Chapter 18

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Tara's POV
I woke up to the soft sensation of kisses trailing along my neck.

"Good morning," Klaus chuckled, his voice deep and warm.

I hummed in response, still half-asleep. Klaus got out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. About ten minutes later, he returned, fully dressed in black skinny jeans and a dark t-shirt that clung to him perfectly.

I sat up as he joined me on the bed, his piercing eyes meeting mine.

"I know you've lost your memory," he began, his voice soft but full of determination. "You may not remember us, but I promise I'll make you fall in love with me again—no matter how long it takes."

His words sent a wave of warmth through me, and I couldn't stop the blush that spread across my cheeks. "Thanks, Klaus," I said shyly.

He grinned. "So, how about a brunch date with me?"

I smiled back. "Sure, but let me get dressed first."

After thirty minutes, I emerged from the bathroom, wearing a yellow-and-white sunflower dress with brown sandals. Klaus was seated on the bed, scrolling through his phone, but as soon as he looked up and saw me, he stood and froze, his eyes scanning me intently.

"Do I look okay?" I asked hesitantly, suddenly self-conscious.

"You look beautiful," he said with a smile, his voice full of sincerity.

I smiled, feeling my cheeks heat up again, and we headed downstairs together. At the bottom of the stairs, we ran into Elijah.

"Elijah! Are we going to start a new book soon?" I asked, excitement lacing my voice.

For a moment, he looked shocked, but then his face softened, and he sighed. "Of course. I'll have a book ready for you when you get back."

I grinned. "Thanks, Elijah!"

Elijah then turned to Klaus, his expression tightening. "I need to talk to you, Klaus."

Klaus handed me the car keys. "The car's parked out front. Go ahead and start it—I'll be there in a moment."

I nodded and made my way outside, leaving the two brothers to their conversation.

Klaus's POV
I crossed my arms, my tone sharp. "What's so important that you need to take time away from Tara, brother?"

Elijah's face was unreadable, but his voice was steady. "You need to tell Tara the truth, Klaus. What if her memory comes back? What will you do then?"

I clenched my jaw. "I don't recall asking for your opinion, Elijah," I growled. "Stay out of our business. If you don't like it, then stay away from her."

Elijah sighed heavily. "Fine, brother."

I turned and stomped toward the car, fuming. The nerve of him to try to dictate what I should do.

When I reached the car, I saw Tara singing softly to herself. The sight calmed me slightly, but I still slammed the car door shut, earning a worried look from her.

"What's wrong, Klaus?" she asked gently.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Elijah said something ridiculous that's been bothering me."

"Calm down," Tara said, placing her hand on mine.

Her touch was grounding, and I couldn't help but grin at her. She blushed furiously and pulled her hand away, staring out the window. Amused, I started the car and began driving.

When her blush finally faded, I placed my hand on her thigh. She stiffened for a moment, glancing at me quickly, but I kept my eyes on the road. Slowly, her body relaxed under my touch, and I smiled inwardly.

"Where are we going?" she asked, curiosity lighting her voice.

"It's a surprise," I replied.

"Can't you give me a hint?" she sighed.

"Nope," I said with a smirk.

She crossed her arms and gave me a pouty look. "Please? Can't you give me just one hint?" she asked, looking up at me through her lashes.

I chuckled, glancing at her briefly before turning my focus back to the road. "Fine. It's the woods."

"The woods? Why the woods?"

"That's all I'm saying," I said teasingly.

She huffed dramatically, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

When we arrived at the woods' entrance, I got out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door for her. Taking her hand, I led her through the trees until we reached a clearing.

"Now, look," I said, stepping aside to let her take in the view.

Her eyes widened, and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Oh my God, it's beautiful!"

On the grass was a large blanket with a spread of breakfast dishes. There were also canvases, paints, and brushes set up nearby. A man in a tuxedo stood off to the side, ready to serve.

Tara grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the blanket, her excitement contagious. We sat down together, and I signaled the waiter to come over.

He poured Tara a glass of apple juice before cutting his wrist to fill my cup with blood. I noticed Tara's expression shift as she watched him.

"I don't like when you do that, Klaus," she said, frowning. "Don't you think that hurts him?"

"I compelled him," I explained. "He can't feel anything."

She sighed, shaking her head. "I still think it's wrong."

I reached for her hand. "I'm sorry. I'll heal him with my blood and let him go afterward."

"Good," she said, a small smile returning to her lips. "I still want you to stop drinking directly from people, though. Can't you drink from a blood bag instead? Like the ones people donate to hospitals?"

"For you, I'll do anything," I said sincerely. "I'll start drinking from blood bags."

Her smile grew, and she squeezed my hand.

"Thank you, Klaus."

In that moment, her happiness made it all worth it.

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What do youthink will happen next? Did Klaus already make a big change for the new Tara?

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please like and comment.

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