『13』

Matt glanced at Damon, holding him by the neck. He couldn't help but chuckle. "Kinky, aren't we, Damon? And to answer your question, screw off. I don't have to let you know anything. In fact, 'Motus,'" Matt uttered, and Damon was sent flying through the hallway, crashing into the wall. Matt could hear a few cracks and laughed as he approached him. "You're hot, Damon, but when you open your mouth, it's a real turn-off." He quickly snapped Damon's neck, tired of the confrontation.

As Damon crumpled to the ground, Matt shook his head in exasperation. "You really need to work on your people skills," he remarked, looking down at the unconscious vampire.

As Matt left the school halls, he focused on Caroline's aura and sensed a hint of chaos. He was then confronted by Elena and Stefan. Caroline appeared a bit scared, particularly at Elena.

"Stay away from me, you killed me," tears streamed down Caroline's face. Elena looked shocked, but then realization dawned. "It wasn't me that killed you. It was Katherine. She turned you. She's my doppelganger."

Caroline, refusing to listen, distanced herself from the couple. Matt stepped in, telling them to back off. As Caroline hid behind him, Elena was taken aback. "Matt, what are you doing here?"

"Well, Care called, and I rushed back," he responded. Having had enough of the small talk, Matt left, with Caroline following closely. Stefan grabbed Matt by the shoulder, urging him to stop.

"She needs help, she can't control herself," Stefan said urgently. Matt looked at him and smirked, "Well, this is ironic coming from a blood addict and the Ripper of Monterray himself, isn't it?" Stefan stopped in his tracks, his face darkening. Elena, confused, asked, "What do you mean, Ripper?"

Matt smirked and said, "I'll worry about Caroline. Also, why don't you ask your boyfriend? I thought you knew each other well, but I guess not well enough."

Matt sent a text to Stephanie, informing her that they were on their way back home. In response, Stephanie replied with a simple smile emoji.

—------------------

The next day rolled around, and Matt knocked on Bonnie's door. After a few moments, Bonnie opened it and was surprised to see him.

"Hey, Matt, what are you doing here?" she said with a smile.

"I wanted to give you my condolences about your grams and apologize for not heading to the funeral," Matt explained.

Bonnie smiled a sad smile, "It's alright. You were busy. Come in."

Matt entered, and Bonnie continued the conversation, "When I saw your face on a couple of magazines, I was surprised. Rumor around town said you left and went down the gutter."

Matt chuckled, "Quite the contrary. As you've said, I went to different places and modeled for various brands. It was fun."

Bonnie smiled and asked, "Do you want tea or water?"

"Water is fine," Matt replied.

Bonnie handed Matt the water bottle, and as their fingers brushed, she was hit with a sudden vision. Images of passion, power, and Matt flashed before her eyes. However, in the vision, Matt didn't look like himself—his eyes glowed a pale silver, his sclera was black, and his skin had a dark blue tint.

Startled, Bonnie let go of the water bottle and gasped. She looked at Matt and said, "What are you?" Stepping back in fear.

"I'm not here to hurt you. I meant what I said earlier. I wanted to give you my condolences and mention that your grams is helping me learn more about myself or what I was." Matt said, looking as Bonnie backed away

Bonnie, still taken aback, eyed Matt with a cautious wariness. "What was that? What just happened?"

Matt sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's... complicated. I've been through some changes."

"Changes? That wasn't just a change, Matt. That was something else," Bonnie insisted, her apprehension evident.

"I can't explain it all right now, Bonnie. It's not something I fully understand myself. But I promise, I'm not here to harm you or anyone else," Matt explained, his tone sincere. 

"Get out, get out of my house now," Bonnie commanded in a serious tone. As she spoke, the lights began to flicker, and the house started to shake around them. Matt left swiftly, but not before saying, "Caroline wants to talk to you. If you're willing, she wants to host a girls' night at her house, and you're invited." He hurriedly conveyed the message before making his exit.

As Matt left the house, he couldn't help but think, "Well, that didn't go the way I wanted." 

But he didn't let that cloud his mind and decided to catch some lunch. Matt made his way to the club, immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere. The thumping music, flashing lights, and energetic crowd provided a welcome distraction.

In the midst of the pulsating energy, Matt found himself on the dance floor, moving to the rhythm. The music enveloped him, momentarily lifting the weight of his supernatural struggles. As he danced, he couldn't resist the allure of the nightlife.

Matt mingled with the crowd, enjoying the anonymity that the club provided. His charismatic charm drew people in, and he found himself surrounded by laughter and conversation. The magnetic pull of the night led him to the bar, where he engaged in light banter with the bartender and fellow patrons.

He scanned the bar and his eyes landed on someone who caught his attention—an intriguing redhead sitting alone in the corner. After observing for a few minutes, Matt approached her, a mischievous grin on his face.

"And why is a pretty thing like you doing alone in the corner of the bar?" he inquired.

She pointed toward her friend. "That's my friend and my ex-boyfriend. Well, ex. I broke up with him because he cheated on me, and now he's dancing with my best friend." Matt turned around and saw the couple in question grinding on each other. He smirked and extended his hand.

"Wanna make them jealous?" he suggested. The girl hesitated for a moment but agreed, letting Matt pull her onto the dance floor.

Matt led her to the dance floor, his hands on her hips as they started to move. She seemed surprised and a little uptight. Sensing her tension, Matt subtly sent some of his calming energy, allowing her to loosen up. As they danced, the atmosphere between them grew more relaxed, and they began to grind on each other, enjoying the moment.

In the midst of the pulsating music and swirling lights, she looked at Matt and unexpectedly kissed him. Matt, not resisting, reciprocated the kiss. As they continued dancing, he seized the opportunity to feed, taking what he needed without breaking the rhythm.

Whispering in her ear, Matt said, "Turn your head to the right." She followed his suggestion and saw her ex and best friend watching them with confusion, her ex wearing an expression of sadness and guilt. A satisfied smile played on her lips as Matt made their dance even more sensual, relishing in the subtle revenge that unfolded on the dance floor.

Matt turned his head back, stifling a moan as he absorbed the energy of the room, his eyes glowing their pale silver.

——————— 

VOTE COMMENT FOLLOW 

What was the name of the mystic falls in the book?