Ch 26

Damon led Elena out of Andie's house never happier to leave a place. She was tucked under his arm and he had no intention of letting go of her anytime soon. The very thought of losing her tonight those few hours she was gone nearly killed him inside. The panicked feeling, he had when he realized she had slipped away. Only a mere few feet from him still haunted him, and he imagined it would for a while.

Jeremy was standing in the driveway on his phone when they got outside, he walked over.

"Jenna's waiting for you at station. She wants to represent you, she said she would help you in any way she can." Jeremy said slowly.

Elena took a breath. "So she knows then?"

"They were all at the Grill when you disappeared. They all saw me freak out and I left it to Jer to explain everything." Damon admitted.

"Who's all?" She asked.

"Caroline and Rick too," Damon said. "I'm sorry Elena. You were in danger and I just didn't think of anything else."

"It's okay I understand." She sighed.

"How much does Jenna know?" Elena asked Jeremy.

"She knows your John and Isobel's daughter. She's never met Isobel. I didn't get into the grisly stuff. I just told them Isobel took off like everyone thought. Then one day you showed up on John's doorstep with a note. Everyone seemed to buy that." He said.

"That was smart." She mumbled. "No one needs to know the real story."

"They are really worried about you. Car and Rick are at the station too." Jeremy said.

Elena let out a breath and frowned. "I guess I have to go give my statement then. Face everyone."

"It won't be like before, angel." He assured her. "This is going to be Liz questioning you. All you have to do is tell her what happened here tonight."

"You have witnesses this time, E. No one can doubt you or call you a liar. He doesn't have a chance now he's going to get charged with attempted murder and who knows what else." Jeremy said.

"I know that. I know I can defeat him now. He's going to prison and it feels good." She said.

She stepped over towards the car slipping out from under Damon's arm, but she reached back and grabbed his hand. Jeremy jumped in the back seat and Damon and Elena stopped at her door for a second.

"It's going to be okay." He promised giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. "Once the dust settles a little. It might even be a relief not having to hide who you are anymore."

"It's just still really hard to tell people. Especially people I care about. I don't want them to look at me and see a battered wife instead of the Elena they all know." She said slowly her eyes getting a little wet.

"Hey." He said softly tucking a hair back from her face. "No one will see you that way. They are all a little freaked out right now. They might be a little cautious around you for a while...but no one will see you different. You're the same Elena they know, they just know a little more about you now."

"I know you're right." She said. "In my head, but I still feel sort of exposed and I'm scared to go face the music."

"That's why I'll be holding your hand okay?" He held their linked hands up and she smiled for the first time in hours.

"That's all I need." She breathed.

The drive to the station was silent. They were all lost in their thoughts. Damon held Elena's hand the whole way trying his best to keep it together for her to continue to be the rock she needed. It wasn't easy after tonight.

His emotions were a mess and he was struggling to process everything that happened, he was still so angry, at Andie, at his PI, himself, the justice system for failing her the first time. Mostly Craig more than anyone or anything. He hated Craig; it went so far beyond anger with him Damon didn't even have a name for it. It only took one look in his eyes to solidify that hate tenfold. He was the man that hurt Elena, Elena his angel.

Damon would never be able to forget the terrified but determined took on her face when he walked in. The monster basically had her pinned against the wall. His muscles tensed and ready to strike, his voice cruelly telling her he'd never let her go. Then he had the audacity to tell Damon to stay out of it? Had she left when he asked her to Craig would be dead. He had no doubts about that.

He tried everything he could to deescalate the situation once the gun came out. He wanted to yell at her for jumping in front of him like that. How could she risk her precious life for him? It was the single most frightening few seconds of his life. He was just so relieved he got her behind him, and Andie pulled her phone out when she did. He was beyond relieved that he was able to get the gun away. He couldn't even imagine the horror Elena would have to live through had Andie been shot in front of her.

He thought he was a goner at that point he was using every ounce of strength he had to wrestle the gun away, but Craig was strong. Elena shocked him when she took action the way she did. He was so proud of her in that second.

It took Elena's touch and Jeremy's reminder to stop him from shooting Craig dead where he lay tonight. No amount of suffering would ever be enough as far as Damon was concerned.

Elena looked nervous when they pulled up to the police station and he squeezed her hand and nodded at her. She took a breath and left the car. Jenna was in the parking lot with Caroline and Rick.

Caroline ran forward when she saw Elena throwing her arms around her neck.

"Elena! I'm so glad you're okay I was so worried."

"Whoa don't overwhelm her." Jeremy said getting out of the backseat.

Damon hurried over to her side nodding a thanks at Jeremy for watching out for her.

"I'm sorry." Caroline gasped backing away slowly. "I didn't mean to scare you. I wasn't thinking. I was just so worried about you."

"It's okay. I wasn't scared. I'm okay." Elena said nervously. "Look I'm sorry I lied and everything..."

"Stop you have nothing to be sorry about." Caroline said.

"Elena?" Jenna said softly walking up slower than Caroline with Rick behind her.

"Hey." Elena said awkwardly.

"Elena I'm so sorry about all of this. We both are anything we can do..." Rick started.

"I don't need anything." Elena sighed. "Please don't feel sorry for me. I don't want anyone to pity me."

"I don't." He said. "Not at all. I feel terrible that this happened to you. I never would have known and that shows what a pillar of strength you are. You got away and built a new life. No one could ever pity you for that, only admire you."

"Thank you." She said quietly looking down.

Damon nodded in agreement taking her hand in his. "He's right. You are amazing."

"It's okay honey." Jenna said. "I know this is all so much right now and we're overwhelming you, but you need an attorney. I really want to help."

"I don't know." Elena said awkwardly.

"I think it would be easier for you to have Jenna than anyone else." Jeremy said.

"Do we have to do this right now? It's been a long hard night." Damon asked.

"She may want to have me present while she gives her statement." Jenna said. "I mean if she wants me to represent her of course."

"Jenna, I know you just found out I'm John's daughter. But even though that makes me Jeremy's cousin it doesn't mean I'm your obligation in any way. I don't want to drag you into this. I know you're busy enough with clients and stuff." Elena said quietly.

"Elena, I don't want to help you because you're John's daughter or Jer's cousin. I want to help you because you're my friend. One of my best friends and you're in the kind of trouble I deal with all the time. So, it only makes sense for me to represent you."

"Really?" Elena breathed. "You consider me one of your best friends?"

"Of course, I do." Jenna smiled squeezing her shoulder.

"So do I." Caroline added with a smile. "We all care about you and friends stand by each other and help each other."

Elena sniffled a little and nodded at Jenna.

"Yeah okay, I would really appreciate that." Elena took a breath. "Thank you Jenna."

"I can try and make sure they keep it quick tonight and get you out of here." Jenna said.

"How soon do you think you could get me divorced?" Elena asked.

"I'll draw up the papers as soon as we leave here." Jenna said.

That was music to Damon's ears. He wanted her out of that horrible marriage as soon as possible. Just another reason for him to hate Craig, he had ruined marriage for Elena. Damon only hoped someday she'd be willing to give it a second chance.

"It's late." Elena smiled a little. "You don't have to do it tonight."

Damon gave her look that said please do and Jenna just smiled.

"You guys should all go home actually. I really appreciate all of you for being here and worrying about me." Elena said softly. "It's really great to have all of you, but I need to get this done so I can go home and sleep this nightmare off."

"Of course," Rick said patting her shoulder. "I'll see you at home later."

"Thanks Rick." Damon said.

He nodded and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"Call me if you need anything. Do not hesitate." Caroline said hugging Elena again. "Oh your purse."

She ran off to her car and came back with Elena's small purse.

"Don't worry about work either just call me if you ever want to pick up a shift or whatever." Caroline said.

"I don't want to quit my job." Elena exclaimed.

"You just might be kind of busy with court and stuff, on top of your other job. I thought it would be easier." Caroline said awkwardly.

"Yeah I guess so...I figured maybe we wouldn't even need a trial. Since we have three witnesses and stuff." She mumbled.

"There will be a trial, but he doesn't stand a chance." Jenna said.

"Damn right." Caroline seconded giving Elena another hug before she left.

"Jer, do you have to stick around and give a statement?" Elena asked.

"No, I got there at the end. Liz said I can go whenever, but I'll hang out if you want." Jeremy said.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could get ahold of my dad somehow? Let him know what happened?" Elena asked.

"I can call the prison but to get him on the phone. I'll probably have to say it's an emergency and he might freak out." Jeremy warned.

"You don't have to hide anymore angel." Damon said brushing his hand though her hair. "We can go see him if you want to."

"Really?" She breathed her eyes wide and hopeful.

"Of course, as soon as we get everything settled here, we'll plan a little trip to Chicago." He said. "If you're up for that?""

She took a sharp breath as the realization that seeing her dad meant returning to the place she ran from and never looked back, "I want to see my dad, but I don't know if I can handle going back there. In time I will be, maybe not right away."

"Take all the time you need John will understand." Jeremy advised.

"Thanks Jer, for everything." She said giving him a hug.

"Now go home and get some sleep." She smiled.

"As if I could sleep after tonight," He sighed.

"Then call Vicky." She smiled a little and nudged him. He just scoffed and headed off giving Jenna a wave.

"She'll be at the table for breakfast tomorrow guaranteed." Jenna said.

They all chuckled a little when Jeremy drove off with his phone to his ear.

Damon and Elena were questioned separately, and he was glad Elena accepted Jenna's help, so she didn't have to be alone. Jenna was true to her word and rushed it along quickly so they could get out of there. Liz warned them they would be questioned again. Apparently, the head of the Chicago police department was on his way but agreed to wait until morning to question Elena. Damon could see the fear in her eyes and intended to make sure he was able to sit with her through that.

"How you doing?" He asked when they finally left the station hand in hand. Jenna said goodbye and made a quick exit after Elena finished up. He hoped she was going straight to her office to draw up the divorce papers.

"I don't know, weird, sort of relieved and sort of freaked about what's next, but I'm ready for it. Telling Liz what happened tonight wasn't that hard. Maybe because she knows me, sort of. We didn't talk about any of that though. She was really professional." Elena said. "I got stronger. I mean I knew I was, but I was still always scared that when I saw him again, I would lose all of that, but I didn't. "

"Because you won't give him that power over you now," Damon said remembering what she had told him about Giuseppe that day.

"He was so obvious, the usual pattern, he apologized and promised he would change, then when that didn't work he tried to manipulate me by insulting me and bringing me down, that didn't work and then he got angry and started losing his temper." She said.

He took a breath and looked at her bruised chin. He would always wish he would have gotten there sooner. If his damn PI wouldn't have screwed up, she wouldn't have been hurt at all.

"That's when Andie came out. He started insulting her like he does me calling her worthless or something like that. She snapped at him and he hit her. Then after he hit her, he blamed me for it. It was at that moment that I realized something." She said turning to lock eyes with Damon, Her deep brown eyes thoughtful and serious.

"It just happened to be me he fixated on, but it could have been any girl. The way he worked Andie, manipulated her and the way he talked to her was just like he did me. He can blame me all he wants for 'making' him lose it, but it was all him. It always was, it was his sickness. I don't blame myself for any of it anymore." She said taking a deep breath, and when she was done, he could almost see the dark clouds lift from her shoulders.

"You're right none of it was ever." He agreed pulling her into his arms. "None of his ever should have happened to you. I will make sure nothing bad ever does again."

"Oh Damon, there are no guarantees in life." She said.

"I don't ever want to lose you." He choked out. "Tonight, when you were gone, I was losing it. I was dying inside. I can't even imagine not waking up next to you or holding you at night. I can't..." He stopped himself and took a breath. He had been so solid up until now. She didn't need him falling apart right now.

"Shh." Her hands came to rest on his cheeks. "It's okay Damon. I'm okay and you're not going to lose me okay? I shouldn't have said that."

He looked into her teary eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to get all freaked out."

It's okay. I know you went through hell tonight when I was gone because I was feeling the same thing. You have been so amazing and strong for me, but I didn't stop to think what you're going through. The idea of being without you is unbearable to me too." Elena said.

"I've never been so terrified in my life before. Elena you are everything to me. I love you more than I could ever tell you and I don't ever want to come so close to losing you again." Damon said.

"Oh Damon." She cried pulling him down a little towards her, he pressed his forehead to hers.

"So maybe we can't promise nothing bad is ever going to happen again, but we can promise to just be together through it all right? I'll never leave you I'm always going to love you. That's the kind of love we have." She spoke soft but so sure.

"My sweet angel," He murmured before leaning down further to kiss her.

Elena fell asleep on the way home and there was no way he was waking her. He carefully scooped her up just so relieved to have her in his arms. Rick was in the parlor drinking a scotch.

Damon nodded at him as he walked past to carry her upstairs.

"Save one for me."

"That's why I'm still up." He said.

He laid her down and stared at her for a moment a few tears of pure relief and love falling down his face. He carefully undid and peeled off her jeans. She stirred a little but continued sleeping deeply. He easily got her work shirt and bra off. He slipped one of his own tee shirts over her shoulders. She had started doing that at night after they made love. He loved how she looked in his clothes.

He sat there for a few minutes watching her sleep before getting up to go join Rick. He locked the door to the outside balcony first and left his bedroom door open so he could hear her if she called out. He was probably going to be a little paranoid for a while now.

Rick handed him a drink as soon as got downstairs he flopped down on the couch and took it down in one shot.

"I needed that." He said with a sigh closing his eyes.

"I can imagine." Rick said. "I had no idea she had been through so much."

"She's been running for a long time. She's good at it. I guess the best thing out of this is she doesn't have to anymore. She can be free of that bastard." Damon said.

"I don't understand how anyone could harm an innocent woman like that." Rick muttered.

"I'll never get it. He's just pure evil." Damon said helping himself to a second drink.

"This next part is going to be tough Damon. It's already all over the internet. We're taking about a well-known cop, threatening to kill his wife and houseful of people. It's not just the investigation and trial she has to prepare for. Reporters will be banging on the door first thing in the morning." Rick warned.

"I figured that much. I called and beefed up security while she was finishing her statement. No reporters should be able to get on the estate at least, but she isn't going to want to hide here forever." Damon said.

"You should probably warn your dad. I'm sure at least the outside of the boarding house is going to be on the news." Rick said.

Damon groaned at that idea. " I haven't even told him about Elena, not that he would care or ever asks about my personal life. But I know him he'll make some rude and insensitive comment that will piss me off and the whole thing will blow up."

"Call your brother then." Rick suggested with a yawn.

"Yeah maybe I should." He mumbled.

"I'm going to turn in, you good?" Rick asked.

"Yeah man thanks." Damon nodded.

Damon thought about it for a moment it was a little after one in the morning he would probably wake him up, but they were bound to get a call early morning after the news came on. It would be better for Stefan to know what's going on so he could try and calm Giuseppe down.

He finally just went for it and dialed Stefan's cell phone.

"Damon?" Stefan answered pretty fast. "Is everything okay? It's so late."

"Well it is now. I just wanted to give you a heads up. There was a situation here tonight with my girlfriend. It's kind of a long story; she's been running from someone and he found her tonight. Things got a little sticky for a while but we're okay and he's in jail. He's a cop though and it's probably going to get some media attention." Damon blurted out.

"Whoa, okay by sticky…I mean are we talking a big fight broke out or…"

"He had a gun pointed at me." Damon said. "He threatened to kill all of us."

"What? Who is this guy why is he after your girlfriend?" Stefan asked.

"Like I said long story," Damon said.

"An ex?" Stefan guessed.

"Technically yes, she left him three years ago. She ran away from him and didn't want him to find her, so they never actually got divorced, but she's divorcing him now." Damon said.

"She ran away… Was he?"

"Abusing her." Damon confirmed, getting up to pour himself another bourbon. "It was bad."

Stefan took a sharp breath. "You must have wanted to tear his head off."

"I still do." Damon said grimly. "I could have. I had the chance, but it would have been right in front of her and it would have cost me my life with her. Nothing is worth that."

"You did the right thing." Stefan said.

"I'm glad you called too. I'll explain it to dad and tell him to leave you alone while you take care of her." Stefan said.

"That's...thanks." Damon said.

"I owe you." Stefan said.

"No, you don't." Damon said. "I thought for a second I might die tonight. My biggest regret at that moment was not making things right already. At the end of the day, yes you betrayed me, but that bitch is not worth hating you over."

He paused expecting Stefan to snap at him for calling Katherine a bitch, but he didn't say anything.

"I had a miserable year after I found you together, but despite all that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be now. Those bitter feelings just aren't there anymore. When you face someone like Craig you realize what real hate is." Damon said.

"I want to put it behind us so bad." Stefan said. "You mean it?"

"Yeah I do." Damon sighed.

"You've really changed." Stefan remarked. "This girl did turn you soft."

"Come on, I almost died tonight give me a break." Damon groaned.

"I'm kidding, I think she's good for you." Stefan said. "I'm just sorry she had such a rough past."

"Yeah me too," Damon mumbled.

"You probably want to get back to bed huh? Before your early morning call from dad?" Damon guessed.

"I'm at the office actually." Stefan said.

"Why? It's almost two in the morning."

"You are lucky, you know. Maybe not right now, with everything going on with her, but I mean getting sent there sounds like it helped you. You sound happier. Sometimes things look so good from the outside looking in, but then you get inside, and it just suffocates you." Stefan trailed off.

"Are you okay?" Damon asked.

"Yeah I'm fine, you were just right about some things." Stefan said. "Good night Damon."

"Night." He said frowning as he hung up.