"Clara. Yes."
"Let's make this an extra special arrangement. What did you have in mind?"
By the time he was walking out the door, he held the most beautiful bouquet in the store. It smelled as good as it looked. When he walked through the door of the ice cream parlor, Clara's eyes lit up.
"Those are gorgeous. What are they for?"
Smiling, he handed them to her. "The country club is having a dance tonight. I was hoping you would accompany me."
"Of course I will. You know I love to dance, and I love spending time with you even more."
He gave her a kiss and handed her a matching wrist corsage. "I'll pick you up at seven-thirty."
Clara handed him a bowl of ice cream covered in hot fudge after he sat next to her. "I really wasn't expecting all this. Especially after the ring."
"Forget about the ring. When we're done here, I'm going get it properly cleaned. Hopefully, you'll have it back tonight for the dance."
"You're perfect. You know that?"
William laughed. "I'm far from perfect."
"You could have gotten really mad at me about the ring, but—"
"I said forget about it. It'll be as though it never happened."
Chapter 16
"WHAT DO YOU think of this one?" Natalie held up a hideous flowered dress to herself, smiling.
"I hope you're joking," Clara said, "or I'll forever doubt your fashion sense after this."
Natalie laughed. "Are you kidding? This thing is as ugly as they come."
"Well, in that case, you should get it. It really brings out your eyes."
"Maybe I will." Natalie shoved her. "Have you found anything you like?"
"A few. I can't really make up my mind."
"Show me." Natalie stuffed the hideous dress back onto the rack and looked at the pile in Clara's arms. "A few? Looks like you're carrying half the store."
"It has to be the right one. He's never taken me to the country club before."
"Oh, you'll love it. Everything there is gorgeous. It's like stepping into a dream. I can't wait until Braydon and I get married, and I have a membership. I'll be there every day."
"William must be pretty serious to ask me there."
"He gave you that hulking rock. I'd say he's serious," Natalie said. "I don't think it's really his scene. Of all the times I've been there, I've never seen him there. His sister is there pretty often though. Like all the other regulars, she loves to socialize."
"I can't imagine why you like it there."
"Ha, ha." Natalie took the first few dresses from her arm, and held them up one by one. She shoved them on a rack. "None of those." She grabbed the next few, putting the first two on the rack. Natalie stopped when she got to the third. It was black, blue, and purple. "This one on the other hand, is perfect." She moved it back and forth, watching it shine. "You'll steal the show wearing this. Oh, and look how it'll sit off your shoulders. If you don't get it, I will."
Clara snatched it. "That's the one. Thanks."
"Go try it on. I want to see it on you."
"You have to try one on too. I want to see something on you."
Natalie grabbed the rest of the dresses from Clara's hand. She held each one up, and chose two. "I'll try these on and see if either of them do."
They went into the dressing room, and as Clara was admiring herself in the multi-colored dress, Natalie asked her if she was ready.
Natalie stepped out of her stall just as Clara did. Clara looked Natalie over in a dark pink, strapless dress which made her look like a princess. "You should wear that one, Nat. You look like royalty."
Smiling, Natalie looked Clara over. "And you have to wear that one. You're stunning."
They changed back into their clothes, discussing the dance the entire time, not stopping until they got home.
Janet came out of the kitchen. "What are you two talking about?"
Natalie smiled. "We're going to a dance at the country club tonight."
"That'll be fun. Do you girls need anything?"
"Dinner would be great, Mom." Natalie batted her eyelashes.
"Any requests? I was just trying to decide what to make."
"You guys decide," Clara said, balancing the flowers and the dress. "I'm going upstairs."
Clara ran up the stairs, and laid her new dress on the bed, admiring it. She held the flowers to her face and took a deep breath. They smelled heavenly. Airy and succulent, so much she could almost taste their sweetness. It was the perfect mixture of flowers, both visually and aromatically. She set them on the desk, and found a crystal vase that knew was in a closet. She got some water from the bathroom and put the flowers in the vase.
Sitting on the bed, she admired the bouquet. She felt tears stinging her eyes. Despite all the excitement over the dance, she was still upset over having nearly destroyed the engagement ring. William had every right to be furious with her, but instead he brought her flowers? She had to do something to make it up to him.
But what? She never knew what to get him. His family had as much money as hers, if not more, and it was nearly impossible to find him anything because he always got himself whatever he needed.
One thing she knew she needed was to tell him the truth. More than ever, she knew he deserved it. The tears sitting in her eyes finally spilled over.
She was starting a perfect life on a lie.
Clara wiped her tears away, but twice as many replaced them. Her mouth shook as the tears poured out. She had been a mess since he proposed because of this. She couldn't lose him.
She wanted to pretend that everything was normal, and not deal with it until he noticed she wasn't aging. That could be a while, perhaps even a decade. She had managed to live with him and hide her true nature. Her blood cravings were under her control, except for when they were camping. She still couldn't figure out why she had lost control like that.
Even if by some miracle he did accept her being a vampire, he would still only live another sixty or so years. Then he'd be gone, and she would be heartbroken again. Unless he wanted to become one. Could she actually convince him? Then they could be together forever.
She stood up. This wasn't something that had to be dealt with that night. William obviously loved her, so if she felt everything out, she could find a way to tell him the truth that he would be able to accept. Tonight, she had a dance to focus on.
Going into the bathroom for a shower, she mentally prepared herself for the country club. She had spent plenty of time in a royal castle. If she could handle a bunch of regal vampires, she could surely handle some wealthy humans.
When Clara was almost done getting ready, there was a knock on her door.
"Come in."
Natalie walked in, looking beautiful. "Look at you. You would make Miss America cry."
"Thanks. Wow, that goes double for you. It was like that dress was made for you. Put the corsage on. I want to see it."
Clara took it out of the plastic container and slid it on her right wrist.
Natalie squealed. "Perfect! It goes with that dress like they were made for each other. Shoes?"
"I haven't decided." Clara walked over to her shoes and held up a couple pairs. "What do you think?"
"Neither. Alexis has a pair that would be perfect. They're the same shade of blue you're wearing. You guys are the same size?"
"Half a size difference. Not enough to matter."
Natalie moved past her, digging through the closet. "Here they are. Try those."
"Those are exactly the same color." Clara slid them on. They were a little tight, but they made the outfit, so she would live with it.
"I knew those would be just what you needed." Natalie beamed. "Oh, that reminds me. My parents are going to want pictures before we leave. Just be warned."
"Not a problem. At least they care."
Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Yours didn't?"
"Oh, they did. We didn't always have cameras, but they loved making everything special. Now things
are all the memories I have of them." She started to feel choked up again. She cleared her throat. "Anyway, the boys should be here soon. Should we get downstairs?"
They headed downstairs, and sure enough, they were assaulted with a barrage of flashing lights. They managed to get out of the house with only a few more once Braydon and William arrived.
Once outside, William gave Clara a kiss. "I've never seen you more beautiful."
Clara looked him up and down. "You're especially sexy in a tux. I love your beard." She ran the back of her hand along his rough face.
He blushed. "I didn't have time to shave, but Kathryn said it was at a good length."
"It certainly is. I can't take my eyes off you."
"You two want to ride with us?" Braydon asked. "That way you don't have to focus on the road." He grinned.
William shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, but my parents sent me with a driver."
Braydon nodded. "My uncle too. Well, we'll see you there."
They got into their respective cars, and before Clara knew it, they pulled up to the club. There was a line of cars headed for the entrance, and a finely dressed couple stepped out of the back of each car as it pulled up to the walkway.
"Does everyone have a driver?" Clara asked.
"Pretty much. It's a status symbol, really. See those cars at the other end of the lot?"
Clara nodded, looking over at the expensive cars parked, with couples stepping out of the front of the car.
"Even though those are all members, everyone is going to be sticking their noses down at them for not coming with a driver."
"Isn't your sister coming too? I can't imagine she would arrive without a driver."
"I'm not even sure she's going."
They finally pulled up to the sidewalk. The driver got out and opened the door for them. William slid out and then took Clara's hand, helping her out of the car. Clara took everything in as they walked inside. The walls were decorated for the dance, and when they arrived in the dance hall, Clara held her breath at the sight.
People were already dancing to the live music while others mingled, talking. There was a large spread of appetizers and plenty of tables to sit at, each with its own lace tablecloth and candles.
William squeezed her hand. "What would you like to do? Get something to eat? Dance? Meet some people?"
"I'm up for anything."
"That's not what I asked."
"Are any of your friends here?"
He looked around. "Drew and Harvey are over there." William indicated toward the buffet.
"Let's go say hi."
As they walked over, Drew and Harvey, whom Clara had met the previous year, stared at her. The girl standing next to Harvey shoved him, and he kissed her. Clara recognized her also. Her name was Hanna.
"You guys remember Clara?"
"How could we forget?" Drew asked. "Oh, and this is Mara. She's visiting her aunt and uncle for the summer."
Everyone greeted each other, and then the guys caught up. Mara turned to Hanna and Clara. "This place seems nice. Tell me the party livens up."
Hanna nodded. "Totally. By ten, the parents usually get tired, and then things get really fun. Instead of playing '80s and '90s music, they play the popular stuff. Then everything here closes down around midnight. Usually, people meet up somewhere. One guy, his parents own a restaurant, opens it and everyone piles in after the dance. Or other times, we'll sneak out into the woods or to the lake and make a bonfire and college seniors bring some good stuff to drink. It just depends. But it's always fun after ten."
Mara nodded. "Awesome. So, what do we do for the next two hours?"
"We can dance," Clara said. "Who cares if the music is old?"
The music stopped and one of the band members spoke up into a mic. "Who let the dogs out?" he shouted.
Hanna put her hands over her face. "No. Please, no."
"What?" asked Mara.
"Just watch," Hanna said, muffled through hands. "I can't look."
A bunch of the grown-ups on the dance floor jumped up and down. Several yelled out, "Who? Who?"
The music blared, and the adults on the dance floor sang along with the band.
Harvey nudged Hanna. "Don't you want to watch your parents?"
"I'm going to die a slow and painful death."
Max laughed. "I love watching the old people dance to their music. It's a riot."
"Yeah. It's great." Hanna mumbled, still hiding behind her hands.
Harvey bumped her hip with his. "Who let the dogs out?"
She turned around and smacked him in the chest.
Clara looked at William, and they both laughed.
Mara nudged Clara. "This is already far more entertaining than I thought it would be."
The six of them watched the dancing while sipping punch for a while.
While they were talking and laughing, someone caught Clara's attention. What was he doing there? She narrowed her eyes, and then squeezed William's hand. "I'll be right back."
He squeezed her hand back and nodded.
Clara marched over to Victor. "What are you doing here? Interrupting my camping trip wasn't enough for you? What gives?"
"I had to see for myself. You really are with a Liam and Wiley clone."
"How did you get in here?"
Victor took a sip of wine. "You have to ask? No one is easier to control than a human. I just had to give the lady my puppy-dog eyes, and I was in. No questions asked."
"Why am I not surprised?"
"You should try mind control more often, Clara. I don't know why you have always had such an aversion to it."
"I don't have an—why am I explaining myself to you? Get out of here."
Victor chuckled. "I'm in now. I've always enjoyed a good party. Oh, look. They're starting the Macarena. Want to join me?"
"In your dreams."
"Have you told Willy boy your secret yet?"
Clara stepped closer to him, her eyes narrowed. "It's none of your business, Victor. Leave me alone."
"The boy deserves the truth, does he not?"
"Why do you care?"
"I wouldn't want to see you hurt by that family again. I thought you were done with the Lennox's after Wiley. You just can't stay away from them, can you? What is it about them?"
"You need to leave me alone. There's nothing here in Delphic Cove for you."
He winked. "Sure there is."
"Don't you know there are werewolves in town?"
"Yeah, and I know that the only ones left are the peaceful ones. Speaking of them, I saw you talking with their leader the other night. Isn't he a teacher or something?"
"Have you been spying on me? How dare you?"
"I had to make sure my Clare-bear was safe. I heard you were in town with another Lennox human with werewolves running around. But it turns out there's nothing left to worry about. You and your vampire clan took care of that."
"Would you shut up already?"
"You don't want these country clubbers hearing about vampires and werewolves?"
Clara looked around. "Stop talking. I need to get back to my fiancé."
"He looks fine talking with his buddies. I heard about what happened to your parents during the werewolf war. If you ever want someone to talk to about it, I'm here for you, Clare-bear."
"I told you not to call me that."
"Sorry. Want to go out to the veranda and pour out your soul to me?"
"I'd rather you drop dead."
"But I'm already a vampire—it's too late for that." He grinned.
Clara moved closer to him, lowering her voice. "I don't want to talk about the vampire-werewolf war. I don't want to talk about anything with you. If you mention my parents again, I will punch you in the face."
"Let's talk about the impending human war, then. How do you think your boy toy is going to hold up against that?"
She grabbed Victor's jacket and dragged him into the hallway. "Samantha was working with Vince Moretti to take
out my cousin, Alexis. She's been in the castle dungeon for a couple years now. Don't speak of her again. You know, I could have you arrested for stalking. How long have you been watching me?"
He looked her up and down, the corners of his lips curling up. "Since before you ever met a Lennox."
"I would say it's time to move on, Victor. We had our fling, and you got your time with me. Move on with your pathetic life and leave me alone."
"Ouch." His face softened. "Since I have you alone, why don't you talk to me about your parents? I'm sure you haven't told your boyfriend—"
"Fiancé."
"Whatever. I'm sure you haven't talked with him about it. You need to let it out."
"I need to let you out."
"Oh, come on, Clare-bear. There's nothing like an old friend when you're going through a difficult time. Remember how much help I was when Liam and then Wiley broke your heart?"
"For the record, Liam was the only one who broke my heart. Wiley betrayed me, but he never had my heart. And you were nothing more than a convenient distraction."
"Whatever you have to tell yourself."
Clara got in his face so close she could smell him. "Shut it."
"Is there a problem here?" came a voice behind Clara.
She whipped around, but knew who it was before she saw him. She knew the werewolf scent anywhere. Mr. Foley stood there, wearing a tight-fitting tux. Clara didn't want to admit how well it suited him.
Victor put his arm around her. "Just two old friends chatting."
"Really? And you would be?"
"Name's Victor. You, wolf?"
"Tobias Foley. I'm also a friend of Clara's, so if you have any problems with her, I'd gladly back her up."
Victor looked at Clara and raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you start chumming it up with his kind?"
Tobias raised an eyebrow. "Probably since she had to deal with the likes of you."
Leaning forward, Victor sniffed. "You smell too young. I've known her a lot longer than you've been around."
"You can smell my youthfulness?" Tobias laughed.
Clara cleared her throat. "It was lovely running into you, Tobias, but I need to get back to William."
Victor pouted. "What about me? Wasn't it lovely seeing me too?"
Paranormal After Dark: 20 Paranormal Tales of Demons, Shifters, Werewolves, Vampires, Fae, Witches, Magics, Ghosts and More Page 180