And with that, he gladly had his fill of Desislava again and again, into the early hours of the morning...
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First Person POV: DesiHe is so very charming. He gives me a small smile as we danced around each other.
There was always something about this waltz that felt so intimate. Light touches, soft caressing, it all was so enticing, especially when it was with him. In fact, to me at least, everything about him was enticing.
My still heart felt like it fluttered at the look he sent me as we took another turn around each other. Maybe just this once, this happiness could be mine and mine alone. Perhaps I could let myself feel just this once. And as he takes my hand in his once more, I know that I'm much too late to try and make that choice now.
I've already fallen too far to try and reach for safety now.
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Third Person POV:
Desislava was a very pleased woman in the early morning as she blinked into reality. Not only had she fed on a glorious feast of a man, but everything that she had guessed would happen would most likely come to fruition today. She found herself alone in Elijah's sheets, but that was to be expected, after all the succubus had given the Original some tasty info on someone who had disrespected him. Desi stood up and after looking at the time removed the sheets from herself unashamedly. After all, she had students to teach and it wouldn't be very professional of her as a substitute to be late for her class.
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Caroline absolutely adored her new AP Art History teacher. Ms. McCall was a woman that the blonde vampiress easily found herself admiring. Beautiful, confident, and intelligent, she had quickly become many students' favorite teacher. Not to mention how many of Caroline's fellow students had a crush on her. If Caroline was honest with herself about it, and she didn't write off all of her feelings as admiration, she'd admit to having a little crush on the dark haired substitute as well. As the substitute walked around the class, she spoke with eloquence and passion as she described many different artists of varying styles.
"Art itself is not something that is easily described, and that is precisely what describes art's majesty. It is everything and nothing at the same time. Art serves to challenge us and to soothe us, give us a sense of comfort and belonging but also reminding us of the edge, the constant shifting uncomfortableness of life. Which is precisely why your next assignment given by Mr. Allen is to be challenging your artistic comfort zone. You are to write an essay at least five pages long, of course with twelve font, double spaced, and in Times New Roman, on an artist or art style that challenges your perception of art and exactly how it makes you feel," the bell ringing signaled the end of Caroline's new favorite class, "and that'll be all for today. Have a wonderful lunch, students, don't choke on those tough burgers. Oh, and could a 'Miss Caroline Forbes' come up to my desk, please?"
Caroline blinked her cornflower blue eyes, a bit stunned. Had she forgotten to turn something in? Or was this about student council? Heaven knows I can't have anymore on my plate after everything with Tyler, she thought to herself. The rest of the class filed out, taking their loud murmuring voices with them as Caroline walked up to her desk, AP Art History book in hand. Ms. McCall glanced up at Caroline before walking and gently shutting the door. The blonde felt a sudden nervousness before her teacher spoke, "Relax, Caroline, you're not in any trouble. I just needed to talk to you about something before someone else did."
A blonde eyebrow quirked at Ms. McCall as the leggy brunette took a seat behind her desk, gesturing for Caroline to take a seat as well. The Forbes daughter promptly sat in the desk in front of the substitute as she narrowed her blue eyes, almost as if she'd get her answers just by staring hard enough. The substitute folded her arms as she looked straight at the blonde, before starting, "Caroline, I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoy having you in my class. You're a very bright young woman and hold quite a bit of admiration for you. Therefore, I wanted to inform you of something very pertinent to your extracurricular activities outside of this school, as well as apologize to you."
The blonde's brows furrowed in confusion before Desi raised her hand as if to halt her questioning stare. "Firstly, I want you to know that I'm very aware of the supernatural happenings in Mystic Falls, more importantly I know that you're a vampire." Cornflower blue eyes widened in shock as Desi continued, "However, you should know that your secret is very safe with me. I'm also a supernatural occurrence, a succubus specifically, and I wanted to make you aware of this before the Salvatores informed you. I'm negotiating a deal with them to save your friend, Elena, and I'm only here to help. But I also want to apologize on behalf of my goddaughter, Katerina."
Caroline instantly shot up out of the desk, fear and anger making her eyes narrow at who she had thought was a regular teacher. Katherine's godmom?! Could absolutely nothing in this town be sacred? "Caroline, please," Ms. McCall's brown eyes bored into hers with such sincerity that it made the vampiress question her own doubts, "My goddaughter has done terrible things to continue living. She's a survivor at heart, and she doesn't care who she hurts if it means she can continue living. I do not maintain such a high value for my own life, so I can't say that I accept her decisions when it came to you."
A small, self deprecating smile appeared on the brunette's lips, "You didn't deserve that. You're an absolutely lovely girl, and I am very, very sorry that my daughter took that choice from you."
The blonde seemed slightly less 'full of disdain' and more 'on guard'. Desi could definitely work with that, she just didn't want the blonde to hate her, especially since she was quite fond of Caroline. Desi smiled at the vampiress warmly before standing up and starting to erase her AP Art History lesson from the board. Caroline assumed that the confession was over, but Ms. McCall suddenly turned her dark-eyed attention back to her before she could move towards the door. "Oh, and there's another topic I must discuss with you, and that's my reason for being here at your school."
Caroline found herself confused yet again by the succubus. The bad guys never usually said why they were here from the get-go. Katherine had just played coy in her games, constantly keeping the gang guessing, and Caroline had assumed that her godmother would play it the same way. "Um... okay, I guess? Why are you here then, Ms. McCall?" The blonde asked, for some reason feeling shy at how the woman gazed intensely at her. Ms. McCall smiled at her question in a way that made the vampiress' slow heartbeat race, like she knew exactly what the blonde was feeling. "Well, for starters, that isn't my name. It's Desislava," the foreign roll of Desi's tongue sent shivers up Care's spine, "but, since I like you, you can call me Desi. And I figured the easiest way to keep an eye on your bestie is by being in a place she's required to be for eight hours a day."
Caroline stifled a chuckle as Desi let out an exasperated sigh paired with a teasing roll of her dark eyes, "If she even goes to school now, that is. How the hell are you kids keeping up at school when you're all gone all the time?"
The blonde vampire shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "Well I'm guessing it has something to do with our teachers feeling compelled to let it slide."
This sent the succubus into a surprisingly pleasant bout of laughter. "Fair enough, Caroline. I do truly hope that you can see past my goddaughter's misgivings, though. I'd like to be your friend at some point." This caused the blonde to be a bit surprised, if not a bit on nervous, she had no idea if she could trust Ms. Mc-, Desi, especially with her family's track record thus far. But, if there was one thing Caroline Forbes understood, she knew that a person could be very different than their family. After all, the young vampire was exceedingly different than her parents, so who was to say that Desi was the same as her heartless goddaughter?
"We can be acquaintances. But, I promise if you do anything to hurt Elena, I'll be the one who ends you."
Desi had a small smirk on her soft pink lips as she nodded in acquiescence. She could work with acquaintances.
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Desi walked up to the Mystic Grill, ignoring the ogling glances around her. Now that school was over, she could definitely feel her hunger working back up. Sadly, a burger and a drink was going to have to cut it since she was feeling a rather strong bout of laziness work through her. Not many knew this, but Desislava was a rather slothful creature. Of course she loved playing with people like pieces on a chessboard, but she preferred to be the mastermind behind the moves lounging on a chaise longue rather than an active player, and the last couple days had proven to be very active.
Conveniently, a quick glance around the restaurant revealed several players that were on her board. Bonnie Bennett was standing with the younger Gilbert at a pool table, as well as Caroline and Stefan who were sat at a table locked in an intense conversation that looked to be quickly turning into an argument.
"I-, I can't tell you," Caroline said, her tone apologetic but firm.
"Caroline, Elena was kidnapped," Stefan replied, clearly distressed. Desi's ears perked up at this, and she began listening intently as the younger Salvatore continued.
"She could have been killed, and you're seriously not gonna tell me where she is?"
Caroline threw down her fork in frustration, letting it clatter against the wooden table, "She's not in any danger! I would not have let her put herself in any danger."
Stefan's dark brows furrowed. Seems to be a constant look for him, Desi thought, amused.
"'Put herself in danger' where? What do you-," suddenly his handsome jaw locked in place, "She's with Damon, isn't she?" Desi's dark eyes widened slightly at the drama of it all. Was there trouble in paradise? Or was Elena a lot more like Katerina than any of her little friends were willing to admit?
"Eww! No!" Caroline replied in a disgusted tone, it was fairly obvious that the blonde was not a fan of the older Salvatore. I wonder why...
Stefan Salvatore was beginning to look rather desperate. Desi was feeling a bit concerned as well, because it was looking like the human doppelgänger was a flight risk, and that was not going to work for her original plan. If she wasn't in any danger, and the blonde vampire knew where she was, then where could she-... Of course. Desi promptly turned a black bootie towards the door, intent on getting to the catacomb as quickly as possible. Wasting that few minutes thinking about it was burning daylight. Desi hadn't given the doppelgänger enough credit. The succubus had thought that the teenager would let her vampire bodyguards do the work for her. She would have to take that rather interesting fact into consideration. The brunette paused though as she felt a rather strong wave of lust spike in the room. Supernaturally strong.
Desi turned back in the direction of the wave of emotion, knowing that because she hadn't moved quick enough, she'd have to change her initial plan. The succubus' large dark eyes met with dilated forest green, and she decided that she would use her quick thinking to assist the Salvatore. After all, she really did want their deal to work out, especially since she needed to reform her plan around Elena's willful nature.
Stefan Salvatore had only half listened to Caroline's explanation on why she wouldn't give out Elena's location. He knew that he was being a bit unfair to her by using their friendship to try and get what he wanted. A large part of him wanted to say that his concern for Elena's welfare was what distracted him, but that wasn't the entire reason why he was distracted. Desi. He felt his slow heartbeat speed up as he took in the leggy brunette. She was turned away from him, about to walk out the door, when she paused. Desi's shoulders stiffened slightly before she turned around. Large, familiar yet unfamiliar dark eyes pierced him as if she saw straight into his rotten soul. Stefan couldn't tell what she was thinking, Desi's gaze was completely unreadable, not unlike how Katherine's had been back in 1864.
The nearly overwhelming guilt and shame he had felt when first meeting her returned. How could he be jealous over Elena and his brother when he was feeling so attracted to another woman? It only made Stefan despise himself more. Of course he knew that her being a succubus was a large part of it. Everything about her being was supposed to be a magnet to lure her food in. But, Stefan didn't know just how strong the pull was supposed to be, and that's what made him feel terrible. What if she wasn't releasing any of her pheromones? What if after you know what she is, her powers weren't as effective anymore? Stefan couldn't draw a line in the sand on where it was his own attraction started and Desi's powers ended.
Desi casually strode up to him, looking every bit like every boy's 'gorgeous teacher' fantasy. She gave him a small knowing smirk, and it made him feel all the worse. A slim tanned hand patted his shoulder in a comforting way before she said, "Don't worry Stefan, it's nearly impossible not to." Then the succubus promptly stepped back, and Stefan felt a hollow pang where her hand used to be.
"Anyway, let's talk business. I hear you're looking for a doppelgänger?"
Immediately green eyes narrowed into freezing chips of emerald.
"Did you have something to do with this?"
Desi scoffed, "Of course not, but I've got a pretty good guess on where she'd go."
And with that, the succubus promptly grabbed hold of Stefan's wrist and pulled him out of the Mystic Grill.
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Desi heard more than one person shuffling about the tomb as she and Stefan descended the stairwell, and was a bit excited. It wasn't everyday that you got to see and meet your goddaughter's clone. It was sure to be a very interesting experience indeed. The younger Salvatore rushed down to the young girl and Desi took a moment to analyze her. It was stunning just how alike and different she looked from Katerina. Elena's dark eyes were almost doe-like in comparison to Katerina's, her goddaughter had a gleam of mischief that was lacking in Elena's. Pin straight dark hair framed the human's face and she was dressed like a normal teenager of the 20th century. It was definitely perplexing when compared to Katherine's much more adult attire. Hell, even their walk and posture was different. While Katerina had carried herself with a confidence that many women would kill for, Elena's was much more docile and meek.
But Desi knew more than anyone that looks could be deceiving, after all, the girl had to be quite the tamer with all of the supernatural characters who were willing to die for her. Very interesting.
"Elena," Stefan sighed in relief as he rushed to her side, quickly looking her over for any injuries, and Desi found herself a bit bored watching their reunion.
"Stefan. What are you doing here?" Wow, even their tones were completely different. There was no playfulness in her tone, just sincerity and concern.
"I could ask you the same question."
Elena sighed, looking away, "Caroline told you."
"No. She kept your secret-," Stefan was cut off by Desi.
"You can blame that bit on me."
Elena Gilbert had met a lot of strange people within the last year, but when she locked eyes with the mysterious woman that she hadn't even noticed in the tomb before, she truly believed she had never met anyone like her. The woman was a supermodel, long dark hair slightly curled around an olive face. No, she was prettier than most supermodels the teenager had seen in magazines before. But it wasn't her attractiveness that spoke to Elena. It was her eyes. Large dark eyes that felt like she was looking into a mirror. Elena felt like she knew this woman, everything about her was so familiar and yet not, like a really intense case of dejá vu. Unfortunately, she had more important things to worry about, like how she was going to explain herself to Stefan.
Desi decided to take a step away from the couple as they started bashing out their problems. Frankly, she didn't care. When she heard footsteps coming from within the tomb, she was delighted to have her favorite someone to distract her from the relationship drama. As Katerina went closer to the spellbound entrance of the cave, Desislava was glad to see that her goddaughter had taken her words to heart about keeping some of the blood bags for later on. She could definitely smell that Elena had given her some, but Katerina looked a bit better than she should have.
"Hello, Mama," Katerina said in a slightly teasing tone as the light from the tomb illuminated her face, "I see you've brought company." Both Stefan and Elena turned to the two Petrovas as Katherine spoke, the latter having a confused look on her face as she took in what was said. Desi smiled adoringly at her Katerina, "Why of course, I know you're bored down here, might as well pay a visit while I can."
Katherine have her godmother a small smile before turning her attention back to the younger Salvatore, "There's nothing you can do, Stefan. I haven't even told you the best part of the story."
Desi felt her mood darken as she realized exactly what story Katerina had been telling Elena. It wasn't a very good memory for anyone involved.
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Bulgaria, 1492
Katherine's horse galloped to almost three same speed as her racing heartbeat. She was almost there, and she couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of relief at being home once again. Anywhere was better than with Klaus. She slid off her horse as she approached the gate, and was stunned at what was before her. One of the stable boys had his throat ripped out, his dead flesh polluting the ground. Katherine could feel her heart nearly stop in fear as she ran into the house. Please god, she prayed, let me be wrong. She begged the heavens that she was wrong as she rushed into the house, finding her family's home completely littered with bodies. Some pinned to walls with their entrails ripped out, others decapitated. Her dark brown eyes would not stop pouring tears down her cheeks. She found her mother and father, completely in pieces, and felt herself breaking down. Where's Mama Desi?
The thought sent a sickening chill down her spine and she felt as if she'd throw up. Katherine turned to her Mama Desi's room, and let out a scream of absolute agony as she looked into her Mama's empty eyes.
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"He killed them," Katherine stated, "My entire family. Just to get back at me for running."
Desi couldn't stop the churning in her stomach as she remembered her rather painful death. It was the one thing she wished she could have spared Katerina from seeing.
Elena couldn't stop herself from looking at Desi, she didn't know if she could believe what Katherine had said, but the constant churning of Desi's dark eyes did tell that something awful had happened.
"Whatever you do to escape Klaus, he will get his vengeance. On your friends, your family," Katherine paused as she glanced at her mother, she knew that what she was reminding Desi of was not pleasant, but as much as Katerina was sorry to hurt her Elena needed to know the risks, "on anyone that you've ever loved."
The finality of that statement was jarring to nearly everyone in the room.
Stefan watched as Elena's soft brown eyes welled with tears before he quickly grabbed her shoulders, trying to jerk her away from Katherine's influence. There was no way in hell Stefan was going to let Elena get hurt, and he knew better than most that Katherine was a liar. "No, do not listen to her, okay?"
Even Desi had to roll her eyes at how delusional the Salvatore was being. Cute as he was, Desi realized just how right she had been when she said that he and his brother weren't that bright. "Always the protector," Katherine said bitterly, and Desi could swear that it savored strongly of unrequited love, "but even you must realize that she's doomed. There's nothing you can do to stop it."
Desi wasn't 100% sure about that, but she honestly didn't care whether the other doppelgänger lived or not. As long as Katerina lived, she didn't really give a shit. She leaned back against the tomb wall as she waited for Katerina's punchline.
"Unless of course, you have this," Katherine teasingly said as she lifted the moonstone into view. Always playful, always cunning.
There was a small murmur of "What?" from Elena as Stefan turned to the two Petrovas in disgust.
"Oh no, there it is," he started, and Desi could feel an ounce of irritation run through her at how the vampire was pointing at them both accusingly. "That's the ultimate lie, isn't it? You spun this whole thing, so that we would have to get the stone from you, didn't you?"
Angry green eyes then focused on Desi, "And you, you're trying to help her get out of this, and that's why you said we should think about negotiating for the moonstone, right?" Wrong, Desi thought as she glared back at the handsome young vampire. You are at least 10 steps behind for what I'm planning, and at least 5 behind Katerina.
"Everything Katerinasaid is true, Salvatore," Desi's accent slipped out as she glared warningly at the vampire, "I'd watch your tone considering I'm not in the tomb."
"I didn't spin anything, Stefan, it's the truth."
Stefan shook his head, promptly denying their replies. "No, let me guess. You wanna trade that stone for your freedom," an angry edge ground out in his voice as he tried to stay in a mocking tone, "Hmm? You manipulative, psychotic bitch."
Desi's eyes hardened into shards of onyx and Stefan felt an involuntary chill run down his spine at the intensity of her glare. The succubus was about to push off the rock to fix his tone issue when Katherine raised her hand, halting her non verbally.
The younger Petrova scoffed at Stefan's bravado, he actually thought he had her figured out.
"My freedom? That's where you're wrong, Stefan. I don't want my freedom, because when Klaus shows up to kill us all-, and he will, I'll be in the tomb, where no vampire will enter because they can't get out."
A smile of pure contempt worked its way onto Katherine's fox-like persona, and Desi knew that she was wearing a matching one. Salvatore, you are outmatched in the game of wits here.
"I'll be the safest psychotic bitch in town."
And with that, Katherine retreated back into the familiar darkness of the tomb.
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Both Elena and Stefan had made their way out of the mouth of the cave, when Desi suddenly appeared in front of Stefan. The succubus' glare was harsh and unwavering on the younger Salvatore's face, and Elena felt growing fear for her boyfriend. Stefan Salvatore on the other hand definitely felt intimidated, however he didn't want to acknowledge exactly why it felt like his heart was in his throat.
"Mr. Salvatore," Desi began, her voice dark and unflinching in it's threat, "we have a business arrangement to keep your human safe that you haven't actually agreed to yet, so from a business perspective, I'd be within my bounds if I had to inflict bodily harm on you and/or those you care about," her glare snapped over to Elena briefly, and Stefan tensed. He knew he wouldn't win in a fight between them but he sure as hell would have to try.
"So do keep in mind that you should watch your tone with me and my loved ones, boy."
Stefan swallowed, his forest green eyes glaring right back at the beautiful woman's and it made Elena even more nervous. Who even was this woman? Obviously she was related to Katherine but Elena had no idea how. Slowly, the vampire nodded before looking back up at Desi with softer eyes. "I apologize, I shouldn't have accused you just because you're Katherine's godmother."
It wasn't what Desislava wanted from the apology, but she'd make it work for the sake of the plan. As long as there weren't any other slip ups, the majority of their group would most likely make it out alive.
"Lovely. Now, let's go drop little Elena at home so we can go to the boardinghouse. Your brother has been blowing up my phone for the last 2 hours and I'm sure you haven't talked to him yet. I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that the Slater thing didn't end well."