His words echoed in her mind as she remained sitting on the bed. They permeated her mind and clouded her thoughts. Her entire being was focused on those few words that had the power to ruin everything. While Elena had not been stupid to believe she wouldn't come, she had been living in blissful denial. Damon had made her incapable of worrying about Katherine's imminent arrival.
She glanced down and focused on her engagement ring. She knew at that moment that she would never walk down the aisle to him. She would never kiss him at the altar. She would never have her eternity with him. Katherine had made it clear. She had only been in town a few days and already she had gained an invitation to their home. Elena would no longer be safe here. They would run surely, but Elena could not leave her family and friends to fend for themselves.
She sighed lightly before standing and leaving the room. Damon had rushed into his study for a few moments and she used his inattention to move out of the house. She walked down the path until she was in their gazebo. She sat quietly on the divan where they had spent some of their early time together. She lay back on the pillows and just rested there with her eyes closed.
"You are completely fascinating." She sat up quickly, looking around for the voice. "Behind you."
She turned quickly yet there was still no one. She froze as she glanced around quickly. She realized she had been foolish to leave the house but she needed a moment.
"Over here." She whipped around when she felt a hand graze her behind. She spun staring, afraid to face one direction for any length of time. Suddenly a gag was thrust between her teeth and she groaned at her slow movements. She had plenty of time to call for help.
A soft hand trailed over Elena's neck, scratching lightly over Damon's bite marks. "He's loved you well I see. I wonder if he would share." A childish laugh escaped her captor for a brief moment. The hand resumed its game by trailing down to cup a breast. "Hmm...I wonder how similar we really are."
Elena stood frozen in fear as Katherine trailed her hand up and down Elena's body. She cupped, tweaked, teased and caressed with expert hands. Elena was thrown forward, her body landing on the divan. As she fell, her body was repositioned by Katherine until she landed on her back in a position reminiscent of the one with Damon all those months ago. Katherine leaned over her slightly and analyzed the person before her.
"We could really be something you know. We could become a force to be reckoned with, twin flames conquering the world. We could have anyone, do anything. It would really be something." Katherine leaned down and lifted Elena's head gently. Her sharp nails pressed into Elena's cheek causing a slight pain. "Now Elena, you will be such a good girl and do whatever I tell you right?"
"Get away from her!" Katherine turned and noticed Damon storming towards the gazebo.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk Lover. We wouldn't want my nails to slip and puncture her jugular now would we?" She pulled Elena up in front of her, using her body as a human shield. She dropped her lips to Elena's ear and whispered to her. She then looked up, smirking at Damon. "I'll be seeing you Lover." She threw Elena forward and Damon rushed to catch her, giving Katherine ample time to escape. He caught her and cradled her body close.
He looked her all over, checking Elena for signs of injury. Once he once satisfied that his beloved was safe and unharmed, he leaned down to kiss her. He lifted her into his arms and walked quickly towards the house, shouldering the door shut. He was pleased that she remained quiet during their walk. He was afraid that he would say things he would regret if she spoke now.
He sat her on the bed before resuming his packing. He looked over at her and noticed she was barely moving. He rushed to her side once more before realizing she was terrified. He wrapped her in his arms. The moment she fell against him, she dissolved in tears. He had nearly forgotten their past few days.
Yesterday she had been attacked by someone who she thought cared about her and today she had been threatened. He held her awkwardly for a moment before lifting her in his arms and spinning in a circle. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they spun over and over. He continued their motions until she dissolved in tearful giggles. He chuckled as he held her close until they slowed slightly. He dropped her a little until her feet were resting on the floor. She collapsed against him as she continued laughing.
"I don't like it when you are upset Sweetheart. I know it's a lot to worry about but believe me, I will protect you with my life!" She pulled him closer and then abruptly pulled out of his embrace. She moved towards the dresser and began pulling clothes out. She grabbed the pile and began to pack; all the while he stood close by watching. She packed quickly and efficiently, packing things for the both of them. Soon she was completely packed and scooping Tory up into her arms.
"Where will we go?" He stepped forward and removed the bags from her arms. He ushered her downstairs until they were outside and near the car.
"We'll go to Ric's. He's been staying with Jenna a lot so we can take advantage of the apartment. I have an invite so I can get in and out. We'll get the word out to the others and then we'll make a plan. I care more that you are safe." He got her situated in the car and sped off quickly, afraid Katherine might be nearby and could follow them. They arrived quickly and she was surprised to note there were keys waiting for them by the plants.
A few moments later they were settled comfortably in Ric's guest bedroom and Damon was already cooking for her. She sat quietly petting Tory before reaching into her last bag and pulling out the vampire shackles. She had talked Damon into bringing them in case Katherine came knocking. She laid them on the dresser before leaving to find Damon. He was cooking away in the small kitchen and she watched him quietly for a few minutes. She just enjoyed the sight of her man cooking for her. She could see the flexing of his muscles as he flipped the item in the pan.
"I can hear you there, you know."
"I know." He didn't turn around and she was glad he didn't. She knew he would see the terror on her face. She was soaking up every moment with him, knowing this could be one of the last times she might see him. She moved closer and snuggled against his back. Her arms came up to encircle his torso and she nuzzled his back with her nose. He shifted slightly so he could rest one hand on top of hers. They were quiet and she was content.
"I called everyone. They'll be here in an hour or so. We're going to work on a plan. Ric convinced Jenna to go away for the weekend. She's heading to some beach house that you guys used to go to or something."
"At the coast. Yeah we went there for years until my parents died." He turned around and pulled her into a hug, his lips brushing against her forehead.
"We'll go someday." They drifted into silence again and soon the doorbell was ringing. Damon left Elena in charge of the food while he went to open the door. In front of them stood Bonnie, Jeremy, Anna, John, and Isobel. "Fancy you five showing up together."
"Well to be fair, Isobel and John just showed up behind us..." Jeremy trailed off. Damon smirked at the groupings and then stepped outside.
"We'll have to talk here because I can't invite Isobel or Anna in. Ric should be back soon." He closed the front door and leaned against while they stood in silence.
"I brought the grimoire but when I spoke to Emily last night she told me it wouldn't help. There was some long riddle attached about destinies. I didn't understand much." Damon's face hardened at her words. While he could hardly become angry at Bonnie over her novice witch training, he could become angry at Emily for her lack of help. His gaze grew stony and for a moment a hush fell over the group. Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around Damon's torso and he relaxed in Elena's soft embrace.
"I thought I told you to watch the food." She nuzzled him lightly before pulling him into the condo.
"Well it's done and you looked ready to kill someone." Just as he was about to step outside he noticed Alaric moving towards them.
"So sorry, Jenna's train was late." The teacher watched as they all rolled their eyes at him, save Elena. He moved closer to the door and ushered the group inside. They all moved into the small family room and took seats. Damon walked Elena to the small armchair and had her seated before turning to grab the food. He carried in and as soon as he came into view the vultures descended, sweeping the food out of his arms. Luckily he had made Elena and himself a plate. He leaned into the kitchen and pulled out their plates, carrying them towards the armchair. He perched on the arm and handed Elena a plate of juicy fruits, little desserts, and small sandwiches.
"Thank you Darling." He nodded and watched as the others sucked down the food, including Isobel which on some level surprised him. He had forgotten how much she adored human food after she had been turned. Some vampires stopped eating human food since blood always tasted better but Isobel had retained her love of food. She had once said something about it being the first time she could eat whatever she wanted and not gain a pound.
"So what's the plan?" Damon turned to look at the younger Gilbert who was reclining on the loveseat. He had eaten little and had somehow managed to become a voice of reason. Anna immediately quieted and sat down beside Jeremy. Isobel had the decency to look sheepish before joining Alaric and John on a couch. Damon watched them for a moment as the human men grew anxious near their past love.
"We need to surprise her somehow, I would think." As John voiced it three heads shook against his words.
"You can't surprise Katherine. She expects that. We'll need to be prepared to beat her when the rules of her game come to light. That's one thing about Katherine, she loves her games." All eyes turned to Damon as he uttered these words. His eyes, however, were on his girl. He could tell she was scared but she remained stoic in the face of this mess.
"She'll strike at Founder's Day. She likes a crowd and if anything she'll pose as Elena. She can infiltrate much faster if she poses as the eldest Gilbert." Anna spoke quietly but Damon was quick to agree.
"This means that we'll be there, ready for her. Elena can stay here with Jeremy."
"Hell no! I'll be out there with Anna. I'm not sitting here." Damon turned to the irate Gilbert but before he could say anything, Elena beat him to it.
"I won't be sitting here either." Elena was quiet beside him. Surprisingly she said no more after that statement and Damon was pleased. Most likely she was just trying to save face in front of her friends.
"Perhaps we should pair one of us with Elena. While Jeremy has strength, he would be no match for Katherine." Isobel spoke calmly while analyzing things in her mind.
"It won't be you." Elena stood and moved towards the small fireplace, glancing out the window.
"I know you're still angry with me but I did it to protect you. You can hate me but I wouldn't change my actions for anything." Elena sighed but nodded curtly.
"Look here's the best plan of action. I'll take Elena out tonight, maybe to dinner. We can scope out how far Katherine has infiltrated. Tonight we'll all get a good night's sleep and then tomorrow we'll be ready. Anna will stay with Elena because she is the oldest. If we fail then there is one more roadblock standing between Katherine and Elena." The rest nodded quietly. Elena remained staring out the window, lost in her own thoughts as they discussed things further in the background. She knew that some of them would be killed. She didn't know which was worse, losing someone she loves or losing someone because she was the one meant to die.
"Sweetness?" He was behind her in a heartbeat, hauling her to his hard body. She relaxed against him, loving his strength as it enveloped her. She closed her eyes as she rested and he pressed kisses to the side of her head. His hands drifted down to rest over her stomach as they simply lost themselves in their thoughts.
"I'll get ready for dinner, I guess." He sighed loudly before spinning her around. She gasped as his lips descended, their mouths meshing together. His lips were hard, passionate, and unyielding as he pulled her more completely against him. Her fingers tangled in his hair as they lost themselves in this loving need. He lifted her against him, her legs wrapping around his slim hips. He pressed her up against the wall, molding their bodies closer together.
A moan escaped her lips as he continued his feverish kissing. Finally he broke from her lips and began to pepper her face with kisses. He spent long moments showering her with affection before moving down to lick and kiss her neck. He spent a lot of time nipping at her jugular as she let out a symphony of sighs and moans.
She felt the shift in him as his vampire nature rose. She could feel the sharper teeth pressed against her skin, could feel the way his body tensed as he loved her. His fingers grew insistent as they trailed up and down her body. She could feel as he began to move against her, his hips grinding against hers as he began to growl softly.
"Mine." He bit out against her neck. He repeated the word countless times as he became more forceful. He was passionate like this, his animalistic nature always showing his love for her. She cried out as he grazed her skin with his teeth. She shuddered against the wall as he teased her for a few minutes. "Tell me what I want to hear. Who do you belong to?" He grunted out against her neck.
Finally he coaxed a, "Yours," from her lips but she was so far gone to realize what was going on. He groaned out as he bit down on her neck. Her sweet blood flowed into his awaiting mouth as he savored her gift. She cried out in ecstasy as each pull of his lips brought her immense pleasure. Three gulps in and she broke apart in his arms. Three more gulps and she was babbling incoherently as the pleasure highs continued multiple times. He finally pulled back from the bite, licking the wounds as small tremors ran through her body.
"Damon?" He ignored her words as he continued to lick at her neck, purring softly against her. She was growing sleepy in his arms as he continued to shower her with attention. She whispered his name once more before falling asleep in his arms. He still remained pressed against her as he licked and nuzzled the bite marks.
Finally he pulled back completely, noticing she was asleep. He carried her into the guest room, laying them down on the surface. He cradled her against his body as he smiled down at her. He could feel the need to protect her from the world rise up into him as he cuddled her close. He grew sleepy beside her and soon followed her into a pleasurable oblivion.
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It was raining when she awoke; the sound of the water hitting the windows echoed through the darkening room. She was laying curled under him, his body laying over hers in a protective manner. He nuzzled her neck gently as he slept, holding her in place. She reached down and brushed his hair from his forehead and he stirred in response. She tried to move him off of her but he was like stone above her. He pulled her tightly against his body as he mumbled something incoherently against her heated skin.
"Darling? Damon, I need to pee." She shook him gently but he only nuzzled deeper, sinking down against her. "Come on, Baby I really need to get up." Finally he roused from his sleep, enough to roll over and let her out of his protective embrace. She spent a few minutes in the bathroom, emerging to find him sprawled on the bed watching her. His eyes held some sort of dark promise as he watched her movements with intense interest. She edged towards the bed and he suddenly pulled her down to him, his arms encircling her body.
"I was thinking we could go to the Grill and have dinner?" She nodded before pulling back and kissing him gently. Within twenty minutes the couple was ready to leave, arriving at the Grill soon after. He was the perfect gentleman as he ran around the car to open her door. He reached out and helped his lady out of the car. Her blue dress clung to her body delightfully and he fingered the material around her waist, delighting in the soft material.
He led her towards the Grill, nodding at the hostess. She took them immediately to their usual seats. He sat them with his eyes towards the door with Elena on the inside of the booth. He noticed very quickly that she was giggling as the waitress placed their drinks in front of them. Once she noticed the aggravation on his face, she snuggled against him.
"Shhh...Sweetie you're being so protective"
"Well sue me for wanting to keep you safe."
"My knight in shining armor, you're always protecting me." He put his arm around her, smiling at her terms of endearment. They ate their meal as if they had no care in the world. They joked and laughed, sharing little jokes with each other. They discussed their summer trip as he told her wild stories of his past travels. Soon he had her laughing so hard she was shaking uncontrollably.
"So he...just...Damon, stop! So he just stood there?"
"Mmhm...I was standing there with my pants down and the nun was...well indisposed. Let me just say the Good Father was quite scandalized. I turned to him and said, 'Good day for being with God, eh Mate?' and he just stared."
"Only you could sweet talk a nun into doing something like that in a church." He kissed her knuckles gently before turning to look at her.
"Do my stories bother you Sweetheart?"
"No. You had a past before me and I wouldn't ask you to forget it. Am I...if you ever get bored with me, would you tell me?"
"I could never be bored with you. Being with you is like nothing I've ever experienced." He rubbed the back of her hand as he pulled her closer. He leaned down, his lips brushing hers when a voice was cleared nearby.
"Sorry to interrupt but I thought...oh Elena!"
"Hi Caroline." They both turned to the blond and noticed with fascination that she seemed confused. "What's wrong, Care?"
"I just saw you outside with your uncle. How did you get in here so fast?" Elena grasped Damon's hand in fear, turning her gaze on him. He soothed her for a moment before standing.
"Thanks Blondie. We're going to be heading out now." They walked past the cheerleader before edging towards the door. Elena already had her phone out and dialed her uncle as he helped her with her jacket.
"John? John where are you?"
"K...Katherine!" The line went dead causing Elena to drop the phone.
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John had just finished a meeting with the Council and he was meeting Isobel down the street. They were planning on scouting out some vacant homes to locate Katherine but he had a feeling she would be found when she wanted to be found. He was nearing the Grill when he saw Elena step outside. He was surprised that she wasn't tucked under Damon's arm. He was sure Damon would not let her out of his sight.
"Hey John." He approached cautiously but smiled at her brilliant smile.
"Elena, where's Damon?" She glanced back at the door and smiled.
"He's paying the bill. He told me to wait right inside but I got hot. Surely Katherine won't attack me now since everyone said she'll attack tomorrow."
"Maybe, but we can't be sure. Here let me walk you to your car and you can call Damon and tell him to meet you out there." She nodded and took his offered arm. They walked slowly towards Damon's car and she turned when she realized he had something to say. "Elena, I know we've had our issues over your relationship with Damon but I wanted to let you know something."
"Go ahead John." He sighed as she let go of his arm near Damon's car. She leaned against the side door as he fumbled with his thoughts.
"I know what it's like to fall in love with someone that changes you. I fell in love with Isobel when she was barely a teenager but she was always just out of reach. I followed her for years, embarrassing myself and her multiple times. Finally she sought me out getting pregnant in the process. We were young Elena, too young to have you. We went to Grayson and Miranda. Grayson agreed to deliver you and then...well Miranda fell in love with you."
"She did?"
"Yeah she was sitting in the corner, counting your fingers and toes as Grayson helped Isobel and I saw her. She was practically glowing holding you. I had wanted you but I knew that Isobel...well she had a life to live. She had been accepted to college and she wanted to go. She didn't want to be saddled with me. She looked over at Miranda and offered you to her. She just...gave you to someone else. I watched as Miranda began to cry as she held you and I realized you would do better with them. You would have the life you deserved so I agreed. We both left and went our separate ways that night."
"You just left me with them, not even caring about me at all?" He reached out to touch her arm, to pull her into a hug but she pulled back.
"Of course we cared but Elena what kind of life would you have had with us? Isobel was 17 and I wasn't that much older. You would have lived in some crappy apartment while we fought with each other. We were too head-strong to last. With Grayson and Miranda you got to have a life. You had parents that loved you and you have a brother that would do anything for you. Also...you would not have met Damon if you had been with us."
"Damon..."
"He loves you. I'm sure you realize that but I thought you were a phase, some fling to last him until Katherine. He loves you with every fiber of his being. He worships you and gives you everything. He's like Grayson. I was too selfish to love someone so intensely but Damon...he would give anything up for you. He's going to marry you and give you eternity if you accept it."
"Would you accept that, if I chose to become like him?"
"I would be disappointed but he would protect you and cherish you for that eternity. I don't doubt that you would last. You two are like magnets and you are naturally drawn to each other. I wonder if you had stayed with me if he would have found you anyway..."
"This has been such an interesting conversation John. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Why do you think he wants me and not Katherine?" He seemed surprised by the question but gave it some thought.
"You complement him Elena. You ground him in ways he didn't know he was missing. I've read the journals and everyone who knew him as a human saw him as a domestic. He wanted to travel and have experiences but everyone seemed to think he would return home and marry a nice girl. Everyone thought he would be the first Salvatore to marry, the first to have children, and the first to devote himself entirely to his family. Giuseppe was not like that but then Damon always adored his mother more. You are like her I think. You have this zest for life as well as this passion. You love him which is where you differ from her."
"Thank you John. I needed to hear that." She grew closer to him, lifting his hand gently to look at the ring. "Where did you and Dad get these?"
"Passed down. Emily Bennet had them made over a century ago for the Gilberts. We promised to continue our hunt of vampires tirelessly as long as we let the Salvatores leave town. They had helped her out once."
"Ah. It's a nice ring, kind of slippery though." Before he knew what was going on, Elena had the ring in her hand. She fingered the ring gently as she rolled it around in her hands. A phone began to ring and he fumbled with it gently.
"It's uh... probably Isobel wondering where I am. Hello?"
"John? John, where are you?" He heard Elena's voice come from the phone and he turned with fearful gaze to the woman in front of him. Her face changed quickly as she threw the ring down the street.
"K...Katherine!" The phone dropped as she tore into his neck. She barely ripped at his skin before plunging a knife into his gut. She held him there as she twisted the blade cruelly.
"It's a pity you were so honest. Do you have anything you wish me to tell Elena before I kill her?"
"Please...please leave her alone!"
"Sorry Johnny but she's playing with my toys." She threw him to the ground, laughing with glee at the pain on his face. "A few minutes Johnny before death takes you. By tomorrow's end, Elena will have joined you." She sped off quickly, into the night.
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"Damon, we need to find him. He can't...she can't..." He pulled her out of the Grill behind him and into his arms briefly.
"We will, we will." He pulled her along as they moved down the street. They had to be close if Caroline had just seen them. They walked cautiously down the road as he listened intently for sounds of a struggle. John would put up some fight if he could. He kept walking until Elena pulled at his arm.
"Damon, look!" She kneeled down and lifted a shiny object from the ground and he noticed she was holding John's ring. "They went this way." She pocketed the ring before moving forward with Damon.
"Sweetheart, please go back to the Grill. I'd feel much better if you weren't in the line of fire."
"You should know me by now to know that I'm going with you." He sighed but nodded as they continued moving.
"Oh God!" He turned quickly, shielding Elena from the scene before them. John was lying on the ground, bleeding with a knife protruding from his chest. Elena struggled to see but he kept her shielded as he considered his options. "Elena, he's...it's not good."
"He's dead, isn't he?" He nodded against the side of her head while a choked sob escaped her lips. She pushed past him, kneeling on the ground beside her biological father. She reached out, brushing her fingers against his face. Damon pulled out his phone, dialing 911 and directing them to the location. She was crying quietly as she sat beside a man she had had a troubled relationship with throughout her life. He could see the regret radiating off of her, knowing that she would never have the chance to reconcile that relationship. He knew something about that feeling.
He leaned down and kneeled beside her. He put an arm around her as they sat in silence. "Damon?" He looked at her as he waited for the question. "Call Isobel. She should be told..." He nodded and made the call quickly, promising that they would wait for her to arrive.
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It was close to midnight when Damon and Elena made it back to Alaric's condo. He could see how tired she was as they walked into the darkened living room. She moved back to the bedroom and he fell into the couch, wishing for his comforting scotch. He put his head in his hands and groaned out his frustrations. He could see this going badly tomorrow. One life had been lost and Isobel had for once, been nearly inconsolable. Who else would die tomorrow?
He was so engrossed in his thoughts he didn't hear Elena approach. Suddenly she was kneeling on the floor before him, her dainty hands resting on his knees. She rested her chin on his knee while looking up at him with an unmistakable look. She wanted him and she wanted him now.
He took in her outfit quickly, noticing the old pink baby doll making an appearance. She stood up and held her hand out, pulling him to his feet. He pulled her into his embrace, kissing her with passion. They spent long moments building up their need as they kissed and groped. They were ready for each other sooner rather than later and he lifted her into his arms, striding with purpose into the guest bedroom.
Soon sounds of passion could be heard from the closed bedroom door as they enjoyed each other in the wake of tragedy. They were relentless for a few hours as they gave each other everything they could, their love exploding between them. Finally they separated, him laying in utter exhaustion. She had finally coaxed his dominating personality into submission as she shackled him to the ironwork in the guest room. She was still sitting on his thighs as he looked up at her somewhat sleepily. She had been so passionate, so demanding in their love-making and for once he was falling asleep.
She smirked at his facial expression, pleased she had finally cracked that dominating smirk. She was winning this round. She leaned down and kissed him before standing up, moving into the bathroom. He watched her until she disappeared from his view and he rested gently against the pillows. She had the key and he was ready to snuggle.
She emerged from the bathroom and he stared at her dumbstruck. "Sweetheart, what are you doing?" She was fully clothed and pulling a jacket on.
"I'm leaving."
"What, baby?" She leaned down and kissed him gently and he could feel the goodbye in her kiss. Tears fell on his face as she continued her goodbye. "You knew you would do this."
"Yes. She promised to let you all live if I went willingly."
"Elena, she lied."
"No. She promised and I have to believe her on this. I want you to know."
"NO!"
"I want you to know that being with you has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you so much and I wish I could spend that eternity with you." She kissed him once more before pulling back, laying the key across the room.
"Elena! Sweetheart! Come back!" He heard the door to the front of the condo close and he listened with dread as her heartbeat got softer. Finally he could no longer hear her; she was gone.
He began tugging on the shackles, pulling with all of his strength. They didn't budge as he yanked and yanked. Finally sobs overtook him when he realized he was stuck. Alaric wouldn't come by until morning and by then it would be too late.
"ELENA!"
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Okay so I'm completely evil. Well there is only one regular chapter left and then an ending. Leave some love and tell me how you feel.
Check out http:/tsukikomew(dot)blogspot(dot)com for updates and sneak peaks. I have new ideas in the works and that is the place to find it out.
Until next time!