A/N: Hello, everyone, I'm back with the next chapter, hope you guys are still interested in this story. I know it has been way too long and I should be murmuring apologies nonstop but that is not going to do any good. Instead I promise that from now on the updates are going to be regular. I won't make you wait like this. I had to relocated and with new job, new place my writing kind of took a back seat for a while. But it's always there in the back of my mind. Whatever it is I'm not going to abandon Delena, simply because I need them in my life, period!

As always my sis Amazing Aisha has been my constant support, and even if I get lazy she's there to put me back on track. Okay, I'm done with excuses, now let's get on with the story. :P

Chapter 3~ Judas Kiss -part 1

It all began in the cold December night,
when you came by my door, seeking shelter
Hurt & wounded, pretending to be defenseless,
And then everything changed.

February 20th 2018
14th street NW
02:00 hours

Elena was being kept on house arrest, after some persuasion from the police chief and considering Elena's previous records, the judge reluctantly agreed for her not to be locked in the department cell, until her trial. The condition being, she'd be under police surveillance at all time, no exception. Despite being at the familiar confines of her bedroom, Elena found sleep to be elusive for the night. She was tossing and turning on bed, her entire frame enveloped by a layer of perspiration, while her head thrashed against the pillow.

Within the expanse of 48hours her life had taken a downward road straight to her doom. She was mere a breath away from closing the case. Now, not only did she lose her lead, she is now the prime suspect of the case she has been investigating. Her name, her career, years of hard work, all was tarnishing right in front of her eyes and she stood frozen at bay. Her only hope of redemption was in the hand of a criminal, someone she herself had put behind bars. Someone she had tricked all those years back.

Her mind was in chaos, with one foot in present other in past, hanging by a thread, one miscalculated step and she might slip into limbo.

2015, sometime during summer
Police head quarters

Fresh out of graduate class Kimberly & Elena were given the opportunity to join the Philadelphia Police Department. It had been 3 months since their enrollment, Kim had been appointed in the intelligence unit, Elena's been assigned field duties. She lived for the thrill of it, people might get deceived by her petite figure but over the course of her short service she has proven to be an asset for the department.

The memory is fresh in her mind. A team of 5 young officers ceased a huge illegal consignment, the heroin found was worth over $2 million. When the other officers were busy chasing the transporter, Elena evaded the metal containers, and there she caught hold of the pimp, hidden in a secret compartment in the truck container. Agreed he was just a common scum, but he could be their key to break into the high lord's castle.

Elena was celebrating along with her colleagues over a hot cup of coffee and curly fries when she was called by the police chief. She expected to be congratulated with a pat on her back instead she was rewarded with a new mission. She could hardly contain her excitement, as newbie officer it was a great honor to be working under detective Ronald. She's met him before during her training period in the academy. The man was strikingly handsome, but what caught her eye was his polite nature, despite holding such designation he didn't belittle his subordinates. She couldn't help but feel a bit nervous, forcing her to take a detour to the washroom. After emptying her bladder, she felt the tingling nerves settle down a bit. She took a few calming breaths and wiped her face with cold water. Smoothening down her uniform and she proceeded towards her destination.

Banging her knuckles over the thick glass, she pushed the door ajar, poking her head through the space she greeted him, "Good afternoon Sergeant, may I come in?"
The brown haired man offered her a smile and gestured for her to take a seat. Her eyes glanced over the various papers scattered over the desk. She tilted her head to catch any significant detail but snapped out it once she heard him clearing his throat.
"I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to…"
"It's alright, officer Gilbert." He averted his gaze to the monitor, turning it to her side, "What do you know about Damon Salvatore?" he asked, his eyes searching the monitor.
"Ah… Sir, Damon…" she stuttered, "Not much. He's the chair person of Forbes Corporation, which is involved in export & import…"
"Any criminal records that you know of?" she was cut off by his blunt tone.
"Nothing on records, at least nothing that I know. In fact both his professional and personal life is void of scandals."
"Exactly!" Stefan exclaimed, his tone carried a hint of frustration.

"He is oddly clean, no records, not even a bitsy scandal is there about this man, which made me suspicious in the first place." He sighed before continuing, "The Forbes Co. came into business 10years back, he was a mere 17year old boy but he has always been sharp, and have made a niche in the business world over a short time. They started off with Vaccines for Human medicine. Within a year span, they were knee deep in profit, expanding their business to new heights. While legal trade was restricted to food commodities and medicine, illegal trade consisted of everything from dust to gold. But no matter what we try we can't get a whiff of his involvement. As you've pointed correctly his life is void of scandals." He stared at the scattered papers, scrutinizing over the fine prints. "I've been working on this case over a year. All my resources, leads just led me to dead ends. These smugglings, drugs, illegal arms, jewel, Forbes co. is behind this and Salvatore is the master mind."

"So we need to catch him during the act." Elena stated defiantly.
Stefan smirked, "Correct, you're smarter than you look Gilbert. We need to catch him red handed, in order to do so, we need to plant a mole inside the lion's den."
Elena nodded in understanding, "What you want me to do sir?"
Stefan pointed at the screen, "Damon Salvatore, this man, we need to gain his trust. That's where you come in." The picture changed, the screen flashed a photo of a young blond girl. "What I've managed to dig up is Damon was taken in by the Forbes when he was a young boy. They've brought him up as their own. Salvatore shares a deep bond with his family, although they're not his own blood, but somehow he's protective of them. He has one weakness, his baby sister Caroline, to get close to Salvatore; the easiest way is through his sister." Stefan continued, "According to my sources, she's a senior in East Modern High, a typical spoiled brat if I may add. Your job is to befriend her, get close to the family and when the opportunity presents itself, you strike."

Elena gave a brief nod, Stefan smiled at her reassuringly. Don't worry, Gilbert. We'll be there to back you up. Anytime you need, give us a signal and we'll get you out. But you must keep your guard up." He pushed back the revolving chair and reached for his drawer. "Remember, these are dangerous people, they won't tolerate disloyalty and we can't lose this opportunity. This might be our only chance to unveil this man and put an end to the cycle of crime."

Elena swallowed past the lump, but she knew the risks that came with this job, "I won't disappoint you sir." She stated with confidence. Stefan smiled and handed her a sealed envelope. "You'll find the necessary information on this case inside the flash drive. There are some essential gadgets that might come handy during the mission. Study all the details and keep an eye on your subject. When you're well equipped, arrangements will be made for you to join the school."

She took the envelope and got up from her seat, "I'll prepare the plan of action and come and discuss with you sir. Thank you, Sergeant Ronald, it'll be a pleasure to work with you." With that she turned on her heels and left the cabin.

June 19th 2015
East Modern High
10:00 hours

Hustling and bustling the mass of students were uncoiled in their respective corners. The jocks were busy flaunting their skills with a soccer ball or busy donning their varsity, in an attempt to attract the opposite sex. While a bunch of nerds dutifully took out their books from their lockers. The skater crowd were just consumed in their own little world. Goths were not far behind either, silently watching the world from a distance, as if contemplating their course of action. The world was divergent, so was the High School.

With the resonating bell everyone hurried towards the classes and the corridor soon started to clear out. Elena cautiously trailed behind the principal, balancing a bag in one hand, while adjusting her glasses over her Chinese bangs with the other. Principal Wilton was explaining the teacher about the 'new exchange student' and how she'll be finishing her senior year in EM High, Elena however scanned the crowd, her eyes locked on the blond sitting up front.

Principal Wilton turned towards the class and cleared his throat, "I hope you all will be welcoming Ms. Gilbert to our school. Now I need a volunteer to familiarize Ms. Gilbert with our campus, so who'll be an enthusiast and grab the opportunity?" His eyes roamed over the faces, some scooting down their chair, some hiding behind the books not bothering that the book is held upside down, some simply ignoring his words. Elena stepped closer to Mr. Wilton and mumbled a name.
"Ah right, Caroline." He exclaimed, pointing at completely opposite direction from where she was seated. Elena gingerly moved his hand towards her seat, while feigning to stumble over her own feet.
Caroline jerked her head up, "No! I mean, Mr. Wilton, I would love to, but this week all my time is dedicated for the inter school dance competition, I really couldn't…"
"Perfect then." Her protest was cut off abruptly, "Elena here can help you with all the arrangements, I'm sure you'd be glad to have an extra pair of hands."
"But…"
"I'm glad everything is settled. You all have a good day." Before Caroline could rant further he was out of the classroom.

Elena took a seat next to Caroline; placing her belongings down she extended her hand towards the blond. "Hello, I'm Elena, Elena Gilbert."
She eyed her hand for a second and reached for it, "Caroline Forbes." She glanced at the teacher then back to the girl, "Listen I don't mean to be rude but I don't like this forced friendship. So just tag behind me for the day, you'll get an idea about the place. And wherever I don't set foot, those you can totally avoid, trust me you won't miss much. But don't try to cling on me after that. Agreed?"
Elena gulped but gave a brief nod; she had to come up with something, fast.

The rest of the period was spent in silence, once the bell chimed the students hurried out of the class. Elena too started to wrap her stuff, though a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere she decided not to dwell much on her nerves.
"Are you coming or not?"

Startled by the voice she glanced up to find an impatient Caroline by door, visibly displeased by her clumsiness. She nodded in affirmation and walked out of the room. True to her words, in between hopping from classrooms Caroline introduced her to different sections, library, music room, entertainment room, staff canteen and most important washrooms on different floors. Elena's presumption about the blond was transforming, despite her appearance the girl was smart. She couldn't deny that, although she might be classified as 'brat' but she didn't neglect her responsibilities.

##

The day passed on its own accord, finally coming down to the last period. The girls changed into their skimpy shorts and EM High tee and gathered around the Gym. As soon as the PE teacher walked in, the chattering ceased instantly. Appearance can be deceptive, Mrs. Rogers was a living proof of the statement, her small stature seemed almost harmless, cute even but the moment she opened her mouth, Elena was shell shocked. This lady would never require a microphone to make an announcement. In her gruff voice she declared today to be Volleyball day. Teams were formed and last name announced was 'Caroline'.

"Mrs. Rogers, please excuse me for the day. I have dance practice in the evening and I can't possible injure or overexert myself."
"Forbes! I wasn't under the impression I was giving you an option. Drop the act and join the line, now!" she said nonchalantly, busy scribbling down in her clip board.
"But, Mrs. Rogers, our school's reputation is…"
"I'll count to five; by the time I reach one I want to see your pretty face in position with your team mates."

Caroline muttered a curse under her breath and was about to take a step forward, but stopped in her tracks. "Umm, Mrs. Rogers, maybe I can replace Caroline for the day…" Elena could feel numerous pair of eyes gaping at her, some curious, some shocked and she could swear she saw a glint of admiration in Caroline's blue orbs.
"And who might you be?" Mrs. Rogers asked, authority evident in her voice, she flipped the pages over her clip board, before Elena could answer her question she blurted out. "Exchange student!" her lips formed something between a smile and grimace. "Listen kid, since you're new, I'll let this one pass. In my class what I say is law, got it. And have you even played before?" Her eyes scrutinized the petite girl in front. "Doesn't look like it." Without sparing another glace she dismissed her.
"I think Principal Wilton forgot to mention, that I was a part of the team in my previous school, and not only did I play, we managed to…"
"Is that so…" She turned towards the girl, "Let's do a try out shall we? 3 full circles of the gym, 2minutes, if you're back in same spot before my stopwatch ticks 12, you're in the team."

Elena smiled, her hands gathered around her locks, securing them with a rubber band, she scooted down. Her heart thudding against her chest, her eyes gazing up front. She lifted her hips and sprinted over the dense wooden floor. The eyes kept gawking at the sprinting girl, the stopwatch marked 45 seconds as she completed first circle, another 40 sec for the next one, leaving her 35 seconds to accomplish the task.
Someone from the crowd cheered, ten more seconds, she was almost there. Mrs. Rogers never took her eyes off the watch, 5, 4, 3…
"Down." Elena panted, her hands resting on her hips.
Slowly the lady glanced up, she clicked the watch and blew the whistle motioning for the girls to get back to their position. "Come on, get in the line already."

Elena stood baffled in her position, while the others moved according to instruction.

Mrs. Rogers turned back abruptly, glaring at the girl, "New girl, do I have to send separate invitation for you? Didn't you hear me, get in the line." She smirked, "Deal's a deal, you're in the team Gilbert. Now before I change my mind…" she needn't finish as Elena jogged to the middle of the court to join her team mates. "And Forbes, you're excused for the day. But don't make it a habit."

Elena knew, within the expanse of 15minutes she had managed to win not one but two hearts.

16:00 hours

G, how's your first day? Any luck with the SPARROW? Was there any trouble?
-Dt. R.

Elena glanced over her shoulder for any prying eyes, before sending in a quick reply.

Everything going according to plan, SPARROW will soon be caught up in our web.
-G

She patiently waited for the following text, as if on cue her screen flashed and without delaying she clicked on the virtual envelope.

Good! Keep me updated, I'm sending in your apartment details in a minute. I need to discuss something regarding the case. Are you free to take call at present?
-Dt. R.

The gym locker room wasn't befitting for this conversation, one can never be sure of what/who might lurk around the shadows.

"Elena… God! I've been searching every nook and cranny of this…" she titled her head, "Seriously! You didn't find a better place to send dirty text to your boyfriend than this…" She motioned with her pointer finger.
"Caroline… Um…" She gingerly pocketed her phone and stood up, "That wasn't my boyfriend, and I don't dirty text."
The blond rolled her eyes, "Come on, now. I'm not your mom." She went towards her, hooking her arm with her own she pulled the reluctant girl out of her hideout. "Okay, I was thinking before I head out for my dance rehearsal, how about we make a detour to Betty's. They're smoothies are to die for, beside we need to replenish our bodies."

By the time Elena could grasp her words they were out of the gym, almost reaching the end of the hallway. "I… I don't know, Caroline. I mean, I've to head back home and I thought you don't want to be clingy." She said hesitantly.
"I said you can't be clingy, I can cling to you all I want." She turned to face her, "Listen Elena, I'm sorry if I was being rude, I didn't mean to…"
"Don't worry about it, I can understand." She gave a reassuring smile.
"Okay then, next stop Betty's." She let out a cheerful giggle while tugging Elena out on the driveway.
"Wooahh… Slow down. I didn't agree to…"
"Come on, Elena, think of it as a treat to new found friendship." Her eyes almost sparkled with joy. Elena could feel the tale tell signs of guilt rising up to the surface, she was to quick brush it off. Mixing work with emotion will never lead to any good. The sudden honk of a car stopped her trail of thought.

A steel grey SUV was pulled along the edge of the driveway, it wasn't one of those ridiculously expensive vehicles, that looked it was pulled out straight from a '007 movie'. But the custom made rimes, shining wheel disk, to stylish bumpers and the sparkling head lamp, it oozed swag. She was preoccupied ogling the car that she nearly overlooked the man getting out of the plush leather seat, now wrapped in Caroline's embrace.

Her petite frame wasn't able to hide much, the rims of his wine polo shirt and beige shorts were peeking through. His dark hair, disheveled yet perfectly scattered over his forehead, and the moment he uplifted his head Elena was forced to draw in a sharp inhale. Those sultry pale orbs fixated with her hazel ones, she'd seen him on news papers, even in the pictures at Stefan's office over the past week, but to stand in front of his intense gaze, struggling to keep her composure seemed a task in itself.

"Doll, you forgot to mention, we'll be having company this evening." He said, his eyes locked with the brunette girl.
Caroline glanced back, "Um, it was kind of a last minute thing." She flashed her innocent face, knowing well he wouldn't be able to resist. He shook his head and pinched her cheeks. "Won't you introduce me to your friend?"
"Of course." The blond tugged at his arms closing the distance between the two, "Elena, meet by brother, Damon Salvatore." She motioned with her hand, "And Donnie, this is Elena Gilbert, new member of the volleyball team and an expert sprinter."

"Caroline!" The voices boomed in unison.
"What?" she glanced at them baffled.
"How many times I told you not to call me that in public."
"But it's your name, and it sounds cute."
He ruffled her hair and pulled her towards the car, "Come on now, don't want to keep my Doll waiting."

He looked over his shoulder, "Are you coming, Ms. Gilbert?"
"Um, yeah…" And without another word she hopped up in the back seat, while Caroline claimed the passenger seat next to Damon.

Their eyes met for a brief moment, blue staring at browns through rearview mirror. Elena couldn't decipher this sensation, he was a criminal and she was a cop, it was her instinct to feel the pull of a magnet. Then why it seemed different, why it felt like a brewing storm deep inside. It was suppose to be as clear as black & white, then why it seemed to form greys…

How about a review?

A/N: I have another story coming up shortly, it's an angst, so you've been warned before hand. The idea kind of popped in my head and I just had to write/type it down. So keep your eyes open for "Northern Star". This particular one is close to my heart, somehow I'm emotionally attached to it. It won't be everyone's cup of tea and some may find it ridiculous, but I'd say give it a read, trust me, you won't be disappointed. So that's about it.
See you next time, until then, be safe, be happy and keep on spreading DE love. :)