Ever After

Chapter 25



The Party



It was now the time of the Halloween party William and I had been planning. My dad had begged me to cancel it. William was worried I wasn’t strong enough for all that commotion. I really wasn’t, but I felt like it was my last big deal; everyone I knew and loved was coming. I desperately wanted to see my friends, just one last time.

I wanted them to remember me, as I was tonight, not as being sick and dying, but alive and happy. I did not know what my future was going to be. I tried not to think about it all. I did my best to hide any ill feelings. I wanted tonight to be perfect. I wanted to forget all my problems, just be happy, dance with William, and ignore my reality if only for a few hours.

I had decided to be an angel to contrast with William. He of course chose to be Dracula and yes, he wore fake fangs. His teeth were about the same as mine. He really had no fangs of his own. His “real ones” were not visible to humans. That really amused Doc and all his cousins, to see him dressed as the infamous Dracula.

They too followed suit and came as vampires, fake fangs and all. I found a vintage ball gown on line. It was white with tiny crystals sewn into the silk fabric. It was floor length and beautiful. I had curled my hair and wore it down, and found a golden halo with sparkly crystals. I wore it like a tiara on my head. I used a lot of makeup, to look healthier than I really was.

William wore a black tuxedo, and his hair was slicked back and combed over stylishly. I had to laugh when he showed me his fake fangs. He winked as he bent over to kiss my neck as if to bite me. He was honoring my request to forget about my illness, just for tonight. I knew it was hard for him, but he loved me enough to try.

The house was all decked out. Dad had hired a party planning firm when I became too ill to finish the details. The drive way was lined with carved pumpkins. The trees were sparkling with tiny white lights, making the yard look like a fairyland. The house and yard looked amazing, as guests poured into the party.

The east half of the house, which in its heyday was an actual ballroom, was opened up cleaned and decorated. Dad had said it had not been used since the 1940s, and now it looked amazing; with more tiny lights all over and traditional Halloween garb everywhere. A dj had been hired and was playing all types of music to please the wide array of guests attending. I was so amazed at how beautiful it was, and so happy I had refused to cancel the party. It was a very good choice.

The party was in full swing and the house was packed. I had to guess everyone I had invited was here, and many of the uppity friends of my dad and Sara’s. I was pleased to see all of William’s family and all my friends from school had come.

I doubled up on my lower dose pain medicine and hoped it would keep me alert enough to make it all night. I danced several times with William and some with my dad and Doc. Roth and Taylor even snuck in two dances with me.

I could sense Will watching me closely for any signs of distress. He was very concerned about me tonight. I smiled as I watched William playing a game of pool with his cousins. Dad had set up a game room just off the dance area. Roth was being accused of cheating by the twins, and Lydia was observing. She winked at me as she laughed at the boys.

I jumped as one of the servers handed me a piece of paper. I quickly unfolded it. I was surprised it was in Will’s handwriting. I looked to him as he turned and gave me a dashing smile and a wink. I had to catch my breath. The note was simple. William wanted to meet me in the gardens behind the house; he had something to tell me in private.

I wondered why he sent me a note, but I did not stop and think about it. I made my way across the room; my head was spinning a bit so I stopped and held onto a chair to steady myself. I took a few deep breaths and headed outside to the gardens, following the path lit with small lanterns. I made my way to the rose garden passing couples and friends from college. In the center of the rose garden, four stone benches formed an oval.

I sat down taking a deep breath, as the pain started in my head. I assumed Will just wanted some quiet time with me and I was glad considering the way I felt now. The cool air felt good to me. I tried to ignore the pain, and I was sorry I had left my purse inside with my pills in it. I knew I was going to need them very soon. I was glad nobody was out this far, the gardens were so huge you could get lost if you were not careful.

A tall man in a tuxedo stepped out from the shadows. I nearly screamed. I had thought I was alone this far from the house. He looked at me but said nothing for a few minutes.

“Corrine, I presume?” His voice was low and smooth; it sent a chill down my spine as I watched him move closer to me.

“Uh, yes I am. Who are you?” I tried to hide my sudden fear of this stranger. I had a sudden urge to leave; something about this man was not good at all. I got chills standing there.

“Are you a guest of my father’s?” I struggled to remain calm, as I was starting to feel sick again.

“Oh… no lovely. I am not; I am a guest of William’s.” He winked at me. “He just doesn’t know I have arrived yet.” He smiled and glanced back at the house.

“Okay, well he’s inside playing pool if you want to speak to him.” I needed to get back in the house. I felt a blackout spell looming. “I’m really not feeling well, might you help me back to the house, and I can show you to William?”

“I know you do not feel well Corrine. I know all about you. I know you are very ill and your days are sadly numbered. Your clock is ticking down to nothing…tick…tock.” He laughed. “More so than you realize. I also know you have captured my William’s heart and thoughts of you consume his mind.” I shuttered, who was this guy and how could he know me?

“Excuse me, but I really need to get back to the party.” I felt another chill as he chuckled.

“You really do not know who I am, Corrine? Did he not describe me to you in great detail? I know he’s told you about me.” I moved back as he got closer, his face came into view. He was stunningly handsome, very much like William and all his cousins. I froze in terror. I looked into his eyes now visible from the tiny lights in the trees. They were dark and menacing. They were the eyes of a vampire.

“I have traveled very far to see William, my dear.” He leaned over close to my face. I could hardly breathe. “William… is my son.”

I couldn’t breathe, this was Vincent. It had to be, and he was right in front of me. He stood there, studying me as if I were a science project or a happy meal. I hated to think which one.

“You are William’s love, are you not? The one he’s so taken with?” He tilted his head looking me over. “I can see why, you are a lovely creature even for a mortal.” He laughed as he tilted his head to the other side, looking deep into my eyes.

I turned away. I had remembered Will’s warning that a vampire can put you in a trace and you never even know its happening. Vincent laughed and shook his head. “He has warned you about our powers, smart boy. He knew that others of our kind would see you as dinner and not his love.”

I was sick with fear as I sat there frozen to the bench, praying William would come and save me. I knew I couldn’t run. I knew no human could outrun a vampire and trying to outsmart him was impossible too. I had to pray he would make my death a swift one. I didn’t see how anyone from the party would even know I was out here.

Vincent stood there studying me; he barely blinked his eyes. They were so dark I could swear they were black. I looked away toward the house. I was trying to get my thoughts to Will, hoping he could sense my danger and come to me.

“He will come to you, my dear. He has a connection to you, of what nature and strength I do not know but…” He sighed looking down at his nails as if bored. “He will be here shortly, rest assured.”

“He’s going to kill you!” I snapped wrapping my arms around myself, as the night air seemed suddenly colder.

“Really Corrine? Did you not listen when wise old Doc was educating you on all William’s vampire traits? I know he must have. Old Doc is very thorough on his details…unless he’s slipping. ” He laughs as he pulls a small rope from his coat pocket. “William is nearly as vulnerable to me as you are. Oh yes, he is very strong a definite threat to humans of course, that I will admit. It does take a special effort to kill him.” He leaned over into my face. I leaned back away from him. “But I can kill him. He has not the strength to fight me off. You didn’t ever wonder why Doc and his coven are so protective over him. They know that if he should run into a dark coven member or a rouge vampire they would kill him. He’s not as super human as you fantasized about, little lady.”

I was too scared to speak, as I had remembered now how Will had told me he was not as strong as his cousins and other full- blooded vampires. I had known Doc said he had retained a very high amount of human traits, thus making him easy prey for the dark coven and for Vincent. I didn’t have time to think again. He jerked me off the bench with a force that made me lose my breath.

I tried to pull away. He only laughed as he pulled my arms behind my back and tied them with the rope he had been holding. I felt my head yanked back next as he tied a scarf around my mouth so I couldn’t scream. I choked and fought but he was too strong and I was getting weaker every second.

I tried to fight, but I knew it was a lost cause. Vincent would win no matter what I tried. I was at his mercy. I felt my head, starting to spin as he picked me up and carried me to a garden shed only a few feet from the rose garden.

“You have a rest here, while I deal with your lover boy who’s just about to arrive.” He had his nose raised, smelling the air. Vampires could sense one another easily like this.

I could see him walk back around the hedges, from where he put me I could see the whole garden. I heard William running down the walkway. He skidded to a halt when he saw Vincent. I could see the fear in his eyes. I wanted to scream to him to run, to get out of here, and tell him Vincent was going to kill him and me as well. “You did well my son, you heard her pleas for help did you not?” I could see Will’s lip curl and his eyes narrow in hatred. “You son of a bitch, if you hurt her, I will kill you!” Will was raging. He moved closer to Vincent, seeming to have lost his fear now.

“Ha, that’s very amusing, my boy, but we both know that is impossible. You see, I’ve come here to make you an offer.” William stepped back, his eyes fixed on Vincent for a minute. He was extremely intense now as he was scanning the area looking for me, I assumed.

“What are you talking about, you have nothing I want.”

“No, perhaps not but should you choose wrong…” He narrowed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. “I can promise you this will end badly for you and your lovely Corrine.”

“What then, what have you come here for, you know you are banished. Doc has told you that Corrine has nothing to do with this, you leave her alone.”

“You are what I’ve come for William; it seems that the secret of you being a half-blooded vampire has leaked out. This compromises my power as the dark coven leader. Should my coven believe I had only the strength to turn you halfway, they would oust me as leader for being weak. You already know this. I have told you that is why you were to follow me as my successor and never reveal you are not a full-blooded vampire to my dark coven members. I do not intend to let that happen. William, you must see what I mean. It will destroy me and all I have created. I am telling you that if you do not come back to New Orleans with me the others will learn you are in love with a mortal and that you are a true half-blood. I will kill you and your lovely girlfriend before I let that happen, no one is to ever know the truth about you.”

“No… never.” William snapped. “I will not come back to the dark coven. I am no longer part of you. I refuse to sink to your level.” William rolled up his shirtsleeves preparing to fight. “You will not hurt Corrine either. I will never allow you to touch her; you will have to kill me first!”

“How gallant you are, my son. Once again, I will ask you to return with me to the home you first knew. Where you belong, at my side. I’m running out of patience. You have made me sick enough watching you with her. It makes me ill; you know we do not play with our food!”

“No Vincent never! You will not win this one; Doc and our coven are already expecting you.”

“I have to say William, you disappoint me. You have forced my hand and this all ends now!”

I froze as I saw Vincent pull a small vial out of his coat pocket; it had a red liquid inside of it. William’s reaction was shocking; he backed away his eyes filled with terror. I couldn’t understand why he was scared of the vial Vincent had. I tried to think of the million things Doc and William had told me about vampires. I nearly choked, thinking of Doc’s grave warning about the one thing that could kill any vampire.

I now realized in that tiny vial, Vincent held the blood from a deceased victim. The blood from an already dead body, where the heart had stopped for some time. This was the only way a vampire could be killed. I watched Vincent move closer to William. He backed away quickly. I couldn’t stand this. I could not help Will as he was facing an enemy far more lethal than himself.

“Make this easy my son. You know you will have no choice now, simply give in, and make it easier for yourself.”

“No. I will never let you hurt Corrine, and I refuse to be an evil murdering freak like you!”

“Very well then.” Vincent sighed and looked down at the vial of blood in his pale hand. “Let’s end this charade, shall we?”

I cringed as Vincent grabbed William’s arm and shoved him down, pinning him with one knee effortlessly. William struggled desperately, but as to be expected, Vincent was too strong for him. The vial was uncapped and he forced it to Will’s lips. He turned his head back and forth trying not to let the blood get into his mouth.

I tried to break through my ropes. I wanted to help William somehow. I had to save him, and then I knew suddenly what to do. I knew that if my thoughts were strong enough Will could hear them. If I tried to call Doc and the cousins in my thoughts, maybe they would feel it too. I knew it was a long shot but as I watched the violent struggle between Will and Vincent, I knew I had to try.

“No stop. We can work this out. This is insane, please!” William gasped as Vincent drove his knee hard into Will’s chest knocking the air out of his lungs to get him to stay still.

“Too late, Will my boy. You have shamed me, having a relationship with a human and refusing to return South with me, you will die now.” Vincent took William’s jaw in his hands, forcing it open. The blood poured out into his mouth as he spit and choked. He managed to knock the vial out of Vincent’s hand. I prayed that maybe he had not swallowed enough to hurt him. I could only hope I was right.

“That was ignorant, my son. Now it will take longer for you to die and be much more painful. Had you drank it all you would be gone by now….” I saw him move toward me; before I knew it, he yanked me up to my feet and pulled me in front of William. I cried, watching him cringe in extreme pain as he looked up at me from the ground. Vincent pulled the cloth off my mouth so I could speak. I couldn’t stand to see William hurting, his beautiful eyes so filled with pain.

“William I love you, I’m so sorry.” I tried to break free from Vincent’s death grip to get to William’s side. I could feel the tears stream down my cheeks as the wind picked up and leaves swirled around us. The perfect night was ruined by Vincent’s evil.

“I love you Corrine, forgive me.” Will gasped in a barely audible voice; it was but a whisper, as it took all he had to say the words before he closed his eyes. I could see he was breathing but it took all he had to keep doing so. He was too weak to talk anymore.

“Now Corrine, your death will be swift and seeing as I have not eaten in awhile, it should be very painless. Let’s proceed, as I have places to be.” I could feel him pull me close I wanted to hold William, but he yanked me away. I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see anymore. I did not care what he did to me now. William was nearly dead, and I was to be the same way in seconds. It was all ending here, like a nightmare you cannot wake from. I was helpless. I could do nothing to save William or myself.

I could feel Vincent’s breath on my neck; he in hailed my scent like a fine wine, he said. I felt my heart pounding in my chest. I had never imagined my death to happen like this. I could feel the hot tears stream down my cheeks.

I looked at William once more. He was watching me now, and I could see his cheeks too were tear- stained, as he blinked slowly. I wanted to hold him close to me. He was dying alone and in pain. I watched him try to get up but his body was too weak. He barely could lift his head up.

“I would have spared you seeing this. If had you drank the entire vial, but you fought me, and now you shall see your love die before your eyes…such a waste!”

“Drop her, you ass!” Roth’s voice boomed from the side of the garden.

“It’s over Vincent, let her go now. You’ve no place here!” The second voice was Doc. William’s cousins were behind him, along with various members of their coven.

“This is not of your concern Doc. You and your pack of idiots can get the hell out of here!” He snapped as he yanked me closer to him.

“Wrong, William is family you sack of crap.” Roth yelled as he moved close to me. He winked at me as he swiftly pulled me to him, out of Vincent’s arms.

“Go or I will kill you myself!” Doc yelled. He suddenly seemed younger than he was as he grabbed Vincent’s arm and threw him to the ground. Roth and Taylor pinned him down as Doc pulled out his own vial of dead blood. Vincent fought them hard, but he was outnumbered and had no chance of escaping

“Now this ends. For centuries, you have plagued our world. You have terrorized and murdered for much too long. I should have done this long ago and ended it all before it came to this! William and Corrine are innocent; they have done nothing to you. This shows me how evil you truly are, it makes me ill to think I created you, a monster, a demon from hell.” I knew they had all seen William, their eyes moved to him as Doc spoke. They wanted to go to him but they had to deal with Vincent first.

“Will.” I cried running to him after Roth untied my arms. I dropped to the ground taking his head into my lap, gently stroking his hair. I held him as I watched Doc and the cousins hold Vincent down. They poured the blood down his throat. He couldn’t fight as Roth had him in a headlock. I looked away now, burying my face into William’s hair. He held my hand weakly, and his breath shallow.

“Roth, Taylor, get Will up right, he’s going fast. We don’t have much time now!” Doc barked out orders like a drill sergeant. The other coven members were taking Vincent’s body away quickly, before anyone from the party could possibly see it.

I couldn’t bear it; William was dying in my arms. He tried to keep his focus on me, but he was too weak to hold open his eyes for very long. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He turned his head into my arms as pain ripped across his body. He gasped groaning, holding onto me, begging us to help him.

“Doc, what can we do?” I cried looking up at him, then over at Lydia who had just arrived. I could see her tear-stained face. She held onto Andrew’s arm, nearly fainting. I couldn’t imagine what she was thinking, seeing her only child dying. “Can’t we help him please?

I pulled Will closer whispering to him that it was going to be okay somehow. Doc’s face was pained as he looked to William’s loyal group of cousins and to Lydia who now knelt down to William taking his left hand as I had hold of his other.

Andrew, her husband, knelt down next to Lydia, putting his arm around her as she cried hard. I knew they all were discussing what to do for William. They didn’t need words, of course.

“If we don’t, he will die! It has to be done Doc.” Roth looked from Doc to me and took a deep breath. “Corrine will do it, you know she will. We can save them both, you know this.”

“I know but she’s weak already.” Doc shook his head, patting my back. “I don’t know if she can do this and survive the change safely.”

“It is the only way.” Lydia sobbed. “You must try. I know



Corrine loves him enough to try it. We are losing him.”

“She can, she’s strong Doc.” Taylor added. He knelt down next to Roth, looking sadly at William. His breathing was getting shallow. He had long pauses between breaths now. I was terrified the end was near for him.

“Corrine, there is only one thing that can save William.” Doc said in a soft voice. “He has to have fresh blood from a living person, if not, he will die in minutes.” Doc looked at me, his face tense. “You are weak Corrine. You could die yourself; your illness will make it risky. William needs a large amount of blood to recover, his system is shutting down, and he hasn’t long left.”

“I will do it. I can make it. I will be changed after that, won’t I? Is that what will happen?” I asked desperately.

“Yes, that’s what should happen. I’m just concerned you aren’t strong enough to survive the change process in your condition. Your illness is draining you anyway, and a large loss of blood could make it dangerous for you.”

“I will do it Doc. I can do this, please let me try. He’s suffering. I won’t allow him to suffer or die when I can save him! I don’t care if I die as long as William doesn’t; it’s a risk I will take.” I sighed with relief when he nodded yes. I knew he was going to let me try to save him, and I knew wouldn’t fail…maybe.

Doc had me move closer to William. He told me the blood from my neck was stronger and easier for Will to take into his system. I felt my heart race. I blocked out all thoughts of my own possible death. William turned away from me when Roth held my hair back so my neck was exposed to William’s face.

“No… I… can’t,” gasped William. “Let me die. I won’t kill her to save myself.” It took all he had to protest. Doc placed a hand on Will’s shoulder.

“No, William. We will stop you before you take too much blood. Then I will see that she transforms safely, you both will survive this. I give you my word. I will do everything in my power to see you both make it through this.” Will relaxed, knowing Doc would never lie to him. He took a shallow breath.

“Okay then,” he said weakly. I moved down lower to William’s lips. I kissed him softly. His breath was warm on my cold cheek.

“I love you.” I whispered to him.

“I love you too.” He kissed my lips softly, looking me in the eyes, smiling. I turned my face away, pressed my neck to his lips, and waited. I waited to save him, waited to save myself or possibly die trying to do both, only time would tell.

I felt the sting as his teeth sank into the soft skin of my neck. I gasped in pain and shock, and I bit my fisted hand as I put it to my mouth to muffle a cry. I could feel Roth’s arm around me in support.

“Hang on Corrine, we are here. We will not let anything happen. It’s going to be okay.” Roth’s voice was soothing as I tried to breathe. I felt my head spin now, and my vision was going out. I couldn’t hold myself up anymore. I collapsed into Roth’s strong arms, suddenly weak and tired.

“Enough, enough!” Doc’s voice boomed and I felt myself moved away from William, then all went dark. The voices muffled at first then I heard nothing but silence. I figured I was dead or dying. It was over for me apparently.

I could make out bits and pieces of their conversation, but the darkness would not let go of me. I had to trust that Doc and the others would help me and not let me die. I had to pray that I had given William enough blood to save him.

I felt as If I was spinning; my world was gone. I could feel people touching me, moving me but I couldn’t respond. I had no control over my body. I felt cold sometimes and numb the next minute. I wanted to cry but could not. My body was like a tomb, much like when I was in coma months ago.

I don’t know how long I was out; it felt like forever. I suddenly could hear voices clearly, namely William’s. He begged me to wake up, to come back to him. I was so happy he was alive, it all had worked, and I had saved him. I could feel him holding me in his arms stroking my hair. I fought the fog I was in and struggled to open my eyes.

I could feel myself able to move now. I could move my hands and I was no longer as cold as before.

I opened my eyes, and looked straight up at William. The blue of his eyes was so brilliant and so welcoming I gasped.

“You’re back. Corrine, I love you so much.” He kissed me softly, pulling me close to his chest. “I thought I had lost you. We all did.” I sighed in relief as he kissed me again. I was alive and I was with the love of my life. I had made it. Doc and Lydia were also at my side smiling at me, happy I had pulled through.

“I love you William. I will be with you forever.” I leaned my head back on his chest, never had I felt more loved and more secure than now.

“Yes.” He smiled looking down lovingly at me. “We will have an eternity to be together. I will never leave your side, and we will be as one.” I had survived a nightmare to wake up into a fairy tale. I had my Prince Charming now or really my vampire prince, but that is fine with me. That is just my kind of fairy tale, a really twisted one.

End of Book One