Chapter 21. Head & Heart
Elena gasped at the sight of Damon plummeting Klaus's body to the ground. With the door wide open anyone would be able to witness the madness ensuing within these walls. Not only was this inappropriate behavior for her first event, this was bad for Damon. The wrong set of eyes could see too much and she didn't want to think about the amount of damage control he would have to endure.
"Oh look who came to the rescue," Klaus remarked. "Damon Salvatore. Do you always know when your damsel is in distress or do you have a keen sense for trouble?"
"I have a keen sense for assholes like you!" He lowered his head and spat his sentence in his face.
Nervous and alert to the situation, Elena panicked. She wasn't sure what to do. Everything was falling apart for her event. The ability to compose herself was vanishing as she watched Damon firmly hold Klaus to the ground without effort.
"You shouldn't be here." Damon said.
"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner!" Klaus responded in a high pitch voice while lifting his arm barely off the ground. "Now that we've all clarified the obvious, I assume you'll show me the way out."
"Gladly," he hissed and yanked him up by his collar. They were both on their feet now.
Standing uncomfortably close, Damon stared into Klaus's eyes with such intensity she swore she saw the slightest bit of fright in return. The next step was foreseen and she watched as he used his supernatural power to compel her enemy to flee the building.
"You will not remember any of this. You will go home and wallow in self-pity because you know you are a pathetic piece of shit." Damon stated as Klaus attentively remained still and listened to his every word. "You will not come anywhere near Elena ever again and so help me if you even come near me I will kill you. Got it?"
Klaus nodded his head. Damon's grasp on his collar was released and Klaus stumbled back. He took in a moment to gather his surroundings and himself. Once he was stable he walked toward the door silently. With no words, his eyes said enough. He glanced her way as he fixed his sleeves and peered at her with certainty. His hazy eyes were tiny slits piercing her soul as he gave his last impression. Even under compulsion and strict orders his mischievous manner lingered. She shivered and nervously looked away.
The soles of his shoes faded in the hallway and she let out a desperate sigh of relief. For one minute or even a second all she wanted and hoped for was clarity. Their pasts were constant distractions. Over and over again the haunted memories came forward without warning. The suffocation of one disaster after another was burying her deeper down in to the hole she was digging. Anxiety was setting in and swarming her mind and body. Clarity could not be found.
"Remind me to fire Ms. Mikaelsen tomorrow morning. She clearly has something do with this." Damon's voice floated in the background. Her head was in a daze.
Doubt was embedding into her brain. She couldn't do this, any of this. Like vines growing fast and winding and twisting around her thoughts, she wasn't seeing or thinking straight. Every emotion bottled up from every situation she had encountered in such short time was swirling like a whirlpool inside her. How she had reached this point she was not sure? Her body was still, but her mind was racing at a hundred miles per hour.
"Elena," he said her name and appearing before her. His blue eyes gazing down at her were bright and illuminated. "Elena? Are you okay?"
He always asked this and she always answered with a 'yes'. But was she really okay? Judging by her downfall that was about to plummet she wasn't, but she tried to pull herself back to reality. Scrunching her face together with her eyes closed, she blinked them open to find the same beautiful blue eyes starring at her. The same set of alluring eyes she had been drawn to from day one when everything unfolded into this, her life. All the previous emotions bundled up vanished as she found herself now locked into his stare. How was he able to put her at ease so fast and without compulsion? Elena bowed her head breaking her trance and shook her head.
"Let's just go back out there," she spoke quietly.
"Hey," Damon said placing his hand under her right elbow and holding it firmly. His other hand graciously pushed the hair out of her eyes. "You won't have to worry about him anymore. Klaus won't come anywhere near you, I promise that."
"He is just part of the problem, Damon." Elena sighed.
"Part of the problem?" He asked.
"Never mind." She replied not wanting to go deep into her disturbed thoughts.
As she attempted to maneuver around him, his fingers gripped her elbow refusing her to move. His actions were not startling and she knew her odd behavior would have him searching for many answers. The thing was, she didn't want to give answers. She didn't want to talk about what had just happened or what was even going on in her head. She didn't want to pick apart the different compartments of her heart that held every emotion she felt for him and everything else. Today was supposed to be a mindless, sometimes stressful on the levels of business day. She neglected to realize her life had become more than just the simplicities and obstacles of normalcy. It was beyond that now. Nothing would ever be the same. Around every corner would be something new or old bogging her down.
"Elena, what is going on?" Damon demanded for her to give him some insight into her clouded head of hers. "Please tell me."
"It's nothing." She lied. "I just have a lot on my mind."
"Like what?" He lowered his body so his eyes were level with hers.
She turned her head away. This wasn't the right place or time to unfold the truth of the matter. A man, her ex-boss had attempted to hurt her twice now. His ex-girlfriend/vampire was on the loose and manipulating her way into his life and hers without hesitation. On top of that, she had to worry about forever and deciding whether she wanted to be human or…she couldn't finish that thought. It was all too much.
"Can we please just get out of here?" Elena pleaded.
His usually bright eyes dulled. This was a fight he wasn't going to win once again. The muscles in his jaw tightened and his nostrils flared. No control in the matter, he let go of her and touched the smallest part of her back guiding her out the door. Damon was pissed. She sensed his mood shift from pleasant to troubled as they walked down the hallway and back into the crowd of buzzing and intoxicated crowd.
The chatter was magnifying as they went deeper and deeper into the sea of people. Despite the mishaps of the caterers and other obvious intrusions, people seemed content and amused with the event. Elena let out the negative energy with a long exhale and grabbed a glass of champagne off a passing tray. Downing it in only a second and one gulp, she felt the burning warmth on her lips and in her throat. It glided down to her chest and she smiled.
"Easy." Damon spoke close to her ear.
They stood in the threshold of the main room where tables were perfectly placed for attendees to sit and eat. His hand was still placed delicately on her back. "You might get lucky later if I get liquored up enough." She joked with a sarcastic smirk upon her face.
"Liquor is no need for getting lucky." He said softly for only her to hear. "Luck has nothing to do with what I'm going to do to you later."
Her inner sex goddess twirled at the thought. She needed this distraction even if it was about how he would dominate her in bed later on. Anything would do to keep her straying away into dark thoughts about her life and future.
"I'm thinking sooner than later might be what I need, Mr. Salvatore." Elena responded.
His hand fell dangerously low to her ass. She jerked forward and spun around to face him. They were in public, this sort of behavior was not meant for others to see. Plus, she didn't want people to get the wrong idea even though it was true. She was sleeping with her boss and even if Damon wouldn't admit to it, she got the job because she was with him.
"Elena!" The bubbly and high-pitched voice that could only belong to Caroline Forbes came through the crowd. "There you are."
The light reflected off her straight blonde hair as she clicked her heels on the floor and ran toward Elena. Her arms were instantly around her and congratulating her first "big girl" event as Caroline put it. Like a shadow, Stefan was not far behind. They were inseparable and as much wary came with her decision to date Damon's brother, she was glad she had someone who would protect her from this entire craze. For the first time, Elena sported a genuine smile for Stefan. He made her happy and accepted the high-strung atmosphere Caroline produced. Not many men tolerated her in long strides, apparently Stefan could.
"Everything looks wonderful." Caroline beamed. "And Stefan and I put in our donation at the door. I think you have succeeded Miss Elena Gilbert."
"The event just started Care," she rolled her eyes. "But thank you."
Naturally, the force of a family bond drew Damon and Stefan off to the side smiling and chatting. She knew secretly Damon was portraying a different role on the exterior than what his lips were conversing with his brother. It was only a matter of time before the dreadful conversation of Katherine was bound to happen. At least there would be two people on Katherine patrol tonight.
"You look stunning," Caroline mentioned. "Another item from Damon's closet of expensive designs?" Her sarcasm was welcomed seeing as she needed anything to keep her mind off the troubles of the night so far.
"I've learned not to complain." Elena laughed. "You know I'm challenged when it comes to fashion."
"Well, he does have good taste." She said in a peppy tone. "Stefan finally stepped up to the plate this time around. This little number is a Stella McCartney one of a kind."
Whether intentional or not, Caroline tended to take things competitively. Elena knew better than to compete with her knowing she could easily be out won. She didn't respond letting Caroline soak in the moment of wearing such a high fashion designer. Clearly, Stefan's wallet didn't have a hole burning in it either. The Salvatore brothers were an endless supply of money and had plenty tricks up their sleeves.
"For second I thought you were choosing blue for the night." Caroline added amongst the chatter. "But this black lace is a much better choice."
Elena ran her hand down the front of her dress examining the lace material covering a nude undertone beneath. It fell a few inches above her knees giving her legs an elongated look. She pushed her eyebrows together with confusion. What was the significance of "blue" tonight? First, Rebekah's comment, now Caroline was mentioning it too. The eerie reminder of her identical not so twin was roaming freely amongst the town. Panic rose as she wondered if Katherine was on the premise. This would be the second intrusion of the night if so be. Elena was not ready to face Katherine here, not now.
"I won't keep you away from meeting potential clients." Caroline patted her arm. "See you later."
"Okay." Elena nodded her head.
Her stress level was skyrocketing tonight. Now the worry of Katherine being somewhere doing God knows what was leaving her on edge as people came up to shake her hand. The crowd was diminishing at the door as people were finally done arriving and making their last donations. Most guests had started to take their seats at the table waiting for dinner, while her and Damon made sure everything was in order before announcing the top donation of the night. Without notice, Damon was at her side.
"She's here." Elena stated.
"Who? Katherine?" Damon asked.
"I know she is." She uttered through her teeth and flashing a smile at the last couple walking in.
"Elena, breathe." He said quietly. "Stefan knows and he has been looking out just like I have for her tonight. She isn't here."
"How can you be sure?" Elena doubted his reply.
Damon licked his lips and leaned in closer to her. "Because I am and I've got things under control." He assured her. Even his guarantee of a Katherine free night was not enough. The need to constantly look over her shoulder was instilling in her. Her mind was racing again.
Get it together, she inwardly screamed. Losing herself in front of hundreds of people would be on the front page of the newspaper and in all the headlines if she went any further down this path. In her heart, she knew things weren't right. None of this was and this was going beyond the event, but her head was telling her to ignore it all. She needed to plaster a smile on her face and pretend to not have a care in the world. Her professional career was on the line even if her employer was her boyfriend. Any damage she did tonight would be on her even if it could be salvaged. She wasn't ready for this kind of responsibility and pressure, but she was thrown into it and had no other choice but to suck it up and get on with it.
She flicked her hair and walked with poise to the table designated for her and the Salvatore Corporation staff including Caroline and unfortunately, Rebekah. Her eyes did not shift up as she sat down and downed another glass of champagne. The disapproving glare from Damon did not need to be seen as she felt his penetrating eyes upon her. A wave of blonde hair swooshed to her right as Rebekah swirled in her chair and remained faceless for the rest of the dinner. Only the assumptions of pure hatred toward her and the possibility of knowing Klaus had unsuccessfully went through with his attempt had left her wanting nothing to do with her for the rest of night. If Damon was serious, she would not have to worry about another Mikaelsen terrorizing her much longer. For once she felt a sense of power knowing she had the upper hand in the business aspect of the situation. Elena sat a little taller knowing this and letting the persuasion of alcohol course through her veins.
As dinner was served and devoured, Elena found herself enjoying the night. Damon's eyes were glued to her seeing as her food had been barely touched. Her appetite had been curved by conversations and a few more glasses of champagne each seeking disapproval from Damon as she sipped on them instead of gulping them down. The following hours of the night would be filled with lectures about her behavior and choices knowing him, but she focused on the moment. All the troubles and conflictions were buried down deep and were in no way of coming up by themselves unless told to. There was plenty of time to worry and wallow later.
The musical piece playing elegantly in the background faded as Damon abruptly disappeared from the table and was standing behind the podium smiling. Every pair of female eyes was gazing at him now. Elena glanced around quickly knowing he only had eyes for her. Maybe her status as his girlfriend publicly even in the business world wasn't so bad after all.
"Thank you all for coming tonight." Damon began. His blue eyes flashed under the light and his smirk lit up the large room. "It is my honor to co-host such an event like this raising money for the community. But it is also my honor to introduce to you the woman who worked so hard to make sure this event went according to plan. Ladies and gentlemen, the new CEO of Gilbert Publishing and Company, Miss Elena Gilbert."
Soft applause broke out and it was her cue to rise. Elena knew the alcohol was boosting her confidence as she made her way to the podium to join Damon and face the hundreds of people staring back at her. She cleared her throat and looked down at the envelope. Only a foot away Damon stood admiring her from behind.
"Thank you. Thank you." She spoke into the microphone. "I couldn't have done any of this if it wasn't for Mr. Salvatore and his staff." Another round of applause erupted. She waited until it died down. "And my assistant, Miss Rebekah Mikaelsen."
Her cheeks flushed red. She turned her head to view her table where a very wide-eyed and gapped mouth Rebekah sat. With no intention to recognize Rebekah, even though her work in the event was great, had merely slipped out. Her recognition was well deserved, as was Damon's, but she didn't know why she had said it at all. She wasn't thinking with her head all of a sudden. It was her heart that was speaking. In her heart, she knew it was Rebekah who should be standing up here, not her. She was nothing more than a fraud. She had not worked for any of this and here she was pretending to be accepting of the title. Elena returned her gaze back to the audience.
Taking in a deep breath before speaking again, she regained control. "Tonight all of you made a donation at the door. Those donations will be given back to the community to better it in any way we can. How about a round of applause for all of your generous donations." She held up her hand.
Elena peered over her shoulder at Damon. His classic smirk was painted on his face. His expression indicated he was impressed with her speech so far. She looked back to the crowd.
"However, we like to recognize the highest donation seeing as it is a huge contribution to make." Elena stated. Her poise and flow of words were all coming so easy. She was pleased with herself. Picking up the white envelope on the podium, she slid the card out reading the name of the person who gave the highest donation. "And that is, Katherine Pierce."
The crowd clapped their hands together looking for the Katherine Pierce.
"Please rise Ms. Pierce so we can all congratulate you on your generosity." Elena said leaning closer to microphone and clapping her hands.
Her eyes scanned the audience, but no one stood. She looked back to Damon, who was no longer there. Everyone seemed a bit confused by where this mysterious donator could be. Elena looked at the card again. Katherine Pierce. Her heart stopped and all collectiveness crumbled. She tried to remain dignified, but was breaking piece by piece inside. This had been the tipping point of the night. She had been right all along. Katherine was here and now she had made it known.
"Okay then," she nervously spoke. "Thank you for that donation and to everyone else. Please have a good rest of the night. Thank you."
Trying her best not to fall apart, she hurried away from the podium and back to the table. Caroline expressed worry on her face. Stefan was no longer sitting next to her. With both Salvatore brothers gone, she knew they were scouring the place for Katherine. Elena looked sideways at Caroline wondering if she was up to speed on everything. Something glistened in her eyes hinting she might. She never had the conversation with her about what Damon and Stefan truly were. It wasn't something to be talked about easily. However, if she knew about all of Damon's deep, dark secrets, Caroline had to by known Stefan's too. This was for another time though. She had to go find Damon.
"Did you see where Damon went?" Elena asked her.
The set of eyes belonging to Rebekah were on her. She glanced up quickly to see her staring. Was it awe written on her face from her recognition to the entire crowd or was it curiosity of the situation that had her watching her like a hawk? Elena lowered her voice.
"He was gone the moment you announced the highest donator." Caroline told her. "Is everything okay?"
"Fine." She was too quick to respond. Caroline wasn't buying it.
"Well, Stefan up and left dramatically too." Caroline said. "If you're going to look for Damon, I'm going to look for Stefan."
The thought of pleading for her to stay put crossed her mind, but even she couldn't convince a determined Caroline into not getting involved. She was terrified if Caroline had no knowledge of what was truly going on she would be in for a rude awakening.
"Okay." Elena exhaled and looked back at Rebekah again. Her eyes diverted away.
She didn't have time to worry about Rebekah. Tomorrow she could be gone for good if she really wanted it and no more worrying would have to be done about any Mikaelsen at all.
Elena made sure to seem calm to any onlookers as she left the room with Caroline hot on her tail. She spun around wondering where he could possibly be, where Katherine could possibly be too. With no protection, she knew she was like a target waiting to be hit by the force of Katherine herself without Damon by her side.
"I'll check this way, you check that way." Caroline said.
Her heels loudly echoed through a new hallway as she searched for him. Her heart was racing and so was her mind again. She couldn't put a stopper on either. The thought of Katherine being here and knowing she was from the start made her feel crazy. She hated and loathed the woman. Ever since she put that awful thought in her head about forever with Damon made her want to stake the bitch the next chance she got. However, as angry as it made her feel, she knew she was right. The thought was bound to present itself. Katherine just helped accelerate it.
Checking room after room, neither Damon nor Katherine was anywhere to be found. Then she heard voices. She stopped and listened, but they were muffled. Everyone was in the dining room or at least she hoped. The only explanation had to be the two people she was searching for and so she was careful as she tried to get closer.
Why she was being so sneaky, she didn't know?
By removing her heels, she guaranteed a better chance at not being heard. She knew vampires could sense a human presence, but she wanted to have an advantage as long as she could. Making her way down the hall she listened carefully.
"You have some nerve showing up here, Katherine." His voice boomed.
Elena froze. She was here and with Damon, the worse combination.
"And why should I listen to anything you have to say." Her voice followed. "You don't control me Damon. No one does, no one ever has."
Getting closer, she knew she found the room they were in. Her body pressed up against the wall outside. Elena tried to keep her heart from pounding so fast. It would be a dead give away to where she was.
"Why the fuck are you here?! Why the hell did you come back?" He asked.
Silence met with the thuds of high stilettos pacing the room indicated Katherine was on the move. Elena dared to peek her head around the corner even though the chance of her being seen was obvious. She took the chance anyway.
"You." Katherine answered.
What she saw made her heart drop into her stomach. Katherine's body was pressed closely up against Damon's as her hand trailed down his suit. He did not flinch, he did not move. The smug look on her face showed the pleasure she was enjoying in the matter. His eyes were fixated on her face as she cocked it to the side. Elena could not bear to watch anymore. She let out a sigh of disgust that both made their heads turn.
The last thing she saw were those blue eyes blazing with fire her way. She rushed down the hall and out the front door.
AN: Sorry about a week without an update. I've been working a lot and dealing with some personal issues at the moment. I was going to post a preview of this chapter, but I've received some feedback that some of you don't like the previews and prefer the full chapter update instead. I might not do previews anymore then if it's not going over well. Haven't decided anything officially yet though. Anyways, do you think Elena will ever catch a break? What are your thoughts about Damon compelling Klaus and Katherine showing up at the event? Please send them to be in a review. Thanks for reading as always. You guys are great. Make sure to follow me on Twitter at mystfallfanfic. And don't forget to check out my new fanfic thriller, Black Out premiering Sunday April 7th on Fanfiction dot net.