Hello everyone! So hopefully that wasn't too long of a wait and I'm glad you all seemed to enjoy the last chapter. I want to give a huge thank you to all of my amazing reviewers because you guys are just the greatest. If you've been following along with the story PLEASE drop a review if you get a chance because I would really like to hear your thoughts and ideas. Those reviews are seriously so helpful you have no idea so tell me what you like, what you don't like, just let me know what you think so I can plan my future chapters accordingly. Your opinions are a big deal to me! Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's nothing major, we'll be getting to the good stuff soon though I promise. Thanks again for your support and happy reading :)


Chapter 12

EPOV

The school day was dragging on impossibly. Thank God it's Friday because I don't know what I would do if this week wasn't over by now. John has been especially douchy recently, Bonnie still refuses to talk to me, and Caroline went to bed last night complaining of a stuffy nose and woke up this morning coughing and wheezing so she's home sick and I'm here all alone. After my parent's died and I kept myself locked away for the summer I lost contact with a lot of my old friends, and then after my break up with Matt I lost contact with even more. You don't realize who your real friends are until there's a bump in the road and the majority of the people you thought you could depend on flee for the hills.

I watched as Bonnie brushed past me with a dirty look on her face before catching up with a few of the other girls on the cheer squad as they walked towards the cafeteria. I slammed my locker closed with a loud thud at the realization that I literally have no one to eat lunch with. I briefly considered pulling a Mean Girls and eating in a bathroom stall, or I could always go out to my car. I wish I had time to go by and see Damon or even Caroline, but I wouldn't get back in time and I have a quiz 6th period.

I sighed in defeat and turned towards the exit of the school. As I walked out into the crisp fall air and made a right towards my car I spotted Rebekah and Stefan sitting at a table in the courtyard. Rebekah noticed me before Stefan did and waved her hand for me to come over and join her, and I remembered that these two have been better friends to me than most of my own lately.

"So what brings Little Miss Popular to this neck of the woods?" Rebekah asked raising an eyebrow at me and I rolled my eyes at her. She's always teasing Caroline and I about being cheerleaders and homecoming princesses, but I know she means well. When Rebekah makes fun of you it's almost a form of respect, the people she doesn't like she just ignores all together.

"Little Miss Popular isn't so popular," I smirked taking a seat next to her. "I've come to the realization that Caroline is basically my only friend, I was actually going to spend lunch sitting in my car." I looked down at the sleeves of my sweater slightly embarrassed that I even admitted it out loud.

"You know I've seen enough John Hugh's movies to understand that the Homecoming Queen rarely eats lunch alone," Stefan countered looking at me slightly puzzled.

"She does when she broke the quarterback's heart and disappeared from all social gatherings for an entire summer," I rolled my eyes at how ridiculous the social hierarchy of high school is. "Besides, I wasn't even nominated this year. I think my reign is over, but I was glad to hand it over to Caroline because I can guarantee she wanted it a hell of a lot more than I did. I'm pretty sure she cleared out space for the crown when she was 7." I was fortunate to be graced in the position of popularity that I was, but that's not who I am anymore. While it may sound snobby, the old Elena never would've been seen eating lunch in the courtyard. The jocks and cheerleaders have their own section of tables in the cafeteria, and that's where I always belonged. Usually the misfits and the nobodies ate lunch outside, but now I feel as though I fit in better here than where I usually sit. It's funny how much life can change on you.

"Well you can always join us if you need to," Rebekah smiled encouragingly and I smiled back, grateful for her kindness. "Welcome to the island of misfit toys," she repeated the line from Perks of Being A Wallflower and I giggled. A comfortable silence settled between us as we ate and a few people sent confused glances over at our table as they walked by. I suppose it's strange seeing me eating out here with them, but people better get used to it. The old Elena Gilbert who was afraid of anything strange or different has left the building and won't be coming back.

"So are you guys going to Rose and Trevor's party tonight?" I asked curiously trying to make conversation as I took my sandwich from my bag.

"No, we have other plans," Stefan answered smirking up at his girlfriend as if they were sharing some kind of secret.

"It's our 6 month anniversary," Rebekah explained with a gushy smile on her face and I immediately understood. "We're going to his families lake house for the weekend and we didn't want to get in too late."

"You and Damon should be pleased we're going out of town," Stefan chuckled shaking his head. "I believe this past Tuesday was the 5th time we've interrupted the two of you on that couch this month."

"Right, sorry about that," I felt my cheeks redden and I looked down at my lunch flushed with embarrassment. I've never been one for public displays, but with Damon I tend to loose control.

"Oh please what we've caught you two doing is PG compared to the shit we've been caught doing," Rebekah scoffed and I giggled because she's always so bold and open about everything. "Stefan do you remember when you're dad walked into your bathroom while we were showering together?" My eyes grew wide and I watched as Stefan's cheeks turned bright red at the memory.

"I thought we agreed never to mention that again," he cringed shaking his head back and forth.

"Wait, how much did he actually see?" I asked Rebekah unable to hid my smile.

"Well luckily Stefan was able to shield me so I don't think he actually saw me naked, but he knew what was going on," she laughed rolling her eyes slightly.

"How much trouble did you get in?" I asked in disbelief. I could never imagine getting caught in a situation like that by either of my parents, or my Uncle John. I could only imagine being caught by him in a situation like that with Damon; there would definitely be a lot of violence involved.

"I didn't," Stefan shrugged taking a sip from his water bottle. "When you've caught your father snorting cocaine from some girls boobs in the library he tends to leave the rules of the house pretty open."

"Oh my God," I gasped as my eyes grew even wider. "That actually happened? Your dad doesn't really seem like that, he's always so put together."

"Yeah, well he went through a hard time after my mom died," Stefan shrugged with a sad smile. "He kind of went off the rails, but he was hardly ever home anyways so we were only subjected to it a few times. My grandfather was the one that got him back on track. Damon never told you any of this?" He was looking at me slightly puzzled, as if this were some major part of him and his brother's childhood that I didn't know and I felt a nagging sensation deep in my belly. Damon is a pretty closed off guy, and I should know that by now.

"Oh please," Rebekah scoffed before I could speak. "We all know Damon doesn't even like to share his shoe size with people, much less anything that would require an ounce of emotion." I nodded solemnly at that last part because I know she's right, Damon doesn't do emotions. "Don't let it get to you Elena," Rebekah turned to face me sensing my discomfort. "That's just Damon, but he obviously trusts you so as you continue getting to know each other I'm sure he'll talk to you about his past."

"Yeah sometimes I forget how emotionally stunted my brother can be," Stefan shrugged. "He's more emotional than you'd think, he's just good at hiding it."

"I hope we haven't planted doubt in your head because that boy would jump off a cliff for you if you asked him," she smiled at me with her blue eyes sparkling and I couldn't help but smile back.

"I know Damon's not big on feelings," I shrugged taking a bite of my sandwich. "I knew that going into this, it's not a big deal." I hoped the conversation would shift to something else, anything else, so when Rebekah brought up the most recent member of her class to get pregnant I sighed in relief. My biggest worry when it comes to things between Damon and me is that he'll get scared and back away. I know that emotions and feelings aren't his thing, but hearing it from other people constantly doesn't exactly help matters. Even after what Rose said I'm trying to keep my expectations low because even if he does love me, that doesn't mean he's going to tell me, he might not even recognize the feeling. I know he's never been in love before, why would he suddenly change that for me? I just want to take it day by day and see where it goes. If I expect too much and he doesn't deliver I'll just get disappointed.

As soon as the lunch bell rang I said a quick goodbye to the odd couple before heading for my 6th period. I saw Bonnie in the hallway and she ignored me again, which is to be expected.

When I got home after school I hurriedly set my bag down to head up and start getting ready for the party. I'm supposed to meet Damon at his house around 5 and I only have an hour and a half.

"Elena can you come in here for a moment?" John called out from the dining room table and I quickly covered my frown with a fake smile as I walked towards him.

"What's up?"

"Well a friend of mine from college was in an accident," he sighed closing his eyes for a second before looking back at me. "Anyways, it doesn't look good. His wife just called me and said that if I wanted to say goodbye I'll need to go now so I booked a red eye to New York. I should be back in a few days."

"Oh," I replied partially sad because someone was hurt and partially excited that he would be gone for a few days. "Well, I'm sorry about that." He thanked me quietly and just as I turned to head upstairs something caught my eye, and I felt my heart rate speed up. "Uhm, what's this?" I held up a white pearl-lined invitation with gold writing across it. Rose's engagement party invitation. In my kitchen. Next to an envelope addressed to John.

"Oh some clients of mine are throwing an engagement party for their daughter tonight," he shrugged taking the invitation from me and moving to hang it on the refrigerator. "Obviously I wont be able to make it, I'll just go to the wedding, that's more important anyways. You're more than welcome to accompany me if you'd like." I felt all of the blood rush out of my face in an instant. John would be at Rose's wedding, where I would be a bridesmaid, along with Damon, at a wedding that I am only in because I met the bride through a boyfriend I am not supposed to have. It'll be impossible to hide the truth from him there. "Elena?" His voice was raised his time and I snapped out of my internal panic attack to look up at him.

"Yeah?" I responded, my voice cracking.

"I was just saying that I have to get going in a bit, but you and Jeremy will be okay without me for a few days?"

"Uh yeah, we'll be fine," I forced a smile and he nodded tightly before turning to walk up the stairs and I had to grasp the table to prevent my legs from collapsing. I don't have a choice at this point; I'm going to have to tell him.

DPOV

"I am telling you mate this guy was weird as fuck," Klaus chuckled as he counted wads of cash at our dining room table with me. "I mean, I've come across some bizarre people in our line of work, but this guy was fucking insane. He was talking to himself in some kind of made up language and twitching. I had to ask him for the money at least ten times before he gave it to me and I ran away like my arse was on fire the second he did."

"Yeah, consequences of crack," I responded only halfway listening to him. I was trying to count the money accurately and as usual Klaus wouldn't shutup. Caroline is sick with the flu and they've been apart for over 24 hours so he's been following me around like a lost puppy dog all day looking for some form of entertainment.

"So when are you going to get the Gilbert kid back?" He asked raising an eyebrow at me and I stiffened. The one thing most likely to ruin my relationship with Elena is Jeremy's involvement with my stupid fucking drug business. I haven't heard from him since Vicki died and I figured I'd just keep it that way.

"I wasn't planning on getting him back," I replied stacking the last pile of money for him to drive over to his mom's house and put in the safe.

"Oh come on don't be thick," he chuckled shaking his head. I didn't laugh, it wasn't funny. Jeremy should've never gotten involved in the first place. Even though I now know that those guys from the hunters gang weren't the ones that came after me it doesn't change the fact that he almost got his ass kicked by one of them. This business isn't cut out for him; he's just a kid. Not a very smart one either. Well, street smart that is. It's not like I've seen his report card.

"He's a liability I just don't think it's a good idea," I shrugged standing up from the table and smoothing out my pants.

"Bullshit," he scoffed rolling his eyes. "You just don't want to piss off your girlfriend, and I get that, but we need him. He and Vicki were our best connection to the high school crowd, and she's dead, so he's all we've got left. If you let him go we'll be losing a huge chunk of our customers."

"Klaus I'm not bringing him back in and that's final," I shouted banging my hand on the counter and his eyes widened slightly before he regained his composure.

"Whatever you say boss," he huffed taking the money and stuffing it into a backpack before sauntering out of the house and towards the front door. Great.

"Did I just hear shouting?" Stefan asked stepping out from the spare room with a confused expression on his face.

"Klaus is being a dick," I replied rolling my eyes. "He's just pissed he hasn't gotten laid in 24 hours, it's no big deal."

"I heard you guys bring up Jeremy," he responded shuffling his shoes uncomfortably and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I thought you had grown past eavesdropping Steffie," I grabbed the edge of the counter, the irritancy clear in my voice, and he shrugged innocently.

"The walls are thin, but Damon you know you don't need Jeremy. I go to Mystic Falls High. I could sell there, you know you can trust me."

"No fucking way," I shook my head furiously. "Dad would rip me to shreds if I got you involved."

"Well dad isn't the boss of everything Damon," he retorted with an annoyed glare. "I'm sick of you guys treating me like some stupid little kid. I can do this, you know I can hold my own in a fight, unlike that Gilbert kid. Come on Damon, please? I want to help."

"Fine." I grumbled after a moment of silence.

"Thank you Damon I-"

"If dad finds out I'm telling him you wouldn't take no for an answer," I interrupted pointing an angry finger at him. "I know he'll try to blame me and I'm completely against this, but we need the help and I do think you'd be more reliable. Jeremy worked enough to pay off his debt for stealing so he's done. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"You know I will be," he responded in a softer tone of voice and I groaned running my fingers through my hair. This is a terrible idea.

"I have to shower and get ready for the party, we'll talk about this more on Monday when you get back from your trip," I sighed turning to walk up the stairs. I know that Stefan is the best person for the job. He's trustworthy, he knows the business, I wouldn't have to pay him, and he can take care of himself. It's unfortunate, but selling low rank drugs to high school kids was a third of our profit when Jeremy and Vicki were still around, and without it our weekly income has gone down majorly. Teenagers in this town are stupid enough to pay extra from their allowances that mommy and daddy give them to get their hands on something that makes them feel like badasses, and now that my father has lost almost everything we need all we can get, plus we still have to pay the other dealers. Whether my father approves or not, he can't deny that this is the best choice.

I pushed all of it aside the second I turned on the hot spray of the shower and let the water cascade down on me. I love my shower. Scratch that, I love my entire bathroom. The stone walls, the large countertop, the huge bathtub, it's a palace. It's the main reason I bought this townhouse.

I'm going to see Elena tonight, which means that the part of my life I've spent my day agonizing over needs to be put on the backburner. She's good, at this point I'm pretty sure she's good enough for the both of us and I won't-I can't-screw this up. Not to mention, she would look so good standing under this shower with me. Naked. With water running down those perfect breasts of hers that I've yet to actually see for myself, and along her toned stomach down towards those insanely long legs of hers. That's an image I can wrap my head around. Forget about the family business, I've got a flawless girlfriend to spend my time thinking about. Not drug money.

Once I'd stepped out from under the spray I dried off before wrapping the towel around my waist and combed my hair to the side for a more clean-cut look. I shaved quickly without nicking myself and applied the cologne that I know Elena told me she liked once. In general the types of events that would require me to dress and clean up like this are not my thing, but I get to see my girlfriend tonight and because of that nothing can bring me down.

As I stepped back into my bedroom to get dressed I heard a noise coming from downstairs that sounded like someone was walking around. Klaus was going over to Caroline's for the evening and Stefan was on his way out when we talked so the house is supposed to be empty. I stood there, rooted in place when I heard another noise and just as I went to grab my gun from the nightstand I heard a familiar voice calling my name and I sighed in relief.

"Damon, are you up here?" Elena called from the bottom of the stairs and I mentally slapped myself for being so paranoid before responding for her to come up to my room. I hadn't realized it was already almost 5.

"Hey sorry, I'm almost ready," I ran over and kissed her quickly before rummaging through my closet for my suit. She walked over to sit on my bed and when I turned around with the garment bag in hand I noticed her blushing. She was totally checking me out. I should walk around half naked more often.

"Like what you see?" I waggled my eyebrows for extra effect and she rolled her eyes as the blush on her cheeks darkened a little bit. I would spend my entire life making her blush if I could; it's one of my favorite things about her. How she gets embarrassed over little things and her cheeks darken, it's adorable.

"So cocky," she rolled her eyes in amusement as she stood up from the bed. "Now get dressed so we aren't late."

I nodded running towards my bathroom to put my suit and took one last look in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable. I always freak myself out a little bit when I put on a suit. In general I'm more of a t-shirts, leather, jackets, and biker boots kind of guy, but when I dress like this, all of my tattoos covered and my unkempt hair slicked to the side neatly, I feel like a different person. Normally I would absolutely hate it and want to shrug the garment off as quickly as possible, but now there's something about the clean cut look that I kind of like, it makes me look respectable. Like someone who's worthy of Elena Gilbert. When I'm dressed like this nobody stares or wonders what she's doing with a guy like me, not the way they do when I look like a character from The Outsiders, but that's who I am and I'm not going to change it, and I know Elena wouldn't want me to. Still, it's nice to know sometimes that I look the part to be going somewhere with a girl like her on my arm.

"You ready?" I asked walking back into the bedroom and shrugging my suit jacket back on. Elena was standing over my bedside table holding a book in her hand and she looked up at me like a kid who got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "Spying on me Ms. Gilbert?" I sauntered towards her with an air of confidence and she smiled slightly as she held the book up for me to see.

"Gone With The Wind?" She asked slightly surprised.

"It was my mother's," I shrugged sticking my hands in my pockets uncomfortably. "She uh, she used to read it to me every night before bed. It's my favorite book."

"It's my favorite book too," she smiled as though she was saying it more to herself than to me, which made something in my stomach flutter. Those goddamn butterflies are at it again. Fuckers.

"You look gorgeous by the way," I whispered into her ear as I wrapped my arms around her and she giggled softly as I pressed a kiss to the inside of her neck. She really did. She had on a short black dress with a white design across the top that flowed above her knees along with a pair of heels that made her long legs appear even longer. Sheer perfection as far as I'm concerned.

"Thank you," she smiled politely with that familiar shade of pink reaching her cheeks. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Pshh I always look good," I smirked and he rolled her eyes again as she set her hands to rest on my chest over my suit coat. I looked down into her milky brown eyes, and I noticed something in them. She was upset. Elena's eyes are the windows to her soul, all I have to do is look at her and I know when something's going on. It's why she's such a terrible liar; her eyes give her away every time.

"Well we should head out," she went to step away from me, but I hurriedly reached my arm around her back to keep her in place.

"What's wrong?" I asked looking at her with a serious expression on my face.

"Nothing is wrong I promise, it's stupid," she shrugged looking down like she always does when she's anxious.

"Well I happen to enjoy stupid things so why don't you enlighten me," I smirked tilting her chin up with my free arm. "You know you can't hide this kind of stuff from me, your eyes are like an open book and make it impossible for you to successfully lie."

"I didn't want to tell you now," she sighed closing her eyes for a minute before looking back up at me. "When I got home from school I found one of Roses engagement party invitations in the kitchen, addressed to John. He's friends with her parents Damon, and we're lucky because he had to go out of town tonight, but he's going to be at the wedding." I immediately felt my body stiffen as she spoke. This is bad, very bad. "It would be nearly impossible to keep it a secret. I mean, I'm a fucking bridesmaid Damon, and everyone there will know that the only reason I even know Rose is through you. He'll figure it out, and that would probably be the single worst way for it to happen…"

"Which means we'll have to tell him before the wedding," I finished her sentence for her taking a step back and clenching my fists together. I thought we would have time to figure this out, but now there's a ticking clock on us. It would be nice to just get a week of happiness with Elena, why does everything have to be so damn hard?

"This is why I didn't want to tell you," she shook her head and wiped away a stray tear. "I just wanted to have a nice fun normal night with you, actually going out somewhere like a real couple."

"Hey, we'll figure this out Elena," I reached out for her and pulled her into my arms so she could rest her head against my chest.

"I'm so sorry to put you through this," she cried softly against my chest and I tightened my hold on her even more. I hate seeing any girls cry, mainly because it makes me uncomfortable, but seeing Elena cry is like sticking a knife straight into my gut.

"You don't have to apologize," I said stroking my fingers through my hair and guiding her head up so she'd look at me. "Your uncle is an ass hole, but we'll deal with him. We both knew he'd have to find out eventually so this really isn't a huge surprise. When we talked the other day you said you wanted to tell him, now we just have a reason to do it."

"I think I liked the idea better in theory when it wasn't being forced upon us," she mumbled under her breath and I smirked.

"Look, we'll figure this out I promise," I brushed a stray piece of hair out of her face and she smiled softly at me. "Let's just go have that fun night that you wanted and discuss this later on. We still have a few months before the wedding, and John isn't even in town. Let's live in the moment, enjoy the time we have."

"I'm really happy I'm with you," she smiled blushing slightly as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Of course you are," I scoffed smirking cockily and she glared at me. "Okay fine," I sighed dramatically before moving my hands to cup her face," I'm really happy I'm with you too."

She smiled before moving forward to press our lips together and I returned the kiss immediately. This kiss was different than the past kisses we've shared, it was tender and laced with emotion. This girl makes me feel things I never even knew I was capable of feeling and while it scares the shit out of me it excites me at the same time.

"Come on," she mumbled as she disconnected our mouths. "We're going to be late and I don't want to be a bad bridesmaid."

"You can be bad if you want to that's completely okay with me," I replied waggling my eyebrows and she rolled her eyes as she grabbed her small purse from the bed and I followed her down the stairs. I grabbed the expensive bottle of wine I'd snuck out of my dad's cellar yesterday that Elena attached the card to and led her out to my car.

Thanks to the recent time change the sun was already beginning to set and the air was rather chilly, but it was a welcomed relief after the unseasonably warm weather we'd been experiencing through most of October. I spent my entire summer stuck in a prison cell, and when I was allowed outside I was met with the scorching Virginia sun out on the yard. Even though I've been a free bird for almost 3 months I still appreciate it more than anything in the world. I can't help but wish that my life could stay this way. I was never embarrassed or ashamed of my life before, it never bothered me that I made my money doing things that most people frowned upon because I never knew anything different, until now that is. Now I have someone else in my life, someone who's worth a lot more than some criminal. Elena is good, she's a good person who makes good decisions and that's one of the things I like about her so much. I don't want to disappoint her or let her down, and I know that the second she found out the truth about my life I would.

"Are you okay?" She asked setting her hand on my arm pulling me from my thoughts. "You look like something's bothering you."

"It's nothing," I lied forcing a smirk and she didn't seem convinced, but she let it go anyways. We sat in comfortable silence until we arrived at Rose's parent's house and Elena let out a loud gasp.

"Pretty insane right?" I smirked as we pulled up in front of the mansion. I've been here hundreds of times, I have known Rose since we were kids, but the large brick building with French windows and Ivy trailing down the side still manages to impress me every time I see it.

"I didn't know Rose's family was this rich," she whispered as the Valet took my car keys and I looped our arms together so we could walk into the party.

"Just wait until you see the backyard," I mumbled escorting her through the open front door. I knew it was risky, arriving at this party with Elena on my arm in front of all these people, but I just couldn't help myself. It isn't like John is Mr. Popular in Mystic Falls so I really don't think anyone would rat us out, but it's still a pretty risky move.

"Oh lovely you made it," Rose grinned as she and Trevor made their way towards us.

"This is quite the get together, you two sure know how to plan a party," I smirked and she rolled her eyes as Trevor chuckled because the idea of either of them having anything to do with an event like this is downright comical. This has her parents written all over it.

"Well I'm glad you managed to put on a suit Salvatore," she smirked as she admired my clothes. "You don't look like such a wanker when you dress up."

"That's no way to speak to the best looking groomsmen," I tsked pointing a finger at her and all three of them groaned.

"We brought wine," Elena smiled changing the subject and handing her the bottle we'd signed our names to.

"Damn," Trevor smiled as he inspected the bottle. "How far did this set you back Salvatore?"

"Oh please," Rose scoffed snatching the bottle from him. "I can guarantee he stole this from Giuseppe's collection."

"It's the thought that counts," I smirked and she rolled her eyes again before turning to chat with Elena under her breath before dragging her off for some kind of girly bridesmaid shit.

"Thanks again for agreeing to be a groomsmen," Trevor smiled gratefully. "I know you aren't exactly into weddings, but we've known each other since we were kids and I thought it made the most sense."

"I don't mind," I shrugged nonchalantly. "Besides, the whole marriage and eternal love and happiness thing doesn't seem so bad anymore."

"Does this newfound acceptance for love have anything to do with Elena?" he asked with a knowing smile.

"Maybe," I smirked and he chuckled before gesturing for me to follow him out to the backyard where everyone else was gathered. This backyard could probably give the White House a run for its money. It has perfectly trimmed green grass with large trees and numerous types of plants and flowers everywhere, all filled with twinkle lights. The pool had candles floating around in it and there were cocktail tables set up along the grass complete with a string quartet and a fully stocked makeshift bar in the patio area.

"This place is amazing," Elena grinned as she joined me in the backyard. She had a small pin on her dress that said bridesmaid on it and she looked way too cute for her own good.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" I asked tucking aside a loose strand of her hair. It was the truth; she looked absolutely stunning. Then again, she always does.

"Yes you did," she blushed looking down at her feet for a moment before looking back up at me.

"Well I needed to say it again," I smirked grabbing her hips and pulling her flush against me and pressing our lips together. She was momentarily caught off guard, but within seconds she returned the kiss wrapping her arms around my neck and granting my tongue entrance to her mouth. For a moment I completely forgot where we were, I was lost in her.

"Ahem," a stern voice said pulling us from our little bubble and I frowned as I came face to face with my father. This should be good.

"Dad," I gulped as Elena and I separated and I looked at him nervously. "Uh, I didn't know you were coming tonight."

"Well Rose and Trevor were your childhood friends and I knew their parents rather well so they invited me," he explained taking a sip of his scotch. "So it seems you have a new friend."

"Uh right," I said taking Elena's hand possessively. "You remember Elena, right?"

"Of course I do," he smiled as he focused his attention on my girlfriend. "It's lovely to see you again. Is your uncle here by any chance?"

"Uh no he had to go out of town last minute," she mumbled anxiously and I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Ah that's a shame," he smiled politely. "Well I should go mingle, but you two enjoy your night."

Elena and I both watched as he walked away to join the rest of the party and I swear I heard her let out a breath the moment he walked away.

"You don't think he'll tell John do you?" She asked worriedly.

"I don't know," I replied honestly. "I'll talk to him, try to explain. Maybe I can at least get him to give us some time to tell him ourselves."

We walked further into the yard to joining the rest of the party and our hands didn't untangle once. Her good mood had dampened and I had to admit that mine did a little bit too. I honestly hadn't expected my father to be here tonight. If I'd known I wouldn't have shoved my tongue down Elena's throat in the middle of a crowded party.

As the night drug on I watched my father from a distance waiting for the moment I could get him alone. The second he was I sent Elena over to talk with Rose before making my way over to him.

"You failed to inform me that you had a new woman in your life," he commented dryly. "Then again, she's more of a girl wouldn't you say?"

"Gee dad tell me how you really feel," I said sarcastically and his eyes narrowed.

"I just don't know what the hell you could possibly be thinking," he whispered under his breath as not to alert the other guests. "She's John's niece! Of all the girls you could find for a roll between the sheets you chose her? You know her parents just passed away, you really shouldn't be taking advantage of her like this. She's much too good for you Damon and using her for your amusement really is low. Not to mention how angry her uncle would be."

"It's not like that," I said defensively. "Elena's my girlfriend, and I'm serious about her. We were going to wait to tell John because we knew he probably wouldn't be very happy about it, but I'm not going to stop seeing her."

"Damon she's just a teenager," he said shaking his head back and forth. "She's a good girl, what do you think she would say if she knew the truth about you?"

"That's not any of your business," I spat trying to keep my emotions in check.

"Look Damon, I'm glad that you've found someone who makes you happy and all that, but this is just unrealistic," he said in a serious tone. "She's from a different world. You two don't stand a chance; you have no future together. What do you think is going to happen when she finds out what you do for a living? And what about her plans? Surely she wants to go to college and make something of herself, you two are a lost cause."

"This conversation is over," I hissed before storming away from him. My blood felt like it was on fire; I couldn't be here anymore. I spotted Elena standing at a table with Rose and a few other women and I instantly worked my way through the crowd so I could get to her.

"Hey stranger," she smiled softly extending her hand out for me to take.

"Uh we need to get out of here," I whispered in her ear and she looked up at me momentarily confused until she realized something was wrong and she nodded. We said a quick goodbye before exiting the party and the second we got into the Camaro everything hit me at once. My dad was right. Elena and I are screwed, but I don't give a fuck. I think I might be falling in love with this girl and I can't let her slip away from me.

"Damon you're worrying me," she said leaning over and running one of her hands along my face. "What's going on?"

"I just-my dad-and he-," I couldn't even form a sentence. What was I supposed to say?

"Let's just get home and then we can talk about it," she smiled and for a split second that smile made me think that everything would be okay and I calmed down a little.

"I can drop you off at your house if you need me to," I offered mainly just to be polite, but I was hoping she wouldn't accept that offer. I didn't want to be away from her.

"No, I want to go home with you," she said firmly and I sighed in relief before starting the car and taking off.


So what do you guys think is coming? I promise it won't be a long wait for the next chapter. I actually have it about halfway done already so expect it soon. As for Inevitable, I am so so so sorry for the insanely long wait, but I just submitted the next chapter to my beta today and it should be out very soon. Same with Hopeful. Anyways, click that review button when you get a chance and I can assure you that if I am impressed you will be rewarded with some major awesomeness in the next chapter that may or may not include a naked Damon...hmmm ;) Better review to find out!