"So are we forming a hunting party for Katherine in the morning?" Alexandra asked as they got out of the car. She was still tired. No one else was up to hunting down the thieving vampire before morning.

"No. So long as we have the key no one can let him out so I don't care where Klaus's soul is. I figure she's been on the run from him for her entire life. She deserves the chance at a little payback." Damon said.

"You're probably right." Alexandra said as he led her into the bathroom and started the tub filling with hot water. "I'm too tired to worry much over it, I hate say."

"We'll fix that." He said as he unzipped her gown, letting it fall into a pile of shimmering gold at her feet.

"You've been waiting to see that on the floor for days." She said laughing a little.

"And you're too tired for it to be any fun." He said picking it up and hanging it on the hook on the door.

"Sadly."

Damon kissed the back of her neck, before removing her jewelry and unpinning her long hair. "We need to talk." He said softly as he scooped her up and eased her into the water.

"That sounds ominous." She said not quite meeting his gaze.

He pushed a long strand of her hair behind her ear. "No. Nothing ominous." He said lifting her chin to look into her eyes. "I want you to let me go." Damon told her.

She nodded. "If that's what you want." Alexandra said. "Can I ask why?"

"Something you said earlier. That you had felt like you were taking advantage." He said. "I don't want you to feel that way. I'm with you because I want to be." Damon said. "I think it's time that I prove it to you." Damon slowly stood upright. "It can keep till you're stronger. Then we'll pack for that vacation. You're bringing the hand cuffs by the way. Stefan fessed up to going and visiting Katherine while Elena was dress shopping."

Alexandra laughed. She noticed that he was still dressed and frowned a little. "Aren't you joining me?" She asked.

"I'll be back long before the water's cold. I have a promise to keep first."

Alex nodded. "Tell him good bye and thank you for me."

Damon nodded. "I will." He said and kissed her before leaving.

Carol had finally gone back to her guests leaving Caroline and Tyler alone.

"I have missed you so much." She said resting her head on his shoulder. "I never thought I'd see you again."

"I'm here." He said. "I'm not going anywhere again. Not without you." Tyler promised. "It's finally over. No more Klaus. No more running or feeling trapped. " He smiled. "No more worrying about what happens if he gets killed or what he'll do if he isn't."

"It really is a Klaus free world. Finally." Caroline laughed. "I was beginning to think we'd never be rid of him."

"You look incredible." He told her, turning on his side to look at her, taking it all in. He caressed her face. "I love you Caroline Forbes. "

"I love you too." She said leaning into his touch.

Katherine Pierce smiled as strong arms closed around her. "I've missed you." She said her hands on the balcony rail, looking down at the garden grounds below. Her head leaned back against the man's chest.

He kissed her neck softly. "I've missed you too. Is it secure?" he asked, burying his face in her hair.

"It is. "She said. "They'll never find it."

Elijah nodded. "Good." He told her turning her to face him. "I have to go back." He brushed a dark curl back from her face.

"What? Why?" Katherine asked. "We're free. We're finally free of him and what happens back there isn't our problem anymore."

"I made a promise." He said. "I can't abandon them. Not yet. We'll be together, Katerina. You need to be patient ."

"Do you promise?" She asked studying his face.

"I promise." He said leaning in to kiss her tenderly. "I love you"

(End Book One)

A/N the story will be continued in Book Two which is nearing completion now :) Hope you enjoyed the story, please review! Its like getting paid in chocolate. LOL.