Dark laughter echoed through the room. Jackson fell to the floor his chest pulsing with pain. Akaya at his side in an instant. What the hell was going on? The ritual was stopped. Pray had given her life for it to end. The laughter grew louder. And louder. Wrapping her arms around her husband, she was determined to protect him not matter what. Elena and the others moved to circle them, not sure what to expect. Then she caught it. The scent of blood. It was moving. The sound of bones cracking came next. Looking over at Val's body she looked in horror as he was on his feet. Not. Possible. They all saw Jackson rip his black heart from his chest and burned it. How the hell was he still breathing? The laughter suddenly stopped as Val opened up his blood red eyes.

" You all think I didn't have a backup plan? I didn't expect Pray to kill herself or even kill Erin. Damn I'll miss that fine ass of hers. But I think you two bitches will be a fine replacement for her." He eyed Elena and Akaya.

Elena and Akaya looked at each other. Yeah, that idea didn't set well with them. Not . One. Bit. " You all stay with Akaya and Jackson. And if you have to hold him down from attacking do it." She saw looked at Jackson. "I'm sorry Jackson."

" Don't worry about it. Do what you have to do." His voice came in short harsh gasps. He grabbed the chains and handed it to Clayton and Nick. He looked at them dead in the yes " Do not allow me to hurt her. Or you."

Nick and Clay galnced at each other for a moment and saw the panic in his eyes. Nodding they took the chains as a precaution. Hoping not to use them at all. Akaya never let go of her husband. Her eyes stayed on Val and Elena. She saw how Clayton was worried as hell about her but he knew she was their Alpha and he honored her position with respect.

He respect her for them all grew as she saw how they all listened and showed the respect and love for their Alpha. Maybe Elena was right. Maybe they could be her family.

Elena eyed Val as he stood across from her. Her took a step to the right. She blocked him. He moved to the left with three steps. Elena quickly blocked his path again. Odd. He wasn't using his powers. She saw the gaping hole in his chest which was dripping with blood all down his legs and to the floor. She could smell that he was dead. Nothing about him was vampire any longer. She had a guess on what to do since the heart burning did not work. She just had to get him to move back to the other side of the room. Akaya was then at her side. She slide the jacket off and changed into her wolf form. Growling low at Val.

He just a smile. Then raised his hand to the window you could clearly see the moon in. As if taking power from it he shoved the power at Jackson. Jackson then sank even more to his knees and screamed in pain. His eyes turning black. Akaya whimpered as she moved to him.

Jackson sent Elena a look of warning. She quickly grabbed Akaya and held her tight. " Chain him. But guard him and if he fights you fight him but don't kill."

Val laughed. "You think that will stop him? I am stronger then all of you. Not even you bitches can stop me."

" Sorry, but these bitches are going to roast your dead ass." Elena went on the attack. Punching him square in the jaw sending him back. Again he just laughed. He came back her kneeling down and uppercutting her in the chin. Elena fell on her back with a cough and a groan of pain. He bottom lip was split with a small bit of blood.

" Elena!" Clayton called to her. But stayed where he was. Holding on to Jackson as he began to fight them. His strength rising slowly and picking up the pace. Whatever her plan was she had to hurry.

" Don't let me go. Don't….let me hur...hurt anyone." Jackson's voice was slurred and harsh.

" We won't. We are here for you." Jeremey said to him, giving encouragement.

Elena got up on her feet and jumped with a kick in Val's almost nonexistent chest. He flew back. Literally. Landing on his back he screamed. Blood came out from his mouth and more from his chest. He felt claws sinking his his shoulder as teeth the sank into his neck. His body was then being dragged. Elena hurried over and got on the other side and helped Akaya.

Jackson threw Nick off him and elbowed Jeremy hard in his chest. He grabbed Clayton by the neck. He was being taken over. The power was surging into his body now and his will power was so dim now.

" Elena! Hurry!" Nick screamed to the girls.

Elena looked over at her family, they were barely holding on to their ground. Jackson was was losing control and fast. Yanking on Val, she pulled him to his feet and she was greeted with a bloody smile from him.

" You are too late. The Red Moon is in control. Nothing can stop my weapon now." His body was decaying. The smell was growing. So she had been right. His body was holding the ritual open to continue. So if he was gone. Then the whole thing would stop.

" Not if you burn. But i will not be the one to let you." Elena then glanced at Akaya. The wolf took her place, barring her teeth to him she lunched forward and shoved him back into the burning fire. Hurrying away she looked back and she saw Val jerking and trying to get away from the flames. But the fire consumed him quickly.

Jackson let go of Clayton and feel back against the stone altar. Breathing heavy and looking at everyone. Akaya ran up to him and held him close. She was wearing the jacket again. Jackson held her close. Looking at them he smiled. " Thank you. Thank you all so much."

The group smiled and gave him a nod.

" I say we all get the hell out of here and get back home. I want nothing more then to see my wife." Nick said.

" I agree. I'd like to see how Rachel and the kids are." Jeremy added as he clapped Jackson on the shoulder.

Akaya held Jackson tighter. They we all talking as if they all had a home to go to a place where nothing would follow them. Was it safe to even return to their own house? The Blackhearts were gone but still…

" Let's go home." Elena sad looking at Jackson and Akaya. " All off us."

" What do you say baby? Fresh start?" Jackson asked her. His voice full of hope.

Dare she take that leap? Was is even a sure thing that this was even real? In the end she knew what was was going to do. But still, it was as the one part of her heart wasn't sure she could give it over. Gathering her courage she looked up at him and gave him her answer, " Let's go home. With our family."