The moment we walked inside the Boarding House, coldness took me. The romantic moment of forgiveness has seemed to vanish like the lanterns in the sky. Now, alone with Damon, it was not so easy to forget how he had hurt me. How he had betrayed me. He seemed to hear my thoughts, watching me intently as I took off my coat. I turned my back to him, and stared at the wall as I hung the coat, trying to sooth myself, to bring myself to forgive him fully. But he was too close to me, and like always, I was hyperaware of him. His scent enveloped me, his warmth burned me. And when his fingers touched my skin, through the hole on my dress where Connor's stake had gone through, I flinched. As if it hurt me. The wound had healed, but its meaning would stay with me forever. Once again I had gotten hurt because I cared. Because I cared if Tyler was staked, even knowing it wouldn't have killed him. I cared what the others would think if I let Tyler get hurt. I cared too much. Especially when, hurt from being staked, I pulled Connor off Damon, and seeing red for him attacking my Damon, almost killed him. And even if Damon had hurt my feelings, the thought of someone hurting him, almost made me want to tear the town apart. No, it did make me tear the world.

He sighed, his breath tickling the back of my neck, and his arms engaged me as he held himself with his fists against the wall. I turned to face him, careful not to touch him. He was too overwhelming as it was. His clear blue eyes burned a hole in my soul, and I closed my eyes, feeling my face change, my fangs elongate.

"Get away from me" I hissed.

He ignored my request and cupped my face. I snapped. Grabbing him by the neck, I threw him away from me. He crashed against the distant wall, wincing as he fell down, taking a painting with him to the ground.

"I thought we were fine" he murmured as he stood up.

I growled and went to attack him. He held me off but I could tell it was a bit hard for him, and that if I tried just a little bit more, he would lose the fight. For a moment it made me feel good, to know I was stronger than him. But just for a moment. I grabbed his arm and twisted it, making him let go of me. He groaned and scowled at me.

"I'm sorry I've hurt you" he said sincerely.

"I'm stronger than you. Better than you. You can't hurt me!" I snapped but felt my eyes tearing up. "You shouldn't be able to!"

I pushed him off, and walked to the other side of the room, gripping the mantle tightly.

"I'm so tired" I said quietly, but he could hear me. "I feel out of control!"

"Bella, you could have killed me if you wanted, if you were out of control. You are under control…"

"I feel out of control because I feel human again! I feel like you're more powerful than me, stronger. You are, because I let you hold this power. I can't and I don't want to be human Bella, who let you stomp on her heart over and over again because all you could see is Elena. I hate that Bella! She was weak, she was a pushover"

"Stop" Damon said and I heard his footsteps getting closer.

"I won't, I refuse to be that Bella…"

He interrupted me by grabbing my shoulders and turning me around. I glared at him but his hands wrapped tightly around my wrists before I could push him away.

"Stop!" he snapped.

I just stared at him and his frown deepened.

"Please… I know where you're going with this! Don't turn it off. I know you claim you already did, in Volterra, but I know you didn't. I could feel you"

I continued to stare at him. Blankly. I should have turned it off, for good. Enough. That had been enough. Enough hurt, enough betrayal… Things would be much simpler if I just…

"Don't!" he snapped again, shaking me, his eyes angry. "Don't do this to yourself"

"Let me go, Damon" I said.

"I love you" he said. "I love you, Bella. Nothing will ever change that! I know I fucked things up, but that's what I do. But our love is always above that"

I looked away, but he cupped my face, forcing me to look into his blue eyes. I put my hands on his chest to push him away…

"I love you, Bella. Please, don't do this" he whispered.

I closed my eyes. He wouldn't make me change my mind. I couldn't let him manipulate me this time…

His lips brushed against mine in a whisper of a kiss.

"Please" he whispered. "Please, I love you"

"No" I choked out trying to push him off.

"If you do it, rip my heart out" he said and kissed me passionately.

And just like that, all my efforts to not care, were in vain. With those words, with that kiss, he made impossible for me to keep pushing him away.

His lips were urgent against mine, but as my hands relaxed and then started to cling to his shirt, they softened claiming my lips softly, his hands slipping into my hair.

"I hate you" I said against his lips.

"I know" his lips brushed against my cheek. "I'm sorry" he said close to my ear. "I love you, Bella, only you… I swear" he whispered leaving butterfly kisses down my neck.

I pushed him against the wall and pulled back to glare at him.

"If you ever do something like that again…"

"I won't" he said and I gave him a pointed look. "Not after seeing how much it hurt you"

"Good. Because next time, I will rip your heart out, you fucking loveable-lovely son of a bitch"

He smiled at me and pulled me to a searing kiss. I moaned on his mouth and ripped his shirt off, running my hands down his chiseled chest and abs, before slipping my hands to his back, my nails scratching along his spine until it drew blood. He shivered, groaning at the pleasing sensation. He slowly pulled on the side zipper of my dress and when it was open he didn't yank it off me like I expected, he let his hand slip inside, slowly, and flattened it against my lower back, his pinky skimming the thong I was wearing. I dug my nails deeper into his shoulder blades and he threw his head back with a loud animalistic growl.

"I'm not in the mood for teasing, Damon" I said huskily.

I quickly undid his fly, and pulled his pants down, kneeling as the fabric slipped down his legs. I softly scratched his muscular thighs, letting my lips brush against the waistband of his boxers. The fabric was strained against the bulge, and I brushed my nose against it, slipping my fingers inside, between the fabric and his thighs. My hands went up, but not quite where he wanted. He leaned back against the wall with a sigh, closing his eyes, but not before I saw the dark shade of blue they had turned into. I pulled my hands back, and gripped the waistband while brushing my lips along that enticing V and the happy trail. He sighed when he was finally free, and his fingers brushed against my head, no doubt aching to grab me by the hair as he liked. His skin broke into goosebumps and pre-cum leaked when my breath was on him. I pulled back and he opened his eyes in alarm. I smirked as I leaned back, taking off my dress, putting on a little show for him. When it was clear he wouldn't be able to wait any longer, I ripped the dress off, and went back to him. I trailed my hands up his thighs, and our eyes met as I licked the tip, licking off the pre-cum. He groaned something that sounded like "Oh God" before hissing as I took his engorged head into my mouth. My hands reached their destination and I lightly traced his balls with my index fingernails.

"Bella" he sighed, twisting my hair around his fingers.

I swirled my tongue around his head and then took him fully in my mouth, until he hit my throat. I sucked him hard, and he moaned loudly, his head banging against the wall. I felt his heart accelerating, and in a couple minutes he was rock hard, starting to pulse inside my mouth. That was when I pulled back, and pinched softly the slit on the head, not letting him have any real relief as he came. He shuddered and groaned, and slouched against the wall when it stopped. I stood up and walked to the couch, and he watched me with an agonized look.

This would be about me. I would be the selfish one for once. I deserved.

"Minx" he grumbled.

I smirked at him as I sat down and he blurred to me. He leaned down to kiss me, ready to lean me back on the couch. I pulled back and stared into his eyes as my fingers wrapped around his neck.

"I should end this now… You would be with a terrible case of blue balls until you truly cummed"

He smirked, cocking an eyebrow at me.

"Where did you get that idea… And who would deal with this to you?"

His finger pulled my damp thong aside, and circled my clit before teasing my entrance. I bit my lip, holding back a moan and grabbed his hand to stop him.

"Myself" I answered confidently.

His eyes darkened even more as he eyed me, veins threatening to pop out under his eyes as he, no doubt, imagine very dirty things.

"Am I at least welcome to watch?" he asked in a low whisper.

"Will you be a good boy and keep your hands still? Away from me and yourself?" I smirked.

"You are the devil"

His fingers traced my shoulder, going down the valley between my breasts, until the black lace bra got in his way.

"I can be as vengeful as you" I said.

He stared at me for a long moment before he leaned down, forcing me to lean back against the leather couch.

"I would love to see your show, love. But I can see in your eyes that you won't have as much fun as when I perform" he said pulling on the straps of my bra.

"Maybe I just need more solo experience then…" I said as he unhooked the bra. The piece must be one of his favorite for him not to tear it apart. "Or a new partner"

His eyes started to change as he looked into my eyes.

"And who would that be?" he asked, leaning down to kiss my shoulder as his knee nudged my legs apart, so he could settle between them. "Edward?" he scoffed.

"No… I enjoyed him thoroughly, there can't be anything new with him…"

He bit down on my shoulder, but didn't drink from my blood. He just wanted to tease me, mark me.

"Thank you, love, I already knew I was way better than him. But it's always good to be reminded of how much I excel people…" he said trailing down.

"Maybe. Or maybe you'll just grow old on me, like him" he sucked on my right nipple and I let out a tiny moan. "Or maybe Elijah could help me in performance…" I said just to screw with him.

He bit down on my breast, and when he looked up, I almost moaned at the sight. My breast with a bite mark, his lips with my blood.

"He's too old and old-fashioned, his gentleness wouldn't get you there" he said pressing himself against me. Heat pooled in my underwear once again.

"A thousand years of expertise? Maybe I do need a little of his gentleness. And his accent might just get me there effortlessly" I retorted.

He bit on my other breast, swirling his tongue around my nipple, drawing blood into his mouth and pleasuring me at the same time. I grabbed him by the hair, and pulled him back. He grinned in satisfaction, clearly seeing desire burning in my eyes. One of his hands cupped me, there, and his grin widened as he rubbed me through the wet silk.

"I said no teasing" I growled.

"Forgive me, I thought what you did to me counted" he shrugged and his smirk grew. "You're almost cumming just from my teasing. I doubt Elijah could do that" he said cockily.

I pushed him, so he was lying on the other end of the couch and straddled his legs.

"You shouldn't even be speaking to me, Damon. I'm still mad" I said.

He grabbed me and in a blur he had me seated on the armchair, this time he kneeled, kissing my right knee gently.

"I'll make up to you" he said huskily.

I leaned back cocking an eyebrow at him, daringly. He spread my legs apart, enough for his broad shoulders to fit comfortably and an his hands up my legs. I put my legs over his shoulders, and as he leaned in, I locked them tightly around his head. He groaned as his spine gave a tiny crack in protest at the strength and I smirked.

"Or maybe I should just snap your neck and leave… A fun night might make it up to me"

His eyes changed and his hands grabbed the silky thong tightly. He ripped it apart and tossed it aside. I loosened my legs around him and he smiled, his eyes didn't even return to normal as he stared at me. I felt like I was the most delicious, appetizing thing in the world right then. He took a long lick along my slit, getting my juices all over his lips and even dripping down his chin. I threw my head back and enjoyed. Damon, although not the only man I had sex with, would always be the best. He taught me everything I knew, he was adventurous, wild and never held back, not even when I had been a fragile human.

It didn't take me long to come all over his face. All it took was a curled fingers and a sucked clit. I gripped his hair tightly as waves of pleasure took me, my thighs clenched on him again as all my body tensed with intense pleasure, and he had to pull my fingers away or risk losing his hair. When I opened my eyes, I saw him licking off his fingers and then his lips, but not even close to being clean. I pushed him into the Persian rug covered floor, the closeness to the lit fireplace making his skin glow with a soft flush.

I straddled his hips, his erection brushing pleasingly against my entrance, begging for attention as I rocked against him, letting him slide against me, another part of him getting covered with my essence. But Damon groaned impatiently, and grabbed me by the hips, trying to guide me down on him, impale me like I always enjoyed. But like I said, that night, it was about me. I smirked as I stilled, his tip right at my entrance.

"Bella" he groaned.

I let my hands travel down my body, my left playing with my nipple while the right went lower, traveling across my stomach until I reached my pussy and played with my clit. His eyes darkened as he watched me pleasure myself. He liked it. His hips thrust up, desperate for me, for relief. I moaned as my middle finger slowly entered, and pumped it a few times before curling it just like Damon did, setting me off into a wonderful orgasm. I screamed and crashed against his chest, breathing heavy. He moved, but I was faster, taking his wrists and pinned them beside his head. His erection brushed against my entrance once more, and I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

"Consider this your punishment" I whispered against his lips as I rocked torturously against him again.

"Fucking God" he groaned shutting his eyes tightly. He was starting to shake.

"I want to come again, but you're not allowed to, understood?"

"Bella" he said warningly, opening his eyes to glare at me.

"Understood?" I asked thrusting harder, but not enough for him to penetrate.

He moaned and I watched his face as I continued rocking.

"I think after this you'll never make fun of teenagers that dry-hump" I teased and nipped at his nipple.

He groaned, and his eyes started to change. I rocked harder against him, his erection rubbing my clit just like I needed and I came once again. Damon looked a bit pained, but as the last wave of pleasure coursed through me, as I rocked once more, I could see it. He was cumming. I grinned and again, pinching the tiny slit, didn't let him appreciate the full pleasure he could. He shook , his body tense beneath me, and his fists pressed against his eyes in frustration. He was still hard. I waited for him to finally look at me, and when he did, his face slowly came back to normal as I slowly lowered myself on him. He let out a half-moan, half-sigh, and sat up, wrapping his arms around me. He buried his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply as my body rocked slowly against his. I quickened the pace suddenly, and bit down on his neck, triggering another orgasm for myself. All his frustration was really getting to me. I froze when it was over, and he tried to roll over to continue, but I swiftly got up. I smirked at his agonized, incredulous frown and tossed him a blanket.

"Now, you can use your own hands… But as you said, I doubt you'll have as much fun as when it's me performing" I grinned.

Pain, frustration, anger swirled in his blue eyes. I heard the front door opening and closing and my grin widened. I rushed to the foyer and Stefan's eyes widened as I leaned against the wall.

"Hey, Stef" I said.

The coat he was taking off he tossed it at me, his eyes darting everywhere to avoid me.

"Do you have plans for tonight?" I asked, not putting the coat on.

Next thing I knew, Damon had grabbed me and taken me to our bedroom. He was furious as he tossed me in bed. His eyes had completely changed and his hands were balled up in fists. I sat up and put on the coat. He clearly disliked it.

"Have you lost your fucking mind?" he growled.

"As you said…" I smirked. "Elijah might be too gentle, but Stefan, with his ripper history…"

He almost attacked me, but I pinned him to the wall first.

"I might be very liberal and stuff, and I might not be fragile, but it would be wise to remember you that violence is only accepted when necessary or fun" I snapped.

"Don't make me angry then" he snapped back.

"All that anger, all that jealousy, all that you're feeling right now… Remember all that next time you so much as think of Elena" I said.

"Should have known new version of Bella would have lower limits when it came to Elena Gilbert" he smirked humorlessly.

"Do you hear me?" I growled. "Next time you get close to her, if it's not a life or death matter, I will rip her apart, your heart out and I am not bluffing"

I let go of him and walked to the bathroom.

"Where…"

"I'm going to take a shower… I need after… what? Four orgasms?" I taunted.

"Can I join?"

I turned, smiled at his cute, mischievous smirk and closed the door, locking it behind me to answer him.

Needless to say, Damon was in a bad mood. I would have pitied him, but he did bring it on himself. While Damon was in the bedroom – he looked so much like Stefan when he was brooding – I was outside watching Stefan get his vintage bike ready, talking to him about his plans to show Elena the good sides of vampirism, teach her to enjoy her new life, to have fun. He had left immediately after Damon took me to our room, spent the night out, and only came back in the morning, pretending nothing happened and that he hadn't seen or heard anything. When I tried to give his coat back he told me I could keep it. It was a bit amusing.

I had tried to call Elijah while getting breakfast, but he wasn't answering. He had simply disappeared. I knew he had kept contact with Katherine, or would know of someone who did, and I needed to know if he could help explain Elena's diet issues. Rebekah had suspiciously kept a low profile since the explosion of the council, and I didn't even know if she or Klaus were aware of the hunter. Probably, considering Klaus hybrid minions must have been watching us. Our biggest problem at the moment was the fact that a hunter, who was supposed to be human, could fight off Damon and Stefan, and wasn't so easy for me to take down. That was what I was telling myself, that I had been caught by surprise, or else I had killed Connor in two seconds, easily. Another thing Elijah might help with, unravel the mysteries of Connor. And it had nothing to do with pissing Damon off, really, it didn't. Elijah was the only Original who could help me, and it wasn't my fault he had a crush on me that could be useful…

I stood up and Stefan eyed me.

"Rebekah still going to school?" I asked.

"I… guess?" he said uncertainly.

I turned and walked into the boarding house, rushing to the bedroom. Damon was getting ready and cocked an eyebrow at me as I got my purse.

"Plans for the day?" he asked, eyeing my expensive dress

"Nope" I said.

"So, did Liz call you too?"

I stopped and turned to him, with a blank face.

"Yeah. I had an idea… I'm gonna see if it works" I bluffed.

"Or you could just keep an eye on Lockwood and the other kids while I take care of Connor" he suggested with a frown.

"Fine, Damon, do however you want"

I turned to leave but he blurred in front of me.

"So, how long will we be like this?" he asked.

"For how long I want" I grinned, trying to walk around him.

He grabbed my arm.

"I'll deal with Connor, today, and once he's dead, you and I are leaving. Maybe Australia again? Or South America?" he gave me a hopeful smile.

"And leave for good?" I asked.

"Of course. Stefan and Elena will be fine now that she's a vampire, there isn't anything to worry about around here anymore"

I stared at him for a long time.

"Fine… But you're not forgiven yet" I said.

He smiled and leaned in for a kiss. I grabbed him by the shirt, gave him a peck and pulled away.

"Non-forgiven people only get this" I taunted.

I walked around him to leave but he grabbed me again, and turned me, giving me a toe-curling kiss. If I was still human, my heart would've stopped.

"And I'm still mad at you for leaving me hanging last night" he murmured. "That was really mean"

"Too bad"

"You'll make it up to me"

I adjusted my Fendi's strap on my shoulder, gave him a smirk and walked out.

I got out of the Ferrari and locked it, looking around for someone useful. A few boys of the football team were gathered in the parking lot and stared. I ignored the catcalls and the whispers of gossip from the girls passing by.

"Isn't that Bella Swan? She's dating Stefan's older brother, isn't she?" a girl asked her friend.

"I think so… But we can be sure of one thing, she did enjoy her father's inheritance" the other girl said looking between me and the car with disdain.

Yeah, I tried to ignore her. I really did. But she had pissed me off. I walked to her and she seemed surprised and confused as I stopped in front of her. I smiled at her friend.

"Can I talk to her for a moment?" I asked.

"Ahn… yeah, sure!"

The girl walked away and I glared at the girl.

"Your name" I demanded.

"Sorry?" she frowned at my tone.

"Your name" I compelled her.

"Heather" she said in a daze.

"Heather, you will stop saying things you don't know anything of, you will apologize to everyone you ever spoke badly of" I ordered.

"Yes… Sorry"

"And at lunch time, you will make a scandal"

"How?"

"I don't care. Just public self-humilliation"

"Alright"

"Great"

I turned around and walked to Matt who had a bandage on his neck from the previous day. He eyed me with suspicion, and I grinned at him.

"Hello, Matt" I said sweetly.

"Bella…" he gave me a tiny smile. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Rebekah, have you seen her?"

"No" he frowned. "Why? What's going on?"

"I had an idea to take care of the hunter, but I need something from her"

"And what compelling high school girls has to do with that plan of yours?" Leah asked, approaching me with a scowl.

"Sorry, didn't know Heather was your friend" I said sarcastically.

"She's not, but you still can't go around compelling people"

"I do whatever is needed to get what I want" I said. "Besides, she offended me"

"I'm sure you were deeply hurt by whatever she said" she said sarcastically rolling her eyes at me. "Especially considering your lack of heart"

"Let's all calm down, shall we?" Matt said nervously.

"Didn't Sam order you to run back to your pack, Leah?" I sneered, "Oh yeah, you're unwanted there. Must be difficult to be a bitch of your ex's pack"

She started to shake and I grinned triumphantly.

"What's going on?" Stefan asked, approaching us with an worried frown, and touched Leah's shoulder softly.

"Nothing" I lied.

"I thought you were with Tyler, Bella" he said.

Leah's angry eyes snapped to him with confusion.

"Did you?"

"Damon said you went to the Lockwood Mansion, at Carol's request, to help Tyler"

"Why does Tyler need help?" Leah asked worriedly, tensing even more.

"He was attacked by Connor during the night" Stefan informed. "Connor knocked him out with vervain"

"What?" she snapped.

I pulled Matt back because her shaking got worse and Stefan frowned. As I eyed her, I saw the clear signs. I chuckled and her furious eyes snapped to me.

"Well, well, someone's got a dirty little secret" I taunted.

Stefan tried to hold her off, but she got face to face with me anyway.

"Shut the hell up" she growled.

"Aren't you ungrateful? I saved his life yesterday…"

"You were the reason he was in that hospital vulnerable in the first place. You let go up on the stage to speak!"

"Then you should have guarded your imprint's door, bitch" I snapped with a grin.

"Her what?" Matt asked confused as Stefan stared in disbelief.

"Take deep breaths and chill" I said to her. "I'll just take a few minutes and then I'll head to his house to protect your precious Tyler"

I turned, ignoring her growl and heard Stefan sigh. Yeah, just when I thought things might get simpler.

It didn't take long to find who I was looking for. She was taking things from her locker to class, and seemed unhappy as she glanced around. When her eyes set on me, she frowned.

"Didn't you graduate?" she questioned.

"Yeah, but I need to talk to you, and you like to get bored with high school and pretending to be human, so…" I shrugged.

"What do you want?"

"I need to talk to your brother"

"Klaus left, he doesn't have a precious doppelganger to keep him in town anymore" she said bitterly.

"Good to know, but I meant Elijah"

"She eyed me suspiciously.

"What do you need from him now?"

"Geez" I rolled my eyes at her hostility. "There's a hunter in town"

"I know"

"And are you aware he's in the school? Or was, very, very recently. I can smell it. So, I'm in a bit of a hurry. Do tell me how to get to Elijah. His phone doesn't work"

"Or maybe he doesn't want to answer you" she retorted.

"Give me his number, Rebekah" I said. "Please" I forced it out.

She considered my request for a moment but then grabbed a pen and wrote it down on a sheet of paper. I gave her a small smile and she huffed before turning around and walking away, as if she hadn't done me a favor. Doing her best work of being a spoiled brat. I laughed and walked out of that school, as quickly as possible so I wouldn't meet Connor.

That was the plan. Not reality.

I was walking to the parking lot, when I smelt blood. I frowned and considered if it could be a trap, Connor trying to lure me in, or if it was someone in real danger. Considering Elena and Stefan were in school, and their restraint could be weaker than mine sometimes, I decided to follow the scent to check it out. What I found was more amusing than a trap, really. Definitely more amusing than someone hurt. But it was just as troubling. A chuckle escaped my lips and Elena jumped away from Matt, her lips covered with his blood. I eyed the wound on his wrist and rolled my eyes, not worried, since he clearly would be fine. At least she could feed without making a mess.

"I didn't see anything" I declared before walking away.

I was still in a no-Elena mood.

I typed in the number Rebekah gave me and pressed send, holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder as I looked for the keys. It rang several times as I crossed the empty parking lot before the call went to voicemail. He had no message before his beep. I sighed.

"It's me… Bella. Elijah, please, call me back. I need to talk to you. Stop disappearing on me… Bye"

I hung up and finally got the keys, and clicked the unlock button. I reached for the door when something tickled my neck. It was slightly uncomfortable, and I frowned and pulled the dart out, scowling at the soft burn. Vervain. I looked around and saw Connor across the parking lot. I threw my purse inside the car and started his way. He shot me twice and I just took the darts out of my flesh and threw them away.

"Low concentrated vervain won't work on me, dear" I sneered.

He turned and ran. I let him go, knowing I could call attention to myself if I went after him and preferring to wait for more information on him. I would go check on Tyler meanwhile.

I grumbled, throwing my phone inside my purse as I walked up the front steps. I was about to ring the doorbell when the door opened and greenish-blue eyes greeted me, with his usual smirk. I stopped and frowned at him.

"Missed me, love?" Klaus asked.

"Hadn't you left town?" I asked walking past him.

"A very concerned mother called me, regarding her son's protection" he said as we walked to the living room.

"And where's Carol now?"

"At the City Hall" he shrugged.

I eyed the hybrids casually hanging around the house, as Klaus prepared two drinks. They eyed me with a mix of suspicion and threat-recognition. I smirked at them and took the offered drink from Klaus.

"Tyler?" I asked.

"Upstairs, refreshing from the hospital"

"What's in it for you? Why protect him?"

"He's my hybrid"

I sipped the brandy and with a nod of my head, I walked out to the gardens with him following.

"I know you never do things without second intentions, Klaus" I said stopping and he cocked an eyebrow at me. "Like why you haven't gone after me for daggering you…"

"What are your guesses?" he grinned.

"You probably want me for something, or you want something from Elijah…"

"Wrong" he stepped closer.

"Then what?"

He leaned closer and his lips were brushing against my earlobe.

"Maybe I like you" he whispered. "You went from a fearful, head-over-hills-in-love, loyal-to-death witch to this. A seductive vampire hybrid not scared of anything or anyone, no longer a pushover, strong, brave, determined…"

I only he knew how wrong he was, specially when Damon was the matter.

I turned my head, our noses brushing as I stared into his eyes.

"We are alike in many ways. And I'll even admit that I kinda regretted daggering you… But we both know why you didn't go after me, after anyone… It's the same reason for you to be protecting Tyler" I smiled. "Because a blond vampire has caught not only your eye…I'll dare say, Caroline has caught your heart"

"I thought I didn't have a heart" he said scowling.

"It's because we're so alike that I can understand you, I can really see you" I said more softly. "But Caroline won't choose you over Tyler…"

"I-"

"It's not because you wouldn't be good to her. I believe Tyler will end up screwing with all the potential she has… but you made our lives living hell once and when she looks at you now, she will see that"

He stepped back and rolled his eyes, scoffing.

"I won't change"

"But you already did" I chuckled.

He rolled his eyes at me once again and walked away in angry strides.

"Where are you?" I asked Damon.

"I'm kinda… stuck with something" he muttered. "Why?"

"Well, I'm stuck at the Lockwood Mansion with a moody Tyler, Klaus and his minions"

"Klaus?"

"Yeah, back in town to protect Tyler"

"Great" he grumbled.

I heard the doorbell and frowned. We weren't expecting anyone.

"Gotta go. Call me if anything comes up" I said.

"Be…"

"Careful. Always am"

I hung up and opened the door. A brunette with big doe blue eyes was standing there with a backpack. Her scent reminded me of the hybrids and I turned to call Klaus when Tyler showed up. He looked surprised, but smiled at her nonetheless.

"Hayley?"

"Hey, Ty!"

She practically pushed past me and jumped on him, hugging him tightly. Apparently she didn't need invitation. I stared at them and then turned to close the door, fighting a frown.

Turns out, Hayley was a werewolf. Tyler met her when he was in the Appalachians, fighting the sire bond. I had stayed the first fifteen minutes and then left them alone. Her behavior was too gleeful for me at the moment and her attitude with Tyler was suspicious.

I laid back in the couch, calling Elijah for what felt like the hundredth time. He still wasn't answering. I sipped my brandy and relaxed a bit more when Chris, one of the hybrids left, leaving me all alone. I could hear Tyler and Hayley talking, the hybrids watching TV while playing cards, Klaus walking across the office as his phone vibrated on top of the desk. I closed my eyes to try turn it all off, shut all the noise down, so I could think clearly on what to do. I frowned at the itch on my neck and scratched it. I took another glass of brandy to see it would quench the growing thirst a bit.

"Bella!"

I blinked and frowned at Klaus who was frowning down at me.

"What?" I asked snippy as I sat up.

"I've called your name three times"

"Sorry, I was thinking" I rolled my eyes at him, wincing at the headache.

"Well, I'm gonna help your belived Damon with the hunter… Keep the fort, will you?"

I nodded.

"Are you alright?" he frowned at me, inclining his head to the side.

"Yeah, why?"

"Maybe you should take a shower…" he said reaching out.

I flinched at his ice cold touch and his frown deepened. I touched my own cheek and felt the skin clammy, sweaty. I frowned at my hand. I didn't sweat because of nothing. I felt hot to my touch, but I actually was feeling a bit cold.

"I…"

"You have a fever?"

"No" I denied a sign of weakness quickly. "I'm fine, it's hot in here"

He nodded, shrugging. I stood and as he went to the door he met Hayley and Tyler. Introductions were made, words exchanged before Hayley walked to the kitchen, sending Tyler a smile. Klaus cocked an eyebrow at Tyler with a smirk. Clearly, he had seen what I did. Klaus started to interrogate Tyler on Hayley, and when Tyler was losing it, his patience he went in for the kill.

"I have a very convincing theory" Klaus said. "You went off to the Appalachians, to break my sire bond. There you met a pack of werewolves, you begged them for help. Among them was a girl. She was gorgeous, with the same animal instincts as you. Emotions ran high, inhibitions ran low…"

"Stop" Tyler snapped as I frowned at him.

"Then in a moment of weakness, the thick sexual tension became something more real…"

"I said stop!" Tyler snapped, louder, his face changing as he growled at Klaus.

Klaus grabbed him by the neck, pinned him to the wall. His own eyes threatened to change, glowing yellow for a moment, as he stared at Tyler with anger and disgust.

"And Caroline has no idea" Klaus sneered.

Tyler eyes widened, snapping to me, before he shut them tightly and frowned. He didn't deny it. I scoffed and rubbed my forehead, the beginning of the headache already bothering me deeply.

"I'll solve the hunter problem, and you should think about honesty and loyalty…" Klaus said letting him go.

Klaus was mad because of Caroline. He was defending Caroline. Tyler had hurt Caroline even though she didn't know it, yet. Ironic how the roles reversed.

"I'm going too" I said grabbing my things.

"Bella…"

"I'm not gonna get in the middle of this, Tyler" I said following Klaus out. "But I expect Caroline to be aware of some things… ASAP"

"Bella! What are you doing here?" Emmett asked taking me in a crushing hug.

It was his favorite thing to do when I let him since I turned. He liked to tease me about not worrying about breaking me in half. Really, he was a teddy bear.

"It's so good to see you, dear" Esme said softly when he put me down.

She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and guided me to the living room. She informed me Edward had gone to pick Bonnie and Alice up in school. He had gone hunting, but apparently, the need to see his new girlfriend had drove him back. I told Esme I needed to talk to all of them, which was difficult. Carlisle was always working, someone was always in school or doing something, or hunting. But I had to talk to Edward privately too. She seemed a bit worried but I assured her it wasn't anything bad. We talked about the family, Rose had gone to Richmond to get a car piece, Jasper was hunting, Carlisle, as I guessed, at the hospital. Emmett sat beside me, turning on his Xbox, not even pretending to be interested in our conversation. I kinda missed the antics of the Cullens.

Half an hour later, Alice skipped in the room, followed by Edward, holding Bonnie's hand as she laughed at Alice.

"Bella!" Alice said happily as if it had been years since we last saw each other and hugged me. "You have mastered revenge! You were awesome with Damon!"

"Alice" Edward groaned, frowning, no doubt at the images that could be running through Alice's mind of her visions.

I chuckled and Alice sat beside me. Bonnie seemed to be a little lost on what to do, and Edward nodded at Esme, probably reading her mind and being informed of what I told her.

"You can stay, Bonnie" I said. "It would be better for you to hear this too"

She seemed confused, but sat down with Edward on the loveseat anyway. Emmett paused his game, giving me his full attention and Alice nodded for me to go ahead.

"As you all know, Pastor Young's farm gas explosion accident, doesn't seem to have a logical explanation" I said.

"Did you find anything on it?" Bonnie asked.

"Yes… and no. I have a guess and I think it's a pretty good one"

"So?" Emmett asked eagerly.

"I can't be sure…"

"What is it?" Bonnie asked frowning at my uncertainty.

"First, Bonnie is one of the most powerful witches in the world. The Bennett line is one of the longest and strongest lines existing… Even stronger than the Swan line was, I think" I said frowning. "And you've just… had a bad experience with magic, because we've made you do a lot of black magic…"

"It's fine" she said curtly.

"No, it's not. My second point is… Twelve people were killed in the explosion. No sign of why, or who. Pastor Young had connection with the supernatural, all the founding families have, his was just stronger and then, suddenly twelve people die"

"What does it have to do with Bonnie?" Edward frowned at me, as if I was offending them.

"When I was with Klaus, I had access to a lot of information on black magic. I've met witches, Klaus had grimoires… Some spells… The messy ones, those that cause a lot of trouble, usually to balance of nature, they require some things. A very strong witch is the most important piece" I said looking straight at Bonnie.

"I'm not planning on doing dark magic…"

"And sacrifices" I interrupted her. "A common number on the matter is twelve"

"The explosion was a sacrifice?" Emmett asked.

"It can be… And another suspicious fact. The hunter has caused Klaus to return to town"

"What?" Esme asked confused.

"Sacrifices can me a single event, or a chain to drain more power. In the case of a chain, the triangle is the simplest and most common" I took a deep breath. "Three sacrifices of twelve people, each group of different characteristics. Klaus has brought back with him his hybrids, there are at least twelve. Twelve humans, twelve hybrids…"

"A triangle?" Esme asked in horror.

"I was only considering the explosion, and the appearance of the hunter… too much coincidence. But then 12 hybrids? Really, too much"

"So, what are you implying?" Bonnie asked me with a scowl. "That I'm setting this up?"

"No. Someone wants you to make a dark spell, and is preparing the field for it… I came here about this. You have to be careful, someone, we don't know who, maybe the hunter, wants something from you…"

After leaving the Cullens, I decided to go to the Boarding House, so I could take a shower and get some blood. My thirst was getting worse in a fast pace and it was becoming visible. Bonnie had looked me in the eyes for so long, until I could see my reflection on hers, mine were turning red.

And I was still burning up.

I was five minutes away from the house when I saw a flash of something on the side of the road. I frowned but decided not to stop. Then it was in front of me. Her. Victoria. She gave me a wicked grin and I hit the brakes so hard the car swirled off the road before flipping twice and then it stopped. I got out of the car quickly, ignoring the pain from a deep cut in my forehead from the crash. I looked around but she wasn't there.

"Bella?" someone whispered behind me.

I gasped at the sight of Charlie. He was inside the car, pale and with his own blood all over him.

"What have you done?" he groaned weakly.

I felt tears burning in my eyes before I clutched my head, the pain intensifying to unbearable. I screamed and then all I could feel was the scent. It was like when I found Charlie on the kitchen floor. Blood everywhere, surrounding me, overwhelming… But this time, I was torn between nausea and hunger. When I opened my eyes Charlie wasn't there anymore. Aro was feet away and walked to me, looking murderous.

"What have you done to me?" I yelled in anger. "Stop your tricks!"

"Bella?" he asked with that creepy smile of his.

"Stay away" I growled letting my face change.

He continue to walk to me, his footsteps seemed hesitant, carefully calculated, but his smile was still in place. I attacked him, tackling him to the ground. His arms wrapped around my shoulders trying to stop me. I pulled back to rip his head off and frowned as I saw it was Damon.

"Bella, what happened?" he asked worriedly.

I jumped off him and gripped my hair, trying to clear my thoughts. This… What the hell it was…. It wasn't real.

"You're not real. You're not Damon" I snapped.

"What are you talking about?"

I pulled away when he cupped my cheek, and glared at him.

"Get away from me! Leave me alone!" I screamed. "Get the hell out of my head!"

I turned and ran.

I buried my head between my knees as my arms wrapped around my folded legs, trying to ignore the ghosts, the hallucinations. Charlie, Victoria, Aro, Caius, Mom, Grandma, Ester, Ric… One by one they came to drive me insane, to destroy me. My skin was burning, my head pounding, my throat itching, and I didn't know what to do. Who could be doing this?

Bonnie. The only witch.

Rebekah. Getting inside my mind.

Maybe Edward as revenge…

I snapped up and vomited the contents of my stomach, the red liquid I had ingested hours earlier was a painful reminder of how thirsty I was. I cried out loudly and sank to the ground. I laid in the forest ground, staring up at the trees' tops and the dark sky. My muscles coiled from the pain of moving. It was painful to breathe. Maybe I should stop…

Someone sat down beside me. I opened my eyes and smiled at Elijah.

"I've called you the whole day" I croaked. "Where were you, Elijah?"

"Sorry, love" he frowned.

"Something is wrong" I coughed. "It must be a spell. Find the witch, please… Bring her to me…"

He picked me up, bridal style, and the woodsy scent was not exactly his, but close. It was comforting.

"Damon" I mumbled. "Will be pissed"

"I doubt that" he said carrying me through the woods.

I coughed again and saw red stain his crisp white shirt. I mumbled an apology and let my eyes flutter closed, no longer able to keep them open. He stopped and seemed to move down until the cold ground was beneath my legs again as I leaned my torso against him. A sweet smell filled the air and something liquid and warm touched my lips. My face changed instinctively, my fangs dropped and I sucked on the offered wrist. The burn in my throat was quenched but I still felt tired, so I let myself drift to sleep.

I groaned and opened my eyes, the cool breeze of the forest against my clammy skin was soothing.

"Good morning, sunshine. That was quick"

I looked up and realized I was lying with my head on Klaus' lap. I frowned at him and sat up slowly.

"Where's Elijah?"

"Never here. Hallucinations" he grinned. "You'll have to content to the prettier brother. You're welcome by the way"

"What…"

"When Damon found me in the Boarding House because Stefan asked me to cure Elena with my blood, he connected the dots. He said you were in the same troubling situation and he thought you had ran home, but you didn't so…" he stood up. "Everyone's looking for you, so we should get going"

"I had werewolf venom?" I scowled.

Then it clicked. The darts with vervain.

"Connor" I growled.

"Yes, quite interesting his methods. That is taken care of"

"Why?"

He stopped and turned to me with a confused frown.

"Why did you help me?" I asked.

"I really don't know" he shrugged.

"Klaus"

"Maybe for the same reason I came back, or the reason I gave you and you shot down. I like you. But don't flatter, it's only because you're amusing" he said nonchalant. "And my brother might be owing me one for this"

I smiled and watched him walk away for a moment before I rushed to keep up.

"Is this the start of a friendship?" I asked teasingly with a smirk.

"God, no!" he scoffed.

"Bella!" Damon sighed in relief when I walked inside the house.

He rushed to me, taking me in his arms, and I wrapped my arms around his waist tightly in return. He took deep breaths and kissed my neck.

"Did I scare you?" I asked softly running my fingers through his raven black hair.

"Hell yes…"

I kissed him softly, and he cupped my face tenderly as if afraid I might break. I smiled at him, and he looked me in the eyes. We just stared at each other for a few minutes, he was making sure I was really fine, and I let him have access to my soul and heart through our eyes. He kissed me passionately, and I didn't complain as he picked me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist, clinging to him like my life depended on it. He carried me to our bedroom and gently laid me in bed. He hovered over me, looking me in the eyes as his hands ran up my sides. I arched off the bed, and his hands slipped behind me to work on my dress' zipper. He slowly undressed me and when I was pulling him back to me, he just laid beside me, on his side, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Damon…"

"How do you feel?" he asked softly.

"Great" I said sincerely. "Kinda hot and bothered because you were a tease" he smiled and I pulled him to a kiss. "Make love to me, Damon"

He kissed me as I worked on his shirt, giving in to me. I could tell that his body needed me, but his heart stopped us from going wild and passionately. We stayed in that bed for hours, between soft touches, caresses, loving words and using our bodies to declare our love.

"I really need a shower" I mumbled.

He smiled against my forehead, his fingers still tracing my bare back.

"Wanna join me?"

"You're about to crash in two seconds" he said softly.

"And so will you" I said looking into his tired face.

"I looked for you everywhere, I was kinda losing my mind. Alice said she couldn't see you…"

"Well, Connor was dealt with, so we can take vacations. We can relax in a sunny beach…"

"Eh…"

I looked up to him and frowned. He had a deep frown.

"What?" I asked.

"Just listen okay?" he pleaded.

"I am…"

"When I looked for you at Elena's… I found her feeding of Matt, she was going to kill him"

"I should have known it wouldn't work" I rolled my eyes.

"So… I offered my help to teach her how to feed properly"

I stared at him, feeling anger rising slowly inside me.

"It was a matter of life or death! The busboy would be dead" he defended.

"You've what?" I snapped shooting up from the bed and grabbing my dress.

"I saved the precious busboy, wasn't that the right thing to do?" he rolled his eyes with a shrug.

"Have you no respect for my wishes, whatsoever?"

"You will help her too, Bella" he said standing up and frowning as I looked around for my things.

More angry words were exchanged, especially when he realized what I was doing. But half an hour later I was walking out of that house with a duffel bag.

I knocked on the Cullen's door and Alice opened it with a sad smile.

"I told him to go to hell and forget me" I said.

"I know" she said taking my bag and leading me inside.

"So… I guess we're on a break?" a mirthless chuckle escaped my lips.

"As long as this doesn't turn into Ross and Rachel, you two will be fine" she smiled.

AN: Sorry for the lateness :S

I hope you've liked this chapter, it defines a lot on this story...

I'll probably take a bit too long to update again, sorry.

Title: Lizzy Pattinson's song, Devil's Lullaby... I listened to it several times this week, and I just loved it!

Polyvore on my profile :)

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xoxo Luuh