She could already tell by the somewhat tight half embrace he held her in that he was not pleased with her. Perhaps he thought that despite her aversion towards his comments regarding his brother that she would actually listen to him when he said that Damon was dangerous. Like she had no idea just what the man was capable of or something. She was far more in tune with the man that was Damon than Stefan could ever think and even knowing how perilous to her health he could be she knew that he would never do anything that would jeopardize her life.
There was just something in those icy blue eyes that told her every second she stared into them that he had no ill intentions towards her. That he would rather face the whole tomb of escaped vampires rather than see her even the slightest bit hurt. While she was well aware of how he had threatened to take her life not once had he actually come close to doing it. Sure the few times she slapped him he looked malicious and enraged, ready to tear her to shreds but the only thing he did was stare at her intimidating and tell her to leave. A man who was intent on killing someone would have already took the initiative the moment her hand had came sailing across his face.
They had a connection, one that had grown from a thin piece of thread to a deeply woven string over the course of the last few months and it was only getting stronger the more they were around one another. Stefan just didn't seem to understand that or maybe he didn't want to. She wasn't sure but she did know that if continued to act the way he had been that she was seriously going to contemplate putting them on a break. She couldn't take the constant surveillance and annoyance that radiated off him every time his brother came around.
They were walking in the street now, their bodies parallel to the wooden road blocks that crowded the edges of the sidewalks. The fireworks were two hundred or so yards away and there was already a crowd formed around the area where they were to be shot off. She knew that he wanted to say something, that he was dying to let something out, but she could honestly say that she didn't want to hear a word of his thoughts at the current moment, positive that it would lead to a fight. She knew that he was upset with her for still talking and going near his brother but he should have known that she wouldn't stop just because he said to. There was no way that the conversation concerning his brother was over. She knew that when tomorrow came rolling around one of the first things that came out of his mouth was going to be something about his brother or the little meeting that they had just had. She inwardly sighed, not looking forward to the next day at all.
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Damon had continued to walk around the park aimlessly, lost in the deepest part of his mind as he replayed the prior conversation he had just had with Elena. He still couldn't believe that his Saint like brother had spoke smeared his name to her like that. He had expected Stefan to speak of his aversion towards their friendship to him, but to Elena as well? That just meant that he was more worried than he let on. Usually he would be reveling in the fact that his younger brother felt threatened by him because that meant he was doing his job right. For some odd reason he just wasn't pleased with the fact today. He couldn't fathom as to why and he chose not to dwell on that too much, knowing he would just end up with some sort of headache as a result. So instead he focused his mind on the woman that caused the jealous and ruthless part of Saint Stefan to emerge.
He had no doubt in his mind that his brother was eternally smitten with the girl and he knew that it had nothing to do with the fact that she looked like Katherine. Her personality was far too different from Katherine's for either of them to ever think for a moment that she was her. He admitted to thinking for a brief moment that she was her incarnate, revived for the sole fact of repeating history but after a second of listening to her speak he had easily changed his mind. She was nothing like that cold hearted bitch and for that he was grateful.
While he would never confess out loud that she had a minimal part in his changing, he would admit it in the secure confides of his mind. Her selflessness and compassionate attitude had allowed a scar long left on his heart to heal over. He knew that she wasn't aware of his recent alterations in his diet and he preferred to keep it that way. While he would never stoop as low as to drink the blood of furry little grassland creatures he had taken a step down by sipping from a blood bag. He would always prefer to drink straight out of the source, there was no doubt about that, but he figured that with so many alerts in the towns he couldn't risk the chance of being found out.
He denied the fact that Elena had anything to do with the recent change to his diet. He would, however, confess that she had most defiantly contributed to his change in attitude. While was still thought of himself as the eternal stud he knew that his bad boy ways had diminished just a smidge. More often than not he found himself thinking about things before he actually did them and worrying about how they would affect Elena if she were to find out. His concern for her well being was more than evident. He refused to allow any harm to come to her and would threatened anyone who placed her in jeopardy just as he had Isobel.
He knew Stefan would protect her with his very last breath but the fact still remained that he would never be as strong as he could with that diet of his. He was not about to risk that reckless girls life just because his brother refused to change his ways. He would be bored if she died anyway. Who else would he possible bother that had enough spunk and fire to challenge him? Not to mention he wouldn't be able to stand Stefan's immense brooding if she ever did die. Stefan would fall into a deeper slump than he had ever been in and he knew that his brother would most likely be unable to overcome the feeling of blame that he would place on himself.
He had no trouble saying to himself that Elena was an important part of his life and that he cared deeply for her. He would not, however, say that he loved her…yet. Truth be told he could see himself easily falling for the beautiful girl that managed to snag his little brother's heart. He could also go as far to say that the roots of the emotion had already planted themselves in his heart. A confession was not going to happen at this moment, though. Maybe in the future when he had ensured her affections and her feelings towards him would he admit it but not now. For now he would continue to be the friend that she needed, worming his way into her heart and growing closer to her as time went by. He would make his move when he was ready and even though he had somewhat changed there was nothing that could hold him back from having her once his mindset was switched to doing it. The whole purpose of his afterlife was to make Stefan miserable and if he just so happened to take the woman who had stolen his brother's heart in the process than so be it but there was to be no mistaking that he did it because he had feelings for her, not because of his purpose.
Of course his brother would see it as that and attempt to change Elena's mind, spreading lies and creating a sense of doubt in the girl. Or at least he would try. Family or not he would not allow his brother to interfere with their relationship once it was solidified. He would not allow history to repeat itself. He would not lose the only woman he truly wanted because of his brother. And if he did get in the way than he would…
He was thrown from his thoughts as he heard his name being shouted. Turning on his heel, his eyes sharp and his body ready to spring, he saw Anna coming towards him, a frantic look on her face. He frowned, wondering what could have caused the somewhat frightened look on her face. Being a vampire, not many things could scare them anymore. For her to have that look on her face something terrible had to happen.
"We have a problem," She immediately said upon stopping.
He raised an elegant eyebrow at her statement, "What kind of problem?"
"I mean that a lot of people are going to die kind of problem," She answered back swiftly.
His eyebrows furrowed and a bewildered look appeared on his face, "And when is this going to happen?"
"When the fireworks start."
His eyes snapped sharply to her upon hearing the words. The fireworks. They were schedule to be lit in less than fifteen minutes.
"Tell me everything," He demanded, needing to know the basics before he strategize a course of action.
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She had been lounging in Jeremy's bed when the sound of footsteps entered her ears. She immediately tuned into it, getting ready to make a hasty retreat incase the person decided to enter Jeremy's room. The familiar sound that was John Gilbert's voice drifted into her ears as he ascended the stairs and she couldn't help but listen in on the conversation as he went to the guest room.
"…We're luring them into Founder's Hall. We'll all meet at ten there. My source has already informed them of our plan and they are currently residing close to the town, awaiting our arrival to the Hall. Some casualties might be sustain but it'll be for the greater good. Once they're in the hall the device will do the rest," She heard John say to the person on the other line.
"Don't worry, Mayor, the plan is full proof. Once they step inside the chances of survival are minimal…..They will be unable to move, let alone attack us…..I'm positive….Alright, Mayor. I'll see you later tonight."
She heard the phone snap shut before being flickered open. She heard him press different numbers on the key pad before it began to ring.
"It's done. The plan is in motion. Attack once the fireworks go off.….They'll be dealt with. Something tells me that they'll be tragically lost in a fire tonight….I know….Goodbye."
Anna had no real proof that he was talking about the vampires from the tomb or that the last part was about the Salvatore brothers but a little voice inside her head told her that despite the lack of evidence she should let someone know right away. The moment she heard the door to his room shut she left Jeremy's room and disappeared, her eyes glancing at the clock. 9:43 p.m.
She never saw the shadowed figure that stood in the doorway of John's room as she left, watching her with keen eyes as she descended the stairs. He smirked, shaking his head at the girl's stupidity. Did she honestly think that he was clueless to the fact that his nephew held a vampire in his room? He had counted on her presences here to enact the second phase of the plan, the one that would ensure the deaths of both Salvatore brothers.
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Checking his phone he saw that the time was currently 9:45 p.m. and that he had less than fifteen minutes to put a stop to the plan, something he was more than positive would not happen. The vampires were more than likely walking through the town already, gaining some last bit of strength before heading for the families that locked them in the tomb. He could think of no other vampires that would attack the town and want the founder's dead. He ran a hand through his silky locks as he sighed, thinking quickly.
"Go tell Stefan. He'll be with Elena by the fireworks. Make sure that no matter what she says or does that she does not come. Lock her in a store, strap her in a car, I don't care what you do, just don't let her go with you and Stefan. I'll go get the history teacher and we'll meet you at the Hall," He was looking at her straight in the eyes, his gaze burning into her as he spoke fiercely about keeping Elena away from the violence that was about to occur.
There was no need for her to be a part of the fight that was about to happen. Especially once the little humans found out the device was a dud. That was going to be when all the chaos started. Her presents would just be a nuisance to him and his brother because they would both spend more time watching her than they did the vamps that were promised to be there.
Anna nodded before disappearing in a flash, racing as fast as she could to the field where the other two were.
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He wasn't surprised that he found the teacher sharing a drink with Elena's aunt. He was seemingly always with her when he wasn't busy trying to stake his kind. He quickly made his way up to the bar, the strokes of his step and tension in his face immediately alerting the teacher. He stopped mid-sentence and looked at him, wondering just what could cause such a look to be on the usually collected and careless Salvatore.
"Well, well, I can't say I'm surprised to see you two all cozy with one another. It seems that every time I see one of you the other is not far behind," Damon commented as he strolled up to them, opting to keep the atmosphere as light as possible so as not to alert Elena's aunt to the dangers that were about to plague the town.
Jenna jumped at the sound of his voice and immediately whirled around to face him, smiling as she saw just who it was, "Damon! It's nice to see you."
"I share the exact same sentiments, let me assure you," He told her charmingly, sending a smirk her way.
Alaric rolled his eyes at Damon's flirtatious behavior, "What are you doing here?"
Damon's icy blue eyes turned to him, "You know your not the first person to ask me that today. I'm starting to think people are surprised to see me."
"You didn't answer my question," Alaric stated, folding his arms over his chest as he stared at the vampire before him.
"Caught that did you?" Damon said to him before turning his attention to Jenna, "Would you mind if I borrowed your boyfriend for a half hour or so? There's something I want to talk to him about."
Jenna's cheeks turned bright red, "He's not my boyfriend."
Damon smirked at her response and turned to Alaric, "Notice how that's the only thing she heard."
Jenna whacked him lightly on the shoulder at the comment, sending him a disapproving look before stating, "I heard you just fine and no I don't mind it at all. Just make sure to bring him back."
"As you command, milady," He said as he took her hand and placed a small kiss on the top of it, his eyes glittering with amusement as he did so.
Alaric's eyes darkened at the motion and the second Damon's mouth was removed he grabbed his wrist and began to walk forward.
He called over his shoulder, "I'll be back as soon as I can, Jenna."
The moment they were out of the Mystic Grill Damon snatched his hand back, resisting the urge to break his for dragging him like that. When they were in the parking lot Alaric turned to look at him, a questioning look on his face.
"We might have a tiny problem," Damon started off before delving right into it, "There are a couple vamps entering the town tonight and we need to take care of them."
Alaric's eyebrows furrowed, "About how many?"
Damon shook his head indecisively from side to side as his face twisted into a contemplating one, "We might need a stake or two. Maybe a bit more."
Alaric's eyes narrowed at the comment, "What's a bit more signify?"
"A good, oh I don't know, twenty or so."
"Twenty?" Alaric repeated in shock, his eyes going wide.
"Yeah and we're a little pressed for time so a move on would help a lot."
Almost immediately Alaric walked to his car, which was stationed a few feet down from them. He opened the trunk and grabbed what looked to be a mat. He unraveled it, revealing an array of stakes, guns and other weapons.
Damon was rather impressed by the display, "Well, all I can say is that I'm glad your done seeking revenge for your wife. Pulling out all those stakes would be a bitch."
"Who said I was done?" Alaric inquired curiously with a grin on his face.
"Oh, your hilarious," Damon said sarcastically, sending the man a one sided smirk that showed his lack of amusement.
"So how much do you think we'll need?"
"All of it," Damon said with no hesitation.
Alaric nodded, watching as the vampire grabbed the mat, rolling it up again.
"Where are we going to meet Stefan and Elena?"
"Elena will not be joining us on this little hunt and we're meeting him at Founder's Hall," He answered as he tucked the mat under his arm.
"Do you honestly think that girl is going to stay put? Look what happened last time."
"She'll stay put and if not," Which he had a feeling she wouldn't despite the warnings, "Than I feel really bad for any vampire that attempts to harm her."
"Ah, yes, Stefan can be quite…vicious when provoked," Alaric commented wistfully.
Damon's eyes flashed dangerously, "It's not him they'll be worrying about."
Alaric sent him a sideways glance, noticing the dark gleam in his eyes and couldn't resist the urge to shiver from the intense feeling of foreboding that traveled through his body. When he recovered he stared at the eldest Salvatore brother.
"Why do I have this feeling that you care for her more than you let on?"
"It's probably for the same reason that has me wanting to slash open your throat," Damon answered merrily as they walked towards the Hall.
Alaric rolled his eyes, flashing his ring, "First off it wouldn't do anything and second, I'm being serious."
"When aren't you?" Damon questioned with an ounce of irritation in his voice.
"And the defense mechanism goes up. I don't know why you attempt to hide your concern for her welfare. It's not like you hide it very well when she's near you."
"You'd be concerned, too, if you had a brother as brooding as mine. If she died I think I'd have to kill him just so the constant misery wouldn't drive me insane," Damon stated in response.
"Excuses, excuses. You care for her and there's nothing you can do that's going to change my mind."
"Why would I take the time to? Your thoughts aren't worth the effort," Damon said before glancing down at his watch.
9:52 p.m.
He inwardly cursed before swiftly bending down and flipping Alaric over his shoulder.
"What the hell are you doing?" He yelled, bewildered by the sudden movement, and annoyed by the lack of warning.
"We have eight minutes. At the speed we were going we wouldn't make it there by the morning," Damon answered his question before lowering his voice, softly muttering, "And I don't hide anything."
Than he took off, speeding, heading in the direction of Founder's Hall.
(A/N: End of chapter 3. I already finished the next two chapters and depending on the reactions i get from them i will decided whether or not to drag out the story to beyond Founder's Day, though something tells me that i might have to already. Please reivew and tell me what you think. Thank you to all those who have reviewed so far. I appreciate it.)