Chapter one

The next evening Elena and Stefan walked into 'The Grill'. After everything that had happened they had been looking forward to a fun night out.
The moment they walked into the door a familiar rock tune came floating towards them and people were chatting everywhere. It was as if the whole town was there. Elena smiled at this; it felt good to spent time with her friends and boyfriend, to take a break from the supernatural.

Stefan had been distracted lately, but Elena hadn't paid much attention to it, she didn't want to spoil her night. Because this evening was all about having fun and not worrying about anything.

Elena noticed Tyler and Caroline sitting in an illuminated corner, staring intently at each other. Without hesitation and a knowing smile she dragged Stefan along towards the supposed couple. Once they'd reached their table they pulled away from each other. Elena took place next to Caroline, Stefan next to Tyler. 'I'm glad to see you guys here, I really have to tell you two something.' At these words Tyler immediately caught Stefan's attention. ' Recently I discovered something new about being a werewolf, you see, I…' Tyler was cut short by Elena: ' don't you even think about finishing that sentence mister Lockwood. I'm determined about not talking about ANYTHING supernatural.' Caroline nodded approvingly: ' I totally agree with Elena, let's not ruin our evening by talking about annoying things.'

Then , as if on cue, the doors swung open and a gush of midnight air filled 'The Grill'. And there he stood… Damon Salvatore… looking as arrogant and dangerous as always. He wore his well-known black leather jacket with a white T-shirt underneath and black, tight jeans.

All the girls' heads were turned towards the door. A crooked smile appeared on Damon's face.

' Too late,' Stefan cursed under his breathe, ' Mister Annoying just walked in.'

Damon spotted the oh-so –amazing – friends sitting at a table in the corner of the room. He walked towards them. ' What the hell are you doing here?' Elena blurted out. He gave her one of his charming smiles: 'I've always loved the way you welcomed me Elena.' He swung one of the empty chairs around and moved in closer towards his brother's girlfriend. Damon looked at his little brother, who was apparently lost in his own thoughts. He 'tsk'd ' , it seemed that he wasn't going to have any fun this evening. 'Well, that's not going to happen with me hanging around' Damon thought. He couldn't help but to provoke Stefan. He turned his attention back to Elena and said: ' You know, I've never understood how you could put up with my brooding brother, he's just so…boring.' Elena rolled her eyes at him: ' he's not boring to me.'

But Stefan wasn't paying any attention to the entire conversation, his eyes drifted towards the window. All of a sudden he saw the silhouette of a woman, her features clearly defined in the silvery glow of the moonlight. Realisation hit him : Katherine! She gave him a wicked smile when his eyes met hers. His eyes roamed over her body, she looked absolutely stunning. She was wearing a long golden - coloured gown. The short sleeves were all white lace, as was the bottom of the dress. Katherine also wore a matching golden cameo of the finest quality. Her hair fell down across her cheeks in brown, curling locks. He couldn't tear his gaze away from her beauty.

Damon looked at his brother, who was staring intensely at the window next to him. The bewildered expression on Stefan's face told Damon that his little brother had completely lost his mind. ' No matter how long you stare at your own reflexion, you'll never be as good- looking as me.' He mused.

Elena had enough of it: ' ok, we'll be going. Thank you very much Mister Salvatore, you've managed to single-handedly ruin my evening. Let's go Stefan.' ' Huh? What?' Stefan said distractedly. ' I said , lets go.' Elena repeated, placing her hands on her hips.

On his way out, Stefan had a hazed glint in his eyes. Everywhere he looked the faces of the girls' in 'The Grill' changed in that of Katherine. He felt like he was losing his mind.

' Did you even had a little bit of fun tonight?' Elena asked, concerned.

' Why do you care? I thought this evening was all about YOU having a good time.' He said, rather harsh. Elena gave him a startled expression. During their way home they didn't exchange another word.

Stefan was looking at the young girl in his bed, peacefully sleeping and blissfully unaware of the danger around her. He smiled at her, trying to savour every minute with her.

A cool air brought him out of his little world; making him shiver.

He quickly spun around, knowing that someone else was with them in the room.

' It took you a while to notice I am here.' The person mocked before she stepped out of the shadows. Stefan rolled his eyes when he saw Katherine appearing ' What do you want ?'

'That's no way to treat a guest, Mr. Salvatore.' She purred, stepping closer.

'You aren't a guest Katherine in this house. I didn't invite you, neither did Damon or Elena. So I suggest you leave before you make it any worse.' Stefan growled.

But Katherine ignored his comment and walked to the left side of the bed, where Elena was sleeping. ' Don't touch her.' He warned, stepping in front of her.

'Still the same gentleman, I see. Always trying to protect a lady.' 'Just tell me why you are here. I am not in the mood for your games.' He replied, pinching the bridge of his noise in frustration. 'But you lost your patience along the way.' She smiled, 'Katherine…'

' Oh please Stefan, lighten up a little. You used to be fun back in 1864.'

'That was a long time ago, times change.'

'No times don't change, you changed Stefan. You used to be carefree, enjoying every moment of your life and look at you now.'

Stefan shook his head, he didn't want to start this argument, especially not with Katherine ' That is all in the past. I have other priorities.' This comment made Katherine burst out in laughter. ' Don't fool yourself ! You have given everything up. You lost yourself and for what –' 'Don't go there' Stefan interrupted but Katherine continued 'for that girl. She isn't worth it, it's about time you realized that.'

Stefan lost his temper by the mention of these words and pushed her rather harshly aside. 'Don't you dare say that about Elena, she is worth it. Her life is more precious than yours ever was.' His face wrenched in anger.

But Katherine didn't flinch, a wicked grin appeared on her face. ' I knew you had it still in you-' she walked back toward Stefan, making sure their faces where just inches apart. 'But there is something in your argument that isn't right. Her life isn't more precious, no…the only reason you want her is because you still crave for me.' she spoke with no sign of hesitation as her hands roamed across his bare chest, making him moan a little ' Your body still reacts to my touches.' She whispered in his ear, letting her lips trail across his collarbone.

' Stop it.' He tried to fight her off but something was holding him back ' I love Elena.'

Her laugh vibrated against his skin 'And yet you are still here with me. Don't resist it Stefan. You know you want this, you miss your old life.' Her hands were slowly making their way to the waistband of his jeans.

' I don't miss it.'

' Of course you do, let me help you. If you come with me I will make sure you can live the life you want to, away from these boring routines...' Somehow she managed to unzip his pants but when she made the movement to go any further, Stefan finally opened his eyes. Realization finally hit him, and he grabbed her hands before there was even more damage done. ' I said no, Katherine. Now I want you to leave.' He growled.

Katherine merely shrugged. 'It won't be long before you will join me. And in the main time I will enjoy our little midnight games.' she spun around on her heels heading towards the door, but before she turned the doorknob, she faced him one last time. 'Oh Stefan…Don't forget to wake up.'

With that said she was gone.