This is to XXX who has left me two really long reviews in the last days: If you are still reading the story despite your disappointment: I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into your analysis and I would really like to discuss with you! But I can't, given that you left your reviews anonimously. I understand that many writers do not take kindly to negative feedback, but I assure you that I don't mind that at all, especially since your are really making an argument. Everybody is entitled to his/her opinion. So if you'd like me to respond, please leave a name!

ELENA

Thankfully, the two remaining days until the semester break passed without further disaster or bad news. I packed my things, preparing to move out of the boarding house once again and not knowing whether I would come back here after the holidays. By then, we would either have found a solution to the Katherine situation, or she would have killed or changed me instead. I preferred not to think about that too much. Still, I felt couldn't help but feel a little regretful at leaving.

I drove back to Mystic Falls with Bonnie and Stefan this time. It went without saying that Jenna's invitation for a family dinner included my oldest and dearest friend, and not only because we needed her witch powers to tie Jenna, Jeremy and Ric into the protective shield. After all, she had spent at least half of her childhood over at our house. And now that she was with Stefan, she felt even more like a sister to me.

Stefan was much more relaxed since Bonnie had learned that she was in fact fully capable of defending herself against a vampire. It was something she did with their brains – bursting smaller blood vessels and giving them an aneurism. It didn't really harm them, given that they healed quickly, but it still hurt like hell. She had first practiced this trick rather accidentally during an argument with Damon, who was really short on patience with regard to how the search of the grimoires was coming along. He had briefly lost his temper and tried to encourage her to work more quickly – unfortunately doing so in a way she had found threatening. All of a sudden, Damon had almost doubled over in pain, grabbing his head and groaning pitifully.

Bonnie's face had been almost expressionless, but her eyes had held a funny glaze. She had looked like she was in some kind of trance. "Bonnie, no! Stop it!" I had shouted in horror, finally managing to shake her out of it with sheer physical force. Bonnie had been quite pleased with herself, knowing that it worked, and feeling that Damon had deserved this. Needless to say, Damon had been pissed. But he also was much better at reining in his temper when she was near. If only Bonnie had known this little trick before we had been attacked on campus! Though she would probably be reluctant to inflict that kind of torture on Stefan, he still felt relieved to know that she could, should he ever lose control around her.

He was also more sure of himself now, and smiled a lot more then he used to. During dinner at our house, I caught him a few times flashing a quick and tender smile a Bonnie or briefly touching her hand when he thought nobody was looking. It was rather sweet, actually, and I was immensely happy for both of them. We all had come a long way in the last couple of months. Having all the people I considered family around me now filled me with warmth.

The two other people who had come to play an important part in our lives were missing tonight. Ric had excused himself, stating that he wasn't family, strictly speaking, and had asked Damon to go on a bar crawl with him. I strongly suspected that it was just an excuse – he was probably just afraid that things would get tearful and emotional. Which they did, admittedly, when we got to share our memories of the people we all had loved and lost. But it was still a great evening, and Stefan was immensely happy to have a family again.

If it hadn't been for the unresolved issue between me and Caroline, I would have been happy, too. According to Bonnie, Caroline had recovered in time for Mystic Falls's most important yearly event tomorrow night, so I'd finally be able to talk to her. And this time, I wouldn't take 'no' for an answer, even if it meant that I had Stefan or Damon corner her and hold her down for me.

Feeling purposeful and determined, I was almost looking forward to the Founders' Ball, despite the circumstances. Damon was going to be taking me there – not so much as my date, but more as my bodyguard. I didn't want to read anything into it – after all, it was the logical thing to do. Stefan was going with Bonnie, Caroline was accompanied by Matt, and Jeremy was still a year short of qualifying for attendance. Tradition demanded you to be eighteen and formally 'introduced to society' before you were allowed to participate in this particular communal event.

I knew that Damon still felt guilty for bringing this whole Katherine situation on me, and no amount of talking would convince him otherwise. This made it awfully hard to tell if his protectiveness resulted from guilt or from something else entirely. I kept reminding myself that he had only broken up with the love of his life two weeks ago, and I neither wanted to be a charity case nor his rebound girl. Despite the closeness that had definitely developed between us and despite his care and surprising gentleness towards me, I couldn't picture this going anywhere.

Damon's morals were highly questionable, he was infuriating most of the time, commanding and reckless. Totally unlike me and just the opposite of everything I had ever been looking for in a guy. Damon was – intense. He did everything he did with such a fierce passion... there was no halfway with him. Despite his control, he was like a force of nature. Nothing was safe that came into his path, he'd uproot anything like a tornado, suck it up, devour it completely. Not to mention the havoc he left in his wake. I had nothing to put against him. Giving in to him carried risks of being hurt, of having regrets and of losing my heart. But in my weak moments, I wondered if it wasn't too late to worry about that, anyway.

*'*'*'*'*'*

Damon arrived punctually at eight to pick me up for the party. Wearing a formal white shirt with a black tie and dress pants, he looked even more striking than usual. Downright intimidating. I felt flustered just by looking at him, as if I was fifteen again and on my first date. The only thing that saved me from getting all tongue-tied and nervous was the look he gave me when I opened the door.

I had put on a short cocktail dress of black lace that really pulled off that sexy, yet classy look, especially with the semi-up hairdo Jenna had helped me with. Doubtlessly, he liked what he saw, and his admiring glance helped to boost my self-confidence.

The Founders' Ball took place at the Mikealsons' property this year. It was always either there or at the Lockwood mansion, for theirs were the only houses big enough to host that many guests. The Mikealsons were also original settlers of Mystic Falls and had always been influential. Michael, the head of the family, had been mayor before he had lost his office to Richard Lockwood three years ago, and had been narrowly defeated by a Lockwood again when running against Carol the last elections. There was an ongoing competition between both families, carefully cloaked underneath niceties, politeness and a lot of false smiles.

Eager to trump last year's party in grandeur, the Mikealsons had spared neither trouble nor expense. The garden was beautifully lit with lampoons and torches, and a few pavilions with chairs and tables had been set up around a wooden platform that served as dance floor. A chain of soft light globes encircled it. A band was playing, and a few couples were already dancing to the rather classic tunes. Inside, a huge buffet took over the entire dining room and part of the official living room as well. It was lavishly decorated and illuminated by at least a hundred candles whose flames were caught and multiplied in mirrors, glasses, crystal flower vases and chandelier hangings.

I found Bonnie amid all of this splendor, wearing a slightly strained frown. I was just about to ask her what was wrong, when I noticed that a chandelier on the mantel had obviously been overlooked. With a concentrated gaze, Bonnie took care of that and the candles magically sprang to life.

"Show-off!" I teased, and gave her a playful shove. "Just practicing," she smiled and gave an apologetic shrug, before she leaned in and blew a kiss on my cheek in greeting.

"As long as you stick to the candles..." Damon said, greeting her with a little more reluctance. It was kind of funny to see how he was acting around her. Begrudgingly respectful and slightly wary, but trying his best to appear as if he wasn't in the least intimidated. But then, maybe he really wasn't.

Damon went to get us something to drink, and I waved at Ric and Jenna who were passing us on their way to the dance floor. "I can't see Caroline anywhere..." I said to Bonnie, impatient to talk to her and hopefully get this one big burden off my shoulders. "Have you seen her?"

"No, she's not here yet. Matt said they're running late."

This had me frowning. "Caroline is running late? To a party she helped organize?"

"I tried to call her earlier because I forgot something at her place. We had been dress shopping together and this one..." she gestured to the beautiful green silk she was wearing, "... actually came with a matching clutch. I forgot it at Caroline's and wanted to remind her to bring it. Anyway, her phone was off, so I tried Matt instead, asking him to pass on the message. He texted me back that he would, but also that they were running a little late."

Stefan grinned. "Well, that sounds like they had something important to do before coming here," he said. "With her phone off and him just texting briefly, I have a vague idea what that could be..." Bonnie shot him a not-so-serious scornful gaze. "You're talking about our friend here. A little more respect, please!"

"Oh, I'm absolutely respectful of that," Stefan replied, giving her a mischievous and meaningful smile that made her blush. "Totally understanding and approving, in fact!"

"Did I just hear Stefan crack a naughty joke?" Damon asked, handing me a glass of champagne.

"No," I said. "You just caught him flirting shamelessly with my best friend right in front of my eyes."

"Well, in that case, I suggest we give them some privacy. Would you like to dance with me, Elena?" Damon beckoned invitingly towards the dance floor.

Remembering the last time we danced, I wasn't sure if that was an entirely good idea. Close contact with Damon tended to make my mind go to mush. I cowardly tried to chicken out. "I'm not an accomplished dancer, remember?"

A corner of his mouth twitched up in that mildly amused, cocky half-smile I was so familiar with by now. He clearly had seen right through my scheme again."No need to worry," he said, full of male confidence, and took the glass away from me again. "I am, remember?"

DAMON

I had a pretty good idea about her concerns. Elena was as transparent in some areas as she was a mystery in others. Most likely, she feared that I would misbehave again – meaning in Elena's terms that I'd try to flirt with her or tease her with sexual innuendos. That always made her uncomfortable. But it also made her blush so nicely, which is why I loved doing it. Frankly, everybody behaved way too politically correct around her. As if she was more delicate than average people because of the losses she had suffered. But if anything, her past experiences had made her stronger.

In her heart, she was a fighter – she was just afraid to live. Someone had to push her, challenge her and tickle that courage and determination that she hid so well in her efforts to live up to everybody's expectations, especially to those of her dead parents. I didn't mind taking the job. I happened to be good at it. So I threw her a challenging gaze, daring her to take the coward's way out. Of course, she didn't. As always, she had to prove that she was up to this – up to me.

Smiling, I placed my hand on the small of her back and lead her to the dance floor. Taking her other hand in mine, we started moving to the classy tunes of the music. My eyes were taking her in, I couldn't help myself. She looked gorgeous tonight. The cap sleeve cocktail dress clung to her body like a second skin. It was almost entirely made out of black lace with a nude-illusion underlay, which gave nothing away but played havoc with my imagination. The unique cut left the lower part of her back entirely open, so that the hand I placed there to pull her closer met nothing but soft skin. It was a most innocent touch, and yet I felt instant heat rise everywhere in my body, as if I was an insecure adolescent who had never held a woman in his arms before. But I could tell by the rapid pace of Elena's heartbeat that she wasn't unaffected, either.

Still modestly, I allowed my fingers to wander and caress her tender skin, and was immensely pleased to feel it heat up beneath my fingertips. Her breathing quickened, too. If this was any indication for her sensitivity or the undeniable chemistry between us, I could only marvel in vivid fascination at how responsive she would be to bolder, more purposeful touches.

She briefly raised her eyes to meet mine, but whatever she found there made her avert her blushing gaze quickly again. Obviously distracted, she missed a step and stumbled. Intending to offer her some support on those dangerously high, but incredibly sexy heels, I pulled her to my chest. I wasn't sure if this really had a stabilizing effect on her, as I felt her shudder slightly and her steps became even a bit more unsteady.

Her head was now conveniently close to the hollow of my neck so I could bury my nose in her hair and take a deep breath. I regretted it almost instantly. Her scent made my head spin and my cold blood boil, and her extending blush intensified the tantalizing aromas rising from her skin. I struggled to keep my canines put as they instinctively answered to the involuntary call of her blood, and firmly told them – and other, equally eager body parts – to just relax.

Concentrating hard on anything but the lovely, blushing, incredibly inviting girl in my arms, I held my breath, willing my heart to calm down. It was good that we weren't expected to talk – because right now, I was afraid that if I opened my mouth I might growl. This was ridiculous! I had mastered perfect control over my body a long time ago, just how was it possible that her mere presence threatened to strip me of it?

At the moment, it took everything I had to keep my expression straight and my steps in harmony with the music. Yet I wouldn't have wanted to end this for anything in the world. Instead, I turned our hands inward, placing her hand on my collarbone and covering it with mine, intensifying the contact. She felt so incredibly good, her soft and pliant form almost melting into the hard contours of my own. Elena somehow made me feel strangely possessive and protective at the same time.

It was always easy to read the telltale signs of her body – not amazing, really, given that I could hear her heartbeat, feel her pulse, smell her blood and other physical evidence of her emotions, which I supposed would make her wince in embarrassment if she knew. But her mind was an ever growing enigma, her feelings hard to decipher as she raised her head again to meet my gaze. I knew for a fact that she felt attracted to me, aroused and wanting. But that didn't explain the hint of despair and fear in her eyes. What was she afraid of?

She looked ready to bolt, and I guessed her intention to step away from me by the slight twitch of her muscles. Oh no. Not a good idea right now...

"Don't!" I murmured into her ear, holding her tight and brushing my lower body slightly against hers to make my concerns clear. She gasped, staring into my eyes with surprise. Honestly – how could she have not noticed my reaction to her? I might be a vampire, but I was still male and fully functioning. Yet she acted as if she wasn't aware of the weapons she had at her disposal, apt to bring any man to his knees: Those slender limbs, soft curves and delicate skin; the beauty of her face, her silky hair, rosy cheeks and those red, inviting lips. At the moment, I wanted nothing more than to kiss her and taste her sweetness again.

"Please..." she whimpered, pleadingly, and though I would have loved to misunderstand her, I sincerely doubted that a kiss was what she was asking for. We had to end this, one way or another. Since kissing her – and doing all the things that would naturally follow – was out of question here and now, it sadly had to be the other.

"Let's see how we get out of here inconspicuously," I acquiesced in a hushed voice. "I think we are both in need of – more space." I moved us closer to the end of the dance floor until we could make for a short and safe escape towards the formal gardens.

Out of sight from all the people on the terrace, Elena immediately distanced herself from me, supporting herself on a stone railing instead and taking a deep breath. We stood wordlessly for a while, trying to calm down.

"Well, that was interesting," I finally said. I cautiously kept my distance, still fighting more that one urge.

"Are you okay?" Elena asked, obviously worried by the slight evidence of hunger probably showing on my face, although I knew that I hadn't gone full vampire.

"Well, I guess I'm safe," I replied jokingly, trying to lessen her concerns. She should know by now that I wouldn't force myself on her, especially knowing how she felt about the biting-business. But she couldn't deny the attraction, that pull between us, and she must know where it would invariably lead to, sooner or later. So what sense was there in fighting it at all?

ELENA

"Well, I guess that proves one thing..." Damon finally said with crooked smile. "You can deny it all you want, but you and me, it's gonna happen – because you definitely won't be able to resist me if I get serious!"

I stared breathlessly into his smoldering eyes that had a roguish glint to them. I hadn't even known up to now that he had plans that included him and me – apart from getting me out of this Katherine mess. When exactly had he added bedding and biting me to his to-do list? And did these plans include the possibility of a relationship, or was I just a diversion after his heart-shattering break-up? No matter what exactly his intentions with me were: If this hadn't been serious on his part, then there was no denying that what he claimed was true: I wouldn't be able to resist him even for a minute. I probably would happily embrace even death if he delivered it like this. Boy, was I in trouble!

I took a deep breath, trying to calm all those nerve endings that were still shooting electrical currents through my body. At least I knew now that it wasn't only me. Before I had looked into his eyes and seen his yearning and his hunger as clearly as if he had voiced it straight into my head, I had thought that he hadn't felt any of it: His steps had always been in perfect harmony with the music, his skin as pale and slightly cool to the touch as ever, and as far as I had been able to tell, his heartbeat had been even. But then he had briefly demonstrated just how affected he was... If my mind had fuses, they surely would have blown that moment.

It felt as if we had just had sex on the dance floor – and we hadn't even kissed! Not that I would have minded if he had tried... Lately, a very vocal and very primal part of my mind had started voicing demands that were truly disconcerting.

Needing a minute to myself, I excused myself from Damon and fled to the ladies' room. At least there, I'd be safe from his rattling presence for a moment and try to recover my senses.

After splashing my face with cold water, reapplying my make-up and finally regaining my composure, I started to look around for Caroline again. Though I still couldn't find her, I finally spotted Matt, talking to Tyler, and drew him aside.

"Matt – where is Caroline? I still haven't had a chance to talk to her and I'm getting desperate..."

Matt stared into my face as if I had just grown horns right in front of his eyes. "Seriously, Elena?" he asked in utter disbelief, before his expression turned wary. "Are you being a freak again?" Confused, I looked back at him. "No – why would you ask me that?"

"Because you passed by her house right before the party in order to talk to her. That's why she told me that she would be running a little late and asked me do drive ahead..."

I felt dread settle in my stomach like a clump of lead. It couldn't be. Not half an hour before my chance to warn her about Katherine. What kind of horrors did she have in store for me now? Was she going to hurt Caroline, like she had hurt Jenna?

My mobile vibrated and buzzed, signaling an incoming text message.

"Excuse me..." I said to Matt, grateful for the brief distraction that saved me from either screaming out loud or breaking into tears. I turned my back to him and threw a quick glance onto the screen. The message came from Caroline's phone, but I already feared that it might not be from her.

'If you still want to be a good friend to Caroline, go somewhere private and call me,' the message read. That's when fully fledged panic set in. I had seen this coming – driving me and Caroline apart had just been an intro to Katherine's game that I had no chance of winning.

"I'm sorry, Matt," I somehow managed to stutter, "I – I have to get this..."

"Elena..." Keeping my face averted from his to hide the fright and the despair in it, I just shook my head without looking back and made for a hasty escape.