-Five-
Waking up was painful. He had lied to me. He wasn't there. I sigh and take a shower, having to go to Caroline's to help them decide on their dresses for the Miss Mystic Falls Pageant. I get dressed in a white lace sundress and my short leather jacket, slipping on my black heels booties. I rush out of the house, trying to avoid Damon and Stefan, but not having much luck.
"Buggie, wait."Damon calls after me. I groan and roll my eyes, continuing toward the door.
"I said wait."Damon growls in annoyance, zipping past and leaning against the door.
"I don't have time for this. I have to go to Caroline's."I say, shoving him out of the way and stepping out onto the porch.
"Adelina."He growls, ripping my arm. I turn and slap him across the face.
"You already hurt me once. Wanna do it again?"I snap, watching as pain and regret flash deep in his eyes, turning and walking quickly toward my car. I knew I hurt him, but he would've done the same. I drive toward the shop that Caroline mentioned being at and park, walking inside. It smelled like roses, perfume and crisp cloth.
"Finally. There you are."Caroline smiles, hugging me.
"Bonnie and Elena are in the dressing room right now so you can help me pick out my dress."She says happily, leading me toward a rack of dresses. Together we manage to find Elena a ball gown for the Founders Ball along with Caroline's green pageant dress. Bonnie wasn't entering, she was forced to try on dresses with Elena. The fact made me laugh as Elena tries on different dresses before settling on he navy blue gown.
"You should enter. It'd be fun."Caroline gushes, smiling almost too wide. I laugh and shake my head.
"I didn't even have a date for the decade dance. What makes you think I'll have an escort to dance with at the pageant?"I say, watching a man walk oddly slow past the shop.
"That's not true, you danced with Klaus."Elena corrects, eyeing me as if to prove me wrong. I sigh and roll my eyes.
"Miss."The man calls, walking toward me as Caroline goes to pay for the dresses. I turn and look at him, not recognizing him. He smiles and hands me what looked like a flower card. On the back there was a note written.
"Follow the rose pedals to your surprise."I read aloud. Caroline grips my arm and smiles.
"Aww that's so sweet."She says, pointing toward the path of red and white pedals leading out of the shop. Together we walk down the path as it leads us into the woods.
"Wait."Caroline calls, taking the dresses and flashing back to the car. When she reappears at my side, she's groaning into her phone.
"Just get your asses down here."She growls with a wink at me. Damon and Stefan. I could only guess. I groan and turn toward the path again, following it as they waited.
"Adelina."Damon and Stefan call softly from behind me as they follow. I shake my head.
"Not now."I snap, following the pedals until a single red rose appears on the ground. I bend down and pick it up, smiling. I look up and notice a white rose a few yards away at the beginning of the meadow. I walk toward it, Caroline flashing to my side, and pick it up as well. Suddenly the smell of vanilla and cinnamon floods my lungs as I slowly straighten. Caroline gasps as Elena and the others step up behind us. The meadow was scattered with white lit candles on stones and adding a beautiful glow. In the middle of the meadow stood a man with his back to us.
"Nik."I whisper to myself as he turns to face me. His blue eyes shine in the golden candle light. I step toward him, ignoring the growling disapproval of Damon and Stefan as Caroline and Elena hold them back. I walk through the candles and follow the rest of the pedals up to him.
"You wanted me to be real, right? Can I be any more real, love?"He asks sweetly, cupping my cheek. He looks back at Damon and smirks.
"Will you allow me the honor of being your escort to the Miss Mystic Falls Pageant, ?"He asks softly, hands on my hips as he pulls me closer. I smile, blushing down at the roses in my hands, and glance back at Caroline. Her eyes watch us suspiciously, though I knew they were all listening.
"I'd love to."I say softly.
"Yes!"Caroline cheers happily, rushing toward me and hugging me. I giggle and hug her back.
"May I?"Nik asks sweetly as everyone walks up to us, Caroline still hugging me tight. She watches him warily but nods and lets go. He steps up to me, tilting my head up to his, and kisses me gently.
"Hey."Damon growls. I turn and stand between them.
"Damon."I groan warningly with my hand on his chest as he steps closer, Nik's hands on my waist, pulling me into him. Damon glances down at me but ultimately returns his gaze to Nik.
"Take care of her."He says stubbornly, eyes glaring a warning. Nik chuckles and bows his head.
"Of course,Mr. Salvatore."He says sweetly. Damon leans down and kisses my hair.
"I'm sorry."He whispers. I nod and hug him. I couldn't stay mad at him, even if he did hurt me. He didn't mean to. I knew he didn't.
"Did everyone just forget how he sacrificed Elena to become this...this monster?"Stefan growls. I glance at him, then Elena and back at Nik. He nods slightly, almost regretfully.
"I needed a doppelgänger's blood to break the spell and Katherine killed herself to become a vampire and get away from it."He says, eyes closed and head turned like he didn't want to see the disgust hidden in my eyes. I look at Elena and reach up to him on my toes.
"She's happy as a vampire now and I don't want to lose you."I say softly, turning his head to look at me. He smirks again and pulls me close, kissing me passionately.
'Thank you,love.'He whispers within my mind, making me smile into the kiss.
During the next few days, Damon demanded to know when Nik was with me, but because of the pageant, he wasn't around much any way. He taunt me how to dance and once we got to the Lockwood mansion where Mrs. Lockwood was supposed to teach us, we goofed around.
"The dance is about anticipating the touch of a lover. " scorns as Damon dives straight into the waltz down the line from us. Nik smirks and wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me into him, and dips me just to bring me back up into a passionate kiss. She stands next to me and scorns us with her eyes, gettin giggles from Caroline and Elena. Nik smirks his signature grin and stands me up right, nodding for me to work with him to show her our progress. I nod slightly and go through the dance with him, not daring to miss a beat.
"Well then," interrupts as we finish our waltz. "Don't give the other guests any ideas."She finishes, eyeing us both. Nik chuckles and wraps his arms around me, swaying from side to side to the music.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't kiss her in front of me. Thanks."Damon groans, turning back toward Elena.
"And I'd like it if you didn't kiss Elena."Nik retorts, kissing my jaw. Damon turns and looks at him.
"She's my little sister. Why do you care if I kiss Elena?"He growls. Nik smirks and straightens, putting one arm behind his back as his fingers run through my hair.
"It's just sickening to me and I'd much rather not have to watch it."He says, just as Mrs. Lockwood walks out with a baby pink ruffled gown.
"Adelina, you can wear this if you'd like."She says, obviously only used to caring for her son. I smile and nod thankfully but put my hand up to respectfully decline.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Lockwood, but I already have a dress."I say happily. She smiles and nods, taking the dress back into the house.
"No way! What color is it? What does it look like?"Carolina giggles gleefully. I smile and shake my head, looking up at Nik. I knew he wanted to know too.
"It's a surprise."I laugh. Caroline groans and goes back to dancing with Stefan.
After a lot of dancing, giggling and goofing around, Mrs. Lockwood sent us home with the message to be here on time the next morning.
"Bonnie's gonna help us get ready while Jeremy and Matt help set up."Caroline says happily, walking next to me into the Salvatore Boarding House. She hands her dress and heels to Elena as she walks up the stairs, wordlessly asking her to put them in Stefan's room.
For once in the 13 and a half years I've seen Nik, I've never been able to cuddle into his side as she golden glow of the fire shines in his eyes. Until now. He wraps an arm around me and shifts to drape my legs over his lap.
"I hope you have fun tomorrow."He whispers, playing with my fingers before lacing his fingers with them.
"I don't care about winning. This just gives me a chance to show you to Mystic Falls and be with my family."I say softly, eyes closed on his shoulder.
"Speaking of families, love, you may have to meet mine."He whispers, pulling a blanket over me.
"Whenever you'd like,Niklaus."I say, saying his entire name. His breath caught in his throat as he shifts slightly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."I say, pulling away and looking up at him. His eyes flash hungrily again, glued to my lips, as his hands haul me around to straddle his lap. I run my fingers through his hair and smirk as his hands slowly slide up my sides, begging to strip my body of the thin shield between us. He moves quickly and kisses me hard, an arm around my waist as his other hand tangles in my hair. I moan softly just as he runs us to my room, closing the door and pressing me against it. He wraps my legs around his waist and growls lowly.
"I don't want to hurt you."He hums, kissing my jaw and his fingers grip my hips and dig into my skin. I moan and grip his shirt.
"Then don't."I say simply. He pulls away, letting me stand on my own as he takes off his shirt. His eyes flood black along with his veins as his irises glow gold. I bite my lip, taking in his gorgeous body as I step up to him, kissing him just as hard as before. He moans and tugs on my shirt, breathing hard. I pull away to take off my shirt when his hands stop me.
"I know I'll hurt you. Just...just wait."He whispers as if he were nervous, though when I look into his eyes as they go back to normal I can tell that's not the case. He's not nervous but scared and horrified by the thought of hurting me. I nod and wrap my arms around his waist, lying my head on his chest. He wraps his arms around me protectively and kisses my hair, humming. He lets me go to get dressed for bed, but he climbs into bed. I smile and get dressed in the bathroom and walk out in a long shirt and shorts, climbing in next to him. He kisses my neck gently as I fall asleep, humming that familiar lullaby.
The next morning I woke up to the sound of breaking glass. I open my eyes and find myself lying on the couch across from the fireplace.
"I'm not leaving her because you have a temper tantrum, boy."Nik growls.
"I told you not to hurt her! What the hell are those marks on her hips!?"Damon snaps, throwing a glass. I groan and roll my eyes, sitting up. My shirt was pulled up over my hips, probably from my sleep, and bruises replaced Nik's fingers where he was holding me so tight. I walk up to my room and get changed into light blue jeans, converse and Nik's shirt, grabbing my dress, shoes and my purse. Elena and Caroline point toward the kitchen once I reach the stairs and I nod knowingly.
"If you two are done, I'm leaving to get ready for the pageant. I'd really like to see you both alive today."I say, leaning against the door frame. Damon glares at me and flashes to my side.
"What the hell are you wearing?"He snaps, picking at Nik's shirt. I roll my eyes again and smack his hand away, glancing up at Nik's greedy smirk. He was dressed in blue jeans and a grey v-neck with s brown leather jacket on.
"That's my shirt, mate."He says, waking toward me. He leans down and kisses me sweetly before walking past Damon toward the liquor table.
"You didn't."Damon growls at me.
"No Damon, I didn't. He just took his shirt off and since I'm changing anyway I figured I'd wear it instead of worrying about what to wear there."I sigh. Nik takes a drink of Damon's favorite bourbon and flashes to my side, kissing my jaw.
'My shirt suits you,love.'He whispers in my mind as short hot scenes of what he'd like to do flash before my eyes. I swallow hard, heart pounding, as he chuckles.
"Don't worry,love. I'll show you what a real man can do soon enough."He whispers out loud so only I can hear it, wild lust echoing deep in his eyes. Damon gags and drains a glass of bourbon.
"You shouldn't be listening to other people's conversations,Salvatore."Nik says, opening the door for the three of us. I smile and kiss his jaw.
"Do I want to know?"Caroline asks. I laugh and shake my head.
"Probably not."I say as we load up her car and drive toward the Lockwood mansion.
"Alright ladies, there's two rooms at the top of the stairs. One is for hair and makeup and the other is for a wardrobe change. Best of luck to all of you." says sweetly, clapping her hands together happily. Caroline takes my hand excitedly and walks me up to the makeup and hair room. Together the three of us do our makeup and hair as desired. Caroline's was all down in waves with minimal makeup while Elena's was curly and half up with dark makeup. Mine however was pinned up into a curly side bun with a gold crystal headband and light makeup.
"Girls, you have guests waiting for you."A judge says sweetly, peaking into the room just as we reach our dresses. We step out into the hall and see Stefan leaning against the window, Damon leaning over the railing with a glass of bourbon and Nik sitting on the stairs.
"You three look beautiful."Stefan says, kissing Caroline's temple.
"We're not even dressed. You can say that when we are."Elena corrects, kissing Damon. Nik flashes to my side and kisses my neck.
"You three have to be ready by then too, don't forget."Caroline reminds them, eyeing their street clothes. Nik nods and hides his face into my neck. I giggle and turn to face him, his fangs slowly appearing. Damon growls but doesn't step forward.
"Did you tell him why I have bruises?"I ask. Caroline makes a noise as if choking and steps back to look at me.
"Bruises? Where?"She asks, looking at Elena. She shrugs and looks at me worriedly. Nik chuckles that maniacally demonic laugh and kisses me hard, wrapping an arm around me and pulling up my shirt over my hips. Damon growls again, turning away.
"Yea, he told me."He hisses. Caroline looks at me as if I had better tell her and Elena.
"He had me pinned to my bedroom door and kept his hands on my hips. He squeezed too hard I guess, but he kept saying how he didn't want to hurt me and would if he went any farther than a kiss."I say, face blushing as his sadistic smirk curls into a taunting lip bite.
"Still wish I was real, love?"He whispers, kissing my jaw. Damon and I disagree on our views at the same time, making me laugh until Mrs. Lockwood came to send us back to get dressed.
"Good lucky girls."She smiles, closing the door. I smile and help Elena straighten out her straps and zip Caroline's dress before pulling mine on. Once I have my gold heels on and tug the dress over my head, the flowing gown seemed to hug my every asset. I step out of the bathroom, careful to hold the slit in the dress open a little to keep from tripping, and twirl for them.
"You look amazing."Bonnie says in awe, walking in with her camera and phone. She takes pictures of all of us and of course we make her get in on some of them before out names are called.
"Miss Caroline Forbes, escorted by Mr. Stefan Salvatore."Mrs. Lockwood calls over the sound system. Elena and I wave her off and hold each other's hands in anticipation.
"Miss Elena Gilbert, escorted by Mr. Damon Salvatore."She calls next, leaving me with Bonnie. She hugs me and wishes me luck faintly.
"Miss Adelina Bishop, escorted by Mr. Nik Mikaelson."She calls, sending me down. I walk carefully, aware of each step, and smile faintly as Nik's eyes light up.
"You look...you look like a Goddess, my Queen."He whispers as I take his arm, walking to toward the line of other contestants.
"And lastly, Miss Rebekah Mikaelson, escorted by Mr. Matthew Donavan."She calls lastly as a woman I recognized from Caroline's cheer squad. She was tall and beautiful with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She wore a soft red dress and did her hair as if she were a 60's girl in all waves.
"That, my dear, is my sister."Nik whispers as we all walk out to the dance floor in the back yard. I look at her and notice the slight smirk she held as she looked me over. Definitely a trait that ran in the family, but that also explained why Nik was looking at Matt at the dance. He was dancing with his sister.
Together we danced, slowly and agonizing, but we danced as was instructed nonetheless. A girl who was in my history class, also a cheerleader, won the title. I didn't care, but if could tell Caroline did. Even after the judges found their girl, Nik and I danced. The music picked up and he and I found a better rhythm within it.
"My sister thinks you're beautiful."He says softly, nodding toward her talking to Matt. I smile and nod.
"She's beautiful, Nik."I say softly, locking eyes with her for a moment when I say this and nod my thanks. She smiles and curtsies sweetly. It was obvious she wasn't used to compliments by others.
After a while the party started to clear out and Rebekah approached us.
"She is coming to the Founder's Ball isn't she?"She asks bluntly, looking at me.
"I was going to ask her to, yes, but I don't know if that'll be for the best."Nik answers. Rebekah takes my hand and covers it with hers.
"You're coming. I'd love to get to know the woman behind my brother."She says softly, smiling. Matt stands behind her, a hand on her back, and nods that he'll be there. I look up at Nik but his eyes warn me.
"My family will be there which means Kol, love."He says softly, panic and anger in his eyes. I lace my fingers through his and squeeze his hand.
"I'll be fine. I'll be with you."I say with a nod of reassurance. Rebekah smiles with triumph and hugs me.
"I'll see you in a few weeks then."She smiles, walking off with Matt. Damon, Elena, Caroline and Stefan walk up to us with disgruntled looks.
"I'm happy this gives us another reason to buy dresses, but a Ball at the Mikaelson Mansion isn't exactly what I'd call fun."Caroline says. I sigh and look at her.
"Well I'm going with or without you and I know Damon won't let me near Nik's family by myself, I guess you'll have to suck it up."I say with a fake smile. "Do it for the dress, Care."I add, walking toward Bonnie. Meeting his family. Cool. Meeting the man who ripped my throat out in my nightmares. Not cool. I'm gonna die.