Title: NightLight

By: Jezzi B.

URL: jezzibness. livejournal. com

Fandom: Vampire Diaries (Book & TV)

Pairing: Damon/Bonnie

Rating: M +16

Type: Multi-chapter

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the show, book series or the characters. The writing here in is for no profit and simply a fan work.

Summary:

What if the main characters of Twilight had been Bonnie and Damon?

Notes:

We're coming towards the end of my fan fiction. In the next few chapters it will be finished. The events in this story are a twist on the events from the first book of the Twilight saga. It's more of Twilight the way I see it—with Damon & Bonnie added of course. I hope you enjoy it!


CHAPTER 11

The Bennett's

My life in California wasn't perfect, but it had been close…

All my friends appeared to be perfect. The street I had lived on looked perfect. I had the perfect room, with the perfect bed and above it pictures of the perfect ideals I had for my life.

Everything began to shatter. I moved to Mystic Falls. My town is no longer perfect; my room isn't even a real room. And when I met Damon, he revealed something that finally broke all holds I had to my illusions.

You reach a point where you realize fairytale's don't exist, but love stories do. There is no perfect prince who is going to say and do all the right things. There is no glass slipper you drop before midnight that draws your soul mate to you. There are imperfect people, for other imperfect people.

In my case—an imperfect witch for an imperfect vampire…

The kitchen felt so warm, but not in temperature; it felt warm emotionally. Two empty spoons still stained with the Nutella chocolate my Grams and I had eaten straight from the jar were at the bottom of the sink. There was a scrape against the cabinet beneath the sink where I had scratched it with a butter knife as a child. Grams kitchen wasn't like the Saltzman's. It was quaint and simple, but filled with rich, adoring history.

"You're late," Grams informed me.

Grams had set out two bowls of food on the dinning table and was sitting patiently for me to join her.

I grasped hold of my seat and slowly sank into it, allowing my body to settle before I grabbed up my fork.

"Grams?" I asked.

"Yes, dear?" She said.

"I am ready—" I flashed my eyes towards her "—to accept what I am, and to know everything. No more riddles, no more secrets from me, and no more secrets from you."

Grams lifted her eating utensils and carefully began to casually eat, "I've not told you up into this point in order to protect you. The less you knew, the safer it'd be for you."

"I guess I don't want to be safe anymore. I'd rather know the truth and be in danger than be safe in ignorance. Grams, what is my destiny?" I was pleading.

I was so tired of being lost. I wanted to understand what was going on.

"There is a dark history here at Mystic Falls, and the main players involved are the Lockwood's, the Fells, the Saltzman's and the Salvatore's…" Grams began.

"Tyler Lockwood told me this story, he said that our ancestors placed a curse on the Saltzman's, but when I talked to Elena, she told me this wasn't true—" I caught myself. I should have let Grams know that I had been consorting with vampires more tastefully.

Grams gaze narrowed, "You've been messing with vampires. I warned you, Bonnie."

"You don't understand, Grams! They're different, they care about me and look out for me, and they aren't what you think! I am sorry for lying to you, I regret every lie I've ever told you and I promise you from this point on to be open and honest about everything," I felt tears hang heavy against my eyelids.

Grams remained silent. I pushed my food aside and scooted my chair closer to her.

"I just really need you Grams, I really need your help. I don't want to be baby stepped; I want to take the leap," I begged.

Grams raised her hand to cup the side of my face. Her features took on the softest expression I'd ever seen on her, "You know I love you, don't you baby?"

"Yes, Grams. I know," I sighed shakily.

"Witches have a rule that is never to be broken, 'protect your own'. This means we put our needs and the needs of our family before the needs of others. If we do not do this, we are used and abused by those who have ill intentions. Back then; your ancestors lied to the Lockwood's. The fight during that time was over the 'seal'. The seal is what made Mystic Falls such a valued piece of property," Grams continued to touch my hair affectionately.

"A seal?" I tried to keep up best I could.

"There is a seal hidden in Mystic Falls. We do not know who placed the seal there; we speculate it was a being stronger than a mere witch. All we could do was shut the seal to hide away its 'gift'. The seal had the ability to grant its user immeasurable power, it was far too dangerous to allow it in the hands of either party. The Fell's, the Saltzman's and the Salvatore's knew of the seal, the Lockwood's did not. We were threatened by the Fell's that if we did not reveal the location of the seal, our families would be burned," Grams eyes remained gentle.

"The Bennett's closed the seal, but made two keys. These two keys put together and the power of a witch could open the seal. The Fell's, the Lockwood's, the Salvatore's and the Saltzman's were starting to have discontent even amongst each other. So the Bennett's made secret deals with each group. We promised the Lockwood's that if they would end the war we'd curse the Saltzman's. We told the Saltzman's we wouldn't curse them if they would keep one of the keys safe from the Fell's and convince the Salvatore's to cease fighting. We threatened the Fell's that if they did not stop the war, we would use our key and give the power to the Saltzman's," Grams had finished.

I waited for her to continue, but she was silent. I shook my head softly, trying to encourage her to continue, "No, Grams. I still don't understand, what are these keys? Is that why the Saltzman's were killed? Because the hierarchy wanted the keys? Is that why they wanted the witches killed?"

"The seal is the source of everything," Grams nodded.

"What about the keys? You said the Saltzman's had one of the keys, did the hierarchy get the keys?" I asked.

"The Saltzman's died not revealing the key. Professor Alaric possesses the key and doesn't even realize it. Alaric is too young to even know what the key is. There are only four vampires old enough to recognize the key…" Grams voice trailed.

I knew without her even saying it, "Would one of them be a Salvatore?"

"Yes. One Salvatore in particular was trying to aid a vampire named Katherine in obtaining the power of the seal," Grams answered.

I felt my body turn cold. My heart had stopped beating. I inhaled slow and deeply, "Grams, where is the second key?"

Grams eyes turned dark, "The key is passed down from generation to generation. It's hidden in this house. The vampires can't get into a home without being invited. That's why I told you not to bring anyone home."

Suddenly, Damon's constant pushing to come into Grams house made sense. Is that even why Damon agreed to join the Saltzman's? Was it in order to find the key?

"Grams," I forced myself not to cry, "where in the house did you hide it? Please, lets go see it."

Grams brows lifted, "Why the urgency?"

"Please, please, Grams. Lets just go check," I was standing from my seat begging.

Grams led me down into the basement of the house. I'd never been in the basement. One as a child I tried to peek into it, but Grams had scolded me greatly for my attempt. The basement was dark and filled with think cranberry fabric that hung from the walls and the ceiling. Unlit candles surrounded the area like an old-fashioned séance. Shelves were lined with books regarding the dark arts and spells.

This was the world Grams wanted to protect me from, and the world I had inevitably fallen into…

In the center of the basement there was a pile of items. The shelves looked empty and turned over; some books were torn open and tossed to the cement.

Grams body turned rigid.

"Someone was here," she said.

"Grams, I didn't know, I swear I didn't," I suddenly was breaking down.

"Bonnie, who did you let in?" Grams voice was rising.

"Damon!" I shouted as my lips trembled, "I let Damon Salvatore in. Oh God!"

"We better pray that he didn't find that key," Grams warned as she hurried towards a shelf.

I couldn't get over the feelings of hurt and betrayal that swelled inside of me. Had it always been a lie? Was everything planned from the very beginning or did Damon simply get lost along the way? Every kiss, every smile and every intense stare he'd ever given me started to tear at my insides like tiny razor blades. Despite knowing what he was, I had accepted it and unknowingly I had started to fall for it.

How could I have been so stupid?

Grams tugged at one of the books on the shelf to flip it open. It was one of those fake books with a secret compartment hidden inside of them. It was empty…

"He took it," Grams spoke with frustration.

I tried my best to keep her calm, "Grams, what was it?"

"It's an amulet, locked in a box…" Grams voice was shuddering.

"Grams, what is it?" I tried to touch her arm.

"Your destiny is bound to that seal. A destiny I intend to never let take place. He can't open the box without you. We have to get you out of here. Call your mother, I'm sending you back to California," Grams was already brushing me aside to leave the basement.

I chased after her, "Grams! I can't leave, please don't make me leave. I can fight this."

"This is beyond what you or I can handle, child," Grams was being grave.

"But Grams—"

"Enough! Bonnie," Grams eyes filled when tears when she faced me, "Enough. Listen to me, and go. They will come back here to find you. It's for your safety and the safety of the entire town. You don't want that blood on your conscience."

"Grams, I won't leave you to face this alone," I felt inconsolable.

Grams reached out to hold me tightly. Her fingers gripped me as if she'd never hold me again.

"And I won't let them take my grandbaby," she whispered.


I'd never felt quite so regretful and frustrated in all my life. Packing my bags was one of the hardest things I had ever done. How could I possibly return to my old life knowing everything I knew now?

The scent of Damon's shower gel was still clinging to the clothes I packed away. I could still vividly feel how his mouth felt against mine. His passion and desire had felt so real. My heart ached.

My mother was thrilled to hear about my planned trip back to California.

"I always knew you'd come back," is what my mother had said.

I zipped up my suitcase and made sure I cleaned up my room. I guess it was going to revert back into a simple sewing room. All evidence of my time in Mystic Falls would be removed.

I had called Caroline earlier to tell her I was leaving. She released a series of pleads and tears as she begged me to stay.

"I'll be a better friend, I promise. Just don't go like this," Caroline had begged me.

I didn't want to go like this.

When I spoke with Tyler he commanded me, "Promise me you won't forget me this time and promise me that you'll come back."

That had made me smile.

I'd miss them—all of them. I'd miss Caroline's cute, sassy and brainless antics. Matt's overly protective and kind nature. I'd miss Tyler's understanding eyes and support. I'd miss Elena's warm smiles and turkey sandwiches. Most of all, I'd miss the way I thought Damon made me feel…

If I understood the power within me, maybe I'd be strong enough to fight off the terrible vampires. I felt like such a useless witch. Hiding away my abilities to become a dormant cheerleader once more.

"Are you ready? Your cab is here," Grams was standing in the doorway to the room.

I tugged my suitcase from off the bed to let it hit against the floor.

"I'm not ready, but what choice do I have?" I smiled sourly.

Grams moved to assist me in getting my suitcase down the stairs. It was much heavily now than it had been when I first arrived.

The taxicab outside I could have sworn was the cab that dropped me off in Mystic Falls the day I arrived from California. The man at the front of the cab greeted me with the same nod as he worked my suitcase from my grip.

I struggled. I didn't want to let go.

"Let it go, baby," Grams urged me.

I released the bag into the cab driver's care. He gave me a look that questioned my sanity and then he flipped open the trunk to stuff the suitcase inside.

I stared at the yellow color of the cab, flinching, as the trunk was slammed closed. The driver eventually opened the door for me and patiently awaited me to get inside the vehicle.

Grams kissed the side of my head, "This is the only way."

"I know," I said dryly.

I slid into the cab, touching the cold surface of the black seating with my palms. It felt like I was entering a tomb. A proverbial death to the new life I had tried to start. The driver closed the door and I turned back to stare at Grams face peering at me from the window.

I raised my hand to make a pathetic attempt at a wave.

Grams paid back the exact same action.

The driver settled into the cab and began to pull away from Grams house.

I watched as the lone, sullen figure of my grandmother became smaller and further from view. I gripped the door handle with temptation.

"Driver?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"I want you to take me to the Salvatore Boarding house," I commanded.

"I'm very sorry ma'am. I was given strict instruction to only take you to the airport," he responded with a thick accent.

I slowly began to lean against the door. My nerves were shot. I was actually going to try and leap from this car. I tried to mentally prepare myself for it. I had to make sure I hit the ground rolling; that was the only way to have the least amount of impact. I'd also have to wait for him to reach a stoplight or stop sign.

SLAM.

Something had just crashed hard against the roof of the cab. I screamed as a large indention appeared above my head. The cab began to lose control and swerve off to the side of the road. The driver was shouting out words I couldn't understand.

I tried to focus my eyes on the front windshield as everything began to spin. There was a long crack growing against the window. The cab starts shooting through the trees off the road. A large tree trunk was coming into view. I quickly held on to my seatbelt and braced for impact.

The car slammed hard against the tree. Glass instantly shattered all around us. The driver jerked forward to hit his head against the steering wheel, falling unconscious. I jolted forward, feeling the seat belt adhere to my ribs as I gasped for air.

It was quiet.

The only sounds were my breathing. My hands quivered as I thrashed to get my seat belt off me.

"Come on, get a grip, Bonnie," I mumbled to myself.

Finally the belt unlatched. I dived forward to start touching the shoulder of the driver. I didn't want him to be dead. I pleaded that he wouldn't be dead.

"Sir? Please wake up," I whispered in vain.

"He's fine he's just napping," I heard a chilly voice speak.

I turned my sore neck slowly until I could see Damon sitting in the backseat beside me. He looked so calm and confident with his body leaned back and his arms spread out. His expression was amused.

I threw my back against the door, "I don't want anything to do with you anymore, Damon."

"Such a shame that this has everything to do with you, my little witch," Damon deliberately leaned towards me, taking full advantage of the small space.

His face hovered near my collarbone, pressing his body close enough to intimately graze me.

"I've missed you," his voice was practically a purr.

I tried to breathe, "I don't miss liars."

Damon smiled sinfully, brushing his lips against my chin, "I never lied—I just left out details."

"You just want me to open that seal for you," I growled.

"Actually, you're opening it for us," it was the voice of Katherine.

Logan, Frederick and Katherine stood outside of the cab.

"Pity, looks like play time is over," Damon murmured.