Paranormal After Dark

by Rebecca Hamilton

  Chapter 17

  DREW BUMPED WILLIAM’S shoulder. "Who's that guy over there an inch from Clara?"

  "What?" William looked in the direction Drew was indicating. "Who is that?"

  "Looks like they're having some kind of altercation, wouldn't you say?"

  "They definitely aren't getting along." William narrowed his eyes. He had never seen that guy before, which meant that he had to either be a new member or the date of a member. But if he was someone's date, where was she? Why wasn't she getting involved? He looked around, but saw no one else paying attention to Clara and the mystery stranger.

  "Are you going to protect your girlfriend's honor?"

  William almost corrected him, and said fiancée, but he didn't. Who the heck was that guy? Clara was moving her arms around like she was upset, but the guy didn't look flustered. Did he look amused? What was going on?

  He walked up to them, putting an arm around Clara's shoulders. "What's going on over here? Why are you bothering the lady?"

  "Name's Victor." He held out his hand. William didn't take it. "Okay. You could say that Clara and I are old friends."

  "You don't look like much of a friend."

  Clara squirmed in his arm.

  "In fact, if you don't leave her alone, I'm going to have you kicked out."

  "Really?"

  "And if you're not careful, I'll make sure it's permanent."

  Victor gave a mock look of horror. "Don't do that. I'll play nice, William."

  William stopped. Had he told him his name? Clara must have told him. "My family has deep roots in this town, and they'll listen to my requests with added weight."

  "Understood. Have a nice night." He walked away.

  William turned to Clara. "Are you okay?"

  "Yeah. Let's dance."

  "If that's what you want. It's a slower song anyway. Maybe we can talk."

  "There's nothing to talk about. Like he said, we've known each other a long time and he likes to push my buttons. Probably because I dumped his sorry butt long ago."

  "Oh. Well, that makes sense. Some guys go crazy when their pride is wounded."

  She shrugged, and then put her hands on his waist. "He was a rebound anyway. Victor was never important and he never will be."

  He pulled her closer. "Then let's forget about him."

  Clara smiled. "That's the best idea I've heard all night."

  They spun around the dance floor to Belinda Carlisle singing about circles in the sand. "You're the most beautiful girl—woman—here tonight. Everyone keeps looking at you."

  "And I can't take my eyes off you. I love the stubble." She reached up and ran her fingers along it and then rested her hand on his shoulder. "I couldn't ask for anything more."

  The song switched to something more upbeat, and then William's friends joined them with their dates. They all switched partners, laughing and joking. William kept his gaze on Clara, but couldn't see any signs of her being upset by Victor. She looked like she was having the time of her life.

  She returned to dancing with him and gave him a quick kiss. "As much fun as your friends are, I'd much rather be dancing with you."

  He beamed. "And I, you."

  The music stopped and then nothing new started. One of the band members stepped up to the mic. "We're going to take a short break. The appetizers and drinks have just been replenished, so grab something while you wait for the next song."

  William's heart picked up speed. He looked around, seeing his parents near the back. They wanted him to propose to Clara again, this time appropriately, in other words, at the club for everyone to see. If nothing else, Clara should be surprised.

  His dad nodded, and his mom grinned.

  "Do you want to get something to eat?" Clara asked. "We're the only ones on the dance floor. It's a little awkward, unless you want to dance to silence."

  William's stomach jumped around. "Hold on." He reached into his pants pocket, where the newly cleaned ring rested. He played with it between his fingers for a moment. The noise level of the crowd was softening. Clara didn't know that the two of them standing alone on the dance floor only meant one thing.

  He knelt down on one knee and took her hand. "Clara, I love and adore you. Will you marry me?" He pulled out the ring, which shone especially bright in the lights on the dance floor. Gasps and other happy reactions could be heard from around the room.

  Clara's eyes widened and she gave him a look of confusion. But then she smiled widely. "Yes. Nothing would make me happier!"

  William put the ring on her finger, and then stood, kissing her. Everyone around them clapped, and he gave her a hug.

  They walked toward the back, where his parents and sister too were. Everyone around them gave their congratulations. Kathryn and his parents gave them both hugs.

  "Welcome to the family," Will said. "We couldn't ask for a better addition."

  "Thank you. I'm glad to be a part of it."

  They made small talk until the music started again. William took Clara's hand. "Would you like to dance some more?"

  "They're playing White Wedding? I didn't think that was a country club song."

  William laughed. "But Who Let the Dogs Out is?"

  She laughed. "Good point."

  "When they have these dances, all formalities go out the window. I can see that. We'd better go—they're playing it for us."

  They waved to his family, an-d went back to the dance floor.

  Clara leaned close to his ear, tickling it. "I'm guessing that your parents wanted an engagement for all their friends to see?"

  He nodded, enjoying the shivers that ran down his back from her breath on his ear.

  "My favorite was the one between us in the woods." She pulled him closer as they danced.

  William's eyes widened. "I think we're a little close for the club."

  Her eyes twinkled. "We just got engaged. I think they'll get over it."

  His cheeks were red. "But my parents are back there watching us."

  She laughed. "Do they think you're going to be a pure flower your whole life?" Clara pulled him even closer.

  "I'm pretty sure no one has ever danced this close before on this floor."

  "Good. We're making history—and people will always remember this engagement."

  He sighed, feeling his face heat up even more. If they were putting on a show, they may as well give them something to remember. He put his hands on the back of her head and kissed her deeply. She kissed him back, full of passion.

  The song ended, and she pulled away, smiling. "I think I'm ready for some punch."

  William couldn't find his voice, so he nodded. He grabbed her hand, and led her to the snack table. His friends surrounded them, congratulating them.

  Max slapped him on the shoulder. "That dance was hot! I can't believe you guys danced like that before the parents left."

  "We wanted to give everyone something to talk about."

  Hanna pushed her way to them. "You sure did. Everyone will be talking about that for a long time."

  They grabbed some food and sat at a table, all talking excitedly. William looked over at Clara. She looked really happy, and the other girls were all gushing at the ring.

  "Right, William?"

  "What?" He looked over at the guys, and they burst out laughing. "Whatever, guys."

  Timothy set his drink down. "What are the plans for after the dance? My dad kept me at the firm until after dinner, we had to eat takeout. I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone. I barely had enough time to get dressed. That's why I was late."

  Drew ran his hands over his hair. "I heard there was going to be a bonfire by the lake."

  "Someone's getting the drinks?"

  "I think the Laughlin twins said they would."

  William tuned out and looked back at Clara. She was looking at him, and she smiled. He would have never guessed that some jerk had gotten her upset just a little while ago. She looked like she couldn't be happier.

  He looked
around the room. The parents were starting to make their exodus. Before too long, the young adults would have the room to themselves. The song the band was belting out was in the top twenty, so that was obviously their clue to take a hike.

  Clara was still looking at him, but she was making faces. He shook his head, trying not to laugh.

  Hanna stood up. "Let's hit the dance floor and get the party started."

  Timothy shoved William's shoulder. "I think William and Clara already did. Look at everyone leaving. Those two scared them off."

  They all laughed and got up.

  Max shoved a bunch of food into his mouth. "Mnheer shere lludh?"

  "What?" William asked.

  Max swallowed. "I asked what you were looking at. I didn't want to waste my food."

  Joe shoved him. "That goes without saying."

  The guys all grabbed their dates and made their way to the dance floor.

  "I hope you're having fun," William said to Clara. "I've never had more fun at one of these."

  "This is a lot of fun. I'm glad we came. There's going to be a campfire at the lake after if you want to go. Or I can take you home if you're too tired." He yawned.

  "I'm not the one who's tired. I'll leave it up to you. I'd love to spend more time with you, but if you need your sleep, then get some rest."

  "I don't know how you always handle the jet lag so well. I've never seen anyone bounce back so quickly."

  She shrugged. "You know me. I don't need a lot of sleep to begin with."

  "That's true. You're pretty lucky."

  Clara nodded, looking uncomfortable.

  "Did I say something wrong?"

  "No."

  "I feel like I've upset you."

  "Nope. I couldn't be happier with you." She pulled him closer and kissed him.

  Whoops and hollers surrounded them. William pulled back. "Grow up, you guys."

  Several nearby guys punched and poked him in the shoulder.

  Chapter 18

  THE NEXT EVENING, Clara was eating dinner with William's family again. She was determined not to run off as she had the time before. This time, though, his mom and sister were talking nonstop about wedding ideas. They had so many ideas, Clara wouldn't have to worry about coming up with anything on her own.

  She was glad that they were so excited and wanted to be a part of the process. But she knew that she had to tell William the truth sooner rather than later. She was picking at her food. Should she tell him that night or continue to wait?

  "Give her some space," William said, interrupting Kathryn mid-sentence. "You're not even giving her a chance to eat her food."

  Clara smiled. "They're fine. Really."

  Kathryn went right back into talking about cakes. She had obviously spent a lot of time looking into weddings. Did she have someone in mind that she wanted to propose? Clara didn't think anyone said anything about her being exclusive with anyone, and she hadn't been at the dance with anyone the night before.

  Before long, she and William were alone, sitting in front of a fireplace.

  "I hope you're not feeling overwhelmed. My mom and sister love weddings. When we attend one, they sit and discuss every little detail. It's pretty annoying. I apologize for them."

  "No need. I'm just happy to be here with you. I couldn't stop thinking about you all day." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Mmm. You smell good."

  "I do? I'm not wearing anything new."

  Clara wanted to smack herself. She was smelling his love and adoration. She recovered quickly. "You always smell good. I just missed it."

  He kissed her forehead and then put his finger on her chin, moving her face so that she was looking into his eyes. She loved his deep blues, looking into them was like getting lost in the ocean. They stared into each other's eyes for a few moments, before he pulled her closer, kissing her deeper. "I don't think I could ever get tired of this."

  "Me neither." She kissed him again. "You don't think your parents will walk in, do you?"

  "I don't think they would complain after seeing us dance last night."

  She smiled. "That's true. I—"

  He kissed her. She pushed him against the couch, pinning him down. She could hear his heart rate pick up and his sweet scents wrapped around her, making her want him all the more. She kissed him back with even more desire than before, keeping her sensitive ears alert to anyone coming near.

  William put his hands on her face, making her skin tingle. She ran her fingers through his short, soft hair, down to his stubble. Her fingers caressed it. It was just long enough to be soft rather than rough. She moved her kisses so that she kissed around his mouth, tasting the stubble.

  Clara wanted to bite down and draw blood. The excitement that they could be caught at any moment was almost too much. Her fangs were waiting for her to make a decision. She could hear the faint sounds of conversation from another part of the house, which meant they probably had at least a few minutes to themselves, if not more.

  She moved her kisses down to his neck. He let out a sigh, and she took a deep breath, inhaling his desire. That meant he wanted her to drink his blood, even though he didn't know what it was she had done before. Her mouth watered and she gave into her fangs, allowing them to extend. She felt her eyes turn red with desire.

  It was now or never. Someone could come in any moment, and she couldn't have them find her like this. She licked his skin, preparing it for the bite. He sighed again, and she bit down, allowing his warm, delicious blood to fill her mouth. It was the perfect dessert, so sweet and succulent. Clara could feel her eyes returning to their normal color.

  He relaxed in her arms, still pinned against the back of the couch. William moaned as she continued to drink his blood. Her venom was doing its job. She felt the flow decrease, so she forced herself to stop, and she sealed up the wound with her tongue, watching as it healed.

  She sat tall, and he looked at her with a drunken look in his eyes. "What was that? You have to tell me."

  "It's a side effect of our love." Guilt tugged at her. She should tell him the truth, but what if he wanted nothing to do with her? She could just continue to hide it from him. It wasn't like it was that big of a deal. They had been living together this entire time just fine without him knowing. Her cravings never put him in any danger. Aside from the two times she had fed on him, she had always kept her distance from his blood. Her being a vampire didn't hurt their relationship.

  But the fact that she was hiding something so major did. She sighed, knowing that was the reason she had to tell him. Because she loved him so much, she couldn't keep hiding. He deserved to know everything about her.

  He hadn't kept anything from her. She always tried to avoid using her mind-reading skills on him, but they were so close that often, she overheard without trying. It was like hearing a conversation across the room.

  She sighed, not wanting to ruin the moment. Things were perfect—as they always were with him. She didn't want to risk ruining it. That was her weakness.

  What if he actually accepted her? Then she could be completely honest with him, and bring their relationship to a whole new level. Or what if he even wanted to become a vampire himself? But what if he thought she was an abomination? Just like his ancestors had.

  William grabbed a strand of her hair and played with it. "Why do you look so conflicted? Have I upset you?"

  "No. You're perfect." At least that was the truth.

  He pulled her close, kissing her again.

  The fire crackled loudly behind them, and Clara jumped.

  "Why are you so jumpy?" William asked. "You're perfectly safe here. By giving you my ring, I've promised to take care of you for the rest of your life. Really, I will. We'll grow old together, and I'll continue to love and take care of you."

  Tears filled her eyes. He too had dreams of growing old together.

  "What's wrong? Was it something I said?" He ran his hands through her hair.

  She tried blinking her tears away and h
er lips wavered. She took a deep breath, and then looked deep into his eyes. "William, I'm not going to grow old."

  His face paled and she could smell fear—no, terror. "Why?" His own eyes shone with tears. "You're not dying, are you? Are you sick? I knew you were hiding something, but I never wanted to push it. Is that it? I'll be here for you no matter what. If you're sick, I'll take care of you. Whatever time you have left, I'm here for you."

  Clara shook her head. "I'm not sick. Nothing's wrong with me."

  "What do you mean you're not going to grow old? I don't understand."

  She took a deep breath, fighting the tears. One escaped and ran down her face. This was it. Possibly the last time she would have his love. "I don't age. You know that picture in your dad's office? That wasn't someone who looked like me. William, it was me."

  He stared at her, his color not returning to his face. He blinked a couple times. "What…? What do you mean? That's not possible."

  "William, I love you more than I've ever loved anyone. I swear to you, that's the truth. When I say you're perfect, I mean it."

  "Are you joking?"

  "I wouldn't joke about our love."

  "No. About not aging. Why would you say that?"

  "Because it's true."

  He shook his head. "It's not possible."

  "I know it sounds crazy. That's why I never said anything about it before. I didn't want to scare you off."

  "But how? And why would you be in that picture?"

  She ignored the first question. "I knew some of your family decades ago. I don't know how it was that I ran into you that one night at the restaurant when we met. That's why I couldn't take my eyes off you and then you said your name was William…."

  "And you nearly choked on an ice cube. Then you asked if William was a family name." He paused, looking thoughtful. "I didn't put too much thought into that at the time. My name is old-fashioned, so that's what I chalked it up to."

  Clara bit her lower lip, afraid to say anything.

  "Were you in love with Liam?" His eyes were practically begging her to say no. Then he shook his head. "No. This is ridiculous. People don't stop aging. Are you trying to push me away? Do you want me to break off the engagement? Is that what this is?"