"Buried Secrets 3: Enter the Shadows"
Chapter 4
"This is useless," Kol said as he and Elijah went through the apartment in Budapest, "She's long gone. What did she do to Rebekah?"
"I have no idea, but Rebekah has made it quite clear that she is no longer helping us," Elijah said while tossing a pillow away, "Where did she go?"
"I don't know," Kol sat down, "Maybe we should stop looking for her. If we do that, she could relax her guard and slip up."
"She won't slip up," Elijah sighed, "But I agree with you. Perhaps we should stop and wait. She won't abandon the others for long. It's not in her nature."
"Is it such a bad thing that Klaus is in a box?" Kol asked, "I mean really, do you miss him?"
"He's our brother," Elijah replied tensely.
"He's a backstabbing manipulative ass," Kol replied.
"I'm not giving up on him," Elijah said while looking to his younger brother.
Kol stood up, "That's your downfall brother….yours and Rebekah's but at least she got smart. He doesn't care about us Elijah, he never did."
"Then why have you been trying to help me find him?" Elijah snapped.
"Because I thought maybe you would see the light, but you never will," Kol sighed, "I'm leaving Elijah. I'm done looking for him."
"Very well," Elijah said stiffly, "But if you do see our niece you'll let me know."
"Sure," Kol said after shaking his head, "Goodbye Elijah."
"Goodbye Kol," Elijah said before he continued to go through the apartment.
.*.*.*.*.*.
The bustling city of New Orleans was well and alive tonight. One of the most noted supernatural cities in the world as well as the best one to hide in.
Bella stared out onto the streets as the people began their journey into the darkness. She could see the vampires of the city, the ones without daylight rings, jumping from rooftop to rooftop. She let out a little chuckle.
"Amazing isn't it?" Bella asked before she looked toward Klaus' open coffin.
He was weathered and grayer now than he was before. His coffin was standing straight up and he was looking directly at Bella; his eyes still held the anger they had the day he became trapped.
"Your protégé Marcel runs this city now," Bella continues, "He has a family, loyalty from his people, and power. He has everything you ever wanted. You know how he got that?" she asked and looked back out to the street, "He took aspects of what you taught him, but he found that you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. He promised them things. He found the weak ones…the ones that were outcasts like he once was and he gives them what you gave him." Bella sighed, "The difference between you two is that Marcel is patient. He's been on the other side of the whip, he felt its harsh leather rip into his skin. He knows what it's like not to have power, so he protects it," Bella looked to Klaus, "He's more careful than you were. He doesn't easily let his guard down. He does have your Dictator-type attitude when it comes to the witches. Speaking of which," Bella trailed and looked at the clock, "I'm late."
Bella walked over and slowly lowered the coffin lid.
"I'll be late so don't wait up," Bella said before she shut the lid.
She grabbed her coat and headed out the door. She opened the front door before the driver had a chance to knock.
"Miss Smith?" the driver asked.
"Yes," Bella smiled.
"I apologize for being late ma'am," the driver started.
"No need to apologize," Bella continued to smile, "It's perfectly alright. Shall we?"
The drive was fairly long to get to the theatre but once there Bella quickly handed her ticket to the usher and she was led to the balcony where her seat was. A few minutes before the concert started the door to the balcony opened and a man entered. Bella tensed as he sat down.
"You look lovely," he whispered as the lights dimmed.
"Don't even try it," Bella warned as the symphony began, "This is a business transaction."
"Of course as always," the man replied. "What can I do for you?"
"Tell me everything about Marcel," Bella simply stated.
"Your father's protégé?" the man replied, his shock clearly evident, "Isabella I don't think it's wise to cross him."
"I didn't ask for your opinion," Bella snapped, "I asked for information and I will pay for it; now tell me what you know Logan."
Logan sighed, "Your father turned him years ago…" he started, "When Mikael came looking you're your father, Klaus ran and Marcel narrowly survived the massacre. Afterwards he started to take over the city. Only recently has he been able to keep the witches under control."
"What?" Bella asked surprised.
"He has the witches on a tight leash and before you ask, no I don't know how." Logan replied. "You shouldn't be here Bella. It's not safe…not with…"
"The hunters," Bella interrupted, "I'm not stupid Logan. I know about them already." Bella pulled out an envelope and handed it to Logan, "I suggest you take a vacation Logan. Things are gonna get a little messy around here."
"You can't go against Marcel," Logan said while looking at her, "He's…"
"A bully," Bella interrupted, "I'm not afraid of bullies and I don't like people messing with my friends." She stroked Logan's cheek, "I'm a big girl Logan, don't worry about me. Just take my advice and go on a vacation."
Bella stood up and walked out of the balcony.
She quickly returned to the house, changed clothes and grabbed her leather jacket. She opened the garage and smiled at the sleek black bike that was waiting for her.
"Oh how I've missed you," Bella said as she put the key into the ignition and reeved the engine.
.*.*.*.*.*.
"Damon," Stefan called out as he walked down the stairs.
With no reply, Stefan ventured further only to find his brother slouched on the couch. Stefan shook his head. It looked like Damon was drinking what looked to be his seventh bottle of bourbon.
"You have to stop this," Stefan said while reaching for the bottle.
"I swear brother if you touch this bottle you'll be pulling back a bloody stump where your hand used to be," Damon growled and Stefan retracted his hand, "Have you talked to your girlfriend?"
"She won't answer my calls and she ignores me at school." Stefan replied, "Please Damon, stop this."
"I will when you convince her to let me see Bella," Damon slurred out, "Now scamper off and go hunt chip n' dale."
Stefan sighed and head outside to the woods to hunt, leaving Damon to nurse his bourbon.
Damon finished off the bottle and threw it against the wall just as he had done to the other six. He reached into the box next to him and popped the top off another before he started drinking again.
"Have we become an alcoholic while I've been away?" Rebekah asked, appearing in front of him.
"Let's save the interrogation, I don't know where she is and you know I wouldn't tell you if I did," Damon said annoyed, "You can leave now."
"I'm not hunting her anymore," Rebekah said, "I'm done chasing her and my brother. I'm going to try something…I'm going to live my own life."
"Good for you," Damon said, "Now get out."
"No," Rebekah refused and sat down across from him, "I realize I have done things that I should not have and I need to make amends with them and the people I've hurt so I'm starting with you." Rebekah said.
Damon's eyes narrowed and he sat up, "She got to you." He said in wonder.
"What?" Rebekah asked confused.
"Bella, she compelled you," Damon clarified before he blurred over to her, "Tell me where she is." Damon demanded.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Rebekah said alarmed.
Damon grabbed Rebekah's shoulders and searched her eyes. His eyes narrowed and he pushed her away.
"Go apologize to someone who gives a damn because I don't," Damon growled.
Rebekah stood up and started to leave, but she stopped.
"For what it's worth, whatever she's doing it's because she loves you." Rebekah said, "I hope you find some peace in knowing that."
"Not likely," Damon snapped, "Now get the hell out."
Rebekah walked out the front door and Damon went back to his drinking.
He stared into the fire angrily.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Bella turned off the engine and headed inside the bar. She sat down and ordered a drink.
"You know when I heard you were coming back here I didn't believe it." The bartender greeted while pouring a drink.
"I've missed you too Camille," Bella said while smirking.
Camille Campbell was human and a close friend of Bella's. They had met in general psych class here at the university in New Orleans and they just clicked. It didn't take long before Camille found out about Bella. It was shortly after she had gotten Melinda out and sent her to live with Camille's family.
"How's school?" Bella asked before taking a drink.
"Boring since you left." Camille smiled, "Professor Hanes seems to really miss you."
"He just wanted to take a bite out of me." Bella said before laughing.
"And that's different from any other guy and a few select females how?" Camille questioned. "It's dangerous to be here."
"It's dangerous anywhere." Bella replied.
"This isn't a social call is it?" Camille asked knowingly.
"You need to leave," Bella said seriously, "Things are gonna get very…weird around here."
Camille leaned onto the bar and cocked her head, "I know I'm human and all Bells, but I don't need protection."
"Camille," Bella said with clear warning in her tone.
"Oh no don't Camille me," Camille replied, "I'm not leaving."
"Fine," Bella said, "God you are so stubborn."
"Which is why you love me," Camille said "How are you?"
Bella shrugged, "How would you be when constantly on the run?"
"A bit bitchy like you," Camille replied before laughing.
Camille and Bella talked for a while, catching up.
"How are things for them?" Bella asked finally.
"Jane-Anne and Sophie?" Camille asked, "Things have gotten worse. Marcel has them on a very tight leash. Before you ask, no I don't know how. You want me to call them?"
Bella shook her head, "No. I'm going to get a lay out of the city first."
"You mean recon?" Camille smiled, "Watch your back."
"I always do." Bella replied while putting on her jacket.
"Not when you were getting Melinda out." Camille replied. "Seriously Bella, Marcel and his gang are not ones to be toyed with. They're good."
"Well I guess it's a good thing that I'm better," Bella said and walked out the door.
Bella left her motorcycle parked in the alley and headed across the city by using the rooftops. She found the witches and Marcel as well as his gang easily enough in St. Louis Cemetery one.
Not very creative, Bella thought to herself, as she hid behind one of the crypts and listened in as Marcel spoke;
"Now I know you witches don't like coming out here at night, but I need to remind you of something." Marcel said while walking around, "Using any kind of magic, big or small, is a crime and is punishable by death." Marcel came close to Jane-Anne, "Some of you don't seem to realize that."
"We haven't done anything," Sophie said while coming to stand next to her sister.
"I wasn't talking to you," Marcel replied.
"We haven't done anything," Jane-Anne repeated what Sophie had said.
"You know Jane-Anne, I have a question about how you got little Melinda out of the city a few years ago." Marcel said smoothly, "What's your secret?"
"No secret," Jane-Anne said, "She ran away. I don't know where she is."
"Shame," Marcel trailed, "She must be such a beauty now."
Marcel stepped away and clapped his hands.
"Go home and make sure you follow the rules." Marcel said.
The witches quickly left and Marcel sat down on a headstone.
"Why did you let them go so quickly?" a vampire asked after stepping forward.
"They don't know anything," Marcel said.
"You don't know that," the vampire argued, "Elijah said…"
"Elijah knows nothing," Marcel snapped, interrupting him, "He is running around chasing a ghost. If Isabella is anything like Klaus, she won't be found unless she wants to be."
"You aren't enamored with her are you?" the vampire asked, his eyes narrowing.
Marcel smirked, "How can I be when I've never laid eyes on her?"
"She's an abomination," the vampire sneered.
Marcel let out a laugh, "Come my friends the night is young and I am thirsty."
The vampires started to leave and Bella came out from where she was hiding. She watched as Marcel danced his way out of the gates. Bella saw him pause and tense. She smiled and waited.
Marcel turned around quickly, but Bella had already disappeared. She watched from the trees as he scanned the area, but saw nothing.
Marcel turned back around, cracked his neck and started walking away, never realizing that Bella had jumped down from the trees and she had been standing right behind him once he had turned around.
Marcel disappeared and Bella leaned against the gate for a while before returning to the house. She opened up the coffin when she did and started to talk as she poured herself a drink.
"Your protégé Marcel is just as curious about me as you were." Bella started. "Elijah came here looking for me. Perhaps I should introduce myself, I mean I did a good job of fooling you didn't I? Marcel seems to be cockier than you, which means he's dumber. Plus I don't like how he's treating my friends."
Klaus' eyes went wide…he didn't want Marcel near Bella.
"I can handle myself," Bella said as she looked at Klaus. "Strange isn't it. That I can know what you're thinking. You don't speak, but I can see it in your eyes. Why don't you want him near me?" Bella didn't give Klaus a chance to answer, "Doesn't matter." She said and kicked the coffin, causing the lid to slam shut.
"I think we're gonna be here a while." Bella said as she sipped her bourbon.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Hands intertwined, blonde hair splayed across the pillow in waves, chocolate eyes staring at him with want and understanding. A burst of euphoria and as he succumbed to sleep he could hear her voice;
"When you wake I'll be gone…forever, but know this, my heart only belongs to you…no one else. I love you Damon Salvatore."
Damon sat up quickly in his bed, his forehead dripping in sweat. He threw the covers off and stalked down the stairs. He headed straight for the booze.
"It's a good thing you're immortal," Angela said as she sat near the fire, "By now you would have died from alcohol poisoning."
"A welcomed fate compared to this hell," Damon mumbled, "Anything?"
"No," Angela closed her spell book, "I need to talk to you." She said with a sigh, "I was going to wait until the morning, but I guess now might be better."
"Why is that?" Damon asked.
"Because you're sober," Angela replied, "I'm leaving tomorrow."
Damon froze with the rim of the glass barely touching his lips.
"Damon there's nothing else I can do. I have no idea who is helping her and I've tried tracking down Lucy, but there's no trace of her either." Angela said and stood up, "I'm sorry, but our only link is Elena and she won't talk. I can't stay here anymore. I have to go back to school."
Damon finally tilted the glass and downed the drink. He sat the glass down and calmly said, "Have a safe trip." He headed up the stairs without looking back.
"That was easier than I thought," Angela said surprised.
"I think he's giving up," Stefan said while coming in.
"No," Angela shook her head, "I think he understands."
"My brother understands?" Stefan scoffed.
"Stranger things have happened," Angela replied, "If I hear anything or get something I'll call you guys."
"Thanks Angela," Stefan said before he watched her go upstairs.
Stefan waited a few minutes before he blurred out of the house.
Within minutes he arrived at Elena's and climbed up the side of the house before he knocked on her window. Elena turned on her light and came to the window and opened it.
"Stefan what are you doing here?" Elena asked surprised.
"Can we talk?" Stefan asked.
Elena nodded and headed down the stairs and came outside.
"What's wrong?" Elena asked.
"You said there's a reason Bella won't come back," Stefan said, "I've been thinking about it and there's only one reason she wouldn't come back…our lives would be in danger…Damon's life would be in danger."
Elena didn't answer.
Stefan sat down on the steps. He ran his hands through his hair and shook his head.
"I guess I can't be mad at her," Stefan mumbled.
"Why?" Elena asked.
"Because if it were me or you or even Damon, well, we'd all do the same thing." Stefan replied. "Hell Bella and I did do that a few months ago."
Elena sat down next to him, "If it's any help she's safe and okay." Elena said quietly.
"It does," Stefan said before he placed his arm around Elena, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Elena asked.
"For being an ass of a boyfriend," Stefan said, "If our roles were reversed and Damon was gone and I could see him doing the same thing Bella is."
"She doesn't want to," Elena said sadly, "But Stefan, she knows that Elijah, Kol, and Rebekah would let Klaus go free and then we would all pay."
"Actually you can count us out," Kol said before coming into view with Rebekah, "We're done looking for him."
Stefan and Elena both stood up, both tense and ready for a fight.
"We aren't here to fight," Rebekah said, "We came to make peace."
"Why don't I believe you?" Stefan asked.
"You sound like your brother," Rebekah replied, "Perhaps you've been spending too much time with him. Are you on a drinking binge as well?"
"My sister is telling the truth," Kol stated, "We want to make a treaty."
"What kind of treaty?" Elena asked.
"Well my sister has decided to stay here in Mystic Falls and try to make a life of her own." Kol explained, "Now I asked myself why here after all the damage she's caused and apparently our niece has gotten to her and she wants to undo all her mistakes."
"She can't," Stefan scoffed.
"No I can't," Rebekah agreed, "But I can try to make amends and that is what I want to do."
"What about you?" Elena asked.
"I plan on going out and having some fun," Kol said.
"I take it Elijah isn't giving up though," Stefan stated.
"Which is another reason I am staying," Rebekah said, "I can divert him for you if need be."
"Why should we trust you?" Stefan asked.
"You don't have a reason to," Rebekah admitted, "But none the less I will be here to help if you should need it."
"Why do you want a treaty?" Stefan asked while looking at Kol, "You could just leave."
"Contrary to the front I put up I do care about Rebekah's well-being and I want to know she is safe." Kol replied.
"Alright," Elena said and Stefan turned around, looking at her in clear shock. She ignored him and continued, "You've got your treaty."
"The others?" Kol asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'll handle them," Elena promised.
"Very well," Kol said and looked at Rebekah, "How about a drink or two before I take my leave?"
The two of them disappeared.
"What are you thinking?" Stefan asked.
"I believe them," Elena said simply. "Stefan it's late and we'll talk about it more tomorrow, but I really want to get some sleep."
Stefan nodded while knowing that he wouldn't win this battle tonight. He pulled her to him and gave her a slow sensual kiss on the lips.
"I really am sorry," He said as he touched his forehead to hers.
"I know you are," Elena replied before looking up, "I just had to be patient. I knew eventually you'd get your head out of your ass." She said with a laugh, "Now if we can just get Damon's out of his, but that is a project for another day." Elena gave Stefan a quick kiss, "Goodnight," she said and went inside.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Bella leaned on the railing of the balcony as she looked over the bustling city of New Orleans at night. Soon though a knock came to her door and she just smiled when she heard it open.
"Long night?" Bella asked as Camille walked in.
Camille groaned, "I swear at times you would think it was Mardi Gras all year round in this city." She said while shrugging off her jacket. She looked at the coffin, "That him?"
Bella nodded, "Want a drink?"
"Definitely," Camille said and headed straight for the bourbon.
She poured herself a glass and joined Bella out on the balcony.
"You find them?" Camille asked.
Bella nodded, "Marcel sensed me, but he's not as good as he would like to think."
"What I want to know is how does he have Sophie and Jane on such tight leashes?" Camille said. "Every time he walks into the bar they tense up. It's like they are waiting for him to come in and slaughter them."
Bella shrugged.
"You know more than you're letting on," Camille said before nudging her.
"You know me," Bella said with a laugh, "I don't show all I've got up my sleeve."
"Something is different," Camille commented, "You're different."
"I'm more cynical." Bella stated.
"That, but it's more," Camille replied, "You seem empty in a way."
Bella tensed.
"You met a guy," Camille said while smiling at the thought.
"Drop it," Bella said quietly.
Camille looked back towards the coffin, "I get it," she said, "He must have been something though."
"Why do you say that?" Bella asked.
"Because I haven't seen you this tense or down even when I used to mention Eddie boy," Camille said, "You must really care about him."
"Well as Klaus would say caring makes you weak," Bella stated before she finished her drink.
"Well he may say that, but tell me this; if caring makes you weak then why are you out and about while he's trapped?" Camille asked, "Caring doesn't make you weak, it makes you strong. Strong enough to make the hardest decisions to protect those you care about." Camille finished her drink and headed inside. "I'll see you later. Watch your back."
"Only if you watch yours," Bella replied as Camille left.
A few minutes later Bella walked inside and showered. She crashed as soon as her head hit the pillow.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Bella spent the next few days just watching Marcel and the city. She wanted to see how he worked. The trusted few Daywalkers he had were his most loyal followers. They proved themselves, but she had the pleasure of knowing one of them quite well.
Bella stood near the swamp waters in the bayou and smiled as she heard the footsteps.
"Marcel let you come out and play?" Bella asked before turning around.
"I cannot believe you choose to come here of all places," Thierry said before coming into view, "Are you mental?"
"Are you still wearing that stupid hat?" Bella asked after crossing her arms, "How'd you find out I was here?"
"I ran into Camille," Thierry said, "Bells you should not have come here,"
"I had nowhere else to go," Bella replied, "At least here I have some back up."
"Sophie and Jane-Anne are not gonna be much help," Thierry replied.
"Thierry I didn't come here to argue with you," Bella said sighing, "Can't I just get a big hug and a 'Thank God you're alive'? Really is that too much ask?"
Thierry sighed and quickly embraced Bella, "I am glad you're alive, but I don't know how long you will be around here."
"Thierry if you're worried about me asking you to choose between Marcel and me don't. I can handle myself." Bella said while returning the hug.
Thierry shook his head.
Bella and Thierry went way back like when she was a kid. Charlie was Thierry's nephew and when he found out about Bella he watched out for her, but it was more of a brother-sister bond.
"I know you wouldn't do that." Thierry said. "I just don't understand why you choose this. The running, the constant looking over your shoulder…"
"Well here I don't have to worry about that for a while," Bella said. "I need a rest Thierry. I've been on the run for months. It's been shitty and I just want a break. Here I can hide in plain sight."
Thierry threw his arm around Bella's shoulders, "Come on, I need a drink and you look like you could use one too."
About ten minutes later they were in a little dive bar on the edge of the swamp.
"Are you gonna get caught here?" Bella asked as they sat down.
"Nightwalkers come here and it's gonna be a while before sunset." Thierry said with a shrug.
"Camille came to you because she's worried, didn't she," Bella said after taking a drink of her whiskey.
"She should be," Thierry replied, "Bella you know Elijah's been through here. He could come back at any time."
"Then I'd be gone." Bella said simply.
"You don't get it," Thierry said, "Jane-Anne and Sophie can't help you. They're on a tighter leash than when you got Melinda out. Ever since…" Thierry quit talking.
"Ever since what?" Bella asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing," Thierry said before he signaled for another round, "Does Charlie know where you are?"
"No and he better not find out." Bella said while pointing her finger at him. "Look I would love to stay and drink, but I have to go." Bella leaned over and hugged Thierry then she stood up, "I'm not gonna put you or Katie in danger. I promise."
"I know, but doing that puts yourself in danger." Thierry warned.
"I can take care of myself," Bella sighed again, "Goodbye."
Thierry watched as Bella walked out the door and sighed.
"That's what you always say, but you need more help than you know on this one," he mumbled and signaled for another.
A/N: Hey dears hope you enjoyed the chapter! Sorry I haven't been able to update sooner school has been crazy with lots of things due all around the same time. Plus I have had to find a new advisor for my program so I've been stressed and just all over the place.
Thank you to my lovely beta Dark~Supernatural~Angel. She is absolutely amazing! I'm pretty sure I would be lost without her when it comes to getting my mind in order and getting rid of writer's block.
Quick note about Stripped and Never Let Me Go the next chapters have been sent to my beta and once I get them back I will post them immediately!
I'm hoping to have the next chapter of the story up by the first of next week maybe sooner if everything works out!
Pleas Review my loves I love reading your opinions of the chapters, what you love, what you think will happen I love them all they make my day when I'm sitting waiting on my class to start!