A/N: Sooo… SORRY for the super long delay. Life happens and I had to put the story on the back burner for a while. But let me tell you, that kiss on the episode two weeks ago ignited my fire. And as the FRIST person to post a Bonnie/Jeremy fic on , I just had to keep it moving. I promise with all of my heart the chapter will not take me nearly as long to write!
Anyhoo – thanks to all of those who have reviewed the Hunted. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Now, on to the story!
XOXOXOOX
Chapter 3:
"This is criminal." Bonnie announced as she got into the back seat of Alaric's car. She was wearing jeans, a tee shirt and baseball cap. "No one should be up and ready to go at 7:00 AM during their summer vacation."
"Come on, Bonnie. It's not that bad." Alaric said from the driver's seat.
"You sound almost chipper, Ric." Bonnie said pulling her cap down lower on her face. "Don't tell me you're a morning person."
"Alright, I won't tell you." Ric joked. He looked in rearview mirror as the car shook from the trunk being closed. Shortly thereafter the door opened and Stefan slid into the passenger seat.
"Her bags are in the trunk. We are ready to go." Stefan told them.
"You hear that Bonnie? We are ready to rock and roll." Ric said.
"Good. Let's get this show on the road." Bonnie leaned her head on the back the headrest. "Wake me when we reach Abingdon." She closed her eyes and ignored their chatter until she drifted off to sleep. Bonnie next awoke to Stefan gently calling her name.
"Bonnie, wake up."
"Huh?" Bonnie responded groggily. She opened her eyes and lifted her hand to block the bright sunlight. She straightened herself out in the backseat. "Are we there already? What time is it?"
"About 9:30 AM" Stefan replied.
"Is something wrong?" Bonnie asked looking around.
"No." Alaric said pulling into the parking lot of a small diner. "I was hungry so we decided to stop for breakfast."
"Oh. OK." Bonnie said unbuckling her seat belt. She tossed her cap on the seat and ran her finger through her hair.
"You looked so peaceful sleeping back there that I suggested leaving you in the car, but Stefan here insisted that we wake you and least give you the option to join us inside of," Alaric paused as he looked up to the read the name of the establishment. "Ma and Pa's Diner," Ric joked.
"Well thanks for thinking of me, Stefan." Bonnie replied as they all exited the car. "As for you," she said wagging her finger at Ric, "you better watch it. It's too early in this trip for you to get on my bad side."
"Bad side?" Ric repeated. He held the door open to the diner for the others to enter. "What did I do to get on your bad side? Oh, did I forget to tell you I was going to crack a window on the car so you can breathe? I'm not heartless."
Bonnie and Stefan chuckled. "What I am, a poodle?" Bonnie asked.
"No," Alaric said shaking his head. They stood in the lobby, waiting to be seated. "Those are vicious and ugly dogs, in my opinion. If I had to envision you as a dog, I'd say you are a cute little cocker spaniel, you know like Lady, from Lady and the Tramp." Ric was smiling as he stood in front of her. "I can just see you with silky brown fur and big floppy ears." He said as he took his hands and mussed her hair.
"Ric!" Bonnie exclaimed laughing as she swatted his hand away. "Stop that!"
"Will it be three?" A hostess asked, coming from the back of the restaurant.
"Yes." Stefan said still smiling at Ric's silliness.
"Follow me." The young woman said. She led the trio to a table and gave the menus. "Tricia is your server and she will be right with y'all."
They all sat down and Bonnie and Stefan opened their menus. Stefan noticed Ric didn't touch his.
"Aren't you eating?" Stefan asked. "We stopped because you said you were hungry."
"I am, but I already know what I am getting." Ric answered.
"You've been here before?" Bonnie asked lowering her menu.
"No, but all of these places are all the same." Ric replied. "I'll get whatever they call their version of scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes and bacon. All diners have a version of it."
"Spoken like a man who's spent a lot of time in diners." Stefan said.
"When Isobel was murdered, or at least when I thought she was murdered, I went looking for the vampire that did I thought killed her. I spent a lot of time driving all over the United States. That meant I spent a lot of time in diners just like this all over the country."
"That must have been very lonely." Bonnie said setting her menu down.
Ric shrugged. "It wasn't at the time. I was so obsessed with avenging her death; I didn't take the time to deal with the emotional baggage that it caused. It was easier to be angry at her killer then to deal with the pain of losing her."
Before Ric could continue the server arrived and asked to take their order. She set three waters on the table as they ordered. Ric went first and they did indeed have what he was looking for. It was called Pa's Plate at this restaurant. Bonnie ordered pancakes with a side of fresh fruit and Stefan got French toast. His cell phone went off right as he finished ordered. He took it out of his pocket and looked at it.
"This is Elena." Stefan announced standing. "Excuse me." He politely said walking away. Once he walked away Ric unscrewed the top to the salt and poured it in Stefan's drink. He picked up and his knife and stirred the water.
"I didn't know you were such a jokester." Bonnie commented smiling.
"That's because we really don't know each other that well." Ric replied.
Bonnie tilted her head. "You don't think so?"
Alaric shook his head no. "Think about how we met. We were immediately thrust into a crisis and since then we've only come together for one problem situation after another. There hasn't been time for us develop any type of normal relationship. We only really talk to each in times of tribulation."
Bonnie pondered his words for a second. "You're right." she said finally. "I guess I never really thought about it."
"So, tell me all there is to know about Bonnie Bennett." Ric said taking a drink of his water.
Bonnie laughed at the question. "I wouldn't even know when to begin! Besides, I'd much rather hear the about the life and times of Alaric Salzmann."
"That's a long story." Ric said leaning back in his chair.
"It's a good thing we have about 5 more hours in the car. That should give you plenty of time to tell me all about you." Bonnie said smiling.
"Some parts may be pretty boring." Ric explained.
"You can skip over those parts." Bonnie said waiving her hand. "Just don't leave out any embarrassing stories!"
"Leave them out?" Ric asked with mock insult in his voice. "Embarrassing stories are the best part!"
"I am sure yours are awesome!" Bonnie giggled. Before they could continue the conversation Stefan returned to the table.
"Elena says hello to both of you." Stefan said sitting down.
"How is she?" Ric asked.
"She's fine." Stefan said. "She'll be sending you a text Bonnie to make sure you keep me in line."
Bonnie smiled. "Do you ever really get out of line, Stefan?"
"What's that's supposed to mean?" Stefan asked as the reached for his water glass." Alaric sat up in his chair in anticipation of Stefan drinking the tainted beverage.
"I mean you're a good guy." Bonnie chimed in earning her an annoyed glance from Ric. "Alaric and I were just talking about the fact that we don't really know each other that well, but I do know this one thing about you: I can count on you to do the right thing."
Stefan paused and tilted his head at Bonnie. "Thanks, I think."
"Oh, that was absolutely a compliment!" Bonnie said quickly. "You are awesome at putting aside your personal feeling and doing the right thing."
"You know what else I am good at?" Stefan asked. He picked up his water glass again as if to drink it. Alaric moved to edge of seat in anticipation of Stefan drinking the tainted beverage. Stefan took the cup to his lips and stopped. "I'm good at smelling salt in my drink." He said with a mischievous smile.
"Awe come on man!" Ric said with playful frustration. He looked a Bonnie. "You just had to keep on yammering on, didn't you?"
"Don't blame me!" Bonnie said vehemently. "You couldn't be any more obvious waiting Stefan to drink from that glass."
"You two are going to have to do better than that to get me." Stefan said.
"That sounds like a challenge." Ric said. "You don't think we can pull a prank on you?"
"I'm not an easy mark." Stefan replied. He picked up Ric's glass and sipped his water.
"I think we can get you." Ric said. "We should make a bet."
"Think before you speak, Ric." Stefan said. "I'm a vampire. I have enhanced senses and strength. It won't be easy to do what you are proposing."
"We're not scared, are we Bonnie?"
"Don't rope me into your little games." Bonnie said shaking her head.
"You're already in this." Ric said. "We bet you that we can pull a prank on you before we leave Abingdon. The loser has to pay for dinner for us and our dates when we get back to Mystic Falls. The winner will choose the restaurant." He held out his hand and Stefan shook it.
"Deal." Stefan said.
"What did you just do?" Bonnie asked Ric.
"Made this trip a whole lot more interesting." Ric answered.
XOXOXOXOXO
Tim strode confidently into Mystic Grille. He walked over to the bar and set his notebook and phone on it before smiling at the petite blond bartender. She returned the gesture with much enthusiasm. Tim was the hottest thing to come into the restaurant since her shift began 4 hours ago at 5:00 PM.
"Hi there," she said giving him her best come hither look. "What can I get for you?"
"I am actually here to pick up dinner. I called in an order for Tim." the witch replied purposely accentuating his with his southern twang.
"Yeah, I remember." The blond replied. "I got it right here." She said picking up a bag from under a heat lamp. "It was the grilled chicken sandwich, right?
"Yes, that's it. Thank you." Tim said reaching in the back pocket of his khaki shorts for his wallet.
"So polite!" the bartender complimented him. She rang his food up at the register. "It must be your southern upbringing. That'll be $13.50. Where are you from?"
"I am from Georgia, and my mother always did tell me to treat a lady with respect." Tim answered. He handed the woman a $20.00 bill.
"I've been to Atlanta." The woman said getting his change. "It was fun." She turned around and put his money on the counter.
"I grew up in a town not far from Atlanta. I loved it there." Tim said. He took his change and left a $3.00 tip for the bartender. "You have a good night." He said as he began to gather his belongings.
"You don't have to rush off, do you? Let me get you a drink."
"Oh thank you, but I don't want my food to get cold."
"Just one drink," the girl insisted. "I'll even buy. Now you can't say no because it'd be rude and you are much too polite for that."
Tim chuckled at the statement. "It would be my pleasure to have a drink with such a charming lady as yourself." He said down at the bar stool. "Can you have one as well? I don't know the rules of this particular restaurant."
"Well, not officially, but I drink all of the time. My name is Becky, by the way."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Becky. I am-"
"Tim, I know." Becky cut him off. "What are you drinking, Tim?"
"How about a Jack and Coke?" Tim asked.
"One Jack and Coke coming up," Becky said. "So you are fairly new around here." It wasn't a question, but more of an observation.
"Yes." Tim replied. "But it sounds like you know everyone in this town."
"Mystic Falls born and raised," Becky said proudly. She set the drink down in front of him. "This is the best Jack and Coke you will ever have."
"Is that so?" Tim said amused. He took a sip of the drink. "This is rather tasty."
"So you like it?" Becky asked.
"I do." Tim said nodding.
"Do you see anything else you like?" Becky said with coy smile and a low voice.
Tim looked up, surprised at her forward question. Before he could answer a figured appeared next to him at the bar.
"Jeremy!" Tim exclaimed, happy to see the young man. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey Tim," Jeremy greeted him. He was still dressed in his coveralls from the auto shop. "I came to grab a bite to eat after work with a couple of co-workers.
"Excuse us, Becky. I'm just going to catch up with my friend."
"Oh yeah, no problem!" Becky said quickly. "I got other customers that are waiting on drinks. I'm sure I'll see you around though."
"Most likely," Tim replied. The bartender walked away and Tim let out a relieved sigh. "I am very glad to see you Jeremy."
"Really?" Jeremy didn't try to hide his surprise. "I saw you when you came in and I would have come over earlier but it looked like you were getting food to go. Then you sat down and so I decided to invite you to join us."
"Well I am glad you did. Becky was giving me the full court press." Tim said.
Jeremy looked at the bartender and then back to Tim. "She's cute. What's wrong, not your type?"
"You could say that." Tim said. "She came on too strong."
Jeremy chuckled. "Maybe she just wanted to be sure you got the impression she liked me."
"Oh I got that impression alright and more." Tim said. "She came across hornier that two-dick Billy Goat. It wasn't attractive." Jeremy let out a surprised burst of laughter. "What, you've never heard that before?"
"No way man." Jeremy said still laughing.
"Oh I have a bunch of sayings like that. Colloquialisms are a major part of my proud southern heritage." Tim said picking up his bag. He reached for his notebook and phone.
"Well, why don't you and your proud southern heritage come join Bernice and Shelly and me at our table? No reason for you to eat alone."
Tim considered the invitation for a second. Did he really want to spend his evening with Jeremy Gilbert? "I don't know. I am pretty tired."
"Pretty tired from what?" Jeremy asked. "You don't have a job. I don't know what you do all day."
"Hey watch it now. I spent most of my day today in the library trying to find out more history on the werewolf curse. This entire notebook if filled with my research." Tim sat patting the spiral notebook on top of the bar.
"Why are you researching the curse? Shouldn't you be focused writing a spell that can break it?" Jeremy asked.
"The more I know about the curse the better chance I have of writing a spell that can break it. I was so busy doing that that I am just now getting dinner and it's 9:00 PM!"
"All the more reason I say you should join is. I know I am not exactly your favorite person but hanging out with me has got to be better than eating alone."
"Who says you are not my favorite person?" Tim asked.
"Lately you've been acting really weird whenever I am around. I figure it's because you don't like me for some reason."
"And yet you still want me to join you for dinner?" Tim asked.
"You're important to Bonnie. She's important to me. It's the least I can do is try to get along with you so you can get over whatever it is you have against me."
"I don't have anything against you, Jeremy." Tim replied.
"Then why are you so awkward around me?" Jeremy pressed him.
"Can we just change the subject?" Tim asked exasperated.
"Fine. You joining us for dinner or not?" Jeremy relented.
"Why not? It is better then eating alone. Besides, it'll give me a chance to scope out Bonnie's competition. Does she know you are eating dinner with not one, but two ladies?" Tim asked with humor in his voice.
"You've obviously never met Bernice or Shelly." Jeremy said with an amused look on his face. "Trust me; there is nothing to worry about."
"It doesn't matter if they are both uglier than a sack of assholes." Tim said smiling. Jeremy howled in laughter. "As a matter of fact, I contend we have to more concerned about the ugly ones because they are willing to do more to get you!"
Jeremy put his hand on Tim's shoulder. "You gotta stop, man." He said trying to catch his breath. "Personally, I don't think either girl is cute or could even hold a candle to Bonnie, but that's not what I meant." He took Tim and physically turned him to face the table with the two women in question.
Bernice was a large woman with flannel sleeveless shirt, cut off blue jean shorts and a mullet. Shelly wasn't as large but she was covered in tattoos. The intricate designs visible everywhere her bare flesh was exposed, save her face.
"Bernice and Shelly are a couple." Jeremy announced.
"What?" Tim asked taken back.
"They're gay." Jeremy clarified. "Come on. There's nothing to worry about. I'm sure you'll fit right in."
"What's that supposed to mean? I can't believe you just said that to me!" Tim yelled. "Go fuck yourself, Jeremy!" He grabbed his bag of food and stormed out of the restaurant.
"What the hell just happened?" Jeremy asked himself out loud. He looked around bewildered, trying to determine why Tim just lost it. "Oh just great." Jeremy said as he realized Tim left his notebook on the counter. He grabbed the book and walked back to his table.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Hi Jeremy!" Bonnie said excitedly when he picked up her call.
"Hey Bonnie. Is something up?" Jeremy asked briskly.
"No why?" Bonnie asked sweetly. She knew he was at work and could hear the other mechanics in the background.
"Well because we just talked ½ hour ago when I was on lunch." Jeremy said. "It's pretty busy here today so I don't have a lot of time to talk."
"I know." Bonnie admitted. "It's just that I'm so bored. Stefan and Alaric left me in the hotel room all alone again today. But I know you are busy and I won't keep you. Sorry to bother you."
"You're not bothering me." Jeremy said. "I always love to hear from you and wish we could talk more but I do have a lot to get done." Jeremy paused for a second. He didn't want to get off the phone with Bonnie without trying to help. "Why don't you call Elena or Caroline?" he suggested.
"I tried calling them already." Bonnie said. "They are volunteering together at some elderly day camp."
"Oh, well what about-"
"Jeremy – stop." Bonnie said. "This is my problem to solve. I shouldn't have called you. I knew you were at work. It was selfish of me. Besides, I already feel better just hearing your voice."
"Are you sure you are OK?" Jeremy asked.
"Jeremy, I'm bored – not in danger. Call me tonight when you get off work."
"Yeah, of course. Bonnie?" Jeremy called out.
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you more." Bonnie said before they both hung up. Oh how she loved that man.
Bonnie tossed her cell phone on the night stand before flopping restlessly on the bed in her motel room. She looked at the ceiling in a mixture of boredom and frustration. They'd been in Abingdon three days without any sign of Tyler. They checked everywhere they thought he might be with no luck. Who would have thought a giant werewolf would be so hard to find? Yesterday, Ric stated they needed to start checking some of the more high risk places. He insisted that Bonnie stay behind in the hotel room for her safety. She objected, but when Stefan sided with Ric she knew she didn't have a choice.
"This is so stupid." Bonnie muttered. "And it's not like they found anything anyway." She was correct. Stefan and Alaric returned yesterday with nothing to show for their efforts. In the morning they set out again to find whatever clues to Tyler's location they could and again they insisted that Bonnie stay behind.
So for the second day in a row Bonnie say alone in the motel room. "At the very least this place could have a pool." Bonne said in reference to the 2 star motel in which they were staying. It wasn't glamorous and it certainly didn't have all of the luxuries of home. The sparse room housed a bed, a desk with a lamp and a TV that just got the basic channels. The bathroom was small and cramped and the water pressure was a joke. She recalled Ric's words upon seeing her face when she unlocked the door to her room. "At least it's clean." Ric told her as he helped her with her bags.
"At least it's clean." Bonnie murmured. Her phone buzzed and she lounged for it with much excitement. She looked it and sighed. It was a text from Stefan saying they hadn't found anything yet and they won't be back for lunch.
"And they probably won't find anything again today." Bonnie mumbled. She already figured they weren't coming back for lunch since it was already 1:30 in the afternoon. As if on cue, her stomach growled. She was hungry.
There was a George Webb's a few blocks from her motel. She had dinner there last night with Stefan and Ric. She also noticed a cute little boutique across the street from the restaurant. It was gorgeous outside, the perfect day for a walk. If the boys weren't coming back for lunch she would have to go out and get something to eat.
Bonnie grabbed her purse and phone and headed for the door. It was a short, but lovely walk to the restaurant. She ordered the chicken fingers and ate the alone in silence. She paid her bill and made her way across the street to the boutique. It turned out to be an antique shop. She entered curious about what she would find inside.
She opened the door and started to move forward when she was suddenly yanked back.
"Oh!" Bonnie cried out as she stumbled backwards.
"Careful!" A strong, deep male voice warned her. A pair of masculine hands caught her around the shoulders and stopped her from tumbling to the floor.
Bonnie turned to see a male Adonis in front of her. She caught her breath. The man who caught her was gorgeous. Broad strapping shoulders, dark curly hair and deep soulful eyes.
"Are you ok?" the man asked her.
"Uh yeah," Bonnie stammered. "I am not sure what happened there.
"It looks like your purse got caught on the door." The man explained. He unlatched the purse from the door and handed it to her. "I am guessing when I opened the door you got pulled back."
"Well thanks for catching me." Bonnie said.
"My pleasure. Besides, it was partly my fault that you were falling." the man shrugged. "And it's not every day a beautiful woman falls into my arms."
"Oh brother." Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Does that line really work?"
"It's not line. You're a woman, you're beautiful and you literally fell into my arms."
Bonnie looked at him and shook her head. Better end this now. "Thanks again and enjoy your day." Bonnie said turning to walk away from the stranger.
"You don't even want to know my name?" he called out as she walked away.
"No need." Bonnie replied.
"Well I want to know yours." he said rushing to catch up with her.
"Why?" Bonnie asked looking at some brass bells on the shelf.
"I don't know. How about because exchanging names is the polite thing to do?" The stranger said.
"Who said I'm polite?" Bonnie questioned still not looking at the man.
"Mason." he said.
"What?" Bonnie asked finally looking at him.
"My name is Mason." he said holding out his hand.
"Oh." Bonnie said returning her attention to bells on the shelf but not shaking his hand.
"Wow. I don't even warrant a hand shake? I'm bringing my "A" game here."
"Look, Mason," Bonnie began in a no nonsense tone. It was time to end this conversation by playing the boyfriend card. "I'm flattered, really I am, but I've got a-"
She never finished her statement. Mason's hand brushed against the bare flesh of her arm. Her psychic powers kicked in and a vision flashed in her mind. But the image she saw! It couldn't be. She took a moment to absorb it all.
"Are you ok?" Mason asked concerned about her abrupt stop.
"I'm, I'm fine." Bonnie stammered still trying to process the vision she seen. "I just heard myself and realized how rude I was being. I am sorry about that. Sometimes I can be a bit of an ice queen." Bonnie lied.
"Are you sure you're ok?" Mason asked. Bonnie looked shaky and all of the color had drained from her face.
"I'm ok, really." Bonnie insisted.
"Listen, I can take a hint. I may not like it, but it's pretty clear you want me to leave you alone." Mason said as he turned to walk away from Bonnie.
"Mason wait!" Bonnie called out after him. She just couldn't let him walk way – not after what she seen. Mason turned to face her, but didn't move closer. She walked toward him. "I'm sorry for being such bitch to you. I had an awful morning and I took it out on you."
"It's OK." Mason shrugged.
"But it wasn't fair. Can we start over?" Bonnie asked with a sweet smile. She stuck her hand out towards Mason. "I'm Bonnie."
He took it and shook. "It's nice to meet you, Bonnie." Mason said matching her smile.
"Wow, break my hand much!" Bonnie exclaimed. She shook her hand after he released it.
"Sorry!" Mason said pulling his hand back quickly. "Sometimes I forget my own strength."
"You're really strong!" Bonnie gushed. She looked at Mason and giggled. "Did I really just say that? How cheesy! Especially after I gave you crap for throwing bad lines my way!"
Mason chuckled. "I didn't hurt your hand, did I?"
"No, it's fine." Bonnie said. "I should be able to move my fingers again in a couple of days." Bonnie joked. They began to wonder through the antique store. "So I'm curious," Bonnie began.
"About?" Mason prompted.
"What's a big strapping fella like you doing in a dainty little antique store like this?" Bonnie asked smiling. "Shopping for the special lady in your life?"
"Doing a little fishing, are you?" Mason asked. "Trying to see if I have girlfriend?"
"Well you were coming on pretty strong." Bonnie said as she picked a crystal elephant off of the shelf. "And I don't know you that well. I don't know you at all, as a matter of fact. For all I know this could be how you spend all of your Wednesdays afternoons."
"Let me clarify for you, Bonnie. I don't spend my time picking up random women in antique shops. I entered here because I saw you crossing the street.
"What?" Bonnie asked putting the elephant back on the shelf and turning to face him.
"I saw you when you were leaving the George Webb's. You hurried across the street and you were the most beautiful woman that I'd had ever seen."
"Stop it." Bonnie said looking turning back to the shelf. Mason reached out and gently turned her back to face him.
"You don't believe me?" he asked. "You were so beautiful crossing the street that I knew I would regret it if I didn't at least try to meet you so I followed you in here. I was thinking about what I would say to you when I opened the door to the shop and you literal fell into my arms. I took that as a sign."
It was only when Bonnie exhaled that she realized she was holding her breath. Why would she be doing that? She knew why. Mason was so captivating. When he spoke, there was an intensity that made Bonnie feel like she was the only person in the world.
"Wow. That's way more of an answer than I was expecting." Bonnie said.
Mason shrugged. "I've learned to go for what I want. If I get shot down, so what. At least I tried."
"That's a very gung ho type of attitude." Bonnie said as she resumed walking through the store. Mason followed.
"I'm a carpe diem type of guy." Mason responded. His phone rang and he took it out of his pocket and swore under his breath. "Bonnie, I have to take this and it's probably going to be a while. Could we meet up later, for dinner?"
Bonnie arched an eyebrow and looked at him. "You're asking me out on a date?"
"I'm seizing the day." Mason said with a charming smile. "Let me see your phone." he ordered. Bonnie fished it out of her purse and handed it to him. "This is my number." He said entering it into her Driod. "If you want to meet up for dinner, call me and well figure out a time and place. If not, well at least I tried." He handed her back her phone. "Hopefully I'll see you later."
"Maybe you will." Bonnie said as she put the phone back in her purse. Intrigued, she watched Mason walk out of the store.
Once outside Mason answered the call. "Hello."
"Mason, it's me." Carol Lockwood stated. "Has there been any progress?"
"Yeah, actually." Mason reported. "Your call interrupted me as I was following the best lead on finding Tyler."
"What lead is that?" Carol asked urgently.
"I don't have time to go into details now, Carol. Trust me and know that I am doing everything in my power to bring your boy home safely." Mason hung up the phone. He had to get ready for tonight.
He knew who Bonnie was the instant he saw her. She didn't quite fit the description Carol had given him. When Carol told him she was a witch he expected green skin and wart. To better prepare himself he checked her out on Tyler Facebook page. Their prom picture was on of Tyler's profile picture. She was gorgeous in the picture but even lovelier in person. So small and petite, Mason had trouble imaging so much power could be in Bonnie's lithe body, but according to Carol she was a real powerhouse.
He didn't doubt for a second Bonnie would call him. At first he wasn't sure, but by the end of their conversation he could tell she was feeling him and if he was honest he was more than a little attracted to her. She seemed to be the total package: beauty, brains and power. She was a little young, but nothing obscene. If he was lucky, he would find his nephew and end up with a new lady friend to boot.
XOXOXOXOXO
Damon sat on the bench in Mystic Fall Park waiting. He hated waiting. Damon was more of a do first and think later type of guy. Waiting wasn't a part of his make up. Even when he was human, he was an impatient person. Becoming a vampire only exacerbated that imperfection. He wanted to take action now, but his new plan forced him to wait. It did not put him in a good mood.
Fortunately for the general population of Mystic Falls, the park was the last place many would think to go. It wasn't because of the weather. It was a balmy 77°. There was slight breeze making the night near perfect. No, the residents of this town avoided the park at dusk for one simple reason: mosquitoes. A particularly wet spring resulted in Mystic Falls dealing with the worst mosquito infested summer in recent memory. They over ran the park and they were at their worst at dusk.
Damon however sat unconcerned about the fellow bloodsuckers. They didn't bother him at all. Damon didn't know if it was honor among like creatures or what, but they didn't try to bite him.
"It's because of your low body temperature, not because you are some kind of kindred spirits." A woman said approaching Damon.
"Listen lady, I don't have any spare change so keep moving." Damon said flippantly.
"Do I look like a pan handler to you?" the woman challenged Damon. He eyed her up and down.
She was quite attractive, really. The woman was an African American in her late thirties. Although only 5'3", she still managed to have a commanding presence. Her white sleeveless shirt and black shirts were neatly pressed and certainly clean. She wore the latest wedge sandals and short jet black hair stylishly framed her face.
"You look like a moron for bother me. Now why don't you get out of here while I am still feeling charitable?" Damon snapped.
"You vampires are always so temperamental." the woman said sitting across from him at the picnic table. "You requested this meeting with me."
Damon eyed her suspiciously. "I find that hard to believe since we've never met and I didn't call any meeting."
"And yet, here you are." The woman said.
Damon started at her. She put her hands on her hips and matched his stare.
"Well?" She said expectantly.
"Well why haven't I killed you yet?" Damon asked. "I'm not certain."
"I'm going to have to spell it out for you, aren't I?" the lady said with annoyance in her voice. "You put the word out that you were looking for witch to perform a particular spell for you. Since most of my kind hates vampires with a passion, no one was willing to help. You, in particular, Damon Salvatore have a nasty reputation among the supernatural for using people who then end up dead. I however, like living dangerously so I answered you mystic want ad."
"So that long speech was to tell me you're a witch?" Damon questioned with sarcasm.
"I thought that little mind reading bit I did when I first came up to you was enough to prove it. I guess you aren't as smart as I thought you would be. Don't worry. I'll dumb it down for you in the future."
"You didn't read my mind." Damon said defiantly.
"Yes, I did Baby." The woman got up and walked around the table. "You were wondering why the mosquitoes aren't bothering you. You had the dumb idea it might be because you are kindred blood sucking spirits. It's not. The mosquitoes aren't bothering you because as a vampire you're dead. That means no body heat and you don't breathe. Mosquitoes are follow body heat and exhaled gases and fly to their target."
"I thought you were a witch, not Dr. Doolittle."
"Well you're just a bag of sunshine, aren't you?"
"Look Lady-"
"My name is Michelle, Damon."
"Like I care. Why are you here?" Damon snapped.
"Are you deaf or stupid?" Michelle asked. "I told you, you need a witch and I am here to offer my services."
"If I am so dangerous, why are you volunteering to help?" Damon asked.
"I have my reasons." Michelle answered.
"Which are?" Damon pressed.
"My own business." Michelle replied.
"Not good enough." Damon said. "Tell me why you are here or leave."
"You are awful snappy for a guy needing my help." Michelle observed.
"Who said I need your help?" Damon said. "You show up out of nowhere offering to be my fairy witch mother and I'm supposed to believe you?"
"Look," Michelle said clearly at the end of her patience. "Do you want my services or not?"
"Or not." Damon said as he began to walk way.
"Fine! I need your help!" Michelle called out after him. Damon turned to face her.
"Why would you think I would possible help you?"
"Because one good turn deserves another. I will cast the spell you want and you need to get me access to Shelia Bennett's house."
"Shelia Bennett?" Damon repeated the name as he tried to recall why he knew it. Then it hit him. "Bonnie's grandmother?"
"I don't know Bonnie so I can't answer that." Michelle stated.
"Why do you want access to that house?"
"I don't suppose you'll drop it if I tell you it's personal?"
"Not a chance, witch." Damon replied.
"Fine. Shelia was a witch par excellence. She had quite the collection of arcane artifacts. Now that she has passed away would like to get my hands on some of her stuff."
"All that stuff belongs to her granddaughter now. Why not ask her?"
"Because I doubt she'll give it up. Actually, I doubt she even knows what half of that stuff is. But if I get in there now, I can take it before she even knows it missing."
"You're nothing but a common thief." Damon quipped.
"And you're a murdering vampire." Michelle snapped. "Now are we going to trade insults all night or do we have a deal?" Michelle stuck out her hand.
Damon considered the offer for a few moments. Then he reached out and took her hand in his.
"Deal." Damon said. He suddenly snatched Michelle forward so that she was much closer to him. She let out a surprised gasped at his sudden jerk. "If you hurt Bonnie in any way, now or in the future, I will kill you."
Michelle pushed against Damon's chest to distance herself from him. "I already told you I don't know who this Bonnie character is. I just want to get in Shelia's house, collect a few things and go back to where I came from. That's all."
"I'm holding you to that." Damon said.
"That's fine. Now, I've told you my dirty secrets. Time to share yours. What exactly is it you need me to do for you, Mr. Salvatore?"
"I need you to cast a love spell for me."
XOXOXOXOXO
"What took you guys so long?" Bonnie asked Ric as Stefan as she stepped out of the bathroom of her motel room wearing a robe with a towel wrapped around her hair. "I called you hours ago."
"We were on the hunt." Ric said. They looked like it. Both men were haggard and worn down. Their jeans were had grass stains on their knees.
"And what did you find?" Bonnie asked as she riffled through the shopping bags that were on the side of her bed.
"Vampire remains, actually." Stefan answered. Bonnie's head whipped around.
"What did you say?"
"We found the remains of a vampire that had been decapitated." Stefan elaborated. "His head had literally been ripped off."
"Actually we found the remains of several vampires." Ric added. "All of them had been hunted and killed by a wild animal."
"Tyler." Bonnie surmised.
"It looks that way." Stefan confirmed. "Stefan and I think we found the spot where he brings his fresh kills."
"His den, so to speak." Ric said.
"You make him sound like a wild animal." Bonnie said defensively.
"Bonnie, that's what he is now." Stefan said. "We don't know if your spell allowed him to retain any of his humanity, or if he is all wolf now. For the safety of us all, we have to assume the worst and act accordingly."
"Well this is just depressing." Bonnie said sitting on the bed."
"But wait, it gets better." Ric informed her. "We don't think he's acting alone. The bite marks we saw on the bones are from more than one animal."
"You think we are dealing with another werewolf?" Bonnie asked.
"We don't know for sure." Stefan answered. "The additional bite marks could have been made another animal after the vampire was already dead."
"Wow. This is a lot to absorb." She looked at Stefan. "I take you didn't actually see Tyler."
"No, we didn't." Stefan answered her.
"And I am kind of glad we didn't." Ric said. "I think we underestimated how powerful he really is."
"Why?" Bonnie asked confused.
"Bonnie, you didn't see those bones. He ripped through them as though they were nothing. And if he is working in conjunction with another werewolf, it changes everything."
"So what are you suggesting, Ric? We give up and go home?" Bonnie asked.
"I'm not saying that, especially when we are this close to actually finding him. Tyler needs our help, but I am saying to help Tyler, we need some help, namely Damon."
"You want to call in reinforcements already?" Stefan asked.
"Yes!" Ric said emphatically. "Stefan, you saw those remains. Tyler is an animal. Do you really think you can handle him on his own?"
"But Damon? He won't want to help Tyler. He'll want to kill him." Bonnie answered.
"I agree." Stefan concurred. "Besides, I won't be on my own." Stefan said.
"That's right. We'll be there to help." Bonnie added.
"I am saying I don't think the three of us are enough." Ric argued.
"More help may be closer than you think." Bonnie said. "Don't you want to know the reason I was texting you earlier."
"I talked to Elena." Stefan said. "She said you were calling everyone you knew just for something to day. I assumed you were calling us because you were bored."
"Looks like you decided to pass the time by shopping." Ric said motioning towards her bags.
"Hardly." Bonnie said. "I went out for lunch and I ran into someone who may be connected to this whole situation. His name is Mason. He knows Tyler."
"How do you know?" Stefan asked.
"Well after lunch I went into that antique store that is across the street. I literally ran into Mason. He tried hitting on me and when I was about to shut him down, I got a vision."
"What did you see?" Ric asked.
"The Lockwoods. All of them. Richard, Carol, Tyler and Mason. They were at the mansion having lunch. But it wasn't that recent. Tyler was younger. I'd say it was about 5 years ago."
"So the plot thickens. Who is Mason and how does he fit into all of this?" Ric asked
"I don't know, but I am going to dinner with him tonight to find out." Bonnie said. She began rifling through her bags again.
"You're kidding right?" Ric said.
"No, I am not." Bonnie replied. "Found it!" She exclaimed pulling up the bag she was looking for. "You know of a better way to get information out of Mason?"
"Bonnie, this is clearly a trap." Stefan said gently.
"I don't actually think it is, but I have that covered too. Both of you are coming too." Bonnie replied.
"That won't look the least bit suspicious." Ric replied sarcastically.
"We won't all be together." Bonnie explained. "I want you to arrive before me and sit at a separate table. That way you will be there in case anything jumps off."
"Meanwhile you'll be enjoying a romantic dinner with Mason?" Ric question with doubt clear in the tone of his voice.
"Meanwhile I'll pump Mason for as much information as I can about his connection to Tyler." Bonnie clarified.
"You realize he may want to get as much info from you as he can as well." Stefan said.
"I know. I'll be careful about what I say." Bonnie agreed.
"So when is this date anyway?" Ric asked.
"Let's find out." Bonnie said. She reached for her cell phone and dialed Mason's number. She out the phone on speaker and set it down on the bed. She motioned for Ric and Stefan to be quiet.
"Hello?" Mason's baritone voice answered.
"Mason? It's Bonnie."
"I was hoping you call. It was getting late and I thought maybe you decided against it."
"It took me a while to make up my mind." Bonnie lied. "Then I realized I was getting ready for a date that I hadn't even agreed to go on and I decided I better call you."
"I am glad you did. I've been thinking about you all afternoon."
"You just met me. What's there to think about?" Bonnie asked.
"You're smile, your eyes, your laughter – should I go on?"
"Mason!" Bonnie squealed. "You shouldn't talk that way!"
"It's the truth. I can't wait to see you tonight."
"Speaking of tonight, what's the plan?" Bonnie asked.
"Do you like Italian food? There is this great little bistro that I know. You'll love it. That's if you like Italian food."
"I do." Bonnie said. "Like Italian food, that is."
"Awesome! You'll love this place, I promise. Where are you staying? I can come pick you up."
"Um, how about we just meet at the restaurant?" Bonnie suggested.
"Playing it safe, I can respect that." Mason said. "Let me give you the name and the address. Got a pen?"
"Ready!" Bonnie said as she grabbed it off of the night stand. Mason gave the info and Bonnie scribbled it down. "I got it all." Bonnie as he finished talking. "What do you say we meet there at 8:00 PM?"
"I say that's two hours from now and I don't know if I can wait that long."
"You'll have too. I need time to finish getting ready."
"8:00 it is then. I'll see you later, Bonnie."
"See you then, Mason." Bonnie said smiling. She giggled as she hung up the phone. She looked up to see Stefan and Ric staring at her.
"What?" she asked.
"What are you doing?" Ric asked in an accusatory tone. "This is a set up to get information out of Mason – not a real date."
"I know that!" Bonnie said defensively.
"It was hard to tell with all of the giggling and smiling you were doing."
"Ric, I am certain Bonnie hasn't loss sight of the plan." Stefan said calmingly. He turned to look directly at Bonnie. "She knows what's at stake here."
"Yeah, but I wonder if Jeremy does." Ric quipped.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Bonnie yelled.
"I'm just reminding you that you of that guy you left back in Mystic Falls." Ric said. "You remember him right? Good hair, nice smile and would walk on water for you. I think his name is Jeremy and you call him your boyfriend."
"Screw you!" Bonnie yelled. "I don't need to be reminded that I have a boyfriend."
"We're loosing sight of the target." Stefan said before Ric could respond. "Ric, why don't we go shower and change to get ready for dinner tonight? Bonnie, we'll plan on being at the restaurant at 7:30. See you there." Stefan said as he ushered Ric out the door.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Bonnie stepped out of the cab in front of Nino's Ristorante Italiano. She really didn't need to take a taxi. It turned out the place was only about 5 minutes from her motel. Not that she would have walked in the heels she was wearing. Originally, she planned to wear a blue dress she purchased on this date, but after her spat with Ric, she felt pants were more appropriate. She was dressed in dark blue skinny jeans that hugged every curve of her legs. She wore a off the shoulder purple shirt that sparkled in the light. She completed the out fit with 4 in peep toe platform stiletto also in purple.
She walked in toward the door. There was out door seating in front. She wove her way through the tables and made it inside. An older woman serving at the hostess greeted her.
"Hello and welcome to Nino's. Table for one?"
Bonnie smiled at her. "No, I am meeting someone here. I am not sure if he is here yet." Just as she finished her statement her phone dinged. She had a text from Mason. He was running late. Bonnie looked back at the hostess. "It looks like my date is running late."
"If you like you can wait at the bar." the nice woman suggested. Bonnie nodded and headed towards the bar. She spotted Stefan and Ric but didn't signal them. She sat door on a stool and shot Stefan a text updating him about the delay. She ordered a sprite when a red head from the near by booth got up and sat next to her. Bonnie ignored him and sipped her Sprite. She then felt his hand softly rubbing her back and she jerked away. She turned and gave him an incredulous look. He heard laughter coming from the group he left back at the booth.
"What the hell are you doing?" Bonnie demanded.
"I didn't mean to freak you. I just thought that all angels had wings." The red head said.
Bonnie rolled her eyes at the cheesy pick up line. Bonnie held out her fingers as she talked. "One: Don't touch me, and two: Really? Did you think that cheesy line would work?"
"I thought it would be enough to get you talking to me and you are. My name is Russ."
"I don't care." Bonnie replied. "And I am waiting for someone so why don't you go join your little friends over there."
"Russ! You leave the paying customers alone!" A female voice whipped cracked in their area. Bonnie looked up to see a pretty young African American girl coming over by them. She was dressed in black pants and a white shirt. She clearly worked at Nino's as a waitress.
"Come on, Tasha. I wasn't bothering her." Russ whined as Tasha got closer to them.
"Mmm-huh." Tasha said. "This girl looks pissed off and disgusted all at the same time. That is a classic sign that you are bothering her. "Gone back over there with everybody else." Tasha ordered. Russ began to walk away from the group. She turned to Bonnie. "I am sorry if he was messing with you. He can't help himself. Every time he sees a pretty face he has to hit on her. He's harmless really."
"Thanks." Bonnie said to Tasha.
"You must be new around here." Tasha said.
"Why do you say that?" Bonnie wondered.
"Well, because you look about my age, but I don't know you and I know everyone in this town. Especially the Black folk. It ain't that many of us in Abingdon."
Bonnie chuckled. "I just got to town a few days ago."
"Well welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay here."
"It's a nice town." Bonnie said.
"Live here all your life and you'll think its' boring as hell, just like the rest of us." She gestured towards the people sitting at the booth. "That's why my friends don't have anything better to do than come bug me a work." Tasha said loud enough so the group would hear her."
"You know you love us." a guy called back.
"I love you, Diego. The rest, eh!" Tasha yelled back with a smile. She looked at Bonnie. "Come on. I'll introduce you to everyone one."
"I'm actually waiting for some one." Bonnie hesitated.
"We're going 5 ft away, honey. We'll be able to see whoever comes in." Tasha insisted. They walked over to the big circular booth. "These are my friends." Tasha began. She gestured towards the man sitting on the outside of the both. "This is Diego."
"I'm her boyfriend, actually." Diego said extending his hand. Bonnie shook it. Diego was a handsome Latino man about 19 years old. His jet black hair was buzzed close to his head. He had a friendly smile and warm eyes."
"That's right, Diego is my boo!" Tasha confirmed. "Right next to him is his sister, Carmen." Since she was on the inside of the booth she just waived at Bonnie and Bonnie waived back. Carmen was gorgeous. She had long brown hair with blond highlights. Something about the look she gave Bonnie made her uncomfortable, though. She seemed to be taking in her measure.
"And next to Carmen is Kevin. He's pretty quiet, but a good guy." Tasha said. Kevin was fat with glasses. He had curly hair and a bashful smile. "Hello." He said softly.
"Hi." Bonnie smiled back.
"Next to him is Ryan. Every group has a pretty boy. He's ours." Tasha explained. Ryan was indeed good looking. His hair was perfect styled and his clothes impeccable. He seemed to be the oldest of the group and Bonnie would say he was 21 years old.
"You are rocking them shoes, girl." Ryan said. "You picked them up at Aldo's?"
"Thank you and yes, I did." Bonnie said.
"Good choice." Ryan complimented her.
"If you couldn't tell from that exchange, Ryan is gay." Russ said. He was seated next to Ryan and in the last position in the booth.
"And you're a jackass." Tasha said annoyed. "Unfortunately you already met Russ. Don't just the rest of us by him."
Bonnie laughed. "I won't."
"I just want to point out that I am bi-sexual not gay and that I've still slept with more girls then you, Russ." Ryan said.
The entire gang laughed at the joke, Bonnie too. She turned when she heard her name behind her. It was Mason.
"Mason, hi!" Bonnie said. He approached the table.
"Well hello!" Carmen said in appreciation of Mason's good looks, putting emphasis on the second syllable of the word.
Mason was striking. He had on a black tee shirt with a blazer over it. He wore jeans and completed the look with black books.
Mason walked up to Bonnie and stood next to her. "Sorry I am late. You look incredible."
Bonnie smiled and blushed, despite herself. "Thank you." Bonnie said. "And don't worry about being late. I met some nice people who kept me company."
"Well, our table is ready." Mason said.
Bonnie turned to the booth. "It was nice meeting all of you. Maybe I'll see you around."
"Wait a minute." Diego said. He peered at Mason. "Do I know you? You seem familiar."
"No, I don't think so." Mason answered.
"Sorry man. There is just something about you." Diego said.
"Come on you two." Tasha said. "I'll show you to your table." She lead Bonnie and Mason out of the bar area.
Diego watched them go and the entire booth was silent.
"What is it, D?" Carmen asked.
"I think he is one of us." Diego answered slowly.
"Really? We knew word would get out that Abingdon had fallen, but I didn't think others would start showing up so soon." Carmen answered.
"I can't be sure, but there was something about him." Diego sated.
"What about the girl?" Ryan asked.
"Looking for a new shopping partner?" Russ jibbed.
"Shut up, Russ!" Carmen snapped and threw her napkin at him.
"I got a different vibe from the girl." Diego answered.
"I picked up something from her too, and I didn't like it." Carmen added.
"Well have to watch her, but Mason is the prize." Diego said.
XOXOXOXOXO
"So you're a history buff and that is why you are here?" Mason asked Bonnie.
They were finishing their meal. The conversation had been pleasant and delightful for the entire evening. Mason was captivating. Bonnie enjoyed hearing about his life as a professional surfer. He'd been to exotic locals all over the world for training and competitions. After talking most of the dinner, Mason realized he didn't know much about Bonnie. He'd just asked her why she in Abingdon and she told it was to study local history.
"That's right. I know it's not as exciting as being a professional surfer, but I like it." Bonnie answered.
"I bet it's really interesting." Mason said. "Impress me with your knowledge. Tell me something cool about Abingdon."
Bonnie set her fork down and smiled. It was time to start digging. "Um, Ok. Did you know the town has a strange connection to wolves?"
Bonnie watched Mason closely to see his reaction. He raised his eyebrows in surprise at her statement, but only said "Wolves? Really?"
"Yep." Bonnie answered. "The city used to actually be called Wolf Hills. In 1760 Daniel Boone came and camped in Abingdon. Along with his friend, Nathaniel Gist, he was on his way through the area on a hunting trip. While they camped here, wolves emerged from a cave before them and attacked their dogs. Boone then gave Abingdon its first name, "Wolf Hills."
Bonnie silently thanked the Abingdon brochure that was in her motel room. That's where she got her information from. She was so bored over the past two days that she read it over and over. She wasn't sure if she got the year right, but everything she said was true.
"That's pretty interesting." Mason said.
"I know." Bonnie agreed. "It's like this town has a strange connection to those animals. Do you live wolves?"
"Do I like them? I don't get the question."
"You know, are they an animal you like? I am partial to tigers myself. They just look so majestic."
"Wolves are cool, I guess. I never really thought about it." Mason answered.
"So we know why I am here, but what brings you to Abingdon? I don't think it can be surfing." Bonnie asked.
"Actually I'm here visiting friends. I know some people that grew up here."
"So how long are you staying?" Bonnie asked.
Mason shrugged. "Until I am ready to go. If you had asked me this yesterday I would have said I'd be leaving in the next day or two. Today everything changed because I found a whole new reason to stay in Abingdon."
"You would really stay just for me?" asked skeptically.
"I'd stay for the possibility of us." Mason answered. Bonnie looked at him skeptically. "What?" Mason asked.
"You always know the right thing to say." Bonnie answered.
"It's easy when you're honest." Mason replied.
"Are you always this open with your feelings?" Bonnie asked.
"Yep. No sense in hiding anything. Keeping secrets does go with my seize the day philosophy."
"I love your carefree spirit." Bonnie said. Tasha came up to the table and inquired about dessert.
"I couldn't eat another bite!" said Bonnie pushing her plate away.
"I think we just need the check." Mason said.
"I thought you might say that." Tasha said as she put the black vinyl packet down with the bill inside. Mason took it and put cash in the envelope and handed it back to Tasha.
"You can keep the change." Mason said.
"Thanks. You two have a good evening." Tasha replied putting the check in her apron.
"So I am not ready for this night to end." Mason announced. "What do you say we go for a walk? It's a really nice night."
"I'd love that." Bonnie said. "Just let me use the rest room really quick. I'll be right back." She got up from the table and scurried towards the bathroom. She passed the table with Stefan and Ric and discreetly motioned for them to follow. They did so and began to speak once they were outside of view of Mason.
"How's it going?" Stefan asked Bonnie.
"Well, he's opened up about some stuff, but I think I can more out of him." Bonnie explained. "He wants to go for a walk. Do you think you can discreetly follow us? I won't go if you can't."
"We should be able to make that happen." Ric said. "No problem."
"OK, good. I'm going to get back to Mason now." Bonnie said.
Ric and Stefan watched as Bonnie walked backed to the table. Mason stood and put his hands arm around her waist and led her out.
"I don't like how chummy he is with Bonnie." Ric mumbled.
"He thinks they are on a date, Ric. How do you expect them to act?" Stefan asked.
"I don't know." Ric shrugged. "Let's pay our bill and get after them." as he walked to the table.
XOXOXOXO
"So, where are you from, Mason?" Bonnie asked as they strolled through a park. It was just a short distance from the restaurant.
"Who me?"
Bonnie chuckled. "You see any other Masons around here?"
Mason craned his head and looked around. "No, I don't see any around."
Bonnie playfully pushed Mason. "You are such a goof."
Mason laughed. "I am from a small town on the other side of the state. You probably never heard of it."
"You never know." Bonnie countered. "I am from a small town on the other side of the state and I am history buff. I may know where it is at or at least heard of it."
"It doesn't matter." Mason answered. "I told you I am more of a right now person."
"And you know I love history. Isn't there a middle ground?" Bonnie answered.
Mason stopped walking. He looked around as if some one were creeping up on them.
"Mason?" Bonnie asked, suddenly alarmed. "Is something wrong?"
"Shhh!" he ordered. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing up. He could feel something in the air and it wasn't a good sensation.
"What is it?" Bonnie whispered stepping closer to him.
"It feels like we are being hunted." Mason replied. "Someone's watching us."
'Oh no!' Bonnie thought. 'He must be able to tell Stefan and Ric are near by.'
"Come on!" Mason cried urgently. He grabbed her by the wrist and began to run. "We gotta get out of here!"
They didn't make it very far before an unknown assailant crashed into them from behind. Both Bonnie and Mason soared through the air to land harshly on the ground. Mason recovered instantaneously. He scrambled to his feet and looked around for his attacker. Seeing none he rushed to Bonnie's side and helped her up.
"What happened?" Bonnie asked, wincing in pain from the blow to her back.
"Vampires!" Mason spat angrily. Just for an instant, his eyes took on a gold, lupine tint.
Bonnie visible blanched. What did he just say? He didn't just know about supernatural beings, he was one!
"Bonnie!" Ric cried in the distance. He and Stefan were running to catch up with them. The never made it before Mason went on the attack. Using his super speed, he rushed Stefan and took him down.
"Vampire!" Mason said as he attempted to choke Stefan. Taken buy surprise, Stefan went down hard.
"Mason!" Bonnie screamed. "Get off of him!" she reached his side and began tugging on his arms. Ric joined her and began to pull on Mason's muscular forearms.
Stefan recovered from the initial shock and began to use his superior strength to fight back. The three of them managed to get Mason off of Stefan.
Mason tumbled back a few feet while Stefan clambered to his feet. Mason began to charge again, but Bonnie stepped in the way.
"Mason, stop it!" she ordered.
Mason grabbed her by the shoulders. "Don't you know what he is?" he demanded.
"Yes!" Bonnie answered. "And I know what you are too!"
"Guys, we don't have time for this." Ric interrupted.
"He's right." Stefan replied. "We tracked at least 7 vampires tracking you since we've entered the park."
"Friends of yours?" Mason bit out.
"Hardly," a male voice replied.
Mason and the others looked around and realized they were surrounded by 7 vampires. Mason, Bonnie, Stefan and Ric formed a circle with their backs to each other facing their assailants.
"We are here to kill him." The male said. He had presence and a commanding voice. Tall, he stood over 6 ft. He was handsome, with soap opera good looks.
"Can we at least know why your here to kill us?" Stefan asked, trying to sound uninterested.
"I don't see what harm it could do." the man answered. "Him we are killing because he is a werewolf." He said pointing at Mason. "And him we are killing just because." He said point at Ric. "But you two," he said in reference to Bonnie and Stefan. "We were sent to kill you two."
"Sent by whom?" Bonnie asked.
"Question and answer time is over." The man said. "You die now!"
All of the vampires save the one that spoke, rushed the group. Simultaneously the quartet responded.
Two rushed Stefan. He clothesline one and dropped the other with a devastating blow to the stomach.
Ric triggered the device in his sleeve and a stake suddenly appeared in his hand. He jabbed it at the vampire. Surprisingly the vampire was able to pivot causing Ric to miss the heart. He was still able to ram the stake into the undead man's chest causing him sever pain. He followed up with swift kick to the knee that double the vamp over and finished him with an elbow to the back of the head.
Mason went the more direct route. He greeted the charging vampire with a power pack punch straight to the face. The crushing blow sent the vampire flying off his feet and landing 6 feet away.
Bonnie took a deep breath and marshaled her powers. She raised her arms with her palms facing out and two of the vampires were flung backwards. Bonnie send them careening into a near by tree. They impacted with teeth rattling force.
In less then 30 seconds the group leveled the 6 vampires that charged them.
"Is that all you got?" Mason taunted the one vampire who hadn't attacked.
"Impressive," was all the man said. What he did next surprised them. He simply reached down and drove his fingers into the solid concrete of the pathway. Showing no effort, he wrenched a chuck of the path up and hurled it at the crew. They all scattered to avoid being hit by the concrete raining from the sky. It smashed into the ground sending debris everywhere and creating a blinding dust cloud.
"Get up, you idiots." The man cajoled his crew. "Kill them now."
Still recovering, the quartet was unable to respond before their enemies were upon them.
Stefan had two vampires on him again. One held his arms while another used his face as punching bag. Mason and another vampire were trading staggering blows. Another vampire had Ric down and was already feeding on him.
"Get off of him!" Bonnie bellowed. She used her gift to give the vampire multiple aneurisms. He fell off of Ric clutching his head in agony. She saw another vampire approaching and included him in her assault. Sweat poured freely from head. She had to concentrate to keep it up. A third vampire was coming at her. She included him in the attack. She never tried with two vampires let alone three, but she had to try! It didn't work at first as he kept coming. Bonnie pushed harder. She poured all that she had into it. The vampire began to stagger and his footing became unsure. Bonnie kept up the pressure. Finally, but steps away from her the vampire fell the ground in agony. But the effort to Bonnie was overwhelming. She didn't know how long she could keep this up.
"You are impressive." The man spoke again as he crept up behind Bonnie. He did a never pinch right where her neck and shoulders met. Bonnie shrieked in agony and dropped to her knees.
"May I, Malachi?" the vampire Bonnie stopped mere steps from her asked. He wanted to be the one to kill her.
"By all means." The lead vampire spoke. He backed away to give his minion room to do whatever dirty deep he had in mind.
The vampire wobbled to his feet. He took the steps closer to Bonnie. She was on the ground shaking from the spasm induced by the nerve pinch. The vampire raised his hand. "I am going to show you your heart before I feast on it!" he announced.
Bonnie looked up in horror even as she tried to marshal her powers against her attacker. She saw a shadow pass over her but wasn't really sure what happened. The vampire standing over her suddenly fell on top of her. Frantically she tried to push his body away and the she notice that he didn't have a head. Blood spurted freely from his neck, covering Bonnie. She screamed in horror. She began to cough as the vampires blood got into her mouth. She stopped screaming and look over to see a giant wolf in their midst. But it wasn't just any wolf. This wolf had all black fur and was the size of a polar bear.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" The lead vampire questioned. He watched as one of his vampires rushed the wolf. With a swing of his gargantuan head, the wolf sent the vampire sailing through the air. The other vampires left their other targets and began to circle the wolf. The beast in the center snapped his jaws viciously at the vampires.
"No, no." The Malachi said simply. He was still giving orders from the background. "Retreat." he commanded. And with that he simply faded away into the darkness.
With a nod to each other the remaining vampires ran away simultaneously, each in different direction using their super speed. The wolf was so confused by their sudden departure he didn't know who to follow.
Bonnie looked around the area. Ric lay on the ground, barely breathing, bleeding profusely from the vampire bite to his neck. Stefan was also unconscious, after the beat down he'd taken from the two vampires. Mason was still standing, but he was winded from his fight. There was a cut above his left eye and he was fairly certain at least one of his ribs was cracked.
The wolf surveyed the scene in front of him. He growled at the as he decided what to do.
"Tyler?" Mason called out to wolf. He approached the wolf with hands raised trying to be as nonthreatening as possible. "Tyler, is that you?"
The wolf growl again and snapped at Mason. He stopped his approach and took a couple of steps back.
"Easy Tyler! It's me – Uncle Mason."
'Uncle Mason!' Bonnie thought. 'He's Tyler's uncle!' That explains the connection and the vision she saw. No wonder he was a looking for Tyler!
The wolf didn't seem to recognize the familial relation. He charged Mason. The human used his supernatural speed and flung himself out of the way of the werewolf. The beast raised his head and sniffed the air. He then howled and spun around and headed back towards the rest of the fallen crew. He sniffed the air again and then headed straight towards Stefan.
"Tyler no!" Bonnie cried out. Instinctively she reached out with her gift. Stefan's body was flung from the ground into a near by tree. It wasn't a gently process. He was draped over a branch at his mid section. His legs and arms dangled in the air.
The werewolf stopped and turned on a dime. He ran to the tree and began jumping, trying to reach Stefan. We ne realized he couldn't, he turned and looked at Bonnie, as if he realized she was the source of his problem. He began to charge her. Bonnie watched in horror. There was nothing she could do. Suddenly she found herself swept up in Mason's strong arms and carried out of the way.
"He doesn't recognize either of us, Bonnie. He's all beast now." Mason surmised.
"We have to stop him!" Bonnie insisted, but Mason held her tight.
"There is nothing we can do!" Mason argued. "He's stronger than both of us.
"Move!" Bonnie yelled as she tried to break free of his grasp. She looked up just in time to see that Wolf Tyler was upon them. He bowled into them slamming Mason into a near by tree. Bonnie was flung in the air and landed on the ground a few feet away.
"Ow!" Bonnie meowed as he hit the ground. She landed hard put her hands out to break her fall. She felt her wrist bend the wrong way. She rolled over onto her back just in time to see Wolf Tyler step over her. Silva dripped down and hit her face. She looked up and the last thing she remembered seeing was Tyler gaping jaws coming towards her face.
END CHAPTER
So there you have it. Chapter 3. I hope it was worth the wait and that you enjoyed the chapter. I PROMISE chapter 4 will be up much faster.
All of that stuff I said about Abingdon is totally truth and totally a coincidence! I went to the city website and was amazed at the stuff about how it used to be called Wolf Hills. I knew NONE of that when I chose that city for my story. What luck!
I am pretty visual person and it I usually have an actor in mind for characters I create. I will list below which actors I have in mind for any characters of significance for any of you who want to get a visual reference for the characters I created. All should be available via the Internet Movie Database or a Google image serch.
NEXT UP: All hell breaks lose. Something will get the entire gang to Abingdon and it won't be pretty.
Michelle: Regina King
Tasha: Erica Hubbard
Diego: Jay Hernandez
Carmen: Christina Milian
Russ: Jonah Hill
Ryan: Nick Zano
Kevin: Kinsey McLean
Malachi: Greg Vaughn