The game was obviously over what with all the gloom and doom reminiscing brought to the table. We were all fearful of interrupting the comfortable silence that stretched between the 3 of us and say something completely out of line, so we stared at each other for a while until the alcohol buzzed in full force and I, an Original vampire, lost my balance and stumbled when getting off the couch- the second bottle of bourbon really did a trick on me…and in less time than it would have taken for my body to collide with the floor, both brothers caught me and helped me up the stairs and into my room.

"Easy there, champion. As much as I like a woman that can hold her bourbon, you've had more than enough…better think of it, I would have passed out half a bottle earlier than you and I am a designated drinker, ask anyone." I looked at Damon and got lost in his blue eyes but when he noticed my stare, he unconsciously licked his lower lip and I followed his movements with a hungry look plastered all over my drunken face. It was official; the alcohol had done its damage and had stripped me of all logic and inhibitions when it came to my beautiful boys…speaking of which, a clearing of the throat got us out of the trance we were in and Stefan had now all my attention- well at least his green eyes and full lips, then his strong arms helping my incapable body to hit its destination…

"How about we get you into bed now?" My intoxicated mind reacted to his words and naughty images flooded my thoughts in the promise of a very good time…Upon seeing my expression and probably guessing where my sinful imagination had taken me, Stefan hurried to add: "You could use some sleep, we all could after all the excitement we've been through."

I was past the point of being able to sustain an argument so I went with them, let them take me to my bedroom and place me on my red sheeted bed. Everything else is unknown to me because I have soon lost track of the real world and stepped into the land of dreams, where most of the time I was still human; sometimes a mother, other times a granny…but no matter how old I was in my dreams, I was always happier than I am now because I had a heartbeat to remind me of my innocence and youth.

These nights were what kept me going even in my darkest place because no matter what happened, no matter how much of a struggle I had to do in order to keep my monster at bay…I would not betray the image of that good-hearted, innocent and loving woman I should have been if it weren't for this stupid curse…

The next few days I spent my time with the elder Salvatore talking and getting to know the other. Stefan's absence had been inconvenient at first but as I gave it a better thought, I realized why he needed to get away. He has kept his emotions shut for the past hundred years and last night, for the first time, he started feeling again and it was overwhelming for sure. It was all there in his confession, the fear of being hurt or controlled, of becoming weak so that others could take advantage and most of all the fear of trust. He wasn't always like this, but something happened- someone who he trusted had hurt him immensely and he was not ready to give that up…but I had patience and time so waiting was not a problem-what was a problem was choosing between the brothers, which was as impossible as killing an Original, well without a white oak dagger, that is.

"Was it true? Everything you said last night…"

Damon's question reinforced my conclusion that both of them had trust issues so I went at it as sincerely as I could…

"Every word of it…at least until I passed out. What I must have said in my sleep…well, I have no control over that. What about you, Damon?"

"What about me?"

"Why do you kill?" I watched his reaction as to catch the truth behind his answer and he looked ashamed and uncomfortable. "I'm in no condition to judge so don't feel embarrassed. I told you, I did far worse things than you and your brother both put together…"

"I know you won't but that doesn't change the fact that I'm not proud of my actions. It's just a coping mechanism and that way no one gets close enough to get a chance at hurting me again. The guilt reminds me of what I am and what I cannot have anymore- a life, a family, someone to love…I lost the right at normalcy when I fell in love with an evil, conniving bitch…"

He though himself unworthy of acceptance and love, just like any other monster that mourns his long lost human life…but it was all a lie- everything he said was an obstacle before reaching the absolute state of balance between good and evil, between hate and love- between the man and the vampire.

"So you don't believe us vampires can still love and be loved, it's that it? We all have had our heart broken at least once, Damon, but falling to the ground doesn't mean you can't get back up afterwards. It won't happen if you're running away from it, that's for sure…"

He spaced out for a while and my best guess was he was thinking about her- the one who created him- his ex lover. "Will you tell me about her? About how you were turned…?"

He knew the moment will come when I would ask that question, still he had hoped it wouldn't have caught him so off guard.

"I met her in 1864, after I had left the Confederacy and returned home to my father and to Stefan. Her name was Katherine and she was staying with us after losing her family in a terrible accident. Well that was only the beginning of lies but at the time we were all oblivious to her true nature and intentions. She was by far the most beautiful and enthralling woman I had seen in my life- but then again I did not have much experience with girls by that age. Everything about her was inviting; her innocence and playfulness, her seductive smile and those beautiful eyes of hers could drive you crazy. The only problem was I wasn't the only one fancying her…Stefan had not escaped her charms, either. It drove us apart- the rivalry, the competition to win her affection- we barely spoke to each other in the end. Katherine played us both. She toyed with our emotions, compelled us to do what she wants and fooled around with both of us; behind our backs, of course- until she killed us both after feeding us her tainted blood. It was after transitioning that all the lies broke surface and we realized we had lived a fantasy and that none of it was true. She never loved us…and we had died for nothing. Further proof was that she left us after transitioning because apparently we were too much 'drama' and no fun, what with fighting the bloodlust and hating our nature. We've sworn to avenge our deaths but we never actually found the bitch to do it. She's sneaky, that's for sure. Last I heard about her was that she was seeing a very old vampire named Eli who would do anything to protect her…guess I'm not the only moron who fell for her tricks."

My blood froze at the mention of my brother's nickname, the one my mother always used to sooth him when something went wrong. 'Eli' was short for Elijah and he was protecting the one who did this to the Salvatores; my newest enemy and the obstacle between me and absolution into their arms. So I guess I'll have to pay my dear 'Eli' a visit soon, surely he's not truly in love with that slut…as if he could ever choose her instead of his little sister, his own blood, his family.

I decided to keep this information to myself until the time would come for revenge to be taken and justice to be made.

I tried soothing his pain as best I could without actually stepping any boundaries that haven't been broken before so I brushed my hand on his broad shoulder in a gentle manner and the simplest of touches would create lightning and storms outside because of the growing attraction between Damon and me.

"That must have been terrible. I'm sorry if I'm going to sound cruel but I'm happy things turned out this way…" He shot me an accusing look and I realized how that must have sounded so I hurried to amend things: "because otherwise I wouldn't have met you and your brother. I really value your friendship and the company, since I've been abandoned by my own brothers as a result of my epiphany." His features relaxed and he smiled a reassuring smile- the same one that set my heart on fire.

"As do we. I know Stefan's not a big fan of expressing his feelings but I've seen the way you reach out to him, the way you understand him like even I couldn't and I just want you to know it's really working, you're getting through to him and changing him step by step. For that I'll always be grateful to you…I've wanted my brother back since Katherine came into the picture and the past few days have been the closest I got to getting to know him. So, thank you, Khloe, for bringing my brother back."

"You're welcome. I just hate what she did to you. Playing you like that, turning you and then leaving you behind, like some broken toy she didn't want to entertain herself with anymore." I tried making the best of a sticky situation so I lightened the mood. "What a fool she must be for giving you up…" at his intense stare I felt my cheeks blush with embarrassment so I covered it up as quickly as I could; "both of you, I mean."

I saw a flicker of pain and jealousy in his eyes but it was gone as far as I blinked, leaving no trace of regret behind at the mention of his brother.

"Well it's her loss, your gain." He bit his lip because it was supposed to be a joke but it sounded more like an invitation. One I was not about to refuse…

"It is my gain indeed. I have come across two handsome, intelligent and with so much potential vampires and I plan to make the most of it." I let it trail like that for his own imagination to kick into action just like mine would. And so it did if his lost gaze and slowly increasing bulge in his pants were of any indication. This sexual tension was becoming too much and too hard to resist…

"I think I'm going to feed. Want to join me?" Hmm, whether it was a curiosity invitation or a much more meaningful one, I didn't care. I was hungry for much more than human blood but it will have to do for now. I wanted both brothers because frankly, Katherine was right, it was impossible to choose between them. They were like fire and ice- and I so wanted to burn and melt under their naked bodies. So until I made sure they wanted me too, I will not make my move…just build the tension and desire so when it did explode, it will be magical.

"Sure. But remember:"

"No killing. I know now come along."

I had explained some of my rules to Damon in his brother absence. I'll let Stefan have this few days as his goodbye to his past self and as soon as he'll be back, I'll make sure to do the same. I still have many things to teach them so it's good we have eternity and no threat at it…

We entered the bar we first met and asked for some drinks as to look inconspicuous to why we were here. The bartender recognized me and jumped to obey my every command. Seriously, the guy was acting like a lovesick puppy, eating me with his hungry eyes and for that I will not have him as a snack tonight. I scanned the small room for something more appetizing and my eyes found nothing…how disappointing- 'was I too picky when it came to human blood or did the Salvatores do a number on me and ruined me for other men?'

"So, find anyone worthy of the attention?"

At my question, Damon's gaze turned itself from a very beautiful woman to me…

"I believe I did. Brunette girl, 9 o' clock. She looks yummy, don't you think?"

What was he trying to do, fuck her or feed from her? Or was his plan to make me jealous, judging by the smug face he made at my frowned forehead.

"She seems rather plain, if you ask me. But I'm not a man so how would I know?"

He grinned further and my head was about to explode because of his cockiness. Two can play this game, mister 'I can have any girl I want'…

I lift my dress just below my little ass so I can show those long skinny legs of mine and the after effects did not disappoint. Damon's eyes were glued to my thighs and he had forgotten everything about that brunette of his that was watching him flirtingly from her table.

After a second scan I had found the perfect guy to make him jealous…blond, tall, muscular- an athlete from the looks of it. He had blue eyes and soft lips which were quite inviting might I add. If I wasn't standing next to the perfect looking guy, I'd totally tap that. But I can't, I could lose both brothers for a weak human and we already know how that ends- Noah like. After downing my shot of tequila and throwing another look at my make-up I decided it was time for some action- finally some fun…

"Watch and learn how it's done, newbie…" Teasing Damon was so entertaining I just couldn't help myself.

I headed in the direction of my prey, bypassing all the other drunk or horny men that were trying to impress me. Blondie was playing pool with his friends, good thing I was good at this type of games…

"Hy there" I approached him with my seductive smile and a little eyelash flutter "I hope I'm not being too forward by asking you if you'd like to play some pool. I'm Khloe, by the way…"

He was, like the others, impressed with my looks and tiny outfit, so he accepted my offer on the spot.

"I'm Matt, nice to meet you. Haven't seen you around, you new in town?"

"Yes, I just moved here with my brother." I pointed to Damon who was watching us like a hawk.

"Oh, well I'm glad you did."

We started playing and I threw in a challenge to spice the game.

"How about we make things a bit more interesting?" At his raised eyebrow I hastily added: "If I win, I get you all to myself for the rest of the night. No friends allowed…"

"Wow, that's bold…but I like a girl who knows what she wants. What about if I win?"

"Then you can do with me as you please…"

I watched behind his shoulder at my 'brother' who was still not after his prey but watching me and on the verge to either get the hell out or beat the shit out of Matt.

"Well then I'm going to do my best to win."

2 beers and 30 minutes later I won and Matt made a reverence to enforce my win. I searched the bar for my partner in crime but could not find him anywhere.

'He's probably with his brunette or maybe I exaggerated and he bailed on me. Shit!'

"So what do you want to do now? I'm yours for the night…"

"Let's go get some air…it's really hot in here."

He put his arm over my shoulders and we left the bar as a couple.