Chapter 18

It is Wednesday, but I decide to stay home. I woke up with a migraine. I couldn't even stand to open my eyes. Paige called me off sick, so I didn't have to worry about school.

I stay in bed until there is an incessant pounding on the door. I groan. My head is better, but still off. I really wish they would go away.

When they didn't, I drag myself out of my bed, and stagger down the stairs.

"What?" I say aggressively, yanking open the door.

"Good afternoon," they say. I recognize him from the ball. It is Elijah's brother, Kol.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, taking a step back.

"Well, I had an idea, about kidnapping your sister, see? It would be brilliant. I would take her in the parking lot when she finished at the school. But, I can't go against my brother. And for some ungodly reason, he's chosen her as his new toy. So, I decided to do the next best thing. I would go after Damon's girl. We hate each other, I don't have to recognize his wishes," he grins evilly.

"No," I murmur. I back farther into the house.

"You can run, dearest, but it won't be for the best. You see, you can either come willingly now, or we can wait until your sister comes home," Kol smiles. I really hate that smile. "Then I can hold her hostage until you agree to come with me. Only harming her if you choose to disagree, of course."

I slowly allow that scenario to play out in my head. I can't put Paige into that position. I got her into this in the first place. Though I did warn her Elijah was bad news. Anyway, I couldn't allow him to get his hands on her.

So, after another second, I stepped cautiously outside.

"That's a good girl," Kol grinned. "Now, come with me." He swept me up in his arms and blindfolded me.

I felt him put me in a car and start to drive away.

"Why are you taking me?" I ask him.

"I told you, Damon and I don't get along. We hate each other. This is just the best way I can get to him. I've never seen him so close to a girl before. Not even with Rose," Kol says.

"Who is Rose?" I ask curiously.

"Jealous?" he laughs.

"No, it's in the past. There is no reason for me to be jealous," I shake my head. "Where are you taking me?"

"Oh, no, I can't tell you that. You'll manage to escape. Hence why you are blind folded," Kol says.

"Even if I were to know where we are going, I wouldn't be able to escape you. You're stronger and faster than me," I tell him honestly.

"Probably, but I won't be taking any chances," he says.

"Fine," I grumble. I still feel a pounding in my head, so I close my eyes and go to sleep.

"Wake up, we're here," Kol shakes me about an hour or so later.

I am about to ask what was going on, but I was interrupted by the memories flashing behind my eyes.

"Are you getting out of the car anytime soon?" Kol asks.

"I can't see," I snarl.

"Right, my bad," he laughs maniacally.

I roll my eyes. Is this guy nuts or what?

He picked me up and carried me up some stairs; I am assuming they led to a house. Then I felt us going down. Was he taking me to a dungeon? This can't get anymore stereotypical.

"I'll be keeping you here until I can figure out what I want as ransom," Kol says. "I'll be back later."

He took off the blindfold and left.

I took in my surroundings. I am in a basement of sorts. The walls were stone and the floor was partially dirt. It was disgusting. What if I had to go to the bathroom? Am I even going to be fed?

I sighed and sat down on the floor. It's not like there was much else I could do. I will probably die of boredom before starvation, I think to myself.

DAMON'S POV

I am sitting around the house doing nothing.

I can't see Kalinda, because she is in school. Stefan is in school, pining after Elena, Alaric is teaching, and that is about the extent of my friends.

I got up to pour myself some Bourbon. Then I went back to sitting on the couch. I am passed out on the couch before long.

I wake up, and it's already nearing 6 o'clock. I groan. Hey, I can go see Kalinda now.

I drive to her house and practically run up to the door. I knock impatiently.

Paige opens the door, "Hey, isn't Kalinda with you? She could have let you in."

"I was coming here to see Kalinda. I fell asleep while I was waiting for her to finish with school," I say confused.

"She didn't go to school. She stayed home with a migraine," Paige says.

"Oh, well where is she then?" I ask.

"I don't know. She didn't leave a note or call me or anything. I assumed she was with you," Paige shrugs.

"Did you call her cell?" I question.

"I will now," she says. "As I said, before I thought she was safe with you."

"Glad to know you trust me," I smirk.

She shot me a look, "Don't push your luck."

I hold my hands up in surrender.

"There is no answer," Paige says as Kalinda's phone goes to voicemail.

"Where could she be?" I ask quietly. "Your boyfriend!"

"No! He promised he wouldn't hurt Kalinda or me. He wouldn't," Paige says frantically.

"He's a vampire, Paige. We aren't known for keeping our promises," I roll my eyes at her. How naïve.

"Oh, and you are this way? So why should I trust you?" Paige asks.

"I care about Kalinda. A lot," I say quietly. "I want her to be safe."

There is a knock on the door.

Paige hurries over to the door. Although, if it were Kalinda, she wouldn't have to knock.

It is Kol.

"Looking for someone?" he smirks.

"You ass! What have you done with her?" I demand, flitting over to where he was standing in the doorway.

"Don't worry, she's unharmed and safe. Probably just uncomfortable," Kol shrugs.

"What do you want?" I narrow my eyes.

"You see, I haven't decided that yet. But, don't worry, when I do, you'll be the first to know," he laughs.

"Kol!" I shout after his retreating back.

He simply laughs into the night.

I turn to Paige, just as she collapses.

I pick her up and carry her deeper into the house, closing the front door.

After I lay her on the couch and cover her with a blanket, I pick up my cell phone.

"Elijah, we need to talk."