Chapter Thirty one

Sophia

I admired the pearl bracelet on my wrist. It was beautiful and unlike any other pearl jewellery I had ever seen. It meant more to me that it came from Stefan. My brother. I flipped open my diary and began to write down my feelings and thoughts. Stefan inspired me. He told me that sometimes writing it down helps, and suggested I do the same. Ever since I came back from the dead, he handed me a blank journal and I have been writing ever since. Kol was too curious for his own good. He was eager to know what things I kept hidden. I told him nothing but just because I was marrying him, it didn't mean he could read my diary. Eventually he gave up trying to read it as he preferred that I write it down rather than bottle my emotions. Although, he was the one I would rant to and speak to about my day and every thought that crossed my mind, and he would listen as he played with my fingers. I couldn't be honest with him about my visions. The visions of him. The pen hovered over the page as I got lost in my own train of thought.

"Darling?" His silvery voice guided me out. Closing my journal, I turned to meet his lips on mine. Arms wove around me and I quickly held onto him as he carried me back into bed, gently lowering my head down onto the fluffed pillow, then laying down soft kisses all over me. My mind screamed at me to stop. It reminded me of Davina, but every part of my body said so otherwise. I was burning, my body craved him. I tugged at his shirt and as if reading my mind, he pulled it over him and cast it to the floor. He lifted me halfway up, slipping down the straps of my dress, peeling it off until I was left bare.

My body melted against his as he felt every inch of me, not leaving a single part untouched. The touch of his hand so warm on my bare skin sent a burst of heat straight to my core. I stroked my hands over him, spreading them down his muscled back. Just his mere touch and I was ready to explode. He slipped his hands down my curves. I jumped, twitched. My lips lifted to his touch and his fingers sifted between my curls. There was nothing between us now. I cried out on a half sob of pleasure as his hands slipped between my thighs, touching my delicate, aching flesh. It was slow. It was sweet and gentle. It was making love on another level. Everything else disappeared and it was him and I. Nothing mattered but him on me and me on him. Every move was magic. His love was infectious, and he took me.

He held me tight against him, cuddling me and our fingers intertwined together. "How did I get so lucky to get you...I love you." He murmured as I drifted away.

•

I woke up in his arms, bodies tangled together. He held me so tightly as if he were protecting me from the bad things that threatened to harm me, as if he were scared of losing me. I smiled to myself. I had no dreams, no troubling visions. What more could I have asked for? He was still peacefully asleep, but I was thirsty and needed water. As quietly as I could muster, I freed myself from his hold and got up, grabbed my gown, and wrapped it around me tightly and tiptoed lightly out the door. It was nearing dawn, daylight was soon to break.

Wrapping the gown tightly around me, I descended the spiralled staircase, heading  straight into the large open plan kitchen. To no surprise, all the wedding decorations were laid out, no one thought to keep things to one side. I suppose it made sense to leave things as they were since the preparations were yet to be complete. The biggest fact of all, my wedding would take place here right in their own private garden.

I peered through the glass door that overlooked the garden. Chairs were already formed in neat rows, with what I made out were flowers that draped each chair. Unlocking the door, I stepped out into the cool air. As I travelled down further into the garden, I stopped and gazed in bewilderment. Up ahead was a wide floral arch; White and light pink flowers, leaves, twigs, and vines all elegantly weaved around the arch. I stepped closer to look at what dangled down. White metal baskets and glass ones with a candle in each hung down so gracefully. I counted with my finger. "Five..." I giggled quietly to myself. They did all this for me, and it was overwhelming. I was beaming, practically dancing and spinning, appreciating the scene around me.

The sun began to grace me with its light. Pausing the twirling, I stepped back, hands over my mouth and almost in tears as the sun rose over the arch. Words failed me. I could not do justice to the scene to how glorious it looked. In that moment, I knew I didn't want to wait a week longer. I couldn't. I could not guarantee what my future held or what today held, all I knew was, I had to live in the moment. Do it in the now. No regrets. Wiping away my joyous tears, I ran back into the house.

Barrelling in, I going Rebekah and Marcel sitting at the kitchen table, sorting through the favour boxes. They stopped and turned back to me, brows raised. She shot to her feet and rushed to my side. "Are you okay?" I was out of breath. I could barely get my words out. She held my arms and sat me down on the chair. "Breathe and then tell us what you are so excited over..." She glanced over her shoulder and frowned. "Although, I'm rather pissed you saw the garden when it's hardly finished"

"Bekah! I don't want to wait a week! I want to get married tomorrow! I want to marry your brother before it's too late. I don't know what will come next, but I do know, I want to be his wife as soon as possible." She looked to Marcel then back to me with a huge grin. "Why wait till tomorrow? We can get it done today. Just give us a few hours to complete everything else, god knows Caroline will need the few hours!"

I chuckled. "Yes...we messed with her schedule."

"Okay you're getting married today! I need to round up the family and you need to stay away from my brother...can you do that?" I nodded eagerly to her commands. Filled with bubbles of joy I threw my arms around her, hugging her tight. We squealed then immediately covered our mouths, stifling our laughter after discovering how loud we were. Congratulating me, Marcel pulled me into a bear hug. It was no feat, reigning the family in. Everyone was already up and running about to set the final touches. Caroline did lose her cool for a good few seconds, but the joy overtook her, and she was glad to get the day rolling.

Kol and I were granted one last chance to see each other before the ceremony, though he tried to fight it, it was a miserable fail. He pulled me into him then kissed my head before telling me how he couldn't wait to be my husband. Theo and Laura cheered their way into the living room, clapping and dancing, and all other displays of happiness. I watched Kol walk out, then turned back for a few minutes and watched me, smiling. I should have warned of Caroline glaring at him with crossed arms but I couldn't. I burst into a fit of laughter when she pinched his ear, dragged him out, chiding him for not listening to the one condition they set down. I heard him grumble before disappearing off.

•

It was almost noon and Klaus was not in sight. I began to worry. For some time I was preoccupied from wondering where Klaus disappeared to. The girls had done their hair and makeup beforehand, ensuring they had enough time to help doll me up together as one. Freya and Bonnie worked on my hair. It was a nightmare, having to straighten it out before they could put it up in a bun. But we got there and by the end my hair was perfect. Rebekah made up my face. I adored how she knew exactly how I wanted it; Subtle yet mesmerising. I giggled as Caroline and Laura did the perfect French manicure on my nails. It was a moment I would never forget. There was nothing but love. It was all giggles and chatter. It helped ease my nerves that came and went. All that was left was to get into my wedding dress, a moment I was terrified of. I hadn't seen my dress since it arrived a few weeks back, I was not allowed.

Caroline strut back in with a long, white cover with my name printed on it. I fizzed as I got up and paced around the room. She hung it up and unzipped it. I froze with my hands to my mouth, taking in the sight of my dress. It was stunning. I kept opening and closing my mouth, just to get anything out but I stood there, only gasping. I heard the door close and lock. They gathered around me, grinning ear to ear. With the help of Laura, i slip out of my bride robe. Standing back, she let Caroline step in, holding the dress before me. Taking a hold of Bonnie's hand, I stepped into the dress, and they all pulled it up. How they managed to get the measurements correct was beyond me. With shaky breaths I gazed at myself in the mirror. Pulling up the zip, Freya then rested her chin on my shoulder, gazing with me into the mirror.

"You look beautiful." I told her. "You all do." Magnificent they were in their grey A-line chiffon, floor length dresses. I admired how despite wearing the same colour and dress they customised how the arms, necks and shoulders were. A mixture of off the shoulder, spaghetti straps, etc, giving each dress a unique touch.

~

She sashayed down the hallway, the click clacks of her heels bouncing off the walls. Pushing the door open, she entered and flashed him her vile smirk. "Ethan." She said in a sing song and waved at him. Rolling his eyes, he rose from the sofa and vamped sped to her, their noses brushing and she purred. "You're hot."

"What do you want Jameela?" Folding his arms, he looked her up and down, lips twisted with distaste.

"I heard from a little birdy, that Sophia is getting hitched today, as we speak."

"How do you know this?" He towered over her, their faces a mere centimetre away.

She pushed him back. "Don't worry your pretty head over how I know this. Your focus should be on Sophia-"

He didn't wait to hear the rest of her sentence. In a huff, he stormed out the room.

Sophia

I stared back at myself in the large floor mirror. I was in a white, overflowing A-line gown, embellished with ivory lace appliques that scattered down the skirt. Rebekah attached a monarch train; twelve feet from the waist- the dress was made for royalty. It was still surreal to see myself in the gown. I did not expect this, not even in my wildest dreams. The Mikaelsons were no less than royals themselves. It was the biggest day of my existence, and I was nervous! Definitely a blushing bride. I was marrying the love of my life. I breathed in, steadying my nerves. "Why am I so nervous! It's Kol!" I fizzed. Laura simply chuckled. I looked to the side where the gentle knock sounded. Klaus. He leaned against the doorframe and gazed at me with admiration. I met his gaze. "Come in." I smiled, invitingly.

He swaggered in with a dark blue velvet box in his hands as I eyed him suspiciously. He turned, and a bright smile lightened up his fine blue-green eyes. "You are breath taking," He murmured softly, leaning in he kissed the corner of my mouth. After the briefest of moments, he quickly pulled away... "I have something for you." He flashed me one of his characteristically charming smiles.

"What is it?"

He pushed the box in my hands: "Open it and see." Partially opening my lips, I stared down at the box, to say I was curious would be a drastic understatement. My fingers brushed over the soft velvet and my eyes grew wide as I opened the box. I was speechless, all I could do was gasp in delight. Inside was a diamond tiara unlike anything I ever laid my eyes on. Klaus was exceeding the notion of royalty. "Klaus..."

He chuckled at my reaction: "It's one of the many tiaras belonging to princess Diana. And, well... she is no longer around so why shouldn't it grace a head as beautiful as it is?"

"Klaus, I'm at a loss for words...you didn't have to do this for me. You know I don't need these materialistic things...But it's gorgeous. Thank you." I hugged him tight, relived he was here.

Taking my hand, he led me to the dressing chair and seated me down, carefully minding the train. I glanced back at myself in the mirror, seeing my entire look finally come together. He stood behind me wistfully. Placing the box down onto the dressing table, he gently picked out the tiara. Slowly, he lowered it down onto the crown of my head. Laura swooped in, lending a hand as she secured it in place. "You're beyond beautiful," She gushed, eyes squinting in delight. Having nothing to add, he turned on his heels and headed for the door. Shooting up from my seat, I called out his name, softly. He spun back around and waited.

Crossing the room, I met with him leaning in, I pecked his cheek..."Thank you." He nodded his head, then turned on his heel and vanished. My brothers were at the door beaming of pride; it was time for them to walk me down the aisle. The nerves churned in my stomach, swarming me. I hope I was perfect for him.

"You look magnificent." My big brothers gave me a small bow of the head, standing at the doorway. I giggled as I shook my head at them. They strode in and pulled me into a bear hug. "Thank you, brothers." I said, beginning to tear up, peering into their eyes. Eyes that were glistening with tears, but they were not sad- they were proud and joyful.

"I'm so proud of you." Damon proclaimed. I told myself I would shed no tears, but I was helpless. They slipped down as I stood before my brothers, my hands in theirs.

"Thank you, for giving me away. Thank you for blessing us and most of all, thank you for sticking by me and trusting the man I love." The tears in their eyes flooded over and they trailed down like little droplets.

"We are honoured," Stefan elevated his chin, expressing himself.

Caroline rapped on the door. It was now time for that moment I had been waiting so eagerly for. "Places everyone! It's time for our bride to hurry the heck up," she said, excitedly waving her hands around. As our eyes met, she stopped and beamed, taking in a final look.

"Ready?" They asked sticking out their arms. Inhaling through my nose then exhaling out through pursed lips, I slid each arm through theirs. The soft introduction to a thousand years began. Our feet walked out to the slow and soft rhythm of the music. Laura followed closely behind as we began our slow walk down the aisle, where my husband to be waited. As I walked down the white carpet aisle, I recalled how it all started. The first time I laid eyes on him and how I had held my breath. Looking to the left of him, I almost collapsed. Davina appeared, circling him, and trailing her finger along his shoulders. Gripping onto my brothers, feeling around and ensuring they were real, and I wasn't anywhere else. "Are you okay Bitsy?"

"I'm fine. Just making sure this is all real."

"Of course, it is." He gave me a reassuring squeeze. Glancing to where he stood, she was gone.

He was my soul mate, as I was his. I watched as he stood alone, arms loosely by his side and the joy he had in those soft brown eyes- it melted me completely. He was undeniably and entirely handsome. I immediately welled up; It was truly magical. Upon reaching the end of the aisle, I kissed my brothers on the cheeks. Damon finally placed my hand in Kol's, and my brothers took their places to the side. Kol lifted my hand to his lips and gently planted a kiss. "You are completely and entirely magnificent." He murmured so softly that the hairs on the back of my neck sprung to life.

Elijah cleared his throat, attaining the attention of the guests. He had ordained himself for this very special occasion. I could not have been more pleased to have him lead the ceremony and officiate us. He began loud and clear: "Dearly beloved family, and friends, I thank you all for sharing this truly pure and special moment with us. This family has faced a lot over the centuries, and I don't know why it takes something as special as this to finally unite us, wake us up, to be grateful for what we have and while we have it..." He orated and we laughed. Marcel, our ring bearer, a good friend, my family, stepped forward holding a glass plate. He turned to me, and I gently picked up Kol's ring. It was time to say our vows. He took the lead, finding he could no longer wait.

"I loved you from the moment I saw you and I knew you were mine. Love is a word that is much too soft and used far too often to ever describe the fierce, infinite, and blazing passion that I have in my heart for you. We are two souls in one flesh, when you're not next to me, I am incomplete. You loved the darkest parts of me, yet you light me up. I will fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime love, and in the deepest part of my soul that no matter what challenges might carry us apart, we will always find our way back to each other." He let his tears fall onto the back of my hands. They were the warmest words, and I could no longer hold back my own tears. He gazed at me hopefully as it was now my moment. My time to profess my love.

Breathing shakily, I exhaled through pursed lips. "When I am with you everything else fades away. I can't see or hear anything else. Or anyone else. You invade every sense, every part of me and most of all my heart and my soul. I will forever be entangled with you...if such a thing as another life exists, then I know I will always find my way back to you. My soul will recognise you. Your touch. Your laugh. Everything..." I paused for breath, and he laughed a nervous laugh that I had never heard from him before. "I get to love you, Kol Mikaelson and it's the best thing that I'll ever do...whatever may come, your heart I will choose."

"I do." He declared loud and proud as he slipped the dainty, diamond studded band onto my finger.

Taking his hand, I slid his silver band, whispering to him: "Forever I do."

"Well, by the power vested in me, by a Franciscan monk in the thirteenth century and via the internet a few hours ago just to be on the safe side.." Laughter broke out amongst us. I heard an incantation from Bonnie and Freya. Rose petals showered down upon us as I faced up. It was truly magical. "I now pronounce you as married, brother. You may now kiss your bride." Elijah continued with a grin. Kol need not be told twice. Pulling me close, he dipped me down and we shared a passionate kiss. Slowly, he lifted me back up and holding my hand we turned to face our family, now as a married couple. They rushed over to congratulate us and pull us into warm embraces. I hugged my brothers as they congratulated us. The day was far from over. We had to get through the couple's dance, the pictures and finally closing the reception with speeches. I laughed as both Rebekah and Caroline gushed over the details. I turned my head to my left where my husband stood. He was beaming at me. I didn't think I was capable of loving anyone as much as I loved him. I stood staring at him, and my heart just exploded. I think he felt the same, I could see in his eyes and then, he leant in and kissed me softly.

The tradition was the first dance was danced by the father and daughter, but I had no father and so my brothers filled in. They took turns as they led me to the centre of the dance floor. As I danced with them, they expressed how proud they were of me and how they were the luckiest brothers in the world, because I was their sister and because they got to be loved by me. I teared up as they promised to always be by my side, stand by my side and that I was never alone. Damon jested that even if we were in hell, he'd still stand by me. I laughed and told him I won't be in hell; he'll be alone so not to expect me to be there.

Stefan held me in his embrace as I cried into his shoulder. I fought hard not to cry any further, but it was I who was the lucky one. Part of me cried because they were there snarling, the Harrington. So I held my brother tighter. It was now time for the bride and groom to dance as Bonnie announced. Stefan let me go after kissing the side of my head. They gathered around us as he stepped into the centre, holding out his hand. It was the same feeling I always got every time he was close to me, when I could feel his warm breath gently brushing my cheeks. We swayed side to side softly as Bow and arrow began. I had my arm around his neck and I rested my head on his shoulder. Petals showered down on us as he spun me in his arms. All I craved to do was remain in this state with him, with my head on his shoulder as we slowly swayed side to side. I wanted to capture this timeless moment. Holding the back of my head he put me in a dip and kissed me, this time with more passion. On the applauding and cheering, he swept me back up, leaving my fingers lingering mid-air after he was pulled away by his brothers. It felt like suddenly, I was left standing alone and something terrible was heading our way.

Theo and Laura skipped over to me, and I brightened up. They looked terrific. Theo in his Dion blue suit was remarkable. He was one to never wear suit and tie, but Caroline badgered him into wearing it and even threatened him. Laura was beautiful in her dress that she wore off the shoulder. I hugged them again and we huddled together effusing over the day, while the rest danced. I glanced around searching for Kol, but he wasn't there. Nor was Klaus. Whenever they disappeared it raised concern. Excusing myself, I headed towards the house but stopped after bumping into Freya. "You look spectacular Frey!" I kissed her cheek and she snorted.

"Is the bride complimenting me on her own day?"

I nudged her. "I'm hardly the typical bride...not to ruin my own day but have you managed to find anything on where Jameela might be? Who she's using as a disguise? I'm just worried Freya. Something feels off, I can't point my finger at what... but I just have a deep feeling."

She glanced around cautiously then hugged me, whispering in my ear. "No, I've had no luck but as soon as you go off for your honeymoon I'll look again. Wherever she is hiding we'll find her."

"Anything on Ethan." I mouthed, pulling away. She shook her head, chewing her bottom lip. It was perplexing. Weeks had passed and not a single sighting of Jameela or Ethan. Both missing was no longer a coincidence. Separating from Freya, I headed back into the house searching for Kol, but it was empty. No one was in the house as they were all out in the back garden. Wandering around the house, the cluttering sound from the front door alerted me. Turning sharp in the hallway I treaded carefully, lifting the hem of my dress. Even without the train it was awfully long and swept the floor as I walked. A clang. I peeked through the peep hole and saw no one. My hand gripped the handle and pulled the door open. There was no one.

"You look gorgeous!" The sudden voice of a woman jolted me. I glanced up, she had dark hair and tanned skin. She smiled at me widely as she passed by.

"Davina." I gasped.

She looked at me quizzically. Blinking several times, my vision cleared. She wasn't there. There was no woman. "I've lost the plot!" I muttered to myself. Searching the street one last time, I spun back around wanting to head for the open door, but a sudden force pushed me back and I fell on the concrete floor; grazing my elbows as I tried to pick myself up. "Ethan!" A gasp tore through me and I lifted my head, coming face to face with him. Shuddering, I shrunk back as he breathed onto my face.

"Don't you look delicious." He smiled cruelly, running his finger down the side of my face. I shoved him back when he leaned in to kiss me. "Ouch." He mocked. "God, you really are a stubborn whore! You think you're so special, but honey, you're not the only witch he wanted. Ask him about Davina." His eyes flashed. I froze and stared at him without blinking. Running his tongue over his top lip, desire danced in his eyes and evil intent painted his face.

"What are you talking about?"

He flashed a shallow smile with deep piercing eyes and an evil mind. "He never told you did he? None of them did...." For some time, he guffawed to himself. "Everyone knows the great story of Davina and Kol."

Thrusting my hand out, he went sailing into the driveway. Bouncing back on his feet, he cracked his neck and charged forward, taking me down with him. Grabbing his hand, I siphoned at his vampirism. He snapped his head to the right. "See you soon sweetheart." He sped away before I could comprehend what was happening. As I climbed back to my feet, I'm dragged across and lifted into the air. I kicked the hooded vampire, but he flashed his fangs at me, and a sudden pain flashed through the side of my neck. A scream unleashed from within as he sunk his fangs deeper into me, guzzling on my blood. I reached for his face, digging both thumbs into his eyes, managing to get him to release me, bellowing as he clawed at his eyes. Taking that as my chance I thundered back into the house. He couldn't get in. No vampire could unless Freya invited them in. I knew I was safe.

Damon

The scream silenced us. It was the kind of scream that bypasses the ears to speak right to the heart. Panic mode was activated, and I manically looked around for Sophia. She stumbled back into the garden, blood dripping down her neck, trailing down her dress. The two holes in her neck were visible. I lunged forward and held her up right. "What happened?" I searched her face in a panicked frenzy. She clutched her neck, attempting to stop the bleeding but the blood seeped through her fingers.

"Vampire attack. I think he took the cure I don't know...but Ethan paid a visit."

"Where is he? I'm going to kill him." Rebekah hissed.

"He's gone but I think the other vampire is still outside." She lowered herself down on a chair and leaned back closing her eyes. "What a way to end the day is it not?" She laughed through her heavy breaths. Tears rolled down her face and her head swayed side to side. I weaved my hand behind her head and gently shook her, in an effort to keep her awake. She smiled as the tears continued to roll down. 'No, Bitsy stay awake, you're okay."

"I'm so sleepy Damon, where's Kol?"

"I don't know, Bitsy." I scooped her up in my arms. "Someone deal with the vampire that's outside, I'm taking her to the hospital. My blood won't heal her." I checked her pulse every few minutes. She was fine, it was steady, and she was breathing. The blood slowly oozed out the open wound. Carrying her in my arms, she wavered in and out of consciousness. Was she hallucinating? She kept screaming and crying. Who was Davina?

I rushed in through the hospital doors and compelled the first doctor I saw. He rolled out a bed and I laid her on it, wheeling her out into a room. I stayed with her the whole time he operated on her. Thankfully there was little damage to her throat, and he stopped the bleeding. I swallowed hard, looking down at her face. She was okay and that's all that mattered. She was much more peaceful and whatever she saw, it didn't bother her now.

The door swung open and in stepped Stefan with Kol. I swung from the chair and pinned him against the wall, my arm pressed against his throat, baring my fangs at him. "Where were you! She needed you and you weren't here! You better have a good reason for going MIA or I swear to God I'll drive the white oak through you myself!"

"Damon!" Stefan yanked me back.

Kol rolled his shoulders back and adjusted his tie. "I'm sorry, I had no intention of leaving but Klaus got word that vampires were heading for her." His eyes flickered to where she lay. "My priority was eviscerating the threat. I crossed my arms and lifted my chin, shaking my head and sighed. He side stepped past me and took the seat I had been in a while ago. Stefan rolled his eyes at me.

"What happened?" My mouth twisted at his question. "Was it a vampire?"

"Ding ding ding, correct!" I gave him a grin that lasted less than a second, speaking in an impertinent manner. It was clear he was biting back a remark. He took her hand to his lips and brushed her knuckles, kissing them lightly. "I'm so sorry love." He murmured.

"Who's Davina?" I interrogated, lifting my chin, and squinting at him.

He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. "What?"

"She keeps begging for you to stop and keeps mentioning Davina. So, who is she?"

"Some witch me and my family used." He glanced back down at her, stroking her hair and swimming lost in thought.

"The vampire is dead. The cure didn't cure him...it killed him and she's still alive. What did Tessa do?"

I turned back to him clenching my fists. "That won't stop others from coming for her. We have to get her out of here." We exchanged quick glances before directing our attention to Kol. "Kol." My lips formed a tight-lipped smile. His eyes flashed to our direction. "I never really liked you...but then I saw how you are with her and the fact that she seems to think you're worthy was enough for me to...tolerate you. Before you asked for her hand you promised to protect her and I'm going to need you to make good on that promise."

"Damon's right, we need to get her out of here, so take her as far away from here as you can and don't return until we fix this problem." His posture was far more relaxed than mine. He trusted Kol and had faith in him. More than I could speak for myself. He nodded, happily accepting our conditions and more than pleased to get as far away from here as he could. Beginning their own lives together without the constant interruptions of the supernatural world and without having to worry she'll get caught in the crossfire. With hands in my pocket, I strolled out the room and stood by the window.

Theo and Laura popped in for a visit. Minding from the window, I listened to what they conversed about. They spoke more with Stefan and only exchanged a few words with Kol. Excluding his feelings for her and how he behaved around her, he was still the same man with the same nature. I watched on as he stroked the side of her face with such tenderness and the love seeped through him, into her. Deep within I cared for him. Perhaps it was simply because my sister cared so I cared. "What are you doing!" Came Laura's alarmed voice. She dove in front of Kol as he leaned down to pick Sophia up. Stefan held her back, holding her as he ran his hand down her head in an effort to soothe her. "It's okay." Ignoring their protests, he lifted her into his arms, wrapped one around his neck and placed her other arm on his chest and sped out the door. With one last glance to my direction, he vamped out the swinging doors.

~

With a quick flick of her hand, fire erupted and circled him. He tried jumping out of it, but it grew taller, licking the sky. "I told you, no harm should come to Sophia and yet, like the pathetic fool you are, you couldn't help yourself could you! Was it so difficult to just grab her and exit!" The circle of fire simmered down.

He hissed and lashed out. "I didn't know! She was doing something, and I could feel my life force slip! I thought the vampire I sensed was someone from her family-" He was interrupted by the snapping of his bones. One snap and his hand bent back unnaturally, the bones crushing. Another jab and his knees buckled. He roared with pain. "I'm sorry!"

Letting her hand fall to her side in an elegant manner, she smiled. "Fine. You'll do better next time. My informant will keep us updated on her whereabouts. We've got the dogs to handle and keep in the loop." She groaned, pacing around the garden. "Whoever is blocking my spells, they're getting stronger and unfortunately for me, they're stubborn! We've got much to do, Ethan. Please don't let your emotions get in the way!"

"you said I'll have her! When will that be?"

"You'll have her, don't worry. Let's deal with the wolves first and then after I'm done with her, she's all yours." Jameela grinned.

~

Pulling his hood over his head, Noah darted down the industrious streets of St. James square. Meeting in different locations had become a daily occurrence for the boys. It was the only way they could ensure their privacy and safety while they deliberated and worked with magic. Jogging up the steps of London library, Benjamin greeted him with a man hug. Taking each other's hands in a handshake and going in for an embrace with their free hand. "You're late." He squinted his eyelids.

"I actually left home on time, but I swear, on my way I saw men in suits drain a vampire of its blood. You should have seen what they did! It was like some MIB scene! Storing the blood in silver cases and packing them in some black car and driving off."

"The council, I think. We don't know much about them, other than the fact that they know of the supernatural and want to keep London safe."

Noah shrugged. "I don't know...Anyways, I need to actually make a start with history revision. I've got a week for that exam and with how our lives are going, that ain't enough time!" Walking up the remaining steps, Ben followed after him.

"I spoke to Harlow by the way."

"What she say?" On entering he gave the receptionist a nod and Benjamin offered her a smile.

"She said she's trying to fight off their spells but they're fighting back...we think they know someone's messing with them." They walked through the large doors and into the main study space.

"I know! I heard mum and Jameela speak about it. They're raging! It's only made them more crazy and harsher with the spells.... I can barely get a hang of my powers man!" He let out a groan, deeply disheartened by his lack of strength. Sitting himself down, he continued. "We need Harlow! This is stressin' me more than my damn GCSEs!"

Ben took out his books and pens, laid them out on the glossy table and opened up his notebook to a blank page. "All I can think about is how to stop the pack and what their next move is! Still waiting for them to make a move."

"Do they suspect you?"

"Nope." He popped his lips. "But that Hayden prick isn't happy about the treatment I'm getting."

"That curly haired dude? He's a dickhead!"

Jotting down his revision answers one by one, Ben answered. "Yes."

Setting down his highlighter, Noah lifted his head and made direct eye contact with him. "Why are they so obsessed with the books and daggers?"

He groused. "You're kidding right? Are you havin' a laugh mate! I told you this so many times! What's wrong with you!"

"What?! I'm being serious." He rolled his eyes.

Ben sighed. "The books have our history and all the spells relating to us. I don't know what exactly and I don't care. The daggers, Lord knows why they want them! For you and me, it means one thing! We have to find a way to stop them from getting their-"

"Their paws on them?" Noah burst out.

Ben stared at him with a blank expression, not amused at all.