* I hope you like the dream sequence in this chapter. I was very unsure about it. This chapter has been edited by my wonderful Beta Casey. Let us know what you think.*
Soft and familiar lips nipped at the nape of my neck. I tilted my head back with a soft gasp as calloused fingers brushed through my hair. Strong arms wrapped around me in a firm embrace and I couldn't remember the last time I had felt this safe, this loved. A warm summer breeze was filtering through the trees around us and I could smell the earthy scent of the woods we were hidden in. The fingers traveled up towards my chin, lifting my face to meet his, the man I loved, and I found the most beautiful blue eyes lovingly staring down at me. I reached out with a shaky hand to run my fingers through his long dirty blonde hair and smiled. Wrapping my fingers around a few locks I tugged lightly, bringing him down to gently brush my lips against his. When our mouths met it was like something inside of me finally clicked into place. His lips caressed mine slowly at first, reveling in the feel of each other before he pulled me against his hard chest. He swallowed the gasp that escaped from my lips as he turned insistent, devouring what was his. I was simply clay in his hands as he molded and formed me into something beautiful and new. His tongue running along my bottom lip dragged another gasp out of me as he growled in return. The heavy beating of my heart pounded loudly in my ears, spelling out a simple word: Home. Home. Home.
Everything about this man simply felt right. My skin began to tingle as he ran his hands down my sides and grasped my hips, lifting me into his arms in one fluid motion. I wrapped my legs around his waist, giggling as he walked me backward until I felt my back pressed up against the hard bark of a nearby tree. A deep moan reverberated in his chest shifting into a growl and I sighed in pleasure. Threading my fingers into his hair again, I let the soft waves twist around my fingertips as I began to pull him towards me. A loud banging echoed through the woods, shaking the trees with each crack as their leaves tumbled to the forest floor below. I blinked wildly as I looked around in amazement, taking in the beautiful sight of the leaves drifting down like the first snowfall of winter. Turning back towards the man who had me in his grasp, I smiled brightly as it seemed he was unaware of our surroundings. His pupils were blown wide as he regarded me and I decided to ignore it for the time being; it was time to favor the firm God before me. leaned forward to bring his lips against mine, my soul aching for his when another loud band filled the air. The tree I was held up against shook violently and I arched my back in protest as my spine vibrated along the rough wood. My feet hit the ground and I sighed deeply. My eyes tried to stay focused as the world around me became hazy, the edges of my sight darkening. A dream…this had all been a dream. I wrapped my arms around the waist of the man before me, not wanting the moment to end. 'The Hybrid' my mind screamed at me in recognition. I gazed up into his adoring eyes one last time, the crystal blue eyes sparkling as he smiled down at me. My Niklaus.
"Elarrrraaaa?!"
My eyes flew open at the loud banging on my bedroom door. I looked over at the clock and groaned — it was way too early for this.
"Elara?! You up yet? " Jeremy hollered through the door obnoxiously.
"Jer! I'm awake, for God's sake! Please end your obnoxious yammering!" I yelled back.
This earned me a laugh from the other side of my door. I pulled the pillow over my face, trying to remember the dream I had been having. It involved me and a particular Original Hybrid. I'm not really sure if it was a dream, or maybe a memory. Whatever it was, it had been good — no — great.
It had also been a nice reprieve from all the stress that I had piling up since meeting with the Salvatores. Seeing Damon had let loose all of my memories. Now I knew everything. I knew how I had become a Reincarnate, and why I live life over and over again. Being cursed by the Original witch over a thousand years ago: I will forever be forced to live until my eighteenth birthday, when the curse will activate, sending me on to a premature and painful death. Then, I will be reborn, starting a new life. In my new life, I may or may not remember my past, and who I have been to others. It really depends on what sparks a memory. That's one of the worst parts of it, losing huge chunks of my life for long periods of time. I placed my fingers on the bridge of my nose, placing pressure against a potential headache.
I heard rustling from beside me, "What do you want Bekah?" I moaned in frustration, my voice muffled through the fluffy pillow.
A small sigh erupted to my left. I pulled the pillow away from my face and turned my head. As I was expecting, Rebekah sat beside me, head tilted downwards as she twirled a piece of her curled blonde hair between her fingers. Her sparkly white flapper dress, as always, brought a smile to my face.
"What are you smiling about?" she asked, "Oh, don't tell me the eldest Salvatore has already put you under his spell?"
She made a few dramatic gagging sounds as I threw my pillow at her. I knew full well it wouldn't do anything but fly right through her, but I just liked making her laugh. She has enough pain to deal with, so, when she visits me, I try to make it better, even if it's only for a moment.
I succeeded; She laughed brightly at my false attempt to hit her. I winked and flopped out of bed, and then made my way to my closet.
"If I remember correctly, you fell for the charms of Salvatore once as well, sister,"
I moved a few outfits around and then looked back at her with a smile.
"So Beks, are you gonna help me decide what to wear while you're here? I know how much you love today's fashion..." I joked, earning an eye roll.
She sighed. "Ugh, no. Sadly I'm here on business,"
My smile died as she eyed me warily. I lowered the clothes I had in my hands and tried to keep my face from showing too much trepidation. She stood and eerily made her way towards me, her eyes sad and distant — this couldn't be good.
"What is it this time, Rebekah? You know I don't have long to help you anyways," I whispered.
I was using this moment to casually let loose that I had restored all of my memories. Rebekah frowned at me, knowing what I meant, but not knowing I had found out about my impending doom. I needed to tell her that when I had remembered Damon, I had recalled everything about my curse. Including everything that came with it, my life with the Originals being a huge part of that. Katherine, Emily, and I had discussed my curse during the life I had spent with the Salvatores, just before I had died when she had been shacking up with the brothers. I should have hated her, and I did, to an extent, but I had lived too many lives to judge hastily. Damon was as much to blame for coming back early and not finding me as she was.
Rebekah stopped in her tracks, watching my expression closely with watery blue eyes. I turned away from her, hanging the clothes I had been holding back in my closet. I casually looked through a few more options as I swallowed deeply, trying to remove the lump in my throat.
"I just turned 17, Beks — which means the curse will take effect on my next birthday. I only have a year,"
I fought back tears as she brushed her hands through her curls nervously. She stepped forward, joining me in front of my closet.
"When did you remember?" she whispered.
I looked into her eyes, ignoring the grey, ghosty sheen of her skin.
"When my memories of Damon were restored, I remembered everything Katherine had told me the day before I died," I explained.
Her eyes rounded — her confusion was evident. I guess I'd never told her about Katherine.
"Katerina once told you about the curse...?" she asked in shock.
I nodded slowly, wary of her reaction. "Even if she hadn't, all of the memories of my initial life with you and your family came back to me as well. The ones with Katherine were just shown to me first."
Bekah placed a hand on her hip and raised a brow, clearly wanting a more thorough answer. I rolled my eyes and took another outfit from the rack, letting out an exasperated huff when Bekah shook her hand in front of it with a disgusted frown. I placed it back on the shelf and continued.
"Katherine and I have always had an understanding," I said nonchalantly.
It was hard to explain my relationship with Katherine. My time with the Salvatores was not the first I had met Katerina Petrova. Rebekah narrowed her eyes at me, knowing I wasn't being entirely open with her.
"Listen Beks, trust me, kay? I promise to help you as much as I can between now and my next birthday," I pleaded,
I threw out my best puppy dog eyes; some of the things I remembered needed to stay with me for now. Let's just say, I had done something the Original Hybrid wouldn't be too fond of...
Rebekah tilted her head before nodding quickly, her blonde hair bouncing. "Ok, well I just wanted to let you know your old pal Katerina is on her way here. She plans on setting things up ahead of Nik. She hopes to earn her freedom by helping with his curse."
Rebekah let out a haughty laugh. I frowned profoundly and sent my closet a brief look of disdain before I walked over to my chest of draws. I grabbed my nearest pair of jeans and hopped lightly to get my foot in the leg. Rebekah watched me in interest, still adjusting to the fashion of this period.
"So, that's just great. Does she know about me yet?" I growled in annoyance, throwing out my best bit of sarcasm.
I blew a bit of hair out of my face, glanced back at Rebekah, then yanked a black tank top over my head.
"No, not yet. I'm sure she would have called Elijah already if she had."
She observed my face and shook her head when I reacted as expected. A small smile lifted the edge of my lips at Elijah's name. I missed him, he had always been a brother to me. I ignored Rebekah's smirk and headed over to my vanity, plopping myself down on the stool. I grabbed my comb, quickly yanking it through my tangled red hair. I could see Rebekah in the reflection of my mirror, wincing as I manhandled my hair. She reached out towards me, her hand hovering inches lovingly from my curls. She flexed her fingers as if she wanted to run them through my fiery locks as she once had, before pulling away slowly and frowning. She had always loved brushing my hair. I pulled the comb away and sent her a half-smile. I turned around on my stool and looked up into her eyes.
"Soon, Beks. I promise. I will get you out of that coffin," I said as my voice broke.
Rebekah leaned down towards me and ran a finger over the air near my cheek, a lost look shadowing her eyes.
"I know you will. If anyone can, it will be you."
Standing back up, she tossed a few loose curls over her shoulder and looked down at me with a cheeky grin.
"And, to answer the question you refuse to ask but are dying to know, Elijah is doing fine."
She looked away and frowned deeply as she closed her eyes, lowering her head she began rubbing her neck roughly.
"That being said...so is Nik. He is excited about getting closer to ending his curse," she said, the last bit with strong distaste in her voice.
I took in a sharp breath and turned back around, avoiding her searching gaze as I rolled my eyes, shrugging nonplussed. She knew where I stood on the subject of the Hybrid in question, so why bring it up?
"Elandra, just be careful this time — you know it has always ended badly. The first is why you were cursed, to begin with. Our family isn't good for you," she said regretfully.
I turned my head and looked up at her with a questioning look and found myself sinking into her deep blue eyes. I didn't want to discuss Niklaus. It was a sore subject for me. She knew that better than anyone — her entire family did.
"Beks, I have no plans to repeat the past. After all, it would be ludicrous to even try. It's not like it could last, and I don't think he could handle it," I whispered "I don't wish to be the cause of one of his massacres — not again," I added, placing my comb back on the table.
Her face filled with understanding. We had been through so much together, and I would be forever grateful for whatever allowed her to visit me while she was in the in-between. I stood up and turned around, standing face to face with the apparition of my best friend and soul sister. I brought my fingers close to her transparent face and traced the air near her chin. I wanted to get as close to her as possible, even if neither she nor I could feel it.
"I gotta go, sis. Check-in with me later, ok?" I asked with a smile.
She agreed with a silent nod before the air around her shimmered as she disappeared entirely. I took a deep breath and sprayed myself with my Burberry perfume before grabbing my red bag and heading downstairs. Jenna and Elena were talking as I entered the kitchen.
"Elena, do I look like an adult? As in respectfully parental?" Jenna asked.
I caught the brown doe eyes of my fraternal twin sister scan my outfit with distaste. My shoulders sagged, and I tried to keep my mood from falling as fast as my stomach when I noticed how utterly flawless she looked — as always. Her long, pole straight, silky brown hair caught the light from the kitchen window as she moved around the room. Damned perfect Petrovas. I shook off my self-consciousness and gave Jenna a thumbs up brightly.
"Depends on where you're going," Elena said flatly.
I rolled my eyes at Elena and grabbed a pop tart from the cabinet.
"Don't listen to her Jenna, you look hot — and a respectful hot at that!" I laughed.
She gave me a small twirl before she spoke, a laugh still in her voice.
"Jeremy's parent-teacher conference — hair up or down?" she asked.
She pulled her hair up, and then let it fall to demonstrate. I shrugged.
"Well, one is sexy stewardess," I said. "The other-"
"-Boozy housewife," Elena interjected.
Jenna smiled at us both. "Up it is. You're both feisty today," she said.
"Well I don't know about Elara, but I feel good today, which is rare, so I've decided to go with it. Fly free, walk in the sunshine, and all that stuff," Elena said.
Elena took a bite of her apple as she eyed my pop tart with distaste. I bit into it forcefully, moaning loudly and rolling my eyes into the back of my head.
"I'm just a happy-go-lucky kinda gal, Aunt Jenna, ya know that. Can't be sad forever," I said, and looked around the kitchen as I made my way to the fridge for some lemonade. "Where is Jeremy?"
Elena looked at Jenna expectantly.
"He left early. Something about getting to woodshop early to finish a birdhouse," Jenna said, shrugging slightly.
I glanced at Elena, and our eyes met for a moment before looking back at Jenna. I popped open the lid of my lemonade and took a swig. Poor Aunt Jenna…
"There is no woodshop... is there?" she asked, her tone falling.
"No," Elena and I said in unison.
Jenna shook her head and placed a hand on her forehead. I stepped up beside Elena and took her hand, leaving Jenna to prepare for her conference, knowing she wouldn't be happy afterward. Jeremy hadn't been coping very well. It was harder on him and Elena than it was on me. After all, these weren't the first parents I had lost. It really does get easier with time. I would see them and all of my other families again very soon, even if it would only last a short time before my next reincarnation.
"I'm driving, Lena!" I shouted.
I snatched the keys from her hands swiftly. Elena sighed and tossed her bag in the back seat before hopping into the passenger side. I slipped behind the car and got into the driver's side. I really loved driving and wanted to take advantage while I could. I never knew if there would still be cars when I lived next. We all could be Apparating everywhere by then. That would be so cool!
"What are you thinking about? You have a huge grin on your face," Elena questioned
"The future. Just wondering about the future," I said, sliding on my sunglasses.
I looked into the rearview, briefly noticing a grey-skinned, blonde-headed Original, smirking and shaking her head from the back seat. I ignored her and continued driving to one of the seven circles of hell, also known as High School.
Elena and I sat quietly in History while Mr. Tanner rattled on about Mystic Falls 145 years ago. Ugh, like I wanted to relive that. It had been rough enough the first time, with corsets and fluffy full-size dresses.
I kept my eyes planted on the shy flirting going on between Stefan and my sister. His spiky dark hair was easy enough to find in a small group like this, even without his striking good looks to add with it. I started keeping a tally of every time they would glance at one another, only to quickly look away. It was sickening. Of course, anyone with my past love life would be annoyed by new, young love — well, young on my sister's side, that is.
I laughed at my own joke, earning a look from Mr. Tanner. I smiled sweetly and ushered for him to continue. I started watching the time instead of the young couple when they finally stopped their glances after getting caught by Mr. Tanner.
I giggled quietly as the bell rang, giving me my freedom. School is a terrible burden after so many centuries of being forced to go. I sidestepped after almost bumping into Elena, waiting by the door for Stefan. I was about to walk away when I noticed him pull a copy of Wuthering Heights from his bag. I snatched it out of his hands quickly, shocked when I turned it to the title page and found my former initials in the corner, written clearly in ink and quill. I caught Stefan's weary gaze and quickly looked at a shocked Elena. I must look like a crazy person to her. My face pale, green eyes wide and hurt. It was silly feeling betrayed by Stefan, but I did. He had given me this book on my very last birthday, and now he was handing it over to my sister. Was he giving it to her? I cleared my throat and handed it to her.
"Wow, a first edition. That's... awesome," I said, a lump in my throat.
I excused myself before Stefan could stop me. I ran into the bathroom and found an empty stall just as a flashback took over. I could see my eighteenth birthday celebration at the Salvatore manor. Katherine, Stefan, and his father surrounded me with smiles on their faces. I knew somewhere Damon was hiding out, too scared to tell me he was home and in love with someone else. Stefan had set up the whole thing, knowing how sad I would be without Damon. I watched myself open up Stefan's gift to me. Wuthering Heights. I had been so excited to read it, even if I knew I never would, at least not as Elandra. I snapped out of the past and back into the present, sweat covering my face and arms.
I was shaking as a headache took over. I wobbled on the way to the sink. I turned on the faucet and filled my cupped hands with cold water, pouring it over my face and onto my neck. I held onto both sides of the sink and looked at myself. My dark, auburn red hair curls were matted to my pale face, my ordinarily green eyes were dulled by a rampaging migraine that was quickly consuming me. I looked away from my pallid features and took a few deep breaths. Bright red against the surrounding snow-white caught my attention, and I looked down to find drops of crimson blood had fallen into the sink, I reached up and wiped the blood from my nose. I quickly rinsed off my hand and grabbed a paper towel. I could hear someone enter the bathroom but didn't bother looking at whoever it was. My head was tilted up, eyes focused on the ceiling as I tried to stop the annoying nosebleed that occasionally accompanied my migraines.
"Are you ok? I saw you run in here," Caroline asked.
I turned my eyes in her direction and shook my head gently, my neck joining in on the party of pain. I was beginning to feel weak and tired. The agony in my head was almost too much to bear. I looked at Caroline and frowned.
"Yeah, sure. Just one of my headaches," I tried.
She gave me a dirty look, always knowing when I was lying.
"Let me take you home, ok?" she asked, reaching out and taking the hand that wasn't trying to contain my nosebleed. She knew how bad my headaches could get, and I appreciated her concern but knew she couldn't help me, not this time. I pulled away and grabbed my bag, wiping at my nose one last time.
"That's ok Care Bear, I'll have Elena drive me. I'll meet up with you later," I said, heading towards the door.
Caroline pulled my hair away from the strap of my bag and patted my upper back with a sad smile. I squinted at the bright lights of the hallway as I opened the bathroom door, absently waving goodbye as I quickly headed away. I needed help, and I knew where I could get it. This headache was unlike the others. I had taken in too many memories in the last two days. I felt like I was dying, and since it was all because of the Salvatores, a Salvatore was gonna fix it. I pushed open the doors leading to the parking lot and stepped into the shadows at the side of the building.
"Stefan!" I called out, knowing if he were near, he would hear me.
After only five seconds, I felt a gush of wind, and the youngest Salvatore stood in front of me. I knew he could smell the blood because his face scrunched up in fear and thirst. I started to wobble again, and he quickly caught me.
"Elandra! What happened?!" he whispered in panic, his eyes running over me, searching for an injury.
"The memories, they are too much this time. Please help me...it hurts, Stefan," I cried, falling to my knees in front of him.
He looked around, trying to figure out how to help me. His confusion was starting to annoy me, so I pulled his warm wrist to my lips for a second, unable to speak anymore. Even the sound of the breeze around us was like a knife to my head. Lifting me back to my feet, he finally understood what I needed. He bit into his wrist, then slowly placed it against my lips. Trying to ignore the foul, metallic taste of the thick warm liquid, I drank heavily for a moment. It was gross, but I was already feeling better. I leaned against Stefan, letting the last of the pain disappear.
"Thank you," I said, wrapping my arms around him.
He brushed my hair down and patted me lightly on the back. I could tell he was uncomfortable, so I stepped back to give him his space. Blood sharing could be very intimate, and for us, it was weird and awkward.
"Are you ok now?" he asked gently.
I wiped my mouth with the paper towel I still had and nodded.
"Yes, it's just a lifetime of memories coming back in a matter of days. Not to mention the memories I still have of this life and others. It's too much for my human mind sometimes," I explained.
We both looked around; luckily, we were still alone in the shadowed alcove off to the side of the school. The leaves rustled around us as we quickly stepped from the shadows, joining everyone else. Stefan tensed behind me and grabbed my hand, pulling me with him towards the parking lot. A large crowd was gathering, laughing and shouting, I was confused until I noticed Tyler and Jeremy standing in a defensive stance in front of each other. I moaned in annoyance as Jeremy shoved Tyler against his car.
"Walk away, Gilbert. It's your final warning," Tyler spat, his hands fisted in Jeremy's shirt.
I let go of Stefan's hand and ran ahead. I quickly stepped in between Tyler and my idiot brother, my hands outstretched on either side. I looked at them both as my red hair flew around me. They both stood back with their fists clenched in front of them, ready for a fight and breathing heavily. I could feel my magic trying to aid me, but I kept it pushed down.
"Listen, Ty, please let it go," I begged him, my eyes pleading.
His own eyes softened for a moment until Jeremy ruined everything by opening his big mouth, unaware of Tyler's little wolfie problem, which makes it very difficult for him to control his temper.
I had been able to sense Tyler's inner wolf since the first day I met him. As a witch — it had always been something I had been able to do. At this moment, I could sense his inner wolf, teeth bared in anger. Even if he had yet to activate his curse, the wolf was still there — waiting to be released. Tyler's aura was flaring violently at Jeremy's challenge.
"No, this is your final warning, dick. I'm sick of watching you play Vickie. If you hurt her one more time, I swear to God I will kill you," Jeremy threatened.
Tyler moved towards him, and I quickly stepped in front of him, pushing against Jeremy, forcing my brother to walk away. Stefan followed right beside us with Elena observing Tyler. Where had she been during this whole thing? I shoved a protesting Jeremy into the back seat of my car, capturing several odd stares from the people around us, especially Stefan. He knew I shouldn't have the strength I do. I ignored them all and kept my focus on Jeremy, still trying to get at Tyler. I slammed his door shut and turned towards Elena. She was standing beside Stefan, her hand in his and face lined with stress.
"You coming, Lena?" I asked her in a huff of breath.
She looked at Stefan and sighed before hopping in the passenger seat.
"Elandra, we need to talk. There are still a few things I'd like to know," Stefan whispered before I could get in the car.
I stared right at him, officially done with the day. He observed me like I was a wild animal that could bolt at any moment.
"Yeah, I'm sure there are, but right now I'm dealing with family issues. I'm sure you can understand that," I told him, leaning into the car.
I stopped and looked over the top of the car and straight at him again. "Oh, and you need to tell my sister what she is and what you are," I whispered, almost silently, knowing he could hear me.
His face froze, but I didn't care. It needed to be said, especially since Katherine was on her way — along with someone much worse. I slid into the car and started it up. I pulled out of the parking lot with my two annoyed siblings in tow. I tried to ignore the thoughts that tried to fight their way into my head.
Who is going to take care of them when I have to leave? These are the types of thoughts that keep me up at night. Although I would have these thoughts in every lifetime, it seemed in this one I had it more than usual.
As we pulled into our driveway, Jeremy jumped out of the car and took off for the house. Before I could shut off the engine, Elena insisted she needed to make a pit stop. I huffed, irritated that my precocious twin sister was dragging me off to who knows where.
She coerced me to stop the car in front of the Salvatore Boarding House and hopped out quickly. I shut off the car and jumped out after her; I could sense only one brother home, and it was not the one she was looking for.
I stepped in front of Elena and opened the door without knocking, heading inside. Elena stood on the front porch, her face scrunched up in shock.
"You can't just burst into someone's house, El!" she quickly protested.
"Come on, Lena. Stop being so perfect!" I whined.
Elena's mouth fell open, and she grunted in annoyance, blinking in shock, she snapped her mouth closed. With a huff of breath, she bolted inside, her hands fisted and shoulders stiff. "Fine. Stefan? Stefan?" she called out.
I left her in the doorway and went to make myself a drink. I avoided the red stuff that they had, yet again, haphazardly left in a jug by the Bourbon. I would need to remind them that they were supposed to be playing human, and humans tended to keep their blood inside them — not on their bars. I rolled my eyes and tuned in to Elena, now speaking to the elder Salvatore brother.
"You must be Elena. I'm Damon, Stefan's brother," Damon said.
I stepped into the entrance and leaned against the bookcase a few feet behind Damon. I smiled inwardly at his predatory posture. He was so different from the man I had once loved, but centuries of a life cursed with Vampirism would do that, I figured. Especially when he spent that life hell-bent on revenge.
I was told the story of their Vampiric life by none other than the one who had ruined it, Katherine. She had found me centuries after I had left the life I had lived with the Salvatores. She owed me a life debt and wanted to repay it by helping me with my curse. I had saved her life once when she had still been a human. Saving her had led me to my own death, due to a very angry Hybrid. I had met Katherine when she was due to be sacrificed and pitied her. I hadn't been aware of who she was at the time and decided to help her. I very stupidly helped her escape her captivity. I hadn't received all my memories in that life yet, so I was unaware of exactly why she was being sacrificed. When Niklaus came across me later, he was unaware that I wasn't a doppelganger of the woman he once knew, but her reincarnated. He was already beyond angry at Katherine's escape, so in his fury, he snapped my neck.
That was the only time Niklaus had ever seen me; I keep myself hidden from him and Elijah. The only Originals to know of my existence and curse are Kol and Rebekah. For now, at least, they are both daggered. As far as Rebekah knows, Niklaus is still unaware of my affliction.
I followed Damon and Elena into the living room, staying out of Damon's view. He was so enamored with my sister that he hadn't even noticed me yet. I ignored my silly jealousy, reminding myself that this life was just as temporary as the others, and the Salvatores had always had a soft spot for the Petrova doppelgangers. I was snapped out of my daydreaming by the mention of Stefan's ex. I stepped further into the shadows of the large living room, curiously awaiting Elena's response. Was he going to tell her what she was?
"The last one?" Elena asked.
Damon stood in front of her place on the couch. "Yeah. Katherine, his girlfriend? Oh, you two haven't had the awkward exes talk yet," he said, feigning embarrassment.
"Nope," Elena spoke softly, looking down at her fidgeting hands.
Damon gasped slightly. "Oops, well, I'm sure it will come up now. Or maybe he didn't want to tell you because he didn't want you to think he was on the rebound. We all know how those relationships end."
I leaned my head against the bookcase behind me. Damon was definitely trying to come between Stefan and Elena, and that wasn't something my Damon would have ever done. I guess the man I knew really was gone…
I sat my glass on the shelf behind me and ignored the rest of their conversation, deciding instead to head upstairs. I was bored with eavesdropping, so snooping it was. I opened every door I walked past until I found a bedroom that could only belong to Damon. It was a warm and inviting room, with a massive four-poster oak king-size bed with black silk sheets. It sat in the center of the room, a pile of old books at its side, and I chuckled at the memories they invoked. He had always loved reading before bed.
I walked over to the large oak chest of drawers along the right side of the room and pulled open the first drawer.
"Silk boxers, huh," I said with a chuckle, lifting a blood-red pair with a grin.
I closed the drawer and moved on to the next. Unexpectedly, I found a small leather photo album underneath a pair of jeans. I checked over my shoulder towards the door to make sure I was still alone, then slowly opened the album. The first picture was of Katherine, of course. I fought my irritation and flipped to the next page. Next was Damon and Stefan on their horses, faces lit up with silent laughter. I smiled down at this picture, knowing that I had been just out of view happily laughing with the man I loved and my future brother-in-law. I flipped to the next image and held in a gasp. It was me.
I was in my mother's rose garden, painting. My long hair fell gracefully against my back, and concentration was plastered on my face.
"That's my favorite," Damon said from the doorway.
I jumped, dropping the album. Luckily, it never hit the floor. I felt a stiff breeze, and Damon was beside me, holding the pictures in his hands.
"This is very fragile — we don't want it destroyed, now do we," he said, stiffly.
I looked into his crystal blue eyes and almost forgot that we had ever been apart.
"It's the picture I gave you when you left," I whispered, my eyes falling on the album as he tucked it away.
It took me a moment to remember my manners, but I was just so shocked he still had it. I stepped away and leaned my head down.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have invaded your privacy."
I walked further away from him and sat down on his bed, crossing my feet beneath me. He eyed me closely.
"You're different," he said.
"Well, yeah, of course, I'm a bit different. This is a different era. I've lived several lives since we last met," I chuckled, brushing my hair over my shoulder.
Damon sat beside me, taking my hand in his. "I thought I'd never see you again. I never forgave Stefan for what happened to you," he spat.
I squeezed his hand and pulled away, wrapping my arm around his shoulder.
"Damon, it wasn't his fault — I chose to walk home alone. He didn't even know I had left until it was too late."
I wanted to tell him it wasn't his either, but that would mean revealing the fact that I had known all along about his early return from the war, and that he had chosen Katherine. I was sure blaming Stefan for my demise was just a way to hate someone else for what he really blamed himself for.
Damon turned away from me, pain written all over his face. "Did you suffer?" he asked, his voice cracking.
I didn't expect that question, so I wasn't sure whether to tell him the truth or not. Yes, I suffered. Of course, I did. It's a part of the curse; every death I face must be painful. Looking at his awaiting face, I knew I couldn't tell him that. Only two people knew — Katherine and Rebekah.
"No, It was quick," I whispered, choking back the truth.
He ran his fingers through my hair, his eyes asking me for permission. The world around me froze. I wanted to kiss him, to feel the love that had once lived between us, but something was stopping me. I could list off all the reasons why I shouldn't kiss Damon, but the one real reason that was holding me back at this moment had escaped me. Still, I knew I had to say no.
"Damon, we can't. Not now. I'd like to get to know you again, and there are a few things you need to work through — like Katherine...and Elena,"
I knew he still held a torch for Katherine. She had really dug her claws into him. I stood, allowing the distance to snap him back into reality.
"You're right. How did you know about Katherine and me?" he asked, almost guiltily.
I wrung my fingers together, the awkwardness of the question made me nervous.
"She told me, actually. I met her again in the life after the one I shared with you," I said,
I decided to keep the fact that I knew he was with her while he was supposed to be with me to myself. Some things I'd hoped to never rehash, although, I hoped that he would really listen to me and understand what I was saying as I revealed the truth of her location. Naturally, he chose to ignore it. Damon's face fell.
"Listen, I never expected you to stay celibate, Damon," I laughed.
He narrowed his eyes at me, and I couldn't hold his gaze.
"So, there's been others for you...?" he asked grumpily.
I kept my eyes on my feet and shuffled slightly.
"Yes, Damon. I have even loved again, but you have to remember, I didn't always remember you...us. Those memories don't always return," I told him.
He sped in front of me, causing me to yelp in surprise. He leaned in, his nose inches from mine, his eyes looked me over slowly.
"Well, now that I have you back, you should know, I won't give you up again so easily," he said firmly.
I wanted to tell him the truth that he would lose me again in only a year, but I refused to see that kind of pain on his face. After all, he would let me go, he would let me go for Elena. She was as much his weakness as his brother's. I knew after he realized that Katherine wasn't as trapped as he thought she was, he would finally realize she never truly loved him. It would always be Stefan, and truthfully, not even him. Katherine would always choose herself. Besides, he would grow bored of me, just as he had before. Until then, I would let him believe what he wanted. I would play along… for now.
"Well, let the games begin. I'm excited to, yet again, be courted by you, Mr. Salvatore," I said with a curtsy.
His answering smile was blinding. A knock on the door interrupted us, bringing a frown to my face.
"Come in little brother," Damon sighed with a roll of his eyes.
I elbowed him in the ribs, laughing at his exaggerated gasp. Stefan walked in, stepping beside me. He looked at Damon and quickly noticed the little distance he put between us. I watched a thought pass across his face before being hidden as he schooled his features. He was angry about something, and I could guess exactly what that was.
He stepped in front of me and took my hand. I leaned my head back in surprise and looked up into his eyes. The mischievous and vicious look that was passing through his hazel orbs reminded me too much of Niklaus at that moment, and that wasn't a good look on Stefan.
"I think you should stay here tonight, Elandra. We don't want something happening while my blood is in your system," Stefan said, turning his head to smirk at Damon.
I yanked my hand from his and growled at his thinly veiled attempt to piss Damon off. I knew it was because Damon had told Elena about Katherine, but still, it was a dick move. I had thought better of Stefan. I stepped closer to him and shook my head in disgust. His smirk melted a bit.
Damon's face fell as he started to come up with his own idea of what led to my feeding from Stefan. He looked at me and then Stefan and his eyes blazed with cold fury.
"You fed Elandra your blood!?" he shouted, pushing Stefan against the wall at Vamp speed.
I quickly followed their movements, a perk of being what I was. Damon held Stefan against the wall by his shirt, his face inked in black veins, his white teeth pointed and bared at Stefan's neck.
Stefan avoided looking at me and smirked, laughing.
"Yeah, she called for me in the shadows beside the school. Again, you weren't there, were you, Damon? But I was, as always," Stefan spat.
I could feel my hands shaking in anger. Damon's face was broken. I could imagine what he was picturing, and it was far from what actually happened. My power surged through me, and I couldn't hold it back anymore. I threw my hands forward and pushed a force field between them. Once they were separated, I pushed them to the floor, holding them, making sure neither could move. Both of their eyes found me in shocked horror. Damon's oceanic blue eyes were worried, and he strained as he tried to reach out to me.
"How dare you, Stefan! I asked for your help today. I trusted you, and this is how you repay me?!" I shouted, my voice echoed in the large room.
Stefan closed his eyes, too ashamed to meet my gaze. I used a little extra force to push him further into the floor, enjoying the cracking of his bones as they began to protest, and looked away towards his brother.
"Damon, you should know me better than that. Even if I have changed, I would never do anything with your brother. I am not Katherine! I was sick and used his blood to heal myself." I forcefully spat. "Now, I'm leaving. I know you both are probably a little freaked right now, but I want nothing to do with either of you at the moment,"
I spun on my heels and hightailed it out of the bedroom. I sped down the stairs towards the front door and found Elena waiting for me in the car. Her doe eyes wide, she could sense my anger, but knew better than to ask me what happened. I slipped into the driver's seat and gripped the steering wheel tightly as I started the car, speeding out of the driveway, tires squealing. I finally released the brothers when I could no longer see the large stone house in my rearview.