Eli And Clare Novels & Stories

"Either way, she has known about Eli for six years. Not suspected. Known. Documented." The line was quiet for a moment with a different quality than before. "Sebastian doesn't know that," Claire said carefully. "No," I said. "He doesn't." "Are you going to tell him?" I looked out the kitchen window. Eli had finished his breakfast and moved on to a fresh piece of paper, drawing the asteroid at the exact angle required to cause the level of extinction it actually caused, working with great seriousness using the pencil he had now misplaced somewhere between the table and the windowsill. He had checked under his cereal bowl twice. He had not thought to check his own hand, where the pencil was tu

Sabrina snapped her back to herself. "That's right," she said sharply. "Since you're so determined to divorce me, fine. Then, you're not walking away with a single thing." Upon hearing this, I burst out laughing, then pulled a stack of zoomed-in photos out of my pocket. "I'm not getting a single thing?" I repeated. "Then, let's let everybody judge for themselves who should really be leaving with nothing." The photos were scattered across the floor. They were photos of bodies tangled together in intimate positions.

Marcia teased, sticking out her tongue playfully. Claire handed her a napkin, already fussing again. Kevin remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he watched her closely, suspicion creeping into his gaze. Marcia, meanwhile, asked, "Kevin, do you know when Eli will be back?" He shook his head. "No idea. But definitely not today." Marcia nodded quietly. Just then, Elijah's name flashed on her phone screen. She snatched it up, her hands trembling. Kevin and Claire shared a glance before slipping away to the side room, leaving her to take the call in peace.

Claire stood beside me with her palm held to her mouth in shock. Claire stood in the middle of the room, her eyes glistening with emotion. She felt overwhelmed, almost unable to process the warmth and love surrounding her. Everyone had gathered to welcome her back, and the happiness in the air was almost tangible. As she looked around at the familiar faces—Desideria, Nick, Romano, and especially Elyse—her heart swelled with gratitude.

Claire kissed him on the cheek and left as well to let him continue with his work in the kitchen to go and see Elise. When the woman left, a shadow appeared and was kneeling before Blake; when he looked down, Helen was already undoing his pants, needing a refilling of life force; taking it from the forest was too slow. Blake smiled and let her continue. Blake only continued preparing the meal as she worked for her reward. When Claire arrived in Elise’s room, Elise was humming to herself in a happy tune. “You seem to be happy, what’s the occasion?” Claire asked. “I thought you wanted to make love to Blake as soon as possible.”

“Didn’t want it sitting in the mailbox all day.” Lily rolled her eyes. “You guys and your mysterious mail.” Claire, oblivious, grinned. “Oh hey, Mr. K. Didn’t know I’d be crashing family breakfast.” “Not a problem,” Damian said, his smile polite, safe, perfect. But when his eyes flicked to Eli — just for a second — there was nothing polite about it. Just a flash of knowing. Lily busied herself with mugs and the French press. Claire plopped onto a stool, already chattering about her failed date last night.

Behind her, Eli sat cross-legged on the bed eating strawberries. “Mommy, are you really going alone?” Eli asked suspiciously. “Yes, sweetheart.” “I still don’t trust Aunt Clara.” Evelyn paused briefly. Neither did she. But this game had to continue. I'm“It’s just lunch,” Evelyn replied calmly. Eli puffed her cheeks slightly. “She gives me scary vibes.” Evelyn almost laughed despite herself. Children truly noticed everything. Just then— Her phone rang. Clara. Evelyn exchanged a quick glance with Eli before answering. “Hello?”

“So does Elias.” Elena froze. Claire immediately regretted it. “Don't.” “Sorry.” “You don't get to talk about him like you know him.” “I don’t.” “You know facts.” “Yes.” “Descriptions.” “Yes.” “Summaries.” “Yes.” “Not him.” “No.” Good. Claire understood at least that. Elena picked up the chair. Then sat again. “Start over.” Claire nodded. “My name is Claire.” “Not useful.” “I’m fifty-four.”