His Love

Chapter 48

Tara's POV

"YES!" I screamed.

Klaus slipped the silver square-cut ring onto my finger, and without thinking, I threw myself onto him, knocking us both onto the blanket. I cupped his face, my fingers tracing the edges of his chiseled jaw, and kissed him deeply. His lips were soft and warm, molding perfectly against mine, leaving me breathless.

I pulled back, gasping for air, as I straddled his lap. His hands gripped my lower back, holding me close.

"I'm glad to see you're happy," Klaus murmured, his smile soft as his blue eyes locked onto mine.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, tilting my head in curiosity.

"No reason," he said, smirking.

My stomach growled loudly, and I groaned, burying my face in his chest.

"How about we get some food into that belly of yours?" Klaus chuckled, clearly amused but trying to hide it.

I climbed off him and headed toward the brown picnic basket. Inside were finger sandwiches, chips, a cheese tray, and fresh fruit. We shared the meal, Klaus feeding me grapes as I lay on my stomach, basking in the cool night air.

I turned to look at him, something on my mind. "Are you okay?" I asked softly.

"Yeah, why?" he asked, looking down at me with a slight frown.

"Well... it's been a while since you've fed from me."

Klaus sighed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I didn't want to bother you. And I hate seeing you in pain."

I reached out, taking his hand in mine. "It's the least I can do for my fiancé," I teased with a smirk.

He rolled his eyes playfully but gave in. I turned my back to him, leaning into his chest as he gently swept my hair to one side. I closed my eyes as his fangs pierced my neck. The pain was sharp but brief, replaced by the sensation of warmth leaving my body. Klaus's hand slid to my lower stomach, steadying me as he fed.

⸻
Klaus's POV

I wiped the trickle of blood from the corner of my lips. "Thank you, my love," I whispered, pulling a bandage from the basket and carefully placing it over the small puncture marks on her neck.

"Now, are you ready to go home?" I asked, standing and offering her my hand.

Tara smiled, taking it. "Yes, it's getting pretty late," she said, glancing up at the dark sky dotted with stars.

"Don't worry about cleaning up. Head to the car—I'll take care of it," I told her.

She nodded and walked toward the car while I packed up the picnic.

⸻
Tara's POV

I reached for the car door, but a sharp pang hit my head, and a vivid memory flashed before my eyes:

I was standing on a bridge, kissing Klaus. Then, I was in a car, someone else behind the wheel. I kept glancing at the rearview mirror, watching something—or someone—behind us.

"TARA!"

The voice snapped me back to reality. I turned, startled, but smiled when I saw Klaus walking toward me.

"Something wrong?" he asked, his expression concerned.

"Nothing," I stammered, forcing a smile.

Klaus opened the car door for me and helped me inside before shutting it gently.

Whatever that was, I couldn't let Klaus know.

⸻
Klaus's POV

As I drove, I held Tara's hand, feeling the warmth of her fingers intertwined with mine. My heart was full—she'd said yes. I had her. My fears of losing her to her parents or anyone else were gone. Still, an odd unease lingered in my chest.

When we arrived home, the courtyard was lit with lanterns and decorated with balloons and flowers.

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

The voices of friends and family filled the air as petals rained down on us.

Tara laughed, rushing toward Freya and Rebekah, who clapped with excitement.

"Surprised?" Freya asked, grinning.

"Of course! I didn't even know about the proposal, let alone this party," Tara said, hugging Rebekah tightly.

I scanned the crowd, spotting my brothers near Marcel and Kol. Leaning down, I whispered to Tara, "I'll be right back."

Marcel was the first to greet me, patting me on the back. "Well done, Klaus. The proposal was a success."

"Naturally," I replied, glancing over at Tara, who was showing her ring to the girls.

Kol smirked. "Guess this means you're finally going to get laid, brother."

I shot him a deadly glare, and he quickly scurried off to join the others.

Elijah approached, his usual calm demeanor masking something deeper. "Congratulations, brother. Everything seems to be going as planned. But tell me, what will you do when she remembers?"

"That won't happen," I said curtly.

"And if it does?" Elijah pressed.

Before I could answer, he walked away, leaving me standing there alone.

⸻
Elijah's POV

I stood at the edge of the group, watching Tara beam as Marcel admired her ring. A pang of guilt twisted in my chest, though I kept my expression neutral.

When her gaze met mine, I forced a smile and stepped forward. "I'm happy for you," I said warmly.

"Thank you," Tara replied. "Since Klaus told me about my parents, I've felt like an only child. But now, I'll have so many siblings. I'm glad you'll be my brother-in-law."

"Yes," I said, my voice faltering as the lie Klaus fed her weighed on me.

Klaus appeared, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Have you decided on a wedding date?" I asked.

Tara looked at Klaus, unsure.

"In two weeks," Klaus said confidently.

"Two weeks?" Tara exclaimed, shoving Klaus playfully.

"Yes," he said with a grin.

Rebekah chimed in, "Don't worry. I've already planned everything!"

Tara's smile faltered. "You planned the entire wedding without me? I don't get any input?"

Her voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes.

"I didn't think you'd be this upset," Klaus murmured, looking genuinely remorseful.

"Any woman would be upset, Klaus," Rebekah scolded, rolling her eyes.

Tara turned away, heading upstairs with tears streaming down her face. "Great," she muttered.

I followed, watching the cracks in their perfect facade widen.

"She'll never be truly happy," I thought to myself, retreating to my room.

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