Bite time ;)

Enjoy!

Damon's POV

I stared at my mate as she pulled on clothes for class.

Her jeans slid over her waist and her bare back was interrupted by the long flow of brunette hair that cascaded down it, occasionally flashing me glimpses of crimson when she moved.

The ring on her finger also flashed, catching light from the sun that poured into the hotel window.

We'd been in this room practically all week, celebrating.

"I can't find my bra," Elena sighed, leaning down to check under the bed.

I fished around the blankets until my hand wrapped around lace, "You mean this thing?"

She glanced up, and smirked when she saw me holding it, "Yes, that thing."

She took it from me and slipped her arms through it.

I grabbed her as she went to snap the back, and she squealed when I pulled her onto the bed.

"Damon," she laughed, as I kissed her, "I'm going to be late for class."

"So be late," I teased, gripping her sides.
She swatted my shoulder, "Can't you be a normal boyfriend and encourage me to succeed?"

I grinned, "Don't you mean fiancee?'

The word brought her up short, so she stopped fighting, but that cute little smirk crossed her lips.

"Yes," she said, kissing me now, "Fiancee."

"You know," I reminded her, "You never did say where you wanted to have the wedding. Or if you wanted to have one, for that matter."

She shrugged, "I haven't really thought about it. To be honest, the wedding itself doesn't matter as much to me. I don't have a ton of family and friends to invite, so smaller is better. Hell, we can even elope if you want," she leaned into my shoulder, "All that matters is that in a year or two, or five...I'm still right here in your arms."

"Right here?" I motioned, "In this exact hotel? I would have thought you'd at least want a house or something-"

"You know what I mean," she chuckled, with a roll of her eyes, "And I'd hope we'd have a house in five years."

"Hmm," I pretended to think, "Okay. A house...what else?"

She mused over the question, "Maybe a dog."

I laughed, "A dog. Okay. What about kids?"

"Yeah, eventually," she smiled, "But we should probably have two. So they can keep themselves distracted while we're….busy."

Even though I knew it was only a fairytale, I couldn't help but smile, "Sounds like a plan."

Elena kissed me one more time, "It's a good plan. But we can talk more about it later. I really do need to get to class."

I nodded and let her up, "Alright. Go learn something."

She stuck her tongue out at me before finishing getting dressed, and blowing me a kiss before walking out the door.

I sighed, falling back onto the mattress.

I loved Elena, and I wanted her to have everything.

Kids included.

But how would that be possible for us?

I couldn't insure the child would be a girl, and if it wasn't the Pack law requires me to…

I shook my head.

This was ridiculous.

Maybe I should just do as Stefan had suggested, and come clean to Alaric.

As Supreme Alpha, perhaps there would be something he could do to help me.

But what if there wasn't.

Then the secret was out, and there was no way I could protect Elena without turning against the Pack.

I would do it for her if I had to, but it was still my home; my family.

The only thing that had ever mattered to me before Elena.

And maybe I owed more to Alaric than blowing him off to get married in secret.

He was the only person who'd ever gave a damn about me after all...maybe telling him wouldn't be such a bad idea.

I reached for my phone, which had spent the night charging, and couldn't put off the inevitable any longer.

I'd ignored the Pack for days, and probably had most of them ready to hand my ass to me, but whatever.

It had been worth it.

There were a lot of messages.

Nine missed calls and a few voicemails.

I wasn't going to be able to smooth this over without actually going back to Mystic Falls and talking to my Alpha.

But that would also mean leaving Elena here alone…

I cursed, my mind reeling.

More than anything, I wanted to keep my life with her separated from my life with the Pack.

But if I wanted to marry her; if I wanted to keep her, I'd have to find some sort of balance.

It wouldn't work otherwise.

Alaric would have to meet her, and her him.

I hated the very thought of her on Pack land, but maybe seeing where I'd grown up, and meeting Ric, would be enough to curb her curiosity, and maybe, just maybe she would win my Alpha over the same way she'd won over me.

Hell, it had worked with the other Pack members.

One night of hanging out, and they were all half in love with her.

Why would it be any different for Alaric?

I chewed these thoughts over as I came to my decision, and I dialed Stefan's number.

It would probably be best to start with the easy one.

The phone rang twice before he answered, "Damon?"

"Hey."

"Where the hell have you been? Everyone's been trying to get ahold of you! Ric is pissed and you haven't exactly-"

"I know," I cut him off, "I know, okay. I've been busy."

"Busy?" he scoffed, "Busy? Well that's just great. I'm sure Alaric will completely understand that you ditched the Pack because you were so busy."

"Will you quit bitching and listen to me?" I snapped a little.

A heavy sigh echoed through the receiver, "What?"

"Tell Ric I'm coming home, okay? But...I'm bringing Elena."

A moment of silence followed, then, "Holy shit. Are you sure about this?"

"I want to be with her, and I want to stay with the Pack, so yes. It's the only thing I can do. But don't tell Alaric about her, okay? I'm hoping we can talk when I get there."

Another sigh, "Fine. But I hope you know what you're doing man."

"Yeah...so do I."

Elena only had one class that morning, so I stopped by and grabbed a coffee before heading over to pick her up.

A bell rang, and students flooded the campus, but she was easy to spot in the mix, since my own scent was heavily laden on her.

"Hey," she smiled when she saw me, "Ooh, coffee."

I smirked, handing her the latte, and waited until she took a drink before giving her a kiss.

"How was class?"

"Boring," she admitted, "But at least we weren't assigned homework."

I nodded and she crooked her head, "You okay?"

"Yeah...but I need to talk to you. Let's get to the car."

She nodded and grabbed my hand as we walked towards the parking lot.

I waited until we were inside of the Camaro before turning to her, "I need to go to Mystic Falls this afternoon. Did you want to come?"

Her brow raised, "Mystic Falls? Like to your house? With your family?"

I smiled a little, "Yeah, I need to talk to Alaric and I figured it was about time you met him anyway."

"Are you kidding?" she grinned, "I would love to meet him! And to see where you grew up."

"Okay. We can go back to the dorm first so you can put your stuff up. But I was planning on going soon. Go ahead and grab a change of clothes though, just in case we don't make it back by your room."

She nodded, "That's fine. It won't take me long."

The drive to Mystic Falls was mostly Elena talking while I battled the butterflies that didn't seem to want to settle in my stomach.

Half of me wanted to turn back.

The other half of me knew that this had to happen, and just hoped that Alaric would feel merciful.

Besides, it would kinda be nice to feel at least a little normal and to introduce the girl I loved to the man who had practically raised me.

It would be alright.

It would.

And I continued to tell myself that until we pulled up to the gateway that led up to the Salvatore Manor.

Once the house was in sight, I drove up into the drive and but the car in park.

Then, not wanting to lose my nerve, I got out and forced my feet to Elena's side, and opened the door for her.

However, her gaze was focused on my home and waves of her own nerves were now pouring out.

I smirked a little, and pulled her into my arms.

When she finally moved her gaze to me, I kissed her, trying to put all of the reassurance that I had into it.

When I pulled away, she was smiling, and it helped calm me.

I pushed back some of her hair, and cupped her face, "Don't be nervous. We're gonna be fine."

She narrowed her eyes at me, "Oh, well when you put it that way…"

The sarcasm dripped from her words and I smirked again.

Elena let out a sigh, and looked back at the house, "I feel nervous."

She turned back to me, "This is a big deal, bringing me home to your family...what if Alaric doesn't like me?"

"Impossible," I assured her.

If she'd gotten me wrapped around her finger, it was doubtful that Alaric would be a problem.

At least, after he got to know her.

She bit her lip, looking worried, "Fine, then I'll come clean. I've never met anyone's family before. I mean, not in this context," she looked toward the Manor, "Not in the context of this is someone that I love, who I want to spend the rest of my life with, and if you don't like me-"

I chuckled and grabbed her face, bringing her attention back to me, "Kitten, stop. I've got you. Okay?"

She stared at me, and I felt the trust she held for me in that gaze.

She took a breath and nodded, "Okay."

I kissed her one more time, letting it linger, "Okay."

Then I pulled away and reached into the backseat of the car to grab her bag.

Not that it wouldn't be safe out here, but the last thing I wanted was one of the guys catching her scent and deciding to go exploring inside of it.

I grabbed Elena's hand, and pulled her towards the front door.

I paused before opening it, figuring I should at least give her a warning, "So, don't freak out, but I didn't exactly tell Alaric we were coming, and-"

"What?" her eyes shot to mine, "Are you crazy? We can't just show up! He at least knows that we're engaged, right?"

My words caught, and I frowned slightly.

"Damon!" Elena chided, the panic back in her voice.

I couldn't help but chuckle a little at her reaction, "Sorry. I was going to tell him, but everything just sort of happened, and the opportunity never arose."

Well, that and the fact that I'd spent the better half of the week avoiding him.

But Elena didn't need to know those details.

She sighed, a little exasperated, "Okay….but we aren't going to ambush him. You go in there and talk to him. I'll wait here."

I frowned again, "You sure?"

She nodded, and I figured that she might be right.

Maybe giving Alaric a little heads up wouldn't be the worst idea.

With a nod, I kissed the side of her head, "I'll be right back."

Inside, the Manor looked no different.

Scents of the Pack flowed through, but nothing seemed fresh.

I knew that most of the guys were on campus today, so George and Alaric would be the only ones about.

"Ric?" I called, and got no answer.

I ran over to his study and found it empty, then listened for the upstairs and heard nothing.

Maybe he wasn't in.

I looked around for another second and called his name once more, but got no response.

He wasn't home.

Sighing, I went back out to where Elena was waiting, not wanting to leave her alone for too long.

"He's not here," I told her, "The coast is clear."

She looked over at me, her eyes a little wide, but smiled before I could ask about it, and reached for my hand.

I pulled her inside and sat her bag down in the foyer as she looked around.

"This is beautiful," she said after a moment, "I can't believe you grew up here."

I nodded, giving the place a once over, "My adopted father brought me here when I was a child. He passed away soon after though, and Alaric basically raised me."

She nodded, "That's right...Well, I think he did a pretty good job."

I smirked as she grinned over at me, love in her expression.

"It was an effort to rival the seven labors of Hercules," a voice interrupted us, "All at once."

Elena and I both turned, to see Alaric standing in the entrance to the hall.

His expression was neutral, but there was something off about his scent, something that left me unsettled.

"I imagine that it was quite the challenge," Elena spoke up, nerves running through her veins.

"Elena," I said, trying to ease her discomfort, "This is Alaric. Ric," I glanced back to my Alpha, "This is Elena."

I didn't have to explain that she was the female that I'd been seeing.

He'd recognize her scent.

I heard Elena swallow, "You have a beautiful place...Damon's description doesn't do it justice."

Alaric stared at her, and I fought the urge to drag her from the room, then and there.

But his tone was polite when he spoke, "We are quite fond of it. It's nice to meet you. Though, I must apologize, " his eyes shifted to me, "I wasn't expecting guests."

He wasn't happy with me, which was clear from his expression, but I hoped that he'd at least give me a chance to explain.

He cleared his throat, and smiled at Elena, "I'll go grab us a drink. You may wait just over there, in the library...Damon, you will come assist me."

The Alpha command was indisputable; his way of assuring me that he meant business.

He walked towards the kitchen, and I sighed.

Well, this would be fun.

"He's upset," Elena said, and I looked down at her, "I can tell that he is...just, please, go make this better?"

Her care for my Alpha's emotions reminded me why I loved her, and made obeying him slightly easier.

"I will," I promised, and kissed her quickly.

Alaric was waiting for me, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.

"Damon."

I figured I should start with the apology, "Look, Ric, I'm sorry that I've been MIA. I wanted to come and explain-"

"You should have told me that you planned on having a guest," he cut me off, "Do you have any idea what you've….you should not have brought her here."

"I needed you to meet her," I told him, "And I just thought-"

"You thought wrong," he said, his voice growing heated.

Something simmered in the air around him, something I couldn't quite place.

He sighed, and dropped his head, his eyes pausing on my hand, "You wear a ring…"

He lifted his gaze back to my face, "Are you married to this girl?"

"Engaged," I corrected, and he scoffed.

I didn't blame him.

If someone had told me a few months ago that I'd be here, I probably would have ripped out their tongue.

"I don't expect you to understand," I told him, "And I can't explain it, but I love her, Ric."

He stare at me, almost sadly, "We aren't normal, Damon. We don't get to love," he dropped his voice, "Not like humans do. You can't be with her here. You know that, and now-"

"We can leave," I cut him off, "I'll take her to the city; we can-"

He shook his head, and walked over to me, "I'm afraid it won't be that simple, son."

I clenched my jaw, "Don't make me choose between her and the Pack, Ric. I'll go Mutt for her."

He flinched, "That won't be an option...she saw me, Damon."

I paused, "She...what?"

"Outside, when you arrived. I was Changing. She saw me."

"No," I immediately shot him down.

Elena would have told me.

But...I remembered that wide look in her eyes, "No."

"I'm sorry," he said, and it sounded as if he meant it, but the words might as well of been a hollow gong.

"Alaric, you can't. Please-"

"Go outside," he told me gravely, his eyes locking on mine, "Stay there. I'll come for you when...when it's finished."

I shook my head, but the Alpha command was the strongest I'd ever felt.

It crippled me; forced me to obedience.

"Please…"

"Go, Damon."

My feet moved of their own accord to the back door, and no matter how hard I fought the urge, my wolf consented.

I wanted to scream, to run in there and stop what I knew was about to happen.

There was nothing Alaric cared about more than the Pack, our safety, and he would kill Elena if he thought our secret was in danger of being exposed.

And I could do nothing to stop it.

I dropped to the grass, just off the patio, as the urge to Change overcame me.

The pain I felt in this moment was completely new to me, all encompassing, and wolfing out was the only way my body knew how to handle it.

But I couldn't.

I needed to be able to think!

"Where's Damon?" I heard Elena ask, and her voice, scared and nervous drove into my chest.

I couldn't just let her die.

There had to be some way...

Damn it, I should have known better!

I should never have brought her here.

It was my fault she was in danger, and I couldn't just let Alaric kill her.

I wouldn't let him.

Even if I had to fight him for the rights to her life.

I flinched at the betrayal, but made up my mind.

If saving Elena meant attacking Alaric, then he was about to have the fight of his life.

I didn't even care if I would be marked as a Mutt for it.

Living a life out of a suitcase was infinitely better than imagining one without Elena in it.

I cursed, throwing all of my prayers into a small hope, and Changed.

As a wolf, my head was clearer.

The animal was able to distinguish emotions in a way that fell differently than in human form.

The Alpha command weighed hard on my body, but my love for Elena, my desire for her safety, was stronger.

It was a raging fire to the burning ember of my shackles, and it was enough for me to pull my body from the ground, and to push my way through the back door, which luckily, Alaric hadn't closed behind me.

I could hear him talking with Elena now, and followed the sound of their voices to another half cracked door.

"Just things. You know, imaginations," Elena was explaining, and I could feel Ric's uneasiness radiating off of his body.

He wasn't comfortable with what he believed needed to happen.

But he would go through with it, for the Pack, unless I stopped him.

I slid through the doorway, entering the room completely, and Elena's gaze moved to me.

If the situation was different, I imagined I would almost feel flustered about her finally seeing my wolf.

A smile crossed her lips as she stared at me, "What a beautiful dog."

I felt Alaric take notice of me then, and he froze, "Damon…"

He knew why I was here; what I was risking.

"Did Damon let him out?" Elena asked confused, "It's okay, I don't mind."

I stepped closer to my mate, ready to throw myself between her and Ric when I needed to, and my Alpha stared back at me anxiously.

He didn't have much chance of defeating me in human form, but if he Changed he risked Elena escaping.

He stayed frozen, and I moved even closer to her.

"He seems friendly," she said, reaching her hand out to touch me.

Not wanting her to be afraid, I gave attention to what she'd offered me, and attempted to be nonthreatening.

"What breed is he?" she asked, looking into my eyes.

Alaric's voice was a gruff order, "Elena. Pull your hand back, now."

The request felt odd.

Pull her hand back?

She wasn't the one I was planning on sinking my teeth-

Wait….he thought I was going to bite her…

That I would risk her life, when my point was to save her?

"He's alright," Elena defended me with another smile in my direction.

So beautifully oblivious to the danger she was in.

"Damon," Ric growled, the Alpha clear in his tone.

"Don't' be mad at him," Elena pleaded, "Even if Damon let him out, he seems like a big softy."

She reached out and pet me now, her fingers scratching behind my ear.

I melted into her touch, hoping Alaric would know that I wasn't going to back down.

"Hi there, beautiful," Elena cooed to me, and I licked her arm protectively.

Then Alaric jerked forward, faster than I'd ever seen him move, and grabbed me.

The next moments felt as if they happened in slow motion.

I tried to pull free from Ric's grip, but he'd grabbed me at just the right angle, and his grip was strong.

I couldn't reach him with my mouth, and couldn't fight him without the risk of hurting Elena in the process.

Then the thought hit me, and I shuddered.

My only other option...

If I did this, Elena was as good as dead.

But Alaric was pulling me toward the door, and if he succeeded, he would kill her.

But he wouldn't kill her if she was one of us.

There would be no secret to hide, because she would be a part of it too.

And I could keep her, without fear, without the lies…

God, my wolf wanted that.

But no female had ever survived the change.

Some had come close, but their hearts always gave out before the transformation could complete.

There was almost no chance that Elena would live through it.

But almost no chance was still better than the guaranteed death that awaited her now, and I was losing ground.

Elena was going to be killed.

It was my fault, but I could save her.

I lurched forward.

Just as easily as they had when I'd marked her, my teeth pierced Elena's skin.

Alaric yanked me back, hard, "Damon!"

I didn't even try to fight him as he dragged me away, forcing me from the room, before hurrying back to my mate.

I lifted myself off the ground and found my feet, listening to their words.

"Let me see your hand! Did he break the skin?"

"I'm okay…"

"Let me see your hand."

"I'll be fine."

If Alaric said anything else, I missed it, because I threw myself into the Change.

If I had gotten through her skin…

I entered the room to see Alaric, wide eyed, holding Elena's hand.

It was bleeding, which meant…

What the fuck did I just do?

Fear twisted in my gut.

Elena saw me first, her brows drawing together, "Damon...what-"

Alaric spun around, "Out!"

He was beyond angry, "Get the hell out, now!"

I swallowed harshly, "Ric, I just-"

"Out!" he said again, as if expecting me to take another bite out of one of them.

"No," I stood my ground, my mind whirling, "Elena's going to-"

"Either way, you've killed her," Alaric spat at me.

I flinched, suddenly thinking he may be right.

Oh god.

"Alaric," I practically begged, "Please...don't make me-"

"Go."

The command hit me like whiplash, nearly impossible to fight.

"Wait," Elena stood up, recalling my attention, "He doesn't need to leave."

"Elena," Alaric turned to her, "You don't understand. I am so very sorry...truly."

"But Damon didn't mean to-"

Suddenly she stumbled, and her gaze dropped to the bite on her hand, "Maybe I should disinfect this."

The wound was blood red, and getting worse.

The poison was spreading and it was too late to change what happened now.

Elena swayed, "I don't feel so good."

Then she was falling, and Alaric and I both moved to catch her.

"Elena!" I called, dragging her against me, "Elena?"

"She's out," Ric huffed, "Damn it. It's spreading fast."

He glared up at me, "What in the hell were you thinking?"

I shook my head, not entirely sure anymore, "I...I couldn't…"

"You broke command," he said again, this time more surprised than angry.

I stared down at my mate, "I couldn't let you kill her."

'Well you took care of that," he spat again, and I closed my eyes.

"At least now she has a chance."

The waiting was excruciating.

We had moved Elena down to the cell in the basement, because Alaric was afraid that she might run, or hurt herself when she woke up.

If she woke up.

He'd called the others, warned them to stay scarce for a few days, and had camped out in the basement with me since.

The first night, Elena screamed unconsciously in cycles, and I cried.

It was such a foreign feeling, I wasn't convinced that that was what it was at first.

But the more pain I felt roll off of her, the more I hurt.

Eventually, even Ric wasn't able to keep up the heated anger.

"I'm sorry, son," he said quietly, leaning on the wall across from me.

I shook my head, "I shouldn't have brought her here. You were right. This is my fault. And if she doesn't make it…"

It hurt to imagine the alternative.

Alaric stared at me, "You really love her, don't you?"

I moved my gaze from Elena's sleeping form to his face, "More than you could ever imagine."

He closed his eyes, "Then I'll permit you to stay until this is over."

I nodded slightly, knowing that we would eventually come to this.

My actions broke too many Pack laws, and he was still Alpha.

"So I'm out of the Pack."

Funny how the thought of it didn't terrify me in that moment.

Maybe it was because I didn't expect Elena would live, and I doubted I'd have much will to either, when I lost her.

"Your punishment will be decided on the outcome," Alaric said, "If she dies...you've killed a human, Damon, outside of our allowance laws. Which means-"

"I know what it means," I assured him, my throat thick, "I understand."

His voice was pained when he answered, "I'm sorry."

The next twenty-four hours were hell.

I was afraid to even rest my eyes, because Elena could disappear.

But eventually, her heartbeat changed, and a slight moan left her lips.

"She's waking up," Alaric told me, and I stood.

"Elena?"

Ric moved then, to stand in front of me, "Maybe it's best if you wait upstairs."

"If you think I'm leaving her, you've lost your-"

"Listen to me, Damon," Ric grabbed my head, "She's going to be confused. Disoriented, and emotional. I need to explain this to her. Seeing you could overwhelm her and make this worse. Her chances are better if she's given time to adjust."

I flinched, "But if she..."

"I'll make sure you get to say goodbye," he promised, "Whatever the outcome."

I fought my instincts, but this is what was best for Elena.

"Fine."

So even though I hated it, I forced myself to the top of the stairs, and waited, training my ears to every breath Elena took.

After a moment, she exhaled, "Where am I?"

Her throat was thick, her voice groggy.

"Elena," Alaric addressed her, "Listen to me, something happened, and you were-"

"What's going on?" she demanded, fear blocking out the Alpha's voice, "Where's Damon?"

I squeezed my eyes shut as she said my name.

I should be down there.

God she sounded so scared.

"That's what we need to talk about," Alaric said quietly, keeping his tone calm and informative, "Damon...Damon bit you."

"Where's Damon?" Elena asked again, as if she hadn't heard him.

"I...sent him away," Ric tried to explain, "He bit you."

I could hear the confusion in Elena's response, "No. A dog bit me."

"Damon bit you," Alaric repeated, "He was the the dog."

Silence. Some movement, then, "You're crazy."

I fidgeted, aching to go down and see her, but Alaric would be make her understand.

He would be able to explain what was happening to her...what I'd done to her.

They spoke some more as I battled with my instincts, and I heard Elena scream.

"No, no, no," she said, and I moved to open the door, but then Alaric was speaking.

"Elena, you have to listen to me. We don't have much time. The pain you feel now will only get worse. Until it surpasses anything you've ever felt."

I knew his words were true and recalled the pain of my own transition.

I should have stayed the hell out of Elena's life.

She didn't deserve this.

Suddenly, she was crying out again, and Alaric was speaking steadily a new hope in his voice that I hadn't expected.

"Elena, listen! You can't fight this. You can't fight the pain, it will kill you! Let it take control. Let it change you. It will lead you to where you have to go. Do not fight it!"

He had said similar words to me, back when I had been a child, and unable to control when the change took me.

I recalled the hours he spent, teaching me, loving me, instructing; trying to save me, as he was now doing with my mate.

"God," I whispered, letting my head fall onto the door, "Please, save her."

Then suddenly, the screams stopped.

A heaviness filled the air, and I held my breath, listening frantically.

Two heartbeats.

"Elena?" Ric said, breathlessly.

I waited, and it took everything in me, for an answer.

None came.

"I don't believe it," Alaric stated, shock all over his voice.

Did that mean…

A sharp bark answered him, echoing off the walls, and off my heart.

Elena...my Elena...

She'd survived.

I know there weren't any future/present day scenes in this chapter, but there was already so much going on without it lol.

The next few chapters especially will probably focus more on the past, just letting ya'll know.

Hope you enjoyed!