Continuing the flashback...
Every smell in the forest was hitting you over and over and over. Like waves crashing over you. But there was still that one scent that you couldn't get away from. It was so familiar yet made your stomach roll. Revolting but with slight hints of vanilla. A scent you recognized the only question was from where. You crept along the tree line making sure to stay under the cover of the underbrush as you followed the scent. Some places it was more prominent than others which made you feel like whatever it was had been there just recently and was somewhere in the woods with you. Possibly watching you. You stopped for a moment perking your ears around you trying to catch any sign of whatever it was. When a whoosh sound made you cringe and something breezed by you. The fire in your belly turning into a full on forest fire as you went after whatever it was. It was fast. But you were faster. You stopped for a moment as you finally caught sight of what it was. It was a girl. Tall with caramel skin. Every hair on her head was in perfect ringlets. Her dark eyes darting around trying to catch you. You slowly made your way around her circling her like a hungry hyena. Waiting for when she turned her back to you.
It took some time but you were more than patient when she finally turned her back to you. And in a blur you jumped out of your cover and she turned just in time to see you but not enough time to run. Your heavy body easily pinning her down into the wet grass of the clearing. She was screaming but you couldn't hear it. All you could hear was her heart beat in her neck. Your muzzle was dripping with saliva. Everything in you wanted to tear her apart limb by limb.
"Kaylee!" You turned finding a dark haired man running towards you guys. "Get off of her," he ordered. Those bright blue eyes like lasers in the dark night. You turned your eyes back to the girl staring at her for a long moment contemplating what to do. Your nails in her chest were just deep enough that small red spots appeared under them soaking her white dress. You shifted your weight to your front paws pressing your nails in deeper. You let out a low growl before removing one paw and swiping it across her face quickly. You weren't gonna leave her with nothing. Your nails cutting her cheek like razors blades. And four bright red lines appeared across her face. The bleed slowly starting to trickle out. You let out one last deep growl before turning to the man, appreciating the sight of him one last time before disappearing back into the forest.
But you didn't fully disappear you kept your distance to where you could see them but they couldn't see you. You watched the man walk over to the girl who was still laying in the grass and he obeyed her a hand to help her up. You felt a slight pang of jealousy in your heart. You could see the way they were looking at each other. It only made you want to go back and finish what you started. But you turned away trotting off toward the sound of rushing water. And you followed it until you got to what looked to be a quarry. And you walked to the edge of the cliff and sat down looking over the water the full moon lighting up most of it and the area surround it. You could feel the cool breeze brushing through your fur and you took a deep breath allowing it to fill your lungs completely. You looked down seeing some people playing in the water and laying on the sand banks below you having zero idea you were even there. You looked to the horizon seeing that it was slowly starting to turn pink. And watched over the kids who were now gathering their things and starting their trek back through the woods.
"K?" You turned time seemed to go by so much quicker now. And the sun was starting to rise. You whimpered once and he care closer until you felt his hand between your shoulder blade tugging at tuffs of fur. Where the white hair of your coat met the black. You whimpered again and collapsed into his arms. Feeling yourself loosing the wolf and turning back into your human self.
"It's okay shhhh," he cooed wrapping his arms around you and grabbing a blanket from his pack that was now next to both of you and wrapping it around you. And just like that you had shed your wolf skin in his arms curled up in the blanket.
"D?" You asked looking at your arms and seeing dirt streaked up and down them. Some red spots made your eyes widen. "Blood?" You looked back at him. "Katherine was walking in the woods and you attacked her. She has some pretty gnarly gashes to prove it," he smiled weakly helping you sit up and to keep your balance. "You like her don't you?" You asked watching him closely.
"What?" He scrunched his eyebrows at you like that was the most preposterous thing he had ever heard.
"D I've know you for a long time. Which means I know when you like someone," you brushed your thumb along his jawline and curled into his chest and relaxed completely against him.
"It's okay Damon. You don't have to protect me," you whispered running your finger over a frayed part of his trousers.
"I don't know how I feel. It makes it that more confusing," you just nodded and continued toying with the loose strings. It was times like these you missed nik his warm skin on yours. His soft lips against yours. Being in his bed. Your nails trailing down his back. Elijah and his protectiveness over you. How hard he seemed but how sweet he was. How smart he was. And how much he had taught you this summer. and Bekah who so easily became your best friend. How crazy she was. How easily she became a bitchy when you crossed her or anyone she loved. You'd have to send them letters when you got home later.
"I understand. You're young. You don't have to have everything worked out," you glanced up at him and he just looked over the water. The sun was now starting to warm the earth up again and everything was coming back to life with its warm golden light.
"You weren't scared," you pointed out looking up at the sky resting your head against his thigh.
"Of you?" He looked down and moved a strand of hair that had fallen in front of your eyes. "You did see my turn into a wolf Damon. That's not something you see everyday," he placed his hand on your check brushing his thumb over your skin repeatedly.
"I would never be scared of you my love," he leaned down kissing the top of your head. Even if he loved someone else you did too. Maybe you were right for each other. It just wasn't the right time... maybe it would never be. You couldn't blame him for being confused. You were too.
End of flashback...
"You're not in this alone k," it was unclear how much time had passed but Damon was now holding your hand. You wanted so badly to look at him more than anything. But you couldn't. So much had happened and so much more. You couldn't keep doing this to yourself. Over and over.
"You're right damon, she's not alone cause she has me," You turned seeing Kyle and if it was possible there would be steam billowing out of his ears at this point.
"I will not hesitate to rip your heart out Granger," he said lowly turning towards the bar and releasing your hand scooping up his drink and sipping on it slowly. His jaw completely clenched to the point his teeth might actually shatter.
"I'm right here," Kyle growled stepping forward, Damon doing the same. You were so close to snapping.
"Enough! I'm not something to fight over! You both are children!" You shoved them away from each other giving them both one last scolding look before storming out. The cold air biting at every bit of your exposed skin as you made your way to your car.
"Don't," you growled not even having to look at who was behind you.
"Kaylee please," this made you turn to him "No Kyle this is ridiculous. You both are childish! I get hating him most people do. But he is my friend and someone I care dearly about so either get over it. Or if you can't control yourself and actually trust me then break up with me. Cause I have enough bullshit in my life. I don't need anymore," you half screamed not trying to draw to much attention to you guys. But you knew you had gotten to him when you saw the hurt look in his eyes. "And you I'm sick of this. Both of you just stay the hell away from me. I'll be better off this full moon as far away from both of you as possible," you spat spotting Damon over Kyles shoulder. You shook your head before climbing in your car and pulling out to go home. And attempt to try and calm down before going to this stupid dance. You turned on to the main road turning on some music and blasting it hoping to drown out some of the annoying thoughts hammering through your head. The pounding headache already starting. It was going to be very long night...
You finally made it home and the house was quiet as usual so you just went upstairs. Not even knowing what to wear to this stupid dance anyways when an idea hit you. What if you dressed the opposite of everyone else? Most were going with the bright colors and fun outfits. And you had something perfect. You threw off your bag and cost before heading into your closet grabbing a red and black plaid pleated skirt. A pair of fish net leggings. A black crop top with a giant white moon which was a little funny considering tomorrow was the full moon. And your favorite leather jacket and doc martins.
You quickly changed touching up your hair and make up before heading downstairs and out the door as fast as you could since you heard movement in the kitchen.
On my way to you. You texted Megan realizing it was a quarter to 6. And you got in the car and headed over to the Forbes residence.
You pulled up and honked once and her and Leo both came out of course both dressed up. She must have roped him in. It was kinda funny. She pulled open the passenger door "before you get in I told you I wasn't dressing up so this is as good as you get," you held up a finger.
"Honestly I'm just happy you're going I thought you would have ditched with everything going on," she smiled kindly which was odd. Normally you'd get an ear full but you shrugged it off and went to head to the school when "Stefan is calling..." popped up on your dash.
You rolled your eyes but clicked answer anyways, "what's up?"
"I figured you wouldn't answer me so my little brother kindly let me borrow his phone. You 3 need to get over to the Gilbert's now. We have a problem," he instructed before handing up.
"Another day in the life of being super hero's," you joked annoyed but turned your car around to go over to the Gilbert's. It never failed That whenever you tried harder to stay away from him the more the universe pulled you together even more.
"So what is it that you needed us to come over here for Damon?" You asked walking in Elena and Stefan sitting on the couch together and he was leaning against the bar.
"That man kaylee. The one I hit. He was in the house. He tried to kill me," she was stuttering hard but you could tell she was actually really scared.
"How'd he even get in?" You asked irritated this is the last place you wanted to be.
"He was invited in," Elena choked out clearly still scared.
"He posed as a pizza delivery man last night," Stefan explained looking at each of you. And you tightened your jaw realizing it was the pizza guy you had a bad feeling about. That Jeremy had invited in.
"Well he gets points for that. Did he say what he wanted?" You turned to him and glared at him before smacking him in the chest. "Ouch. You forget you're a bit stronger than me right now," he murmured so only you and Stefan could hear him. You just smirked in response before turning back to them. He deserved to be hurt.
"No he was to busy trying to kill me," Elena snapped folding her arms around herself.
"And you have no idea who this is?" Stefan accused Damon. Are we surprised? No.
"No," and Stefan just nodded his head slightly clearly not convinced. "Don't look at me like that. I told you we have company." He waved off which he was right. It wasn't his fault no one took him seriously.
This made Elena look up, "do you think there's more than one?" She questioned growing more concerned.
"We don't know," was all he said which clearly gave her no comfort considering the scoff she let out you all sat on the couches around them you and Damon of course ending up on the same one. She ran her hands through her hair obviously frustrated. Which you understood but throwing a temper tantrum wasn't gonna solve the problem.
"Damon," Stefan turned his attention back to him. "He's been invited in."
Damon just nodded, "then we go get him tonight," he offered. "You two up for it?" He now was looking at you and Elena.
"What do I have to do?" Elena asked.
"I am not getting involved," you brushed your hand away. "Yes you are cause i need you to back me up," he nudged you and you just rolled your eyes.
"Let your boyfriend take you to the dance. We will see who shows up," you shook your head this was a stupid plan that you did not want to be apart of.
"That's a bad idea," Stefan instantly shot back.
"Till we get him this house isn't safe. For anyone who lives in it. It's the only idea we have, It's at least worth a shot," Elena seemed to be summoning all her courage not that she had a lot to begin with.
"I'll do it." You all nodded and Stefan clearly did not want this to happen but she just placed her hand on top of his. "I'll be with you 3. I'll be safe," she assured. You were not being a fucking bodyguard all night, that was for damn sure.
"Goldilocks and her boyfriend pay attention tonight text any of us if you find someone who doesn't belong or is watching either of them," they both were oddly quiet and just nodded their heads.
Because of your guys little detour the dance was already in full swing by the time you guys got there and made your way inside. Everything looked great which didn't surprise you since Caroline was always in charge of the decorations and wouldn't let this dance happen if everything was not absolutely perfect. You walked behind the two other couples and Damon offered you his arm and you just glared at him again. "Oh come on wonder boy isn't here. You deserve to have some fun. And this only works if we blend in," He looped his arm through yours and you both walked towards the dance floor.
"Having fun?" Elena asked Bonnie and Car.
"No. But this look took two hours so I'm at least staying half of that." Car laughed.
"What's Damon doing here? With kaylee?" Bonnie asked her voice filled with judgement. They all turned and stared at you two together.
"He wanted to come. I promise he'll behave."
"So what is this like a threesome now? You and the Salvatore brothers?" Wait did Elena have a thing for Damon too? Is this Katherine round 2? You just shook your head tired of getting caught up in her drama.
"No. But if I'm gonna be with Stefan I have to learn to tolerate Damon." More like he needs to learn to tolerate you but okay Lena.
"Its not like I can kill him," she laughed awkwardly which seemed to reveal she wished she could more than she let on.
"There's a thought." Bonnie swirled her drink her eyes went distant and she must have been daydreaming about a world without him.
"Mmm. I'll help." Car offered knocking their drinks together and continuing to watch you two. Over your dead body. He may not be your favorite person right now. But you would never let anyone hurt him. Not ever. Not even katherine. Things were different now. You didn't need a full moon.
"Stop eavesdropping its rude," Damon leaned over to you and whispered handing you a plastic cup filled with punch. You took it and you guys moved back over to the side lines hoping to get a good look over the entire crowd.
"You can't hate me forever ya know," he leaned against one of the support beams in the gym and look over at you.
"Watch me," You sipped your drink scanning over all the faces in the crowd all of which you recognized or knew them.
"What did I do to make you hate me so much?" He asked like he genuinely wanted to know. You downed the rest of the punch and tossed the cup. "Damon you know okay. I don't need to tell you." He shook his head and leaned closer to you, "I have what I think I did. But I want to know what I actually did," he clarified and moved in front of you so you had to look at him.
"Damon I remember everything. I remember the day I fell in love with you. The first time I met you. All the time we spent together. I was so in love with you for so long it hurt. And then my father sent me away and I came back and things were different. You loved another girl. 150 years later and nothing's changed. I'm tired of trying of dealing with this. So everyday I'm working on falling out of love with you and in love with Kyle and myself. I'll always care about you but I'm not gonna wait another 150 years just to see if one day you'll pick me. So please just stop okay? Stop trying to come between me and Kyle. You have our blessing so stop trying to ruin it for me. When I left to England I was pregnant Damon. That's why my father sent me away. " you looked away from him not wanting to see his face. You moved out from in front of him disappearing into the crowd. There was so much more you couldn't even tell him. It hurt so much. It was to much to remember. You watched him walk over to the table with Bonnie and car.
"Hi Bonnie," he called and they both looked at him in disgust. "Wanna dance?"
"I'm out of here," Bonnie rolled her eyes.
"Please give me another chance," he asked cutting her off. But she just shoved past him and walked away.
"Back off Damon," Car Warned before following after her.
"Where did they go?" Elena asked as you and Stefan walked over to them.
"I don't know," he shrugged. He couldn't even look at you.
"What'd you say to them?" Stefan asked knowing they didn't just storm away from him because they wanted too. "I was perfectly polite. Elena... would you like to dance?" Both you and Stefan looked at her. "I would love too. May I have this dance?" She turned asking Stefan and you bit the inside of your cheek trying not to laugh. And they locked arms and headed to the dance floor giving Damon the fakest smiles you had ever seen.
You looked at him but he made his eyes be anywhere but you. "Damon were gonna have to talk about this," you told him and he finally looked down at you. "That's why I was gone. I wanted to have the baby. I had a miscarriage when I was in England. I didn't want to leave you or Charlie okay?" You went to grab him but he just backed away. "None of this is okay. You were gone for so long. You think that's something I should have known?" he growled through gritted teeth and pushed past you trying to get as far away from you as possible. It broke your heart but he deserved to know. He deserved to know everything. But you just couldn't. Katherine was and will always be the one thing that stands in his way. That stands in your guys way.
