The Ghost Hunters and The Familiar Strangers
Evan Hides Another Truth From Laura

Reed knew it was Adam hiding behind a tree so he decided to do something. He didn't know if what he was about to do would have any consequences but still, he wanted to give it a try. He got closer to Emerald so close that Emerald had to move away from him every time he came nearer to her.

"um.. Reed, I don't think you should". Before she could take another step, Reed got closer to her and pulled her to him. He stared directly into her eyes as he lift her chin. He could feel Emerald tremble at his touch. He couldn't remember when last he made someone feel this way. "Reed..". Emerald but before she could say anything Reed moved his lips closer to her, but as he was about to kiss her, he felt a force pushing him away from her making him fly causing his back to hit the tree a few meters away.

Shocked by everything, Emerald turned to see what just happened, and, appearing out of his hiding place was Adam with his eyes all red. Emerald has never seen him this way before.

"Adam". She tried to call him, but he had something else in mind. He moved closer to Reed, who was still trying his best to get up.

"How could you Reed?". Adam said as he pulled him up by his neck choking him. "You know how much I love her and still you want to take her away from me? Claiming her isn't enough?". He said as he punched him. Reed maintained his balance as he stared at Emerald. "If you love her....". He said then returning his gaze to Adam. "... Prove it".

Adam was about to punch him again but Reed was fast, he dodged it. "I don't need to prove anything to you, Reed".

"But you have to prove it to me". Emerald said, approaching them. "I feel like your words and actions are two completely different things and it confuses me every time,".

"Emerald". Reed turned to face her because he knew it was true. One moment he wants her and the next he doesn't.

"Tell me the truth now Adam.. Do you love me?". She asked, looking straight into his eyes.

Adam didn't know how he was going to prove to her that he loves her. He stood without saying a word for a few minutes and Emerald was running out of patience. She waited and when she found out he wasn't going to say anything, she decided to walk away from him, but before she could do that, Adam held her hand and pulled her, planting a kiss on her lips. Emerald's eyes widened in shock. She returned the kiss with the same passion and followed his steps. Reed didn't know if to feel hurt or feel happy, but all the same, he likes what he is seeing.

"I love you Emerald so much that I can't replace the words to describe my love for you... I can't even replace any reason as to why I love you because I feel I don't need a reason to love you. I'm scared if I start giving reasons, if those reasons aren't available anymore, I might stop loving you but I love you unconditionally. I love your eyes, your smile... I love you Emerald".

Emerald could feel a tear was about to drop from her eye. She never knew such a day like this would come but here it is now. She hugged him as they both enjoyed each other's presence. Emerald glanced at Reed and whispered a 'thank you to him. Reed nodded and disappeared out of sight.

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It was late already and Jones has to start going home. It was nice seeing his ex-wife again and knowing that his son is no longer around. He believed her because there wasn't a picture of the child in her living room. "What about your husband? How come there's no picture of him?". Jones asked.

"Well, that's because there is no husband". Catherine replied.

"It was nice seeing you again. I have to go home now". Jones said as he stood up but immediately fell back to his seat.

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"Are you OK?". Catherine asked, trying to help him stand up, but both of them fell on the chair.

"Did... Did you drug me?"? Jones asked as Catherine laughed.

"Is it possible to drug you and drug myself?". She asked.

Jones thought about it and no fool would do that, but Catherine ain't no fool. She knew exactly what she wanted.

Catherine looked at Jones as she planted a kiss on his lips. Stunned by that action, Jones' eyes widened." What are you doing?".

"Want to know why I am not married?". She asked Jones as she sat on his lap facing him. When there was no reply from him, she continued. "That's because I was waiting for you Jones. I love you". She said.

Jones couldn't do this, but his desires weren't strong enough to withstand the alcohol. "I'm sorry, but I love another woman who has two beautiful daughters for me. When I needed you most, you left me, Eve... You disappeared. I was crushed, sad, and depressed. I never thought I would love again until I met Martina and I'm sorry but I love my wife".

"If you love her, why haven't you claimed her yet?". Catherine asked. "Listen, Jones, I don't want anything more than to be claimed by you. You can go back to your wife and daughters I don't care but I need you to claim me to show me that at some point, you still love me".

Jones tried pushing her off him but Catherine won't let him go that easily. She forcefully kissed him as she used her tongue to plead for entrance. Outweighed by the alcohol, Jones gave in to it as he returned the kiss.

"Let's go to my room. It's a lot safer there". Catherine told him as he carried her and went into the room.

...********

"Look into my eyes and tell me, Evan, would you have told me?". Laura asked again.

Evan shook his head as he looked at her. Laura didn't know whether to be disappointed or grateful.

"What else do you think I should know?". She asked, looking at him.

Evan was confused as to whether to tell her the truth about her being a vampire or should he just keep it to herself.

"Evan". She called trying to get his attention.

"Um..". He pulled himself closer to her as he held her hand. Shocked by the action, Laura looked at the clasped hands. "... Laura, there is one more thing you should know". Laura looked at him to show him he was ready to accept whatever it is as long as he ain't lying again. "You are....." before he could say anything the door flashed open revealing a sad Ashley.

"Ashley". Laura stood up as she ran to meet her sister. "Are you OK?".

"Mom and..... Dad are....". Laura didn't wait to hear anything she ran to meet her parents. Ashley and Evan followed after her.