A/N: This chapter has some violence, and a bit of explicit material. Please excuse the grammatical errors. Thanks for all the great reviews.

Disclaimer: Not my characters. Wish they were.

Bonnie walked slowly in the woods, opening her senses to the life around her, attempting to commune with nature. She needed to get out of the cabin. Stefan looked genuinely lost when she said she was going for a walk, and he couldn't come, but she needed some time for herself to clear her head, and her heart. She felt guilty about leaving.

She had left Caroline in the kitchen sexting Tyler, and Stefan pacing the 100 feet perimeter Kol still had him bound to. Kol had gone to a neighboring town to visit an occult shop. He claimed she needed an athame to procure the required blood from Silas. According to Kol's sources, although not necessary for the spell, the ceremonial knife would focus the spell, lessening the amount of power Bonnie would have to wield to control the magic flowing through her.

She looked around and decided the quiet clearing would be a perfect spot to meditate and get in uninterrupted practice. She sat closing her eyes, trying to clear everything and everyone from her thoughts, to be still and just be. She sat in a trance for an hour until she felt their presence.

Bonnie looked up to find Qetsiyah and Emily before her. "I'm glad you have taken time to visit Mother Gaia this day little one. You have been neglecting your charge." Bonnie rose. "I was researching and preparing for the spell. It's just I couldn't leave Stefan-" Qetsiyah hand rose.

"I have no use for your meager excuses. That abomination is secondary to your task. The wizard's capture is my main concern. Come tell your tale Emily, daughter of Sarah. Tell this child what you told me." Emily had walked off a little toward the site of her former home. Her fading memories called to her. She turned now at the witch's command.

"The girl Silas seeks, this Prudence, her grandmother was a close friend. She spoke to me. Owens witches are the daughters of Maeve. They settled in Salem long ago. Silas is the patriarch of their line. He could only be following her to take her power or sacrifice her. Intuition tells me it's both. The Owen spirit's fear for her life, and reached out to our line to stop him." Bonnie looked at her ancestors confused.

"Daughters of Maeve, who is Maeve?" Emily eyes bugged as she glanced over to Qetsiyah. The ancient witch's eyes moved upward in frustration. She would have to have a serious talk with Sheila when she returned. Emily shook her head and sneered at Bonnie.

"You're a Bennett witch and you don't know of Amara Maeve? Even worse you practiced expression without knowing of its creator? Maeve, the mother of expression." Bonnie looked back and forth between the spirits.

"Shane told me Qetsiyah conceived expression." Qetsiyah eyes grew. She spat on the ground, and mumbled curses under her breath. The image of Shane's spirit being swallowed by black veins danced in front of Bonnie's eyes. She glanced at her ancestor in terror.

"Emily you may take your leave. Please join the others in sustaining the opening in the veil. It's time the Daughter of Abigail learned of her heritage." Emily bowed her head. Then faded before their eyes.

"Come sit little one, let me tell you of my disgrace." Bonnie moved closer to her ancestor's spirit, sitting cross-legged in front of her. Qetsiyah was staring off into space like she was miles away. Bonnie was startled when she eventually started speaking again.

"A long time ago a foolish girl, much like yourself, fell in love with a very handsome and beguiling man. Silas was a monster long before I made him one. He was wizard. His inherited magical talents were mediocre at best, but he craved power, and I was the most powerful witch there was. So he courted me like he courted dozens of other witches before me, to steal my power and kill me. I don't think he anticipated my intellect or my kinship with my village. His plan required more time and effort than he had intended. To serve his purpose we were eventually betrothed. Amara Maeve was to serve as my maid in the wedding." Qetsiyah paused. Bonnie noticed the emotion that was playing across her face. This still affected her.

"Maeve was like sister to me. No, she was my sister. I would have done anything for her. She was a witch also, a strong one, but she didn't have my talents. Unbeknownst to me, Silas wooed her as well, whispering lies and deceit in her ear. His words took root, and millennia later, even after everything she has done, I want to blame that demon instead of her." Qetsiyah smiled looking into Bonnie's eyes. Trying to communicate a lesson the young witch had yet to learn.

"But seed can't grow in unfertile soil, little one. She turned against me. As the wedding feast grew closer her envy clouded her thoughts. She disappeared from the village. I discovered later she had taken her leave to magnify her powers, experimenting with a death magic and necromancy. She sought to enhance her powers so Silas would want to marry her, and not me." Bonnie tried to pretend not to notice the tear in the corner of her eyes.

"During this time I was completely besotted and oblivious to the truth that was before me. Silas began to hint to a spell that would make us immortal. We could be together for eternity. I knew it was a crime against nature, but it still was a sweet song to my ears. I began working on the spell. It would be our wedding gift." Qetsiyah turned away from Bonnie, looking off into the woods.

"A week before the wedding I had succeeded in creating the spell. Of course Silas knew, he watched me from the shadows. He watched me pouring over runes, and the writings of my people. He watched me bleed to please him. Not a day later, Maeve appeared. Not the girl I knew, this woman had a soul as soiled as an infant's cloth. Her powers had increased tenfold, but she was still no match for me. I cornered her, but I could not proceed. My heart would not allow it. She was my sister. I loved her. In the end, because I hesitated, she bested me. She wreaked havoc on the village. Suffice to say, Silas was impressed and infatuated. Not only was she more powerful, she had defeated me, found a way to enhance magic and she had done all of this just to be with him. Unaware of his true intentions, he implored me to cast the immortality spell so he could protect the village from Maeve. We all know that I obliged him and disgraced myself and my lineage." Qetsiyah turned towards Bonnie again, kneeling so their eyes were level.

"I betrayed my mother's teachings, my heritage, and Mother Gaia herself for the man I love, for a monster. Once the spell was done, he immediately stuck my father's dagger in my chest, and stripped my power. Only then did I see him for the serpent that he truly was. He and Maeve fled. My mother was the greatest healer in the land. She worked furiously to save my life, but I was overcome with grief, guilt and shame. Ready to pass on to the abyss. It is then that she told me. 'This is not the time for self pity my love. It is a time for action. We learn from our mistakes little one, and then we fix them.' So I fought. My sorrow turned to anger, my anger to rage. My mother was able to restore my health and most of my power. She gave up her magic to make mine stronger. It was an unbelievable sacrifice, one that I would not take for granted." Qetsiyah rose pacing in front of her descendant.

"While I recuperated I devised a plan. Silas and Meave's exploits were becoming legendary. They sacrificed witches by the dozens. Taking their power to fuel her expression. Maeve wore a necklace of their bones, the bones of our daughter and sisters. Silas encouraged her. He had found his mirror image, and an indispensible source of power."

"I tracked them in a village off the coast, a village that was once populated with three witch families. When I got there, they had been sacrificed months earlier, a spell to give Silas another offspring. Mother Gaia had cursed Maeve's womb the moment she sacrificed her first victim. Only expression could help her bare Silas's heirs. Ironically, I was with child myself." Bonnie eyes darted to her great grandmother.

"No, little one. Silas is not the patriarch of the Bennett line. My true love was a good and decent man. A farmer." Bonnie sighed in relief. "I incapacitated them both. I took Maeve to the mountains in the north trying to exercise the expression and strip her of her powers. The act was too great for her body. She had been abusing herself for the last few years. She crossed over during the spell. I placed wards all around grave, to stop anyone foolish enough to free her spirit."

"I ensnared the demon Silas, and then created a prison that would hold him for eternity without his Maeve. They are too powerful and dangerous together even in death. My ancestors were charged with seeing my plan come to fruition. Ayanna had the insight to create the five and centuries later… you freed him."

Bonnie mouth pulled downward. Qetsiyah took pity on the girl. "Take ease child. Your just the latest Bennett witch to be deceived by Silas's lies." Bonnie was enthralled by the tale. It was kind of hard not to see the parallels in her life. Unease settled in her chest.

"So now you see the wizard must be stopped. Monsters don't deserve happy endings." Bonnie was swirling with emotions she wasn't thinking when she replied, "you created that monster." Sorrow flickered across Qetsiyah's face. Bonnie immediately regretted what she said.

"Yes, Daughter of Abigail, I did… because I loved him. Take heed, Bonnie Bennett, love makes us do terrible things. The need to please the ones we love despite all consequences is a curse that has trickled down through the generations, me with Silas, Emily with Katherine, and now you with the Gilbert children. Will you break this curse Daughter of Abigail or will you be it's latest victim?"

-o0o-

Kol watched Stefan out the back window pace the perimeter as he put his cellphone up to his ear. He turned towards Caroline at the table as the phone began to ring, frowning when the call went to voicemail.

"Hello Kitten, Caroline informs me that you have been gone all morning. I know you said you needed time to yourself, but just give either me or Caroline a call so we know you're okay." Kol ended his call turning back to Stefan. "What is he up to?" He asks the Blonde who currently had her nose stuck in a book. "I think he's waiting for Bonnie. He's been like that since she left." Kol eyes narrowed.

"Really?" Caroline looked up from her US history book. "Whoa there caveman. I can feel the jealousy rolling off you from here. Even though you and Bonnie have gotten…close, that doesn't mean you own her. I'm pretty sure she still has feelings for Jeremy anyway." Kol rolled his eyes.

"As I told her, I'm not worried about Jeremy Gilbert." Caroline shook her head and went back to 1776. After a few moments she looked up and Kol was still eyeing Stefan. "Well you seem to be worried about Stefan Salvatore." Kol turned quickly raising a brow. "You're her best mate, tell me, how long have they been sleeping together?" Caroline eyes grew to saucers.

"What!?" Kol pursed his lips then turned back to the window. "Obviously she didn't inform you either." Caroline closed her book. "How did you-" Kol turned back to the stunned vampire. "I caught them in bed together." Caroline mouth dropped open. She had been teasing Bonnie but she never thought... "You caught them having sex?" Caroline interrogated.

"No they were asleep." Caroline rolled her eyes and chucked her book at the original. "You idiot. Stefan is afraid to be alone. She probably let him sleep with her so she could get some rest. You did leave her alone to take care of him." Kol raised his arms towards Caroline.

"What are you here for darling, to look pretty? So you know, my Kitten has that covered as well." Kol said turning back towards his perceived competition. "I came when I could, I-" Kol raised his hand at her.

"Yeah I know, you had lessons. I don't know if you noticed or not but your mates are facing the most difficult tasks in their lives, and you have to study…" Kol reached down to pick up the book that barely missed his head a few moments earlier. "Ah, US History. I mean it's not like you're not immortal or anything. Like you can't take lessons later."

Caroline stared at the original. He had a point, but Caroline had decided at graduation, she wasn't going to let this thing, this perpetual supernatural misery stop her from following her dreams, and Bonnie should do the same. At one time, Bonnie wanted to be an anthropologist and Caroline wanted to be a journalist. They should both be at Whitmore, instead of Bonnie stuck here trying to stop Silas with Kol. She deserved more, and hadn't asked for any of this.

Of course she was going to help her, but she wasn't going to do it at the expense of her own happiness. She wished Bonnie thought the same way. If today was any indication she was starting to. The old Bonnie would have let Stefan tag along despite needing a moment for herself. Caroline wondered whom she should thank for that. "You're in love with her." Kol turned his brow raised.

"As if it wasn't painfully obvious." Kol responded. Caroline smiled. Then she thought about who Kol Mikealson really was. Caroline actually didn't know. She knew about his despicable reputation, but what had he done but try to stop them from freeing Silas, which was the stupidest idea ever. She had been hoping for so long, Bonnie would find someone worthy of her. Someone who would treat her right and not cheat on her with a ghost. And Bonnie shows up with Kol Mikealson, Really?

"If you ever do anything to hurt Bonnie. I will dagger you myself. I'm sure I can talk your brother into loaning me his dagger since they have no effect on him anymore." Kol laughed. "Indeed. But that goes for you lot as well, darling. Bonnie Bennett will no longer be abused for the sake of the doppelganger. You all will learn to respect her for the witch goddess she is. Or so help me, I will return to my murdering ways." Kol threatened wearing a dastardly smile. Caroline had no doubt he would deliver on that threat.

"Like you ever left your murdering ways. If it were up to you right now, Stefan would have a wooden stake buried his chest. He's suffering you know? He's afraid and heartbroken. He doesn't need a lunatic taking out his jealousy on him. I'm sure Bonnie is just trying to help him recuperate. And you're right…I am being selfish right now, and I hope it's contagious." Kol smirked. "Point taken, darling. But, you may have helped more then you know. The ripper needs to recuperate does he?"

-o0o-

A few hours later, Caroline left to go to class, stating she would be back later. Bonnie had called to tell them she was still practicing, and not to worry. It was the perfect time to take the ripper's rehabilitation into his own hands. Kol called Stefan into the house.

Stefan knew it was best just to comply. He had been so worried about Bonnie. He didn't think it was a good idea for her to go off alone, especially with Silas back in town. And you miss her. Stefan hated to admit that to himself. It made him feel weak, and too attached. He was doing fine but he still had issues he needed to work on. He walked into the house cautiously. He had no idea what was about to happen with Bonnie gone. Being in the small cabin in the daytime still bothered him, but it was nowhere near a month and a half ago.

Kol sat on the couch and gestured that he should sit in the chair across from him. Stefan did not like the smirk that hung on the originals lips. He was definitely up to something. Stefan sat in the armchair waiting for the original to reveal what this was about.

Stefan watched Kol lean forward and peer into his eyes contracting his pupils. "Tell me mate, why did Bonnie's bedroom smell of sex the other morning." Embarrassment crawled inside Stefan's belly, but he couldn't stop the tide of words from spilling out of his mouth. This wasn't going to end well.

Kol listened as Stefan recounted the tale of Bonnie's dreams. He was ecstatic he had been featured in her fantasies while livid Stefan was there instead of him. The vampire had gotten to second base by happenstance. He thought about killing him, but that would piss Bonnie off. In seconds Kol was wrenching Stefan's right arm backwards. Stefan howled.

The crack was satisfying. His pain hilarious, but Kol still felt aggrieved.

He thought about telling her, but he wasn't sure how she would react, and he didn't want to embarrass her. What had this woman done to him? He would think she bewitched him, if he didn't know any better. Bonnie was the best thing he had going for him and he wasn't going to mess it up, even if he was currently craving Salvatore's blood. He watched Stefan try to reset his arm, and then sat back in his original position like he didn't just try to rip the vampire's arm from its socket. Once he compelled the ripper to forget it would be like it never happened.

"Tell me ripper, do you fancy Bonnie?" Stefan face bunched in confusion. Bonnie? He had always thought of her as Elena's friend. He had recently realized, in shame, he didn't really see her before, she was just this part of Elena's life or the witch with the handy spells. But lately, when he thinks about Bonnie something happens in his stomach, warmth spreads through his chest. "I don't know? She has always been so loyal. I'm thankful she counts me among her friends" Stefan felt the flutter in his abdomen. He smiled looking past the original.

"Have you noticed how beautiful she is? She's so caring, gentle and selfless. It's weird you know. That's how I used to think about Elena, but it's Bonnie. You know," Kol's jaw clenched. If the vampire didn't fancy her, he was well on his way to it. He needed Stefan 100% healthy. Then maybe he could shatter this bond forming between the two of them.

"Salvatore, I have no doubt that your recent foray under the sea was traumatic, but for several reasons I need you to pull yourself together. I can see the strides you have made. I mean, it's not like your crawling on the forest floor anymore because you're overcome with feelings. I commend your effort. I do, but it's still going pretty slow. And, as long as you walk around brooding, and anxious my Kitten's attentions will be divided."

"She will not be able to accomplish her task. A task that could free her from this mess you and your pathetic brother got her in. I say all of this so you will understand I'm not trying to be cruel or hurtful, well mostly I'm not. Stefan, I need you to go into the bathroom, close and lock the door without turning on the lights, then turn on the faucet at the sink." Kol watched as fear took over the vampire's features. He almost felt pity, almost.

"You will sit in there for five minutes. Do not come out until your five minutes are up, do not turn off you emotions, and do not speak of this afternoon to anyone. Do you understand? Here I brought a stopwatch. Consider this the first step to your full recovery." Stefan sat there trying to work through the anxiety.

"Go Ripper. Time to face your fears. " Stefan nodded, but he was stricken. Why was Kol doing this to him? He had already broken his arm. He had explained, he and Bonnie had not had sex. You can do this Stefan. Don't let him know he is torturing you.

Stefan's chest was tight. He kept imagining his lungs filling with holy water. The pain. The darkness. Stop it Stefan. You're safe. It's only five minutes. Go to your happy place. Do you have a happy place? It used to be with Elena in your bedroom. Stefan knew that wouldn't work any longer. Somewhere happy. Somewhere safe... outside under the trees.

He walked into the tiny room doing as he was instructed. When the door closed he felt the tears slide down his face. His arm reached for the faucet. He tried with all his might to fight the compulsion but he cringed in horror as his hand found the cold metal. It was cold like the water that engulfed him for months.

He listened to the sound he had been avoiding, rushing water. The sound that immediately transported him back into that safe. His face was wet. He felt like his chest was going to explode. He sank to the ground whimpering. Staring at the clock face. It was excruciating trying to hold on to reality, fighting the images, the memories of searing pain and solitude. Somehow Bonnie appeared in his thoughts surrounded by sunlight. He could feel relief from the crushing ache in his chest.

When his time was up. He pulled the door open almost tearing it off its hinges. He sped out of the room, out the backdoor heading for the vanishing sunlight. He took his place back at the perimeter, waiting, longing for Bonnie's return.

-o0o-

"That's it Daughter of mine, you must be steadfast. Don't try to force the magic. Let it consume you, flow freely, naturally." Qetsiyah coached as Bonnie fought to contain the tornado she had been instructed to conjure. The spell required her to grow a storm inside a force field and hold both steady. She had been working all day to make the storm inside larger. Four nosebleeds later, her cyclone could claim half of Mystic Falls. She had gone from Daughter of Abigail to Daughter of mine when she grew the tornado to the size of a car.

"That's enough for today little one. My time on this plane draws near, and you need nourishment. Continue this course, it will prepare you to face the wizard." Bonnie was tired, and hungry but more than anything Bonnie was grateful. She was finally learning about herself, and her heritage. Grams had tried her best to show her, but their time was cut short. She was overwhelmed by her emotions.

"Qetsiyah …I" The spirit's hand rose. "Silence, little one. Thanks are not required nor requested. It is my duty and honor to be here this day. Furthermore at the end of this journey, it is I that will owe you thanks. So scurry off to your mate. I fear he grows anxious." Bonnie rolled her eyes.

"Kol will be okay." Qetsiyah smiled a knowing smile. "It is not of that mate which I speak." Bonnie's eyes knitted in confusion. "Jeremy? Jeremy doesn't even know I'm here." Qetsiyah shook her head. "Heed my words, little one, two suitors is a difficult but a manageable task. Three may be over exerting yourself." Bonnie stared at her ancestor in dismay. She watched her smile and say, "we are witches Daughter of Abigail, not virgin priestesses," as she faded into oblivion.

-o0o-

Silas started chanting the moment his feet neared the edge of the lake. He reached out and felt the magic deep below the water's surface. He smiled. His plan was still in tact. While in Salem, he had the strangest feeling that he was being followed.

Of course he made a few quick turns, and tried to see who and what would stumble into the light, but alas no one was revealed. Damon isn't that smart, so he wanted to make sure no one else had caught on to his deception. The blonde had been around a lot the week before he left but he had attributed that to her wanting to mate with Stefan. If he wasn't so busy he might have indulged her. You're being paranoid and impatient, Silas. You will be reunited with your love soon enough.

It had taken some convincing to get Prudence, or Pru, as she liked to be called to Mystic Falls. He eventually went with a version of the truth. He told her of her ancestry and his desire to raise the "Amara Maeve", and then promised her power and glory. What witch could resist, especially with his blood pumping through her veins? She was a smart girl and powerful. It's a shame should would have to die in the sacrifice to raise Maeve. She would have made an excellent Lieutenant. Until then she had taken up residence at the local bed and breakfast, scouring the old texts for any details that might help him neutralize Qetsiyah's wards.

The occult shops in Salem were rife with junk and trinkets for tourists, but the libraries were a different story. He had found a way to raise Maeve without having to use so much power and consume so much blood. If he kept up his current pace the authorities were sure to take note. He didn't need Sheriff Forbes catching up to him. Which would cause Damon to concentrate on something else besides his pretty little girlfriend.

He just needed to keep up this façade until the next eclipse. He was a patient man. It actually worked to his advantage he needed time to gather the rest of the spell's ingredients, and ensure its success. Qetsiyah's magic surrounded the cave she buried Maeve in and there is no telling what ensnarements the witch had laid for him. In less then two months time, he would be celebrating the return of his Amara Maeve, the mother of expression, and proprietor of his heart.

-o0o-

When Bonnie walked through the door she was pleasantly surprised. Kol, Stefan, and Caroline were sitting at the kitchen table filled with food. "It's about time." Caroline sighed, eyeing Kol and Stefan.

"These two have been a little anxious. Come sit down. Stefan and me made spaghetti. It was Kol's idea, but he did none of the work." Bonnie smiled putting down her things.

"Really?" Bonnie said walking over to the trio. Caroline nodded. "Bollocks, who did the shopping? How hard is it to boil noodles." Stefan rose to pull out Bonnie's seat. She sat ignoring Caroline's grin. "Actually the pasta is homemade. Old Salvatore family recipe." Stefan said quietly taking his seat. Kol rolled his eyes.

"Salvatore you can-" Bonnie grabbed Kol's hand. "Thank you all, it looks and smells wonderful. I'm starving." Caroline set a plate in front of Bonnie while Kol opened the wine, and Stefan retrieved the wine glasses from the cupboard. "You should be Bon, you've been gone since this morning," Caroline said. Kol passed her the bowl of Stefan's pasta.

"Yeah I didn't plan to be gone that long but Qetsiyah and Emily came to me in a vision." Everyone looked up from his or her food. "What did they say lovely?" Kol said scooping salad onto her plate.

"They said Prudence Owens is Silas and Maeve's ancestor. And he plans to harm her." Caroline looked at Kol. "Isn't she the witch he brought back here? She's at the Bed and Breakfast? He hasn't harmed her yet." Bonnie shrugged.

"The witch spirits have been talking. They fear for her safety." Stefan listened quietly. He wasn't up to speed like everyone else. "Doesn't Tiki work at the Bed and Breakfast? " Stefan said thinking about the last time he saw her. He had been with Elena. They were happy then. Kol's brow rose. Caroline and Bonnie turned to Stefan.

"Maybe someone could ask her about the witch's habits." Bonnie shook her head. "I don't want Tiki spying on Silas or his powerful granddaughter." Caroline sighed stabbing the wondering cherry tomato on her plate. "We could compel her. She wouldn't even remember we asked." Stefan offered hesitantly.

Kol smirked. Bonnie rolled her eyes. As someone who was currently under Kol's thumb she would think Stefan would think twice about suggesting compulsion.

"It's not a bad idea Bon." Caroline added. 'It's not like were compelling her to do something that will harm her." Kol was careful to keep his face neutral. These two were playing with fire. His witch could be stubborn when she wanted.

"Just because you three are vampires with powers doesn't mean you have to whip them out every three seconds. Compulsion is wrong. I thought of all people, Caroline, you would agree." Caroline sighed.

"Come now Kitten, were not suggesting anything untoward. As much as I hate to admit it, Salvatore has a point. He's suggesting compulsion to keep this girl from harm. I know you have a hard time trusting vampires. It's in your nature. And who can blame you with the things you have had to endure, but no harm will come to this girl and she may have information we can use."

"Of course you agree with them. I'm tired of innocent people being wrapped up in the supernatural. We always say it's going to be okay then people die. I don't want people dying for me. I don't want their brains being fried. People being manipulated." Bonnie says take a sip of wine.

"Well I don't want you to die. I'm tired of you being wrapped up in situations like this and that's why I'm working hard to help you stop Silas. If this girl-"

"No. Don't you say it. Tiki may not be a witch, she's just a girl working at a hotel and she's just important as I am. She's not collateral damage, she's my friend, and she will not be sacrificed because a vampire is in love with me." Kol pursed his lips clearly annoyed staring at the fire in his witch's eyes.

Caroline shook her head. How could she not see the parallel? Stefan sat churning in emotion. Bonnie's words filled him with guilt, sorrow, and awe. He was also taken with the fact Kol didn't even deny he was in love with Bonnie. Why would he Stefan?

Caroline cleared the air. "Okay so we follow Prudence also. What do you guys think Silas is up to? Kol you mentioned something about the eclipse?" Kol turned away from his witch, remembering the food he was supposed to be eating. Bonnie returned to her meal as well.

"Silas must have visited every occult shop and apothecary in Salem. He also spent a lot of time at local libraries. The local witches became suspicious and began to talk. I hung around and heard that Silas was looking for a way to harness large amounts of power for some difficult spell. A local witch explained the benefits of performing massive spells during the eclipse to him. He left a few days later. The next eclipse is about two months away." Everyone was lost in thought. They were all trying to figure out the sorcerer's next move.

"Massive spell?" Caroline said worried.

"I also got a look at some of the books he was studying at the library. His research was always on caves, caverns and haunted sites. He must have looked at twenty books on mountain ranges and caverns across America." Bonnie eyes narrowed as she tried to recall Qetsiyah's story.

"Qetsiyah said that she buried Maeve North in the mountains and set all kinds of magical wards to keep people away." Stefan eyes met Bonnie's.

"Wasn't that the whole thing with Silas? He was in love with one woman and used Qetsiyah to make him immortal."

"Qetsiyah said Silas had a thing for stripping witches powers and killing them. Maybe he's trying to take the most powerful witch's power."

"Prudence Owens isn't the most powerful witch." Stefan said looking at Bonnie.

"He thinks Bonnie is dead." Caroline retorted dipping her bread in marinara. Kol grinned at the youngest Salvatore brother.

"But her cousin Lucy isn't" He said reading Stefan's mind. Bonnie and Caroline's mouths dropped open.

"Do you think he will go after her? " Bonnie asked panicked.

"No that's my point. He doesn't want Prudence for her power. She's not the most powerful witch."

"Maybe he needed someone from his bloodline for this spell." Bonnie said.

"Maybe he needs a virgin. Prudence has been unclaimed." Everyone eyed the original.

"How could you possibly know that?" Caroline said.

"I'm a vampire. Virgin's blood smells different. It's sweeter. Isn't that right Salvatore? Hasn't been polluted by other blood streams." Bonnie and Caroline turned to Stefan.

"That's nonsense. I have never smelled a difference between virgin and non-virgin blood."

Stefan sighed. "Actually it's true. You probably can't smell the difference because you're so young."

Bonnie's face scrunched in disgust. Like she needed another reason to detest vampires. And here she sat with three of them. Something clicked in Bonnie's brain. When she first met Stefan and Damon she was a virgin.

"What if it's both? Maybe he needs a virgin from his bloodline." Caroline said matter-of-factly. Bonnie's eyes shot to the Blonde. "He's trying to raise Maeve." Bonnie whispered in terror.

"Amara Maeve" Kol said equally bothered. Caroline and Stefan sat confused. "Whose Imani Mava?" Caroline asked.

Kol sighed. "She's the mother of expression. Real wack job, makes originals and rippers look like teddy bears. If she gets free, witches will die by the hundreds. Starting with the most powerful family, the Bennett Line."

-o0o-

Bonnie sighed as the hot water washed away the worry, dirt and grim of the day. Conjuring tornados and containing them were hard work. Figuring out Silas's evil plans to some extent was more tiring. Standing down three headstrong vampires took a lot out of her, but she could honestly say she cared deeply for all of them.

She thought about what Qetsiyah said before she left. Her suitor. She couldn't have meant Stefan. You peek in on one guy and everyone thinks you're in love with him. Stefan was attractive, but he was a friend, Elena's ex. Besides she still had to contend with Jeremy, and the residual feelings there, and then there was a matter of the not so residual feelings she had for Kol.

He had tried to give her a massage after dinner. She was so tense after they put two and two together. Truthfully if Stefan wasn't there she might have let him. You would have definitely let him. When was the last time you had sex Bonnie? She thought about Kol now as the water moved over her body. She thought about his mouth, his hands. She imagined them roaming over her body as her hands were doing currently.

Bonnie melted into her thoughts as her hands made their way between her thighs. Her lying in bed with Kol kissing while Stefan placed kisses on her shoulder. Bonnie's eyes suddenly opened. Where the hell did that come from? Bad thought Bonnie. Seriously bad…but hot. She closed her eyes slipping back into her fantasies hoping the vampires couldn't hear her above the shower.

Bonnie couldn't help the smile on her face as she pulled on her pajamas. Caroline was a bad influence. She hadn't been thinking about threesomes or Stefan in that way until Caroline said something. She walked out of the bathroom and stopped dismayed at the sight before. Both Stefan and Kol were in her bed staring at one another.

"What's going on here?" Bonnie said looking between the two. Stefan shrugged and pursed his lips. "Alright then Kitten, ready for bed?" Kol said patting the space between him and Stefan. Bonnie turned to Kol. "Like the ripper here, I'm afraid to be alone at night. I need you to hold me." Stefan shook his head. Kol was an ass. Bonnie narrowed her eyes.

"Kol get out." Kol feigned shock, raising his arms. "Why does the ripper get all of your care darling, I need some comfort as well. We have been apart for almost a month. Maeve gives me nightmares." Bonnie laughed. "KOL, Stefan is here for a reason. He's afraid of being alone." Stefan was ashamed and hated this conversation, but he wasn't leaving the bed.

"It's true you know. I would leave if I could." Kol narrowed his eyes at the vampire. "Kitten, Aren't you the one who told me adults can share a bed without it being sexual. I don't see why we all can't share." Bonnie eyed the original. She didn't like his choice of words. She smiled when a solution sprung to mind. "Why don't you guys share your room, Kol? That way Stefan, you won't be alone and Kol, you can get the comfort you need." Bonnie said opening the bedroom door. Kol pursed his lips. It wasn't what he wanted. Bonnie alone in his arms, but it also meant that the she wasn't alone with Stefan. "Fine by me. After you mate."

Stefan rose from his side of the bed. He was a little surprised by what he was feeling. He thought it would be fear, but instead it was anger. He followed the original into the second bedroom. He turned watching Bonnie close her door. Kol threw a pillow at his head. "You can sleep on the floor. Tomorrow we continue your rehabilitation." Stefan sunk to the floor. Grabbing a quilt off the rocking chair in the corner as he went. "Can we leave on the lamp?" Stefan asked embarrassed. "No." Kol said switching off the light. The original was right about one thing, he needed to pull himself together, Stefan thought. He did not want to spend his nights with Kol Mikealson.

-o0o-

Bonnie tossed and turned all night. Shit. She was used to sleeping with Stefan now. Her bed felt huge without him. That could be the reason why when he snuck back in her room she pretended she was asleep. She lay there listening to his breathing until it slowed, or rather stopped. Vampires were like dead bodies when they slept. She was about to drift off when Kol entered the room. He was about to yank Stefan out of the bed when she stopped him. He looked so pitiful and defeated in that moment. She took pity on him and patted the other side of the bed. He slipped into the bed. She gave him a peck on the lips before closing her eyes. They popped back open when he pulled her closer devouring her with his lips. She hesitantly pushed him way. He grinned licking his lips. Thank God, Stefan was in the bed. There was no telling what she would let him do. Bonnie sighed. What she wanted him to do.

-o0o-

Caroline walked into the cabin expecting the usual, but Bonnie wasn't at the kitchen table, Kol wasn't on the phone on the couch, and Stefan was not in the back yard. It was almost 11:00am. She hoped nothing had happened. She put down her bag, calling out Bonnie's name walking to her bedroom. She threw open the door, and was shocked by what she saw there.

Bonnie was sandwiched between Kol and Stefan. Her head was on Kol's chest while Stefan had the rest of her wrapped in his arms. It was the sexiest thing Caroline had ever seen. Too bad they were fully clothed. She was tempted to take photos but instead opted for ridicule.

"So this is what you guys do, when I'm not around?" Caroline said. Bonnie's eyes drifted open at the sound of Caroline's voice. She smiled at her friend until she remembered she was not alone in bed. She looked up at Kol. He was yawning and trying to sit up. Stefan groaned, and then opened his eyes slowly. He quickly pulled away when he realized where he was. Caroline watched in amusement.

"I'm going out back. " Stefan said rising and walking past the Blonde. He picked up his baby wipes and toothbrush on the way out the door. Bonnie sat in the middle of bed. Trying to figure out what was going on with her. She knew she was in bed with both and did nothing. She tried to ignore the fact she felt the most rested she had in a while.

Kol stretched out turning back over. "Care to join us Blondie." Caroline giggled shaking her head. "No I think I'll be in the kitchen. Looks like Bonnie has had enough threesomes this morning." Bonnie narrowed her eyes at her friend. Caroline just smirked raising a brow. She mouthed "Harem." Before she turned and headed back to the kitchen to make coffee.

-o0o-

For the first time in a long time, Stefan felt like working out. To be honest, he was starting to grow bored. Bonnie and Caroline were in the forest picking wildflowers so he had no one to talk to. How many times could you write about loss, pain, and sorrow?

He started with some jumping jacks to get his heart going then went into his routine of pushups, crunches, and pull-ups. It felt good to move his body again, but he was clearly out of shape. He collapsed to the ground after his fiftieth push up. He used to do 200. He turned when a shadow moved over him. Kol loomed over him leering.

"I see you've been working out ripper. I think it's time for you to hit the showers." Stefan's face crumpled in confusion until he realized…Kol snatched him off the ground dragging him into the cabin to the bathroom. Stefan fought, trying to dig his heels in but he was too strong. He pinned him against the wall. Stefan knew what was coming next. He turned his head wildly so the vampire could not compel him. Kol grabbed his chin. Stefan closed his eyes tightly. "Fine let's do this the hard way." Grabbed the top of his head and turned quickly. Stefan collapsed into a heap.

The water rushed in at him on all sides. It was only a matter of time before it was covering his head, filling his lungs. He waited for it to sear or burn, but instead he felt droplets of rain, like sprinklers, or a shower. Stefan eyes shot open. He was in the tub with the shower raining down on him.

He tried frantically to get up, but slipped several times before he got a grip. Once he made it out of the tub, he reached back carefully, and turned off the shower. He walked out of the room. Kol had left the door open and the lights on. He was nowhere to be found. Stefan stared at his reflection in the sliding glass door. He looked like a drowned cat. It was a pitiful sight.

Kol was making fun of him, torturing him. The ripper did not like being ridiculed. He needed to beat Kol at his own games. He also needed to change clothes. He walked into Kol's room and grabbed the bag Caroline had brought for him. For the first time he noticed the old fashioned pitcher and basin in the corner of the room. You can do it Stefan, small steps until your lounging in a bath again. He felt nauseated at the thought. He was not ready to be submerged in water yet, but an old fashioned bath he could hopefully get through.

His heart was beating as he filled the pitcher. Stefan you just got out of the shower. The water did not hurt. You're going to bath in a big room with a bunch of light. He made his way from the kitchen sink back to the bedroom. He poured the water into the basin and just stared at it for a few minutes.

"Are you going to take a bath or not Salvatore? You were doing better than I expected. I'm mildly impressed." Stefan jumped when he heard Kol's voice. "You've been here this whole time?" Kol shrugged.

"A part of your recuperation. Make you think you were alone. Strangely you were so worried about the shower and a bath you didn't even notice. Makes me think that you're not so afraid of being alone anymore." Stefan stared at the original.

He was right. He was taking back pieces of himself. He tried to hide the pride he felt. He didn't need Kol to be anymore suspicious of his intentions towards Bonnie. He liked having arms and legs. The flutter in the pit of his stomach told him maybe Kol had some right to be suspicious.

"Is watching me undress a part of your plan as well?" Kol face contorted into disgust. "Of Course not. I just wanted to see if you would actually go through with it. I'll leave you to it. I'm glad your growing a backbone because the baby wipes weren't really working well anymore, mate."

-o0o-

"So are you going to tell me how both Kol and Stefan ended up in your bed?" Bonnie sighed but continued picking wildflowers. After a moment Caroline turned to her friend. "Bonnie Bennett are you trying to ignore me?" Bonnie turned to the young woman with tears in her eyes. Caroline eyes grew. "It's okay honey you don't have to tell if you don't want to." Bonnie set down her basket and sat on the ground. "It's not that Care. It's just I don't know what's going on." Caroline sat beside her concerned.

"I mean, I think I may be attracted to Stefan." Caroline tried to wipe the amusement off her face. "Really?" Bonnie scowled at her sister. "What do you mean, really?" Caroline laughed putting down her basket. "Come on Bonnie, you've always thought Stefan was hot, 'hot back.' The man is gorgeous. And I know your going to beat yourself up because of Elena, but Elena made her choice. And might I add it was the wrong one. What are these tears about?" Bonnie stared at her friend. "Because I am very aware of my feelings for Kol and Jeremy."

Caroline rolled her eyes at the mention of Jeremy. "So you have feelings. You haven't acted on any of them. And I will remind you, you are a single lady. You're not bound to Kol, Stefan or Jeremy." Bonnie looked at Caroline like she was crazy.

"I tell you I'm attracted to three men at once and you're encouraging me?" Caroline scrunched her nose. "Not encouraging, being supportive. And what can I say? Hello Tyler, Klaus, and Matt." Bonnie shook her head. "Caroline I have never envied you or Elena, and honestly deep down inside I was sort of judging Elena for her involvement with the Salvatore brothers. But now what can I say. I'm sleeping with Kol and Stefan. Having fantasies. I don't want to lead people on." Caroline brows rose.

"So don't lead them on. Be truthful about how you feel and what you want. For once Bon, think of yourself. They are big boys. Put it out there. Now tell me about this sexy steamy fantasy." Bonnie smiled at her friend. "Caroline! We need to find some Burhead, French mulberry, and toothwort." Caroline frowned swatting at a wayward yellow fly. "What we need to do is find some shade, eat our lunch, and dish on your naughty subconscious."

-o0o-

Kol walked out to Stefan's spot in the back of the cabin. The Ripper was always writing in his cute little diary. Kol cleared his throat. Stefan looked up from his journal. "What are you going to do now…lock me in a closet?" Kol smirked. "No, but I like the way you think Ripper. Which brings me to my point. You're not going out to feed at night." Stefan was confused.

"Yeah. Why do you care?" Kol snatched up his journal, flipping through the pages. He paused on something, chuckling, and then dropped the book back in Stefan's lap. "Well normally I wouldn't, but I need you at your strongest. I thought once I unleashed the ripper he would takeover at night, but I've gotten the brooder instead. This is not what I need." Stefan stared at the original. "What do you need the ripper for?"

"Bloodlust. Power. Revenge." Stefan nodded in understanding. "You need me to help take down Silas." Kol smiled. "Don't be too flattered, mate. My Bonnie is more than capable, but I believe in stacking the deck. I like the odds if both the Ripper and I are by her side. I also like the element of surprise. I need the lion mate, not the kitten."

Stefan definitely wanted to help, but his alter ego was somewhere he didn't want to venture. He couldn't venture, not right now anyway. If he unleashed the ripper, when the haze cleared Damon might be dead. Those were the thoughts he kept hidden, the thoughts that kept him in Bonnie's bed at night. Well that and Bonnie being tucked comfortably under his side.

"I'm drinking human blood from blood bags. You're drinking from blood bags too." Kol rolled his eyes. "Well I'm a 1,000 year old vampire with infinite power, besides a few pinches of tree ash, I'm fucking immortal. You are a 100-year-old weakling who vacillates between being a total dick and crybaby. We all know warm blood straight from the tap makes you stronger, and oddly a bit of a badass and creative. What I want to know is why it also makes you a prat? How do I get the ripper to merge with the cuckold? I probably wouldn't have an overwhelming need to stake that guy."

"I turn my switch off. I care about nothing but blood. That's why." Kol pursed his lips. "Bollocks. I'm not the doppelganger or your idiot brother. I don't buy it. I think the ripper is an excuse to do what you want, how you want, and still get to be the good brother. The angel. When in fact the ripper makes Damon look like a priest. The problem is everyone loves you. They're blinded by your hero hair and brooding eyes. Klaus, Elena, Damon, Caroline, even my kitten falls for your crap. But I see you clearly Salvatore."

Stefan didn't like what Kol was insinuating. "It's not like that." Kol smiled. "I think it is. And you know what… Bravo. It's a nice game you play, but now I need you to reach into that hat and pull out the ripper to take Silas down. You know, your great great great granddad who locked you in a box and chucked you off a cliff."

Stefan was tempted. Something unfurled within him. The ripper sat ready to pounce. The rage, bloodlust, and malice moved just below the surface. His resolve was slipping. He could almost taste the warm wet blood in his mouth, until the memories flooded his consciousness. What he did the last time he fed was horrific. It was always horrific.

His abuses haunted him. All of the ripper's victims waited for him in his dreams. Did they think he wanted to be like this, the good brother, the angel? It was all or nothing for Stefan. Abstinence was the only way to keep control. He was a monster. Their fear got him off. Their screams were an aphrodisiac, and their blood was euphoric. How could he be expected to tame these thoughts, these yearnings?

His favorite part was always the last few breaths they took, as their bodies shuttered and went limp. He would literally drain the life out of them, like a God. Ripping them apart like they were nothing. And when it was too late he would realize they were a person. And he just couldn't.

"Look I will drink more blood bags and work out. I will be ready for the fight, but I can't control the ripper." Kol looked Stefan in the eyes.

"I can." Stefan shook his head. "Yeah you can, and it's the only way you're going to get the ripper on a leash. Why do you care if I'm an ass anyway, you can compel me to do as you please?" Kol laughed.

"Oh I don't. But I think my lovely, and the blonde one might care. Besides Bonnie doesn't know about this part of the plan. She wants to tuck you in and keep you safe from big bad Silas. And the witch is smart. She will know I compelled you if your not allowed opening your mouth to speak. I have it on good authority that we have until the next eclipse. I'm willing to wager I can teach you control. You can fuck and/or feed without killing anyone. Aren't you tired of pretending Salvatore? Isn't the back and forth exhausting?" Stefan shook his head.

"Damon tried to teach me control, it didn't work." Kol rolled his eyes. "I'm not Damon." Kol said turning to go back into the cabin. "We start tomorrow. And Salvatore, since you're on the mend, you're sleeping on the couch tonight. Consider it another step in your rehabilitation."

-o0o-

Bonnie sat at the kitchen table eating the breakfast Stefan had made for her. It was really sweet, which made her feel guilty she was grumpy because she didn't sleep well last night. Stefan slept on the couch. She was happy Stefan was doing better, but she was going to have to get used to sleeping alone again. She thought Kol would have snuck in, you wanted Kol to sneak in, but he stayed in his room. Or so she thought, she had yet to see him this morning.

"Bonnie I wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. You freed me. You comforted me. I owe you so much." Stefan said choking up a little bit. Bonnie smiled reaching across the table to grab his hand. "It's okay Stefan. You're my friend." Stefan shook his head.

"See that's the thing. I haven't been much of a friend. Damon and me…I was just so caught up in Elena…I didn't realize the damage I was doing to everyone around me, or maybe I did and didn't care. Bonnie…I am so sorry for the way I treated you. I can't even convey what you have done for me now, and before. I really don't know why or how you put up with all of us. I do know that I am unworthy of such loyalty. And I'm going to do everything I can to help you send Silas to his maker."

Bonnie was at a loss for words. She couldn't help the tears that began to flow. "I appreciate you saying that Stefan, and you are my friend." Bonnie said wiping at tears. Stefan squeezed her hand tighter.

Kol walked through the front door. Stefan pulled his hand away from Bonnie. Bonnie glanced at the vampire, and then turned her attention to Kol.

"Are you crying again Salvatore? We have work to do." Kol came over to Bonnie and kissed her on the forehead. "Good morning Kitten. What are your plans for today?" Bonnie looked between Kol and Stefan. "I'm going to read and perfect the spell for harnessing power. What do you two have to do together?" Stefan rose, putting his dishes in the sink.

"Stefan here is going to help me train a bit. I promise I won't kill him. We'll be back later." Bonnie narrowed her eyes. She hoped Kol was not compelling him against his will. "Kol, no compulsion okay."

"Don't worry love. Today the ripper will have control." Kol grabbed a strawberry off her plate and headed towards the door. "You coming ripper?" drifted back into the cabin. "Bye Bonnie." Stefan said placing a hand on her shoulder. "Bye Stefan be careful out there, okay?"

Stefan nodded heading towards the door. Maybe he did want the ripper to come out. He wanted to be the one worrying and protecting Bonnie not the other way around.

Hope you enjoyed it! More Action, Magic, and Smut to come. A little fluff too. ;)