Hey! so here is the next chapter and as always thank you to everyone that is reading and reviewing! You guys are awesome! I'm in the process right now of actually drawing out Alba's tattoo, but I'm a horrible artist so it's a super slow process. But I want to be able to give you all a visual. So I will persevere! Anyways! Thank you again!
Disclaimer: I don't own the vampire diaries only Alba.
Chapter 27
"Love me or hate me are both in my favor. If you love me, I'll always be in your heart. If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind." –William Shakespeare
"Son of a bitch!" I hiss running a trembling hand through my hair as I pace in front of the mirror. I steal glances at my bare back in awe wondering when exactly I collected such a knack for scaring my body. Every time I come into this damn town I leave with something I didn't have before and this time it looks like a tattoo.
I stop pacing long enough to get an eyeful of the deep gold swirls now tracing my back. Each pattern more intricate than the next as they link one odd shape to another. I can't decide if it's runes I'm seeing or something else, but one thing is for damn sure. I can't let anyone know about this. Not until I figure out what it means, anyway.
I shift under my bedroom light watching as the tree that stands tall and proud in the middle of my back glimmers with every move I make. I cock my head to the side studying its deep roots and long branches that intertwine to create the perfect centerpiece for an otherwise chaotic mess. It would be beautiful if it didn't hurt so much. Ever since Connor Jordan and almost shifting in the church, the ever-present burn crawling up my spine hasn't left.
I've heard that pain is beauty, but this is ridiculous. I give myself one more second of scrutinizing the new addition to my body before grabbing my shirt and yanking it over my head. I check the clock to find it's almost midnight meaning the library will be closed…for everyone else. For me however….
The soft glow from the computer sends shadows dancing across the murky library walls. It wasn't too hard breaking into the library, one simple twist of the knob and it came right off in my hands. Finding the computers, however, was more of a challenge. I had no idea this little building held two floors, but apparently it does. The click of my fingers moving swiftly over the key strokes provides the only source of noise in the whole place.
One would think I'd be in and out of here in less than half an hour without any trouble, but that doesn't seem to be the case this time. As it turns out, I don't know what the hell I'm looking for and the internet doesn't give answers for half ass descriptions. So when I'm on the verge of shoving my fist straight through the computer screen I decide it's time to hit the books.
I, instantly, go to the stacks in the far back corner of the library where a thick layer of dust settles over the books accentuating their value to me. The older the better, I decide as I start grabbing books that seem like they would aid me in my search for answers. I seem to be partial to the thick leather-bound volumes seeing as I have at least six out of ten weighing down my hands by the time I finish. I glance over my selection one last time before nodding my head in approval and turning to head back to my table, but a creak in the next stack over has me pausing.
It takes me five seconds to realize who it is.
"I never thought I'd see the day you'd be in a library." I quip turning the corner to find Kol leaning lazily against the shelf with a romance novel in his hands. His eyes are poring over the page in front of him as a small smirk plays across his lips.
"It's not my first option for a midnight snack, but when you see a pretty face…" Kol trails off flipping several pages like he's actually reading the damn thing. I roll my eyes shifting the books in my hands to fit snugly under my arm before reaching out and snatching the smut from his hands.
"I'm surprised you could read the sign out front letting you know it's the library." I smirk sauntering past him down a few aisles until I get to the kid's section.
"It was a challenge, but I managed to sound it out." Kol snickers just as I seize a book from the shelf and slap it against his chest. I look into his brown eyes that are dancing with mischief and it reminds me of six months ago when I first met him. How at ease and laid-back he was if not a little unpredictable, but when is Kol ever predictable?
"Well, this should suit you nicely then." I wink watching in amusement as Kol opens the book to have the pictures immediately pop out to greet him.
"Funny," Kol deadpans making me chuckle as I turn around and continue towards my table. "What are you doing, sweetheart?" The original asks coming up behind me as the books spill out of my hands onto the table.
"I could ask you the same thing," I answer eyeing the literature in front of me debating where to start. "I don't remember telling anyone I was coming here."
"Yes, well you don't tell anyone much these days, do you?" Kol gives me a look falling into one of the wooden chairs surrounding the table.
"No one likes a complainer, Kol." I muse sitting down and propping my feet up at the same time Kol does. I don't comment on our twin moment nor do I say anything when we reach for a book at the same time.
"Don't mistake my observations as complaining. I could care less what you do, but if it's something that will either A. destroy lives or B. complicate them in the sweetest of ways. Well, I want in." Kol grins out of pure spite and for a moment I can see absolute delirium behind his eyes.
"Did you're mother drop you on your head as a child?" I ask wearily eyeing him over my book on how to sew. I was wrong about the leather-bound books; they hold nothing, but false promises.
"No, but she taught me how to get what I want and if you don't tell me what is going on, I'll have to kill someone. Maybe I'll start with that quarterback." Kol threatens narrowing his eyes menacingly.
"You can't kill him, Kol." I drawl not the least bit deterred by his childish outburst. "He's Danny's best friend." I continue without thinking only stopping when I realize what I just said. I stare down at the book in my hands feeling absolute devastation begin in my heart when I look up at Kol to find him glowering at me. He looks beyond pissed, but it doesn't hide the hurt and sorrow behind his pinched up mouth and dark eyes.
"Well, she's not here to stop me, is she?" Kol growls pushing up from his chair so forcefully that it crashes and skitters to the floor behind him.
"No, but if you go waste your time killing people who don't matter, then you'll miss out on the things that do." I state standing from my chair pushing every single ounce of hurt down until it's nothing.
"And what could interest me more than ripping the bartender's throat out?" Kol hums clasping his hands behind his back like he has all the time in the world. It's amazing the things him and I can cover up when we put our minds to it.
"For one, there's a vampire hunter in town." I start to fill Kol in, but he's holding up his hand before I can finish.
"I know about the hunter and his disappearing mark," Kol rolls his eyes and waves me off. "If that's all you've got then I have someplace to be." Kol grins sadistically turning on his heel, but he doesn't have the chance to move before I'm standing in front of him.
"Here's the deal, Michaelson. You stay and let me explain what I'm doing here or you go and attempt to eat Matt which will only result in your head going through a wall. Your choice." I raise a challenging eyebrow taking a small step back waiting as he decides. Kol rubs his chin thoughtfully glancing at me and the door several times before he smiles.
"Alright, I'll make you a better offer. I stay, listen to your story, and if it turns out that it wasn't worth my time, I get full permission to eat the quarterback for breakfast."
"Deal." I nod brushing past him to the computer. "Sit down." I command gesturing to the chair I vacated earlier.
"I love it when you take charge," Kol teases winking at me with a wry smirk as he flips the chair around so he's straddling it from behind. I don't waste time launching into what happened yesterday from meeting Connor right down to finding the tattoo imprinted on my back. By the time I'm finished rehashing the details Kol is silent in his seat for the first time in ages.
"Let me see your back," Kol demands getting up from his chair and walking over to me with purpose. Any other time I would argue with him, but he doesn't give me the chance as he spins me around and lifts my shirt. I bite the sarcastic comment on the tip of my tongue when Kol's fingers lightly brush against my skin.
It's like aloe Vera to a bad sunburn. Kol is so busy tracing the patterns on my back that he doesn't notice the tension ease from my body the longer his skin is on mine. It makes me wonder if Connor burns me, does Kol ease the pain?
"These aren't runes, Alba." Kol murmurs running the pad of his fingers over the tree that takes up most of my back. "These are symbols; Ancient Celtic to be exact." I raise an eyebrow and turn my head so I can see him out of the corner of my eye.
"What do they mean?" I not so much ask as demand to know. My patience is wearing thin already and I have a feeling this is just the beginning.
"Well if you would wait for me to finish, I'd be able to tell you." Kol scolds me like a child making me roll my eyes in annoyance. "The Celtic tree of life was believed to be the force that took care of existence on earth. It brought harmony and balance to nature and strength and wisdom to those who wore it. Some also believed that the tree's roots were connected to the lower worlds while its branches were tethered to the upper worlds." Kol finishes moving his finger in spirals up to my left shoulder where he starts tracing a series of knots in a circle.
"The Shield of Destiny was meant for protection and strength to those going into battle. It was many times engraved on the men's shields before they went to war." Kol hums mindlessly tracing over to my right shoulder where he makes a heart with his fingers along with three points coming out of it. "Well I don't want to be the bear of bad news, but your angel wings are gone."
I don't say anything as I clench my jaw thinking about how much time I spent drawing those wings to represent Danny. Now they're gone.
"But on the brighter side, this symbolizes the bond of two sisters." Kol does a nice job of burying the lead as he continues down my back to my ribs. "Ah now this one is known as the warrior spirit," I can hear the grin in Kol's voice as he draws an arrow-head with a series of knots at the top with his finger. "How fitting," he continues down to my hip where he traces a unique triangle with two points at each end. "This symbolizes inner strength meant for those gifted with rare power." He moves to the small of my back with a slight chuckle, "Oh look a tramp stamp," he muses making three points like a triangle before tracing the knots on the inside. "The Trinity knot meant a lot of things, it is hard to tell which one applies to you, but my best bet would be Creator, Destroyer, and Sustainer." He laughs getting a kick out of that.
"Asshole," I mutter too distracted to come up with anything better.
"Now this one," he says tracing the same swirls that have linked each symbol to my left hip. "Means everlasting love, the circle is meant to symbolize eternity and the two intertwining points are meant to show the two souls coming together. Hmm I wonder who that could be," Kol mocks me tracing up to the last symbol near my left ribs. I wait for him to tell me what it means as he traces two hearts coming together, but he doesn't say a word. He simply steps back and pulls my shirt down so it's covering my skin. "Sorry, sweetheart, I don't know what that last one means." He shrugs nonchalant, but I can see the deceit in his eyes.
"You're lying," I deadpan crossing my arms feeling the ache spread through my back once again.
"I'm wounded," Kol feigns hurt holding a hand over his heart. "Do you really think I would lie to you? After all we've been through?" I don't change my face as I continue to blatantly stare at him.
"Yes."
"Well, then you'd be right." Kol grins happily walking in circles around me.
"So do you know what it all means?" I ask spinning in circles so Kol and I remain face to face. "Why do I have it?"
"I'm not sure," Kol mutters suddenly serious as he eyes me up and down. "Can anyone else see it? Humans?"
"I don't know. I don't exactly walk around topless." I shake my head getting frustrated with myself.
"Well, let's see then, shall we?" Kol asks flashing towards the door, but not before throwing me over his shoulder first. Before I even have time to yell one profanity, Kol stops and sets me down. The moment my feet touch concrete I rear back and punch Kol in the face watching as his head whips to the side.
"There, now I feel better," I smile cockily adjusting my shirt before turning around to find we are in the middle of town square. "Goodie," I sigh looking around the empty town in disdain. It has to be early in the morning, too early for people to be up and about already. "Why am I here?"
"For a little experiment," Kol answers huskily as he shoulder checks me on his way to one of the benches surrounding the square. I follow him seeing a man passed out from a night of partying. His head is dangling over the armrest of the bench as one leg hangs over the edge. He smells like stale whiskey and broken dreams. "Hey," Kol shakes the guy roughly, "time to wake up mate." He sings slapping the guy across the face until the man shoots up looking around him wildly.
"Wha-What's going on?" The man asks rather loudly before spotting us and calming down. "Oh, sorry, I thought you were the police." He breathes out a sigh of relief as Kol chuckles and crouches down next to him.
"You'll wish I were the police here in a minute." Kol tsks locking eyes with the man. "I need you to look at my friend's back and tell me what you see." Kol compels him before nodding to me. "Lift your shirt." I glare at Kol, but do as he asks. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little curious myself. I turn around and show the man my back.
"I see skin." The man answers robotically.
"Do you see any tattoos?" I hear Kol ask as the man quiets down.
"A little one on her shoulder…who's Danny?" The man asks right before his screams rip through the sleepy town. I drop my shirt and whirl around to find Kol savagely drinking from the man who is slowly losing life from his eyes. It isn't until Kol pulls back dropping the man uselessly to the ground that I speak.
"It's not nice to play with your food before you eat it." I mock Kol as he wipes excess blood from his mouth.
"I know, that's why I killed him quick." He smirks deviously walking towards me. "But now we have our answer. But it begs another question. If Connor can see it and I can see it, but humans can't see it. Then who in the hell can see your mark?" He muses looking at something over my shoulder. "Well I guess I'll just have to find out."
"Where are you going?" I ask when Kol meanders past me and starts walking towards the woods.
"Does it matter?" Kol yells over his shoulder with a grin. "Do something stupid while I'm gone." I watch Kol disappear into the trees never imagining that he would leave town. But he does.
Damon POV
It's hard to tell what I woke up angrier about this morning; the fact that my brother punched me in the face yesterday after the hunter kicked my ass? Or is Alba's ice-cold exterior finally getting to me? Or is it the simple realization that Elena still doesn't want me and I can't help, but crave her? When I open the front door and find Stefan working on his motorcycle I decide he's the problem.
"Good day for a midlife crisis," I observe leaning against the door jamb. "164 years, I'd say you're due."
"Elena's transition to vampire has been a little depressing, I'm gonna help her have some fun." Stefan explains having a seat on the motorcycle I so graciously bought him a century ago.
"Oh." I smirk pushing away from the wall to walk outside. "Those who can't do…teach." I jab feeling a little better with every insult I can throw Stefan's way.
"Ah, I see we're still fighting," Stefan gives me a tight-lipped smile looking at the ground. "Got it. Where you going?"
"That hunter jacked Tyler Lockwood of his werewolf venom last night; so basically, he's got vampire poison in a bottle. And I'm gonna find him, and I'm gonna eat him." I feel a sense of victory just thinking about sinking my fangs into the hunter's neck and causing him as much pain as possible. The little bastard deserves it.
"I'll go with you." Stefan offers jumping up from his bike to follow me. I put a stop to his brotherly delusion before it gets out of hand.
"I don't want your help. I just want to kill this guy so I can get the hell out of town." I bite taking in Stefan's confused expression with anger. "Wasn't that the deal? Whoever Elena doesn't choose leaves."
"That was before she turned and Alba came back to town."
"I stayed to help with Elena. If I take you punching me as the first clue, I'm not wanted here anymore. And I'm taking Alba with me." I finish narrowing my eyes begging him to say something that will push me over the edge.
"Listen, you blood shared with my girlfriend and I punched you in the face. You deserved it." Stefan shakes his head continuing. "As for Alba, you know as well as I do, no one makes her do anything she doesn't want to. Why don't you stop being dramatic?" My little brother says making me smirk.
"No, brother, dramatic would be leaving before I kill this hunter." I reply sending him one last withering glare before walking away. I have a hunter to find.
3rd POV
The sun is shining by the time Matt rounds the corner to the loading dock behind the school. He received a call from Elena earlier asking him to meet her here and who is he to deny her? Especially when it's his fault she's a vampire in the first place.
"Kind of weird doing this in our old make out spot," Matt comments coming to a stop in front of Elena who looks at him sadly.
"Thank you, for doing this. I can't keep anything else down." Elena sighs glancing around the area to make sure no one is watching.
"It's okay. I kind of owe you my life, remember?" Matt half-heartedly jokes knowing for a fact he'll let Elena feed from him anytime she wants. It's the least he can do.
"Yeah, but I didn't make Stefan save your life so I could turn you into a human blood bag." Elena defends Matt her stomach churning in disgust at the idea. Her love for Matt is strong, but her hunger to feed is just a little bit stronger.
"Elena, please just…" Matt rolls his sleeve up extending his arm in Elena's direction. He watches the instant reaction he gets out of her as she sucks in a deep breath. "Let me do this for you." He finishes sincerely holding her gaze steadily until she gives a slight nod giving in. Elena takes a small breath before lowering her head and biting into Matt's wrist, her eyes turning blood-red.
Matt can't help, but watch in disgust as Elena closes her eyes and drinks deeply. She savors every drop she's receiving and just when Matt starts to feel a light-headed, Elena pulls away.
"Was that enough?" Matt questions sick to his stomach, but he won't let it show. He'll do this for Elena until she can get her cravings under control.
"No," Elena breathes shaking her head wiping the excess blood off the corner of her mouth. "But If I had anymore, I'm afraid I wouldn't stop." She quivers slightly reaching into her purse pulling out a bandage. "Here," she smiles gently placing it over the two puncture wounds on Matt's wrist. "Thank you." Matt nods as the school bell rings drawing both of their thoughts away from what just happened.
That is, until Matt and Elena turn to leave only to find Alba perched elegantly on the picnic table right beside them. Matt can't help, but run his eyes over the tight black denim jeans she's wearing over her mile high legs and the too large white button-up that hangs off her torso comfortably. Black converses cover her feet which in Matt's opinion are a lot better than the heels she's been wearing while her hair falls in black curls down her back. She looks stunning as always.
"Alba." Elena gasps in surprise forgetting all about hating the girl sitting in front of her.
"Elena," Alba hums with her head tilted back eyes closed as she sunbathes. "How was breakfast?" Alba's question causes Elena to blush furiously as she looks to Matt helplessly.
"Uh, I didn't know you were coming back to school." Matt blurts lamely causing Alba to chuckle and tilt her head toward the boy. Her blue eyes sparkle in amusement which is a step up from the careless girl they've seen.
"Why? Did you miss me?" Alba smirks climbing off the picnic table so Matt can jump down next to her.
"Well, of course," Matt grins disintegrating every girl's knees in sight expect for Alba and Elena. Elena is actually watching the two interact with a newfound hatred blossoming in her chest. Is Alba really going to take every one from Elena's life? It's like having two Rebekah's except Elena can't do anything about Alba in fear of Damon and the originals killing her. It amazes Elena how one girl can affect a whole town in such a short amount of time.
"Flattery will get you everywhere, Donovan." Alba winks playfully holding up a piece of paper. "Now what is this about? Tyler getting shot really scare the villagers that much?" Alba scoffs shaking her head with a smile playing across her lips. "If only they knew the real story," she mumbles lost in thought giving Elena and Matt enough time to share matching looks of worry. It's not a secret that Elena feeding from Matt is supposed to be kept on the down low.
"You know, Alba…" Elena begins, but Alba quickly holds up her hand silencing the doppelgänger.
"I don't really care about you and little Matty's meal plans, Elena. I mean if he dies because you can't stop yourself, you'll be the one living with the guilt, not me. And if Matt dies, well, that will be his fault for indulging your every whim." Alba smirks knowingly as she crumbles up the paper in her hands and flings it across the parking lot so it soars with ease into the trashcan. "Have a good day, children." Alba fares bid well with a secretive smile before she walks away leaving Matt and Elena in various states of anger behind her.
Alba POV
The halls are practically empty by the time I stop in front of my locker. The tardy bell has already rang meaning class is minutes away from starting, but do I really care? To be honest, the only reason I came today was because I couldn't think about this damn tattoo anymore. After spending all night poring over books and the internet, even after my little run in with Kol, I just needed a break. And what better way to entertain myself than with making the doppelgänger tremble in anger. I smile ruefully slamming my locker closed after finding my history book.
"Just breathe, just breathe." I cock an eyebrow when I hear Stefan's ever calming voice. I lull my head to the side to find him rushing after Elena who looks ready to kill as she favors her bloody shoulder. Hmm, what did I miss? "You haven't felt this kind of rage before."
"I hate her!" Elena growls tears pooling in her eyes out of frustration. I watch as Stefan jumps in front of her so she can't get around him as the pair face off. "I didn't think I was capable of hate but I hate her and I hate that I hate her." Elena glowers shaking her head. I almost laugh when I realize who she's talking about. The only other person besides yours truly that can make Gilbert this angry would be Rebekah.
I watch as Elena glances over Stefan's shoulder and meets my gaze. In an instant, I can see her defenses rise as fear replaces her anger. I briefly wonder what could be the cause of her mood swing, but it doesn't take me long to connect the dots. Stefan doesn't know about Elena feeding on Matt which would explain their super-secret hiding spot. I can't help it as my lips curl into a wide grin.
"Yes, I'm looking for Jeremy Gilbert." I almost growl when I hear Connor Jordan's voice. He seems to be popping up everywhere these days and I would be lying if I said I'm not getting a little irritated.
"That's the hunter." Elena gasps gazing at Connor over Stefan's shoulder. I sigh, but turn around anyways to witness Connor talking to the school counselor. I see he's left the guns at home today, but that doesn't stop a heated shiver from erupting through my markings.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Stefan asks just as Connor walks up to Jeremy. Now what would the hunter need with baby Gilbert?
"Jeremy. No." I hear Elena whine as Connor guides Jeremy down the hall and into a classroom. I don't stick around to hear what happens next as I stroll down the hall to where Jeremy and Connor disappeared.
"Do you mind telling me who you are and why I'm here?" I stop outside the door when I hear Jeremy's voice. "I mean, I'm happy to miss Bio but…"
"I looked into your family's history. You and your sister have been through quite a lot." Connor comments as he throws a folder down on the desk Jeremy is sitting in. Jeremy has the decency to look confused as he glances up at Connor in bewilderment.
"What are you, a social worker? Why do you care?" Jeremy asks just as Stefan appears beside me. He gives me a questioning look as I shake my head and point to Jeremy.
"Because you saw this," Connor drops the ball rolling his sleeve up to reveal the tattoo on his arm. I take a small step forward trying to get a better look at the patterns running up his bicep in hopes they might match mine. Close, but no cigar.
"You can see it." Stefan whispers so low only I can hear him. I tear my eyes away from Connor long enough to catch Stefan's awestruck face.
"Does it really surprise you at this point?" I ask equally as quiet causing a small smile to play across his lips.
"It's a tattoo, big deal." Jeremy huffs, the whole situation going over his head.
"I call this a hunter's mark. As in vampire hunter." Conner explains finally getting somewhere.
"A-a vampire hunter?" Jeremy laughs hesitantly making me roll my eyes. I've seen better acting from a dog. "Look, I'm sorry man but…" Jeremy makes a move to get up, but Connor is quick to make him sit back down.
"Jeremy. I know your family's history in this town, so you playing dumb just makes you look dumb." Connor doesn't sugarcoat it as Jeremy glances up at Stefan and myself. I nod, silently telling him to sit down, but he doesn't actually do it until Stefan gives him the okay. Typical.
"Why the show and tell? I don't even know you." Jeremy shakes his head looking more and more restless the longer he has to sit there.
"Because it's invisible to anyone but another hunter or a potential hunter. Find me a vampire, I'll train you; teach you how to do what I do. I'm on Hudson off Route 13. Don't show up unless you find one." Connor demands, turning around just as Stefan and I slip out of sight.
"Did you know about Connor's mark?" Stefan asks following me down the hall and around the corner.
"If I did would I have stayed to listen?" I ask running out of patience when Stefan grabs my arm and spins me around to face him.
"Listen, I know you're hurting, Alba. But if you know something about Connor I need you to tell me. A lot of people's lives are at risk here." Stefan pleads with me like I actually care.
"When is anyone ever out of risk in this town, Stefan?" I laugh in disbelief pulling my arm out of his grip. "You're going to have to do a little better than that." I finish turning around heading for the exit. But it seems everyone wants to talk today as Rebekah suddenly appears in front of me cutting me off.
"Alba, I'm glad I found you." She smiles wide looking genuinely happy to see me. It's a first.
"Rebekah," I nod looking over her shoulder to the front doors. "What can I do for you?" I don't miss the look of disappointment that crosses her face at my reaction to her. I know she wants things to go back to the way they used to be, but I can't. I can't look at Rebekah without thinking about Danny.
"I'm having an anti-curfew party and I thought you might like to come." She breathes handing me a yellow piece of paper with the details. My eyebrows practically disappear in my hairline when I read the address.
"You moved." I state watching her nod with a roll of her eyes.
"I couldn't stay at home any longer with Klaus. Ever since Elijah and Kol left, he's been more insufferable than usual." She sighs dramatically, her eyes zeroing in on my shirt. "Is that…Klaus's?" She asks making me look down at the long sleeve button up. It was the only piece of clothing I own that doesn't rub up against my back.
"Yeah. But I'll see about the party." I grant her a small smile folding the paper up and sticking it in my pocket.
"Oh…okay. Yeah, I really hope to see you there." Rebekah nods sadly as I walk past her, but before I can make it too far I feel her hand grab my wrist. I turn my head acknowledging her as she stares at me seriously. "I haven't given up and I don't plan to." Her words catch me off guard as she turns and walks away. I merely watch her go feeling another small part of myself die.
Elena POV
It's hard to tell what I'm feeling right now. My emotions are heightened making everything burn a little brighter and last a little longer. Which is why, I can't tell whether its anger, rage, or just pure blind hatred I'm feeling for Rebekah right now. From the way I'm ripping through Damon's room searching for the last white oak stake I would have to say all three.
"Hope you plan on cleaning this up." I jump whirling around when Damon's voice shatters the silence of the room. I must look like a deer in headlights as Damon walks over to his bed and waits for an answer from me.
"I need bourbon to get through Rebekah's party. Yours is better than Stefan's." The lie slips easily off my tongue and I applaud myself for fooling Damon.
"Top drawer in the dresser." Damon nods to the wooden structure near the door.
"Thanks," I smile walking over and opening the top drawer. I raise a questioning eyebrow when I find numerous pairs of black briefs. "You keep alcohol in your underwear drawer?" I ask holding up a pair trying not to smile.
"No." Damon deadpans as I throw his underwear back in the drawer. "But you weren't looking for alcohol, were you?" Damon questions with a wry smirk that tells all. It shocks me how much Alba really does resemble Damon especially since I received that same damn smirk from her earlier today. "Do you think I'd actually leave the last remaining white oak stake where any vampire could just walk in and take it?" Damon scoffs opening his shirt drawing my attention to his toned chest. I can't help the heat that pools in my belly and spreads through my veins like wildfire at the sight of him. Nor do I stop myself from asking what happened to his shoulder where dried blood coats his pale skin.
"What happened to you?" I question taking a small step forward to get a better look at it.
"Hunter mishap." Damon shrugs like it's no big deal as I close the gap between us.
"You know he was at my school today?"
"Yep. Jeremy told me." Damon answers instantly making me suspicious.
"Why were you talking to Jeremy?" I ask not liking what this means. Jeremy doesn't need to be involved in any of this.
"Don't worry about it." Damon huffs beginning to take his shirt off.
"Damon, don't bring him into this." I plead refusing to think about what will happen if Jeremy gets caught up in this mess again.
"Cherish the thought that he might actually be useful, Elena." Damon bites unbuttoning his pants. I feel my eyes drop to watch the scene unfold, but Damon's voice breaks through my haze once again. "You staying for the show or…" I shake my head of all the dirty things flying through it as I spin on my heel and stalk out the door.
"I'm finding that stake."
Alba POV
It's hard to say what possessed me to come to Rebekah's party. As I stand outside watching the teenagers drink, flirt, and make fools of themselves I would have to say I'm here for the booze. However, that small part of me I've kept locked away for months that knows there's a hunter in town begs to differ. I know why I'm really here and it's to make sure Rebekah's safety.
"Heeey Alba!" I sigh in disdain when I hear my name being hollered by an unfamiliar voice. And I'm even more disappointed when I turn my head just in time to see a boy I've never met before staggering my way. His shirt is gone, leaving his hairy chest bare in the waning sunlight, and his shorts are mere seconds from falling off his ass. A cup of beer sloshes around in his massive hand as he makes his way to me. "Alba Martino! What a shurprise!" The guy slurs with a big goofy grin on his face. "I bet yoush don't re-remember me."
"Not a clue." I drawl eyeing the rest of the party with mild interest.
"Thash because we've never talked!" The guy yells throwing his hands up causing his beer to fly over his shoulder and soak someone behind him. "Oh shorry man," the boy turns around, his attention momentarily drawn to the man he just threw beer on, giving me plenty of time to disappear. I make my way inside, tapping my finger once against my thigh, watching as the crowded house disperses leaving a clear path for me to the kitchen.
"Damon give that to you?" I freeze just outside the kitchen door at Stefan's voice.
"Yes. Reluctantly." I roll my eyes when I hear Elena's voice. I forgot Stefan was a permanent baby-sitter now. I glimpse around the corner and almost snap Elena's neck for what she holds in her hand. The last white oak stake. "Stefan, she's – she's not gonna stop, she's just gonna keep pushing and pushing." Oh cry me a river, bitch.
"Well, if you want to kill her," Stefan sighs taking a step to the side giving Elena a clear path to the door…and to me. "I'm not gonna stop you. But see, here's what'll happen, it'll feel really good for about ten seconds and then after that tens and thousands of vampires all over the world will start to die. Every vampire she ever turned will die. See rage is a really powerful feeling. But guilt, take it from me, it'll destroy you." Stefan finishes giving me the perfect opportunity to make an entrance.
"You know, I couldn't have said it better myself, Stefan." I clap sauntering into the room catching the dismal look sliding over Elena's face.
"Alba." Stefan nods, actually taking a small step back to try and cover Elena. "What are you doing here?"
"It's a party, is it not?" I ask with a smirk lingering over to the pair. "So Elena…what do you have there?" I question casually leaning an elbow against the counter as I look over the assortment of goods. Rebekah really needs to up her game on the food front.
"Uh-I um…" I smile when Elena stumbles over her words.
"Alba." Stefan states calmly, but I hold up my hand silencing him.
"Hold that thought, Stefan." I say flicking my wrist so he staggers out of my way. I approach Elena enjoying the small steps she's taking backwards to try and get away from me. However, with a small crook of my finger she's lurching towards me involuntarily. "Here's how this is going to play out, Gilbert. I understand you're going through vampire PMS right now, but in no situation ever will I let you kill Rebekah or any of the originals. We're passed that point and now you're just bringing up old shit."
"She killed Alaric! She killed me!" Elena shouts in pure rage trying desperately to get out of the hold I have over her. Stefan is too as he wiggles like a rolly polly olly over there in the corner.
"First off, Alaric killed me so I feel no sympathy for you there. Secondly, Alaric did kill Klaus because you, Damon, and Stefan desiccated him so really there is no one to blame for that but you." I muse tapping my chin ignoring the wild animal I just unleashed in Elena. "But enough about that," I sigh whipping my hand out and snatching the stake from her her. "Don't let Stefan's speech fool you, Elena. I will feel no guilt ripping your heart out of your chest if you try to kill one of my originals again. It's not a threat, but a promise." I wink turning on my heel walking towards the door. "Oh!" I snap my fingers turning around. "Have a nice night." I smirk letting both of them go as I walk down the hall and out the front door. I'm stashing the stake in the waistband of my jeans when my phone rings.
"What do you want, Salvatore?" I snap getting straight to the point as I walk into the forest away from the party.
"Well, I'm happy to hear you haven't lost your sunny disposition." Damon bites making me smirk. "I need your help. Jeremy is luring the hunter to the hospital and I need you to go get Lockwood for me."
"Why don't you just call him? I'm sure you can spare the minutes." I say stepping over a fallen log already en route to the Lockwood estate.
"That's a great idea; I wish I would have thought of it. Oh wait. I did. He's not answering so get him and meet me at the hospital." Damon hangs up before I can tell him my very witty remark that involves an edgy display of profanities. I debate whether I really want to help Damon Salvatore, but if he manages to snag the hunter then I want to be there for that. So it looks like my mind is already made up.
It doesn't take me long to arrive at the Lockwood's. The place is so massive that no one even notices when I sneak through the back door and into the kitchen. I can hear Tyler having a conversation with Caroline in the front room so I decide to hang back and wait until he's finished. That is, until, I smell them. Hybrids, at least six in the house with one wolf upstairs.
"You're a new face." I feel the faint tug of a smile when I hear Klaus's accent, but I remain impassive as I concentrate harder.
"And I take it from your accent you're an old one. Klaus." I fly up the stairs when I hear her voice.
"My reputation precedes me. Hopefully not all bad."
"A little bad. Mostly repulsive." Hayley bites just as I enter the room drawing both of their attentions.
"That's funny you say that, Hayley. Because that's exactly how I would describe you." I smirk sauntering farther into the library.
"Alba." Hayley snarls, her face instantly turning up in disgust.
"You two know each other?" Klaus questions with intrigue his eyes drinking in my appearance. I can see the obvious surprise and anger in his eyes when he notices my shirt or should I say his?
"I should have known you would get your claws into Tyler. After all," I sigh falling into one of the overstuffed armchairs by the desk, "you've gotten your claws into everyone else." I grin in amusement when Hayley dives for me, fangs extended, but she doesn't quite make it. Klaus manages to snatch her inches from my smug face.
"That's enough, love. I think it's time you leave. I recommend the back door." Klaus really gives her no choice as he ushers her out of the room throwing me a look over his shoulder. I feel my nostrils flare when I catch Klaus's hand on the small of her back before they disappear from sight.
However, I get over it quickly after I pour myself a glass of bourbon. I can hear Tyler's conversation with Caroline waning down and it makes me smile. Our little Tyler has some explaining to do.
"Did you really have to bait her, love? We were just starting to get to know each other." Klaus smirks walking back into the room. I shrug taking a sip of my bourbon.
"It sounded like it. Tell me; was it her calling you repulsive that got your blood flowing?" I snigger when his eyes darken in anger.
"What the hell is going on here?" Tyler suddenly appears in the doorway looking more than a little worried when his eyes land on me.
"Do you mean before or after Klaus snuck your wolf out the back?" I ask innocently crossing my legs.
"She's quite fetching, that Hayley." Klaus comments sitting down in the chair across from mine as he props his feet up on the desk, "I made sure Caroline wouldn't see her."
"Whatever you think you know…." Tyler begins, his eyes darting from Klaus to me with panic.
"We don't know anything," I shake my head, "but I think we can put together a pretty convincing picture, isn't that right?" I look to Klaus who is watching me through amused eyes. "Why don't you start?"
"Most certainly, love." Klaus smirks jumping up from his chair. "Why don't you tell me where my imagination deviates from reality?" He puts his thumb to his lip in thought before he begins. "You went off to the Appalachians to break my sire bound, there you met a pack of werewolves, begged them for help, among them was a girl."
"She was gorgeous." I throw in causing Tyler's wide eyes to refocus on me. "She had the same animal instincts as you."
"Emotions ran high, inhibitions ran low." Klaus smiles pleased when Tyler starts to yell.
"Stop it!" Tyler shouts as I jump up to sit on the desk behind Klaus so Tyler can see me over his shoulder.
"Then, in a moment of weakness…" I begin as Klaus jumps in to finish.
"The thick sexual tension became something much more real."
"I said stop!" Tyler cries staring at the two of us, but specifically me.
"And Caroline has no idea." Klaus tsks shaking his head. Tyler can't even speak with how flabbergasted he has become. It's so entertaining to watch that I almost want to stay and hassle him some more. But I don't.
"Well," I break the silence that has settled over the room. "As much fun as that was. Tyler, let's go." I demand jumping off the desk and walking towards the door.
"And where do you think you're taking my hybrid, darling?" Klaus asks zooming in front of me so there's not even an inch between us. I arch my neck so I can stare up at him with not even a hint of emotion.
"Well first, I was going to take him out to dinner. You know maybe some steak, a little red wine. Then I was going to kill him."
"Funny." Klaus deadpans crossing his arms. "I've got all night."
"Well I don't and I could use Tyler's help so if you would move." I put my hand on his shoulder and shove. He stumbles, but not nearly enough to give me time to brush past him.
"Tell you what," Klaus says jumping in front of me once again. "Tyler is a little busy right now making big decisions about honesty and what not. But I might be able to be of some assistance, love." Klaus smiles down at me with so much arrogance that I can't decide if I want to punch him or kiss him.
"Fine. You can come, but I drive." I smile humorlessly as I shoulder past Klaus and march down the hall. I hear the hybrid chuckle behind me.
"As you wish, sweetheart."
"Tell me again why you brought him?" Damon asks for the fifth time since I arrived at the hospital with Klaus in tow. "And why in the hell do you smell like him?" I catch the withering glare Damon sends Klaus over my shoulder who is leaning casually against one of the many shelves watching Damon and I work.
"Well I was in a car with him, Damon and I brought him because Tyler was busy. Now do you really want to keep asking me stupid questions or do you want to set up the trap?" I ask rather annoyed that I'm stuck in a tiny closet with Damon and Klaus breathing down my neck. It was bad enough riding with Klaus over here when all he could do was talk about Hayley now I have to listen to Damon complain about Klaus. It's always something with these people.
"Fine, whatever." Damon huffs bending down attaching the fishing line to the shelf. Unfortunately, Klaus can't let the argument end there.
"You know Alba I couldn't help but notice your shirt. It looks awfully similar to one I used to own, but for the life of me I can't think of what happened to it." Klaus hums making me clench my jaw. It was a miracle Damon didn't pick up on my shirt earlier, now however; it's all he can stare at. "Such a shame, I really liked that shirt."
"Done," I bite finishing my line and putting the arrow in place. I stand up and dust my knees off before walking to the back of the room. I'll make sure to burn this measly piece of cotton when I get home.
"That's her."
"Stay here." I hear Connor's voice and my back instantly starts to burn. I wince slightly refusing to show more when I have two vampires on either side of me. I'm not exaggerating either. Damon stands on my right looking through the shelves waiting for Meredith to run through while Klaus hunkers down on my left. He doesn't look the least bit interested as he watches for Meredith, too. However, my observations are cut short when Connor enters the room. He knows something is up almost instantly.
"Is a hospital really the best place for a germaphobe?" Connor sighs tilting his head in Damon's direction as he steps out of the shadows. I take a small step back trying to stay out of Connor's eyesight when I feel a hand settle gently on my back. I don't have to guess who it is, I just know by the instant relief that shoots through my skin from where Klaus is touching me.
"Did I say that I was a germaphobe? Pft, sorry, I meant vampire." Damon taunts not even flinching when Connor pulls out his gun to shoot him. However, Connor is quickly shot with an arrow in the arm causing him to drop the weapon which he moves to grab only to be shot with another arrow. "Stings, doesn't it?" Damon smirks just as Connor makes a move for his gun. Before Connor can even grasp the handle I'm kicking the weapon out of his reach.
"You," Connor remarks more out of shock than anything which surprises me considering he's supposed to know everything.
"And me!" Connor's attention leaves me when Klaus walks up with a shit eating grin on his face. I watch as Klaus bends down to Connor's level with a twinkle of interest behind his eyes. "Hello, mate." Connor doesn't respond to Klaus as he focuses on trying to pull the arrow out of his arm.
"Keep it up, buddy. We'll be scraping you off the ceiling." Damon jabs walking up to stand by Klaus. I take a few steps back choosing to watch the situation from a distance. It's when I do my best work.
"You three are gonna kill me anyway." Connor snarls looking up at Klaus and Damon before resting his eyes on mine. I can see he wants to say something, but he thinks better of it and keeps his mouth shut.
"Well, let's not be too hasty. I feel like we're just getting to know each other." Klaus smirks really enjoying himself now.
"Let's start with the basics. Where are you from, what do you know, maybe you can cue me in on this 'greater evil', because I've fought this guy," Damon pauses and points to Klaus, "and there's nothing more evil than that." I feel my ears perk at this new information. What greater evil could Connor be talking about? However, my interest soon turns to dread when I literally feel my ears perk, as in, I'm on the verge of shifting.
"Yeah, truth be told, I'm as evil as it gets." Klaus remarks with a nod of his head. I take more steps back when my nails turn into claws and my breathing becomes shallower.
"I'm not telling you anything. And if you think if you kill me it's gonna be over, there's another waiting to take my place." Connor smiles smugly looking at Damon and Klaus, but his expression turns alarmed when his eyes find my electric blue ones. "No, no, no that can't be." Connor shakes his head in denial causing Klaus and Damon's heads to whip toward me. By now, I'm in the beginning stages of a tigress and I can't turn it off.
"Alba," Damon hisses briskly walking towards me until he's blocking me from Connor's view. Klaus isn't too far behind as both men create a shield with their bodies. "Alba, you can't change here. What in the hell is going on with you!?" Damon asks grabbing my face in between his hands just as my arm snaps eliciting a loud groan in pain from me.
"What is happening? Why is she changing?" Klaus asks making a move to grab my arm, but Damon slaps his hand away.
"It's nothing that concerns you," Damon growls fiercely crushing me to his chest in a very protective manner.
"Damon," I gasp in pain when one of my ribs cracks causing me to hunch over. "My back," I growl clawing at my shirt trying to pry it from my skin. My back is on fire and I feel like my skin is about to melt off.
"What?" Damon asks in confusion letting me go so he can see my face, but it only results in me falling to my knees. I smack the ground hard keeping my head bent so Connor doesn't see me. But he does, I can feel him drinking in the whole situation.
"My back," I repeat huskily flinching when Damon pushes my shirt up to reveal the mark.
"Oh my god," I hear Connor whisper in disbelief as a low growl vibrates from Klaus's chest.
"What is it?" Damon asks, no doubt, staring at everyone in confusion. "Alba?" Damon asks bending down setting one hand on my back before pulling away with a howl in pain. I look up then to find his hand red and charred from where he touched me. "Wh-what?" Damon is left speechless for the first time ever and I want to revel in the moment, but it hurts too damn much.
"Klaus," I whimper resting my forehead against the floor.
"I'm right here, love." I hear his voice seconds before his hand lands on my back. And just like that it stops; the unbearable pain, the transformation, the heat licking up my back. It just stops. I exhale the breath I've been holding while the tension slowly eases from my body. "There you go," Klaus whispers softly rubbing his hand up and down my back in a soothing manner.
It's quiet for several long minutes before Connor finally speaks.
"What are you?" It's a simple question, one I'm willing to answer. But it seems Damon has other ideas.
"Keep your mouth shut or I'll rip out your tongue." He barks standing up and offering me his hand. "Come on, Alba. Let's get you out of here." I look at his hand for a moment before I hesitantly take it. He gently pulls me to my feet and I expect to feel the pain again, but I'm surprised when it doesn't hit me and when I look to my side I know why. Klaus is still standing beside me with his arm draped around my waist making sure his skin is touching mine. "Do you mind?" Damon asks agitated.
"I do actually," Klaus narrows his eyes pulling me closer to him. "Seeing as I'm the one that is keeping Alba standing I say it should be me that escorts her home. Take care of the hunter, I'll be back soon." Klaus and Damon stare at one another in challenge both too stubborn to break first. So I do it for them.
"Enough with the testosterone," I clench my jaw taking a deep breath pulling away from Klaus. I watch his eyes snap from Damon's to mine when his arm falls uselessly to his side. "Thank you for helping me, but this doesn't mean I'm going to need you two all the time. It changes nothing between us." I look at Damon sternly watching his eyes drop to the ground before I look at Klaus. He looks hurt all over again, but he's a smart man. He covers it up quickly with a cocky smirk.
"Very well then," he turns his back on me and walks to Connor who won't stop staring at me. I take that as my cue to leave as I brush past Damon and walk out the door. I'm slowly losing more control and I have a feeling it has something to do with this hunter business. I just need to figure out how I'm linked to them and what Connor saw on my back that had him so bewildered.
When I finally step into the night air I take a deep breath. That's twice now that I've been vulnerable to others and it needs to stop. I can't keep having these spurts of needing someone when in reality I need no one. It sends the wrong signals.
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket then drawing my attention to the small device. I sigh when I find nine missed calls from Stefan and over fifteen text messages. It looks like I'm heading to the boarding house.
"You came." It's the first words out of Stefan's mouth when I enter his bedroom.
"I did. And for future reference, one voicemail is just as effective as nine." I point out boldly watching him nod his head in agreement.
"Ahh," I turn my head to the bed when I hear Elena groan in discomfort. I'm surprised to find her sweaty and pale as shivers rack her body.
"What's wrong with her?" I hook my thumb at the damsel in distress I've no doubt been called over to save.
"She has werewolf venom in her system. I can't get a hold of Klaus so I figured…."
"You figured you would call me and see if my blood heals werewolf venom." I finish his sentence watching him nod. At least, he looks a little bit guilty about the fact he's asking me to save his girlfriend that I truly loathe.
"Fine, but here's the deal. This is a onetime thing, if it works; I am not going to be her saving grace every time she gets werewolf venom in her system. I am doing this strictly because it's you that asked me." I poke him in the chest letting him know I mean business. I catch his eyes soften when I say the last part as he nods eagerly.
"Yes, of course, just please…try." I sigh giving him one last lingering look before turning on my heel and sitting next to Elena.
"Alright Gilbert, drink up." I demand biting into my wrist and shoving it in her mouth. She drinks greedily her eyes turning scarlet red at the taste of my blood. Once I think she's had enough I palm her forehead and shove her back. "Don't be greedy, you've had enough." I deadpan standing from the bed and taking a step back. I glance at Stefan as he comes to stand beside me.
"How did she get werewolf venom in her system, anyway?" I ask curiously watching the black veins start to disappear.
"Connor spiked the beer at the party. Any vampire that drank it has some in their system." My thoughts fly to Rebekah who I know for a fact had more than one glass.
"Stefan?" Elena asks weakly looking at him pitifully.
"Elena," Stefan practically jogs to her side as he runs a hand through her hair. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, I feel great." That's all the confirmation I need as I flash out of the Salvatore house and run to Rebekah's. I know that the venom can't kill her, but who knows what Connor did to it. I'd rather be safe than sorry.
I bound up Rebekah's steps taking them two at a time when I hear nothing from inside. If she is hurt or worse, I will make that hunter pay. I don't care if he has a replacement ready; I'll kill them all if she's not okay. I have my hand on the doorknob when I hear voices coming from inside.
"Way to bail on your own party," I hear April laugh from inside as I walk to the end of the porch and discover the window to Rebekah's bedroom.
"I just. I needed a minute. Did everyone leave?" Rebekah asks standing from her bed. She looks a little disoriented from the venom, but other than that I can't find anything wrong with her.
"Yeah, deputies weren't actually super happy about the anti-curfew party." April answers picking up cups from the floor and shoving them into a trash bag.
"Why are you still here?" Rebekah asks stopping in front of the girl. I watch how kind April is to Rebekah and it makes me like her even more.
"Um, honestly, picking up trash is a hell of a lot better than sitting at home alone thinking about the family you no longer have." April's words cut through me like a knife as I look down at my shoes.
"Hey, uh, if you want, I could – I could help you look into what happened with the fire at your farmhouse." Rebekah offers making April look up at her in confusion.
"What are you going to be able to do that I can't?" Aprils asks making Rebekah chuckle.
"You'd be surprised." I watch Rebekah start to help April pick up trash as the pair keeps the conversation going. For the first time since I came back Rebekah looks genuinely hopeful and I can't help, but feel happy for her. But it doesn't take away from the sadness coursing through my veins at the loss of another friendship. I just have to keep reminding myself this is what it takes to keep them safe.
I take one last look at the two chattering away inside before I hang my head with a sad smile and start my walk home. Alone.