Okay, I know many of you are expecting the next chapter to Dark Angel (I gather out of the two it's the favourite?) but I just left chapter two and immediately wanted to write up the next one. Rest assured, the next chapter is almost done. But with all this revision, it's taking me longer than usual to post a story. Don't worry though, it's coming!

Anyway, here's the next chapter! There's a lot more of Damon and Tari, some Elena and Damon too. Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Diaries or any characters – except for Tari of course!

Chapter Three

The truth...well, most of it

The sunlight drifted into the bedroom, landing directly on Damon's face. He squinted against the light, finally opening his eyes. He had been fighting to stay asleep for an hour or so now, but with the sun's eventual rise, he decided to get up.

His ice blue eyes instantly fell on Tari. He still had his arm tightly round her waist. For a moment he stared at her peaceful face, admiring it. She looked so much like Rebecca, with the same shaped face and long mane of wavy brown hair that brushed past her shoulders. But whereas Rebecca had dark, hazel brown eyes, Tari had cobalt blue ones – exactly like Damon's.

It was about the only thing of his she had. At least physically; as for temperament, he wasn't sure. If she was like him, they were going to have a few problems.

Pushing himself off the bed, he dressed in his usual attire – all black – and headed downstairs. There Elena was finishing breakfast. She nodded in acknowledgement as he sat on the stool, in front of a silver metal tray. Damon didn't touch any of it – he knew what Elena's cooking was like. As much as she tried (and Damon had to admit, she tried) it made him glad he drank blood.

"What's with the food?" he asked his sister-in-law. "Blood suddenly doesn't do it for you?"

She was smiling to herself as she piled the eggs in the tray. "Tari hasn't been eating, and I thought it might because we don't have anything but cereal for breakfast."

Damon raised an eyebrow. "I think it may have something to do with the fact her mother just died."

Elena glowered at Damon. "Is there a sensitive bone in your body?"

"Why don't you ask her?"

Elena paused for a moment. "What were you two fighting about last night?"

He snatched a piece of bacon from the tray. "You heard that?"

The vampire girl rolled her eyes. "Everybody heard it, even Stefan, who sleeps-"

"Like he has a lawnmower in his chest." Damon's blue eyes crinkled, amused. "You forget, I lived with him before you did."

"Stop changing the subject. What did you and Tari fight about?"

Taking the opportunity to drink some blood – AB positive, his favourite – Damon stuck a straw in the bag. "She wanted to go home. I told her she was. She didn't take it well."

Elena closed her eyes. "Take it slow with her Damon. She's just lost her mother."

"And the best thing would be to let her go home, right?"

He couldn't see Elena's face as she busied herself with the breakfast. "No," she said finally. "But I don't think it was easy telling her that."

Damon pictured the furious glint in Tari's eyes when he told her, or implied, that she was living here from now on. He smirked at the thought of her trying to claw his eyes out. The next few days were going to be interesting, with that spitfire around.

"Where's little brother?" asked Damon, looking round.

Elena beamed. "He's out shopping to get Tari more food. I never noticed how little food we had-"

"Since we're vampires?"

There was a moment of silence. "When are you going to tell her?"

In honesty, Damon didn't know. How was he supposed to tell her that he, Elena and Stefan – her new roommates – were vampires? How was he meant to make her believe him without scaring the shit out of her? "I don't know," he admitted.

Elena opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted when Stefan entered the house, toting six shopping bags. "Jeez little brother," Damon said, relieved for the change of conversation. "What did you do, buy out the entire store?"

Stefan shrugged, use to Damon's jibes at him. "I didn't know what she liked." He smiled as Elena crossed the room to him. "Hi."

"Hi," Elena answered, as breathless as if she had been running. She planted a simple but sweet kiss on his lips. Damon turned away, unable to bear it.

"Why did you take Damon's car?" she questioned, helping him unload the bags.

Stefan frowned in confusion. "I didn't, I took mine."

Elena gazed at him, her own eyes bemused. "But his car isn't out front."

All three vampires craned their necks out the window. Stefan's sports car – the one he'd had for years, since before Elena met him – was there, but Damon's blue mustang was nowhere to be seen.

"I'm sure I parked it there," Damon murmured, trying to think. Elena turned at him, just as puzzled, certain she'd seen it there this morning. Only Stefan realised. He turned to Damon, his eyes big.

"What?"

"C'mon Damon. And I thought you were the smart one."

"Since when?"

"Damon, think!" snarled Stefan.

It hit Damon that instant. "Shit," he hissed.

Elena looked between the two brothers. "Would someone please tell me what's going on?"

As Stefan explained, Damon dashed upstairs, bursting into his bedroom like a bubble. Sure enough, the bed was empty. His eyes wandered to her suitcase which he had parked in the corner of the bedroom.

It was gone.

Damon groaned. "Three vampires with super hearing, and the girl sneaks out. Great."

Well, a little voice in his head said, she is your daughter.

xXx

The road was quiet. Tari was relieved about this. She had taken the back roads leading out of Mystic Falls, hoping the less people that would see her, the better. She had stolen her father's car, and she was sure he would have called the police. But she had been driving fast, so she probably wouldn't be caught.

At least, she hoped.

If Tari was caught, she knew that she would be in trouble. The police would not be pleased, because she was only fourteen. Normally she wouldn't even know how to drive a car, but she use to spend part of the summer at a friend's farm - her mother was always insisting they at least spend some time in the country. Her Uncle Brian (he wasn't really her uncle, just a friend of her mother's, but she called him that anyway) didn't understand why she shouldn't be allowed to drive, and taught her from the age of twelve how to handle a car. After spending two summers learning how to drive his old truck, the mustang seemed too fast. Thankfully Tari managed it.

But the police weren't the ones she was afraid of. No, she was terrified of what her father would do when – if – he found her. She could just imagine his face when she returned home. After last night...

It wasn't as if he'd hit her anything, but it just enforced what she had previously learnt: you do what Damon says; you don't cross him. Okay, so he hadn't said anything about driving, but she had said that she wanted to go home – and he'd told her she was already home.

But Tari loved New York. She adored the hustle and bustle of the city, the ability to order pizza or Chinese food at two a.m. in the morning, and of course it didn't matter if you were a freak in New York City, because you were guaranteed to find someone who was an ever bigger freak. But Mystic Falls? It was a small town; she would stick out like a sore thumb. And what were you suppose to do for fun?

Besides, all her memories of her mother were there. As painful as it would be, her mother had decided to raise Tari in New York, had decided Aunt Isabel was her guardian, and Tari at least wanted her mother's wishes to be carried out.

No, Tari was not living in Mystic Falls. She was going to go back to New York, and talk to Aunt Isabel. She wasn't sure what her father had done to convince her aunt to allow him to become Tari's legal guardian, but was confident that she could undo it.

She drove for hours until her stomach growled. Relieved that she had some cash spare, she stopped in a bar to grab a burger.

Tari felt her stomach clench as she went inside. She was a fourteen year old girl, and she was defenceless. Besides that the bar was crammed with people – to be more specific, men. Some of them were sitting quietly, others were mumbling drunk – and others were chatting up every girl they could.

She found a quiet spot in the corner and put her iPod in her ears, deflecting unwanted attention. She read from the long menu, finally ordering a cheese burger with extra fries. She had gobbled that down and was looking at the dessert menu when she felt someone else sliding into the booth opposite her.

"Hey," she heard a voice say, one that she hadn't heard before. She glanced up, her eyes meeting with dark blue ones. This man – he could be called a boy, he looked to be in his early twenties – was attractive certainly, with longish dark hair and a dazzling smile. But Tari wasn't fooled. She'd grown up in New York City, for God's sake! She knew not to fall for the attractive guys – not to fall for any guys that you didn't know, full stop.

"Yes?" she asked briskly.

"What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"

Inwardly she rolled her eyes at him. Outwardly she smiled sweetly at him. "Taking a leak." She raised her hand, attracting a waitress. "Cheque please," she asked. Relieved that the waitress was now coming back and that she was in a public place, she turned back to the man. "I'm leaving shortly."

"You sure you don't want to stay?" he offered. "Meal's on me, and another round of drinks."

"Thanks," she replied. "But I need to head home. I already late and my father will be furious if I'm not home by curfew."

She had a feeling that he wouldn't believe her – and it didn't seem as if he had, with that smirk on his face. He leant over the table. "Sure I can't convince you?"

"I'm sixteen," Tari said, the lie coming easy. "You're what, twenty three?"

"That's not much of an age difference."

"Which you haven't confirmed." The waitress came back with the cheque. Tari smiled gratefully and quickly placed the correct amount of money. She stood up, gathering her things. "See you."

She checked behind her as she walked out the door. His eyes were following her, but he hadn't gotten up. Thank God.

As soon as she stepped outside, she sprinted to where she parked. She doubted he was coming after her, but the sooner she was away from here, the better.

She began to power walk when the car was in her sights. Her heart was slowing down now, her breathing easier. She would drive through the night, sleep maybe – to be able to sleep without feeling Damon's arm clinging round her waist protectively, being able to wander during the night if she pleased. Living by her own rules. She smiled. Maybe –

She felt a hand round her throat and her spine trembled as she hit the brick wall. The pain exploded in her head; it felt as if her eyes were trying to fall out. Gripping the captor's hand, her eyes flew to him. She wasn't surprised to see it was the guy at the bar. But what did surprise her – what scared the hell out of her – was his eyes. They had gone red, and the veins round his eyes were easily seen.

Tari felt breathless and dizzy, but she was certain this wasn't her imagination. She opened her mouth to scream, but in an instant he placed his hand over hers.

"Hush," he whispered. He bent down, and to her horror, she felt his lips on her neck. She winced when she felt a sharp nip, so sharp it drew blood. She then felt his tongue licking the new wound. It was so...surreal. There was pain, but Tari didn't feel as if he was doing it to her body. He couldn't be doing this to her. How on earth would he be able to?

"Sweet," he said, pulling back. "Shame we can't play around too much, but I have higher orders."

Higher orders? The way he said that made her legs go weak. It sounded even worse than what she had imagined. Had her father sent him? No, why would he bite her? Damon would not allow him to hurt her, even if he was pissed with her. Right?

She bit his hand, surprised when he drew it back. "Fuck you," she growled, trying to force his hands off her.

He laughed, his eyes still red. "That's what I was thinking of doing to you – that is, if you'd taken up my offer. It's a shame really," he said, moving his disgusting hand under her shirt, between her breasts. "I would have been much kinder." Giving one of them a squeeze, he smirked as he saw her freeze. "But those weren't my orders. Still, I'm so tired – I may need a drink first. After all, no one will argue if I weaken you a bit first."

Seeing him coming down to her neck once more, she closed her eyes tightly. What was going to happen to her? Was he going to rape her? Or worse, kill her? And who were these other people?

She had been prepared for the pain, but instead felt him move his hand off her throat, his hand yanked away from underneath her shirt. Hearing snarls, she gasped for air as she opened her eyes. Against the other wall, just opposite her, was the man. This time he was being held by his throat, by none other than Damon Salvatore.

She gaped at him. How had he got here? And so fast?

He did not look at her, his eyes fixed slowly on her attacker. "Tari, get in the car."

She looked between them. Her attacker didn't seem so strong now: he struggled in Damon's grasp, trying to get her father's hand off his neck. She had been afraid of him?

"Do what I say! Get in the car now!"

Tari didn't need to be told again; she raced down to the car, opening the door and sliding inside.

xXx

Once Damon heard the car lock, he relaxed slightly, focussing on the other vampire. "Now," he began quietly. "What the hell do you think you're doing with my daughter?"

The man smirked. "What does it matter?"

Damon punched him in the face. He heard the snap of a broken nose – not that it mattered, he would be dead soon. "Tell me, what are you doing with my daughter?"

He raised his face, his nose bleeding. "I was taking her."

Damon closed his hand round the vampire's throat. "To whom?" he hissed.

He smirked at Damon, despite the fact blood was gushing down his face was covered with blood. His nose had healed quickly, but the blood was still on his face. "I think you know."

Yes, Damon did know. And because of that, he knew he could not allow this vampire to live.

xXx

Tari was scared, not for the first time tonight. She wondered what Damon was doing. She hoped that he would be okay – he seemed to have the upper hand, though that could change in the blink of an eye. She closed her eyes, leaning back in the seat. What if he dies? Though Tari had run away from him, she felt near tears at the thought of it. She couldn't lose another person – it hurt too much.

There was a tap on the window, causing Tari to jump. Damon was standing outside the car. She opened the door. "Move over," he told her. Tari slid to the passenger seat, and Damon got in the car. After moving the seat, he started the engine and began to drive.

Both father and daughter were silent for some time. "What was wrong with him?" Tari finally asked, unable to bear the mystery. Something had been wrong with that man – she knew it.

"Huh?" Damon glanced over at her; she was pale, and looked slight sick.

"Something was wrong with him. His eyes-"

"I'll tell you when we stop off."

"What?"

"It's late and you made it half way to New York. We might as well stop and get your stuff."

Tari stared at him. "Really?"

"Mm," he said vaguely. His tone turned serious. "Did he hurt you?"

Tari's hand went to her neck. Though it didn't seem to be bleeding, it was still sore. "Not really. But who was he? What did he want?"

Damon gritted his teeth. "I'll explain once we get to the motel, okay? But not now."

Tari heard the tone in his voice and immediately shut up. She knew that Damon would already be pissed at her; she didn't want to make things worse.

It took them half an hour to find a motel. Leaving Tari in the car with strict instructions, Damon went to reception and came back with a key. The room had one large bed and a small bathroom. Tari wasn't sure what to do, but before she could ask him a question he pushed her down on the bed. His hands wandered to her neck, running them over her wound. "Not bad," she heard him murmur. "Not deep either. That was lucky." He debated over giving her some of his blood, since he knew he would now have to explain everything to her, but decided that he didn't want to scare her anymore than he needed to. Instead he found a first aid kit and carefully bandaged her up. He did it on autopilot, trying to sort out in his head how he was going to tell her what he was.

Tari had to admit, she was scared. She had just been attacked, but believe it or not she was more worried about what Damon was going to say. But he was keeping something from her, she knew it. Finding her courage, she said, "Damon, what is going on?"

He sighed. Pulling up a chair, he said, "You won't believe me."

Tari narrowed her eyes. After tonight she would believe anything. "Try me."

Just say it. It's like ripping off a band aid.

"I'm a vampire."

Tari rolled her eyes. "Yeah right. Enough with the jokes-"

"I'm deathly serious."

She gazed up him, her eyes cool and collected; she didn't believe him. Of course she didn't. "Okay, you're a vampire. Now can you please tell me what's going on?"

"He was an old vampire enemy of mine and Stefan's. He saw you and seized the opportunity for revenge."

"Oh, and Stefan's a vampire too?"

"And Elena. She became one because she wanted to be with Stefan."

Tari grinned despite everything. "Do you have a Twilight obsession or something?"

Damon snorted. "Please, that book has it way off. Our bodies basically function the same way as human's do, as long as we drink blood regularly."

Tari stared at him. "Damon, seriously, tell me what's going on."

She's never going to believe me. Damon went to his black leather jacket and pulled a pocket knife from the inside pocket. He couldn't explain why he always kept it there since he could do more damage than the knife could, but it was a habit he kept up. He sat next to his daughter, shoulder to shoulder. "Right," he said. "I don't want you to be scared, okay? Just watch."

When he placed the knife against his arm, Tari couldn't help but feel nervous. "Damon," she whispered. "What are you doing?"

Quickly Damon jerked the knife over his arm. Tari gasped, leaning away. "What the hell are you doing? We need-"

Damon gripped her with his other arm. "Tari, look."

She did. The cut on his arm, which had been spilling blood a moment ago, was suddenly moving together. New skin covered the wound in an instant. Now it looked as if nothing had ever touched it. Like magic...

In fear Tari leapt off the bed, but Damon was on the side of the bed nearest the door. Instead she backed herself against the nearest wall, unable to run and unable to look away.

Damon watched her, his face indifferent as he saw her reaction. It was what he expected. Slowly he stood up, but made no move towards her. "Tari," he said, trying to make his voice soothing. "It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you."

She was trembling. "What is this, some joke? 'Cause it really isn't funny."

In an instant Damon was in front of her. She jumped, but didn't run; she had now just seen how fast he could be, and it suddenly occurred to her that, whatever Damon wanted to do to her, he could.

"This is no joke," he hissed at her. "This is the most serious matter in the world – our world. No one can ever know about this, especially in Mystic Falls."

"B-but why?" she whispered. "Who would believe me?"

He chuckled, but it was without humour. "Oh, you'd be surprised. Mystic Falls has always been a suspicious place, and the history of vampires is...long."

Disbelief and confusion rose up. "I don't understand!" she cried, pushing her hands into his chest. "This isn't real."

Damon bent down until his face was opposite Tari's. She resisted, but he put his hand underneath her chin and lifted it so once again her eyes were looking up into his. "I know this is hard," he murmured, trying to be kind. "But now do you understand why I can't let you leave?"

There was a flash in Tari's eyes. "So that's why I can't leave? That's why I can't go home?"

"Got it in one."

"But that's not fair! No one came after me before, why should they now?"

"He wanted you for blood Tari. As horrible as it is, it happens. Many vampires do it." What many vampires did not do however was grope their victims. Damon had seen where that dick had put his hand. He was just glad he had gotten there when he did. He wouldn't even let his mind go to what would have happened if he hadn't.

"But he said he had orders! He-"

"He was talking about his friends," Damon answered calmly. "Some vampires hunt in groups. It's not common, but it happens. He was probably going to let other vampires drink some blood too." He made eye contact with her. "You see why you have to stay with me?"

"What, and you think I'll be safer with you?" Damon's smirk was her answer. "You can't be with me all the time. What about when I'm alone in the house?"

"You can't be harmed," Damon said smoothly. "Vampires need to be invited in."

"Now you're kidding."

"Nope, trust me, it's very annoying. That's another thing: don't invite anyone in the house that you don't know, because once you've been invited, you can't be uninvited." Damon and Stefan had agreed to allow Alaric to own the house, so only he could let people in. Annoying, but Damon was pleased that the house was safe – especially now that Tari was with them.

Her head was spinning. "But I thought vampires didn't come out during the day?"

"You can't...unless you've got one of these." Damon held up his hand, gesturing to the ring. "It prevents a vampire from being burnt by the sun. We're lucky; most vampires don't have these."

The spinning in her head was now turning into an ache. "I need a drink," she murmured. Instead of going to the mini-fridge underneath the television, she went in the bathroom. He heard the door lock, and guessed she wasn't about to be coming out anytime soon. Sighing, he sat down on the bed. He could wait.

Tari ran the cold tap of cold wait into a glass and drank it. None of this felt real. No, it felt as if she was in a dream.

Or a nightmare.

What was she going to do now? How was she going to get home? Damon was a vampire – with that impressive show of speed, he could catch up to her in a matter of seconds.

She could never go home again.

She had to live in Mystic Fall forever.

Her mother was gone.

And her new family were vampires.

Running the tap water, she held her hand over her mouth as she silently sobbed. Life, as she knew it, had completely changed, but Tari doubted it was for the better.

xXx

03/07/11: I think I need to do this with every story! Some of those mistakes were awful! I've changed some little bits round, but I don't think it's too important – just smoothing out wrinkles.