Elena's POV

"Elena you look a mess! Did you even sleep last night?" My mother shook her head as I sat down at the breakfast table. "You have bags under your eyes. Trudy will have to fix you up before we leave today," she sighed turning to her breakfast.

I breathed heavily trying to tell myself it was just Mother being Mother, but my patience was thinner than a needle this morning. I turned to my omelette Emily had sat down in front of me taking a bite.

"Emily, I will never underestimate your cooking skills ever again," I moaned taking another bite. I was trying immensely to make today positive. Guaranteed I knew it would be one of the worst.

"I will hold you to it, Elena," she laughed taking my cup and filling it up.

"Manners, Elena, and sit up straight. You must learn to dine as a lady... not an animal," my mother snipped across the room raising her teacup to her mouth properly. I did as I was told and sat up straight before looking back to Emily. She winked at me.

We had nearly grown up together, Emily and I. She was my best friend along with my brother Jeremy.

Emily's birth mother had dropped her off on our doorstep for work at the age of seven when in all reality her she had abandoned her. My parents had taken Emily in as one of their own adopting her.

My family was unlike the rest of the south. We welcomed everybody, no matter the color of skin and treated everyone as equals. Though Emily's dark complexion stood out among the rest of my family, no one had ever seemed to question it. Especially since my father was one of the most wealthy of men in the south.

He owned over three fourths of the clothing companies in the south. My mother, Isabelle, was wealthy as well. Her profits belonged to my father making him even wealthier. Mother's father used to be in a mining business and struck gold further south. She was new money, but she acted like her family had been in the game for generations.

"What's for breakfast?" Jeremy asked panting as he jogged down the stairs.

"Emily's omelettes of course!" My father chuckled coming down the stairs kissing my cheek, Emily's cheek and my mother's cheek before sitting down.

"I thought it was Elena's turn to cook?" Jeremy asked sitting down.

"Do you really wish for this brand new house to burn down?" Emily asked raising an eyebrow.

"Hey!" I laughed collecting my mother's and my own dishes before ushering Emily to sit down and eat.

"I'm only saying we just moved here. It would cost father a lot of paperwork before having to build a new house," she shrugged with a laugh.

"Right you are, Emily," my father nodded shoveling his omelet in his mouth. My mother looked up at me before pointing at my father.

"If you want an example of what you look like while eating, just look at your father," she raised an eyebrow at John causing him to sit up straight and slow down.

My mother was rather stern, but that didn't stop us from having our fun.

"Oh relax Mother, it is only Emily's cooking that gets me that way," I winked at her. Isabelle shook her head and stood excusing herself. Looking to Jeremy, I realized he was still panting as he scarfed down his food. "Why are you so out of breath and sweaty?" I asked picking his plate up.

"Does nobody have table manners in this household?" Mother nearly yelled. Jeremy ignored her.

"I have been getting into shape. I went for a run this morning and was just doing some stomach workouts in my room." He smiled.

"Jeremy," my mother said in a warning voice. "You are only fifteen, son. There is no need to worry about such issues yet," she smiled slightly.

"Nonsense!" My father interjected. "He is a man now, and he needs to start looking like one," he winked at Jeremy. "Son, why don't you go wash up. You will come with me today to work today to learn the business. It is time," John smiled.

Jeremy looked down and nodded. There was no use in arguing with him again. He never wanted to take over for father. Jeremy's passion since he was little was to be a police man or in the military. Mother and father would not have it, however, he was the only man in the family the legacy of John Gilbert would pass on to.

"Elena, you go wash up as well," my mother commented. "Then we can go meet the Salvatore's for lunch." I nodded with a stand, however, my insides were screaming.

Speaking of why I did not sleep last night... I am to meet my fiancé today. That's part of the reason why we moved back to Mystic Falls along with my father's booming business. On top of that, my father had founded this town before I was born. Along with the Gilberts, the Lockwood family and the Salvatore family had also founded the town of Mystic Falls.

I walked upstairs to get dressed along with Emily. Trudy was just behind us.

"I know... I know how you feel," Emily looked at me from the side as we reached the top of the stairs. "I am to meet my future husband tomorrow as well. Father told me the youngest Lockwood boy would take my hand. His name is Tyler," she paused hesitating.

"What is it, Em?" I asked.

"I know color matters to none of you. We are family, but I have feared this moment for a long time. I know father would not choose a family that wouldn't be as accepting about my color, but I am still worried. What if this Tyler is putting on an act and treats me as a lesser person than I am when we are married?" She asked sitting down on the edge of my bed.

I sat down on my chair facing Trudy as she prepared to touch up my makeup and hair for the date.

"We will tell father if that happens, and he will find you a suitable man. You know father would do anything for you. He loves us all, and no matter the money, he would make sure we are treated respectfully," I nodded at her as Trudy finished up my makeup and moved on to my hair.

"You are right, I don't know why I am so nervous," she chuckled nervously.

"I am nervous as well, Emily. We are meeting our future husbands soon. It is probably from the move from Louisiana back to Mystic Falls. It was a long journey yesterday, and we need rest," I concluded trying to find a reason for my nerves.

"What is the name of the man you are to marry?" Emily asked trying to flip the subject onto myself.

"His name is Stefan. Stefan Salvatore," I looked down. "I heard he is handsome. I was engaged to his elder brothers first, but I am not sure who he is. Father decided to wed me to Stefan instead. He has not been mentioned a lot whenever father talks about the Salvatore's," I shrugged.

I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was going to meet my fiancé in just a short while. I didn't want this right now. I wasn't ready, and here father was pressuring me to marry a man I have never met. My stomach churned thinking about how I would soon be wed and not living with my family anymore.

"I don't know if I can do this."

"You are ready, Miss Gilbert," Trudy smiled gesturing to the mirror.

"Thank you Trudy.. and please call me Elena," I said quietly before standing. A knock came to my door. "Come in.." I sighed attempting to contain myself from crying. Jeremy poked his head in to make sure everyone was decent before coming in with a very becoming suit on him.

"Elena will you help me with this tie? I've never done one before and I've seen you fix one on father," he handed it to her frustrated.

"Yes of course, Jer," I smiled quickly taking the tie and swinging it over his neck before working on it.

"Lena what's wrong?" He asked taking my hand. I always had a soft spot for Jeremy. He and Emily were always there for me.

I lost it.

"I don't want this, Jeremy.." I cried trying not to ruin my makeup. "I don't want an arranged marriage!"

"I know, Elena.." he encircled me in his arms as Emily stood beginning to rub my back. "I heard Stefan Salvatore is a good man.. well, he is my age actually so almost a man," he smiled down at me.

"I don't even know him," I laid my head on his chest. Jeremy was growing up. Sometimes it was hard to watch as I always saw him as my little brother who always pulled my hair when he didn't get what he wanted. Now he was going with father to work for business and began filling out. He was becoming a man.

"You'll get to know him.. and if he is not what you desire, I will do everything in my power to get father to reconsider," he said pulling away just far enough to wipe my eyes. "Okay?" He asked taking my chin so I would look up at him. I nodded hugging him once more.

"And if he hurts you or touches you inappropriately, I will kick his ass," Emily chimed in which caused me to laugh, turn and hug her.

"I on the other hand would kill him," Jeremy chuckled before his face went back to serious. "What do you want Elena?" He asked. "What are you looking for in a man?" I paused for a second before responding.

"I want a love that consumes me. I want passion, adventure and even a little danger," I responded. Jeremy smiled squeezing my hand.

"If this man does not give you that, then I will help you find the one that does," Jeremy kissed my hand quickly, and I almost began crying again.

"I love you both. I don't know what I would do without you," I smiled. "Oh and I would also like to be respected, so put that on the list," I added causing them both to chuckle. Jeremy nodded.

"Well, lets get Trudy to fix up your makeup again," Emily smiled calling out to her in the hall as I nodded and finished tying Jeremy's tie.

"We will make your wedding the most beautiful wedding of the century," Emily smiled at me.

"I don't feel like it's my wedding... I feel like I'm being sold," I looked down.

"That's the price of being a wealthy business man's child. None of us end up with the things we want in life," Jeremy looked down. "For you two, I will make sure the opposite happens," he smiled before walking out.

His comment sent chills up my spine. Father was a very loving and caring man, but when it came down to big decisions regarding our lives, we had no say at all.

"Are you ready?" Emily asked me placing her hand on mine. I nodded. I would have to get this over with. Maybe Stefan Salvatore wouldn't be so bad after all.. hell maybe I would fall for him anyhow. Maybe he would be everything I wanted. There was only one way to find out.

"Let's get going, Elena. The entire Salvatore family is waiting for us, well besides Giuseppe. He will be working," she said as I made my way down the stairs. "I told him it will just be you and I. Everyone else is busy with work," she smiled.

"Emily's not working.." I furrowed my brow confused.

She cleared her throat looking from the ground, to me and to Emily.

"The Salvatore's aren't people who favor.."

"Go on you can say it, Mother. It doesn't offend me," Emily claimed politely.

"The Salvatore's do not favor colored people.." my mother choked out. I could tell she was going to have a hard time with this family, and so would I.

"No!" I nearly screamed angrily. "I will not marry someone who does not accept not only my family, but what I believe. Mother how could you?!" I shook my head.

"You know it's not my decision, Elena. It's your father's," she looked down too ashamed to look up trying to stay calm.

"Bull shit!" I yelled. "He listens to you!"

"Language! Elena!" My mother was dumbfounded that word had come out of my mouth. I never usually cursed. It was not lady like to curse, but no matter, sometimes a girl must let off some steam.

"I refuse to go!" I yelled.

"Elena.." Emily grabbed my hand. "Go. You must," she insisted. "It's okay," she nodded. "Go see if you like this man, and if you have doubts then you know father will find another man for you. Maybe he's the one, you have to go," I knew he wasn't, but here I was nodding my head.

Embracing my sister, I squeezed tightly as my mother tugged on my arm.

"We are late, Elena. We must go," she turned to Trudy. "Tell Aaron to get the carriage ready," she ordered. Trudy nodded obediently rushing out of the room. I followed my mother down the stairs mentally preparing myself for what was about to happen.

I wasn't ready for a husband. I wasn't ready for that step. I was only eighteen years old. Even if I was mentally ready for that step, I was overwhelmed with the move. We had just moved from west back to Mystic Falls, Virginia where my father grew up and I was born. He had always planned on returning, and this engagement had been in place for about a week. Before that, I had been engaged with his elder brother since I was a child. Giuseppe Salvatore had made the switch last week, and I was thankful.

Stefan and I knew each other a little better. We were the best of friends until the age of four, and then we moved west for my father's business.

I didn't even know what he looked like. I remember his raven haired elder brother on the Salvatore property tending to whatever work his father put him to. The raven haired boy always got into trouble, but I didn't know why. Stefan explained that his brother was five years older and had responsibilities that he would one day have. I had never met the raven haired boy, but I'm sure I would now at this lunch.

However, he was not the one I was worried about.

As Aaron brought the carriage around, he helped my mother and I in and we rode off to the Salvatore manor.

I spent the entire ride looking straight forward avoiding whatever my mother told me. She had spent the entire ride telling me how to behave and be a proper woman. Every once in a while, I would answer simply: "yes, Mother," or "I will, Mother."

Once we reached the estate, I looked out the small window and realized why my mother and father wanted me to wed this man. The Salvatore mansion was nearly twice as big as our own. The gigantic brick building stood boldly with its back against the trees. The road curved into a circle, and in the middle was the most gorgeous fountain I had ever seen. They had certainly upgraded their property since I was a child.

My heart sank. Father was only invested in the money of the transaction. That's why he was so eager to wed me so fast.

The door opened to the front of the house and two men and a woman stood outside on the porch awaiting my mother and I. Aaron parked the carriage and opened the small door holding his hand out to me. I thanked him as one man stepped down from the porch walking toward us. The woman stayed on the porch with the other man and raised her chin to show her superiority.

Once the sandy haired man came closer, he smiled at me.

"Elena?" He asked.

"Stefan?" My smile grew a small bit. He nodded. "Well you've definitely grown," I chuckled nervously causing him to laugh.

"Yes I suppose," he smiled shyly. I looked to the porch where the woman and other man seemed to be having an argument. This man I knew was Stefan's brother. I could never forget his curly raven colored hair. He shook his head and walked down to where we were.

Stefan walked over to the raven haired man and made him pause to talk to him. I walked to Aaron.

"Who is that?" I asked nodding to the raven haired man. The thing was, I knew exactly who this man was. He was Stefan's older, cunning brother. I never got around to his name, however. These brothers were the most attractive I had ever met, but the elder brother surpassed Stefan tremendously in that area.

"That is Damon Salvatore, Miss. He is Stefan's elder brother, however, I would steer clear of that one. From what I hear, he is big trouble," Aaron whispered back as the two men turned to us and began walking back. Damon looked upset at whatever Stefan had told him.

His icy blue eyes met mine, and he smirked. Chills ran up my spine and the back of my neck.

"Mrs Gilbert?" He asked looking to my mother and offering his arm. Stefan looked up to his brother before down at me.

"Elena?" He offered his arm mimicking his brother, and I took it shyly. I could feel his elder brother glancing over at me on the other side of my mother, which caused me to heat in embarrassment and uneasiness.

Their mother, Lillian, greeted us on the porch and invited us inside.

"Please, have a seat. I will tell the cooks to hurry along," she gestured to the parlor. We nodded taking a seat on the couch. "Boys! Make them feel welcome. They journeyed very far yesterday," Lillian snapped. The men nodded at their mother before both of their eyes met mine. I looked back and forth between the two.

"Would you ladies like anything to drink?" Damon asked politely pouring himself a glass of bourbon. My mother shook her head as I nodded. "What would you like Miss Gilbert?" He asked as his beautiful ocean blue eyes met mine.

"I will take a glass of bourbon please," I nodded to his hand before feeling my mother's tighten on my arm. The men stared at me in awe. It was unnatural for a woman to drink brandy or whiskey, especially a woman of my age. Women usually drank champagne or wine, but I enjoyed the acquired taste of whiskey.

"She will have a water," My mother corrected before giving me her classical 'you-messed-up-Elena' look.

The dark haired man hesitated before giving a subtle nod pouring me a glass of water.

"My mother mentioned you just moved here yesterday. Do you enjoy coming back?" Stefan asked glancing from my mother to me.

"It has been transitioning smoothly. I miss this quiet town," My mother smiled genuinely.

"The only thing I remember about this town is your front lawn. We played all the time, and I remember you getting in trouble all the time," I giggled at the raven haired man. He smiled genuinely as I stood to get my water. I walked over to him as he handed it to me.

"I remember that as well," he smiled. "And please call me Damon," he reached for my hand pressing his lips to the back. His eyes never left mine, and I could feel my cheeks heat. Stefan let out a little cough in the background to gain attention.

"Dinner should be ready shortly, why don't you ladies head to the dining room. My brother and I will gather the drinks," he claimed with a straight face.

I knew Damon would be yelled at by Stefan as soon as we left the room, but I did as I was told anyhow. I didn't do drama.

My mother leaned in close to me as we walked out of the room.

"Stay away from Damon, do you hear me?" She ordered. I nodded subtly entering the dining room. Hearing the men bicker in the other room was rather entertaining to listen to in the quiet room. I could hear Stefan yelling at Damon about staying away from me. Damon was arguing back saying he was only being polite.

As they entered the dining room, so did the meal. A beautiful salmon lunch was prepared for us. Stefan took a seat next to me as Damon and Lillian took a seat on the other side of the table.

The lunch was quiet until my mother broke the silence.

"So, Stefan, what kind of business is your father into?" She asked even though she already knew the answer.

"My father is managing a tobacco company, and he is working on a new product up in North Carolina with one of his coworkers. They're calling it a cigarette. It should be ready soon, but I'm not quite sure what it is," Stefan chuckled looking me up and down before returning to his meal. Damon cleared his throat.

"My brother will be taking over the mining business. I however, will be jumping out on a ledge. I will be taking over the cigarette company as soon as it's up and running," Damon smiled.

"Is not that a little risky, Mr Salvatore?" My mother asked with a raise of her eyebrows.

"Mother!" I whispered.

"No, it is alright. And please call me Damon. Mr Salvatore reminds me of my father, and I would rather be referred to as a sewer rat than my father," he chuckled.

"Damon!" Lillian scolded. The man rolled his eyes.

"As to your question, Mrs Gilbert, I am quite sure with this transaction. What is life without a little risk? I want adventure, so here I am," Damon smiled glancing at me before Stefan interjected.

"I would be careful brother! I already have a fiancé, which means soon I will be stepping up in the company. I'll believe your business transaction when you find yourself a wife," Stefan chuckled laying his hand on my wrist on the table. My face heated on embarrassment, and I excused myself.

I nearly ran to the restroom in tears. I didn't know what to think anymore. Stefan was extremely too forward for my liking or comfortability. I leaned over the sink trying to control my breathing. A knock came to the door.

"Elena?"

It was Damon.

"Just a second!" I called out running my fingers under my eyes to catch the smeared makeup. I opened the door. "Yes?" I asked.

"Are you alright, Miss?" He asked. I nodded my head holding it high. Damon rolled his eyes. "Follow me," he began walking. I hesitated before following him at a safe distance.

Everyone kept warning me about this man, but I hadn't seen anything too explicit yet. He took me to the parlor gesturing for me to sit down. I sat as he walked over to the don opening it and pulling out whiskey. Pouring a glass, he handed it to me.

"Drink," he ordered. "But, don't tell your mother. She might kill me," he chuckled.

I threw my head back downing the bourbon.

"Wow, you can take your alcohol well," he raised his eyebrows.

"Please, Damon. I need silence," I breathed resting my head in my hands. After a little while, his fingertip lightly brushed against the back of my hand.

"We should get back, they are probably missing us... well... you," he smiled looking down at me extending a hand. I let out a small laugh taking his hand as he helped me to stand.

"Sorry folks, Elena was just helping me pick out another wine," he smiled as we entered the room. Stefan's face went cold.

After we sat back down, the lunch nearly lasted ten minutes longer before Lillian and my mother decided it would be best to leave. The men had kept making snide comments throughout the meal at one another, and it was making me rather uncomfortable. Stefan had barely said a couple words to me at the table.

As we stood and excused ourselves, we said our goodbyes and promised to have lunch again.

Lillian hugged us both whereas Stefan shook our hands. Damon eyed me from a distance with a slight squint as if he was trying to figure me out.

As we walked out the door and to the carriage, my mother had gotten in and was waiting for me.

"Miss Gilbert!" Stefan yelled behind me. I stopped before the carriage looking back at him.

"Yes Mr Salvatore?" I sighed.

"Would you mind if we took a walk?" He asked. I looked to Aaron.

"Mr Salvatore will take me home," I nodded. Aaron was hesitant, but nodded. I turned and began walking with him around the property.

"I wanted to apologize for my crude behavior during lunch," he said solemnly coming to stand next to me at the carriage. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Yes you did, Mr Salvatore," I held my head high. He may be handsome, but that gives him no excuse to treat a lady like that. "You treated me as property to make your brother jealous... I will be treated as a person, nothing less. An equal."

"I just recently found out about your near engagement to my brother. My father promised to wed me first. Once a Salvatore is wed, they can be fully invested in the mining company. When you came back from town, my father planned on wedding you to Damon, but your father disagreed," he looked down.

Holding out his arm, he smiled at me. I held my head and kept walking. Putting his arm down, he sighed.

"I didn't really mind. I was just excited to be a part of my father's company..." he stopped causing Elena to stop looking up at him. "But then.."

"But then what?" I raised my eyebrows.

"But then I saw you," he took a step closer.

"There is more to me than my looks Mr Salvatore," I nearly rolled my eyes.

"Yes, I know. I saw something in you. It was like a spark of energy. You're no average lady Miss Gilbert," he smiled taking another step forward. "Your defiance is extremely attractive, and Damon noticed which caused me to get angry. Damon would not be able to handle you," he smirked taking a step forward as I took a step back.

"Excuse me? I will not be handled like some-"

He leapt forward shoving his lips on mine. The aggression overwhelmed me as he pressed his body to mine groping my hips. The kiss lasted nearly two seconds before I shoved him off and struck him across the face.

"Who in the hell do you think you are?" I breathed getting angry. He raised his eyebrows rubbing his face. "You immature little-"

"Is there a problem out here?" A familiar voice asked. I looked over to Damon on the porch. His arms were crossed glaring at his younger brother.

"I will just be heading home," I turned to glare at Stefan.

"I will take you back," Stefan offered.

"No!" I yelled.

"Elena, your carriage is gone. You need me to take you back," he grabbed my arm. I got out of his grasp.

"I would rather walk home," I held my head high. I was no rag doll to be tossed around. There was no way in hell I would marry this immature ass.

"I will take you home, Miss Gilbert," Damon chimed in stepping down from the porch to meet us halfway.

"Back off Damon," Stefan whispered standing a little taller.

"You wouldn't want your future wife to freeze her toes off now would you Stefan? She's clearly not going to be riding with you, so I will take her." Damon held out his arm to me. I took it stepping away from Stefan. He may be dangerous, but I would have done just about anything to get away from Stefan at that point.

Stefan opened his mouth to protest. Before he could get a word in, Damon interrupted him.

"Don't worry brother, I would never touch a lady without her permission," he sneered. I almost smiled at his comment as he walked me toward the stables to prepare the horses.

"Thank you for that.." I mumbled looking down.

"My brother is young. He knows not the proper way to treat a woman. Stefan will learn, I will make sure of that," he nodded letting my arm fall to gather a couple horses.

"You know not the proper way to look at a woman. You Salvatore men look at women like they are your favorite meal," I raised an eyebrow.

"Making my brother jealous with our exchanges of glances was a plus, but you took my breath away. I apologize making you uncomfortable. It was not my intention. You're a very unique woman... in a good way. You've got fire. It caught my attention. My brother is a lucky man," he smiled at me before looking down.

"Where is your stable boy?" I asked changing the subject. I was also wondering why Damon was the one preparing the horses.

"We don't have one. Father caught me snooping in his work study a couple years ago. He fired the stable boy and made me do his job as punishment. However, I don't get paid," he shrugged gathering two black horses out of their stalls and attached them to the carriage.

"I sensed you were still a trouble maker," I giggled before pausing. "Wait.. he's still making you do it?" I asked scrunching my forehead. Giuseppe Salvatore sounded like an awful man.

"No, Miss Gilbert. I do it for fun now. Tending to the horses is how I get away from that house and all of my duties to the family legacy. Father thinks it's madness, but I enjoy it," he smiled. Those baby blue eyes of his melted into my core.

"You work to relieve stress?" I asked with a small chuckle.

"It's hardly work, Elena. I will show you sometime, but you must wear your riding outfit. Don't want you getting those beautiful dresses dirty," he nodded to my outfit before lingering on my breasts and then back up to my eyes.

I still didn't know what to think of this man. He was a gentleman one minute, and then the next he was making inappropriate innuendos and staring.

Holding out his hand to me, he opened the carriage door.

"If I am to get the experience, then I suppose I should sit up there with you," I pointed with a smile. He nodded.

"Of course, but I will need to lift you up, is that alright?" He asked. I hesitated slightly before giving him a subtle nod. "Okay, put your hands around my neck to balance yourself," he ordered. I did as I was told blushing slightly as his body came closer to mine.

His body lowered as his knees bent scooping me up under my rear. Damon's face was parallel with my breasts, however, he looked the other way to make me feel more comfortable.

Placing me up on the seat, he climbed up himself squeezing in next to me.

"This is silly that we're directing a carriage with no riders," I giggled which caused him to laugh.

"You know how to laugh," he smiled. "I suppose it is strange, but it's an adventure," he shrugged. "I peg you as a woman who enjoys a little adventure in her life," he looked me up and down with a smirk which caused me to blush. He sure knew how to talk to women, but I already knew these Salvatore men were anything but gentlemen. Damon was the closest thing, however, he purposefully looked me up and down every once in a while before making sly innuendos.

His brother was intolerable and was not smooth about being a "bad boy". However, I don't know what it was about Damon, but he gave me an inward feeling. Every time he looked at me, my stomach would heat along with my cheeks.

"Elena?" Damon asked. I snapped out of my trance.

"I apologize, Damon. Yes?" I asked looking up to him. He handed me the reigns.

"Would you do the honors?" He asked with a smile.

"Of course," I smiled giving them a small whip towards the horses's behinds telling them to begin walking.

"I never realized how beautiful the trees are this time of year. This view is much better than inside the carriage," I smiled looking around the wooded area around the road. I could feel Damon staring at me as I watched the scenery.

"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he answered not moving his face.

I didn't dare look at him. I barely knew this man, anyhow.

We mostly sat in silence enjoying the chirps of the birds and sounds of nature on the way to my family's property. Once in a while we would make small talk.

As we reached my property, Damon taught me how to halt the horses. When we parked, he jumped down from the seat and helped me down.

"Thank you for the ride, Damon. I really appreciate it," I smiled at him genuinely before walking toward the house.

"Elena?" He asked. I turned around.

"Yes?"

"I got you something," he held up a bottle of bourbon handing it to me. "Do not tell your mother.. or my brother," he chuckled.

"Thank you, Damon," I laughed taking the bottle from him and turning around.

"When will we see you again?" He asked.

"Tell your brother to keep his paws off me, and then we can talk Mr Salvatore," I raised my eyebrows. "I have a question..." I paused.

"Anything."

"Everybody is telling me to stay away from you. What is that about may I ask?" I raised an eyebrow. He almost looked hurt by my statement.

"That is... um... a story for another time, Elena," he smiled. I crinkled my forehead confused, but nodded anyhow. "Very well, I will come pick you up tomorrow afternoon for riding," he smiled. "Goodnight, Elena," he winked at me. I shook my head blushing and walked in the house.

As soon as I closed the door, their was a sharp pain against my cheek. My mother had just slapped me.

"You will not be seeing Damon again do you understand, Elena?" My mother asked.

"He was kind to give me a ride home, Mother. Nothing happened," I tried to calm myself.

"You are engaged to his brother after all."

"Yet I was supposed to marry Damon, but father refused. Why is that?" I asked curiously.

"Do you not know about what happened to his sister?" My mother looked concerned.

"I just met this family today, Mother. They have a sister?" Isabelle's face fell slightly. Her anger disappeared into sorrow.

"Their sister died seven years ago... at Damon's hands."

*Wooooo first chapter is done! Let me know what you think! I wrote most of this around 3AM so no judgement. If something doesn't make sense let me know and I'll help explain! Please review and let me know if you enjoyed it! Thank you. -Syd*

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