Clarity: A Young Adult Paranormal Vampire Romance (Blood Haze Book 4) (16 page)

Or so I thought…

As I lay there contemplating what surely must have been my doom, consumed by darkness with only my thoughts to let
me know I was still clinging to life, I felt the queerest sensation pulsing in my abdomen.

A warmth the strength of a thousands suns began to swell inside my belly. I was overwhelmed with the deepest sense of love I had ever felt in my life. Something was
pulling be back into reality. Something strong, incredibly powerful. Something overwhelming.

The warmth surged through me, zapping my body back to life and filling me with a sense of purpose unlike everything I’d ever experienced. I lifted my head and pee
red toward the source of this sensation, and I could see my belly glowing with this intense golden light. Instinctively, I cradled my belly.

A crowd began to gather around me, silent with wonder at what they were seeing. I heard my mother’s voice weeping,
but as I looked into her face she was crying tears of joy, her face beaming proudly.

I looked back down, filled with realization. My own eyes filled with tears that reflected those of my mother’s.

“Auriel,” I whispered to my stomach as tears spilled down my cheeks. “Your name is Auriel.”

*****

The days that followed were brighter than any I had ever known. We returned home and began to decorate for Christmas. The whole compound was decked with boughs of holly and cedar. Lights illuminated every room, every bannister, every hearth. A giant Christmas tree filled the foyer, rising up to the ceiling where an angel adorned the top, looking down upon us with her warm, comforting smile.

Mother had moved in. Will, too, along with Jamie, who he’d asked to be hi
s bride. Even Max and Denise were staying with us through the holidays.

On Christmas morning we had all gathered around the tree to open gifts. Alexi and I had gone into his study to sit by the fireplace and open the gifts we’d wrapped for each other.

I fingered the shining paper he’d so lovingly wrapped around mine. I plucked at the edge of the ribbon he’d so carefully tied around the package, and it unraveled and slipped to the floor. Then I delicately opened the paper and removed the small box inside. It was a silver bracelet containing a number of silver charms.

“There is a pair of rings to symbolize our bond that can never be broken,” he explained, pointing to the interlocking silver rings. “And a piano because I know how you love to play. There is a pa
lm tree because of your love for the beach. And the heart, of course, symbolizes the never-ending love I have for you. And this,” he said, gently touching a tiny baby rattle, “is for our darling daughter.”

“Oh, darling, it’s so beautiful,” I gushed. “It’s
absolutely perfect!”

“I will add more charms as time goes on,” he told me. He took the bracelet from its box and fastened it around my wrist. I turned it this way and that, admiring the way it sparkled in the light from the fireplace.

“Now open yours,” I told him.

Alexi picked up the box and lifted
it’s lid.

“It is empty,” he said, his eyebrows knitted in confusion.

“Like my heart was before I met you,” I said.

I smiled and pulled another box from behind me and handed it to him. He lifted the lid on this on
e and found it nearly overflowing with candy hearts of all colors.

“And this one is full of love, like my heart is now,” I said. “Because of you.”

“Darling,” he whispered, setting the box on the floor and taking my hands in his. “I love you so much.”

“I lo
ve you, too,” I said, our eyes locking.

I leaned forward and kissed him, taking my hands from his and wrapping my fingers into his long, white hair. My lips parted, and he began to kiss me more passionately.

“Dinnertime!” Jamie chimed from the doorway. When she realized what she’d interrupted, she added, “Oops, sorry.”

Alexi and I reluctantly parted, and we both laughed lightly.

“We’re coming,” I said.

A thunderous knock sounded at the front door just as we’d all sat down for Christmas dinner. The scent of
succulent ham and sweet potatoes dripping with brown sugar glaze set my stomach to rumbling fiercely, but I waited patiently as Alexi answered the door. He returned with a letter addressed to me and bearing no return address.

Confused, I opened it and pull
ed the contents into my hand.

Dearest Alice,

Many happy blessings upon you for the upcoming birth of your beautiful daughter, Auriel. I hope it will be a most joyous occasion. I am looking forward to meeting you. Have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Yours, Olivia

The letter fluttered to the ground, and I looked up at Alexi, my heart pounding in my throat.

“She’s alive,” I whispered.

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Tara Shuler is the author of several paranormal romance books for the young adult genre. She loves reading and writing about vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches, demons, angels and other paranormal beings.

Tara lives in Georgia with her husband, children and two cats. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking, digital painting and art, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and kids. Her favorite place to hang out is the beach, though she rarely has time to go.

Her taste in music is eclectic, ranging from classical piano to country to heavy metal and nearly everything in between.

Favorite Song: Rock Me, Amadeus by Falco

Favorite Movie: Top Gun

Favorite Food: Soup (especially vegetable)

Favorite Animal: Red Panda

Favorite Book Series: Harry Potter

Favorite Author: J.K. Rowling