A/N: Hello everyone, thank you all for your support, for sticking around, I know how frustrating it is to wait for updates, especially if the author promises and doesn't comply. So I'm back with my apologies. I think I'm going to settle down to once 15days update for one chapter, so that I'll be able to keep up with it.

Anyhow, for those who are interested, I have a new story, 'Northern Star', the first chapter has already been posted so feel free to go and have a look at it. I'll repeat myself again, it's not everyone's cup of tea, our DE is different in this one, but this one is close to my heart, so I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm done with my shameless self promotion, so without further delay, let's get on with the chapter.

Chapter 4~ Judas Kiss -part 2

Oh Baby! Let's start from the very beginning,
let us be strangers once more,
let us fall in love! For the heck of it.
Let's put up a show,
for the world to cheer, for the crowd to rejoice,
for us to devour, one more time…

February 20th 2018
Philadelphia Correctional Center
02:00 hours

Damon laid flat on his back, arms tucked behind his head; eyes wide open, staring unblinkingly at the ceiling above. From outside, he looked calm as stagnant water, but the impending tsunami was racking his insides. Was it fate giving him one chance to avenge, or was it some trick to redeem himself.
"Kai, quit staring and go back to sleep." He said without sparing a glance at his startled inmate.
"I wasn't staring. I was just thinking if that douche officer hit your skull so hard, that you can't fall asleep now."
He rolled his eyes, "Ugg! Kai, give it a rest will ya! Beside, my skull is too thick to be broken by one punch."
"Um, are you going to leave me? Here, all alone?"
Damon turned, poking his head out to see an intent looking Kai staring down at him, "Go back to sleep."

Damon has met a fair share of weird personas in his life, out of all, his inmate certainly stands out; he could never decipher the mystery that is Kai Parker. But at present he couldn't afford to cloud his mind with anything else but one obnoxiously yet enchanting detective, the little panther.

June 25th 2015
Forbes Mansion, 5th PVT Street
18:00 hours

Both girls were sprawled over the plush leather couch, with 'The Duff' playing on their flat screen. Caroline kept on rambling about her dance practice while Elena's eyes scanned through the vast living area for the umpteenth time. After her encounter with the PE teacher, these two have become fast friends. It was practically impossible to say that they've met only 6days back. The brunette couldn't help but laugh at the other's antics, sure, it was strictly her job, she had to pretend to be her friend. One would say she'd been doing an excellent job, she laughed at all right places, gave suggestions whenever necessary and most importantly listened patiently, even when it was complete and utter nonsense that came out of the girl's mouth. In short, she played the role of a 'dutiful best friend' because it was her job; at least she kept on chanting this to herself.

Elena heard the front door opening and soon heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor, her head automatically tilted towards the doorway. Seeing her distracted Caroline too diverted her attention, as the familiar figure emerged in front, the blond jumped off the couch and hurried to the door, encircling her arms around the figure.
"Donnie! I'm so glad you're back." She squealed and hugged him tight. "I thought you're not gonna be here for my performance." She pulled back, a cute little pout adored her face.
He chuckled, "I wouldn't miss your dance for anything, Doll. You know that." He tapped her nose earning a giggle from the girl. She unwrapped herself and took a few steps back.
"How's your trip? Did you get to meet…"
Before she could complete Damon intervened, "Yes, I did." He smiled.
"Good!" She slurred, "Now, did you get my LaDuca, Rachelle 3" soft sole in charcoal black?"
He scratched his head in an awkward manner, "Um… Doll it's…"
"You forgot?"
"No, of course not. Ric had gone through each and every store, but the company doesn't manufacture that particular design anymore."
The girl turned backwards, she was about to walk further but was halted by the cardboard box that tentatively hung in front of her. She eyed the item cautiously, "What's this?"
He gestured her to open the box. She held the rectangular mass in hand and flipped the lid open, as her eyes met with the item tucked under the butter paper, she squealed, her shrill cry reverberated the space.
His face scrunched up, "Doll, please, have mercy on my ear drums."
"Oh my God! Donnie! I love you, I love you!" She took the shimmering pair out, her fingers traced over the buckle, "But its silver grey with studs. I haven't seen the design…"
"Because, I got it custom made straight from the factory, with your initials on the clasp. It's one of a kind." He pulled her closer and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
"I'd do anything to put a smile on that face." She flashed an ear splitting grin and embraced him.

Elena watched the scene play in forefront, she was genuinely enthralled by their relationship, but that half finished sentence did get her intrigued. She glanced at the embracing duo, her eyes shifting from her friend to Damon, at that moment he jerked his head up. She didn't cower under his incessant gaze, but those sultry blues certainly made her mind foggy.

June 26th 2015
EM High
(Inter school Dance competition)
17:30 hours

The evening was nothing short of magic, right from the brightly lit sky, to the enchanting decoration that has transformed the school gym into a Starry Night. Different hues of blue drapes hung from the wall, strings of white light were spread like a web above, glittering stars were suspended from the cloud and gigantic moon cut out were placed on the floor. Parents along with students and other guests were seated on the bleachers while the delegates took their place on the dice along with Principal Wilton.

One after the other the students showcased their talents, group performances, duets then solo. Damon took an empty seat next to Elena and watched intently while Caroline strutted through the dance floor. Her glimmering shoes glided over the dance floor as her body swayed with the upbeat Latin music. She was absorbed in the chimes of maraca & conga, as her body flowed with the rhythm. As her performance reached peak the crowd erupted into loud applause. Damon didn't even realize he was up on his feet while his palms continued to frantically applaud his little sister. He felt a sudden warmth spread through his chest, pride for his little 'Doll', the girl he'd seen grow up in front of his eyes.

After a short refreshment break the judges were back with the results, while EM High secured both places as 'Winner' & 'Runner's up' in group dance category, West High got 'Winning' position for Duet. Damon waited with baited breath when they were about to announce the result for solo performance. He glanced over the podium but unfortunately he couldn't locate his sister from the throng of performers. Predictably, Caroline won the competition, all her fellow students cheered for her. One particular wail from a sandy haired guy didn't go unnoticed by Damon. But when she was called upon she was nowhere to be found.

Damon wearily looked over the squealing crowd, but nothing, not a trace of the blond. His inquisitive eyes met Elena's face, that mirrored his expression, he could feel dread settling in the pits of his stomach. Considering his line of work, both legal & illegal he has got rivals in abundance. His brain immediately conjuring up the worst, hastily he climbed down the bleachers and made a beeline towards the exit. He didn't even pay attention to the girl tagging behind. Once out of ear shot he pulled out his cell phone but was halted by a voice.

"She won't pick up; her phone is currently in my possession, Mr. Salvatore." Elena exclaimed, clearly worried for her friend.
Damon weaved his hand through his hair, "Do you have any idea where…"
"Um… She won't go out of the campus, maybe we should look in the girl's room."

With a slight nod of his head, they proceeded towards the locker room, but no luck. They hurried down the corridor, opening each class room, only to be greeted by deafening silence. As the doors opened and closed one after the other, standing in front of empty rooms, Damon felt he'd been pushed near the cliff. If anything happens to… he couldn't muster up the courage to complete that thought. They were about to climb up to 3rd level when a faint mewling sound caught her attention. Without wasting a second she followed the source. Bemused by the detour Damon trailed behind her without a word.

"Where are you…?"
He was immediately silenced by the petite brunette, "Chemistry Lab, I think I heard something…" she whispered. With cautious step she advanced towards the door, silently pushing the door ajar. Her eyes met a dark silhouette, tangled in a corner, enveloped in darkness. As her vision adjusted with the darkness, she could make out the edges of Caroline's attire, her delicate form covered by a masculine figure, restricting her movements. A sudden rush of energy coursed through her veins, before she could realize her hand gripped the man's collar, prying him off her. Her knee instantly collided with his ribs sending him toppling over the floor.

"What the… Oh my… Stop it! Stop it!" Caroline shrieked, blood draining from her face.
"You…" Damon pulled the man up by his lapels, "How dare you lay your hands on my sister? You piece of…" his fist was a mere inch away from the man's face.
"No Don-Damon! Please! Stop this! It's not his fault…. Donnie…" Caroline pleaded her voice hoarse from continuous sobbing.
Damon shot his head in her direction, his eyes red with fury, his face contoured in pure anguish, "Go to my car with your friend, I'll be there as soon as I'm done."
"Please listen to me; it's not what it looks like. You got it all wrong. We… We like each other… Please just…"
"Caroline! In the car, now!"
She knew this discussion was over, she sobbed uncontrollably in Elena's arms, "Please, don't… don't hurt him." Reluctantly she went out of the room.

Damon dragged the man out of the room into the illuminated corridor, he scrutinized the man in front, in his rage he didn't recognize the man's familiar face. But this new found realization only fueled his anger furthermore. "Niklaus! What the hell were you doing with my sister?"
"I…I… Mr. Salvatore… I…"
"Answer me!" he growled. He was one of the interns in his company; Nik's father had been a hard working employee, after years of honest service when he'd asked for this favor, Damon didn't have the heart to deny. If anything he genuinely liked the boy, like his father Niklaus was hardworking and smart. But he wouldn't allow anyone to mess with his baby sister.
"I… Care & I, we... like each other." He clutched his aching ribs before speaking, "I swear, I wouldn't hurt her…"
"Damn right, you won't." He closed his eyelids momentarily, attempting to calm his raging nerves. Reluctantly he unclenched his grip from his shoulder and took a step back. "Get out of my sight, before I lose control."

The drive home was spent in silence, except for the quiet sobs coming from a distressed Caroline. As the car pulled over the driveway, the sobbing girl sprung the door open and rushed towards her room. Damon let out a frustrated sigh; he couldn't bear to see her pain, that being said he couldn't overlook the incident. Both Elena and he got out of the car and followed the footsteps of the other girl.

Upon reaching her room, he gently knocked on the wooden doorframe. "Doll, can I come in?" As expected there wasn't a response from the other end. "Doll, please, open the door, let me talk to you."
"No! I don't want to talk! Just…" and there came her muffled sobs.

Damon's heart clenched painfully, but he knew he won't be able to get through her, not now at least. Exhaustion took over his features; he was both physically and emotionally drained. He decided to head back to his room but turned back, his eyes scrutinizing the girl beside him.

"I'm glad Caroline has a friend like you."
"Um, she's…"
Damon tilted his head, tucking one hand beneath his chin, "I didn't peg you as a wildcat. Let me guess, MMA?"
"Excuse me, I'm not a wildcat. I took a few self defense classes that's all."
Damon chuckled, he took a tentative step forward, "I've seen enough to distinguish between a pesky amateur from a well trained fighter."
She crossed her arms over her chest, "I went for Kickboxing, if that's what you're implying." She said defiantly.
He smirked and shook his head, "Do you want a ride back home?"
"I can manage, thank you Mr. Salvatore. Good night." With that she turned on her heels and went down the staircase.
"Good night, little panther." He murmured, despite the turn of events he couldn't keep the grin away from his face.

I know, Klaus says it better "Little Wolf", but I couldn't help but imagine how it will sound coming out of Damon's mouth. :P
So what did you guys think? Review! Please!