A perk of being a vampire?
The sex was great.
A hand possessively trailed between my breasts.
"What are you smiling for, minx?"
Holding back a huff, I turned around to face Marcel's smiling face.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're the one whose smiling." I pointed out with a smirk.
I didn't do smiles.
Smirks, on the other hand? Call me an expert at it.
"Of course I am, what did you expect?"
He was right really. I did expect him to be in a good mood after the night I just gave him.
Though, I was admittedly impressed that he had actually chased after me all these years, even when I would suddenly disappear and reappear back in New Orleans.
"Hmm," I hummed letting my fingers brush his cheek, "Up for round two?"
It wasn't like I had anything else to do. I wasn't planning to leave until I get some news from a few witches.
"I would love to, but..."
He grabbed my fingers, squeezing them tight enough to make me wince. I knew he wasn't really trying to hurt me, he was just trying to intimidate me. Being friends with him for almost a century made it easy enough to know he wouldn't really try to hurt me unless I do something drastic.
Loyalty was one of his strong points after all, second to his very pleasing physique.
"But?"
He looked at me a moment, probably hesitating.
"Why have you been visiting the witches?"
Ah, so that was what was bothering him. Despite being King of New Orleans, Marcel still monitored everything closely. If given the chance to oppress the witches, he probably would take it in a heartbeat.
"I've always been interested in witches, you know that." I pointed out, bringing my other hand up to trace his abs.
He let my fingers go, realization dawning his features. "You still haven't given up, have you?"
He was probably remembering the day I first arrived in New Orleans, back in 1881, and quite literally stumbled upon him.
"I want answers."
"It's been over a century, K. If there even was any answer, you would have found it by now."
He was right, but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to give up. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a point to half the things I've done in my life as a human or my life as a vampire.
"This is the last time," I muttered, knowing he would hear me anyway, "If nothing comes up, I'll give up and accept that some things just happen."
"What then?"
"Well, I did promise my little brothers an eternity of hell..."
Marcel chuckled quietly, "You can do that, or..." he pulled me closer to himself, "You can stay in New Orleans, permanently. You can rule this city with me." he whispered, burying his nose in my dark locks.
"You asking me to become your lover?"
He nodded, a smile forming on his face.
I smiled, "You're joking, right?" I asked.
His smile dimmed, but didn't completely fade. "Kiara Salvatore, I'm completely serious. I love you. When Klaus and his siblings left, you helped me get back on my feet. Whenever I was troubled, you would come running."
"Marcel..."
I didn't know what to say, really. Sure, I did just sleep with him, but that didn't mean I suddenly loved him or anything. I was just having fun. I didn't do love.
Also, Rebekah, wherever she was at this moment, would not be pleased if I suddenly started dating her old lover. Although she and I weren't exactly the best of friends, what with us never really getting the chance to talk, I wouldn't anger an Original.
I've heard stories.
I've personally seen what happened to those who angered them too.
Of course, I could fall in love with Marcel. But...
Love was underrated. I've seen what it does with people, my brothers being a prime example of a love story gone wrong. I didn't want to give anyone the power to destroy me. And to love was to destroy.
"Tell you what," I coyly smirked, "Once this city is really one hundred percent yours, I'll take you up on that offer." I proposed.
A determined smile was all it took for him to confirm.
"Deal."
He kissed me.
Smiling into the kiss, I used my vampire speed to roll myself on top of him, straddling him. The sheet, which had previously kept me decent enough, fell and revealed my nudity.
I didn't mind one bit.
Over a century of compliments was enough for me to be confident in the fact that I was beautiful.
"Now, I think even a King needs a day off, wouldn't you agree?"
Marcel's hands found their way to my hips as I lowered myself enough to trail kisses along his jawline, making him shudder.
Just as I was about to end the little waiting game I was playing and fully enjoy an intercourse with this vampire, my phone rang.
I ignored it.
"Whoever that is, he or she has been calling you since last night."
With a sigh, I got off of Marcel. Looks like giving him a follow up to the best night of his life would have to wait until I settle any business it is I have.
I grabbed my phone from the night desk, watching as Marcel started putting his clothes back on mumbling about getting us some breakfast.
Unknown number.
Not a witch or my brothers then.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Kiara Salvatore, it's been a while. We haven't talked since 1874, if I'm not mistaken."
"Annabelle Zhu, I clearly remember telling you telling me to never speak to you again. This kind of defeats the purpose."
"Trust me, you're the last person I want to speak with."
"My memories of 1873 tells me something else," I teased, knowing I was picking at old wounds that I myself inflicted on her.
She may be more than triple my age, but that didn't mean I couldn't hurt her.
"Do you have fun hurting other people?"
"Comes with being a vampire, sweetheart."
"I need a favor."
I could imagine her practically spitting those words out, judging by the disgust in her tone.
"Why does that concern me?"
"I'm hoping that deep down in your dark heart you feel the tiniest bit of guilt for what you did to me. Or maybe that you might still value the friendship we had back in 1864. Or that you'll understand what it's like to want to have your mother back."
She was being emotional, but I still thought over her words.
Did I feel guilty for what I did to her? Yes, but back then she did kind of deserved it.
Did I still value our friendship? Not really, no. Well yes. No? Maybe. It was hard for me to actually decide, considering our friendship had begun before I turned into a vampire. Anything that reminds me of my mortal days were usually followed by negative feelings.
Did I understand what it was like to want to have a mother back? Well, considering all the shit my mother put me through when she was human (like getting me in trouble with father) or when she was a vampire (feeding on me and compelling me to forget) I would say no, I didn't understand.
"You'll have to do better than that before I hang up," I informed her in a dismissive way.
"Information," she quickly said, "Remember what you've been looking for since you were turned into a vampire?" she asked, and I could almost feel the triumph in her tone. "I found the answer to your question."
"Since when?" I was careful to keep the betrayal out of my tone, I didn't really have the right to feel betrayed.
"That doesn't matter."
For awhile now, then.
"Blackmailing your old best friend, now isn't that funny?" I bitterly asked, but I didn't want an answer, "What do you need help with?"
"Opening the tomb."
Oh.
Of course.
If she had told me that from the start, I would have helped her without the blackmail. One of my friends was stuck in there too. And I owed Annabelle, considering I was the one who dragged her away and made sure she didn't try rescuing Pearl.
"Trying to reunite with mother dearest?" I teased, "You always were a mommy's girl."
It was endearing really, but she didn't need to know that.
"From what I've heard, Damon's in Mystic Falls too. He wants to open the tomb too. Stefan's there too, but I don't know why."
My two favorite brothers in one place for me to torture. Was it Christmas already?
"So, I get to release a tomb full of vampires who probably wants to end that poor excuse of a town and gloat to Damon about Katherine not being in there?" I didn't bother hiding the glee I felt.
"Call me when you get there."
The line went dead.
Huh, she must really hate me.
I looked at my phone. Today was the 6th of September, I could waste another day in New Orleans.
It was on the 8th of September that I finally arrived in Mystic Falls with my baby, a red 1969 Chevy Camaro Convertible that matched with Damon's blue one that I got him a few decades ago. He probably still has it, but I wouldn't know. I haven't seen him for almost a decade.
Mystic Falls has and always will be a boring town for me.
Back when I was mortal, this town was enough for me.
But...not anymore.
It's like Klaus told me a few decades ago, I wasn't meant to die in Mystic Falls, I was meant to see the world. Getting turned into a vampire merely sped up the process.
I absently dialed Annabelle's number, which I had memorized during my drive here, just in case I ever lost my current phone.
She picked up on the second ring, "You're in Mystic Falls?"
"Yeah, where are you?" I asked.
"Doesn't matter. I'll let you know when I get there."
"So what now?"
"Blend in."
"Oh darling, we both know I don't blend, I shine."
I could see her rolling her eyes, and I could see the twitch of a smile she was holding back. Even when she wasn't here with me physically, I could read her like an open book.
"Play nice with your brothers,"
"Anna," I cut in before she could say anything else, "Anna," I repeated, a smirk lighting up my features, "Yes, I like that better than Annabelle. What about you? Of course you do. From now on, I'll call you Anna."
"I'm already going by that, but whatever."
"Pretty little Anna," I ignored the annoyed noise she made, "I've been thinking."
"Please don't, you tend to destroy things afterwards."
"Back in 1874, I shouldn't have done what I did. Sorry."
"...you're lying."
I grinned, "Guilty as charged."
She hung up.
Eh, she'll love me again one day.
Pocketing my phone I decided to enter Mystic Grill. The name wasn't creative, but I didn't expect much from Mystic Falls. Immediately, I was greeted by a waitress who smelled a bit like drugs. I wasn't complaining, really. A glance at her name tag told me her name was Vicki.
After being seated, she asked me what I wanted to order.
Giving her a coy smile, I said: "Maybe some of your blood."
Her smile strained a bit.
"Just joking," I chuckled, "Though I'd like some answers."
When living in Mystic Falls, never look directly into someone's eyes, or you might just get compelled.
Too bad the poor girl didn't know.
"Have you heard of Damon Salvatore?" I asked, deciding to start on Damon first, if only because Damon was more of a headache than Stefan at times.
"No."
"Stefan Salvatore?"
"Elena Gilbert's new boy toy."
I couldn't help but chuckle at Vicki's bluntness, "Who is Elena Gilbert?"
"She's part of the founding families, her parents died a few months ago."
"And you're saying Stefan's into her?"
It's just hard to imagine Stefan with anyone. As far as I knew, Stefan's only been serious with three girls, well not mentioning the fact that one of them he had dated when he was in his Ripper phase.
"Everyone thinks so."
"What about you? Are you interested in Stefan?"
"No, I like someone else."
"Oh? Who?"
"Tyler Lockwood."
I grimaced. I hate the Lockwood family, they're dirty mutts in my biased opinion.
"Back to Elena," I got back on topic, "Anything else you can tell me?"
"She's my brother's ex and her little brother, Jeremy Gilbert, is my dealer and I slept with him a few times."
Interesting.
"Well, Vicki, forget I ever asked you these questions. My name's Kiara and from now on, I'm a friend of yours. You're very attached to me and you tell me everything, alright?"
"Alright."
"Good, now get me some bourbon."
What can I say? Damon had good taste in drinks.
But Jeremy Gilbert, huh?
What better way to screw with Stefan than by screwing his love interest's little brother?
Stefan was seventeen when he got turned into a vampire.
Damon was twenty four.
I, on the other hand?
I was twenty six, but I looked like I had just turned twenty thanks to Emily's magical herbs, which I drank daily back in my mortal life. Nowadays, I don't need any witchy vodoo to keep me looking young.
Now, the point was that I was an eternal studette, just like my brothers were eternal studs. Call me arrogant, but us Salvatore siblings score high on the physical appearance aspect of life.
What was I getting to again?
Oh, right.
As vampires, there was a set of rules to play to, despite what most people think. Though rules wasn't exactly the proper way to word it, I suppose. It was more like vampire common sense 101.
For example, when planning to stay in one place for an indefinite amount of time, always have a valid backstory and position. Now, me? I didn't fancy playing a high school student. I could compel myself a job at the bar, but I've already done it before once or twice, in the rare times that I would actually settle down for a while instead of hopping from one place to the other.
Vampires like me tend to not like being bored.
Take into account the fact that one of my many goals in life was to give my brothers hell.
Which is exactly why I got a new job as a teacher.
I couldn't wait to see the expression on Stefan's face, but more importantly...
"Should I let my hair down or up in a bun?"
"Looks good either way," Vicki shrugged, donning her black jacket, "It's just the annual bonfire, everyone's going to be too drunk to care," she was obviously speaking from experience at this point.
Great, not only was she a stoner, but she was fond of liquor too.
What did her parents teach her?
Though, I wasn't complaining considering she seemed like she knew how to have a fun time. She could prove to be a party buddy while I'm in this sorry excuse of a town. Well, after she gets over her 'Lockwood boy' phase. Then we could have some fun. Who knows?
"Then, let's go," I donned on my leather jacket over my form fitting blue shirt.
"You're driving."
Of course.
"Sisters before misters seems like a far fetched concept to Vicki's hormones," I dryly said to no one in particular as an already drunk Vicki ventured off with the oh-so-handsome Tyler Lockwood.
Oh, well, the party wasn't so bad...
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw two teenagers going at it like rabbits.
...despite the wild company.
My gaze landed on a target of interest. Relatively young looking, boyish and throwing longing looks at the retreating Vicki. I was willing to bet that this guy was Jeremy Gilbert, my future boy-toy. Maybe even a personal blood bag.
I vamp-speed over to him, sure that everyone was too drunk to even notice.
Smirking, I took the bottle of beer out of Jeremy's hand.
"Hey!"
He whirled around to face me, a scowl on his features.
"She's never going to notice you like that, you know," I took a swig of the cheap liquid, my eyes never leaving his face.
He would grow up to be handsome one day, I could tell, but just like Vicki he had to grow up.
"Who are you?"
Lowering the bottle, I offered him a half smirk, "No, the question is, who are you?" I stepped a little closer to him, suggestively allowing my eyes to look him from up to down.
He didn't seem to know what to do with someone showing interest in him, which I was going to take advantage of.
"I'm Jeremy Gilbert," he introduced himself, finally getting his bearings in order, "You're new, aren't you?"
"Something like that."
He fidgeted, obviously not knowing what to say. Good thing I always have plenty to say.
"You're a lost boy, aren't you?" I murmured, cupping his cheek with my free hand.
He shivered, but I didn't blame him. My body temperature was always low.
"What are you talking about?"
When one is turned into a vampire, everything is amplified. Back when I was mortal, I was observant. That characteristic only grew stronger in the last century and a half that I've been undead.
Instead of answering, I kissed him.
It wasn't anything really, just a peck on the lips. A greeting of sorts.
"My name's Kiara, it's a pleasure to meet you," I stepped back, giving him some space.
He seemed shocked.
Amusing reaction, really.
"Tyler, we are not having sex..."
I tensed, trying to pin point Vicki's location. Honestly, that girl was already more trouble than she was worth.
"Kiara?" Jeremy asked, trying to get my attention.
"Tonight, you met me. Even though the meeting was brief, you can't get me out of your head. You want to know me, until then, you are going to evaluate why you like Vicki and if you really see yourself with her."
What can I say?
Compulsion was amazing.
While the great sex was certainly a perk of being a vampire, the inhuman strength also was a bonus.
"No means no, mutt," I cheerfully said, pushing Tyler away from Vicki.
"Who the heck are you?"
"It doesn't matter. You are going to go home and feel guilty about almost raping Vicki."
What can I say?
I live for compelling people.
Tyler mutely nodded before walking off.
"Kiara!"
Before I could really think to move, Vicki had engulfed me in a hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you..." she murmured, relief rolling off of her in waves.
I awkwardly patted her back, contemplating whether or not to feed on her. The way her heart was pacing was kind of distracting to me right now. Maybe just a little bite? I mean, I haven't eaten for hours.
Yeah, just a little bite.
I'll compel her to forget right away.
"You're a great friend," she finally said, letting me go. "Honestly, I'm done with Tyler."
She was wrong, on both accounts.
"Vicki, stay still and don't scream," I compelled her.
A scream rang through the forest.
Seriously?
I'm going to kill whoever just interrupted my meal.
"Let's go check out what happened."
Turns out, I wasn't the only vampire who was planning to feed on a helpless teenager.
A girl named Dana was fed on.
I was willing to bet it was Damon.
By the time the ambulance arrived, I left for a little family reunion.
I opened the door to the boarding house, my ears immediately picking up a conversation going on between my brothers as I discreetly made my way to where they were.
"Why are you here now?" Stefan's voice, which I haven't heard in the last decade, grated on my nerves and made me half-smile at the same time.
"I could ask you the same question," Damon's voice sounded as arrogant as ever, "However, I'm fairly certain the answer can be summed up into one little word. Elena."
Elena.
There's that name again.
Question was, what was so special about her?
I stopped behind the opened door, certain that my brothers haven't noticed me lurking in the shadows.
"She took my breath away," Damon continued, walking around a bit, "She's a dead ringer for Katherine."
My eyes widened.
A dead ringer for Katherine?
That means Elena Gilbert was a doppelganger, the very supernatural being that could break the curse that was placed on Klaus. Klaus, who would stop at nothing to break the curse. Knowing Stefan, he probably wouldn't let Elena die, considering how attached he sounded already, and that means Klaus would kill Stefan. Probably Damon too, just because Damon couldn't keep his mouth shut.
A possible solution was to just kill Elena and make it seem like an accident.
But, no.
Klaus would find out.
He'd probably kill me too, despite us being on amicable terms.
Whatever, I just had to get Pearl out of the tomb and high tail it out of Mystic Falls.
Damon and Stefan could take care of themselves...not.
Shit, shit, shit.
What a perfect time for sisterly instincts to kick in.
Okay, the plan? Open the tomb, get Pearl out of there, blackmail Katherine into luring Damon away, kidnap Stefan, get the hell out of Mystic Falls, tell Klaus about Elena so I can get an 'I owe you one' from him, get a witch to erase Damon and Stefan's memories of Elena, gloat to Damon about Katherine never loving him, kill Katherine and send her head to Klaus as a congratulations for breaking the curse gift, let Stefan help Damon move on from Katherine while making snide comments and done.
Afterwards, I'll collect my payment from Annabelle, and solve my existential crisis.
There, eternity ever after.
With that out of the way, I relaxed just in time to hear Stefan lunge at Damon.
Poor Zach would probably have to pay for the broken window.
"You should know better than to think you're stronger than me," ah, Damon already won, not surprising really, "You lost that fight when you stopped feeding on people," one of Stefan's poorer choices in life, really.
Honestly, did Damon and Stefan ever get tired of being dramatic?
Well, time for me to say hi.
"I wouldn't try it-"
"Hello, Damon," I cut in, snapping Damon's neck.
The pleasant sound of Damon not talking made me almost smile.
"Kiara?"
Almost.
"Hey Stefan,"
Before he could react, I snapped Stefan's neck too.
There.
I looked at my two little brothers, a genuine smile on my features.
"We have got some catching up to do, don't we? I can't be slacking off on my promise of eternal hell, now can I?" I gleefully asked them.
I imagined they were agreeing with me in their slumber.
Chapter End.
Author's note: Well, that's a wrap on this long chapter. If you hate Kiara, good on you. If you love her, well...you're going to hate her one day, maybe. I made Kiara with the idea of season 1 Damon in mind, mixed with a bit of Klaus, a dash of Kol, some Rebekah, some Katherine and a sprinkle of Elijah underneath it all.
Questions:
1. If you were the Salvatores' older sibling, what would happen?
2. Vampire, witch or werewolf?
Oh, and if you have any questions, ask away.
