I sat in the lawyer's office with a sombre expression on my face. I really did not want to be here. I obviously knew my parents were dead, but this somehow made it more final. I was barely listening to the lawyer go through my parents wills. First my mothers, the house in New York, her processions and the contents of her bank all passed to me.

I didn't want her stuff, I wanted her. I couldn't have her though and I'm pretty sure one of my so called friends knew why.

He moved onto my fathers will. The house and land in Mystic Falls, the cabin by the lake, processions, money... all mine. I already had more money then I could spend in a life thanks to my grandparents, I didn't need this.

I realised the lawyer was finished speaking. He put some papers in front of me to sign. When I was finished he took a copy and I put my copy in my bag. He handed me a big brown envelope.

"All the details of their bank accounts and their death certificates are in here. You need to take them to the bank to have everything put in your name. I threw it in my bag as well. Was that it, I started to stand, reaching out my hand but instead of shaking it he opened a drawer on his desk and took out a small white envelope, it looked old. He sat for a second holding it, watching me. It felt like he was trying to decide on what to say to me, but didn't know how.

"Is everything ok Mr Laverty?" I asked him.

Sighing he answered, "I knew your parents. Especially your father, we were good friends. He talked about you a lot over the years, how proud of you he was."

I was trying not to cry as he continued to speak,

"But also, he talked about this town. Now I don't know what, if anything, he told you about his role here in Mystic Falls, but on the day your mother left with you he came to me and gave me this letter. He asked me to hold onto it, and if a day came where both your parents... died... I was to give it to you."

I couldn't help the curiosity, and a little shock, from showing on my face. I reached over and took the envelope from him. It was clear what he was referring to when he talked of my fathers' role in this town. I thanked him and hugging the envelope to me I got up to leave, at the door I paused and looked back at him.

"I'm just starting to fully understand what role my father had being on the Town Council. And I've decided to continue his work. Thank you again Mr Laverty. Goodbye."

And with that I left his office.

I walked right past my car and instead of going home I went to the small cafe on the corner of Main Street. I didn't want to go to the grill right now for fear of running into someone I knew. I wanted to sort my own head out first. I ordered a coffee and sat at a table by the window and with a deep breath, opened the letter my father had written all those years ago. I felt a single tear fall when I saw the familiar hand writing,

My Darling Daughter,

If you are reading this then it means that I'm dead, and unfortunately so is your mother. I am so sorry that this is how I tell you this, but I could never bring myself to actually tell you face to face, part of me hopes you will never have to read this letter.

This town, Mystic Falls, has a history that not many people are aware of. I know this will be hard to believe, but please keep an open mind.

Vampire's are real!

Four years after this town was founded, in 1864, the founding families discovered that no less than 27 vampires lived among us, feeding and killing us. They got together and managed to trap and kill those monsters.

The families passed down the knowledge through the generations, forming the Town Council. For well over 130 years it became a distant memory, we thought we were free from such evil, but we had no such luck. We first noticed the 'animal deaths', as we explained them, when you were but ten years old. We knew that vampires had returned to Mystic Falls once more. Myself and the council have been trying to fight the creatures, but you're mother has decided that she cannot live here anymore. And I don't blame her.

I have a duty to this town, she does not, I cannot leave but I only hope that you and your mother are safe in your new home.

Like I said, if you are reading this then we are no longer with you, and now you have a choice. One I wouldn't wish on anyone.

You can choose to sell up and stay away from this cursed town, or you can choose to stay and take my place on the council. If you choose the latter I have to warn you, there will always be the possibility of you being killed... or worse. Founding family members don't always last as long as others.

I looked up and around me, almost expecting someone to try and kill me now. What on earth could be worse than being killed? Then it hit me, if you spend your life hunting something, it's not death you fear, it's becoming the very thing you hunt. I took a mouthful of coffee and continued reading,

There are some things you must remember, firstly, there is a flower known as vervain that only grows in these areas. This flower is toxic to vampires. If you ingest it they cannot drink from you and they cannot compel you, control your mind. Of course just wearing something soaked in vervain will help you avoid compulsion.

Secondly, and more importantly, never invite a stranger into your home. Vampires cannot enter unless invited by the owner of the house.

I had to laugh at that, I was only back three days and had probably invited the entire vampire population of Mystic Falls into my home. Dad would be so proud, I went back to the letter,

I cannot explain everything you need to know about the subject in this letter, there is just too much. If you go to Sheriff Forbes or Mayor Lockwood and his wife, they will explain it all. I just wanted you to know what is out there.

In the cabin, behind the wall in the closet of the main bedroom is a secret area. Greyson Gilbert and I needed a way to hide certain items. Find that area and you will have everything you need.

That is all I can say at the moment.

Always know Jennifer, that although I did not leave here with you this morning with you and your mother, I love you both more than my life, and that is why I stay. I will always love you,

Dad xxxx

I sat there dazed, holding the pages. Why couldn't he tell me all this years ago, I would have understood. I shook my head, maybe they would have told me, someday. Everybody always thinks they have more time than they do.