Disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries. This is a work of fiction written for entertainment purposes.
20
The newcomer.
Going back home felt surreal, it made those endless agonizing hours seem like a faraway experience belonging to another lifetime. They hadn't left the apothecary until Elena could stand without holding onto someone, until she stopped seeing stars after every blink and her insides didn't felt like leaving her stomach.
The aftermath of the ritual was still very much present in them, Alex couldn't pretend she hadn't experienced the five stages of grief while she waited by Elena's side all night. All she wanted to do now was go home and rest.
She couldn't even phantom what Elena was going through. Any attempt to talk about it where met with avoidance, wanting to leave it in the past, where it belonged, Elena expertly dodged their questions and disregarded their concern, she was fine, or so she told them.
Alex fidgeted in her spot, her bum still sore from being in the same position all night. While Jeremy had been restless, walking around the room, she had been an statue, only speaking when spoken to, eyes glued to her sister, expectant of any sight of life.
Now that she could think clearly, Alex could see that she hadn't handle this as graciously as she could've of. She had been blinded by her own emotions, even though she knew that it was impossible for the elixir not to work, and as a result she hadn't been there for Jeremy as she should have.
Her fears were rational, weren't they? She was only human and she knew her plans wouldn't always be fool proof. So it was normal for fear to overtake her sometimes.
Something she needed to get under control if she was to work under Klaus.
Keeping her cool had been easy when it came to seeing Peter meet his demise, she felt nothing but the whole spectrum of negatives emotions to his person, seeing him like that had been therapeutic in a way, though that relief was much too brief as it was gone as soon as it came. Alex felt empty and she hated it. At least when he was alive she could find comfort in imagining he was suffering as much as they were, but now he was gone forever, resting from a miserable existence. She hated Klaus for putting her and her siblings in this position, though she was sure neither of them shared her extreme views, so she kept them to herself and buried they were.
Uncle John was gone by the time they made it home, citing a "work emergency" that required his immediate presence, he had left the Gilbert household without a confrontation or much of a goodbye. She was relieved he was sensible enough not to mention anything to their mom or Aunt Jenna. Though Alex knew it was only a matter of time for it to happen, probably until the baby was born and Miranda was out of danger.
John would never let this slide and from now on, she'll be living on borrowed time, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Just thinking about it made her sick, picturing her mom's disappointed face as she screamed at her was too much to handle right now when her heart was still mending itself from almost losing Elena.
Alex drew a shaky breath, as they each offered a queasy Elena a helping hand until they reached the second floor and she slipped away from their touch. This seemed to be their routine as of late.
"I'm going to try to get some sleep." Elena said, opening the door and stepping into her room.
"Let us know if you need anything." Alex said in return, but her sister just hummed in response, back still turned to them, she closed the door, dismissing them.
"You should do the same," Jeremy spoke, eyeing her pale face, "We can talk later." he added, sounding unsure as he stared at Elena's closed door, a clear barrier between them.
She agreed with a nod and headed to her room.
Elena stood still on the other side as she heard them walk away, debating whether she should just get in bed with her dirty clothes or take a shower first. She ran a hand down her neck, still feeling the warm blood trailing down, his hot breath against her neck before he sunk his fangs onto her.
It hadn't been a quick death, at least not fast enough. She had been conscious even after the blood had been drained out of her body, her heart fighting to pump out more of the precious liquid to refill her dried veins. She had lied there, an empty carcass eagerly waiting for death to come, feeling helpless as her blurred gaze faded into darkness.
She shut her eyes closed, squeezing them hard and opening them at once, her decision taken. With difficulty, she unbuttoned her pants, kicking them away before she lifted her sweater, noticing the rusty smell of dried blood as the fabric passed by her nose.
She balled the top and threw it in the trashcan, she didn't want to keep a constant reminder of last night. Maybe she'll burn them instead of just throwing them away.
Though she was doubtful she'll be forgetting it any time soon even without the sweater.
'Gosh, what have we done?'
Elena wondered as she scrubbed off her body, the faint smell of strawberry making her sick. The haunting face of Peter Tennyson will be with her forever.
She halted her movements, making up her mind, 'He didn't need to get involved in this mess,' she concluded, diplomatically. Saying he didn't deserved an awful ending was a lie, the damage he had done to her family was unforgivable but that didn't meant she wanted him to die like that.
'Alex on the other hand,' she was a different story, it was the first time she saw her sister make that face, it was off putting.
Steam filled the small bathroom as she stood still under the shower, waiting for the water to run clear before scrubbing her body for a second time and then a third time until she ran out of hot water and the sudden change in temperature brought her back to reality.
Her memory was still fuzzy, but the warnings she had received while on the other side had started to make more sense as her consciousness returned to her, filling her with sorrow for what was about to come.
(...)
A new arrival in town was quite the event in a small town like Mystic Falls and by the end of the week everyone was aware of the mysterious newcomer. No one had seen his face yet but rumor has it that he was filthy rich, having bought the second biggest home after the Lockwood's manor, a rich older gentleman with an interests for antiques and art that choose their quaint little town as his new home for their vast history, or so they say. No one had connected this stranger's arrival with the sudden spike in animals attacks in the woods and they wouldn't as long as Klaus was careful enough with cleaning his mess.
Alex could only roll her eyes at their speculations, they were only right about two things, he was rich and he was old, just not in the way they imagined it. The gossiping was worse at school, where teens girls felt no shame in openly discussing their theories and dragging other people on it. Bets had been made, lots of money had been put down on the fact that Klaus was an ugly man, akin to Santa Claus with the big belly and the cotton white beard.
Their logic being that no young man could ever afford such a mansion unless they were famous, and they would certainly know if someone famous had decided to move here, one of them had proudly announced turning her laptop to show them the latest celebrity gossip.
'Whatever, easy money is easy money,'
She stepped into the circle, waving a wad of cash, "I bet two month's of my salary that he's hot." she declared the last part in a sing-song voice, earning a few surprised scoff and looks.
"Going against the stream, Alex?" The girl writing down the bets asked amused, taking the cash and writing down Alex's name and the amount she received, "Anyone else wants to lose their money stupidly like Gilbert here?" She said and when no one answered she turned to Alex, "Are you sure? I can still change it back."
"I am."
The girl grinned, "Okay. Don't come crying when you lose."
Alex smiled just as someone grabbed a fistful of her jacket, yanking her back out of the crowd.
"Using your knowledge for evil?" Caroline asked, amused tucking a bulky binder under her arm.
"It's their fault for assuming," she shrugged before lowering her voice, eyeing the binder, "Are you free right now? I could use some advice."
Caroline frowned, still holding her jacket she guided her friend outside, to the benches near the parking lot as they were famous for being desolated at this time.
Being honest with Caroline had been one of the best decision she'd taken so far, being able to talk openly about what was troubling her did wonders to her mental health by easing the weight she carried from her self assigned mission. Finding the perfect moment to talk had been difficult since Caroline had been busy with leading the school committee for the upcoming dance as well as training the cheer team and Alex had been, well, getting her sister sacrificed.
"I did something horrible, Care. I've should've done something else. I don't know, fought my "dark side" instead of giving in so easily."
Caroline set aside her things before patting her lap, motioning her friend to rest her head on her, "Fighting your dark urges? Who are you, batman?" Caroline said jokingly.
Alex shot up from her spot on her lap, scrunching her face, "Caroline, I'm serious," she lowered her voice, in case anyone was eaves dropping, "I crushed sleeping pills on my uncle's drink because he got in my way. What if I had killed him with an overdose?"
Two pills could hardly cause an overdose but, she was terrified of the lengths she was willing to go just to get what she wanted. Some would call her driven, to her, she was one step closer into spiralling into doom. She was still processing her thoughts, how on earth had 'We should make a run for it,' transformed into 'I need to take care of him or we wouldn't be able to leave,' and that turned into, 'Mom keeps her sleeping pills in the cabinet. I could use them,' and that last thought had escalated into the insanity she'd committed.
"But you didn't," she oh-so-wisely answered, trying to reassure her, "He's fine and dandy. Nothing to worry about. Besides you told me yourself he didn't snitch to your mom, so why are you worried about? It's not like you're going to make an habit out of it."
"I worry about myself, Care. I'm not supposed to do things like that, it's wrong."
"You are conflicted." Caroline guessed correctly, "You can questions your methods but not your results," She nudged her side and Alex scoffed, "But I do think there's nothing to worry about. It was your uncle John, he'd inspire violent thoughts on a nun just by breathing."
"He's not my favourite," she admitted heavily, "But I suppose you're right. I'll blame it on my desperation to leave the house, it clouded my judgement." Alex concluded.
"Exactly," Caroline agreed, "But if you do become the joker I'll put a stop to it." She promised, nudging her side again.
"And I'll thank you for it. Unless you want to join, you can be Harley. You got the blonde hair and all."
"I think I know what our costumes can be for the Halloween party," Caroline lit up excitedly.
"Don't you dare," Alex grunted, "I'll never speak to you ever again."
"All right, fine. I'll find something else. But for your information I've would looked gorgeous as Harley."
"I'm sure you would've of, Care. But I don't think I can pull off green hair and red lipstick together." Alex said smirking.
Caroline opened her mouth to respond when confusion overtook her face. Alex copied her expression, following the blonde's stare.
"It's everything okay between Elena and Bonnie?" Her friend questioned watching them in the distance.
Alex frown deepened as she watched the pair walk tensely, "As far as I now, they haven't fought or anything lately. Why?"
"Hm, just asking. I can't understand much of what they're saying but Bonnie's upset judging by her tone."
"Are you eavesdropping? C'mon Care, give the girls some privacy."
"I'm not eavesdropping! It's just hard to ignore what people say at times. Specially when I know them." She defended herself, "Besides it's not like it matters. I don't even know why are they fighting about."
"I might have an idea." Alex sighed as she got up.
Caroline paled, "You think she knows? About the whole ritual thing?"
"Well, I didn't exactly forbid Elena from not telling her. Bonnie is her best friend, it's only normal to want a friend's comfort after going through something like that. Can't blame her from talking." She shrugged as she watched them go.
-
When he got tired of running in the woods attacking people and howling at the moon, Klaus summoned her.
An address had been given by text message, the street name oddly familiar but it wasn't until she neared her destination that she found out why. It was located in the most lavish area in Mystic Falls. Each house separated by a huge extensions of land that could easily fit at least ten more of those mansions. The only reason why she was familiar with the area was because every year since Jeremy was born, on the first week of December their father would take the whole family around town to watch the Christmas lights, this street being the last stop of their tour, 'Saving the best for last,' their father used to say.
Feeling nostalgic, Alex slowed down the car as her stop came to view, deciding to park by the street instead of the driveway as it was currently being occupied by three other cars and a white moving truck.
Alex grabbed her laptop bag before stepping out, no hurry in her step as she walked over the entrance, taking her time to admire the grandeur of Klaus' newest acquisition. It was hard to tell if it was the same house from the show just by looking, her memory now foggy of such details but she could tell it was just as extravagant, a clear show off of power and wealth, worthy of a thousand year old vampire and his family.
The front yard needed some work though, maybe some flowers beds and a bushes here and there could do wonders to elevate this place even more.
Distracted by her musings, she made it to the front door. It was wide open, with movers coming in and out like ants, carrying the old furniture into their truck.
She moved out of their way, unsure if she should just get in and wander around until she came across Klaus or-
"You're going to stay there all day?" Maddox questioned, appearing by the door, smirking, "He's is waiting for you in the living room." he informed her, walking away towards one of the many cars parked in the driveway.
Alex watched him go, returning the goodbye wave he gave her as he drove off. She stood there until her brain reminded her that Klaus was most likely already aware of her arrival and was waiting for her and not wanting to make her tardiness an habit, she got moving.
She was far more nervous now than she was when they first met. Things had changed, he was far more powerful now and she had lost some of her leverage against him. She felt vulnerable stepping into the huge house, following the voices until she came across said man accompanied by a smartly dressed woman, her turquoise suit being the only lively color in a room full of beige and gold.
"There you are, dear." Klaus acknowledge her presence with a wide grin.
He was practically glowing, eyes sparkling with mischief and malice, lips curled in a permanent smirk that denoted his delight. A very appropriate reaction after cementing his position as the most powerful supernatural entity to ever exist.
"Hello," she stayed where she was, raising one hand in greeting.
"Don't just stand there, come here, love." he said and she obeyed as he turned to the woman, "This is Mrs. White, she'll be in charge of decorating my new home."
The woman smiled at her with a row of pearly white teeth as she took Alex's hand and shook it vigorously, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Samantha White, home decorator since 1999." she introduced herself.
"Alexandra Gilbert, the pleasure it's mine." she answered almost shyly, unsure of where this was headed. Lost, she looked at Klaus for an answer.
"We where just talking about what color to paint the living room. But we could use another opinion." he said and at that the woman got into motion, opening a binder full of paint swatches and showed it to her.
"We where torn between bull cream and hulky white." the woman pointed said colors, each looking awfully similar to the other and just as depressing but she decided to humor Klaus' request.
"It depends on the vibe you're going for. Warmer tones tend to feel more homey than cooler ones." she said honestly, waiting for Klaus to nod at her to keep going, "Golden apricot is kind of cute. It would look good with the type of furniture you'd like."
"What type of furniture I would like?" Klaus asked, that annoying curl of his lips still present. Ah, he was feeling silly today. He must be in a really good mood then.
"You know what I mean."
"If you could elaborate on that," Samantha requested, taking out a tablet to start taking notes, taking her words seriously.
'Why are they asking me these?! All I know about decorating is what I watched on T.V isn't she the professional here?'
"Go on, love. I want to hear your opinion."
'Since when?!' she wanted to ask but instead, she answered.
"Antique but not too obvious." she purposely said looking at his smirking face, "A blend of modern and vintage, none outshines the other. Nothing cheap, plastic, imitation or flashy designs." she emphasized the last sentence, numbering them with her fingers, "Basically something that's says my family's has been around for long and so has our furniture but we know what wi-fi is."
His smirk only widened.
"I think I get what you mean," Samantha spoke finishing her notes, locking the screen, "I'll get to work today and we can meet tomorrow to discuss ideas, If that okay with you Mr. Maikelson?"
"That would be splendid, Mrs. White. I'll see you tomorrow then."
Taking that as her dismissal the woman nodded at them, smiling brightly, she left, leaving them alone.
"I'm sure you could've of answer that."
"Yes, but aren't you the one that claims to know me inside out? I just wanted to make sure you hadn't lost your touch after the ritual." he said, suddenly opening his arms, motioning the room, eyes sparkling, "What do you think?"
Alex sighed, already tired of this, "There's potential in it. Especially on the garden, it could use a little fixer upper though." she shook her head, "But you didn't call me here to discuss house decorating and there's something we need to talk about. Privately." she remarked when one of the movers walked by.
His face remained the same, unaffected by what she'd say, "Follow me," he guided her to a room near the entrance, "Forgive the mess but moving is quite a hassle." He guided inside what she assumed would be his private office. It was spacious with tall windows facing the back yard, walls bare of decoration and a single very old looking desk that Klaus leaned on, facing her.
Alex closed the door behind her with a soft click, keeping a safe distance from him, not that it would make a difference considering his speed but it still made her feel better, "Where's Elijah?" she asked, suddenly reminded of his absence.
"I have no idea, he could be anywhere as far as I know." He eluded her silent accusation.
With no proof to call out his bluff, she let it go, noticing a white envelope laying on his desk, the same envelope that Aunt Jenna had read them this morning during breakfast.
Following her gaze, Klaus picked it up, "The mayor's wife came this morning to drop it off. I believe it's a party to properly welcome me to Mystic Falls. How kind of her. Don't you agree?"
Alex frowned, something dawned on her, "It's a trap."
I'm back in my vampire diaries era. So buckle up because I have ideas.
So, how do we feel about vampire Bonnie?
P.s if you sent me a pm and I didn't answer I'm sorry, I stopped checking them after being constantly spammed with weird request from bots.