-1A/N: Elena's parents (adopted) have had their son's life threatened by a psycho vamp. They find the one person who will be able to help them, Elijah. But everything comes at a price and in this case the price is their adopted daughter.

There was a quiet knock on my hotel door. I put down the glass of red wine I'd been immersed in.

"Enter" I called. The door swung open and in came a man and a woman, the woman was holding a small girl in her arms (asleep, thankfully). Yes, I remembered. They'd contacted me an hour ago, seeking help. Their plight interested me. I was also amused that they'd choose me to come to for help.

"Yes?"

"I'm Grayson Gilbert. We spoke on the phone"

"Yes. So, Mr Gilbert, what can I do for you?"

"Our son has been kidnapped by a vampire. We want you to rescue him"

"Why? Vampires are my kind, why should I aid you?"

"We'd be willing to pay you anything you want for this service"

"Money is of little interest to me. Immortality allows time to develop ample wealth"

"Please…help us" begged the woman. I regarded them coldly, my eyes finally coming to rest on the girl in her arms.

"How old is she?"

"She's three" said the woman, clutching her daughter closer. I rose to my feet.

"Very well, I have decided on the terms required for me to help you. I will get your son back, and eradicate the vampire who took him" I saw the hope on their face and smiled to myself "However, I will require something from you in return"
"We told you, we'll do anything" my smile widened.

"Good. I want your daughter"

"What?" gasped the woman.

"Your daughter. I want her. Not now. When she's older" I reached out and stroked the girl's hair. Her mother flinched away, drawing her daughter away from me. I shrugged "Of course, if you don't want my help…"

"We do…it's just a hard choice"

"I understand. Your daughter or your son. Though I must say, she doesn't outwardly resemble either of you"

"She was adopted" the man admitted.

"Ah. That explains it. So…you have until midnight to make a decision. I will have my witch hold this vampire still until then. After that, the boy is his"

"If we did give you Elena…what would you do with her?"

"Keep her. She'd be perfectly safe here" I promised "And if you do agree, I will protect your family until she comes of age" I turned away to let them decided. They whispered together.

"Okay. We'll do it" said the man. The woman was in tears. I smiled.

"Excellent. You may leave. Your son will be returned to you very soon" I disappeared. It would be an easy task to track the vampire. He was a rogue, not very good at hiding his tracks. As I ran, I wondered to myself why I'd asked for the girl. True, I enjoyed putting people into difficult positions but I really had no need for a human girl. Still, it would be nice to have someone around, subject to my every whim and desire.

I reached a empty house, the stench of blood hanging heavily in the air. The vampire was inside, the small boy curled up in the corner, petrified with fear.

"Young vampires. So arrogant" I muttered to myself. I quickly dispatched the vampire and picked up the boy, taking him to his house.

The man and woman were waiting anxiously on the porch.

"here" I said, handing him the boy "Now, we have things to discuss. Perhaps we should go inside?"

"No" snapped the woman. I scowled. I hoped they weren't about to go back on our deal.

"You are not going to double-cross me surely?" I asked, letting some of my power slip into my voice. The woman cringed in fear and shook her head.

"Good" I said, restraining my instincts "Then, I shall return for the child when she turns eighteen. In the meantime, I shall protect your family from all threats. I shall be watching you constantly" That was both a threat and a promise "Elena is not allowed to be alone with men who are not family" I snapped.

"What about school?"

"She can attend school until she turns thirteen. Then you can either home school her or send her to an all girls school"

"What do we do if she asks questions?"

"Tell her she's being saved. It's better if she knows anyway" I nodded "I'll be in touch"

I turned and left. Elena. The word rolled over my tongue, sweet as sugar. I smiled to myself. She was mine.

A/N: you loved it? You hate it? Let me know.