Bonnie Bennett Pov -

I confidently watch on as my sponsor Moushira Khattab gracefully hosts some well tailored benefactors around the Gala.

With D'amour ou d'amitié by Celine Dion being performed by a non-famous cello player I met while roaming around Tuileries garden a few weeks ago. There are certain musical artist songs that are on a constant loop in the states, and even here in France most have their go-to musical covers. One of my now all-time favorites in the last five years have been Celine Dion French and English songs. On my first work assignment in Paris I walked out of Café de la Paix -in translation- 'Cafe of Peace' a young girl was blasting it riding on her scooter.

As if right on cue to the rumble of my stomach, a waiter almost passed holding Mini Quiches and I lightly tapped his shoulder before reaching for a handful.

"Merci." I smiled at his light brown eyes, white skin and blonde curly hair before stuffing my face.

The waiter gave an amusing grin saying, "Profitez, Mademoiselle." With a head nod, then slowly continued on his way around the room.

Can't believe all day reading that stupid diary -then rushing to pick out a dress that's clearly out of season because my morning shopping trip was interrupted by Enzo's freaky look-alike-nephew-Angelo- that I forgot to eat.

However, it was quite genius of me to suggest putting Alsatian Cheese Tarts on the hors d'oeuvres catering list. Now all I have to do is hunt down another waiter who has them.

I searched around the semi-crowded room, where there were all kinds of artifacts from uniforms and equipment from The Franco-Prussian 1870 War to the original Mayflower Diagrams.

"Ma'moiselle, Bonnie Bennett?" I turn around at the sound of my name with a fake ascent.

Standing 5feet 8 ¼, dark skin, brown eyes, and shaven hair.

My boss Moses.

Shock hit me at the sight of his hair. "Mon Dieu, can't believe you cut your hair! Your locs were amazing." I squealed, happy to see him.

He smiled, shrugging his shoulders in his black Remaldo suit.

"Tu es belle, regarde cette robe." He smiled, kissing my cheeks.

"Well my beautiful gown does not compare to your suit. I have always known you to dress for all occasions, but this…" I gushed to his entire body. "You brought your A-game to the twelth power. Where is your usual form fitting T-shirts and dark faded jeans?"

Moses laughed. "Hey, you are the last person I want to disappoint so I didn't bother to pack any black, gray, blue or dark jeans or shirts. Now, I did buy a tan suit in my bag to brighten your day."

"Ha, well safe to say you have succeeded in your comft-black, you look hot." I commented, even though Moses is normally handsome but tonight he has much to celebrate.

"Merci. From the looks of how happy and intrigued everyone is about the artifacts - it's safe to say soon my mother will find her way to me to say how successful this turned out and your moving up."

"What?" I am confused. "Here in Paris?" I ask.

"You are making me look good, but don't worry. I know you have your heart resting in Africa, and I myself rather you be there. Our hard work is paying off. Soon my mother won't need to sponsor you, you'll be free to fly with your own wings."

I smiled. "I'm so happy that you are saying this right now. I wanted to accomplish so much and I had no idea how at first, until you gave me a chance. I started out in Egypt as some lonely lost girl on a mission and I met you. Now, not only will we be based in Egypt, but it will be something no one can take from us."

"Oh no, Mademoiselle. Not ours… not for us. Just you. You deserve more, As much as I'm fond of leather jackets from each country… It's time I put my money where my mouth is. I have never seen someone work as hard as you, Bonnie. You have done more in the last five years than I have seen anyone do in ten.. My adoptive mother may be the Egyptian politician though you have risen beyond the clouds."

Blushing at that just a bit, Moses gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "With all the Humanitarians across the globe united here, it's safe to say you have been promoted."

"This is amazing, I just wish Jamie was here for this." I say a bit bummed.

"Right, Jamie. I almost forgot- How is he doing?" He asked clearly not really interested.

"He's married to Alissa Pratt. They have a family now." I informed him.

"Wow, that's good. I'm glad. Remember he didn't even want to truly go on that rescue mission two years ago?"

"Yes, I remember, and I bet he's sure happy he went now. I also can't wait to get back and check on those baby cubs we saved from those poachers, they should be turning three years old any day now."

"You know, I think about that tea date we almost had all the time." He mentions.

I nodded. "Moses Khattab. Can you really imagine us dating? Friends, colleagues, then lovers? That never works out in the end. We flirted, rescued wildlife together, then you became my boss."

"I know, I know."

"Also let's not forget you standing me up on our first official date. That was a redflag sir."

"Honestly Bonnie, till this day I cannot remember why I couldn't get there. I just woke up in the morning remembering I had overslept."

"Hmm- sure, keep sticking to that story." I say never believing that. "Just admit you were afraid to get close, I can take it." I joked leaning in as if I was going to kiss him. "Most men are afraid of deep-soul-searching-intimacy."

He chuckled. "Would you ever give me another chance?"

I laughed. "Not a chance, you missed your opportunity buddy." I smiled then spotted a waitress passing by with Alsatian Cheese Tarts on her tray. With Blonde hair and green eyes she paused as I grabbed a handful, then quickly shoved them into my mouth. "Mmm- I've been waiting for these." I mumbled as Moses watched me stuff my face.

Suppressing a laugh he smirked. "Well forever color me impressed, mademoiselle Bennett. You've come so far and I am termiously grateful that you are here overtaking the guest Cheese Tarts and all."

"Merci Monsieur." I mocked and smiled as he nodded slowly with a laugh.

"I'll be right back- did you know Johnny Depp's daughter is standing by the original Beetlejuice black and white stripe outfit." He says and I continued to smile when he turned away.

"Au revoir." I whispered.

I love that the first time I learned French was my freshman year of high school. My Grams was so pleased I got an A+.

Glancing around the room with a lot of faces I had never seen before, it was nice to kind-of relax as if I didn't spend the last few days stressing about pulling this charity off perfectly.

Looking in a small glass case of child actress Shirley Temple agents notifying MGM, who was the ideal choice to play Dorothy in the film 'The Wizard Of Oz'. Shirley Temple was MGM's first choice but she was under contract to 20th Century Fox. When a deal for her services could not be struck, MGM turned to one of its contract players Judy Garland, who proved to be the perfect Dorothy in their film.

"Not sure this one compares to one of the many earrings worn by Ankhesenamun, The wife and cousin or sister of Tutankhamun but I like it." a familiar new voice says behind me.

I slowly smiled at the goosebumps across my arms. "Let me guess… you rather hold off on buying The Egyptian pharaoh's wife earrings for one of Emily Bennetts knock-off hunting gadgets?" I joke.

"Actually, looking at the crown near the entrance. I have my mind set." He says, and I continued to stare down at the Shirley Temple and Judy Garland photographs.

I knew exactly what crown Angelo was talking about. "Ramses II is known to be the most famous Egyptian Kings who ruled Egypt in its golden age. My friend Jamie was the first person to take me to my first museum outing in Egypt. I barely left my home the months when I first arrived there. Jamie told me Prince Ramses ll was the mightiest third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty of Egypt. King Seti gave the crown to Ramses who turned to Ramses II. He gave him a house and hare, "prince of Egypt" Ramses participated in campaigns with his father where he gained a solid military and kingship experience before he was a king. After I learned that, I truly became a history-buff." I admitted.

"One of the last piano concerts I ever played for a crowd of music producers of my mothers. We drove two hours from the Armory in Illinois … It was the first time a stranger educated me on art. In the lobby was an oil painting of a beach house called 'Sconset Bluff' by Mario Andres Robinson that I thought looked peaceful. Then, I was shown what they say is a classic by Claude Monet called 'Water Lilies - that one reminded me of a meadow in New Orlean where I met the Witch Coven who helped me." He says, and I turned around to face him.

"Good to see Google maps hasn't failed you." I say fast remembering this morning on the street.

He eyes down my gown where it sticks to my body like paint.

His sideburns and little facial hair were more well groomed than this morning.

He inched close to me. "Good evening, Bonnie. You look phenomenal."

I smiled, then took in his outfit.

The gold suit was a lot and the pattern dizzy with a mix of glitter.. nauseating. His handsome face made up for everything else. "Woah…" was all I could manage to say.

"Is it too much?" He is obviously self conscious about his golden suit.

"We are in Paris, after all." I say with a grin.

"I asked for help from a guy that owned a designer magazine. He was in the lobby of your hotel. Had no idea he would dress me for the Met Gala."

I held my laughter.

"Hmm looks like he made your day for best dress." I say sarcastically.

"Are you mocking me?" He grinned.

"Just a little bit." I laughed.

He chuckled. "Nice, I feel extremely overdressed." He scratched the back of his neck.

"Don't sweat. I know this may sound strange but you look perfectly fine."

"Thank you." He nods glancing around the museum.

"To be honest your suit reminds me of The Grandhotel Pupp on a beautiful evening night. I actually loved being there at night. In fact, the lenses of your glasses look as shiny as the windows." I poked fun.

"Haha- I take your mockery for a form of affection and be grateful."

"As you should."

"Wait. You've been to The Grandhotel Pupp?" He was too surprised.

"Yes, Why does that shock you?" Offended I crossed my arms around my chest. "Someone like me too –"

"Too monumental for any hotel. You should be owning this museum, not hosting charities."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't patronize me."

"I would never. Honestly."

"Well… For your information, this gala is an opportunity. My boss says it is officially successful and I will soon be opening my own Humanitarian facility where I'll be in-charge of my own charities and have better connections to spread more awareness. Moses has been great, and supportive of everything.."

"That's amazing. Wow, so supernatural and arcane arts being sold into the right hands are a win for you. I- Bonnie… I meant what I said earlier…You are a magnificent woman, extremely talented and brilliant." His glaze intensifies looking to my eyes and then lips, I clear my throat to break the moment. He was giving way too much of a comment. It made me nervous.

"Thank you, Raviv Angelo Andino… you actually ..um… clean up nicely. I still can't fathom how you're Enzo's great-great-nephew but.. Thanks for being here, even though you clearly rather be elsewhere in that outfit." I grin.

He laughed. "I'm glad I came too. Have I mentioned how beautiful you look? Your yellow… my gold… we fit." He says looking down at his suit and my dress.

"Right, perfect fit.. Like popcorn and pineapples." I rolled my eye.

He laughed. "That's actually not a bad combo- Have you tried that before?"

"Ew- no." I laughed.

"Don't knock it until you try it." He smirked considering it.

"So.. What happened to the stranger that showed you the arts and witch coven?" I asked him.

"To be honest I have no idea, he disappeared. I tried asking my mother about him and she blew it off, as if I made the guy up. All she cared about was getting me away to college, but all I could focus on was the family I never knew."

"Where did you go after you left China?" I asked.

"New Orleans."

"Let me guess, you did a locator spell with your medium brother and witch friends?"

"Actually a stranger helped me… she owned a homemade pastry and tea cafe in china."

"Well, us witches are very fond of our herbs." I joked.

Angelo laughed, and it was as intoxicating as the new woodsy scent of his cologne that tickled my nose.

"What is your mission? Have you thought of trying asking your friends to do a locator spell on the journals to see where they ended up?" I asked.

"I have… it was like the journal doesn't exist…. but I know they do… just perhaps protected by magic."

I nodded. "That makes sense." I've got many Grimoires hidden by magic.

"I need to learn of Enzo's heritage ..before the vampires. I could be one of those kidnapped children from Emmalynn's diary." He says.

I nodded. "I get it." I understood how he felt. I remember how torn Elena was when she told me her parents weren't actually her parents.

"I just wish I had kept the journals safe." Angelo mumbles.

He'll be surprised how many journals I have in egypt.

In reality, all witches are family. We're all bonded by a code of loyalty to help each other. The first I learned of it all was from Luka Martin.

Luka told me witches from all over the world collected their spells in grimoires, and that over the centuries, most of them get lost.

Now I carry his father's obsession with keeping tight of the ones I find. That way all of our heritage stays intact. Jonas Martin had collected a hundred and three of them. At first I only packed up the grimoires to kill Klaus. Now I keep them for me.

In my old diaries I wrote about when I couldn't practice magic. My Grams grimoire retaught me a lot.

"Have you finish Emmalynn's diary yet?" He asked.

"Maybe. Though Binyamin Chaska isn't at the top of my urgent list tonight." I say turning the corner to look at a painting with a mama bear and her baby cub.

Moses outline for all the artwork never had any unknown watercolors on display.

"Strange… I hadn't noticed this one before." I narrowed my eyes to see who was the artist, except there was no name anywhere on it.

"What do you mean?" Angelo asked.

"This… surely was not here yesterday or the day before that. I made sure myself that Moses signed off on every artifact and art work here days ago." I stated.

"It looks familiar, Are you certain?"

"I'm a hundred percent certain." I nod looking deep into the painting. "It's an odd fit dontcha think?"

"Um, I wouldn't say odd. However, I can see someone putting a bid on 90.0000 year old Skhul Cave Beads then taking home this Dear Mama-Bear water-art."

"Dear Mama-Bear?" I questioned with a smirk.

Angelo shrugged. "I can only assume that It would be named that. I can see where the painter is the parent of this detail of the downcast shows it's a message to their young of their own guidance."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"In retrospect the entire picture is saying -Hey, look… I will protect my cub by any means necessary, because I know what it's like to not have been protected, I've seen horror stories in my past.- In other words not allow harm of any kind to the future."

"Ah- You see all that in this one painting?" I say looking at him.

"Can't you?" He asks with a tiny shrug.

"In a way, yes." I say looking back towards the painting.

"Well, in a related typical of Bears- Did you know that adult males are known to kill cubs that are not theirs? Smart Mama Bears flee, they go to strategic lengths to protect the young. Even if it means for them to raise the cubs alone." He mentions.

I nodded looking at him. "I did know that. Nongovernmental global humanitarian aid - here!" I say pointing to my face with a forced smile.

He laughed. "Yes, sorry of course.. that you are." He took one glance around then his sights back to me. "This charity event is indeed due to your love for it all, huh." He nods

"Just don't go calling me nature-girl, I still highly dislike insects, even though spiritually they are symbology for transformation and change."

"Yet, Native Americans see them as a sign of bad luck." He noted.

"Meekness of the earth." I nodded understanding.

"Regardless- The work you do is amazing, Bonnie. I can only wish to find fulfillment such as this..." He says, looking at the 'Mama-Bear painting. "To have something worth saving or to protect from wicked things all around."

"I'm not saving the world," I turned slowly, continuing to roam around the gala. "Just trying to give the abused and helpless an opportunity that most unfortunately never reach, for animals and humanity."

"And what is that?" He asked.

"Survival. Even if it's for a short period of a time from illness or whatever, everything and everyone deserves a living chance."

"That's phenomenal." He smiled.

"It's part of the job."

"As a humanitarian?" He asked.

"One of many 'Keepers of the Balance." I clarified.

His eyebrows raised, surprised.

"Sounds like a lonely obligation."

"It has its moments, yet the benefits are beautiful." I say as we walk step to step.

"I can see that." He smiles. "So tell me about this Medium friend of yours… Matt. My brother learned what he was from a very young age… Is it like that with all Mediums?" He asked.

I sighed. I didn't know many. "I don't know. Matt learned of the Medium thing when we were in high school. He had a sister who died, and he always yearned for her. Are you close to your brother?" I asked putting the focus back on him.

"No, not really. He was always living the code-of-the-Armory. My brother never really elaborated on the spirits he sees with me, but many people have died around him. I hoped someday soon he would want out of the family torched-legacy."

I nodded. "You know I will never forget what Matt told me years ago."

"What was that?" Angelo asks.

"He said, 'You're the only one of us who actually gets to live their life like a normal person'. It wasn't completely true, though no matter how lost I felt back then… I knew not to ever forget that I was incharge of my life."

"He was absolutely right about that. Look at you now! Very much in charge and taking nothing for granted." He smiled at me.

"I certainly wouldn't dare to, I look at everything I have and feel… this was what I was meant for."

"What about your other high school friends? No farewell wisdom-wishes?" He asked. I looked at him curiously. What was with the 20-questions? He must be up to something to want to know about my past.

"Why do you want to know?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Just making conversation. For myself, I honestly didn't have many true friends when I went to high school. It was not easy to bring study-groups to the Armory after school. Not to mention we moved around." He says.

"I can only imagine. Where exactly did you attend school?" I asked.

"I attend five different schools, my family traveled often and it wasn't long before I branched out on my own. I lived in Chance Harbor, Washington. Lawrence, Kansas. Manhattan, New York. Beijing, China and here in France."

"Here? In Paris? So it's not the first time you've visited.

"No, I have been here before… before I knew any witches." He grinned.

"What's the name of the school?" I ask, ignoring his small joke.

"Léonard De Vinci, where I learned a good deal about Engineering.. It was only for seven month but it was actually here that I decided to go to China for a while ..To look deeper into the Armory locations outside of North America."

"I can't imagine moving around so much at that age, em but then again… that's the one thing that I could have done that I never thought to." I stated.

"Tell me about your high school days. About your other high school friends." He says low, tilting his head a bit.

Giving my hair a scratch, I shrug my shoulders. "Not much to tell really. It was some good moments and some very, very painful ones."

"I apologize, I shouldn't have asked." He says.

"It's fine, trust me. I decided to leave that all behind to travel around the world and live my dream. So here I am." I say, holding up my arms to the lobby of the gala.

"Happy to learn that, to witness this. I'm enjoying getting to know you." He confessed.

"Why?"

"I feel we have a lot incommon."

"Teenage angst?" I mocked.

He laughed. "Yes, that and… the youth hood of being used by the ones we loved the most- until the opportunity to break away came calling."

I nodded understanding that exact feeling at one point in time.

"I'm surprised you haven't mentioned any overprotective high school boyfriends." He jokes.

I laughed. "Not quite me at all, actually that was somewhat my best friend Elena. Stefan and Damon were always overly-protecting her, then again she needed it." I smiled.

"Then who protected you?"

I shook my head. "When I wasn't saving myself- Stefan and Damon were there, granted they were always cleaning up their messes but you definitely could count on them together, no matter what their differences were."

"You were closer to Damon?" He asked.

"Not at first. I hated Damon, he actually tried to kill me but then I got my payback and tried to kill him. More than once. He was such a dick." I laughed.

"Then you two became …close friends?"

"Yeah- He certainly became the action hero that Stefan had been -protective type; you know- yet aggressive and violent. He turned my mother into a vampire. The cocky, arrogant older brother turned into the trusting guy that I could count on, but a lot has changed over the years. We don't speak."

"I see. That's too bad, he actually sounds a lot like my father David."

"Your father?" Dalton's brother.

"Yes… even though he was in and out, the man kind of raised me. He was the breadwinner - earned the most money and supported the family. Everyone knew him as a buffoon, his parents were tough on him.. They always had.. issues with work.. His mother was an alcoholic who abused him and Dalton. I assumed that's where he learned to love torching vampires and other creatures. He had a mean streak and a temper for the longest."

"Sounds like Tyler Lockwood before he lost Vicki." I muttered. "Then again it must have been the wolf-gene."

Funny how Emmalynn Bennett dated Tyler's ancestor Tavern Lockwood.

"Tyler.. Lockwood? Former flame?" Angelo asked.

I laughed. "Not even remotely. More like a former typical jock… aggressive, bully, nice body; avoids dealing with emotions… Hints werewolf."

"Reminds me of my brother…Jeremiah."

I wonder where his family is now.

"Othniel 'Jeremiah' St. John the middle child, Leonardo 'Gideon' St. John my older brother… They are my adoptive-brothers. I learned from the witch coven that Raviv Lawrence is the man that found us… but Dalton St. John Jr. step-brother David claims to be our biological father. Jeremiah's wife that died told him so after her death."

"Woah." I mouthed.

"In happier news… Jeremiah is the playful one of us all. A known joker, a former class clown and Wrestling Champ, now Medium who mocks the spirits he's come across turned into a funny guy that makes people laugh for a living. He was athletic and rough and tall growing up.. Still is."

"Hmm-mm, the total opposite from you." I point out.

"Yeah… well it was nice to have actual two friends considering I was–"

"The strong silent type?" I cut him off smiling. "Hints the intimidation loner-boy next door with two or three friends, yet normal."

He gave me a curious look. "Is that what I seem?"

"Besides just full on clean-cut-dapper-guy.. Yes." I smirked.

"Excuse me for wanting to look professional." He paused. "Except for right now."

"More like wanting to be born like that. Are you sure you're not in the secret-service?" I laugh.

"Oh ouch. Now.. that hurts." He jokes holding his chest stumbling back a bit.

"I'm sorry, okay.. I just feel you'll be more comfy in some jeans and button down shirt most days. That's all."

Angelo laughs. "Alright, fine. The next shopping center I spot, I'll search for more down to earth clothes. Alright?"

"Hey, I'm not trying to change you.. It's just a suggestion." I smile.

"Well thank you, I appreciate it. I know you won't be shy about telling me how ridiculous I'd look in what I chose so I'll take your advice."

"In that case, I'll pick the store to shop in."

"Now, back to this… 'Strong silent type'... tell me more about what you see." He smiles inching close.

"Really?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow.

Tonight after the gala, I can have a chance to spell his mind with the truth ritual to gain more information of his past. When I first tried it, it was with Luka. For Angelo it would be easier to put him under the hypno trance-state due to him being human. In my hotel room, it's set up with Candles placed around the room, and a bowl of water for my fingers to be put on the temples of Angelos' head. That will allow me to comply with all the questions I need to, the physical contact, will invoke memories through visions.

I always carry small bags of Witch hazel, Diviner's sage, and Vervain wherever I go, but tonight I only need him unconscious.

"Yes." He nods.

I sighed. "Let's see… around family… you keep to yourself, yet around common folk- you're an ordinary guy. I'm sure women flock to you due to the mystique that surrounds your persona; You're inviting, strong and sensitive; focused on being in charge and in control at the right moments." I say.

Angelo scratched the side of his head, and it was obvious I was dead on. "Sounds… mildly accurate."

"Just mildly?" I ask with a savage look. "Tell me more about Raviv, your supposed real father?"

He let out a huge breath. "I've recently found out that he was a doctor. At least I thought he was. He spent years pretending to save people. Pretending to help any and everyone. I learned it was all a lie. His birth name was Raviv Lawrence Andino. He was killed by a vampire. The St. Johns took me in."

"Like the orphans the Armory may have stolen to put them to work as hunters." I pointed out.

"You did finish Emmalynn's journal I see."

"You keep calling it a journal… for a woman- it's a diary." I stated.

"Ahh- Not quite Miss Bennett. Men can also keep diaries."

"Sure, if you say so, though I've never heard a guy use that term. Ever."

Angelo nods. "I see your point."

"Anyway- What about your mother? Grace St. John, is not really your mother? What happened to her?" I ask as we continue to walk around not looking at much of anything except each other.

"She's alive and we are related in blood but I'm not sure how completely." He says.

As we exit the corridors to the inside garden, I almost forgot about the auction that should be happening soon.

Angelo lifted up the tail of my gown as I moved onto the stone cover ground and grass.

"Thank you." I whispered.

"You don't have to thank me. Any good guy would do this."

It was the bare minimum, though not all guys would do it.

The air was as cool as if we were truly outside in the rain. "Nice you think of yourself as a good guy. Should I be worried?" I lifted an eyebrow.

"I can only hope not. I can only wish to always be a good guy- no matter what." He clears his throat. "Come." He grabs my hand quickly. "Let's dance."

I allow him to guide me. "There's no music." I say touching his hand then suddenly my breath catches for a second as Angelo pulls me tight to him, his arm a steadying weight against my back.

Instantly, a flash of gold and wolfsbane blinds my vision.

It was like that moment again- the day I touched Stefan at the bonfire- only this time… things weren't so dark.

Angelo looks over to the piano player through the glass window, and they nod to one another.

"Friend of yours?" I faked a laugh to cover my worry expression.

"You alright?" Angelo asks, slowly guiding me around the floor, matching the melancholy tone of the piano.

"Old people dancing… birds sing in trees.. you're an old soul, obviously. Explains a lot -cut-dapper-guy."

I stifle a soft laugh against Angelo's shoulder as he elegantly guides the two of you around the garden.

"Is that my new name?" He speaks, his body close to mine a sturdy warmth.

"Maybe." I smirked.

"I don't mind. You can call me whatever you like… I'm just pleased that you're dancing with me."

"Stop flirting with me." I smiled. "I know this song.." I say as the sound of the keys slowly continues with no words.

"It's… 'I'll be seeing you'… I had a feeling you would enjoy the 'sweet-Billie Holiday-downtempo." Angelo smiles at me, the light back in his eye as if my dress was on fire.

"Downtempo? Alright, you're clearly still trying to butter me up. What do you want now? The recreation of the Gilbert device?"

Angelo sighed, glancing around the garden room uncomfortably. "I–"

"I knew it." I say practically shoved him, ending our dance to turn away.

"Please, you have to understand." He begged, pulling me comfortingly. "It's just not about that."

"No. The Armory-Vampire world is dangerous and now you want to drag me into whatever war vendetta you're keeping to yourself. No, thank you." I stated.. "You continue on asking for answers .. the wrong ones will question why, and then maybe you'll be their next experimental-case study. Especially if your doubts are right and it turns out you're not actually a St John… well completely anyway."

Angelo groaned, bowing his head, almost resting it on my shoulder. "You are the only one who can help me, Bonnie. I will forever be in your debt."

"It would be one you'll never be able to pay." I replied.

"I feel we can do this together, stop the Armory-Society once and for all.. We'll pull it off and you'll never have to hear me utter a mention of Emmalynn or Enzo or the past again. I promise you."

"Surprised you didn't mention - 'never seeing your face again." I pointed out.

He glanced away shyly for a moment then looked into my eyes again.

"Perhaps because I would rather that not be an option. I like being around you, and yes I'm forcing reasons to remain in your presence." I return my eyes to his and feel a rush of butterflies at how close his face is to mine, his eyes gazing steadily while mine blank uncontrollably.

"Reasons such as what?" I ask curiously.

"For one... me being here tonight. I had no intentions of knowing what the device is, let alone asking to use it against anything. My only true intent was to find Enzo's journals…find out where I came from, and now I wish to find the truth of everything then give Emmalynn Bennett's diary to you."

I sighed. "I'm sorry Angelo, but this is not what I need right now. I have so much going on and as much as I'm curious about Emmalynn and… Enzo's past, I cannot risk my life on any of it. Even if it ends all things associated with the Armory, this isn't my fight- it's yours."

"Bonnie, I know this may sound strange… but all I know is, I don't even know what I'm fighting against, but I'm certainly willing to take it down with you. I know we're strangers, but when I look at you.. That's not what I feel."

I looked away to peer into the gala in hopes I could walk right away without a word, yet for some reason I remain still.

We do have an attraction to one another, but can it just be temporary.

"I'm not much of a believer in fate… yet I look up to The Most High and ask him- What is my purpose?' Each night in my family's home I never truly felt like I belonged, and the day I read Enzo's journals I knew I owed it to myself to find out the truth."

"I get it, he gave you hope."

"He did, now that hope has led me to you…" His tone was more serious than before, and both his hands found mine gently. "If I had a golden mask, or an onyx gaudy ring from the audition I would buy you a locket to hold my gratitude if you were to agree." He smirked, spinning us around, and I let my body fall into perfect rhythm with his.

Unlike two ships in the night, we were chest to chest gliding across the stone.

"You said that traveling all over the world was exactly what you needed after living in Mystic Falls…" He noted.

I nodded confirming. "Yeah." I say wondering where the conversation was heading next.

"I had the same exact thought back then as well.. I still imagine going to certain places. Do you?"

"At the moment, no. Only back to Egypt." I refuse to allow myself to make plans, he is a stranger to me.

"You found your home." He says which wasn't a question.

"Yes. I did." I say as we continued to slowly dance together.

"I'm still searching… but I'm happy you have. If I learned anything in this life, it's rare to find a safe haven in the comfort of a home you built yourself, within or out. The amount of self love and worth around you is… inspiring."

"You have worth Angelo, it's just like you said- you're unsure of your purpose. Though do you really think that someone else's diary will tell you what it is? I don't believe that, I believe that you have to find it within yourself." I stated.

"Seems like the glamorous flipside to being on a phenomenal humanitarian Rescue Committee is giving cool advice." He joked.

"Honestly, I could see you, traveling around the world …not hunting or searching for centuries old journals but to learn and find out the things you need to know about you, Nothing else will matter."

"You know I thought like that in China. Yet, I still couldn't help but to feel like a nobody. Even saying it out loud… oddly too vulnerable." He confessed. "For a while, it felt like all the effort I'd put into getting where I was had been lost, irrevocably."

I nodded, not commenting on his honesty.

"I can be patient and hope to one day find a home."

"As long as it doesn't involve the Armory." I say.

"Trust me, The society of torture will never be worthy of another breathe from me."

"Look, whatever you decide to do, Angelo. You deserve to see and learn all about the world, not be chained behind a desk or lab coat."

He chuckled. "Have you or have you not, taken a skim through my newest journal nightmare?"

"Definitely not, though the two of us should go sightseeing around the world's natural wonders. It would do you good."

"You know just where those places are, don't you?"

I tip my head a little closer, wrinkling my nose. "Maybe."

He laughed., "Secretly- My whole life, I've been cool, calm, and collected… yet, when I look at you, Bonnie Bennett… I feel anything but composed."

I hesitate. Frozen, yet my eyes can feel large, alarmed by his confession.

"You… I mean… you make it seem like your–"

"Wild and tamed all at once when you're near?"

"I was actually going to say… like you're infatuated with me."

"There's nothing wrong with infatuation." He shrugs.

"You're always so honest. I like that." I admitted.

I can't help my hopes of spending a little bit more time with him, even when the feeling of time ticking away puts a constant pressure on an hourglass. Flirting cannot go beyond tonight.

Suddenly he spun me around, then dipped me backwards.

He holds me in his arms, looking into my wide amused eyes as I laugh. "Don't drop me."

"I would never." He smiles, lifting me upright, as we slowly continue to sway to the music.

"You're glazing off." I mentioned.

"I'm just lost in thought.." He corrected me.

"Day-dreaming… at a time like this?"

I glance around, but he doesn't.

It's as if I'm the only person who matters to him now, and that's a scary thought.

The music thrums through my body, connecting me within him.

As he twirls me slowly, I lean my back into his chest. Allowing him to wrap his arms around mine.

"Can I tell you a secret?" He ask.

"Another one?"

He laughs lightly against the skin above my shoulder. "Yes, another one."

"Hmm." I lean my head just as his grasp instinctively tightens, supporting me as we sway to the ecstasy of piano keys around us.

"You're beautiful and wild, vulnerable yet strong. It's amazing to watch you enjoy this." He confesses.

The words sent chills down my spin in a tangly way.

"That sounded cooler in my head." He closed his eyes and I wish I could lose myself in the music and the warmth of his body completely.

I smile shyly and snuggle into his chest.

He reminded me of Enzo, yet I can feel the difference just a bit.

I'm starting to feel attracted to someone new. it's unreal. He could be capable of anything.

"What's going through your mind?" He asked.

"It's been so long since I've gone out and just had fun… so this is… new." I admitted.

"I understand completely."

I sighed.

"Earlier I saw you with Moses Khattab, he cares a lot about you." He noticed.

"I'm his employer. Besides, he's afraid I'll spike his tea with witchy-brew." I joked.

He laughed and I could tell it was forced. He was clearly jealous of my boss.

"You don't have to be tense, I can sense your anxiety."

"My apologies, this is hard to explain…" He says to avoid my eyes.

"This as in.. your infatuation?" I ask.

He nods in response. "I shouldn't be this drawn to you, though I am." He says and I look at the entrance.

Moses stood there with his mother, and it was obvious things were getting ready to start.

I stopped dancing and Angelo stared at me confused. "I have to go.."

He glanced over his shoulder then looked back at me. "Right, sorry for keeping you."

I walked on and then paused to look back at him. "Did you still want to bid?" I asked though I already knew what he was going to say.

Angelo cleared his throat, turning to face me. "Perhaps another time."

I nodded without saying another word and he gave me a fake reassuring smile that he would be fine.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening, I hope it's wonderful. You deserve it." He said and I nodded once then headed for the doors.

"Is that a customer?" Moses smiled hopefully.

"No, just someone who was browsing."

"Clearly he didn't come for the art." Mrs. Khattab joked and I felt a tug at my heart of worry from not knowing when will be the next time I'll see Angelo.

Instantly the lights shut off and the building filled with screams from afar.

I panicked. "Moses?"

It was pitched black and no light in sight.

"I'm right here Bonnie," He says, grabbing my hand. "Mother?" He called. "Mother? Where are you?" He called again and suddenly a wind of force pulled me from his grip.

"MOSES?" I screamed for him in the dark.