I would like to start with a massive thank you to all the reviews they were very interesting to read. I know the pain that is Mason Lockwood in this story, I don't want to give anything away in the main plot, however in can say that a large majority of the chapter and the whole of chapter 12 is solely Delena.

I don't own anything but the story line.

Mom and Jeremy came to pick me up and are just standing outside the room talking with the doctor. I am literally dying to get out of this place, I feel like it's suffocating me!

Before long they have come inside and Jeremy is helping me up so that I can get out of these four, magnolia walls. To be honest I barely feel the pain in my ribs due to the medication that I'm on but I'm still aware of it. However, I think it's kind of sweet that Jer is trying to look after me; despite the fact that I'm his big sister. We walk slowly down the long hallways, Mom and Jeremy listening intently for any signs of pain or discomfort, which causes an awkward silence. Finally, mom breaks it.

"I was thinking instead of going straight home, we could stop at the Grill and get some breakfast."

"That sounds great Mom." I tell her, noticing the unsure look on her face.

"As long as I can order whatever I want." Jeremy says with a cheeky, lop-sided grin. Mom just half laughs before smiling at him.

"As long as you don't order the entire menu, then it's fine. I'm just glad to have my little Lena back home where she's safe and sound in my arms." she says wrapping her arms around me gently before pulling me into a hug.

"Could you not cope with the male species in the house while I was gone?" I laugh as she pulls a face at my question.

"It has been awful; they really are nasty little creatures." Mom jokes and Jeremy just gives us a mock hurt look as he puts his hand over his heart sarcastically. "You're not that bad really although you do need to tidy your room Jeremy Gilbert. I have been asking you for days now." Jeremy just shrugs at her remark before opening the doors; fresh air hitting me in the face all at once. Within a few minutes we've made it over to Mom's car and I slowly get into the back seat. I feel their eyes on me waiting for a reaction. But oddly enough, I don't give them one.

I have not had a break all day. Since I told Elena about my plans to open a restaurant I figured I should get cracking. I had already bought a place on the square in the middle of the town centre, it's a very spacious building with different floor levels so some areas could be more private than others. It also makes having a little terrace out the front possible as well as there being the possibility of an upstairs. I am currently discussing design plans with an interior designer, we have covered the colour scheme and are moving onto the furniture.

"Well Mr Salvatore, I can have everything finished to a professional standard in 3 weeks' time." the young man informs me with a beam on his square shaped face. I nod looking around briefly; next time I see this abysmally empty space it should be finished and fully transformed into a place for me…for Elena. Unless they do a bad job and then I don't think the company will be around much longer. I smile as I imagine tearing into them, a river of blood trailing from the lifelessly limp bodies… how picturesque.

"That's fine." I say

"From what we've discussed for the overall cost of the furniture and-" he begins but I cut him off curtly.

"Cost is no issue, just get what I want done." I demand abruptly before turning my back on the small man no longer sharing my attention with him. I promptly remove myself from his presence, walking outside onto what will be the terrace. I gaze over across the square a small smile creeping up on my face, I watch avidly as long brown hair flows in the air, catching the breeze as she turns. I inhale sharply; taking in all of her scent. Letting it course through my veins making me crave more. Without knowing it, I let out a lust filled growl. My eyes turning ebony black, as I long for more than just her scent.

I was left bewildered last night when she asked me to leave so suddenly. Hurt. It was all over her angelic face. It made my heart clench to see her on the brink of tears, her chin wobbling ever so slightly and her eyes glassy; glistening with unshed tears. I have absolutely no idea what I did, or if I did anything at all. Perhaps her emotions are on overdrive and I had merely irritated her? Or perhaps I had indeed been the reason behind those tears. If her sadness was a fault of my own, then I will have to make it up to her.

I finish my business with the designer and quickly make my way over to the Grill, pushing the wooden double doors open to reveal the hustle and bustle inside. I walk over to an empty booth where I can still see her with her Mom and brother.

"I'll have chocolate pancakes and ice tea please." I hear her order politely with that sweet voice of hers, before returning to her idle conversation with her family. I'm interrupted from my short reverie by a waiter asking for my order. I decide to get some actual food to appear normal and a drink, therefore giving an excuse to still be here. He soon brings over a fry up breakfast which I begin to eat in a comfortable silence, listening intently in on their conversation.

"So when are we going to go to the Lake house?" Jeremy asks with his mouth full of food.

"Second week of summer vacation, your Dad has already booked the time off of work." Mom replies

"So I can still go to the Lockwood party?" I question and she nods with a small smile.

"Why would you want to go anywhere near Lockwood after everything he's done?" Jeremy asks with distaste.

"He hasn't done anything; it was an accident Jer." I tell him angrily.

"Like hell was it Elena! The car was only a few weeks old, you don't get faults in a brand new car!" He tells me as if I'm an ignorant child.

"Yes Jeremy, you clearly do. Mason was driving perfectly safe." I argue getting more and more agitated by the minute.

"You're lying Elena, it's not possible! You're just covering up for him because you think he's so perfect. Reality check Elena, he's anything but!" my brother fires back at me with such venom it almost scares me.

"Just because you've never liked him, you're using the car accident against him." I accuse and I can see that his anger is growing to a seething rage.

"I don't like him Elena because he treats you like shit-"

"Jeremy, stop this nonsense now." my Mom commands but he doesn't listen and continues his outburst.

"Does she even know what he did to Damon last night?" he questions almost rhetorically because he leaves scarcely any time for a reply to be given. "Mason and his band of merry men had a so called party that Damon was invited to last night, however it seems as if they have a violent way of partying." he sneers at me and I can tell he finds my mortified expression humorous. I shake my head furiously, not accepting a single word for truth.

"Lies… Mason would never do that, Mom he's a good person you now that." I turn to her with a pleading look, asking her to deny it.

"You, Elena are an absolute idiot, you can't see that he is using you. No, instead you are a bitch to everyone who cares and is trying to show you the truth!" He screams at me as my eyes begin to burn with tears. I steadily stand ignoring the pain in my chest.

"You are wrong Jeremy, and I do not care what you say I love him and that's not going to change anytime soon, as for breakfast, I've lost my appetite." I state calmly however the acrimony in my voice frightens even me. My mother looks startled at our quarrel, I swallow the festering feeling of guilt that lingers in me as I swiftly walk away from them both, away from my brothers disproving, almost defeated figure, hunched over with his head hung low.

I exit the building and walk towards the east side of town, taking my time and pacing myself slowly. Its takes me more than double the time to get there but soon enough I arrive at a quaint little house, its yard filled with flowers that bloomed vividly in the summer sun. I tread along the cobbled path towards the house. I cling to the rails as I climb the few steps up to the veranda, gasping in short breaths as I stumble to the wooden door. The pain in my chest growing to almost unbearable measures. I knock lightly on the door and after a few moments a petite old woman opens the door. A warm wide smile on her rose coloured lips, her chocolate caramel eyes kind and loving against her brown skin. Her springy curls sway past her face in the gentle breeze as the concern gathers in her eyes.

"Hey Ms. Bennett is Bonnie there?"

"What are you doing here, child? You should be resting." she questions me whilst opening the door wider and stepping aside to let me in. I walk into the small space painted an olive green with a staircase made from rosewood ascending to the floor above. I hear the soft click as Bonnie's Grams shuts the door behind me but the silence is short lived as I can hear my closest friend bound down the stairs jumping past me like a kangaroo. Her joy filled face comes into my view within seconds an eager grin on her small heart shaped face. She practically gallops to me wrapping her arms around me and holding me tight in a caring embrace, the scent of lavender keeping me captive as her hair suffocates me. I wince slightly and she retreats immediately pulling her hands to her chest gingerly.

"I'm so sorry Lena, I completely spaced. How stupid of me you must be in so much pain right now." she apologizes sincerely remorse filling her mahogany eyes.

"Exactly, so what is she doing here?" Ms Bennett queries sternly with an eyebrow arched disapprovingly.

"My brothers being… well he's being Jeremy and I can't be around them at the moment, and I missed my best girlfriend." I explain sheepishly shrugging my shoulders slightly. Ms Bennett looks me over, scrutinizing my every move before nodding.

"Alright, Bonnie why don't you and Elena go sit down I'll go make some hot cocoa and check on those almond cookies I've got baking in the oven. I have something to discuss with you girls anyway." She tells us and I can feel Bonnie grab my hand and lead me through another door and into the lounge. Rays of light peep through the shades illuminating the cream coloured room, she pulls me onto the amber coloured couch hugging a fluffy pillow and pulling her legs beneath her. I glance around, the room looking the same as it always did. The bookshelves adorning the room stand silently gathering dust, the plants overflowing in every which way lightly touching the candles that were scattered around the room.

"How have you been? Is it painful, I've never broke a rib before." she bombards me.

"It is very painful but I'm coping." I answer simply

"I missed you loads, apparently the police were involved?" she probes subtly and I nod in affirmation.

"Yeah they just asked some questions because the car was new and it seemed weird that something would be wrong with it, they're getting it checked out," I explain and she gives me a peculiar look.

"So it had nothing to do with Mason's driving?" she probes further.

"Of course not." I state denying her suspicions I can't let anyone know even if he was out of line I know he never did it intentionally, he loves me. It was an accident. I can't let anyone believe otherwise. I owe him that, don't I?

The scent of hot chocolate and sugary treats fill the room humbly making my mouth water, I see Bonnie roll her eyes in desire for the tasty treats and stifle a laugh. Bonnie's Grams places them on the coffee table in the center of the room.

"They had just finished baking, help yourselves girls." she says before walking over to the window and glaring outside with an intense scrutinizing stare, like there was something sinister lurking in the sun's light. She stood their ominously talking under her breath almost like she was chanting.

"You girls need to stay close, keep your eyes open even if there is nothing to see. There are strange events taking place which will be detrimental to your future… if you have one that is." she states staring at me directly when she speaks the last part. I feel the hairs on my back stand as a chill runs through me turning me ice cold. "You need to keep each other safe from the dark forces at work, Mystic Falls has been safe for some time now, however I fear that is going to change… quite soon.

"Grams are you feeling alright?" Bonnie asks with a worried face.

"I will explain these things to you girls soon but I cannot right now, we're being watched."

"Okay, I think you need to rest Grams." Bonnie intervenes standing up to help her Grams.

"I am fine Bonnie, do not treat me as if I'm sick or crazy I know what I'm talking about. You should be more concerned about Elena, she's the one who's dancing with the devil's spawn and loving the Alpha's cub before long more of them will come for her. She's like a fine wine that needs sampling, fit for the king of the night walkers, he will take her and make her his own. As we speak he is searching for her without knowing it yet." Grams testifies her voice lowering dangerously as she goes on.

"I am so sorry Lena, she's obviously out of her mind," Bonnie apologizes and I can hear Ms Bennett huff in annoyance.

"You'd do well to listen to me, you silly little girl," Ms Bennett retorts sternly and I see my friend shake her head in denial.

"It's fine Bonnie, I'll just leave you to it." I tell her feeling guilty for leaving, however I don't think my presence is helping at all.

"It's alright, I'm so sorry Elena she's clearly not talking any sense." she says exasperatedly

"I'll just catch up with you when we get back to school."

"That's if Mason lets you leave his side for a second, come on I'll see you out." Bonnie says motioning for us to leave the room leaving Ms Bennett alone in the lounge uttering quietly to herself. "How's everything on the Damon front?" she asks me once we're alone again.

"I think it's best if we just stay away from each other, it's only causing trouble and I think he has ill intentions which to be honest are really not appropriate for someone who's older than me and is well aware of the fact that I have a boyfriend." I tell her angrier at myself for falling for his lies than upset that he played me the entire time.

"Really? In all honesty I think both Salvatore and Lockwood are bad news perhaps you should consider flying solo for a while, you know I'd have your back." she suggests, distaste on her tongue as she speaks their names.

"I know Mason and I have been rocky recently but I really do think what we have is good, and I don't want to lose that. Not for anything." I explain sincerely and I watch her roll her eyes at me before I hug her and leave her to deal with her seriously crazy Grandmother. I hope this is just a phase and nothing serious, Bonnie's Grams is a good person.

I begin walking slowly through all the backstreets of town and taking the shortcuts to get to the Lockwood Manor. Getting to places seems to take me so much longer and it's really starting to agitate me. The whole trip there I couldn't help but feel like I was being followed, like I was being watched. At one point I thought I heard someone behind me, but every time I looked behind me, or scanned the direction of the noise… there was nothing.

"I wholeheartedly agree that my coffee tastes much better with that vervain in it." Grayson says to me as he sips at his steaming Americano.

"Definitely." I concur as I take a large gulp of the poisonous liquid, schooling my features into one of complete serenity as I drink deeply. I spent many years building a small intolerance to the toxic substance, but it was enough to deceive Mr Gilbert. "You will have to get the council to tell me when they need more, I shall keep the crops tended to so that there is plenty for everyone." I tell him, gradually gaining his trust.

"Actually Damon since you're a member of the founding families you're entitled to a place on the council, if you want it that is." he tells me and I have to turn my smirk into an appreciative smile before he notices.

"I would be honoured Grayson." I say adding gratitude to my tone.

"It's no bother at all, you have more than proved yourself, I'm worried about Elena though." he informs me changing the direction of the conversation.

"Why? What's wrong, I thought she was leaving the hospital today?" I question him and he sighs downheartedly.

"She has, but according to Miranda, Elena and Jeremy had a disagreement at the Grill; she ran off and no one's heard from her since." he tells me solemnly, I act surprised despite my presence during said 'disagreement'.

"Elena's a smart girl and Mystic Falls is hardly dangerous, I'm sure she'll show her face after she's blown off some steam." I reassure him but he only shakes his head in response.

"That's the thing, I wanted to talk to her about this whole Mason fiasco but, that's probably the first place she'll go to." he clarifies as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I just wish that she wasn't here sometimes, that I could take her away and shelter her from all the bad in the world," he says, the true father in him coming out as he worries about his little girl.

"I doubt Mason would hurt Elena," I reassure him but not actually believing the words myself. I already know that he's emotionally abusing her and he's proven to be have a propensity for violence as well, still I can't tell him that. "He's simply irrational in his behaviour concerning Elena."

"I know, but I can't shake the feeling that she's in danger. A danger which no amount of vervain will diminish." he confides and I can see the true fear in his eyes. "I just wish I could protect her; however, I get the feeling that not even I can shelter her from the horrors out there."

"Well if I might be so bold as to suggest something, Grayson?"

"Go right ahead son."

"I'm going out of town later this evening to visit a friend and check a few things out for my new restaurant. I'll be gone for a few days but it would be nice to have some company and you said yourself, Elena should get out of town. Breathe a different kind of air. She would always be welcome to join me, give you some time to discuss things with Mason as well." I propose. He ponders my words for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. Bingo.

"It sounds like a brilliant idea, leave the dust to settle, however what about her injuries?" he queries but I assure him before he has any time to reconsider.

"When I was in the army I had some good medical training, plus she would be in the car the majority of the time. That hardly sounds exerting."

"Yes, I believe you're right. The army you say?" he asks with a look of intrigue.

"Indeed, it was only brief but long enough for me." I tell him and he gives a look of approval.

"I bet it was tough, the more I get to know you the more you grow on me Salvatore. I cannot believe I was so judgmental of you, I hope you can forgive me for my blind rudeness,"

"There's nothing to forgive Grayson, I hardly made a good first impression I just hope I can redeem myself." I say in fake humility.

"Nothing to redeem, my boy. Now I shall tell Miranda about our plan for Elena to spend some time with you outside of town, let's just hope she comes back at a reasonable hour." Grayson tells me and I give him a smile.

"Yes, I don't mind waiting. I need to go and make sure everything's ready, but I shall come to pick her up at 8pm; if she's here that is."

"Indeed, I shall see you then Damon."

The door of the ominous Lockwood Manor is swung open to reveal my boyfriend, looking slightly worse for wear. His hair is styled to perfection, yet I can see the bruising and cuts that scatter his handsome face. I can't help but gasp as the light shows the true extent of his minor wounds.

"Mason, what happened?!" I ask going to softly stroke his battered skin.

"Salvatore is what happened. But don't you worry he'll have his turn." he tells me and the callousness in his voice makes me shiver.

"You cold babe? Come on let's go upstairs." he questions me rhetorically, letting me inside and trailing behind me up the stairs to his room. I sit down on his bed once we get to his room, panting slightly due to discomfort of my ribs. "Does it hurt?"

"A little bit," I answer trying to looking stronger than I am.

"You didn't say anything to anyone did you?" he asks me, his eyes boring intensely into mine as he stares me down, almost daring me to say yes.

"Of course not, what's there to tell?" I reply nonchalantly and I see him visibly relax.

"Good, you keep it that way."

"Is that a threat?" I question, clearly shocked at his hostile tone.

"Of course not babe, but you know what would happen if you said otherwise, right?"

"Yes," I answer feeling uneasy at the thought of him in trouble. It reminds me of what Jeremy said earlier and I can't help but allow those words slip off of my tongue. "Did you really attack Damon?" My voice is barely a whisper, and soundless to my own ears but he hears it perfectly. His head whips to mine to look directly at me again like a wolf with a scent. I see his body tense again, his hands curling, jaw clenched, teeth grinding. His lips pull themselves into a thin line made up of austere. He moves closer to me like he's on the prowl. Searching for his prey. I shift nervously on the bed, fidgeting with the bed linen.

"Why do you sound so concerned? He spits out inching closer.

"I'd…don't want you to g…g…get into trouble, not because of him… or me," I stutter quietly, his gaze softens slightly as he sits down on the bed beside me. He seems to relax as his hand comes up to face before playing with my hair tenderly.

Suddenly my head is yanked backwards as he crumples my hair in his iron grip. I whimper slightly at the discomfort and the unexpected force yet it does nothing to thwart him. I look up into his eyes and I can't help but feel threatened by the sheer malice inside of them.

"You better not be lying to me, Lena. Because I'd be awfully disappointed if you were. In fact, I'd be so disappointed that I might just get rid of your little lover for good and make you pay for it. You are my girlfriend that means you stick by my side no matter what I do. Understand?"

"Yes, I would never lie to you Mason. Please let go, it's hurting my ribs," I beg but he just laughs at me spitefully.

"You haven't been a very good girlfriend recently Lena, I think you should prove to me that you love me." he says almost condescendingly.

"Of course I love you Mason, how could you question that?" I ask him bewildered by his lack of trust in me. His hands swiftly move from the back of head to my arms, holding them in a bruising, painful grip.

"Maybe if you hadn't been whoring yourself out I would believe you." he says accusatory. I shuffle my body around slightly so my ribs aren't put under any strain before I answer to his absurd allegations.

"I haven't been with anyone but you." I defend myself but he snickers.

"I try so hard to be good to you Lena, but you make things so difficult. I know there's something going on between you and Salvatore, but it's okay I will make sure he's driven out of town in good time. Right now though, I'm going to make sure you forget all about that piece of shit as you scream out my name." he promises but I know my body can't take that amount of exertion.

"Mason, we can't your parents-"

"Are out on date night, and they're going to be out all night." he informs me and I gulp deeply.

"Mason I want to, I really do, but I really don't feel up to it right now. I'm in so much pain with my ribs I was only let out of hospital today." I explain but I feel my resolve weaken as I see the fury in his eyes. He punches the bed beside me in rage, releasing my arms from his strong grip.

"Excuses! All the fucking time! You cause me all this extra, unnecessary stress, then you fail to be a good girlfriend by making sure I'm satisfied. I was in that car crash too! I ask for one thing Lena, and you're so damn pathetic you can't even do that!" he yells at me. I feel the guilt swamp me, I know I've made him insecure and from the looks of things Damon must have been the one to come better off last night. I reach up to plant a kiss on his lips, acknowledging the fact that I could at least try to make him happy considering I cause him so much bother.

"I'm sorry, you're right I am an awful girlfriend please let me make it up to you, the only thing I ask is that we go slow and gentle." I apologize candidly and I see a contented smirk spread across his face.

"Of course, you can start by sucking me off."