Caroline's POV

I did it. I faced my fears and I was here. My heart had been pounding since we neared the elevator already knowing where we were headed. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes as the doors opened. It had been one of the hardest things I had to do, walk into that elevator. The light blue hospital scrubs that they had given me to wear swished between my legs as I stepped forward.

A hand touched mine and I jumped in surprise. My mind had taken me back to that night with Tyler and I saw myself walking to the dark and quiet morgue to say that final goodbye.

I had been right by his side as he took his last breath but after watching his eyes close and laying by his body for more than an hour Ric turned me away from him and I saw the nurses wheel him away.

I thought I was ready, that I could let go but through my tears I begged Ric to get the doctors to let me see him once more. He had agreed and even let me go myself much to his dismay. I knew he was only protecting me but I needed to do this alone.

His pale face took my breath away as I took in his still figure on the metal table. I had laid my head by his and cried more as aching sobs forced their way from my throat. I had cried so much already but there were more tears left as I processed that I would never be with him again. He was gone.

I looked down and saw Nic's soft smile as I felt his fingers tangle with mine. He knew. I could see on his face that he knew this was hard for me and this wasn't even my loved one we were going to see.

Elijah pushed his brother in the wheel chair into the elevator and I let myself be led in with him.

The doctor had told Nic that because he was having no sensations in his legs since the surgery there was a good chance he might never walk again.

They had tried twice in the last few hours to get any kind of reaction from him and it had both times ended in him screaming at the doctor and nurses to leave his room and he cursed and hissed out that he couldn't live like this. That he had already lost his brother and now his legs too? I had not known how to comfort him as he lashed out. He had saved so many lives as an agent he had said and then too on the island and he needed his damn legs!

I sucked in a breath now as we neared the basement. Wincing at each bump as the elevator made its way down made my heart beat faster. I squeezed his hand trying to reign in my fear. His hand in mine was so gentle, his thumb rubbing my palm.

We rode in silence down the few floors and when the door was open I was met with a blast of air from the hallway and I almost curled back from the darkness around us. We were underground and I felt my whole body shiver.

Still no words were spoken and all I did was nod that I was okay before they slowly led me further till we were in front of two large doors. There was a window like viewing area and I could already see the body on the stretcher, his head covered by the sheet on top of him.

For the briefest of painful moments I saw Tyler there again. My eyes were glued to the body as if I was right back with my precious husband that night. If it wasn't for Nic squeezing my hand I did not know how long I would have been staring at one of the worst moments of my life.

Elijah looked at both of us, his hand on the sheet, slowly uncovering their brother's head. I heard a soft sob beside me and I turned my head, my mind pulled back to the present as I saw Nic bow his head, and he chewed on his bottom lip. His nerves looked as shot as mine. We were here together and I squeezed his hand still twined with my own.

His face was clouded over in despair, his chin quivering, but there were no tears. At least not yet. He looked like he had aged 10 years in the last few moments, the realization of his brother dead looked to be hitting him hard. Nic had told me they had always been close and he had become Kol's protector often as he grew up and he had never stopped living the role for him.

Smiling down at him sadly, I wanted to say something to comfort him as he let out another silent sob. I leaned in, bending to be level with the tortured gaze his blue eyes had locked on me. Nic pulled my hand to his cheek and I stroked his face ever so softly.

I opened my mouth, my mind was still blank as I searched for what I wanted to say. The silence around us was deafening as his hollow, empty eyes did not move from mine. "Nic," I pierced the silence finally and saw Elijah looking down on me as I knelt by his brother.

"Kol loved you. I saw him smile weakly at that and I tunneled my fingers in his tousled blonde locks. "Before he was taken away we had a few moments alone." I watched his eyes widen at my revelation. "He told me to trust you Nic. That you had never let him down." I saw his chin start to quiver and he blinked back tears.

His hand found mine as I tucked a lock of hair behind his ear and he squeezed my hand in his. He started shaking his head as a tear slipped down his cheek. I smiled back at him hurting for his pain. "Kol told me you wouldn't believe that but he said it was true. He said he didn't blame you for that month in prison and he was so sorry he dragged you into his mess."

My hand kept tangling in his hair as Nic looked to be holding himself together the best he could from fully breaking down in that room. He looked from my eyes back to Kol's pale face and reached out to hold his hand.

"Just before we got separated he told me he needed you to know he was proud of you Nic. He said he was sorry he wasn't stronger but that you had always been his strength. His last words were 'Klaus is so much stronger than he thinks he is and that I never would have gotten this far without him...'

At that moment I felt Nic grab fast to my arm, his eyes wide. I followed his shocked stare to see him wiggling his toes!

Oh my God! I broke into a laugh and watched the glee on his face amidst the tears. I dove in and hugged him tight, squealing in happiness. He was going to walk again! Kol was right, he was much stronger than he knew.

I pulled back as I saw the grief mixed with joy fully materialize on his face. His eyes were red, his lashes wet as he opened his mouth slowly.

I didn't think and just leaned in fast and captured his lips. I felt them warm and soft against mine and I heard him inhale sharply before I pulled back as fast as I had leaned in.

My eyes fell from his not sure how to feel but at the same time not regretting my choice to kiss him. I had no idea if I was ready for anything with anyone but somehow in that moment I just felt the need to kiss him.

"Thank you Caroline," he breathed out and I felt my heart racing. "I feel like I'm dreaming. I can feel my toes. There is hope and you...you..." I knew he was going to say I kissed him. I saw Elijah watching us silently but with a smile of his face too.

Nic's eyes squinted as he looked back at me, the shock still on his face that this was actually happening. "Thank you for being there for Kol. For trying to save him." He looked down at his sock feet and wiggled them again. His smile was so bright as he looked back at me. "And for being here with me through all of this. I owe you so much."

He was smiling through his tears but didn't bring up the kiss again. At least now. Was I crazy for kissing him now, in the morgue beside his brothers body...probably. I was just so happy that he could feel his legs. I was in awe that I had actually made a good memory where such a horrible one had been most prominent.

Elijah nodded to us, his own smile widening too as I saw his amazement at his brother's good news, his gaze met mine too and he echoed Nic's feelings, his face showing happiness and sorrow in equal measure.

Together made our way back to the elevator, came up from the darkness of that horrible room into the bright light of the surgical ward. Together we left that elevator with a little more hope.

I saw Jenna and Ric in the hallway by his room and Klaus nodded to me and smiled as I untangled my hand from his, kissing my hand. The feel of his lips on my skin made my heart skip a beat and instantly reply the kiss in my head. He was getting to me already. I let out a shaky breath as our eyes locked before I moved forward to hug my family.

I saw from the corner of my eye Elijah, kneel down and hug his brother. They held each other for a long time before breaking apart, sniffling, smiling and crying before making their way back to Klaus' room.

He was going to walk again. He had been given a gift, right in the depths of his sorrow and I was so happy for him.

Damon's POV

"Agent Salvatore?"

"Hmm? What?" I mumbled, half asleep. I pulled my eyes open in the near dark room as I heard my name. Grunting and scraped my hand over my face and pulled my hair back from my eyes. Damn that haircut could not come soon enough. Elena was back in my arms and I felt her moving around now too as a groan came from her lips.

"Damon? You need to wake up. Someone needs to talk to you."

I slammed my eyes back shut as a light was flicked on, bathing the room in a brighter glow. Squinting, I saw Elijah standing beside me and pulled myself up to sitting more as I saw Elena yawning and opening her eyes. The sweet nurse had gotten her orderly to lift Elena back in my bed a while ago already after letting us sleep a few hours apart. But she didn't even wake up till now and I was so glad I could hold her again.

Then the distinct sound of a baby's cry filled the room and I looked around, feeling wide awake in seconds.

"Enzo?" That was my first thought at that sound. I had been waiting all day for my bestie and I had heard nothing. By nightfall I was really starting to wonder what was taking him so long to even check in on us and give Elena and I an update. I hoped nothing had gone wrong.

Elijah was smiling tiredly as another cry echoed and I saw it coming from his phone. He smiled at me. "Just a little assistance from MI 6 for all your best friend's bravery on the island Damon. Take a look."

Elena was sitting up by now too and looking equally confused as I reached out and took the phone from Elijah's hand. "I told you we could make things happen that might be against the rules, just like letting you two share a bed here that is very much against hospital policy. We owe you and Enzo and Klaus so much, Elena too and Caroline I understood were so brave in face of so much danger."

I barely heard him as he spoke as another little cry was heard. I looked down at the phone and could not believe my eyes! There was Enzo, wearing soft green hospital scrubs and holding…oh my God! He was holding...

"Enz?" My voice was shaking. "You're, you're holding...your son?"

I saw him nod, his grin a mile wide on the Face-time video. Elena had gasped out at my side and had moved closer, her head against my arm to see the tiny screen more. I held it out to her as we both looked at each other in utter disbelief.

"It is, Damon. I'm holding my son." I heard his voice shaking at that and I turned the volume up more. "We would like Uncle Damon and Auntie Elena to meet Bennett Damon St. John."

Oh my...I was in shock. At first hearing mine and Elena's names as Uncle and Auntie but then my mouth fell open and I broke into the widest grin. "Bennett Damon...You named your son after me Enz?" I could not have felt more proud and felt tears at my lashes. Elena had let out a soft squeal and rubbed my arm, smiling so beautifully at me too.

"Of course Damon. I would not be alive and back in my wife's arms, holding our son if you hadn't saved my life buddy. You and Klaus obviously, but yes I wanted to name him after you and Bon thought it was perfect."

"Well you saved mine too Enzo. So should I, we name our baby after you too?" Our baby. I loved the sound of that. Elena laid her head on my shoulder and I heard her sigh.

I saw my bestie raise his eyebrows and laugh as I still could not get over seeing that tiny baby in his arms. "Well you could..." he teased me.

"Bennett Damon," I repeated. "I love it Enz. I am so fucking honored." I didn't miss that they named him after his moms maiden name too. That was really cute. Little baby Ben. I loved him already.

I swung my head back around to Elijah who was smiling at us and nodding.

"How Enz? How the hell are you all the way back in the States? You were here with us this morning or this afternoon...I don't remember."

"Well D, that is all thanks to our friend Elijah, MI 6 and an F22 Raptor jet."

My mouth might as well have hit the floor in my shock. "You what? They let you ride in a Raptor?" My buddy nodded and lifted the baby up to pat its back. I loved seeing him like that, so soft and gentle and he could not stop smiling.

"They did Damon! When I left you guys today when Bon's mom said her water broke, I met Elijah in the hall and he thanked me and I explained I was headed to the conference room to watch my sons birth."

Enzo laughed rocking the baby more as I heard the cries die down and I saw Elijah grinning. "He patted me on the back. Thanked me for everything I did and offered me a ride home with a pilot already headed that way that had room for a passenger. He said he was so sorry no one had offered sooner, but he had been way too busy dealing with his own family and of course the hurricane delayed things too."

I exhaled deeply. Oh wow. "I am so jealous St. John! I can't believe they let you fly in a fucking Raptor! How fast did you get there? What speed did it go up to?" Elena was grinning beside me and no doubt listening to me like I was a little boy playing toys with my best friend.

"Oh only about 1100 km/hr and it took about 6 hours give or take. I got to watch them refuel in mid air in the middle of the ocean D! It was incredible! The hurricane had died down enough by then and Elijah said he wanted to do this for me."

"Oh my God buddy! I am so happy for you!" I was. Elena I saw was teary eyed too as she was smiling and nodding to our conversation. "Did you make it in time?" I'm sure by now it didn't matter. He was there with her but I just had to know.

He laid the baby down and looked like he re wrapped him, before curling him in close to his chest and rocking back and forth.

"Oh Damon, just barely. Bon was screaming in so much pain as I guess the pain meds had worn off after such a long labor. Her pain didn't even trigger anything for me like I thought it would. I was okay, just like you said D and I got there in time as she had just collapsed and cried out that she couldn't do it without me."

I heard his voice tremble and I knew he must be so emotional about everything. I watched Elijah wink at me and slip out of the room, giving us privacy.

"I ran in the room, throwing on the scrubs and washing my hands and her arms opened to me and Damon it was the best feeling in the world to make it for my sons birth." I saw him bend his head to kiss the little bundle in his arms.

"I could help Bonnie through the last few contractions, hold her, see the head, and even cut the cord and be the first one to hold him! I let her squeeze my hand so fucking tightly during those final pushes that I will probably never regain feeling in my fingers."

"You will so, you big baby. You think that was pain honey?" I heard Enzo already start to apologize but she was not having it.

I laughed hearing his wife's voice. "Bonnie, I'm so happy for you guys! Enzo fought so much to get back to you!"

I saw the camera shift and saw her face and her exhausted smile. "Thank you Damon. Thank you for taking care of him for me."

I sniffled and felt a knot in my throat. She had no idea how close she came to losing him. "Anytime Bon."

Elena had been quiet listening to us banter and now she leaned in. "Your baby is beautiful Bonnie. I'm so happy Enzo's there with you. He had been such a rock for me through all this too."

The new mom smiled wide. "I'm so glad. He is amazing," and I saw her blow him a kiss with a giggle before I saw a frown on her face. "No babe, lift him up more or he will throw up again!" She then looked back to the phone as I heard more scrambling like she was helping Enzo lift his son back up more. "I can't wait to meet you Elena. Enzo has been telling me all about you and how you guys are engaged and fell in love through that nightmare."

Elena was radiant as she talked about me and I nuzzled closer, curling my head on her shoulder. "We did, as crazy as that sounds. I love him more than anything. I'm so excited to meet you too!"

They turned the camera back as I focused my gaze to my Beauty. I loved the idea of us all getting together as couples, giving Elena that family she longed for so much. We both turned back to the phone enraptured, watching their little family. My buddy looked so mature all of a sudden, cradling the little bundle wrapped in a blue blanket up on his shoulder, like a boss.

"Bon zoom in a little more so they can see him. I think he has my nose," he said, lifting little Ben off him to show him off to us. "He has his mommy's lips I think and both of our dark hair. And he's already got his moms lungs Damon. Man can he cry when he's hungry." I was sure Bonnie was making a face at him for that. Their banter after years married were life goals for me and Elena.

My girl oohed and was beaming as we took in the little angel in his arms. He had a full head of dark hair and was squirming, his little legs kicking the blanket off him as Enzo rocked him and held him out for the camera to see closer.

Suddenly his little face scrunched up and that wail Enzo was describing...oh man. He did have a set of lungs. I saw my buddy stand up and turn baby Ben over and start to pass him to Bonnie.

"I can't feed him Bon" I heard my buddy whine. "Let me pass him over." I was already laughing listening to them. "He's hailing you! I've got crap nipples hon, you know that!" Enzo called out. She was arguing that she needed to turn the camera off first and he needed to wait. And baby Ben did not sound like the waiting kind.

Enzo took the camera from her. "Okay, we will see you guys soon. Let us know when you are home okay and we will come visit." I nodded and smiled back at him. "Bon you were sitting on the blanket before. No, I don't know where it went." And Ben was wailing that I couldn't hear her very likely snarky reply.

"Damon we gotta go. No Bon don't worry about the blanket. No one will care if you don't cover up while you nurse him! When I got here you were practically naked! You are fine like that." More wailing. "He's not latching? Well try what the nurse said… tickle his bottom lip with your..."

"Okay You guys sound really busy!" I interrupted. "Have funny Daddy," I grinned at my bestie. This was all new for him but he looked like they were working as a great team already. "Take care of little D." I already had a nickname for my namesake.

I was trying so hard not to laugh and Elena had buried her head behind my shoulder and I could hear her stifling her own giggles. I heard a mumbled goodbye and then the room was plunged into silence.

I looked back at my girl and we both burst out full on laughing. They were so hilarious as first time parents. I could only imagine how crazy things could get. They had such a unique marriage of near volatile banter sometimes and they were both so damn stubborn, so this new stage for them would be quite the adjustment.

"I'm not sure at all how to respond to all that." I turned out the brighter light and moved to snuggle down more in her arms. "Those two always have a unique way to do anything. But you will love Bonnie Elena, I know you will. They are family and will be to you too."

She nuzzled in resting her forehead to mine. "I'm sure I will honey. They sound so totally married and raw and real and its refreshing really. I can't wait to have a family with you too, Salvatore."

My eyes widened and I took in the sparkle in her chocolate eyes. "Oh really?" I loved the direction this was going.

"Mmm hmm. Lets just get you better first, which means you need to seriously rest your brain sweetie. No screens, no TV and try to stay in more dark and we will beat this concussion fast. I'm right here for you."

"I'm all yours babe," I teased. I loved my Dr. fiance. So bossy and not at all afraid to tell me anything. "I'll be good...if my doctor gives me rewards sometimes." I did my eye thing at her and winked and I saw her blush. I could not wait to go home. I would be the best damn patient she ever had. I just wanted to take her home with me.

Elena yawned and snuggled back down in my arms. I was treasuring the quiet even more now, knowing what my buddy was going through. I knew I would love it when Elena and I would become parents too but for now I was content to just lay with her wrapped in my arms and fall asleep together.

ONE WEEK LATER

Caroline's POV

We were in London. Saying goodbye.

I watched Nic as he held her hand once more and leaned down to kiss it before laying it down. He said he needed me to say this last goodbye and I went with him pushing the wheelchair into the small dark room to see the woman laying in the bed so still, with only the ventilator lifting her chest up and down. Her blonde hair was fanned around her face, her hands at her sides.

I didn't say a word as I watched Klaus nod slowly and the nurse turned off one machine and then another and another till the only one left was the pulsing beat of her heart. It faded slowly as he knelt his head to hers and I heard his whispered goodbye.

The beats slowed as the machine stopped and her own heartbeat faded till it there was nothing but silence. She was gone...and he turned his head back up to my eyes and reached for my hand. He nodded to me and motioned for us to leave and I gripped the wheelchair and turned it around, pushing him away from his past and toward the future.

I had no idea where we went from here but I could take it a day at a time.

Stefan's POV

I could not believe I had gotten away! I felt the wind in my dirty blonde hair as I ran from the container that had been my home for days now. They didn't want me dead I could tell cause someone brought me food and water once a day and gave me a damn bucket for my business.

He had always come in with his gun up and demanded me go to the far wall before entering. I complied but this time brought the bucket with me and sat it at my feet. I heard the creak of the door opening, he flashed his light at me and I stood stock still. But the second he bent to put down the tray I bent down, hurled the bucket at his head and leapt at him, fighting him for the gun. I overpowered him fast and shot him in the chest between our bodies praying that the sound wasn't heard by anyone else and then I ran.

Amazingly they had even given me a bottle of antibiotics with my food the first day and I had taken them to hopefully stop my wound from getting infected on my leg. It was healing and I was glad it hadn't needed stitches. They must be keeping me alive for my information. But what were they waiting for?

I had felt when the engines started up and we had traveled for days and then just a few hours ago they had stopped and not started up again yet.

This was it. Do or die.

There was a chance we were at some kind of land and I could get away. So running now I was headed for the railing, any railing as I raced through the darkness. I held the gun up in front of me and met no one so far. I could see the railing glinting in the moonlight. All I needed to know was that we were near land and I would jump.

I weaved in and out between the giant containers stacked up in rows upon rows on the ship. Stopping in my tracks I swung my head over the side and saw land! Thank God. The waves crashed up and down on the surf close by and the shore was dark too, so maybe it was another island but I could see faint lights further inland. Electricity? Hope to reach Damon?

I grasped the railing aiming the gun all around me. It was dead silent on the deck of the ship with only the wind blowing. Still clutching the gun tight in my hand I was about to swing myself over the metal railing when I heard a sound coming from the container beside me. In a flash I aimed the weapon up in front of me only to feel the muzzle of a gun against my back as I heard it cock loudly in the night air. Damn it!

Damon's POV

"This one?" my girl said pointing to the door in front of us.

"Yep. Home sweet home, Elena." I leaned on the wall as she used my key to open the door and swing it open. She put her shoulder back under my arm and helped me through the door. I was still on strict orders to take it easy and I had walked a bit by myself but my apartment was further then I had walked yet even with help and I was adamant that I didn't need a damn wheelchair.

We had arrived in Washington late that night and we were given a car to go straight here complete with more security the CIA sent over to the airport.

Finally after 5 long days I was given the all clear to fly and we could go home. Elena had nothing with her and Elijah said someone could pack up her things and bring them here with a few days along with her precious cat that I promised was just as welcome as she was.

I nodded at the two men that followed us and stood guard outside my door before swinging it closed and for the first time I could have Elena safe behind my locked door, just like I had fantasized in the cave back on the island.

We were here finally and I saw her biting her lip as I turned back to her as I pulled her closer. "You are safe Elena," I breathed against her cheek. I loved saying that.

I took the risk of taking the lead and showing her how much I missed her in my arms the whole flight. I curled a lock of her hair between my fingers, spun her around and pressed her lightly against the door.

Capturing her lips I heard her moan as her hands found their way into my hair. I pressed my body lightly against hers and she gripped my head, pulling me closer as I leaned on the door for support. We kissed lazily, soaking in the freedom of finally being here.

I remembered what I said back in the cave, how much I wanted to finally be here like this with her.

"I'm the lucky one baby. You are amazing and a dream come true. I just wish there wasn't so

much danger all around us."

"Is that why you can't sleep honey?" she had said back to me.

I had nodded to her. "Yeah, partly. I feel like I just can't relax till I get you out of here and safe behind doors we can bolt shut and seal out all the evil that's out there." I cradled her against me and spun her so she was trapped under my body. "I want to throw you into my bed and never let you leave. Is that wrong?" I gazed down in her intoxicating brown eyes. "Is it wrong to want you all to myself and hide us from the world?"

"No Damon, its not wrong to want to hide away, just us. I want that too. I want you to carry me into your apartment and barely get the door open before you slam me against it, holding me up in your arms as you kiss me so deeply."

Thinking about us talking about it I wished I could do that. Slam her against the door and hold her up in my arms, even carry her to my bedroom and ravish her the way I had thought of then. I had dreamed of this moment safe and alone with her for days now and it was finally here.

We had talked a lot over the week we were still in Lisbon. I was healing nicely and finally had my appetite back. We both had our fill of hospital food that week, even having Elijah sneak us some double cheeseburgers and fries from down the street a few times.

I was able to walk down the hall and see Klaus and thank him for risking his life to save my girl. We took daily walks in the halls, going outside with me in a wheel chair to enjoy the sunshine together and even visiting the maternity ward and peering through the glass at all the babies. That had sparked a really interesting conversation and I loved talking about the future with my girl. I could not wait to marry her!

In the whole 5 days I was careful to let her lead in anything physical and we had not had any more panic attacks or her screaming at me. I would barely touch her below her face but I was content with that and being able to sleep beside her every night.

She had woken up with nightmares about Kai a few nights but I had been right there and we had gotten through it. She had even claimed she could see him and had pointed to an empty corner of the room and curled into my embrace telling me Kai was right there. I knew she needed counseling and that hallucinating was not a good sign. But she calmed down in my arms and now for the last full day nothing unusual had happened.

So I took that as a win, how ever small in the whole scheme of things.

I opened more to her, delving in to taste the sweetness of her kisses but otherwise letting her take the lead now in how far we took this. My one hand cradled her face, caressing her cheek as she tilted my head to deepen the kiss and I felt a groan rumble up my throat.

Everything was slow and easy going and her choice, no expectations at all. I didn't have nearly the strength to lift her up or carry her to my room and I knew she wasn't ready for us to be together yet either. That was all her choice and her timing.

"Mmm Elena," I moaned as she pulled back from my lips and slowly opened her intoxicating deep brown eyes. She stroked her finger down my cheek, brushing past my scar when Julian raked the knife Mission Impossible style across my cheek.

I felt her hand slid under my CIA hoody to run up my back. We were both dressed in CIA logo hoodies and sweats and been given runners and very few toiletries. I could not wait to get back into my own comfy clothes and seeing she had nothing of hers here, I knew I would be treated with seeing her in my clothes tonight too.

She helped me across the kitchen and I told her where the bedroom was. I could not wait to sleep in my bed...for the first time in so long. Elena helped me out of the sweats and I dug in my drawers for the softest velor black pyjama pants and sat down to pull them on. I shrugged into a tight gray v- neck shirt and turned back to her making herself at home in my room, our room now...wow.

Elena was looking through the clothes in my meticulously organized closet and pulled out a black button down long sleeved shirt and a pair of my black boxers. Oh yum! Even if nothing else happened tonight seeing her like that was good enough for me.

I was suddenly really thirsty as I saw what she had chosen to wear, knowing I needed to keep letting her lead anything between us. She slipped into the bathroom with my clothes and I decided to find my way back to the kitchen. I leaned on the walls as I made my way down the hall and grabbed a glass and my tall bottle of bourbon from the cupboard by the sink.

I literally moaned as the first drop hit my taste buds. It had been months since I enjoyed my favorite bourbon. I swirled the amber liquid in the glass before tossing it back and refilling it again. My eyes flitted up at the shadows moving in the hallway before a moan fell from my lips as I took in my Beauty stepping into view and smiling at me as she walked through my kitchen toward me.

My mouth fell open. She looked stunning. My shirt was so sexy on her, nearly sliding off her one shoulder. Her long legs looked like they went on for miles to disappear under my shirt that she had left a few buttons undone on. Her feet were bare and she walked up to me and slid her body between my legs where I was sitting at on the bar stool in front of the island. I smoothed a strand of hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. Her luscious soft locks were up in a loose half ponytail with tendrils hanging down.

This vision in front of me was all I had wished for when we had crashed. We were here, alive, safe and together and I was in awe of her soothing presence in my life that had been so empty before her. I had never brought a woman home with me. She was the first and last.

Another fantasy hit me as I watched her walk toward me…

My voice was shaky as I watched her leaning against the wall. My shirt on her looked so fucking sexy and I again struggled to pull my mind from more naughty thoughts; imagining her walking around my apartment in just my shirt, barely buttoned up as we made breakfast together.

My arms would go around her waist and pull her in. My lips would move my shirt to the side to suck gently on the softness of her neck, her pulse racing under my tongue. I would spin her around and lift her up to the counter behind her, her legs falling apart as I moved between them and continued kissing down her chest. Her legs would wrap around my waist as I unbuttoned the shirt, sliding it from her shoulders, exposing her skin to the morning light from my window. She looked radiant, her skin glowing.

I could not believe we were here, ran through my head for the thousands time. It felt so surreal and so perfect.

She beamed at me and then dropped her eyes bashfully. She had always been so shy and blushed when I looked at her. I loved that it was like she didn't know how absolutely beautiful she was. It made her humble and damn adorable.

She jumped up onto the island beside me on the chair still and I stood back up, my eyes locked on hers since the second I saw her walking toward me. I felt the familiar rush every time I got lost in her eyes.

Tentatively I curled my one palm around her leg, touching her somewhere besides her face for the first time in a week. She made no moves to stop me and I inhaled deeply, sliding my open hand up her bare thigh around her back and pulled her closer, carefully and gently, till her body was nestled against mine.

"Damon," she breathed my name in that sexy way that sounded like a kiss brushing my overheated skin.

"God Elena, I still can't believe you are here with me...we made it baby. Safe and sound and behind closed and locked doors just like I promised."

I felt her fingers in my hair, my now shorter finally hair. I had gotten a hair cut just before we left from Lisbon and my girl had smiled so widely at the smooth and sexy new style. She could not stop running her fingers through it after that so I took it as a good sign that she liked my hair more trimmed.

She curled her arms around my neck and nodded. "It feels amazing Damon. Amazing and unreal, after all we went through." She lifted her head and I bent mine as she pulled my lips to hers and we both moaned as I pulled her closer in my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist.

This was all I wanted in the whole damn world. All I had fought so hard to get to on that damned island. I had guards at the door and I felt my body relax for the first time in a long time.

Stefan's POV

I froze and turned my head to see a man aiming it at me, digging it in my spine.

"Not so fast Agent. You were not granted permission to leave."

I almost laughed as I lifted my hands at my sides. "Permission?" I scowled at him. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

I spun fast, my arm blocking the gun from firing at my back as I whipped the man over my shoulder, shot him once in the chest before tossing him up and over the railing before he even knew what had happened. I stood there aiming the gun back at the boss who merely smiled at me as his minion splashed down into the ocean below.

"I know exactly who I am and who you are too. You think you can escape us. That it is that easy..." he curled his lip in a wide smile and laughed. I was aiming the gun at him but I didn't try to shoot him again. I knew somehow he would stop me, even from a head shot.

Instead I saw his eyes widen as I put the gun in my hand against my own head and cocked the hammer back...

"I don't think you want to do that..." he spoke up.

"Oh maybe I do..." I dared at him. "How the hell would you know what I want?" My eyes were blazing anger at him. "I pull this trigger and you get nothing."

I hated this choice but if I couldn't get away then I would rather die. I could not let them get the information I knew about the CIA. I knew this was what my bosses would want me to do too.

He held up his hands. "Maybe I do know what you want..." He motioned to someone else behind him and I heard struggling and grunting before another man pushed someone toward me and I caught them as we both fell to the deck against the side of the ship.

The man stayed right beside me, aiming his own gun at me as I pulled the person up to sitting. They fought me too before I saw long blonde hair falling down from inside a blanket they had pulled around their head and shoulders.

I kept my gun up at the boss in front of me as he watched me. I heard a whimper and the person fought me more till I saw she was gagged and blindfolded. Her hands were tied loosely in front of her and she swung out at me, grunting through the gag. Was this the prisoner my hostage had talked about. The pregnant prisoner. Had I found Klaus' sister? They were going to use her as leverage?

She pulled the gag out of her mouth and hit me again. "Don't touch me! Leave me alone!" she cried out.

My heart literally stopped for a split second as I heard that voice...my hand was shaking as I pulled the blindfold off and she shook her head, her hair falling all over her shoulders and down her back.

It couldn't be…

"Lexi?" I gasped out, nearly falling back as I took in the fire in her eyes.

That fire and her fighting my grip on her stopped in an instant and I saw her face in the dim light. She froze in my arms and looked as shocked as I was.

The gun was shaking in my hand still aimed at the Serbian boss as he grinned at me.

My breath was heaving out of me as I took in every facet of her face...I saw the man who threw her down press his gun to her head as she lay almost in my lap and my head snapped up as I growled at him, the rage filling me in an instant.

"You want my man to drop his gun...drop yours," he said simply. I knew what I was doing in giving in but I did it, in a second, tossing the gun away as I reached out and touched her face. Was I dreaming? Was I dead?

I heard her gasp and her tied hands moved to touch my face too and I cradled her hand on my cheek.

"Stefan?" she whimpered seeing tears in her eyes and I nodded in pure disbelief, the shock still spread over my face.

It couldn't be real. But I could feel her, every part of her as she lay in my arms. We both moved in at the same time and I cradled her tight as I hurriedly untangled the rope around her wrists and her arms went around me. I heard her crying as she pulled her head to my chest, her nails digging into my bare arms.

I pulled back from the hug as I felt her body, and I moved the blanket off of her and gasped out loud. My eyes darted back to hers as I saw her smile despite her dirty and bruised face. Her eyes were shining as her hand found mine and led it to her very pregnant belly.

My mouth fell open as her hand squeezed mine. She nodded to me as I stroked her belly and I knew she was telling me it was mine. She had been 'dead' for months. It had been 8 months and 3 days since they had gone missing and didn't even know she was pregnant!

I heard a soft chuckling and lifted my head to see the boss smiling at me. "Do we have something you want now...Special Agent Salvatore?"

Swallowing hard I didn't even have to answer him and he knew. Damon had said he watched her die. He never told me how but how was she alive? Oh my God I could still not even believe it.

"How?" I breathed out and felt her bury her head against my chest again as I felt her tears on my shirt.

"Let's just say. Finding her pregnant, she became worth a lot more alive than dead. So what Damon saw...was faked. Enough questions." He held out a phone to me. "You have a call to make Stefan...and I don't think I will have to ask twice."

Damon's POV

Elena's fingers were curling under my shirt as we kissed. She was molded to my body as I stood beside the island, her legs rubbing up and down along my waist. I leaned in more feeling her head fall back in my hands and I kissed slowly down her jaw to the hollow of her throat…

I heard a buzzing, once, twice and then it stopped only to buzz again and again. I pulled back from her throat and looked around before pulling a drawer open and seeing the phone I have only for emergencies vibrating as its light flashed.

That was strange. I hadn't used it in ages. I hadn't even gotten a new one yet because I was supposed to stay away from any screens to rest my brain this week. The phone buzzed again and I saw Elena looking back at me curiously.

I didn't even realize it was still charged. Only Stefan knew the number.

Stefan! My heart leapt into my throat as I flipped it open and held my breath.

I didn't answer and waited to see who it was. I put a finger to Elena's lips and nodded to her and she nodded back as I waited to hear who called.

"Damon?" the voice called through the phone. Oh my God he was alive!

My hand was shaking as I gripped the phone tighter. "Stefan?! Is that you?" I knew his voice anywhere.

"Yes brother its me," he called out. My breath rushed from my lungs. "Are you okay. Are you and Elena safe?"

"Yes Stefan. I'm back home, under guard but safe. We both are. Damn brother the we have been looking everywhere for you!"

There had been no news all week about him and I had no idea what to think. All the marines had found was an abandoned sail boat dead in the water a few miles from the island Stefan was last seen at . After that the trail had gone cold. I saw Elena grip my shoulders and I nodded to her and she was grinning so wide.

"Damon, they found me. The terrorists. They want something from me. Its big."

I sucked in another breath. No! He was alive but they had him. Fuck no! I swallowed hard. "Well don't give it to them brother. Fight and be strong and come back to us! Where are you, how are you calling. I will tell Elijah and he can send rescue right away."

I was clutching Elena's bare leg and I pulled her closer. My emotions were ripping me back and forth right now. He was alive but he had been captured. How was he calling?

"I have to Damon. I have to give them what they want." There was a long pause and I waited with baited breath. "Brother, Lexi is alive. She's here. They have had her all along."

I blinked rapidly and felt myself stumble back and fall into the bar stool behind me. Nothing made sense. "Wait what?" I could not process what he said at all.

"Damon, Lexi is alive. I am holding her alive in my arms right now. She pregnant, almost due and I don't know what to do brother. I can't lose her again." I heard him sniffle on his end of the call.

She was alive? I was in shock and felt Elena coming toward me and put her arms around me. I held her as the phone was shaking in my hand and I almost dropped it. My partner was alive! And with Stefan. My best friend that I watched die?"

"Damon, I'm here. Its me. Damn it I did not think I would ever hear your voice again."

I gasped as I heard her, loud and clear. How could this be real? I pressed the phone tighter to my ear. "Stefan what can I do. How do I get you out of there? There has to be something!"

I heard Stefan breath out rapidly. "There is brother. They want you to do something for them but it has to be covert, going rogue. The man holding us heard you quit the CIA Damon and he needs you back there."

I took in all he was saying and looked back at Elena watching me but not hearing what was being said. I promised to quit for her and I did. As soon I was well enough I called in and gave them my resignation. What the hell did they want from me?

"Shit Damon. I would never ask you anything like this ever. I would never want you to negotiate with terrorists. But I am holding my fiance, alive in my arms and I just felt my baby kick. I can't lose her." I heard his voice shaking and I too felt my heart pounding at the thought that she was alive, that they both were.

"I know, I know Stefan. I know you would never ask something like this from me. But I know. I get it. I promise somehow I will get you both out of there. I lost her once and thought I watched her die on our mission and I am not going to lose her again or you brother. We will do what they want Stefan and I will get you guys home."

I curled Elena in my arms and kissed her head, breathing her in. I did get it and my brother had just risked everything to get Elena and I safe from the island and I had thought he had died to save us.

I had no fucking idea how right now but my brother just had everything in his world again handed back to him on a silver platter and I was going to do everything in my power to help him keep it and bring them back to us…

Lexi's death had been the worst thing I had ever experienced before what happened to Elena. And I had just been given a second chance to save her and my brother and their baby. My brother was going to be a dad! All this shock would take awhile to wear off.

I knew Klaus' sister had been kidnapped too and he was healing and was starting to walk. He would want in on this to save her too. We would beat the damn terrorists and get everyone home. Family was everything.

I gazed back on my Beauty and already was hurting for having to tell her I wasn't done with the CIA. I had promised her I was done and she would not have to wait up nights scared for my life. But this one last mission we would both have to be strong for.

Elena was nodding to me, her eyes finding mine as she buried herself back in my arms.

"We have to save them Damon. I can see you are so scared honey but we can do it. We can all work together to bring this family back together.

I smiled in pure awe of her strength and kissed her forehead. "Together, baby."

She looked back up in my eyes as I saw tears in her own. "Together."

A/N; A few things to wrap up...

I am super nervous about how you all liked the ending. I thought long and hard and this was how I imagined this story playing out start to finish. I am scared and excited to see what you all thought. This is never going to be a Stefan story but he is part of it being Damon's family. And now he needs them to be there for him just like he was for Damon and everyone on the island.

I had planned some major Klaus Damon team up for the sequel and we will see a lot more family dynamic.

I admit I had never planned to have a Stefan Lexi coupling at all when I started the story. Please don't base your feelings about Stefan or her on them in Vampire Diaries. This is completely AU and so I am nervous but excited to explore that relationship too in the sequel.

We will have it very much centered on family. Damon and Elena, Stefan and Lexi, there will be more exploring Klaus and Caroline and of course Enzo and Bonnie and little Ben.

The sequel is called 'The Bond of Family'. So look for it when I start posting for that one.

My daughters grad is this week so it will be busy. I have plans to catch up on reviewing other stories I've fallen behind on and add more to Our New Beginning Series too when I can.

Lots of people want me to update the EBB series too so I will alternate in doing a chapter here to a chapter there in writing book 4 since I have left that on pause for almost a year now to focus on this story. It has been years since I started that series so part of me wonders if I should rewrite it since that was my first ever attempt at fan fiction and I feel like I could do it so much better after these years of more experience. So I'm not sure what to do with that or just leave it and continue on Book 4.

Please send one last review, even if you never have before on how you liked the ending. It had been planned like that for a long time and this was the way I could pull Damon into one last mission to save his brother's family. There will be more on Elena's healing too and exploring more of the characters away from the island and Damon's enemies and the final terrorist attack is all coming up.

Thank you so much for all the love and support for this wild ride of my version of A Love that Consumes You. Passion Adventure and even a little Danger.

I can offer another chapter to explain anything else if needed. I hope everything made sense and that you loved their adventure thriller story as much as I did.

You guys are the best!