Thicker than Blood

Chapter One

I love our home in Mystic Falls. I know I am privileged, unlike most young women in this era. I also happen to have two wonderful older brothers and a concerned father. Soon, I will have a sister-in-law, even though she is subdued and rather quiet. I hope she will warm up to our family.

Anyone would be an improvement on the hell spawn living in the carriage house.

The poor, orphaned Katherine Pierce that my generous father took in already has Stefan wrapped around her finger. It's a good thing Damon is busy with the army and far away from Katherine and her doe eyes.

Watching my own twin fall for her outright and improper flirting makes me ill.

Soon after his wedding, I, too, will be wed. My father has been deep in discussions with Mayor Lockwood since I was young. The plan is for the day of mine and Stefan's eighteenth birthday.

I will be Mrs. Jonah Lockwood.

I hope this terrible war will be over by then and Damon will be home. I cannot imagine not having him there to see me married off. Father had hoped Damon would already be married, too, but he does not care for Father's wishes. He enjoys being his own man. It's part of why he joined the army. It's not that he's unloyal to the South… he just wants to live life to the fullest. I wish I could, too. Father may give me liberties other young ladies have not, but even his generosity has limits.

Even though we are twins, Stefan and I are not nearly as close as Damon and I are. Stefan is the golden child and Father's favorite, while I take after Damon. I live to rebel and it has Stefan constantly whining about me. I was still a child when he started crying to our father - "Father, Lizzy stole my breeches!", "Father, Lizzy forgot her bonnet!", "Father, Lizzy is barefoot!" - the list goes on and on.

I am not a proper, young Southern belle. Perhaps it's because we were children when our mother passed on. Damon took me under his wing, protecting me from the worst of our father's temper. I had no female role models, so I took after my own role model - Damon.

~ Elizabeth Salvatore's Diary

1864

Liz flew down the main stairs of the house, her gown rustling as she skipped steps in her rush. Outside, gravel crunched on the drive as a carriage approached. Breathing heavily, she joined her father and brother on the front porch.

"Elizabeth, honestly…" her father tsked, taking in her flushed appearance and messy hair. "Can't you at least try to behave like a lady?"

"I apologize, Father. I'll do better."

He huffed, then turned his attention to the carriage. It had halted and the door opened. Slowly a woman emerged, her dainty hand held by the coachman. She tilted her head up, her hat obscuring much of her face. Dark curls were artfully arranged to frame her face, her eyes a deep brown.

She made a deep curtsy before approaching the house, her gloved hands clasped together.

"Miss Pierce, allow me to introduce my children. This is my son, Stefan," Father said, gesturing toward her brother, "and my youngest, Elizabeth," he said with a hint of disdain, looking at her.

Even in his stare, Liz held herself tall. She wasn't perfect. She was too wild, her father often remarked; much like her older brother. She never minded the comparison to Damon. Stefan might be the perfect son, but Damon was the perfect brother.

"My older son, Damon, is away with the army. Perhaps you will get a chance to meet him in the future or once we win the war."

"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Salvatore. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to stay at your home," the strange girl said. Her voice was sweet, like honey, but it seemed too sweet. Too fake.

"The pleasure is all ours," Stefan said, kissing the girl's hand.

Elizabeth felt ill. The sooner Katherine left, the better. She could feel it already – like a sickness in the air. Contagious.

"Welcome to Mystic Falls, Miss Pierce. I do wish it was under better circumstances," their father said.

"Please, call me Katherine."

She slowly backed away, retreating indoors. The heat or her corset made her lightheaded. She couldn't stay to meet their guest. In fact, Liz couldn't wait to get away from the dark-haired girl. The more physical space between them, the easier she could breathe.

Despite her attempts to avoid their guest, Liz found herself cornered in a front parlor with a book from the family library in her hands, a few days later. She could do needle work, yet she much preferred the weight of a leather-bound volume to a slender needle and thread. Her disdain for handicrafts had been frowned upon in finishing school by both her peers and teachers.

"You must be Elizabeth. We never had a chance to chat the other day. I must say, you don't look anything like your brother."

"Hello, again, Miss Katherine." Liz studied Katherine with her eyes, the same piercing blue as Damon's. It always amused him that she shared no similarities with her twin. "Father says we are night and day. Pray tell, why are you so keen on my brother?"

Their guest smiled wistfully at the youngest Salvatore. "He is unlike any man I have ever met."

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Stefan is betrothed. His wedding is already being set."

She watched the anger and jealousy flash across their guest's porcelain features. It was her first glimpse of the real Katherine Pierce - the petty, impulsive, and childish woman.

"What a shame. She must be real special to ensnare his heart. Tell me, Elizabeth, dear, what is it about her that your brother finds irresistible?"

Katherine's brown eyes bore into Liz's, probing and prodding for information. Her lips parted, as if she was about to speak, but she looked ill, her skin paling ever so slightly.

Then almost as quickly as she begun to open her lips, her color returned.

"I'm sorry?" Liz asked, her voice a little hoarse. She touched her throat, rubbing the skin.

"I was just inquiring about your sister-to-be." She smiled with her lips, but not her eyes. They remained cold and hard.

"I'm sorry, Miss Katherine, but I have other matters to attend to. Perhaps we can discuss this matter another time?"

"Certainly."

Liz turned on her heel and hurried away. Katherine's very presence felt tainted and evil. Being near the woman made her sick. Yet being around her never made Stefan or her father uncomfortable. They seemed to hang on her every word.

She couldn't bear it. She needed fresh air and space. Away from Katherine.