Ch.2

My first stop was to the cemetery to dig up an old friend of sorts. After retrieving Emily's grimoire from Giuseppe Salvatores grave and reburying him, I stopped by the Gilbert family home and stride through the front door like I owned the place. Score one for the old guy that scored an invite at my own ball.

After digging out the old pocket watch and draining it of magic, I put it back and headed towards the Lockwood family estate. Thank god it's a school day or I'd have major problems. A quick run to the mayors office to break into a safe and I had the moonstone once again.

Now as it truly began, I found myself bored. I went home and decided to make a fake moonstone just to spice things up. After replacing the fake one I headed for the Mystic Grill to find a front row seat to the action. As school let out and the student began milling in I noticed Bonnie and Caroline come in.

I ordered a beer and a glass of whiskey and sat in a corner booth to watch it all unfold.

Caroline went on a Stefan rant and announced their impending wedding while Bonnie looked at her like she was stupid. I chuckled to myself and sipped my whiskey for a bit. After Matt confronted Elena I decided to shake things up, I downed my whiskey and grabbed my beer, heading to the pool table.

I just as Tyler finished up his game with Matt I tossed a hundred on the table. "I call next game. Play for cash, any takers?"

Matt shook his head was about to walk away when I continued. "A thousand a game if you can beat me kid."

Tyler looked at me funny and grabbed Matt's arm whispering. "You can take this guy, he's clearly loaded and smells like whiskey."

I snorted and said. "Matt is it? I'll sweeten the pot. A hundred for every even ball you make and two for odds. We play till all balls are gone. A scratch changes players, and a thousand if you sink the most."

Tyler was in a frenzy and Matt looked shocked. Apparently my voice carried because Elena and her group came over to watch the excitement with Stefan. I looked him in the face and smiled. "It's been awhile Stefan, I haven't seen you since before your father died."

His face was in shock as I continued. "By the way, Lexi mentioned a Stefan so I assume you know her?"

He nodded and asked. "When did you meet Lexi?"

I laughed. "At a Bon Jovi concert. I spent a long time in a drunk drug filled bender after that. She's a wild one, I gifted her and her squeeze some jewelry as thanks for the great time."

He chuckled. "That's definitely Lexi, I must've just missed you."

I nodded. "I needed a break after all that fighting and she was the perfect party girl. I told her to stop by when she gets a chance so we may be seeing her soon enough."

I shrugged and turned to Matt. "So what do you say kid, I'll even front you if you lose the first game. I'm good for it, ask Stefan here."

Matt looked over and Stefan chuckled. "Half the town sits on his land, he doesn't even charge the city because he uses it as a tax write off. You couldn't find a richer person this side of the US. Go for it."

Matt nodded and I pulled out a wad of bills and handed them to Bonnie. "Be a dear and hold the prize for me please? You seem trustworthy enough."

As our hands brushed her eyes glazed over for a moment and she smiled. She sat down next to Caroline and Elena. I turned back to Stefan. "You want in on the next round or do I need to drag your punk brothers ass in here for the next round?"

Stefan smiled a little and I knew he was debating on his answer. "We'll see."

Matt racked and broke. Five balls went in and Tyler cheered. "That's my boy!"

I chuckled and watched him shoot another two before scratching. I chalked up then started on the pain. After six balls, I let him continue by scratching intentionally. I'd sunk mostly evens so his cash flow should be decent enough. He finished the table and I chuckled taking a swig of beer.

I turned to Bonnie. " Give the man his prize. A grand for winning and seventeen hundred for the balls he sunk."

She counted out Matt's winning and tried to hand me the rest. I waved it off saying. "Treat as payment for your time as referee. I've plenty of money anyway. Might as well put it to some use."

She smiled and pocketed what seemed to be three times what Matt was handed. I turned to Stefan and asked. "Are you game or do I owe your brother a beat down? Cause truth be told I'm game either way."

Stefan chuckled. "He's not in town right now so it seems I'm game."

I shook my head. "He's here, as a matter of fact he got into town before you did. That's neither here nor there though."

Stefan looked spooked for a second before asking. "What are we playing for? Cause you gave most of the cash you had on you away."

I laughed. " I play you for that 1963 Porsche you got collecting dust. I wager my 65 Shelby Daytona if you want."

He snorted and Tyler perked up." That cars worth millions!"

I chuckled. "Kid, I'm worth billions, what's a few million?"

Tyler sweat dropped and Stefan laughed. "So you invested?"

I nodded. "I had the time and money, I figured it would be worth it. Besides, right after my investing I met our mutual friend and spent several years partying like it was the sixties. If she couldn't make a dent in my funds I'm sure you can't."

He smiled. "Fine, pink slips, but no advantages."

I shook my head. "Finally figured out I'm older than you to. I'll play fair, we do this the slow way. Call your shots. Oh and you rack."

He set to racking the balls as my attention was drawn to the witch and my descendant whispering. When I looked over Bonnie caught my eye and blushed. I smirked and she looked away while her friends grilled her for information.

I chuckled and ordered another whiskey and beer. I passed the beer to Stefan and drank my whiskey. When he took a swig I broke. A solid six went in the back pocket. "Alright, ten corner pocket."

I shot and continued. "12 side pocket."

Shot after shot I sunk them until there was only one solid other than the eight ball. I missed and gave him a turn. Stefan became a shark, knocking ball after ball in. I chuckled. "An old pro at work."

Stefan laughed after he sunk all his but the eight wall saying. "It's been awhile."

I shook my head. "You know, I hadn't played until Lexi showed me this game. Lee scammed me out a hundred grand before she took pity on me and taught me the ropes."

He laughed harder and missed finally. I downed my whiskey and sunk my last ball. The eight ball was all that's left. I was about to shoot when I heard Caroline say. "Do it, I want to see how he reacts."

Bonnie snorted. "Fine!"

Before I could shoot Bonnie was right next to me smiling. "You don't mind if I shoot for you?"

I chuckled and handed her the pool cue. "For you? Anything."

She smiled and took a shot calling the corner pocket. It bounced and landed in the side pocket instead. Tyler announced from the side. "Thats gotta hurt!"

I laughed and shook my head. "Not even a bit."

I turned to a smiling Stefan saying. "I'll have my butler drop it of in an hour at your place."

He nodded and I headed to the bar for another whiskey. After I ordered I walked over to Stefan's group. Bonnie smiled a little and apologized. "Sorry for ruining your game."

I shook my head with a smile. "Don't be sorry, the reason I challenged them was because I was bored. You wanting to take a shot was an unpredictable exciting moment. Win or lose, you brought true randomness to the game and for once I couldn't predict the outcome. That was truly fun. Worth every penny."

She smiled and Caroline announced. "There's a party tomorrow night at the falls, you both should come."

I turned to Bonnie and asked. "Are you going to be there?"

Caroline perked up before she could answer. "Of course she is, we all are."

I smiled and took a swig of my drink before saying. "Sounds fun. I'll be there."

I turned to Stefan before asking. "Should we be ordering drinks for the ladies or are you going be a rude host."

He looked at me funny and I walked over to the bar with him. On the way he asked. "So, how long have you been like me?"

I snorted. "Longer than America has been around. I'm older than your ex, that's all I'm willing to say on that. You should tell your brother not to be drop bodies or I'm going to give him a beating."

He grabbed the drinks I ordered and we headed back. On the way he asked. "When did he get to town?"

I sighed. "Just before you did though the same day."

When we sat back down Elena asked. "How did you order so many alcoholic drinks without suspicion?"

I chuckled. "When you have money like I do, they look the other way for there own good. The bar sits on my land and I could just as easily tell them to take it down and turn it into a bus station or movie theater."

She raised an eyebrow and Stefan explained it better. "Money talks better than a fine. He could pay any price they fine him with or simply revoke their contract to build and live on his land."

Caroline asked. "So you really are rich? And how do you own so much land?"

I chuckled. "My family was here first, it's as simple as that. When the colonists arrived, they tried to take it and my ancestors fought them to a draw and told them to either rent it or piss off."

Elena commented. " You don't look Native American."

I snorted. "Contrary to popular belief, the Vikings were actually the first ones to discover America several centuries before that euro trash settler and the plague carriers. We just didn't cause a fuss or kill for it. The people my people fought were those ready for a fight. We never picked on the weak or I'll prepared."

Caroline snorted. "You must've hit a sore spot."

I shook my head. " History is written by the victors and what's in the books is rarely even close to the truth."

Bonnie smiled. "There goes any reason to study for history class."

Caroline perked up. "Now we just need to have you say that to our teacher."

I smiled and shook my head. "Odds are, he's a history buff that believes everything he reads. Besides, it may not all be true, but even most myths have a root or two in the truth. All you need to do is dig."

Stefan changed the subject after that. "So, when's the car arriving?"

I smiled. "I texted my butler right after the game, he sent a confirmation when we went to get drinks. It's already at your house, pink slips in the glove compartment and the keys are with your uncle."

He nodded and turned to the girls. "You ladies care for a spin in one of most expensive cars in the world?"

When Bonnie and Elena looked hesitant, Caroline smiled. "We'd love to."

I smiled. "I'll give whoever needs a ride over. My place isn't far anyway."

Matt and Tyler came over with Vickie. Tyler asked. "I heard someone say expensive cars and riding, were game!"

I smiled and nodded. "Sure thing, I've got room in my car for three, lets head out."

I stood up and dropped a hundred on the table and headed for the door. Stefan, Bonnie and Elena were riding with me, while Caroline rose with Tyler. Their jaws dropped when they saw my Murcielago parked in the grill lot. Tyler whistled and Elena asked. "That's your car?"

I smiled. "Yeah, I bought it in LA a couple years ago, I haven't drove it much but it's mine."

I pulled out the keys and opened it up. As the doors swung up I dangled the keys before Bonnie's face. "You want to drive?"

She nodded as words failed her. I chuckled and told Stefan. "You and Elena get the back seats you can drive it when we get to your place."

I turned back to Bonnie. "Don't wreck my car, I only have two more just like this one."

She snorted when she heard that, saying. "I'd trade you my Prius for one but I don't think I could afford the insurance."

I smiled. "Maybe if you sold the Prius, I might be persuaded to give you one. Or I could just lone one to you, that way the insurance is still on me."

She snorted. "We'll see."

I smiled. "Easy trade, one date for a Lamborghini."

She chuckled. "I'll let you know if I decide to take you up on that."

Elena blushed listening to us and Stefan frowned a little. I chuckled and hoped in the passenger seat. Needless to say, we beat Caroline's group to the Salvatore manor.

As promised, Stefan's new Shelby Daytona coupe was sitting in his driveway. When we got out of my car, I told him. "Congrats, there were only six made in the world. You now own one of them. I still have two though."

Tyler and then showed up just as I spoke. Matt spoke up. "You're saying you have two more just like this?"

I nodded. "It took me a couple years to track them down and convince the owners to sell them to me, but it was worth it."

Vickie commented. "I'll say."

Stefan headed inside to get the key drive it. When he turned it on, it roared to life and settled on a purr. I smiled at his enthusiasm and told him to take it for a spin. Elena hopped in the passenger seat and they took off.

Tyler asked. "What other cars do you have?"

I smiled and told him. "One day, when you don't have school, I'll take you all to the track near Richmond and let you guys and gals try them out. Till then, I think I'll leave it as a surprise."

I tossed Matt my keys and told him to try it out for a spin. Him and Tyler took off like lightning. I chuckled and turned to Bonnie. "Want to see what kind of liquor Stefan's got locked away?"

She smiled. "Are try to get me drunk?"

I laughed. " Maybe, but it's more fore me. They'll be awhile and I'm sure Caroline and Vickie here want a turn as well. Let's let them have their fun and we can have our own."

She coughed before nodding. "Sure, though not to much, I don't want to be like my grams."

I shook my head. "Don't worry to much, I'll speak to your grams about takin it easy if you'd like."

She smiled and I led the way to the parlor and poured the ladies some bourbon. I sniffed the bottle and whistled. "They don't go cheap on their liquor, this stuffs ten grand a bottle."

Their eyes went wide and I smiled. "Let's see how long they when Stefan's paying for time."

I poured myself a glass and sat down next to Bonnie. She asked. "So, what do you do now that you've got everything?"

I smiled and sighed. "Money isn't everything, trust me. I have enough of it to know. I'm looking for someone to share it with. I'm rich, sure, but I'd give it all away for a faithful woman and the hope of kids."

She frowned a little and I continued. "I been in relationships that lasted several years and was cheated on. And I've been in ones that lasted a night and I'd give my soul to have another with the same women. In the end, I'm alone."

I looked at her sad expression and sighed before chuckling. "Depressing I know, but that's usually what you here from rich people. Money doesn't buy happiness and the time you spend making it, your not happy for."

Vickie asked. "But you were born rich weren't you? Don't you own half the town?"

I shook my head. "I own the land it's on, sure. But I also have to pay taxes on that very same land and the land that's not developed. In the end I still fork out twenty grand a year in taxes. It's a write off for the land the town uses because they pay most of the taxes on the land they use. I still pay for a large portion of it and all."

I sat forward. "I've worked and invested in several large companies over the years. All the money I have, I made myself. If you ever go over to my home you'll find that I have a fifty room mansion. Though twenty of those rooms are used for staff and most of the stuff there I bought to make their lives easier. My ancestors fought to free the slaves, but no one back then ever truly understood what that entailed."

Sighing I rubbed my head. "My forefathers freed them and gave them a home, then they gave them high paying jobs taking care of the grounds. Over the years I've kept them on as staff and butlers, all the while raising the pay to help them as best I could. In the end, my butler, the one that delivered Stefan's car, gets paid more than most CEO's of fortune five hundred companies."

I downed my drink and set the glass down. "That is what I spent my life working for so far. Now that I'm independently rich, I want to relax and watch their kids grow up. Maybe find the right woman and do the same. I've traveled the world over on business and side interests. I donate millions every year to charities and help thousands of people build homes in war torn countries."

They went quiet for a moment and Bonnie raised her glass. "To a better life!"

I chuckled and poured myself more. "I'll drink to that!"

We spent half an hour drinking and making small talk before Stefan arrived back at the house with Elena driving. Tyler and Matt showed up not long after. I waved and Caroline hopped in my Lamborghini while Vickie took a ride in Stefan's cobra. Bonnie grabbed more glasses and I poured drinks for the new arrivals.

Luckily the girls had only been sipping theirs or I'd have to stop their fun. When Bonnie passed them the drinks Stefan asked. "Is this the bourbon?"

I nodded and he smiled. "That's Damon's."

I snorted. "Then drink up, because he's a bit of a dick and I have no problem drinking his booze."

Tyler and Matt were all for it. We made small talk while chipping away at Damon's expensive stash of liquor. As the evening dragged on, the girls returned and Stefan called it a night. I drove Bonnie home while Stefan drove Caroline and Elena. Tyler took Matt and his sister as well.

When I pulled up at her grandma's house I turned of the ignition. "So, what all did you see that made you smile so much when our hands first touched?"

She blushed and stayed quiet for a minute before gathering her courage and telling me. "It was more of what I felt than what I saw."

I waited for her to continue and when she bit her lip she looked me in the eyes. "I felt passion and ecstasy, mixed with a longing that should've physically hurt. As it passed I felt protected, like I'd be safe forever if I stayed right there."

I sighed. And waited. When she couldn't take it any more she asked. "What was that anyway, why did I feel that? What are you?"

I sighed one last time and looked her in the eyes. "Ask your grandmother, she should know. Though it should only be a distant story, she'd have at least heard about it. As for what I am, I'm an old friend of the family. Ask your grams to tell you the story of the family protector. If you have more questions then, I'll answer them."

She looked confused when I hopped out of the car and tossed her the keys. "Keep it, and don't worry about the insurance, I'll take care of it."

I started on foot towards my house. As I walked, I became more and more lost in my own thoughts. Memories of the past haunted me. Things I'd left undone, people I tried to forget. I found myself on my front lawn playing with my bracelet that was nearly as old as I was, thinking about my twin more and more.

My thoughts turned to my preparation for the coming fights and the chances to insure my siblings have a happy ending for once. I turned towards the Salvatore boarding house and shook my head. My preparations still weren't enough. If I failed, it would be disastrous.

I steeled my resolve and looked towards the town that lit up the distance. "It all starts here."

I headed inside to continue my work and hoped for the best. The next day passed quick enough, I headed to the grill for a quick bite to eat and to meet up with Stefan's group. When they finally arrived I ordered a basket of fries and a burger.

I smiled at Stefan's face and whispered. "Just because we don't need to eat doesn't mean we can't. Besides, what's the use of enhanced taste buds if you don't take them for a test drive?"

He sat down and grabbed the burger, I smiled and ordered more. When everyone's as seated, they started telling me about today's events. I smiled as Bonnie told everyone a story I'd heard a few times. "So, grams says there's this protector that's watched over my family since before America was founded. Each time our family was in danger of being killed off he would step out of the shadows and take them to safety. She said that during the Salem witch trials over a hundred settlers were killed when they tried to kill off my family line and that the protector, in his rage, set fire to the entire Salem colony before whisking away my ancestors."

I listened in and Stefan gave me a pointed stare. I smirked just as Caroline spoke up. "Then she took another drink and told you about the aliens."

Bonnie frowned but continued. "Nope, but she did say that the protector had hot steamy sex with whatever ancestor called on his wrath as payment."

I choked and grabbed my beer to cover my frown. Stefan grinned and asked. "Oh? What else did she say?"

Bonnie raised an eyebrow and looked at me with a questioning gaze I couldn't meet before answering. "She said he was taken in by a very distant ancestor and raised because his own family considered him an abomination. A cursed child, from birth. As payment he swore to protect our family till the end of time."

She gave me a questioning stare before continuing. "He's some sort of unbeatable war god or something. I asked her what she meant and she said the oldest mentioning of him said even before he changed further, he was the being behind the berserker mythos. That he reveled in battle and even as a mortal no one could rival him."

I smirked and ate a fry while ignoring Stefan's raised eyebrows. Caroline snorted. "So your family has a sex god as a protector, big deal! Unless you can call on him for tonight's party let's talk about something important."

I chuckled and looked at Bonnie, this time I met her questioning look with a smirk. "Care to call on him Bonnie? You say there's a price when you do, are you willing to pay it?"

She blushed at my meaning and turned to Elena. "So, when are we heading to the party?"

Elena smiled and stopped her own eye flirting to answer. "I have to change and get ready, so an hour or two after we leave?"

I smiled and shed my jacket. "I'm bringing a case of wine coolers and a case of beer. I don't think tonight's the night for hard alcohol."

Stefan raised a questioning eyebrow and I sighed. "I have a feeling your brother may show up and make his presence known, and I don't want to be hammered if he does. Don't worry, you can relax and be merry, I'll deal with him if he does, but only this once. I'm not taking your family drama on when I have my own to deal with."

He raised a eyebrow and I sighed. "Nothing you need worry about."

Bonnie looked at me and asked. "Need a ride? I know you let me borrow yours-"

Caroline coughed. "Wait what? You let her borrow your expensive sports car?"

I chuckled. "No, actually I gave it to her and promised to pay for the insurance. By the way, that's taken care of. All you need to do is get a title transfer now and it's all yours."

It was Bonnie's turn to look surprised. "I thought you were joking-"

I waved her off. "It's just a car, I'd have bought you a yacht if it was necessary or even if you wanted it bad enough. Like I said before, money can't buy what really matters."

Caroline snorted. "Maybe not, but it can still buy a lot."

I shook my head and stood up. "Back to the question, no, I didn't walk here. I brought something more low key."

I lead the way outside to my mustang GT Lebanon. The only thing that stood out on it was the neon purple lights under it when it turned on remotely. Stefan asked. "How many do you have?"

I shook my head. "Just the one. I bought it for more relaxed drives." Caroline asked. "Can I have this one?"

I sighed. "I'll buy you a car if it'll make you happy. Find one you want and I'll buy it for you."

With that, she finally dropped it. I looked over to Bonnie and asked. "So, what do you think, care for a ride?"

She smiled at my question and shook her head. "Not today."

I laughed and hopped in. " I'll see you later tonight then. I've got some things I need to do before hand."

I left for my house to prepare for the party. I snuck into the Salvatore house and stole a few vervain plants and passed them off to the staff to take care of and start mass producing. I grabbed a shower and changed into simple black clothes. On my way out I grabbed the beer and wine coolers the staff had prepared.

After loading up my trunk I headed for the falls. I arrived a little early as people were just starting to show up. I pulled out the two coolers I brought and set them by the bench near a fire pit. I set to work making a descent fire and a few extra logs with kindle on the side. When the sun started to set, I lit a match and tossed it on.

After a few seconds a nice warm fire started to crackle and burn. A few minutes later I felt someone poke me in the side. "Hey stranger."

I snorted and turned around. "Is this your attempt at calling on your protector?"

Bonnie blushed and muttered. "More like a friend, for now at least."

I smiled and passed her a wine cooler. "Then a friend you shall have."

She sat beside me. "So how much of my grams's story was true. You said all myths have a piece of truth in them."

I considered her question for a minute before replying. "A lot of it was true and parts were exaggerated. I've never charged your family for calling on me when needed. Though I did court a few Bennet woman and in my youth, I experimented with sexual magic. That's probably the sensation you felt when we first met. A residual effect from few distant ancestors playing tricks."

She raised an eyebrow and I sighed. "I'm old Bonnie, older than most beings have a right to be. I've been in America long before it was called such. I've fought in wars for empires and kings long turned to dust. After the civil war, I stopped fighting and left it to the mortals. Not because I didn't think I should help, but because I would have eventually been found out. As time passed technology evolved. When the world wars broke out, I knew I couldn't participate because they were keeping careful records of recruits."

She looked at me seriously and asked. "What about the abomination part?"

I visibly winced. I couldn't meet her eyes when I answered. "I was born to a witch, I was the youngest of the twins she gave birth to at the time. My elder sister was a magical powerhouse as first borns of my family always are. Your ancestor Ayana was the wet nurse. She passed me to my father, not having touched my skin with hers. My father named me Alexander. Not a moment later he passed me to my mother to hold. When she touched me, my nature was exposed."

I looked down and sighed. "I'm a siphoner."

Bonnie looked confused so I answered her questioning gaze. "Siphoners are a rare form of witch that have no power of there own, but we can take it from others, or nature itself in rare instances."

She looked confused and a little afraid so I stopped for a moment and looked around. Seeing no one paying attention to us, I raised my and and asked. "Do you trust me?"

Her brows knitted for a second before taking my hand. I drew a little power from her and raised my hand, whispering. "Incendia."

A small flame danced to life above our hands and changed shape to a dancing female figure. When I released her hand the flame figure died out. I looked at Bonnie and noticed her shocked expression. I sighed and grabbed another beer.

When she composed herself I continued. "My kind are rare and as far as I can tell, a way for nature to balance something out. My twin, Freya is her name, is very gifted magically and I am a balance I guess. My mother could barely stand the site of me unless she wanted to use me to help her magically. My father, a Viking through and through, did the best he could to appease her and raise me. But in the end, he couldn't raise a child and protect the village. He gave me to Ayana, my wet and later my only mother figure and from there, well, that's enough for now. Elena and the rest should be here soon."

Bonnie frowned at my stop in the story but nodded and turned to a lighter topic. "So what's with the flirting. Is it teasing or are you really interested?"

I choked on the beer I was swallowing and coughed. "Damn, you don't pull your punches one bit. If you seriously want to know, I do find you attractive. I don't know what it is about Bennet women, there's a strength that draws me to them on occasion. The last one before you was Emily. I'd have paid any price to have been there for her when she needed me. She was too damn stubborn I guess. She let herself be sacrificed to preserve the line when I'd have slaughtered all of mystic falls to stop them from harming a hair on her head."

I looked at her for a moment before sighing. "I communed with her spirit after I returned from the civil war, just to ask her why she didn't call for me. She told me if I'd spirited her away, her family wouldn't be able to return so close to me. This way her descendants were close by if they ever needed me. Stubborn woman."

I sighed and downed my beer. "No more heavy questions for tonight please. I don't think I have enough beer and I might do something crazy."

She snorted but conceded." Here's an easier one. How did you live so long?"

I shook my head. "That's an even longer story than you could possibly appreciate right now. I'll ask some questions if you don't mind."

Bonnie tensed and I grinned. "What's your ideal date?"

She smiled and shook her head. "Fine, if you must know, I'd like a date dancing and dinner under the stars. Maybe a gondola ride."

I smiled, taking down mental notes to be prepared. After she finished, I told her. "Miss Bennet, would you like to go on a date with me this Friday night? I can teleport us to Venice for a weekend and live out your wildest dreams. We'll be back in time for school on Monday."

She blushed and looked away. "Not right now. Let's wait for the rest of your story before I consider it."

I nodded solemnly. "As you wish."

She snorted. "Quoting the princess bride won't change my mind."

I chuckled. "As you wish."

She let out a fit of laughter and a voice asked. "What's the joke? It's got to be great for that kind of laughter."

I smiled. "Elena, come sit. I'll grab some more logs for the fire and give you both a minute to catch up."

I got up and headed into the dark forest where Stefan was lurking now. I heard Elena laughing now as I found him. "Good, your here. I could use an extra pair of hands."

Stefan looked stoic. "You were right, Damon's in town."

I nodded. " I'll deal with him tonight but after that it's up to you. I have enough family problems, I don't need yours as well."

He smiled. "That give me tonight at least. Are you sure you can take him?"

I snorted. "I've got several centuries on both of you, I could kill him if I'm not to careful. Age equals power and I've got plenty of it. Don't worry about me, worry about how bruised he's gonna look tomorrow, if he shows up here anyway."

I tossed him a couple logs and grabbed a stack for myself. I wouldn't let anyone else see me but, I can always but them just inside the tree Lin for later. We headed back while listening to the girls chat. Bonnie was telling her about my date proposal and Elena was encouraging her to try it.

I smiled and sat the stack down before grabbing a couple and heading over. Caroline had shown up as well. She intercepted Stefan on his way towards Elena. I smiled and headed to the fire. After tossing the logs in I sat down next to Bonnie in my old spot.

She had her back to me and I noticed she was cold. I shrugged off my jacket and placed it on her shoulders. She smiled. "Thanks. It's a bit cold out."

I grinned and whispered just loud enough for her to hear. "I can keep you warm if you'll let me."

She shivered and blushed. I sighed and turned to Elena. "So, you do know your brothers buzzed and a little stoned right now right? I saw him on my way back, he reeks of weed and beer."

She frowned and sighed. Just as she was about to get up I waved her off. "Don't worry about it, I'll keep an eye on him just Incase he goes overboard. Relax, it's a party. Worst comes to worst he can sleep it off in the back seat of my car. And if he pukes in it, you can have the car."

I chuckled at her sour expression. Stefan came over after his talk with Caroline and sat down. I passed him a beer. Caroline headed straight for the cooler and grabbed a drink for herself. She sat to the side avoiding Stefan and Elena. At that moment I noticed Tyler and Vickie heading into the woods.

Standing up I whispered in Bonnies ear. "See what's wrong with Caroline. I'll be back in a bit."

Stefan gave me a look and I shrugged, heading into the dark woods. He stayed put and fed the fire. I got a front row seat to the Vickie, Tyler and Jeremy love triangle. After Tyler stormed off Vickie tore into Jeremy. When she was done, he took off. I waited in the shadows not making a sound.

Damon played his fog tricks and just when he was about to bite her, I acted. I punched him into a tree with nearly double his full strength. It took him a second to get up. I turned to Vickie." Forget we were ever here, go back to the party and act normal."

Damon got up and wiped the blood off his mouth. "Dick move. Sucker punching a guy right before he's about to eat."

I snorted. "The last time I saw you, you were half way up Katherine's dress and being your usual dickish self. It's been awhile Damon."

He finally recognized me. "I thought you'd be long dead by now. I take it Katherine turned you as well?"

I smiled and asked. "What are you doing fucking up a party? I thought you enjoyed those."

He snorted. "I'm just keeping a promise I made to Stefan."

I shook my head and walked up to him. As soon as our eyes made contact, I spoke. "You'll not be causing problems tonight. If you must feed, you'll do it elsewhere. You'll leave this place and go away. Now leave and forget I compelled you."

Like the wind, Damon was gone. I headed back to the party and sat down next to Bonnie. She'd been comforting Caroline as they drank. Stefan and Elena had moved towards the music and were dancing.

I whispered to Stefan. "Damon's taken care of. He won't be a problem tonight."

I saw him nod and smile before returning to his dance partner's attention.

Caroline sat down for a bit and I decided it was time to leave. "Let's take her to the grill for coffee and water to hydrate. I'll find little Gilbert and do the same for him."

Bonnie nodded and replied. "I'll let Elena know what we're doing."

I left the coolers at the bench saying. "Free drinks here."

After loading up Caroline, I found Jeremy six bottle deep and fading. Taking his newest one away, dispute his protest. I fireman carried him to the car. When I set him down, he puked all over the ground. Bonnie came over with the go ahead. "Charming. I left my car keys with Elena, I figure she can meet us there when she's ready."

I nodded and helped Jeremy in the car. After Bonnie got in, I started the car. "Now remember kiddies you puke and Elena gets the car."

Bonnie laughed and turned the heat on. Ten minutes later we pulled into the mystic grill parking lot. I helped tweedle dee and dumb inside while Bonnie placed the order.

Moments after Jeremy was seated the coffee arrived. Small trash cans were provided. While they detoxed, Bonnie and I played nurse. An hour later Jeremy was asleep in the back seat of my car and Caroline was making eyes at Damon who made his way here.

I sat in the back of a booth with Bonnie. "So, you wanted to know how I became immortal?"

She smiled. "Sure."

I started. "Witches are a unique race all there own. They balance nature, commune with the dead and even in rare instances create other races. My family lived in a village where this town now sits. And our closest neighbors were a clan of werewolves. One night, my younger brother Nik decided he'd take the youngest to watch the wolves shift on the full moon."

I sipped my whiskey and continued. "That night haunts me to this day. Because you see, werewolves have no control over their shifting. Their compelled by the full moon to shift. And they hunt on instinct."

I looked her in the eyes and sighed. "They hunted my brothers and killed the youngest. Henrik was his name. The next day Nik came screaming into the village carrying his body, mangled and torn from the attack. I built the funeral pyre spoke the eulogy that saw my youngest brother to the halls of the gods."

I looked away and whipped at the tears building in my eyes. I saw her sad expression and sighed. "I'd lived apart from my family because of my parents decision all those years ago, but I also spent the second half of my life teaching and trying to train my brothers to be warriors and healers. That night I made a feast in the honor of my youngest brother that was supposed to send him off, letting the dead know we were happy they could live in Valhalla alongside the gods themselves. By sheer coincidence or design, I know not, my father and mother started a ritual spell and killed us all. Changing us from men to monster. I saw my siblings looking to my parents and forgiving them. I couldn't, after everything they put me through, changing what I was at my core, turning me into an immortal, cursed to drink the blood of innocents and feel burning hunger for more. I fled to the one person I knew would help me, the one person who raised me like I was her own."

Bonnie whispered. "Ayana."

I gave her a curt nod. " I learned control, like my curse before, she helped me manage it. We came up with a spell that lets me walk in daylight. Then, I swore I'd make use of my immortality, what stopped me from ever having kids again, to protect her family to the end of time. The rest, as they say, is history."

Bonnie looked sad. "So what are you?"

I snorted. "Surely you can figure it out, pop culture being what it is, it wouldn't take much effort."

Bonnie looked stunned. "Vampire!"

I smirked and told her. "Close. You see, what my dear parents did, didn't change my cursed birth. While my siblings lost their magic, I had no magic to begin with. But my nature, being what it is, altered my species just a little."

She looked confused so I filled her in. "I found the name myself, many years later. I'm what's called a Heretic. A vampire that can use magic, under the right circumstances."

I sighed and tried to lighten the mood. "If it helps, I've never killed a human outside of battle. And the only time I killed woman or children was when the settlers came over with plagues and slaughtered my long time friends. I burnt their bodies and possessions to prevent the spread, I was able to save a hand full of tribes that now live in Colorado. Every other kill was in battle, where they had a chance to give up and flee or fight for their cause. I spent nearly a century freeing slaves before the civil war and I met Emily, the one day I came back, before I went to war. After it was over, Emily was dead, the slaves were free and I went to sleep, trying to bottle up all those years in battle."

She bit her lip and asked. "Berserker?"

I chuckled. "I earned that title when I was still human. But no, I wasn't the first by any stretch. There were others that went to battle and came out victorious. My birth father for one. He had stopped for five years to help raise Henrik while I went from battle to battle. Though for a different reason. One I'll not be sharing any time soon."

She looked a little disappointed but I changed the subject before she could press. "So, how about next weekend?"

She blushed and asked. "Give me some time?"

I nodded. "For you, I have all the time in the world. Though Venice will eventually dry up I'm sure."

She snorted. "Not that long I hope."

I chuckled. "As you wish."

She smiled and blushed before turning away. Elena came in the door as she collected her thoughts. I held up a finger. "Try not to spread my story please. This town has a history for killing vampires. They supposedly killed several dozen in a church while I was fighting in the civil war."

Bonnie raised an eyebrow. "The massacre at fell church?"

I nodded. "I don't mind if you tell your friends, just so long as you keep the personal parts to yourself. Other than Emily, I haven't spoken about my passed to anyone since I lived it."

She smiled. "Your secrets safe with me."

I nodded and stood up. "It's time I head home and you should do the same. School tomorrow and all."

I passed my keys to Elena. "Your brothers in the back seat sleeping to off. He should be fine now. As for Caroline, she's sober enough to walk on her own, though I wouldn't trust her to drive. Keep the car, it's reinforced armor plating and bullet proof windows so it should be safe enough to drive in."

She raised an eyebrow and I grinned. "You might want to get the back floor cleaned out, I saw you brother puke there hence the waiting game. It's all yours. I'll transfer the title tomorrow."

Bonnie laughed and offered. "You need a ride?"

I shook my head. "I could use some air and a walk. Take care now, I'll see you around."

I headed outside for a stroll, once I was out of site, I ran faster than any car could take me and in no time I was home. I gave my butler some instructions and headed to bed.

The next week flew by in a blur, every now and then I stopped by the grill and met the group for a light chat and the occasional flirt with my favorite witch. Towards the end of the week, Bonnie finally asked. "Are you coming to the football rally tonight?"

I gave her my best smile. "For you? Sure."

We left together in her car for a change. I got to see her in her cheerleading outfit waving spirit about. I chuckled to myself and waved. The coach went on about crushing the other school and Stefan's golden arm.

It wasn't long after his speech that Jeremy and Tyler started fighting in the parking lot. Stefan broke them up and got stabbed in the hand for his efforts. Bonnie asked me. "Why didn't you stop them?"

I sighed. "Look at Stefan's hand, see the blood?"

She nodded and I continued. "Not listen to what he says."

At that moment Elena asked him if he was alright. "No it's fine, he didn't get me. It's not my blood."

Bonnie turned to me and raised an eyebrow. "He's a vampire?"

I nodded solemnly. "Him and his brother. They were turned during the civil war. I met them at the same time I met Emily. They were human then. I went to war and came back, they were gone by then. The town was in chaos from the councils vampire purge. Many died, including some of the founding family members. The Lockwoods claimed the vampires belongings and wealth and they rose in wealth. The rest of the families got a small portion for themselves where they could. Most were just tired and wanted the business over with."

She asked. "And the Lockwood's?"

I snorted. "Werewolves mostly. Though they haven't triggered their curse lately. Their ancestors used the death of one species to profit for theirs. Not that I can blame them. If I'd been here for the purge I'd probably have slaughtered the vampires myself. They were killing indiscriminately."

She nodded and looked pensive. I sighed. "I've never killed for food. Vampires can heal people with their blood and compel humans. I've only ever fed healed and erased their memories of me."

She tensed further and I chuckled. "Relax, witches are immune to most compulsion. I'd never erase your mind and I pay my staff to retrieve blood bags from local and out of state blood drives. I don't feed on people unless absolutely necessary or in battle."

She sighed and I grabbed her hand. She flinched and I raised it to my lips. "You can trust me. I'd never hurt you."

I kissed her knuckles and she whispered. "How?"

I smiled. "I learned long ago to control my body. I've spent centuries honing every aspect of my being. I don't have to draw magic from witches. It was only when I was young. Though my mother never trusted me not to so she avoided touching me at all cost. Ayana was the only witch that dared try. She taught me control and I spent a lot of time perfecting it."

Bonnie smiled and I found myself unable to look away. I whispered. "Would you do me the honor of being my date to the founders party this weekend?"

She smiled. "I'd be delighted, though I don't have a dress."

I snorted. "Come to my place Saturday morning, I'll have my tailors make you one."

She nodded and I brought her hand down. She kept a slight grasp on my hand that tightened around my heart. After the fight and everyone broke up, I drove her home and headed back myself.

The next day I went to watch the big game. The football game was a bore but I did get to see Bonnie in her outfit doing backflips and shaking pom poms. Some time after the game people were yelling about a dead body and an animal attack. I ignored it for the most part because I didn't want to deal with Damon drama. I went home after comforting Bonnie for a bit. When she asked who did it, I shrugged. "It feels like a new turn but it could be an older one leaving a message. The only vampires in town that I know of are Stefan and Damon."

I reassured her as best I could. "If you feel scared or you think someone's stalking you, all you have to do is think of me and say 'protect me.' I'll know and come immediately."

She frowned. "What if their stronger than you?"

I chuckled. "No supernatural creature would last long against me. I can drain the magic out of them and kill them quick enough. Besides, the older the vampire the stronger they are, and love, they don't make them much older than me."

She snorted and slapped my chest. "I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself, besides, I'm a witch as well."

I smirked. "Your untrained and any magic you do right now could just as easily hurt or kill you. Even season power witches of your family have had to call on me from time to time."

With that she agreed to call for me if she was in danger. I dropped her off and headed home.

The next day I had the staff prepare a tailored suit that fit the times and several silk fabrics for Bonnie to choose from. Around ten a car pulled up front. I answered the door and to my surprise she wasn't alone. She brought Caroline and Elena as well. As soon as she saw me she asked. "I hope you don't mind?"

I smiled. "Nonsense the more the merrier. The tailors and seamstresses are in the ball room to the left, I'll go get changed myself. I had them set out several colors and types of fabrics for you to choose from. We should be ready by one."

My butler led the way for them and I headed to my room to change. I heard squeals and laughter coming from downstairs for the next couple hours. When I figured they were close to finished I came down. I saw Caroline first in a sky blue dress. Elena was next in a crimson red gown. When I saw Bonnie in a satin rose gold I nearly lost my ability to speak.

Caroline laughed when she saw my expression and Elena was grinning before she whispered something in Bonnies ear. I was to focused on the tight figure the satin dress was hugging when Elena announced that she would wait in the car. I ignored her as she dragged Caroline to the door. I finally got my voice back. "You look truly beautiful."

She blushed and I walked closer. I don't know what she saw but she smiled and did the same. As soon as I reached her I took her lips with mine in a passionate kiss. It last moments and eternity at the same time. When we broke apart she was gasping for breathe and flushed in the face. I whispered. "My soul for another moment like that."

She giggled and I back up a bit. "We have a prior engagement and if we stay here alone any longer, you're going to need a new dress."

She seemed to have collected herself and nodded. We headed for the door. When I opened it for her, Elena and Caroline were just on the other side pretending to be interested in the balcony. Bonnie took charge and headed towards the garage. I stopped her saying. "Hold on."

I pressed a button next to the door. "Jason, bring the car around, we're headed to a ball."

I received a "Will do" as confirmation. Moments later the farthest garage door opened and a black stretch limo rolled out before it closed again. When it pulled up, I opened the door for them and everyone got in. When I closed the door I hit a button and told him. "To the Salvatore house then Gilbert house."

I hit another button and the Minnie bar slid out form side seat. I passed the girls a lite champagne. We stopped moving a few minutes later and I rolled down the window. Stefan was at the door. "Tell your brother to put his panties on and hurry up. We're ridding in style today."

He disappeared behind his door for a moment then came out with Damon following. When they got in, the car started moving again. I passed the brothers a glass of whisky apiece. Damon stares at me for a second before asking. "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

I chuckled. "We met briefly at a ball long ago before I had to leave town for a while."

He looked confused for a moment before his eyes cleared up. I smiled at his surprise and Stefan grinned. I turned to Damon fully and said. "Lexi told me the crap you pulled in New York and you can look forward to some one on one time with some Vervain when I get around to it."

He grimaced and looked away. Stefan looked confused but I didn't answer his questioning look. I turned my attention to the idol chatter. Before long we arrived at Elena's home. She got out saying. "I'll be right back I gotta grab some things and I think aunt Jenna needs a ride."

I waved it off. "We have plenty of time and room."

Ten minutes later she was back with her aunt. After they were inside I hit the button again. "Lockwood manor."

We were back on the road again. Small talk was all around. Jenna finally asked. "Who rented the limo?"

I snorted. "It's not rented, I own it."

Elena started telling her about my mansion and cars when she got the the hand made dresses we had arrived. The door opened and I got out first, turning and helping the ladies out. I helped Jenna then Bonnie before Stefan got out and replaced me. We walked to the line and waited to be greeted.

The limo was a bit flashy and drew a lot of attention, though not as much as the ladies new dresses. When I arrived at the front of the line with Bonnie on my arm, I handed my invitation to the mayor and his wife welcomed us in. We passed a few starring guests and headed to the dance floor. I bowed and took her hand before we danced the day away. When she started to get tired I brought her to the dinning area for a seat.

Carol Lockwood was chewing out a waiter about lighting candles and when Bonnie whispered "What a bitch." I laughed uproariously. I drew some attention before waving it away.

I told her to close her eyes and concentrate, imagine the candles lighting themselves. After a moment I smiled and she opened her eyes to see a lit room.

I sighed. "No more magic till your trained properly. It can be dangerous and unpredictable if your not prepared and don't know what your doing. If your grams won't teach you, I will. Though you do need to ask her first."

She nodded slowly and accepted my words. I grinned and told her. "When your ready, I have Emily's grimoire for you to study. You can let your grams know if you want to. If she wants it I'll pass it to her so long as she teaches you."

Bonnie finally asked. "Where did you get it from?"

I snorted. "Giuseppe Salvatore was buried with it for some reason. I dug it up knowing it should've been passed down. Don't worry, if Emily didn't want me to have it, it would find its way back in the ground. She had a way with spells like that."

The party died down as the evening turned to night and guests stared to leave. As we went outback, we got a look at Stefan carrying off Damon to be locked up. " It seems Damon was the one killing people. Though it's not much of a surprise, both of them have a reputation for it."

Bonnie raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

I sighed. "Lexi a mutual friend of mine and Stefan said he had a reputation for being a ripper in the twenties."

I elaborated for her. "Rippers are vampires that go into a blood frenzy and feed of humans until they literally rip them apart. She said it took her a while to get him off human blood and onto an all animal blood diet. Think twilight, it keeps you alive but not as strong as those that drink human blood."

She nodded before asking. "Why don't you drink animal blood instead?"

I shook my head. "For most of my life I've been from one battle to the next. Even now I only drink bagged blood and I'm at my peek strength. I've never killed for food and when you live your life at war, that weakness could be your undoing. I harm no one by drinking bagged blood and if and when I can switch over to cloned blood and stay as strong I will. Till then, I guess it's a matter of preference."

She dropped it and asked. "Will Caroline be ok? I saw her fall."

I nodded. "She'll be fine, if you want I'll give her a little of my blood to heal her."

I saw the indecisiveness in her warring. I stepped forward to help Caroline and feed her a bit of my own blood. When she was healed up I left with Bonnie saying. "She's healed now. In a day my blood will pass through her system and she'll be as good as new. Let's not stay here to long, she may think we were apart of Damon's feeding plans. Now that he's taken care of she should be fine."

Bonnie agreed and we left just as Elena came over to help her friend up. After we left the area, we hung out in the front yard. Eventually, Elena and Caroline came around. I told them. "Stefan took Damon home early, and your aunt left with a tv reporter or something. It's just us. Jason's pulling the car around."

I dropped Caroline and Elena off first before heading to Bonnies house. I'd had the staff drop her car of earlier we sat in the back of the limo quiet for a second before I took her hand in mine and told her. "Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight?"

She shook her head while smiling at me I leaned in a little closer saying. "Your radiance outshines the stars and your beauty pales the moon itself."

She blushed as I kissed her hand before saying. "Some day I'll take you on that date and so much more but for now I'll leave you with something to remember me by."

I leaned in and captured her lips with mine and the passion in our blood was ignited. I depend the kiss and held cupped her face. When we broke apart she was flushed and panting. I gave her a second be fore kissing her one last time. I could feel her body warming for me and smell the pheromones in the air.

When we broke apart this time I sighed. " Till next time, love."

I opened the door and got out before helping her out. When she finally stood up straight I smiled at her blush and told her goodnight and happy dreams.

That night I did a small spell and entered her dreams. I saw her and a dream version of myself making out and rolling on the bed. I waved him to nothing and replaced him, showing her what I was really like. Time in dreams was chaotic but I made the best of it. I took it as far as she was willing to and considering she thought it was a dream, it went pretty far.

By the end, if it wasn't a dream she'd no longer have been a virgin many times over. Even her dream self was glowing and tired. I backed out after a while and let my dream double take over towards the end because the spell was fading.

I came to in a circle and sighed to myself. If I ever want to do long spells I'd have to complete my plans still years away.

Over the next week I started taking vervain with my blood starting in small doses. My staff started drinking it with their morning coffee and giving it to their families. I had a football field size garden of it growing with more being imported from all over the state.

I went to coffee and hung out with Bonnie nearly every day. Sometimes with the rest of the group minus Stefan as he was noticeably absent. I took the girls on a shopping spree Thursday and Friday I was told about a car wash charity for the school athletics board.

I showed up with a smile in swim trunks and a black sleeveless shirt. Bonnie came over with a smile. "You came!"

I nodded. "I wouldn't miss you in a bikini for the world."

She blushed then asked. "Where's your cars?"

Held up my phone and said. "Go ahead."

A row of cars straight out of motor trend came around the block. Most of them were dirty. "I hope you don't mind, I told the staff to take them to a mud track and have fun yesterday when you told me. I figured it's for a good cause."

She laughed. "It's going to cost you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

I walked closer and pulled her in for a kiss. When she broke apart she said breathlessly. "You know how to bargain."

I chuckled. "Actually I have another surprise. Since you've decided to champion this cause I figured the least I could do is pay up. I'm donating ten grand for every one of my cars we clean here today."

Her eyes went wide and she gasped. "Oh my god. I'll be right back."

She ran over to Caroline who was handling the money side and whispered to her rather loudly. I noticed Stefan watching and I chuckled walking over to him. "I'm putting money down for this, care to help them by telling the football team to get here as well, cause I invited a few out of town investors willing to do the same. In about an hour this place is going to look like a car show."

He smiled. "Sure, though I didn't think all this was necessary."

I shook my head. "Necessary, no. But it's fun, besides, it'll give the team a chance to show off and drawn income for the town. It's not life changing for us, but it could be for someone I'm sure. Besides, the longer this takes the more I get to enjoy Bonnie in swim wear. Don't tell me Elena's not making you happy, I saw that smile on your usually brooding face."

He looked over to Elena and I laughed. She was heading over to us with Bonnie and Caroline. Elena asked. "Bonnie said your donating ten for every one of your cars we wash?"

I chuckled. "Not just me, I invited a few investors from some companies I'm apart of. They'll be here soon enough with the same stipulations. Stefan here's about to call his football buddies to help out."

I pointed to the line of top shelf Ferrari's and Lamborghini's with a few classic muscle cars in between. "The next twenty three cars are mine. And we have about an hour before the investors show up. Not to mention the other towns folk. We have a lot of work ahead of us."

Caroline squealed. "That's two hundred and thirty thousand dollars!"

I smirked and whistled, waving the first car in. As soon as the Lamborghini Veneno parked the passenger door opened and Jason, my butler, got out with a brief case. He held it up flat with both hands and I popped it open.

Inside was stacks of hundred dollar bills neatly stacked with ten grand on the bank strip per stack. "All to the charity upon completion."

Caroline was squealing and Elena was ecstatic. Bonnie however was biting her lip and looking at me. I smiled and closed the brief case before telling Jason to find a seat and get comfortable.

Matt came over and asked. "What's that all about?"

I smiled. "You're getting to see my cars early. It was supposed to be a surprise but I couldn't resist."

He pointed to my butler. "And the guy in the suit?"

I told Caroline. "You tell him. We have work to do."

I walked over to the hose and Bonnie asked. "Why aren't you in appropriate attire?"

I smirked. "Because I was waiting for you to ask."

I gave her a kiss before stepping back and pulling my shirt off. Now, I'm no professional wrestler but after the centuries of battles and training I can confidently say I'm built.

I heard her breath quicken and a few cat calls from the crowed of teens. I chuckled and handed my shirt to Jason before continuing to help clean the cars. Luckily nearly thirty people from the junior and varsity teams showed up to help out my cars were all clean just in time for another even longer row of cars showed up.

I laughed as Caroline jumped for joy holding the brief case. Logan fell started doing his tv interview of the crowed that showed up. Jason left my sixty seven impala and took the rest home. When the first of the new line parked, Sundar Pichai got out.

I chuckled. "Sundar, what brings you out this far, it was supposed to be a small affair."

He laughed. "When one of our largest investors invites others to a charity, we all pay attention. Satya, Bartz and Steve are on their way. I even heard Bill might show up."

I snorted. "Your gonna work these poor people to death."

He laughed. "Their young, it teaches them work ethics and values. Besides, it'll give us time to talk."

I shook my head. "You know my policy besides, I'm helping them as well."

He sighed. "Alright, but dinner tonight. I'll fly in some of that bear steak you like and we'll talk investments till eleven."

I sighed. "Fine but it'll be fifteen a car if I'm doing business again. You know I stopped a while back and wanted a break."

He waved it off. "Deal. I'll see you tonight, my people are driving them."

I tossed him the keys to my car. "Take it for now, it's freshly cleaned."

I turned to Bonnie. "Sorry about that. I try not to do business any more but he's used to getting his way."

She smiled. "No problem, what company is he invested in?"

I sighed. "He's the CEO of google. The only name I expected you to recognize was Bill."

Her eyebrow perked up. I finished his name. "Gates."

Both her eyebrow shot up now. " He's one of the richest men in the world!"

I raised an eyebrow now. "Love, I'm almost as rich and I look way better with my shirt off, I don't see why your shocked."

She snorted before smack my peck and leaning in. I indulged her with another scorching kiss. We were soon interrupted by Caroline saying. "We have work to do people! Now is not the time for lovey dovey kisses!"

I coughed and replied. "Sir, yes sir!"

Bonnie laughed and Stefan smiled. Caroline went to look for towels and we got back to work. Some time after the news van disappeared, Elena did as well. It seems she met the old man again.

Five grueling hours of water and scrubbing later, we were finally done. Bill had stopped by with one car and asked for advice on certain matters. I had him make an appointment with Jason for some time next week. All in all the charity was up nearly two million. I left after Bonnie went home.

I met up with the investors that stayed in town for a meeting. We had a diner talk over what I thought about investing more. I signed off on a couple ideas and gave Steve the idea to build electric cars and some alternative environment cleaning solutions.

He wrote them down and left in a hurry with several investors to pull some patents and go from there. I slipped him a few drops of my blood to heal him. I could tell he was sick.

After a large meeting on plastic solutions I sent them on their way with a possible lead on fixing some major problems with our planet. Bill had stayed despite my instructions so I gave him an herbal remedy most witches use to de age their bodies a few years. It wouldn't work repeatedly or too good but it'll tide him over for a couple decades.

The next few days were quant. I spent most of my time with Bonnie or preparing spells for future plans. I did end up meeting Sheila Bennet. Though it was a short meeting. She agreed to start teaching Bonnie all she knew and I'd teach her what I thought she lacked.

I started her on herbalism and healing spells. Although she was a fast learner, she had a long way to go. I advised her to start a grimoire of her own and keep it up to date. Towards the end of the week Damon made his presence known. He attacked a group of junkies in a graveyard and killed all but one.

I sighed and shook my head at the news. I knew it was time to start the second part of my plan. I had Jason pay off a city official to release several gallons of Vervain extract into the city's water supply.

Luckily the older manors and houses still run of well and natural ground water because it's going to suck to be a vampire that feeds on humans soon.

Every month from now on several gallons of vervain will be released like clock work. When Vickie showed up at Elena's in transition Stefan called me. "I need a favor."

I raised a brow. "Oh?"

He continued. "I need you to help me lock up Damon."

I sighed. "I warned you I want nothing to do with your family drama."

He tried a different tactic. "His actions threaten us both."

I snorted. "They most certainly do not! He could no more threaten me than grow wings and fly."

Stefan pressed further. "He could expose us!"

I laughed. "He couldn't expose me even if he wanted to. I don't feed on people nor am I bound by the night. I am for all intents and purposes human. Even if they found me out I can erase their minds and go about my business. Besides, I'm to old to be killed by a simple stake to the heart."

Stefan switched tactics. "He turned Vickie into a vampire. Can you at least watch her while I deal with him?"

I chuckled. "Until the party tonight sure. After that I'm going with Bonnie, so she'll be your responsibility. I'm no babysitter for newborns. Hell I've never turned anyone either."

He hung up and thirty minutes later I had a druggy newly turned vamp on my doorstep. It's only for ten hours so I compelled her to sit down and behave. I passed her a glass of blood and went to shower and shave.

Later that night.

I was going as a shirtless spartan to fuck with Tyler. I even strapped on a real short sword. All in all it wasn't far from what I wore to battle when I was human. Though the scars have faded, you could still make out several battle wounds I received before I turned.

When I came back down stairs Vickie had drank seven bags of blood worth before slowing down. I'm glad I told her to behave, otherwise I'm sure I'd be missing staff members. Vervain or not!

I chuckled to myself and had my own meal. When it was time for me to go I called Stefan. "Times up, come pick up your new turn. She's drank nearly a weeks worth of blood for me, though it's about average for a new turn."

Stefan sounded pissed. "You let her feed on human blood?!!"

I snorted. "She was hungry so yes I let her feed. I'm not one to starve a guest and you didn't tell me you wanted her to die. If that was the case you should've killed her before you brought her here!"

He let out a loud sigh. "I'll be there in a few."

I hung up and asked her a few questions about her and Jeremy. I sighed and erased my compulsions and her memory of them. When she stood up and acted hyper I snapped her neck. A few minutes later Stefan showed up.

I cared to the door just as I told him to come in I tossed her limp body into his arms. He asked. "What happened?"

I snorted. "She started acting hyper and making demands. I snapped her neck to shut her up and you showed up not long after. I figure you got another fifteen minutes before she wakes up again."

He was dumbfounded. I passed him on my way out and took my impala. I looked back as I started my car and saw him still holding her in my doorway. "Times wasting if you want to get her back to your place with some peace and quiet."

I let him decide on that and drove off heading to the school where Bonnie was waiting. When I arrived Bonnie and Caroline were being offered drinks from Tyler. I walked up behind him and a few people took notice. I chuckled and walked passed him to stand next to Bonnie. I looked at Tyler and commented. "It seems we had the same idea for our costume."

He looked a little sour before saying. "Great minds think alike."

I smirked and nodded. "Perhaps you'd like to learn the art of the sword some time?"

I flicked mine and a clear metal sound rang out. He looked like I'd ruined his day now. He shook his head and drank some of his 'Lockwood special' before walking away.

I turned to Bonnie dressed as a witch an smiled. "You do your ancestors proud. Samhain is an old Wiccan tradition that was passed down long ago. Though I would advise you to stay away from the tricks they play."

She smiled and gave me a kiss. After I pulled back to give her a chance collect herself I told her. "You make one sexy witch if I do say so myself."

She grinned and grabbed my hand. "Come on, lets find a spot relax."

I chuckled and let her pull me to what appeared to be a haunted classroom. As soon as I shut the door she was on me. I pulled her in close and kissed her for all I was worth. Her hands were in my hair and pulling me down to her level.

I gave in and grabbed her waste picking her up and sitting her on the teachers desk. We were about eye level and very determined. Her nails splayed across my chest.

She let out an appreciative moan as she felt my muscles. I led the kiss and broke it for a second. I trailed kissed down to the side of her neck. She stiffened at first but when I swirled my tongue just above her collar bone she gasped. "Oh, oh god!"

I continued my practiced foreplay to where I knew she'd like it best. Her nail scraped my abs and chest as I applied more tricks. When I hit a new spot she'd let out a small gasp and dig her nails in harder. Her legs wrapped around my waist when I nibbled her earlobe.

I let my hands wander to more sensitive areas. At first I thought she was going to stop my hands when she released her clawing. But that changed when she lifted her shirt more fore better access. She looked into my eyes searching for something. I stopped moving and pulled away. She raised an eyebrow and I sighed. " I have to confess something. The night of the founders party I linked our dreams for a few hours."

She went bugged eyed and I continued. I wasn't there for the beginning or the end but most of it was me. I wanted you to get a real account of what being with me was like and when I saw you were already dreaming of me I figured I'd make a better participant than an imagination."

She bit her lip and asked. "Just that night?"

I nodded. "The spell that linked us didn't have much power to it so it only lasted four hours."

She grinned. "That's a relief at least, though I'd appreciate it if you didn't do that again."

I exhaled in relief. " So your not mad?"

She chuckled. "If I knew how to do the spell I probably would've tried it myself. I can't stay mad at that. Though you'll pay for it."

I stepped back between her legs and locked her dead in the eyes. "Oh, most definitely. I'd happily pay any price you can think up."

She smiled. "Really."

I brought my lips just before hers. "Really really."

She pulled back for a second. "Good, you have to stop Damon's creepy relationship with Caroline."

I growled. "Done, I'll speak to him tomorrow."

She leaned forward and kissed me before poking my chest. "Tonight."

I hissed and captured her lips before backing away. " I'll speak to him the first time I seen him again."

She grinned like a Cheshire Cat and hopped off the desk. When she brought her shirt down I noticed her necklace. I grabbed it and held it up. "This is Emily's, I thought she was buried with it."

She frowned. "I got it from Caroline who got it from Damon."

I frowned. "Damon knew Emily, she wouldn't have given it to him unless it was needed for something."

I searched my old life's memories again for the answer, it'd been years since I'd thought about anything other than my plans and Bonnie. I found it and laughed. "Emily you sly witch. Keep this close, Damon will be looking for it. He may have made a deal with Emily but since your not her and you have it and I have her grimoire you can bargain with him for something you want, weather it be money or a favor. He'll pay up. Don't worry he won't be able to take it from you, so long as you wear it."

She nodded. "Alright. What do I tell Caroline?"

I smiled. "Relax I can make a fake one and you can give that to her. Ask your grams to teach you a glamour spell when she has the time and use it on this."

She smiled and I pulled her in for a quick kiss when I heard Stefan and Vickie walk in. Grumbling I turned to them. "Piss off!"

They looked at my then Bonnie and decided this wasn't the right classroom for a talk. Bonnie laughed for a minute before swatting my chest. "Don't be mean. Go deal with Damon and I'll see about continuing where we left off."

I gave her a quick kiss before vanishing in a rush of speed. I found Damon at the Grill talking to the mayors wife Carol. I walked over and asked. "Can I borrow him for a minute? I have some business to discuss."

She nodded."Take your time, I'm going to get a refill."

I waited till she was gone and looked him in the eyes. "Your pervy relationship with Caroline ends now. You will not approach her with lewd thoughts or behavior. You'll forget I was ever here."

I left as soon as I finished I was back at the class room just as Bonnie was about to leave. "Where is my lady going this eve?"

She smiled and asked."Done already?"

I nodded. "He'll never approach her with perverted thoughts so the sex and bitting stuff is over. I had to be specific or I'd have melted his brain. Or something to that affect."

She smirked. "Would that be so bad?"

I laughed. "Not really but then Stefan would be having me babysit him like he did with Vickie."

She frowned. "Why would you babysit Vickie?"

I sighed and rubbed my head. "They didn't tell you? Damon turned Vickie into a vampire and they left her at my place all day. Stefan got pissed because I gave her blood from my own supply. She drank a weeks worth for me, though it's about what a normal new turn goes through. I think he wanted me to feed her squirt or something. I don't know, he never said and I wasn't about to let her go without feeding her. Hungry vampires are annoying."

She listened to my rant then put a finger on my lips. "Is it safe for her to be here even though she's new?"

I nodded. "As long as Stefan's with her she should be fine. I fed her enough and he should be trying to teach her the ropes. If anything happens I'll step in ok?"

She smiled and kissed me. "Ok."

I pulled her back towards the desk for another make out session. Just as her shirt came off I growled and backed off. She asked. "What is it?"

I kissed her and said. "Somethings happening. Get dressed. I'll interfere in a moment, I'll take you with me as well."

She straightened her clothes and sighed. "Ready."

I picked her up and vanished.

Elsewhere Elena and Jeremy were running from Vickie and Stefan was trying to head her off. Just as they reached the back door to the school, it blew off its hinges passed them. I set Bonnie down and grabbed Vickie when she went for Elena. Faster than they could blink I snapped her neck like a twig and she hit the pavement. Stefan slowed down from his charge when he saw it wasn't Vickie he was facing now.

Jeremy was cussing and trying to punch me for killing his now presumed dead girlfriend while Elena and Bonnie looked at me in horror.

I turned to Jeremy first and said. "Sleep."

He crumpled like a ton of bricks. I turned to Elena and Stefan stopped me. "That's not necessary."

He turned to Elena and told her. "Relax, he didn't kill her or your brother. Vampires heal from snapped necks. She'll be up in twenty minutes to an hour tops."

Bonnie calmed down instantly and walked over to me. "Thanks."

I shook my head. "This was nothing. You should've seen the American revolution I killed nearly three hundred vampires during the final battle. They were using the fighting as a chance to feast on both sides. Now that was gruesome. This was a parlor trick."

She smiled and it was Stefan's turn to look appalled. I chuckled. "Relax Stefan they weren't anyone important and when they decided to step on my battlefield they gave up their right to live. Oddly enough the most gruesome fight I've ever been in was when I was human."

Elena looked at me weirdly and asked."Are you a vampire like Stefan?"

I raised an eyebrow. "That's an odd question, what's he told you about vampires?"

She looked guarded now. "He said he drinks animal blood and -"

I waved a hand. "Alright I'm going to stop you right there. In all the world I believe he's the only one that could stomach that crap for long. No I'm not a vampire like Stefan, nor am I like Damon if that's your only other source of info. First of all drinking animal blood is like a human eating old road kill without cooking and cleaning it. Theoretically you can do it, but it's not healthy or what your body needs."

I turned to Damon's direction. "As for this jackass, I'm not like him either. He's a child with a magnifying glass and a fascination for watching ants burn. He's on the darker side of being a vampire, more chaotic than evil. But not good either."

Damon smirked. "I see everything's taken care of here."

At that moment I sighed. "You really shouldn't have shown up here. Piss off or I'm going to beat you worse than your daddy did."

He frowned then sneered at me. Stefan shook his head. "I'd go Damon, you don't want to pick that fight."

Damon looked at me again before smiling. "Alright, I'll go. I can see when I'm not wanted."

After he left I tossed Elena my keys. "Bring my car around, we need to get these two out of here and somewhere safe."

Bonnie went with her, leaving me and Stefan alone. I sighed. "Kids these days."

He nodded though I doubt he understood I meant him as well. I asked him. "What are your plans for Vickie?"

He looked lost. "I'll try and teach her as best I can-"

I smacked him upside the head. "She's not a ripper, she won't understand your point of view."

I pulled my phone out and called an old friend. "Hey Lexi, I need a favor."

An annoying angels voice."Is it to meet you at another Woodstock reenactment?"

I bit out. "That one was all you, I ended up tripping on hippie blood and acid for a week afterwards. No, our mutual friends jackass brother made a newbie and I need someone to show her the ropes and keep her out of trouble."

She snorted. "You haven't killed him yet? It sounds like you were calling for Lee anyway, he's the responsible one you know."

I sighed. "No I haven't killed him, his brother would miss him and I called you because you're both joined at the hip. And if I called him I would end up in another Woodstock convention."

Laughter rang in my ear for awhile. "Sorry hun, I'm headed your way, he's staying home being responsible for me."

I sighed. "Alright, I'll give him a call see you tomorrow."

"Ciao."

I hung up and called Lee. "Hey man I got a newbie needing training and shown the does and don'ts."

"You know I'm busy."

I gritted my teeth. "I'll send the jet. You can have it for a year, and I'll even let you have the penthouse I keep in LA. After she's trained you can send her back if you want."

A long moment of silence. "Alright, but I'm keeping the jag."

I snorted. "Low blow, I won it of Ozzy fair and square."

A long silence followed and I sighed. "Fine but I want Willie's guitar brought here when you head over."

I heard laughter from both sides of the phone now. I looked over and Stefan was losing his shit. I hung up and snorted. "You laugh now but remember, you owe me big now. When Lexi gets here I'm getting your photo album as payment."

He stopped laughing and looked pensive. I texted Jason to send the jet to LAX and it's flight plan to Lee. He'd handle it.

I looked down to see Vickie stirring. I grabbed her by the throat and snapped her neck again. Stefan frowned. "Is that necessary?"

Gave him a smirk. "You should be happy Lexi loves you or I'd have you join Vickie here. I loved that Jag. I won it with a legitimate royal flush not long after Lexi taught me to play."

He smiled. "She's like that isn't she."

I chuckled. "If angels walked among us telling us to strip naked for a marathon run."

He grinned. "She got you to do it too?"

My face went stoic. "I admit nothing."

Bonnie and Elena pulled around at this moment. I tossed Vickie over my shoulder and Stefan picked up Jeremy doing the same. I tossed Vickie in the back seat and Stefan followed suit. "Head to my place, we'll run beside you."

Stefan looked like I punched him. "What?"

He shook his head. "I'll sit in the back with them. I'm not as fast as you."

Enlightenment hit me. "Oh, in that case I'll meet you there. Snap her neck again if you need to. At this point it won't make a difference."

As soon as they pulled away my body flickered and I was off running at speeds no human eye could see. Moments later I was home. I went upstairs and got changed and ordered two guest rooms prepared.

By the time they got here I was sitting on the front porch waiting with a glass of whiskey in hand. When they got out the staff collected Vickie and brought her upstairs to the guest room. Jeremy was brought into the parlor and laid on the couch.

We sat around the fire waiting for Vickie and Jeremy to wake.

Elena was on edge and it put Bonnie on edge so I grabbed a glass of water and dumped it on Jeremy's face. He woke up spluttering. I turned to Elena. "Your boyfriend and his brother are vampires. Your best friends a witch and she's dating a vampire. The Lockwoods are werewolves and the town council is a group of amateur van helsings. No amount of compulsion is going to fix that or change it in any way. You both have a decision to make and I do take his opinion into count so you need to talk to him."

I turned to Jeremy. "Vickies a vampire now, I snapped her neck to temporarily stop her from killing you both. Your officially dating the worst thing next to a demon, congratulations. Now, I'm going to deal with the newborn vampire before she kills my staff and their families. You all aren't leaving till you make that decision. Stefan if you try to compel him I'll rip off your favorite organ and feed it to you."

I turned to Bonnie and held out my hand. "Care to see how I handle vampires I don't kill but are becoming pains in my ass?"

She chuckled. "This here is more of a family thing anyway, Sorry Elena, but he's right. Jeremy deserves a say whether you erase his memories of tonight."

Elena sighed. "Just go, I'll try and convince him."

I turned to the guys. "Try leaving and your next trip to the hospital will have a unique and expedient result."

I walked Bonnie up the stairs and out of their sight. "Sorry I had to threaten them like that. They seem to think erasing his memories are for his own good and I'd kill anyone who tried that shit on me, family or not. I felt I owed Jeremy a chance to grow up and have a say in his life."

She nodded. "I can't imagine someone doing it to me, it's to personal of an invasion."

I kissed her hand and whispered. "He reminds me a lot of Henrik. His recklessness and head strong approach. I'd imagine he's as close as I'll ever see again."

She looked sad and tried to comfort me with a small hug. I took it as it was meant and hugged her back. I released her saying. "It's time, she's awake."

I opened the second door we walked to and saw Vickie sitting up on the bed. I shut the door behind us and lit some sage to keep Stefan from overhearing. "Now Vickie, since Stefan is ill equip to train you and Damon can't be bothered I've arranged a good friend of mine to pick you up tomorrow morning. He'll be taking you to LA for a few months to a year and if you decide to come back afterwards he'll fly you back on my private jet. If you decide to stay there he'll help you settle and you can still be in contact with your friends and family here."

She looked heartbroken so I took pity on her and looked her in the eyes. "You can say your goodbyes but you will leave with him tomorrow and learn from him. That is non-negotiable, how long you stay gone after your training is complete is up to you."

She nodded. "I'll say goodbye tomorrow then."

I smiled. "So long as your in this house you will not harm it's occupants, you can consume the bagged blood they provide or try the animal diet if you prefer."

She agreed and I put out the sage. I left the door open and asked Bonnie. "So what do you think? I tried to be as reasonable as possible and made sure she won't harm anyone."

She shrugged. "I don't know how you did it but it didn't sound bad. So whose coming to get her?"

I smiled." His name is Lee. He's Lexi's mate. They were made for each other. She's a flower child with a punk rock dorm girl type and he's the responsible level headed romantic."

She smiled now. "Sounds like you like them."

I grinned. "They are my closest friends I keep at arms length. I'd kill for them. And I'd do nightmarish things to anyone who harmed them."

She shivered. "Arms length?"

I sighed. "I don't want them to know to much of my past. They know I'm old and powerful but they accept me as one of the gang none the less. They don't treat me any different than they do Stefan. Well, I take that back. Stefan's the baby of us so Lexi likes to play big sister every now and then."

Bonnie laughed. "Stefan's the baby brother!"

I chuckled and waved a staff member over. "See to it our guest up stairs is well fed from my stock."

They bowed and left. Bonnie asked. "What's that about?"

I shook my head. "Not a clue. They started doing that around the twentieth century and it stuck."

We headed back to the parlor where Jeremy was yelling at Elena that he didn't want his mind erased. When we walked through the doorway I told him. "Lower your voice. The sound in here echoes throughout the house. If your that against it then I'll warn you now. Elena is also a supernatural being. She called a doppelgänger."

Bonnie and everyone else looked at me while I looked at Stefan. "Katherine was most recent the previous one I know about. They're identical in every way except personality."

Elena looked at Stefan accusingly and I ignored it. I turned to Bonnie. "It's in Emily's grimoire. When you've advanced far enough you'll read all about them. I didn't tell you because it's not significant unless you plan on using her blood for a ritual."

She looked disgusted and I smirked. "That's why I didn't tell you. Only mentally unstable witches or those that delve into the black arts would find her appealingly. Don't worry I have no plans to use her."

She lightened up and slapped my arm. "You're in trouble mister."

I sighed. "I know, but try to understand I've been keeping my secrets, well secret for a very long time. The things I know could fill every written books pages several times over."

Jeremy snorted. "How old are you to know so much?"

I looked at him and before I could answer, Bonnie did it for me. "Older than America."

Jeremy looked stunned. "Seriously?"

I snorted. "How do you think I own half the towns land?"

He shrugged. "I figured it was because your rich."

I shook my head. "I became rich last century. I've been on this land longer than most could possibly understand. Bonnies ancestors were here even longer. If she wanted I'd gift it all to her."

Bonnie snorted. "I don't have twenty grand a year to pay property taxes even if the town agreed to the same deal."

I shrugged. "I tried."

She elbowed me and I coughed. "Back to the present problem then. Vickie is to dangerous to stay right now, especially with a vampire hating town council. I'm sending her to LA for a year to learn about her knew life. Maybe longer, it's up to her. No, you can't go with her Jeremy. She needs this time away from you to adjust."

He looked bumped out so I continued. "She's going to say her goodbyes tomorrow. Don't worry I've ensured she won't hurt anyone."

I waved them up. "Go visit her if you want the staff will give you rides home or wherever if you need them. Now that everything is settled it's time I took Bonnie home."

We left the house to the Gilbert's and Stefan and I drove to her house. When I parked I waited for her to speak. When she said nothing I looked at her and asked. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "I don't know what to do. Ever since you rolled back into town my worlds been tilted. It's hard to find solid ground."

I sighed. "It too much too soon, I understand. I'll give you the space you need to adjust if that's what you want."

She shook her head." Your the only constant that hasn't changed. You've been open and honest since day one."

I held her for half the night in the car. When she got out, I made sure she got to the door. Sheila opened it up. After Bonnie passed her and went inside she asked. "Bad night?

I nodded. "We found Vickie turned and trying to kill Elena and Jeremy. I had to intervene. She's seeing the world for what it is now, it's tiring her out emotionally. Perhaps it's time for you to take a break from teaching others and help her full time. I'll speak to the school and send you the money you'll need to pay the bills."

She sighed now. "Perhaps you're right. I'll make the arrangements."

I nodded. "I drop of Emily's grimoire and my own for you to teach and learn from. I hardly use it anymore anyway. It'll take me a day or two to unbind. I had some nasty curses set for thieves. I'll see you in a couple days."

She nodded and went inside. I left to get things ready for tomorrow. I ran through my previous life's memories and came up with a change. This time I wouldn't allow Damon to have his way. I took a very fast trip to New Orleans and kidnapped a stray nightwalker. I compelled him to replace Lexi and put a very powerful glamour on him. The end result was a very close match to her. I compelled him to stay in the basement until I needed him.