Midnight Moon: A Paranormal Vampire Romance

By Rose Knight

When Ava, your everyday teenager, crosses paths with the dark and dreamy Dean, sparks fly like crazy. There's this magnetic pull that's too real to ignore. Little does Ava know, though, Dean's not your average brooding guy – he's a centuries-old vampire, packing superhuman skills and a seriously heartbreaking backstory.

 

As their love story heats up, sinister vibes start creeping in. Enter Vanessa, one cold-blooded vampire with a history of obsession over Dean. She's on a mission to reclaim what she thinks is hers, no matter the cost.

 

In a plot twist to end all plot twists, Ava's got to step up her game. To shield her crew from Vanessa's reign of terror, she convinces Dean, who's not exactly thrilled, to turn her into a vampire. But vamp life doesn't come with a user manual, and Ava's struggling to keep her cool among all the chaos. Turns out, not every monster wears fangs.

 

Now, it's decision time for Ava – stick with the handsome and ardent Dean or chase that normal human dream. Dean's got his own demons, torn between feelings for Ava and his vamp side. Their love's thrown into the supernatural blender, and the universe seems dead-set on keeping them apart. Can love conquer all when the odds are seriously stacked?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Knight
• Release date: Nov 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223830177

Book preview

When Ava, your everyday teenager, crosses paths with the dark and dreamy Dean, sparks fly like crazy. There's this magnetic pull that's too real to ignore. Little does Ava know, though, Dean's not your average brooding guy – he's a centuries-old vampire, packing superhuman skills and a seriously heartbreaking backstory.

As their love story heats up, sinister vibes start creeping in. Enter Vanessa, one cold-blooded vampire with a history of obsession over Dean. She's on a mission to reclaim what she thinks is hers, no matter the cost.

In a plot twist to end all plot twists, Ava's got to step up her game. To shield her crew from Vanessa's reign of terror, she convinces Dean, who's not exactly thrilled, to turn her into a vampire. But vamp life doesn’t come with a user manual, and Ava's struggling to keep her cool among all the chaos. Turns out, not every monster wears fangs.

Now, it's decision time for Ava – stick with the handsome and ardent Dean or chase that normal human dream. Dean's got his own demons, torn between feelings for Ava and his vamp side. Their love's thrown into the supernatural blender, and the universe seems dead-set on keeping them apart. Can love conquer all when the odds are seriously stacked?

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 1

THE PULSING BEAT OF the music is so strong I can feel it in my chest. I take in the scene - classmates dancing, laughing, clutching red solo cups of illicit drinks. I came ready for a night of typical high school partying and freedom.

My best friend Emma grabs my hand, tugging me toward the makeshift dancefloor in the living room. We start dancing together, letting loose and feeding off the energetic vibe.

After a few fast songs, I'm parched and signal to Emma that I need a drink. I'm getting some water! I shout over the din.

I squeeze past groups of sweaty, dancing teens to get to the kitchen. Leaning into an ice-filled cooler, I fish out a plastic water bottle and twist off the cap. As I take a long sip, I hear a smooth voice behind me.

Water's not really the drink of choice for a party like this, is it?

I turn and see an insanely attractive guy leaning casually against the counter, giving me a crooked smile. He has jet black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a subtle dangerous edge. I'm momentarily stunned.

It's important to stay hydrated when you're dancing all night, I reply, trying to sound laid-back. I'm pacing myself.

He chuckles. That's a good call. I'm Dean, by the way. He reaches out his hand.

Ava, I say, shaking it. His hand feels cold.

So, Ava, are you a student at Salinger High? Dean asks.

Yep, I'm a junior, I say. Let me guess - you don't go to Salinger High. I give him a coy look.

Dean grins. What gave me away?

Well, I think I'd remember seeing you around school, I say playfully. I'm Ava Ross, by the way. My dad works at the lumber mill on the edge of town. We've lived here my whole life.

Dean nods. It's nice to meet you, Ava Ross. I'm new in town, actually.

Oh yeah? And how are you liking it so far? I ask.

It's growing on me, Dean says, holding eye contact with me. I feel my cheeks flush pink.

Just then, Emma bursts into the kitchen. There you are! What's taking so long? She spots Dean with me. Ooh, making a new friend?

Emma, this is Dean. Dean, my friend Emma, I introduce them.

Emma gives a flirty wave. Hi Dean! Wanna come dance with us?

Dean glances at me. Maybe I'll join you ladies in a bit. But I wouldn't want to steal Ava away from you.

Emma tugs my arm. Come on, let's go!

As Emma pulls me back toward the makeshift dancefloor, I sneak a look over my shoulder and exchange an intense, electric gaze with Dean. I have a feeling this won't be the last time I see this mysterious stranger tonight.

After a few more fast dances with Emma and our friends, I'm ready for a break. Emma is still absorbed in the music, so I gesture that I'm stepping outside for some air.

I wander into the quiet, moonlit backyard, taking a deep breath of the night air. Suddenly, I sense Dean's presence beside me.

Hey, he says casually.

Hey! Did you decide to take me up on that dance offer after all? I flirt.

Dean smiles mysteriously. Actually, I had to get away from the crowd for a bit. Sometimes it all gets to be too much.

Oh, yeah. I get that, I say, intrigued by his cryptic response.

We sit together on a bench swing, gently swaying under the starry sky. The party feels miles away.

So what's your story, Dean? You don't seem like any other high school guy I know, I ask.

Dean pauses before answering carefully. Let's just say I'm a bit older than I look.

How much older? I pry.

Old enough to have lived a few lifetimes already, he replies with a wry smile.

I laugh. Okay, Mr. Vague. And how many lifetimes would that be?

You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Dean says mysteriously.

Try me, I challenge playfully.

Dean looks at me thoughtfully. Another time, maybe. For now, all you need to know is I'm new here, looking for someone real. Like you.

I meet his intense blue eyes. Is that a line? I ask softly.

Not at all, says Dean. He brushes a strand of hair from my face, sending shivers down my spine.

We talk for hours out there, Dean evading most personal questions but captivating me nonetheless. I'm fascinated by this brooding loner.

As dawn approaches, Dean says regretfully that he has to leave. We exchange numbers and he promises to see me again soon.

Walking inside after Dean's gone, I feel dizzy with exhilaration. The party's ending as exhausted teens pass out or shuffle to Ubers. But I'm wide awake, already longing to see this intriguing stranger again. He makes me feel like no one else ever has.

AFTER EXCHANGING NUMBERS with Dean, I go back inside just as the party is winding down. Emma finds me in the kitchen.

There you are! Where did you disappear to? she asks.

Just got some air. And I met someone, I say, leaning against the counter.

Oooh, that guy Dean? He was a hottie, Emma says with a wink.

I smile thinking of his piercing eyes, chiseled features, his mysterious aura.

He seems...different. Intriguing, I say.

Well don’t hold out on me! What happened with lover boy? Emma pries.

We just talked. But not about much. He was kind of secretive, I reply.

Secretive how? asks Emma.

He said he’s lived a few lifetimes already or something. The whole thing was strange but I can’t stop thinking about him, I confess.

Hmm, a brooding older mystery guy. You always did love a project, Emma teases.

Oh stop, I laugh. There was just this crazy chemistry between us.

Emma raises her eyebrows. Love at first sight?

I roll my eyes but smile. Maybe. I don’t know. We’ll see.

Just then, Emma’s phone dings. My mom’s here. I gotta run. Text me if you hear from lover boy!

After Emma leaves, I flop down on the living room couch, alone with my thoughts of Dean. I replay our moonlit conversation on the swing. His voice, his eyes, his cryptic energy reels me in.

I check my phone but don’t see any texts from him yet. It’s only been a couple hours but I already crave more time with him.

I close my eyes, imagining our next encounter. Will we meet in secret? Take long drives out of town? Have a slow dance at his place? Each scenario thrills me.

My phone buzzes with a text notification and I bolt upright. It’s just a message from my mom asking when I’ll be home.

I sigh and text her that I’m leaving soon. The morning sun is rising now. Most people have cleared out, leaving strewn red cups and empty bottles behind.

As I step outside into the hazy dawn, I imagine Dean here, by my side. I smile thinking about his mysterious aura again.

My mom picks me up looking tired. Did you have fun at the party?

Yeah, I say, gazing out the window as trees fly by. I consider telling her about Dean but opt not to yet.

Back in my room, I open my window and breathe in the morning air. I look at the bench swing, picturing Dean sitting there with me just hours ago.

I take out my phone, drafting a text to Dean. I type and delete a few versions before settling on: Hope you got home ok. Had fun talking, let me know if u wanna hang again soon. My finger hovers over the send button.

Before I can overthink, I hit send. As I wait anxiously for a reply, I lie back in bed replaying our night together. Dean consumes my thoughts, and I can’t wait to see him again soon.

A few days go by and I haven’t heard from Dean. I’m bummed but try not to obsess over it too much.

I’m at my locker before homeroom when Emma runs up to me eagerly.

GUESS WHAT? THERE’S a new super hot senior that just enrolled! she squeals.

I chuckle at her excitement. Oh really?

Yes! I just saw him in the office. Let’s go see if we can find him! Emma says, linking her arm in mine.

We weave through the crowded hallway peering into classrooms. As we turn a corner, I stop dead in my tracks. There’s Dean at the other end of the hall.

That’s him! Emma exclaims. The hot new guy!

What is Dean doing here? I ask in shock.

Wait, Dean? That’s the mystery guy from the party? Emma asks.

I nod, still stunned. We watch as Dean opens a locker and starts unpacking a bookbag.

Are you gonna go talk to him? Emma nudges me.

Um, yeah. I’ll see you in homeroom, I mutter.

My heart races as I approach Dean at his locker. He glances over and flashes that irresistible crooked smile.

Ava! Fancy running into you here, he says casually.

You...go to school here now? I ask, bewildered.

Dean leans against the locker. I decided to finish up high school. Gotta keep up appearances, right?

I lower my voice. But I thought...you said you were older. That you’d lived lifetimes already or something.

Dean steps closer. It’s complicated. But let’s just say I’m trying something a little different this time around. He winks.

I shake my head, struggling to make sense of this.

The warning bell rings and Dean shoulders his bag. See you around, Ava. He heads off down the hall.

I watch him disappear into a classroom before turning and rushing off, more confused than ever.

At lunch, I find Emma and excitedly tell her about my interaction with Dean.

Woah, weird he’s posing as a student now, Emma says, taking a bite of her sandwich.

Right? He seemed to avoid giving me any real explanation, I reply.

Well, at least you’ll get to see lover boy at school every day now, Emma says with a smirk.

I blush at the thought. I guess so. If I can get him to tell me what's really going on.

After school, I linger around my locker, hoping to spot Dean in the hallway again. After a few minutes, I see his tall frame cutting through the crowd.

Dean! I call out. He turns and grins when he sees me.

Ava, you waiting around for me? Dean asks with a flirtatious look.

I roll my eyes. I want an explanation. What is all this about you being a student?

Dean glances around and opens a nearby classroom door. Let’s talk in here.

I follow him into the empty classroom. Dean leans on the teacher’s desk while I cross my arms impatiently.

Okay, talk, I say. Is this some kind of joke?

Dean sighs. It’s not a joke. I enrolled because...I wanted an excuse to be near you, Ava.

I feel my cheeks flush as my resolve melts slightly. But why pretend to be a student? That makes no sense.

Dean moves closer. Nothing about this is simple. But being here with you feels right. Can’t you just trust me?

He gazes at me steadily with those magnetic eyes. My questions fade away and I just stand there speechless.

Dean brushes a hand against my arm, sending shivers through me. I’ll see you tomorrow?

All I can do is nod. Dean smiles and walks out, leaving me breathless. I sink into a desk chair, more enthralled by him than ever.

Over the next few weeks, I see Dean in the halls and around school frequently. He remains mysterious about his past and his reasons for enrolling here. But every time we talk, I feel more captivated.

During chemistry class, our teacher assigns lab partners for an upcoming project. She reads out the pairings and I grin when she announces Ava and Dean.

Dean meets my eyes across the room and winks. I blush and try to focus as the teacher reviews the project requirements.

When the bell rings, Dean saunters over to me. Looks like we’ll be spending a lot more time together, he says with a smirk.

Try not to distract me too much. I actually need to pass chemistry, I joke.

Dean puts a hand over his heart. You wound me. I’ll be on my best behavior.

We decide to start working on the project that weekend. On Saturday afternoon, I’m standing in front of the mirror fussing over my outfit when the doorbell rings.

I rush downstairs and open the door to see Dean looking as handsome as ever. Ready to work? he asks.

We spread out our books on the kitchen table and open our chemistry textbooks. At first we make progress, but it’s not long before we lose focus.

Want to take a break? Dean asks. He leans back in his chair and grins at me.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Yeah, good idea.

We end up talking for hours about music, movies, books - I’m enthralled by Dean’s unique perspectives.

The sun starts setting outside my kitchen window. I should probably get going, says Dean, glancing at the darkening sky. He hesitates before asking, Come take a walk with me?

We stroll down the quiet streets as dusk settles. Streetlights flicker on above us.

Dean reaches for my hand tentatively. When I lace my fingers through his, he exhales and pulls me closer.

We turn onto a wooded path, the trees silhouetted in the twilight. Dean stops and turns toward me.

Time seems to stand still. Dean brushes his hand against my cheek and leans in. His kiss is cold at first, then deepens with burning intensity.

We break apart breathless. Dean rests his forehead on mine. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this, he whispers.

I close my eyes and kiss him again, losing myself in this perfect moment.

CHAPTER 2

EVER SINCE WE KISSED, Dean and I have been inseparable. We've been spending all our free time together, getting to know each other better. I still don't know much about his mysterious past, but every moment with him feels exciting.

We're sitting in a corner booth at the local diner after school, sipping milkshakes.

So tell me, what's your favorite subject in school? Dean asks before tasting his chocolate shake.

Hmm, probably English. What about you?

Dean smirks. English is cool I guess. But chemistry has become my new favorite subject.

He winks at me and I blush. Very smooth line, I say, laughing.

Our conversation is interrupted by the chime of my phone. It's a text from Emma asking me to come over.

I should get going soon. My friend Emma wants me to come over, I tell Dean.

He nods, then grins mischievously. Want me to give you a ride?

Twenty minutes later we pull up at Emma's house on Dean's sleek motorcycle.

Your carriage, my lady, Dean says with mock gallantry as I climb off, handing me my helmet.

Why thank you kind sir, I reply. I'll call you later?

Absolutely. Dean steals a quick kiss before speeding off.

Emma is waiting at the door eagerly. Was that Dean dropping you off? On a motorcycle?

Yeah, he gave me a ride, I say, unable to stop smiling.

Things seem to be heating up with you two! Emma says as we go inside.

Over the next few weeks, Dean and I go on more romantic dates around town. We have picnics in the park, go to movies, and spend evenings stargazing together.

One night we're laying on a blanket looking up at the glittering sky. I nuzzle my head against Dean’s chest as he traces soft circles on my back.

Do you think we’ll be together forever? I ask in a hushed tone.

Dean is silent for a moment. I don’t know what the future holds, he says finally. But right now, I just want to be with you.

Hearing Dean say this sends my heart soaring. I tilt my head up to look at him. He kisses me tenderly underneath the stars.

At school we’re inseparable too, always walking hand in hand between classes. My friends whisper about our whirlwind romance, but I don’t care. When I’m with Dean, nothing else matters.

Dean and I sit curled up together on the worn leather couch in his apartment. I've been spending more time here lately, away from the prying eyes of my friends.

Dean traces lazy circles on my arm with his fingers. Tell me more about your family, he says.

I nestle closer into his chest. Well, it's just me, my mom and dad. My dad works a lot of overtime at the mill to make ends meet. And my mom does seamstress work from home.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Dean asks.

I shake my head. Nope, only child. It gets kind of lonely sometimes. What about you? Any family?

Dean's expression darkens. No, it's just me.

Sensing it's a sensitive topic, I change the subject. Anyway, I've lived here my whole life. Someday I'd love to travel and see the world.

Dean smiles and kisses the top of my head. We'll travel together. I'll show you places you can only imagine.

I grin thinking about exploring exotic destinations with Dean. We chat more about our dreams for the future. Dean is vague about his own past, but I feel like I'm starting to peel back some of his protective layers.

Looking at the time, I sigh. I should probably head home soon.

Dean pulls me closer. Not yet. Stay a little longer.

Unable to resist, I snuggle back into his arms. We talk for hours more, our conversation effortless. With Dean I feel a sense of belonging I’ve never had with anyone else.

When I finally do have to leave, Dean insists on walking me home. We stroll hand in hand through the quiet streets. A full moon lights our path.

We pause under a streetlamp outside my house. Dean gazes at me tenderly and brushes a strand of hair from my