Okay, I got attacked by the angst fairy with this update. Maybe it's because I'm still in mourning after last night's episode. Anyway - enjoy babes - two more chapters to go.

Co- Dependency

"Mason."

Bonnie called his name with an unyielding authority. He responded - back straightened - head turned to meet the sound of her voice. She wedged her body between the two obstinate men. She had never seen Damon back down from a fight, even when it was warranted, but this battle was one he couldn't win. Mason Lockwood was the only viable threat to the vampire. One bite under the light of the full moon was all that was required to send Damon Salvatore to his final resting place. Even he didn't deserve that.

Tenderly, Bonnie cupped Mason's face, reassuring him with soft sounds and light touches. His eyes were far from the cerulean blue she adored and they were tainted by the monster fighting for control within him. The full moon was less than forty – eight hours away and Damon Salvatore was unaware that he was fully involved in a dangerous game that would lead to certain death.

Mason Lockwood is bonded to you.

Alaric's shared knowledge proved valuable. What she had felt over the time spent with Mason was deeper than their initial physical attraction. She guided his head lower until their foreheads were pressed together, "Go home." She placed a chaste kiss on his lips. "I'll be there soon."

Damon's presence and sarcasm did little to fortify her attempts to convince Mason to leave.

"Be a good little doggy and obey your owner."

Mason growled and Bonnie leveled Damon with the ground beneath their feet by employing a simple thought.

The witch allowed her focus to return to the man whose face she held tightly between her hands. The power Isobel's research spoke of weaved a thread between Bonnie and the werewolf. Peaceful thoughts flowed from her mind's eye to his. Unspoken desires threatened to unleash a different beast; however Bonnie repeated her request, ignoring the silent echo of her body, "Go home."

Mason tossed a look of disdain in the direction of the vampire writhing in pain on the pavement. Bonnie slipped her hand into his and gave it a little squeeze, "I'll be fine - Damon doesn't stand a chance against me."

Once he was safely out of the parking lot, her thoughts and energy slipped back to the irritating specimen at her feet, "Give it a rest Damon, he's gone. Ass kicking averted - now get up."

"I don't think I like your tone young lady."

Bonnie watched as Damon struggled to stand, she offered no assistance, "I just saved your life, show a little gratitude."

"Come off it, young…dumb…and full of…"

The vampire clutched the right side of his head as she stepped closer.

"Watch your mouth Salvatore or I'll finish what Mason started."

She gave him a moment to regain his composure. When he offered no explanation for his afternoon visit she walked towards her car.

"Bonnie…wait…"

She paused but refused to face Damon, "What vampire?"

"I heard Pinky and the Brain talking."

Why did he have to be so funny?

"Come on you know that was hilarious witch, Stefan's forehead looks just like the Brain's."

Swallowing her laugh, she finally met Damon's eyes, "What…do…you…want?"

"We can't talk here, follow me to the manor."

Bonnie crossed the threshold of the Salvatore mansion ten minutes later with a full blown attitude. She searched for the vampire calling his name along with her favorite insults.

"You've got five minutes Damon."

She finally found him hidden away in the massive library with a bag of blood nearly drained and a serious look on his face.

"Sit down."

Bonnie groaned internally recognizing the tone her father often used when he needed to discuss something of importantance; another trip - broken promise – unfair demand. She crossed her arms against her chest and collapsed into the leather chair in the center of the room.

He poured a drink before he took a seat on the arm of her chair, "I wonder why wolf boy doesn't like me?" His fingers lifted a few stray strands from her face.

She evaded his touch, "Maybe it has something to do with a silver blade in his stomach."

"He put vervain in my lemonade."

Damon whined like a petulant child.

"Can you try to act 145…please…just for today."

The conversation was headed south; first Alaric, now Damon, who would be next – Sheriff Forbes?

"Bullshit aside Bonnie, enough with your little supernatural romance, it's over between you and Mason."

Who in the hell, died and made him her protector? She didn't need to hear another word; she stood and bolted for the door only to meet the vampire's cold frame before she could exit the room. He pushed her to the chair and forced her to sit, but he couldn't make her listen.

"He's an animal."

"You've got nerve."

"He'll hurt you."

"More than you?"

"Low blow even for you little miss perfect."

Damon walked to the bar, opting for the entire bottle, instead of refilling his glass. She was intrigued. He had returned to Mystic Falls over a year ago and his devotion was reserved for Elena for that entire time. Now he expressed uncharacteristic concern for her and despite what he might say it had nothing to do with one time promise to Emily Bennett.

"Why does this really matter to you?"

His lips twisted into a frown, "Something doesn't feel right." He looked at her, really scrutinized her, and she felt vulnerable.

"Time's up."

He didn't try to stop her but his next words planted a seed of doubt within the soul of her heart.

"Just think about it Bonnie, no one should hold that much control over another. Not even in the name of love. It can only lead to destruction. Trust me I know. In the end he'll hate you."

"Mason's not you Damon."

"I know…that's what scares me."

There was a meaning hidden in his final statement but she didn't have the strength to dissect his cryptic code.

Sheriff Forbes gave Bonnie a half - hearted smile and a hesitant wave as she exited the Lockwood home. Mason's face was filled with tense lines and none of the light she'd grown accustomed to seeing. He punched the wall, once he was sure they were alone. She stared at the gaping hole and then the man's swollen left hand. Passion and anger ran deep in the blood of the men of their family.

She prodded, "What happened?"

He stiffened when she placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Liz stopped by to remind me that in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the age of consent is eighteen."

"We should send her by to have a little discussion with Stefan and Elena."

Her attempt to lighten the mood was not well received.

"This isn't funny, Bonnie. We have to stop."

"You know what…fuck you…Mason Lockwood. I am tired of everyone telling me this has to end, first Alaric, then Damon, and now you. I thought you weren't going to fight me anymore. I thought you understood what I was feeling and you love..." She threw her hands up in surrender, "Cared about me…now you want to leave me alone too."

The merry-go-round with Mason was worse than a rickety old ride at the fair. She felt sick to her stomach. Her head was pounding. She couldn't stand to lose one more thing she cared about. She finally had her friends back, only to have them unite against her to rid her life of the only happiness she'd known in months. Maybe she deserved it after they way she'd treated Caroline and her unfair bias against Stefan and yes even Damon.

Before Bonnie could walk away, she felt Mason's arm circle her waist and pull her to him.

"I can't leave you Bonnie. I'm here as long as you want me."

No one should hold that much control over another…not even in the name of love.

She closed her eyes willing the tears to stop.

"I'll always want you Mason."

He held her. There were no kisses. No attempts to break the promise to wait. For once Mason needed Bonnie just as much as she needed him.