Hey everyone! So definitely let me know how you like this chapter and sorry it took me so long! Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Vampire Diaries, only my original characters.

Chapter 31

"I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen." –Winnie the Pooh

"Tell me again; why you dragged me out of bed for a walk in the woods?" I ask drowsily, resting my chin on Klaus's shoulder while tightening my legs around his waist.

"It's not really a walk in the woods when I'm carrying you, now is it, love?" Klaus smarts off bouncing me higher up his back as I hang on to him like a Velcro monkey.

"Just answer my question." I grin, flicking my tongue out to taste the sensitive skin behind Klaus's ear that I rarely have the privilege of teasing him with. I make a slow, tantalizing trail from the top of his ear to the bottom that has him fumbling over his steps before coming to a complete halt.

"Sweetheart, I'm trying to remain focused on snapping Stefan's neck and you are making it very difficult." Klaus tries, but fails to hide the sultry dip in his voice. "The only reason I brought you along is because I thought you were just as angry as me about Stefan telling his imbecile of a brother about the cure."

"So what?" I mumble against the chaste kisses I'm peppering up and down his neck. "You thought we would kick his ass together?" I ask with a teasing smile that suits the situation as I begin to suckle on the skin where his pulse point should be. However, I don't get far before Klaus is grabbing my arm and slinging me over his shoulder like he's swinging a riffle. He makes quick work of wrapping his arm around my stomach and securing me to his hip so I'm dangling helplessly above the ground. "This is cheating," I grumble crossing my arms in defiance as I sway from side to side almost smashing my face into Klaus's knee when he takes an abrupt turn.

"You started it." He hums casting his blue eyes down to my disgruntled face. A charming grin lights up his rather arrogant features as he waits patiently for my rebuttal. I can tell from the playful spark in the depths of his stare that he's expecting a challenge.

"Ten more seconds and I would have ended it, too." I smirk, giving Klaus a wink when his eyes cloud over with desire. Instead of using his big boy words, Klaus chooses to flash me upright and zip me to the nearest tree where my back collides with the musky wood.

"Am I that predictable, love?" Klaus murmurs, nuzzling my neck affectionately. It's in moments like these that I remember he's a wolf.

"Only when it comes to this," I mock slipping my hands under his black shirt until they rest confidently against his chest. My lips pucker with the force I'm putting on them not to smile when Klaus's face snaps to mine, his hooded blue eyes searching mine intently. It's fun to watch the original hybrid come undone with one touch. "Face it wolf boy," I tease earning an amused chuckle from the man in front of me, "I'm always the winner." I keep my smugness to a minimum as I trail my fingers lightly down his abdomen enjoying the way his eyes close and he sucks in a ragged breath.

"I didn't realize we were playing a game." He breathes, opening his eyes allowing me to see the hesitation in them.

"We're not," I muse thoughtfully fisting his shirt into my hand before giving it a sharp tug so his lips land inches from my own. "I mean, what fun is playing a game when I have no competition." I divulge, my words earning one of the most dazzling smiles from Klaus that I've ever seen. My breath actually catches in my throat and when his boyish dimples come out to play its game over.

"You sure about that?" Klaus mutters, his warm breath fanning across my lips sending a shot of adrenaline down my spine that has me trembling with anticipation. Yet, as I lean in to close the gap between us, we are assaulted with another voice.

"What do you mean, you're not coming? I don't need to remind you that your miss Mystic Falls attendance record totally sucks. Besides, you're a founding family member. By definition, you have to be here." Of course, it would be Caroline Forbes.

"Elena and I broke up. By definition, I don't need to be anywhere." I perk up when I hear Stefan's response for two reasons; 1. I now know where Stefan is and 2. He finally dumped the dead weight. Thank god! I wonder if this means I can kill her now.

"Did that sound as depressing to you as it did to me?" I catch Caroline's comment as I return my eyes to Klaus and nod toward their voices. Klaus catches my drift as he flashes through the trees with me hot on his heels.

"I'm not depressed. I just want to rip into someone's artery and feed until I can't breathe anymore." Stefan grunts once I come to a stop next to Klaus behind a thick layer of trees. Stefan is in the middle of getting his pump on by doing push-ups and from the furious pace he's set for himself, it's clear he's having trouble dealing with the break-up.

"Well, you can't. As your sober sponsor, I'm not going to let that happen. Try and sublimate." I can't stop the eye roll that overtakes me when I hear the words sober sponsor come out of Caroline's mouth. It's an insult to Lexi who went through real hell and back with Stefan before anyone in this godforsaken town was even a twinkle in their mama's eye.

I look to Klaus to see if he's having a similar reaction to Caroline's words, but his expression is stoic. Usually, I wouldn't think twice about it because Klaus is known for showing little emotion. However, today it's different. He looks a little too disinterested in what the duo has to say especially when Caroline begins talking.

"She said she had feelings for Damon." I quickly zone back into the conversation upon hearing the reason Stefan and Elena broke up. Shocker. Elena has feelings for Damon. If only anyone saw that coming…oh wait…we did.

"What? She can't have feelings for Damon. He's... Damon, and you're you, and I'm... Revolted. You know, I'm gonna talk to her. I'm going to shake some sense into her clearly diseased brain."

"Yeah, well, I don't know what good that'll do. Elena's right. Being a vampire really has changed her." Stefan sighs defeated, pushing to a stand.

"All the more reason you need to cure her. Look, I got to go. Be careful and remember, there's sublimating and then there's insanity." Caroline coaches supportively making the youngest Salvatore nod.

"I'll be fine. Bye." Stefan bids farewell barely having time to hang up before Klaus appears behind him and puts him in a headlock.

"In what world do the words "tell no one" mean "tell your brother and every teenage sycophant in town"?" Klaus gnashes in Stefan's ear putting enough pressure on his windpipe that he has trouble breathing.

"The secret's safe. No one who knows about the cure would endanger us. Trust me. You know I want to find it more than anyone else." Stefan grits around trying to suck air into his lungs.

"You know," I say, inserting myself into their little confrontation as I step out of the shadows. "I'm still a little confused on why we are giving the cure to Elena." I shake my head, my thoughts reeling with the fact that this girl not only ruined Stefan and Damon's relationship, but she's slowly working her way into mine. Klaus has been obsessed with finding this cure and I'm just not quite sure Elena should be the one to get it. "I mean, to be fair, multiple people have died because of her and she hasn't really been pulling her weight in this whole save the town from evil forces aspect." I reason, holding up my hands when Klaus and Stefan narrow their eyes dangerously.

"She has to have the cure." Stefan wheezes around Klaus's elbow. "She won't make it as a vampire."

"All the more reason to put her down." I smirk when Stefan huffs in annoyance clearly not favoring my suggestion as much as me.

"Well, in that case, I suggest you find some vampires for Jeremy to kill before I'm tempted to offer you up as a victim." Klaus hisses giving Stefan a sharp shove that has him stumbling backwards.

"Try to keep this one to yourself, will ya?" I ask, stalking past Stefan with a fleeting glance to find an expression of grudging acceptance on his face. It must be hard for him being Klaus's bitch boy.

Speaking of Klaus, I catch his eye long enough to motion for him to follow me before I disappear through a cluster of trees. I don't bother waiting for him because I know he's going to get the last word in with Stefan before he comes after me so I continue walking. It's been a couple days since my trip to Weston Falls and since I've seen Laurita. I know for a fact she hasn't been lurking in my closet or secretly watching over me because I've been sending out bursts of energy to make sure. Her sudden disappearance should make me happy, but it only makes me more suspicious.

I'm mentally running through all the places she could have gone when a twig snaps to my right. I come to an abrupt halt searching the area for anything out of the ordinary when another twig snaps, this time it's to my left. There's someone out here with me and from the faint whiff of Old Spice I smell and the unnatural breeze that sends my hair flying around my face, I only have one guess at to whom.

"Marco!" I yell into the chilly morning air darting my gaze from side to side in anticipation. I can feel Klaus's presence nearby, but I'm having a difficult time pinpointing where which means he's probably running in circles like a dog chasing its tail. When a good minute passes and Klaus still has yet to make an appearance I decide to try a different tactic. "Alright, well since you are busy being mysterious and all," I drawl to no one as I start towards town. "I guess I'll just go see what Matt Donovan is up to these days!" I shout looking over my shoulder to see if he's following me now, but once again I find myself alone. At least until I turn around and run smack into Klaus's hard as a rock chest.

"Running off, are we?" Klaus hums, his eyebrows rising like he's just caught me with my hand in the cookie jar. "Tell me what does that Matt Donovan have that all you girls find so…cute?" Klaus asks, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Baby blue eyes that you can lose yourself in, a warm smile that drives you delirious with adorableness… oh wait," I snap my fingers, "it has to be his cute butt." I grin completely amused with myself when Klaus narrows his eyes and yanks me to his chest.

"That's funny because I recall plenty of women saying the same thing about me." He muses, his hand finding its way to my cheek where he tilts my chin up to meet his lips. He gives me a light peck that's over before it even begins, but it's long enough to give me time to think of a response.

"Question," I hold up my finger putting some distance between us, "were any or all of those women compelled when they said those things?" I ask, a challenging glint sparking in my eyes. "Be honest," I tease, a grin splitting my face when all Klaus can do is stare down at me with a mixture of wonder. "I'm taking that as a yes." I sigh, patting his chest as I brush past him. "So Elena has feelings for Damon," I spin around so I'm walking backwards and facing Klaus, "were you as shocked as I was?" I gasp, holding my hand over my mouth earning a brief chuckle from the original hybrid.

"I had my suspicions," Klaus buzzes, folding his hands behind his back in that sophisticated way he does where he manages to look classy and knowledgeable.

"I know that look," I glare coming to a complete halt so Klaus has no choice, but to stop with me. He's wearing a shit-eating grin that compliments the smug look in his eyes. "You know something."

"I know everything, love." Klaus scoffs, grabbing my hand and spinning me around until I'm facing forward.

"Someone's feeling a little full of themselves today." I comment slyly earning a gentle yet earnest push from the man behind me.

"I'm only one of many." He throws back making me roll my eyes. "But back to Elener, last time I checked she was in love with Stefan not Damon."

"It's hard to love one man let alone two when you're in love with yourself."

"All opinions aside, sweetheart, don't you find it a little odd her sudden attraction to the eldest Salvatore?" Klaus asks, making me really think about it as he leans in close so he's hovering inches above my ear. "One might even go as far as saying it's out of Elena's hands." He whispers, sending my mind on overdrive as I recall these past few weeks. I vaguely remember Stefan complaining about Damon telling Elena she can only drink from the vein. In all the times I've been forced into her presence I've never once seen her drink from a blood bag. Which means she listened to Damon who also means…?

"Elena's sired to Damon." The words leave my mouth and I know they are true. I'm actually a little pissed I didn't see it sooner. "That's rich." I laugh, finding the whole situation hilarious, "Now she's stuck with Damon for the rest of eternity. You know, I'm actually glad I haven't ripped her heart out yet."

"Being sired to Damon is a fate worse than death," Klaus agrees nodding his head.

"Being sired to anyone is a fate worse than death." I elaborate shaking my head at the discomforting notion.

"I don't know," Klaus smirks, "I could see some instances when it'd be satisfying." He murmurs, his blue eyes easily finding mine.

"You wouldn't last one day being sired to someone." I chuckle knowing it's the truth. Klaus has to be the one in control or else he'll go mad.

"And you could?" He mocks me incredulously.

"I could last longer than you."

"Shall we bet on it then?" Klaus jeers, eyeing me closely as a large smirk replaces my pensive features.

"What did you have in mind?" I ask ignoring Klaus's amused stare.

"You are sired to me as I am sired to you for one whole day. The individual that last the longest gets to pick where we go this weekend." Klaus answers like he's already won. I find it adorable.

"You have yourself a deal." I nod, pausing on the outside of Klaus's property once I see his mansion ahead. "We do it tomorrow." I smirk turning to Klaus to find a brief flash of apprehension flood his eyes before it's gone.

"Good. Should we kiss on it?" He leers, reaching for me before I even have the chance to respond.

"Not a chance." I quip, snatching his hand and giving it a firm shake. "Best of luck." I beam. "You're going to need it."

Stefan POV

There were exactly three things I wanted to do today. Two of them involved copious amounts of blood and a possible dead cheer leading squad while the other involved Elena. Unfortunately, Caroline would murder me if I tore into the pom-pom brigade and Elena has feelings for my brother. So to say I'm a little testy would be a huge understatement especially after my little run-in with Klaus. Now I'm stuck hunting down vampires for Jeremy to kill. However, what I have in mind might just be what I need today.

I barrel down the stairs of the boarding house with a duffle of supplies slung over my shoulder. I needed a shower and a game plan after my work-out in the woods and seeing as I haven't seen Damon since waking up, I thought it'd be safe. I was wrong…again.

"Where have you been?" Damon is coming down the hall as I'm heading out.

"Oh, you know. Out." I answer brushing past him for the door.

"Where you going?" Damon persists, refusing to acknowledge my indifference.

"Out." I repeat a little firmer this time as I reach for the door.

"Ok. I see shady Stefan is back." Damon jabs sarcastically making me grit my teeth. I swing back around hoping this conversation leads to a fight. God knows, I could use a good neck snap. "Please don't tell me that you're still working with Klaus." Damon regards me with concern, his face void of any other emotion which makes me chuckle in disbelief.

"You obviously haven't heard. Elena and I broke up." I fill him in watching his face go from shock to a mask of understanding.

"Oh." He nods, licking his lips. "Got it. Uh, well, I'll be quick, then. So apparently if we want to find the cure, we have to find a vampire hunter who can kill enough vampires to reveal the map on the hunter's mark. Now, unless we want Jeremy to go all Connor 2.0, I suggest we find a different hunter." Damon trails off clearly looking for a reaction from me.

"Ok. And?"

"And I was gonna ask Professor Shane, but it turns out he's shadier than you are. Matt Donovan connected him and the pastor through phone records. Apparently the two were very chatty the day that the pastor blew up the council." If it were any other day I think I might actually care.

"Ah. So you're gonna confront Shane, threaten him, possibly kill him... that sort of thing?" I ask out of spite, already well-aware of the answer before Damon gives it to me.

"Yeah. Well maybe not kill him." Damon shrugs, his eyes zoning out for a brief moment as he says the next part. "Turns out, Professor Shane is Danny's real father." Now that has my attention.

"Does Alba know he's in town?" I can only imagine what her reaction will be. It's kind of a hit or miss with her.

"She knows Bonnie's been working with him, but that's it. Until we figure out what Professor Shane is up to, I want to keep as much distance between Alba and him as possible. So what do you say?" Damon pulls me from my thoughts when he slaps me on the shoulder. "Want to tag team?"

"Nah," I smile when I think about the shit storm Damon is throwing himself into, "I'd say you're on your own." I almost laugh to myself at his predicament, but he quickly changes my mood when he throws himself in front of me.

"Or we could just blow it off, then... go get drunk, brother-Bond over some tridelts if you... You know, want some quality time." The fake sincerity on Damon's face makes me want to cut off his daylight ring finger and shove him outside, but I choose to use my words instead.

"Let's not pretend like this isn't the best day of your life." I growl, getting right in Damon's face to witness the truth of my words when guilt twists his features. He doesn't get angry like I had hoped and it leaves me unsatisfied. So I leave him to enjoy his moment of happiness, god knows once I find that damn cure, it's going to be ripped out from underneath him.

Alba POV

The Mystic Falls hospital is a death trap. Pun intended.

I'm standing outside the main doors watching people filter in and out wondering why Stefan would choose to come here of all places. I can name a hundred different spots in this town to find a vampire and yet he comes to the hospital. It begs the question, what was Klaus thinking putting Stefan on hunter watch?

"Miss, do you need some help?" I peer at the security guard that's popped up next to me through my ray bans. He's a young guy in his early twenties with a disdainful scowl on his face.

"Nope," I pop the P, "I'm just looking."

"At the building…" he drawls, his face souring further.

"Yeah. At the building." I narrow my eyes on the three story establishment recalling the last time I was rolled through those halls. "Now go away." My voice dips with compulsion as I leave him to enter the building. It's an odd feeling walking into this hospital on my own two feet and without Danny by my side. It's not something I plan to get used to.

I walk straight to the reception desk, noting the lack of people in the waiting room and the lack of warmth from the old lady at the desk. She has a surly snarl and piercing grey eyes that don't lose any of their harshness when she levels them on me. What a ballsy woman.

"What can I do for you?" She snaps, her tone anything, but welcoming.

"First off," I give her a lethal smile and take off my sunglasses, "you can be nicer." I compel her, my pupils dilating. "Second off, where's Emily?" I ask wondering what my favorite nurse is up to these days.

"She filed for a transfer. She left a couple months ago." The woman answers in a monotone voice that does little to ease the reality that Emily is gone.

"Why?" I demand to know.

"She lost some patients and couldn't handle it. She needed a fresh start."

"Don't we all." I smirk. "Have a nice day."

"You too dear!" She calls after my retreating form as I propel myself down the hall. So Emily's gone. Why does that not surprise me?

Instead of thinking about the nurse's absence I decide to dedicate my time to something a little more important like finding Stefan. This would be a perfect distraction if it weren't so damn easy. The first corner I turn, I find him "inconspicuously" reading patients charts as he looks for the right one. Luckily, his back is to me so he doesn't notice when I walk up behind him.

"Now what do we have here?" I grin making Stefan jump when I snatch the chart from his hands.

"What are you doing here?" He looks baffled and pissed by my presence which I find highly amusing.

"I'm bored." I sigh, shoving the chart back in the patient's box. "Who are we killing today?"

"Let's find out." Stefan smiles humorlessly continuing down the hall to the police officer waiting outside a patient's room.

"Can I help you?" The officer asks looking between Stefan and me.

"Time for a little break." Stefan compels, staring into the officer's eyes. "He'll be safe with me." I smile and step out of the officer's way when he brushes past me.

"Well done, champ." I grin, shouldering past Stefan when he swings the door open. I'm not shocked to find a shirtless man with a bandaged chest trying to break out of his cuffs when I step into the room. Nor am I surprised by his greeting upon seeing Stefan and me.

"Who the hell are you?" The man guffaws looking put out for some reason.

"We're people you don't use that tone with," I smirk strolling deeper into the room until I'm standing beside the man's bed. I run my fingers along his cuffed hand eliciting an instant response out of the fugitive when his eyes zero in on me.

"Y-you from around here?" He stammers; suddenly shy as he takes an unnecessary gulp that makes his Adam's apple bob.

"No." I deadpan, removing my fingers from his skin after I decide breaking his hand won't aid us in making Jeremy's tattoo grow. "Stefan." I flick my eyes to the youngest Salvatore who wastes no time jerking the man's face in his direction.

"Why is there a cop outside?" Stefan enquires as I brace my hands against the bed waiting for the man's answer.

"I'm a convicted murderer."

"Are you guilty?" Stefan fires another question making the man smile.

"Of course I am."

"Any regrets?" I cut in, asking a question of my own, making the man turn to me with that same easy smile.

"Only that I got caught." He whispers. I shake my head gesturing to Stefan.

"You want this one or…"

"I got it." Stefan jumps all over the offer, sinking his fangs into his wrist before plunging the bloody appendage into the man's mouth. Once the man has drunk his share, Stefan quickly and swiftly snaps his neck.

"Beautiful neck snap," I smile pleased, "we must be related after all."

"I've had years of practice," Stefan grunts, throwing the man's body over his shoulder. "Let's go. We have work to do." He mutters, turning his back on me to head for the door. I clench my jaw and follow suit. This was going to be a long day.

Klaus POV

It amazes me how little towns like Mystic Falls never change. They hold fast to their traditions and little ceremonies that mean nothing to the world anymore. If the people living here weren't so damn tedious, I might actually respect their motivation. Yet I can't seem to get past their dazing incompetence and lack of culture.

"Whoa! Stop. Stop!" A ghost of a smile flits across my face when I hear Caroline's voice over all the chatter of her little worker bees. I knew I'd find her at the Lockwood estate getting ready for tomorrows events. "Those flowers go in the back, as indicated by the floral chart that you guys had plenty of time to memorize." She scolds with a fierce attitude that doesn't seem quite as overbearing as I once thought. I stand back and wait as the two young girls standing in front of her nod and turn to leave. "Yeah. Thank you." She smiles, going back to the clipboard in her hands. The girl was born to be in charge.

"Now, how did I know I'd find you at the helm of this ship?" I hum, strolling closer to the blond vampire who doesn't look pleased to see me.

"Go away. I'm busy." She glares turning her back on me to yell at a few boys idling behind her.

"I was wondering what time I should pick you up tomorrow." I calmly continue, placing my hands behind my back ignoring the sliver of joy that overcomes me when Caroline whips around to face me.

"About a quarter to never." She answers getting distracted yet again with something over my shoulder. My jaw ticks in annoyance at her nonchalance, but she owes me a debt and I've come to collect.

"I was promised a date in return for one of my hybrids." I say gauging the shock on her face with mild amusement.

"And what does Alba have to say about this?" Caroline bites, crossing her arms, for once her attention focused on me. Her eyebrows are drawn together in anger and her nose is scrunched in distaste.

"You know Alba; she's never been one for these things." I casually wave off her concern with a polite smile. "Besides, surely the reigning miss Mystic Falls won't be hosting the party alone. And I assume you're not taking Tyler…" I comment watching Caroline's face fall. "…not after his indiscretions with his lady werewolf." I smirk when Caroline huffs and looks out over the lawn in agitation.

"Fine." She snaps. "If you insist on coming, meet me here, 2 P.M. black tie optional." She shakes her head turning to leave, but thinks better of it as she stalks back toward me wagging her finger. "And I already have a dress, so don't even think of getting me so much as a corsage. You understand?" I bite back my chuckle as I nod in agreement.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Caroline." I acknowledge her retreating form with a triumphant smile. Not only am I getting compensation for my lost hybrid, but I'm making Tyler miserable in the process. Damn, it's good to be king.

"Well, well, well…" A familiar tsks sounds from behind me, making a sly smirk turn up my lips. "What do we have here?"

"Funny." I comment, turning around to witness Alba's smug smile. "I was just about to ask you the same thing." I cock my head to the side studying her stiff stance. She has her arms crossed; her legs shoulder width apart, and a quiet calm surrounding her that makes me suspicious. "Hello, love."

"Hello, sweetheart." She mocks with a fake British accent that gives her words a sharp edge. "I didn't mean to interrupt your little rendezvous with Forbes, I was just passing through." She grants me a wicked smile that makes me raise my eyebrows when she tries to saunter past me. However, I easily grasp her wrist and spin her around until she crashes into me.

"Hmm and where are you off to?" I question wrapping a protective arm around her waist while brushing a loose curl out of her face. She looks stunning when she's jealous.

"Our deal doesn't start until tomorrow." Alba winks, pushing my hand away from her face before she gives me a gentle shove. "Don't worry about what I'm doing. You should probably head home and pick out your suit for your date." She claps her hands, gesturing her head at something over my shoulder. "Have fun with Caroline." I shake my head, completely smitten with her fiery attitude when she turns on her heel to leave. But I don't let her get far before I'm flashing in front of her.

"Caroline is strictly business," I reveal once I'm firmly blocking her path. "She's nothing more. I cross my heart," I smile, "and hope to die."

"Keep delaying me and I think I can make that happen." Alba smirks, crossing her arms. "Listen, you should go with Caroline tomorrow." She divulges, making me narrow my eyes in doubt. "You did give up one of your hybrids for their benefit after all and it would get Tyler's werewolf panties in a twist." She smiles sinisterly to herself. "And I do love seeing Tyler get put in his place so do it. Make sure she has a blast."

"Really?" I ask, not sure if I trust her words or not.

"Yeah," she grins overly cheerful about the situation. "See you tomorrow, darling." She mocks me yet again, patting my chest as she rushes past me. I don't go after her this time, choosing to instead watch her leave the Lockwood house with a confident and purposeful stride. I cross my arms and glare at her retreating figure knowing for a fact that she has something up her sleeve. Alba always has a plan.

Damon P.O.V.

I tighten the tie around my neck checking myself over in the mirror. My Varvatos suit does little to hide my restless mind that's taken a toll on my sleeping habits. I barely slept an hour last night and today I have to go to this damn Miss Mystic Falls pageant. Usually, I wouldn't make an appearance, but I know Shane's going to be there…and Elena. I need to see for myself that Elena is truly done with Stefan. The thought makes me sick because despite Stefan being the biggest pain in my ass, he's still my little brother.

I reach for my jacket, shaking the annoying feelings from my body when I slip the smooth material over my arms. The suit hugs me in all the right places and I admit that I'm looking damn good. However, my phone vibrating on the bed quickly draws my attention away from my reflection as I pick the device up.

"Hello, Mr. Salvatore speaking." I muse aloud, wedging the phone between my shoulder and ear as I button my jacket.

"Damon! Thank god, you answered." Elena's breathless voice has me straightening up as I prepare myself for the worst.

"What is it? What's wrong?" I ask, mentally calculating where all the big bad's are right now.

"Matt left without me! We were supposed to go together, but he just left."

"This is my problem, why?" I ask despite the fact I'm actually praising the quarterback for being a complete idiot.

"Damon," Elena sighs heavily, "will you please come get me?" I breathe out a silent laugh and smile down at my shoes.

"I'm on my way." I nod, listening to her labored breaths.

"Thank you, Damon. Really."

"No problem. I'll be there in five." I hang up, rolling my phone between my fingers, letting the conversation sink in. I'm taking Elena Gilbert to Miss Mystic Falls. It's about damn time.

Stefan P.O.V.

"What did you do to me!?" The freshly turned vampire yells, thrashing against his chains.

"Relax." I bite, flipping through the contacts in my phone. "You won't be this way for long." I spare him a glance to find the chains are holding up nicely against his newfound strength. Luckily, the Lockwood cellar is remote enough that no one can hear his incessant screaming.

"What am I!?" He yells, growling at me like an angry puppy.

"Alba!" I yell over the top of him when my favorite relative picks up her phone. "Where are you?"

"I'm busy, what do you need?" She cuts right to the chase leaving no room for pleasantries.

"Jeremy's on his way here now. I need you to grab us another vampire while he kills this one."

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?" The guy yells behind me making me wish I could just kill him myself. I quickly duck into the hall and slam the door to block out his ramblings.

"No can do, champ. I have prior engagements." She explains sounding distracted.

"Meaning what?" I ask, trying to think of what could be more important than this. Yesterday she was all about helping Jeremy extend his tattoo and today nothing.

"Meaning I'm busy." She cuts me off bluntly. "You're a big boy now. Act like it." I raise my eyebrows in disbelief when the line goes dead. What in the hell just happened?

3rd POV

"Blue," Elena nods gesturing to the dark blue dress April has dangling between her fingers.

"Definitely blue," Caroline agrees as April stares between the blue dress and the little red dress skeptically.

"Really?" She grimaces unsure. "The blue seems a little safe."

"Safe is good when it comes to the judges." Elena jumps in to rectify the situation when she sees April is starting to lose some of her nerve.

"She's right." Caroline crosses her arms all business. "Gracie Lockwood had a 3-foot slit her year and practically got laughed off the court." She looks to Elena who nods her head in support. April still seems uncertain when Damon walks into the room eyeing her choices.

"She's got my vote." He smirks referring to Gracie Lockwood. He scans the women in front of him setting his sights on Elena who looks, dare he say, happy to see him. He runs his eyes over her little black dress that he couldn't get enough of in the car.

"Get out, lurker." Caroline yells breaking Elena and his little moment with her obnoxious squawk.

"Ouch." He pouts before deadpanning at the blonde. "Where's Professor Shane?"

"Check the judges' table." Caroline bites sarcastically, straining Damon's patience. His eyes stray to April who is still fussing over which dress to wear.

"Red one, definitely." Damon grins when Caroline huffs in annoyance.

"We've already agreed the red one's a little bit too showy." She snarks making his brow furrow in thought.

"It's a pageant. That's the whole point."

"Did you win miss mystic last year? No. I don't think you did." Caroline smirks thinking she has Damon on this one, but what she doesn't know is that he's one step ahead of her.

"Neither did Elena and she wore blue." He returns Caroline's smug smirk tenfold as the young vampire bristles.

"Nobody cares what you think!" Caroline snaps.

"I care!" April pipes up making Damon happily gesture to her.

"See? April cares." He grins, looking to Elena who has been suspiciously quiet as she contemplates Damon's words. "Red, right, Elena?" He asks, cocking his head to the side at the indecision on her face. Elena knows Damon is making a valid point, but the anger slowly seeping into Caroline's face makes her hesitant.

"The red is pretty," Elena gives in suffering through Caroline's gasp.

"And my work here is done." Damon smirks, clapping his hands together before sauntering out of the room. He struts down the stairs thinking about the look on Elena's face when he knocked on her door this morning. She looked stunned and pleased to see him. He can't deny that the utter happiness he's feeling is outweighing his guilt over Stefan.

"Damon!" He restrains the smile that wants to split his face when he hears Elena jogging down the stairs after him.

"Still here." He remarks, stopping in the hallway for her. He watches the uncertainty that clouds her eyes as she stops in front of him. He's reminded of the heavy silence that hung between them in the car this morning.

"We need to talk," she finally sighs regaining her confidence. If she still had a pulse, her heart would be hammering at the proximity of their bodies.

"Stefan told me about the break up." Damon nods sympathetically staring into Elena's eyes seriously. "I would say I'm sorry, but I'm not."

"What did he say?" Elena asks after reeling in her shock and urge to crush their lips together.

"Oh, you know. Stuff. The guy just went on and on about it. Wouldn't shut up." Damon quips a little bitterly at the fact his brother wouldn't tell him anything.

"So he didn't tell you why?" She inquires slowly, her eyes holding so much more than her words.

"Nope, but I'm sure it has something to do with you acting weird, so why don't you tell me?" He's had his suspicions involving the reason behind their break-up, but he's not quite ready for the feeling that invades his body when Elena confirms them.

"You." She breathes steadily. Damon takes an involuntary step forward, intending to close the gap between them when an aggressively annoying voice shatters their moment.

"Damon Salvatore!" Damon grits his teeth when he looks up to see Shane walking toward them. "Looks like we're traveling the same circuit."

"Professor Shane," Damon smirks humorlessly, "just the guy I wanted to see."

"Um, I'm gonna go help April." Elena speaks up sending Shane a small smile. "I'll see you later, Damon." She breathes as Damon nods watching her hurry up the stairs.

"So shall we?" Damon suggests nodding toward the doors leading to the party outside.

"Let's go," Shane agrees walking alongside Damon to join the festivities.

"So I'm in search of another hunter." Damon drawls catching the subtle glance Shane sends his way.

"Hunter with a capital "H"?" He questions quietly afraid of being overheard. "Why?"

"Same reason anyone needs a hunter…loneliness, drinking buddy, fourth for golf." Damon quips, grabbing two flutes of champagne.

"I thought you said you already had a potential?" Shane takes the glass Damon offers him with reserved kindness.

"I did, but he ended up be potentially a problem, so…" Damon trails off once the pair fined themselves in a large group of people. However, no one seems to be listening to them which make it the perfect spot to interrogate the young professor.

"There's nothing I can do to help you." Shane responds, gazing at the aloof citizens surrounding him.

"Hmm. Well, why don't you help me with this?" Damon takes a threatening step forward making Shane stiffen. "Why are you here? What's in your little lesson plan, there, Professor?"

"You think too highly of me, Damon." Shane brushes off his questions with practiced ease. "I'm gonna go find the other judges." He tries to make a break for it, but Damon intercepts him before he can get far.

"Hey, no pity votes for April young, ok? I mean, just because her dad blew up a house with a dozen people in it doesn't mean she should get a tiara." Damon watches as Shane narrows his eyes in disgust. "But you knew him, didn't you? Because I hear you two racked up a pretty impressive phone bill."

"If you want to know something about me Damon, just ask." Shane answers brazenly, letting his ego overshadow his fear.

"Okay. How did you convince the pastor to kill all those people?" Damon jumps straight to it not one to beat around the bush.

"Did you just accuse me of mass murder in the middle of a high school pageant?" Shane growls in disbelief. Damon merely smirks closing the gap between them. By all appearances, the pair is just having a friendly conversation which makes this all the more fun for Damon.

"Maybe." Damon shrugs with a smirk. "Or maybe I'm just dying to know why you chose now to come to Mystic Falls?" Damon whispers lowly watching the hate seep from Shane's face. "Could it be because your daughter is buried in the cemetery…?" Damon smirks when Shane drains of all color his mouth flopping open in shock, "or because you think Bonnie Bennett, of all people, is going to be the one to save you from Alba's wrath?"

Klaus POV

Klaus growls quietly to himself as he adjusts his suit for the fifth time since arriving at the party. He glances down at the neon pink handkerchief that sits on display in his suit pocket. It contrasts greatly to the black and dark blue of his suit and tie. He should have known Alba's first demand as his sire would be something flashy. However, what he left on her doorstep this morning is something only he'll get to see her wear.

"Hey why am I bussing your tables!" Klaus smirks when he hears Caroline's voice over the crowd. "I said no empty glasses!" She fumes as he turns around to find her harassing a member of the wait staff. He watches in amusement as she makes a beeline for the band that sits in the shade of a Willow tree. "Will you guys pick up the tempo?" Caroline snaps her fingers as I come up behind her. "This is a pageant, not a funeral." She demands, twisting on her heel only to stop short when she finds me waiting for her.

"And how am I doing?" I raise an eyebrow when she sucks in a ragged breath and sighs.

"You're…perfect." She gives me a tiny smile, "Just so beyond annoying, that I can't even look at you." She huffs making me chuckle at her words until I spot Tyler and Haley over her shoulder. I smirk at their perfect timing, opening my mouth to let Caroline know when she beats me to the punch.

"What. In. The. Hell. Is. That?" I furrow my brow when I see that Caroline isn't looking over her shoulder, but she's looking over mine in the opposite direction of Tyler and Haley. Her mouth is pinched in obvious anger and her eyes are narrowed into slits. I'm just about to ask what she's looking at when I hear who she's looking at.

"Thank you, Matt." In a flash, I'm spun around facing the entrance of the Lockwood mansion where Matt Donovan is escorting my girl down the grand steps leading into the back yard.

The music seems to slow as do the many guests when Alba saunters into the party with Matt on her arm. She looks absolutely breathtaking in an electric blue dress that ends mid-thigh putting her long legs on display for all to see. The lace of her dress compliments her dark hair as it lies over one shoulder in a sophisticated manner and makes her presence that much more dominating. Black heels adorn her feet giving her a few extra inches which don't seem to faze the quarterback who wraps a meaty arm around her waist.

In an instant, I'm rushing forward with every intention of ripping the human's head from his body. How dare he put his hands on her? My hands quake with rage as my eyes flash yellow in a moment of lost control. Caroline quickly takes notice of my unstable state as she runs after me.

"Klaus!" She screeches, jumping in front of me while sending paranoid glances around us. "Are you insane?" She hisses, wrapping her delicate fingers around my wrist as she drags me away from the party toward the pond. I strongly refuse her advances as I wrench my hands from hers with ease.

I lock eyes on Matt Donovan who is velcroed to Alba's side. His body is much too close to hers and I'm within fifty feet of ripping them apart when Alba's voice floats through my ears.

"Stop." She demands with authority making me stumble to a halt in the middle of a cluster of tables. I clench my jaw and whip my gaze to her icy blue eyes. Matt is busy talking to a group of his friends while flaunting Alba by his side. "Go back to Caroline and have a good time."

"Alba." I release an animalistic growl that I could care less if people hear. I glare when her glossy lips twitch into a smirk.

"Game on, babe." She whispers, her eyes lighting up in amusement when my body stiffens. She's punishing me by playing the game. I release a sigh in agitation when I realize exactly what she's doing. She's doing to me what I'm doing to Tyler. I shake my head and breathe out a chuckle in disbelief.

"Let's play, sweetheart."

Alba POV

"Last time I checked, these kinds of events weren't your thing." Matt smiles warmly handing me a glass of champagne that I accept gratefully. After thirty minutes of making the rounds for Matt's benefit, I'm in dire need of alcohol.

"They aren't." I state dryly downing half of the bubbly substance in my glass. "But I thought I'd make an exception just this once." I grin when Matt releases a breathy laugh before resting his shoulder against the tree I'm leaning on. I scan the large crowd with disdain until my eyes rest on Tyler and Haley. They're looking rather cozy sitting together on the steps with Haley uselessly trying to gain Tyler's attention who couldn't be more distracted with Caroline and Klaus if he actually tried. I follow his line of vision to the couple in question and smile when the absurdly bright pink handkerchief in Klaus's pocket catches my attention.

"Does it bother you that he's here with Caroline?" Matt's question throws me for a loop as I turn to acknowledge him. He's looking at Klaus and Caroline with a healthy mix of scorn and disregard.

"Klaus is a big boy," I sigh, narrowing my eyes when Caroline laughs out loud. "He can make his own decisions."

"That wasn't my question." Matt smirks when I send him a playful glare. "Hell, Caroline and I haven't dated for two years and it bothers me that she's with him."

"That's just because of who you think he is." I respond with a shake of my head. "But no," I lie, "it doesn't bother me."

"That was very convincing." Matt nods with a lively grin. "Why don't you say it one more time then maybe you'll start to believe it."

"Don't for one second think I won't kick your butt, Donovan." I finish my champagne and set it on an empty table. I turn to Matt with a smile and hold out my hand. "What do you say to a dance?" Matt grins, his dimples deepening, when his blue eyes brighten.

"I would love to Miss Martinez." Matt being ever the gentleman sets his glass down and takes my hand. He leads me to the makeshift dance floor before twirling me into the middle of the other couples dancing. I grin when he clasps our hands together before resting his free hand lightly on my waist. He keeps an appropriate distance between us which I find incredibly adorable. "You know, I'm impressed." Matt comments after we start swaying gracefully to the music. "You're actually not that bad of a dancer."

"Thanks," I smirk, "Caroline taught me." I giggle when Matt's boisterous laugh rings through the party drawing every eye in the place to us. I catch Klaus's annoyed glare and choose to ignore it to wiggle my fingers at Haley who is busy snarling at me. Honestly, did I expect anything less from the pup?

"That's fu-" Before Matt can finish what he has to say, I'm being thrown backwards away from the small town boy. My mood instantly darkens when Elena Gilbert wedges herself in the gap she created between me and Donovan. "Elena! What the hell?" Matt tries not to draw attention to us as he takes a step forward so he doesn't have to yell.

"Did you compel him?" Elena snaps at me completely disregarding Matt. The poor boy never gets any recognition around here.

"Now why would I need to compel Matt to be my date?" I ask, crossing my arms, when the doppelganger's nostrils flare in anger. She's livid and I love it.

"Matt and I were supposed to come together, but he didn't show up this morning." Elena glares throwing a quick peek over her shoulder at an incredulous Matt.

"Really?" I ask curiously. "Then how did you get here?" I raise an eyebrow when Elena blushes losing her rage for a second. However, she quickly bounces back.

"I-Damon brought me." She answers with a little less confidence which I swoop in on.

"That's weird." I furrow my brow in confusion. "Why didn't you just have Stefan drive you?" This time Elena doesn't have anything to say as she drops her gaze. "Oh that's right!" I snap my fingers. "He dumped you because you're in love with his brother." I shake my head sadly. "I have to say I was shocked." I feign surprise making Elena's temper spike once again. She makes it too easy. "But hey, why have one when you can have both? I must say the resemblance between you and Katherine has become uncanny."

"Hi, everyone!" I roll my eyes when Caroline rushes behind the podium sending Elena and me worried glances. "I'm Caroline Forbes. As the reigning miss Mystic Falls, it is my honor to introduce this year's miss mystic court!" She cheers as does the crowd. I turn back to Elena who is deep in thought and leave her with one last parting gift.

"By the way, I didn't have to compel Matt to be my date." I smile pleased when Elena tears up. "He said yes." I reveal before turning on my heel and heading for the rest of the fools surrounding the dance floor. I lost Matt during Elena and I's interaction, but I quickly find him when he moves to fill Jeremy's absence as April's date. God bless the good ole boy.

"You look mesmerizing, love." My lip twitches into a half-smile when Klaus appears next to me. His gaze is firmly locked on the dancing twats in the middle of the dance floor, but I can tell from the tension in his shoulders that he's acutely aware of my every move.

"I try." I lift my chin and straighten my back. "I had a little help from the package I found on my doorstep this morning." No sooner have the words left my mouth then a devilish smile is turning up Klaus's lips.

"Sounds intriguing." Klaus feigns ignorance closing the small space between us. "What was in this package?"

"This for one," I hold up my wrist where a simple gold bracelet rest, "and something a little more lucrative." I tease earning a bemused chuckle from Klaus who is leaving no room between us as he runs his eyes over my face. "How's the date with Caroline?" I ask breaking our moment with a simple flick of my eyes.

"She's been quite the lady." Klaus muses thoughtfully. "How has Mister Donovan been?" The words are strained coming out of Klaus's mouth and from the sour expression that befuddles his features I know today's arrangements are killing him.

"Quite the gentleman." I remark watching my date dance around the floor with April Young. I'm thinking about how the pair makes quite the couple when a new thought enters my mind. One that has me turning my full attention on Klaus who takes my sudden interest to mean something else entirely. He lays his palm on my waist, pressing his body to mine in an intimate manner that has the ladies of Mystic Falls blushing. Yet, I don't let him get far as I tilt my head away from his descending lips. "Where is Rebekah, Klaus?" I ask, narrowing my eyes when he releases a heavy breath. "When?" I growl shoving him away from me.

"Alba, love, she was causing problems."

"When?" I bite, no longer playing games. He notices the shift in the air as he bites his tongue and nods.

"The night I stopped you from killing Connor. The first night you slept at the mansion since Danny." He rumbles, his words holding a hint of remorse. "It was for her own good. She was too close to the mission."

"Okay." I nod, casually crossing my arms. "Well, since the mission is over and you're my errand boy for the day, I want you to unstake her." I command expecting the calculated look he gives me.

"Alba…" he hisses, "that request is off the table."

"Then you lose the challenge." I reply, earning an annoyed huff from the hybrid. He eyes me seriously contemplating his options before a smug smile replaces his frown.

"Tell you what, love, if I wake Rebeker and her surly attitudes then you have to do something for me."

"I'm all ears."

"You have to apologize to Caroline." Klaus's words make my blood run cold as I level a steely gaze on him.

"For what?" I ask curiously, flinching internally when I catch a familiar set of brown eyes over Klaus's shoulder. Laurita.

"I'm sure you can think of something." He's taunting me now as he stands with an arrogant smile on his face. Well two can play this game.

"Okay." I shrug watching in satisfaction as his smile drops. I turn back to the ceremony where the dance is finishing up as I spot Caroline and Elena on the other side of the lawn. I confidently push my way through the crowd with Klaus not far behind me. If he wants me to apologize to Caroline then I'm going to give her an apology she'll never forget.

"Fine. Friend-tervention." I catch Caroline snap at Elena who is fuming silently to herself.

"Oh goodie, we didn't miss anything." I smirk at Klaus over my shoulder, but he's not there. I raise an eyebrow turning back to Caroline to find he's miraculously appeared beside her.

"I think your so-called feelings for Damon are really starting to cloud your judgment, and I don't like it, and the thought of you two together really makes me want to barf." Caroline's borderline hysterical when I come up behind Elena.

"Easy, love." Klaus rests his hand on her elbow. "You're starting to make a scene." My pulse unwillingly jumps at their close proximity. I begin to question whether Klaus wants me to apologize to Caroline because he knows I despise the idea or if he's really harboring feelings for the young vampire.

"Wow. Caroline, thank you for making this very difficult time so much easier." Elena scoffs because once again the situation has to be about her. I smirk and wink at Elena when she turns around and brushes past me with a heated glare.

"Well that was almost entertaining." I give Caroline a sympathetic frown when she turns to face me.

"What do you want?" She bites making me cock my head to the side when Klaus sends me a look.

"I actually came over here to apologize." I sigh dramatically, innocently looking down at my clasped hands.

"Are you serious?" Caroline scoffs making me want to snap her pretty little neck. I look to Klaus who is regarding me with curious eyes.

"I am." I nod seriously. "I want to apologize for the way I've been acting…." I bite my lip and peer up at Caroline's shocked face. "But most importantly, I want to apologize for the fact that even after all these years of self-discovery and growth on your part, you are still second place to Elena Gilbert." I shake my head feigning compassion. "Hell, you might even be third after Bonnie. I don't know anymore with all these people running around." I shake my head acknowledging the wounded look on Caroline's face with glee. "I'm sure one day you'll be first to someone," I turn emotionless eyes on Klaus, "I would bet sooner rather than later."

Stefan POV

"How far did the mark grow? Show me on this drawing." I command, fishing the drawing out of my pocket when Jeremy's monotone voice hits me from across the room.

"Sorry, Stefan. I can't trust you." I narrow my eyes and unfold the drawing.

"How far is it, Jeremy?" I growl not having time for his sudden lack of trust. He's already killed two vampires which mean he shouldn't have that much farther to go.

"I said I can't." Jeremy holds firm to his decision making me all the more furious. I stride over to him and stare him straight in the eyes.

"Answer me or I will make you answer me." I threaten, noting how he doesn't even flinch. Jeremy's already changing and I have a feeling it's not for the better.

"I'm not telling you anything." Jeremy states once again moving to brush past me, but I catch him by the arm.

"What does the mark look like?" I compel him only to receive a blinding pain in my gut. I gasp releasing Jeremy to fall to the ground in pain from the stake protruding from my stomach.

"I guess I can't be compelled anymore." Jeremy shrugs, giving me a withering glare before walking out of the cellar. I groan in agony, ripping the stake from my stomach as I reach for my phone.

Alba POV

I drain the glass of champagne in my hand while studying Klaus and Caroline from across the lawn. They're talking amicably to one another which surprises me greatly considering last time I checked Caroline hated Klaus's guts. But who knows? Things have changed since I've came back especially between me and Klaus.

"Well, isn't that cozy?" I clench my jaw when Laurita whispers in my ear.

"Laurita," I remark dryly, "what do I owe the pleasure?" I glance at the ghost out of the corner of my eye to find her watching the party with mild fascination.

"I love watching humans prance around like the naïve little fools they are," Laurita breathes. "It's intoxicating."

"You're mother dropped you on your head as a child, didn't she?" I drawl, peering at her darkly.

"Oh, so feisty." Laurita tsks, shaking her head returning her attention to Klaus. "You know they make a cute couple." I begrudgingly turn my eyes to the pair. Laurita isn't lying. They seem to get along well together when they aren't fighting. "And to think you practically pushed Klaus into her arms."

"Meaning what?"

"Don't play dumb, Alba. You've been distant, emotionless, the complete opposite of whom he fell in love with." Laurita lists off various reasons before sighing. "To be honest, I'm surprised he lasted this long without running after her."

"You're boost of confidence is astounding." I reply flexing my aching feet. Heels are a bitch.

"I'm not here to coddle you." Laurita bites, her brown eyes sliding to mine with a harshness I know all too well. "Have you considered my proposition?"

"You mean in the day you gave me to think about it?" I cock an eyebrow and turn back to the party. "No. I've been busy."

"I will not wait forever, Alba." Laurita snaps, her words making me smirk.

"Actually you will." I sigh, tilting my head to the side when I see Haley and Shane conversing at a nearby table. "You need me more than I need you, don't you forget that." I growl throwing her a withering glare that she rivals with one of her own.

I down the rest of my alcohol before tossing the empty glass over my shoulder. I have enough booze in my system to kill a town and I'm feeling particularly feisty as I stalk across the lawn. I smile when I feel several set of eyes tracking me; Klaus's being one of them.

"Haley, we can't discuss this here." I catch Shane's subtle warning as he crowds the wolf's space. The two are sitting at a table on the outskirts of the festivities making it very easy to sneak up on them.

"Can't discuss what?" I ask, flopping into the seat next to Shane who jumps out of his skin.

"Wh-Alba!" He gasps, his eyes widening in surprise…or fright. I haven't decided yet.

"Oh look what the basket case drug in." Haley sneers over Shane's shoulder.

"Haley!" I beam running my eyes over her little red dress. "Nice dress," I nod, "I'm glad you decided to go with the most cliché thing in your closet. Great touch." I wink when her eyes flash yellow.

"Alba…I-it's good to see you." Shane gulps, fear pooling in his eyes making my pulse hammer. The bastard should be scared.

"You too, Prof." I grin humorlessly enjoying the uneven tempo of his heart. "How long has it been? 5? 7 years?"

"14," Shane coughs shamefully. He sends a brief glance around the party in hopes someone will, undoubtedly, come save him. Fortunately for him, Haley can't keep her mouth shut.

"Wait a minute, you two know each other?" Haley narrows her eyes, drinking the two of us in with suspicion.

"Sure do!" I sing, slapping Shane on the back so hard I hear a rib crack.

"Ahh!" Shane cries out in pain, his eyes bugging out of his head when I lean forward and whisper in his ear.

"Stop screaming." I demand with so much venom that he shuts up instantly. No compulsion needed.

"Jesus Christ!" Haley hisses jumping to her feet when I whip my gaze to her.

"Sit down." This time I use compulsion, watching as Haley obediently sits down. "Now don't say a word." Haley merely nods, her eyes void of any emotion. I like her so much better this way.

"Alba…" Shane groans, his lungs rattling for breath.

"Ah Ah Ah," I tsk slipping my hand to the back of his neck where I dig my nails into his soft flesh until I draw blood. "Last time I saw you, you were leaving the apartment to get diapers for Danny." I whisper calmly, eyeing the anguish turning up his face. "I have to say those must have been some pretty hard to reach diapers because here you are fourteen years later." My blue eyes darken as I forcefully turn his head to meet my unmoving gaze. His face is taunt and pale, but I can see the sorrow and regret in his brown orbs.

"Alba, I am so sorry." He chokes out a meager apology that doesn't mean anything to me now.

"Don't apologize to me, Shane." I hiss, my fangs elongating. "Apologize to my mother who you abandoned with a two week old baby and no money." Tears well in Shane's eyes making my fury grow to epic proportions as a heavy wind sweeps through the party. I hear people gasp around us at the odd weather and hear the light murmurs when black storm clouds roll in from the west. "Better yet, apologize to Danny," I grit, my teeth gnashing together as I apply more pressure to Shane's neck. One false move on his part and he'll be collecting dust in the ground.

"Alba!" My jaw ticks in annoyance when Damon's obnoxious warning flits to my ears over the continuous rumble of thunder overhead.

"Do you know how many times she asked me who her father was?" I yell over the wind. "Huh!" I scream, smashing Shane's face into the table where I'm greeted with the loud crack of his nose breaking. I lift his face back to mine to find his mouth and chin covered in blood from where it's gushing out of his nose. "Did you know she actually told me she wished Damon was her father?" I roar at the absurd truth of it all.

"Alba!" Suddenly, two arms encircle me from behind and haul me to my feet. I let go of Shane who slumps to the ground unconscious.

"I should have hunted you down and killed you years ago!" I growl, fighting the arms tightening around my middle as I lurch for Shane. I want to kill him. I want to feel his bones break in my hands and watch the light bleed from his eyes.

"Damn it, Alba! Stop fighting me!" Damon hisses in my ear right as a bolt of lightning zips to the ground striking the tree just behind us. Damon flinches when the bright light envelopes us, but not me. I welcome it and the darkness that swallows me whole not even a moment later.

"Well you know how to stop a party, don't you?" I groan and pop an eye open when someone nudges me with their foot. I'm assaulted with a bright light and the stench of ozone.

"What's that smell?" I cough, sitting up to get a better look at my surroundings. I frown when I see that I'm stuck in a white box. No furniture, no doors, no windows. Where the hell am I?

"The smell of victory…or rage…I can't tell the difference anymore." I blink the blurriness from my eyes and cock my head to the left. Sure enough, Laurita is leaning against the wall next to me with a satisfied smile turning up her lips.

"You know I thought hell would be a lot less…" I look around the room in distaste, "bleached."

"Oh we aren't in hell." Laurita laughs humorlessly. "We're in your mind. You and Damon were knocked out when a piece of the tree you splintered with lightning broke off and hit you two." She fills in the missing puzzle pieces as I climb to a stand. "It was actually quite entertaining to watch."

"I'm here to please." I quip, stretching my muscles. "What did I miss?"

"Not much. Jeremy tried to kill Elena and Caroline tried to kill you…" Laurita trails off with a casual shrug.

"Hmm," I walk around the small space inspecting the pristine condition of the room. "Who isn't trying to kill me these days?"

"Don't you get tired, Alba?" Laurita's solemn words seem out of place in my head. "All you do is fight. When will you get peace?"

"I don't think I'd know what to do with peace if I had it." I answer tracing a crack in the wall with my fingertips. "Shouldn't you be searching for peace, Laurita?" I ask, flexing my shoulder blades where she's burning a hole through my skin with her eyes.

"I am." She states, her confidence making me laugh to myself.

"No you're not." I reply distracted with the crack in the wall. "Face it, Laurita. You're just like me." I whisper, taking a step back from the wall when the crack shatters in a hundred different directions. "We don't search for peace. We search for war."

When I finally open my eyes, I'm lying in my own bed, staring forlornly at the ceiling of my bedroom. I don't immediately get up, but instead turn my head to acknowledge the empty spot beside me. The lavender sheets don't look ruffled from a body or even moved for that matter, but I know Klaus was here. I can smell him everywhere and the thought that he might be here lessens some of the sorrow in my gut.

However, it soon comes back when I notice the piece of paper on my nightstand. In a flash, I have the paper in my hands.

We need to talk. Come by the mansion when you wake up.

~ Klaus

Klaus POV

"I could have walked myself home, Klaus. You didn't have to stalk me." Caroline huffs for the third time in ten minutes.

"Trust me, sweetheart, if I were stalking you, you wouldn't know it." I smirk when Caroline turns her head to hide a smile. Despite, the setback of the evening, Caroline's been quite entertaining.

"That doesn't surprise me." She rolls her eyes playfully while turning down her sidewalk. I follow her up her porch steps and to her front door.

"Well, this has been quite the evening, Caroline." I smile warmly when Caroline nods in agreement.

"I think my favorite part was trying to get everyone inside while you snuck Alba and Damon out the back." Caroline giggles at my expense making me chuckle with her.

"Yes, there is never a dull moment with those two together." I shrug casually hiding the rage boiling beneath the surface at Alba's lack of self-preservation. Not only did she make a scene with the professor, but she almost exposed herself with the storm. She's lucky she was already unconscious when I got to her.

"Yeah," Caroline chuckles shyly looking away before returning her blue eyes to mine. "Well thank you for today Klaus. I actually had fun."

"I'm sorry, come again?" I ask, cupping my ear and stepping forward when she laughs and pushes me away.

"Yeah, har har," she shakes her blonde curls as she opens her door. "No, but seriously," she sighs taking my hand in her much smaller one. I eye our intertwined fingers curiously noting the feelings or lack thereof produced by her touch. "Thank you, Klaus." Caroline nods, drawing my attention back to her face. I run my eyes over her pale features, reveling in her beauty before I realize it's not Caroline I'm seeing.

Alba is staring back at me. Instead of Caroline's charming smile, I'm looking at Alba's mischievous smirk that lights up her blue eyes something fierce. Caroline's blonde hair is replaced with midnight black curls that tumble freely down a curvy waist. And when Alba's ice blue eyes flick to my lips before returning to my eyes a millisecond later, I know I've extended my welcome.

"Have a good night, Caroline." I bid farewell bringing her hand to my lips for a chaste kiss. She seems almost disappointed when I turn around and walk down her steps.

Caroline's a beautiful woman that lights up the room when she enters it, but she's not my light. Alba's presence rips through the room like a hurricane and I wouldn't want anything less. However, if she continues to act as impulsive and reckless as she has been then I'll be forced to take action. I can't risk losing her. Not again.

It takes me twenty minutes to get home after leaving Caroline's. In that amount of time, I stopped myself twice from taking the wrong turn and going to Alba's house instead. I won't be the first one to break this time. I was serious when I wrote her that note. I'm the original hybrid. I don't chase anyone's affections and I sure as hell won't chase Alba's.

However, it's as the thought is entering my mind that I open the front door and hear the soft melody coming from the ball room. I narrow my eyes in confusion before stalking to the entrance of the room where I stop dead in my tracks. I feel my jaw slacken, but I refuse to let it drop as I take in the scene before me with practiced indifference.

Alba stands in the middle of the room with a nervous smile on her face as she looks to me expectantly. Her hair falls in wild curls down her back accentuating the dark red dress she's wearing. The dress hugs her chest before falling loosely above her knees in a flattering manner. She looks lovely and vulnerable in the soft glow of the candles floating around her. There are hundreds of candles lighting up the room that he can thank Alba for seeing as she is the only one with magical capabilities around here.

"Now would be the time that you say something." Alba speaks up, her voice lacking confidence as she apprehensively fidgets.

"I love what you've done with the place." I smirk when she releases an audible sigh. Her shoulders seem to deflate when I enter the room. "What's the occasion, love?" I question curiously, strolling around the room to take in all the lights. I grin when I nudge a candle near my head and it floats higher into the air.

"I got your note." Alba holds up the paper, turning in circles to follow me on my trek around the room. "You took me home."

"You caught me." I smile devilishly making Alba's lips twitch in response.

"Listen Klaus," Alba breathes looking down at the piece of paper in her hands. "I'm not good at this." She sighs, lifting her gaze to mine. There's uncertainty flooding her blue orbs and it has me stopping in my tracks. "Losing Danny was…unbearable." She nods, wringing her hands together in front of her. "But I realized something today." She pauses, taking a deep breath. "I realized that when I leave this crappy little town I don't want to leave it alone. I want you to come with me." I study Alba as her heart beats unnaturally fast in her chest. "I took you for granted and I put you through hell, but I mean did you expect anything less?" She laughs, throwing her hands up. "I'm in love with you and I don't know how to handle it, but the one thing I do know is that I don't want you with anyone else." She shakes her head, dropping her gaze. "That includes Caroline Forb-" I swallow Alba's next words when I cover her lips with mine.

I rest my hand against her cheek and give her a firm tug until she crashes into my body. I wrap an arm around her waist and hold her in place as I deepen our kiss. She doesn't stop me as she throws her arms around my neck and pulls me closer. I'm wrapped around her like an ugly Christmas sweater and my god does it feel good. When I finally relinquish her lips we're both panting heavily. I grab her face in between my hands and place a light kiss against her lips before resting my forehead against hers.

"Caroline Forbes has nothing on you, love." I grin when Alba releases a breathy chuckle nuzzling her nose against mine.

"Ain't that the truth?" She whispers. "By the way, I won the challenge." Then before I can say anything else, she captures my lips once again.

Thank you for reading! Also if you want to see Alba's dresses, there is a link to my polyvore page where I have her outfits up! Thanks again!