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"Did you get the crates broken down?" Caroline called, running to the back room where Elena was sorting through the new merchandise.

"Yes, and this is all that came today," she motioned around.

"Okay, that's good, just sort it out and put it on the rack to take to the floor, I have to-," her pager buzzed, "Damn, I might get a moment to breathe!"

She huffed then, running from the room, back to the front. Elena just shook her head.

"What's the problem now?" Caroline asked, walking to the counter. Rebeka lifted her eyes and pointed.

Stefan was on the other side of the counter.

"Oh, hey stranger!" Caroline smiled, moving to give him a hug.

"Hey yourself," he said back, less enthused.

She eyed him, "Why do I get the feeling this isn't just a friendly drop in?"

Stefan sighed, "Care, you should know why I'm here."

She shook her head, "It's been two years, Stefan."

"I'm sorry, Caroline. Damon wants her."

"Stefan, she's the best I've had yet, don't let him do this to me. She's...she's my friend. And I know how he treats his servants...please Stef."

He hung his head, "Look, I know, Caroline, and believe me, I've tried to reason with him...but you know how he his. Once he sets his sight on something..."

She rolled her eyes, "So what? Is it another threat to put me out of business? Or did he get more creative this time?"

Stefan studied her for a second, "He's the governor now, Caroline, you can be punished for speaking ill of him."

"Right," she grumbled, "Remind me to asked Elijah what the hell he was thinking."

Stefan smiled a little, "Actually, I think Damon bought him out, or just conned him into it. You know my brother gets what he wants."

"He can't have Elena," Caroline insisted, "I told him that after I first bought her. I don't know why he's so taken with her. I mean, she's pretty, yeah, but she's human. He gets bored with them so easily. Whats the point in dishing out all the money I know that you are about to offer me for him, just to give her back after a few years?"

"I don't know, Care. But last time he was willing to take a replacement. You have no replacement to offer this time. And the girl should be nearing nineteen, correct? You know the law."

"I know. Humans have to reproduce to continue our traditions, she's freed after her twenty-first birthday...but if Damon takes her, there's a chance that she'll never make it to 21."

Stefan shrugged, "He doesn't kill all of them."

"Comforting." She snapped.

"Come on, Care. She's one human...I don't want to see this get ugly."

Caroline considered this, "Hmm, good. Then tell your brother to back off. She's not for sale."

Stefan hung his head then, "Caroline...Damon can do more than just put you out of business, you know. He's governor now, his power, his access, it's limitless."

"I...I can't Stefan. She's been good to me, never done a thing wrong. I care about her...and I can't condemn her to that fate."

Stefan stood straighter then, "You may not have a choice, Caroline."

"Then your brother can come pry her from my hands himself."

Stefan sighed, "I hope it doesn't come to that."

And he left.


Elena stood, paled. She'd been walking to the front when she saw the argument. Picking up the words was a bad habit. And now, she'd wished she'd just stayed in the back.

Caroline turned around, flustered, and saw her. The look on her face must have spoke volumes, for Caroline walked over, took her hand and led her to the back.

"I'd never let you get hurt," Caroline told her, as they sat in the break room.

Elena nodded, "But you're scared."

Caroline sighed, "Of course I'm scared. It's Damon. There's no telling what he will do. It's the second time I've refused you to him, he might just act on his threats."

Elena studied her, Caroline, so sweet and kind, was almost shaking.

"I don't want to lose everything," She whispered, and Elena gripped her hand.

"You wont," she insisted, and Caroline smiled.

"Well, I hope you're right. Maybe Damon will just drop it and move on."

It sounded false, even to Elena.

"No...but...you should give me to him," Elena whispered.

"What?! No. Elena, you don't know what he's like...he'll-"

"I get it, Caroline, I do. But what other choice do you have. Stefan was right, he's the governor. He can have you killed for insolence. He could have me killed to get back at you. Anything and everything is a possibility now."

She took a breath, assuring herself that this was the right thing. She couldn't let Caroline suffer for her. It wasn't right.

"If it comes down to it, Caroline, you need to do it. I can't let you lose the life you have. Not over me."

Tears were in Caroline's eyes. "I feel like a bad person for even considering it."

Elena smiled, "Don't feel bad. I'm human, Caroline. Disposable to your kind. You'll find someone else."

"Don't talk like that, Elena..."Caroline looked at their hands.

"It'll be fine, Care. Just make the deal. I'll be okay. I'm stronger than I look."

Caroline nodded, "Okay. But only if I have to."

Elena smiled, hiding the fear in her eyes.


Later that night Elena laid awake in her bed. It had happened.

Damon had called Caroline personally, and true to her word, the blond had made the deal.

The girls had spent the better part of the evening talking and crying. Caroline did her best to prepare Elena. Briefing her on what to expect. Elena had nodded, trying her best to stay calm.

Now, her last night in this house, and she couldn't find sleep. The life awaiting her sounded so cold...so lonely. And Damon wasn't known for treating his slaves the best. Caroline told her that he might be abusive, but none of his servants had ever shown too many marks. She also said that he fed more, and whenever he pleased. Also that the servants had a personal corridor, with showers, beds, and living space. He owned a good little number of humans apparently. On the upside, Damon liked to look impressive. So even his servants were clean, with clothes of fair quality. So at least she wouldn't be put in rags, like some of the other humans she'd seen.

Over all, she figured if she just kept quiet and did as she was told, he'd lose interest and she'd wait out until her twenty first birthday, when she would finally be free.


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