We hung out at the living room till it was time for them to go to bed and I dropped my cheerful facade as soon as I hear them close the doors to their rooms. Again I wondered what to fill my time with. Well, I guess I can start with a few chores but found nothing to be done.

I took out my guitar and played several songs and got lost in its chords. I didn't know how long it has been that I've been strumming and picking at the strings, but I was pulled out of my world by a soft clearing of throat. I rejected her firmly, but she pleaded as hard as she can.

After few minutes of negotiation I broke in cold sweat hearing that her life was in danger. It was without a doubt that could happen in Morganville. The Unprotected Ones are always at the losing end. I made up my mind. I can't let her die helplessly, but she can't stay here forever. Even if I want her too, I can't risk it!