:Chapter One:

Present Day
Mystic Falls, Virginia - 1875

He's been watching her for a while now. She is not like any other and it is not just because of the color of her skin but the way she is. Quiet. Calm. Reserved. Usually they are the wild and outgoing ones that he targets, but it's something about her—Bonnie that he cannot shake.

Her perfect body, youthful face and her only flaw on that face of hers was a mark running diagonal from her ear to end of her cheek. It gave her mystery and story and he wanted to know more. So much more.

Her hair long and curly but she doesn't let anyone know that she has such hair by the braided styles she wears. They would more than likely cut her hair just for fun and leave her with a mans cut. He knows though.

His eyes stay fixated on her as she turns still watching the ground walking back to where she came. It angers him how she pays him no mind, how she didn't even glance his way like the others would have, so he decides to walk up to her putting himself in the chaser position for once. He walks beside her but still he gets nothing from her. He frowns.

"Why must you always look at the ground?"

She stops for a second then proceeds to walk. "I do not want to offend anyone."

"By looking ahead of you?"

"I respect you, but look at my skin," she says still not giving him her eyes, "one wrong move, one simple mistake and I could be dead. I rather look at the ground all my life so that I can actually have one."

"But do you really have a life?"

"I'm living aren't I not?"

"Not to me you are not."

"I'm living the best way I know how." She argued back.

"I can show you another way. A better way."

"No thank you."

"You would rather be a slave?"

"Do I look like a slave to you?" She stops and he takes in her eyes as she looks up at him for the first time.

Bonnie is taken aback by his face. He speaks as if he's old but he has a face of a man either in his late teens or early twenties. She finds that he's not much taller than herself and feels the pull. He is very handsome but they will never be. She looks back at the ground and starts walking again leaving him standing there.

Stefan smiles slightly watching her walk away. She was much more beautiful up close and had the best eyes that he has ever seen. Those deep emerald wide eyes had him paralyzed. He could now tell that the mark on her face was a scratch that didn't heal properly. Her mouth slightly parted had him tempted to kiss her right there, but before he could speak another word, she left him but he'd get her back. She had more spark in her than he thought and he wanted her.

ƔƔƔƔƔ

Linda kisses up his body and before she could meet his lips, he flips her pinning her down on the bed and meets their lips himself. He always had to be in control and she no longer had the last word. Not since she saved him.

"No! No!"

Stefan shut his eyes ready to die but grew confused when his head stayed connected to his body. His eyes opened and grew in horror seeing Linda rip into Simon's neck then throw him to the ground. He looks at her terrified as she walks up to him biting her wrist. He tried to push her away as she forcefully makes him drink her blood but she doesn't budge. When she pulls her wrist away he swallows her blood unwillingly and starts coughing only for him to stay quiet for a couple of hours when she snapped his neck.

Stefan woke up in a small cabin and tried to run the events of what just happened in his mind.

He is accused of rape, beaten, then goes to be beheaded, but before his neck got sliced, Linda appeared out of nowhere and saves him only to kill him seconds later… If that's true then how is he alive right now?

Stefan touches his body and pinches himself to know that he is still alive and on Earth. He has so many questions stirring in his mind that he needs answers to.

"I see you're awake." Linda calmly walks in.

"Where are we? What have you done to me?"

"A town called Mystic Falls. I had to get us away from home so no one could find us." Before she answers his other question, a beautiful woman walks in and he grows confused. "Remember when we were talking about forever and eternity." She walked over to him straddling his lap. "You said that as long as we could have sex then sign you up, so I did."

"What are you talking about?"

"Haven't you heard of vampires before?" She moves her lips to his neck, "Those creatures in the night with the pointy fangs and drink from your neck?"

"Maybe once or twice." He tried not to act afraid. After all this was still the exact same Linda that he fell in love with. The exact same.

"Well they're real and I met one. He said his name was Niklaus and he turned me into one. I can live forever, I can roam freely, be powerful and brave without the fear of getting killed."

"How do you roam in the sun? I thought vampires were creatures of the night?"

"They are but you can cheat it. Witches. The witches can make you a daylight ring as long as you have a good price."

"Witches?"

"Yes, Stefan. Now here, drink." She called the woman over by stretching out her arm. "Drink so you can be like me, I'll show you the way. A better way to live your life."

"How?"

Linda got up from his lap and exposed her fangs only for them to disappear in the woman's neck. Stefan watched at first with some terror but then his gums started throbbing and his fangs came in. Linda smiled pulling away then pushed the young woman into him and watched him just as he watched her. When she noticed that he was about ready to kill the girl, she pushed his head away and grabbed the girl in her arms.

"Enough. You need to practice your control so until you get yourself under control, I won't give you your ring to walk in the sun."

"What?"

"Get it together, Stefan. Niklaus told me that he would kill me if I leave any tracks so you cannot go around leaving bodies left and right. I will not die because you are too weak to show restraint."

Weak? She thinks he's weak after all the things that he has done? What more does it take for her to notice his strength and manhood? He's tired of being looked at as the mute ten year old boy that he was, he's not like that anymore and he's sure as hell is not going to go back to that. Especially now. He's invincible, he could feel his power so he will show restraint. He will also show her that he is no longer a kid, but a man by taking control, by having the last word. He was going to prove to her what she couldn't see in him. His manliness.

"Stefan?"

His movements don't stop as he and Linda looks over at Destiny who was standing in her white gown. She looks beautiful and every day he's tempted to turn her so Linda won't be the only woman that he could bed for a lifetime but he's not sure if she's ready. Not yet, but hopefully soon.

"I'm a little busy right now."

"I know, I was just… wondering if I could join?"

He smiled but unfortunately stiffens then rolls beside her. "Come here." Destiny is quick to move to his side of the bed and climbs on his lap. "I need you to do a favor for me." He licks his hand resting it between her legs.

She moans. "Whatever you want."

That earns her a finger with his wrist moving quickly. "I need you to fetch another. Her name is Bonnie Bennett, I'll point her out to you tomorrow."

"Yes…yes…"

Linda decides to get up tired of hearing about Bonnie. He has never talked about another the way he does her and she's scared that once he finally gets her, she'll be kicked out of his bed because she had replaced her. She has not a doubt that at times Stefan imagines that he's having sex with Bonnie when he's doing it with her. She's heard him moan her name very lowly once and it was one of the best nights that they had together and when she heard him moan her name, she figured that that's why their dynamic changed.

It's moments this that she regrets ever turning him, but she loved him, she still somewhat does, but she knows that he doesn't love her. Not anymore. He cares for her deeply, but not love. He's different, badder, stronger than what she faintly remembers him being and she's not sure if she likes it.

She bumps into other girls that they've gathered and rolls her eyes. She has no idea why she agreed to this way of living, but Stefan was in control now so she followed after him. It all started with Destiny and how they bumped into her as she was running away. Stefan always had a soft spot for beautiful woman and this one fit the bill. Long brown hair, bright blue eyes, fair skin. Similar to herself. Stefan questioned her on what exactly she's running away from and once he found out that it was her father, he took her away. Back to their cabin where they compelled a worker to make it larger and gladly so because after that, they started to get more.

They changed her and fed her and she's been with them ever since. Stefan figured that she needed a friend so he started looking for other runaways and other girls that he knew would be entertaining. They all were friends, they all needed friends and they all needed him. They craved him. They were "sired" to him. He is the one who saved them from their troubling and terrible lives, he was their hero and they wanted to show their thanks.

He took each one at a time, some were virgins, others were not. Linda would be there to keep the girls relaxed by playing with their hair or placing kisses on their foreheads and sometimes lips when he wasn't. It was their way of saying that no matter how many women he beds, he'll always be with her. Always. And that will never change. Ever.

ƔƔƔƔƔ

Bonnie lays in her room on her bed looking up at the nights sky through her window. Her job is to stand there and look pretty for her master and she learned that if she does that and only that, she'll be fine. She felt bad for the others out in the fields and wanted to help but had no idea how. She was only sixteen, what can she do besides pray?

She turned in her bed and closed her eyes only to open them seeing that man she spoke to earlier. She wished she knew his name, all she knew was that he was trying to persuade her into letting him teach her how to live a better life and she doesn't know what he means by that.

A better way? What does he mean about a better way? She believes that her way of life is better than what it could be, she doubts that he could show her any different. She knew that he wouldn't grant her freedom, he simply can't, he doesn't own her, but still, she is curious to figuring out what better way he has for her, but for now she focuses on her sleep.


She's there again just as she always is at this time. He almost forgets that Destiny is with him and would have completely forgot if she hadn't spoke.

"Which one?"

He jumps slightly but recovers and points. "There. The beautiful one with the scratch along her face. Looking at the ground."

Destiny narrows her eyes and has to make sure that she's the one who he's talking about. She looks up at him and knows that she's the one because his eyes aren't on anyone else.

"Oh. Okay." She lets out a breath then turns to him. "You should leave."

"What? No."

"I'll bring her back, I promise, but if she sees you standing here she'll be frightened and think of you as some type of killer. I'll bring her back, just go."

He sighed but walked away giving her his complete trust and if she fails, he would be a killer and kill her.

Destiny turns and puts on a smile walking up to her. She wondered why Stefan was interested in her, she was beautiful, yes, but shy. She would be a tough person to break through and she realized that maybe he liked that. That he wanted a challenge.

"Hello."

Bonnie stopped then proceeded to walk again. "Hi."

"You can look at me, I won't bite."

A slight smile appeared on her face then she looked up at the girl. Their eyes locked and she found it off that she blinked quickly five times. Was something on her face?

"I've never seen eyes like yours. How did you get them?"

She stopped herself from looking at her like she was crazy. "I hear it's from your parents so I figure mines made me have these colored eyes."

She stared longer and Bonnie was tempted to look at the ground again but before she could, the girl spoke again. "What is your name?"

"Bonnie."

She smiled. "I'm Destiny. I was wondering, Bonnie, have you ever heard of the name Stefan?"

"Stefan?" She thought. "I don't believe I have."

"Come, sit." She didn't give her much of a choice when she pulled on her arm sitting her in the nearest seat. "Stefan, he saved my life."

Her eyes narrowed, "How so?"

"My father was an abusive man. He would hit and drink and one day I decided that I finally have had enough so I ran away. It was late in the night and I wasn't sure where to go but then I run into Stefan. I told him about my situation and he took me back to his place and took care of me."

"That's very kind."

"It is, isn't it. He still takes care of me and all the others."

"Others?"

"Yes. It's a paradise, I have more friends there than I ever had in my life. We sing and dance and play and roam free. Free, Bonnie, I was always trapped, but there I am free! I could show you if you want."

Her eyes were wide at the word 'free' and 'roam'. Maybe if she goes with her, she could find her way back home and meet her father in front of their house. If she goes, she'll be able to sneak off and never look back. "I would love to see."

Destiny's smile was wide. "Great, let us go."

"Right now?"

"Why, yes."

"I… I can't, I have to go back, I have an owner. Maybe tonight I can sneak out and—"

"Don't worry about it, Bonnie. Once Stefan sees you there and knows that you want to stay, he can take care of your owner. I promise and I never break a promise."

She was still a bit hesitant but this was the closest that she has ever gotten to have a chance at seeing her father again and she had to take it. "Alright."

Destiny stood and took her hand leading her deep into the woods. Bonnie was feeling like she just signed her own death sentence and was tempted to knock the girl down and run back to where she belonged, but then she heard people. She heard voices and singing and laughter and soon they were out of the woods and into an open, leafy field. Tons of girls went from inside to outside gathering in groups and others were alone just sleeping or relaxing in one of the many chairs that were outside.

"Where do you all sleep?" Bonnie wondered.

She smiled back at her. "Together, of course. This is our family, we always stay together."

"What about roaming freely?"

"You can be on your own, but you always come back. Why would someone ever want to leave this place? You'll understand more once you have been here a few days."

They were inside now and she spotted more girls. "How long have you been here?"

"You lose track of time, here. It's like summer vacation, of course minus the wintertime and Spring and Fall." Bonnie laughed making her stop and turn with a smile. "You are very beautiful, Bonnie. Has anyone ever told you that?"

She shook her head. "No one but my parents."

"Don't worry, you'll hear that a lot here. Especially from Stefan. Would you like to meet him?"

She suddenly got nervous. "I… um,"

"You don't have to worry, I'll stay with you if you want."

She nodded and Destiny turned again leading her through the crowd of people pulling her arm and into a room that only had beads as a door. Bonnie looked around and realized that beads acted as every door as far as she could see. Destiny pushed them aside walking in but stopped as soon as they stepped foot inside.

"I wonder where he'd gone. He's usually here in the mornings."

"Oh." She was a bit relieved.

"No worries, you can meet him later or tonight where I know he'll be here."

Bonnie nodded then let herself be lead out and introduced to everyone they passed.

Stefan sighed and watched her from the shadows. She's finally here and now he's grown cold feet unable to meet the woman he fantasizes about daily. Tonight. He'll meet her tonight and stop being a boy and start acting like a man.

ƔƔƔƔƔ

Bonnie doesn't remember a time where she's smiled so much. She was treated as an equal here and never had she felt more accepted by a group of individuals in her life. She loves it here and what Destiny said was right. You do lose track of time because she could have sworn that only an hour had went by but it is as dark as the night will get. Her body was tired but her mind was wide awake.

"It's time to meet Stefan now. He would want to know that you're here."

She nodded not feeling half as much scared as she was before. Destiny no longer held her hand because she knew that Bonnie had to learn the way on her own. Even if she's still following after her, she's following on her own and not because she's pulling her along the way. When they reached his room, Bonnie could see the bare back of a man and suddenly her heart picked up.

"Stefan. I have someone who I know you would like to meet."

They walked in but Stefan's back still faced them. Was he nervous too? Bonnie narrowed her eyes then looked over at Destiny who nudged her slightly.

"My name is Bonnie. I'm new here."

"Destiny, please leave." Bonnie narrowed her eyes not only at his request but because his voice sounded so familiar.

She watched Destiny leave without a word then stepped closer to the man. "Is it… you?" She asked.

Stefan smiled then turned to face her taking in her body in one of Destiny's white dresses. "Good with voices?"

"It's just that you're the only voice that I heard in a while that doesn't belong to someone who owns me."

"I figured as much." He took a single step forward. "Why do you believe you're here?"

"Well Destiny, she—"

"That's where you're wrong, Bonnie. I wanted you here, you belong here. I see you smiling and enjoying your life here. You are no longer looking at the ground because for the first time in a long time, you see your life in front of you. This is the better life I was telling you about. I want you here so you can understand that there are better things, better people, better company than what you are used to."

"What I'm forced to be used to. You think I wanted this? To wake up to be someone's pretty little thing to look at and take orders from someone who really doesn't give a shit about me, because I don't. I never did."

He stood there for a second not expecting her to open up to him so quickly. Shaking his head mentally, he walked up to her and moved his hand to the side of her face stroking her cheek with his thumb. "What happened to you?"

"I do not remember."

"You don't remember or do you choose to not remember?"

She looked in his eyes before looking down but he took her chin between his fingers lifting her head up.

"I was raped."

"By who?"

"It doesn't matter,"

"Of course it does."

She avoided his eyes. "I don't know, it was years ago, I wasn't good with names. I would always forget. It was always 'Sir' or 'Ma'am' or 'Miss' or 'Mr' anyway, there was no need for me to remember."

He frowned and she closed her eyes as his gentle finger ran down her scar then across her lips. "I won't hurt you. If that is what you're afraid of, I won't hurt you."

A tear left her eye and he wiped it away with his thumb. "I'm sorry."

"You're human. You feel. Don't be sorry." Her eyes closed when he kissed her forehead. "Would you like to join me?"

She opened her eyes looking in his then over at the bed then back in his eyes. She was confused, she saw that there was darkness in them, but they also held so much light, enough that she chose to not be afraid.

She nodded and watched his hand take hers and lead her over to the bed. She laid down on her side and he laid right beside her, in front of her.

"Not tonight, Linda."

"But I'm always there—"

"I said not tonight." He turned to her meeting her eyes so she knows that he's serious.

She scowls at him but turns to leave and once he hears her footsteps outside, he turns back to Bonnie.

"How did you know she was there? You didn't even look."

He smiled. "I'm very good with my surroundings. Just like you are with voices." A smile teased her lips making him grow one again. "It's ironic, you know."

"What is?"

"How your name resembles you so much. The Latin meaning and the American one too for your name is 'beautiful'."

"That's very kind of you." She got what he was implying.

"You don't hear enough compliments. That's going to change."

"I don't understand. Why me?"

"Why not? Out of all the girls in here, you are the one that I feel drawn to. I want to find out why that is, but even if I can't, I want to know you. Every curve, every bend, every inch of your skin, the things that you like and the things that you don't. What lies behind those eyes, how your lips taste. Your blood. Your soul… Your heart."

"Is that what you say to all the girls?"

He smiles as she does so and he's not sure if she meant that as a joke or not but he decides on telling her the truth anyway. "I may give them a speech, but nothing compared to the one I gave you."

"What do you usually say?"

"It is not about what I say but what I touch. And how I touch it."

"Why didn't you touch me?"

"I have. I've touched your face and your scar. Your lips."

"Why didn't you kiss me?" She surprised herself by asking.

"You simply did not want me to."

"What if I do now?"

He stopped his smirk and just watched her face. Taking her in starting from her hairline, down her forehead, between her eyes and down the curve of her nose to her Cupid's bow and stops at her lips. Her heart shaped, full lips.

"Take out your hair."

Bonnie's eyes return to his after staring at his lips just as he was hers. She sits up some and takes out her pins then braids having her hair wave past her shoulders to the end of her breasts. Stefan sits up himself and moves his hand in her hair leaning in kissing her just once. Bonnie opens her eyes slowly to meet his only to close them again when their lips meet for a second time kissing longer.

He moves her on top of him not wanting to trigger any memories and moves his hands to her back. He holds her then turns them so they're on their sides bringing his leg around her.

"You." He pulls away from her lips reluctantly. "Tell me."

She grows confused. "What would you like to know?"

"Anything. Tell me anything as I touch you even more. I don't want to scare you."

She watches his eyes. "I like to read."

"How did you learn?" His fingertips ran down her spine.

"My father. He taught my mom and me."

"Did you get separated from your parents?" He moved to her thigh.

"I guess you can say that. My parents decided that they should split up and meet back in fourteen years and see if they have enough money combined to get us out of here."

"But?" He ran his hand over her flat stomach.

"Things changed."

"How so?"

She closed her eyes as he squeezed her breast then ran two fingers across her collarbones. "People die."

"Your mother?"

"Possibly father too. As far as I know I'm the only one alive."

"And how did you manage that? Surviving."

"I guess." She stopped when his lips moved her neck. "I guess I'm just… blessed."

"What else?" His lips trailed down to the start of her breasts.

"I like to draw. I kind of stopped since I don't have a lot of time to waste but I've gotten pretty good."

"Draw me a picture." He moved up to her face kissing her cheek. "With your words."

She never realized that she was on her back for she was too focused on his lips and her eyes were softly closed.

"There's a woman dressed in green. Linen. Buttons starting between her collarbones down to her thigh but you cannot see that because she's turned. Looking out the window, at the blue, cloudy sky. Her right elbow rested on the windowsill with her chin rested on the palm of her hand in thought. She doesn't have any real problems, maybe thinking about what she's going to do later or the friends she will see. Her left leg is folded over the right seated in a black wooden chair. Her lips are painted red, but again you won't be able to tell because all you see is her curved, green back. Her dark hair gathered in a bun on the back of her neck which is brown."

Stefan takes her lips again running his hand down her hair as best he could. "She sounds beautiful. The whole assemble."

Bonnie smiles and opens her eyes as he kissed her nose. She sees him hovered above her and a flash memory from that night filled her eyes.

"Hey," Stefan touched her face knowing. "I promise. I won't hurt you. You've been through enough."

"I can't help it. I do trust you, Stefan, I just. Can't."

"Tell me about it. Keeping it all in won't do anyone any good. In detail. Please."

It took her some time but she told him about how she was living back in Cumberland watching her mother get beaten by men because her hand slipped spilling drink all over Mr. Logan's pants.

"You remember his name?"

"He was the one we worked for, I had to know his name. Everyone else was just there and I didn't care to bother."

"Where were you during this?"

"I was in the kitchen then I heard the sound of glass breaking so I rush out and I see her. On the floor being kicked and punched. Her eyes held so much pain and hurt when she saw me and told me to run, she screamed it because she knew that I wouldn't listen if she hadn't. So I ran and the others chased after me."

She told him about how tired she was and how she thought of a plan to go to the watering hole and hide there. She told him how she cried once she reached it and how she hated how the water made noise so easily. She told him about how she prayed and prayed but ended up useless when she was pulled out of the water and thrown onto the floor and how she tried to escape but was forced back down on the ground which is how she got her scar.

"How old were you?"

"About ten."

"Jesus,"

She smiled. "Yeah, well. At least I'm not dead."

He smiled then kissed her once. "How do you feel?"

"Good I guess. It's just all so fresh now, you know."

He nodded then kissed her again running his hand down her face. "You know when I was ten, I was sold."

"Sold?"

"For nothing really. My father was an addict he went to this rich lady that I don't even know how he knew. Anyway he sold me then my new "mother" had her guards kill him for whatever the reason, but the last I saw of him was when his lifeless body was being dragged out of a room. I lived there a long time and never stepped foot in it."

"Did you love him?"

"Yes and no."

Bonnie stared at his face then for the first time leaned in to kiss him. He smiled and told her to kiss him again and she did a little longer this time.

"Are you planning on staying?"

"I have a choice?"

"Of course you do."

"Then I would like to stay."

"Good. I would hate for you to leave me. This place even."

"I feel like I should thank you."

"Then do so."

"Thank you, Stefan for wanting me here, for bringing me here. You are the first stranger, I guess, to have an interest in my life story. I feel like I can come to you for anything."

"You can. And everyone else here you can come to for whatever you want as well. And you're very welcome."

She smiled and rested her head on his bare chest closing her eyes. Stefan ran his hand down her hair closing his eyes as well after he kissed her head.

ƔƔƔƔƔ

"I don't understand." Bonnie spoke her thought then turned back to Destiny and the others.

This morning she woke up alone in Stefan's bed but a note was beside her telling her that he enjoyed talking to her last night. She smiled and her heart was filled with warmth and love and nothing could break her mood. Or so she thought.

This is her first time seeing Stefan today and instead of him being alone or talking to her or the others, he's kissing Linda. Bonnie remembers her from briefly last night but that was it.

She thought that she and Stefan had shared something. He admitted that he felt more connected to her than any other girl here, but now he is kissing Linda and she wonders if it was all a lie.

She was seated with Destiny and Miranda and Abby when she spoke her mind looking at them then back to the girls in front of her.

"That's just the way it is, Bonnie. Stefan gets all the girls, especially Linda."

"Why?"

"There are rumors but I think it's just because they've known each other the longest. They're like partners or something. Stefan isn't claimable but he's Lina's in the same way."

"Oh."

Destiny sighed then leaned closer to her. "Don't worry about it, Bonnie. I know the night you had with Stefan was magical, and it will happen again, you just have to wait. You see all these girls here? It wouldn't be fair if he focused his attention only on one."

Bonnie nodded then sat back in her seat still not liking this at all.

Stefan pulled away from her lips after listening in on their conversation. He was going to walk with her along the property and tell her what he had done for her, but Linda had stepped in front of him and stared kissing him. He had allowed it since he rejected her last night but now he's starting to wish that he'd rejected her again this time.

"I missed you last night." She says running her hand down his chest. "Even though you pissed me off, but still."

"I needed to be alone with her, she would've ran away if it wasn't just me."

"How do you know that?"

"I could sense it and by what she told me last night, my senses were correct."

Linda stepped a little closer, "What did she tell you?"

"Never mind that, I'll be back."

She folded her arms under her breasts watching him walk up to the group of girls that Bonnie was with. What's so special about Bonnie, she wanted to scream and yell in his face. Was it because her skin was black? Her eyes were green? Her lips more full? What was it?

"Hi, ladies." Stefan had his eyes focused on Bonnie.

"Hello, Stefan." The girls flirted.

He was waiting for Bonnie to acknowledge him and it was bothering him that she wouldn't. That he knew that she wasn't. He sighed and scratched the back of his head.

"So what's the discussion over here?"

"Nothing really, just filling Bonnie in on how things are around here." Destiny answered.

"Do you have any questions for me, Bonnie?" He needed to get her alone without it causing everyone to raise their eyebrows at it so he hoped that this would work.

"No."

A frown came to his face but quickly left. "You told me that you liked to read, Destiny, did you show her the library?"

"Actually I didn't," she looked up at him apologetically, "most of us can't so I didn't bother."

He smiled then kissed the top of her head. "No worries, I was just about to head there myself. Bonnie, why don't I show you the way."

She looked at his hand that was stretched out for her to take. Everyone watching, including Stefan, were narrowed eyed. Stefan knew, but the others wondered why she wasn't jumping at this opportunity like they know they would be. Was she completely insane?

Bonnie looked up at his eyes and saw him nod slightly so she let out a breath and took his hand using it to help her stand. She dropped it as soon as she was steady on her feet. The girls were wide eyed.

"Do you think he's going to hit her?" Abby asked when instead of leading her inside the house he took her around it.

"I'm not sure about that but I do know that he's going to talk to her about her disrespect." Miranda answered then they all watched as they disappeared behind the house.

Bonnie walked beside him in silence. She thought it was pretty weird that the books were outside behind the house, not only is that a strange place to put a library but what if it rains suddenly and ruins all those great pieces of literature. She was going to suggest that they move everything inside but when he stopped she did and grew confused when she saw nothing but trees.

"I don't understand." She said keeping her eyes ahead.

"You're mad at me. I get it but you have to understand—"

"That you get all the girls, I know."

"But that doesn't mean that I want them. I only want one which is why it's killing me that you're not even looking at me right now. I'm powerless against you." He sighs when she didn't move so he stepped in front of her. "Why must you look at the ground when I am right in front of you? Is the ground more important than I?" He tried not to yell.

"I just—"

"Look at me."

Her eyes closed before she opened them looking up. She saw the pain they held and it almost caused her to look away. "If you can just explain to me why then maybe I'll understand. Why me? You barely know me."

"I know that you like to read, I know that you like to draw and that you've gotten pretty good at it but you had to stop because you didn't have a lot of time to waste. I know that two traumatic things happened in your life in the same night, practically one right after the other while you were only ten. I know the secret behind your scar, I know where you like to be touched, I know where you like to be kissed. I know that you're the second person that knows that I was sold and I know that you're the first person that knows about my father. The first person I told at least. Everything– look at me." Bonnie met his eyes again. "Everything about you screams at me. I want to be better, I want to destroy your demons so you can be better. I want us."

"But that can't happen."

"You're right. It can't but that won't stop my feelings for you. No matter what, no matter who I kiss or touch or bed, I'll be thinking of you."

She sucks in a breath as he steps closer to her closing her eyes when he kisses her. Bonnie's arms wrap around his neck and he lifts her legs around his waist and backs her until her back is pressed against the house.

"Tonight." He kisses her again. "Meet me here. Tell the others that you're going to the bathroom so they won't want to tag along. Okay?"

She nodded. "Okay."

He sets her down. "I have to tell you something but we've been gone too long."

"I just have one more question,"

"Tonight,"

Bonnie watches his back as he leaves and she sighs before following after him but keeps their distance and instead of heading back to her friends, she goes inside to avoid their possible questions. Stefan watches her walk back into her room and is tempted to follow after her so he does. No one inside knows about their time out together so no one will suspect anything.

"What size are you?"

His voice startles her and she turns to him. "I'm not exactly sure."

She watches his face as his eyes snake along her body and it makes her want to crawl and hide but she doesn't. "I can figure it out. I'll buy you something. Golden to bring out your skin."

She smiles and turns her back to him so he wouldn't see how much he affects her.

Stefan looks out the hall and smiles when he sees no one then walks up behind her hugging her. He kisses her neck then turns her head to kiss her lips.

"You have me under a spell." He stated against her lips then kisses her. "Are you a witch?"

She smiled and chuckles. "There's no such thing as witches."

"I'm sorry but I have to disagree."

She turns in his arms, "Oh really?"

He nods then kisses her once. "You see this ring," he moved his hand from around her to show her. "A witch made it for me."

"And why would she do that?"

"Because I'm special."

She laughs at that bringing a smile to his face. He watches her face as she takes his hand in her fingers expecting it and he wonders why her eyes narrow and bring his hand closer to her face. "This looks oddly familiar."

"How do you mean?"

"I don't know but it's like- like I've seen it before."

"What exactly?"

"The script on the band. It looks like it's from a book my father once showed me."

They stare at each other. "Do you by any chance know Latin? Even if it's just a little?"

"I guess, yes."

He smiled. "Maybe you are a witch then."

"I highly doubt it but that would be pretty cool. Actually not, I hear they get burned at the stake."

He chuckled then leans in to capture her lips. "Tonight, remember?"

Bonnie nods and keeps her eyes on his as he backs out of the room before turning down the hall. She sighs in bliss then gracefully falls on her bed just as Rachel walks in.

"Tired?" She asks with a smile stuffing some of her clothes in a bag.

"Just a little hot. Where are you going?"

Rachel looks over at her in surprise. "Oh, right, I forgot you're new here." She sets her bag down then walks over to her. "Every month, once a month on this exact day, we go exploring."

"Exploring?"

"Yes. We already know what's in the woods in front of us simply because that's the way we came here, but what's behind us is what's the mystery."

"Does Stefan know about this?"

She shrugged then goes back to packing. "A little. He knows that we're out in the woods but doesn't know what exactly we're doing out there… You should join us."

"Who usually tags along?"

"Well there's me, Amber, Chrissy, Trinity, Lucia, Shelby and sometimes Destiny."

She thinks about going to see if maybe what lies behind the woods is someplace familiar so she could get a better idea of how close or faraway she is from home. Her mission is to still escape one of these days and find her father so if she tags along, it can help. But then the thought of meeting Stefan tonight pops in her head. What if they don't make it back in time and he assumes that she lead him on and he would find out about the other girls exploring and she doesn't want them to get in trouble.

"Next month I'll go. I'm not exactly prepared for such exploration."

Rachel smiles. "Perfect. I should go."

Bonnie nods and watches as she leaves and shortly she follows after her. She watches the girls huddle together and laugh before heading off and she suddenly wished that he agreed to go especially since Destiny was with them. She sighs then takes a seat on one of the couches and closes her eyes tilting her head back for a nap.

ƔƔƔƔƔ

Rudy Bennett wipes the sweat from his brow as he picks the tomato from its vine. He needed to get these to the market and sold before the sun goes down but he's been having a rough day. He dreams of his wife dead and his little girl all alone. He wishes that he was the one to take Bonnie but knew that she was closer to her mother, that and he took dangerous twists and turns to get where he is and couldn't imagine dragging Bonnie along with him. He loved her too much to put her through that and he hoped that she was OK, that she didn't have to deal with anything other than taking orders or working just like he is. He hoped that once he finds his way back home that she would be there, that she would meet him or be waiting for him to show. He needed it to be.

ƔƔƔƔƔ

Bonnie sneaks out of her room unheard and unseen then starts her way down the hall and out the door. She checks behind her constantly until she reached the corner of the house. She screamed but her mouth was covered and she was pulled to the side. Stefan smiles widely seeing the look on her face and laughs as she hits him.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He says laughing as she still hits him.

"Christ!"

"Shh," he smiles then kisses her.

He lets out more giggles as she rolls her eyes then hugs her rubbing her back. "My heart's beating out of my chest."

"I'm sorry," she's not exactly sure if he means it with the amused tone in his voice. "I have something to give you."

She pulls away from the hug and looks at him. "What?"

He smiles again and that's when she notices how happy he is. Either seeing her brightened up his mood or whatever he's about to give her is doing so. She's never seen him smile so much and yes she is new here but something tells her that he hasn't been this happy in a while. It makes her feel pretty special.

Stefan reaches in his pocket and asks her to hold out her hands. She does and that's when he drops the gift in them.

Bonnie looks down and adjusts her eyes as best she could in the darkness. "What is it?"

"A pocket watch. From your rapist."

She lets go of the watch in shock but he catches it. "What- how do you mean?"

"I killed him for you and I took this from him. Think of this as a token from me- the hero, to you- the princess." He hands her back the watch.

"You killed him? How did you manage to do such a thing?"

"You told me about Cumberland and your old owner so I went there and asked around until I found him." He offers a smile. Bonnie blinks several times and he frowns stepping a little closer. "Are you not happy?"

"I… I wouldn't say that, I guess I'm just a little shocked, is all."

He nods in what could be understanding. "You don't have to worry anymore, he won't hurt anyone ever again. You can be free from your demon."

She wonders if that's what he was talking about earlier. How he wanted to destroy her demons so that she could be better. Was this how a man courts a woman now?

"Should I thank you?"

"No." He shook his head. "I wanted to do this for you."

Bonnie nods and wraps her arms around him as he hugs her. She holds the watch up so that it's in front of her and stares at it. She's never seen it before or at least she doesn't remember and knows that's because it's been in his pocket. She tries to think of this whole thing as sweet, but a part of her is a little scared and worried.

"Did anyone see you leave?"

"Not that I know of."

"Come with me." He takes her hand. She follows after him as he takes her into the woods on the left side of the cabin. "Don't be afraid," he tells her when she squeezed his hand.

Bonnie tries but she finds it hard to not be afraid when she's being led into the woods by a killer. She's just about to ask where he's leading her but finds herself speechless when she sees another cabin in the distance. It's much smaller than the one they live in and she wondered what was inside.

"I have something else to give you."

"Is it another token from someone that you killed for me?"

She was joking but when he turned to her and saw the look in his eyes she knew that he was serious when he asked, "Do you need anyone else dead? You can tell me these things."

She was going to tell him that she was joking but decides against it. "No. No one that I can remember at least."

He nods once then turns forward pulling her a few more feet along until they're inside.

"I had it custom made for you as you were asleep this afternoon." He mentioned about the golden dress that was in the center of the room with a bed in the corner.

"Wow, it's beautiful." Bonnie whispers walking up to almost afraid to touch.

The dress was long-sleeved and white with gold detail. The deep neckline stopped just two inches above the navel. "Try it on." He encouraged.

Bonnie starts to strip feeling comfortable since the night's shadows can cover her body. Stefan watches her undress for the first time. He wants to touch her naked form and kiss her all over, but he doesn't. Not yet.

Bonnie slips into the dress and it fits her like a glove. She steps out of the shadows to show Stefan and smiles when he shakes his head. "Beautiful."

The next moment his lips are covering hers in a rough and passionate kiss as he moved them to the bed. He kisses the exposed skin that is between her breasts as he runs his hand up it along her right leg and thigh.

"Ti amo," he whispers lowly against her lips.

Bonnie wasn't sure about what he just said figuring it was just a mumble. She kisses him gently and he does so back before resting his forehead against hers. She closes her eyes and leans to his touch as he meets his hand to the side of her face.


A/N: Stefan is falling really quickly for Bonnie… Why do you think that is? Stay tuned...