Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story belongs to me.

Note: Okay, three reviews, that's not bad. Now that I've finished "Cat and Mouse," I'm now going to proceed with the next chapter of "Freedom isn't Free," the sequel that I started the other day. No spoilers, just follow along.

Damon & Elena's House – That Same Moment...

Elena stood by the kitchen window, just gazing out at the cars as they zoomed by, hoping that one of them was Damon's. As she stood there, she felt a slight kick in her belly and gently rubbed it with her hand. She was now five months pregnant and was anxiously awaiting the day where she'd finally be meeting the little Salvatore she was carrying within her. She had gone to the doctor earlier today to get her ultrasound and discovered that she was having a boy. That was part of the reason she was so anxious for Damon to come home, so that she could tell him the good news.

A soft purring sound brought Elena out of her reverie and she looked down to see Phantom rubbing against her leg. In the time that she and Damon found him, he had grown considerably and was eating quite well. He had been less than a month old when he was rescued and now, he was close to four months old and the most playful, energetic little rascal that the couple had ever known.

Laughing slightly, Elena carefully picked him up and pet him, earning her some more purring. "Yes, I know, you're anxious for Damon to come home too, aren't you? Well, he should be here any minute."

Just as she finished what she was saying, she heard a knock at the door. Curious, Elena exited the kitchen and approached the door, still holding Phantom in her arms. "Who is it?"

"It's Stefan, Elena."

Stefan? What was he doing here? Although his visit was unexpected, Elena never turned down an opportunity to see her brother-in-law. Opening the door, she smiled when she saw him standing on the porch, a bag in his hand.

"Stefan, hi," she said. "What brings you here?"

"Is it a crime now to drop in on family?"

"No, I guess not," said Elena. "I just didn't expect to see you, that's all." She opened the door further and stepped back. "Come on in."

Stefan smiled and walked in. Phantom meowed and purred when he saw the younger Salvatore brother. "I see your kitten's gotten better since you rescued him."

"Yeah, he's a good boy," said Elena. "True, he was a bit slow to trust us, but once he knew that we weren't going to hurt him, he adjusted fairly well. The vet said that if we hadn't found him, he would've died from either starvation or some other animal would've killed him."

Stefan nodded and handed her the bag. "A little something for the baby. Caroline and I were shopping the other day and she fell in love with it."

Elena smiled and rolled her eyes. She had a feeling that her former roommate, Caroline Forbes, would've planned this. But, she had a good heart, there was no mistaking that.

"I figured as much," she replied, taking the bag from him. "So, how is Caroline?"

"Oh, you know, work, work, work," said Stefan. "I tell you, the District Attorney's office has been swamped lately. Every time I go to see her, she's either on the phone, or signing some document that has to be filed." He sighed. "I don't know how she manages to do it and still look so beautiful."

Elena smiled again when she heard that last statement. Since she introduced them at the wedding three months ago, Stefan and Caroline had been seeing each other quite frequently.

"How's your mother?"

"Oh, good, very good," said Stefan. "Not to mention excited about becoming a grandmother. She even told me that she'll be coming to see you and Damon very soon, so be prepared." Looking around, he added, "Where is Damon anyway?"

"I sent him out to get caramel apples," said Elena. "He should be home any time now."

Stefan nodded. "Ah, I see, the cravings. I'm surprised you haven't driven him completely nuts yet with those."

"If I have, he's doing a good job of hiding it," said Elena. "But, Damon has been very attentive to my needs and I couldn't ask for anything more than that. I love him, Stefan, and I always will."

Stefan smiled and was about to say something when the phone rang. Not sure who would be calling, Elena handed Phantom to him and picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Is this Elena?"

"It is," she replied. "Who are you?"

"I'm Rebekah, an old friend of Damon's. I'm surprised he hasn't told you about me. We go back a long way, to when he was working for my brother."

Elena blinked. So, Klaus had siblings? She had no idea. But, that didn't make the situation any better. "What does this have to do with..."

"Fine, I'll spare you the pleasantries," said Rebekah. "I have Damon."

"Where is he, you bitch?" said Elena. "What have you done with him? I swear to God, if you hurt him..."

"Oh, don't get your panties in a knot, your hubby is safe," said Rebekah. "In fact, I'll let you talk to him if you don't believe me."

Elena then heard Damon get on the other end. "Elena?"

"Yes, it's me," she replied. "Are you all right? She didn't hurt you, did she?"

"No, I'm fine, for the most part," said Damon. "I'm so sorry, angel."

"Damon, this isn't your fault," said Elena. "I'm going to get you out of this, I promise. If I saved you from Klaus, I can definitely save you from Rebekah. In fact, I don't give a shit if I'm pregnant. Nothing is going to keep me from finding you."

"Be careful, Elena," said Damon. "I'd hate for anything to happen to you or the baby. I love you."

"I love you too, Damon," said Elena. "I'll save you, you have my word."

Rebekah got on the other end. "You see? He's just fine. And if you want him to stay that way, there's something I need you to do for me."

"I'll do anything to get Damon back."

"Good girl," said Rebekah. "I need you to go to the airport and there, you will go to the lockers. Ask one of the guards for a key to locker #375."

"375?" said Elena. "What's in there?"

"A briefcase containing over a million dollars in unmarked bills."

"Wait, I've seen this movie before," said Elena. "Once I get you what you want, you'll double cross me and kill not only Damon, but me and my baby. How do I know that you're not going to do that?"

"You don't," said Rebekah. "But, you have no other choice in the matter, do you, Detective? You want your beloved Damon back, you have to comply with my demands."

Rebekah's Hideout – After the Call...

Rebekah smirked at Damon as she hung up the phone. "Your little wifey's loyalty to you is inspiring. Almost breaks my heart knowing that she probably won't survive this."

"You won't win, Rebekah," said Damon. "You're forgetting that Elena is a cop."

Rebekah laughed. "Oh, really? Well, that's where you're wrong, darling. My other brother, Kol, is working this little operation with me. He knows people, and he'll follow her to the airport, watching her every move. You see, Damon, I've planned out everything. I'm not stupid, like Nik was." She pulled him closer so that their faces were inches apart. "You've gotten to be more handsome than you were the last time I saw you."

Before Damon could say anything, Rebekah kissed him. However, he didn't like the way her lips tasted, having gotten used to Elena's, and bit her bottom lip, making her scream and pull away from him. Growling, she punched him, making his mouth bleed.

"You bastard! How dare you bite me like that!"

Damon panted and spit blood in her face. "That's what you get for thinking that I would ever let you seduce me. I love Elena and only Elena."

Rebekah took another piece of duct tape and put it over his mouth. "You'll learn to appreciate me, Damon. Once I get rid of your precious Elena, you'll belong to me."

Note: Man, I am REALLY hating Rebekah! Fear not, guys, she'll get hers. Elena won't stand for this, I guarantee it. Stay tuned!

ENJOY THE UPDATE AND REMEMBER TO REVIEW!