Hello my lovely people! So this is the last original chapter, the next one will go back to following the episodes. Let me know what you think! Thank you Dearlyfantastical5511 for being an awesome beta reader and friend!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Vampire Diaries only Alba and Danny.
Chapter 14
People will let you down in life, promises will be broken, you should expect less of others and trust more in yourself. - Leon Brown
"Bullshit." It's the first thing out of my mouth after Ester reveals her secret. I can tell I caught her by surprise by the look of complete shock on her face. "There is no way in hell I'm an original guardian. Whatever the hell that is," I wave my hand around metaphorically waving the name away.
"If you will just let me explain, then you might understand. Now please," her voice hardens as her eyes narrow, "will everyone have a seat." I glare her down as I move with the rest of the originals to their seats. However, I take the seat Elijah had occupied earlier with no apology as I'm able to stare Ester down better when I'm facing her.
"You know how my family came to be, am I right?" She asks as I nod remembering the stories my mother would tell me. "Good. But there is something that no one knew. Something I wasn't going to tell any of you," she says looking at her children, "but when I saw Alba last night, I knew there was no turning back."
"What is it, mother?" Elijah asks calmly though his eyes betray him as they hold a glint of worry. We wait patiently as Ester takes a deep breath before speaking.
"It was the night before I performed the spell to change my children into vampires," she begins explaining, "I was so consumed with protecting them that I wanted to make sure they would be safe even after I turned them." She pauses smiling warmly at Rebekah who puts her hand over Esters. "So I went to another witch for help. I had heard of her through the people in the village. She was feared by many and revered by the select few that understood her. Her name was Laurita Martinez." I clench my jaw when I recognize the name. "You know who I am speaking of, do you not?" Ester asks.
"I do," I nod leaning forward resting my elbows on the table. "I remember the stories my mother would tell, Laurita was not only the most powerful witch born in the family, but she was the darkest as well." I watch Ester grimace, but nod.
"Yes, Laurita had darkness in her, but she was, like you said, very powerful. I told her about my family; what I planned to do. She said she could help me, but it would come at a price." Ester locks eyes with me, "a price that your family has paid for ever since." I clench my fists under the table to refrain from snapping Ester's neck. I can feel that darkness slithering its way into my heart as it latches on.
"What are you talking about?" Rebekah asks looking between me and her mother in confusion.
"The spell Laurita performed took her life," Ester begins.
"And has taken every Martinez life since," I finish grabbing the nearest wine glass and downing it. "Danny and I are the last of our line."
"What kind of spell could have consequences such as that?" Elijah asks in awe staring at his mother.
"Laurita performed a spell that would give a witch the power, strength, and ability to protect you all." She says motioning to her children. "This witch would have immense strength, unbelievable power, incredible reflexes, and she would have no weaknesses against any supernatural creäture. She was supposed to be the shield to your armor. It was her duty to protect you all at any and all costs."
"The original guardian," I sigh understanding what she is getting at.
"The original guardian," Ester nods, "but the spell didn't work. Laurita died before it could be finished, but she said something before she passed, that I didn't understand until now. At once, all the originals and I lean forward to hear what she has to say. "She said, only when the rules are broken and nature can be defied, will you have your prize." We sit in silence for a moment as everyone processes her words.
"Well what in the bloody hell does that mean?" Kol grunts throwing his head back in boredom. Ester doesn't answer him as she looks at me with a smile one her lips.
"Maybe if you would use your brain for once besides thinking about sex, you would understand." Klaus snarks as Kol flashes to a stand.
"Sit." Elijah commands grabbing Kol's shoulder and pushing him down. "As you remember Kol, witches and vampires do not mix. They hate us, but when Alba's mother slept with Damon Salvatore it broke the rules."
"Wait! Your father is Damon Salvatore!" Kol roars in laughter making me grin. "My apologies, no wonder you can't stand the man."
"Kol," Ester reprimands him as he tapers off into light chuckles.
"So when Alba's mother had her, nature was defied, because vampires can't procreate." Rebekah finishes, "which means…" every pair of eyes in the room turn to look at me.
"Which means that this lunch is over," I smile sarcastically and stand. I start for the door intent on finding Danny and leaving.
"Wait! I know you feel it Alba." I pause my back still turned to them. "I know you feel the darkness around your heart that keeps trying to consume you. I see it in your eyes every time it happens. It happened last night and I'm sure it's happened before." Ester's words hit home as I close my eyes. I'm glad they can't see my face. "Tell me something Alba, what do you think is going to happen when Danny dies?" I don't waste time flashing to Ester as I rip her chair away from the table. I throw my hand out towards the originals forcing them into their chairs.
"Damn it Alba! Let me up!" Klaus growls thrashing against the hold I have on him. The others are doing the same getting even more in a frenzy when I return my gaze to Ester. She doesn't look the least bit afraid as I stare down at her.
"Danny, earlier, you said you knew a way to help her. How?" I ask grabbing a chair and straddling it. "Lie to me and I kill you without batting an eyelash." I get a round of growls in protest.
"You're playing a dangerous game, darling," Kol snaps glaring at me.
"Well get used to it, baby, because you're playing with the best." I wink at him turning my attention back to Ester.
"There is one way to save Danny, but you must listen to me-"
"Keep going," I command all ears as I listen to her words. She sighs looking me in the eye with a mix of sorrow and anger.
"There is a way for you to switch places with her. Meaning she would take all your powers and abilities." I chew my lip as hope blossoms in my chest. "But Alba, you must understand that when Danny receives your power; you will receive Danny's illness as well. That's what it means to switch places."
"I'll do it." I answer without hesitation.
"No!"
"Love, you don't know what you're saying."
"Alba, this is a big decision, you should take some time to think about it."
"If you want to die, darling, I can drain you right here and now." Kol snickers as Elijah smacks him on the back of the head. I listen to their protests not taking any under consideration.
"Alba," Ester captures my attention once again, "I will help you do the spell; if it's what you truly want, but I want you to take a few days to decide. Come back in three days, when the moon is full, only then will I help you."
"Fine," I nod curtly standing from the chair. "Gretchen!" I yell watching as the woman comes flying around the corner.
"Yes Ms. Martinez?"
"Bring me Danny, please." I barely finish the sentence before she's hurrying out of the room. I turn back to Ester something on my mind. "How did you know about the darkness?" I ask.
"Because every time it happens, your eyes darken, and you look like Laurita." An involuntary shiver runs down my spine at her words.
"Hey, you should see their kitchen!" Danny smiles coming into the room. She sees what's going on and instantly frowns. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," I say flicking my wrist and freeing the originals. "Come on let's go. We have a pregnant girl to find." I grin ushering her out of the room following close behind. But Klaus's voice stops me. I turn to find him staring intently at me.
"This isn't over Alba." I smirk and shake my head.
"It never started Klaus." I flash out of the room before I can see the hurt in his eyes. I know if I saw it, I would stay.
I stand outside the dingy little house that looks like it could cave in any moment. Graffiti covers the siding and the paint on the door is chipped and peeling. My black mustang sticks out like a sore thumb next to the dead grass and weeds. I sigh sadly as I knock. I wait patiently as I hear rustling from inside before the door opens just a crack
"Who is it?" Whitney squeaks as she finally registers my face. "Oh! It's you!" She exclaims a little louder slamming the door as I wait for her to unlatch all the locks. "I'm so sorry about that, I just have to be careful around here." She says opening the door further and motioning me inside. I smile warmly and walk inside. It's a two bedroom house with the living room taking up the most space. I notice the lack of everything, there are two measly blankets and one pillow on the floor that I think constitutes as a bed. "Thank you for earlier." She smiles kindly rubbing her belly.
"Of course," I nod as she waddles to the dinky table in the corner and picks up my keys.
"I think these are what you came for!" She smiles setting them in my hand.
"Actually Whitney I didn't just come for my keys." She looks at me confused as I continue, "I brought something for you." I fish in my pocket and pull out the envelope. I hand it to her as she hesitantly takes it.
"What is it?" She asks more to herself as she breaks the seal and takes the thin piece of paper out. I watch her face twist into disbelief as she reads the check.
"One hundred thousand dollars!" She screams her mouth falling to the floor. "This has to be a joke!" She sputters looking at the check. "It has to be fake."
"It's not, it's real." I say watching the tears that fill her eyes and cascade down her cheek.
"Thank you so much, but I can't take this." She shakes her head as I grab her shoulders.
"You can take the check." I compel watching her pupils dilate. "You're going to take this check and deposit it in your bank account. You're going to find a better place to live and make a good life for you and your baby." I listen as she repeats what I say in a monotone voice. "Good. Now once I leave this house you are going to forget who I am, but you'll know that someone is always watching out for you." I finish watching her dazed state before I slip out of the house and go to my car. I get in, start the engine, and drive away as the girl inside watches from the window.
Later that night
"Do you think Channing Tatum was born like that?" Danny asks taking a handful of popcorn from the bowl. I tilt my head to the side as I examine his flawless body.
"I don't think Channing Tatum was born Danny," I look down at her, "I think he was sculpted by the gods." We laugh at this as we stuff our face with more food. We've been sitting in our pajamas having a Tatum movie marathon since I returned home from Whitney's. It's exactly what I needed and I know Danny always appreciates Channing Tatum time.
"Aw we're out of popcorn," Danny pouts giving me the puppy dog eyes.
"You have legs, use them." I wink turning my attention back to the television. However, I don't get to watch for long because suddenly Danny is in my face.
"You will go into the kitchen and make popcorn," she widens her eyes before adding on please at the end. I raise any eyebrow once I figure out what she's trying to do.
"Danny did you just try to compel me?" I hold back my laughter as her face twists up in disappointment.
"Yes," she huffs falling face first onto the couch, "but obviously…" I can't catch the rest of what she's saying as her words get muffled from the pillow. I giggle silently to myself as I stand and grab the bowl.
"Fine, I'll make it." I roll my eyes when she bounces up stealing my blankets.
"Thanks sis!" She grins reaching for the oreos. "Will you grab some peanut butter too?"
"No." I deadpan walking out of the room. I snicker when I'm far enough away. That was too funny. I find the popcorn and put it in the microwave. As I wait for it to cook I think about what Ester said. Could I really be the Original Guardian? It would explain my undying need to protect Klaus and Rebekah. I chew my lip as the timer goes off along with the doorbell.
"I got it!" Danny screams while I pour the popcorn into the bowl and grab the peanut butter.
"Alright, I got the provisions, let's get our chatum on!" I yell entering the foyer only to stop when I see who's at the door.
"Look whose here!" Danny smiles wide at the three originals on our doorstep. I quickly deposit the popcorn and peanut butter on the table before walking to the door. Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol are standing outside the door politely waiting to be invited in.
"Well are you going to invite us in or should I lie down and be your doormat?" Kol smirks cocky as I get a chuckle out of that.
"Seriously Kol?" Rebekah asks in disbelief as Elijah speaks up.
"I'm sorry for my brother Alba, we didn't mean to interrupt your…um…Chatum time." He says a small smile turning up his lips. I choke on a laugh at the sophisticated Elijah saying Chatum time.
"No, it's okay. Elijah and Rebekah please come inside." I nod as they pass the threshold leaving behind a very angry Kol.
"What is this, darling?" He asks raising an eyebrow, but I can tell he's pissed.
"Danny, will you show Rebekah and Elijah to the kitchen please?" I ask looking down at her as she turns apologetic eyes on Kol.
"Yeah," she mumbles sending Kol one last look before ushering Rebekah and Elijah into the kitchen. I wait until I can hear them talking before I step outside and close the door.
"If you wanted some alone time with me, love, all you had to do was ask." Kol smiles arrogantly. I cross my arms and lean against the door scrutinizing him with my eyes.
"I like you Kol," I finally say meaning the words. "You're funny, you're charming, and you're cute." I watch him open his mouth, but I make him close it again. "But you're selfish, arrogant, and impulsive. I'll invite you in, but it doesn't give you free reign of the house or to mess with Danny. Because so help me, if Danny gets hurt because of you or by you, I don't care who I am, I will kill you." I finish seriously watching his smirk falter for a millisecond before its back in place.
"Whatever you say darling," he grins while I open the door and step inside.
"Come in," I motion for him to step inside before closing the door behind him.
"Nice home you have here," he says looking around the place disdainfully. I laugh and shake my head as I start towards the kitchen.
"What is so funny?" Rebekah asks from her seat next to Elijah at the counter.
"You and Kol could be twins," I grin leaning against the sink facing the originals.
"That's a horrible thing to say," Rebekah pouts causing another laugh to ripple from my chest. I look around the kitchen in search of Danny, but I don't see her.
"Hey where's Danny?" I ask my eyes instantly finding Kol to make sure he's still here.
"She went upstairs for something she said she'd be right down," Rebekah says examining her nails. I nod looking at the three most powerful beings on this earth sitting at my kitchen counter in an awkward silence.
"I'm assuming you didn't come here for the home decor," I say jumping up and sliding my butt on the counter. "So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" I ask just the littlest bit curious as to why they are here. However, before anyone can answer, Danny glides into the room in jeans and a nice sweater.
"You changed?" I notice smirking at Rebekah who is trying to hide her laughter.
"Yeah, well…"Danny shrugs looking at the ground her face aflame with embarrassment.
"You look good sweetheart," Kol smirks obviously enjoying the reaction he's getting out of her.
"Thank you," she mumbles walking over to stand beside me. I nudge her with my knee when she still hasn't looked up.
"So what are you all doing here?" Danny speaks up her eyebrows drawing together in confusion. "Where's Klaus?"
"Aw am I not enough for you Danny?" Kol asks faking hurt as he puts his hand over his heart.
"You'll do," she shrugs playfully shocking me. Did Danny just flirt? I think Rebekah is in the state of shock as me as she looks to me in disbelief.
"Klaus had prior engagements this evening," Elijah informs us straightening out his suit jacket.
"With that wench Forbes," Rebekah adds bitterly. I don't let it faze me, but it fazes Danny.
"Wait, Klaus is dating Caroline?" Danny asks.
"No, but he "fancies" her," Rebekah rolls her eyes.
"Hmm," Danny hums crossing her arms. I look down at her to find her lost in thought. She looks angry.
"Care to share what's got you upset?" I ask nudging her. She looks up at Rebekah then me.
"Klaus obviously likes you; I don't see why he is going after Caroline. She's a nice girl and all but Klaus is yours!" Danny throws her hands up in exasperation. "It's a little disappointing is all." She sulks as I try to wipe the silent laughter from my face. She's more upset about this than I am.
"Sometimes people just aren't meant to be," I snicker failing to hide the playfulness in my voice.
"Fine, make fun of me, whatever." Danny doesn't find the situation amusing as she storms out of the room.
"I think that's my cue," Kol grins sliding out of his chair and following her. I look to Rebekah, but she's already up and following them.
"I'm on it." She says making me smile. Well it seems Rebekah is working her way back into my good graces after all. I look at Elijah feeling the smile on my face widening when I catch him staring. "You have quite the family." I say laughing as he smiles.
"I can say the same about you and Danny," I nod jumping down from the counter and taking the seat next to him.
"So tell me Elijah, why did you really come here?" I ask reaching for the nearby salt shaker and twirling it in my hand.
"I honestly don't know," he looks at me seriously, "after you left things became complicated."
"What do you mean?" I ask confused. How could things get even more complicated?
"It seems that we are more connected to you than any of us understood. When our mother was telling us about Laurita and you, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical. I could tell my brothers and Rebekah were as well, but that all changed when you said you agreed to switch places with Danny."
"What do you mean?" I wonder not sure I'm going to like what he has to say.
"When you said this, it was like something clicked at the same time in all of us. I can't describe the feeling; it was a mix of absolute wonder and a need to keep you. I know for me, I felt this overpowering possessiveness," he says with a hint of shame in his voice, "I know the other's felt it too. Then when you left, everything came crashing down. Klaus and Kol instantly wanted to go after you. Rebekah and I had to restrain them, but it was hard for us, because the feeling of needing to see you was there for us as well." I hold my hand up stopping him from talking further as I process his words.
"What do you feel right now?" I ask not able to refrain from questioning him. I'm trying to understand all of this, but it's a lot to take in. I watch Elijah smile warmly as he answers.
"I don't feel the need to throw you over my shoulder and take you far away if that's what you mean." I laugh at that finding it easy to talk to Elijah. "But I don't want to leave either. As crazy as it sounds, it's almost like a feeling of….safety when I'm with you." I snort at that response quickly backtracking when Elijah raises his eyebrow.
"You are an original. You all are nearly indestructible. There's nothing out there that should worry you." I point out.
"Let me rephrase that," Elijah begins, "it's more like a feeling of being whole."
"It's like getting a piece of ourselves back that we had no idea was missing." Rebekah adds walking in the room. "It's almost like a magnetic pull."
"So you guys are what? Drawn to me?" I ask wondering how in the hell I'm going to deal with the most power family in the world every day of my life.
"Yes," they answer together leaving me with more problems to work through.
"I don't feel any different though. I feel the absolute same." I shake my head running my thumb over my lip in thought. Its right around then that Danny and Kol run into the kitchen.
"What are you guys talking about?" Danny asks all smiles as she leans on the counter next to Rebekah.
"Nothing important," I smile looking at Kol who is staring at me seriously. It catches me off guard at the intense gaze in his eyes. Then I realize he must have heard our conversation.
"Well, do you guys want to stay and watch 21 Jump Street with us?" Danny asks looking around the room before focusing on Kol. I watch him open his mouth to no doubt smart off, but he's quickly left speechless as Danny gives him the puppy dog eyes. I smile in disbelief as he grunts out a yes.
"Did she just get you with the puppy dog eyes?" I laugh grabbing Danny's hand as we run into the living room. I fall onto the couch as Danny decides to sit on the loveseat and I realize why when Kol sits next to her. I mouth well done when she looks at me.
"Mind if I have this seat?" Elijah asks pointing to the one next to me. I grin and pat the seat.
"It's all yours my good man," I fake a British accent drawing a smile from his lips. Rebekah huffs when she walks into the room to find the spot next to me taken.
"Move over," she commands nudging me in the shoulder.
"Sit next to Elijah," I point to the open seat stubbornly.
"I want to sit next to you," she whines placing her hands on her hips.
"What are we in; middle School?" I snicker gazing at her in amusement. I catch her look beside me as she beams. "Look! Now you can move over!" She grins happily shoving me into the middle seat that Elijah so graciously gave up. Now I'm the middle to an original sandwich as the movie starts to play.
"Now Kol, if you have any trouble following the movie, don't be afraid to ask questions." I tease him as he smirks mischievously and nods.
"Will do, sweetheart," he retorts. I answered questions for the rest of the night.
I fall face first on my bed exhausted after finally getting the originals to leave. Even Elijah was putting up a little fight though he masked his true intentions better than the other two. I managed to kick them out around midnight before I cleaned up the mess. Danny passed out earlier in the night on Kol who was all too willing to put her in bed. I allowed it…this time.
"Tired love?" I groan when Klaus's sultry accent tickles my ear. I turn my face to find him lazily lying next to me in bed. He looks right at home as he adjusts the pillow under his head. The moonlight is spilling in through my open window where he no doubt entered.
"Who invited you in?" I snap wanting him out of my room, but I'm too tired to do it.
"Why? You don't want me here?" He asks, "Would you prefer I call Elijah back? You two sounded like you were having fun." Klaus bites clearly upset. I smirk as I look at his angry face. He looks good in my bed; I realize running my eyes over his tight Henley and dark jeans.
"Jealousy doesn't look good on you Klaus." I sing finding him jealous absolutely hilarious.
"I am not jealous," he hisses glaring at me. "Why would I be jealous when I have Caroline?" He asks, his words leaving a dull ache in my chest.
"Maybe because Caroline could never love you for who you are." I shrug sliding my arms under my pillow for better comfort.
"Oh and you know who I am?" Klaus asks more curiosity in his voice than anger. I watch him flip onto his side as he gazes down at me.
"I know that you aren't a saint. You kill, you cheat, and you've done so many despicable and horrific things that the devil is scared of you. You are in the world's eyes a monster." I answer him softly watching the anger and hurt in his eyes. "But what no one seems to understand in this one pony town is nobody is perfect. Every vampire has taken a life, it's natural it's instinct. Caroline, Stefan, Damon, and anyone else that tries to pin you as the bad guy are hypocrites." I take a deep breath as he processes my words.
"You don't think I'm a monster?" Klaus whispers softly looking at me through serious eyes.
"I think everyone has the potential to be a monster, but no Klaus, you aren't a monster. You are someone who's lived a thousand years and when someone lives for as long as you have and has gone through as much as you have, it's not surprising that you lost yourself along the way." I sigh looking him in the eye as I let my guard down. "I think you deserve someone who can accept you for who you are; someone who will be the light to guide you in your darkest times. You deserve someone that would give up everything just to be with you and you the same for her. You deserve love, Klaus." I finish shrugging my shoulders when all he can do is stare at me with his baby blues. "If you really believe Caroline can give you that then don't let her slip away. I wish you the best of luck, I really do." I smile half-heartedly flipping on my side so my back is to him. I stare a spot on my wall as I wait for him to leave. This whole thing was a mistake. I hear a creek by the window as I flip over needing to see him leave, but I'm shocked when I'm suddenly shoved back into the mattress. I don't register much as Klaus's lips crash to mine.
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