Vampire P.I., Double Trouble

Chapter 6: An Unexpected Call

*Nathaniel*

Claire and I spend the afternoon, evening, and twilight hours of the early morning together in unbridled, unending lovemaking. The two of us needed this vacation together after a couple of grizzly cases back home in Michigan, spending a little time together truly delving into our relationship.

It is hard to believe the two of us have been together for two years. Though my time has felt endless, I can recount every day we have spent together. From the first case together and revealing that I am a vampire to now, I cannot remember the last time that I have been filled with this joy—this love.

I have spent so many years alone, and I have spent even longer watching countless friends become whispers in the wind. At the time, I accepted this would be the pattern I would sustain for the rest of my life, becoming the one to remember those whispers.

Then, that fateful night, I met Claire Knight.

Together, we forged a path forward through a case that involved my kind, and working closely soon accelerated our working relationship to something more. We have been inseparable ever since.

A lifetime wouldn't be enough with this incredible woman, and I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that I want to spend eternity with her.

After our conversation the morning prior, however, I suddenly found myself concerned that Claire was feeling pressured. Asking someone to spend eternity with you is a big leap, especially if you have the opportunity to live a 'normal life'. Claire's partial hesitation makes me wonder if she has given it additional thought.

I stare out at the horizon and close my eyes as the dawn crests over the distant tree-filled hills around us. I extend my senses and focus on my surroundings.

In some of the nearby cabins, others are still asleep and resting. Birds are flittering in the nearby trees and the stream which feeds the lake which we are beside. I listen closer and pick up the slow breath of Claire in the bed right behind me. I hear her heart pumping slowly.

She's asleep, resting after another sleepless night.

Good.

She deserves it.

I continue to meditate by the front door when I hear her stir awake. I turn and see her tousled hair, which is fluffed on one side. In her opinion, it would be a case of bad bedhead. To me, I think she is the most gorgeous woman on the planet.

“Good morning," I say, stepping forward and sitting on the bed. I lean over and kiss her on her forehead before gazing into her eyes. “Sleep well? I believe your hair has voted a resounding 'yes'."

Claire gives me a partially chiding look before a puckish grin spreads across her face.

“You'd know," she says. “Worn out completely from last night."

“Oh?" I ask. “Do you require a reprieve?"

She shakes her head vigorously and slips out from under the covers, an oversized shirt is the only scrap of clothing she has on her body. She straddles my legs and wraps her arms around my neck. Her warmth is like a raging inferno on my skin, but I welcome the warmth and wrap my arms around her waist.

“What? Asking for mercy?" she asks.

“Never," I reply. “Not now and not ever. You can have me forever."

I originally anticipate her to kiss me, but she once again hesitates and looks into my eyes. I take a moment and let my senses extend beyond me. I hear Claire's heart pounding in her chest, increasing in speed ever so slightly. I continue to smile but breathe in and smell a hint of nerves.

She is anxious, but just barely.

Are the nerves from excitement? Or from true fear?

“Everything all right?" I prompt, wanting to approach the subject thoughtfully and gingerly. Knowing Claire and knowing her heart, I know she is seeking reassurance and comfort at this moment.

“Yes, I am. I was just…" She hesitates ever so slightly, averting her eyes, before looking back into my eyes. I want to lose myself in her gaze, but I focus on the present. “What you said yesterday, about our future together. I never asked what you wanted."

Is this what was causing her to be nervous? Because she didn't ask me what I wanted yesterday? Or is it because she was timidly waiting for a response she wasn't sure she was ready to hear?

I elect to not press the matter too harshly and provide my honest response in hopes she will open the door to further conversation.

“I've spent many years wondering that myself, but I have a better idea now that you're here in my life. What do I want? I want a lifetime with you. I want to travel and experience life together. As you said, fighting crime and aiding those who are in need does bring about joy. I have always thought about children, but I can honestly say I don't know the outcome when our genetic pools are brought together. I can't see myself leading a dull life. I'd never thought of myself being a white picket fence kind of guy, but what I know for certain is that your absence would be the end of me," I state.

Claire's features soften. At the same time, there is something in her eyes. Reservation? Uncertainty?

“It's so good to hear you say that," says Claire softly, placing another kiss on my forehead.

“But…" I finish for her, knowing she's thinking it but uncertain of how to proceed. She squirms uncomfortably, and I elect to reassure her. “Claire, speak your mind." She bites her lip in a way that makes my body shiver in anticipation, but I continue to keep myself composed.

“It's just… you say it with such certainty. You can have me forever. How do you know? Forever is a long time," she asks, voice hinting at desperation. I smile and pull her closer.

“Claire, some things you just know for certain in your heart. It is beyond reason and logic, and it is certainly beyond the realm of comprehension for scholars and poets. I've spent many years believing a connection would never be present, and then you came into my life," I state.

“But you've had decades to process," mutters Claire. I let a small sigh escape my lips before a thought comes to mind.

“Claire, you said you wanted to marry. Is this about marriage? Or is this about forever?" I ask. Claire seems to shy away from the question, and I know instantly that I managed to hit the issue on the head.

Pulling away ever so slightly, I make sure to catch her eye and smile reassuringly.

“Claire, I would never ask you to put yourself into a situation where you are uncomfortable. You are a fierce, astounding woman who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and driven, especially by your sense of justice," I say firmly. “Becoming a vampire would not change who you are, and if changing is what bothers you, know you do not have to do this for me. I want you to live a life that you love."

“You just said that my absence would be the end of you," Claire moans, fidgeting again.

“And if I were to allow myself to be selfish, I would insist that we proceed immediately to the nearest courthouse before aiding in your transformation," I state. “But I would never force this life onto you. I would never force myself onto you. You know this, correct?"

Claire nods, but I also feel the same tension lingering in the air that morphs into uncertainty. I reach up and clasp her shoulders gently in my grasp. I make sure not to squeeze too tight so I don't bruise her unnecessarily.

I open my mouth to continue reassuring her when, nearby, my phone chimes loudly and begins to ring. I reach over toward my phone to dismiss the call when I read the name—Christopherson.

Christopherson? It's been years…

What is he calling me for?