I love this chapter! I think you guys will too! :)

And it's long!

Damon's POV

Fuck me. I was in love.

I didn't even know when it had happened, but as I stared around the room in front of me, I knew it without a single doubt.

There was no other explanation for what this emotion was.

I'd given myself every lie I could think of to justify the fact that I'd die for the human I was waiting for, that I'd kill for her, that I would move mountains to make her happy, but nothing else could explain it, and I was done pretending otherwise.

I loved her.

Which was probably the only reason I was standing in Whitmore Hall, dressed in this ridiculous outfit, questioning how a little human girl had managed to get the Supreme Pack's Enforcer wrapped so tightly around her perfect finger

But she had, and now I was here.

The University had decided to throw a Halloween themed social, weeks before the actual holiday, for reasons that were beyond me, but Elena had wanted to attend and I'll be damned if I was going to disappoint her.

Besides, she'd had fun coordinating our costumes, and any effort to see her smile was well worth it.

At least it was until, "Holy shit, you actually did come!"

Mason's voice was a mixture of surprise and amusement.

I fought against rolling my eyes as I met his, "I heard there was free alcohol."

"Uh Huh," he smirked, "And I'm sure it has nothing to do with that little firecracker you've had hanging off your arm all month. Speaking of which, isn't she with you?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm meeting her here," I told him, taking in his medieval times getup, "Who's your plus one? You do have one, don't you? Or did you talk Stefan into a dress and wig?"

He laughed good naturedly, as unaffected as ever, "Nah, you know him, vanilla and all. Wouldn't even try a corset."

I smirked, despite the fact that he did tend to grate my nerves.

"Got a couple hotties waiting for me back by the punch bowl," he continued, "Which by the way, is alcoholic. Gotta love college, right?"

I ignored his question, "Are the others here?"

"Stefan's coming with Lexi later. Tyler's here, but Alaric has Enzo on a run. Apparently you were busy."

I cursed, "What was said?"

He smirked, clapping my shoulder, "Don't worry, we're all keeping your dirty little secret...speaking of which."

He motioned off towards the crowd and I followed his gaze.

Elena had walked in, Lexi and Stefan with her, but I hardly noticed them.

She was dressed in a timely gown that reached the floor, her hair half pulled up in curls, the red flashing with the turn of her head, and I was mesmerized.

Did she have any idea how beautiful she was?

"Lady Anne Boleyn," I addressed her when she was close enough, my eyes roaming her costume once more with appreciation.

Elena smirked, stopping in front of me, and gave a little bow.

I smiled, then reached over, cupping her face, "Now, who in their right mind would cut off a head so gorgeous?"

She pretended to think for a moment, "Um you, my king. My not-so-loving husband."

I laughed, wrapping an arm around her middle, "How incredibly rude of me. Perhaps I can dance my way out of this doghouse?"

She grinned, "Whatever his majesty desires."

I fought back a retort about what I really desired, and led her towards the dance floor, hating this King Henry costume considerably less.

We moved easily together, swaying in and out, spinning and dipping to the beat of the music.

Elena laughed and the sound was melodic.

I lived for it and would give anything for it to keep-

My pocket buzzed.

Once, then twice.

With a curse I pulled away from my queen, and held up a finger, "Once second, kitten."

I'd teased her with the nickname so much that it had stuck, and despite her complaints, she would smile each time I used it.

I had a missed call, and a text from Alaric.

Need the Pack home, now.
Enzo's hurt.

Fuck.

Just as I tried to come up with an excuse for Elena, Mason and Stefan were suddenly next to me.

"Did you get Ric's message?" my brother asked, his expression serious.

I nodded, "Yeah, go get the car. I'll meet you out front."

He gave a nod, and I turned to Mason, "Where's your brother?"

"I'll find him," he promised, "We'll meet you at home."

The tension in the conversation wasn't lost to Elena who frowned as the other two walked away, "What's going on?"

"Family issue," I told her, wishing more than anything that I could explain further, "Alaric needs us at the house."

"Is everything okay?"

I loved her for being concerned instead of pissed, but I had to go, "Should be. I'll text you later...I'm sorry."

She forced a smile, "It's fine. Family comes first."

I grabbed her for a quick kiss, then turned away, dialing Alaric on my cell.

So many times over the years Elena had been right, where I'd been wrong.

Not always, but enough so that I'd learned not to bet against her.

I wasn't sure why this time was any different, yet through sheer stupidity, I wasn't concerned.

It was just a dream, I'd told myself.

Nothing was going to happen.

Richard's Pack had been helping me track the "witch" his informant had told us was asking questions.

Days had passed, and I was stuck in Arizona with no more answers than I'd arrived with.

I was beginning to think this Order thing was a load of bullshit, and just wanted to go home to my family.

But we had a final run to take care of.

Our leads had led us to Phoenix, so all advances were done in human form, much to my wolf's annoyance, but we'd managed.

Mason stayed close on my hide as we walked the street.

The sun had set but there were so many lights that it might as well be daytime.

I felt uneasy. Exposed.

"Do you have the address?" Mason asked, and from his tone I could tell that he wasn't comfortable with our situation either.

"It's just another few blocks," I promised him.

He groaned, "If this is another dead end, we're done right? Not that I don't think we should be thorough, but I got a sexy little witch waiting back home who I'm really missing right now, feel me?"

I smirked, "Don't worry. I've got my own witch to get back to. But we aren't leaving until I'm certain that there's nothing to find here. Threats against my children will not be tolerated, and I plan to make sure everyone knows it."

"Yeah, I gotcha," he sighed, "Let's go talk to this damn shaman."

I stared over the numbers on the buildings we passed, looking for the little herb shop we'd been directed towards, until it finally came into view.

"Assuming this is anything more than a store," I pressed, walking up.

The door was locked, but that wasn't a hard problem to take care of.

I was half worried about an alarm being set off instead, but luck was on our side and nothing happened when I pushed the door open.

Or when I stepped over the threshold.

Mason followed close behind me, and we shut the door, as not to draw outside suspicion.

"See anything?" he asked me, checking the lock.

I glanced around.

There was the obvious store front. Herbs, books, things that looked very wiccan.

Candles and stones.

"Nothing too unusual. Bonnie and Elena use a lot of this stuff."

I inhaled deeply, hoping to get a better idea of what we might be dealing with, but there were so many harsh smells that my senses were overwhelmed by them.

"Damn herbs," I heard Mason mutter, and smirked.

Apparently he was having the same issue.

"I don't think there's anyone here," he added after a moment.

I sighed, having really been hoping that this place would push us somewhere useful.

I opened my mouth to tell him to just keep looking for anything useful.

Papers, files, symbols, anything.

But before I could, a new voice broke through the room, "Well, you're wrong about that."

Mason and I both whirled around, tensing at the intruder.

It seemed the hanging beads behind the register desk were concealing a doorway, and a middle aged man had stepped out of it.

Mason made to move, but I lifted my hand, "Wait."

The man behind the counter watched me with expectant eyes.

He was average height and build, though his thinning salt and pepper hair told me that he was getting on in his years.

"Are you the owner of this place?" I asked him.

He reached towards the wall and suddenly a light flickered on.

I blinked a few times as he answered, "Would explain why I'm here now, wouldn't it. Question is, why are you."

There was no fear in the man, and ignoring the harshness of the herbs, I searched his scent.

Definitely magical.

"We're here to talk to you," I stated.

"Are you, now. Well I don't take too kindly to my shop being broken into. So what makes you think I'm gonna stand here and listen to the likes of you, instead of calling the police?"

"Because you wouldn't want your secret getting out any more than I would," I answered harshly, drawing on my height, "Witch."

His dark eyes narrowed, and he sized me up, "You practice?"

"My mate does."

Understanding seemed to flash in his eyes at my use of lexicon, and he huffed, "Damn Children of the Moon. What in the hell do a couple werewolves want with me? I have no quarrels with your kind."

Well, at least he was quick to the point.

"We haven't been the Moon's children for a long time," I reminded him, "We change at will, just in case you were getting any bright ideas."

"It is the moon that triggers your first change, is it not?" he prompted.

I flashed my teeth, "It's of no concern to you. Now," I took a step forward, "I need you to tell me anything you know about the Order of Lapis Luna."

The man's expression didn't change, "The Order, huh? If you're after them, I'm gonna guess that the Supreme Pack sent you? I hear their Alpha's pissed."

My body released a growl without consent, and I moved quickly, grabbing the guy and throwing him against the wall.

"See that's the thing," I snapped, "I am the Alpha. And you're right. I am pissed."

"Lex autiu-" he tried to choke, but I closed the hand I had around his neck, "Don't bother. We're inoculated from your basic spells. Handy little gift from my wife."

His eyes widened, "Then it is you...with the power twins-"

I banged his head against the wall, "Don't talk about them. Talk about the Order. Now."

"I can't-"

I narrowed my eyes, and let my canines elongate, "You will, or I take a little nip out of your neck. See how much you animosity you can carry towards werewolves when you are one."

He choked, suddenly much more willing to comply, "They only….want to...help. The Order."

"Heard that one before," I snarled, digging my fingers into his skin a little, "Try again."

"Damon," Mason warned, "He can't tell us anything if you kill him."

"Does he look dead to you?" I snapped, glancing over at him.

Unfortunately my moment of distraction was all the man needed.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out something fine and dark.

I barely had time to react before it was thrown in my face, scattering like sand, and my hands instinctively dropped from him to clear it.

"Fuck," I growled, my vision going dark with pain, "Mason, follow him!"

I heard footsteps, running, and tried desperately to clear my eyes.

Nothing helped, and I fumbled blindly until I banged my knee on a counter, knocking something over, and halted with a curse.

Eventually someone returned, and I tensed for a fight.

"Relax," Mason's voice called, and I felt a hand on my shoulder, "It's me. Shit, you look rough."

"I can't see a damn thing," I growled, "And it's starting to burn."

"It's starting to bleed," he said, "Damnit, hold still."

I heard him move around, then something was being pressed against my face.

"He got away," Mason said, "Disappeared into thin air."

"Fucking witches," I muttered, more annoyed than anything, "Did you see what he threw at me?"

"Yeah. One sec."

He moved around me to find the substance, and I felt my head sway, as if gravity had suddenly lost all affect.

"Nothing saying what it is, but he dropped the bag of it on the- woah!" he caught me before I collapsed, "You aren't looking too hot, man."

I tried to answer him, but my mouth didn't seem to want to cooperate.

All I could think about was how Elena was right.

Man, I was in for a hell of an I-told-you-so.

Then everything went black.

I pushed past Stefan as we entered the Manor, following the scent of blood upstairs.

The infirmary.

Shit, this couldn't be good.

Mason and Tyler entered the house as I was heading up to the top floor, and they followed behind Stefan in suit.

"Ric," I called, opening the door, prepared for anything.

"Over here," he answered.

They had Enzo stretched out on one of the cots, and Alaric was sewing up a gash on his side that was clean down to his rib bone.

"What the hell happened?" I demanded.

George, who was sitting across from Ric, stood, pulling us over to the side of the room.

"Mutt attack," he answered my question, "He was supposed to make another run to Washington; you know the pack there's been a little uneasy lately, but he was intercepted."

Mason cursed and I narrowed my eyes, "Which one of them did it?"

"Damon-"

"Just tell me, George. If he was attacked it was because he was on my run. Which Mutt did it?"

He sighed, "Alright. Fine, it was Galen."

"Vaughn?" I spat, "You're joking."

"He hasn't given us much trouble in the past," Stefan turned over the thought, "What was this about?"

"Does it matter?" I pointed out, "He's dead the second I get my hands on-"

"No."

The word was a halt and a command, all in one, leaving Alaric's mouth tiredly.

He'd finished with Enzo and the brother was out cold.

"No?" I questioned, staring over at him, "Ric, you know the laws as well as I do! It is my right as Pack to end anyone who threatens-"

"I know," Alaric said, "But I don't want you to kill him when you find him. Bring him back to the cage for questioning first."

I nodded, my argument deflating at his command.

It was worth figuring that if Vaughn was going to be brought into the Manor, he wouldn't be leaving in one piece.

"Good," Ric said, "Now Stefan, I want you to stay here with Enzo. The rest of you need to work out hunting plans. I want you ready to leave by morning."

His gaze shifted to me, reminding me that I was still in my costume, "Is that going to be a problem?"

The accusation was subtle, but there in his tone.

Enzo got hurt doing my job.

It was my responsibility to make this right.

"Not at all."

Some time passed.

I couldn't keep up with what was going on exactly, thanks to my good friend, unconsciousness.

A dim awareness let me know that I was being moved.

There were voices.

But nothing else registered or made sense.

How long had I been staring into darkness? Was I still with Mason?

I fought through the haze in my mind, trying to get some idea of my barings.

"He's coming to," a voice said, but at the moment, I couldn't place it.

"Damon?"

That voice, however, I'd know anywhere.

My mouth still didn't seem to want to get with the program, but I inhaled and caught an immediate flow of the best smell in the world.

Lemon sweetness, tangled with magic and wood, and a hint of my own scent.

Elena.

"Damon, can you hear me?"

I tried to tell her yes, that I was right here with her, but again, I couldn't make my lips move.

"Bonnie, are you sure he's-"

"I'm sure," the voice from earlier answered, "Just give me a second."

The sounds were becoming clearer now, sharp.

Breaths being drawn; a beeping; low chanting.

Then some of that strange numbness started to leave my body and I felt a hand gripping my own tightly.

Struggling hard, I tried to force my eyes open.

Finally, it worked.

"Damon?" Elena covered my vision, her face floating above mine, "Oh thank god!"

"Hey, Kitten," I croaked, finding my voice again.

Her forehead dropped to mine and she breathed me in, "You stupid, stupid, pain in my ass. You promised to be careful!"

Somehow, I found myself smiling, "Sorry."

God, I sounded awful.

I glanced around the room, and realized that I was home.

In the infirmary, no less, and that the room was actually kind of full.

Alaric, Jo, Bonnie, and Elena were within my immediate vision, then I noted Stefan and Mason against the wall by the door.

"Why the graveside faces?" I asked, coughing to clear my throat.

I made an attempt to sit up, but Elena's hands came down on my shoulders, "Easy."

"I'm fine," insisted, moving into a better position to observe my surroundings.

I was hooked up to a machine.

"Shit," I muttered, "Was it that bad?"

Elena's eyes told me that it was, but it was Jo that answered my question.

"You're lucky to be alive, Damon. That witch attacked you with Nigrum Mortem."

Reminder of my unlucky encounter soured my mood, "Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

"It means the Black Death," Bonnie elaborated, "Very dark magic. There are certain stones that have enough power to end a life. In old times, witches used to grind the stones, turn them into a powder the called Nigrum Mortem. If it gets inside of your body, it can kill you."

"Lucky for you," Jo added, "It got in your eyes, instead of your mouth. There wasn't as much and it spread slower. Mason was barely able to get you back in time."

But it was Elena's words that were the hardest to hear.

With a shaking voice, she caught my attention, "You almost died, Damon."

I hated the tears in her eyes, and that I was the cause of them.

"Hey," I reached for her, "Come here."

Moving around so she could lean against me, I pulled her into my arms.

"I'm alright," I promised her, "It's over."

"Not yet it isn't," Jo frowned at me, "I need you to stay tight in here for a few days, to be monitored. If all is well after that, then you're good."

I nodded with a sigh, "Thank you."

She nodded, and turned with Alaric, "But since I'm here, I should go check on Caroline…"

They moved out of the room, and slowly, my audience dispersed.

"Glad you're okay," Mason said, wrapping an arm around Bonnie, "You need anything?"

I shook my head, "No. But thanks. I guess you saved my life, huh?"

He smirked, "This don't mean we're dating, you know."

"Damn."

With a chuckle he pulled his female along, and Stefan, realizing that I wanted a minute alone with Elena, followed behind them.

Silence fell when the door shut, but I didn't waste my time sulking in it.

"I really am sorry, baby."

Elena sighed, her eyes less narrowed now, "I know you are. But we knew this could happen, Damon, and you were supposed to be careful. Not running around in witch shops."

"I know," I told her, "But at least we did find out something."

"We did?" she asked, and I frowned, "Mason didn't tell you?"

"We were more worried about you," she said, rubbing my arm, "You've been out for two days. It took a couple blood transfusions and healing spells to clense you. Jo wanted to use the twins blood, since it would have been closer to yours, but I didn't want them involved with this."

"Where are they?" I asked, feeling even worse that I almost left them permanently.

"They're playing with Michael downstairs," she reassured me, "Tyler and Klaus have been taking turns keeping an eye on them...they were worried about you."

"I know," I sighed, only imagining what they must think, seeing their dream actually happen, "When we're done here, we'll go see them. But right now, I need to tell you something."

Her eyebrows pulled together, her face reading mine, "What did you find?"

"The guy that did this to me, he knew about the Order. He said they wanted to help."

"Yeah right," she growled, "Just like Giuseppe planned to help the race, I'm sure."

I nodded, "My thoughts exactly. I'm assuming he was some sort of front for them. But at least now we know that they're not as extinct as everyone seemed to think. Which is more than we knew last week."

She nodded, the emotions riding on her scent a turmoil of fear, anxiety, and protective, maternal instinct.

"Nothing's going to happen to them," I promised her.

"You said that nothing would happen to you either," she pointed out.

I sighed, "Technically I said I'd be careful, not that nothing wouldn't happen."

"Not the time for jokes."

I smirked, "Kitten, I'm fine. And in a few days I'll be good as new. Let's just go see our young and enjoy the day, alright?"

Hesitantly she nodded, "Fine. But we're coming back up here later. I want to be sure all of that powder stuff is out of your system. Because I'll be damned if I'm gonna lose you, Damon. I'll be damned."

"So you'll be back on campus tomorrow?" Elena's voice filled my ear through the cell's receiver, "That's the plan, Kitten."

"Good," she sighed, "I miss you."

God, I missed her too.

It had taken us three fucking days to find Vaughn, and another to get him back to Mystic Falls.

He was now fading in and out of consciousness in the cage next to me, suspended by rope and metal, while I talked on the phone.

"I'll see you as soon as I can," I promised, eyeing the mess around me, "I miss you too."

I hung up, just as a cough sounded from the cage.

Vaughn had woken up again.

"How sweet," he spat up some blood, "The Enforcer's got a girl."

I ignored his jibe, "Are you ready to spill your guts? Figuratively, of course. Before I spill them literally?"

He leaned his head back, "If you're going to kill me, Damon, just kill me."

"Oh I plan to," I assured him, "But we're gonna have a little fun first. And you're going to tell me exactly what it is that makes Mutts stupid enough to come after the Pack alone.

"I didn't want the Pack," he bared his jaw, "The Cleaner was a casualty. I wanted you."

I threw open the cage door, and entered, getting close and personal with the rogue, "Well, I'm all yours now."

He didn't say anything; just avoided my eyes.

"What? Lose your confidence now that you don't have the element of surprise?"

Again no answer.

I set my jaw, "What did you want with me?"

Finally, his gaze fell to mine, and his eyes were empty.

"Freedom."

I crooked my head, "You think you're the first Mutt that got tired of running? Too damn bad. Your own choices gave you the title."

"I was pack for months," he glared, "I played by Giuseppe's rules. When Alaric took over things changed. The restrictions were unnegotiable, and he sent you after anyone who dared to even flirt with the line. And now he has you hunt us like dogs."

"So your plan was what? To kill me? Did you really think that that would win you a ticket to to Happyland?"

"I heard what happened to Liam," Vaughn spat, wincing a little in pain from the beating he'd taken coming down here, "I heard why Alaric had you kill him. Is the Pack so terrified of man that we kill our own to-"

"Pack is law," I reminded him, "He broke that law and it was paid for in his female's blood. His death wasn't necessary until he came to us, throwing death threats at the Supreme Alpha. He chose to fight, knowing how it would end for him...as did you."

"Then kill me," he spat, "Dying now is better than a life on the run."

I could tell that he meant the words, and my hands were twitching to do the deed; to end him for what he did to my pack brother, for what he'd wanted to do to me, and would probably do to Alaric if he had the chance.

But I knew my place, and this wasn't my call.

I turned away, leaving the cage, then walked up the stairs, out of the basement.

"Alaric," I called.

"In here."

The Alpha was in the study, going through stacks of envelopes when I found him.

"He spoke to you?" Ric asked with a glance up, and I nodded, "Same Mutt bullshit. Tired of life on the road, feels he was wronged, and thought taking me out would increase his chances of freedom from our law."

Alaric stood from his chair, "Do you believe that's why he attacked?"

"Yeah, I do," I said, "So what do you want me to do? Knock out a couple teeth? Prove a point."

He debated for a moment, then shook his head, "No. I think his death is the best way to show any of similar thought what happens when we're challenged."

"I'll take care of it," I promised, and started off to do my job, when Ric called, "Damon?"

I paused, looking back at him, "Yeah?"

"He deserves pain. For Enzo. Make him bleed first."

I nodded, "Yeah. Okay."

Years of training by Giuseppe Salvatore had perfected my pain inflicting techniques.

I managed to keep Liam alive while opening his chest in what felt like slow motion.

His screams became nothing more than a buzz to me, a testiment to what he owed for the pain he'd inflicted himself.

Blood poured, covering me and the floor of the cage, and I knew Alaric would be satisfied.

Especially because Liam's eyes were still wide and afraid by the time I got to his heart, and ripped the thing from his chest.

His body fell limp, but the expression on his face remained.

Good, I thought.

Ric would probably have the remains shipped off to whatever Mutt Liam was closest to, and the rumors would spread like fire.

My reputation would solidify and the Pack would be a force to be feared once more.

I dropped the heart on the floor next to him, and went back up to let Alaric know the deed was done.

Cleaning up wasn't my job.

A shower sounded warm and inviting, especially because there was still blood on me, but I was feeling a little pent up and wanted to run.

Alaric wouldn't need me for the rest of the night, so I headed out the door, to the woods.

Changing was easy, my body molding form at my very thought, the pain almost nonexistent.

Or maybe I'd just grown numb to it.

I'd grown numb to a lot of things.

The forest was a welcoming haven after the evenings events, and I ran miles before it even occured to me that I was moving.

The trees blurred past me, and the smells of nature settled me.

This is where I belonged.

This is where I was home.

And yet, through the delight of my wolf in the wild, through the chaos of the murder I'd just inacted, and through the instincts that controlled my every turn, I thought of Elena.

No other female had ever captivated me the way that she had.

I had never wanted any of the others after having them either.

But Elena...she was impossible for me to shake off, no matter how much time I spent with or away from her, or how many times I took her body.

I was an addict, and she was my next fix, promising an escape.

I stopped running, as my mind turned over thought after thought of her.

I was an idiot for letting this happen.

Elena was human. Human. And by definintion, only allowed to be with me so long as she didn't know a damn thing about the truth and as long as she didn't get pregnant.

For a split second, that particular idea was overwhelming.

Images jumped to my head, of her round and beautiful, carrying my young.

Fuck, what I wouldn't give for that.

But I knew what it meant if it happened; what I'd have to do, if the child was a male.

I flinched.

Maybe I didn't love Elena.

Maybe if I loved her, I'd be selfless enough to remove myself from her life and give her a chance at the normality that I know she craved.

But I couldn't bring myself to even consider leaving her; not when the very thought shattered me.

And worse was that she felt the same.

I knew she did.

I could smell the same desire, the same devotion every time we locked gazes.

She wanted me.

And I needed her.

Suddenly that was enough for me to have to see her; not in the morning, but right now.

I wanted to hold her, feel her, and know that she wasn't some angel I'd been imagining for the sake of drawing some kind of purpose out of my life.

I got back to the Manor just as fast as I'd left it, rushing up the stairs to throw some clothes into a bag, and thankfully no one stopped me on my way to my Camaro.

It felt like merely seconds before I was tearing down the road, throwing the miles behind me as fast as I had been when I was running.

I hit the open road with hardly any other traffic around to hinder me and doubled my speed, in a hurry to get to my human, my Elena, my mate.

It was dark by the time I was knocking on her dorm room door, and my mood deflated some when Lexi answered.

"Damon?" her expression was surprised, then her eyes widened, "What the hell happened to you?"

"What?"

"You...um...is that blood?"

I looked down and realized I still had some streaks on my arms.

And my hands were filthy, thanks to my run.

Shit. What was doing.

"It's uh...I was rough housing with the guys. Where's Elena?"

"Study sessions with some classmates," she was smart enough to answer without asking any more questions, "At the library, I think."

I nodded, "Thanks...do you mind if I use your sink real quick?"

"Go ahead," she offered.

It was probably best not to freak Elena out too.

The library was as easy to find as it was the last time I'd tracked Elena there, and sure enough, her scent littered the air around the entrance.

Just the hint of it calmed me, and I opened the door, ready to see her.

And see her, I did.

On one of the sofa seats, with a book in her lap.

Unfortunately, the classmate studying with her was the same male I'd seen ogling her a few weeks back, and he was sitting entirely too close to her side, especially considering there were plenty of other chairs around them.

I growled lowly, and something instinctive must have reverberated through Elena, because she looked up as the sound left my throat.

Her smile was almost enough to distract me; almost.

"Damon," she started, but her sentence died as I grabbed the guy next to her and lifted him.

"Damon!"

"Hey man-"

"Leave," I demanded, giving him one chance to survive the night.

Luckily, he was smart enough to take it.

"What the fuck?!" Elena fumed, staring up at me with wide, angered eyes.

I made sure the male had left the room before turning to face her.

"Hey."

"Don't you "hey" me!" she scolded, "What in the hell is wrong with you?"

Her finger was in my chest, and her body was so close to mine.

God, and that anger of hers.

That beautiful, hot temper.

It was exactly what I needed right now.

But apparently the librarian on duty disagreed, because the woman came over, "Is there an issue?"

"Not at all," I insisted, "We were just leaving."

I grabbed Elena's arm, and picked up her book bag as I led her to the door.

She was pissed, but she didn't fight me.

At least, not until we'd made it outside.

"Damon. Damon, stop! What the hell is going on?"

I didn't let her go until we had walked a little further, and would be free of eavesdroppers.

It was really dark now, but my wolf senses made it easy enough to see her, and her scent gave enough of a hint as to what she was feeling.

Anger, confusion...she was upset.

"I need you," I told her.

Her anger subsided a little, "What happened?"

"I…" there was no way I could explain this to her.

"Damon?"

"Just come here," I begged, reaching out for her.

However, she lifted a arm, keeping distance between us, "Not until you tell me what all that was just about."

"What, your lab partner? He was all over you."

"Damon."

"What? Do you think I'm just going to sit back and watch another male put his hands on my-"

Her raised brow had me backtracking.

"I don't like the way they look at you," I edited.

She sighed, "You're a damn fool, you know that?"

I chuckled dryly, "I've heard that a time or two...but I'm not going to apologize for it."

"Of course not," she bit, "You don't apologize for anything."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you are MIA for days, then want to come back and dictate who I see and talk to, just because you think that they may be interested. Don't you trust me?"

Her question drew me up.

It wasn't a matter of trust.

It was a matter of instinct, and mine wanted me to mark her, claim her.

Make sure that all males knew who she belonged to.

"I trust you," I said, for her sake, "But-"

"If you say it's not you, it's them, so help me God, Damon."

"Well it is," I pressed, "You're mine, Elena. They need to know that."

She huffed, "And showing them requires violence? You could have just made out with me instead, you know. That would have been much more inviting. Or better yet," she stepped a little closer, "Stop leaving. Then you wouldn't have to fend off anyone."

Her tone was teasing now, but the truth in her words echoed through me.

I wouldn't be leaving her again.

"Kiss me," I commanded, and she laughed, "You arrogant bast-"

I connected our mouths and pushed her back against the building before she could finish.

I wasn't nice about our reunion any more than she was, and it was all teeth, nails, and bruises, until she breathlessly suggested, "Hotel?"

I nodded and somehow mangaged to make it to my car with her wrapped around me, hot kisses being exchanged.

Elena's mouth stayed on me, in one way or another the entire car ride over to the nearest hotel, and when we got to our room, I hardly noticed anything but the bed.

I threw my human down onto it and wasted no time in joining her.

We were no easier here than we'd been outside, though I had at least half a conscious mind not to break her skin with my teeth.

There were other ways to mark her though, and she had proof of that trailing from her neck to her chest, down her stomach and to her thighs, before I was satisfied that my point had been made.

Our clothes were ripped heaps on the floor, her underwear the last thing to join the pile as I tried to settle between her legs.

But she wasn't having it.

"Just fuck me," she begged, turning so that she was on her stomach and her ass was in the air.

Everything that made her female shamelessly offered; mine for the taking.

I did as she asked, no preamble to my intrusion, taking her hard.

Something in my head warned me that this had to be painful for her.

The position, the force of my body against hers.

She would certainly be bruised for days.

But Elena wasn't complaining, if the moans leaving her lips were any hint, and I needed this from her.

It took only a moment for her to body to show signs of a climax, and I was so close to being there with her.

I just needed…

Pulling out of her, with her so wound up she actually groaned as I did so, I flipped her over.

Her legs parted effortlessly, allowing me to slide right back home, and I reached a hand up to twist it in her hair, before lowering so that our chests touched and my lips were by her ear.

"Bite," I told her, "Mark me. Make me yours."

Her teeth latched to my neck, pain sliced through my body, and she began convulsing.

I came.

As we caught our breath, Elena's hazy gaze focused on mine.

She smiled and I was done.

This woman was the one for me.

The only one who'd ever been able to take everything I could give her, chain my anger, see the monster in my eyes, and still look at me that way.

My wolf had wanted her from the start, and I couldn't be without her now.

I loved her, and in that moment, I knew I always would.

And she needed to know it.

"Damon-" she started as I opened my mouth to speak.

I stopped my declaration, "Yeah?"

"I love you."

My heart jumped as the words, the very ones on my tongue, left her mouth.

"Oh, Elena," I sighed, connecting our foreheads, "I love you more."

Some time later, after another lazy round of consummation, and a shower, we curled up on the bed together, in the dark.

It was silent as we held each other, but that was okay.

We'd said all we needed to say for the night, and now it was time to rest.

She was exhausted; I was at peace.

Will be updating WTFD as soon as I can, but I hope you guys enjoyed this!

Can't wait to read your reviews :)