**A/N: Hello all; this chapter is kinda small. Really it's just a filler to get us to where we need to be so that Nik can come into play. One more large chapter before he shows up guys, I promise. Even though this chapter is not super exciting, I still hope you like it, and let me know what ya think. Your reviews keep me posting, and I love each and every one. Really, you're all amazing. Enjoy! This chapter has been edited by my beta Casey.**
I anxiously tapped my foot against the Lockwood's glossy hardwood floor as I waited for Tyler and Mason to join me. The rain was pouring down outside, and I watched it pelt the windows, running down in mismatched shapes. I felt small and very much alone in the overly large, ornately decorated room, my hands awkwardly laying in my lap. My worn sweater and jeans had seen better days, and my hair was thrown up in an untidy bun atop my head, strands of curls scattered around my neck and face. I was entirely out of place in such a wealthy environment. There were a few family members in my past who would faint in embarrassment. The very idea left me smiling.
I leaned back in my seat, my leather jacket falling open to reveal more of my tattered orange sweater. I glanced at the doorway in annoyed impatience. I tapped the varnished wood of the chair I was spread out in, scraping my nail against the armrest, damaging the priceless antique. That'll teach them to keep me waiting.
The white double doors opened, drawing my gaze, and Mason and Tyler burst in, their heads lowered, bodies bowed in stress. It wasn't hard to tell that Tyler had drilled Mason as he had promised the night before. He had not been happy about the idea of bringing his uncle into the fold after what he had done to me, Elena, and Caroline. It had taken a lot to convince him that Mason was capable of being saved. Tyler loved his uncle, but he hadn't been around for quite a few years, and during those years, Tyler had been forced to deal with an abusive father. The only people around when he needed someone were his friends. So naturally, that is where his loyalties now lie.
Tyler came to stand beside me, smirking down at the scratched wood below my fingertips, and glared at Mason as he took a seat on the grey settee in front of us. I patted my legs nervously, glancing at the two Lockwoods. For a moment, it felt as if I was back at the boarding house standing between the two Salvatore brothers; the similarities were not lost on me. Clearing my throat, I smiled up at the stock still newbie werewolf standing next to me; his stiff posture and rigid jaw were proof of how stressed he really was. Tyler informed me that his curse had been triggered while Elena and I had been with Rose and Trevor. Luckily, he had been alone in his room. However, it still must have been a terrifying experience to suffer through alone. He hadn't been able to discuss it with anyone and had no clue where I was or if I would return. Needless to say, he was a bit overprotective now.
"You okay, Ty?" I said, tilting my head questioningly.
Mason scoffed, throwing his head back and glaring at the wall. Tyler narrowed his eyes on his uncle, his lips thinning, and placed a hand on my shoulder — gently squeezing. "Yeah, Ellie, I'm fine," he said, his voice hard.
I released an annoyed breath and zeroed in on Mason, who was still glaring at the wall, his tan skin doing nothing to hide the angry flush of his cheeks. "So, Mason, it sounds like you and Tyler still have some unfinished business, and I can understand that. I have plenty of my own family drama."
Tyler snorted, a small smile finally tugging at his lips, and I pouted, smacking him as hard as I could in the stomach. Tyler rolled forward, placing a hand on his midsection as he moaned in over-exaggerated anguish, a pained huff of air rushing past his lips. Mason raised a brow, watching with surprised interest as his nephew laughed through the pain. I could see that he had expected a sudden outburst of anger, but Tyler was already handling his mood swings better than even I expected. My theory was since he had chosen this life, it was easier for him to manage. It probably also helped that he was no longer suppressing his wolf, which meant it had little to no reason to fight against him.
"I get it — things are tough between you and Tyler," I started. "I know it'll be hard for you two to work together, but I called you here today because time is running out, and I wanted to offer you a chance at survival. A way to be free of your painful transformations. I know Katherine fed you all sorts of pretty lies, but Mason, believe me when I tell you she is full of donkey shit. There are only a few people who can truly help you, and I am one of them."
Tyler covered up a laugh with a deep cough, his hand hiding a smile before he lowered it to beat at his chest, clearing his throat obnoxiously.
"Sorry, sorry. You just got me at donkey shit," he said, waving away my threatening expression.
Mason sat forward, clasping his hands in front of him, and looked me dead in the eye. "Tyler said you could change me, how is that even possible?"
I sat back, my head tilting to glance up at Tyler, an exhausted expression on my face. He rubbed at the back of his head, his face scrunching up in discomfort — like a child who had been caught sneaking into the cookie jar. I shook my head fondly and glanced back at Mason, who was still watching our interactions with extreme unease. Though, I could see a hint of curiosity in the way his eyes darted between us, a thick furrow in his brow.
"I can't do anything Mason, I don't have that kind of power, but I know who does. I have no doubt that he would be more than willing to change you. But I'm not going to lie to you; you'll be different. I know some of your kind will never be open to it, although I can promise it's not as bad as they think. You won't be some kind of monster, you would just be free of the pain that comes with being what you are."
Mason rubbed at his face, his head still lowered, and then lifted his eyes to mine. "Explain what I'd become."
Tyler scooted closer to me, and I could feel him tense up. We both knew this was it, the make-or-break moment. If Mason handled this well, then I could let him live, and he could very well become Niklaus's second Hybrid. He could be happy and maybe build a life for himself, but if he freaked out, or ran off and decided to make an enemy of himself, it would be the sacrifice for him. I leaned forward, my jacket bunching up around me, and I clapped my hands together.
"Alrighty, you ready to hear about the soon-to-be newest and coolest species?" I said, shooting him my best jazz hands.
Mason snorted, sitting back and shrugging as the go-ahead. I placed my elbows on my knees and felt Tyler shift his weight beside me.
"Okay, so, to make things as uncomplicated as possible, I'm gonna give it to you short and sweet. You would be given the Original Hybrids blood, killed, and then come back. When you do, you are given the blood of the doppelganger and become a Hybrid yourself. After that, you would be faster, stronger, and no longer forced to shift. The rest you will have to learn on your own. Hybrids are a new creation. Some of what they'll be able to do will surprise even me," I said, releasing a swift rush of air and sitting up straight, my sweaty hands clasped together tightly.
Mason leaned down, head between his legs, and took deep, shaky breaths. I glanced up at a wary Tyler, who was minutely coming to stand in front of me, his shoulders stiff.
"Dude, breathe, try and stay calm," Tyler said, slowly raising his hands, head darting between his uncle and me, mouth gaping open like a fish.
He was very clearly out of his depth, and I wanted to giggle at his unease. I leaned around Tyler and looked at Mason, his shoulders rocking with each strangled breath.
"Um, I think he's having a panic attack. Go and get a paper bag, Ty," I said, jumping to my feet.
Tyler turned to me, his expression unsure, and I swatted his arm,
pointing to the double doors.
"I'm fine, just go," I said.
Tyler headed toward the kitchen, and I lowered myself in front of the freaked-out werewolf, my hands shaking. I knew what it felt like to lose yourself to the horrors of your own mind, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. My hand hovered above Mason's gently rocking head, and I hummed softly, hoping to soothe him.
"Mason, I know this is terrifying, and everything probably feels like it's stacking up against you, but you're not alone. You have Tyler and Carol, I mean, I know she is a pile of assorted nuts, but she is still family. They need you; Tyler needs a father figure, one he can truly look up to. You and I both know that this life will tear him down eventually, and he is gonna need someone to show him the way back to the light. Friends aren't always gonna be enough, sometimes what you need is family."
Mason's body shook as he tried to compose himself, his breathing ragged and untamed. He continued to sway back and forth, his hands wrapped around his neck, and I slowly lowered my hand onto his head. He stopped moving, his body seeming to completely shut down as he froze in place. With great caution, I started to cart my fingers through his damp brown hair, my fingertips curling around his short locks. Leaning closer, I hummed another offbeat tune. After a short verse, Mason started to loosen, his hands falling away from his neck, leaving behind bright red handprints in their place. He lifted his head, tired red-rimmed blue eyes racing across my face, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed roughly.
"I thought I loved her, so I followed her here, thinking I could be free, and now, I have to either become half-vampire or die. You can't fool me, El, I know those are my options," he said, eyes watery, voice thick.
I placed my hands on his cheeks and shook my head. "You are not the first good man Katherine has manipulated, but I swear to you, you'll be the last. Don't let her win Mason. You can still be free of the pain. Isn't freedom worth a little change? Being a vampire isn't as damning as you wolves seem to think. You can conquer the thirst."
Mason pulled away from me, tongue running across his dry lips, and he scratched at the stubble on his chin, a rumble of exhaustion pouring from his chest. Tyler stepped in from the other room, a small brown paper bag held out in front of him, and Mason glanced down at it, chuckling deeply.
"Oh pup, what would you have me do?" he said, eyes building with emotion.
Tyler stepped in front of his uncle, and my gaze followed the brown bag as he dropped it into Mason's lap, the paper lazily floating into his grasp.
"I can't make this decision for you, Mason, but as I told you earlier, I'm gonna become a Hybrid," Tyler said, holding out his hand to help me to my feet. "I would rather you be there with me."
I joined Tyler at his side and looked down at the lost man in front of me.
"You're either with us or against us," I plainly said.
The paper bag crumbled in Mason's tight grip, and he glared up at me. "Those are my only two options? That doesn't entice loyalty. Why can't I choose my own side? Why do I have to become a Hybrid?" he asked.
Tyler moved closer to me, and I placed a hand on his arm, calming him.
"You could try to run, but I can guarantee you won't get far. Nik will find you Mason, and you will either turn or die. You are right, it's not fair, but it is what it is. You can either make the best of it or suffer unnecessarily. Take the good that will come from this. I will help you in any way I can."
Mason ruffled his hair in agitation, his fingers tugging at the ends. I took his wrist, gently prying his fingers from his hair, leaning toward him, expression soft.
"Take a leap of faith, Mason. Trust me; free yourself."
Mason searched my face, his blue eyes clouded with uncertainty. He looked past me at Tyler, his face scrunching up in sadness as his head fell back, eyes closing. "Fine, pup, if this is the only way to stay with you and make sure you're safe, then so be it."
Tyler's chest shuddered as he released a deep breath, his face collapsing into relieved thankfulness. He patted Mason on the shoulder, his fingers gripping onto his uncle's shirt.
"Thank you, man. You won't regret it. It can be a new start for our family," he said, dark eyes full of hope.
Mason reached up, placing his hand on Tylers, his expression held a deep sorrow. I could see he so wanted Tyler to be right. "I hope so, pup. What now, Ellie?" he asked, gaze connecting with mine.
I crossed my arms, my fingertips grazing my chin, and chewed on my bottom lip thoughtfully. "Well, since you have decided to join Tyler and me, we are going to need another werewolf for the ritual. You wouldn't happen to know someone worthy of death, would you?" I said, my tone light, yet weary.
Mason placed his hands on his knees, leaning forward and heaving himself from his seat with a hefty sigh. "I have a pack in Miami. There are a few of them that do some things…things I've never agreed with, but I am not the alpha, so I've never had a say. I can contact Jules; she is the alpha. If I tell her about the moonstone, she will bring the pack here, then you can decide for yourself." he said begrudgingly.
I stepped closer to him, leaning in so that I could look into his eyes.
"If we're gonna do this, then I need to know you're with us. I can't have you running to your pack and betraying me the first chance you get. I understand pack mentality, so I know how hard this is gonna be for you. That's why I'm gonna need you to renounce Jules as your alpha. I can't expect you to accept Nik when he isn't even around yet, but I can ask you to separate yourself from the pack."
I was nervously curling my fingers. What I was asking was a big deal, and I felt terrible, but it had to be done; I needed his loyalty. Mason took a steady step backward, his body stiffening, and Tyler placed his hand on my upper back, standing directly beside me. He lifted his chin toward his uncle, his brown eyes expectant, and Mason glanced at his feet, shaking his head.
"You're asking me to completely betray my pack. To abandon all of them."
I sucked on my teeth, nodding, unable to deny what he had said. "You're right, I am asking a great deal of you, but what do you think they will do when they find out you have chosen to become a Hybrid? I'm guessing the things you don't agree with have something to do with humans because you didn't seem at all opposed to murdering vampires. I'm sure your pack is filled with much of the same. Which means, I doubt they will take kindly to the creation of Hybrids."
I sighed and crossed my arms. Mason flinched as if I had smacked him, and Tyler leaned closer to me, the hand he had on my back flexing.
"I am not trying to be unkind, I'm being realistic. Your pack will be the ones abandoning you when you finally accept and find the freedom that becoming a Hybrid will grant you. I don't know them, but I have always trusted my instincts, and they tell me your pack will not be accepting of what's to come."
I chose not to mention that Niklaus would change them whether they wanted it or not. I would deal with that when the time came. Tyler stepped around me to join his uncle and placed his hand on Mason's shoulder.
"Dude, you need to listen to her. She knows what she's talking about, and she only wants what's best. You can trust her. You don't need a pack, you have mom and me," he said.
Mason lifted his head, glancing up at Tyler, his expression held a newfound hope. "Okay, pup, you win. Looks like I'm sticking around," he said, his full lips curving upward.
Tyler grinned, pulling his uncle toward his chest and wrapping his arms around him, he patted him on the back with a deep laugh. "Good, I really didn't wanna kill ya," he jokingly said.
Mason pulled away and took his phone from his pocket, looking down at the small contraption with sad eyes. He licked his lips and slid his finger across the screen a few times, before he lifted his head, sighing as he brought it toward his ear. Tyler watched Mason closely as he shifted his weight from foot to foot, waiting for an answer. I released a bored huff of breath and glanced around, smiling when I noticed the small bar on the other side of the room. The beautiful crystal glasses gleamed as the sunlight from the window bounced off the glass, leaving behind colorful rainbow designs on the wall. I walked over to the bar, picking up the nearest glass and biting my lip as I debated between the Vodka and Whiskey. I was completely avoiding Bourbon, even the smell made my stomach churn uncomfortably.
I could hear Mason behind me, his deep voice rumbling as he spoke to Jules, and I pushed down any and all guilt I felt at forcing him to betray his — now-former — pack. This was necessary. I squeezed my eyes shut at the thought. I couldn't help but wonder exactly how many times I would be forced to use those words now that I was reassociating with the Original family.
I mentally shook myself and sipped at my chosen drink, Vodka. I avoided the clock glaring at me on the desk beside the bar, the early morning hour judging me harshly. I could hear a sharp intake of breath and looked up just as Mason was letting his hand drop, shoving his phone into his pocket.
"It's done. They are on their way," he said, his throat bobbing.
Tyler nodded, his expression relaxing, and I placed my empty glass down.
"Thank you, Mason. I promise when they get here, you won't have to be involved unless you want to be," I said.
Mason nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just need some time to adjust," he said.
I tilted my head down in a half nod, glancing around the room as I fiddled with the sleeves of my shirt. "Okay, I can give you that." I looked at Tyler, shuffling around nervously, and brushed the hair from my shoulder. "I'm gonna head out. I know we both still have some stuff to prepare before tonight's full moon."
A deep wrinkled appeared between Tyler's brows, and he took a step toward me before he stopped, a slow tick in his jaw.
"Cool, just… be careful, okay?" he said, jerking his head and sniffing nonchalantly.
He turned away, placing his hands in his pockets, and I stifled a giggle.
"I'll be fine, Ty. I can handle myself, I promise."
Tyler's brown eyes rotated, and he jerked his elbow, motioning toward the double doors. "Get outta here," he said, grinning.
I double-stepped, laughing lightly, and waved at the wolves as I passed them by. Mason nodded, his expression still a bit wary, and I vowed to myself that I would help him adjust to his new life, which would soon become eternal.
I drove back home in dull silence, my mind on autopilot. I wasn't entirely sure how I had gotten from the Lockwoods, and back to my own driveway safely, but I counted myself lucky. I took a moment to just sit, my eyes closed and mind shut off to everything but the sound of my own breathing. I knew if I kept going the way I was, I would eventually burn myself out. Still, I had so much I needed to do, and I was finding it hard to find time for anything but the newest and most pressing disaster.
I rubbed at my tired eyes and rotated my shoulders to try and release a bit of the mounting and ever-present pressure. I glanced up at the house and tried to push everything back down, bury it where it needed to stay, at least until I had time to handle my own problems. As I stepped out of the car, I was assaulted by the strong aura of another witch's magic, and my skin prickled uncomfortably. I rubbed at my bare arms, goosebumps growing on my flesh, and started toward the front porch, my eyes scanning my surroundings with unease. I unlocked the front door and slipped inside, a sudden unwelcome rush of power washing over me, covering me like thick sticky molasses. For a moment, I couldn't breathe. I placed a hand on my chest and stumbled, falling against the door frame, where Bonnie caught me, whispering apologies. I pushed her away and took a deep unstifled breath, glaring into her forest-green eyes. She should have known better than to cast such a powerful spell in my home, where my own magic was absorbed into the very foundation. Our kind did not easily mix, and it was suffocating to try. I stood up, brushing the sweat from my brow, and looked around. Elena was anxiously pacing in the living room, her eyes darting around as if she expected an attack at any moment, and my jaw set in anger.
"What the hell is going on?" I demanded furiously.
Bonnie rubbed her elbow and headed into the living room, meeting Jeremy at the entrance to the kitchen, where they watched me uneasily. I placed my hands on my hips and bit my cheek to keep my anger at bay. I walked into the room and shook my head at my sister's best friend and our brother. When had he decided to put himself in the middle of things? Elena stopped pacing and threw her hands in the air, releasing a relieved breath when she saw me. Her entire body sagged, and she turned her head, shooting a glare at the offending duo before she turned back to me.
"Oh, thank God! Where have you been? Everything has gone to hell. Stefan and Damon have the 'moonstone.' Apparently, Caroline was able to get it from Tyler, and as soon as she did, they had Bonnie lock me in here to keep me out of their plan to destroy it. I'm freaking trapped in my own home!" Elena yelled, placing her hands on her neck, eyes widening in frustration.
I turned my head to glare at Bonnie. Jeremy stepped in front of her, blocking her from my view. Of course, Jeremy is going to choose Bonnie, he so obviously has a crush on her. Placing my hand on my forehead, I brushed the hair from my eyes, turning back to Elena with a sigh.
"It's okay, Elena, let them do what they think they need to. It's not going to matter in the end. Do you wanna get outta here? I have some stuff I need to discuss with you anyway, away from prying ears," I said, glancing back at Jeremy and Bonnie.
Elena smiled gratefully, her face lighting up, and she rushed forward, grabbing my arm and tugging me toward the door. "Yes! Get me the hell outta here. I hate being trapped," she said, her big brown eyes full of anger.
They had really pissed her off this time, locking her up and treating her like a child had been a horrible idea on their part. One way to destroy a relationship with my sister — treat her like she can't take care of herself.
Jeremy and Bonnie trailed us, their anxious steps quickening as we reached the front door.
"No, you can't just leave! You need to let Stefan and Damon handle this; it's for the best. I know you care about these Original vampires, Elara, but they are dangerous; they are going to kill Elena! Doesn't that matter to you? We are trying to save your sister!" Bonnie exclaimed.
My hand hovered over the doorknob, Elena's warm palm on my arm, and I lifted my head, turning around to stare at the young witch behind me. Jeremy's eyes darted between us, and he hesitated. I could feel Elena's nails digging into my flesh, but barely felt the pain of it. I balled my fist, raising my shaky index finger and jamming it out toward Bonnie, my eyes boring into her accusatory ones.
"How dare you. You know nothing, Bonnie. You are young and see only what you want to. I am the one protecting my sister. If I left it to any of you, she would be dead," My body shook with anger as I glared into Bonnie's eyes. "You think you're so very powerful, but you are naive and will end up getting yourself, or someone you love, killed. Grow up."
I started to turn around, but stopped at the sound of the floor creaking and a sharp intake of breath from Elena. I felt a tug on my shoulder and had time to wince at the pain of fingers digging into my skin before I was spun around, meeting the intense gaze of my brother. He yanked Elena's hand from my arm and pulled her away. She tripped, falling into Bonnie's arms, and I reached out for her, my mouth falling open in shock. Jeremy stood in between us, his arms crossed, and I blinked up at him, my stomach rolling in fear.
"You will not be taking my sister from this house. I don't know who or what you really are, but I've had my doubts about you truly being a Gilbert since I found out you're able to reincarnate… or whatever. I'm not sure Elena was ever meant to be a twin," he said, his eyes never meeting mine.
He kept his gaze planted somewhere around my knees, his face inflamed in either fear or anger. For all I knew, it was both. I couldn't believe what was happening, it felt like my entire world had switched about, everything was topsy turvy. I felt my stomach lurch, and my throat became thick with tension and bile. I swallowed it down, my face scrunching up in disgust. My body was tingling uncomfortably, and I realized how fast I was breathing. I decided to focus solely on that.
Slow your breathing Elara; just breathe.
I shivered, a haze falling over me as my whole world tried to right itself. My brother was disowning me, he wanted nothing to do with me. I shakily stepped backward, and my body collided with the door, the knob jamming into my side. Yet, I felt nothing; no pain. Vaguely, I noticed Elena push Bonnie away, jamming her elbow into Jeremy's stomach as she shoved her way toward me. Her eyes watery and face ashen.
"Ellie, shhh, it's okay, he doesn't mean it. You are family, you'll always be family," Elena said, pulling me into her chest.
I pressed my face into her, the ruche lace edging on her shirt, rubbing against my nose and shocking me back into reality. I held onto her, focusing on her scent and what she had said. Had she meant it? I tried to push away the pain, but I could feel her being pulled backward, forced away from me, and I felt a fit of deep anger. I gripped onto her shirt, and reached behind me, patting around until I found the doorknob. I twisted it until the door opened, and maneuvered us toward the porch. I pressed my palm against the barrier barring Elena from exiting the house and allowed my magic to connect with Bonnies. The invisible blockade pulsed, cracking into tiny pieces and slowly fading into the ether. I yanked Elena out the door, and she followed me down the stairs.
"Elena, don't leave with her!" Jeremy said, his angry voice carrying and drawing the curious neighbors eyes.
Elena turned around, her hand gripping onto the car door. "How can you do this to her, Jeremy? How can you deny our sister? You know as well as I do that she and I are both born of magic, neither of us is normal; she is just a bit more extraordinary than I am. She was always meant to be my sister, my twin. She was meant to protect me, and she will," Elena said as she slipped into the car.
Jeremy stood on the porch, Bonnie hovering teary-eyed behind him, and his eyes glowed with contempt. Yet, I couldn't help but notice, his expression held a bit less malice than it had before. Though, that could only be wishful thinking. I looked at my brother, the boy I loved as much as I had ever loved a sibling, and I let my tears fall.
"I'm sorry I hid so much from you, Jer, but I am not here to destroy our family. I was born into it the same way you were. I just have a large and outrageous past, one I cannot help. I am sorry, and I love you."
I watched Jeremy pull out his cell as we drove away, Bonnie clutching onto his arm to calm him. Elena took my free hand, her damp palm grasping mine tightly, and she sniffled quietly. I was tearing them apart, and for what? I wouldn't even be here much longer. Maybe once I was gone, they would patch things up? I was so tired of losing everyone.
I pulled into the Grill, and Elena jumped from the car as quickly as she could, wiping her face on the back of her hand. I watched her go inside and then slowly lowered my head onto the steering wheel, my now dry eyes irritated and itching. I took a few steady breaths, trying to come to terms with all that had just happened. I placed my hands on the wheel and pushed myself back up, preparing to get out and join Elena, when a silhouette in the rearview caught my attention.
"Hello Bekah, it's been a while. You've missed a lot," I said.
The grey transparent figure in the mirror disappeared, reappearing seconds later in the seat next to me, and I turned to greet her, a genuine smile on my face. Rebekah tilted her head, blonde curls falling over her shoulder, and she looked at me, expressionless, her blue eyes cold.
"I've not been paying attention to what you've been up to lately, but whatever it is, has drawn my brother's gaze. He's on his way, Elandra, and he's very… on edge," she said.
My brow rose, and I tapped at the wheel, my head nodding along with each tap. Rebekah watched me closely, her eyes darting to my fingers and narrowing.
"Oh, would you stop that! Tell me what you've done to bring my brother to Mystic Falls, Elandra! Have you decided to reveal yourself, or maybe sacrifice your doppelganger of a sister?" she said, her grey hand hovering above the wheel.
My hand froze, and I leaned back in my seat, my head falling against the cold window. "Oh Beks, you really have missed so much during your disappearance. I guess you could say, I'm planning to reveal my existence and help him sacrifice my sister — with her permission, of course. It's really gonna be one giant hot mess."
Rebekah's chest rocked, her throat constricting as she started to chuckle, she tossed her head back, her laughter radiating through the car. Her beautiful eyes shined as she tilted her head, lowering her gaze onto my face.
"Wow, you really have been busy. You convinced the doppelganger to participate in the sacrifice? I must say, I'm impressed," she said.
My hair bunched up as I twisted my head, static causing small pieces to fly around my face. I shook my finger in her face, my nose scrunched up in annoyance.
"No, no, you misunderstand the entire situation. I am not heartlessly murdering her, Beks. I am helping Nik and my sister at the same time. She doesn't need to die; in fact, if she does, then Nik will never be able to create his Hybrids. Your mother was one crafty witch. All I need to do is convince him to listen to me."
The grey skin around Rebekah's eyes pinched as she squinted at me in confusion, disbelief clear on her face. She leaned in closer, her body fusing through the gear shift, and she shook her head, a scoff building in her throat.
"How are you going to convince him that all of this is not you trying to save your sister? It's going to be hard for you to gain his trust again. His obsession over the centuries has made him paranoid."
I sat forward, my heart aching at the thought of losing all I had once had with Niklaus, and chuckled mirthlessly. I placed my palms on my eyes and moaned in exhaustion.
"Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing. At this point, I'm just surviving on hope. I hope he gives me a chance to explain before he acts in sheer rage. We both know when it comes to Nik, planning can only get you so far. He is a hurricane, and you just have to stand your ground and pray to come out unscathed."
Rebekah sighed, her chin lowering as she shook her head sadly. She reached out, her hand hovering over mine, and she took in a deep breath.
"I did see Elijah in town. At least you won't be facing his return alone. I am glad one of us is here for you. Although, I do wish it was me," she said.
I flexed my fingers, a silken wave of air passing over me as I tried to connect with my sister. My hand passed through her translucent one, and Rebekah shuddered, pulling away with a sniffle, her pink nose the only sign that she had been about to cry. I reached out to her, my hand stopping inches from her pearly grey body, and my shoulder slumped in defeat. There was only so much I could do for her while she was in this form, and I hated it. Niklaus was going to get a piece of my mind. As soon as I was able, I would be destroying the daggers. In my opinion, they were just as dangerous as the white oak.
"I wish you could be here too, Bekah. I need my sister," I whispered.
Rebekah looked up at me, her blue eyes wet, and gave me a watery smile. She released a deep breath, her body shuddering, and lowered her shoulders.
"Okay, enough of that! It's time you finished preparations. He is close, Elandra, you don't have much time," she said, pointing at me, her expression fearful.
I nodded, squaring my shoulders, and opening the door. "I've got this, trust me. I'm ready for him, all I need is a werewolf, and I have a pack of them on the way," I said, shrugging.
It was scary how real this was all becoming. I really was ready for him. If he showed up tomorrow, I could handle it, and that fact was about to send me into a downward spiral. I stepped out of the car and jerked back in surprise when I looked up to find Rebekah standing in front of me.
"Gah, don't do that!" I hollered, my hand placed on my rapidly beating heart.
Rebekah grinned, her cheeks puffing up and crinkling. She gently rocked back and forth on her heels. I placed my hands on my hips, narrowing my eyes with a warm chuckle. Her expression changed swiftly, all of its former warmth gone in a flash, and she stepped as close as her ghostly form would allow.
"Sorry, sister, dear. I need a promise from you. A promise that you'll do everything you can to protect yourself. Just because your time is drawing near, doesn't mean you can be reckless," she said, tilting her head close to mine.
I took a step around her, my eyes darting over our surroundings for witnesses. When all clear, I turned my head to the side, catching her form in the corner of my vision.
"I will do everything I can to stay safe. I mean, I have to, at least until everyone has gotten what they need. I don't want to leave this life until I know everyone I love is as safe as they can be."
Rebekah tsked, kicking uselessly at the ground, the pebbles at her feet remaining unmoved. I stuck out my bottom lip in sympathy at her angry, frustrated expression, and stepped off to the side by the Grill's entrance. Rebekah cocked her hip, her silver flapper dress shining in the daylight, and glared at me.
"I always hear a lot of nonsense about what you have to do for everyone else, but what about what you need to do for yourself? You are about to see your first love again, the man whose love cost you everything, and all you can talk about is what you need to do for him and your family. Think about yourself for once. I'm sure there is something that you want, El."
I turned away, focusing on the busy street, the sun beating down on the colorful cars as they passed by, and ignored the heady feel of her eyes boring into my face. She was right, of course, she was, there was plenty I wanted for myself, but why bother asking for it. The things I wanted for myself could never come
"You are right, but what I want can never be, so for now, all I can do is protect the people I love. That is enough for me,"
Rebekah leaned forward, her expression soft, and I shook her away, raising my hands and shaking my head.
"Ugh, enough sentiment! I am starting to feel like a Disney character," I said, chuckling.
Her lips turned up in a weak imitation of a smile, and I chose to act as if I believed it. I adjusted my clothes and turned toward the door, my mind screaming against the idea of people and conversation, but I shoved it down, burying it where it belonged. I could get through this. The Grill was as usual, overly crowded, and smelled of hot oil and alcohol. The air was stale and clung to my skin as Rebekah and I pushed our way through the crowd towards the bar. I almost envied my sister's transparent form as she effortlessly passed through the thick groups of people. The corner of my lips turned up as her nose twitched, her eyes narrowing on a man whose elbow unknowingly passed through her left breast. I sat down on the nearest barstool, pulling my hair into a tight messy bun as Rebekah scooted as close to my side as she could. I could see Matt edging closer from the other side of the bar and smiled, waving half-heartedly.
"What can I get you?" Matt asked, leaning over the bar, voice raised above the noise.
I chewed on my lower lip, glancing around for Elena, and shrugged when I couldn't find her. "Uh, a coke, and maybe the location of my wayward sister?"
Matt laughed, tossing a dingy rag over his shoulder, his blonde hair falling into his eyes. He was definitely in need of a haircut. He placed his palms on the counter and lifted himself up, glancing around, the veins on his neck straining. Lowering himself back to his feet, he smiled and pointed toward the back of the restaurant. I spun around on my stool and found Stefan and Elena sitting at a small table, in a deep and obviously upsetting conversation.
"There is your wayward sister, now— "
He grabbed a glass from below the bar and flipped it around in his hand. He had a grin on his face as he twirled on his feet, spinning around and reaching behind him to fill it. The machine whirred, the coke splashing both in the cup and onto Matt's hand. He blushed, his neck and ears coloring red. I giggled as he lowered the glass back onto the bar, dropping a straw into the frothy liquid.
"-here is your coke. Don't tell Caroline about that, please," he moaned, lowering his head in embarrassment.
I sipped at the half-filled glass of coke, being sure to keep my hands off the sticky glass, and smiled up at my friend. "No problem, but I have to say, I loved the confidence. You'll be a Tom Cruise level bartender in no time," I said, holding back another giggle.
Matt rubbed at his neck, wincing at his sticky hand, and grabbed the rag, wiping it off. Someone down the bar hollered, drawing his attention, and he nodded at me, smiling as he headed away.
"Wow, he sure is something," Rebekah laughed, her cheeks pink.
I turned in my seat and glanced up at my sister as she moved away from a few nearby patrons, her blue eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, Matty is pretty great," I agreed.
A dark flash caught my attention, and I lifted myself off the stool, my eyes focusing on a small group at the end of the bar, and my stomach flip-flopped.
Of course, if one Salvatore is here, then the other won't be far behind. Damon sat at the other end of the bar, his head bowed, attention solely focused between the man next to him and a seemingly unaware woman a few feet away. His eyes flickered back and forth between the two as he adjusted his jacket, pulling out a small plastic baggy, and my head fell back, a heavy sigh leaving my lips. The man beside him was, of course, none other than Alaric Saltzman. Which only meant one thing — they were up to something.
My eyes trailed over the woman, she seemed to be completely normal, but then again, so did I. She was stunning — long dirty blonde hair, low cut shirt, tan skin. Any other day, I would just assume Damon would be using her as his newest distraction, but something was different. I needed to know what was in that bag. My gaze connected with Rebekahs, and she nodded, gliding toward Damon and Alaric. I turned back around in my seat, casually drinking my coke as I waited for my sister. It only took her a few minutes before she popped back up beside me, her eyes full of concern.
"They suspected that she was a werewolf. They just tried to use wolfsbane on her. Apparently, she was brought here by Mason Lockwood. He called her; she said that they weren't supposed to be in town so early, but they have been tailing him since they found out about his vampire girlfriend. She is pissed," Rebekah said.
My jaw tightened, and I stood, quickly texting Mason and Tyler. It seems the pack wasn't going to be so easily subdued.
I headed toward the exit, Elena's worried face greeting me at the door. I grabbed her arm and pulled her outside. Tonight was a full moon, and Damon had just antagonized an already pissed-off wolf pack.