AN:

I can't believe this one is nearly over. Just one more little wrap up chapter and its over. Finally. I hope you enjoy.

~Kelly~

Chapter Six

As Courtney watched Nikolas and Elizabeth, she was barely able to contain her anger. They were so focused on each other that didn't notice her standing in the doorway. She stood watching Nikolas kiss the younger girl's neck. From her reaction this wasn't the first time the pair had been this intimate.

The only thing Courtney could think of was how that tramp was trying to steal her man away. Well she wasn't going to stand back and allow it to happen. Nikolas was going to be hers and only hers. She didn't care what Jason said she wasn't going to allow this to continue any longer. And who knows with Elizabeth out of the way Nikolas had no reason not to propose marriage. Her plan was perfect that is as long as Jason cooperated. Which he would of course if he wanted to live.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The first rush of blood filled his senses much like a drug. It felt so good, so right Nikolas forgot all the reasons he vowed never to do this again. However, unlike the last time he was in complete control of himself.

For an instant, Nikolas drifted back to the first time they ended up this way. It wasn't long after his accident one that should have killed him. When he awoken Stefan calmly explained exactly how he survived. Nikolas never imagined his uncle was the monster in the woods everyone whispered about. He didn't understand then, not truly, not until he nearly killed Elizabeth. That moment cemented his decision to push her away.

A soft helpless moan drew him back to the present. Elizabeth was clinging to his shoulders her hair surrounding them both. He could feel her soft body starting to shake from his actions. Carefully Nikolas pulled away his sharp fangs almost immediately disappearing. He paused closing the small wounds with several swipes of his tongue. "Shh. You're safe," he said trying to sooth Elizabeth when she whimpered. "You're mine now Liz. Do you understand?"

"Yours." she repeated in a voice that only confirmed to Nikolas she didn't. That wouldn't do at all. He needed her to accept how things were going to be.

"Mine." he repeated firmly. "Forever."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The room was filled with awkward silence as Steven checked Nikolas over. He almost couldn't believe the scene he had walked in on. Almost. Four years ago, it wouldn't have been unusual to find his sister and Nikolas together. Maybe that's why Steven wasn't completely shocked. That didn't mean he was happy about the situation. "You look better. Almost well in fact. From Elizabeth's note I... well I expected you to be much worse."

Nikolas knew what Steven wasn't saying aloud. In fact, the accusatory look on his face said it all. "She took great care of me."

"I'm sure she did." he scoffed back. It was taking everything in him not to snap at Nikolas. The trouble was Elizabeth bore just as much responsibility for the intimate scene he walked in on. And something in Nikolas's eyes told him it wasn't going to be an unusual occurrence. Steven had to wonder what that meant for Courtney Matthews.

"What do you want me to say Steven?"

"I wish I knew," the older man admitting almost to himself. "She's my sister Nikolas."

"And I love her. It will be different this time I promise." Nikolas promised carefully. He didn't need Steven's approval to be with Elizabeth. However, he knew she would want her brother's consent. And for the moment that meant not antagonizing his friend.

"I want to believe you, especially since I know how much Elizabeth still loves you but there's the matter of your guests."

Nikolas suddenly became very serious. He hadn't forgotten about the scene he witnessed in the hall. "Ms. Matthews and her brother will be gone by tomorrow."

"And Mr. Morgan?"

"He will not be accompanying them."

Steven shook his head and ran a hand through his curly hair. Damn Nikolas for ever coming back to Wyndemere. "I didn't need to know that. I shouldn't know something like that."

"Jason left me no choice." he defended calmly. "He cornered Elizabeth in the hall and grabbed her... I cannot let him leave here."

"No you choose not to."

"Yes I choose not to let a violent and dangerous man back out into the world. I don't see the problem Steven."

"You wouldn't." Steven mumbled knowing he was fighting a losing battle.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Elizabeth walked slowly through the forest half in a daze. Nikolas truly wanted her. It hadn't been just his fever talking the last few days. He had meant every word. Something she was still trying to accept the fact hours later.

When Steven arrived, the two men immediately shooed her out. She paced the halls for several tense moments before fleeing. Elizabeth didn't want to know what was happening in Nikolas's room. Steven was likely to not be happy with this new development. At least she thought so. Her world was so mixed up Elizabeth didn't know much of anything anymore.

"Nice night for a walk." Jason said from a slightly secluded spot. He smiled when Elizabeth jumped at the sound of his voice. She really was a delectable little thing too bad she had to die.

"I suppose so," she said edging away from the blonde man. Elizabeth didn't trust Jason or his motives.

"Nikolas tire of your amusements?"

"What... What are you talking about?"

"Come now Elizabeth." he tisked taking several steps towards her. "There's no need to play innocent with me. Courtney saw the two of you together."

"She saw us together."

"Indeed and she was quiet upset about the whole thing. Of course I tried to convince her that this is how the world works but I'm afraid she was insistent."

"About what?" she asked confused by Jason's half speak.

"That you die of course. I really wish you had taken me up on my offer but this will do nicely for revenge."

"You're insane both of you."

"I prefer to think of it as determined. Now come along nicely," he said grabbing one of her arms tightly.

"Or what you'll kill me?" she snapped back struggling against Jason's hold.

"Such fire. I can see what amuses Nikolas. This doesn't have to be painful unless you want it to be."

"I believe that will be enough." Nikolas said stepping out of the shadows.