Those words got my temper up, something I was still not accustomed to, but the last few months on the island had honed fairly well. I almost wished I could thank Luke for that.

"He does care if I live or die, Melanie," I answered, hands on my hips, "and I won't have you saying he doesn't without even talking to him first. I know you think I can't make my own decisions, but I really can. And Eric doesn't mean me harm, I promise."