There are some big changes from the last version of this chapter, mainly how he interacts with Bonnie and Caroline... and some things he says... it is far better.

Sorry for the weird only three words thing, the chapter didn't load right so I am fixing it!

"I'm not saying don't date the guy. I'm just saying take it slow." Bonnie said as they exited the car, Liam nodded with her though he knew his sister didn't notice it. Or care, either or.

Elena turned to Bonnie, her tone suspicious and just a little mocking. "You were the one who said to go for it."

"Now I'm saying take it slow."

"Why the about-face?"

"It's not an about-face. You're single for the first time in your entire high school career. It's the perfect time to play the field."

"Oh, because I'm so that girl."

Liam sighed. "What's wrong with being that girl? You dated one guy your entire time as a teenager, and you grew up with him. Why not play the field, see what you like, see what you wand and hate. Stefan is new and all, but technically so are the dozens of guys you've never spoken to in school. I'd try doing that myself if I thought there was gays around her but there aren't any open guys so I'm sort of stuck for a while.

Besides, I get a weird feeling around Stefan." He muttered that last part, but made a point to make it loud enough that Bonnie heard him.

Bonnie's eyes widened. "You too?"

"Yeah, to be honest it was this wierd feeling when I shook his hand, sort of hard to explain."

Elena almost sneered. " Is this the whole witch mojo thing again? I can't believe your buying into it Liam."

Bonnie sighed. "You know what? I'm just concerned, we both are. This is us expressing concern about my best friend's new boyfriend.

"And I love you both for it, I do. But I feel good. It's been a hard year, and I'm starting to kind of feel like things are getting back to normal again. And you know what? Stefan is a big part of that."

Liam could not help but roll his eyes. " Elena, how could someone who is essentially a stranger you've known for less then a week the miracle cure to your depression? I am not trying to take away how your feeling, I am happy your happier then ever. You deserve it but seriously how could Stefan the Stranger be that much of a part of it? It doesn't make any sense." 'Plus he's a vampire who knows how old and likely a serial killer who attacked Vicki and the recent people who've gone missing or died from so called animal attacks... so there's that.'

Speaking of the devil, Stefan appeared about twenty feet away and started to walk towards them with a rare smile on his face.

"Good morning, Elena. Good morning, Bonnie. Good morning Liam."

Bonnie cleared her throat. "Hey, um, I gotta find Caroline. She's not answering her phone. So I'll see you guys later." Then she booked it as fast as she could away, leaving the rest of them to wallow in the awkwardness that was left behind.

Elena called out. "Bonnie, wait..."

"She doesn't like me very much."

Elena sighed. "She doesn't know you. She's my best friend. She's just looking out for me. But when she does, she will love you." She turned to Liam, who started to walk away. "As will he... sigh."

And Liam just turned back to his sister. "I have no opinion one way or the other, he is basically a stranger like I said. See ya, Sis."

"":

Elena turned to Stefan, who tried to hide the rare hurt and concern he felt now that two maybe witches refused to like him. He was afraid that Elena would develop the same powers and come to hate him. He wasn't sure if he could handle that. "Here's what we're going to do. Are you free tonight?" She asked him, not realizing the painful thoughts he was having.

He answered her, not seeing where she was going with this. "Yes."

"Perfect. Dinner, my house. 8:00. You, me, Liam and Bonnie. You three will spend some quality time and they'll get to see what a great guy you are. Mission accomplished."

Stefan sighed but smiled at his girlfriend. 'Win over not just one, but two witches who already have a sense of what I am... that's not going to be easy.'

;;;

"8", "14", "22". Liam could not get these numbers out of his head, making math a real bitch to attempt though somehow he managed it. Ignoring the headache that came from that obsession, a witchy side effect he assumed, he almost ran into his dear sister.

"What... what do you want Elena?" He knew from the look on her face that she wanted something, especially given that her next class was nowhere near his.

With the poutiest face, Elena looked at Liam. "I want you to join Bonnie, Stefan and I for Dinner tonight. Please, I want you to get to know him, you said he was a stranger.. I want you to see how great he can be."

"Sigh... do you want me to cook for you too? Seeing as you have no culinary abilities?"

Her smile was utterly radiant. "Would you?"

"Fine, but you owe me." What he didn't say was how utterly lucky he was. 'I can lace the food with Vervain, send a message to Stefan and protect my sister from him. Might even get the chance to kill him.' "I get the pick the food for one, and you owe me."

"Yeah!" She hugged him close, a rare symbol of the love they shared even if they weren't close. "Thank you. What are you making, I am curious?"

"Grilled Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes and Green beans. We have the ingredients ... do you want desert?" She nodded. "Fine, I'll make cake or something. No pie though, I hate pie."

"Your the best, really you are."

"I know I am, now go away I have to get to class." Kissing her check softly, he turned away and hurried off.

'I need to be careful with this... I can use it as an opportunity to learn a lot about him. See if he really is a psycho and if I have to kill him... and maybe learn about his brother, he mentioned that he had one. The last thing I need is another vamp coming to kill me to avenge his brother. Why is life so complicated?'

Sighing, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Sheila.

How do you kill a vampire, a stake works right?

'''

Liam loved to cook, with a rare passion he excelled at it. By twelve he could cook better then either of his parents and often made birthday meals, or just cooked for fun. His parents thought it not as impressive as Elena's Cheerleading and Jeremy's Drawing but he didn't mind that his parents hadn't cared as much. Jenna, his lovely aunt, adored his cooking and often made requests. He had taught her a few things before she moved away, but she wasn't much for the kitchen over all.

As much as he loved cooking, he had other priorities that day which was why had chosen to make something simply but elegant instead of working harder to make a grand meal. To prepare for Stefan, he had spent the afternoon after school, while his sister was at cheerleading, practicing whittling thanks to the internet. He wasn't bad at it and made a stake that would work to kill Stefan in a literal heartbeat. Between that and talking to Sheila about Vampires, their weaknesses and powers, his afternoon had been filled out. Thankfully it hadn't taken too much time, giving him time to start cooking and prepare desert

However, what he hated was Elena and Bonnie setting up the dinner table... meandering in the kitchen while he slaved away. They were in his way and he hated it.

Bonnie, the annoying girl she was, had been talking about her Gram's witchy relevation without an ounce of consideration. "You explain it. Last night, I'm watching Nine-o, a commercial breaks come on and I'm like, I bet it's that phone commercial. And sure enough, it's that guy and the girl with the bench, he flies to Paris and he flies back. They take a picture."

Elena didn't buy it. "Oh, come on. That commercial's on a constant loop."

"Fine. Well, how about this? Today I'm obsessed with numbers. 3 numbers. I keep seeing 8, 14, and 22. How weird is that?"

"Maybe we should play the lottery. Have you talked to your Grams?"

"She's just gonna say it's because I'm a witch. I don't want to be a witch. Do you want to be a witch?"

"I don't want to be a witch."

"I do." Liam said, getting their attention. "Being a witch means power and that is always fun. Messing with people from a distance, making money by magic, protecting and healing loved ones. It would be epic. And you don't have a lot of say in that Bonnie, your Grams told me your whole family is from Salem and before that Ancient Greece. They were powerful witches, known for protecting their communities and healing those around them. I would be proud to be connected to people like that."

Bonnie flushed a little. "It sounds more epic when you say it like that. I guess it's the lack of a drink in your hand."

"Appreciate her more Bonnie, this is coming from someone who's lost their parents." He ignored his sister's wince and Bonnie's pained look. " She is your mom and dad, love her while you have her."

There was a long moment of silence, and then Elena ruined their moment. "Ok, serving spoons. Where are the serving spoons?"

Bonnie and Liam said as one. " Middle drawer on your left."

Elena seemed shaken. "Ok, so you've been in this kitchen like a thousand times. And you live here Liam."

Bonnie wasn't convinced. " Yeah, that's it."

The doorbell rang, saving them from that awkwardness. "Ok, he's here. Don't be nervous. Just be your normal loving selves...well nicer in your case Liam." Elena hurried off then to get the door.

Liam watched as Bonnie closed her eyes and whispered. "Birthday candles." She opened the closest drawer and there, where she predicted they'd be, was the birthday candles.

Liam smiled and leaned in. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand, appreciating how utterly scared she was. "You might want to really talk to your Grams, I think she can help with this. I do believe something is going on, something you can appreciate..."

'''

In the Dinning room they all ate the delicious meal that Liam had slaved over, no one knowing that Liam had a freshly whittled stake hidden in his shoe and vervian mixed into Elena, Bonnie's and his drinks. He was ready to fight Stefan if he had to, if not a tad terrified at the mere notion...His magic wouldn't be much help, he had literally just developed it, unless he could manage to light Stefan's clearly gelled hair on fire. That might help... he hoped.

There was an uncomfortable silence that lay over them all while they ate but eventually Elena broke it as she was want to. "Did Tanner give you a hard time today?"

Stefan smiled. "Well, he let me on the team, so I must have done something right."

"Bonnie, you should have seen Stefan today. Tyler threw a ball right at him, and..."

"Yeah, I heard."

Elena wasn't having the short answers, nor did she notice the complete terror in Bonnie's eyes or the shaking of her hands. "Why don't you tell Stefan about your family?""

"Um, divorced. No mom. Live with my dad."

"No, about the witches. Bonnie's family has a lineage of witches. It's really cool."

Bonnie cringed for a moment, then turned to Liam who nodded subtly. "Liam said they were healers and protectors of their people, which I think is pretty cool. It would be nice to be thought of like that."

Stefan nodded. "I can imagine, I always wanted to be a Medic myself. And while I'm not too versed, I do know that there's a history of Celtic druids that migrated here in the 1800s."

"My family came by way of Salem."

Stefan seemed impressed, as if he didn't know they were witches, which according to Sheila he did know. "Really? Salem witches?"

"Yeah."

"I would say that's pretty cool."

"It is. Elena and I are actually descended from witches too."

Elena turned around, looking almost as curious as Stefan. "We are?" Elena asked.

"Sheila did some checking out, turns out we are legacies of some people called Travelers, old witches that acted like the Romani do now. Roaming about without a home, so they were called Travelers. They are legendary in some circles."

The doorbell rang again, drawing them out of their conversation.

His sister frowned, "I wonder who that could be."

She left, as did Stefan to go check on the door.

"Hey Liam!" Caroline's voice drew Liam's attention, making him smile at her beautiful but unexpected face. Caroline booked over, smiling at them. "We invited ourselves over, hope you don't mind?"

"Who's we?"

She smiled, looking as smug as she could be. "Just my new boyfriend, Damon Salvatore. Stefan's older brother."

He barely hid his panicked look. 'Great, another vampire is invited to my house... fuck.'

""'

Damon, as it turned out, was the epitome of sexy with perfect dark hair, blue eyes and creamy white skin... and he was the handsome guy Caroline had gotten the number from just a few days prior! Liam would have drooled a little had he not known the truth about the man. As it was he was shaking, both with rage and fear. He saw Caroline's scarf and figured out that he was feeding on her, a fact he only got away with given Caroline's neglectful mother. Still, he was a total gentleman, shaking Liam's hand, not noticing the dreadful aura of death he oozed, and scarfing down the chocolate mousse he had made for desert. Apparently Caroline talked him out of the pie they were going to get, since she knew Liam loathed pie of all types.

After their dessert they moved into the living room to talk, where Caroline naturally took over as this was her natural element.

"I cannot believe that Mr. Tanner let you on the team. Tyler must be seething. But good for you. Go for it." She told Stefan, smugness oozing from her every pore.

Damon nodded. " That's what I always tell him. You have to engage. You can't just sit there and wait for life to come to you. You have to go get it."

"Yeah, Elena wasn't so lucky today. It's only because you missed summer camp. God, I don't know how you're ever going to learn the routines."

Bonnie sighed, her fears easing now that she had a stake. "I'll work with her. She'll get it."

"I guess we can put her in the back."

Damon however had a different idea. "You know, you don't seem like the cheerleader type, Elena."

"Oh, it's just 'cause her parents died. Yeah, I mean, she's just totally going through a blah phase. She used to be way more fun.' At that Caroline realized the weight of what she said and tried to back off. "And I say that with complete sensitivity."

Liam wasn't having it though and looked at his closest friend with the darkest of looks. "Caroline. I love you, I do, but say something like that again and even your mother won't find your body. Clear?"

She nodded slowly, shame overwhelming her voice. "Yessir,"

"I'm sorry, you two." Damon said, talking to Liam and Elena. "I know what it's like to lose both your parents. In fact, Stefan and I have watched almost every single person we've ever cared about die."

Stefan almost growled. "We don't need to get into that right now, Damon."

"Oh, you know what, you're right, Stef. I'm sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was bring her up. Mmm."

And with that, Liam rolled his eyes. What Damon was trying was all too clear. 'I like him, he's trying to drive a wedge between Stefan and my sister. I like it.'

;;;

Caroline was going to die soon, Liam was sure of it. Maybe by Elena's hands if she ever got done with the dishes with Bonnie. "Matt tries, but he's just having a really hard time. You have to understand that they were each other's first. You know, like, from the sandbox." It was clear that she was working with Damon, probably via compulsion or due to her natural pettiness... it didn't matter. Liam wanted to hit her even if she was working towards his own goals, as much as he adored Caroline he hated that she was hurting his sister's potential happiness.., and also loved her for trying to get Stefan away from Elena.

It was very, very confusing internally.

Stefan cut her off randomly. " That's a really nice scarf."

"Mm. Thank you, it's new."

"Can I see it? I mean, would you mind taking it off?" And Liam leaned in, looking at the girl with curiosity.

Her tone shifted, becoming a little robotic. "Oh, I can't."

"Why not Care?" Liam asked. " It's pretty warm and you look uncomfortable...your hiding hickies aren't you? Love Bites?" He smoothed out, making her blush.

"Why, you jealous?" She snarked out, not realizing the look of discomfort in Stefan's eyes as something was confirmed.

''She's being compelled, like Sheila said they could do. Smart way to hide the bite marks.'

Damon's voice floated in from the kitchen as he reproached. " What are you kids talking about?"

Stefan's tone was flat. " I was just commenting on her scarf."

"Hmm. Hey, you know, um, Elena and Bonnie are finishing up the dishes. Why don't you go see if you can help?"

Caroline wasn't having it. "Does it look like I do dishes?"

"For me?"

" Hmm...I don't think so." She looked disgusted at the mere notion.

Damon leaned in and whispered. "Go see if Elena needs help in the kitchen."

Caroline's entire demeanor changed, smiling. "You know what? I'm gonna go see if Elena needs some help in the kitchen." And toddled off, happily going to help Elena with the dishes leaving just the men together.

"Great."

Liam was done with the shit then, his anger at the abuse of his closest and dearest Caroline overtaking his fears. "Are you mad, compelling her in front of someone?" Both men turned to him. "I know, and to be clear I am a witch. Immune to compulsion and really pissed of by threats. Touch my family, which includes Caroline, and I end you. Both of you, just to be sure. Am I clear?"

Stefan bit out. "I was right, I knew you knew... why wait till now to tell me?"

"I didn't know till recently. " Liam admitted.

Damon smirked. "You can't end me, your a newbie witch"

Liam knew he was right, he was no match Sheila made that clear... but something clicked in his head and he leaned in, a perfect bluff on his tongue. "No, but I have allies who would be happy to kill you. I wonder what would happen if knowledge of you would end up going around. I am sure the town would have a fit, knowing about Vervain and Stakes and sunlight and the fancy Daylight rings your wearing. Would be a pity if, were I die of course." Every ounce of his single lesson with Sheila was taking effect. He hoped it and his gamble would be enough.

Damon actually looked impressed, but it was Stefan who spoke with horror in his eyes. "They'd kill you too."

"And my family would be safe from you both. Try me." That part he meant, entirely and without reservation.

"Hehe. I like you... I'll make you a deal. I'll keep her alive... but you owe me. I'll cash in your debt at a later time.

Liam nodded, he was planning on drugging Caroline with vervain later anyway. "And you'll leave my family alone. Deal?"

"Deal."

Turning to Stefan, Liam frowned. "I can't stop you from dating my sister, but I will say this. Your old, I am not sure how old but you are old enough that you outrank even Miss Sheila Bennet... and Elena, she is a teenager. What could you be getting out of this? It is wrong in every way. It should stop, cause frankly your a creep. Don't forget my warning. I will kill you if you touch her in a way I disapprove of." Satisifed he made his threats, he leaned back in his seat.

There was nothing more he could do besides hope his threats worked, train in magic and get Bonnie powerful enough to help him eventually take down these two idiots, take up more self defense and set up ways to protect his family...

Vervain tea, perfume, bracelets, shampoo... anything he could do to protect them... He was the only one in the know and that put the burden on him.

He would protect them, always and forever.

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was beyond fun to write. I loved it.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.