Chapter Thirty six

Damon

I walked ahead with Stefan trailing behind me, his hands shoved in his pockets. Missing her was a pain we couldn't overcome. Each day dragged. And each day the threat and fear of losing her all over again became real. She was safe with Kol and that's all that mattered to us. The horrific visions ceased, and all was calm. I stopped in my tracks, cocking my head to one side, and listened to my surroundings. The air was odd as we neared the house.

"What is it?" He asked glancing around.

"Something doesn't feel right." Scrunching my brows, I surveyed the area. Stefan marched ahead only then to slow down and whip back around.

"Damon..." He whispered, eyes darting from me to the door in a panic sweep. The door stood ajar, the breeze gently swaying it back and forth. I raised a brow, shrugging before leading the way into the house. Bits of glass crunched under our boots. Windows smashed in; items strewn everywhere. The entire house had been ransacked yet nothing was stolen. Floorboards were torn and it was as if someone got a tyre iron and hacked into the boards. Everything was destroyed. Whatever they were looking for, it was clear it wasn't here. Stefan darted up the broken staircase, moving lightly upstairs. A minute later he returned downtrodden.

"Everything was destroyed."

"Do you think it's connected to what happened back in Ireland?" I asked scratching my jaw.

"We have to let her know."

I nodded in agreement. We scanned the house once again to identify anything we had missed. A thousand memories flashed before me. A tiny house held the most priceless moments shared between us. Heaving out a deep sigh, I fished my phone out my jacket. Unlocking the screen and tapping, I scrolled down the contact list. My thumb hovered over Kol's name for a second before I pressed down. Pressing it to my ear I waited as the call went through. It rang a few seconds until he picked up.

"Hello Damon."

"Without looking or sounding too alarmed...Sophia's house was broken into. Stefan and I would like to know if it correlates with the werewolf attack?" I glanced over my shoulder at Stefan.

"It must be. One second, let me leave the room." He moved around. Doors opened and closed. "Whatever it is they're searching for wasn't back at your place. It's with Freya. Under no circumstance, must you let them get whatever it is they're looking for. Look, I'm just as worried as you and we need to keep her away from it."

"Agreed. Give her our love." I pulled my lips into a thin line scanning what was left of the house. There was hardly much to look at.

"When do you want us back?" He asked after a slight pause.

"Have fun...treat her good. We'll let you know when." I disconnected the call and shoved it back in my pocket.

"We've got our work cut out for us." Stefan sighed, rubbing his forehead.

Before she returned to London it was our responsibility to get her house back in order and to its original state. It wouldn't be the same for me, that much I knew but if it meant for her, it remained normal then that's all I cared about. That's all we cared about.

~

1923, London

"Come here," She pat her lap for the little girl and the little girl ran to her with open arms. Jumping onto Sophia's lap, she settled down, bopping her head. "Look at the state of your hair Dhanika. Heavens, I have to keep fixing it don't I? Now hold still, let me fix it for you." with one hand she reached for the silver brush and picked it up from the little, rustic coffee table. "What to do with you?" She continued with a shake of the head. Sliding down her lap, Dhanika leaned back against her legs and babbled on about her day. She parted the joyful girl's hair into sections, making it easier for her to brush it out. Taking a section in hand, gently brushing out the knots with her fingers before going in with the brush.

"Mummy says I can't be friends with Tina."

"Oh dear, why ever so?" One small tug and the final knot came loose.

Dhanika fiddled with something in her hand, "I don't know...mummy makes me sad." She expressed great dejection. Taking another section of hair, Sophia repeated the process. She wondered why Dhanika felt that way and what reason Jameela had. "I really like Tina..." the little girl continued, rocking side to side.

"Hold still sweetheart...you can be her friend." Bringing the brush back in hand, she brushed the section of hair starting from the ends and slowly made her way up to the roots.

"But mummy," she tilted her head back.

"Hold still...she doesn't need to know. It'll be our little secret...now hold still. Finally, she held still, and her hair was done in no time; tied up in a bun fit for a princess.

Present

She stared into the mirror and the reflection stared back. It unsettled her, facing herself and forced to come to terms with reality. She did her best to avert her gaze but couldn't tear her eyes away from the woman in the tight bun. Her hands moved to their own accord, leaving her with no control. Was her mother really speaking the truth? She was never a woman of truth and she never had code. As the days slipped by, she grew more doubtful and pensive. Noah being gone left here unsure of everything including the past. Pulling her lips taught, she turned on her heels and dashed out the room.

•

She quickened her pace as the clouds gathered up in the sky. Hours before it was the picture-perfect dome of plasma-blue. A tinkling sound as the first pearls of rain dropped down. The sound resembled the glassy clink of champagne flute, lilting and clear. A sheet of rain poured down on her and the sound intensified. Pulling her hood over her, she pattered down the streets, determined to make it. She could see the magnificent house up ahead and knew she needed to push harder. After all, whatever she did was for her son. Panting and heaving she reached the large door and lifted the ornate ring and hammered. "Open the door." She pleaded with tears streaming down her face. She waited and no one answered so she struck again.

At last, the door swung open, and her breath caught in her throat. "What do you want?!" The Original Hybrid scowled.

"Please, I want my son back! I've tried everything to get Jameela to show herself and come back but nothings worked...please return my son to me! I beg of you please."

His brows crinkled with bewilderment, and he broke into a dark chuckle. A dire situation for her was humorous to him. His face set to stone once again. "I told you. Bring me Jameela and then I will release your child." The door slammed in her face, and she stood there, shivering from the coldness of the rain and the defeat. Her heart shattered. She knew she should hate the Mikaelsons, but there was one person she hated more than she hated them. The woman responsible for the separation of her son. Her mother. Stifling her cries, she turned on her heels and ran.

The boy watched as his mother was turned down by the terrifying monster in the skin of a man. She saw him and he pretended to call out to her. A tear slipped down his face when he saw her hunch as the door slammed in her face. She caught another glimpse of him, and she frowned with a trembling lip. She stood there frozen before she turned and left. He looked out the window hoping she was truly gone and then he saw the tar-black sky and the large clouds that moved towards him. Rain drops raced down the glass pane window, just like his tears. They weren't tears for her but because of her.

Some of them were nice to him. They really didn't want to keep him here, but they had no choice. Besides, he wouldn't let them drive him away. All for one girl, who they couldn't live without. It made him curious. He wanted to know this girl and see her. Caroline had shown him a photo. She was a beautiful woman he thought, whose beauty outshone others. She seemed innocent and gentle. It was then that he knew, he was doing the right thing—siding with them. The man that had glowing, yellow eyes petrified him at first, but as the days danced by; Klaus was friendly, which shocked his family.

He was grateful for all they gave him: Freedom to roam around, eat, watch tv and do whatever he pleased. They even accompanied him to the large garden where he'd play football, skateboard. Not everyone could acomapny him. Whoever was free to supervise would join him. All the time, he liked it, enjoyed their company. Stefan was fun and understanding. His brother Damon hardly cared but he was funny. He didn't want to go home. He liked living with them and he truly felt he had a place.

"You did good." Rebekah praised.

Feeling tired, he pressed his head against the cool window and shoved his hands in the pockets of his hooded jumper. Alarmed, he felt around. A scrunched-up paper appeared in his left pocket. He kept his hand in his pocket gripping the crinkling paper in his palms. The paper wasn't there before, and he knew it was from his mother. It had to be. Warily, he glanced around the room. They were sat spread around the large living room, engrossed in their own matters. Pulling about the crumpled lined paper, he cleared his throat. "Look...I got a message." He said in a small voice.

They turned their attention to him and eyed the paper he started to wave around. "What is it?" Bonnie asked.

He glanced down at the paper and read over the barely legible words. "My so-called gran says that if I steal the white oak, she will get me free. Don't know what that means but she's not getting it." Lifting his head, he met their gazes.

"She's impossible. You could be in possible danger, and she doesn't want to rescue you?" Caroline scoffed. Bonnie stepped closer, chewing her bottom lip and in deep thought.

"What?" He questioned.

"Klaus has the stake...right Klaus?"

The hybrid shook his head, seeming fed up with the ploys and plots of the witches. "Sophia destroyed it."

"What do I send back?" Noah asked, waving the letter in the air once again.

"Send one back. Tell her it's been destroyed but act as if you want her to save you or something...I mean your mother believes you're desperate right?"

"Bonnie...I don't know, I mean she saw me, and she cried but Jameela, she doesn't seem like the type to believe things so easily."

"It's worth a try." Rebekah added.

"What do I say exactly?"

They all exchanged glances then smirked. "Let's trap her."

~

She stormed through, kicking open the kitchen door where she knew her mother was. Multiple voices came from the kitchen. She rocked with anger and bitterness. A sense of overwhelming betrayal. Her mother in the body of another sat on the chair, her chin propped up on her hands. "You are a liar! A manipulative bitch! I want my son back! You promised to bring him back!" She spewed, jabbing a finger at her mother. The woman rose from her seat.

"Is that any way to address your mother?" She reprimanded.

"I don't care Jameela! My son is away from me because of you! So, I don't fucking care how you want to be addressed. I WANT MY SON BACK!"

She chuckled dryly. "I've already made arrangements for that. As soon as my grandson does what he's told, my new friends will set him free." She looked around, gesturing to the group of supernaturals around her.

"What do you mean?"

"I sent him a message. He's to find the white oak stake and only then will our plan-"

"You mean YOUR plan! Why can't you leave us out of it?" She staggered back against the silver fridge. She was exhausted and drained of all her energy, she had no fight left in her. She couldn't discern right from wrong, and it left her conflicted.

"My plan will be set into place and my friends here will break him free." She grinned. "Dhanika, I'll get your son back." She softened her tone and reached out for her daughter's hand. Reluctantly she took her mother's hands. If she wanted to get to the truth, she had to play along.

"Why are there vampires and Mutts crawling around our house?" She questioned.

Jameela grinned maliciously. "They will help us in our mission."

She gave no response to her mother but silently nodded. She knew they would be collateral. She was using them and whatever she had promised them was a lie. She felt sympathy towards them. Towards her mother.

Sophia

I turned back to face him with my hands resting on my hips. He worried too much. I didn't want him spending the rest of our honeymoon worrying about me and everything that threatened me. He sat on the edge of the bed with his head hung low.

"Kol, please stop worrying. There's no point in overexerting ourselves. Can we just enjoy our final day here?"

He lifted his head and smiled small. "  Darling, I'll always worry about you."

I crossed the space and took both his hands. Slowly he rose to his feet and peered into my eyes. I was transfixed as I stood there with pure wonder. His hand was now on my face, fingers gently brushing my cheek. That's when his smile grew wide and ecstatic. I could see the roguishness seeping through. My heart beat faster and faster as his gaze intensified. Though clothed he undressed me with his gaze. Grasping the collar of his shirt I pulled him close and attached my lips to his. Our movements were slow, gentle yet heavy with passion. I pulled away breathing heavy. He made a move, but the phone rang. "Perfect timing." I giggled.

Rolling his eyes, he snatched it up from the bed and answered. "Elijah, yes...yes you can." He handed the phone over. "My brother wishes to speak with you."

Taking it in my hand I placed it on speaker phone. "Hi Elijah, is everything okay?"

"Nothing to worry about dear. About the original wolf pack, we managed to figure out who they are and what they want-"

"How?" I cut through and he didn't mind.

"Thanks to Qetsiyah, it was all in her books. It seems as though Jameela is working with them. I called to ask, what you want us to do with the items?"

"Ahh...uhh, keep them safe. I'm sure Jameela promised them she'll help with finding it but-why exactly do they need the daggers? The woman that attacked me, wanted to know about them."

He paused for a moment, as if to think over his answer. "The daggers are a weapon against them. It also happens that, three of their oldest members have been imprisoned by them. I presume they want to awaken these beings, for whatever purpose they have been bestowed with."

"Waking up ancient werewolves is definitely a recipe for disaster, so let's refrain from doing so." I chuckled nervously.

"My thoughts exactly. Regardless, I will do my bit here and I hope to see you soon. I do miss our literature discussions."

I chuckled. "Me too Elijah. We'll be back soon." Why did it feel like he was withholding a crucial bit of information from me?

Tossing the phone onto the bed, I turned back to him. That smile of his, disarmed me and the way he bore into my heart and soul, unwound me. Incipient tears pooled in my eyes and reality smacked me hard. I had little time left. So lost and so consumed in his glory and grace; in the love making, I forgot about my truth. I was living a fairy-tale and i was miles away from reality. Tears threatened to erupt in a stream. Quickly I averted my eyes and looked down.

"Hey, look at me," he tilted my chin up, giving me no choice but to meet his gaze. "What's wrong?" The warmth from his fingers, I soaked up and closed my eyes for a split second. I told him nothing was the matter and of course he didn't believe it but thinking fast, I backed away laughing. I knew I couldn't outrun him but outsmart, that I could. Giving the impression I was going to slide left; I slid right and dove onto the bed. Muscled arms coiled around my waist and took me down. Bursting with laughter as he flung me over and tickled my sides. The breaths that escaped were sharp and harsh.

"Okay...oh-oh my okay-" I could not contain the laughter.

"I told you love, you won't get away." He flashed me his wily grin.

With heaving breaths, I finally managed, "I thought I'd try."

I tried so hard to look away from his chocolate orbs and not be captured by them. He knew and he stroked my cheek, ensuring we were locked in gaze. I recalled something the Mikaelsons had imparted, it related to Always and Forever. I was a part of that Always and that Forever. Gazing into his deep and velvety eyes my heart sunk into the depths of me; that was a lie for me, and I foolishly played along. I was certain of one thing: that I would love him always and forever. He was my first and last love. Pressing his lips to my forehead, he murmured, "I love you."

Inhaling in his scent and appreciating the moment, I responded, "I love you too," and stroked his hair with my fingers. We did nothing but lay arm in arm and speak to our hearts content. A rap at the door and our conversation came to brief pause before I glanced at the direction of the door and then to him. The tap came once again, this time confident and clear. Kol bounced to his feet and vamped to the door. He knew who our unexpected visitor was. The door swung open and a timid Harlow with her hands folded in front smiled at us. He stepped to the side allowing her entrance.

"What brings you here Harlow?" I began. "I wasn't expecting you till later on...is everything okay?"

She looked to Kol then back to me, fidgeting with her denim jacket. "Kol asked me to pop by."

I turned to him confused and bewildered. Not too long ago he had great distrust in her and he made it crystal clear. "You did?"

Striding to me and speaking in a soft tone as he looked me in the eyes, "I thought we can work together to find a way to keep you alive. Freya is caught up with everything else but she's looking through my mother's grimoires-"

"What do you mean keep me alive? This is our honeymoon and you're worried about me dying!" I could taste the bitterness on my tongue.

He looked deeper. "Are you not?"

Before I could answer, Harlow cleared her throat and explained, "because you're no longer a heretic and the cure doesn't allow you to become a vampire...I've got-" she slung her bag and emptied out the contents. Various grimoires tumbled to the ground, "I think there's something in here that may help us-"

"I assure you that there's nothing in there that could prolong my life! Even if I were to keep myself young, it won't stop me from dying in the end and besides, the only other spell is the sleeping spell, and I don't want that."

Kol spun me around. "Don't you want to live?"

I puffed out cold air. "It's not that I don't want to! I just don't want you having big hopes when realistically, there's nothing that will work. Freya and Bonnie would have found that out by now!"

"I spoke to them. Believe me when I say, they're doing everything they can!"

"Kol!" The anger was incipient, and it was bubbling. "You should have asked me before making such arrangements! Don't you love me as a human? So what if I live a few odd years?"

"Why is it a problem?" He clenched his jaws and my eyes travelled down to his now clenched fists. The tears stung and it was beginning to burn. "I'm not giving up! I don't care what the world has to say, what you have to say, I will not give up, so don't you give up!"

"Maybe I don't want to think about that now! Maybe I just want to live in the moment rather than worry about silly little things!" At this point I was yelling in his face. Getting angry perhaps wasn't the correct emotion but I couldn't understand why he had all this hope and where it came from. I was angry because he didn't know the truth and I couldn't tell him. "I need-i need air...it's too suffocating here," i gesticulated, glancing at everything else but them. "I'm going for a walk and please do not follow me!" Whipping around, i barged out.

I wasn't sure how long I was out for but I walked on and on without feeling tired out. As always, Galway was wide awake at night and shining bright with the various fairy lights draped and hanging over walls and shops. The bars were overflowing, and people were out dancing and singing. The path ahead grew narrow and quieter. In this part there weren't many people around nor was there much light. Seeing the shadows up ahead, I slowed down my pace. The shadows grew larger and menacing. Slowly they emerged into the thin source of light. There were four of them. It was hard to tell what they were. Human or something else. Whipping around I fled thinking it would deter them, but they thundered after me. The way they ran at normal speed told me they were humans.

Adrenaline pumped throughout me and all I could hear was the thundering of my heart against my chest. Fight or flight. A fiery pain shot up through my legs, but my feet continued slapping the ground. A body crashed into me, taking me down and pinning me under with his weight. I could taste the mixture of beer and cigarettes and my insides churned. Kicking and screaming under him I managed to free myself and jumped to my feet, looking for a way out. They circled, growling, and gnashing their teeth at me. They were compelled. The strikes were fast, cold and shattering, coming from all directions. Another pounding and I crumpled to all fours spluttering out blood. I wasn't going to die I told myself. Striking out a hand and unleashing a screech that blasted them into the brick wall.

The power surged through me as I rose from the ground and turned to face the overly large men. Every move I learnt from Enzo I used. Relying on my sole hand to hand skills. The smaller one of the four lunged forward with a brandished fist. Grabbing that fist and using my free one I struck his jaw. He staggered back, losing momentum. Taking advantage, I pounded on his face. I didn't know whether I was fighting to save myself or was it due to this odd anger in me that I reacted so incautious. Fingers clawed the back of my dress. I shook furiously to get them loose but instead it gave them power to yank me back. He had me pinned to the ground and I kicked mercilessly. Clutching his groin, he stumbled back and a howl ripped through him.

The last one standing prepared to launch himself but before anything, his face paled rapidly and contorted, leaving his grey eyes bloodshot and wide. A jarring crunch. Then ripping sounds. The guy tumbled forward with a smack, revealing the smirking, young man. The stream of light cast a glow over his features. I couldn't place what about him seemed close to home. Letting the bloody organ drop to the ground, the stranger wiped his hand on his jeans and flashed me a lopsided grin. "You did quite well-"

"Thanks, but I had it covered." I remained in my stance, glowering at him but it made no difference to him.

"I'm Henry by the way and you're welcome." That smirk seemed like a permanent expression he always wore. He was a vampire. That too an old one. I could sense it. "What business do these very much unalived humans have with you?"

I didn't answer the question, I myself had no answer. "Do I know you?"

He chuckled. "No, but I believe you know my girlfriend Harlow."

"Harlow-urm, yes, I do know her—what are you doing here? It's really strange how just as I'm being attacked you swoop in!"

Another humoured chuckle. "You are a suspicious one, aren't you? Harlow asked me to pop by and I happened to be taking a shortcut until I heard sounds of a scuffle." He gestured glancing around. His eyes landed back on me, and I shifted. "Can I walk you back?"

I shook my head. "No thanks, I'm fine on my own."

"Sophia!" The voice boomed. Two sets of running footsteps. Slowly turning around and looking out into the wide opening, I could make out Kol and Harlow thundering down. A second later I was in his arms with him inspecting my face. "What happened?"

"I'm not too sure...I got attacked by humans..."

"She's brilliant, fought them off without any help." Henry praised.

Kol bore into me. "You did, did you?" I could hear the pride in his voice, and it made his eyes sparkle.

"Thanks to Enzo's endless training...I'm exhausted. Is this what it feels like for humans?" I rubbed my cheek against his warmth wanting to soak up more of it.

Kol grinned ear to ear and tiny wrinkles formed under his eyes. "Enzo will be proud of you, I'm sure of it."

"I hope so...I'm sorry about befo-"

He cut me off with a kiss to the forehead, ending all my worries and all the bitter feelings. Harlow was with Henry, engaged in conversation before he stopped and turned to us: extending out a hand for Kol, he waited. "I'm Henry."

Kol searched him, as if trying to figure out who he was. "Kol Mikaelson. Do I know you? You seem suspiciously familiar."

Henry chortled. "Unfortunately, we do not." Kol was satisfied with the answer and cutting the meeting short, whisked me away.