Paranormal After Dark

by Rebecca Hamilton

  "When I open my eyes, I won't remember you?"

  "Exactly. Now lie down."

  He fell back onto the bed with a thud, and then closed his eyes.

  Clara shook her head. It was time to get back to the Ferguson's.

  Chapter 10

  WILLIAM TOSSED AND turned, unable to sleep, despite still being jet lagged. His body was tired, but his mind wouldn't leave him alone. He wanted to believe that Clara wasn't upset with him, but she hadn't taken any of his calls. The way that she left after seeing the album, there had to be something wrong.

  What had gone wrong? He was tired of replaying the night in his mind. What he needed was a plan. He needed to get away from his family and spend some time with Clara—if she would even see him.

  He got up and pulled the little box from its hiding spot. He opened it and pulled the ring out, and looked at it from what little light was shining in from the moon and stars. Would he be better off giving it to her sooner rather than later? He had bought it months ago, wanting to have it in case a perfect moment to propose happened spur of the moment.

  It had been the biggest, most beautiful engagement ring he could find. Clara deserved nothing other than the best, and since he had the money, he would give it to her. He would give her the best of all he had all the days of her life.

  His dad wanted him to give the woman he married a family ring. They had several that had been passed down through the generations. Unlike the old family paintings which had perished in a fire or two, the expensive rings had been carefully preserved. Probably because they had been worn at the times of the fires.

  After seeing Clara's response to the album, William knew without a doubt that he had made the right choice picking a brand new ring for her. He would have to double check, but he was pretty sure the ring his dad wanted him to use was the very one that Liam had given Anna, the same couple in the picture that had upset Clara.

  He wasn't going to take any more chances with relics from his family's past. Clara was new and special, and she would be given that which was also special and new. Something that no one else had ever worn before.

  But he needed to make a plan. He would go to the Ferguson's house himself if she continued to avoid his calls. But then what? What if she wouldn't see him? Would he beg? Storm in and find her? Then what? Force her to talk? That would go about as well as going for a swim with a cat.

  What he really needed was something special to surprise her with. Something like a nice dinner out, just the two of them. Or a camping trip. They had talked about a romantic camp out. If he showed up with everything planned, she couldn't say no to that. She was the one who had been excited about it initially.

  He was thinking of one of the nicest rooms in an expensive hotel, but she wanted to be under the stars, out in nature. That would even make a great proposal story. All of his friends had similar stories of getting down on one knee in a fancy restaurant or somewhere else expensive and exclusive. None of them had proposed in the middle of the woods.

  His friends would probably laugh at him, but he knew Clara would love it. Her eyes always lit up when she talked about going camping. He had never been, and wanted nothing to do with camping because of the horror stories of bug bites and poison ivy. If he showed her that he was willing to stare down his fears for her, she would be sure to see what she meant to him.

  Who knew? Maybe he would even see what she liked about the woods so much. Discover what it was that made her eyes light up at the thought of sleeping amongst the mosquitoes and wildlife.

  He put the ring back in its place and hid the box again before climbing back into bed. As he was planning their camping trip, he drifted off to sleep.

  A pounding noise woke him up. William sat up and looked at the time. It was nearly time for lunch. He would be glad when he got over the jet lag. He didn't like sleeping the mornings away. That was the best time to get things done.

  The knocking on his door didn't stop. "I'm up!"

  "Get ready. We're going back to the office for the afternoon."

  William got out of bed and opened the door, staring his dad square in the eyes. "Actually, I have other plans for the day."

  "I told you, son. This week—"

  "After the disaster that was last night, I need to find out what's wrong with Clara."

  "Fine. Then we can go to the office."

  "No. If you want to go in on your vacation, that's up to you. I'm not going in today. In fact, I might not go back the rest of this week. Some of my friends are planning a camping trip and I was thinking about joining them."

  Will laughed. "You? You're going to go camping? I suppose next you're going to tell me that you're going to go hunting too."

  He narrowed his eyes. "Maybe I will."

  "Tell Timothy I said hi."

  William raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to force me to stay?"

  "No. It's good to see you standing up and making your own decisions."

  "What? Then why are you always telling me what to do?"

  "I'm trying to push you, son. You're a man now, and part of that is standing up for yourself. Now, I do expect you to come with me to the office over the summer. The most valuable part of your education is interning, and you have the opportunity to work under me." He was one of the best attorneys out there. If he wanted fame, he would have gotten it, but he preferred the quiet life of Delphic Cove.

  William just stared at his dad.

  He laughed. "Did I leave you speechless?" He slapped William on the shoulder. "Go take care of your girl, and then let us know if you're going camping or not." He walked away, and William stood there, still in shock.

  All he had to do was stand up to his dad? That was all it took? Since when? His whole life, he had made sure William knew his place in life, and that was to obey his dad's wishes without fuss. William shook his head. There was no time for trying to figure his dad out. He had to get everything ready to see Clara.

  He was pretty sure there was camping gear handed down from some relative in the garage or one of the sheds. He decided to look before getting in the shower because he would likely get dirty, or at least dusty, in the process of finding what he needed.

  After he had his car loaded with everything he thought they would need for a day or two in the woods, he was glad he had waited for the shower. He went back to his room and checked his phone. He had a few texts from friends who wanted to see him now that he was back in town, but nothing from Clara.

  Should he send her a text letting her know that he was going to come over? He didn't want her to take off if she was mad at him. He texted her a simple I love you before grabbing some clothes. When he was done getting ready, he saw lunch sitting at the table, so he sat down, finally realizing how hungry he was.

  By the time he was driving to the Ferguson's house, it was well into the afternoon. Would Clara even be there? She might be off with somewhere with Natalie or another one of her friends. Clara was a beautiful and social person. What were the chances of her actually being at the house in the middle of a sunny afternoon?

  He shoved the thoughts away, not giving himself the chance to be defeated before he had even tried. When he turned down the street leading to the house, his heart raced. Would she refuse to see him? He sat taller. Surely she wouldn't. They adored each other and he hadn't done anything wrong.

  When he turned onto their street, he saw Natalie's car sitting in the driveway. That was a good sign. Clara might be there with her. He pulled up to the curb in front of their house, and took a deep breath. "I have nothing to be worried about." Hopefully, he would be more convincing with her.

  He checked to make sure the ring was still locked in the little, hidden compartment, and then he got out of the car. He thought of all the times Clara had been excited to see him, wrapping her arms around him, and kissing him. This was just another of those times.

  When he got to the door, it opened before he could even ring the bell. Natalie looked at him square in the eyes. "Clara's bus
y."

  "I came all the way over here to talk with her. Are you sure she can't be bothered?"

  "We just got back from a grueling day at the beach. She needs her rest."

  William couldn't help smiling. "Grueling day at the beach?"

  Natalie looked flustered for a moment, but then threw her shoulders back. "Yeah. It was rough. You should have been there."

  He took a step forward. "I would have, had anyone invited me."

  "Maybe next time. Sorry you wasted a trip out here."

  "Are you sure she can't be disturbed? I can wait."

  "Go back to your dad's office. She told me that's where you're supposed to be all week, anyway."

  "I told him to shove it. I want to see Clara."

  The door opened out of Natalie's hand, and Clara appeared. "You told him to shove it?"

  William kept a straight face and shrugged his shoulders. "More or less. He knows not to expect me home for a day or two."

  Clara's eyes widened and then lit up. "You stood up to him for me?"

  He nodded.

  "What did he say?"

  "Oh, he didn't like it, of course, but he was forced to admit that I was a grown man." He stood taller. "I told him I would intern for him when I was damn well ready."

  Clara's entire face lit up as a wide smile took up most of it. "Really?"

  That wasn't exactly how it went down, but it was close enough. William smiled. "Want to call him and ask?" He pulled out his iPhone.

  She threw herself into his arms. "I can't believe you stood up to him."

  "I couldn't leave things the way they were last night. We obviously need to talk, and I thought we could go camping if you want."

  "Camping? You're willing to go camping?" Clara turned to Natalie, and they both squealed.

  William tried to stop a smile. It was going much better than he had hoped.

  "Let me grab my things." Clara disappeared.

  Natalie stepped outside, closing the door behind her. She stepped uncomfortably close to William, narrowing her eyes. "I don't know what happened last night at your house—oh, who am I kidding? She told me everything. You better not do anything to hurt her. Clara's like family to me. Got it? I'm strong from all those years playing varsity volleyball. I could kick your preppy a—"

  "Now, now. There's no need for threats. I adore Clara, and I want nothing but the best for her. It sounds as though you know exactly what's bothering her. You're leaps and bounds ahead of me. I just want to figure out what's wrong and find a way to make it right."

  "Don't think you can take advantage of her while you've got her alone in the woods, pal. She's stronger than you know."

  "I would never try to do anything to hurt her. Ever."

  Natalie's eyebrows came together. "Good. Like I said, I wouldn't hesitate to put you in your place."

  "I'm sure you wouldn't."

  Clara came through the door, carrying a bag. "I'm ready. I can't believe we're going camping!"

  "Have fun you two." Natalie hugged Clara and then turned around and glared at William.

  He smiled at her and she flexed her muscles. William gave a fake-scared look, and Natalie burst out laughing.

  Clara looked back and forth between them. "Did I miss something?"

  The corners of Natalie's mouth quirked upward. "He's a charmer."

  "That he is." Clara gave him another hug and kissed his cheek. "How do you think he won me over?"

  Chapter 11

  CLARA LOOKED AT the sign telling them they were leaving Delphic Cove. "So, you're really taking me camping?" she asked, breaking the silence. She didn't want to talk about the night before, but she owed him an explanation after running out like that. How was she supposed to explain herself?

  She had been seeing him for nearly two years, and had never figured out a way to bring up the fact that her first love was his ancestor. He would never believe her, and even if by chance he did, he would probably be repulsed by the fact that she was a vampire. All the movies they had seen together that had vampires showed them as horrible, scary monsters.

  Would he be able to accept that she was one? Would he still believe that she was as wonderful as he thought? The picture of Liam, Anna, and their family reminded her of one failed relationship, and an enormous heartbreak.

  "I know you've been wanting to go camping, and even though it's never been something I've ever been interested in, I thought we could use some time together. Alone."

  She reached over and squeezed his knee. "I really appreciate this, William. I know we could have easily gone to the Westin or to another nice hotel. Thanks for putting this together."

  "Don't thank me yet. I've never been camping before. I probably forgot something."

  "All I really need is you." She squeezed again, and then leaned back into the seat. Was this trip the time to tell him? He wasn't asking her about what happened the night before, but then again, maybe he was waiting for her to speak up when she was ready. That would be never.

  "What is it about camping that you like so much? If you like it, then there must be something to it. I never would have had you pegged as a camping girl before you brought it up."

  She considered her words with care. "Growing up, I spent time in the woods. It reminds me of those times. Also, I just like being in nature—surrounded by it. There's a reason it's called getting away."

  "It's worth the bugs?"

  Clara laughed. "Most definitely. There's nothing like getting away from the busy, modern life and escaping. You know how in Delphic Cove, it's relaxing to sit at the lake?"

  "I usually look at it from a little distance on our deck, but yeah, it is peaceful."

  "Camping is like that, only a whole lot more."

  "At least we'll be together without any deadlines or anyone interrupting us."

  "That'll be nice. We rarely get time to just enjoy being together."

  "I think camping sounds great." William smiled, and then Clara relaxed. Maybe they would be able to simply enjoy themselves, and she wouldn't have to worry about explaining herself to him.

  They enjoyed the ride, making small talk, watching the scenery become more rural as they went. Finally, they came to a forest, and soon the paved road turned into a dirt road. William stopped at a ranger's station. He came back with a map and showed Clara where they would be setting up camp.

  "It's pretty far in. I told him we wanted something secluded."

  She took the map and smiled. "Sounds good to me."

  "We can't go past ten miles an hour and he said it would be about a half an hour before we get to our site."

  "Perfect."

  "He also said we probably wouldn't have cell phone coverage. I hope that's okay."

  She could hear his heartbeat pick up speed, a scent of nervousness surrounded her. Clara's mouth watered, despite just having fed the night before. She had wanted to try his blood for a long time. The taste of love and desire was second to none. As mouth-watering as fear and nervousness were, they paled in comparison. "Are you having second thoughts?" she asked, trying to get her mind off how good he smelled.

  "Maybe a little, but I'm sure we can handle anything that comes our way."

  "Of course we can." The scent danced around her, making her mouth water all the more. Stupid reflexes. She had managed to avoid drinking his blood all this time by keeping herself filled around him. It was a good thing she had gone to that party. Otherwise, she might not have the self-control she needed then.

  "Do you think there are bears out there?"

  "Did the ranger say anything about bears?"

  "He said to keep all our food packed in the car as much as possible. If we leave any food out, it will probably attract the wildlife."

  "As long as we're careful, we'll be fine. They wouldn't have camp sites where it was dangerous. Everyone's worried about liability. You should know that, with your family of attorneys."

  "Yeah. I guess that's probably true."

  Clara's mouth watered again. If he d
idn't stop worrying, she would end up being his biggest fear. "Look, I've killed plenty of wildlife in my time. If a bear comes after us, I'll be able to take it down."

  He turned to look at her, wide-eyed. "Seriously?"

  She nodded.

  "You've got to tell me more about your childhood."

  "I know." She sighed, hoping those stories wouldn't send him running for the hills. If a bear or a cougar did come after them, and he watched her kill it with her bare hands, she would have no choice except to tell him what she was.

  When they got to their site, they got everything set up. Mostly, Clara was the one explaining everything. When they were done, they sat in some folding chairs, looking around at the scenery surrounding them.

  "You probably think less of me now."

  She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Why would I think that?"

  "I'm clueless to all this stuff. It seems like a man should know all that."

  "Don't be like that. You're plenty masculine. You rule and roar in your own way."

  He took her hand. "Thanks, Clara."

  "There's not one thing that makes someone a man. I've seen you at debate club. You made that one guy cry. Remember?"

  William laughed. "He didn't cry."

  "Only because you made him run to the bathroom like a little girl."

  "I think he just had something in his eye."

  Clara shook her head. "He was unprepared, and you smoked him. He was crying."

  They stared into each other's eyes. William opened his mouth, but didn't say anything. Clara took advantage of the moment and placed her lips on his. His eyes showed surprise, but he kissed her back, pulling her onto his lap. Not pulling back from the kiss, she repositioned herself, and ran her hands through his soft, short hair.

  She loved the way it felt along her fingers. He moaned, pulling her closer. She kissed him deeper, pulling on his hair, and running her fingernails along his scalp. He wrapped his arms around her, running his fingers up and down her back.

  Clara smiled, still kissing him. The scents of love and desire surrounded her. This was much better than the awkwardness they had been trying to avoid. She knew he wanted to ask what happened, but he was too kind, always giving her space to talk when she was ready.