The Vampire Diaries-9

CREATEDBY
L.J.Smith
The
Vampire
Diaries
THEHUNTERS
VOL.2
MOONSONG
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42EpilogueAbouttheAuthor
OtherWorks
Credits
Copyright
BackAds
AboutthePublisher
1
DearDiary,
I’msoscared.
Myheartispounding,mymouthisdry,andmyhandsareshaking.I’vefacedsomuchandsurvived:vampires,werewolves,phantoms.ThingsIneverimaginedwerereal.AndnowI’mterrified.
Why?
SimplybecauseI’mleavinghome.
AndIknowthatit’scompletely,insanelyridiculous.I’mbarelyleavinghome,really.I’mgoingtocollege,onlyafewhours’drivefromthisdarlinghousewhereI’velivedsinceIwasababy.
No,I’mnotgoingtostartcryingagain.I’llbesharingaroomwithBonnieandMeredith,mytwobestfriendsinthewholeworld.Inthesamedorm,onlyacoupleoffloorsawaywillbemybelovedStefan.Myotherbestfriend,Matt,willbejustashortwalkacrosscampus.EvenDamonwillbeinanapartmentinthetownnearby.
Honestly,Icouldn’tstickanyclosertohomeunlessInevermovedoutofthishouseatall.I’mbeingsuchawimp.ButitseemslikeIjustgotmyhomeback—myfamily,mylife—afterbeingexiledforsolong,andnowIsuddenlyhavetoleaveagain.
IsupposeI’mscaredpartlybecausetheselastfewweeksofsummerhavebeenwonderful.Wepackedalltheenjoymentwewouldhavebeenhavingthesepastfewmonths—ifithadn’tbeenforfightingthekitsune,travelingtotheDarkDimension,battlingthejealousyphantom,andalltheotherExtremelyNotFunthingswe’vedone—
intothreegloriousweeks.Wehadpicnicsandsleepoversandwentswimmingandshopping.Wetookatriptothecountyfair,whereMattwonBonnieastuffedtigerandturnedbrightredwhenshesquealedandleapedintohisarms.StefanevenkissedmeonthetopoftheFerriswheel,justlikeanynormalguymightkisshisgirlfriendonabeautifulsummernight.
Weweresohappy.SonormalinawayIthoughtwecouldneverbeagain.
That’swhat’sfrighteningme,Iguess.I’mscaredthatthesefewweekshavebeenabrightgoldeninterludeandthatnowthatthingsarechanging,we’llbeheadingbackintodarknessandhorror.It’slikethatpoemwereadinEnglishclasslastfallsays:Nothinggoldcanstay.Notforme.
EvenDamon…
Theclatteroffeetinthehalwaydownstairsdistractedher,andElenaGilbert’spenslowed.Sheglancedupatthelastcoupleofboxesscatteredaroundherroom.StefanandDamonmustbeheretopickherup.
Butshewantedtofinishherthought,toexpressthelastworrythathadbeennaggingatherduringtheseperfectweeks.Sheturnedbacktoherdiary,writingfastersothatshecouldgetherthoughtsdownbeforeshehadtoleave.
Damonhaschanged.Eversincewedefeatedthejealousyphantom,he’sbeen…kinder.Notjusttome,notjusttoBonnie,whohe’salwayshadasoftspotfor,buteventoMattandMeredith.Hecanstillbeintenselyirritatingandunpredictable—hewouldn’tbeDamonwithoutthat—buthehasn’thadthatcrueledgetohim.Notlikeheusedto.
HeandStefanseemtohavecometoan
understanding.TheyknowIlovethemboth,andyettheyhaven’tletjealousycomebetweenthem.
They’reclose,actingliketruebrothersinawayIhaven’tseenbefore.There’sthisdelicatebalancebetweenthethreeofusthat’slastedthroughtheendofthesummer.AndIworrythatanymissteponmypartwillbringitcrashingdownandthatliketheirfirstlove,Katherine,I’lltearthebrothersapart.Andthenwe’llloseDamonforever.
AuntJudithcaledup,soundingimpatient,“Elena!”
“Coming!”Elenareplied.Shequicklyscribbledafewmoresentencesinherdiary.
Still,it’spossiblethatthisnewlifewillbewonderful.MaybeI’llfindeverythingI’vebeenlookingfor.Ican’tholdontohighschool,ortomylifehereathome,forever.Andwhoknows?Maybethistimethegoldwillstay.
“Elena!Yourrideiswaiting!”
AuntJudithwasdefinitelygettingstressedoutnow.
She’dwantedtodriveElenauptoschoolherself.ButElenaknewshewouldn’tbeabletosaygood-byetoherfamilywithoutcrying,soshe’daskedStefanandDamontodriveherupinstead.ItwouldbelessembarrassingtogetemotionalhereathomethantoweepaloverDalcrest’scampus.SinceElenahaddecidedtogoupwiththeSalvatorebrothers,AuntJudithhadbeenworkingherselfupabouteverylittledetail,anxiousthatElena’scolegecareerwouldn’tstartoffperfectlywithouthertheretosupervise.ItwasalbecauseAuntJudithlovedher,Elenaknew.
Elenaslammedtheblue-velvet-coveredjournalshutanddroppeditintoanopenbox.Sheclimbedtoherfeetandheadedforthedoor,butbeforesheopenedit,sheturnedtolookatherroomonelasttime.
Itwassoempty,withherfavoritepostersmissingfromthewalsandhalfthebooksgonefromherbookcase.Onlyafewclothesremainedinherdresserandcloset.Thefurniturewasalstilinplace.Butnowthattheroomwasstrippedofmostofherpossessions,itfeltmorelikeanimpersonalhotelroomthanthecozyhavenofherchildhood.
Somuchhadhappenedhere.Elenacouldremembercuddlingupwithherfatheronthewindowseattoreadtogetherwhenshewasalittlegirl.SheandBonnieandMeredith—andCaroline,whohadbeenhergoodfriend,too,once—hadspentatleastahundrednightsheretelingsecrets,studying,dressingfordances,andjusthangingout.Stefanhadkissedherhere,earlyinthemorning,anddisappearedquicklywhenAuntJudithcametowakeher.
ElenarememberedDamon’scruel,triumphantsmileassheinvitedhiminthatfirsttime,whatfeltlikeamilionyearsago.And,notsolongago,herjoywhenhehadappearedhereonedarknight,aftertheyalthoughthewasdead.
Therewasaquietknockatthedoor,anditswungopen.
Stefanstoodinthedoorway,watchingher.
“Aboutready?”hesaid.“Yourauntisalittleworried.
Shethinksyou’renotgoingtohavetimetounpackbeforeorientationifwedon’tgetgoing.”
Elenastoodandwentovertowrapherarmsaroundhim.Hesmeledcleanandwoodsy,andshenestledherheadagainsthisshoulder.“I’mcoming,”shesaid.“It’sjusthardtosaygood-bye,youknow?Everything’schanging.”Stefanturnedtowardherandcaughthermouthsoftlyinakiss.“Iknow,”hesaidwhenthekissended,andranhisfingergentlyalongthecurveofherbottomlip.“I’ltaketheseboxesdownandgiveyouonemoreminute.AuntJudithwilfeelbetterifsheseesthetruckgettingpackedup.”
“Okay.I’lberightdown.”
Stefanlefttheroomwiththeboxes,andElenasighed,lookingaroundagain.ThebluefloweredcurtainshermotherhadmadeforherwhenElenawasninestilhungoverthewindows.Elenarememberedhermotherhuggingher,hereyesalittleteary,whenherbabygirltoldhershewastoobigforWinniethePoohcurtains.
Elena’sowneyesfiledwithtears,andshetuckedherhairbehindherears,mirroringthegesturehermotherhadusedwhenshewasthinkinghard.Elenawassoyoungwhenherparentsdied.Maybeifthey’dlived,sheandhermotherwouldbefriendsnow,wouldknoweachotherasequals,notjustasmotheranddaughter.
HerparentshadgonetoDalcrestColege,too.That’swherethey’dmet,infact.Downstairsontopofthepianosatapictureofthemintheirgraduationrobesonthesun-filedlawninfrontoftheDalcrestlibrary,laughing,impossiblyyoung.
MaybegoingtoDalcrestwouldbringElenaclosertothem.Maybeshe’dlearnmoreaboutthepeoplethey’dbeen,notjustthemomanddadshe’dknownwhenshewaslittle,andfindherlostfamilyamongtheneoclassicalbuildingsandthesweepinggreenlawnsofthecolege.
Shewasn’tleaving,notrealy.Shewasmovingforward.
Elenasetherjawfirmlyandheadedoutofherroom,clickingoffthelightasshewent.
Downstairs,AuntJudith,herhusband,Robert,andElena’sfive-year-oldsister,Margaret,weregatheredinthehal,waiting,watchingElenaasshecamedownthestairs.
AuntJudithwasfussing,ofcourse.Shecouldn’tkeepstil;herhandsweretwistingtogether,smoothingherhair,orfiddlingwithherearrings.“Elena,”shesaid,“areyousureyou’vepackedeverythingyouneed?There’ssomuchtoremember.”Shefrowned.
Heraunt’sobviousanxietymadeiteasierforElenatosmilereassuringlyandhugher.AuntJudithheldhertight,relaxingforamoment,andsniffed.“I’mgoingtomissyou,sweetheart.”
“I’lmissyou,too,”Elenasaid,andsqueezedAuntJudithcloser,feelingherownlipstremble.Shegaveashakylaugh.“ButI’lbeback.IfIforgotanything,orifIgethomesick,I’lrunrightbackforaweekend.Idon’thavetowaitforThanksgiving.”
Nexttothem,Robertshiftedfromonefoottotheotherandclearedhisthroat.ElenaletgoofAuntJudithandturnedtohim.
“Now,Iknowcolegestudentshavealotofexpenses,”hesaid.“Andwedon’twantyoutohavetoworryaboutmoney,soyou’vegotanaccountatthestudentstore,but…”HeopenedhiswaletandhandedElenaafistfulofbils.“Justincase.”
“Oh,”saidElena,touchedandalittleflustered.“Thankyousomuch,Robert,butyourealydon’thaveto.”Hepattedherawkwardlyontheshoulder.“Wewantyoutohaveeverythingyouneed,”hesaidfirmly.Elenasmiledathimgratefuly,foldedthemoney,andputitinherpocket.
NexttoRobert,Margaretglareddownobstinatelyathershoes.Elenakneltbeforeherandtookherlittlesister’shands.“Margaret?”sheprompted.
Largeblueeyesstaredintoherown.Margaretfrownedandshookherhead,hermouthatightline.
“I’mgoingtomissyousomuch,Meggie,”Elenasaid,pulingherclose,hereyesfilingwithtearsagain.Herlittlesister’sdandelion-softhairbrushedagainstElena’scheek.
“ButI’lbebackforThanksgiving,andmaybeyoucancomevisitmeoncampus.I’dlovetoshowoffmylittlesistertoalmynewfriends.”
Margaretswalowed.“Idon’twantyoutogo,”shesaidinasmalmiserablevoice.“You’realwaysleaving.”
“Oh,sweetie,”Elenasaidhelplessly,cuddlinghersistercloser.“Ialwayscomeback,don’tI?”Elenashivered.Onceagain,shewonderedhowmuchMargaretrememberedofwhathadreallyhappenedinFel’sChurchoverthelastyear.TheGuardianshadpromisedtochangeeveryone’smemoriesofthosedarkmonthswhenvampires,werewolves,andkitsunehadnearlydestroyedthetown—andwhenElenaherselfhaddiedandrisenagain—butthereseemedtobeexceptions.
CalebSmalwoodremembered,andsometimesMargaret’sinnocentfacelookedstrangelyknowing.
“Elena,”AuntJudithsaidagain,hervoicethickandweepy,“you’dbettergetgoing.”
Elenahuggedhersisteronemoretimebeforelettinghergo.“Okay,”shesaid,standingandpickingupherbag.
“I’lcalyoutonightandletyouknowhowI’msettlingin.”AuntJudithnodded,andElenagaveheranotherquickkissbeforewipinghereyesandopeningthefrontdoor.
Outside,thesunlightwassobrightshehadtoblink.
DamonandStefanwereleaningagainstthetruckStefanhadrented,herstuffpackedintotheback.Asshesteppedforward,theybothglancedupand,atthesametime,smiledather.
Oh.Theyweresobeautiful,thetwoofthem,thatseeingthemcouldstilleavehershakenafteralthistime.Stefan,herloveStefan,hisleaf-greeneyesshiningatthesightofher,wasgorgeouswithhisclassicalprofileandthatsweetlittlekissablecurvetohisbottomlip.
AndDamon—alluminescentpaleskin,blackvelvetyeyes,andsilkenhair—wasgracefulanddeadlyalatonce.
Damon’sbriliantsmilemadesomethinginsideherstretchandpurrlikeapantherrecognizingitsmate.
Bothpairsofeyeswatchedherlovingly,possessively.
TheSalvatorebrotherswerehersnow.Whatwasshegoingtodoaboutit?Thethoughtmadeherfrownandmadehershouldershunchnervously.Thensheconsciouslysmoothedthewrinklesinherforeheadaway,relaxed,andsmiledbackatthem.Whatwouldcome,wouldcome.
“Timetogo,”shesaid,andtiltedherfaceuptowardthesun.
2
Meredithheldthetiregaugefirmlyagainstthevalveofherleftbacktirewhileshecheckedit.Thepressurewasfine.
Thepressureonalfourtireswasfine.Theantifreeze,oil,andtransmissionfluidswerealtoppedoff,thecarbatterywasnew,andthejackandsparetirewereinperfectshape.Sheshouldhaveknown.Herparentsweren’tthekindtostayhomefromworktoseeherofftocolege.Theyknewshedidn’tneedcoddling,butthey’dshowtheirlovebymakingsurealthepreparationsweremade,thatshewassafeandperfectlyreadyforanythingthatmighthappen.Ofcourse,theywouldn’ttellherthattheyhadcheckedeverything,either;they’dwanthertocontinueprotectingherself.
Therewasn’tanythingshehadtodonowexceptleave.
Whichwastheonethingshedidn’twanttodo.
“Comewithme,”shesaidwithoutlookingup,despisingthefaintquaversheheardinherownvoice.“Justforacoupleofweeks.”
“YouknowIcan’t,”Alaricsaidashebrushedhishandlightlyoverherback.“Iwouldn’twanttoleaveifIcamewithyou.It’lbebetterthisway.You’lgettoenjoythefirstweeksofcolegelikealtheothernewstudents,withoutanyoneholdingyouback.ThenI’lcomeupandvisitsoon.”MeredithturnedtofacehimandfoundAlaricgazingbackather.Hismouthtensed,justthetiniesttightening,andshecouldseethatpartingagain,afteronlyafewweekstogether,wasjustashardforhimasitwasforher.
Sheleanedinandkissedhimsoftly.
“BetterthanifI’dgonetoHarvard,”shemurmured.
“Muchcloser.”
Asthesummerhadended,sheandMatthadrealizedtheycouldn’tleavetheirfriendsandheadofftoout-of-statecolegesasthey’dplanned.They’dalbeenthroughsomuchtogether,andtheywantedtostaytogether,toprotectoneanother,morethantheywantedtogoanywhereelse.
Theirhomehadbeennearlydestroyedmorethanonce,andonlyElena’sblackmailoftheCelestialCourthadrestoreditandsavedtheirfamilies.Theycouldn’tleave.
Notwhiletheyweretheonlyonesstandingagainstthedarknessoutthere,thedarknessthatwouldbedrawnforevertothePowerofthemagicalleylinesthatcrossedtheareaaroundFel’sChurch.Dalcrestwascloseenoughthatthey’dbeabletocomebackifdangerthreatenedagain.
Theyneededtoprotecttheirhome.
SoStefanhadgonedowntotheadministrativeofficesatDalcrestandusedhisvampiremojo.SuddenlyMatthadthefootbalscholarshiptoDalcresthe’dturneddowninfavorofKentStatebackinthespring,andMeredithwasnotonlyexpectedasanincomingfreshmanbutwashousedinatripleinthebestdormoncampuswithBonnieandElena.Thesupernaturalhadworkedforthem,forachange.
Stil,she’dhadtogiveupacoupleofdreamstogethere.Harvard.Alaricbyherside.
Meredithshookherhead.Thosedreamswereincompatible,anyway.Alariccouldn’thavecometoHarvardwithher.AlaricwasstayinghereinFel’sChurchtoresearchtheoriginsofalthesupernaturalthingsthathadhappenedoverthetown’shistory.Luckily,Dukewaslettinghimcountthistowardhisdissertationontheparanormal.
Andhe’dbeabletomonitorthetownfordangeratthesametime.They’dhavetobeapartfornow,nomatterwhereMeredithchosetogo,butatleastDalcrestwasamanageabledriveaway.
Alaric’sskinhadasofttan,andascatteringofgoldenfrecklescrossedhischeekbones.Theirfacesweresocloseshecouldfeelthewarmthofhisbreath.
“What’reyouthinking?”Hisvoicewasalowmurmur.
“Yourfreckles,”shesaid.“They’regorgeous.”Thenshetookabreathandpuledaway.“Iloveyou,”Meredithsaid,andthenrushedonbeforeawaveoflongingcouldoverwhelmher,“Ihavetogo.”Shepickeduponeofthesuitcasessittingbythecarandswungitintothetrunk.
“Iloveyou,too,”Alaricsaid,andcaughtherhandandheldittightlyforamoment,lookingintohereyes.Thenheletgoandputthelastsuitcaseintothetrunkandslammedthelid.
Meredithkissedhim,quickandhard,andhurriedherselfintothedriver’sseat.Onceshewassafelyseated,beltedin,theenginerunning,sheletherselflookathimagain.
“Bye,”shesaidthroughtheopenwindow.“I’lcalyoutonight.Everynight.”
Alaricnodded.Hiseyesweresad,buthesmiledandheldupahandinfarewel.
Meredithbackedoutofthedrivewaycarefuly.Herhandswereattenandtwo,andshekepthereyesontheroadandherbreathingsteady.Withoutevenlooking,sheknewAlaricwasstandinginthedriveway,watchinghercardriveoutofsight.Shepressedherlipstogetherfirmly.ShewasaSulez.Shewasavampirehunter,astarstudent,andcompletelylevelheadedinalsituations.
Shedidn’tneedtocry;afteral,shewouldseeAlaricagain.Soon.Inthemeantime,shewouldbeatrueSulez:readyforanything.
Dalcrestwasbeautiful,Elenathought.She’dbeenherebefore,ofcourse.She,Bonnie,andMeredithhaddrivenalthewayupforafratpartyjunioryear,whenMeredithhadbeendatingacolegeboy.Andshedimlyrememberedherparentsbringingherforanalumnifamilyevent,backwhenshewaslittle.
Butnowthatshewaspartoftheschool,nowthatitwouldbeherhomeforthenextfouryears,everythinglookeddifferent.
“Prettyswanky,”Damoncommentedasthecarsweptbetweenthegreatgildedgatesattheschool’sentranceanddroveonpastbuildingsoffauxGeorgianbrickandneoclassicalmarble.“ForAmerica,thatis.”
“Wel,wecan’talgrowupinItalianpalaces,”Elenaansweredabsently,veryconsciousofthelightpressureofhisthighalongsidehers.ShewassittinginthefrontofthetruckbetweenStefanandDamon,andtherewasn’talotofroom.Havingbothofthemsoclosewasawfulydistracting.
DamonroledhiseyesanddrawledtoStefan,“Wel,ifyouhavetoplayhumanandattendschoolagain,littlebrother,atleastyoudidn’tchoosetoohideousaspot.And,ofcourse,thecompanywilmakeupforeveryinconvenience,”headdedgalantlywithaglanceatElena.
“ButIstilthinkthatit’sawasteoftime.”
“Andyet,hereyouare,”Elenasaid.
“I’monlyheretokeepyououtoftrouble,”Damonretorted.
“You’lhavetoexcuseDamon,”StefansaidtoElenalightly.“Hedoesn’tunderstand.Hewasthrownoutofuniversitybackintheolddays.”
Damonlaughed.“ButIhadgreatfunwhileIwasthere,”hesaid.“Therewerealkindsofpleasuresamanofmeanscouldhaveatuniversity.Iimaginethingshavechangedabit,though.”
Theywereneedlingeachother,Elenaknew,buttherewasn’tthathard,bitteredgetotheirsparringthatusedtobethere.DamonwassmilingoverherheadatStefanwithawryaffection,andStefan’sfingerswerelooseandrelaxedonthesteeringwheel.
SheputahandonStefan’skneeandsqueezed.
Damontensednexttoher,butwhensheglancedoverathim,hewasgazingaheadthroughthewindshield,hisfaceneutral.ElenatookherhandoffStefan’sknee.Thelastthingshewantedtodowasdisturbthedelicatebalancebetweenthethreeofthem.
“Hereweare,”Stefansaid,pulinguptoanivy-coveredbuilding.“PruittHouse.”
Thedormloomedabovethem,atalbrickbuildingwithaturretononeside,windowsglitteringintheafternoonsun.
“It’ssupposedtobethenicestdormoncampus,”Elenasaid.
Damonopenedhisdoorandhoppedout,thenturnedtogiveStefanalonglook.“Thebestdormoncampus,isit?
Haveyoubeenusingyourpowersofpersuasionforpersonalgain,youngStefan?”Heshookhishead.“Yourmoralsaredisintegrating.”
StefangotoutonhisownsideandturnedtogiveElenaacourteoushanddown.“It’spossibleyou’refinalyrubbingoffonme,”hesaidtoDamon,hislipstwitchingslightlywithamusement.“I’mintheturretinasingle.There’sabalcony.”
“Howniceforyou,”Damonsaid,hiseyesmovingquicklybetweenthem.“Thisisadormitoryforbothboysandgirls,then?Thesinsofthemodernworld.”Hisfacewasthoughtfulforamoment;thenhegaveabriliantsmileandbegantopulluggageoutoftheback.
HehadseemedalmostlonelytoElenaforthatsecond
—whichwasridiculous,Damonwasneverlonely—butthatfleetingimpressionwasenoughtomakehersayimpetuously,“Youcouldcometoschoolwithus,Damon.It’snottoolate,notifyouusedyourPowertoenrol.Youcouldliveoncampuswithus.”
ShefeltStefanfreeze.ThenhetookaslowbreathandslidupnexttoDamon,reachingforastackofboxes.“Youcould,”hesaidcasualy.“Itmightbemorefunthanyouthinktotryschoolagain,Damon.”
Damonshookhishead,scoffing,“No,thankyou.Ipartedwayswithacademiaseveralcenturiesago.I’lbemuchhappierinmynewapartmentintown,whereIcankeepaneyeonyouwithouthavingtoslumwithstudents.”HeandStefansmiledateachotherwithwhatlookedlikeperfectunderstanding.
Right,Elenathought,withacuriousmixtureofreliefanddisappointment.Shehadn’tseenthenewapartmentyet,butStefanhadassuredherthatDamonwouldbe,asusual,livinginthelapofluxury,atleastsofarastheclosesttowncouldoffer.
“Comealong,kiddies,”Damonsaid,pickingupseveralsuitcaseseffortlesslyandheadingintothedorm.Stefanhoistedhistowerofboxesandfolowedhim.
Elenagrabbedaboxofherownandcameafterthem,admiringtheirnaturalgrace,theirelegantstrength.Astheypassedafewopendoors,sheheardagirlmockwolf-whistle,thengigglebreathlesslywithherroommate.
AboxtippedfromStefan’senormouspileashestartedupthestaircase,andDamoncaughtiteasilydespitethesuitcases.Stefangavehimacasualnodofthanks.
They’dspentcenturiesasenemies.They’dkilledeachother,once.Hundredsofyearsofhatingeachother,boundtogetherbymisery,jealousy,andsorrow.Katherinehaddonethattothem,tryingtohavethembothwhentheyeachwantedonlyher.
Everythingwasdifferentnow.They’dcomesofar.SinceDamonhaddiedandcomeback,sincetheyhadbattledanddefeatedthejealousyphantom,they’dcometobepartners.Therewasanunspokenacknowledgmentthattheywouldworktogethertoprotectalittlegroupofhumans.
Morethanthat,therewasacautious,butveryreal,affectionbetweenthem.Theyreliedoneachother;they’dbesorrytoloseeachotheragain.Theydidn’ttalkaboutit,butsheknewitwastrue.
Elenasqueezedhereyesshutforjustasecond.Sheknewtheybothlovedher.Theybothknewthatshelovedthem.Eventhough,hermindcorrectedconscientiously,Stefanismytruelove.Butsomethingelseinher,thatimaginarypanther,stretchedandsmiled.ButDamon,myDamon…
Sheshookherhead.Shecouldn’tbreakthemapart,couldn’tletthemfightoverher.Shewouldn’tdowhatKatherinehaddone.Ifthetimecameforhertochoose,shewouldchooseStefan.Ofcourse.
Wouldyou?thepantherpurredlazily,andElenatriedtopushthethoughtaway.
Everythingcouldfalapartsoeasily.Anditwasuptohertomakesurethatneverhappenedagain.
3
BonniefluffedherredcurlsasshehurriedacrossDalcrest’sgreatlawn.Itwassoprettyhere.Littleflagstonepathsborderedthelawn,leadingofftothevariousdormsandclassroombuildings.Brightlycoloredflowers—
petunias,impatiens,daisies—weregrowingeverywhere,bythesidesofthepathandinfrontofthebuildings.
Thehumanscenerywasprettyawesome,too,Bonniethought,surreptitiouslyeyeingabronzedguylyingonatowelneartheedgeofthelawn.Notsurreptitiouslyenough,though—theguyliftedhisshaggydarkheadandwinkedather.Bonniegiggledandwalkedfaster,hercheekswarm.
Honestly,shouldn’thebeunpackingorsettinguphisroomorsomething?Notjustlyingaroundhalfnakedandwinkingatpassinggirlslikeabig…flirt.
ThebagofstuffBonniehadboughtinthecampusbookstoreclinkedgentlyinherhand.Ofcourse,shehadn’tbeenabletobuybooksyet,astheywouldn’tsignupforclassesuntilthenextday,butitturnedoutthebookstoresoldeverything.She’dgottensomegreatstuff:aDalcrestmug,ateddybearwearingitsowncutelittleDalcrestT-shirt,andafewthingsthatwouldcomeinhandy,likeanefficientlyorganizedshowercaddyandacolectionofpensineverycoloroftherainbow.Shehadtoadmitshewasprettyexcitedaboutstartingcolege.
Bonnieshiftedthebagtoherlefthandandflexedthecrampingfingersofherright.Excitedornot,althisstuffshe’dboughtwasheavy.
Butsheneededit.Thiswasherplan:shewasgoingtobecomeanewpersonatcolege.Notentirelynew;shelikedherselffine,forthemostpart.Butshewasgoingtobecomemoreofaleader,moremature,thekindofpersonwhopeoplesaid,“AskBonnie,”or“TrustBonnie,”ratherthan,“Oh,Bonnie,”whichwascompletelydifferent.
ShewasdeterminedtostepoutoftheshadowsofMeredithandElena.Theywerebothterrific,ofcourse,herabsolutebestfriends,buttheydidn’tevenrealizehowterrifyinglyinchargetheywerealthetime.Bonniewantedtobecomeaterrific,fulyin-chargepersoninherownright.
Plusmaybeshe’dmeetarealyspecialguy.Thatwouldbenice.Bonniecouldn’tactualyblameMeredithorElenaforthefactthatalthewaythroughhighschool,she’dhadplentyofdatesbutnoseriousboyfriends.Butthesimplefactwasthat,evenifeveryonethoughtyouwerecute,ifyourtwoclosestfriendsweregorgeousandsmartandpowerful,thekindofguywhowaslookingtofalinlovemightfindyoualittlebit…fluffy…incomparison.
Shehadtoadmit,though,thatshewasrelievedthatsheandMeredithandElenawereallivingtogether.Shemightnotwanttobestuckintheirshadows,buttheywerestilherbestfriends.And,afteral…
Thud.SomeonecrashedintoBonnie’ssideandshelosthertrainofthoughtcompletely.Shestaggeredbackward.Alargemalebodylurchedintoheragain,brieflycrushingherfaceagainsthischest,andshetripped,falingagainstsomeoneelse’sside.Therewereguysalaroundher,shovingoneanotherbackandforth,jokingaroundandarguing,payingnoattentiontoherasshewasjostledamongthem,untilastronghandsuddenlysteadiedherinthemidstoftheturmoil.
Bythetimeshefoundherfeet,theyweremovingoffagain,fiveorsixmalebodiesswipingandshovingatoneanother,notstoppingtoapologize,asiftheyhadn’tevennoticedherasanythingmorethananinanimateobstacleintheirpath
Exceptforoneofthem.BonniefoundherselfstaringatawornblueT-shirtandaslimtorsowithwel-muscledarms.
Shestraightenedupandsmoothedherhair,andthehandgrippingherarmletgo.
“Areyoualright?”alowvoiceasked.
I’dbebetterifyouhadn’talmostknockedmedown,Bonniewasabouttosaysnippily.Shewasoutofbreath,andherbagwasheavy,andthisguyandhisfriendsseriouslyneededtowatchwheretheyweregoing.Thenshelookedup,andhereyesmethis.
Wow.Theguywasgorgeous.Hiseyeswereaclear,trueblue,theblueoftheskyatdawnonasummermorning.
Hisfeaturesweresharplycut,theeyebrowsarched,thecheekboneshigh,buthismouthwassoftandsensual.Andshe’dneverseenhairquitethatcolorbefore,exceptontheyoungestkids,thatpurewhite-blondthatmadeherthinkoftropicalbeachesunderasummersky…
“Areyouokay?”herepeatedmoreloudly,afrownofconcerncrinklinghisperfectforehead.
God.Bonniecouldfeelherselfblushingrightuptotherootsofherhair.Shehadjustbeenstaringathimwithhermouthopen.
“I’mfine,”shesaid,tryingtopulherselftogether.“IguessIwasn’twatchingwhereIwasgoing.”Hegrinned,andatinyzing!shotrightthroughBonnie.
Hissmilewasgorgeous,too,anditlituphiswholeface.
“That’sniceofyoutosay,”hesaid,“butIthinkmaybeweshouldhavebeenwatchingwhereweweregoinginsteadofshovingeachotheraloverthepath.Myfriendssometimesgetalittle…rowdy.”
Heglancedpasther,andBonnielookedbackoverhershoulder.Hisfriendshadstoppedandwerewaitingforhimfartherdownthepath.AsBonniewatched,oneofthem,ataldarkguy,smackedanotheronthebackofthehead,andamomentlatertheywerescufflingandshovingagain.
“Yeah,Icanseethat,”saidBonnie,andthegorgeouswhite-blondguylaughed.HisrichlaughmadeBonniesmile,too,andpuledherattentionbacktothoseeyes.
“Anyway,pleaseacceptmyapology,”hesaid.“I’mrealysorry.”Heheldouthishand.“Myname’sZander.”Hisgripwasniceandfirm,hishandlargeandwarmaroundhers.Bonniefeltherselfblushingagain,andshetossedherredcurlsbackandstuckherchinbravelyintheair.Shewasn’tgoingtoactalflustered.Sowhatifhewasgorgeous?Shewasfriends—sortof,anyway—withDamon.Sheoughttobeimmunetogorgeousguysbynow.
“I’mBonnie,”shesaid,smilingupathim.“Thisismyfirstdayhere.Areyouafreshman,too?”
“Bonnie,”hesaidthoughtfuly,drawinghernameoutalittlelikehewastastingit.“No,I’vebeenhereforawhile.”
“Zander…Zander,”theguysdownthepathbeganchanting,theirvoicesgettingfasterandlouderastheyrepeatedit.“Zander…Zander…Zander.”Zanderwinced,hisattentionslippingbacktowardhisfriends.“I’msorry,Bonnie,I’vegottorun,”hesaid.“We’vegotsortofa…”Hepaused.“…clubthinggoingon.But,likeIsaid,I’mrealysorrywealmostknockedyouover.IhopeI’lseeyouagainsoon,okay?”
Hesqueezedherhandoncemore,gaveheralingeringsmile,andwalkedaway,pickingupspeedashegotclosertohisfriends.Bonniewatchedhimrejointhegroupofguys.
Justbeforetheyturnedpastadorm,Zanderlookedbackather,flashedthatgorgeoussmile,andwaved.
Bonnieraisedherhandtowaveback,accidentalyclunkingtheheavybagagainsthersideasheturnedaway.
Amazing,shethought,rememberingthecolorofhiseyes.Imightbefallinginlove.
Mattleanedagainstthewobblypileofsuitcaseshe’dstackedbytheentrancetohisdormroom.“Darnit,”hesaidashejiggledthekeyinthedoor’slock.Hadtheyevengivenhimtherightkey?
“Hey,”avoicesaidbehindhim,andMattjerked,tumblingasuitcasedownontothefloor.“Whoops,sorryaboutthat.AreyouMatt?”
“Yeah,”Mattsaid,givingthekeyonelasttwistand,justlikethat,thedoorfinalyopened.Heturned,smiling.“AreyouChristopher?”Theschoolhadtoldhimhisroommate’snameandthathewasonthefootbalteam,too,butthetwoofthemhadn’tgottenintouch.Christopherlookedokay.Hewasabigguywithalinebackerbuild,friendlysmile,andshortsandyhairthathescrubbedatwithonehandashesteppedbacktomakewayforthecheerfulmiddle-agedcouplefolowinghim.
“Hithere,youmustbeMatt,”saidthewoman,whowascarryingaroled-uprugandaDalcrestpennant.“I’mJennifer,Christopher’smom,andthisisMark,hisdad.It’ssonicetomeetyou.Areyourfolkshere?”
“Uh,no,Ijustdroveupbymyself,”Mattsaid.“Myhometown,Fel’sChurch,isn’ttoofarfromhere.”Hegrabbedhissuitcasesandluggedthemintotheroom,hurryingtogetoutofChristopher’sfamily’sway.
Theirroomwasprettysmal.Therewasabunkbedalongonewal,anarrowspaceinthemiddleoftheroom,andtwodesksanddresserscrammedsidebysideontheotherwal.
ThegirlsandStefanwerenodoubtlivinginluxury,butithadn’tseemedquiterighttoletStefanusehisPowertogetMattagoodhousingassignment.ItwasbadenoughthatMatttooksomeoneelse’sslotasastudentandsomeoneelse’sspaceonthefootbalteam.
Stefanhadtalkedhimintodoingjustthat.“Look,Matt,”he’dsaid,hisgreeneyesserious.“Iunderstandhowyoufeel.Idon’tlikeinfluencingpeopletogetwhatIwanteither.
Butthefactis,weneedtostaytogether.WiththelinesofPowerthatrunthroughthiswholepartofthecountry,wehavetobeonourguard.We’retheonlyoneswhoknow.”Matthadtoagree,whenStefanputitlikethat.He’dturneddowntheplushdormroomStefanhadofferedtoarrangeforhim,though,andtakenwhatthehousingofficeassignedhim.Hehadtohangontoatleastashredofhishonor.Plusifhewasinthesamedormastheothers,itwouldhavebeenhardtosaynotoroomingwithStefan.HelikedStefanfine,buttheideaoflivingwithhim,ofwatchinghimwithElena,thegirlMatthadlostandstilloveddespitealthathadhappened,wastoomuch.Anditwouldbefuntomeetnewpeople,toexpandhishorizonsabitafterspendinghiswholelifeinFel’sChurch.
Buttheroomwasawfulysmal.
AndChristopherseemedtohaveatonofstuff.Heandhisparentswentupanddownthestairs,haulinginasoundsystem,alittlerefrigerator,aTV,aWii.Mattshovedhisownthreesuitcasesintothecornerandhelpedthembringitalin.
“We’lsharethefridgeandtheentertainmentstuff,ofcourse,”Christophertoldhim,glancingatMatt’sbags,whichclearlycontainednothingbutclothesandmaybesomesheetsandtowels.“Ifwecanfigureoutwheretoputital.”Christopher’smomwasprowlingaroundtheroom,directinghisdadonwheretomovethings.
“Great,thanks—”Mattstartedtosay,butChristopher’sdad,havingfinalymanagedtowedgetheTVontopofoneofthedressers,turnedtolookatMatt.
“Hey,”hesaid.“Itjusthitme—ifyou’refromFel’sChurch,youguyswerethestatechampionslastyear.Youmustbesomeplayer.Whatpositiondoyouplay?”
“Uh,thanks,”Mattsaid.“Iplayquarterback.”
“Firststring?”Christopher’sdadaskedhim.
Mattblushed.“Yeah.”
Nowtheywerealstaringathim.
“Wow,”Christophersaid.“Nooffense,man,butwhyareyougoingtoDalcrest?Imean,I’mexcitedjusttoplaycolegebal,butyoucouldhavegone,like,DivisionOne.”Mattshruggeduncomfortably.“Um,Ihadtostayclosetohome.”
Christopheropenedhismouthtosaysomethingelse,buthismothergaveatinyshakeofherheadandhecloseditagain.Great,Mattthought.Theyprobablythoughthehadfamilyproblems.
Hehadtoadmititwarmedhimalittle,though,tobewithpeoplewhoacknowledgedwhathe’dgivenup.ThegirlsandStefandidn’trealyunderstandfootbal.EventhoughStefanhadplayedontheirhighschoolteamwithhim,hismind-setwasstilverymuchthatoftheRenaissanceEuropeanaristocrat:sportswereenjoyablepastimesthatkeptthebodyfit.Stefandidn’trealycare.
ButChristopherandhisfamily—theygotwhatitmeantforMatttopassupthechanceofplayingforatop-rankedcolegefootbalteam.
“So,”Christophersaid,alittletoosuddenly,asifhe’dbeentryingtothinkofawaytochangethesubject,“whichbeddoyouwant?Idon’tcarewhetherItaketoporbottom.”Theyallookedoveratthebunkbeds,andthat’swhenMattsawitforthefirsttime.ItmusthavearrivedwhilehewasdownstairshelpingwithChristopher’sluggage.Acream-coloredenvelopesatonthebottombunk,madeofafancythickpaperstocklikeaweddinginvitation.Onthefrontwaswrittenincaligraphy“MatthewHoneycutt.”
“What’sthat,dear?”Christopher’smomaskedcuriously.
Mattshrugged,buthewasbeginningtofeelathrumofexcitementinhischest.He’dheardsomethingaboutinvitationscertainpeopleatDalcrestreceived,onesthatjustmysteriouslyappeared,buthe’dalwaysthoughttheywereamyth.
Flippingtheenvelopeover,hesawabluewaxsealbearingtheimpressionofanornateletterV.
Huh.Aftergazingattheenvelopeforasecond,hefoldeditandslippeditintohisbackpocket.Ifitwaswhathethoughtitwas,hewassupposedtoopenitalone.
“Iguessthat’sfatetelingusthebottombunk’syours,”Christophersaidamiably.
“Yeah,”Mattsaiddistractedly,hisheartpoundinghard.
“Excusemeforaminute,okay?”
Heduckedoutintothehal,tookadeepbreath,andopenedtheenvelope.Insidewasmorethickfancypaperwithcaligraphyonitandanarrowpieceofblackfabric.Heread:
FortisAeturnus
Forgenerations,thebestandbrightestofDalcrestCollegehavebeenchosentojointheVitaleSociety.Thisyear,youhavebeenselected.
Shouldyouwishtoacceptthishonorandbecomeoneofus,cometomorrownightateighto’clocktothemaincampusgate.Youmustbeblindfoldedanddressedasbefitsaseriousoccasion.
Tellnoone.
ThelittlepulseofexcitementinMatt’schestincreaseduntilhecouldhearhisheartpoundinginhisears.Hesankdownalongthewalandtookadeepbreath
He’dheardstoriesabouttheVitaleSociety.Thehandfulofwel-knownactors,famouswriters,andgreatCivilWargeneralthatDalcrestcountedamongtheiralumniwerealrumoredtohavebeenmembers.Tobelongtothelegendarysocietywassupposedtoensureyoursuccess,tolinkyoutoanincrediblesecretnetworkthatwouldhelpyouthroughoutyourlife.
Morethanthat,therewastalkofmysteriousdeeds,ofsecretsrevealedonlytomembers.Andtheyweresupposedtohaveamazingparties.
Buttheywerejustgossip,thestoriesoftheVitaleSociety,andnooneeverstraight-outadmittedtobelongingtoit.Mattalwaysfiguredthesecretsocietywasamyth.ThecolegeitselfsovehementlydeniedanyknowledgeoftheVitaleSocietythatMattsuspectedtheadmissionspeoplemighthavemadethewholethingup,tryingtomakethecolegeseemalittlemoreexclusiveandmysteriousthanitrealywas.
Buthere—helookeddownatthecreamypaperclutchedinhishands—wasevidencethatalthestoriesmightbetrue.Itcouldbeajoke,hesupposed,atricksomeonewasplayingonafewofthefreshmen.Itdidn’tfeellikeajoke,though.Theseal,thewax,theexpensivepaper;itseemedlikealotofefforttogotoiftheinvitationwasn’tgenuine
Themostexclusive,mostsecretsocietyatDalcrestwasreal.Andtheywantedhim.
4
“TrustBonnietomeetacuteguyonherfirstdayatcolege,”Elenasaid.Shecarefulydrewthenail-polishbrushoverMeredith’stoenail,paintingitatannishpink.
They’dspenttheeveningatfreshmanorientationwiththerestoftheirdormmates,andnowaltheywantedtodowasrelax.“Areyousurethisisthecolorit’ssupposedtobe?”ElenaaskedMeredith.“Itdoesn’tlooklikeasummersunsettome.”
“Ilikeit,”Meredithsaid,wigglinghertoes.
“Careful!Idon’twantpolishonmynewbedspread,”Elenawarned.
“Zanderisjustgorgeous,”Bonniesaid,stretchingoutluxuriouslyonherownbedontheothersideoftheroom.
“Waittilyoumeethim.”
MeredithsmiledatBonnie.“Isn’titanamazingfeeling?
Whenyou’vejustmetsomebodyandyoufeellikethere’ssomethingbetweenyou,butyou’renotquitesurewhat’sgoingtohappen?”Shegaveanexaggeratedsigh,rolinghereyesupinamockswoon.“It’salabouttheanticipation,andyougetathriljustseeinghim.Ilovethatfirstpart.”Hertonewaslight,buttherewassomethinglonelyinherface.
Elenawassurethat,ascomposedandcalmasMeredithwas,shewasalreadymissingAlaric.
“Sure,”Bonniesaidamiably.“It’sawesome,butI’dliketogettothenextstageforonce.Iwanttohavearelationshipwhereweknoweachotherrealywel,aseriousboyfriendinsteadofjustacrush.Likeyouguyshave.That’sevenbetter,isn’tit?”
“Ithinkso,”saidMeredith.“Butyoushouldn’ttrytohurrythroughthewe-just-metstuff,becauseyou’veonlygotalimitedtimetoenjoyit.Right,Elena?”ElenadabbedacottonbalaroundtheedgesofMeredith’spolishedtoenailsandthoughtaboutwhenshehadfirstmetStefan.Withalthathadhappenedsincethen,itwashardtobelieveitwasonlyayearago.
Whatsherememberedmostwasherown
determinationtohaveStefan.Nomatterwhathadgotteninherway,shehadknownwithaclear,firmpurposethathewouldbehers.Andthen,inthoseearlydays,oncehewashers,itwasglorious.Itfeltasifthemissingpieceofherselfhadslottedintoplace.
“Right,”shesaidfinaly,answeringMeredith.“Afterward,thingsgetmorecomplicated.”
Atfirst,StefanhadbeenaprizethatElenawantedtowin:sophisticatedandmysterious.HewasaprizeCarolinewanted,too,andElenawouldneverletCarolinebeather.
ButthenStefanhadletElenaseethepainandpassion,theintegrityandnobility,heheldinsidehimandshehadforgottenthecompetitionandlovedStefanwithherwholeheart.
Andnow?ShestillovedStefanwitheverythingshehad,andhelovedher.ButshelovedDamon,too,andsometimessheunderstoodhim—plotting,manipulative,dangerousDamon—betterthanshedidStefan.Damonwaslikeherinsomeways:he,too,wouldberelentlessinpursuingwhathewanted.SheandDamonconnected,shethought,onsomedeepcoreinstinctivelevelthatStefanwastoogood,toohonorabletounderstand.Howcouldyoulovetwopeopleatthesametime?
“Complicated,”Bonniescoffed.“Morecomplicatedthanneverbeingsureifsomebodylikesyouornot?MorecomplicatedthanhavingtowaitbythephonetoseeifyouhaveadateforSaturdaynightornot?I’mreadyforcomplicated.Didyouknowthatforty-ninepercentofcolege-educatedwomenmeettheirfuturehusbandsoncampus?”
“Youmadethatstatisticup,”Meredithsaid,risingandpickingherwaytowardherownbed,carefulnottosmudgeherpolish.
Bonnieshrugged.“Okay,maybeIdid.ButIbetit’sarealyhighpercentage,anyway.Didn’tyourparentsmeetrighthere,Elena?”
“Theydid,”Elenasaid.“Ithinktheyhadaclasstogethersophomoreyear.”
“Howromantic,”Bonniesaidhappily.
“Wel,ifyougetmarried,youhavetomeetyourfuturespousesomewhere,”Meredithsaid.“Andtherearealotofpossiblefuturespousesatcolege.”Shefrownedatthesilkycoveronherbed.“DoyouthinkIcandrymynailsfasterifIusethehairdryer,orwilitmessupthepolish?Iwanttogotosleep.”
Sheexaminedthehairdryerasifitwerethefocalpointofsomescienceexperiment,herfaceintent.Bonniewaswatchingherupsidedown,herheadtippedbackofftheendofthebedandherredcurlsbrushingthefloor,tappingherfeetenergeticalyagainstthewal.Elenafeltagreatswelofloveforbothofthem.Sherememberedthecountlesssleepoversthey’dhadalthroughschool,backbeforetheirliveshadgotten…complicated.
“Ilovehavingthethreeofustogether,”shesaid.“Ihopethewholeyearisgoingtobejustlikethis.”Thatwaswhentheyfirstheardthesirens.
Meredithpeeredthroughtheblinds,colectingfacts,tryingtoanalyzewhatwasgoingonoutsidePruittHouse.Anambulanceandseveralpolicecarswereparkedacrossthestreet,theirlightssilentlyblinkingredandblue.Floodlightslitthequadaghastlywhite,anditwascrawlingwithpoliceofficers.
“Ithinkweshouldgooutthere,”shesaid.
“Areyoukiddingme?”Bonnieaskedfrombehindher.
“Whywouldwewanttodothat?I’minmypajamas.”Meredithglancedback.Bonniewasstanding,handsonhips,browneyesindignant.Shewasindeedwearingcuteice-cream-cone-printedpajamas.
“Wel,quick,putonsomejeans,”Meredithsaid.
“Butwhy?”askedBonnieplaintively.
Meredith’seyesmetElena’sacrosstheroom,andtheynoddedbrisklytoeachother.
“Bonnie,”Elenasaidpatiently,“wehavearesponsibilitytocheckouteverythingthat’sgoingonaroundhere.Wemightjustwanttobenormalcolegestudents,butweknowthetruthabouttheworld—thetruthotherpeopledon’trealize,aboutvampiresandwerewolvesandmonsters—
andweneedtomakesurethatwhat’sgoingonoutthereisn’tpartofthattruth.Ifit’sahumanproblem,thepolicewildealwithit.Butifit’ssomethingelse,it’sourresponsibility.”
“Honestly,”grumbledBonnie,alreadyreachingforherclothes,“youtwohavea—asaving-peoplecomplexorsomething.AfterItakepsychology,I’mgoingtodiagnoseyou.”
“Andthenwe’lbesorry,”Meredithsaidagreeably.
Ontheirwayoutthedoor,Meredithgrabbedthelongvelvetcasethatheldherfightingstave.Thestavewasspecial,designedtofightbothhumanandsupernaturaladversaries,andwasmadetospecificationshandeddownthroughherfamilyforgenerations.OnlyaSulezcouldhaveastafflikethis.Shecaresseditthroughthecase,feelingthesharpspikesofdifferentmaterialsthatdotteditsends:silverforwerewolves,woodforvampires,whiteashforOldOnes,ironforaleldritchcreatures,tinyhypodermicstofilwithpoisons.Sheknewshecouldn’ttakethestaveoutofitscaseonthequad,notsurroundedbypoliceofficersandinnocentbystanders,butshefeltstrongerwhenshecouldfeeltheweightofitinherhand.
Outside,themugginessoftheVirginiaSeptemberdayhadgivenwaytoachilynight,andthegirlswalkedquicklytowardthecrowdaroundthequad.
“Don’tlooklikewe’reheadingstraightoverthere,”Meredithwhispered.“Pretendwe’regoingtooneofthebuildings.Likethestudentcenter.”Sheangledoffslightly,asifshewasheadingpastthequad,andthenledthemcloser,glancingoveratthepolicetapesurroundingthegrass,pretendingtobesurprisedbytheactivitynexttothem.ElenaandBonniefolowedherlead,lookingaroundwide-eyed.
“CanIhelpyouladies?”oneofthecampussecuritymenasked,steppingforwardtoblocktheirprogress.
Elenasmiledathimappealingly.“Wewerejustonourwaytothestudentcenter,andwesaweveryoneouthere.
What’sgoingon?”
Meredithcranedherheadtolookpasthim.Alshecouldseeweregroupsofpoliceofficerstalkingtooneanotherandmorecampussecurity.Someofficerswereontheirhandsandknees,searchingcarefulythroughthegrass.Crimesceneanalysts,shethoughtvaguely,wishingsheknewmoreaboutpoliceprocedurethanwhatshe’dseenonTV.
Thesecurityofficersteppedsidewaystoblockherview.
“Nothingserious,justagirlwhoranintoabitoftroublewalkingoutherealone.”Hesmiledreassuringly.
“Whatkindoftrouble?”Meredithasked,tryingtoseeforherself.
Heshifted,blockingherlineofsightagain.“Nothingtoworryabout.Everyone’sgoingtobeokaythistime.”
“Thistime?”Bonnieasked,frowning.
Heclearedhisthroat.“Yougirlsjuststicktogetheratnight,okay?Makesuretowalkinpairsorgroupswhenyou’reoutaroundcampus,andyou’lbefine.Basicsafetystuff,right?”
“Butwhathappenedtothegirl?Whereisshe?”Meredithasked.
“Nothingtoworryabout,”hesaid,morefirmlythistime.
HiseyeswereontheblackvelvetcaseinMeredith’shand.
“Whathaveyougotinthere?”
“Poolcue,”shelied.“We’regoingtoplaypoolinthestudentcenter.”
“Haveagoodtime,”hesaid,inatoneofvoicethatwasclearlyadismissal.
“Wewil,”Elenasaidsweetly,herhandonMeredith’sarm.Meredithopenedhermouthtoaskanotherquestion,butElenawaspulingherawayfromtheofficerandtowardthestudentcenter.
“Hey,”Meredithobjectedquietly,whentheywereoutofearshot.“Iwasn’tdoneaskingquestions.”
“Hewasn’tgoingtotelusanything,”Elenasaid.Hermouthwasagrimstraightline.“Ibetalotmorehappenedthansomeonegettingintoalittletrouble.Didyouseetheambulances?”
“We’renotrealygoingtothestudentcenter,arewe?”Bonnieaskedplaintively.“I’mtootired.”Meredithshookherhead.“We’dbetterloopbackbehindthebuildingstoourdorm,though.It’llooksuspiciousifweheadrightbackwherewecamefrom.”
“Thatwascreepy,right?”Bonniesaid.“Doyouthink”—
shepaused,andMeredithcouldseeherswalow—“doyouthinksomethingrealybadhappened?”
“Idon’tknow,”Meredithsaid.“Hesaidagirlranintoalittlebitoftrouble.Thatcouldmeananything.”
“Doyouthinksomeoneattackedher?”Elenaasked.
Meredithshotherasignificantlook.“Maybe,”shesaid.
“Ormaybesomethingdid.”
“Ihopenot,”Bonniesaid,shivering.“I’vehadenoughsomethingstolastmeforever.”They’dcrossedbehindthesciencebuilding,downadarker,lonelierpath,andcircledbacktowardtheirdorm,itsbrightlylitentrywaylikeabeaconbeforethem.Althreespedup,headingforthelight.
“I’vegotmykey,”Bonniesaid,feelinginherjeanspocket.Sheopenedthedoor,andsheandElenahurriedintothedorm.
Meredithpausedandglancedbacktowardthebusyquad,then,pastit,atthedarkskyabovecampus.
Whatever“trouble”hadhappened,andwhetherthecausewashumanorsomethingelse,sheknewsheneededtobeintopcondition,readytofight.
Shecouldalmosthearherfather’svoicesaying,“Funtimeisover,Meredith.”Itwastimetofocusonhertrainingagain,timetoworktowardherdestinyasaprotector,asaSulez,tokeepinnocentpeoplesafefromthedarkness.
5
Thesunwaswaytoobright.Bonnieshieldedhereyeswithonehandandglancedanxiouslyaroundasshewalkedacrossthequadtowardthebookstore.Ithadtakenheralongtimetofalasleepaftergettingbacktotheirroomthenightbefore.Whatifsomecrazypersonwasstalkingthecampus?
It’sbroaddaylight,shetoldherself.Therearepeopleeverywhere.Ihavenothingtobeafraidof.Butbadthingscouldhappenduringtheday,too.Girlsgotluredintocarsbyhorriblemen,orhitovertheheadandtakentodarkplaces.Monstersdidn’tjustlurkinthenight.Afteral,sheknewseveralvampireswhostroledaroundduringthedayalthetime.DamonandStefandidn’tscareher,notanymore,buttherewereotherdaytimemonsters.Ijustwanttofeelsafeforonce,shethoughtwistfuly.
Shewascomingupontheareathepolicehadbeensearchingthenightbefore,stilblockedoffwithyelowtape.
Studentswerestandingnearbyingroupsoftwoorthree,talkinginlowvoices.Bonniespiedareddish-brownstainacrossthepaththatshethoughtmightbeblood,andshewalkedfasterasshepassedit.
Therewasarustlinginthebushes.Bonniespedupevenmore,picturingawild-eyedattackerhidingintheundergrowth,andglancedaroundnervously.Noonewaslookinginherdirection.Wouldtheyhelpherifshescreamed?
Sheriskedanotherlookbackatthebush—shouldshejusttakeoffrunning?—andstopped,embarrassedbythefuriousthumpingofherheart.Acutelittlesquirrelhoppedhesitantlyfromunderthebranches.Itsniffedtheair,thendashedacrossthepathandupatreebehindthepolicetape.
“Honestly,BonnieMcCulough,you’reamoron,”Bonniemutteredtoherself.Aguypassingherintheotherdirectionoverheardherandsnickered,makingBonnieblushfuriously.
Bythetimeshegottothebookstore,she’dgottenherblushingundercontrol.Havingthetypicalredhead’scomplexionwasapain—everythingshefeltwasbroadcastbytheflushorpalenessofherskin.Withanyluck,though,she’dbeabletohandleasimpletriptobuybookswithouthumiliatingherself.
Bonniehadstartedgettingacquaintedwiththebookstorewhenshe’dhadhershoppingspreeyesterday,butshehadn’trealyinvestigatedthebooksideofthestore.
Today,though,shehadthebooklistfortheclassesshe’dregisteredfor,andsheneededtostockupforsomeseriousstudying.She’dneverbeenahugefanofschool,butmaybecolegewouldbedifferent.Witharesolutesquaringofhershoulders,sheturneddeterminedlyawayfromtheshinystuffandtowardthetextbooks.
Thebooklistswereawfulylong,though.ShefoundthefatIntrotoPsychologytextbookwithasenseofsatisfaction:thiswoulddefinitelygivehertheterminologytodiagnoseherfriends.ThefreshmanEnglishseminarshewasassignedtocoveredaslewofnovels,soshewanderedthroughthefictionsection,pulingTheRedandtheBlack,OliverTwist,andTheAgeofInnocenceofftheshelvesasshepassed.
SheroundedacornerinsearchoftherestoftheWs,intentonaddingTotheLighthousetohergrowingstackofbooks,andfroze.
Zander.Beautiful,beautifulZanderwasdrapedgracefulynexttoabookshelf,hiswhite-blondheadbentoverabook.Hehadn’tseenheryet,soBonnieimmediatelyduckedbackintothepreviousaisle.
Sheleanedagainstthewal,breathinghard.Shecouldfeelhercheeksheatingupagain,thatawfulteltaleblush.
Carefuly,shepeekedbackaroundthecorner.Hehadn’tnoticedher;hewasstilreadingintently.HewaswearingagrayT-shirttoday,andhissoft-lookinghaircurledabitatthenapeofhisneck.Hisfacelookedsortofsadwiththosegorgeousblueeyeshiddenbeneathhislonglashesandnosignofthatfabuloussmile.Thereweredarkshadowsunderhiseyes.
Bonnie’sfirstinstinctwastosneakaway.ShecouldwaitandfindtheVirginiaWoolfbooktomorrow;itwasn’tlikeshewasgoingtoreadittoday.Sherealydidn’twantZandertothinkshewasstalkinghim.Itwouldbebetterifhesawhersomewhere,whenshewasn’tpayingattention.Ifheapproachedher,she’dknowhewasinterested.
Afteral,maybehewasn’tinterestedinBonnie.He’dbeenkindofflirtatiouswhenhe’drunintoher,buthe’dnearlyknockedherdown.Whatifhewasjustbeingfriendly?Whatifhedidn’tevenrememberBonnie?
Nope,bettertotakeoffthistimeandwaittilshewasbetterprepared.Shewasn’tevenwearingeyeliner,forheaven’ssake.Makinguphermind,Bonnieturnedfirmlyaway.
But,ontheotherhand…
Bonniehesitated.There’dbeenaconnectionbetweenthem,hadn’tthere?She’dfeltsomethingwhenhereyesmethis.Andhe’dsmiledatherlikehewasrealyseeingher,pastthefluffandfluster.
Andwhatabouttheresolutionshe’dmadethedaybefore,walkingtoherdormfromthisverysamebookstore?Ifshewasgoingtobecomeaterrific,confident,stepping-out-of-the-shadowskindofperson,shecouldn’trunawayeverytimeshesawaboysheliked.
BonniehadalwaysadmiredthewaythatElenamanagedtogetwhatshewanted.Elenajustwentafteritandnothinggotinherway.WhenStefanhadfirstcometoFel’sChurch,hehadn’twantedanythingtodowithElena,certainlynottofalintoherarmsandstartsomekindofamazingeternalromance.ButElenahadn’tcared.ShewasgoingtohaveStefan,evenifitkiledher.
And,wel,ithadkiledher,hadn’tit?
Bonnieshivered.Bonnieshookherheadalittle.Thepointwas,ifyouwantedtofindlove,youcouldn’tbeafraidoftrying,couldyou?
Shestuckherchindeterminedlyintotheair.Atleastshewasn’tblushinganymore.Hercheeksweresocold,shewasprobablyaswhiteasasnowwoman,butshedefinitelywasn’tblushing.Sothatwassomething.
Beforeshecouldchangehermindagain,shewalkedquicklyaroundthecornerbackintotheaislewhereZanderstoodreading.
“Hi!”shesaid,hervoicesqueakingatinybit.“Zander!”Helookedup,andthatamazing,beautifulsmilespreadacrosshisface.
“Bonnie!”hesaidenthusiasticaly.“Hey,I’mrealygladtoseeyou.Iwasthinkingaboutyouearlier.”
“Youwere?”Bonnieasked,andimmediatelywantedtokickherselfathowoverlyenthusiasticshesounded.
“Yeah,”hesaidsoftly.“Iwas.”Hissky-blueeyesheldhers.“IwaswishingI’dgottenyourphonenumber.”
“Youwere?”Bonnieaskedagain,andthistimedidn’tevenworryabouthowshesounded.
“Sure,”hesaid.Hescuffedhisfeetagainstthecarpet,likehewasalittlenervous,andawarmthblossomedinsideBonnie.Hewasnervoustalkingtoher!“Iwasthinking,”Zanderwenton,“maybewecoulddosomethingsometime.
Imean,ifyouwantedto.”
“Oh,”Bonniesaid.“Imean,yes!Iwouldwantto.Ifyoudid.”
Zandersmiledagain,anditwasasiftheirlittlecornerofthefictionsectionwaslitupwithaglowinglight.Bonniehadtokeepherselffromstaggeringbackward,hewassogorgeous.
“Howaboutthisweekend?”Zanderasked,andBonnie,feelingsuddenlyaslightandbuoyantasthoughshecouldfloatupintotheair,smiledback.
Meredithsteppedherleftfootbehindherandraisedherrightheel,movingintoabackstanceasshebroughtherhandsupsharply,fiststogether,inablockingmove.Thensheslidherfootsidewaysintoafrontstanceandpunchedforwardwiththefistofherlefthand.Shelovedrunningthroughataekwondoform.Eachmovementwaschoreographed,andtheonlythingtodowastopracticeoverandoveruntilthewholeformflowedinamodelofprecision,grace,andcontrol.Taekwondoformswereperfectible,andMeredithenjoyedperfection.
Themostgloriousthingaboutthemwasthatoncesheknewherformssowelthattheywereasnaturalasbreathing,shecouldbereadyforanything.Inafight,shewouldbeabletosensewhatheropponent’snextmovewouldbeandcounterwithablockorakickorapunchwithouteventhinking.
Sheturnedswiftly,blockedhighwithherrighthandandlowwithherleft.Itwasthepreparation,Meredithknew.Ifshewassopreparedthatherbodycouldsensewhatmovesheneededtomakewithoutherbrainhavingtogetinvolved,thenshewouldbeabletotrulyprotectherselfandeveryoneelsearoundher.
Afewweeksago,whensheandherfriendshadbeenunderattackfromthephantomandshe’dsprainedherankle,onlyStefanhadbeenleftwithPowerenoughtodefendFel’sChurch.
Stefan,avampire.
Meredith’slipstightenedassheautomaticalykickedforwardwithherrightfoot,slidintoatigerstance,andblockedwithherlefthand.
ShelikedStefan,andshetrustedhim,sherealydid,butstil…ShecouldpicturegenerationupongenerationofSulezesrolingoverintheirgraves,cursingher,iftheyknewthatshehadleftherselfandherfriendssovulnerable,withonlyavampirebetweenthemselvesanddanger.Vampiresweretheenemy.
NotStefan,ofcourse.Sheknew,despitealhertraining,thatshecouldputherfaithinStefan.Damon,ontheotherhand…HoweverusefulDamonhadbeeninacoupleofbattles,howeverreasonablypleasantand,frankly,out-of-characterhehadbehavedforthelastfewweeks,Meredithcouldn’tbringherselftotrusthim.
Butifshetrainedhard,ifsheperfectedherselfasawarrior,Meredithwouldn’thaveto.Shemovedintoarightfrontstanceand,sharpandclean,punchedforwardwithherrighthand.
“Nicepunch,”saidavoicebehindher.
Meredithturnedtoseeashort-hairedAfricanAmericangirlleaningagainstthedoorofthepracticeroom,watchingher.
“Thanks,”saidMeredith,surprised.
Thegirlstroledintotheroom.“Whatareyou,”sheasked,“ablackbelt?”
“Yes,”Meredithsaid,andcouldn’thelpaddingproudly,
“intaekwondoandkarate.”
“Hmm,”thegirlsaid,hereyessparkling.“Idotaekwondoandaikidomyself.Myname’sSamantha.I’vebeenlookingforasparringpartner.Interested?”Despitethecasualnessofhertone,Samanthawasbouncingeagerlyonthebalsofherfeet,amischievoussmileflickeringatthecornersofhermouth,andMeredith’seyesnarrowed.
“Sure,”shesaid,herattitudelight.“Showmewhatyou’vegot.”
Samantha’ssmilebroadened.ShekickedoffhershoesandsteppedontothepracticematnexttoMeredith.Theyfacedoff,assessingeachother.ShewasaheadshorterthanMeredith,thin,butwiryandsleeklymuscled,andshemovedasgracefulyasacat.
Theanticipationinthegirl’seyesbetrayedSamantha’sbeliefthatMeredithwouldbeeasytobeat.ShewasthinkingthatMeredithwasoneofthosetraineeswhowasalformandtechniquewithnorealfightinginstinct.Meredithknewthatkindoffighterwel,hadmetthemoftenenoughincompetitions.IfthatwaswhatSamanthathoughtofMeredith,shewasinforasurprise.
“Ready?”Samanthaasked.AtMeredith’snod,sheimmediatelylaunchedapunchwhilebringingtheopposite-sidefootaroundinanattempttosweepMeredithoffherfeet.Meredithreactedinstinctively,blockingtheblow,dodgingthefoot,thensweepingakickofherown,whichSamanthaavoided,grinningwithsimplepleasure.
Theyexchangedafewmoreblowsandkicks,and,againstherwil,Meredithwasimpressed.Thisgirlwasfast,fasterthanmostofthefightersMeredithhadfacedbefore,evenattheblack-beltlevel,andmuchstrongerthanshelooked.
Shewastoococky,though,anaggressivefighterinsteadofadefensiveone;thewayshe’dhurriedtostrikethefirstblowshowedthat.Meredithcouldusethatcockinessagainsther.
Samanthashiftedherweight,andMeredithslidinbelowherdefenses,givingafastspinheelkickthathitSamanthafirmlyontheupperthigh.Shestaggeredabit,andMeredithmovedoutofrangequickly.
Samantha’sfacechangedimmediately.Shewasgettingangrynow,Meredithcouldtel,andthat,too,wasaweakness.Shewasfrowning,herlipstight,whileMeredithkeptherownfacepurposefulyblank.Samantha’sfistsandfeetweremovingquickly,butshelostsomeaccuracyasshespedup.
Meredithpretendedtofalbackundertheassault,feintingtokeepheropponentoff-balance,alowingherselftobebackedtowardacornerwhilestilblockingSamantha’sblows.Whenshewasalmostcornered,shejammedherarmagainstSamantha’sfist,stoppingherbeforeshecouldfulyextendherblow,andsweptafootunderhers.
Samanthatripped,caughtbyMeredith’slowkick,andfelheavilytothemat.ShelaythereandjuststaredupatMeredithforamoment,facestunned,whileMeredithhoveredoverher,suddenlyuncertain.HadshehurtSamantha?Wasthegirlgoingtobeangryandstormoff?
ThenSamantha’sfaceblossomedintoawide,glowingsmile.“Thatwasawesome!”shesaid.“Canyoushowmethatmove?”
6
Cautiously,Mattfeltalongthepathwithhisfootuntilhefoundgrass,theninchedhiswayontoit,holdinghishandsoutinfrontofhimuntilhewastouchingtheroughbarkofatree.Thereprobablyweren’ttoomanypeoplehangingaroundoutsidethemaincampusgate,buthe’djustassoonhavenooneseehim,blindfolded,dressedinhisweddings-and-funeralssuitandtie,andlooking,hewassure,likeanidiot.
Ontheotherhand,hedidwantwhoeverwascomingtogethimtobeabletospothim.ItwouldbebettertolooklikeanidiotoutintheopennowandbecomepartoftheVitaleSocietythantohideandspendtherestofthenightblindfoldedinthebushes.Mattinchedhiswaybacktowardwherehethoughtthegatemustbeandstumbled.Wavinghishands,hemanagedtocatchhisbalanceagain.
Hesuddenlywishedhehadtoldsomeonewherehewasgoing.WhatifsomebodyotherthantheVitaleSocietyhadlefthimthenote?Whatifthiswasaplantogethimonhisown,somekindoftrap?Mattranhisfingerbeneathhissweatytoo-tightcolar.Afteraltheweirdthingsthathadhappenedtohiminthelastyear,hecouldn’thelpbeingparanoid.
Ifhevanishednow,hisfriendswouldneverknowwhathadhappenedtohim.HethoughtofElena’slaughingblueeyes,herclear,searchinggaze.Shewouldmisshimifhedisappeared,heknew,evenifshehadneverlovedhimthewayhewantedherto.Bonnie’slaughwouldloseitscarefreenoteifMattweregone,andMeredithwouldbecomemoretenseandfierce,pushherselfharder.Hematteredtothem.
TheVitaleSociety’sinvitationwasclear,though:telnoone.Ifhewantedtogetinthegame,hehadtoplaybytheirrules.Mattunderstoodrules.
Withoutwarning,someone—twosomeones—grabbedhisarms,oneoneachside.Instinctively,Mattstruggled,andheheardagruntofexasperationfromthepersononhisright.
“Fortisaeturnus,”hissedthepersononhisleftlikeapassword,hisbreathwarmonMatt’sear.
Mattstoppedfighting.ThatwasthesloganontheletterfromtheVitaleSociety,wasn’tit?ItwasLatin,hewasprettysure.Hewishedhe’dtakenthetimetofindoutwhatitmeant.Heletthepeopleholdinghisarmsguidehimacrossthegrassandontotheroad.
“Stepup,”theoneonhisleftwhispered,andMattmovedforwardcarefuly,climbingintowhatseemedtobethebackofavan.Firmhandspushedhisheaddowntokeephimfrombangingitonthevan’sroof,andMattwasremindedofthatterribletimethispastsummerwhenhe’dbeenarrested,accusedofattackingCaroline.Thecopshadpushedhisheaddownjustlikethatwhentheyputhimhandcuffedintothebackofthesquadcar.Hisstomachsankwithremembereddread,butheshookitoff.TheGuardianshaderasedeveryone’smemoriesofCaroline’sfalseaccusations,justasthey’dchangedeverythingelse.
Thehandsguidedhimtoaseatandstrappedaseatbeltaroundhim.Thereseemedtobepeoplesittingoneachsideofhim,andMattopenedhismouthtospeak—tosaywhat,hedidn’tknow.
“Bestil,”themysteriousvoicewhispered,andMattclosedhismouthobediently.Hestrainedhiseyestoseesomethingpasttheblindfold,evenahintoflightandshadow,buteverythingwasdark.Footstepsclatteredacrossthefloorofthevan;thenthedoorsslammed,andtheenginestartedup.
Mattsatback.Hetriedtokeeptrackoftheturnsthevantookbutlostcountoftherightsandleftsafterafewminutesandinsteadjustsatquietly,waitingtoseewhatwouldhappennext.
Afteraboutfifteenminutes,thevancametoahalt.ThepeopleoneithersideofMattsatupstraighter,andhetensed,too.Heheardthefrontdoorsopenandcloseandthenfootstepscomearoundthevanbeforethebackdoorsopened.
“Remainsilent,”thevoicethatspoketohimearlierordered.“Youwilbeguidedtowardthenextstageofyourjourney.”
ThepersonnexttoMattbrushedagainsthimasherose,andMattheardhimstumbleonwhatsoundedlikegravelunderfootashewasledaway.Helistenedalertly,but,oncethatpersonhadleft,Mattheardonlythenervousshiftingoftheotherpeopleseatedinthevan.Hejumpedwhenhandstookhisarmsoncemore.Somehowthey’dsnuckuponhimagain;hehadn’theardathing.
Thehandshelpedhimoutofthevan,thenguidedhimacrosswhatfeltlikeasidewalkorcourtyard,wherehisshoesthuddedagainstfirstgravel,thenpavement.Hisguidescontinuedtoleadhimupaseriesofstairs,throughsomekindofhalway,thenbackdownagain.Mattcountedthreeflightsdownbeforehewasstoppedagain.
“Waithere,”thevoicesaid,andthenhisguidessteppedaway.
Matttriedtofigureoutwherehewas.Hecouldhearpeople,probablyhiscompanionsfromthevan,shiftingquietly,butnoonespoke.Judgingbytheechoestheirlittlemotionsproduced,theywereinalargespace:agym?abasement?Probablyabasement,afteralthosestairsdown.
Frombehindhimcamethequietclickofadoorclosing.
“Youmaynowremoveyourblindfolds,”anewvoice,deepandconfident,said.
Mattuntiedhisblindfoldandlookedaround,blinkingashiseyesadjustedtothelight.Itwasafaint,indirectlight,whichsupportedhisbasementtheory,butifthiswasabasement,itwasthefanciestonehe’deverseen.
Theroomwashuge,stretchingintodimnessatitsotherend,andthefloorandwalswerepaneledinadark,heavywood.Archesandpilarssupportedtheceilingatintervals,andthereweresomekindsofcarvingsonthem:theclever,twistedfaceofwhatmightbeaspriteleeredathimfromapilar;thefigureofarunningdeerspannedonearchway.
Red-velvet-seatedchairsandheavywoodentableslinedthewals.Mattandtheotherswerefacingagreatcentralarchway,toppedbyalargeornateletterVmadeofdifferentkindsofglittering,highlypolishedmetalselaboratelyweldedtogether.BelowtheVranthesamemottothathadappearedontheletter:fortisaeturnus.
Glancingatthepeoplenearhim,Mattsawthathewasn’ttheonlyonefeelingconfusedandapprehensive.
Thereweremaybefifteenotherpeoplestandingthere,andtheyseemedliketheycamefromdifferentclasses:therewasnowaythattal,stoopingguywiththefulbeardwasafreshman.
Asmal,round-facedgirlwithshortringletsofbrownhaircaughtMatt’seye.Sheraisedhereyebrowsathim,wideninghermouthinanexaggeratedexpressionofbewilderment.Mattgrinnedbackather,hisspiritslightening.Heshiftedclosertoherandhadjustopenedhismouthtowhisperanintroductionwhenhewasinterrupted.
“Welcome,”saidthedeep,authoritativevoicethathadinstructedthemtotakeofftheirblindfolds,andayoungmansteppeduptothecentralarchway,directlybelowthehugeV.Behindhimcameacircleofothers,seeminglyamixofguysandgirls,alclothedinblackandwearingmasks.Theeffectoughttohavebeenoverthetop,Mattthought,butinsteadthemaskedfiguresseemedmysteriousandaloof,andhesuppressedashiver.
Theguybeneaththearchwastheonlyonenotwearingamask.Hewasabitshorterthanthesilentfiguresaroundhim,withcurlydarkhair,andhesmiledwarmlyashestretchedouthishandstowardMattandtheothers.
“Welcome,”hesaidagain,“toasecret.YoumayhaveheardrumorsoftheVitaleSociety,theoldestandmostilustriousorganizationofDalcrest.Thisisasocietyoftenspokenofinwhispers,butaboutwhichnooneknowsthetruth.Nooneexceptitsmembers.IamEthanCrane,thecurrentpresidentoftheVitaleSociety,andI’mdelightedthatyouhaveacceptedourinvitation.”Hepausedandlookedaround.“Youhavebeeninvitedtopledgebecauseyouarethebestofthebest.Eachofyouhasdifferentstrengths.”Hegesturedtothetal,beardedguyMatthadnoticed.“StuartCovingtonhereisthemostbriliantscientificmindoftheseniorclass,perhapsoneofthemostpromisingonesinthecountry.Hisarticlesonbiogeneticshavealreadybeenpublishedinnumerousjournals.”
EthanwalkedintothecrowdandstoppednexttoMatt.
Thiscloseup,MattcouldseethatEthan’seyeswereanalmostgoldenhazel,fulofwarmth.“MattHoneycuttentersDalcrestasastartingplayeronthefootbalteamafterleadinghishighschooltothestatechampionshiplastyear.
Hecouldhavehadhischoiceofcolegefootbalprograms,andhechosetocometoDalcrest.”Mattduckedhisheadmodestly,andEthansqueezedhisshoulderbeforewalkingontostopnexttothecuteround-facedgirl.
“JuniorChloePascalis,asthoseofyouwhoattendedlastyear’scampusartshowknow,themosttalentedartistoncampus.Herdynamic,excitingsculptureshavewonhertheGershnerAwardfortwoyearsrunning.”HepattedChloeonthearmassheblushed.
Ethanwenton,passingfromonememberoftheirlittlegrouptoanother,listingaccomplishments.Mattwasonlyhalflisteningashelookedaroundattheraptexpressionsonthefacesoftheothercandidates,buthegottheimpressionofawiderangeoftalents,andthatthiswasindeedagatheringofthebestofthebest,anassemblyofcampusachievers.Heseemedtobetheonlyfreshman.
HefeltlikeEthanhadlitaglowingcandleinsidehim:he,Matt,whohadbeentheleastspecialofhisgroupoffriends,wasbeingsingledout.
“Asyoucansee,”Ethansaid,circlingbacktothefrontofthegroup,“eachofyouhasdifferentskils.Brains,creativity,athleticism,theabilitytoleadothers.Thesequalities,whenbroughttogether,canmakeyouthemosteliteandpowerfulgroup,notonlyoncampus,butthroughoutlife.TheVitaleSocietyisanorganizationwithalonghistory,andonceyouareamemberofthesociety,youareoneforlife.Forever.”Hehelduponefingerincaution,hisfaceserious.“However,thismeetingisbutthefirststepontheroadtobecomingaVitale.Anditisadifficultroad.”Hesmiledatthemagain.“Ibelieve—webelieve—thatalofyouhavewhatittakestobecomeaVitale.Youwouldnothavebeeninvitedtopledgeifwedidnotthinkyouwereworthy.”
Mattstraightenedhisshouldersandheldhisheadhigh.
Leastremarkablememberofhisgroupoffriendsornot,he’dsavedtheworld—oratleasthishometown—morethanonce.Evenifhe’djustbeenoneofateamthen,hewasprettysurehecouldhandlewhatevertheVitaleSocietycouldthrowathim.
Ethansmileddirectlyathim.“IfyouarepreparedtopledgetheVitaleSociety,tokeepoursecretsandearnourtrust,stepforwardnow.”
Withouthesitating,Mattsteppedforward.Chloeandthebeardedguy—Stuart—steppedwithhimand,lookingaround,Mattsawthateveryoneofthepledgeshadmovedforwardtogether.
EthancametowardMattandtookholdofthelapelofhissuit.“There,”hesaid,quicklypinningsomethingonitandlettingMattgo.“Wearthisataltimes,butdiscreetly.
Youmustkeepyourinvolvementwiththesocietysecret.
Youwilbecontacted.Congratulations.”HegaveMattabrief,genuinesmile,andmovedontoChloe,sayingthesamethingtoher.
MattturnedhislapelupandlookedatthetinydarkblueVthatEthanhadpinnedtoit.He’dneverthoughtmuchbeforeaboutfraternities,orsecretsocieties,oranykindoforganizationthatwasn’tasportsteam.Butthis,beingtheonlyfreshmanthelegendaryVitaleSocietywanted,wasdifferent.Theysawsomethinginhim,somethingspecial.
7
“Itwouldhavebeendifficulttofindagroupofsettlerslesssuitedtobuildingabrand-newcolonythantheonehundredandfivemenwhosaileduptheriverfromtheChesapeakeBayin1607andfoundedJamestown,”ProfessorCampbellecturedfromthefrontofElena’sclass.“Whiletherewereacoupleofcarpenters,amason,ablacksmith,andmaybeadozenlaborersamongthem,theywerefaroutnumberedbytheself-proclaimedgentlemenwhomadeupalmosthalftheparty.”
Hepausedandsmiledsardonicaly.“‘Gentlemen’inthiscasesignifiesmenwithoutaprofessionortrade.Manyofthemwerelazy,idlemenwhohadjoinedtheLondonCompany’sexpeditioninthehopeofmakingaprofitwithoutrealizinghowmuchworkfoundingacolonyintheNewWorldwasrealygoingtoentail.Thesettlerslandedinthespring,andbytheendofSeptember,halfofthemweredead.ByJanuary,whenCaptainNewportreturnedwithsuppliesandmorecolonists,onlythirty-eightoftheoriginalsettlersremained.”
Lazyandclueless,Elenawroteneatlyinhernotebook.
Deadinlessthanayear.
HistoryoftheSouthwasherveryfirstclass,andcolegewasalreadyprovingtobeaneye-openingexperience.HerhighschoolteachershadalwaysstressedcourageandenterprisewhentheytalkedaboutVirginia’searlysettlers,nothaplessness.
“OnThursday,we’ltalkaboutthelegendofJohnSmithandPocahontas.We’regoingtodiscussthefactsandhowtheydifferfromSmith’sownaccount,ashehadatendencytowardself-promotion,”ProfessorCampbelannounced.
“Thereadingassignmentisinthesylabus,sopleasecomepreparedforalivelydiscussionnexttime.”Hewasaplump,energeticlittleman,whosesmalblackeyesswepttheclassandlandedunerringlyonElenaasheadded,“ElenaGilbert?Pleasestayafterclassforamoment.I’dliketospeakwithyou.”
Shehadtimetowonder,nervously,howheknewwhichofhisstudentsshewasastherestoftheclassstraggledoutoftheroom,afewstoppingtoaskhimquestions.Shehadn’tspokenupduringhislecture,andtherewereaboutfiftystudentsintheclass.
Asthelastofherclassmatesdisappearedoutthedoor,sheapproachedhisdesk.
“ElenaGilbert,”hesaidavuncularly,hisbrighteyessearchinghers.“Idoapologizefortakingupyourtime.ButwhenIheardyourname,Ihadtoask.”Hepaused,andElenadutifulyreplied,“Hadtoaskwhat,Professor?”
“IknowthenameGilbert,yousee,”hesaid,“andthemoreIlookatyou,themoreyouremindmeofsomeone—
twosomeones—whowereonceverydearfriendsofmine.
CouldyoupossiblybethedaughterofElizabethMorrowandThomasGilbert?”
“Yes,Iam,”saidElenaslowly.SheoughttohaveexpectedthatshemightmeetsomeonewhoknewherparentshereatDalcrest,butitfeltweirdtoheartheirnames,althesame.
“Ah!”Helacedhisfingersacrosshisstomachandgaveherasatisfiedsmile.“YoulooksomuchlikeElizabeth.Itstartledmewhenyoucameintotheroom.Butthere’satouchofThomasinyou,too,makenomistakeaboutthat.
Somethingaboutyourexpression,Ithink.Seeingyoutakesmerightbacktomyowndaysasanundergraduate.Shewasalovelygirl,yourmother,justlovely.”
“Youwenttoschoolherewithmyparents?”Elenaasked.
“Icertainlydid.”ProfessorCampbel’ssmalblackeyeswidened.“Theyweretwoofmybestfriendshere.TwoofthebestfriendsIeverhad.Welosttrackofeachotherovertheyears,I’mafraid,butIheardabouttheaccident.”Heunlacedhisfingersandhesitantlytouchedherarm.“I’msosorry.”
“Thankyou.”Elenabitherlip.“Theynevertalkedmuchabouttheircolegeyears.MaybeasIgotolder,theywouldhave…”Hervoicetrailedoff,andsherealizedwithdismaythathereyeshadfiledwithtears.
“Oh,mydear,Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.”ProfessorCampbelpattedhisjacketpockets.“AndI’venevergotatissuewhenIneedone.Oh,pleasedon’tcry.”HiscomicalexpressionofdistressmadeElenagivehimawatery-eyedsmile,andherelaxedandsmiledinreturn.“There,that’sbetter,”hesaid.“Youknow,ifyou’dliketohearmoreaboutyourparentsandwhattheywerelikebackthen,I’dbehappytotelyouaboutthem.I’vegotalkindsofstories.”
“Realy?”Elenasaidhopefuly.Shefeltaflickerofexcitement.AuntJudithtalkedwithElenaabouthermothersometimes,butthememoriesshesharedweremostlyfromtheirchildhood.AndElenarealydidn’tknowmuchaboutherfather’spastatal:he’dbeenanonlychildandhisparentsweredead.
“Certainly,certainly,”ProfessorCampbelsaidcheerfuly.“Cometomyofficehours,andI’ltelyoualaboutourhijinksbackintheolddays.I’mthereeveryMondayandFridayfromthreetofive,andI’lputoutawelcomematforyou.Metaphoricalyspeaking,ofcourse.
Serveyousomeofthehorribledepartmentcoffee.”
“Thankyou,ProfessorCampbel,”Elenasaid.“I’dlovethat.”
“CalmeJames,”hesaid.“It’snothingatal.AnythingIcandotomakeyoufeelathomehereatDalcrest.”Hecockedhisheadtoonesideandlookedatherquizzicaly,hiseyesasbrightandcuriousasasmalanimal’s.“Afteral,asthedaughterofElizabethandThomas,youmustbeaveryspecialgirl.”
Thebigblackcrowoutsidetheopenlecture-roomwindowpacedbackandforth,clenchingandunclenchingitspowerfultalonsaroundthebranchonwhichitwasperched.
Damonwantedtotransformbackintohisvampireself,climbthroughthewindow,andhaveaquickbuteffectiveinterrogationsessionwiththatprofessor.
ButElenawouldn’tlikethat.
Shewassonaive,dammit.
Yes,yes,shewashislovely,briliant,cleverprincess,butshewasridiculouslynaive,too;theyalwere.Damonirritablypreenedhisruffledfeathersbackintoiridescentsleekness.Theywerejustsoyoung.Atthispoint,Damonwasabletolookbackandsaythatnoonelearnedanythinginlife,notforherfirsthundredyearsorso.Youhadtobeimmortal,realy,tohavethetimetolearntolookoutforyourselfproperly.
TakeElena,gazingsotrustfulyatherprofessor.Afteralshe’dbeenthrough,alshe’dseen,shewassoeasytolulintocomplacency—althemanhadtodowasdanglethepromiseofinformationaboutherparentsinfrontofher,andshe’dhappilytrotofftomeethiminhisofficewheneverhesuggested.Sentimentalninny.Whatcouldthemanpossiblytelherthatwouldbeofanyrealimportance?Nothingcouldbringherparentsback.
Theprofessorwasn’tadanger,mostlikely.DamonhadprobedhimwithhisPower,feltnothingbuttheflickeringofahumanmind,nodarksurgeofansweringPowercomingfromthelittleman,noswelofdisturbingorviolentemotion.
Buthecouldn’tbesure,couldhe?Damon’sPowercouldn’tdetecteverymonster,couldn’tpredicteverytwistofthehumanheart.
ButtherealproblemherewasElena.She’dforgotten,clearly,thatshe’dlostalherPower,thattheGuardianshadstrippedherbacktobeingjustavulnerable,fragilemortalgirlagain.Shethought,wrongly,thatshecouldprotectherself.
Theywereallikethat.Damonhadbeeninfuriatedatfirsttoslowlyrealizethathewasstartingtofeellikealofthemwerehishumans.NotjusthislovelyElenaandthelittleredbird,butallofthem,thewitchMrs.Flowersandthehunterandthatmeatheadofaboyaswel.Thoselasttwodidn’tevenlikehim,buthefeltcompeledtokeepaneyeonthem,topreventthemfromdamagingthemselvesthroughtheirinnatestupidity.
Damonwasn’ttheonewhowantedtobehere.No,the
“let’saljoinhandsanddanceofftofurtheroureducationstogether”ideawasn’this,andhe’dtreateditwiththeproperscorn.Hewasn’tStefan.Hewasn’tgoingtowastehistimepretendingtobeoneofthemortalchildren.
Buthehadfound,tohisdismay,thathedidn’twanttolosethem,either.
Itwasembarrassing.Vampireswerenotpackanimals,notlikehumans.Hewasn’tsupposedtocarewhathappenedtothem.Thesechildrenshouldbeprey,andnothingmore.
Butbeingdeadandcomingback,fightingthejealousyphantomandlettinggoofthesickenvyandmiserythathadheldhimcaptiveeversincehewasahuman,hadchangedDamon.Withthathardbalofhategonefromthemiddleofhischest,whereithadlivedforsolong,hefoundhimselffeelinglighter.Almostasifhe…cared.
Embarrassingornot,itfeltsurprisinglycomfortable,havingthisconnectiontothelittlegroupofhumans.He’dhavedied—again—ratherthanadmititaloud,though.
HeclackedhisbeakafewtimesasElenasaidgood-byetoherprofessorandlefttheclassroom.ThenDamonspreadhiswingsandflappeddowntoatreenexttothebuilding’sentrance.
Nearby,athinyoungmanwaspostingaflyerwithagirl’spictureonanothertree,andDamonflewovertogetacloserlook.MissingStudent,thetopoftheflyersaid,andbelowthepictureweredetailsofanighttimedisappearance:noclues,noleads,noevidence,noideawherenineteen-year-oldTaylorHarrisonmightbe.
Suspicionoffoulplay.Thepromiseofarewardfromheranxiousfamilyforinformationleadingtohersafereturn.
Damonletoutaroughcaw.Therewassomethingwronghere.He’dknownitalready—hadfeltsomethingalittleoffaboutthiscampusassoonashe’darrivedtwodaysago,althoughhehadn’tbeenabletoquiteputhisfingeronit.Whyelsewouldhehavebeensoworriedabouthisprincess?
Elenacameoutofthebuildingandstartedacrossthequad,tuckingherlonggoldenhairbehindherears,oblivioustotheblackcrowthatswoopedfromtreetotreeaboveher.Damonwasgoingtofindoutwhatwasgoingonhere,andhewasgoingtodoitbeforewhateveritwastouchedanyofhishumans.
EspecialyElena.
8
“Ugh,Idon’tthinkthere’sasinglethingonthehot-lunchbarI’deverconsidereating,”ElenasaidtoStefan.“HalfthestuffIcan’tevenidentify.”Stefanwatchedpatientlyasshepassedontothesaladbar.
“Thisisn’tmuchbetter,”shesaid,liftingawateryspoonfulofcottagecheeseandlettingitslopbackintothecontainerforemphasis.“Ithoughtthefoodatcolegewouldbemoreediblethaninourhighschoolcafeteria,butapparentlyIwaswrong.”
Stefanmadeavaguesoundofagreementandlookedaroundforaplaceforthemtosit.Hewasn’teating.Humanfooddidn’thavemuchtasteforhimnow,andhe’dusedhisPowertocaldownadovetohisbalconythatmorning.Thathadprovidedenoughbloodtoholdhimuntiltheevening,whenhewouldneedtohuntagain.
OnceElenafinalymadeherselfasalad,heledhertotheemptytablehe’dspotted.
Shekissedhimbeforeshesatdownandashiverofdelightranthroughhimastheirmindstouched.Thefamiliarlinkbetweenthemslidintoplace,andhefeltElena’sjoy,hercontentmentatbeingwithhimandattheirnew,nearlynormal,lives.Belowthis,atouchofexcitementfizzedthroughher,andStefansentaquestioningthoughtbetweenthem,wonderingwhathadhappenedsincethey’dseeneachotherthatmorning.
Elenabrokethekissandansweredhisunspokenquestion.
“ProfessorCampbel,myhistoryprofessor,knewmyparentswhentheywereincolege,”shesaid.Hervoicewascalm,buthereyeswerebright,andStefancouldsensehowbigthiswasforher.“Hewasarealygoodfriendoftheirs.Hecantelmestoriesaboutthem,partsoftheirlivesIneverknewbefore.”
“That’sgreat,”Stefansaid,pleasedforher.“Howwastheclass?”
“Itwasalright,”Elenasaid,beginningtoeathersalad.
“We’retalkingaboutthecolonialdaysforthefirstcoupleofweeks.”Shelookedup,herforkpoisedinmidair.“Howaboutyou?Whatwasyourphilosophyclasslike?”
“Fine.”Stefanpaused.Finewasn’trealywhathemeant.Ithadbeenstrangetobesittinginacolegeclassroomagain.He’dattendedcolegeafewtimesduringhislonghistory,seenthechangingfadsineducation.Atfirst,hisclassmateshadbeenaselectnumberofwealthyyoungmen,andnowtherewasamorediversemixofboysandgirls.Buttherewasanessentialsamenesstoalthoseexperiences.Theprofessorlecturing,thestudentseitherboredoreager.Acertainshalownessofthought,ashyduckingawayfromexposingdeeperfeelings.
Damonwasright.Stefandidn’tbelonghere;hewasjustplayingarole,again.Kilingsomeofhislimitlesstime.ButElena—helookedather,hershiningblueeyesfixedonhim
—shedidbelonghere.Shedeservedthechanceatanormallife,andheknewshewouldn’thavecometocolegewithouthim.
Couldhesayanyofthistoher?Hedidn’twanttodimtheexcitementinthoselapislazulieyes,buthehadsworntohimselfthathewouldalwaysbehonestwithher,wouldtreatherasanequal.Heopenedhismouth,hopingtoexplainsomeofwhathefelt.
“DidyouhearaboutDanielGreenwater?”agirlaskednearby,hervoicehighwithcuriosityassheandherfriendsslidintotheemptychairsontheotherendofthetable.
Stefanclosedhismouthandturnedhisheadtolisten.
“Who’sDanielGreenwater?”someoneelseasked.
“Look,”thefirstgirlsaid,unfoldinganewspapersheheld.Glancingover,Stefansawitwasthecampuspaper.
“He’safreshman,andhejustvanished.Heleftthestudentcenterwhenitclosedlastnight,andhisroommatesayshenevercamebacktotheroom.It’srealycreepy.”Stefan’seyesmetElena’sacrossthetable,andsheraisedaneyebrowthoughtfuly.Couldthisbesomethingtheyshouldlookinto?
Anothergirlattheotherendofthetableshrugged.“Heprobablyjustgotstressedoutandwenthome.Ormaybehisroommatekiledhim.YouknowyougetautomaticAsifyourroommatedies.”
“That’samyth,”Stefansaidabsently,andthegirlslookedupathiminsurprise.“CouldIseethepaperforamoment,please?”
Theypasseditover,andStefanstudiedthepictureonthefront.Ahighschoolyearbookphotosmiledupathim,askinnyfloppy-hairedguywithaslightoverbiteandfriendlyeyes.Afaceherecognized.Hehadthoughtthenamesoundedfamiliar.
“Helivesinourdorm,”hesaidsoftlytoElena.
“Rememberhimfromorientation?Heseemedhappytobehere.Idon’tthinkhewouldhaveleft,notofhisownfreewil.”
Elenastaredathim,herwideeyesapprehensivenow.
“Doyouthinksomethingbadhappenedtohim?Therewassomethingweirdgoingoninthequadthefirstnightwewerehere.”Sheswalowed.“Theysaidagirlhadgottenintosometrouble,butthecopswouldn’trealytelusanything.DoyouthinkitmightberelatedtoDanielGreenwater’sdisappearance?”
“Idon’tknow,”Stefansaidtightly,“butI’mworried.Idon’tlikeanythingoutoftheordinary.”Hestoodup.“Areyoureadytogo?”Elenanodded,althoughhalfherlunchwasstilonhertray.StefanhandedthepaperpolitelybacktothegirlsandfolowedElenaoutside.
“Maybewe’reparanoidbecausewe’reusedtoterriblethingshappening,”Elenasaid,oncetheywereonthepathheadingbackupthehiltowardtheirdorm.“Butpeopledisappearalthetime.Girlsgetharassedorattackedsometimes.It’sunfortunate,butitdoesn’tmeanthere’sasinisterplotbehindital.”
Stefanpaused,staringataflyerstucktoatreebythecafeteria.MissingStudent,thecaptionsaid,withapictureofagirlbeneathit.“Promisemeyou’lbecareful,Elena,”hesaid.“TelMeredithandBonnie,too.AndMatt.Noneofyoushouldbewanderingaroundcampusbyyourselves.
Notatnight,anyway.”
Elenanodded,herfacepale,staringatthepictureontheflyer.Stefanfeltasharppangofregreteventhroughhisanxiety.Shehadbeensoexcitedwhentheymetforlunch,andnowthatenthusiasmhaddrainedaway.
Hewrappedhisarmaroundherwaist,wantingtoholdher,tokeephersafe.“Whydon’twegoouttonight?”hesaid.“I’vegotastudygrouptogoto,butitshouldn’tlasttoolong.Wecouldgooffcampusfordinner.Maybeyoucouldstayovertonight?I’dfeelbetterifIknewyouweresafe.”Elenalookedathim,hereyessuddenlysparklingwithlaughter.“Oh,aslongasthat’stheonlyreasonyou’dwantmeinyourroom,”shesaid,smiling.“I’dhatetothinkyouhaddesignsonmyvirtue.”
StefanthoughtofElena’screamyskinandsilkygoldenhair,ofherwarmth,therichwineofherblood.Theideaofherinhisarmsagain,withoutherauntJudithorhislandlady,Mrs.Flowers,downthehal,wasintoxicating.
“Ofcoursenot,”hemurmured,bowinghisheadtowardhers.“Ihavenodesigns.Iliveonlytoserveyou.”HekissedElenaagain,sendingalhisloveandlongingtoher.
Abovetheirheads,Stefanheardastridentcawingandtheflappingofwings,and,hislipsstilagainstElena’s,hefrowned.Elenaseemedtosensehissuddentensionandpuledawayfromhim,folowinghisgazetowardtheblackcrowwheelingabovethem.
Damon.Watchingthem,watchingElena,asalways.
“Excelence.”Ethan’svoicerangoutacrosstheoutdoorbasketbalcourtwherethepledgesweregathered.Dawnwasbreaking,andtherewasnoonearoundexceptforEthanandthesleepy-facedpledges.“Asyouknowfromourfirstmeeting,eachofyouhereexemplifiesthepeakofoneormoretypesofachievement.Butthat’snotenough.”Hepaused,lookingfromfacetoface.“It’snotenoughforeachofyoutohaveapieceofthebest.Youcanencompassaltheseattributesinyourself.Overthecourseofthepledgeperiod,youwildiscoverworldsinsideyourselvesthatyou’veneverimagined.”Mattshuffledhissneakersagainsttheasphaltandtriedtokeeptheskepticalexpressionoffhisface.Expectinghimtoachievetheheightsofacademicorartisticsuccess,heknew,wasalongshot.
Hewasn’tparticularlymodest,buthewasrealistic,andhecouldlisthisbestqualities:athlete,goodfriend,honorableguy.Hewasn’tstupid,either,butifexcelinginintelectandcreativitywereprerequisitesforbeingpartoftheVitaleSociety,hemightaswelgiveupnow.
Rubbingthebackofhisneck,heglancedaroundathisfelowpledges.Itwasreassuringtoseethatmostofthemwerewearingexpressionsofbarelyrestrainedpanic:apparently“encompassingaltheseattributes”wasn’tsomethingthey’dreckonedoneither.Chloe,thecuteround-facedgirlhe’dnoticedatthefirstgathering,caughthiseyeandwinked,justaquickbrushofherlashes,andhesmiledback,feelingoddlyhappy.
“Today,”Ethanannounced,“wewilworkonathleticism.”Mattsighedwithrelief.Athleticismhecoulddo.
Alaroundhim,hesawfacesfal.Theintelectuals,theleaders,thebuddingcreativegeniuses—theyweren’tlookingforwardtotestingtheirathleticprowess.Alowrebeliousmurmursweledamongthem.
“Don’tsulk,”saidEthan,laughing.“Ipromiseyou,bythetimeyoubecomefulmembersofthesociety,eachofyouwilhavereachedyourpeakofphysicalperfection.Forthefirsttime,youwilfeelwhatitistobetrulyalive.”Hiseyesglitteredwithpossibility.
Ethanwentontooutlinethepledges’task.Theywereabouttoembarkonafifteen-milerun,withseveralobstaclesalongtheway.“Bepreparedtogetdirty,”hesaidcheerfuly.“Butitwilbewonderful.Whenyoufinish,you’lhaveachievedsomethingnew.Youarewelcometoassistoneanother.Butbeaware:ifyoudonotcompletetheruninthreehours,youwilnotbeinvitedtocontinuetothenextstepinthepledgingprocess.”Hesmiled.“OnlythebestcanbecomemembersoftheVitaleSociety.”Mattlookedaroundandsawthatthepledges,eventhosewholookedliketheyhadneverleftthesciencelaborthelibrary,wereretyingtheirsneakersandstretching,wearingdeterminedexpressions.
“Holycow,”avoicebesidehimsaid.Itwasanicevoice,witharealtwangtoit,avoicethatcamefromsomewheredeeperintheSouththanVirginia,andMattwassmilingevenbeforehelookedaroundandsawthatitwasChloe.“Ifigureyou’reabouttheonlypersonherewhoisn’tgoingtohavealotoftroublewiththis,”shesaid.
Shewassocute.Littledimplesshowedinhercheekswhenshesmiled,andhershortdarkhairfelincurlsbehindherears.“Hey,I’mMatt,”Mattsaid,grinningbackather.
“Iknewthat,”shesaidcheerfuly.“You’reourfootbalstar.”
“Andyou’reChloe,theamazingartist,”hesaid.
“Oh.”Sheblushed.“Idon’tknowaboutthat.”
“I’dlovetoseeyourworksometime,”hetoldher,andhersmilewidened.
“Anytipsfortoday?”sheasked.“IneverrununlessI’mabouttomissthebus,andIthinkI’mabouttoregretthat.”HerfacewassoappealingthatMattmomentarilyfeltlikehuggingher.Instead,hefrownedthoughtfulyupatthesky.“Underthesekindsofconditions,”hesaid,“thebestthingtodoisinclineyourarmsatafifty-degreeangletothegroundandrunwithalightboundingstep.”Chloestaredathimforaminuteandthengiggled.
“You’reteasingme,”shesaid.“That’snotfair.Ihavenoideaaboutthisstuff.”
“I’lhelpyou,”Mattsaid,feelinggood.“Wecandoittogether.”
9
Whereru?Elenatextedimpatiently.Stefanwassupposedtomeetheratherdormroommorethantwentyminutesago.Surelyhisstudygroupwasoverbynow?Shewasstarving.
Shepacedaroundtheroom,occasionalyglancingatthedarktreebranchesbeyondthewindows.Itwasn’tlikeStefantobelate.
Shecheckedherphone.Itwastoosoontotrytoreachhimagain.
Outside,somethingdarkmoved,andshegasped.
Thensheshookherhead.Itwasjustthebranchesofthetreesoutthere,wavinginthebreeze.Shemovedcloser,tryingtoseepastthereflectionsontheglass.Theirroomwasonthethirdfloor;therewouldn’tbeanyonesittingthathighup.Atleastnotanyonehuman.Elenashuddered.
“Elena,”saidacool,clearvoicefromoutside.
Withasqueakthatsoundedlikeafrightenedrabbit,Elenajerkedbackward,pressingonehandtoherpoundingheart.Afteramoment,shesteppeduptothewindowandthrewitopen.
“Damon,”shesaid.“Youscaredmetodeath.Whatareyoudoingoutthere?”
Therewasaflashofwhiteteethintheshadows.Amockingtonerangthroughhisanswer.“Waitingforyoutoinvitemeintoyourroom,ofcourse.”
“Youdon’tneedaninvitation,”Elenasaid.“Youhelpedmemovein.”
“Iknow,”Damonsaid,smiling.“I’mbeingagentleman.”Elenahesitated.ShetrustedDamon,ofcourseshedid,butthisseemedsointimate.Damonoutsideinthedark,Elenaaloneinherbedroom,neitherofherroommatesaround.He’dbeeninherroomathome,butAuntJudithandRoberthadbeenjustdownthehal.ShewonderedifStefanwouldmindherbeingaloneherewithDamon,butsheshookoffthethought.HetrustedElena,thatwaswhatmattered.
“Elena,”Damon’svoicewassoftbutinsistent.“LetmeinbeforeIfal.”
Rolinghereyes,shesaid,“You’dneverfal.Andifyoudid,you’dfly.Butyoucancomeinanyway.”Withasoftwhoosh,fasterthanhereyecouldfolow,Damonwassuddenlybesideher.Shehadtostepbackapace.Eyesandhairasdarkasnight,paleluminousskin,perfectlycutfeatures.Heevensmeledgood.Hislipslookedsosoft….
Elenacaughtherselfleaningtowardhim,herownlipsparting,andpuledaway.“Stopit,”shesaid.
“I’mnotdoinganything,”Damonsaidinnocently.WhenElenaarchedaskepticaleyebrowathim,heshruggedandshotherabrief,briliantsmile.There,Elenathought.That’swhyStefanmightmindDamonbeinghere.“Oh,alright.
I’monlyteasingyou.”
Helookedaroundtheroomandquirkedaneyebrowofhisown.“Why,Elena,”hesaid,“I’malmostdisappointed.
Youandyourfriendsarerunningsotruetotypehere.”Elenafolowedhiseyes.Bonnie’ssideoftheroomwasamess,atumbleofstuffedanimals,rejectedoutfits,andDalcrestparaphernalia.Incontrast,Meredith’sareawasrigidlytidy,bookslinedupalphabeticaly,asinglesilverpenonthedesknexttoherslimsilverlaptop,herbedneatlydrapedinasilkduvetinsubtlypatternedgrayandwhite.
Herdresserandclosetwereclosed,butinside,Elenaknew,Meredith’sclotheswouldbeorganizedbytype,color,andseason.Damonwasright:justbylookingattheirpartsoftheroom,youcouldtelthatMeredithwasrational,sophisticated,carefulycontroled,andprivate,whileBonniewasfluffy,fun-loving,anddisorganized.
WhataboutElena’sownthings?Whatdidtheysayabouther?Shelookedoverherpartoftheroomwithacriticaleye.Framedartprintsfromherfavoriteexhibits,hersilverbrushandcomblineduponherdresser,deep-bluesheetsthatsheknewsetoffhereyesandhair.Someonewhoheldontowhatshelikedanddidn’tchangeeasily?
Someonewhowasveryawareofwhatsuitedher?Shewasn’tsure.
Damonsmiledatheragain,withoutthemockingedgethistime.“Don’tgiveitasecond’sthought,princess,”hesaidaffectionately.“You’remorethanyourpossessions.”
“Thanks,”Elenasaidshortly.“So,didyoujustdropinmywindowtosayhelo?”
Hereachedoutandtuckedastraylockofhairbehindherear.Theywerestandingveryclosetogether,andElenabackedawayalittle.“Ithoughtmaybe,nowthatyou’reacolegegirl,wecouldgoouttonightandhavesomefun.”
“Fun?”Elenasaid,stildistractedbyhismouth.“Whatkindoffun?”
“Oh,youknow,”hesaid,“justalittledinner,afewdrinks.
Friendstuff.Nothingtoodaring.”
“Right,”Elenasaidfirmly.“Itsoundsnice.ButIcan’ttonight.StefanandIaregoingouttodinner.”
“Ofcourse,”Damonsaid.Hegaveherafirmlittlenodandwhatwassoobviouslysupposedtobeasupportivesmilethatshehadtostifleagiggle.Supportive,friendly,andunassumingwerenotnaturallooksonDamon’sface.
Hewastryingsoveryhardtobeherfriendeventhoughtheyalknewtherewasmorethanthatbetweenthem.
Sincehehaddiedandcomeback,hehadbeentryingtochangehisrelationshipswithStefanandwithher,sheknew,tobewiththeminawayheneverhadbefore.Itcouldn’tbeeasyonpoorDamon,tryingtobegood.Hewasoutofpractice.
Elena’sphonechimed.ShereadthetextfromStefan:I’msorry.Thestudygroup’srunninglate.Ithinkit’llbeatleastanotherhour.Meetlater?
“Problem?”Damonwaswatchingher,thesameinnocent,friendlysmileonhisface,andaffectionforhimwashedoverElena.Damonwasherfriend.Whyshouldn’tshegooutwithhim?
“Changeofplans,”shesaidbriskly.“We’lgoout,butjustforalittlewhile.IneedtobebackheretomeetStefaninanhour.”ShetextedStefanquicklytolethimknowshewasgoingtograbsomefoodandlookeduptoseeatriumphantsmileonDamon’sfaceashereachedtotakeherarm.
Bonniewalkedacrosscampus,practicalyskippingintimetothehappytuneinherhead.AdatewithZander,lalalalala.Itwasabouttime,too.She’dbeeneagerlyanticipatingseeingZanderagainalweek,andalthoughthey’dtalkedonthephone,shehadn’tlaideyesonhimaroundcampusatal,eventhoughofcourseshe’dbeenlooking.
Atlastshewasabouttoseehim.Lalalalala.Lovely,gorgeousZander.
Shehadonjeansandasortofsilvery,drapingtopthatatleastmadeitlooklikeshemighthavesomecleavage.Itwasagoodoutfit,shethought,understatedenoughforjusthangingoutbutalsoalittlebitspecial.Justincasetheydecidedtogooutclubbingorsomethingatthelastminute.
Zanderhadn’ttoldherwhathe’dplanned,justaskedhertomeethimoutsidethesciencebuilding.Lalalalala,shehummed.
Bonnie’sfootstepsslowed,andthetuneinherheaddiedoffasshesawflickeringlightsiluminatingagroupofpeopleupahead.Theyweregatheredinthecourtyardinfrontofoneofthedorms.
Approaching,sherealizeditwasagroupofgirlsholdingcandles.Thewaveringlightfromthecandlessentshadowsacrosstheirseriousfaces.Proppedagainstthewalofthedormwerethreeblown-upphotos,twogirlsandaguy.Alacrossthegrassinfrontofthemwereheapedflowers,letters,andteddybears.
Hesitanttobreakthesilence,Bonnietouchedthearmofoneofthegirls.“What’sgoingon?”shewhispered.
“It’sacandlelightvigilforthemissingpeople,”thegirlwhisperedback.
Missingpeople?Bonniescannedthefacesinthephotographs.Young,smiling,aboutherage.“Aretheyalstudentshere?”sheasked,horrified.“Whathappenedtothem?”
“Nobodyknows,”thegirlsaid,hergazeserious.“Theyjustvanished.Youdidn’thearaboutthis?”Bonnie’sstomachdropped.Sheknewthatagirlwasattacked—orsomething—onthequadthefirstnight,butshehadn’tknownaboutanydisappearances.Nowonderhergutinstincthadwarnedhertobescaredwalkingacrosscampustheotherday.Shecouldhavebeenindanger.
“No,”shesaidslowly.“Ididn’thearanything.”Shedroppedhereyesandbowedherhead,silentasshesentoutaferventhopethatthesethreehappy-lookingpeoplewouldbefound,safeandsound.
Inthedistance,asirenbegantowail.
“Something’shappened.”
“Doyouthinksomeonewasattacked?”
Ababbleoffrightenedvoicesroseasthesirensgotcloser.AgirlnearBonniebegantosob,ahurt,scaredsound.
“Alright,what’sthetroublehere?”saidanew,authoritativevoice,andBonnielookeduptoseetwocampuspoliceofficersshoulderingtheirwaythroughthecrowd.
“We…uh…”ThegirlwhohadspokentoBonniegesturedatthephotosandflowersagainstthewal.“Wewerehavingavigil.Forthemissingpeople.”
“Whatarethosesirensfor?”anothergirlasked,hervoicerising.
“Nothingtoworryabout,”saidtheofficer,buthisfacesoftenedashelookedatthesobbinggirl.Bonnierealizedwithaslightshockthathewasn’tmucholderthanshewas.
“Miss?”hesaidtothecryinggirl.“We’lhelpyougethome.”Hispartnerlookedaroundatthecrowd.“It’stimetobreakthingsupandheadinside,”hesaidsternly.“Sticktogetherandbecareful.”
“Ithoughtyousaidtherewasnothingtoworryabout,”saidanothergirlangrily.“Whataren’tyoutelingus?”
“There’snothingyoudon’tknowalready,”themansaidpatiently.“Peoplearemissing.Youcanneverbetoocareful.”
Ifthere’snothingtoworryabout,whydowehavetobecareful?Bonniewondered,butshebitbackthewordsandhurriedawaydownthepath,towardthesciencebuildingwhereZanderhadsuggestedtheymeet.
Theideaoftryingtohaveavision,toseeifshecouldlearnanythingaboutthemissingpeople,nudgedatBonnie’smind,butshepusheditaway.Shehatedthat.
Shehatedthelossofcontrolwhensheslidintooneofhervisions.
Itwasunlikelytowork,anyway.Hervisionshadalwaysbeenaboutpeoplesheknew,aboutimmediateproblemsfacingthem.Shedidn’tknowanyofthemissingpeople.
Shebitherlipandwalkedfaster.Theexcitementaboutherdatehadfizzledout,andshedidn’tfeelsafenow.ButatleastifshegottoZander,shewouldn’tbealone.
Whenshearrivedatthesciencebuilding,though,Zanderwasn’tthere.Bonniehesitatedandlookedaroundnervously.Thiscornerofcampusseemedtobedeserted.
Shetriedthedoorofthesciencebuilding,butitwaslocked.Welofcourseitwas—thereweren’tanyclassesthislate.Bonnieshookthehandleofthefrontdoorinfrustration.Shereachedintoherbag,thengroanedassherealizedshe’dleftherphonebackinherroom.
Suddenly,shefeltveryexposed.Thecampuspolicehadsaidtosticktogether,nottowanderaroundaloneatnight,buthereshewas,albyherself.Acoolbreezeruffledherhairandsheshivered.Itwasgettingawfulydark.
“Bonnie.Psst,Bonnie!”
Zander’svoice.Butwherewashe?
Bonniesawnothingbutthedarkquad,streetlightsthrowinglittlecirclesoflightonthepaths.Aboveher,leavesrustledinthewind.
“Bonnie!Uphere.”
Lookingup,shefinalyspottedZanderontheroof,peeringdownoverthesideather,hispalehairalmostglowinginthemoonlight.
“What’reyoudoingupthere?”shecaledtohim,confused.
“Comeonup,”heinvited,pointingtothefire-escapeladderonthesideofthebuilding.Itwasloweredtojustacoupleoffeetabovetheground.
“Realy?”saidBonniedubiously.Shewalkedovertothefireescape.Shecouldmakeitontotheladder,shewasprettysure,butshewasgoingtolookclumsyandawkwardscramblinguponit.Andwhatifshegotcaught?Shehadn’tactualyreadthecampusregulationsthoroughly,butwouldn’tclimbingthefireescapeuptotheroofofaclosedbuildingbeagainsttherules?
“Comeon,Bonnie,”Zandercaled.Hisfeetclangingloudlyagainsttheironsteps,herandownthefireescape,shimmieddowntheladder,andleapedtotheground,landingcatlikeonhisfeetbesideher.Hewentdownononekneeandheldhishandsouttogether.“I’lboostyouupsoyou’lbeabletoreach.”
Bonnieswalowed,thensteppedupontoZander’shandsandstretchedfortheladder.Oncesheswungherlegupontothebottomrung,itwasapieceofcake,althoughtheslightlyrustymetalwasroughagainstherhands.Shesparedamomenttothankalthepowersoftheuniversethatshehaddecidedtowearjeansratherthanaskirttonight.
Zandertrailedbehindherupthefireescapefromonelandingtoanotheruntilfinalytheyarrivedontheroof.
“Arewealowedtobeuphere?”Bonnieaskednervously.
“Wel,”Zandersaidslowly,“probablynot.ButIcomeupherealthetime,andnoone’severtoldmenotto.”Hesmiledthatwarm,wonderfulsmileatherandadded,“Thisisoneofmyfavoriteplaces.”
Itwasaniceview,Bonniehadtoadmitthat.Belowthem,thecampusstretched,leafyandgreenandmysterious.
Ifanyoneelsehadbroughtheruphere,though,shewouldhavecomplainedabouttherustyfireescapeandtheconcreteroof,suggestedthatmaybeadateshouldinvolvegoingsomewhere.Thiswasadate,wasn’tit?Shefrozemomentarilyinapanic,tryingtorecalexactlywhatZanderhadsaidwhenhesuggestedmeetinghere.Shedidn’trememberthewordsthemselves,buttheydefinitelyhadadate-yfeeltothem:shewasn’takidanymore,sheknewwhenshewasbeingaskedout
AndZanderwassocute,itwasworthmakinganeffort.
“It’sprettyuphere,”shesaidlamelyandthen,lookingaroundattheflatdirtyconcrete,“Imeanbeingsohighup.”
“We’reclosertothestars,”Zandersaid,andtookherhand.“Comeonoverhere.”Hishandwaswarmandstrong,andBonnieheldontoittightly.Hewasright,thestarswerebeautiful.Itwascooltobeabletoseethemmoreclearly,hereabovethetrees.
Heledherovertothecorneroftheroof,wherearattyoldarmyblanketwasspreadoutwithapizzaboxandsomecansofsoda.“Althecomfortsofhome,”hesaid.
Then,quietly,“Iknowthisisn’taveryfancydate,Bonnie,butIwantedtosharethiswithyou.Ithoughtyouwouldappreciatewhat’sspecialaboutbeinguphere.”
“Iabsolutelydo,”Bonniesaid,flattered.Asecretlittlecheerwentupinsideher:Hurray!Zanderdefinitelyknowswe’reonadate!
PrettysoonBonniefoundherselftuckedupagainstZander’sside,hisarmaroundhershoulders,eatinghot,greasilydeliciouspizzaandlookingatthestars.
“Icomeupherealonealot,”Zandertoldher.“OnetimelastyearIjustlayhereandwatchedabigfatfulmoongetswalowedupbytheearth’sshadowinaneclipse.Itwasnearlypitchblackwithoutthelightofthefulmoon,butIcouldstilseeitsdarkredshapeinthesky.”
“TheVikingsthoughteclipseswerecausedbytwowolves,onewhowantedtoeatthesun,andonewhowantedtoeatthemoon,”Bonniesaididly.“Iforgetwhichonewantedtoeatthemoon,butwhenevereitherasolaroralunareclipsehappened,peopleweresupposedtomakealotofnoisetoscarethewolfaway.”Zanderlookeddownather.“That’sarandompieceofinformationtoknow.”Buthesmiledashesaidit.
Bonniewriggledwithdelightunderthesheerforceofhissmile.“I’minterestedinmythology,”shesaid.“DruidandCeltic,mostly,butmythsandstoriesingeneral.TheDruidswereintothemoon,too:theyhadawholeastrologybasedonthelunarcalendar.”Shesatupstraighter,enjoyingtheadmiringlookonZander’sface.“Like,rightnow,fromlateAugusttolateSeptember,we’reinthemonthoftheArtistMoon.Butinacoupleofweeks,we’lbeinthemonthoftheDyingMoon.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Zanderasked.Hewasveryclosetoher,gazingstraightintohereyes.
“Wel,itmeansit’satimeofendings,”Bonniesaid.“It’salaboutdyingandsleep.TheDruidyearbeginsagainafterHaloween.”
“Hmm.”Zanderwasstilwatchingherintently.“Howdoyouknowsomuch,BonnieMcCulough?”Alittlesmileplayedaroundhismouth.
“Um,myancestorswereDruidsandCeltics,”Bonniesaid,feelingstupid.“MygrandmothertoldmeweweredescendedfromDruidpriestesses,andthat’swhyIseethingssometimes.Mygrandmotherdoes,too.”
“Interesting,”Zandersaidsoftly.Histonegrewlighter.
“Soyouseethings,doyou?”
“Irealydo,”Bonniesaid,seriously,staringbackathim.
Shehadn’tmeanttotelhimthat.Shedidn’twanttoweirdhimout,notontheirfirstdate,butshealsodidn’twanttolietohim.
Soblue.Zander’seyeswereasdeepasthesea,andshewasfalingfartherandfartherintothem.Therewasnothingaboveher,nothingbelow,shewasceaselessly,gentlyfaling.
Withawrench,BonniepuledhereyesawayfromZander’s.“Sorry,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Thatwasweird.IthinkIalmostfelasleepforaminute.”
“Don’tworryaboutit,”Zandersaid,buthisfacelookedstiffandstrange.Thenheflashedthatwarm,enchantingsmileagainandgottohisfeet.“Comeon,Iwanttoshowyousomething.”
Bonniestoodslowly.Shefeltalittlestrangestil,andshepressedherhandbrieflyagainstherforehead.
“Overhere,”Zandersaid,tuggingherbytheotherhand.
Heledhertothecorneroftheroofandsteppedupontothenarrowledgerunningaroundit.
“Zander,”Bonniesaid,horrified.“Comedown!Youmightfal!”
“Wewon’tfal,”Zandersaid,smilingdownather.“Climbonup.”
“Areyoucrazy?”Bonniesaid.She’dneverlikedheightsmuch.Sherememberedcrossingahigh,highbridgeoncewithDamonandElena.They’dhadtoiftheyweregoingtosaveStefan,butsheneverwouldhavebeenabletodoit,exceptDamonhadusedhisPowerandconvincedhershewasanacrobat,atightropewalkertowhomheightswerenothing.Whenhe’dreleasedherfromhisPower,aftertheycrossedthebridge,herretroactivefearhadbeennauseating.
Stil,she’dmadeitacrossthatbridge,hadn’tshe?Andshehadpromisedherselfshewouldbemoreconfident,stronger,nowthatshewasincolege.ShelookedupatZander,whowassmilingather,sweetly,eagerly,hishandextended.Shetookitandlethimhelpherclimbontotheledge.
“Oh,”shesaid,onceshewasupthere.Thegroundswamdizzyinglyfarbelowher,andsheyankedhereyesawayfromit.“Oh.No,thisisnotagoodidea.”
“Trustme,”Zandersaid,andtookherotherhandsothathewasholdingontohersecurely.“Iwon’tletyoufal.”Bonnielookedintohisblue,blueeyesagainandfeltcomforted.Therewassomethingsocandidandstraightforwardinhisgaze.“WhatshouldIdo?”sheasked,andwasproudwhenhervoicewassteady.
“Closeyoureyes,”Zandersaid,andwhenshe’ddonethat,“andpickyourrightfootupofftheledge.”
“What?”Bonnieasked,andalmostopenedhereyesagain.
“Trustme,”Zandersaidagain,andthistimetherewasarichundercurrentoflaughterinhisvoice.Hesitantly,Bonnieliftedherfoot.
Justthen,thewindpickedup,andBonniefeltlikeitwasabouttoscoopherofftheledgeandthrowherintotheskylikeakitewhosestringhadsnapped.ShetightenedhergriponZander’shands.
“It’salright,”hesaidsoothingly.“It’samazing,Bonnie,Ipromise.Justletyourselfbe.Lifeisn’tworthlivingifyoudon’ttakerisks.”
Inhalingdeeplyandthenlettingthebreathout,Bonnieforcedherselftorelax.Thewindwasblowinghercurlseverywhere,whistlinginherears,tuggingatherclothesandherraisedleg.Assherelaxedintoit,shefeltalmostasifshewasbeinglifted,gently,intothesky,theairalaroundsupportingher.Itwaslikeflying.
Bonnierealizedshewaslaughingwithsheerdelightandopenedhereyes,gazingstraightintoZander’s.Hewaslaughing,too,andholdingontohertightly,anchoringhertotheearthasshealmostflew.Shehadneverbeensoconsciousofthebloodthrummingthroughherveins,ofeachnervecatchingthesensationsoftheairaroundher.
Shehadneverfeltsoalive.
10
ThepubwhereElenaandDamonendedupwaslivelyandfulofpeople,butofcourseDamonmadesuretheydidn’thavetowaitforatable.Heloungedacrossonesideofthebooth,lookingasarrogantandrelaxedasabiggorgeouscat,andlistenedpeaceablyasElenatalked.Elenafoundherselfgailychattingaway,filinghiminonaltheminutiaofhercampuslifesofar,fromfindingoutthatProfessorCampbelknewherparentstothepersonalitiesoftheotherstudentsshe’dmetinherclasses.
“Theelevatorwasrealycrowded,andslow,andmylabpartner’sbackwasagainstthebuttons.Somehowsheaccidentalypushedthealarmbutton,andthealarmstartedgoingoff.”Elenatookasipofhersoda.“Suddenly,avoicecameoutofnowhereandasked,‘Doyouhaveanemergency?’Andshesaid,‘No,itwasanaccident,’andthevoicesaid,‘What?Ican’thearyou.’Itwentonlikethat,backandforth,untilshestartedshouting‘Accident!
Accident!’”
Damonstoppedtracingpatternsinthecondensationonhisglasswithonefingerandglancedupatherthroughhislashes,hislipstwitchingintoasmile.
“Whenthedoorsopenedonthegroundfloor,therewerefoursecuritymenstandingtherewithamedicalkit,”Elenafinished.“Wedidn’tknowwhattodo,sowejustwalkedpastthem.Whenwegotoutofthebuilding,westartedtorun.Itwassoembarrassing,butwecouldn’tstoplaughing.”Damonlethisslightsmileexpandintoagrin—nothisusualcooltwistofthelipsorhisbrief,briliant,andenigmaticthere-then-gonesmile,butanhonest-to-Godcheek-puffing,eye-squinchinggrin.“Ilikeyoulikethis,”hesaidsuddenly.
“Likewhat?”Elenaasked.
“Relaxed,Isuppose.Eversincewemet,you’vebeeninthemiddleofsomecrisisoranother.”Heraisedhishandandbrushedacurlawayfromherface,gentlytouchinghercheek.
Elenawasvaguelyawareofthewaiterstandingbythebooth,waitingforthemtolookup,assheansweredwithjustatouchofflirtation,“Oh,andIsupposeyouhadnothingtodowiththat?”
“Iwouldn’tsayIamtheonewho’sbeenmosttoblame,no,”Damonsaidcooly,hisgrinfading.Helookedup,hiseyessharpandknowing.“Helo,Stefan.”Elenafrozeinsurprise.Notthewaiter,then.Stefan.Onelookathim,andshewinced,herstomachdropping.Hisfacecouldhavebeencarvedfromstone.HewaslookingatDamon’shand,stilstretchedacrossthetabletowardElena.
“Hey,”shesaidtentatively.“Howwasyourstudygroup?”Stefanstaredather.“Elena,I’vebeenlookingeverywhereforyou.Whydidn’tyouansweryourphone?”Pulingoutherphone,ElenasawthattherewereseveralmessagesandtextsfromStefan.“Oh,no,I’msosorry,”shesaid.“Ididn’thearitring.”
“Weweresupposedtomeet,”Stefansaidstiffly.“Icametoyourroomandyouwerejustgone.Elena,peoplehavebeendisappearingalovercampus.”Hehadbeenscared,afraidthatsomethingterriblehadhappenedtoher.Hiseyeswerestilanxious.Shestartedtoreachouttocomforthim.Thefactthatshe’dlostthePowershe’dhadsobrieflywashardforStefantoaccept,sheknew.Hethoughthermortalitymadeherfragile,andhewasafraidhe’dloseher.Sheshouldhavethoughtitthrough,shouldhavelefthimmoreofamessagethanaquicktextsayingshewouldreturnsoon.
Beforeshecouldtouchhim,Stefan’sgazeturnedtoDamon.“What’sgoingon?”heaskedhisbrother,hisvoicefuloffrustration.“Isthiswhyyoufolowedustocolege?TozeroinonElena?”
ThelookofhurtthatcrossedDamon’sfacewasonlyasubtleshadowandwasgonesoquicklythatElenawasn’tentirelysureshehadactualyseenit.Hisfeaturessettledintoanexpressionoflazydisdain,andElenatensed.Thepeacebetweenthebrotherswassofragile—sheknewthat
—andyetshehadletDamonflirtwithher.She’dbeensostupid.
“Someoneshouldbekeepinghersafe,Stefan,”Damondrawled.“You’retoobusyplayinghumanagain,aren’tyou?
Studygroups.”Heliftedaneyebrowscornfuly.“I’msurprisedyou’veevennoticedthatthere’ssomethinggoingonaroundthiscampus.WouldyouratherhaveElenaaloneandindangerthanhaveherspendingtimewithme?”TenselineswereformingaroundStefan’smouth.
“You’resayingyoudon’thaveanulteriormotivehere?”heasked.
Damonwavedahanddisparagingly.“YouknowwhatIfeelforElena.ElenaknowswhatIfeelforElena.Eventhatsports-lovingMuttofyoursknowshowthingsarebetweenus.Buttheproblemisn’tme,littlebrother—it’syouandyourjealousy.Yourwantingtobean‘ordinaryhuman’”—Damonmadequotemarkswithhisfingers—“andstilcarryonwithElena,whoishardlyordinary.Youwanttohaveyourcakeandeatit,too.Ihaven’tdoneanythingwrong.Elenawouldn’thavecomewithmeifshedidn’twantto.”Elenawincedagain.Wasthisthewayitwasalwaysgoingtobe?WasanyminormissteponherpartgoingtosetDamonandStefanateachother’sthroats?“Stefan…
Damon,”sheimplored,buttheyignoredher.
Theywereglaringateachother.Stefansteppedcloser,flexinghisfists,andDamonclenchedhisjaw,silentlydaringStefantomakeamove.Forthefirsttime,Elenasawaresemblancebetweenthem.
“Ican’tdothis,”shesaid.Hervoicesoundedsmalandsofttoherownears,butbothSalvatorebrothersheardherandwhippedtheirheadstowardherwithinhumanspeed.
“Ican’tdothis,”shesaidagain,louderandmorefirmlythistime.“Ican’tbeKatherine.”
Damonscowled.“Katherine?Believeme,darling,nobodyherewantsyoutobeKatherine.”Stefan,hisfacesoftening,said,“Elena,sweetheart—”Elenainterruptedhim.“Listentome.”Shewipedhereyes.“I’vebeenwalkingoneggshels,tryingtokeepthis—
thisthingbetweenthethreeofusfromtearingusapart.Ifanythinggoodhascomeoutofalthestuffthat’shappened,it’sthatyoufoundeachother,youstartedbeingbrothersagain.Ican’t—”Shetookadeepbreathandtriedtofindasensiblematter-of-factvoicesomewhereinsideherself.
“Ithinkweshouldtakeabreak,”shesaidflatly.“Stefan,Iloveyousomuch.You’remysoulmate,you’reitforme.
Youknowthat.”Shelookedupathimpleadingly,silentlybegginghimtounderstand.
ThenhereyesmovedpasthimtoDamon,whowasstaringatherwithafurrowedbrow.“AndDamon,you’repartofmenow.I…feelforyou.”Shelookedbackandforthbetweenthem,herhandsclutchingeachother.“Ican’tloseeitherofyou.ButIneedtofigureoutwhoIamnow,aftereverythingthat’shappened,andIneedtodoitwithoutworryingaboutdestroyingtherelationshipbetweenyou.
Andyouneedtofigureouthowyoucanbefriendswitheachother,evenifI’minbothofyourlives.”Damonletoutaskepticalnoise,butElenakepttalking
“I’lunderstand”—shegulped—“ifyoucan’twaitforme.ButIwilalways,alwaysloveyou.Bothofyou.Indifferentways.
Butfornow,Ijustcan’tbewithyou.Eitherofyou.”Shewastearingupagain,andherhandsshookasshewipedhereyes.
Damonleanedacrossthetable,asmaltwistedsmilehoveringonhislips.“Elena,didyoujustbreakupwithbothofus?”
Thetearsdriedupinstantly.“Damon,Ineverdatedyou,”shesaidangrily.
“Iknow,”hereplied,andshrugged.“ButI’vedefinitelyjustbeendumped.”HeglancedatStefan,thenquicklyaway,hisexpressionclosedoff.
Stefanlookeddevastated.Foramoment,hisfacewassobleakthatitwasn’thardtobelievehewasmorethanfivehundredyearsold.“Whateveryouwant,Elena,”hesaid.Hestartedtoreachforher,thenpuledhisownhandbacktohisside.“Nomatterwhat,Iwilalwaysloveyou.Myfeelingsaren’tgoingtochange.Takewhatevertimeyouneed.”
“Okay,”Elenasaid.Shestoodupshakily.Shefeltlikeshewasgoingtobesick.HalfofherwantedtopulStefantoher,kisshimuntilthatbrokenexpressiononhisfacewentaway.ButDamonwaswatchingher,hisownfaceinscrutable,andtouchingeitherofthemfelt…wrong.“Ineedtobebymyselfforawhile,”shetoldthem.
Atanyothertime,sheknew,bothofthemwouldhaveobjectedtotheideaofherwalkingthecampusalone.Theywouldhaveargued,folowedherifshewouldn’twalkwiththem—anythingtokeephersafelyundertheirprotection.
Now,though,Stefanmovedasidetoletheroutofthebooth,hisheadbowed.Damonsatverystilandwatchedhergo,hiseyeshooded.
Elenadidn’tlookbackatthemasshecrossedtothedoorofthepub.Herhandswereshaking,andhereyeswerebrimmingwithtearsoncemore.Butshealsofeltasifshe’dcarriedsomethingveryheavyforawhileandhadfinalybeenabletoputitdown.
ThismightbethebestchoiceI’vemadeinalong,longtime,shethought.
DearDiary,
EverytimeIrememberthelookonStefan’sfacewhenItoldhimIneededspace,mychestaches.It’slikeIcan’tbreathe.
IneverwantedtohurtStefan.Never.HowcouldI?We’resoclose,sowrappedupineachotherthathe’slikeapieceofmysoul—withouthim,I’mnotcomplete.
But…
IloveDamon,too.He’smyfriend—mydarkmirrorimage—theclever,plottingonewhowilldowhateverittakestogetwhathewants,butwhohasakindnessdeepinsidehimthatnoteverybodysees.Ican’timaginelivingwithoutDamon,either.
Stefanwantstoholdontomesotightly.Hecaresforhisbrother—hedoes—andDamoncaresforhim,too,andhavingmebetweenthemismessingthatup.
Allthreeofushavebeenheldsocloselytogetherbythecriseswe’vehadtodealwithrecently—mydeathandrebirth,Klaus’sattack,Damon’sreturnfromtheedgeofdeath,thephantom’sattack—thateverymovewe’vemade,everythoughtwe’vehad,hasbeenwrappedupwiththeothertwo.Wecan’tgoonlikethis.
IknowI’vedonetherightthing.Withoutmebetweenthem,theycanbecomebrothersagain.
AndthenIcansortoutthetangledthreadsofmyrelationshipswithbothofthemwithouthavingtoworrythatanymoveImakewillsnapthetenuousbondbetweenus.
It’stherightdecision.Butstill,IfeellikeI’mdyingaslowdeath.HowcanIliveforevenalittlewhilewithoutStefan?
AllIcandoistrytobestrong.IfIjustkeepgoing,I’llgetthroughthistime.Andintheend,everythingwillbewonderful.Ithastobe.
11
“Coffee,mydear?”ProfessorCampbel—James,Elenaremindedherself—asked.Athernod,hebouncedtohisfeetandbustledovertothetinycoffeemakerperchedontopofateeteringstackofpapers.
Hebroughtheracupofcoffee,creamedandsugared,andsettleddownhappilyinhischair,gazingacrosshiscrowdeddeskatherwithanexpressionofinnocentenjoyment.“IthinkIhavesomecookies,”heoffered.“Nothomemade,butthey’rereasonablytasty.No?”Elenashookherheadpolitelyandsippedhercoffee.
“It’sverygood,”shesaid,andsmiledathim.
IthadbeenafewdayssinceshehadtoldStefanandDamonsheneededtotakeabreakfromthem.Afteramuch-neededsobsessionwithBonnieandMeredith,shehaddoneherbesttobenormal—goingtoclass,havinglunchwithherfriends,keepingupabravemask.PartofthisattemptatnormalitywascomingtoJames’sofficehours,sothatshecouldhearmoreaboutherparents.Eventhoughtheycouldn’tbetheretocomforther,talkingaboutthemofferedsomesolace.
“MyGod!”Jamescriedout.“YouhaveElizabeth’sface,andthen,whenyousmile,Thomas’sdimplecomesrightout.Justthesameashis—ononlyoneside.Itgavehimacertainraffishcharm.”
ElenawonderedifsheshouldthankJames.Hewascomplimentingher,inaway,butthecomplimentswererealydirectedtowardherparents,anditfeltalittlepresumptuoustobegratefulforthem.
Shesettledforsaying,“I’mgladyouthinkIlooklikemyparents.IrememberthinkingwhenIwaslittlethattheywereveryelegant.”Sheshrugged.“Iguessallittlekidsthinktheirparentsarebeautiful.”
“Wel,yourmothercertainlywas,”Jamessaid.“Butit’snotjustyourlooks.Yourvoicesoundslikehers,andthecommentsyoumadeinclassthisweekremindedmeofthingsyourfatherwouldhavesaid.Hewasveryobservant.”Hedelvedintohisdeskdrawersand,afterabitofrummaging,puledoutatinofbuttercookies.“Sureyouwon’thaveone?Ah,wel.”Hechoseoneforhimselfandtookabite.“Yes,asIwassaying,Elizabethwasextremelylovely.Iwouldn’thavecaledThomaslovely,buthehadcharm.Maybethat’showhemanagedtowinElizabeth’sheartintheend.”
“Oh.”Elenastirredhercoffeeabsently.“Shedatedotherguys,then?”Itwasridiculous,butshehadkindofimaginedherparentsasalwaysbeingtogether.
Jameschuckled.“Shewasquitetheheartbreaker.Iimagineyouare,too,dear.”
ElenathoughtunhappilyofStefan’ssoft,dismayedgreeneyes.Shehadneverwantedtohurthim.AndMatt,whoshehaddatedinhighschoolandwhohadquietlygoneonlovingher.Hehadn’tfaleninlove,orevenbeenrealyinterestedin,anyoneelsesincethen.Heartbreaker,yeah.
Jameswaswatchingherwithbright,inquisitiveeyes.
“Notahappyheartbreaker,then?”hesaidsoftly.Elenaglancedathiminsurprise,andhesethiscoffeecupdownwithalittleclink.Hestraightenedup.“ElizabethMorrow,”hesaidinabriskbusinesslikevoice,“wasafreshmanwhenImether.Shewasalwaysmakingthings,particularlyamazingsetsandcostumesshedesignedforthetheaterdepartment.YourfatherandIwerebothsophomoresatthetime—wewereinthesamefraternity,andclosefriends—
andhecouldn’tstoptalkingaboutthisamazinggirl.OnceIgottoknowher,Iwassuckedintoherorbit,too.”Hesmiled.“ThomasandIeachhadsomethingspecialaboutus:Iwasacademicalygifted,andThomascouldtalkanyoneintoanything.Butwewerebothculturalbarbarians.
Elizabethtaughtusaboutart,abouttheater,abouttheworldbeyondthesmalSoutherntownswherewe’dgrownup.”Jamesateanothercookie,absentmindedlylickingsugaroffhisfingers,thensigheddeeply.“Ithoughtwe’dbefriendsforever,”hesaid.“Butwewentindifferentdirectionsintheend.”
“Why?”Elenaasked.“Didsomethinghappen?”Hisbrighteyesshiftedawayfromhers.“Ofcoursenot,”hesaiddismissively.“Justlife,Isuppose.ButwheneverIwalkdownthethird-floorcorridor,Ican’thelpstoppingtolookatthephotographofus.”Hegaveaself-consciouslaugh,pattinghisstomach.“Mostlyvanity,Isuppose.IrecognizemyyoungselfmoreeasilythanIdothefatoldmanIseeinthemirrornow.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Elenaasked,confused.
“Thethird-floorcorridor?”
James’smouthmadearoundOofsurprise.“Ofcourse,youdon’tknowalthecolegetraditionsyet.ThelongcorridoronthethirdfloorofthisbuildinghaspicturesfromalthedifferentperiodsofDalcrest’shistory.Includinganicephotoofyourparentsandyourstruly.”
“I’lhavetocheckitout,”Elenasaid,feelingalittleexcited.Shehadn’tseenmanypicturesofherparentsfrombeforetheyweremarried.
Therewasataponthedoor,andasmalgirlwithglassespeekedin.“Oh,I’msorry,”shesaid,andstartedtowithdraw.
“No,no,mydear,”Jamessaidjovialy,gettingtohisfeet.“ElenaandIwerejustchattingaboutoldfriends.YouandIneedtohaveaserioustalkaboutyourseniorthesisassoonaspossible.Comein,comein.”HegaveElenaanabsurdlittlehalfbow.“Elena,we’lhavetocontinuethisconversationlater.”
“Ofcourse,”Elenasaid,androse,shakingJames’sofferedhand.
“Speakingofoldfriends,”hesaidcasualyassheturnedtogo,“Imetafriendofyours,Dr.CeliaConnor,justbeforethesemesterstarted.Shementionedthatyouwerecominghere.”
Elenawhippedbackaround,staringathim.HehadmetCelia?ImagesfiledElena’smind:CeliaheldinStefan’sarmsashetraveledfasterthananyhuman,desperatetosaveherlife;Celiafendingoffthephantominaroomfulofflames.HowmuchdidJamesknow?WhathadCeliatoldhim?
Jamessmiledblandlybackather.“Butwe’ltalklater,”hesaid.Afteramoment,Elenanoddedandstumbledoutofhisoffice,hermindracing.Thegirlwhowaswaitingheldthedooropenforher.
Inthehaloutside,Elenaleanedagainstthewalandtookstockforamoment.WouldCeliahavetoldJamesaboutStefanandDamonbeingvampires,oranythingaboutElenaherself?Probablynot.Celiahadbecomeafriendbytheendoftheirbattlewiththephantom.Shewouldhavekepttheirsecrets.Plus,Celiawasaverysavvyacademic.Shewouldn’thavetoldhercoleaguesanythingthatmightmakethemthinkshewascrazy,includingthatshehadmetactualvampires.
ElenashookofftheuneaseshefeltfromtheendofherconversationwithJamesandthoughtinsteadofthepicturehe’dtoldherabout.Sheclimbedthestairstothethirdfloortoseeifshecouldfinditnow.
Itturnedoutthatthe“third-floorcorridor”wasnoproblemtofind.Whilethesecondfloorwasamazeofturningpassagewaysandfacultyofficessubdividedfromoneanother,whenshesteppedoutofthestairwelonthethirdfloorshediscovereditwasalonghalthatranfromoneendofthebuildingtotheother.
Incontrasttothechatterofpeopleatworkonthesecondfloor,thethirdfloorseemedabandoned,silentanddim.Closeddoorssatatregularintervalsalongthehal.
Elenapeeredthroughtheglassononedoor,onlytoseeanemptyroom.
Aldownthehal,betweenthedoors,hunglargephotographs.Nearthestairwel,whereshebeganlooking,theyseemedliketheywerefrommaybetheturnofthecentury:youngmeninside-combedhairandsuits,smilingstiffly;girlsinhigh-neckedwhiteblousesandlongskirtswiththeirhairpuledupontopoftheirheads.Inone,arowofgirlscarriedgarlandsofflowersforsomeforgottencampusoccasion.
Therewerephotosofboatracesandpicnics,couplesdressedupfordances,teampictures.Inonephoto,thecastofsomestudentplay—maybefromthe1920sor’30s,thegirlswithshingledflappercuts,theguyswithfunnycoversovertheirshoes—laughedhilariouslyonstage,theirmouthsfrozenopen,theirhandsintheair.Alittlefartheron,agroupofyoungmeninarmyuniformsgazedbackatherseriously,jawsfirmlyset,eyesdetermined.
Asshemovedondownthehal,thephotoschangedfromblack-and-whitetocolor;theclothesgotlessformal;thehairstylesgrewlonger,thenshorter;messier,thensleeker.Eventhoughmostofthepeopleinthephotographslookedhappy,somethingaboutthemmadeElenafeelsad.
Maybeitwashowfasttimeseemedtopassinthem:althesepeoplehadbeenElena’sage,studentslikeher,withtheirownfearsandjoysandheartbreaks,andnowtheyweregone,grownolderorevendead.
Shethoughtbrieflyofabottletuckeddeepinherclosetathome,containingthewaterofeternallifeshe’daccidentalystolenfromtheGuardians.Wasthattheanswer?Shepushedthethoughtaway.Itwasn’ttheansweryet—sheknewthat—andshe’dmadetheveryclearchoicenottothinkaboutthatbottle,nottodecideanything,notnow.Shehadtime,shehadmorelifetolivenaturalybeforeshe’dwanttoaskherselfthatquestion.
ThepictureJamestalkedaboutwasclosetothefarendofthehal.Init,herfather,hermother,andJamesweresittingonthegrassunderatreeinthequad.Herparentswereleaningforwardineagerconversation,andJames—amuchthinnerversion,hisfacealmostunrecognizablebeneathastragglybeard—wassittingbackandwatchingthem,hisexpressionsharpandamused.
Hermotherlookedamazinglyyoung,herfacesoft,hereyeswide,hersmilebigandbright,butshewasalsosomehowexactlythemotherElenaremembered.Elena’sheartgaveapainfulbuthappythrobatthesightofher.HerfatherwasgawkierthanthedistinguisheddadElenahadknown—andhispastel-patternedshirtwasafashiondisasterofepicproportions—buttherewasanessentialdadnesstohimthatmadeElenasmile.
Shenoticedthepinonhishorrificpastelshirtfirst.Shethoughtitwasasmudge,butthen,leaningforward,shemadeouttheshapeofasmal,darkblueV.Lookingattheotherfigures,sherealizedhermotherandJameswerewearingthesamepins,hermother’shalf-obscuredbyalonggoldencurlfalingacrossit.
Weird.Shetappedherfingerslowlyagainsttheglassoverthephotograph,touchingoneVandthentheothers.
ShewouldaskJamesaboutthepins.Hadn’thementionedthatheandherdadhadbeeninafraternity?Maybeithadsomethingtodowiththat.Didn’tfratboys“pin”theirgirlfriends?
Somethingnudgedattheedgesofhermind.She’dseenoneofthesepinssomewhere.Butshecouldn’trememberwhere,sosheshruggeditoff.Whateveritstoodfor,itwassomethingshedidn’tknowaboutherparents,anotherfacetoftheirlivestobediscoveredhere.
Shecouldn’twaittolearnmore.
12
“Goodpractice,”Christophersaid,stoppingnexttoMattasheheadedoutofthelockerroom.“You’vegotsomegreatmoves,man.”
“Thanks,”Mattsaid,glancingupfromputtingonhisshoes.“Youwerelookingprettygoodoutthereyourself.”HecouldtelChristopherwasgoingtobeasolidteam-mate,thekindofguywhodidhisjobandfocusedonthebigpicture,workingtohelptherestoftheteam.Hewasagreatroommate,too,generousandlaid-back.Hedidn’tevensnore.
“Wanttoskipthedininghalandorderapizza?”Christopherasked.“ThisismynighttobeatyouatGuitarHero—Icanfeelit.”
Mattlaughed.Inthecoupleofweeksthey’dbeenlivingtogether,heandChristopherhadbeenworkingtheirwaythroughaltheWiigamesChristopherhadbroughtwithhimtoschool.“Alright,I’lseeyoubackattheroom.”Christopherslappedhimontheback,grinningwidely.
AfterChristopherleft,Matttookhistimegettinghisthingstogether,lettingtheotherguysgetoutofthelockerroomaheadofhim.Hefeltlikewalkingbacktothedormalonetonight.Theywereanicebunchofguys,buthewassoreandtired.BetweenfootbalpracticesandVitaleSocietypledgeactivities,he’dneverworkedhisbodyquitesohard.
Itfeltgood.
Hefeltgood.EventhestupidestoftheVitaleactivities
—andsomeofthemwereprettystupid:they’dhadtoworkinteamstobuildhousesoutofnewspapertheothernight—
werekindoffun,becausehewasgettingtoknowsomeamazingpeople.Ethanhadbeenright.Asagroup,thepledgesweresmart,determined,talented,everythingyou’dexpect.Andhewasoneofthem.
Hisclasseswereinteresting,too.Backinhighschoolhe’dgottenokaygradesbuthadmostlyjustdonewhathehadtodotopass.TheCivilWar,geometry,chemistry,ToKillaMockingbird:alhisschoolworkhadsortofblendedintothebackgroundofhisreallifeoffriendsandsports.
SomeofwhathewasdoingatDalcrestwaslikethat,too,butinmostofhisclasses,hewasstartingtoseeconnectionsbetweenthings.Hewasgettingtheideathathistory,language,science,andliteraturewerealpartsofthesamething—thewaypeoplethoughtandthestoriestheytold—anditwasrealyprettyinteresting.
Itwaspossible,Mattthought,withaself-mockinggrin,thathewas“blossoming”incolege,justlikehishighschoolguidancecounselorhadpredicted.
Itwasn’tfulydarkyet,butitwasgettinglate.Mattspedup,thinkingaboutpizza.
Thereweren’talotofpeopleroamingthecampus.Mattguessedtheywereeitherinthecafeteriaorholedupintheirrooms,afraid.Hewasn’tworried,though.Hefiguredtherewerealotmorevulnerabletargetsthanafootbalplayer.
Abreezestartedup,wavingthebranchesofthetreesonthequadandwaftingthesmelofgrasstoMatt.Itstilfeltlikesummer.Inthebushes,afewearly-eveningfirefliesblinkedonandoff.Heroledhisshoulders,enjoyingthestretchafteralongpractice.
Upahead,someonescreamed.Aguy,Mattthought.
Thecrycutoffsuddenly.
Beforehecouldeventhink,Mattwasrunningtowardthesound.Hisheartwaspounding,andhetriedtoforcehistiredlegstomovefaster.Thatwasasoundofpurepanic,Mattthought.Hestrainedhisearsbutdidn’thearanythingexcepthisownraggedbreaths.
Ashecamearoundthebusinessbuilding,adarkfigurethathadbeenbentoversomethinginthegrasstookoff,itslongskinnylegsflying.Itwasmovingfast,anditsfacewascompletelyconcealedbyahoodie.Mattcouldn’tevenseeifitwasaguyoragirl.
Heangledhisownstridetoraceafterthefigureinblackbutcametoasuddenhaltbytheshapeinthegrass.
Notjustashape.Foramoment,Matt’smindrefusedtoprocesswhathewasseeing.Theredandgoldofafootbaljersey.Wet,thickliquidspreadingacrossit.Afamiliarface.
Theneverythingsnappedintofocus.Hedroppedtohisknees.“Christopher,ohno,Christopher.”Therewasbloodeverywhere.MattfranticalyfeltatChristopher’schest,tryingtofigureoutwherehecouldputpressuretotrytostopthebleeding.Everywhere,everywhere,it’scomingfromeverywhere.Christopher’swholebodywasshaking,andMattpressedhishandsagainstthesoakingfootbaljerseytotrytoholdhimstil.
Freshbloodraninthickcrimsonstreamsagainstthebrighterredofthejersey’smaterial.
“Christopher,man,holdon,it’sgoingtobeokay.You’lbeokay,”Mattsaid,andpuledouthisphonetodial911.
Hisownhandswerecoveredwithbloodnow,andthephonewasaslimymessasheheldittohisear.
“Please,”hesaid,hisvoiceshaking,“I’matDalcrestColege,nearthebusinessbuilding.Myroommate,someoneattackedmyroommate.He’sbleedingalot.He’snotconscious.”The911operatorstartedtoaskhimsomequestionsandMatttriedtofocus.
SuddenlyChristopheropenedhiseyes,takingadeepgulpofair.
“Christopher,”Mattsaid,droppinghisphone.“Chris,they’resendinganambulance,holdon.”Theshakinggotworse,Christopher’sarmsandlegsvibratinginarapidrhythm.HiseyessettledonMatt’sface,andhismouthopened.
“Chris,”Mattsaid,tryingtoholdhimdown,tryingtobegentle,“whodidthis?Whoattackedyou?”Christophergaspedagain,ahoarsegulpingsound.
Thentheshakingstopped,andhewasverystil.Hiseyelidssliddownoverhiseyes.
“Chris,pleaseholdon,”Mattbegged.“They’recoming.
They’lhelpyou.”HegrabbedatChristopher,shookhimalittle,butChristopherwasn’tmoving,wasn’tbreathing.
Sirenssoundedinthedistance,butMattknewtheambulancewasalreadytoolate
13
Bonnieclutchedthebanana-nutmuffintoherchestasifitwassomekindofsacredoffering.ShejustcouldnotbringherselftoknockonMatt’sdoor.Instead,sheturnedbigpleadingbrowneyesonMeredithandElena.
“Oh,Bonnie,”Meredithmuttered,reachingpasther,shiftingthepileofbagelsandthecartonoforangejuiceshewascarrying,andrappingloudlyonthedoor.
“Idon’tknowwhattosay,”Bonniewhisperedback,agonized.
Thenthedooropened,andMattappeared,red-eyedandpale.HeseemedsomehowsmalerandmorehunchedintohimselfthanBonniehadeverseenhim.Overwhelmedwithpity,sheforgotalaboutbeingnervousandlaunchedherselfintohisarms,droppingthemuffinintheprocess.
“I’msosorry,”shechokedout,tearsrunningdownherface.Mattheldontohertightly,bendingoverandburyinghisheadinhershoulder.“It’sokay,”shesaidfinaly,desperately,pattingthebackofhishead.“Imean,no,it’snot…ofcourseit’snot…butweloveyou,we’rehere.”
“Icouldn’thelphim,”Mattsaidduly,hisfacestilpressedagainstBonnie’sneck.“Itriedmybest,buthediedanyway.”
ElenaandMeredithjoinedthem,wrappingtheirarmsaroundMattfromeitherside
“Weknow,”Elenasaid,rubbinghisback.“Youdideverythingyoucouldforhim.”
Mattpuledoutoftheirarmseventualyandgesturedaroundtheroom.“Althisstuffishis,”hesaid.“Hisparentsdon’tfeellikethey’rereadytoclearouthisthingsyet,theytoldthepolice.It’skilingmetoseeitalstilherewhenhe’snot.Ithoughtaboutpackingitupforhisparents,butthere’sapossibilitythatthepolicemightwanttolookthroughhisstuff.”
BonnieshudderedatthethoughtofwhatChristopher’sparentsmustbegoingthrough.
“Havesomethingtoeat,”Meredithsaid.“Ibetyouhaven’teatenforages.Maybeit’lhelpyoufeelbetter.”Althreegirlsfussedaround,fixingthebreakfastthey’dbroughtforMatt,thenconvincinghimtotastesomething,anything.Hedranksomejuiceandpickedatabagel,hisheadlowered.“Iwasatthepolicestationalnight,”hesaid.
“Ihadtokeepgoingoverandoverwhathappened.”
“Whatdidhappen?”Bonnieaskedtentatively.
Mattsighed.“IrealywishIknew.IjustsawsomebodydressedinblackrunningawayfromChristopher.Iwantedtochasehim,butChrisneededmyhelp.Andthenhedied.Itried,butIcouldn’tdoanything.”Hisforeheadcreasedintoafrown.“Therealyweirdthing,though,”hesaidslowly,“isthat,eventhoughIsawapersonrunningaway,thepolicethinkChristopherwasattackedbysomekindofanimal.Hewas…prettyrippedup.”
ElenaandMeredithexchangedanalertglance.“Avampire?”saidMeredith.“Orawerewolf,maybe?”
“Iwaswonderingaboutthat,”Mattadmitted.“Itmakessense.”Withoutseemingtonotice,hefinishedhisbagel,andElenatookadvantageofhisdistractiontoslipsomefruitontohisplate.
Bonniewrappedherarmsaroundherself.“Why?”sheasked.“Whyisitthat,whereverwego,weird,scarythingshappenaroundus?IthoughtthatonceweleftFel’sChurchthingswouldbedifferent.”
Noonearguedwithher.Foralittlewhile,theyalsatquietly,andBonniefeltasiftheywerehuddlingtogether,tryingtoprotectthemselvesfromsomethingcoldandhorrible.
Finaly,MeredithreachedoutandtookanorangesliceoffMatt’splate.“Thefirstthingweneedtodo,then,istoinvestigateandtrytofigureoutiftheseattacksanddisappearancesaresupernatural.”Shechewedthoughtfuly.“AsmuchasIhatetosayit,weshouldprobablygetDamononthis.He’sgoodatthiskindofthing.AndStefanshouldknowwhat’sgoingon,too.”ShelookedatElena,hervoicegentle.“I’ltalktothem,okay,Elena?”Elenashrugged.Bonniecouldtelshewastryingtokeepherexpressionblank,butherlipsweretrembling.“Ofcourse,”shesaidafteraminute.“I’msurethey’rebothcheckingthingsoutanyway.Youknowhowparanoidtheyare.”
“Notwithoutreason,”Meredithsaiddryly.
Matt’seyeswerewet.“Whateverhappens,Ineedyoutopromisemesomething,”hesaid.“Please,becareful.Ican’t—let’snotloseanyoneelse,okay?”Bonniesnuggledclosertohim,puttingherhandonhis.
Meredithreachedoverandplacedherhandoverbothoftheirs,andElenaaddedherstothepile.“We’ltakecareofoneanother,”Elenasaid.
“Avow,”saidBonnie,tryingtosmile.“We’lalwayswatchoutforoneanother.We’lmakesureeveryoneissafe.”
Atthatmoment,astheymurmuredinagreement,shewassuretheycoulddoit.
Meredithpivotedandsteppedforward,swingingherstaffdowntostrikeatSamantha’sheavilypaddedknees.
Samanthadodgedtheblow,thenjabbedherownstaffstraighttowardMeredith’shead.Meredithblockedtheblow,thenthrustherstaffatSamantha’schest.
Samanthastaggeredbackwardandlostherfooting.
“Wow,”shesaid,rubbinghercolarboneandlookingatMeredithwithamixtureofresentmentandappreciation.
“Thathurt,evenwiththepadding.I’venevertrainedwithanyonesostrongbefore.”
“Oh,wel,”Meredithsaidmodestly,feelingabsurdlypleased,“Ipracticealot.”
“Uh-huh,”Samanthasaid,eyeingher.“Let’stakeabreak.”Shefloppeddownonthemat,andMeredith,herstaffbalancedlightlyinonehand,satbesideher.
Itwasn’therstaff,ofcourse,notherspecialhuntingone.
Shecouldn’tbringherheirloomslayerstafftothegym—itwastooclearlyacustomizeddeadlyweapon.Butshe’dbeendelightedtolearnthatSamanthacouldfightwithafour-foot-longjostaffandthatshehadanextra.
Samanthawasquickandsmartandfierce,oneofthebestsparringpartnersshe’deverhad.Fighting,Meredithwasabletoblockoutthehelplessfeelingshe’dhadinMatt’sroomthismorning.TherewassomethingsopatheticaboutseeingalChristopher’sthingssittingtherereadyforhim,whenhewasnevercomingback.HehadoneofthoseweirdlittlefakeZengardensonhisdesk,thesandneatlygroomed.Maybejustthedaybefore,Christopherhadpickedupthetinyrakeinhishandandsmoothedthesand,andnowhe’dnevertouchanythingagain.
Anditwasherfault.Meredithsqueezedherstaff,herknuckleswhitening.Shehadtoacceptthat.Ifshehadthepowerofbeingapotentforceagainstdarkness,ahunterandslayerofmonsters,shehadtheresponsibility,too.
AnythingthatgotthroughandkiledsomeoneinherterritorywasMeredith’sfailureandhershame.
Shehadtoworkharder.Practicemore,gooutpatrolingthecampus,keeppeoplesafe.
“Areyoualright?”Samantha’svoicebrokethroughMeredith’sthoughts.Startled,MeredithsawSamanthastaringatherwithwide,solemndarkeyes,takinginMeredith’sgrittedteethandclenchedfists.
“Notentirely,”saidMeredithdryly.“Um.”Shefeltlikeshehadtoexplainhergrimness.“Didyouhearaboutwhathappenedlastnight,theguywhowaskiled?”Samanthanoddedslowly,herexpressionunreadable.“Wel,hewastheroommateofarealygoodfriendofmine.AndIwaswithmyfriendtoday,tryingtohelphim.Itwas…upsetting.”Samantha’sfaceseemedtoharden,andshescrambleduponherknees.“Listen,Meredith,”shesaid,“Ipromiseyouthisisn’tgoingtohappenagain.Notonmywatch.”
“Onyourwatch?”Meredithaskedmildly.Suddenly,itfelthardtobreathe.
“Ihaveresponsibilities,”Samanthasaid.Shedroppedhereyestoherhands.“I’mgoingtocatchthiskiler.”
“It’sabigjob,”Meredithsaid.Itwasn’tpossible,wasit?
ButSamanthawassuchagoodfighter,andwhatshewassaying…whywouldshethinkshewasresponsibleforstoppingthekiler?“Whatmakesyouthinkyoucandoit?”sheasked.
“Iknowthisisdifficulttobelieve,andIshouldn’tevenbetelingyou,butIneedyourhelp.”Samanthawaslookingstraightintohereyes,practicalyvibratingwithearnestness.
“I’mahunter.Iwasraisedto…Ihaveasacredtrust.Almyfamilyforgenerations,we’vefoughtagainstevil.I’mthelastofus.MyparentswerekiledwhenIwasthirteen.”Meredithgasped,shocked,butSamanthashookherheadfiercely,pushingMeredith’ssympathyaway.“Theyhadn’tfinishedtrainingme,”shecontinued,“andIneedyoutohelpmegetbetter,getfaster.I’mnotstrongenoughyet.”Meredithstaredather.
“Please,Meredith,”Samanthasaid.“Iknowitsoundscrazy,butit’strue.Peoplearedependingonme.”Unabletostopherself,Meredithstartedtolaugh.
“It’snotajoke,”Samanthasaid,jumpingtoherfeet,herfistsclenched.“Thisis…Ishouldn’thavesaidanything.”Shestalkedtowardthedoor,herbackasstraightasasoldier’s.
“Samantha,wait,”Meredithcaled.Samanthawhirledbacktowardherwithafacefuloffury.Meredithtookaquickbreathandtrieddesperatelytoremembersomethingshe’dlearnedasachildbutneverhadoccasiontouse.
Crookingherpinkiestogether,shedrewupherthumbstomakeatriangle,thesecretsignofgreetingbetweentwohunters.
Samanthajuststaredather,faceperfectlyblank.
Meredithwonderedifsherememberedthesigncorrectly.
HadSamantha’sfamilyeventaughtittoher?Meredithknewtherewereotherfamiliesoutthere,butshehadnevermetanyofthembefore.Herparentshadleftthehuntercommunitybeforeshewasborn.
ThenSamantha,movingasquicklyassheeverhadwhenthey’dsparred,wasbeforeher,grippingherarms.
“Forreal?”Samanthasaid.“Areyouserious?”Meredithnodded,andSamanthathrewherarmsaroundherandclutchedhertightly.HerheartwasbeatingsohardthatMeredithcouldfeelit.Meredithstiffenedatfirst
—shewasn’tthetouchy-feelytype,despitebeingbestfriendswithwildlyaffectionateBonnieforyears—butthenrelaxedintothehug,feelingSamantha’sslim,muscularbodyunderherarms,solikeherown.
Shehadthestrangestfeelingoffamiliarity,asifshehadbeenlostandhadnowfoundhertruefamilyatlast.
Meredithknewshecouldneversayanyofthat,andpartofherfeltlikeshewasbetrayingElenaandBonniejustbythinkingthatway,butshecouldn’thelpit.Samanthapuledaway,smilingandweepy,wipingathereyesandnose.
“I’mactingstupid,”shesaid.“Butthisisthebestthingthateverhappenedtome.Together,wecanfightthis.”Shegaveahalf-hystericalsniffandgazedatMeredithwithhugeshiningeyes.“IfeellikeI’vemadeanewbestfriend,”shesaid.
“Yes,”Meredithsaid—notweeping,notlaughing,coolaseverontheoutsidebut,inside,feelinglikeshewasbreakingintohappypieces—“yes,Ithinkyou’reright.”14
Matthunchedhisshouldersmiserably.Hehadcometothepledgemeetingbecausehedidn’twanttostayinhisroomalone,butnowhewishedhehadn’t.He’dbeenavoidingElena,Meredith,andBonnie—itwasn’ttheirfault,butsomuchviolencehadhappenedaroundalfouroftheminthepastyear,somuchdeath.He’dthoughtitmightbebetterbeingaroundotherpeople,peoplewhohadn’tseenhowmuchdarknesstherewasintheworld,butitwasn’t.
Hefeltalmostlikehewasswathedinbubblewrap,thickandcloudy.Astheotherpledgesmovedandtalked,hecouldwatchthemandhearthem,buthefeltseparatedfromthem;everythingseemedmuffledanddim.Hefeltfragile,too,asifremovingtheprotectivelayermightmakehimfalapart.
Ashestoodinthecrowdofpledges,Chloecameoverandstoodnexttohim,touchinghisarmreassuringlywithhersmal,stronghand.Agapappearedinthebubblewrap,andhecouldrealyfeelherwithhim.Heputhishandoverhersandsqueezeditgratefuly.
Thepledgemeetingwasinthewood-paneledundergroundroomwherethey’dfirstmet.Ethanassuredthemthiswasjustoneofmanysecrethideouts—theotherswereonlyopentofulyinitiatedmembers.Matthaddiscoveredbynowthateventhispledgeroomhadseveralentrances:onethroughanoldhousejustoutsidecampus,whichmusthavebeentheonetheybroughtthemthroughthatfirsttime,onethroughashedneartheplayingfields,andonethroughthebasementofthelibrary.Thegroundbeneaththecampusmustbehoneycombedwithtunnelsforsomanyentrancestoendupinoneplace,hethought,andhehadanunsettlingpictureofstudentswalkingonthesun-warmedgrasswhile,afewinchesbelow,endlessdarktunnelsopenedunderneaththem.
Ethanwastalking,andMattknewthatusualyhewouldhavebeenhangingonhiseveryword.Today,Ethan’svoicewashedoverMattalmostunheard,andMattlethiseyesfolowtheblack-clad,maskedfiguresoftheVitalememberswhopacedtheroombehindEthan.Duly,hewonderedaboutthem,abouthowthemasksdisguisedthemwelenoughthathewasneversureifherecognizedanyofthemaroundcampus.AnyofthemexceptEthan,thatis.Mattwonderedcuriouslywhatmadetheleaderimmunetosuchrestrictions.Likethetunnelsbeneaththecampus,theanonymityoftheVitaleswasslightlyunsettling.
Eventualy,themeetingended,andthepledgesstartedtotrickleoutoftheroom.AfewpattedMattonthebackormurmuredsympatheticwordstohim,andhewarmedasherealizedthattheycared,thatsomehowthey’dcometofeellikefriendsthroughalthesilypledgebondingactivities.
“Holdupaminute,Matt?”Ethanwasnexttohimsuddenly.AtEthan’sglance,ChloesqueezedMatt’sarmagainandletgo.
“I’lseeyoulater,”shemurmured.Mattwatchedasshecrossedtheroomandwentoutthedoor,herhairbouncingagainstthebackofherneck.
WhenhelookedbackatEthan,Ethan’sheadwascockedtooneside,hisgolden-browneyesconsidering.
“It’sgoodtoseeyouandChloegettingsoclose,”Ethandeclared,andMattshruggedawkwardly.
“Yeah,wel…”hesaid.
“You’lfindthattheotherVitalesaretheoneswhocanunderstandyoubest,”Ethansaid.“They’lbetheoneswhowilstandbyyoualthroughcolege,andfortherestofyourlife.”Hesmiled.“Atleast,that’swhat’shappenedtome.
I’vebeenwatchingyou,Matt,”hewenton.
Matttensed.SomethingaboutEthancutthroughthebubble-wrapfeeling,butnotinthecomfortingwayChloedid.NowMattfeltexposedinsteadofprotected.Thesharpnessofhisgaze,maybe,orthewayEthanalwaysseemedtobelievesostronglyinwhateverhewassaying.
“Yeah?”Mattsaidwarily.
Ethangrinned.“Don’tlooksoparanoid.It’sagoodthing.EveryVitalepledgeisspecial,that’swhythey’rechosen,buteveryyearthere’sonewho’sevenmorespecial,who’saleaderamongleaders.Icanseethat,inthisgroup,it’syou,Matt.”
Mattclearedhisthroat.“Realy?”hesaid,flattered,notknowingquitewhattosay.Noonehadevercaledhimaleaderbefore.
“I’vegotbigplansfortheVitaleSocietythisyear,”Ethansaid,hiseyesshining.“We’regoingtogodowninhistory.
We’regoingtobemorepowerfulthanwe’veeverbeen.
Ourfuturesarebright.”
Mattgaveahalfsmileandnodded.WhenEthantalked,hisvoicewarmandpersuasive,thosegoldeneyessteadyonMatt’s,Mattcouldseeit,too.TheVitalesleadingnotjustthecampusbut,someday,theworld.Matthimselfwouldbetransformedfromtheordinaryguyheknewhehadalwaysbeenintosomeoneconfidentandclear-eyed,aleaderamongleaders,likeEthansaid.Hecouldpictureital.
“Iwantyoutobemyright-handmanhere,Matt,”Ethansaid.“Youcanhelpmeleadthesepledgesintogreatness.”Mattnoddedagainand,Ethan’seyesonhis,feltaflushofpride,thefirstgoodthinghe’dfeltsinceChris’sdeath.
HewouldleadtheVitales,standingbyEthan’sside.
Everythingwouldbebetter.Thepathwasclearahead.
Indeed,Keynespositedthateconomicactivitywasdeterminedbyaggregatedemand.Forthefifteenthtimeinhalfanhour,Stefanreadthesentencewithoutbeginningtocomprehendit.
Italjustseemedsopointless.He’dtriedtodistracthimselfbyinvestigatingthemurderoncampus,butithadonlymadehimmoreanxiousthathecouldn’tbebyElena’sside,seeingtoithimselfthatshewassafe.Heclosedthebookanddroppedhisheadintohishands.
WithoutElena,whatwashedoinghere?
Hewouldhavefolowedheranywhere.Shewassobeautifulithurthimtolookathersometimes,likeithurttostareintothesun.Sheshonelikethatsunwithhergoldenhairandlapislazulieyes,herdelicatecreamyskinthatheldjustthefaintesttouchofpink.
ButtherewasmoretoElenathanbeauty.Herbeautyalonewouldn’thaveheldStefan’sattentionforlong.Infact,herresemblancetoKatherinehadnearlydrivenhimaway.
Butunderhercoolybeautifulexteriorwasaquicksilvermindthatwasalwaysworking,makingplans,andaheartthatwasfiercelyprotectiveofeveryonesheloved.
Stefanhadspentcenturiessearchingforsomethingtomakehimfeelaliveagain,andhe’dneverfeltascertainofanythingashedidaboutElena.Shewasit,theonlyoneforhim.
Whycouldn’tshebeassureofhim?NomatterwhatElenasaidaboutStefanbeingtheone,thefactremained:theonlytwogirlshe’dlovedinhislong,longlifebothlovednotjustStefanbuthisbrother,too.
Stefanclosedhiseyesandrubbedthebridgeofhisnosebetweenhisfingers,thenshovedhimselfawayfromthedesk.Maybehewashungry.Inafewquickstrides,hecrossedhiswhite-paintedroom,throughthemixofhisownelegantpossessionsandthecheapschool-issuedfurniture,andwasoutonthebalcony.Outside,thenightsmeledofjasmineandcarexhaust.StefanreachedtendrilsofPowergentlyintothenight,questing,feelingfor…something…
there.Atinymindquickenedinresponsetohis.
Hishearing,sharperthanahuman’s,pickedupthefaintwhineofsonar,andasmal,furrybatlandedonthebalconyrailing,drawninbyhisPower.Stefanpickeditup,keepingupagentlethrumofPowerbetweenhismindandthebat’s,anditgazedathimtamely,itslittlefoxfacealert.
Stefanloweredhisheadanddrank,carefulnottotaketoomuchfromthelittlecreature.Hegrimacedatthetasteandthenreleasedthebat,whichflappedtentatively,alittledazed,thenpickedupspeedandwaslostagaininthenight.
Hehadn’tbeenterriblyhungry,butthebloodclearedhismind.Elenawassoyoung.Hehadtorememberthat.Shewasstilyoungerthanhe’dbeenwhenhebecameavampire,andsheneededtimetoexperiencelife,forherpathtoleadherbacktoStefan.Hecouldwait.Hehadalthetimeintheworld.
Buthemissedhersomuch.
Gatheringhisstrength,heleapedfromthebalconyandlandedlightlyonthegroundbelow.Therewasaflowerbedthere,andhereachedintoit,feelingpetalsassoftassilk.
Adaisy,freshandinnocent.Hepluckeditandwentbackinsidethedorm,usingthefrontentrancethistime.
OutsideElena’sdoor,hehesitated.Hecouldheartheslightsoundsofhermovingaroundinthere,smelherdistinctive,intoxicatingscent.Shewasalone,andhewastemptedtojustknock.Maybeshewaslongingforhim,justashelongedforher.Iftheywerealone,wouldshemeltintohisarmsdespiteherself?
Stefanshookhishead,hismouthtight.HehadtorespectElena’swishes.Ifsheneededtimeapart,hecouldgiveherthat.Lookingatthewhitedaisy,heslowlybalanceditontopofElena’sdoorknob.Shewouldfindtheflowerandknowthatitwasfromhim.
StefanwantedElenatoknowthathecouldwaitforher,ifthatwaswhatsheneeded,butthathewasthinkingofher,always.
15
Assheheadedforthedoorofherdormroom,Elenarummagedthroughherbag,checkingoffamentallist:wallet,keys,phone,lipgloss,eyeliner,hairbrush,studentID.Assheswungthedooropen,somethingflutteredtotheground.
Aperfectwhitedaisyhadfalentothefloor.Elenareacheddownandpickeditup.Turningitinherhand,shefeltasuddensharpacheinherchest.God,ImissStefan.
Shehadnodoubtthedaisywasfromhim.Itwasjustlikehimtoletherknowhewasthinkingofherwhilestilrespectingherspace.
Theacheinherchestwasslowlyreplacedwithasweetglowingfeeling.ItseemedsosilyandartificialtoavoidtalkingtoStefan.Shelovedhim.And,beyondthat,hewasoneofherbestfriends.Elenapuledoutherphonetocalhim.
Andthenshestopped.Takingadeepbreath,sheputthephonebackintoherbag.
IfshetalkedtoStefan,shewouldwanttoseehim.Ifshesawhim,shewouldwanttotouchhim.Ifshetouchedhim,itwouldalbeover.Shewouldfindherselffalingintohim,entangledinlove.AndthenshewouldlookupandseeDamon’sdarkunfathomableeyeswatchingthemandfeelthatpultowardhim.Andthenthebrotherswouldlookateachother,andloveandpainandfurywouldpassovertheirfaces,andeverythingwouldstartupagain.
Ithadfeltgoodtowalkawayfromthemforawhile,eventhoughitwasheartbreakingandawfulandterriblylonely,too.But,sincethen,Elenahadfeltacalmsettleoverher.
Shewasn’thappy,exactly—itwaslikeshewascoveredwithbruises,andifshewasn’tcareful,painwouldfloodoverherassherememberedwhatshehaddone.Butshealsofeltasifshehadbeenholdingherbreathforweeksandnowwasabletoexhale.
SheknewthatStefanwouldbewaitingforherwhenshewasreadytofacehimagain.Wasn’tthatwhatthedaisymeant?
Shetuckedtheflowerinsideherbagandsetoffdownthehal,herheelsclickingfirmly.Elenawasgoingtogooutwithherfriends,shewasgoingtohavefun,andshewasn’tgoingtothinkaboutStefan,orDamon.Oreventhedisappearances,orChristopher’sdeath.Elenasighedundertheweightofital.Fordays,theyhadbeenmourning,andnowElenaandherfriendsneededtoembracelifeagain.Theydeservedaneveningoffreedom.Theyneededtorememberwhattheywerefightingfor.
“Theresheis,”ElenaheardBonniesayassheenteredthecrowdedbar.“Elena!Overhere!”
Bonnie,Meredith,andagirlElenadidn’tknowweresittingatasmaltablenearthedancefloor.TheyhadinvitedMatttocomeoutwiththem,buthe’dsaidhehadtostudy,hisfacepolitelyclosedoff,andtheyknewhewasn’treadyyetandthatheneededsometimealone.
Meredith,gracefulandrelaxed,gaveElenaacoolsmileingreetingandintroducedherfriendSamantha.Samanthawaslean,brighteyed,andalert.Sheseemedlikeshehadenergytospare,shiftingfromsidetoside,chattingwithoutstopping.
Bonnie,too,wasclearlyontonightandstartedtalkingassoonasElenareachedthetable.Bonniewasbrave,Elenathought.Christopher’sdeathhadshockedher,andshewasasworriedaboutMattasanyofthem,butshewouldstickoutherchinandsmileandgossipandgoonwithlifejustashardasshecould,becausetheyhaddecidedthatwaswhattonightwouldbeabout.
“IgotyouaCoke,”Bonniesaid.“Theycardedme,soIcouldn’tgetanythingelse.Guesswhat?”Shepauseddramaticaly.“IcaledZander,andhesaidhe’ddefinitelytrytomakeitheretonight.Ican’twaitforyouguystomeethim!”Bonniewaspracticalybouncingoutofherseatwithexcitement,redcurlsflippingeverywhere.
“Who’sZander?”askedSamanthainnocently.
MeredithgaveElenaaslyglance.“Youknow,I’mnotsure,”shesaidwithmockconfusion.“Bonnie,telusabouthim.”
“Yes,”Elenaadded,smirking.“Idon’tthinkyou’vementionedhimatal,haveyou?”
“Shutup,youguys,”Bonniesaidamiably,and,leaningoverthetabletoSamantha,startedtoextolalofZander’svirtuestoherfreshaudience.Elenalethermindwander.
She’dheardital,nightafternightintheirdormlately:Zander’seyes,Zander’ssmile,Zander’sbashfulcharm,Zander’sveryhotbod(Bonnie’swords).HowZanderandBonniestudiedtogetherinatucked-awaycornerofthelibraryandZanderbroughtBonniesecretsnackseventhoughitwastotallyagainstthelibraryrules.Thewaytheytalkedonthephoneeverynight,thelongvelvetypauseswhenitseemedlikeZanderwasonthevergeofwhisperingsomethingintimate,somethingnoonebutBonniecouldknow,buttheninsteadhewouldmakeajokethatmadeBonnielaughlikecrazy.TherewassomethingsosweetaboutBonniewithacrush.Elenarealyhopedthisguywasworthyofher.
“Hehasn’tkissedmeyet,”Bonnieadded,eyeswide.
“Soon,though.Ihope.”
“Theveryfirstkiss,”Samanthasaid,andwiggledhereyebrows.“Maybetonight?”Bonniejustgiggledinresponse.
ThatachewasbackinElena’schest,andshepressedherhandagainsthersternum.DuringherfirstkisswithStefan,theworldhadfalenawayandtherehadbeenjustthetwoofthem,lipsandsoulstouching.Everythinghadseemedsoclearthen.
Shetookadeepbreathandwiledawaytears.Shewasn’tgoingtorememberanythingtonight;shewasjustgoingtohaveagoodtimewithherfriends.
HavingSamanthathere,Elenasoonrealized,wasgoingtobeahugehelpwiththat.IfithadbeenjustElena,Meredith,andBonnie,theywouldhaveendedupdiscussingChristopher’smurderandthedisappearancesoncampus,combingobsessivelyovertheveryfewthingstheyknewandtheorizingabouteverythingtheydidn’t.ButwithSamanthathere,theyhadtokeeptheconversationlight.
SomehowBonniegotoffthetopicofwonderfulZanderandontopalmreading.“Look,”shesaidtoSamantha.
“Seethelinethatcrossesdownyourpalm,acrosstheotherthreelines?That’safateline,noteverybodyhasthat.”
“Whatdoesitmean?”Samanthasaid,gazingatherownpalmwithgreatinterest
“Wel,”Bonniesaid,herbrowfurrowing,“itchangesdirectionalot—seehere?andhere?—whichmeansthatyourdestinyisgoingtochangebecauseofoutsideforcesinfluencingyou.”
“Hmm,”Samanthasaid.“Howaboutlove?WilImeetsomebodyamazingtonight?”
“No,”Bonniesaidslowly,andhervoicechanged,takingonaflat,almostmetalic,tone.ElenaglancedupquicklytoseethatBonnie’spupilsweredilated,hereyeslookingawayfromSamantha’spalmintothedistance.“Nottonight.
Butthere’ssomeonewaitingforyouwhowilchangeeverything.You’lmeethimsoon.”
“Bonnie,”Meredithsaidsharply.“Areyouokay?”Bonnieblinked,andhereyessnappedbackintofocus.
“Ofcourse,”shesaid,soundingconfused.“Whatdoyoumean?”
ElenaandMeredithexchangedaglance—hadBonnieslippedintoavision?Beforetheycouldquestionher,awholegroupofguyswassuddenlyattheirtable,laughing,shouting,swearing.Elenafrownedupatthem.
“Hey,gorgeous,”onesaid,staringdownatElena.
“Wannadance?”
Elenastartedtoshakeherhead,butanotheroftheguysdroppedintotheseatnexttoBonnieandthrewhisarmaroundher.“Hey,”hesaid.“Didyoumissme?”
“Zander!”Bonnieexclaimed,hercheekspinkwithdelight.
SothiswasZander,Elenathought,andwatchedhimcovertlyashisthreefriendssettledatthetable,too,introducingthemselvescheerfuly,seemingtomakethemaximumamountofnoisedraggingchairsoverandjockeyingtositnexttothegirls.Zanderwascute,sure,shehadtoadmitthat.Paleblondhairandagorgeoussmile.
Shedidn’trealylikethewayhewaspulingBonnieclose,turningherheadtowardhim,hishandsrunningrestlesslyoverhershouldersevenashetalkedoverherheadtohisfriends.Itseemedrealypossessiveforaguywhohadn’tevenkissedheryet.ElenalookedoveratMeredithtoseeifshewasthinkingthesamething.
Meredithwaslistening,withanamusedsmile,totheguynexttoher—Marcus,shethoughthisnamewas—Zander’sfriendwiththeshaggybrownhair,explaininghisweight-liftingroutine.
“Shots,”anotherfriendofZander’ssaidsuccinctly,joiningthemwithatrayfulofshotglasses.“Let’splayquarters.”
Bonniegiggled.“They’renotalowedtoserveushere.
We’reunderage.”
Theguygrinned.“S’alright.Ipaidforthem,notyou.”
“Wannadance?”Spencer,theonewhohadaskedElenaaminutebefore,saidagain,askingSamanthathistime.
“Sure!”shesaid,andjumpedtoherfeet.Thetwowerequicklylostinthecrowdonthedancefloor.
“God,Iwassodrunklastnight,”theguynexttoElena,Jared,said,tippinghischairbackontwolegsandregardinghercheerfuly.Hisfriendonhisothersidegazedathimforaminute,thenpouredashotintohislap.
“Hey!”Inamoment,theywereontheirfeetandshovingeachother,theguywhohadpouredthedrinklaughing,Jaredred-facedandangry.
“Knockitoff,youguys,”Zandersaid.“Idon’twanttogetkickedoutofhere,too.”
Too?Elenaraisedhereyebrows.ThisguyandhisfriendsweredefinitelytoowildforinnocentlittleBonnie.
ElenalookedatMeredithagainforconfirmation,butshewasstillostinjockworld,nowgivingheropiniononthebestweighttrainingformartialarts.
Bonniesquealedwithlaughterandbouncedaquarterdirectlyintooneoftheshotglasses.Altheguyscheered.
“Nowwhat?”shesaidbreathlessly,hereyesbright.
“Nowyouchoosesomeonetodrinkit,”theguywhohadbroughtthedrinkssaid.
“Zander,ofcourse,”Bonniesaid,andZandergaveheralong,slowsmilethatevenElenahadtoadmitwasdevastatinganddrank,thenwinkedatherasshelaughedagain.
Bonnielooked…realyhappy.Elenacouldn’trememberthelasttimeshehadseenherlaughinglikethis.
Itmusthavebeenatleastayearago,beforethingshadgonecrazyinFel’sChurch.
Elenasighedandlookedaroundthetable.Theseguyswererowdy—tusslingandshovingatoneanother—buttheywerefriendlyenough.Andthiswasthekindofthingpeopledidatcolege,wasn’tit?IfitmadeBonniehappy,Elenaoughttoatleasttrytogetalongwiththem.
SamanthaandSpencercamebacktothetable,bothlaughing,andSamanthacolapsedinherseat.“Nomore,”shesaid,raisingherhandstofendhimoff.“Ineedawaterbreak.You’reamadman,youknowthat?”
“Wilyoucomedancewithme,then?”SpencersaidpleadinglytoElena,wideningbigbrownpuppy-dogeyesather.
“He’ltrytopickyouup,”Samanthawarned.“Anddipyou.Andspinyouaround.Butdon’tworry,I’lbebackoutonthatfloorinnotime.”
“Prettyplease?”Spencersaid,makinganevenmorepatheticface.
Bonnielaughedtriumphantlyasshebouncedanotherquarterintotheglass.
Dancingwithagroupoffriendsisn’tbetrayinganyone,Elenathought.Besides,shewassinglenow.Sortof,anyway.Sheshouldtrytoenjoycolege,toembracelife.
Wasn’tthatthewholepointoftonight?Sheshrugged.
“Sure,whynot?”
16
WhenStefanwalkedbyElena’sroomagain,thedaisywasgone,andthesubtlescentofhercitrusyshampoolingeredinthehalway.
NodoubtshewasoutwithMeredithandBonnie,andhecoulddependuponMeredithtoprotecther.HewonderedifDamonwaswatchingthem,ifhe’dapproachElena.AbitterstrandofenvycurledinStefan’sstomach.Itwashardbeingthegoodonesometimes,theonewhowouldabidebytherules,whileDamondidwhateverhewanted.
HeleanedbackagainstthedoortoElena’sroom.
Therewasawindowacrossthehal,andashewatchedthecoldcrescentofthemoonsailinghighinthesky,hethoughtofhissilentroom,ofthebooksofeconomicsandphilosophywaitingforhim.
No.Hewasn’tgoingbackthere.Hecouldn’tbewithElena,buthedidn’thavetobealone.
Outside,therewasachilintheairforthefirsttimesinceschoolhadstarted;thesultryheatofaVirginiasummerwasfinalygivingwaytoautumn.Stefanhunchedhisshouldersandtuckedhishandsintohisjeanspockets.
Notrealyknowingwherehewasgoing,Stefanheadedoffcampus.Vaguethoughtsofhuntinginthewoodscrossedhismind,buthewasn’thungry,justrestless,andheturnedawayfromthetrailthatledthatway.Insteadhewanderedthestreetsofthesmaltownaroundthecolege.
Therewasn’tmuchtodo.Therewereafewbarshoppingwithcolegekidsandacoupleofrestaurants,alreadyclosedup.Stefancouldn’timaginewantingtopressintoahotandcrowdedbarrightnow.Hewantedtobearoundpeople,maybe,butnottoomany,nottooclose,notcloseenoughtosensethethrumofbloodbeneaththeirskins.Whenhewasunhappy,liketonight,hecouldfeelsomethinghardanddangerousrisingupinsidehim,andheknewheneededtobecarefulofthemonsterhecarriedwithinhim.
Heturneddownanotherblock,listeningtothesoftpadofhisownstepsagainstthesidewalk.Neartheendofthestreet,afaintthudofmusiccamefromadilapidatedbuildingwhosebuzzingneonsignreadEDDIE’SBILLIARDS.
NoneofthefewcarsintheparkinglothadaDalcrestparkingsticker.Clearlyatowniespot,notastudentone.
IfStefanhadn’thadthisburning,angrylonelinessinsidehim,hewouldn’thavegonein.Helookedlikeastudent—
hewasastudent—andthisdidn’tlooklikeaplacethatwelcomedstudents.Buttheuglythinginsidehimstirredatthethoughtofmaybehavingareasontothrowapunchortwo.
Inside,itwaswellitbutdingy,theairthickandbluewithsmoke.Anoldrocksongwasplayingonajukeboxinthecorner.Sixpooltablessatinthemiddleoftheroom,withsmalroundtablesaroundthesides,andabaratthefarend.Twoofthepooltablesandafewoftheroundtableswereoccupiedbylocals,wholettheireyesdriftoverhimneutralyandthenturnedaway.
Atthebar,Stefansawafamiliarback,asleekdarkhead.Eventhoughhe’dbeensureDamonwouldbefolowingElena,hewasn’tsurprisedtoseehim.StefanhadreinedhisPowerin,concentratingonhisownmisery,buthe’dalwaysbeenabletosensehisbrother.Ifhehadthoughtaboutit,hewouldhaveknownDamonwasthere.
Damon,equalyunsurprised,turnedandtippedhisglasstoStefanwithawrylittlegrin.Stefanwentovertojoinhim.
“Helo,littlebrother,”DamonsaidsoftlywhenStefansatdown.“Shouldn’tyoubeholedupsomewhere,cryingoveryourlossofthelovelyElena?”
Stefansighedandslumpedonthebarstool.Proppinghiselbowsonthebar,herestedhisheadonhishands.
Suddenly,hewasterriblytired.“Let’snottalkaboutElena,”hesaid.“Idon’twanttofightwithyou,Damon.”
“Thendon’t.”Pattinghimlightlyontheshoulder,Damonwasupandoutofhisseat.“Let’splaysomepool.”Onethingaboutlivingforhundredsofyears,Stefanknew,wasthatyouhadtimetogetrealygoodatthings.
VersionsofbiliardshadbeenaroundaslongasheandDamonhad,althoughhelikedthemodernversionbest—helikedthesmelofthechalkandthesqueakoftheleathertiponthecue.
Damon’sthoughtsseemedtoberunningonthesametrack.“RememberwhenwewerekidsandweusedtoplaybiliartonthelawnsofFather’spalazzo?”heaskedasherackedupthebals.
“Differentgame,though,backthen,”Stefansaid.“Goaheadandbreak.”
Hecouldpictureitclearly,thetwoofthemfoolingaroundwhentheadultswerealinside,shovingthebalsacrossthegrasstowardtheirtargetswiththeheavy-headedmaces,inagamethatwasacrossbetweenmodernpoolandcroquet.Backinthosedays,Damonwaswild,pronetofightswithstableboysandnightsprowlingthestreets,butnotyetasangryashewouldbebythetimetheygrewintoyoungmen.Backthen,helethisadoring,moretimidyoungerbrothertrailafterhimandhaveashareinhisadventures.
Elenawasrightaboutonething,headmittedtohimself.
HelikedhangingoutwithDamon,beingbrothersagain.
Whenhe’dspottedDamonatthebarjustnow,he’dfeltalittlelighteningofthelonelinesshewascarryingaroundwithhim.Damonwastheonlypersonwhorememberedhimasachild,theonlypersonwhorememberedhimalive.
Maybetheycouldbefriends,withoutKatherineorElenabetweenthemforawhile.Maybesomethinggoodcouldcomeoutofthis.
Biliart,biliards,orpool,Damonhadalwayslikedplaying.HewasbetterthanStefan,and,afterhundredsofyearsofpractice,Stefanwasprettygood.
WhichwaswhyStefanwassosurprisedwhenDamon’sbreaksentbalsspinningmerrilyaloverthetable,butnoneintothepockets.
“What’sup?”heasked,cockinganeyebrowatDamonashechalkedhisowncue.
I’vebeenwatchingthelocals,Damonsaidsilently.
Thereareacoupleofslickhustlersinhere.Iwanttodrawthemovertous.Hustlethemforachange.
Comeon,DamonaddedquicklywhenStefanhesitated.It’snotwrongtohustlehustlers.It’slikekillingmurderers,apublicservice.
Yourmoralcompassisseriouslyskewed,Stefanshotbackathim,buthecouldn’tkeephimselffromsmiling.
Whatwastheharm,realy?“Twobalinthecornerpocket,”headdedaloud.HemadetheshotandsanktwomorebalsbeforeintentionalyscratchingandsteppingbacktoletDamontakehisturn.
Theywentonlikethat,playingprettywelbutnottoowel,carefultolooklikeacoupleofcockycolegekidswhoknewtheirwayaroundapoolcuebutwouldbenochalengetoaprofessionalhustler.Damon’spretenseoffrustrationwhenhemissedashotamusedStefan.Stefanhadforgotten,itwasfuntobepartofDamon’sschemes.
Stefanwonbyacoupleofbals,andDamonwhippedoutawaletfulofmoney.
“Yougotme,man,”hesaidinaslightlydrunkenvoicethatdidn’tsoundquitelikehisownandheldoutatwenty.
Stefanblinkedathim.
Takeit,Damonthoughtathim.SomethingaboutthesetofhisjawremindedStefanagainofthewayDamonwaswhentheywerechildren,ofthewayheliedtotheirfatherabouthismisadventures,confidentStefanwouldbackhimup.Damonwastrustinghimwithouteventhinkingaboutit,Stefanrealized.
Stefansmiledandslippeditintohisbackpocket.“Rack
’emupagain?”hesuggested,andrealizedhewasalsopitchinghisvoicealittleyounger,alittledrunker,thanhenormalywould.
Theyplayedanothergame,andStefanhandedthetwentyback.“Another?”heasked.
Damonstartedtorackthebals,andthenhishandsslowed.HeflickedaglanceupatStefanandthenbackdownatthebals.“Listen,”hesaid,takingadeepbreath,
“I’msorryforwhat’shappeningwithElena.IfI—”Hehesitated.“Ican’tjuststopfeelingthewayIdoabouther,butIdidn’tmeantomakethingsharderforyou.Orforher.”Stefanstaredathim.Damonneverapologized.Washeserious?“I—thankyou,”hesaid.
Damonlookedpasthimandhismouthtwitchedintohissudden,briliantsmile.Baittaken,hesaidsilently.Somuchfortheheartfeltbrothermoment.
Twoguyswerecomingtowardthem.Onewasshortandslightwithsandyhair,theotherbig,bulky,anddark.
“Hi,”theshorteronesaid.“Wewonderedifyouguyswantedtoplayteams,mixitupalittle.”Hissmilewasbrightandeasy,buthiseyeswereshrewdandwatchful.Theeyesofapredator.
TheirnameswereJimmyandDavid,andtheywererealpros.Theykeptthegamesclose,waitinguntilafterthethirdgametosuggestraisingthestakestomakethingsalittlemoreinteresting.
“Ahundred?”Jimmysuggestedcasualy.“Icanjustaboutdoit,ifyouwant.”
“Howaboutmore?”Damonsaid,soundingdrunkagain.
“Stefan,youstilgotthatfivehundredinyourwalet?”Stefandidn’t,nowherenearit,buthedidn’tthinkhe’dneedtopayup.Henoddedbut,ataglancefromDamon,playedreluctant.“Idon’tknow,Damon…”hesaid.
“Don’tworryaboutit,”Damonsaidexpansively.“Easymoney,right?”
Jimmywaswatchingthem,hiseyesalert.“Fivehundreditis,”heagreed,smiling.
“I’lbreak,”Damonsaid,andwentintoaction.Afteramoment,Stefanrestedhispoolcueagainstthewal.Hewasn’tgoingtogetachancetoshoot,noneofthemwere;Damonwasmovingwithclockworkprecisiontopocketonebalafteranother.
Hewasn’tmakinganyefforttohidethatheandStefanhadbeenrunningahustle,andJimmy’sandDavid’sfacesdarkeneddangerouslyasthelastfewbalsrattledintotheirpockets.
“Payup,”Damondemandedsharply,settingdownhiscue.
JimmyandDavidweremovingtowardthem,scowling.
“Youtwothinkyou’rerealsmart,don’tyou?”Davidgrowled.
Stefanpoisedhimselfonbothfeet,readytofightorrun,whateverDamonwanted.Theywouldn’thaveanytroublefendingofftheseguys,butwiththedisappearancesandattacksalovercampus,he’drathernotcalattentiontothemselves
Damon,coolandrelaxed,gazedatJimmyandDavid,hishandsopen.“Ithinkyouwanttopayusthemoneyyouoweus,”hesaidcalmly.
“Oh,that’swhatyouthink,doyou?”Jimmysaidsarcasticaly.Heshiftedhisgriponhispoolcue,andnowhewasholdingitmorelikeaweapon.
DamonsmiledandunleashedawaveofPowerintotheroom.EvenStefan,whowashalfexpectingit,waschiledasDamonliftedhishumanmaskforamoment,hisblackeyescoldanddeadly.JimmyandDavidstaggeredbackwardasifthey’dbeenshovedbyinvisiblehands.
“Okay,don’tgetupset,”Jimmysaid,hisvoiceshaking.
Davidwasblinkingasifhehadbeenslappedwithawettowel,clearlyunsureofwhathadjusthappened.JimmyopenedhiswaletandcountedoutfivehundreddolarsinfiftiesintoDamon’shand.
“Nowit’stimeforyoutogohome,”Damonsaidsoftly.
“Maybeyoudon’twanttoplaypoolforawhile.”Jimmynoddedanddidn’tseemtobeabletostopnodding,hisheadbobbinglikeitwasonaspring.HeandDavidbackedaway,movingquicklytowardthedoor.
“Scary,”Stefancommented.Therewasaholowplaceinsidehischeststil,anemptyacheofmissingElena,buthefeltbetterthanhehadsincethatdayshewalkedoutthedooralone.Tonight,herealizedwithaslightshock,he’dhadfunwithDamon.
“Oh,I’materror,”Damonagreedlightly,pocketingalthemoney.Stefanraisedaneyebrowathim.Hedidn’tcareaboutthemoney,butitwastypicalofDamontoassumeitwashis.Damongrinned.“Comeon,littlebrother,I’lbuyyouadrink.”
17
“Thatwasamazing!Seriously,”Bonniesaidhappily,skippingalongwithherhandinZander’s.“Iam,like,theQueenofQuarters.WhoknewIhadthishiddentalent?”Laughing,Zanderthrewhisarmaroundhershouldersandpuledhercloser.“Youareprettyawesome,”heagreed.“Drinkinggames,visions,astrology.AnyotherskilsIshouldknowabout?”
Snugglingagainsthim,Bonniefrownedinmockconcentration.“NotthatIcanthinkof.Justbeawareofmygeneralwonderfulness.”HisT-shirtwassoftandworn,andBonnietiltedherheadabittoresthercheekagainstit.“I’mgladwegotourfriendstogether,”shesaid.“IthoughtMarcusandMeredithrealyhititoff,didn’tyou?Notromanticaly,atal,whichisgoodsinceMeredithhasasuper-seriousboyfriend,butitwasliketheysharedthesamesecretjocklanguage.Maybewecanalhangoutinagroupagainsometime.”
“Yeah,MeredithandMarcusrealybondedovertheirworkouts,”Zanderagreed,buttherewasahesitationinhisvoicethatmadeBonniestopwalkingandpeerupathimsharply.
“Didn’tyoulikemyfriends?”sheasked,hurt.SheandMeredithandElenahadalwayshadwhattheyprivatelycaleda“velociraptorsisterhood.”Crossoneofthemandtheothertwowouldcloseintoprotecther.Zanderhadtolikethem
“No,Ilikedthemalot,”Zanderassuredher.Hehesitated,thenadded,“Elenaseemedkindof…
uncomfortable,though.Maybewe’renotthekindofpeopleshelikes?”
Bonniestiffened.“Areyoucalingmybestfriendasnob?”sheasked.
Zanderstrokedherbackappeasingly.“Sortof,Iguess.Imean,nice,butjustkindofasnob.Thenicestkindofsnob.
Ijustwanthertolikeme.”
“She’snotasnob,”Bonniesaidindignantly.“Andevenifshewas,she’sgotalottobeasnobabout.She’sbeautifulandsmartandoneofthebestfriendsI’veeverhad.I’ddoanythingforher.Andshe’ddoanythingforme,too.Soitdoesn’tmatterifshe’sasnob,”sheconcluded,glaringathim.
“Comehere,”Zandersaid.Theywerenearthemusicbuilding,andhepuledherintothelitalcovebythefrontdoor.“Sitwithme?”heasked,settlingonthebrickstepsandtuggingherhand.
Bonniesatdown,butshewasdeterminednottosnuggleuptohimagain.Instead,shekeptadistancebetweenthemandstaredstubbornlyoutatthenight,herjawfirmlyset.
“Listen,Bonnie,”Zandersaid,pushingalongstrawberryblondecurloutofhereyes.“I’lgettoknowElenabetter,andI’msureI’llikeher.I’lgethertolikeme,too.YouknowwhyI’mgoingtogettoknowherbetter?”
“No,why?”saidBonnie,reluctantlylookingathim.
“BecauseIwanttoknowyoubetter.I’mplanningonspendingalotoftimewithyou,BonnieMcCulough.”Henudgedhergentlywithhisshoulder,andBonniemelted.
Zander’seyesweresoblue,bluelikemorningontheveryfirstdayofsummervacation.Therewasinteligenceandlaughterwithjustatouchofawildlonginginthem.Heleanedincloser,andBonniewassurehewasabouttokissher,theirfirstkissatlast.
Shetiltedherheadbacktomeethislips,hereyelashesflutteringclosed.
Afteramomentofwaitingforakissthatdidn’tcome,shesatupagainandopenedhereyes.Zanderwasstaringpasther,outintothedarknessofthecampus,frowning.
Bonnieclearedherthroat.
“Oh,”hesaid,“sorry,Bonnie,Igotdistractedforaminute.”
“Distracted?”Bonnieechoedindignantly.“Whatdoyoumeanyou—”
“Hangonasec.”Zanderputafingertoherlips,shushingher.
“Doyouhearsomething?”Bonnieasked,uneasytinglescreepingupherback.
Zandergottohisfeet.“Sorry,IjustrememberedsomethingIhavetodo.I’lcatchupwithyoulater,okay?”Withahalfheartedwave,notevenlookingatBonnie,helopedoffintothedarkness.
Bonnie’smouthdroppedopen.“Wait!”shesaid,scramblingtoherfeet.“Areyoujustgoingtoleavemehere”—Zanderwasgone—“alone?”shefinishedinatinyvoice.
Great.Bonniewalkedouttothemiddleofthepath,lookedaround,andwaitedaminutetoseeiftherewasanysignofZandercomingback.Buttherewasnooneinsight.
Shecouldn’tevenhearhisfootstepsanymore.
Therewerepoolsoflightbeneaththestreetlampsonthepath,buttheydidn’treachveryfar.Abreezerustledtheleavesofthetreesonthequad,andBonnieshivered.Nosenseinstandinghere,Bonniethought,andshestartedwalking.
Forthefirstfewstepsdownthepathtowardherdorm,Bonniewasrealyangry,hotandhumiliated.HowcouldZanderhavebeensuchaflake?Howcouldheleaveheralaloneinthemiddleofthenight,especialyafteraltheattacksanddisappearancesoncampus?Shekickedviciouslyatapebbleinherpath.
Afewstepsfurtheron,Bonniestoppedbeingsoangry.
Shewastooscared;thefearwaspushingtheangeroutofher.SheshouldhaveheadedbacktothedormwhenMeredithandElenadid,butshe’dassuredthem,gaily,thatZanderwouldwalkherback.Howcouldhehavejustlefther?Shewrappedherarmsaroundherselftightlyandwentasfastasshecouldwithoutactualyrunning,herstupidhigh-heeledgoing-out-dancingshoespinchingandmakingthebalsofherfeetache.
Itwasrealylate;mostoftheotherpeoplewholivedoncampusmustbetuckedintotheirbedsbynow.Thesilencewasunsettling.
Whenthefootstepsbeganbehindher,itwasevenworse.
Shewasn’tsureshewasrealyhearingthematfirst.
Gradualy,shebecameawareofafaint,quickpaddinginthedistance,someonemovinglightlyandfast.Shepausedandlistened,andthefootstepsgrewlouderandfasterstil.
Someonewasrunningtowardher.
Bonniespedup,stumblingoverherfeetinherhaste.
Hershoesskiddedonaloosestoneinthepathandshefel,catchingherselfonherhandsandoneknee.Theimpactstungsharplyenoughtobringtearstohereyes,butshekickedoffhershoes,notcaringthatshewasleavingthembehind.Shescrambledupandranfaster.
Thefootstepsofherpursuerwereloudernow,startingtocatchup.Theirrhythmwasstrange:loudperiodicfootfalswithquicker,lighterbeatsinbetween.Bonnierealizedwithhorrorthattherewasmorethanonepersonchasingher.
Herfootskiddedagain,andshebarelycaughtherbalance,staggeringsidewaysafewstepstokeepfromfaling,losingmoreground.
AheavyhandfelonBonnie’sshoulder,andshescreamedandwhippedaround,herfistsraisedinadesperatebidtodefendherself.
“Bonnie!”Meredithgasped,clutchingBonnie’sshoulders.“Whatareyoudoingoutherebyyourself?”Samanthacameupbesidethem,carryingBonnie’sshoes,anddoubledover,pantingforbreath.
“Youarewaytoofastforme,Meredith,”shesaid.
Bonnieswalowedasobofrelief.Nowthatshewassafe,shefeltlikesittingdownandhavinghysterics.“Youscaredme,”shesaid.
Meredithlookedfurious.“Rememberhowwepromisedtosticktogether?”Meredith’sgrayeyeswerestormy.“YouweresupposedtostaywithZanderuntilyougothomesafely.”
Bonnie,abouttorespondheatedlythatithadn’tbeenherchoicetobeoutherealone,suddenlyclosedhermouthandnodded.
IfMeredithknewthatZanderhadleftBonnieoutherebyherself,shewouldnever,neverforgivehim.AndBonniewasmadatZanderforleavingher,butshewasn’tquitethatmad,notmadenoughtoturnMeredithagainsthim.Maybehehadanexplanation.Andshestilwantedthatkiss.
“I’msorry,”Bonniesaidabjectly,staringdownatherfeet.“You’reright,Ishouldhaveknownbetter.”Molified,MeredithswunganarmoverBonnie’sshoulders.SamanthasilentlyhandedBonniehershoes,andBonniepuledthembackon.“Let’swalkSamanthabacktoherdorm,andthenwe’lgohometogether,”shesaidforgivingly.“You’lbeokaywithus.”Aroundthecornerfromherroom,Elenasaggedandleanedagainstthehalwaywalforamoment.Ithadbeenalong,longnight.Therehadbeendrinks,anddancingwiththehugeshaggy-hairedSpencerwho,asSamanthahadwarnedher,didtrytopickElenaupandswingheraround.
Thingsgotloudandaggravating,andthewholetime,herhearthurt.Shewasn’tsureshewantedtonavigatetheworldwithoutStefan.It’sjustfornow,shetoldherself,straighteningupandploddingaroundthecorner.
“Helo,princess,”saidDamon.Elenastiffenedinshock.
Loungingonthefloorinfrontofherdoor,Damonsomehowmanagedtolooksleekandperfectlypoisedinwhatwouldhavebeenanawkwardpositionforanyoneelse.Assherecoveredfromtheshockofhisbeingthereatal,Elenawassurprisedbytheburstofjoythatroseupinherchestatthesightofhim.
Tryingtoignorethathappylittlehopinsideher,shesaidflatly,“ItoldyouIdidn’twanttoseeyouforawhile,Damon.”Damonshruggedandrosegracefulytohisfeet.
“Darling,I’mnotheretopleadforyourhand.”Hiseyeslingeredonhermouthforamoment,butthenhewentoninadryanddetachedtone.“I’mjustcheckinginonyouandthelittleredbird,makingsureyouhaven’tdisappearedwithwhatever’sgonesouronthiscampus.”
“We’refine,”Elenasaidshortly.“HereIam,andBonnie’snewboyfriendiswalkingherhome.”
“Newboyfriend?”Damonasked,raisingoneeyebrow.
He’dalwayshad—something—someconnectionwithBonnie,Elenaknew,andsheguessedhisegomightnotbethriledtohavehermovingpastthelittlecrushshe’dfocusedonhim.“Andhowdidyougethome?”Damonaskedacidly.“Inoticeyouhaven’tpickedupanewboyfriendtoprotectyou.Notyet,anyway.”Elenaflushedandbitherlipbutrefusedtorisetothebait.“Meredithjustlefttopatrolaroundcampus.Inoticeyoudidn’taskabouther.Don’tyouwanttomakesureshe’ssafe?”
Damonsnorted.“Ipityanyghoulthatgoesafterthatone,”hesaid,soundingmoreadmiringthananythingelse.
“CanIcomein?NotethatI’mbeingcourteousagain,waitingforyououthereinthisdingyhalwayinsteadofcomfortablyonyourbed.”
“Youcancomeinforaminute,”Elenasaidgrudgingly,andopenedherbagtorummageforherkeys.
Oh.Shefeltasuddenpangofheartache.Atthetopofherbag,rathercrushedandwiltednow,wasthedaisyshe’dfoundoutsideherdooratthebeginningoftheevening.Shetoucheditgently,reluctanttopushitasideinthehuntforherkeys.
“Adaisy,”saidDamondryly.“Verysweet.Youdon’tseemtobetakingmuchcareofit,though.”Purposelyignoringhim,Elenagrabbedherkeysandsnappedthebagshut.“Soyouthinkthedisappearancesandattacksarebecauseofghouls?Doyoumeansomethingsupernatural?”sheasked,unlockingthedoor.
“Whatdidyoufindout,Damon?”
Shrugging,Damonfolowedherintotheroom.
“Nothing,”heansweredgrimly.“ButIcertainlydon’tthinkthemissingkidsjustfreakedoutandwenthomeortoDaytonaBeachorsomething.Ithinkyouneedtobecareful.”Elenasatdownonherbed,drewherkneesup,andrestedherchinonthem.“HaveyouusedyourPowertotrytofigureoutwhat’sgoingon?”sheasked.“Meredithsaidshewouldaskyou.”
Damonsatdownnexttoherandsighed.“Beloved,aslittleasIliketoadmitit,evenmyPowerhaslimits,”hesaid.
“Ifsomeoneismuchstrongerthanme,likeKlauswas,hecanhidehimself.Ifsomeoneismuchweaker,hedoesn’tusualymakeenoughofanimpressionformetofindhimunlessIalreadyknowwhoheis.Andforsomeridiculousreason”—hescowled—“Icanneversensewerewolvesatal.”
“Soyoucan’thelp?”Elenasaid,dismayed.
“Oh,Ididn’tsaythat,”Damonsaid.HetouchedaloosestrandofElena’sgoldenhairwithonelongfinger.“Pretty,”hesaidabsently.“Ilikeyourhairpuledbacklikethis.”Shetwitchedawayfromhim,andhedroppedhishand.“I’mlookingintoit,”hewenton,hiseyesgleaming.“Ihaven’thadagoodhuntinfartoolong.”
Elenawasn’tsurethatsheoughttofindthiscomforting,butshedid,inakindofscaryway.“You’lberelentless,then?”sheasked,alittlechilgoingthroughher,andhenodded,hislongblacklasheshalfveilinghiseyes.
Shewassosleepyandfelthappiernowthatshe’dseenDamon,althoughsheknewsheshouldn’thavelethimin.
Shemissedhim,too.“Youhadbettergo,”shesaid,yawning.“Letmeknowwhatyoufindout.”Damonstood,hesitatingbytheendofherbed.“Idon’tlikeleavingyoualonehere,”hesaid.“Notwitheverythingthat’sbeenhappening.Wherearethosefriendsofyours?”
“They’lbehere,”Elenasaid.Somethinggenerousinhermadeheradd,“Butifyou’rethatworried,youcansleephereifyouwant.”She’dmissedhim,shehad,andhewasbeingaperfectgentleman.Andshehadtoadmit,shewouldfeelsaferwithhimthere.
“Ican?”Damonquirkedawickedeyebrow.
“Onthefloor,”Elenasaidfirmly.“I’msureBonnieandMeredithwilbegladforyourprotection,too.”Itwasalie.
WhileBonniewouldbethriledtoseehim,therewasadecentchanceMeredithwouldkickhimonpurposeasshecrossedtheroom.Shemightevenputonspecialpointy-toedbootstodoit.
Elenagotupandpuleddownaspareblanketfromherclosetforhim,thenheadedofftobrushherteethandchange.Whenshecameback,alreadyforbed,hewaslyingonthefloor,wrappedintheblanket.Hiseyeslingeredforaminuteonthecurveofherneckleadingdowntoherlacywhitenightgown,buthedidn’tsayanything.
Elenaclimbedintobedandturnedoutthelight.“Goodnight,Damon,”shesaid
Therewasasoftrushofair.Thensuddenlyhewhisperedsoftlyinherear,“Goodnight,princess.”Coollipsbrushedhercheekandthenweregone.
18
Thenextmorning,ElenawoketofindDamongone,hisblanketfoldedneatlyatthefootofherbed.Meredithwasdressingforamorningworkout,sleepy-eyedandsilent,andsheonlynoddedasElenapassedher;ElenahadlearnedlongagothatMeredithwasuselessforconversationbeforeshe’dhadherfirstcupofcoffee
Bonnie,whodidn’thaveclassuntilthatafternoon,wasonlyalumpunderhercovers.
SurelyMeredithwouldhavesaidsomethingifshehadnoticedDamononthefloor,Elenathoughtasshedroppedinatthecafeteriatograbamuffinbeforeclass.MaybeDamonhadn’tstayed.Elenabitherlip,thinkingaboutthat,kickinglittlestonesonherwaytoclass.Shehadthoughthewouldstay,thathewouldwanttotryandkeephersafe.
Wasitrightthatshelikedthatandthatshefeltmorethanatwingeofhurtattheideathathehadleft?
Shedidn’twantDamontobeinlovewithher,didshe?
Wasn’tpartofthereasonsheputherromancewithStefanonholdsothatsheandDamoncouldgeteachotheroutoftheirsystems?But…
Iamalousyperson,sherealized.
MusingonherownlousinesstookElenaalthewayintoherHistoryoftheSouthclass,whereshewasdoodlingsadlyinhernotebookwhenProfessorCampbel—James
—camein.Clearinghisthroatloudly,hewalkedtothefrontoftheclass,andElenareluctantlypuledherattentionawayfromherownproblemstopayattentiontohim.
Jameslookeddifferent.Unsureofhimself,Elenarealized.Hiseyesdidn’tseemquiteasbrightasusual,andheappearedtobesomehowsmaler.
“There’sbeenanotherdisappearance,”hesaidquietly.
Ananxiousbabbleroseupfromtherestoftheclass,andhehelduphishand.“Thevictimthistime—andIthinkwecansayatthispointthatwe’retalkingaboutvictims,notstudentssimplyleavingcampus—is,unfortunately,astudentinthisclass.CourtneyBrooksismissing;shewaslastseenwalkingbacktoherdormfromapartylastnight.”Scanningtheclass,ElenatriedtorememberwhoCourtneyBrookswas.Atal,quietgirlwithcaramel-coloredhair,shethought,andspottedthegirl’semptyseat.
Jamesraisedhishandagaintoqueltherisingclamoroffrightenedandexcitedvoices.“Becauseofthis,”hesaidslowly,“IthinkthattodaywemustpostponecontinuingourdiscussionofthecolonialperiodsothatIcantelyoualittlebitaboutthehistoryofDalcrestColege.”Helookedaroundattheconfusedfacesoftheclass.“Thisisnot,yousee,thefirsttimeunusualthingshavehappenedonthiscampus.”Elenafrownedand,lookingatherclassmates,sawherconfusionmirroredontheirfaces.
“Dalcrest,asmanyofyoudoubtlesslyknow,wasfoundedin1889bySimonDalcrestwiththeaimofeducatingthewealthysonsofthepostwarSouthernaristocracy.HesaidthathewantedDalcresttobeconsideredthe‘HarvardoftheSouth’andthatheandhisfamilywouldbeattheforefrontofintelectualismandacademiainthesoon-to-beginnewcentury.Thismuchisfrequentlyfeaturedintheofficialcampushistories.
“It’slesswelknownthatSimon’shopesweredashedin1895whenhiswildtwenty-year-oldson,WiliamDalcrest,wasfounddeadwiththreeothersinthetunnelsunderneaththeschool.Itwaswhatappearedtobeasuicidepact.
Certainmaterialsandsymbolsfoundinthetunnelswiththebodiessuggestedsometiestoblackmagic.TwoyearslaterSimon’swife,JuliaDalcrest,wasbrutalymurderedinwhatisnowtheadministrationbuilding;themysterysurroundingherdeathwasneversolved.”Elenaglancedaroundatherclassmates.Hadtheyknownaboutthis?Thecolegebrochuresmentionedwhentheschoolwasfoundedandbywho,butnothingaboutsuicidesandmurders.Tunnelsunderneaththeschool?
“JuliaDalcrestisoneofatleastthreedistinctghostswhoarerumoredtohauntthecampus.Theotherghostsarethoseofaseventeen-year-oldgirlwhodrowned,againundermysteriouscircumstances,whenvisitingforaweekenddancein1929.SheissaidtowanderwailingthroughthehalsofMcClelanHouse,leavingdrippingpoolsofwaterbehindher.Thethirdisatwenty-one-year-oldboywhovanishedin1953andwhosebodywasfoundthreeyearslaterinthelibrarybasement.Hisghosthasreportedlybeenseencominginandoutofofficesinthelibrary,runningandlookingbackwardinterror,asifheisbeingpursued.
“Therearealsorumorsofseveralothermysteriousoccurrences:astudentin1963disappearedforfourdaysandreappeared,sayinghehadbeenkidnappedbyelves.”Anervousgiggleranthroughtheclass,andJameswavedareprovingfingerathisaudience.Heseemedtobeperkingup,swelingbacktohisusualselfundertheinfluenceoftheclass’sattention.
“Thepointis,”hesaid,“thatDalcrestisanunusualplace.Beyondelvesandghosts,therehasbeenaplethoraofdocumentedunusualoccurrences,andrumorsandlegendsoffarmorespringuparoundcampuseveryyear.
Mysteriousdeaths.Secretsocieties.Talesofmonsters.”Hepauseddramaticalyandlookedaroundatthem.“Ibegyou,donotbecomepartofthelegend.Besmart,besafe,andsticktogether.Classdismissed.”
Thestudentsglancedatoneanotheruneasily,startledbythisabruptdismissalwithstilmorethanhalfanhourleftintheclass.Regardless,theystartedtogathertheirpossessionstogetherandtrickleoutoftheroomintwosandthrees.
Elenagrabbedherbagandhurriedtothefrontoftheroom.
“Professor,”shesaid.“James.”
“Ah,Elena,”Jamessaid.“Ihopeyouwerepayingattentiontoday.Itisimportantthatyouyounggirlsbeonyourguard.Theyoungmen,too,realy.Whateveraffectsthiscampusdoesnotseemtodiscriminate.”Upclose,helookedpaleandworried,olderthanhehadatthebeginningofthesemester.
“IwasveryinterestedinwhatyousaidaboutthehistoryofDalcrest,”Elenasaid.“Butyoudidn’ttalkaboutwhat’shappeningnow.Whatdoyouthinkisgoingonhere?”ProfessorCampbel’sfacecreasedintoevengrimmerlines,andhisbrighteyesgazedpasther.“Wel,mydear,”hesaid,“it’shardtosay.Yes,veryhard.”Helickedhislipsnervously.“I’vespentalotoftimeatthisschool,youknow,yearsandyears.There’snotalotIwouldn’tbelieveatthispoint.ButIjustdon’tknow,”hesaidsoftly,asifhewastalkingtohimself.
“TherewassomethingelseIwantedtoaskyou,”Elenasaid,andhelookedatherattentively.“Iwenttoseethepictureyoutoldmeabout.Theoneofyouandmyparentswhenyouwerestudentshere.Youwerealwearingthesamepininthepicture.ItwasblueandintheshapeofaV.”ShewascloseenoughtoJamesthatshefelthiswholebodyjoltwithsurprise.Hisfacelostitsgrimthoughtfulnessandwentblank.“Oh,yes?”hesaid.“Ican’timaginewhatitwas,I’mafraid.ProbablysomethingElizabethmade.Shewasalwaysverycreative.Now,mydear,Irealymustrun.”HeslippedpastElenaandmadehisescape,hurryingoutoftheclassroomdespiteafewotherstudents’tryingtostophimwithquestions.
Elenawatchedhimgo,feelingherowneyebrowsgoingupinsurprise.Jamesknewmorethanhewassaying,thatwasforsure.Ifhewouldn’ttelher—andshewasn’tgivinguponhimjustyet—she’dfindoutsomewhereelse.Thosepinsweresignificant,hisreactionprovedthat.
Whatkindofmysterycouldbetiedtoapin?HadJamessaidsomethingaboutsecretsocieties?
“Aftermyparentsdied,”SamanthatoldMeredith,“Iwenttolivewithmyaunt.Shecamefromahunterfamily,too,butshedidn’tknowanythingaboutit.Shedidn’tseemtowanttoknow.IkeptondoingmartialartsandeverythingIcouldlearnbymyself,butIdidn’thaveanyonetotrainme.”Meredithshoneherflashlightintothedarkbushesoverbythemusicbuildingandwavedthebeamaround.Nothingtoseeexceptplants.
“Youdidagoodjobteachingyourself,”shetoldSamantha.“You’resmartandstrongandcareful.Youjustneedtokeeptrustingyourinstincts.”IthadbeenSamantha’sideatopatrolthecampustogetheraftersundown,tocheckouttheplaceswherethemissinggirl,Courtney,hadbeenspottedlastnight,toseeiftheycouldfindanything.
Meredithhadfeltpowerfulatthebeginningoftheevening,poisedtofight,withhersisterhunterbesideher.
Butnow,eventhoughitwasinterestingtopatrolwithSamantha,toseethehunterlifethroughhereyes,itwasstartingtofeelliketheywerejustwanderingaroundatrandom.
“Thepolicefoundhersweatersomewhereoverhere,”Samanthasaid.“Weshouldlookaroundforclues.”
“Okay.”Meredithrestrainedherselffromsayingthatthepolicehadalreadybeenthroughherewithdogs,lookingforcluesthemselves,andtherewasagoodchancetheyhadfoundanythingtherewastofind.Shescannedtheflashlightoverthegrassandpath.“Maybewe’dbebetteroffdoingthisduringtheday,whenwecanseebetter.”
“Iguessyou’reright,”Samanthasaid,flickingherownflashlightonandoff.“It’sgoodthatwe’reouthereatnight,though,don’tyouthink?Ifwe’repatroling,wecanprotectpeople.Keepthingsfromgettingoutofcontrol.WewalkedBonniehomelastnightandkepthersafe.”Meredithfeltaflickerofanxiety.Whatiftheyhadn’tcomealong?CouldBonniehavebeentheonewhodisappeared,insteadofCourtney?
SamanthalookedatMeredith,alittlesmilecurlingupthecornersofhermouth.“It’sourdestiny,right?Whatwewerebornfor.”
Meredithgrinnedbackather,forgettinghermomentaryanxiety.ShelovedSamantha’senthusiasmforthehunt,herconstantstrivingtogetbetter,tofightthedarkness.“Ourdestiny,”sheagreed.
Offacrossthequad,someonescreamed.
Snappingintoactionwithouteventhinkingaboutit,Meredithbeganrunning.Samanthawasafewstepsbehindher,alreadystrugglingtokeepup.Sheneedstoworkonherspeed,coolycommentedthepartofMerediththatwasalwaystakingnotes.
Thescream,shrilandfrightened,cameagain,abittotheleft.Meredithchangeddirectionandspedtowardit.
Where?Shewasclosenow,butshecouldn’tseeanything.Shescannedherflashlightovertheground,searching.
There.Onthegroundnearby,twodarkfigureslay,onepinningtheothertotheground.
Everyonefrozeforamoment,andthenMeredithwasracingtowardthem,shouting“Stopit!Getoff!Getoff!”andasecondlater,thefigurethathadbeenpinningtheotherdownwasupandrunningintothedarkness.
Blackhoodie,blackjeans,thenotetakersaidcalmly.
Can’ttellifit’saguyoragirl.
Thepersonwho’dbeenpinnedwasagirl,andsheflinchedandscreamedasMeredithranpasther,butMeredithcouldn’tstop.Samanthawasbehindhersoshecouldhelpthegirl.Meredithhadtocatchthefleeingfigure.
Herlongstridesateuptheground,butshewasn’tfastenough.
Eventhoughshewasgoingasfastasshecould,thepersoninblackwasfaster.Therewasaglimpseofpalenessasthepersonlookedbackatherandthenmeltedintothedarkness.Meredithranon,searching,buttherewasnothingtobefound.
Finaly,shehalted.Panting,tryingtocatchherbreath,shesweptthebeamoftheflashlightovertheground,lookingforsomeclue.Shecouldn’tbelieveshehadfailed,thatshehadlettheattackergetaway.
Nothing.Notrace.Theyhadgottensoclose,andstil,alsheknewwasthatthepersonwhoattackedthisgirlownedblackclothesandwasaninsanelyfastrunner.Meredithsworeandkickedattheground,thenpuledherselfbacktogether.
Approximatingcalmness,sheheadedbacktowardthevictim.WhileMeredithwaschasingtheattacker,Samanthahadhelpedthegirltoherfeet,andnowthegirlwashuddledclosetoSamantha’sside,wipinghereyeswithatissue.
ShakingherheadatMeredith,Samanthasaid,“Shedidn’tseeanything.Shethinksitwasaman,butshedidn’tseehisface.”
Meredithclenchedherfists.“Dammit.Ididn’tseeanythingeither.Hewassofast…”Hervoicetrailedoffasathoughtstruckher.
“Whatisit?”Samanthaasked.
“Nothing,”Meredithsaid.“Hegotaway.”Inhermind,shereplayedthatmomentaryglimpseofpalehairshehadseenastheattackerlookedbackather.Thatshadeofpale
—shehadseenitsomewhereveryrecently.
SherememberedZander,hisfaceturnedtowardBonnie’s.Hiswhite-blondhairwasthatsameunusualshade.Itwasn’tenoughtogoon,notenoughtotelanyone
Amomentaryimpressionofacolordidn’tmeananything.
Meredithpushedthethoughtaway,but,asshegazedoffintothedarknessagain,shewrappedherarmsaroundherself,suddenlycold.
19
NobodywasgoingtolietoElenaGilbertandgetawaywithit.
Elenamarchedalongthepathtothelibrary,indignationkeepingherheadhighandherstepssharp.SoJamesthoughthecouldpretendhedidn’trememberanythingaboutthoseV-shapedpins?Thewayhiseyeshadskippedawayfromhers,thefaintflushofpinkinhisplumpcheeks,everythingabouthimhadshoutedthattherewassomethingthere,somesecretabouthimandherparentsthathedidn’twanttotelher.
Ifhewasn’tgoingtotelher,shewouldfindoutforherself.Thelibraryseemedlikealogicalplacetostart.
“Elena,”avoicecaled,andshestopped.ShehadbeensofocusedonhermissionthatshehadalmostwalkedrightbyDamon,leaningagainstatreeoutsidethelibrary.Hesmiledupatherwithaninnocentlyinquiringexpression,hislonglegsstretchedinfrontofhim.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”shesaidabruptly.Itwassoweird,justseeinghimhereinthedaylightoncampus,likehewaspartofonepicturesuperimposeduponanother.Hedidn’tbelonginthispartofherlife,notunlessshebroughthiminherself.
“Enjoyingthesunshine,”Damonsaiddryly.“Andthescenery.”Thewaveofhishandencompassedthetreesandbuildingsofthecampusaswelasaflockofprettygirlsgigglingontheothersideofthepath.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Igotothisschool,”Elenasaid.“Soit’snotweirdformetobehangingaroundthelibrary.Seemypoint?”Damonlaughed.“You’vediscoveredmysecret,Elena,”hesaid,gettingtohisfeet.“Iwasherehopingtoseeyou.
Oroneofyourlittlefriends.Igetsolonely,youknow,evenyourMuttwouldbeawelcomedistraction.”
“Realy?”sheasked.
Heshotheralook,hisdarkeyesamused.“OfcourseIalwayswanttoseeyou,princess.ButI’mhereforanotherreason.I’msupposedtobelookingintothedisappearances,remember?SoIhavetospendsometimeonthecampus.”
“Oh.Okay.”Elenaconsideredheroptions.Officialy,sheshouldn’tbehangingaroundDamonatal.Thetermsofherbreakup—orjustbreak,shecorrectedherself—withStefanwerethatshewasn’tgoingtoseeeitheroftheSalvatorebrothers,notuntiltheyworkedouttheirownissuesandthisthingbetweenthethreeofthemhadtimetocooloff.Butshe’dalreadyviolatedthatbylettingDamonsleeponthefloorofherroom,amuchbiggerdealthangoingtothelibrarytogether.
“Andwhatareyouupto?”Damonaskedher.“AnythingIcanassistwith?”
Realy,atriptothelibraryoughttobeinnocentenough.
Elenamadeuphermind.SheandDamonweresupposedtobefriends,afteral.“I’mtryingtofindoutsomeinformationaboutmyparents,”shesaid.“Wanttohelp?”
“Certainly,mylovely,”Damonsaid,andtookherhand.
Elenafeltaslightfrissonofunease.Buthisfingerswerereassuringlyfirminhers,andshepushedherhesitationaway.
Theancienttennis-shoedlibrarianinchargeofthearchiveroomexplainedhowtosearchthedatabaseofschoolrecordsandgotElenaandDamonsetupinthecorneronacomputer.
“Ugh,”Damonsaid,pokingdisdainfulyatakey.“Idon’tmindcomputers,butbooksandpicturesoughttobereal,notonamachine.”
“Butthiswayeveryonecanseethem,”Elenasaidpatiently.She’dhadthiskindofconversationwithStefanbefore.TheSalvatorebrothersmightlookcolege-aged,butthereweresomethingsaboutthemodernworldtheyjustcouldn’tseemtogettheirheadsaround.
Elenaclickedonthephotosectionofthedatabaseandtypedinhermother’sname,ElizabethMorrow.
“Look,thereareabunchofpictures.”Shescannedthroughthem,lookingfortheonethatshehadseenhanginginthehal.Shesawalotofcastandcrewpicturesfromvarioustheatricalproductions.Jameshadtoldherthathermotherwasastaronthedesignside,butitlookedlikeshewasinsomeproductions,too.Inone,Elena’smotherwasdancing,herheadflungback,herhairgoingeverywhere.
“Shelookslikeyou.”Damonwascontemplatingthepicture,hisheadtiltedtooneside,darkeyesintent.“Softerhere,though,aroundthemouth”—onelongfingergestured
—“andherfaceismoreinnocentthanyours.”Hismouthtwistedteasingly,andheshotasidelongglanceatElena.
“Anicergirlthanyou,I’dguess.”
“I’mnice,”Elenasaid,hurt,andquicklyclickedontofindthepictureshewaslookingfor.
“You’retooclevertobenice,Elena,”Damonsaid,butElenawasbarelylistening.
“Hereweare,”shesaid.Thephotographwasjustassherememberedit:Jamesandherparentsunderatree,eagerandimpossiblyyoung.Elenazoomedinontheimage,focusingonthepinonherfather’sshirt.DefinitelyaV.Itwasblue,adeepdarkblue,shecouldseethatnow,thesameshadeasthelapislazuliringsDamonandStefanworetoprotectthemselvesfromsunlight.
“I’veseenoneofthosepinsbefore,”Damonsaidabruptly.Hefrowned.“Idon’trememberwhere,though.
Sorry.”
“You’veseenitrecently?”Elenaasked,butDamonjustshrugged.“Jamessaidmymothermadethepinsforalofthem,”shesaid,zoomingclosersothatalshecouldseeonthescreenwasthegrainyimageoftheV.“Idon’tbelievehim,though.Shedidn’tmakejewelry,thatwasn’therkindofthing.Anditdoesn’tlookhandmade,notunlessitwasmadebysomeonewithanactualjewelrystudio.
That’ssomekindofenamelingontheV,Ithink.”ShetypedVinthesearchengine,butitcamebackwithnothing.“IwishIknewwhatitstoodfor.”
Withanothergracefulone-shoulderedshrug,Damonreachedforthemouseandzoomedinandoutondifferentpartsofthepicture.Behindthem,thelibrarianthunkedabookdown,andElenaglancedbackathertofindthewoman’seyesfixedonthemwithdisconcertingintensity.
HermouthtightenedashereyesmetElena’s,andshelookedaway,walkingalittlefartheralongtheaisle.ButElenawasleftwiththecreepyfeelingthatthelibrarianwasstilwatchingandlisteningtothem.
SheturnedtowhispersomethingtoDamonaboutitbutwascaughtagainbythesheerunexpectednessofhim,ofhimhere.Hejustdidn’tfitinthedrabandordinarylibrarycomputerstation—itwaslikefindingawildanimalcurleduponyourdesk.Likeadarkangelfixingoatmealinyourkitchen.
Hadsheeverseenhimunderfluorescentlightsbefore?
Somethingaboutthelightingbroughtoutthecleanpalenessofhisskin,castlongshadowsalonghischeekbones,andfelwithoutreflectionintotheblackvelvetofhishairandeyes.Acoupleofbuttonsonthecolarofhisshirtwereundone,andElenafoundherselfalmostmesmerizedbythesubtleshiftsofthelongmusclesinhisneckandshoulders.
“WhatwouldaVitalSocietybe?”heaskedsuddenly,breakingheroutofherreverie.
“What?”sheasked,confused.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
Damonclickedthemouseandshiftedthezoom,focusingthistimeonthenotebookinhermother’slap.Hermother’shands—prettyhands,Elenanoticed,prettierthanherown,whichhadslightlycrookedpinkies—weresplayedovertheopenbook,butbetweenthefingers,Elenacouldread:VitlSociy
“Iassumethat’swhatitsays,”Damonsaid,shrugging.
“Sinceyou’relookingforsomethingthatstartswithV.Itcouldsaysomethingelseofcourse.VitalSocialy,maybe?
Wasyourmotherasocialqueenbeelikeyou?”Elenaignoredthequestion.“TheVitaleSociety,”shesaidslowly.“Ialwaysthoughtitwasamyth.”
“LeavetheVitaleSocietyalone.”Thehisscamefrombehindthem,andElenawhippedaround.
Thelibrarianseemedcuriouslyimpressiveframedagainstthebookshelvesdespitehertennisshoesandpastelsweaterset.HerhawklikefacewastenseandfocusedonElena,herbodytaland,Elenafeltinstinctively,threatening.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Elenaasked.“Doyouknowsomethingaboutthem?”
Confrontedbyadirectquestion,thewomanseemedtoshrinkfromthealmostmenacingfigureshehadbeenasecondbeforetoanordinary,slightlyditheringoldlady.“Idon’tknowanything,”shemuttered,frowning.“AlIcansayisthatit’snotsafetomesswiththeVitales.Thingshappenaroundthem.Evenifyou’recareful.”Shestartedtowheelherbookcartaway.
“Wait!”Elenasaid,halfrising.“Whatkindofthings?”Whathadherparentsbeeninvolvedin?Theywouldn’thavedoneanythingwrong,wouldthey?NotElena’sparents.Butthelibrarianonlywalkedfaster,thewheelsofhercartsqueakingassheroundedthecornerintoanotheraisle.
Damongavealowlaugh.“Shewon’ttelyouanything,”hesaid,andElenaglaredathim.“Shedoesn’tknowanything,orshe’stooscaredtosaywhatshedoesknow.”
“That’snothelpful,Damon,”Elenasaidtightly.Shepressedherfingersagainsthertemples.“Whatdowedonow?”
“WelookintotheVitaleSociety,ofcourse,”Damonsaid.Elenaopenedhermouthtoobject,andDamonshushedher,drawingonecoolfingeroverhermouth.Histouchwassoftonherlips,andshehalfraisedahandtowardthem.“Don’tworryaboutwhatafoolisholdwomanhastosay,”hetoldher.“Butifwerealywanttofindoutthesecretsofthissocietyofyours,weprobablyneedtolooksomewhereotherthanthelibrary.”
Hegottohisfeetandheldouthishand.“Shalwe?”heasked.Elenanoddedandtookhishandinhers.Whenitcametofindingoutsecrets,todiggingupwhatpeoplewantedtokeepconcealed,sheknewshecouldputherfaithinDamon.
“Pickup,Zander,”Bonniemutteredintothephone.
Theringingstopped,andaprecisemechanicalvoiceinformedherthatshewaswelcometoleaveamessageinthevoicemailbox.Bonniehungup.Shehadalreadyleftacoupleofvoicemails,andshedidn’twantZanderthinkingshewasanycrazierormorecluelessthanheinevitablywouldwhenhesawhismissed-callist.
BonniewasprettysureshewasgoingthroughtheFiveStagesofBeingDitched.ShewasalmostdonewithDenial,whereshewasconvincedsomethinghadhappenedtohim,andwasmovingquicklyintoAnger.
Later,sheknew,shewouldslideintoBargaining,Depression,andeventualy(shehoped)Acceptance.
Apparentlyherpsychclasswasalreadycominginhandy.
Ithadbeendayssincehehadabruptlyrunoff,leavingheralaloneinfrontofthemusicbuilding.Whenshefoundoutthatagirldisappearedthatsamenight,atfirstBonniewasangryandscaredforherself.Zanderhadleftheralone.
WhatifBonniehadbeentheonetovanish?ThenshebegantoworryaboutZander,tobeafraidthathewasintrouble.Heseemedsosweet,andsointoher,thatitwasalmostimpossibleforhertobelieveZanderwouldjustbeavoidingheralofasudden.
Wouldn’thisfriendshavesoundedthealarmifZanderwasmissing,though?Andwhenshethoughtthat,Bonnierealizedthatshedidn’tknowhowtocontactanyofthoseguys;shehadn’tseenanyofthemaroundcampussincethatnight.
Bonniestaredatherphoneasfreshtendrilsofworrygrewandtwistedinsideher.Realy,shewashavingaverytoughtimemovingontoAngerwhenshewasstilnotquitesurethatZanderwassafe.
Thephonerang.
Zander.ItwasZander.
Bonniesnatchedupherphone.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”shedemanded,hervoiceshaking.
Therewasalongpauseontheotherendoftheline.
BonniewasalmostreadytohangupwhenZanderfinalyspoke.“I’msosorry,”hesaid.“Ididn’tmeantofreakyouout.Somefamilystuffcameup,andI’vehadtobeoutoftouch.I’mbacknow.”
BonnieknewthatElenaorMeredithwouldhavesaidsomethingpithyandcuttinghere,somethingtoletZanderknowexactlyhowlittletheyappreciatedbeingforgottenabout,butshecouldn’tbringherselfto.Zandersoundedroughandtired,andtherewasabreakinhisvoicewhenhesaidhewassorrythatmadeherwanttoforgivehim.
“Youleftmeoutsidealone,”shesaidsoftly.“Agirldisappearedthatnight.”
Zandersighed,alongsadsound.“I’msorry,”hesaidagain.“Itwasanawfulthingtodo.ButIknewyouwouldbeokay.Youhavetobelievethat.Iwouldn’thaveleftyouindanger.”
“How?”Bonnieasked.“Howcouldyouknow?”
“Justtrustme,Bonnie,”Zandersaid.“Ican’texplainitnow,butyouweren’tindangerthatnight.I’ltelyouaboutitwhenIcan,okay?”
Bonnieshuthereyesandbitherlip.ElenaandMeredithwouldneverhavesettledforthiskindofhalfexplanation,sheknew.Notevenhalfanexplanation,justanapologyandanevasion.Butshewasn’tlikethem,andZandersoundedsincere,sodesperateforhertobelievehim.Itwasherchoice,sheknew:trusthim,orlethimgo.“Okay,”shesaid.“Okay,Ibelieveyou.”Zanderletoutanothersigh,butitsoundedlikeoneofreliefthistime.“Letmemakeituptoyou,”hesaid.
“Please?HowaboutItakeyououtthisweekend,anywhereyouwanttogo?”
Bonniehesitated,butshewasstartingtosmiledespiteherself.“There’sapartyatSamantha’sdormonSaturday,”shesaid.“Wanttomeetthereatnine?”
“There’ssomethingpeculiargoingonatthelibrary,”Damonsaid,andStefantwitchedinsurpriseathissuddenappearance.
“Ididn’tseeyouthere,”hesaidmildly,lookingoutontohisdarkbalcony,whereDamonleanedagainsttherailing.
“Ijustlanded,”Damonsaid,andsmiled.“Literaly.I’vebeenflyingaroundcampus,checkingthingsout.It’sawonderfulfeeling,ridingthebreezesasthesunsets.Youshouldtryit.”
Stefannodded,keepinghisfaceneutral.TheybothknewthatoneofthefewthingsStefanenviedaboutDamonwashisabilitytochangeintoabird.Itwasn’tworthit,though—hewouldhavetodrinkhumanbloodregularlytohavePowerasstrongasDamon’s.
Elena’sfaceroseupinhismind’seye,andhepushedherimageaway.Shewashissalvation,theonewhoconnectedhimtotheworldofhumans,whokepthimfromsinkingintothedarkness.Believingthattheirseparationwasonlytemporarywaswhatwaskeepinghimgoing.
“Don’tyoumissElena?”Stefanasked,andDamon’sfaceimmediatelyclosedoff,becominghardandblank.
Stefansighedinwardly.OfcourseDamondidn’tmissElena,becausehewasundoubtedlyseeingheralthetime.
He’dknownDamonwouldn’tabidebytherules.
“What’sthematter?”Damonaskedhim.Hisvoicewasalmostconcerned,andStefanwonderedwhathisownfacelookedliketogetthatkindofreactionfromDamon.DamonwhohadprobablyjustseenElena.
“SometimesI’mafool,”Stefantoldhimdryly.“Whatdoyouwant,Damon?”
Damonsmiled.“Iwantyoutocomedosomedetectiveworkwithme,littlebrother.Realy,anything’sbetterthanseeingthissulking,forehead-wrinklingbroodingexpressiononyourface.”
Stefanshrugged.“Whynot?”Stefanleapeddownfromthebalconywithperfectgrace,andDamonfolowedswiftlybehind.
AsDamonledthewaytotheirdestination,hefiledStefaninonthedetails.Orrather,thevaguescenarioStefancouldgatherfromDamon’sexplanation.Damonneverwasoneforfuldisclosure.AlStefanknewwasthatsomeresearchatthelibraryhadpromptedasketchywarningfromanoldlibrarian.StefaninwardlychuckledatthethoughtofafrailoldwomansquaringagainstDamonoverlibraryfines.
“Whatwereyoulookingat?”Stefanasked,tryingtogetanymoresubstantialinformation.“Whatdidshewantyoutostayawayfrom?”Heshiftedontheroughbranchoftheoaktreetheywerebothsittingon,tryingtogetcomfortable.
Damonhadahabitofsittingintrees,Stefanrealized.Itmustbeasideeffectofspendingsomuchtimeasabird.
Theywereonastakeoutoutsidethelibrarian’shome,butwhatexactlytheywerelookingfor,Stefanwasn’tsure.
“Justsomeoldphotographsfromtheschool’shistory,”Damonsaid.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Ijustwanttomakesureshe’shuman.”Hepeeredthroughthewindownearesttheirtree,whereanelderlywomanwassippingteaandwatchingtelevision.
StefannotedwithirritationthatDamonseemedalotmoreateaseinthetreethanStefandid.Hewasleaningforward,restinggracefulyononeknee,andStefancouldsensehissendingquestingstrandsofPoweratthewoman,tryingtofindoutwhethertherewasanythingunusualabouther.
Hisbalanceseemedawfulyprecarious,andhewascompletelyfocusedontheoldwoman.StefaninchedtowardDamononthebranch,stretchedoutahand,andsuddenlyshovedhim.
Itwasextremelysatisfying.Damon,hiscomposureshakenforonce,letoutamuffledyelpandfeloutofthetree.Inmidair,heturnedintoacrowandflewbackup,perchingonabranchaboveStefanandeyeinghimwithabalefulglare.DamoncawedhisannoyanceatStefanloudly.
Stefanglancedthroughthewindowagain.Thewomandidn’tseemtohaveheardDamon’sshoutorthecrow’scaw—shewasjustflippingchannels.WhenhelookedbackatDamon,hisbrotherhadregainedhisusualform.
“Iwouldthinkplayingatricklikethatwouldgoagainstyourpreciousmoralcode,”Damonsaid,fastidiouslysmoothinghishair.
“Notrealy,”Stefansaid,grinning.“Icouldn’thelpmyself.”
Damonshrugged,seemingtoacceptStefan’splayfulnessasgood-natured,andlookedthroughthelibrarian’swindowagain.Shehadgottenuptomakeherselfanothercupoftea.
“Didyousenseanythingfromher?”Stefanasked.
Damonshookhishead.“Eithershe’sbriliantlyhidinghertruenaturefromusorshe’sjustapeculiarlibrarian.”Hepushedhimselfoffthebranchandleaped,landinglightlyonthegrassfarbelow.Eitherway,I’vehadenough,headdedsilently.
Stefanfolowedhim,landingbesideDamonatthebottomofthetree.“Youdidn’tneedmeforanyofthat,Damon,”hesaid.“Whydidyouaskmetocomewithyou?”Damon’ssmilewasbriliantinthedarkness.“Ijustthoughtyoucouldusesomecheeringup,”hesaidsimply.
Clearly,itwasn’tthelibrarianStefanshouldbeworriedaboutactingpeculiarly.
20
Thisiswayworsethantheobstaclecourse,thoughtMatt.
Andbuildingahouseoutofnewspaper.Andthefirewalk.
Thisisdefinitelytheworstpledgeeventyet.
HetwistedthetoothbrushinhishandtorealygetintothelittlenicherunningalongthebottomofthepanelingontheVitaleSociety’spledgeroomwals.Thetoothbrushcameoutblackwithancientdirtanddanglingcobwebs,andMattgrimacedindisgust.Hisbackwasalreadysorefromhunchingover.
“How’sitgoing,soldier?”Chloeasked,squattingdownnexttohim,adrippingspongeinonehand.
“Honestly,I’mnotsurehowscrubbingoutthisroomisgoingtohelpusdevelophonorandleadershipandalthestuffEthankeepstalkingabout,”Mattsaid.“Ithinkthismightjustbeawaytosaveacoupleofbucksonacleaningservice.”
“Wel,theysaycleanlinessisnexttogodliness,”sheremindedhim.Chloelaughed.Herealylikedherlaugh.Itwassortofbubblyandsilvery.
Internaly,hegavehimselfalittleeyerol.Bubblyandsilvery.Shehadanicelaugh,wasalhemeant.
They’dbeenspendingalotoftimetogethersinceChristopher’sdeath.MatthadfeltlikenothingcouldbeasbadaslivingwithalofChristopher’sstuffwhenChristopherhimselfwasgone,butthenChris’sparentscameandpackeditup,gentlypattingMattonthebackasifhedeservedsomekindofsympathywhentheyhadlosttheironlyson.AndwithjustemptyspacewhereChristopher’sthingshadbeen,everythingwasamiliontimesworse.
Meredith,Bonnie,andElenahadtriedtocomforthim.
Theywantedsobadlyforhimtobeokayagainthathe’dfeltguiltyhewasn’t,makingitharderforhimtobearoundthem.
Chloehadtakentocomingbytheroom,hangingoutwithhimorgettinghimtocometothecafeteriaorwhereverwithher,keepinghimintouchwiththeworldwhenhefeltlikelockinghimselfaway.Therewassomethingsoeasyabouther.Elena,theonlygirlhe’deverloved—beforenow,partofhimwhispered—wasmuchmoreworktobearound.
Inside,heflinchedathisowndisloyaltytoElena,butitwastrue.
Nowhewasstartingtowakeupandtakeaninterestinthingsagain.AndhekeptnoticingwithfreshsurprisethecutedimpleChloehadinherrightcheek,orhowshinyhercurlydarkhairwas,orhowgracefulandprettyherhandsweredespitethefactthattheywereoftenstainedwithpaint.
Sofar,though,theywerejustfriends.Maybe…maybeitwastimetochangethat.
Chloesnappedherfingersinfrontofhisface,andMattrealizedhehadbeenstaringather.“Youalright,buddy?”sheasked,alittlefrownwrinklingherforehead,andMatthadtorestrainhimselffromkissingherrightthen.
“Yeah,justspacingout,”hesaid,feelingaflushcreepoverhischeeks.Hewassmilinglikeagoof,heknew.
“Wanttohelpwiththesewals?”
“Sure,whynot?”Chloeanswered.“I’lsoapdownthewalpart,andyoukeepdoingwhateveryou’redoingtherewiththatlittletoothbrush.”
Theyworkedcompanionablytogetherforawhile,Chloenowandthenaccidentaly-on-purposedrippingsoapywaterontothetopofMatt’shead.
Astheyworkedfurtheralongthepaneling,thenicheunderthebaseboardgotdeeper,untilitwasnotsomuchanicheasagap.Mattslidthetoothbrushunderneathtoscrub—man,butitgotgrimydownthere—andfeltsomethingshift.
“There’ssomethingunderhere,”hetoldChloe,pressinghishandflatagainstthefloorandworkinghisfingersintothegap.Heslidhishandsandthetoothbrusharound,tryingtoshimmywhateverwasdowntheretowardthem,buthecouldn’tquitegetagriponit.
“Look,”saidChloeafteramoment,“Ithinkthepanelingmightslideuphere.”Shewiggledthesectionofwooduntilitgavearaucousscreechandshewasabletoworkitup.
“Huh,”shesaid,puzzled.“Wow,it’slikeasecretcompartment.Seemslikeithasn’tbeenopenedforawhile,though.”
Onceshemanagedtoeasethepanelingup,theycouldseethespacebehinditwassmal,onlyafootorsoinheightandwidthandafewinchesdeep.Itwasfulofcobwebs.Insidewassomethingrectangular,wrappedinacloththathadprobablyoncebeenwhitebutwasnowgraywithdust.
“It’sabook,”Mattsaid,pickingitup.Thegrimeontheoutsideoftheclothwasthickandsoftandcameawayonhishands.Unwrappingit,hefoundthebookinsidewasclean.
“Wow,”Chloesaidsoftly.
Itlookedold,realyold.Thecoverwasflakingdarkleather,andtheedgesofthepageswereroughasifthey’dbeenhandcutinsteadofbyamachine.Tiltingthebookalittle,Mattcouldseetheremainsofgiltthatmusthaveoncebeenthetitle,butitwaswornawaynow.
Mattopenedittothemiddle.Inside,itwashandwritten,blackinkinscribingneatstrongstrokes.Andtotalyindecipherable.
“Ithinkit’sLatin.Maybe?”saidMatt.“DoyouknowLatinatal?”
Chloeshookherhead.Mattflippedbacktothefirstpage,andonewordpoppedoutathim.Vitale.
“Maybeit’sahistoryoftheVitaleSociety,”Chloesaid.
“Orancientsecretsofthefounders.Cool!WeshouldgiveittoEthan.”
“Yeah,sure,”Mattsaid,distracted.Heturnedafewmorepages,andtheinkchangedfromblacktoadarkbrown.Itlookslikedriedblood,hethought,andshuddered,thenpushedtheimageaway.Itwasjustsomekindofoldink,fadedbrownwithtime.
Onewordherecognized,writtenthree—no,four—timesonthepage:Mort.Thatmeantdeath,didn’tit?Matttracedthewordwithhisfinger,frowning.Creepy.
“I’lshowittoEthan,”Chloesaid,jumpingupandtakingthebookfromhim.ShecrossedtheroomandinterruptedEthan’sconversationwithanothergirl.Fromtheothersideoftheroom,MattwatchedEthan’sfacebreakintoaslowsmileashetookthebook.
Afterafewminutes,Chloereturned,grinning.“Ethanwasrealyexcited,”shesaid.“Hesaidhe’ltelusalaboutitafterhegetssomeonetotranslatethebook.”Mattnodded.“That’sterrific,”hesaid,pushingthelastofhisuneaseaway.ThiswasChloe,lively,laughingChloe,andhewouldtrynottothinkaboutdeathorbloodoranythingmorbidaroundher.“Hey,”hesaid,pushingawaythedarkthoughts,focusingonthegoldenhighlightsinherdarkhair.“AreyougoingtothepartyatMcAlisterHousetonight?”
Maybenotpulledback,Elenathought,lookingcriticalyatherselfinthemirror.Shetuggedthebarretteoutofherhairandlethergoldenlockstumble,sleekandflat-ironed,downaroundhershoulders.Muchbetter.
Shelookedgood,shenoted,runninghereyesdispassionatelyoverherreflection.Herstrappyshortblackdressaccentuatedherrose-petalskinandpalehair,andherdarkblueeyesseemedhuge.
WithoutStefan,though,whatdiditmatterhowshelooked?
Shewatchedherownmouthtighteninthemirrorasshepushedthethoughtaway.HowevermuchshemissedthefeelingofStefan’shandinhers,hislipsonhers,howevermuchshewantedtobewithhim,itwasimpossiblefornow.
Shecouldn’tbeKatherine.Andherpridewouldn’tletherjustmopearound,either.It’snotforever,shetoldherselfgrimly.
BonniecameupandthrewherarmaroundElena’sshoulders,regardingthembothinthemirror.“Wecleanupnice,don’twe?”sheaskedcheerfuly.“Readytogo?”
“Youdolookamazing,”Elenasaid,lookingatBonniewithaffection.Theshortergirlwaspracticalyglowingwithexcitement—eyessparkling,smilebright,cheeksflushed,maneofredhairflyingoutseeminglywithalifeofitsown—
andhershortbluedressandstrappyhigh-heeledshoeswereadorable.Bonnie’ssmilegotbigger.
“Let’sgetgoing,”Meredithsaid,albusiness.Shewassleekandpracticalinjeansandasoftfittedgrayshirtthatmatchedhereyes.ItwashardtoknowwhatMeredithwasthinking,butElenahadoverheardhermurmuringtoAlariconthephonelateatnight.ShefiguredthatMeredith,atheart,mightnotbeintothepartyeither.
Outside,peoplewalkedquicklyinlarge,silentgroups,glancingaroundnervouslyastheywent.Noonelingered,noonewasalone.
Meredithstoppedmidstrideandstiffened,suddenlyawareofapotentialthreat.Elenafolowedhergaze.Shewaswrong:onepersonlingeredalone.Damonwassittingonabenchoutsidetheirdorm,hisfacetippedtowardtheskyasifhewasbaskinginthesundespitethedarknessoftheevening.
“Whatdoyouwant,Damon?”Meredithsaid,warily.Hervoicewasn’tactualyrude—they’dgottenpastthat,workingtogetherthissummer—butitwasn’tfriendly,andElenacouldfeelherbristlingbesideher.
“Elena,ofcourse,”Damonsaidlazily,risingandsmoothlytakingElena’sarm
Bonnielookedbackandforthbetweenthem,puzzled.“Ithoughtyouweren’tgoingtospendtimewitheitherofthemforawhile,”shesaidtoElena.
DamonspokequietlyintoElena’sear.“It’sabouttheVitaleSociety.I’vegotalead.”
Elenahesitated.Shehadn’ttoldherfriendsaboutthehintssheandDamonhadfoundthattheVitaleSocietymightbemorethanamyth,orthattheymightbeconnectedtoherparentsinsomeway.Therewasn’trealyanythingmuchtogoonyet,andshedidn’tfeelquitereadytotalkaboutthepossibilitythatherparentsmighthavebeenmixedupinsomekindofdarksecretorhowshefelt,seeingtheimagesofthemwhentheywereyoung.
Makinguphermind,sheturnedtoMeredithandBonnie.“I’vegottogowithDamonforaminute.It’simportant.I’lexplainittoyouguyslater.Seeyouatthepartyinalittlebit.”
Meredithfrownedbutnodded,andshesteeredBonnietowardMcAlisterHouse.Astheywent,ElenacouldhearBonniesaying,“Butwasn’tthewholepoint…”KeepinghishandtuckedfirmlyunderElena’sarm,Damonledherintheoppositedirection.“Wherearewegoing?”sheasked,feelingtooawareofthesoftnessofDamon’sskinandthestrengthofhisgrip.
“Isawagirlwearingoneofthosepinsfromthephoto,”Damonanswered.“Ifolowedhertothelibrary,butonceshegotinside,shejustdisappeared.Ilookedeverywhereforher.Then,anhourlater,shecameoutthelibrarydoorsagain.RememberwhenIsaidweneededtolookforanswerssomewhereotherthanthelibrary?”Hesmiled.“Iwaswrong.There’ssomethinggoingoninthere.”
“Maybeyoujustdidn’tseeher?”Elenawonderedaloud.
“It’sabiglibrary,shecouldhavebeentuckedawayinastudycarrelorsomething.”
“Iwouldhavefoundher,”Damonsaidbriefly.“I’mgoodatfindingpeople.”Histeethshonewhiteforamomentunderthestreetlights.
Theproblemwasthatthelibrarywassonormal.Oncetheywereinside,Elenalookedaroundatthegray-carpetedfloors,thebeigechairs,therowsandrowsofbookshelves,thebuzzingfluorescentlights.Itwasaplacetostudy.Itdidn’tlooklikeanysecretswerehiddenhere.
“Upstairs?”shesuggested.
Theytookthestairsratherthantheelevatorandworkedtheirwaydownfromthetopfloor.Goingfromfloortofloor,theyfound…nothing.Peoplereadingandtakingnotes.
Books,books,andmorebooks.Inthebasement,therewasaroomofvendingmachinesandsmaltablesforstudybreaks.Nothingunexpected.
Elenapausedinahalwayofadministrativeofficesnearthevendingmachine.“We’renotgoingtofindanything,”shetoldDamon.Hisfacetwistedinfrustration,andsheadded,“Ibelieveyouthatthere’ssomethinggoingonhere,Ido,butwithoutanyleads,wedon’tevenknowwhatwe’relookingforyet.”
Thedoorbehindher,markedResearchOffice,opened,andMattcameout.
Helookedtired,andElenafeltaquickflashofguilt.
AfterChristopher’sdeath,sheandMeredithandBonniehadmeanttostickclosetoMatt.Buthewasalwaysbusywithfootbalorclassanddidn’tseemtowantthemaround.
Sherealizedwithashockthatshehadn’ttalkedtohimindays.
“Oh,hey,Elena,”Mattsaid,lookingstartled.“Areyougoingtothepartytonight?”HegreetedDamonwithanawkwardnod.
“Mutt,”Damonacknowledged,givingahalfsmile,andMattroledhiseyes.
AstheychattedaboutthepartyandclassesandBonnie’snewsemiboyfriend,ElenacatalogedherimpressionsofMatt.Tired,yes—hiseyeswerealittlebloodshot,andtherewasgrimnesstohislipsthathadn’tbeenthereafewweeksago.Butwhydidhesmelsostronglyofsoap?Itwasn’tlikehewasparticularlyclean,shethought,inspectingagrubbytrailtracingdownMatt’scheektohisneck.Itlookedlikesomethinghadbeendrippedonhishead.Itwasalmostlikehehadbeencleaningsomething.Somethingrealydirty.
Struckbyanewthought,sheglancedathischest.
Surelyhewouldn’tbewearingoneoftheVpins?Asifawareofwhatshewaswondering,Mattpuledhisjacketmoretightlyaroundhim.
“Whatwereyoudoinginthatoffice?”sheaskedhimabruptly.
“Uh.”Matt’sfacewasblankforhalfasecond,andthenheglancedupatthedoor,atthesignsayingResearchOffice.“Research,ofcourse,”hesaid.“I’vegottogo,”headded.“I’lcatchyouatthepartylater,okay,Elena?”Hehadhalfturnedaway,whenElenaimpulsivelyputoutherhandtocatchhisarm.“Wherehaveyoubeen,Matt?”sheasked.“I’vehardlyseenyoulately.”Mattgrinned,buthedidn’tquitemeethereyes.
“Footbal,”hesaid.“Colegebal’sabigdeal.”Hegentlypuledawayfromherrestraininghand.“Later,Elena.
Damon.”
Theywatchedhimwalkaway,andthenDamonnoddedtowardthedoorMatthadcomeoutof.“Shalwe?”hesaid.
“Shalwewhat?”Elenaasked,puzzled.
“Oh,likethatwasn’tsuspicious,”Damonsaid.Heputhishandontheknob,andElenaheardthelocksnapasheforceditopen.
Insidewasaveryboringroom.Adesk,achair,asmalrugonthefloor.
Maybealittletooboring?
“Aresearchofficewithoutbooks?Orevenacomputer?”Elenaasked.Damoncockedhisheadtooneside,considering,then,withaswiftmovement,puledasidetherug.
Belowitwastheclearoutlineofatrapdoor.“Bingo,”Elenabreathed.Shesteppedforward,alreadybendingdowntotryandpryitopen,butDamonpuledherback.
“Whoeverisusingthiscouldstilbedownthere,”hesaid.“Mattjustleft,andIdoubthewasalone.”Matt.Whateverwasgoingon,Mattknewaboutit.
“MaybeIshouldtalktohim,”Elenasaid.
Damonfrowned.“Let’swaituntilweknowwhatwe’redealingwith,”hesaid.“Wedon’tknowwhatMatt’sinvolvementis.Thiscouldbedangerousforyou.”Hehadtakenholdofherarmagainandwaspulinghergently,steadilyoutoftheroom.“We’lcomebacklater.”Elenalethimleadheraway,grapplingwithwhathe’dsaid.Dangerous?shethought.SurelyMattwouldn’tbedoinganythingthatwouldbeadangertoElena?
21
“What’stakingsolong?”Bonnieasked,bouncingonthebalsofherfeet.“Stopbeingsohyper,”Meredithsaidabsently,craninghernecktoseeoverthecrowdoutsideMcAlister.Therewassomekindofbottleneckbytheentrancetothedormthatwasslowingeveryonedown.Sheshiveredinherthintop;itwasstartingtogetcoldatnight.
“Security’satthedoor,”Bonniesaidastheygotclosertotheentrance.“Aretheycardingpeopletogetin?”Hervoicewasshrilwithoutrage.
“They’rejustcheckingthatyouhaveastudentID,”someoneinthecrowdtoldher,“tomakesureyou’renotacrazedkilerfromoffcampus.”
“Yeah,”hisfriendsaid.“Onlyon-campuskilersalowed.”Acoupleofpeoplelaughednervously.Bonniefelsilent,bitingherlip,andMeredithshiveredagain,thistimeforreasonsthathadnothingtodowiththecold.
Whentheyfinalygottothefrontoftheline,thesecurityguardsglancedquicklyattheirIDsandwavedthemthrough.Inside,itwascrowdedandmusicwaspumping,butnoonerealyseemedtobeinapartyingmood.Peoplestoodinsmalgroups,talkinginundertonesandglancingaroundnervously.Thepresenceofthesecurityguardshadremindedeveryoneofthedangerlurkingunseenoncampus.Anyonecouldberesponsible,evensomeoneintheroomatthatverymoment.
Asshethoughtaboutthat,Meredith’sviewoftheroomshifted,theotherstudentsaroundherchangingfrominnocenttosinister.Thatcurly-headedfratboyinthecorner
—washeeyeinghisprettycompanionwithsomethingmorethansimplelust?Thefacesofstrangerstwistedviciously,andMeredithtookadeepbreath,calmingherselfuntileveryonelookednormalagain.
Samanthawascomingtowardher,aredplasticcupinherhand.“Here,”shesaid,handingMeredithasoda.
“Everyone’sonedgetonight,it’screepy.We’dbetterstayalertandnotdrink,”shesaid,alreadyonthesamewavelengthasMeredith.
BonniesqueezedMeredith’sarminfarewelandtookoffintothecrowdtolookforZander.Meredithsippedherdrinkandwarilyeyedthestrangerssurroundingher.
Despitethegeneralmalaisehangingovertheparty,somepeopleweresowrappedupineachotherthattheyweremanagingtohaveagoodtimeanyway.Shewatchedacouplekiss,asfulyfocusedoneachotherasiftherewasnooneelseintheworldwhomattered.Theyweren’tworryingabouttheattacksanddisappearancesoncampus,andMeredithfoundherselffeelingasharppangofenvy.ShemissedAlaric,missedhimwithabone-deeplongingthatstayedwithher,evenwhenshewasn’tconsciouslythinkingabouthim.
“Thekilercouldberighthereatthisparty,”Samanthasaidunhappily.“Shouldn’twebeabletosensesomething?
Howcanweprotectanyoneifwedon’tknowwhowe’reupagainst?”
“Iknow,”saidMeredith.Thecrowdparted,andshesawafaceshehadn’texpected:Stefan,leaningagainstthefarwal.Hiseyeslitupwhenhesawher,andheglancedpastherwithahopefulhalfsmilealreadyformingonhislips.
Poorguy.NomatterwhatMerediththoughtaboutElena’sdecisiontotakeabreak—and,fortherecord,MerediththoughtthatElenawasdoingtherightthing;herentanglementwithbothSalvatorebrothersmeantthattheyhadalbeenheadingfortrouble—shecouldn’thelppityinghim.StefanhadthelookofsomeonewhowasexperiencingthesamesharppangoflonelinessanddesireasMeredithdidwhenshethoughtofAlaric.Itmustbeworseforhim,becauseElenawassocloseandbecauseshechosetoseparateherselffromhimagainsthiswishes.
“Excusemeforasecond,”shesaidtoSamantha,andwenttoStefan.
Hegreetedherpolitelyandaskedaboutherclassesandherhuntertraining,althoughshecouldtelthathewasburningtotalkaboutElena.Hehadsuchgoodmanners,always.
“She’snothereyet,butshe’sdefinitelycoming,”shetoldhim,interruptingoneofhispleasantries.“Shehadsomethingtodofirst.”Hisfacebloomedintoasmileofgratefulrelief,andthenhefrowned.
“Elena’scomingherealone?”heasked.“Afteraltheattacks?”
“No,”Meredithreassuredhim.Shehadn’tthoughtofthis,andshedidn’tthinksheshouldtelhimElenawaswithDamon.“She’swithotherpeople,”shesettledforsayingandwasgladthatheranswerseemedtosatisfyhim.
MeredithsippedherdrinkandhopedgrimlythatElenahadthesensenottobringDamontotheparty.
MattspottedChloefromacrosstheroom.Tonightwasthenight,hedecided.Enoughplayingaround,enoughexchangingglancesandgentle,platonichugsandhandsqueezes.Hewantedtoknowifshefeltthesamewayhedid,ifshefeltlikemaybetherewassomethingbetweenthemworthexploring.
Shewastalkingtosomeone,aguyherecognizedfromVitale,andhercurlybrownhairshonesoftlyinthelightfromoverhead.TherewassomuchlifeinChloe:thewayshelaughed,thewayshelistenedtowhattheguywassaying,attentiveandinvolved,herfacefocused.
Mattwantedtokissher,morethananything.
Sohestartedworkinghiswayacrosstheroomtowardher,noddingatpeopleheknewashepassedthem.Hedidn’twanttolooktoouncoolandeager,notlikehewasmakingabeelineforher,buthedidn’twanttostopandloseherinthecrowd,either.
Matt.
Mattjerkedasifhe’dbeenstungasthesilentgreetinghithim.Twistingaroundtoseewhereitwascomingfrom,hefoundStefanstandingrightbehindhimandfrownedirritablyathim.HehatedwhenStefangotintohisheadlikethat.
“Youcouldhavejustsaidhi,”hetoldStefan,asmildlyashecould.“Youknow,outloud.”
Stefanduckedhisheadapologeticaly,hischeeksflushing.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“Thatwasrudeofme,butIjustwantedtogetyourattention.It’ssoloudinhere.”Hegesturedaround,andMattwondered,ashesometimeshadbefore,howthelifeofamodernteenagerseemedtothevampire.StefanhadexperiencedmorethanMattprobablyeverwould,buttheloudrockmusicandthepressofbodiesalaroundhimseemedtomakehimuncomfortable,showingthecracksinhisdisguiseassomeoneyoung.Hetriedhard,forElena’ssake,Mattknew.
“I’mwaitingforElena,”Stefansaid.“Haveyouseenher?”Thelinesofhisfacewereanxious,and,justlikethat,Matt’spictureofStefanassomeonetooold,toooutofplacehere,snapped.Stefanlookedachinglyyoung,lonelyandworried.
“Yeah,”Mattsaid.“Ijustsawheratthelibrary.Shesaidshewascomingherelater.”Hebithistonguetokeepfromaddingthathe’dseenhertherewithDamon,ofalpeople.
Mattwasn’tquitesurewhatwasgoingonbetweenElenaandthebrothers,buthefiguredStefandidn’tneedtoknowthatElenaandDamonweretogether.
“I’msupposedtobestayingawayfromher,”Stefanconfidedsadly.“Shefeelslikeshe’scomingbetweenDamonandme,andshewantssometimeforusaltoworkthingsoutbeforethetwoofuscanbetogetheragain.”HeglancedupatMatt,almostbeseechingly.“ButIthoughtsincetherearesomanypeoplehere,itisn’tlikewe’dbealone.”
Matttookaswalowofhisbeer,hismindworkingfuriously.Nowheknewhe’dbeenrightnottomentionthatDamonandElenahadbeentogether.WhatgamewasElenaplayingnow?
Itwasashock,too,torealizehowfaroutoftheloophe’dgotten.Whendidalthishappen?SinceChristopher’sdeath,he’dbeenavoidinghisfriends,spendingsomuchtimefocusedontheVitaleSocietythathemissedthisbigdevelopmentintheirlives.Whatelsewashemissing?
Stefanwasstillookingathimasifhewasseekingsomekindofapproval,andMattrubbedthebackofhisneckthoughtfuly,thenoffered,“Youshouldtalktoher.Letherknowhowunhappyyouarewithouther.Loveisworthtakingthechance.”
AsStefannodded,considering,Matt’seyessoughtoutChloeinthecrowdagain.Theguyshe’dbeentalkingtowasgone,andshewasaloneforthemoment,bitingherlipasshelookedaroundtheroom.Mattwasabouttoexcusehimselfandheadtowardherwhenanothervoicespokeinhisear.
“Hi,Matt,how’sitgoing?”Ethancameupbesidehim,hisgoldenbrowneyesfocusedonMatt’s.Mattfelthimselfstraighteningupandpulingbackhisshoulders,tryingtolookloyalandhonorable,apromisingcandidate,everythingtheVitalewantedhimtobe.MattsawthisreactiontoEthanintheotherpledgesaswel:whateverEthanwantedthemtobeordo,theywanted,too.Somepeoplewerejustnaturalleaders,heguessed.
Theychattedforaminute,notabouttheVitaleSociety,ofcourse,notinfrontofStefan,butsimplefriendlystuffaboutfootbalandclassesandthemusicthatwasplaying,andthenEthanturnedthewarmthofhissmileonStefan.
“Oh,uh,EthanCrane,StefanSalvatore,”Mattintroducedthem,adding,“StefanandIwenttohighschooltogether.”StefanandEthanstartedmakingconversation,andMattlookedforChloeagain.Shewasn’tinthelastplacehehadseenher,andhestartedtopanic,untilhefoundheragaininthecrowd,movingtothemusic.
“Ican’thelpnoticingjustaslightaccent,Stefan,”Ethanwassaying.“AreyoufromItalyoriginaly?”Stefansmiledshyly.“Mostpeopledon’thearitanymore,”hesaid.“MybrotherandI,weleftItalyalongtimeago.”
“Oh,doesyourbrothergohere,too?”Ethanasked,andMattdecidedthetwoofthemseemedhappyenoughtogetherandthatitwasokayforhimtoleavenow.
“I’lcatchupwithyouguyslater,”hesaid.Takinganotherswalowofbeer,Mattstrodethroughthecrowd,straighttowardChloe.Hereyeswereshining,herdimpleswereshowing,andheknewthetimewasright.LikehehadtoldStefan,lovewasworthtakingthechance.
22
BonnieknewtheminutethatZanderandhisfriendscameintotheparty,becausethenoiselevelwentwayup.
Honestly,Zanderwascalmerthanhisfriends,sortof,atleastaroundBonnie,butasagroup,theyweredefinitelywild.
Itwaskindofirritating,actualy.
ButwhenZanderappearednexttoher—hip-checkingMarcusintoawalonhisway—andgaveherhislong,slowsmile,hertoescurledinsideherhigh-heeledshoesandsheforgotalaboutbeingannoyed.
“Hi!”shesaid.“Iseverythingokay?”Hecockedaneyebrowatherinquiringly.“Imean,yousaidsomethingcameupwithyourfamily,andthat’swhyyou’vebeen…
busy.”
“Oh,yeah.”Zanderbenthisheaddowntotalktoher,andhiswarmbreathghostedacrossBonnie’sneckashesighed.“Myfamily’sprettycomplicated,”hesaid.“Iwishsometimesthatthingswereeasier.”Helookedsad,andBonnieimpulsivelytookhishand,twiningherfingersthroughhis.
“Wel,what’swrong?”sheasked,strivingforatoneofunderstandingandreliability.Adependablegirlfriendtone.
“MaybeIcanhelp.Youknow,afreshearandalthat.”Zanderfrownedandbithislip.“Iguessit’slike…Ihaveresponsibilities.Mywholefamilyisinapositionwheretherearepromiseswe’vemadeandsortofthingswehavetotakecareof.AndsometimeswhatIwanttodoandwhatIhavetododon’tlineup.”
“Couldyoubeanymorevague?”Bonnieaskedteasingly,andZanderhuffedahalflaugh.“Seriously,whatdoyoumean?Whatdoyouhavetodo?Whatdon’tyouwanttodo?”
Zanderlookeddownatherforamomentandthenhissmilewidened.“Comeon,”hesaid,tuggingherhand.
Bonniewentwithhim,weavingtheirwaythroughthepartyandupthestairs.Zanderseemedtoknowwherehewasgoing;heturnedacoupleofcorners,thenpushedopenadoor.
Insidewasadormcommonroom:acoupleofrattycouches,abanged-uptable.Someone’sartproject,alargecanvascoveredwithsplotchesofpaint,leanedagainstthewal.
“Doyouliveinthisdorm?”sheaskedZander.
“No,”hesaid,hiseyesonhermouth.Hepuledhertowardhimandrestedhishandsonherhips.Andthenhekissedher.
ItwasthemostamazingkissBonniehadeverexperienced.Zander’slipsweresosoft,yetfirm,andtherewerelittlefireworksgoingoffaloverBonnie’sbody.Sheliftedherhandandcuppeditagainsthischeek,feelingthestrongbonesofhisfaceandtheslightscratchofstubbleagainstherpalm.
Onceagain,shefeltasshehadduringtheirfirstdate,standingontheroof,whenithadbeenlikeshewasflying.
Sofree,andwithawildkindofjoyzingingthroughher.Sheslidherhandtothebackofhisneck,feelingZander’sfinepaleblondhairbrushsoftlyagainstherfingers.
Whenthekissended,neitherofthemspokeforamoment,theyjustleanedagainsteachother,breathinghard.Theirfacesweresoclose,andZander’sbriliantblueeyeswerefixedonhers,warmandintent.
“Anyway,that’swhatIwanttodo,sinceyouasked.Doyou”—hisvoicecracked—“doyouwanttogobacktothepartynow?”
“No,”saidBonnie,“notyet.”Andthistime,shekissedhim.
“Oh,thankGod,”ChloesaidwhenMattcameuptoher.“Iwasbeginningtofeellikethebiggestwalflower.”Shecrinkledhernoseappealinglyathim.Hernose,whichtiltedupjustalittle,wasspatteredwithfreckles,andshehadaprettycupid’sbowofamouth.Hewantedtotuggentlyonthesoftbrownringletsofhercurls,justtoseethemstraightenandthenspringbackintoshape.
“Whatdoyoumean?”hesaid,pulinghimselfbacktogether,althoughhewaspainfulyawarethathesoundedhalf-witted.“Awalflower?”
“Oh,just…”Shewavedonehandvaguelyatthecrowd.
“There’shardlyanyoneIknowherebesidesyouandEthan.
Thiswholeparty’scompletelystuffedwithfreshmen.”Matt’sheartsank.HehadforgottenthatChloewasajunior.Itshouldn’tbeabigdeal,realy,shouldit?Butshesoundedlikeshethoughtfreshmenwerebeneathher,orsomething.Disdainful,thatwasthewordhewaslookingfortodescribehertone.
“Ithoughtthepartyseemedokay,”hesaidweakly.
Chloepursedherlipsteasingly,thensockedhimgentlyonthearm.“Wel,”shesaidsoftly,“there’sonlyenoughroomforonefreshmaninmylife.Right,Matt?”Thatwasmoreofahopefulsign.Theproblemwas,Mattrealized,thathisonlydatingexperiencehadbeeninaskingoutgirlswhoheeitherdidn’trealycareabout,butwasjustthinkingofaspotentialdatesfordancesorwhatever,orwhowereElena.Who,yes,hecaredtremendouslyabout,butwhoheknewforlongenoughandwelenoughthathecouldtelshewasgoingtosayyes.
Stil,hethoughthecouldseeanopeninghere.
“Chloe,”hesaid,“Iwaswonderingifyouwould—”MattbrokeoffasEthanjoinedthem,smilingwidely.Forthefirsttime,Mattfeltaflashofirritationtowardhim.Ethanwassosmartwithpeople.Couldn’theseehewasinterruptingamomenthere?
“IlikedyourfriendStefan,”EthantoldMatt.“Heseemedverysophisticatedforafreshman,verywelspoken.Doyouthinkit’sbecausehe’sEuropean?”
Mattonlyshruggedinresponse,andEthanturnedtoChloe.
“Hey,sweetheart,”hesaid,puttinganarmaroundherandkissingherlightlyonthelips.
Andyeah,wow,maybeEthanhadrealizedhewasinterruptingamoment.Itwasn’talongkiss,buttherewasdefinitelyapossessiveairaboutit,andabouthisarmflungacrossChloe’sshoulders.Whenitended,ChloesmiledupatEthan,breathless,andEthan’seyesflickedtoMatt,justforasecond.
Mattwantedtofoldrightoverandsinkintothesticky,beer-stainedfloorbeneathhisfeet.ButinsteadheekedoutasmileofhisownandtippedhisbeertoEthan.
BecauseChloe—adorable,sweet,funny,easygoingChloe—hadaboyfriend.Heoughttohaveanticipatedthathewouldn’tbetheonlyonewhosawhowamazingshewas.AndMattwouldhavebackedoffnomatterwhoChloe’sboyfriendwas.Hedidn’twanttobethatguywhosleazedaloverotherpeople’srelationships;heneverhadbeen.
ButsinceChloe’sboyfriendwasEthan?Ethan,theVitaleSocietyleader,theonewhohadmadeMattfeellikehewasspecial,likehecouldbethebest?SinceitwasEthan,Mattwasjustgoingtohavetogrithisteethandignorethatholowfeelinginhischest.HewasgoingtobestrongandkeephimselffromeventhinkingaboutwhathewishedcouldhavebeenwithChloe.
Thereweresomelineshejustcouldn’tcross.Ever.
23
“Idon’tknowhowitgotsolate,”Elenasaidforthethirdtimeastheyhurrieddownthepathbythequad.“BonnieandMeredithareprobablyworriedaboutme.”
“Theyknowyou’rewithme,”Damonsaid,pacingalongunruffledbesideher.
“Idon’tthinkthey’lfindthatcomforting,”Elenasaid,andbithertongueasDamonshotheranexpressivelook.
“Afteralthetimewe’vespentfightingsidebyside,theystildon’ttrustme?”hesaidsilkily.“I’dbeterriblyhurt.IfIcaredwhattheythought.”
“Idon’tmeanthattheythinkyou’dhurtme,”Elenasaid.
“Notanymore.Orthatyouwouldn’tprotectme.Iguesstheyworrythatyoumight…mightmakeapassatme.Orsomething.”
Damonstoppedandlookedather.Thenhepickedupherhandandheldit,runningonefingerdowntheinsideofherarm,tracingtheveinthatledfromElena’swristtoherelbow.“Andwhatdoyouthink?”heasked,smilinggently.
Elenasnatchedherhandback,glaringathim.“Clearlytheyhaveapoint,”shesaid.“Knockitoff.Justfriends,remember?”
Sighingdeeply,Damonstartedwalkingagain,andElenahurriedtocatchup.
“I’mgladyoudecidedtocometothepartywithme,”shesaideventualy.“It’lbefun.”Damonshotheravelvet-blackglancethroughhislashesbutsaidnothing.
ItwasalwaysfuntobewithDamon,Elenathought,listeningtotheclickingofherownheelsandwatchinghershadowgrowanddisappearastheywalkedbeneaththestreetlights.Oratleast,itwasalwaysfunwhenDamonwasinagoodmoodandnothingwastryingtokilthem,twocircumstancesshewishedcoincidedmoreoften.
Stefan,sweet,darlingStefan,wastheloveofherlife.
Shehadnodoubtsaboutthat.ButDamonmadeherfeelbreathlessandexcited,sweptupinsomethingbiggerthanherself.Damonmadeherfeellikeshewasspecial.
Andhewasmoreeasygoingthanusualtonight.AfterMattleft,they’dsearchedthelibrarysomemore,andthenDamontreatedhertochipsandsodainthebasementvending-machineroom.Theysatatoneofthelittletablesandtalkedandlaughed.Itwasn’tanythingfancyorelegant,nothinglikethepartieshe’descortedhertointheDarkDimension,butitwascomfortableandfun,andwhenshelookedatherphone,shewasstartledtoseethatmorethananhourhadpassed.
AndnowDamonevenvolunteeredtocometoacolegekegparty.Maybehewastryingtogetalongwithherfriends.Maybetheycouldrealybefriends,oncethingssomehowworkedoutbetweenStefanandhim.
Elenahadreachedthispointinhermusingswhenshesuddenlygottheunmistakablecreepy-crawlyfeelingthatshewasbeingwatched.Thelittlehairsonthebackofherneckstoodup.
“Damon,”shesaidsoftly.“There’ssomeonewatchingus.”
Damon’spupilsdilatedashesniffedtheair.ElenacouldtelthathewassendingoutquestingtendrilsofPower,searchingforanansweringsurge,forsomeonefocusingonthem.
“Nothing,”hesaidafteramoment.Hetuckedhishandunderherarm,pulinghercloser.“Itcouldjustbeyourimagination,princess,butwe’lbecareful.”TheleatherofDamon’sjacketwassmoothagainstElena’sside,andsheheldtightlytohimastheysteppedoutintotheroadthatdividedthecampus.
Justacrossfromthem,acarthathadbeenidlingatthecurbgunneditsengine.Itsheadlightsblazedon,blindingElena.Damon’sarmslockedaroundherwaist,squeezingthebreathoutofher.
Thecar’stiressquealedanditshottowardthem.Elenapanicked—ohGod,ohGod,shethoughthelplessly—andfroze.Thenshewassailingthroughtheair,Damonholdinghersotightlythatithurt.
Whentheyhitthegrassontheothersideoftheroad,Damonpausedforamoment,adjustinghisgriponElena,andElenapeeredbackatthecar,whichhadpassedwheretheywerestandingamomentbeforeandskiddedbackaroundinaU-turn.Shecouldn’tmakeoutanything,notwhatkindofcaritwasnoranythingaboutthedriver;behindthebrightlights,itwasjustahulkingdarkshape.
Ahulkingdarkshapethatwasveeringontothegrassandcomingbackafterthem.Damonsworeandyankedheronward,runningratherthanflyingnow,Elena’sfeetbarelytouchingtheground.Herheartwaspounding.ShecouldtelDamonwashamperedfromusinghisfulspeedbykeepingElenaclose.Theydodgedaroundthecornerofabuildingandleanedagainstitswal,surroundedbybushes.
Thecarhurtledby,thenturned,itswheelsleavinglongskidmarks,andlumberedbacktotheroad.
“Welosthim,”Elenawhispered,panting.
“Annoyanyonelately,princess?”Damonasked,hiseyessharp.
“Ishouldbeaskingyouthat,”Elenaretorted.Thenshewrappedherarmsaroundherself.Shewassocoldsuddenly.“DoyouthinkitcouldhavebeenbecauseoftheVitaleSociety?”sheasked,hervoicequavering.
“Somethingaboutthemandmyparents?”
“Wedon’tknowwhoorwhatcouldhavebeenontheothersideofthattrapdoor,”Damonrepliedsomberly.“OrmaybeMatt…”
“NotMatt,”Elenasaidfirmly.“Mattwouldneverhurtme.”Damonnodded.“That’strue.He’sridiculouslyhonorable,yourMatt.”Hegaveheralittlewrysidewayssmile.“Andhelovesyou.Everyonelovesyou,Elena.”Heshruggedoutofhisjacketanddrapeditoverhershoulders.
“Onething’scertain,though.IfthedriverofthatcarthoughtIwashumanbefore,heknowsdifferentlynow.”Elenapuledthejacketmoretightlyaroundherself.“Yousavedme,”shesaidinatinyvoice.“Thankyou.”Damon’seyesweresoftasheputhisarmsaroundher.
“Iwilalwayssaveyou,Elena,”hepromised.“Don’tyouknowthatbynow?”Hispupilsdilated,andhepuledhercloser.“Ican’tloseyou,”hemurmured.
Elenafeltlikeshewasfaling.TheworldwasbeingswalowedupinDamon’smidnighteyes,andshewasbeingdrawnalongwithit,intothedarkness.Atinypartofhersaidno,butdespiteitsheleanedtowardhimandmethismouthwithhers.
Stefantappedhisfingersagainstthewalbehindhim,lookedaroundatalthepeoplejammedtooclosetogether:talking,laughing,arguing,drinking,dancing.Hisskinwascrawlingwithanxiety.Wherewasshe?Mattsaidhe’dseenheratthelibrarymorethananhourago,thatshehadbeenplanningoncomingtothepartythen.
Makinguphismind,Stefanbegantopushhiswaytowardtheexit.MaybeElenadidn’twanthimincontactwithherrightnow,butpeopleweredyinganddisappearing.Itwouldbeworthittohaveherangrywithhim,aslongasheknewthatshewasokay.
HepassedMeredith,deepinconversationwithherfriend,andsaid,“I’mgoingtofindElena.”Hehadthequickimpressionofherfaltering,startingtoreachoutahandtostophim,butheleftherbehind.Hepushedopenthedoorandsteppedoutintothecoolnightair.CampussecuritywasstilbythedoorcheckingIDs,buttheylethimpasswithoutcomment,onlyinterestedinpeopletryingtocomeintotheparty.
Outside,thewindwasrushingthroughthetreesoverheadandacrescentmoonrodehighandwhiteabovethebuildingsaroundhim.StefansenthisPoweroutaroundhim,feelingforthedistincttracesofElena.
Hecouldn’tsenseanything,notyet.Thereweretoomanypeopletooclosetogetherhere,andStefancouldonlyfeelthetangledtracesofthousandsofhumans,theiremotionsandlifeforcemixingtogetherinonegreatunderlyingbuzzfromwhichitwasimpossibleforhim,atthisdistance,topickoutanyparticularindividual,evenoneassingularasElena.
Ifhehadfedonhumanbloodrecently,itwouldhavebeeneasier.Stefancouldn’thelpthinkinglonginglyofthewaythatPowerhadsurgedthroughhimwhenhedrankregularlyfromhisfriends.ButthatwaswhenFel’sChurchneededhisbestdefenseagainstthekitsune.Hewouldn’tdrinkhumanbloodjustforpleasureorconvenience.
Stefanstartedwalkingquicklyacrossthequad,stilsendingoutquestingfingersofPoweraroundandaheadofhimself.Ifhecouldn’tlocateElenathatway,hewouldheadforwhereshewaslastseen.Hehopedthat,ashegotclosertothelibrary,hisPowerwouldpickupsomehintofher.
Hiswholebodywasthrumminganxiously.WhatifElenahadbeenattacked,whatifshemysteriouslyvanishedandneverreturned,leavinghimwiththisstrangedistanceastheirlastmemoryofeachother?Stefanwalkedfaster.
HewashalfwaytothelibrarywhenthedistinctivesenseofElenahithimlikeapunch.Somewherenearby.
Hescannedleftandrightandthenhesawher.Aterriblepainshotthroughhischest,asifhecouldactualyfeelhisheartbreaking.ShewaskissingDamon.Theywerehalfhiddenintheshadows,buttheirlightskinandElena’sblondhairshone.Theywerefocusedonlyoneachother,somuchsothat,despitehisPower,Damonwasn’tawareofStefan’spresence,notevenwhenhewalkedrightuptothem.
“Isthiswhyyouwantedtotakesometimeapart,Elena?”Stefanasked,hisvoicesoundingholowanddistant.Finalynoticinghim,theybrokeawayfromeachother,Elena’sfacepalewithshock.
“Stefan,”shesaid.“Please,Stefan,no,it’snotwhatitlookslike.”Shereachedoutahandtowardhim,thendrewitbackuncertainly.
EverythingseemedsofarawaytoStefan;hewasawarethathewasshaking,hismouthwasdry,butitfeltalmostasifhewaswatchingsomeoneelseinpain.“Ican’tdothis,”hesaid.“Notagain.IfIfightforyou,I’ljustendupdestroyingusal.JustlikewithKatherine.”Elenawasshakingherheadbackandforth,herhandsstretchedouttowardhimimploringlyagain.“Please,Stefan,”shesaid.
“Ican’t,”Stefansaidagain,backingaway,hisvoicethinanddesperate.
Then,forthefirsttime,helookedatDamon,andaredhotrageslammedintohim,overridingthenumbdistanceinstantly.“Alyoudoistake,”Stefantoldhimbitterly.“Thisisthelasttime.We’renotbrothersanymore.”Damon’sfaceopenedforasplitsecondindismay,hiseyeswidening,asifhewasabouttospeak,andthenhehardenedagain,hismouthtwistingscornfuly,andhejerkedhisheadatStefan.Verywell,thatgestureindicated,thengetlost.
Stefanstumbledbackward,andthenheturnedandran,movingwithalthesupernaturalgraceandspeedathiscommand,leavingthemfarbehindevenasElenascreamed,“Stefan!”
24
Giggling,Bonnietrippedonherwaydownthestairs,herfootcomingrightoutofherhigh-heeledshoe.
“Hereyougo,Cinderela,”Zandersaid,pickinguptheshoeandkneelinginfrontofher.Hehelpedslipherfootbackintoit,hisfingerswarmandsteadyagainstherinstep.
Bonniegaveamockcurtsy,mufflingherlaughter.“Thankyou,m’lord,”shesaidflirtatiously.
Shefeltfabulous,sosilyandhappy.Itwasalmostasifshewasdrunk,butshe’donlyhadafewsipsofbeer.No,shewasdrunk.DrunkonZander,onhiskisses,hisgentlehands,andhisbigblueeyes.Shetookhishand,andhesmileddownather,thatlongslowsmile,andBonniejustabsolutelyquivered.
“Seemsliketheparty’swrappingup,”shesaid,astheyhitthefirstfloor.Itwasrealygettinglate,almosttwoo’clock.Therewereonlyafewgroupsofhard-corepartiersleft:abunchoffratboysbythekeg,sometheater-departmentgirlsdancingwithgreatwideswoopsoftheirarms,acouplesittinghandinhandatthebottomofthestairsindeepconversation.Meredith,Stefan,Samantha,andMatthaddisappeared,andifElenahadevershownup,shehadleft,too.Zander’sfriendshadgone,orbeenkickedout.
“Good-bye,good-bye,”Bonniecaroledtothefewpeoplewhoremained.Shehadn’trealygottenachancetotalktoanyofthem,buttheyallookedperfectlynice.Maybenexttimeshewenttoaparty,she’dstaylongerandrealybondwithpeopleshehadn’tmetbefore.
Lookatalthenewfriendsherfriendshadmadeoncampus.Bonniegaveaspecialwavetoacoupleofpeopleshe’dseenMattwithlately—ashortishguywhosenameshethoughtwasEthanandthatgirlwiththedarkcurlsanddimples.Notfreshmen.Shelovedeveryonetonight,buttheydeserveditmost,becausetheyhadseenwhatawonderfulguyMattwas.Theywavedbackather,alittlehesitantly,andthegirlsmiled,herdimplesdeepening.
“Theyseemrealynice,”BonnietoldZander,andheglancedbackatthemasheopenedthedoor.
“Hmmm,”hesaidnoncommittaly,andthelookinhiseyes,justforaminute,madeBonnieshiver.
“Aren’tthey?”shesaidnervously.Zanderlookedawayfromthem,backtowardher,andhiswarmbriliantsmilespreadacrosshisface.Bonnierelaxed;thecoldnessshe’dseeninZander’seyesmusthavebeenjustatrickofthelight.
“Ofcoursetheyare,Bonnie,”hesaid.“Ijustgotdistractedforasec.”Hewrappedhisarmaroundhershoulders,pulingherclose,anddroppedakissonthetopofherhead.Shesighedcontentedly,cuddlingupagainsthisside.
Theywalkedtogethercompanionablyforawhile.“Lookatthestars,”Bonniesaidsoftly.Thenightwasclearandthestarshungbrightinthesky.“It’sbecauseit’sstartingtogetcolderatnightthatwecanseethemsowel.”Zanderdidn’tanswer,onlymadeahmmingsounddeepinhisthroatagain,andBonnieglancedupathimthroughhereyelashes.“Doyouwanttogetbreakfastwithmeinthemorning?”sheasked.“OnSundays,thecafeteriadoesmake-your-ownwaffles,withlotsofdifferenttoppings.
Delicious.”
Zanderwasstaringoffintothedistancewiththatsamehalf-listeningexpressionhehadthelasttimetheywalkedacrosscampustogether.“Zander?”Bonnieaskedcautiously,andhefrowneddownather,bitinghislipthoughtfuly.
“Sorry,”hesaid.HetookhisarmoffofBonnie’sshouldersandbackedawayafewsteps,smilingstiffly.Hiswholebodywastense,asifhewasabouttotakeoffrunning.
“Zander?”sheaskedagain,confused.
“Iforgotsomething,”Zandersaid,avoidinghereyes.“Ihavetogobacktotheparty.”
“Oh.I’lcomewithyou,”Bonnieoffered.
“No,that’sokay.”Zanderwasshiftingfromfoottofoot,glancingoverBonnie’sshouldersasif,suddenly,he’dratherbeanywherethanwithher.Abruptly,hesurgedforwardandkissedherawkwardly,theirteethknockingtogether,andthenhesteppedbackwardandturned,walkingintheotherdirection.Hisstrideslengthened,andsoonhewasrunningawayfromher,disappearingintothenight.Again.Hedidn’tlookback.
Bonnie,suddenlyalone,shiveredandlookedaround,peeringintothedarknessonalsides.Shehadbeensohappyaminuteago,andnowshefeltcoldanddismayed,asifshehadbeenhitwithasplashoffreezingcoldwater.
“Youhavegottobekiddingme,”shesaidaloud.
ElenawasshakingsohardthatDamonwasafraidshemightjustshakeherselfapart.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundhercomfortingly,andsheglancedupathimwithoutrealyseemingtoseehim,hereyesglassy.
“Stefan…”shemoanedsoftly,andDamonhadtofightdownasharpstabofirritation.SoStefanwasoverreacting.
Whatelsewasnew?Damonwashere,Damonwaswithherandsupportingher,andElenaneededtorealizethat.
HewastemptedtograbElenafirmlybythechinandmakeherrealylookathim.
Intheolddays,hewouldhavedonejustthat.Hel,intheolddays,hewouldhavesentablastofPoweratElenauntilshewasdocileinhishands,untilshedidn’tevenrememberStefan’sname.Hiscaninesprickledlonginglyjustthinkingofit.Herbloodwaslikewine.
NotthatexpectingElenatogiveintohisPowermeeklyhadeverworkedparticularlywel,headmittedtohimself,hismouthcurlingintoasmile.
Buthewasn’tlikethatanymore.Andhedidn’twantherthatway.Hewastryingsohard,althoughhehatedtoadmititeventohimself,tobeworthyofElena.TobeworthyofStefan,even,ifitcamerightdowntoit.Ithadbeencomfortingtofinalyhavehisbabybrotherlookingathimwithsomethingotherthanhatredanddisgust.
Wel,thatwasover.Thetentativetruce,thebeginningsoffriendship,thebrotherhood,whateverithadbeenbetweenhimandStefan,wasgone.
“Comeon,princess,”hemurmuredtoElena,helpingherupthestairstowardherdoor.“Justalittlefarther.”Hecouldn’tbesorrytheykissed.Shewassobeautiful,soaliveandvibrantinhisarms.Andshetastedsogood.
Andhelovedher,hedid,asfarashishardheartwascapableofit.Hismouthcurledagain,andhecouldtastehisownbitterness.Elenawasnevergoingtobehis,wasshe?EvenwhenStefanturnedhisbackonher,theself-righteousidiot,hewasalshethoughtabout.Damon’sfreehand,theonethatwasn’tcuppingElena’sshoulderprotectively,tightenedintoafist.
They’dreachedElena’sroom,andDamonfishedinherpurseforherkeys,unlockingthedoorforher.
“Damon,”shesaid,turninginthedoorwaytolookhimstraightintheeyesforthefirsttimesincebeforeStefancaughtthemkissing.Shelookedpalestil,butresolute,hermouthastraightline.“Damon,itwasamistake.”Damon’sheartdroppedlikeastone,butheheldhergaze.“Iknow,”hesaid,hisvoicesteady.“Everythingwilworkoutintheend,princess,you’lsee.”Heforcedhislipstoturnupinareassuring,supportivesmile.Thesmileofafriend.
ThenElenawasgone,thedoortoherroomshuttingfirmlybehindher.
Damonspuninhistracks,cursing,andkickedatthewalbehindhim.Itcracked,andhekickeditagainwithasoursatisfactionatthefeelingoftheplastersplitting.
Therewasamutedgrumblingcomingfrombehindtheotherdoorsonthefloor,andDamoncouldhearfootstepsapproaching,someonecomingtoinvestigatethenoise.Ifhehadtodealwithanyonenow,he’dprobablykilhim.Thatwouldn’tbeagoodidea,nomatterhowmuchhemightenjoyitforthemoment,notwithElenarighthere.
Launchinghimselftowardanopenhalwindow,Damonsmoothlytransitionedtoacrowinmidair.Itwasarelieftostretchhiswings,topickuptherhythmofflyingandfeelthebreezeagainsthisfeathers,liftingandsupportinghim.Heflewthroughthewindowwithafewstrongbeatsofhiswingsandflunghimselfoutintothenight.Catchingthewind,hesoaredrecklesslyhighdespitethedarknessofthenight.Heneededtherushofthewindagainsthisbody,neededthedistraction.
25
DearDiary,
Ican’tbelievewhatafoolIam,whatafaithless,worthlessfool.
IshouldneverhavekissedDamon,orlethimkissme.
ThelookonStefan’sfacewhenhefounduswasheartbreaking.Hisfeaturesweresostiffandpale,asifhewasmadeofice,andhiseyeswereshiningwithtears.Andthenitseemedlikealightwentoutinsidehim,andhelookedatmelikehehatedme.
LikeIwasKatherine.Nomatterwhathappenedbetweenus,Stefanneverlookedatmelikethatbefore.
Iwon’tbelieveit.Stefancouldneverhateme.
Everybeatofmyhearttellsmethatwebelongtogether,thatnothingcantearusapart.
I’vebeensuchafool,andI’vehurtStefan,althoughthatwastheonethingIneverwantedtodo.Butthisisn’ttheendforus.OnceIapologizeandexplainwhatamomentofmadnesshewitnessed,he’llforgiveme.OnceIcantouchhimagain,he’llseehowsorryIam.
Itwasonlytheadrenalinefromcomingsoclosetodeath,fromthatcarchasingafterus.NeitherDamonnorIreallywantedtheotherone,thatkisswasjustusclinginghardtolife.
No.Ican’tlie.Nothere.Ihavetobehonestwithmyself,evenifIpretendwitheveryoneelse.IwantedtokissDamon.IwantedtotouchDamon.Ialwayshave.
ButIdon’thaveto.Icanstopmyself,andIwill.Idon’twanttocauseStefananymorepain.
Stefanwillunderstandthat,willunderstandthatI’lldoanythingIcantomakehimhappyagain,andthenhe’llforgiveme.
Thiscan’tbetheend.Iwon’tletitbe.
ElenaclosedherjournalanddialedStefan’snumberoncemore,lettingthephoneringuntilitwenttovoicemailandthenhangingup.She’dcaledhimseveraltimeslastnight,thenoverandoveragainthismorning.Stefancouldseehercaling,sheknew.Healwayskepthisphoneon.Healwaysanswered,too;heseemedtofeelsomeobligationtobeavailablesincehehadthephonewithhim.
Thefactthathewasn’tansweringmeanthewasavoidingheronpurpose.
Elenashookherheadfiercelyanddialedagain.Stefanwasgoingtolistentoher.Shewasn’tgoingtolethimturnheraway.Oncesheexplainedandheforgaveher,everythingcouldgobacktonormal.Theycouldendthisseparationthatwasmakingthembothsounhappy—
clearly,ithadn’tworkedoutthewaysheintended.
Except,whatexactlywasshegoingtosay?Elenasighedandfloppeddownbackwardontoherbed,herheartsinking.Adrenalinefromthecar’spursuitaside,alshecouldrealysaywasthatshehadn’tmeantforthekisswithDamontohappen,thatshedidn’twanthim,notrealy.ShewantedStefan.Alshecouldtelhimwasthatitwasn’tsomethingshehadexpectedorplanned.ThatDamonwasn’ttheoneshewanted.Nottruly.ThatshewouldalwayschooseStefan.
Thatwouldhavetobeenough.Elenadialedagain.
Thistime,Stefanpickedup.
“Elena,”hesaidflatly.
“Stefan,pleaselistentome,”Elenasaidinarush.“I’msosorry.Inever—”
“Idon’twanttotalkaboutthis,”Stefansaid,cuttingheroff.“Pleasestopcalingme.”
“But,please,Stefan—”
“Iloveyou,but…”Stefan’svoicewassoftbutcold.“Idon’tthinkwecanbetogether.NotifIcan’ttrustyou.”Thelinewentdead.Elenapuledthephoneawayfromherearandstaredatitforamoment,puzzled,beforesherealizedwhathadhappened.Stefan,dear,darlingStefanwhohadalwaysbeenthereforher,wholovedhernomatterwhatshedid,hadhunguponher.
Meredithpuledonefootupbehindherback,helditinbothhands,breatheddeep,andslowlypuledthefoothigher,stretchingherquadricepsmuscle.
Itfeltgoodtostretch,togetalittlebloodflowingafterherlatenight.ShewaslookingforwardtosparringwithSamantha.TherewasanewmoveMeredithhadfiguredout,alittlesomethingkickboxinginspired,thatshethoughtSamwasgoingtolove,onceshegotovertheshockofbeingknockeddownbyMeredithonceagain.Samanthahadbeengettingfasterandmoresureofherselfastheykeptworkingouttogether,andMeredithdefinitelywantedtokeepheronhertoes.
Thatwas,itwouldbeterrifictosparwithSamantha,ifSamanthaeveractualyarrived.Meredithglancedatherwatch.Samwasalmosttwentyminuteslate.
Ofcourse,they’dbeenoutlatethenightbefore.Butstil,itwasn’tlikeSamanthanottoshowupwhenshesaidshewasgoingto.Meredithturnedonherphonetoseeifshehadamessage,thencaledSamantha.Noanswer.
Meredithleftaquickvoicemail,thenhungupandwentbacktostretching,tryingtoignorethefaintquiverofuneaserunningthroughher.Shecircledhershoulders,stretchedherarmsbehindherback.
MaybeSamanthajustforgotandhadherphoneturnedoff.Maybesheoverslept.Samanthawasahunter;shewasn’tindangerfromwhoever—orwhatever—wasstalkingthecampus.
Sighing,Meredithgaveuponherworkoutroutine.Shewasn’tgoingtobeabletofocusuntilshecheckedonSamantha,eventhoughtheothergirlwasprobablyfine.
Undoubtedlyfine.Scoopingupherbackpack,sheheadedforthedoor.Shecouldgetinarunonthewayover.
Thesunwasshining,theairwascrisp,andMeredith’sfeetpoundedthepathsinaregularrhythmasshewovebetweenpeoplewanderingaroundcampus.BythetimeshereachedSamantha’sdorm,shewasthinkingthatmaybeSamwouldwanttogoforanicelongrunwithherinsteadofsparringtoday.
ShetappedonSamantha’sdoor,caling,“Riseandshine,sleepyhead!”Thedoor,notlatched,driftedopenalittle.
“Samantha?”Meredithsaid,pushingitopenfarther.
Thesmelhitherfirst.Likerustandsalt,withanunderlyingodorofdecay,itwassostrongMeredithstaggeredbackward,clappingahandoverhernoseandmouth.
Despitethesmel,Meredithcouldn’tatfirstunderstandwhatwasaloverthewals.Paint?shewondered,herbrainfeelingsluggishandslow.WhywouldSamanthabepainting?Itwassored.Shewalkedthroughthedoorslowly,althoughsomethinginherwasstartingtoscream.
No,no,getaway.
Blood.Bloodbloodbloodblood.Meredithwasn’tfeelingslowandsluggishanymore:herheartwaspounding,herheadwasspinning,herbreathwascominghardandfast.
Therewasdeathinthisroom.
Shehadtosee.ShehadtoseeSamantha.Despiteeverynerveinherbodyurginghertorun,tofight,Meredithkeptmovingforward.
Samanthalayonherback,thebedbeneathhersoakedredwithblood.Shelookedlikeshehadbeenrippedapart.
Heropeneyesstaredblanklyattheceiling,unblinking.
Shewasdead.
26
“Areyousureyoudon’twantustocalyourparents,miss?”Thecampussecurityofficer’svoicewasgruffbutkind,andhiseyeswereworried.
Forasecond,Meredithletherselfpicturehavingthekindofparentshemustbeimagining:oneswhowouldswoopintorescuetheirdaughter,wrapherupandtakeherhomeuntilthehorribleimagesofherfriend’sdeathfaded.
Herparentswouldjusttelhertogetonwiththejob.Telherthatanyotherreactionwasafailure.Ifsheletherselfbeweak,morepeoplewoulddie.
MoresobecauseSamanthahadbeenahunter,fromafamilyofhunters,likeMeredith.Meredithknewexactlywhatherfatherwouldhavesaidifshehadcaledhim.“Letthisbealessontoyou.Youareneversafe.”
“I’lbeokay,”shetoldthesecurityguard.“Myroommatesareupstairs.”
Helethergo,watchingherclimbthestairswithadistressedexpression.“Don’tworry,miss,”hecaled.“Thepolicewilgetthisguy.”
Meredithbitbackherfirstreply,whichwasthatheseemedtobeputtingalotoffaithinapoliceforcethathadyettofindanycluesastothewhereaboutsofthemissingpeopleortosolveChristopher’smurder.Hewasonlytryingtocomforther.Shenoddedtohimandgavealittlewave.
Shehadn’tbeenanymoresuccessfulthanthepolice,notevenwithSamantha’shelp.Shehadn’tbeentryinghardenough,hadbeentoodistractedbythenewplace,thenewpeople.
Whynow?Meredithwonderedsuddenly.Ithadn’toccurredtoherbefore,butthiswasthefirstdeath,attack,ordisappearancethattookplaceinadormroominsteadofoutonthequadorpathsofthecampus.Whateverthiswas,itcameafterSamanthaspecificaly.
Meredithrememberedthedarkfigureshechasedawayafteritattackedagirl,agirlwhosaidshedidn’trememberanything.Meredithrecaledtheflashofpalehairasthefigureturnedaway.DidSamanthadiebecausetheygottooclosetothekiler?
Herparentswereright.Noonewaseversafe.Sheneededtoworkharder,neededtogetonwiththejobandfolowuponeverylead.
Upstairs,Bonnie’sbedwasempty.Elenalookedupfromwhereshewaslying,curleduponherbed.PartofMeredithnotedthatElena’sfacewaswetwithtearsandknewthatusualyshewouldhavedroppedeverythingtocomfortherfriend,butnowshehadtofocusonfindingSamantha’skiler.
Meredithcrossedtoherowncloset,openedit,andpuledoutaheavyblacksatchelandthecaseforherhunter’sstave.
“Where’sBonnie?”sheasked,tossingthesatchelontoherbedandunbucklingit.
“SheleftbeforeIgotup,”Elenaanswered,hervoiceshaky.“Ithinkshehadastudygroupthismorning.
Meredith,what’sgoingon?”
Meredithflippedthesatchelopenandbegantopuloutherknivesandthrowingstars.
“What’sgoingon?”Elenaaskedagain,moreinsistently,hereyeswide.
“Samantha’sdead,”Meredithsaid,testingtheedgeofaknifeagainstherthumb.“Shewasmurderedinherbedbywhatever’sbeenstalkingthiscampus,andweneedtostopit.”Theknifecouldbesharper—Meredithhadbeenlettingherweaponsmaintenanceslide—andsheduginthebagforawhetstone.
“What?”Elenasaid.“Oh,no,oh,Meredith,I’msosorry.”Tearsbegantorundownherfaceagain,andMeredithlookedoverather,holdingoutthebagwiththestaveinit.
“There’sasmalblackboxinmydeskwithlittlebottlesofdifferentpoisonextractsinsideit,”shesaid.“Wolfsbane,vervain,snakevenoms.Wedon’tknowwhatwe’redealingwithexactly,soyou’dbetterfilthehypodermicswithavarietyofthings.Becareful,”sheadded.
Elena’smouthdroppedopen,andthen,afterafewseconds,shecloseditfirmlyandnodded,wipinghercheekswiththebacksofherhands.Meredithknewthathermessage—mournlater,actnow—hadbeenreceivedandthatElena,asalways,wouldworkwithher.
ElenaputthestaveonherbedandfoundtheboxofpoisonsinMeredith’sdesk.MeredithwatchedasElenafiguredouthowtofilthetinyhypodermicsinsetintheironwoodofthestave,hersteadyfingerspulingthemoutandworkingthemcautiouslyopen.OnceshewassureElenaknewwhatshewasdoing,Meredithwentbacktosharpeningherknife.
“TheymusthavecomeafterSamanthaonpurpose.Shewasn’tachancevictim,”Meredithsaid,hereyesontheknifeasshedrewitrhythmicalyagainstthewhetstone.“Ithinkweneedtoassumethatwhoeverthisisknowswe’rehuntinghim,andthatthereforewe’reindanger.”Sheshuddered,rememberingherfriend’sbody.“Samantha’sdeathwasbrutal.”
“AcartriedtorunmeandDamondownlastnight,”Elenasaid.“Wehadbeentryingtoinvestigatesomethingweirdinthelibrary,butIdon’tknowifthat’swhy.Icouldn’tgetalookatthedriver.”
Meredithpausedinherknifesharpening.“ItoldyouthatSamanthaandIchasedawaysomeoneattackingagirloncampus,”shesaidthoughtfuly,“butIdidn’ttelyouonething,becauseIwasn’tsure.I’mstilnotsure.”ShetoldElenaaboutherimpressionsoftheblack-cladfigure,includingthemomentaryimpressionofpalenessbelowthehoodie,ofalmostwhitehair.
Elenafrowned,herfingersfalteringonthestaff.
“Zander?”sheasked.
TheybothlookedatBonnie’sunmadebed.
“Sherealylikeshim,”Meredithsaidslowly.“Wouldn’tsheknowiftherewassomethingwrongwithhim?Youknow…”Shemadeavaguegesturearoundherhead,tryingtoindicateBonnie’shistoryofvisions.
“Wecan’tcountonthat,”Elenasaid,frowning.“Andshedoesn’trememberthethingsshesees.Idon’tthinkhe’srightforBonnie,”shecontinued.“He’sso—Imean,he’sgood-looking,andfriendly,butheseemsoffsomehow,doesn’the?Andhisfriendsarejerks.Iknowit’salongwayfromhavingterriblefriendstobeingdangerousenoughtodosomethinglikethis,butIdon’ttrusthim.”
“CanyouaskStefantowatchhim?”Meredithasked.“Iknowyou’retakingabreakfromdating,butthisisimportant,andavampirewouldbethebestonetokeepaneyeonhim.”Stefanlookedsosadtheothernight,shethoughtdistantly.Whyshouldn’tElenacalhim?Lifewasshort.Shefeltthebladeoftheknifeagainstherthumbagain.Better.Puttingthesharpenedknifedown,shereachedforanother.
Elenawasn’tanswering,andMeredithlookeduptoseeherstaringhardatthestave,hermouthtrembling.“I—
Stefanisn’ttalkingtome,”shesaidinalittleburst.“Idon’tthink—Idon’tknowifhe’dhelpus.”Sheclosedhermouthfirmly,clearlynotwantingtotalkaboutit.
“Oh,”Meredithsaid.ItwashardtoimagineStefannotdoingwhatElenawanted,butitwasalsoclearthatElenadidn’twanttoaskhim.“ShouldIcalDamon?”shesuggestedreluctantly.Theoldervampirewasapain,andshedidn’trealytrusthim,buthewascertainlygoodatbeingsneaky.
Elenasuckedinabreathandthennoddedbriskly,hermouthset.“No,I’lcalhim,”shesaid.“I’laskDamontoinvestigateZander.”
Meredithsighedandleanedbackagainstthewal,lettingtheknifedropontoherbed.Suddenly,shewasterriblytired.WaitingforSamanthainthegymthatmorningseemedlikeamilionyearsago,butitstilwasn’tevenlunchtime.SheandElenabothlookedatBonnie’sbedagain.
“WehavetotalktoheraboutZander,don’twe?”Elenaaskedquietly.“Wehavetoaskherwhetherhewaswithherallastnight.Andwehavetowarnher.”Meredithnoddedandclosedhereyes,lettingherheadrestagainstthecoolnessofthewal,thenopenedthemagain.Tiredasshewas,sheknewtheimagesofSamantha’sdeathwouldcomebacktoherifsheletherselfpauseforevenamoment.Shedidn’thavetimetorest,notwhilethekilerwasoutthere.“She’snotgoingtobehappyaboutit.”
27
Bounce
Bounce
Bounce
Swish
Catch
Bounce
Bounce
Swish
Catch
Stefanstoodonthefree-throwlineoftheemptybasketbalcourt,mechanicalydribblingandthrowingthebalthroughthenet.Hefeltemptyinside,anautomatonmakingperfectidenticalshots.
Hedidn’trealylovebasketbal.Forhim,itlackedboththesatisfyingcontactoffootbalandthemathematicalprecisionofpool.Butitwassomethingtodo.He’dbeenupalnightandalmorning,andhecouldn’tstandtheendlesspacingofhisownfeetaroundthecampus,orthesightofthefourwalsofhisroom.
Whatwashegoingtodonow?Theredidn’tseemtobemuchpointtogoingtoschoolwithoutElenabesidehim.Hetriedtoblockouthismemoriesofthecenturiesofwanderingtheworldalone,withouther,withoutDamon,thatprecededhiscomingtoFel’sChurch.Hewasshuttingdownhisemotionsashardashecould,forcinghimselfnumb,buthecouldn’thelpdimlywonderingifcenturiesoflonelinesswereinstoreforhimagain.
“Quiteatalentyougotthere,”ashadowsaid,steppingawayfromthebleachers.“Weshouldhaverecruitedyouforthebasketbalteam,too.”
“Matt,”Stefanacknowledged,makinganotherbasket,thentossingthebaltohim.
Mattlinedupcarefulytothebasketandshot,anditcircledtherimbeforedroppingthrough.
StefanwaitedwhileMattrantogetthebal,thenturnedtohim.“Wereyoulookingforme?”heasked,carefulynotaskingifElenahadsenthim.
Lookingsurprised,Mattshookhishead.“Nah.IliketoshootbasketswhenI’vegotsomethinkingtodo.Youknow.”
“What’sgoingon?”Stefanasked.
Mattrubbedthebackofhisneck,embarrassed.“TherewasthisgirlwhoIkindofliked,whoI’vebeenthinkingaboutforawhile,wantingtoaskout.And,uh,itturnsoutshealreadyhasaboyfriend.”
“Oh.”Afterafewminutes,Stefanrealizedheoughttorespondwithsomethingmore.“I’msorrytohearthat.”
“Yeah.”Mattsighed.“She’srealyspecial.Ithought—Idon’tknow,itwouldbenicetohavesomethinglikewhatyouandElenahave.Someonetolove.”
Stefanwinced.ItfeltlikeMatthadtwistedaknifeinhisgut.Heflungthebalatthebasket,notaimingthistime,anditbouncedbackatthemhardoffthebackboard.Mattjumpedtocatchit,thenmovedtowardhim,holdingoutahand.“Hey,hey,Stefan.Takeiteasy.Whatisit?”
“ElenaandIaren’tseeingeachotheranymore,”Stefansaidflatly,tryingtoignorethestabofpainfromsayingthewords.“She—IsawherkissingDamon.”
MattlookedatStefansilentlyforwhatfeltlikealongtime,hispaleblueeyessteadyandcompassionate.StefanwasstrucksharplybythememorythatMatthadlovedElena,too,andthattheyhadbeentogetherbeforeStefancameintothepicture.
“Look,”Mattsaidfinaly.“Youcan’tcontrolElena.Ifthere’sonethingIknowabouther—andI’veknownherforourwholelives—it’sthatshe’salwaysgoingtodowhatshewantstodo,nomatterwhatgetsinherway.Youcan’tstopher.”Stefanbegantonod,hottearsburningbehindhiseyes.“But,”Mattadded,“Ialsoknowthat,intheend,you’retheoneforher.She’sneverfeltthewayshedoesaboutyouforanyoneelse.And,y’know,I’mstartingtodiscoverthatthereareothergirlsoutthere,butIdon’tthinkyou’regoingto.Whatever’sgoingonwithDamon,Elenawilcomebacktoyou.Andyou’dbeanidiotnottolether,becauseshe’stheonlyoneforyou.”
Stefanrubbedthebridgeofhisnose.Hefeltbreakable,likehisbonesweremadeofglass.“Idon’tknow,Matt,”hesaidtiredly.
Mattgrinnedsympatheticaly.“Yeah,butIdo.”HetossedStefanthebalandStefancaughtitautomaticaly.
“WanttoplayHorse?”
Hewastiredandheartsick,but,ashedribbledthebal,thinkingthathe’dhavetotakeitatinybiteasytogiveMattachance,Stefanfeltastirringofhope.MaybeMattwasright.
“Areyoucrazy?”Bonnieshouted.Shehadalwaysthoughtthat“seeingred”wasjustametaphor,butshewassoangrythatsheactualywasseeingthefaintestscarlettouchoneverything,asifthewholeroomhadbeendippedinblood-tingedwater.
MeredithandElenaexchangedglances.“We’renotsayingthereisanythingwrongwithZander,”Meredithsaidgently.“It’sjustthatwewantyoutobecareful.”
“Careful?”Bonniegaveamean,bitterlittlelaughandshovedpastthemtograbaduffelbagoutofhercloset.
“You’rejustjealous,”shesaidwithoutlookingatthem.Sheunzippedthebagandstartedtodumpinsomeclothes.
“Jealousofwhat,Bonnie?”Elenaasked.“Idon’twantZander.”
“JealousbecauseI’mfinalytheonewhohasaboyfriend,”Bonnieretorted.“AlaricisbackinFel’sChurch,andyoubrokeupwithbothyourboyfriends,andyoudon’tlikeseeingmehappywhenyou’remiserable.”Elenashuthermouthtightly,whitespotsshowingonhercheekbones,andturnedaway.EyeingBonniecarefuly,Meredithsaid,“ItoldyouwhatIsaw,Bonnie.It’snothingdefinite,butI’mafraidthatthepersonwhoattackedthatgirlmighthavebeenZander.Canyoutelmewherehewasafteryoutwoleftthepartylastnight?”Focusingonstuffingherfavoritejeansintowhatwasalreadystartingtoseemlikeanovercrowdedbag,Bonniedidn’tanswer.Shecouldfeelanannoyingteltaleflushspreadingupherneckandoverherface.Fine,thiswasprobablyenoughclothes.Shecouldgrabhertoothbrushandmoisturizerfromthebathroomonherwaydownthehal.
Meredithcametowardher,handsopenandoutstretchedplacatingly.“Bonnie,”shesaidgently,“wedowantyoutobehappy.Werealydo.Butwewantyoutobesafe,too,andwe’reworriedthatZandermightnotbeeverythingyouthinkheis.Maybeyoucouldstayawayfromhim,justforalittlewhile?Whilewecheckthingsout?”Bonniezippedupherbag,threwitoverhershoulder,andheadedforthedoor,brushingpastMeredithwithoutaglance.Shewasplanningtojustwalkoutbut,atthelastminute,wheeledaroundinthedoorwaytofacethemagain,unabletobitebackwhatshewasthinking.
“What’skilingmehere,”shesaid,“iswhathypocritesyoutwoare.Don’tyourememberwhenMr.Tannerwasmurdered?OrthetrampwhowasalmostkiledunderWickeryBridge?”Shewasactualyshakingwithfury.
“EveryoneinthewholetownthoughtStefanwasresponsible.Altheevidencepointedathim.ButMeredithandIdidn’tthinkso,becauseElenatoldussheknewStefancouldn’thavedoneit,thathewouldn’thavedoneit.
Andwebelievedyou,eventhoughyoudidn’thaveanyprooftogiveus,”shesaid,staringatElena,whodroppedhereyestothefloor.“Iwouldhavethoughtyoucouldtrustmethesameway.”Shelookedbackandforthbetweenthem.“Thefactthatyou’resuspectingZandereventhoughI’mstandinghere,telingyouhewouldneverhurtanybody,makesitclearthatyoudon’trespectme,”shesaidcoldly.
“Maybeyouneverdid.”
Bonniestompedoutoftheroom,hitchingthestrapoftheduffelbaghigheronhershoulder.
“Bonnie”sheheardbehindherandturnedtolookbackonemoretime.MeredithandElenawerebothreachingafterher,identicalexpressionsoffrustrationontheirfaces.
“I’mgoingtoZander’s,”Bonnietoldthemcurtly.Thatwouldshowthemwhatshethoughtabouttheirsuspicionsofhim.
Sheslammedthedoorbehindher.
28
“OfcourseBonnie’supset,”Alaricsaid.“Thisisherfirstrealboyfriend.Butthethreeofyouhavebeenthroughalottogether.She’lcomebacktoyou,andshe’llistentoyou,onceshegetsachancetocooldown.”Hisvoicewasdeepandloving,andMeredithsqueezedhereyesshutandheldthephonemoretightlytoherear,picturinghisgrad-studentapartmentwiththecozybrowncouchandthemilk-cratebookshelves.Shehadneverwishedsohardthatshewasthere
“Whatifsomethinghappenstoher,though?”Meredithsaid.“Ican’twaitaroundforBonnietogetoverbeingmadatmeifshe’sindanger.”
Alaricmadeathinkingnoiseintothephone,andMeredithcouldpicturehisforeheadscrunchinginthatcutewayitdidwhenhewasanalyzingaproblemfromdifferentangles.
“Wel,”hesaidatlast,“Bonnie’sbeenspendingalotoftimewithZander,right?Alotoftimealone?Andshe’sbeenfinethusfar.Ithinkwecanconcludethat,evenifZanderistheonebehindtheattacksoncampus,he’snotplanningtohurtBonnie.”
“Ithinkyourreasoningissortofspeciousthere,”Meredithsaid,feelingoddlycomfortedbyhiswordsnevertheless.
Alaricgaveasmalhuffofsurprisedlaughter.“Don’tcalmybluff,”hesaid.“Ihaveareputationforbeinglogical.”MeredithheardthecreakofAlaric’sdeskchairontheotherendofthelineandimaginedhimleaningback,phonetuckedintohisshoulder,handsbehindhishead.“I’msosorryaboutSamantha,”hesaid,voicesobering.
Meredithnestledfartherintoherbed,pressingherfaceagainstthepilow.“Ican’ttalkaboutityet,”shesaid,closinghereyes.“Ijusthavetofigureoutwhokiledher.”
“Idon’tknowifthisisgoingtobeuseful,”Alaricsaid,
“butI’vebeendoingsomeresearchonthehistoryofDalcrest.”
“LiketheghostsandweirdmysteriesaroundcampusElena’sprofessorwastalkingaboutinclass?”
“Wel,there’sevenmoretothehistoryofthecolegethanhetoldthemabout,”Alaricsaid.Meredithcouldhearhimshufflingpapers,probablyflickingthroughthepagesofoneofhisresearchnotebooks.“Dalcrestappearstobesomethingofaparanormalhotspot.Therehavebeenincidentsthatsoundlikevampireandwerewolfattacksthroughoutitshistory,andthisisn’tthefirsttimethere’sbeenastringofmysteriousdisappearancesoncampus.”
“Realy?”Meredithsatup.“Howcanthecolegestayopenifpeopledisappearalthetime?”
“It’snotalthetime,”Alaricreplied.“ThelastmajorwaveofdisappearanceswasduringtheSecondWorldWar.
Therewasalotofpopulationmobilityatthetime,and,althoughthemissingstudentsleftworriedfriendsandfamilybehind,thepoliceassumedthattheyoungmenwhodisappearedhadrunofftoenlistandtheyoungwomentomarrysoldiersortoworkinmunitionsfactories.Thefactthatthestudentsneverturnedupagainseemstohavebeendisregarded,andthecasesweren’tviewedasrelated.”
“Superworkonthepolicedepartment’spart,”Meredithsaidacidly.
“There’salotofweirdbehavioroncampus,too,”Alaricsaid.“Sororitiesintheseventiespracticingblackmagic,thatkindofthing.”
“Anyofthosesororitiesstilaround?”Meredithasked.
“Notthosespecificones,”Alaricsaid,“butit’ssomethingtokeepinmind.Theremightbesomethingaboutthecampusthatmakespeoplemorelikelytoexperimentwiththesupernatural.”
“Andwhatisthat?”Meredithasked,floppingdownonherbackagain.“What’syourtheory,Professor?”
“Wel,it’snotmytheory,”Alaricsaid,“butIfoundsomeoneonlinewhosuggestedthatDalcrestmaybesomewherewithahugeconcentrationofcrossingleylines,thesamewaythatFel’sChurchis.ThiswholepartofVirginiahasalotofsupernaturalpower,butsomepartsevenmorethanothers.”
Meredithfrowned.Leylines,thestronglinesofPowerrunningbeneaththesurfaceoftheearth,shonelikebeaconstothesupernaturalworld.
“Andsomepeopletheorizethat,wherethereareleylines,thebarriersbetweenourworldandtheDarkDimensionsarethinner,”Alariccontinued.Wincing,Meredithrememberedthecreaturesshe,Bonnie,andElenahadfacedintheDarkDimension.Iftheywereabletocrossover,tocometoDalcrestasthekitsunehadcometoFel’sChurch,everyonewasindanger.
“Wedon’thaveanyproofofthat,though,”Alaricsaidreassuringly,hurryingtofilupthesilencebetweenthem.
“AlweknowisthatDalcresthasahistoryofsupernaturalactivity.Wedon’tevenknowforsureifthat’swhatwe’refacingnow.”
AnimageofSamantha’sblankdeadeyesfiledMeredith’smind.Therehadbeenasmearofbloodacrosshercheekbelowherrighteye.Themurderscenehadbeensogruesome,andSamanthahadbeenkiledsohorrificaly.
MeredithbelievedinherheartofheartsthatAlaric’stheoriesmustbecorrect:therewasnowaySamanthahadbeenmurderedbyahumanbeing.
29
“Youshouldbeproud.”TheVitaleSocietypledgeswerelinedupintheundergroundmeetingroom,justliketheyhadbeenthefirstdaywhentheyremovedtheirblindfolds.
Underthearchinfrontofthem,theVitalesinblackmaskswatchedquietly.
Ethanpacedamongthepledges,eyesbright.“Youshouldbeproud,”herepeated.“TheVitaleSocietyofferedyouanopportunity.Thechancetobecomeoneofus,tojoinanorganizationthatcangiveyougreatpower,helpyouonyourroadtosuccess.”
Ethanpausedandgazedatthem.“Notalofyouwereworthy,”hesaidseriously.“Wewatchedyou,youknow.Notjustwhenyouwerehere,ordoingpledgeevents,butalthetime.Thecandidateswhocouldn’tcutit,whodidn’tmeritjoiningourranks,wereeliminated.”
Mattlookedaround.Itwastrue,therewerefewerofthemnowthantherehadbeenattheirfirstmeeting.Thattalbeardedseniorwhowassomekindofbiogeneticswhizwasgone.AskinnyblondegirlwhoMattremembereddoggedlygrindingherwaythroughtherunwasn’tthereeither.Therewereonlytenpledgesleft.
“Thoseofyouwhoremain?”Ethanliftedhishandslikehewasgivingthemsomekindofbenediction.“Atlastitistimeforyoutobeinitiated,tofulybecomemembersoftheVitaleSociety,tolearnoursecretsandwalkourpath.”MattfeltalittleswelofprideasEthansmiledatthemal.ItfeltlikeEthan’seyeslingeredlongeronMattthanontheothers,likehissmileforMattwasjustabitwarmer.LikeMattwas,amongaltheseexceptionalpledges,special.
Ethanstartedtowalkthroughthecrowdandtalkagain,thistimeaboutthepreparationsthatneededtobemadefortheirinitiation.Heaskedacoupleofpledgestobringrosesandliliestodecoratetheroom—itsoundedlikehewasexpectingthemtobuyoutacoupleofflowerstores—
otherstofindcandles.Onepersonwasassignedtobuyaspecifickindofwine.Frankly,itremindedMattofElenaandtheothergirlsplanningahighschooldance.
“Okay,”Ethansaid,indicatingChloeandalong-hairedgirlnamedAnna,“I’dlikeyoutwotogototheherbstoreandgetyerbamata,guarana,hawthorn,ginseng,chamomile,anddanshen.Doyouwanttowritethatdown?”Mattperkedupalittle.Herbswereslightlymoremysticalandmysterious,befittingasecretsociety,althoughginsengandchamomilejustremindedhimoftheteahismomdrankwhenshehadacold.
Ethanmovedonfromthegirls,hiseyesfixedonMatt,andMattpreparedtobesentinsearchofpunchorranchdip.
ButEthan,lockingeyeswithMatt,inclinedhisheadalittle,indicatingthatMattshouldjoinhimalittleapartfromtherestofthegroup.MattjoggedovertomeetEthan,slightlyintrigued.Whatcouldn’tEthansayinfrontoftheothers?
“I’vegotaspecialjobforyou,Matt,”Ethansaid,rubbinghishandstogetherinobviouspleasureattheprospect.“IwantyoutoinviteyourfriendStefanSalvatoretojoinus.”
“Sorry?”Mattsaid,confused.
“TobeaVitaleSocietymember,”Ethanexplained.“Wemissedhimwhenweselectedcandidatesatthebeginningoftheyear,butnowthatI’vemethim,Ithink—wethink”—
andhewavedahandatthequietlywatchingmaskedfiguresontheothersideoftheroom—“thathewouldbeanidealfitforus.”
Mattfrowned.Hedidn’twanttolooklikeanidiotinfrontofEthan,butsomethingstruckhimasoffaboutthis.“Buthehasn’tdoneanyofthepledgestuff.Isn’tittoolateforhimtojointhisyear?”
Ethansmiledslightly,justathintiltingofhislips.“IthinkwecanmakeanexceptionforStefan.”
“But—”Mattbegantoprotest,theninsteadsmiledbackatEthan.“I’lcalhimandseeifhe’sinterested,”hepromised.
Ethanpattedhimlightlyontheback.“Thankyou,Matt.
You’reanaturalforVitale,youknow.I’msureyoucanconvincehim.”
AsEthanwalkedaway,Mattwatchedhim,wonderingwhythepraisefeltsourthistime.
Itwasbecauseitdidn’tmakesense,Mattdecided,walkingbacktohisdormafterthepledgemeeting.WhatwassospecialaboutStefanthatEthanhaddecidedtheyhadtohavehimpledgetheVitaleSocietynowinsteadofjustwaitingtilnextyear?Okay,yes:vampire—thatwasspecialaboutStefan,butnooneknewthat.Andhewashandsomeandsophisticatedinthatever-so-slightlyEuropeanwaythathadalthegirlsbackinhighschoolfalingathisfeet,buthewasn’tthathandsome,andtherewereplentyofforeignstudentsoncampus.
Mattstoppedstock-stil.Washejealous?Itwasn’tfair,maybe,thatStefancouldjustwaltzinandbeimmediatelyofferedsomethingthatMatthadworkedfor,thatMatthadthoughtwasonlyhis.
Butsowhat?Itwasn’tStefan’sfaultifEthanwantedtogivehimspecialtreatment.StefanwashurtingafterhisbreakupwithElena;maybeitwoulddohimgoodtojointheVitale.AnditwouldbefuntohaveoneofhisfriendsintheSociety.Stefandeservedit,realy:hewasbraveandnoble,aleader,eveniftherewasnowayEthanandtheotherscouldhaveknownthat.
Firmlypushingawayanyremainingniggleofnotfair,MattpuledouthiscelphoneandcaledStefan.
“Hey,”hesaid.“Listen,doyourememberthatguyEthan?”
“IguessIdon’tunderstand,”Zandersaid.HisarmaroundBonnie’sshoulderwasstrongandsolidlyreassuring,andhisT-shirt,whereshehadburiedherfaceagainsthim,smeledofcleancottonandfabricsoftener.“Whatwereyouandyourfriendsfightingabout?”
“Thepointis,theydon’ttrustmyjudgment,”Bonniesaid,wipinghereyes.“Ifithadbeeneitherofthem,theywouldn’thavebeensoquicktojumptoconclusions.”
“Conclusionsaboutwhat?”Zanderasked,butBonniedidn’tanswer.Afteramoment,Zanderreachedoutandranonefingergentlyalongherjawlineandoverherlips,hiseyesintentonherface.“Ofcourseyoucanstayhereaslongasyouwantto,Bonnie.I’matyourservice,”hesaidinanoddlyformaltone.
BonnielookedaroundZander’sroomwithinterest.
She’dneverbeenherebefore;infact,she’dhadtocalhimtofindoutwhatdormhelivedin,andhowweirdwasthatforagirlfriendtonotknow?Butifshe’dtriedtopicturewhathisroomwouldbelike,shewouldhaveassumeditwouldbemessyandveryguyish:oldpizzaboxesonthefloor,dirtylaundry,weirdsmels.Maybeaposterwithahalf-nakedgirlonit.But,infact,itwasjusttheopposite.Everythingwasverybareanduncluttered:nothingontopoftheschool-issueddresseranddesk,nopicturesonthewalsorrugonthefloor.Thebedwasneatlymade.
Thesinglebed.Thattheywerebothsittingon.Herandherboyfriend.
Bonniefeltaflushriseupoverherface.Shesilentlycursedherhabitofblushing—shewassurethatevenherearswerebrightred.She’djustaskedherboyfriendifshecouldmoveintohisroom.Andsure,hewasgorgeousandlovelyandkissinghimwasprobablythemostamazingexperienceofherlifesofar,butshe’djuststartedkissinghimlastnight.Whatifhethoughtshewassuggestingsomethingmore?
ZanderwaseyeingherthoughtfulyasBonnieblushed.
“Youknow,”hesaid,“Icansleeponthefloor.I’mnot—um—
expecting—”Hebrokeoffandnowhewasblushing,too.
ThesightofflusteredZanderimmediatelymadeBonniefeelbetter.Shepattedhimonthearm.“Iknow,”shesaid.“ItoldMeredithandElenayouwereagoodguy.”Zanderfrowned.“What?DotheythinkI’mnot?”WhenBonniedidn’tanswer,heslowlyreleasedher,leaningbacktotakeacloselookatherface.“Bonnie?Whenyouhadthisbigfightwithyourfriends,wereyoufightingaboutme?”Bonnieshrugged,wrappingherarmsaroundherself.
“Okay.Wow.”Zanderranahandthroughhishair.“I’msorry.IknowElenaandIdidn’trealyhititoff,butI’msurewe’lgetalongbetterwhenwegettoknoweachother.Thiswilalblowoverthen.It’snotworthittostopbeingfriendswiththem.”
“It’snot—”TearssprangintoBonnie’seyes.Zanderwasbeingsosweet,andhehadnoideahowElenaandMeredithhadwrongedhim.“Ican’ttelyou,”shesaid.
“Bonnie?”Zanderpuledhercloser.“Don’tcry.Itcan’tbethatbad.”Bonniebegantocryharder,tearsstreamingdownhercheeks,andheheldontoher.“Justtelme,”hesaid.
“It’snotthattheyjustdon’tlikeyou,Zander,”shesaidbetweensobs.“Theythinkyoumightbethekiler.”
“What?Why?”Zanderrecoiled,almostleapingacrossthebedawayfromher,hisfacewhiteandshocked.
BonnieexplainedwhatMerediththoughtshesaw,herimpressionofZander’shairbeneaththehoodieoftheattackershechasedoff.“Whichissounfair,”shefinished,
“becauseevenifshedidseewhatshethoughtshesaw,it’snotlikeyou’retheonlypersonwithrealylightblondhaironcampus.They’rebeingridiculous.”
Zandersuckedinalongbreath,hiseyeswide,andsatstilandsilentforafewseconds.ThenhereachedoutandputagentlehandunderBonnie’schin,turningherfacesotheyweregazingstraightintoeachother’seyes.
“Iwouldneverhurtyou,Bonnie,”hesaidslowly.“Youknowme,youseeme.DoyouthinkI’makiler?”
“No,”Bonniesaid,hereyesfilingwithtears.“Idon’t.Ineverdid.”
Zanderleanedforwardandkissedher,hislipssoftagainsthers,asiftheyweresealingsomekindofpact.
Bonnieclosedhereyesandleanedintothekiss.
ShewasfalinginlovewithZander,sheknew.And,despitethefactthathehadrunoffsosuddenlylastnight,justbeforeSamantha’smurder,shewassurehecouldneverbeakiler.
30
“Cappuccinoandacroissant?”thewaitresssaid,and,atElena’snod,setthemdownonthetable.Elenapushedhernotebooksasidetomakeroom.Midtermswerecomingup,ontopofeverythingelsethatwashappening.ElenahadtriedstudyinginherroombutwastoodistractedbythesightofBonnie’semptybed.SheandMeredithwerealwrongwithoutBonnie.
Shehadn’tgottenmuchdonehereatthecafé,either,despitegettingoneoftheprimebigoutdoortablesthatshecouldspreadherbooksouton.She’dtried,buthermindkeptcirclingbacktoSamantha’sdeath.
Samanthawassuchanicegirl,Elenathought.Elenarememberedhowhereyeslitupwhenshelaughedandthewayshebouncedonthebalsofherfeetasifshewasburstingtomove,run,dance,toofulofenergytositstil.
Meredithdidn’tmakenewfriendsthateasily,butthewarycoolnesssheusualyworewithstrangershadrelaxedaroundSamantha.
WhenElenahadleftthedorm,MeredithwasonthephonewithAlaric.Maybehewouldknowwhattosay,howtocomforther.Unwilingtobreakintotheirconversation,ElenaleftheranoteindicatingwhereshewouldbeifMeredithneededher
Stirringhercoffee,ElenalookeduptoseeMeredithcomingtowardher.ThetalergirlsatdownacrossfromElenaandfixedherwithherseriousgrayeyes.“AlaricsaysDalcrestisahotspotforparanormalactivity,”shesaid.
“Blackmagic,vampires,werewolves,thewholepackage.”Elenanoddedandaddedmoresugartohercup.“JustasProfessorCampbelhinted,”shesaidthoughtfuly.“Igetthefeelingheknowsmorethanhe’ssaying.”
“Youneedtopushhim,”Meredithsaidtightly.“Ifhelikedyourparentssomuch,he’lfeellikehehastotelyouthetruth.Wedon’thavetimetowaste.”ShereachedoutandbrokeoffapieceofElena’scroissant.“CanIhavethis?Ihaven’thadanythingtoeattoday,andI’mstartingtofeeldizzy.”
LookingatthestrainedlinesonMeredith’sface,thedarkshadowsunderhereyes,Elenafeltasharpstabofsympathy.“Ofcourse,”shesaid,pushingtheplatetowardher.“IjustcaledDamontocomemeetme.”ShewatchedasMeredithdecimatedthecroissant,stirringstilmoresugarintohercoffee.Elenafeltinneedofcomfort.
Itwasn’tlongbeforetheysawDamonsaunteringdownthestreettowardthem,hishairsleekandperfect,hisal–
blackclothescasualyelegant,sunglasseson.Headsturnedashewalkedby,andElenadistinctlysawonegirlmissherfootingandfaloffthecurb.
“Thatwasfast,”Elenasaid,asDamonpuledoutachairandsatdown.
“I’mfast,”Damonanswered,“andyousaiditwasimportant.”
“Itis,”Elenasaid.“OurfriendSamanthaisdead.”Damonjerkedhisheadinacknowledgment.“Iknow.
Thepolicearealovercampus.Asifthey’lbeabletodoanything.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”askedMeredith,glaringathim.
“Wel,thesekilingsdon’texactlyfalunderthepolice’sagency,dothey?”DamonreachedoutandpluckedElena’scoffeecupfromherhand.Hetookasip,thenmadeasmalmoueofdistaste.“Darling,thisisfartoosweet.”Meredith’shandswerebalingintofists,andElenathoughtshehadbetterspeedthingsup.“Damon,ifyouknowsomethingaboutthis,pleasetelus.”Damonhandedherbackhercappuccinoandsignaledthewaitresstobringhimoneofhisown.“Totelyouthetruth,darling,Idon’tknowmuchaboutSamantha’sdeath,orthatofMutt’sroommate,whateverhisnamewas.Icouldn’tgetcloseenoughtothebodiestohaveanyrealinformation.ButI’vefounddefiniteevidencethatthereareothervampiresoncampus.Sloppyones.”Hisfacetwistedintothesameexpressionhe’dmadeaftertastingElena’scoffee.“Probablynewlymade,I’dguess.Notechniqueatal.”
“Whatkindofevidence?”Meredithasked.
Damonlookedsurprised.“Bodiesofcourse.Verypoorlydisposedofbodies.Shalowgraves,bonfires,thatkindofthing.”
Elenafrowned.“Sothepeoplewhohavedisappearedwerekiledbyvampires?”
Damonwaggedafingeratherteasingly.“Ididn’tsaythat.ThebodiesIexamined—andletmetelyou,diggingupashalowgravewasrealyafirstforme—werenotthesameonesthatvanishedfromcampus.Idon’tknowifyourmissingstudentswerekiledbyvampiresornot,butsomebodyelsewas.Severalsomebodies.I’vebeentryingtofindthesevampires,butIhaven’thadanyluck.Yet.”Meredith,whonormalywouldhavejumpedonDamon’scommentaboutthisbeinghisfirsttimediggingupagrave,lookedthoughtful.“IsawSamantha’sbody,”shesaidhesitantly.“Itdidn’tlooklikeatypicalvampireattacktome.
AndfromthewayMattdescribedChristopher’sbody,Idon’tthinkhisdid,either.Theywere”—shetookadeepbreath—“mauled.Tornapart.”
“Itcouldbeapackofrealyangryvampires,ormessyones,”Damonsaid.“Orwerewolvesmightbeviciouslikethat.It’smoretheirstyle.”Thewaitressappearedwithhiscappuccino,andhethankedhergraciously.Sheretreated,blushing.
“There’sanotherthing,”Elenasaidoncethewaitresswasoutofhearingrange.SheglancedinquiringlyatMeredith,whonoddedather.“We’reworriedaboutBonnieandhernewboyfriend.”Quickly,sheoutlinedthereasonstheyhadforbeingsuspiciousofZanderandBonnie’sreactiontotheirconcerns.
Damonraisedoneeyebrowashefinishedhisdrink.
“Soyouthinkthelittleredbird’ssuitormightbedangerous?”Hesmiled.“I’llookintoit,princess.Don’tworry.”
Droppingafewdolarsonthetable,heroseandsaunteredacrossthestreet,disappearingintoagroveofmaples.Afewminuteslater,alargeblackcrowwithshiningiridescentfeathersroseabovethetrees,flappingitswingspowerfuly.Itgavearaucouscawandflewaway.
“Thatwassurprisinglyhelpfulofhim,”Meredithsaid.Herfacewasstiltiredanddrawn,buthervoicewasinterested.
Elenadidn’thavetolookuptoknowthatherfriendwaswatchingherspeculatively.Eyesdemurelydownward,feelinghercheeksflushpink,shetookanothersipofhercappuccino.Damonwasright.Itwasmuchtoosweet.
31
Whydotheyalwayswanttobeontopofbuildings?
Bonniethoughtirritably.Inside.Insideisnice.Noonefallstotheirdeathifthey’reinsideabuilding.Buthereweare.
StargazingfromthetopofthesciencebuildingwhileonadatewithZanderwasromantic.Bonniewouldbealforanotherlittlenighttimepicnic,justthetwoofthem.ButpartyingonadifferentroofwithabunchofZander’sfriendswasnotromantic,notevenslightly.
Shetookasipofherdrinkandmovedoutofthewaywithoutevenlookingassheheardthesmackofbodieshittingthegroundandthegruntsofguyswrestling.AftertwodaysoflivingwithZander,shewasbeginningtogetthenamesofhisfriendsstraight:TristanandMarcusweretheonesrolingaroundonthefloorwithZander.Jonah,Camden,andSpencerweredoingsomethingtheycaledparkour,whichmostlyseemedtoinvolverunningaroundlikeidiotsandalmostfalingofftheroof.Enrique,Jared,Daniel,andChadwerealplayinganelaboratedrinkinggameinthecorner.Therewereafewmoreguyswhohungaroundsometimes,butthiswasthecoregroup.
Shelikedthem,sherealydid.Mostofthetime.Theywereboisterous,sure,buttheywerealwaysverynicetoher:gettingherdrinks,immediatelyhandinghertheirjacketsifshewascold,telingherthattheyhadnoideawhatshesawinaloserlikeZander,whichwasclearlytheirguywayofdeclaringhowmuchtheylovedhimandthattheywerehappyhehadagirlfriend.
ShelookedoveratZander,whowaslaughingasheheldTristaninaheadlockandrubbedhisknucklesoverthetopofTristan’shead.“Doyougivein?”hesaid,andgruntedinsurpriseasMarcus,whoopingjoyfuly,tackledthemboth.
Itwouldhavebeeneasieriftherewereothergirlsaroundthatshecouldgettoknow.IfMarcus(whowasverycuteinagiantshaggy-hairedSasquatchkindofway)orSpencer(whohadthekindofpreppyrich-boyelegancethatsomegirlsfoundextremelyattractive)hadaregulargirlfriend,Bonniewouldhavesomeonetoexchangewryglanceswithastheguysactedlikedoofuses.
But,eventhoughagirlwouldoccasionalyappearclingingtothearmofoneoftheguys,Bonniewouldneverseeheragainafterthatnight.ExceptforBonnie,Zanderseemedtotravelinanalmostexclusivelymasculineworld.
And,aftertwodaysoffolowingthemachoparadearoundtown,Bonniewasstartingtogetsickofit.Shemissedhavinggirlstotalkto.ShemissedElenaandMeredith,specificaly,eventhoughshewasstilmadatthem.
“Hey,”shesaid,makingherwayovertoZander.“Wanttogetoutofhereforawhile?”
Zanderwrappedhisarmaroundhershoulders.“Um.
Why?”heasked,leaningdowntokissherneck.
Bonnieroledhereyes.“It’skindofloud,don’tyouthink?
Wecouldgoforanicequietwalkorsomething.”Zanderlookedsurprisedbutnodded.“Sure,whateveryouwant.”
Theymadetheirwaydownthefireescape,folowedbyafewshoutsfromZander’sfriends,whoseemedtothinkhewasgoingonafoodrunandwouldshortlyreturnwithhotwingsandtacos.
Oncetheywereablockawayfromtherooftopparty,thenoisefadedanditwaspeaceful,exceptforthedistantsoundofanoccasionalcarontheroadsnearby.Bonnieknewsheoughttofeelcreepedout,walkingaroundatnightoncampus,butshedidn’t.NotwithZander’shandinhers.
“Thisisnice,isn’tit?”Bonniesaidhappily,gazingupatthehalfmoonoverhead.
“Yeah,”Zandersaid,swingingherhandbetweenthem.
“Youknow,Iusedtogoonlongwalks—runs,realy—withmydadatnight.Wayoutinthecountry,inthemoonlight.Ilovebeingoutsideatnight.”
“Aw,that’ssweet,”Bonniesaid.“Doyouguysstildothatwhenyou’rehome?”
“No.”Zanderhesitatedandhunchedhisshoulders,hishairhanginginhisface.Bonniecouldn’treadhisexpression.“Mydad…hedied.Awhileago.”
“I’msosorry,”Bonniesaidsincerely,squeezinghishand.
“I’mokay,”Zandersaid,stilstaringathisshoes.“But,y’know,Idon’thaveanybrothersorsisters,andtheguyshavesortofbecomelikeafamilytome.Iknowtheycanbeapainsometimes,butthey’rerealygoodguys.Andthey’reimportanttome.”HeglancedatBonnieoutofthecornerofhiseyes.
Helookedsoapprehensive,Bonniefeltasharppangofaffectionforhim.ItwassweetthatZanderandhisfriendsweresoclose—thatmusthavebeenthefamilystuffhehadtodealwiththeothernight.Hewasloyal,thatmuchsheknew.“Zander,”shesaid.“Iknowthey’reimportanttoyou.Idon’twanttotakeyouawayfromyourfriends,yougoof.”Shereacheduptowrapherarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhimgentlyonthemouth.“Maybejustforanhourortwosometimes,butnotforlong,Ipromise.”Zanderreturnedthekisswithenthusiasm,andBonnietingledalthewaydowntohertoes.
Clingingtoeachother,theymadetheirwaytoabenchbythesideofthepathandsatdowntokisssomemore.
Zanderjustfeltsogoodunderherhands,alsleekmusclesandsmoothskin,andBonnieranherhandsacrosshisshoulders,alonghisarms,downhissides.
Athertouch,Zandersuddenlywinced.
“What’sthematter?”shesaid,liftingherheadawayfromhis.
“Nothing,”saidZander,reachingforher.“Iwasjustmessingaroundwiththeguys,youknow.Theyplayrough.”
“Letmesee,”Bonniesaid,grabbingatthehemofhisshirt,halfconcernedandhalfwantingtojustcheckoutZander’sabs.Hehadturnedouttobesurprisinglymodest,consideringtheyweresharingaroom.
Wincingagain,hesuckedhisbreathinthroughhisteethasBonnieliftedhisshirt.Shegasped.Zander’swholesidewascoveredwithuglyblack-and-purplebruises.
“Zander,”Bonniesaidhorrified,“theselookrealybad.
Youdon’tgetbruiseslikethatjustmessingaround.”Theylooklikeyouwerefightingforyourlife—orsomeoneelsewas,shethought,andpushedawaythewords.
“They’renothing.Don’tworry,”Zandersaid,tugginghisshirtbackdown.Hestartedtowraphisarmsaroundheragain,butBonniemovedaway,feelingvaguelysickened.
“Iwishyou’dtelmewhathappened,”shesaid.
“Idid,”Zandersaidcomfortingly.“Youknowhowcrazythoseguysget.”
Itwastrue,she’dneverknownguyssorowdy.Zanderreachedforheragain,andthistimeBonniemovedclosertohim,turningherfaceupforhiskiss.Astheirlipsmet,sherememberedZander’ssayingtoher,“Youknowme.Youseeme.”
Shedidknowhim,Bonnietoldherself.ShecouldtrustZander.
Acrossthestreet,Damonstoodintheshadowofatree,watchingBonniekissZander.
Hehadtoadmithefeltalittlepang,seeingherinthearmsofsomeoneelse.TherewassomethingsosweetaboutBonnie,andshewasbraveandinteligentunderthatcotton-candyexterior.Thewitchyangleaddedalittletouchofspicetoher,too.He’dalwaysthoughtofherashis.
Thenagain,didn’tthelittleredbirddeservesomeoneofherown?AsmuchasDamonlikedher,hedidn’tloveher,heknewthat.Seeingthelankyboy’sfacelightupinresponsetohersmile,hethoughtmaybethisonewould.
Aftermakingoutforafewmoreminutes,BonnieandZanderstoodupandwandered,handinhand,towardwhatDamonknewwasZander’sdorm.Damontrailedthem,keepingtotheshadows.
Hehuffedoutabreathofself-mockinglaughter.I’mgettingsoftinmyoldage,hethought.BackintheolddayshewouldhaveeatenBonniewithoutasecondthought,andherehewasworryingaboutherlovelife.
Stil,itwouldbeniceifthelittleredheadcouldbehappy.
Ifherboyfriendwasn’tathreat.
Damonfulyexpectedthehappycoupletodisappearintothedormtogether.Instead,ZanderkissedBonniegood-byeandwatchedasshewentinside,thenheadedbackout.Damonfolowedhim,keepinghidden,ashewentbacktothepartywherethey’dbeenbefore.Afewminuteslater,Zandercamedownagain,trailedbyhispackofnoisyboys.
Damontwitchedinirritation.Godsavemefromcollegeboys,hethought.Theywereprobablygoingtogorgethemselvesongreasybarfood.AfteracoupleofdaysofwatchingZander,hewasreadytogobacktoElenaandreportthattheboywasguiltyofnothingmorethanbeinguncouth.
Insteadofheadingtowardthenearestbar,though,theboysjoggedacrosscampus,quickanddetermined,asiftheyhadanimportantdestinationinmind.Reachingtheedgeofcampus,theyheadedintothewoods.
Damongavethemafewsecondsandthenfolowed.
Hewasgoodatthis,hewasapredator,anaturalhunter,andsoittookhimafewminutesoflistening,ofsendinghisPowerout,offinalyjustracingthroughthewoods,blackbranchessnappingbeforehim,torealizethatZanderandhisboysweregone.
Finaly,Damonstoppedandleanedagainstatreetocatchhisbreath.Thewoodsweresilentexceptfortheinnocentsoundofvariouswoodlandcreaturesgoingabouttheirbusinessandhisownraggedpanting.Thatpackofnoisy,obnoxiouschildrenhadescapedhim,disappearingwithouttheslightesttrace.Hegrittedhisteethandtampeddownhisangeratbeingevaded,untilitwasmostlycuriosityabouthowthey’ddoneit.
PoorBonnie,Damonthoughtashefastidiouslysmoothedandadjustedhisclothing.Onethingwasabundantlyclear:Zanderandhisfriendsweren’tentirelyhuman
Stefantwitched.Thiswasaljustkindofstrange.
Hewassittinginavelvet-backedchairinahugeundergroundroom,ascolegestudentsroamedaroundarrangingflowersandcandles.Theroomwasimpressive,Stefanwouldgivethemthat:cavernousyetelegant.Butthelittlearrangementsofflowersseemedchintzyandfalsesomehow,likeastagesetintheVatican.Andtheblack-maskedfigureslurkinginthebackoftheroom,watching,weregivinghimthejitters.
Matthadcaledhimtotelhimaboutsomekindofcolegesecretsocietythathe’djoined,andthattheleaderwantedStefantojoin,too.Stefanagreedtomeethimandtalkaboutit.Heneverwasmuchofajoiner,buthelikedMatt,anditwassomethingtodo.
ItwouldtakehismindoffElena,he’dthought.Lurkingaroundcampus—anditfeltlikelurking,whenhesawElena,withthewayhiseyeswereirresistiblydrawntoherevenashehurriedoutofsight—he’dwatchedher.SometimesshewaswithDamon.Stefan’sfingernailsbitintohispalms.
Consciouslyrelaxing,heturnedhisattentionbacktoEthan,whowassittingacrossasmaltablefromhim.
“ThemembersoftheVitaleSocietyholdaveryspecialplaceintheworld,”hewassaying,leaningforward,smiling.
“Onlythebestofthebestcanhopetobetapped,andthequalitieswelookforIthinkareverywelexemplifiedinyou,Stefan.”
Stefannoddedpolitelyandlethisminddriftagain.
Secretsocietiesweresomethingheactualyknewalittleabout.SirWalterRaleigh’sSchoolofNightinElizabethanEnglandwrestledwithwhatwasthenforbiddenknowledge:scienceandphilosophythechurchdeclaredoutofbounds.
IlCarbonaribackhomeinItalyworkedtoencouragerevoltagainstthegovernmentofthevariouscity-states,aimingforaunificationofalofItaly.Damon,Stefanknew,toyedwiththemembersoftheHelfireClubinLondonforafewmonthsinthe1700s,untilhegotboredwiththeirposturingandchildishblasphemy.
Althosesecretsocieties,though,hadsomekindofpurpose.Rebelingagainstconventionalmorality,pursuingtruth,revolution.Stefanleanedforward.“Pardonme,”hesaidpolitely,
“butwhatisthepointoftheVitaleSociety?”Ethanpausedmidspeechtostareathim,thenwethislips.“Wel,”hesaidslowly,“therealsecretsandritualsoftheSocietycan’tbeunveiledtooutsiders.Noneofthepledgesknowourtruepracticesandpurposes,notyet.ButIcantelyouthatthereareinnumerablebenefitstobeingoneofus.Travel,adventure,power.”
“Noneofthepledgesknowyourrealpurpose?”Stefanasked.Hisnaturalinclinationtostayawaywasbecomingmoreresolute.“Whydon’tyouwearamaskliketheothers?”
Ethanlookedsurprised.“I’mthefaceoftheVitaleforthepledges,”hesaidsimply.“They’lneedsomeonetheyknowtoguidethem.”
Stefanmadeuphismind.Hedidn’twanttobeguided.
“Iapologize,Ethan,”hesaidformaly,“butIdon’tthinkIwouldbeanappropriatecandidateforyourorganization.Iappreciatetheinvitation.”Hestartedtorise.
“Wait,”saidEthan.Hiseyeswerewideandgoldenandhadahungry,eagerexpressioninthem.“Wait,”hesaid,lickinghislipsagain.“We…wehaveacopyofPicodelaMirandola’sDehominisdignitate.”Hestumbledoverthewordsasifhedidn’tquiteknowwhattheywere.“Anoldone,fromFlorence,afirstedition.You’dgettoreadit.Youcouldhaveitifyouwanted.”
Stefanstiffened.HehadstudiedMirandola’sworkonreasonandphilosophywithenthusiasmbackwhenhewasstilalive,whenhewasayoungmanpreparingfortheuniversity.Hehadasuddenviscerallongingtofeeltheoldleatherandparchment,seetheblockytypefromthefirstdaysoftheprintingpress,somuchmorerightsomehowthanthemoderncomputer-setbooks.TherewasnowayEthanshouldhaveknowntoofferhimthatspecificbook.
Hiseyesnarrowed.
“WhatmakesyouthinkI’dwantthat?”hehissed,leaningacrossthetabletowardEthan.HecouldfeelPowersurgingthroughhim,fueledbyhisrage,butEthanwouldn’tmeethiseyes.
“I…youtoldmeyoulikeoldbooks,Stefan,”hesaid,andgavealittlefalselaugh,gazingdownatthetabletop.“Ithoughtyouwouldbeinterested.”
“No,thankyou,”Stefansaid,lowandangry.Hecouldn’tforceEthantolookhimintheeye,notwithalthesepeoplearound,soafteramoment,hestood.“Irefuseyouroffer,”hetoldEthanshortly.“Good-bye.”
Hewalkedtothedoorwithoutlookingback,holdinghimselfstraightandtal.HeglancedatMatt,whowastalkingtoanotherstudent,ashereachedthedoorand,whenMattmethiseyes,gavehimashrugandashakeofthehead,tryingtotelegraphanapology.Mattnodded,disappointedbutnotarguing.
NoonetriedtostopStefanashelefttheroom.Buthehadanervousfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.Therewassomethingwronghere.Hedidn’tknowenoughtodissuadeMattfromjoining,buthedecidedtokeeptabsontheVitaleSociety.Asheshutthedoorbehindhim,hecouldsenseEthanwatchinghim.
32
Moonlightshoneinthewindow,iluminatingalongswathofElena’sbed.Meredithhadtossedandturnedforawhile,butnowElenacouldhearhersteadybreathing.ItwasgoodthatMeredithwassleeping.Shewasexhaustingherself:workingoutconstantly,patrolingeverynight,makingsurealherweaponswereinprimecondition,wildwithfrustrationthattheyweren’tabletofindanysolidcluesastothekiler’sidentity.
Butitwaslonelybeingtheonlyoneawake.
Elenastretchedherlegsunderthesheetsandflippedoverherpilowtorestherheadonthecoolerside.
Branchestappedagainstthewindow,andElenawiggledhershouldersagainstthemattress,tryingtocalmherbusymind.ShewishedBonniewouldcomehome.
Thetappingonthewindowcameagain,thenagain,sharpperemptoryraps.
Slowly,itdawnedonElena,alittlelate,thatthereweren’tanytreeswhosebranchestouchedthatwindow.
Heartpounding,shesatupwithagasp.
Eyesblackasnightpeeredinthewindow,skinaspaleasthemoonlight.IttookElena’sbrainaminutetostartworkingagain,butthenshewasoutofbedandopeningthewindow.Hewassoquickandgracefulthatbythetimesheshutthewindowandturnedaround,Damonwasseatedonherbed,leaningbackonhiselbowsandlookingtotalyatease.
“Somevampirehuntersheis,”hesaidcooly,lookingoveratMeredithasshemadeasoftwhufflingsoundintoherpilow.Hisgaze,though,wasalmostaffectionate.
“That’snotfair,”Elenasaid.“She’sexhausted.”
“Somedayherlifemightdependonherstayingalertevenwhenshe’sexhausted,”Damonsaidpointedly.
“Okay,buttodayisnotthatday,”Elenasaid.“LeaveMeredithaloneandtelmewhatyou’vefoundoutaboutZander.”Sittingdowncross-leggedonthebednexttohim,sheleanedforwardtogiveDamonherfulattention.
Damontookherhand,slowlyinterlacinghisfingerswithhers.“Ihaven’tlearnedanythingdefinite,”hesaid,“butIhavesuspicions.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Elenasaid,distracted.Damonwasstrokingherarmlightlywithhisotherhand,feathertouches,andsherealizedhewaswatchingherclosely,waitingtoseeifshewouldobject.Inwardly,sheshruggedalittle.Whatdiditmatter,afteral?Stefanhadlefther;therewasnoreasonnowtopushDamonaway.SheglancedoveratMeredith,butthedark-hairedgirlwasstildeeplyasleep.
Damon’sdarkeyesglitteredinthemoonlight.Heseemedtosensewhatshewasthinking,becauseheleanedclosertoheronthebed,pulinghersnuglyagainsthim.“Ineedtoinvestigatealittlemore,”Damonsaid.
“There’sdefinitelysomethingoffabouthimandthoseboysherunsaroundwith.They’retoofast,foronething.ButIdon’tthinkBonnie’sinanyimmediatedanger.”Elenastiffenedinhisarms.“Whatproofdoyouhaveofthat?”sheasked.“Andit’snotjustBonnie.Ifanyone’sindanger,theyhavetobeourtoppriority.”
“I’lwatchthem,don’tworry.”Hechuckled,adry,intimatesound.“HeandBonniearecertainlygettingclose.
Sheseemsbesotted.”
Elenatwistedawayfromhiscarefulhands,feelinganxious.“Ifhecouldbedangerous,ifthere’sanythingoffabouthimthewayyousay,wehavetowarnherabouthim.
Wecan’tjustsitbywatchingandwaitingforhimtodosomethingwrong.Bythen,itmightbetoolate.”Damonpuledherbacktohim,hishandflatandsteadyagainstherside.“YoualreadytriedwarningBonnie,andthatdidn’twork,didit?Whywouldshelistentoyounowthatshe’sspentmoretimewithhim,bondingwithhim,andnothingbad’shappenedtoher?”Heshookhishead.“Itwon’twork,princess.”
“Ijustwishwecoulddosomething,”Elenasaidmiserably.
“IfIhadgottenalookatthebodies,”Damonsaidthoughtfuly,“Imighthavemoreofanideaofwhatcouldbebehindthis.Isupposebreakingintothemorgueisoutofthequestion?”
Elenaconsideredthis.“Ithinkthey’veprobablyreleasedthebodiesbynow,”shesaiddoubtfuly,“andI’mnotsurewherethey’dtakethemnext.Wait!”Shesatupstraight.
“Thecampussecurityofficewouldhavesomething,wouldn’tthey?Records,ormaybeevenpicturesofChristopher’sandSamantha’sbodies?Thecampusofficerswerealoverthecrimescenesbeforethepolicegotthere.”
“Wecancheckitouttomorrow,certainly,”Damonsaidcasualy.“Ifitwilmakeyoufeelbetter.”Hisvoiceandexpressionwerealmostdisinterested,provokinglyso,andonceagain,ElenafeltthestrangemixtureofdesireandirritationthatDamonoftensparkedinher.Shewantedtoshovehimawayandpulhimcloseratthesametime.
Shehadalmostdecidedonshovinghimawaywhenheturnedtolookherfulintheface.“MypoorElena,”hesaidinasoothingmurmur,hiseyesglintinginthemoonlight.Heranasofthandupherarm,shoulder,andneck,comingtorestgentlyagainstherjawline.“Youcan’tgetawayfromthedarkcreatures,canyou,Elena?Nomatterhowyoutry.
Cometoanewplace,findanewmonster.”Hestrokedherfacewithonefinger.Hiswordswerealmostmocking,buthisvoicewasgentleandhiseyesshonewithemotion.
Elenapressedhercheekagainsthishand.Damonwaselegantandclever,andsomethinginhimspoketothedark,secretpartofher.Shecouldn’tdenythatshewasdrawntohim—thatshe’dalwaysbeendrawntohim,evenwhentheyfirstmetandhescaredher.AndElenahadlovedhimsincethatwinternightwhensheawokeasavampireandhecaredforher,protectedher,andtaughtherwhatsheneededtoknow.
Stefanhadlefther.Therewasnoreasonwhysheshouldn’tdothis.“Idon’talwayswanttogetawayfromthedarkcreatures,Damon,”shesaid.
Hewassilentforamoment,hishandstrokinghercheekautomaticaly,andthenhekissedher.Hislipswerelikecoolsilkagainsthers,andElenafeltasifshehadbeenwanderingforhoursinadesertandhadfinalybeengivenacolddrinkofwater.
Shekissedhimharder,lettinggoofhishandtotwineherfingersthroughhissofthair.
Pulingawayfromhermouth,Damonkissedherneckgently,waitingforpermission.Elenadroppedherheadbacktogivehimbetteraccess.SheheardDamon’sbreathhissthroughhisteeth,andhelookedintohereyesforamoment,hisfacesoftandmoreopenthanshe’deverseenit,beforeheloweredhisfacetoherneckagain.
Thetwinwaspstingsofhisfangshurtforamoment,andthenshewasslidingthroughdarkness,folowingaribbonofachingpleasurethatledherthroughthenight,ledhertoDamon.Shefelthisjoyandwonderathavingherinhisarmswithoutguilt,withoutreserve.InreturnshelethimfeelherhappinessinhimandherconfusionoverwantinghimandstillovingStefan,herpainatStefan’sabsence.Therewasnoguilt,notnow,buttherewasahugeStefan-shapedholeinherheart,andsheletDamonseeit.
It’sallright,Elena,shefeltfromhim,notquiteinwords,butinarock-solidcontentment,likethepurrofacat.AllIwantisthis.
33
Ethanwas,Mattobserved,totalyfreakingout.Theguy’susualcheerfulcomposurehadwornoff,andhewassupervisingtheinitiationarrangementswiththeintensityofadrilsergeant.
“No!”hesnarledfromacrosstheroom.HedartedoverandslappedthelegofagirlwhowasstandingonachairandweavingrosesthroughtheweldedmetalVatthetopofthecentralarch.
“Ouch!”sheyeled,droppingtherosestothefloor.
“Ethan,whatisyourproblem?”
“Wedon’tputanythingontheV,Lorelai,”hetoldhercoldly,andbenttopickuptheflowers.“YoumustrespectthesymbolsoftheVitaleSociety.It’samatterofhonor.
Whenourleaderfinalyjoinsus,wemustdemonstratetohimthatwearedisciplined,thatwearecapable.”Heshovedtherosesbackintoherhands.“Wedon’tdothatbydrapinggarbagealoverthesymbolofourorganization.”Lorelaistaredathim.“I’msorry.ButIthoughtyouweretheleaderoftheVitaleSociety,Ethan.”EveryonehadstoppedworkingtowatchEthan’smelt-down.Noticingthathewasthecenterofattention,Ethanbreatheddeeply,clearlytryingtoregainhiscomposure.
Finalyheaddressedthemal,bitingoffhiswordssharply.“Iamtryingtoprepareyoual,andtopreparethischamber,fortheinitiationceremony.Foryou.”Hisvoicewassteadilyrisingasheglaredaroundatthem.“AndthisiswhenIlearnthat,despitealyourpromise,you’reabunchofincompetents.Youcan’tevenplaceacandleormixsomeherbswithoutmyhelp.We’rerunningoutoftime,andImightasweljustbedoingeverythingmyself.”Mattglancedaroundattheotherpledges.Theirfaceswereshockedandwary.Likehim,alalongtheyhadbeenlookinguptoEthanandwereflatteredandencouragedbyhispraise.Nowtheirrolemodelhadturnedonthem,andnooneseemedtoknowhowtoreact.Chloe,settingoutcandlesbythearch,wasanxious,herlipspressedtogethertightly.ShelookedquicklyatMattandthenaway,backtowardEthan.
“Justteluswhatyouwantustodo,Ethan,”Mattsaid,steppingforward.Hetriedtokeephisvoicelevelandsoothing.“We’ldoourbesttomakeeverythingperfect.”Ethangloweredathim.“Youcouldn’tevengetyourfriendStefantojoinus,”hesaidbitterly.“Onesimpletask,andyoufailed.”
“Hey,”Mattsaid,offended.“That’snotfair.IgotStefantocometalktoyou.Ifhe’snotinterested,that’shisdecision.Hedoesn’thavetojoinus.”
“IquestionyourcommitmenttotheVitaleSociety,Matt,”Ethansaidflatly.“AndtheconversationwithStefanSalvatoreisnotover.”HewalkedstraightpastMatt,glancingbrieflyattherestofthepledgesgatheredaroundhim.“There’snotmuchtime,everyone.Getbacktowork.”Mattcouldfeelthebeginningsofaheadachestartingathistemples.Forthefirsttime,hewonderedifmaybehedidn’twanttojointheVitaleSocietyafteral.
“Icouldhavethisdooropeninasinglesecond,”Damonsaidirritably.“Insteadwestandhere,waiting.”Meredithsighedandcarefulywiggledthebobbypininthelock.“Ifyouforcethedooropen,Damon,they’lknowrightawaythatsomeonebrokeintothecampussecurityoffice.Bypickingthelockinstead,wecankeepalowprofile.Okay?”Thebobbypincaughtonsomething,andshecarefulysliditupward,tryingtoturnittocatchthepinsofthelocksoshecouldmovethetumbler.Thenthebobbypinbent,andshelosttheangle.Shegroanedanddugintoherbagforanotherbobbypin.“Twenty-sevenweapons,”shegrumbled.“Ibroughttwenty-sevenseparateweaponstocolegeandnotasinglelockpick.”
“Wel,youcouldn’tbepreparedforeverything,”Elenasaid.“Whataboutusingacreditcard?”
“Beingpreparedforeverythingissortofmyjobdescription,”Meredithmuttered.Shesatbackonherheelsandstaredatthedoor.Thelockwasprettyflimsy:notonlyDamonbuteithersheorElenacouldhaveeasilyforceditopen.Andyes,acreditcardorsomethingsimilarprobablywouldworkjustfine.Droppingthebobbypinintoheropenbag,shetookoutherwaletinsteadandfoundherstudentID.
TheIDslidrightintothecrackbetweenthedoorandthedoorjamb,shegaveitacarefullittlewiggle,and,bingo,shewasabletoeasilyslidethelockbackandpulthedooropen.MeredithsmiledoverhershoulderatElena,archingoneeyebrow.“Thatwasstrangelysatisfying,”shesaid.
Oncetheywereinsideandthedoorwaslockedagainbehindthem,Meredithcheckedtomakesurethewindowswerecovered,thenflickedonthelights.
Thesecurityofficewassimplyfurnished:whitewals,twodesks,eachwithacomputer,onewithaforgottenhalfcupofcoffeeontop,andafilingcabinet.Therewasadyingplantonthewindowsil,itsleavesdryandbrowning.
“We’resurethatnoneoftheofficersaregoingtoshowupandcatchus?”Elenaaskednervously.
“Itoldyou,Icheckedtheirroutine,”Meredithanswered.
“Aftereighto’clock,albutoneofthesecurityguardsondutyispatrolingthecampus.Theonewhoisn’tissittinginthedownstairslobbyoftheadministrationbuilding,keepinginradiocontactwiththeothersandhelpingstudentswholockthemselvesoutoftheirdormsandstuff.”
“Wel,let’sgetitoverwith,”Damonsaid.“Idon’tparticularlyrelishtheideaofspendingthewholeeveninginthisdismallittlehole.”
Hisvoicesoundedbothwelbredandbored,asusual,buttherewassomethingdifferentabouthim.HewasstandingveryclosetoElena,soclosethathisarmwasbrushingagainsthers,and,asMeredithwatched,hishandcameuptotouchElena’sbackverylightly,justwithhisfingertips.Therewasaslightsecretivecurvetohismouth,almostasifDamonwasevenmorepleasedwithhimselfthanusual.
“Wel?”heasked,gazingbackatMeredith.“Whatnow,hunter?”
ElenasteppedawayfromhimandkneltinfrontofthefilingcabinetbeforeMeredithcouldanswer,slidingthetopdraweropen.“WhatwasSamantha’slastname?Herfile’sprobablyunderthat.”
“Dixon,”Meredithtoldher,pushingawaythelittleshockshekeptgettingwheneveranyonereferredtoSamanthainthepasttense.Itwasjust…she’dbeensofuloflife.“AndChristopher’swasNowicki.”
Elenarifledthroughthefilesinbothdrawers,pulingoutfirstonethickfolderandthenasecond.“Gotthem.”SheopenedSamantha’sfolderandmadeasicklittlesoundinherthroat.“They’re…worsethanIthought,”shesaid,hervoiceshakingasshelookedatpicturesfromthemurderscene.Sheturnedoverafewpages.“Andhere’sthecoroner’sreport.Itsaysshediedfrombloodloss.”
“Letmesee,”Meredithsaid.Shetookthefileandmadeherselfstudythecrimescenepicturestoseeifshehadmissedanythingwhenshewasthere.HereyeskeptflinchingawayfromSam’spoordefenselessbody,sosheswalowedhardandfocusedontheareasawayfromthebody,thefloor,thewalsofSamantha’sroom.“Bloodlossbecauseshewaskiledbyavampire?Orbecausethere’ssomuchbloodeverywhereelse?”Shewasproudofhowsteadyherownvoicewas,steadierthanElena’sanyway.
SheheldoutthefoldertowardDamon.“Whatdoyouthink?”sheasked.
Damontookthefolderandstudiedthephotosdispassionately,flippingafewpagestoreadthecoroner’sreport.ThenheheldouthishandtoElenaforChristopher’sfileandlookedthroughthatoneaswel.
“Ican’ttelanythingforcertain,”hesaidafterafewminutes.“JustlikewiththebodiesIfound,theycouldhavebeenkiledbywerewolves,whoareprimitivelikethis.Oritcouldhavebeensloppyvampires.Demons,easily.Evenhumanscoulddothis,iftheyweresufficientlymotivated.”Elenamadeasoftsoundofdenial,andDamonflashedhisbriliantsuddengrinather.“Oh,don’tforgetthathumanscancomeupwithfarmorecreativemeansofviolencethansomesimplehungrymonstersdo,sweetheart.”Seriousagain,helookeddownatthephotographsoncemore.“Icantelyou,though,thatmorethanonecreature—orperson—wasresponsible.”
Hisfingertracedalineacrossoneofthepictures,andMeredithforcedherselftolook.Bloodstainswerespatteredinwidearcsacrosstheroom,beyondSamantha’soutstretchedarms.“Seethewaythebloodsprayedhere?”Damonasked.“Someoneheldherhandsandsomeoneelseheldherfeet,andatleastoneother,maybemore,kiledher.”HeflippedopenChristopher’sfolderagain.
“Samething.Thismightbeevidencethatwerewolvesaretheculprits,sincetheyliketotravelinpacks,butitisn’tfirmproof.Youcangetgroupsofalmostanything.Evenvampires:they’renotalasself-sufficientasIam.”
“Mattsawonlyoneperson—orwhatever—nearChris’sbody,though,”Elenapointedout.“AndhegotthererealysoonafterChristopherscreamed.”
Damonwavedadisparaginghand.“Sotheywerefast,”hesaid.“Avampirecoulddoitbeforeahumanhadtimetoevenreacttothescream.Almostanythingsupernaturalcould.Speedcomeswiththepackage.”
Meredithshuddered.“Awholepackofsomething,”shesaidnumbly.“Onewouldhavebeenbadenough.”
“Apack’smuchworse,”Damonagreed.“Areyoureadytogonow?”
“We’dbettercheckandseeifthere’sanythingelseandthencleanup,”Elenasaid.“Doyouwanttostandguardoutside?Ifeellikewe’rerealytemptingfatebystayingheresolong.YoucouldgivesomekindofsignalifyouseesomeonecomingoruseyourPowertogetridofthem.
Please?”
Damonsmiledatherflirtatiously.“I’lbeyourwatchdog,princess,butonlybecauseit’syou.”
Meredithwaiteduntilhelefttosaydryly,“Speakingofdogs,rememberwhenDamonkiledBonnie’spetpug?”Elenaopenedthetopfiledraweragainandstartedgoingthroughitmethodicaly.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutthis,Meredith.ItwasKatherinewhokiledYangtze,anyway.”
“Ijustdon’tthinkyourealizewhatyou’regettingintohere,”Meredithsaid.“Damon’snotterrificrelationshipmaterial.”
Elena’shandsfalteredintheirefficientprogress.“Idon’t
…it’snotlikethat,”shesaid.“It’snotarelationship,Idon’twantarelationshipwithanyonebutStefan.”Meredithfrowned,confused.“Wel,then,what—”
“It’scomplicated,”Elenasaid.“IcareaboutDamon,youknowthat.I’mseeingwherethingsmightgowithhim.
There’ssomethingbetweenus,therealwayshasbeen.
WithStefangone”—hervoicecracked—“Ihavetogiveitachance.Just…justletitalonefornow,okay?”ShepickedupSamantha’sfoldertoputitbackinthedrawer.Herlipsweretrembling,andMeredithwasabouttopursuethesubject:shewasn’tgoingtoletitalone.NotwhenElenawasupsetandsomehowinvolved—moreinvolvedthanshehadbeenbefore—withDamonthedangerousvampire.ButElenainterruptedher.“Huh,”shesaid.“Whatdoyouthinkthismeans?”
Meredithcranedtoseewhatshewastalkingabout,andElenapointed.OntheinsidefrontofSamantha’sfilewaswrittenalargeblackV.ShepickedupChristopher’sfile.
“Thisone,too,”shesaid,showingElena.
“Vampires?”Elenaasked.“TheVitaleSociety?WhatelsestartswithVandmighthavetodowiththesemurders?”
“Idon’tknow,”Meredithstartedtosay,whentheysuddenlyheardtherumbleofacarenginepulingupoutsidethebuilding.Araucouscawcamethroughthewindow.
“That’sDamon,”Elenasaid,shovingChristopher’sfilebackintothecabinet.“Ifwedon’twanthimtohavetocompelthewholesecurityforce,we’dbettergetoutofherefast.”
34
“Ilikeyourplace,”ElenatoldDamon,lookingaround.
She’dbeenmildlysurprisedwhenheinvitedhertodinner.Aconventionaldatewasn’tsomethingsheeverassociatedwithDamon,butonherwayovershehadbeentinglingwithexcitementandcuriosity.DespitehavinglivedinthesamepalaceasDamonintheDarkDimension,shehadneverseenahomehe’dmadeforhimself.Foralhisbrashness,sherealized,Damonwasoddlyprivate.
Shewouldhaveexpectedhisapartmenttobegothicalydecoratedinblacksandreds,likethevampiremanorsshe’dvisitedintheDarkDimension.Butitwasn’tlikethatatal.Instead,itwasminimalist,sleekandelegantinitssimplicity,withcleanpalewals,lotsofwindows,furnitureinglassandmetal,andsoftcoolcolors.
Itsuitedhimsomehow.Ifyoudidn’tlooktoodeeplyintohisdark,ancienteyes,hecouldhavebeenahandsomeyoungmodelorarchitect,cladinfashionableblack,firmlyrootedinthemodernworld.
Butnotentirelymodern.Elenapausedinthelivingroomtoadmiretheviewoverthetown:starssparkledintheskyabovethemutedlightsofhousesandcarheadlightsontheroads.Onaglass-and-chrometablebelowthewindow,somethingelsesparkledjustasbrightly.
“What’sthis?”sheasked,pickingitup.Itlookedlikeagoldenbaloverlaidwithatraceryofdiamonds,justtherightsizetofitcomfortablyinherpalm
“Atreasure,”Damonsaid,smiling.“Seeifyoucanfindthecatchontheside.”
Elenafeltthespherewithcarefulfingers,finalyfindingacleverlyconcealedcatchandpressingit.Thebalunfoldedinherhands,revealingasmalgoldenfigure.Ahummingbird,Elenasaw,holdingituptoinspectit,thegoldchasedwithrubies,emeralds,andsapphires.
“Windthekey,”Damonsaid,comingtostandbehindher,onecoolhandoneachofhersides.Elenafoundthesmalkeylowonthebackofthebirdandturnedit.Thebirdarcheditsneckandspreaditswings,movingslowlyandsmoothly,asadelicatetunebegantoplay.
“It’sbeautiful,”shesaid.
“Madeforaprincess,”Damontoldher,hiseyesfixedonthebird.“Adaintylittletoy,fromRussiabeforetherevolution.Theyhadcraftsmenthereinthosedays.Afunplacetobe,too,ifyouweren’tapeasant.Palaces,feasts,andridingthroughthesnowinsleighspiledwithfurs.”
“YouwereinRussiaduringtherevolution?”Elenaasked.
Damonlaughed,adrysharplittlesound.“Iwastherebeforetherevolution,darling.‘Getoutbeforethingsgobad,’that’salwaysbeenmymotto.Inevercaredenoughtostayandseethingsthroughtiltheend.BeforeImetyou,anyway.”
Asthemusicstoppedplaying,Elenahalfturned,wantingtoseeDamon’sface.Hesmiledatherandreachedtotakeherhand,closingthebirdbackintoitssphere.“Keepit,”hesaid.Elenatriedtoprotest—itwassurelypriceless—butDamonshruggedalittle.“Iwantyoutohaveit,”hesaid.“Besides,Ihavealotoftreasures.Youtendtoaccumulatethingswhenyouliveseverallifetimes.”Heusheredherintothediningroom,wherethetablewassetforone.“Areyouhungry,princess?”heasked.“Ihadfoodbroughtinforyou.”
Heservedheranamazingsoup—somethingshedidn’trecognizethatwassmoothandvelvetyonhertongue,withjustahintofspice—folowedbyatinyroastbird,whichElenadissectedcarefulywithherfork,itssmalbonescracking.Damondidn’teat,heneverate,buthesippedaglassofwineandwatchedElena,smilingasshetoldhimaboutherclasses,noddingseriouslyasshetoldhimaboutthetolthatpatrolingeverynightwastakingonMeredith.
“Thiswaswonderful,”shesaidatlast,stilpickingattherichflourlesschocolatetarthe’dbroughtoutfordessert.“Ithinkit’sthebestmealI’veeverhad.”Damonsmiled.“Iwanttogiveyouthebestofeverything,”hesaid.“Youshouldhavetheworldatyourfeet,youknow.”
SomethinginElenastirred.Sheputherforkdownandrose,walkingovertothewindowtogazeoutatthestarsagain.“You’vebeeneverywhere,haven’tyou,Damon?”sheasked.Shepressedherpalmagainsttheglass.
Damoncameupclosebehindherandpuledhertofacehim,gentlystrokingherhair.“Oh,Elena,”hesaid.“Ihavebeeneverywhere,butthethingabouttheworldisthatitkeepschanging,soit’salwaysnewandexciting.TherearesomanyplacesIwanttoshowyou,toseethemthroughyoureyes.There’ssomuchoutthere,somuchlifetolive.”Hekissedherneck,hiscaninespushinggentlyagainsttheveinonthesideofherthroat,thenputhishandsonherhips,turningherbacktowardthewindow,whereaspreadofstarsglowedagainstthenight.“Mostpeopleneverevenseeatenthofwhatthehumanworldholds,”hemurmuredinherear.“Beextraordinarywithme,Elena.”Hisbreathwaswarmonherthroat.“Bemydarkprincess.”Elenaleanedagainsthim,trembling.
DearDiary,
Idon’tknowwhoIamanymore.
Tonight,withDamon,IcouldalmostpicturemylifeifItookwhatheofferedme,becamehis“darkprincess.”Thetwoofus,handinhand,strongandbeautifulandfree.EverythingIwantedwithouthavingtoliftafinger,fromjewelstoclothestowonderfulfood.AlifeabovetheconcernsIusedtohave,somewherefaraway.ExperiencingandseeingwondersIcan’tevenimagine.
ItwouldhavetobeaworldwithoutStefan,though.He’sshutmeout,utterly.ButseeingmewithDamon—notjustkissing,butbeingwhoDamonwantsmetobe—wouldhurthim,Iknow.
AndIcan’tstandtodothatanymore.
It’sliketherearetwopathsinfrontofme.Onegoesintothedaylight,andit’stheordinarygirlIthoughtIwantedtobe:partiesandclassesandeventuallyajobandahouseandanormallife.
Stefanwantstogivemethat.Theotherisinthedarkness,withDamon,andI’mjuststartingtorealizehowmuchthatworldhastooffer,andhowmuchIwanttoexperienceeverythingitholds.
IalwaysthoughtStefanwouldbewithmeonthedaylitpath.ButnowI’velosthim,andthatpathseemssolonely.Maybethedarkpathreallyismyfuture.MaybeDamonisright,andIbelongwithhim,inthenight.
“Ican’twaittoseemysurprise.”BonniegiggledassheandZandercrossedthelawnofthesciencebuildinghandinhand.“You’resoromantic.WaittilIteltheguys.”Zanderbrushedafeather-lightkissacrosshercheek,hislipswarm.“TheyalreadyknowI’velostalmycoolguypointsforyou.Isangkaraokewithyoulastnight.”Bonniesnickered.“Wel,afterIintroducedyoutoDirtyDancing,wehadtosingthebigduet,right?Ican’tbelieveyou’dneverseenthatmoviebefore.”
“It’sbecauseIusedtobemanly,”Zanderadmitted.“ButnowI’veseentheerrorofmyways.”Hegaveheroneofhisslowsmiles,andBonnie’skneesnearlybuckled.“Itwasacutemovie.”
Theyreachedthebottomofthefireescape,andZanderboostedherupandthenclimbedafterher.Whentheygottotheroof,Zandergesturedexpansivelyatthescenebeforethem.“Foroursix-weekanniversary,Bonnie,are-creationofourfirstdate.”
“Oh!That’ssosweet!”Bonnielookedaround.Therewastheraggedarmyblanket,coveredwiththepizzaboxandsodas.Thestarsshoneoverhead,justastheyhadsixweeksago.Itwassweet;itwasaromanticideaeveniftheirfirstdatehadn’tbeenalthatamazing.Thenshecorrectedherself:ithadactualybeenaprettyamazingdate,eventhoughithadbeensimple.
Shetookaseatontheblanket,thenpeekedintothepizzaboxandinvoluntarilygrinned.Olive,sausage,andmushroom.Herfavorite.“Atleastoneimprovementinthere-creation,though,Isee.”
Zandersatnexttoherandslippedhisarmaroundhershoulders.“OfcourseIknowwhatyoulikeonyourpizzanow,”hesaid.“Gottopayattentiontomygirl.”Bonniesnuggledupunderhisarm,andtheysharedthepizza,gazingatthestarsandtalkingcozilyaboutthisandthat.Whenthepizzawasalgone,Zanderwipedhisgreasyhandscarefulywithanapkin,thentookbothofBonnie’shandsinhis.“Ineedtotalktoyou,”hesaidseriously,hissky-blueeyesintentonhers.
“Okay,”Bonniesaidnervously,aflashofpanicstartinginherstomach.SurelyZanderwouldn’thavebroughtheralthewayuphereandre-createdtheirfirstdateifhewasplanningtodumpher,wouldhe?No,thatwasaridiculousidea.Buthelookedsosolemnandworried.“You’renotsick,areyou?”sheasked,horrifiedbytheidea.
ThecornerofZander’smouthtwitchedupintoasmile.
“You’resofunny,Bonnie,”hesaid.“Youjustsaywhateverpopsintoyourhead.That’soneofthereasonswhyIloveyou.”Bonnie’sheartleapedintoherthroat,andshefelthercheeksflush.Zanderlovedher?
Zandergotseriousagain.“Imeanit,”hesaid.“Iknowit’srealyearly,andyoudon’thavetofeellikeyouneedtosaysomethingback,butIwantedyoutoknowthatI’mfalinginlovewithyou.You’reamazing.I’veneverfeltlikethisbefore.Never.”
TearsofhappysurprisesprangintoBonnie’seyes,andshesniffed,squeezingZander’shandstightly.“Ifeelit,too,”shesaidinatinyvoice.“Theselastfewweekshavebeenamazing.Imean,Idon’tthinkI’veeverhadasmuchfunasIdowithyou.Wegeteachother,youknow?”Theykissed,along,slow,sweetkiss.BonnieleanedagainstZanderandsighedcontentedly.She’dneverbeensocomfortable.ThenZanderpuledaway.
Bonniereachedoutforhim,butZandertookherhandsagainandgazedintohereyes.“It’sbecauseI’mfalinginlovewithyou,”hesaidslowly,“thatIhavetotelyousomething.Youhavetherighttoknow.”Hesqueezedhiseyesclosedtightlyforamoment,thenopenedthemagain,lookingatBonnieasifhewantedtoclimbintoherheadandfindouthowshewasgoingtoreacttowhathesaidnext.“I’mawerewolf,”hesaidflatly.
Bonniesatfrozenforaminute,hermindscramblingtounderstand.Thensheshriekedandpuledherhandsawayfromhim,jumpingtoherfeet.“Ohno,”shegasped.“OhmyGod.”Imageswererushingthroughhermind:TylerSmalwood’sfacetwisting,grotesquelylengtheningintoamuzzle,hisnewlyyelowandslit-pupiledeyesglaringatherwithvicious,bloodthirstyhatred.Meredithcrumpledonherbedlikeanabandoneddol,blank-eyedasshetoldthemhowSamantha’sbodyhadbeenmauled.Theflashofwhite-blondhairMeredithhadseenwhenshechasedadark-cladfigureawayfromascreaminggirl.TheblackbruisesonZander’sside.
“MeredithandElenawereright,”shesaid,backingawayfromhim.
“No!No,it’snotlikethat,Bonnie,please,”Zandersaid,scramblingtohisfeetsothattheystoodfacingeachother.
Hisfacewaswhiteandstrained.“I’magoodwerewolf,Iswear,Idon’t…wedon’thurtpeople.”
“Liar!”Bonnieshouted,furious.“I’veknownwerewolves,Zander.Tobecomeone,youhavetobeakiller!”Withthat,shewasoff,scramblingdownthefireescapetotherelativesafetyoftheground.Don’tlookback,don’tlookback,hammeredinsideherhead.Getaway,getaway.
“Bonnie!”Zandercaledfromthetopofthefireescape,andsheheardhimclatteringdownafterher.
Bonniejumpedthelastfewfeetfromthebottomofthefireescapeandlandedhard,stumbling.Shestraightenedupandstartedtorunimmediately.Shehadtogetinside,hadtofindsomewhereshewouldn’tbealone.
Outofthecornerofhereye,sheglimpsedmovementintheshadowsofthebuilding.JaredandTristanand,ohno,bigmuscularMarcus.Werewolves,sherealized,justlikeZander,partofhispack.Bonniethoughtshewasmovingasquicklyasshecould,but,astheycameintothelight,shefoundafreshspurtofspeed.
“Bonnie!”Jaredcaledhoarsely,andtheycameafterher.
Shewasrunningfasterthansheeverhad,breathlesssobstornfromherchest,butitwasn’tnearlyfastenough.
Theywereclosebehindher;shecouldheartheirheavyfootstepscatchinguptoher.
“Wejustwanttotalktoyou,Bonnie,”Tristancaled,hisvoicelevelandcalm.Hedidn’tevensoundoutofbreath.
“Stop,”Marcussaid.“Waitforus,”andohGod,hewascomingupbesidehernow,andTristanonherotherside,cuttingheroff.Theyweremovingincloser,penningherin.
Bonniestopped,herhandsonherknees,pantingforbreath.Hottearsrandownherfaceanddrippedoffherchin.Theyhadcaughther.Shehadrunandrun,asfastasshecould,butshehadn’tbeenabletogetaway.Thethreeguyswerepacingaroundher,hemmingherin,theirfaceswary.
They’dpretendedtobeherfriends,butnowtheylookedlikehunters,circlingher.They’dlied,alofthem.
“Monsters,”shemutteredlikeacurse,andpuledherselfupright,stilpanting.Theyhadcaughther,buttheyhadn’tdefeatedheryet.Shewasawitch,wasn’tshe?SheclenchedherhandsintofistsandbegantochantunderherbreaththecharmsMrs.Flowerstaughtherforprotectionanddefense.Shedidn’tthinkshecouldbeatthreewerewolves,notwithoutthetimetomakeamagiccircle,withoutanysupplies,butmaybeshecouldhurtthem.
“Guys,wait.Stop.”Zanderwascomingnow,runningacrossthecolegelawnstowardthem.Eventhroughthehottearscloudinghervision,Bonniecouldseehowbeautifulhewas,howgracefulandnaturalarunner,hislonglegseatingupthedistance,andherheartachedjustalittlemore.Shehadlovedhimsomuch.Shewentonchanting,feelingthepowerbuildingupinsideherlikethepressureinashakencanofsoda,readytopop.
Zandercametoahaltwhenhereachedthem,claspingMarcus’sshoulderwithonehand.Theotherthreelookedathim.
“Sheranawayfromus,”Tristansaid,andhesoundedbaffledandresentful.
“Yeah,”Zandersaid.“Iknow.”TearswererunningdownZander’sface,too,Bonnierealized,andhewasmakingnomovetowipethemaway.Hejustlookedather,thosebeautifulblueeyeswideopen,heartbreakinglysad.“Backoff,guys,”hesaidwithoutlookingawayfromBonnie.Toher,then,headded,“Youdowhatyouhavetodo.”Bonniestoppedchanting,lettingthebuilt-uppowerdrainaway.Shetookaharshgaspofair,andthen,quickasanarrow,herheartpoundingasifitwouldburstoutofherchest,sheran.
35
InitiationnightforthenewestmembersoftheVitaleSocietyhadarrivedatlast.Thecavernousroomwaslitonlybygoldencandlelightfromlongtapersplacedaroundthespaceandbythefireofhigh-flamingtorchesagainstthewals.Intheflickeringlight,theanimalscarvedinthewoodofthepilarsandarchesalmostseemedtobemoving.
Matt,dressedinadarkhoodedrobeliketheotherinitiates,gazedaroundproudly.They’dworkedhard,andtheroomlookedamazing.
Atthefrontoftheroom,beneaththehighestarch,alongtablehadbeenplaced,drapedinaheavyredsatinclothandlookinglikesomekindofaltar.Inthecenterofthetablesatahugedeepstonebowl,almostlikeabaptismalfont,andarounditrosesandorchidswereset.Moreflowershadbeenscatteredonthefloor,andthescentofthecrushedblossomsunderfootwassostrongthatitwasdizzying.Thepledgeswerelinedup,evenlyspaced,beforethealtar.
Asifshe’dpickeduponhisprideathoweverythinghadturnedout,Chloepushedherdarkhoodbackabitandleanedtowardhimtomutter,“Prettyfabulous,huh?”Mattsmiledather.Sowhatifshewasdatingsomeoneelse?Hestillikedher.Hewantedtostayfriends,evenifthatwasaltherecouldbebetweenthem.
Hetuggedathisrobeself-consciously;thefabricwasheavy,andhedidn’tlikethewayitblockedhisperipheralvision.
ThecurrentmaskedmembersoftheVitaleSocietywovesilentlyamongthepledges,handingoutgobletsfulofsomekindofliquid.Mattsniffedhisandsmeledgingerandchamomileaswelaslessfamiliarscents:sothiswaswheretheherbshadbeenused.
Hesmiledatthegirlwhogaveittohim,butgotnoresponse.Hereyesbehindthemaskslidoverhimneutraly,andshemovedon.OncehewasafulmemberoftheVitaleSociety,hewouldknowwhothesecurrentmemberswere,wouldseethemwithouttheirmasks.Hesippedfromhisgobletandgrimaced:ittastedstrangeandbitter.
ThesoftrustlingsofcloakedfiguresmovingacrossthefloorweresilencedasthelastofthegobletswashandedoutandthemaskedVitalesquietlyretreatedunderthearchbehindthealtartowatch.Ethansteppedforward,uptothealtar,andpushedbackhishood.
“Welcome,”hesaid,holdingouthishandstotheassembledpledges.“Welcometotruepoweratlast.”Thecandlelightflickeredoverhisface,twistingitintosomethingunfamiliarandalmostsinister.Matttwitchednervouslyandtookanotherswalowofthebitterherbalmixture.
“Atoast!”Ethancaled.Heraisedhisowngoblet,andbeforehim,thepledgesraisedtheirs.Hehesitatedforamoment,thensaid,“Tomovingbeyondtheveilanddiscoveringthetruth.”
Mattraisedhisgobletanddraineditwiththeotherpledges.Themixtureleftagrittyfeelingonhistongue,andhescrapeditabsentlyagainsthisteeth.
Ethanlookedaroundatthepledgesandsmiled,lockinggazeswithoneafteranother.“You’vealworkedsohard,”hesaidaffectionately.“Eachofyouhasreachedhisorherpersonalpeakofinteligence,strength,andleadershipabilitynow.Together,youareaforcetobereckonedwith.
Youhavebeenperfected.”
Mattmanagedtopolitelyrestrainhimselffromrolinghiseyes.Itwasnicetobepraised,ofcourse,butsometimesEthanwasalittletoooverthetop:perfected?Mattdoubteditwasevenpossible.Itseemedtohimthatyoucouldalwaysstrivetobealittlemore,oralittleless,something.
Youcouldalwayswishtobebetter.Butevenifhecould,afteral,beperfected,hesuspectedthatitwouldtakemorethanafewobstaclecoursesandgroupproblem-solvingexercisestodoit.
“Andnowitistimetoatlastdiscoveryourpurpose,”Ethancontinued.“Timetocompletethefinalstageinyourtransformationfromordinarystudentsintotrueavatarsofpower.”Hetookacleanandshiningsilvercupfromthealtaranddippeditintothedeepstonebowlinfrontofhim.
“Witheverystepforwardinevolution,theremustbesomesacrifice.Iregretanypainthiswilcauseyou.Becomfortedbytheknowledgethatalsufferingistemporary.Anna,stepforward.”
Therewasaslightuneasystirringamongthepledges.
ThistalkofsufferingandsacrificewasdifferentthanEthan’susualemphasisonhonorandpower.Mattfrowned.
Somethingwaswronghere.
ButAnna,lookingtinyinherlongrobe,walkedwithouthesitationuptothealtarandpushedbackherhood.
“Drinkofme,”Ethansaid,handingherthesilvercup.
Annablinkeduncertainlyandthen,hereyesonEthan,tippedbackherheadanddrainedthecup.AsshehandeditbacktoEthan,shelickedherlipsautomaticaly,andMatttriedtopeermorecloselyather.Intheflickeringcandlelight,herlipslookedunnaturalyredandslick.
ThenEthanledheraroundthesideofthealtarandintohisarms.Hesmiled,andhisfacetwisted,hiseyesdilatingandhislipspulingbackinasnarl.Histeethlookedsolong,sosharp.Matttriedtoshoutawarningbutrealizedwithhorrorthathecouldn’tmovehislips,couldn’tdrawthebreathtocalout.
Heknew,suddenly,thathehadbeenafool.
EthansankhisfangsdeepintoAnna’sneck.Mattstrained,tryingtoruntowardthem,toattackEthanandthrowhimawayfromAnna.Buthecouldn’tmoveatal.Hemustbeundersomekindofcompulsion.Orperhapssomethinginthedrink,somemagicingredient,hadmadethemaldocileandstil.HewatchedhelplesslyasAnnastruggledforafewmoments,thenwentlimp,hereyesrolingbackinherhead.
Unceremoniously,Ethanletherbodydroptotheground.“Don’tbeafraid,”hesaidkindly,gazingaroundatthehorrified,frozenpledges.“Alofus”—hegesturedtowardthesilent,maskedVitalebehindhim—“wentthroughthisinitiationrecently.Youmustbraceyourselftosufferwhatisonlyasmal,temporarydeath,andthenyouwilbeoneofus,atrueVitale.Nevergrowingold,neverdying.
Powerfulforever.”
Sharpwhiteteethandgoldeneyesshininginthecandlelight,EthanreachedouttowardthenextpledgeasMattstruggledagaintoshout,tofight.Ethancontinued,
“Stuart,stepforward.”
Elenasmeledsogood,richandsweetlikeanexoticripefruit.Damonwantedtosimplyburyhisheadinthesoftskinatthecrookofherneckandjustinhaleherforadecadeortwo.Snakinghisarmthroughhers,hepuledhercloser.
“Youcan’tcomeinwithme,”shetoldhimforthesecondtime.“ImightbeabletogetJamestotalktomebecauseit’saquestionaboutmyparents,butIdon’tthinkhe’ltelmeanythingifsomeoneelseisthere.WhateverthetruthisabouttheVitaleSocietyandmyparents,Ithinkhe’sembarrassedaboutit.Orafraid,or…something.”Withoutpayingattentiontowhatshewasdoing,ElenashiftedhergripandheldontoDamon’sarmmorefirmly.
“Fine,”Damonsaidstubbornly.“I’lwaitoutside.Iwon’tlethimseeme.Butyou’renottowalkacrosscampusatnightbyyourself.It’snotsafe.”
“Yes,Damon,”Elenasaidinaconvincingimitationofmeekness,andrestedherheadonhisshoulder.ThelemonyscentofhershampoomixedwiththemoreessentialElenasmelofher.Damonsighedwithcontentment.
Shecaredforhim,heknewthat,andStefanhadtakenhimselfoutofthepicture.Shewasstilyoung,hisprincess,andahumanheartcouldheal.Maybe,withStefangone,shewouldfinalyseehowmuchclosershewas,mindandsoul,toDamon,howperfectlytheyfittogether.
Inanycase,shewashisfornow.Heliftedhisfreehandandstrokedherhead,hersilkyhairpliantbeneathhisfingers,andsmiled.
Theprofessor’shousewasbarelyoffcampus,justacrossthestreetfromthegildedentrancegates.They’dalmostreachedtheedgeofcampuswhenafamiliarpresencethathadbeenlurkingnearbyatlastcameveryclose.
Damonwheeledtoscantheshadows,pulingElenawithhim.
“Whatisit?”Elenasaid,alarmed.
Comeout,Damonthoughtwithexasperation,sendinghissilentmessagetowardthethickestshadowsatthebaseofacrowdofoaktrees.Youknowyoucan’thidefromme.
Onedarkshadowdetacheditselffromtherest,steppingforwardonthepath.Stefansimplygazedattheground,shouldersslumped,hishandslooseandopenbyhissides.Elenagasped,asmalhurtsound.
Stefanlookedterrible,Damonthought,notwithoutsympathy.Hisfaceseemedholowandstrained,hischeekbonesmoreprominentthanusual,andDamonwouldhavebetthathewasn’tfeedingproperly.Damonfeltatwingeofdisquiet.Hedidn’ttakepleasureincausinghisbrotherpain.Notanymore.
“Wel?”Damonsaid,raisinghiseyebrows.
Stefanglancedupathim.Idon’twanttofightwithyou,Damon,hesaidsilently.
Sodon’t,Damonshotbackathim,andStefan’smouthtwitchedinahalfsmileofacknowledgment.
“Stefan,”Elenasaidsuddenly,soundinglikethewordhadbeenjerkedoutofher.“Please,Stefan.”Stefanstareddownatthepathunderhisfeet,notmeetinghereyes.“Isensedyouwerenearby,Elena,andIfeltyouranxiety,”hesaidwearily.“Ithoughtyoumighthavebeenintrouble.I’msorry,Iwasmistaken.Ishouldn’thavecome.”
Elenastiffened,andherlongdarklashesfeloverhereyes,hiding,Damonwasalmostsure,thebeginningsoftears.
Alongsilencestretchedbetweenthem.Finaly,irritatedbythetension,Damonmadeanefforttoeaseit.“So,”hesaidcasualy,“webrokeintothecampussecurityofficelastnight.”
Stefanlookedupwithaflickerofinterest.“Oh?Didyoufindanythinguseful?”
“Crimescenephotos,buttheyweren’tveryhelpful,”Damonsaid,shrugging.“ThefoldersweremarkedwithblackVs,sowe’retryingtofigureoutwhatthatmeans.
Elena’sgoingtotalktoherprofessorabouttheVitaleSociety,seeifitcouldhaveanythingtodowiththem.”
“The…VitaleSociety?”Stefansaidhesitantly.
Damonwavedahanddismissively.“AsecretsocietyfrombackinthedaywhenElena’sparentswerehere,”hesaid.“Whoknows?Itmaybenothing.”
Drawingahandacrosshisface,Stefanseemedtobethinkinghard.“Oh,no,”hemuttered.Then,lookingatElenaforthefirsttime,heasked,“Where’sMatt?”
“Matt?”Elenaechoed,startledoutofherwistfulcontemplationofStefan.“Um,Ithinkhehadsomekindofmeetingtonight.Footbalstuff,maybe?”
“Ihavetogo,”Stefansaidtightly,andwasimmediatelygone.Withhisenhancedabilities,DamoncouldhearStefan’slightfootstepsracingaway.ButtoElena,heknew,Stefanhadbeennothingbutasilentlyvanishingblur.
ElenaturnedtoDamon,herfacecrumplinginwhatherecognizedasapreludetomoretears.“Whywouldhefolowmeifhedoesn’twanttotalktome?”shesaid,hervoicehoarsewithsorrow.
Damongrittedhisteeth.Hewastryinghardtobepatient,towaitforElenatogivehimherheart,butshekeptthinkingofStefan.“Hetoldyou,”hesaid,keepinghisvoiceeven.“Hewantstomakesureyou’resafe,buthedoesn’twanttobewithyou.ButIdo.”Firmlyrecapturingherarmwithhis,hetuggedherlightlyforward.“Shalwe?”36
WhenheopenedhisdoorandsawElena,James’sfacecrumpled,justforafractionofasecond,andhesteppedbackward,asifhewasconsideringclosingthedoorinherface.Thenheseemedtothinkbetterofit,andheopeneditwider,hisfacecreasingintoitsfamiliarsmile.
“Why,Elena,”hesaid,“Mydear,Ihardlyexpectedavisitoratthishour.I’mafraidthisisn’tthebesttime.”Heclearedhisthroat.“I’dbedelightedtoseeyouatschool,duringofficehours.MondaysandFridays,remember?
Now,ifyou’lexcuseme.”And,stilsmilinggently,heshuffledforwardanddidtrytoclosethedoorinherface.
ButElenaswungherhandupandstoppedhim.“Wait,”shesaid.“James,Iknowyoudidn’twanttotalktomeaboutthepins,butit’simportant.IneedtofindoutmoreabouttheVitaleSociety.”
Hisbrightblackeyesglancedtowardherandaway,asifembarrassed.“Yes,wel,”hesaid,“theproblemisofcoursethatunchaperonedsolovisitsfromastudent—anystudent,youunderstand,mydear,noreflectiononyoupersonaly—toaprofessor’shomeare,er,frownedupon.
Thewickedworldwelivein,youknow,”and,withasoftchuckle,hepushedfirmlyagainstthedoor.“Therearetimesandplaces.”
Elenapushedback.“Idon’tbelieveforaminutethatyou’retryingtomakemegoawaybecausemyvisitisinappropriate,”shesaidflatly.“Youcan’tgetridofmethateasily.Peopleareindanger,James.
“IknowyouandmyparentswerepartoftheVitaleSociety,”Elenacontinueddoggedly.“Ineedyoutotelmewhateveritisthatyou’vebeenhidingaboutthosedays.IthinktheVitaleistiedtothemurdersanddisappearancesoncampus,andwehavetostopit.You’remyonlyleadatthispoint,James.”Hehesitated,hiseyeswateringwithemotion,andElenafixedhimwithhergaze.“Morepeoplearegoingtodie,”shesaidharshly,“butyoumightbeabletosavethem.Wilyou?”
Jamesvisiblywaveredandthenseemedtogiveinalatonce,hisshouldersdropping.“Idon’tknowifanythingIcantelyouwilhelp.Idon’tknowanythingaboutthemurders.
Butyou’dbettercomein,”hesaid,andledthewaydownthehalandthroughhishouse.Thekitchenwasshiningclean,withspotlesswhitesurfaces.Copperpots,wovenbaskets,andcheeryreddishclothsandtowelshungfromhooksandwerearrangedontopofcupboards.Framedprintsoffruitsandvegetableshungonthewalsatintervals.
Jamessatherdownatthetable,thenbusiedhimselfwithmakingheracupoftea.
Elenawaitedpatientlyuntilhefinalysettledacrossfromher,withcupsofteainfrontofthemboth.“Milk?”heaskedfussily,handingherthejug,withoutmeetinghereyes.
“Sugar?”
“Thankyou,”Elenasaid.Thensheleanedacrossthetableandplacedherhandonhis,keepingitthereuntilheraisedhiseyestolookather.“Telme,”shesaidsimply.
“Idon’tknowanythingaboutthemurders,”Jamessaidagain.“Believeme,Iwouldn’thavekeptthissecretifIthoughtanyonewasindangerfromit.”Elenanodded.“Iknowyouwouldn’t,”shesaid.“Evenifthereisn’taconnection,ifthesecretisaboutmyparents,Ideservetoknow,”shetoldhim.
Jamessighed,alongbreathysound.“Thiswasalalongtimeago,youunderstand,”hesaid.“Wewereyoungandabitnaive.TheVitaleSocietywasaforceforgood,backthen.WeworshippednaturalspiritsanddrewourenergyfromthesacredEarth.Wewereapositiveforceinthecommunity,interestedprincipalyinloveandpeaceandcreativity.Weservedothers.IhearthattheVitaleSocietyhaschangedsincethosedays,thatdarkerelementshavetakenitover.ButIdon’tknowmuchaboutthemnow.Ihaven’tbeeninvolvedwiththeVitaleforyears,notsincetheeventsIamabouttorecounttoyou.”
Elenasippedherteaandwaited.James’seyesflewtoherface,almostshyly,thenfixedbackonthetable.“Oneday,”hesaidslowly,“astrangemancametooneofoursecretmeetings.Hewas—”Jamesclosedhiseyesandshivered.“Ihadneverseenabeingofsuchpurepower,oronewhoradiatedsuchafeelingofpeaceandlove.We,alofus,hadnodoubtthatwewereinthepresenceofanangel.HecaledhimselfaGuardian.”Involuntarily,Elenasuckedabreaththroughherteeth,hissing.James’seyessnappedopen,andhegaveheralonglook.“Youknowthem?”Athernod,heshruggedalittle.“Wel,youcanimaginehowheaffectedus.”
“WhatdidtheGuardianwant?”Elenaasked,herstomachdropping.ShehadmetGuardians,andshehadn’tlikedthem.ItwasGuardianswhohad,coldlyandefficiently,refusedtobringDamonbacktolifewhenhehaddiedintheDarkDimension.AnditwasGuardianswhohadcausedthecaraccidentthatkiledherparentsinanattempttokilElenasothattheycouldrecruithertotheirranks.AltheGuardiansshe’dmetwerefemale,though;shehadn’tevenknownthereweremaleGuardiansaswel.
Elenaknewthat,lovelyastheGuardiansappearedtobe,theywerenotangels,werenotonthesideofGoodor,forthatmatter,thesideofEvil.TheyjustbelievedinOrder.
Theycouldbeverydangerous.
Jameslookedatherbriefly,thenfiddledwiththeteacupandnapkininfrontofhim.“Wouldyoulikeascone?”heasked.Sheshookherheadandstaredathim,andhesighedagain.“Youhavetounderstandthatyourparentswereveryyoung.Idealistic.”
Elenahadthesinkingfeelingthatshewasgoingtofindoutsomethingdeeplyunpleasant.“Goon,”shesaid.
Insteadofcontinuing,though,Jamesfoldedhisnapkinintotiny,precisesquares,smalerandsmaler,untilElenaclearedherthroat.Thenhebeganagain.“TheGuardiantoldusthattherewasaneedforanewkindofGuardian.
Onewhowouldbeamortal,onEarth,andwhowouldpossessspecialpowersthatshewouldneedtomaintainthebalancebetweengoodandevilsupernaturalforcesonEarth.Overthecourseofhisvisit,ElizabethandThomas,whowereyoungandbriliantandgoodanddeeplyinlove,andwhohadbrightfuturesaheadofthem,werechosentobetheparentsofthismortalGuardian.”HeletthenapkinunfolditselfinhishandsandlookedatElenameaningfuly.Ittookheramomenttocatchon.
“Me?Areyoukidding?I’mnot—”Sheshuthermouth.“Ihaveenoughproblems,”shesaidflatly.Shepausedassomethinghesaidsankin.“Wait,whydoyouthinkmyparentswerebeingnaive?”sheaskedsharply.“Whatdidtheydo?”
Jamesdrankaswalowoftea.“Frankly,IthinkIneedalittlesomethinginthisbeforeIcontinue,”hesaid.“I’vekeptthissecretforalongtime,andIstilhavetotelyoutheworstpart.”Hegotupandrummagedaroundinoneofthecupboards,eventualypulingoutasmalbottlefulofamberliquid.HehelditouttoElenaquestioningly,butsheshookherhead.Shewasprettycertainshewouldneedherheadclearfortherestofthisconversation.Hepouredagenerousamountintohisowncup.
“So,”hesaid,sittingdownagain.Elenacouldtelthathewasstilanxious,butalsothathewasbeginningtoenjoytelingthestory.Hewasanaturalgossip—thewayhetaughthistorywasasgossipaboutthepast—andthiswasevenmorefamiliarforhim,becauseitwasgossipaboutElena’sparents,peopletheybothhadknown.“ThomasandElizabethwerebothterrificalyflattered,ofcourse.”
“And…”Elenaprompted.
Jameslacedhisfingersacrosshisstomachandwatchedher,hiseyesshadowed.“Theyagreedthat,whenthechildwastwelveyearsold,theywouldgiveherup.TheGuardianswouldtakeheraway,andtheywouldneverseeheragain.”
Elenawassuddenlyverycold.Herparentshadraisedherintendingtogiveheraway?Shefeltlikealherchildhoodmemorieswereshattering.Inaninstant,Jameswasatherside.“Breathe,”hesaidgently.
Gasping,Elenashuthereyesandconcentratedoninhalingandexhalingdeepbreaths.Thatherparents,herbelovedparents,hadtakenheronassomekindoftemporaryproject,wasdevastating.Shehadneverdoubtedtheirloveuntilnow.
Shehadtoknowthewholetruth.
“Goon.”
“Honestly,thatwastheendofmyfriendshipwithyourparents,andtheendofmyinvolvementwiththeVitaleSociety,”Jamessaid,takinganotherlongdrinkofhiswhiskey-lacedtea.“Icouldn’tbelievethatnooneelseintheSocietysawtheproblemwithraisingachildtothecuspofadolescenceandthengivingherupforever,andIcouldn’tbelievethatyourparents—whoIknewtobeloving,inteligentpeople—wouldagreetosuchaplan.Wegraduatedandwentourseparateways,andIdidn’thearfromyourparentsagainformorethantwelveyears.”
“Youheardfromthemthen?”Elenaaskedquietly.
“Yourfathercaledme.TheGuardianshadcontactedthem,readytotakeyouaway.ButThomasandElizabethwouldn’tletyougo.”Jamessmiledsadly.“Theylovedyoutoomuch.Theydidn’tthinkyouwerereadytoleavehome—
youwereonlyachild.TheyrealizedthattheyhadagreedtooquicklytotheGuardians’plan,thattheydidn’trealyknowwhatwasinstoreforyou,andthattheycouldn’tlettheirdaughtergowithoutknowingforcertainthatitwasthebestthingforher.SoThomasaskedformyhelpprotectingyou.TheyknewIhaddabbledinsorcerywhenIwasincolege”—hewavedhishandmodestlywhenElenalookedupathim—“onlysmalmagics,andIhadmostlygiventhemupbythen.ButheandElizabethweredesperate.SoIgatheredwhatknowledgeIcould,intendingtohelpthem.”Hepaused,andagloomsettledoverhisface.
“Unfortunately,Iwastoolate.Afewdaysafterourconversation,beforeIevensetoutforFel’sChurch,yourparentswerebothkiledinacaraccident.Icheckeduponyouovertheyears,butitdidn’tseemliketheGuardianshadgottentheirhandsonyou.Andnow,hereyouare.Idon’tthinkit’sacoincidence.”
“TheGuardianskiledmyparents,”Elenasaidduly.“Iknewit,butIdidn’tknow…Ithoughtitwasanaccident.”Shewasstrugglingtowraphermindaroundthesecretsofherchildhood.Atleastintheendherparentshadn’tbeenabletogiveheraway.Theyhadlovedher,asshehadthought.
“Theytendtogetwhattheywant,”Jamessaid.
“Whydidn’ttheytakemethen?”Elenaasked.
Jamesshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.ButIthinkthere’sareasonyou’reatDalcrestnow,whereitbeganforyouandforyourparents.Ithinkthatsomekindoftaskwilarisehere,andyou’lcomeintoyourPowers.”
“Atask?”Elenaasked.“ButIhadPowersonce,andtheGuardianstookthemaway.”TheyhadmercilesslystrippedherofherWingsandalherabilities.Weretheygoingtoreturnthemwhenthetimewasright?
Jamessighedandshruggedhelplessly.“Planssometimeshavecuriouswaysofpresentingthemselves,eventhosethatarefatedfromthestart,”hesaid.“Maybethesedisappearancesarethefirstsignofit.Idon’tknow,though.AsItoldtheclass,Dalcrestisthehubofalotofparanormalactivity.Itendtothinkthat,whenyourtaskpresentsitself,you’lknow.”
“ButI’mnot…”Elenagulped.“Idon’tunderstandwhatthisalmeans.Ijustwanttobeanormalgirl.IthoughtIcouldnow.Here.”
Jamesreachedacrossthetableandpattedherhand,hiseyesdeepwelsofsympathy.“I’msosorry,mydear,”hesaid.“Ididn’twanttobetheonetoburdenyouwiththis.ButIwilgiveyouanyhelpIcan.ThomasandElizabethwouldhavewantedthat.”
Elenafeltlikeshecouldn’tbreathe.Shehadtogetoutofthiscozykitchen,awayfromJames’savid,concernedeyes.“Thankyou,”shesaid,hurriedlypushingherchairawayfromthetableandgettingup.“Ihavetogonow,though.Idoappreciateyourtelingmealthis,butIneedtothink.”
Hefussedaroundheralthewaytothefrontdoor,clearlyunsureofwhethertolethergo,andElenawasalmostreadytoscreambythetimeshereachedtheporch.
“Thankyou,”shesaidagain.“Good-bye.”Shewalkedquicklyawaywithoutlookingback,hershoesclackingagainstthecementofthesidewalk.WhenshewasoutofsightofJames’shouse,Damonslippedfromtheshadowstojoinher.Elenaheldherheadhigh,blinkingawaythetearsthathadpooledinhereyes.Fornow,thissecretwouldbehers.
37
EthanhadChloe,washoldinghertightlyinhisarmslikeaparodyofalover’sembrace.Mattmoaneddeepinhisthroatandstrainedtowardher,buthecouldn’tmove,couldn’tevenopenhismouthtoshout.Chloe’slargebrowneyeswerefixedonhis,andtheywerefiledwithterror.AsEthanbenthisheadtoherneck,MattheldhergazeandtriedtosendChloeacomfortingmessagewithhiseyes.
It’sokay,Chloe,hethought.Please,itwon’thurtforlong.Bestrong.Chloewhimpered,frozen,hereyesonMatt’sasifhissteadygazewastheonlythingkeepingherfromfalingtopieces.
Keepinghiseyesonhersandhisbreathingslow,Matttriedtoemanatecalmness,triedtosootheChloe,ashismindworkedfranticaly.IncludingEthan,therewerefifteenVitales.Alofthemvampires.TheotherVitaleswerewatchingquietlyfrombehindthealtar,lettingEthantaketheleadandsirethepledges.
ThebodiesoffourofthepledgeslayatEthan’sfeetnow.They’dbeoutofthepictureforseveralhoursatleast,theirbodiesgoingthroughthetransitionthatwouldtakethemfromcorpsestovampires.IncludingMattandChloe,thereweresixpledgesleft.ThelongerMattwaitedtofightback,theworsetheoddswouldget.
ButwhatcouldMattdo?Ifonlyhecouldbreakthisinvoluntarystilness,ifonlyheweren’tahelplessprisoner.
Hetriedagaintomove,thistimefocusingalhisstrengthonliftinghisrightarm.Hismusclestensedwitheffort,butafteraboutthirtysecondsoftrying,hestoppedindisgust.Hewasexhaustinghimself,andhewasn’tmovinganinch.
Whateverheldhimwasstrong.
Butifhecouldfigureoutawaytogetfree,thenhe’dbeabletograbatorchfromthewal,maybe.Beneathhisrobe,hispocketknifeweighedheavilyinhispantspocket.
Vampiresburned.Cuttingofftheirheadswouldkilthem.IfhecouldjustholdthevampiresofflongenoughtopulChloeandwhicheverotherpledgeshecouldgraboutoftheroom,thenhecouldcomebacklaterwithreinforcementsandfightthemwithachanceatwinning.
Butifhecouldn’tbreakthisspelorcompulsionthatwasholdinghiminplace,anyplanhecameupwithwouldbeuseless.
EthanraisedhisheadfromChloe’sneck,hislongsharpteethpulingoutofherthroat,andlickedgentlyattheredbloodtricklingfromthewoundinherneck.“Iknow,sweetheart,”hemurmured,“butit’sonlyforamoment.Andthenwe’lliveforever.”Chloe’seyesglazedoverandflutteredshut,butshewasstilbreathing,stilalive.Therewasstilachanceforher.
AtEthan’sfeet,Annastirredandmoaned.AsMattwatchedinhorror,hereyessnappedopen,andshelookedupatEthan,herexpressionconfusedbutadoring.
No!Mattthought.It’stoosoon!
Asifhehadcaughtthethought,EthanturnedtoMattandwinked.“Theherbsinthemixtureyoualdrankworkedtothinyourbloodandspeedupyourmetabolism,”hesaid,hisvoiceascasualandfriendlyasiftheywerechattinginthecafeteria.“Iwasn’tsureifitwouldwork,butitlookslikeitdoes.Makesthetransitiongoalotfaster.”Hissmilewidened.“I’mabiochemmajor,youknow.”Ethan’smouthwassmearedwithblood,andMattshudderedbutcouldn’tlookawayfromthegoldeneyesthatheldhis.
It’spossible,Mattthoughtforthefirsttime,thatImightnotsurvivethis.Hisstomachroledwithnausea.Herealydidn’twanttobecomeavampire.
Ifthenewlytransformedpledgeswerewakingupsosoon,thealreadyslimoddswouldquicklybecomeimpossible.Newvampires,herememberedfromElena’stransformationbackinthewinter,awokevicious,unreasoning,hungry,andfanaticalycommittedtothevampirewhohadchangedthem.
EthanloweredhisheadtobiteatChloe’sneckagain,asAnnaclimbedtoherfeetwithafluid,inhumangrace.Ontheothersideofthealtar,Stuartwasnowbeginningtostir,onelonglegshiftingrestlesslyagainstthedarkwoodofthefloor.
Histhroatburningwithunvoicedsobsoffrustration,Mattfelthislastflameofhopebegintoflickeranddie.Therewasnoescape.
Suddenly,thedooratthefarendofthechamberburstinward,andStefansweptin.
Ethanlookedupinsurprise,butbeforeheortheothervampirescouldmove,StefanflewacrossthechamberandrippedChloefromEthan’sarms.Shefelflatinfrontofthealtar,bloodrunningdownherneck.Mattcouldn’ttelifshewasstilbreathing,stilclingingtolifeasahuman,ornot.
StefangrabbedEthanbyhislongrobeandslammedhimagainstthewal.Heshookthecurly-hairedvampireaseasilyasadogmightshakearat.
Foramoment,theterriblefearthatheldMattinitsgriploosened.Stefanknewwhatwashappening,Stefanhadfoundhim.Stefanwouldsavethemal.
TheotherVitaleswereracingtowardStefannowashestruggledwithEthan,theirlongrobesflowingbehindthemastheysmoothlycameforward,movingasone.
Stefanwaswithoutadoubtmuchstrongerthananyofthem.Heflungablack-cladfemalevampire—theonewhohadhandedhimthegoblet,Mattthought—awayfromhimeasily,andshesailedacrossthechamberasifshewasnoheavierthanaragdol,landinginacrumpledheapagainsttheoppositewal.Smilingviciously,Stefantoreatthethroatofanotherwithhisteeth,andshefeltothegroundandlaystil.
Butthereweresomanyofthem,andonlyoneofStefan.
Afterjustafewminutesofwatchingthefight,Mattcouldseethatitwashopeless,andhisheartsank.Stefanwasmucholder,andmuchstronger,thananyothervampireintheroom,buttogethertheyoutweighedhim.Thetideofthebattlewasturning,andtheywereoverwhelminghimthroughthesheerstrengthoftheirnumbers.Ethanwasfreeofhimnow,straighteninghisrobes,andfouroftheVitalevampires,workingtogether,pinnedStefan’sarmsbehindhim.Anna,hereyesshining,snappedathimviciously.
EthangrabbedatorchfromthewalbehindhimandeyedStefanspeculatively,absentlylickingatthebloodonthebackofhishand.“Youhadyourchance,Stefan,”hesaid,smiling.
Stefanstoppedstrugglingandhunglimpbetweenthevampiresholdinghisarms.“Wait,”hesaid,lookingupatEthan.“Youwantedmetojoinyou.Youbeggedmetojoinyou.Doyoustilwantme?”
Ethantiltedhisheadthoughtfuly,hisgoldeneyesbright.
“Ido,”hesaid.“Butwhatcanyoutelmethat’lmakemebelieveyouwanttojoinus?”
Stefanlickedhislips.“LetMattgo.Ifyoulethimleavesafely,I’lstayinhisplace.”Hepaused.“Onmyhonor.”
“Done,”Ethansaidimmediately.HeflickedhisfingersintheairwithouttakinghiseyesfromStefan,andMattstaggered,suddenlyreleasedfromthecompulsionthathadheldhiminplace.
MattsuckedinonelongbreathandthenranstraightforthealtarandChloe.Maybeitwasn’ttoolate.Hecouldstilsaveher.
“Stop.”Ethan’svoicecrackedcommandinglyacrosstheroom.Mattfrozeinplace,onceagainunabletomove.
Ethanglaredathim.“Youdonothelp.Youdonotfight,”hesaidcoldly.“Yougo.”
MattlookedimploringlyatStefan.Surelyhewasn’tjustsupposedtoleave,toabandonChloeandStefanandtheotherstotheVitalevampires.Stefangazedbackathim,hisfeaturesrigid.“Sorry,Matt,”hesaidflatly.“TheonethingI’velearnedovertheyearsisthatsometimesyouhavetosurrender.Thebestthingyoucandonowisjustleave.I’lbeokay.”
Andthen,jarringlyintrusiveandsuddeninMatt’sheadwasStefan’svoice.Damon,hesaidfiercely.GetDamon.
Mattgulpedand,asEthan’scompulsionreleasedhimoncemore,noddedslowly,tryingtolookdefeatedwhilestilsignalingtoStefanwithhiseyesthathismessagehadbeenreceived.
Hecouldn’tlookattheotherpledges.Nomatterhowmuchhehurried,someoralofthemwoulddiebeforehereturned.MaybeStefanwouldbeabletosavesomeofthem.Maybe.MaybehewouldbeabletosaveChloe.
Hisheartpoundingwithterror,hisheadspinningwithfear,Mattranfortheexitandforhelp.Hedidn’tlookback.
38
Bonniedidn’thaveherkeys.Sheknewexactlywheretheywere,butthatdidn’tdohermuchgood:theywerelyingonthebedsidetablenexttoZander’sneatplainsinglebed.
Shecursedandkickedatthedoor,tearsrunningdownherface.Howwasshegoingtogetanyofherstuffback?
Someguyopenedthefrontdoorofthebuildingforher.
“Jeez,relax,”hesaid,butBonniehadalreadypushedpasthimandwasrunningupthestairstoherroom.
Pleaseletthembehere,shethought,clingingtothebanister,please.ShehadnodoubtthatElenaandMeredithwouldcomforther,wouldhelpher,nomatterwhatshehadsaidtothemduringtheirfight.TheywouldhelpBonniefigureoutwhattodo.
Buttheymightbeout.Andshe’dhavenoideawheretofindMeredithandElena,noideawheretheyspenttheirfreetimethesedays.
Howhadshegrownsofarapartfromherbestfriends?
Bonniewondered,wipingherhandsacrosshercheeks,smearingawayhertearsandsnot.Whyhadshetreatedthemsobadly?Theywerejusttryingtoprotecther.AndtheywererightaboutZander;theyweresoright.Shesnuffledmiserably.
Whenshereachedthetopofthestairs,Bonniebangedontheirroomdoorwithherfist,hearingquickmovementinside.Theywerehome.ThankGod.
“Bonnie?”Meredithsaid,startled,whensheopenedthedoor,andthen,“Oh,Bonnie,”asBonniethrewherself,sobbing,intoMeredith’sarms.Meredithhuggedher,tightandfierce,and,forthefirsttimesinceshehadjumpedawayfromZanderandrunforthefireescape,Bonniefeltsafe.
“What’sthematter,Bonnie?Whathappened?”ElenawasbehindMeredith,peeringatheranxiously,andpartofBonnienoticedthatElena’sownwhiteandstartledfacewasmarkedwithtears.Shewasinterruptingsomething,butBonniecouldn’tfocusonthatnow.
PastElena,shecaughtsightofherselfinthemirror.Herhairstoodoutaroundherfaceinawildredcloud,hereyeswereglassy,andherpalefacewassmearedwithdirtandtears.Ilook,Bonniethoughtwithasemihystericalsilentlaugh,likeIwaschasedbywerewolves.
“Werewolves,”shewailedasMeredithpuledherintotheroom.“They’realwerewolves.”
“Whatareyou—”Meredithbrokeoff.“Bonnie,doyoumeanZanderandhisfriends?They’rewerewolves?”Bonnienoddedfuriously,buryingherfaceagainstMeredith’sshoulder.Meredithpushedherbackandlookedcarefulyintohereyes.“Areyousure,Bonnie?”sheaskedgently.ShelookedtoElena,andtheybothturnedandglancedoutthewindowatthesky.“Didyouseethemchange?It’snotthefulmoonyet.”
“No,”Bonniesaid.Shetriedtocatchherbreath,takingharshsobbinggulpsofair.“Zandertoldme.Andthen—oh,Meredith,itwassoscary—Iran,andtheychasedme.”Sheexplainedwhathappened,ontheroofandonthelawnsofthecolege.
MeredithandElenalookedateachotherquizzicaly,thenbackatBonnie.“Whydidhetelyou?”Elenaasked.
“Hecouldn’thavethoughtyouwouldhaveagoodreactiontothenews;itwouldhavebeeneasiertokeephidingit.”Bonnieshookherheadhelplessly.
Mereditharchedanironiceyebrowather.“Evenmonsterscanfalinlove,”shesaid.“Ithoughtyouknewthat,Elena.”Sheglancedatherhuntingstave,leaningagainstthefootofherbed.“Whenthefulmooncomes,nowI’lknowwhattolookfor.”
Bonniestaredatherinhorror.“You’renotgoingtohuntthem,areyou?”Itwasastupidquestion,sheknew.IfZanderandhisfriendsrealywerebehindthemurdersanddisappearancesoncampus,Meredithhadtohuntthem.Itwasherresponsibility.Aloftheirresponsibilities,realy,becauseiftheyweretheonlyoneswhoknewthetruth,theyweretheonlyoneswhocouldkeepeveryoneelsesafe.
ButZander,somethinginsideherhowledinpain.NotZander…
“Noneoftheattacksoccurredduringafulmoon,”Elenasaidthoughtfuly,andMeredithandBonniebothblinkedather.
“That’strue,”Meredithagreed,frowningasshethoughtback.“Idon’tknowhowwedidn’trealizethatbefore.
Bonnie,”shesaid.“Thinkcarefulybeforeyouanswerthisquestion.You’vebeenspendingalotoftimewithZanderandhisfriends.Didanythingaboutthemmakeyouthinktheymighthurtsomeone,realyhurtthem,whenthey’renotinwolfform?”
“No!”Bonniesaidautomaticaly.Thenshestoppedandthoughtandsaid,moreslowly,“No,Idon’tthinkso.
Zander’srealykind,Idon’tthinkhecouldfakethat.Notalthetime.Theyplayrough,butI’veneverseenthemfightwithanyoneexceptoneanother.Andevenwithoneanother,they’renotrealyfighting,justmoresortofmessingaround.”
“Weknowwhatyoumean,”Meredithsaiddryly.“We’veseenit.”
Elenatuckedalockofhairbehindherear.“Thedisappearancesweren’tduringthefulmoon,either,”shesaidthoughtfuly.“AlthoughIguesstheycouldhavebeentakingpeopleandholdingthemprisoner,planningtokilthemwhentheywereinwolfformlater,butthatdoesn’t—Imean,Idon’thavemuchwerewolfexperiencebesidesTyler,but—itdoesn’tsoundverywolfytome.Toosterile,sortof.”
“But…”Bonniesankdownonherbed.“Youthinkthere’sachanceZanderandhisfriendsmightnotbethekilers?
Thenwhoarethekilers?”Shefeltbewildered.
MeredithandElenaexchangedagrimglance.“Youwouldn’tbelievesomeofthestuffthathappensonthiscampus,”Elenasaid.“We’lfilyouin.”Bonnierubbedherfacewithherhands.“Zandertoldmehewasagoodwerewolf,”shesaid.“Thathedidn’thurtpeople.Isthatpossible?Isthereevensuchathingasagoodwerewolf?”
MeredithandElenasatdownnexttoher,oneoneachside,andwrappedtheirarmsaroundher.“Maybe?”Elenasaid.“Irealyhopeso,Bonnie.Foryoursake.”Bonniesighedandcuddledclosertothem,restingherheadonMeredith’sshoulder.“Ineedtothinkaboutalthis,”shesaid.“AtleastI’mnotalone.I’msogladIhaveyouguys.I’msorrywefought.”
ElenaandMeredithbothhuggedhermoretightly.
“You’vealwaysgotus,”Elenapromised.
Awildhammeringcameatthedoor.
ElenaglancedatBonnie,whotensedvisiblyonherbedbutkeptherhandsoverherface,andthenatMeredith,whonoddedfirmlytoherandclimbedtoherfeet,reachingforherstave.Ithadoccurredtobothofthemthat,ifZanderwantedtotalktoBonnie,heknewexactlywhereshelived.
Elenaflungopenthedoor,andMatttumbledin.Hewaswearingalongblackhoodedrobe,andhiseyeswerefranticashegaspedforbreath.
“Matt?”shesaidinsurprise,andlookedtoMeredith,whogaveatinyshrugandputherstavebackdown.
“What’sthematter?Andwhatareyouwearing?”HegrabbedElenabytheshoulders,holdinghertootightly.“Stefan’sindanger,”hesaid,andshefroze.“TheVitaleSociety—they’revampires.Stefansavedme,buthecan’tfightthemal.”Hequicklyexplainedwhathappenedinthesecretchamberbelowthelibrary,howStefancametohisrescue,thensenthimtogethelp.“Wedon’thavemuchtime,”hefinished.“They’rekiling—they’rechangingalthepledgesintovampires.Idon’tevenknowwhatEthan’sgotplannedforStefan.Wehavetogoback.AndweneedDamon.”
Meredithpickedupherstaveagainand,grimfaced,wastakinghersatchelofweaponsfromhercloset.Bonniewasonherfeet,too,fistsclenched,jawfirm.
“I’lcalDamon,”Elenasaid,pickingupherphone.
DamonhaddroppedheroffatthedormafterwalkingherbackfromJames’shouse,buthewasprobablystilnearby.
Stefanindanger.Ifhe…ifanythinghappenedtohim,ifsomethinghappenedwhiletheywereapart,whilehewasstilhurtanditwasherfault,Elenawouldneverforgiveherself.Shewouldn’tdeservetobeforgiven.
Guiltwaslikeaknifeinherstomach.HowcouldshehavehurtStefanlikethat?ShewasattractedtoDamon,sure,evenlovedhim,butshe’dneverhadanyquestionthatStefanwashertruelove.Andshehadbrokenhisheart.
She’ddoanythingtosaveStefan.She’ddieforhimifshehadto.And,asshelistenedtotheringingontheotherendofthelineandwaitedforDamontopickup,sherealizedthattherewasnoquestioninhermindthatDamonwoulddoanythingtosaveStefan,too.
39
Stefanhadn’thadaplanwhenheagreedtostayinMatt’splace.HejustknewhehadtosaveMatt,andnowhehopedDamonwouldcomeforhim.Stefan’swristsachedwithadul,throbbinginsistentpainthatwasalmostimpossibleforhimtoignore.Hetriedoncemoretopulagainsttheropesthatwereholdinghimtothechair,turninghishandsfromlefttorightasfarashecouldtotryandloosenhisrestraints,butitwashopeless.Hecouldn’tshiftthem.
Helookedarounddazedly.Theroomlookedbothsereneandmysteriousagainnow,asithadwhenhefirstkickedinthedoor.Agoodplaceforasecretsociety.
Torchesburnedbrightly,flowerswerearrangedaroundthemakeshiftaltar.TheVitaleshadtakenthetimetocleanupafterbindinghimandkilingthepledges.
Theropeswerecrossedoverhischestandstomachandwoundaroundhisback;hisanklesandkneesweretiedtothechairlegs,hiselbowsandwriststothearmsofthechair.Hewasweltrussed,butitwastheonesaroundhiswriststhathurtmost,becausetheylayagainsthisbareskin.Andtheyburned.
“They’resoakedinvervainsothatyou’lbetooweaktobreakfree,butI’mafraiditmuststingabit,”Ethansaidpleasantly,asifhewasexplaininganinterestingelementofthesecretchamber’sarchitecturetohisguest.“See,Imaybenewatthis,butIknowalthetricks.”StefanrestedhisheadagainstthebackofthechairandlookedatEthanwithferventdislike.“Notallofthetricks,Isuspect.”
Ethanwascocky,butStefanwasprettysurehehadn’tbeenavampireforverylong.IfEthanwasstilhuman,ifhehadneverbecomeavampire,Stefanguessedhewouldlookmoreorlessthesameashedidnow.
EthancroucheddowninfrontofStefan’schairtolookupintohisface,wearingthesamewarm,friendlysmileaswhenhe’dtriedtoconvinceStefantojointhem.Helookedlikeapleasantfelow,someoneyouwantedtorelaxwithandtrust,andStefanglaredathim.Thesmilewasalie.
EthanwasakilerwhosemaskwaslessobviousthanthoseoftheotherVitalevampires,thatwasal.
“You’reprobablyrightaboutthat,”Ethansaidthoughtfuly.“Iimaginetherearealkindsoftricksyou’vepickedupin,whatisit,morethanfivehundredyears?
TricksthatIdon’tknowyet.Youcouldbeveryusefultomeinthatway,ifyoudecidetojoinusafteral.Therearelotsofthingsyoucanteachusaboutalthisvampirestuff.”Heflashedthatappealingsmileagain.“I’vealwaysbeenagoodstudent.”
Vampirestuff.“Whatdoyouwantfromme,Ethan?”Stefanaskedwearily.Ithadbeenalongnight,alongfewweeks,andthevervain-soakedropeswerehurtinghisarms,muddyinghisthoughts.
Ethanknewhowoldhewas.EthanknewwhattoofferhimwhentheyfirsttalkedabouttheVitaleSociety.Itwasn’tacoincidencethathewastheoneinthisroom,then;Ethanwasn’tlookingforjustanyvampire.“What’syourplanhere?”Stefanasked.
Ethan’ssmilegrewwider.“I’mbuildinganinvinciblevampirearmy,ofcourse,”hesaidcheerfuly.“Iknowitsoundsalittleridiculous,butit’salaboutpower.Andpower’sneverridiculous.”Helickedhislipsnervously,showingaflashofthinpinktongue.“See,Iusedtojustbeoneoftheordinarylittlepeople.Iwasjustlikeeveryoneelseoncampus.MybiggestachievementsweregoodgradesonexamsorthefactthatIhadtheleadershipofsomesecretcolegeclub.Youwouldn’tbelievehowlametheVitaleSocietyusedtobe.Justwhitemagicandnatureworship.”Hemadealittleself-deprecatinggrimace:SeehowsillyIwasonce.I’mtellingyousomethingembarrassingaboutmyself,sotrustme.“ButthenIfiguredouthowtogetsomerealpower.”
Oneoftheblack-cladfigurescameupbehindEthan,andEthanheldupafingertoStefan.“Hangonasec,okay?”Heroseandturnedtotalktohislieutenant.
AftertyingStefanup,Ethanhadefficientlygonebacktodrainingthepledges,oneafteranother,droppingthebodiesassoonashefinishedwiththem.Theyhadalgonethroughtheirtransitionsnowandwerebackontheirfeet.
Theyseemedirritableanddisoriented,growlingandsnappingatoneanotherandgazingatEthanwithundisguisedadoration.
Typicalnewvampires.Stefaneyedthemwarily.Untiltheyhadfedthoroughly,theywouldhoveronthebrinkofmadness,anditwouldbeeasyforEthantolosecontrolofthem.Thentheywouldbeevenmoredangerous.
“Thepledgesneedtoeat,”Ethansaidcalmlytotherobedwomanbehindhim.“Fiveofyoushouldtakethemoutandteachthemhowtohunt.Youleadthehuntingpartyandpickwhoeveryouwanttogowithyou.Therestwilstayhereandhelpguardourguest.”
StefanwatchedastheVitalessortedthemselvesout.
EightofEthan’sfolowersremained,stationingthemselvesbythesidesoftheroom.Stefanhadmanagedtokiloneotherduringthefight,rippingherthroatout,butthebodyhadbeentidiedawaysomewhere.
Stefangavealittleinvoluntarymoan.Itwashardtothinkstraight—hewassotired,andthevervainwasstartingtohurthimalover,notjustonhisachingwrists,butanywheretheropestouchedhimthroughhisclothes.Damon,pleasecomequickly.Please,Damon,hethought.
“You’regoingtounleashninenewlymadevampiresonthecampus?”heaskedEthan,hismindsnappingbacktothematterathand.“Ethan,they’lkillpeople.Peoplewhowereyourfriends,maybe.You’ldrawattentiontoyourselves.Therearealreadypolicealovercampus.
Please,takethemtothewoodstohuntanimals.Theycanliveonanimalblood.”HeheardapleadingnoteenterhisownvoiceasEthanonlysmiledabsentlyathim,asifhewasachildbeggingtogotoDisneyland.“Comeon,Ethan,ithasn’tbeenverylongsinceyouwereahuman,too.Youcan’twanttostandbyandhaveinnocentstudentsmurdered.”
Ethanshrugged,pattingStefanlightlyontheshoulderashestartedtowalkovertoconferwithanotherofhishenchmen.“Theyneedtobestrong,Stefan.Iwantthemattheirpeakbythenextequinox.Andwe’vekiledplentyofinnocentstudentsalready,”hesaidoverhisshoulder.
“Equinox?Ethan,”Stefanshoutedafterhiminfrustration.Helookedfranticalyatthedoorbywhichthepledgesandtheirescorthadleft.Itwouldtakethemawhiletoselectvictims.Notasmanystudentswerewalkingthecampusaloneatnightthesedays.Ifhecouldgetfree,ifDamoncamenowandfreedhim,theycouldstilstoptheslaughter.Ifalthesebrand-newvampireswerealowedlooseoncampus,therewouldbeamassacre.
Ethancouldn’thavechangedtherestoftheVitaleSocietyalatonce,herealized.Thenumberofmurderstheywouldhavecommittednewlymadeasagroupwouldhavebeenimpossibletodisguiseasafewdisappearances.Thismusthavebeenthefirstmassinitiation.AndwhohadmadeEthan?hewondered.Wasthereanoldervampiresomewhereoncampus?
Damon,whereareyou?HehadnodoubtthatDamonwouldcomeifhecould.
DespitetheirriftoverElena,thingshadchangedenoughbetweenhimandDamonthatheknewhecouldrelyonhisbrothertorescuehim.Hehadsavedhimbefore,afteral,whentheyfoughtKatherine,whentheyfoughtKlaus.Therewassomethingrocksolidbetweenthemnow,somethingthatwasn’tthereayearago,orinthehundredsofyearsbeforethat.Heclosedhiseyesandheardhimselfgiveadry,painfulchuckle.Itseemedlikeaninopportunemomenttostarthavingrevelationsabouthisownfamilyissues.
“So,”Ethansaidchattily,returningtohissideandpulingupachair,“weweretalkingabouttheequinox.”
“Yes,”Stefansaid,anacidbitetohistone.
Hewasn’tgoingtoletEthanseehowhewasyearningtowardthedoor,expectant.Heneededtokeephiscool,sothatDamoncouldhavetheelementofsurpriseonhisside.
HeshouldkeepEthantalking,keephimdistractedincaseDamoncame,sohefixedanexpressionofinterestonhisfaceandlookedatEthanattentively.
“Atthetimeoftheequinox,whendayandnightareperfectlybalanced,thelinebetweenlifeanddeathisatitsmostweakandpermeable.Thisisthetimewhenspiritscancrossbetweentheworlds,”Ethanbegandramaticaly,movingonehandinawidesweep.
Stefansighed.“Iknowthat,Ethan,”hesaidimpatiently.
“Justcuttothechase.”HemighthavetokeepEthandistracted,butsurelyhedidn’thavetofeedhisego.
Ethandroppedhishand.“YourememberKlaus,don’tyou?”heasked.“Theoriginatorofyourbloodline?We’reresurrectinghim.Withhimattheheadofourranks,we’lbeinvincible.”
Everythingwentstilforamoment,asifStefan’sslow-beatinghearthadfinalystopped.Thenhesuckedinabreath.HefeltasifEthanhadpunchedhimintheface.Hecouldn’tspeakforamoment.Whenhecould,hegasped,
“Klaus?Klausthevampirewho…”Hecouldn’tevenfinishthesentence.HismindwasfulofKlaus:theOldOne,theOriginalvampire,themadman.Thevampirewhohadcontroledlightning,whohadbraggedthathehadnotbeenmade,thathejustwas.InKlaus’searliestmemories,hehadtoldStefan,hecarriedabronzeaxe;hewasabarbarianatthegate,amongthosewhodestroyedtheRomanEmpire.Heclaimedthathebegantheraceofvampires.
KlaushadheldElena’sspirithostageandtorturedinnocentVickieBennetttodeathforfun.HeturnedKatherine,firstintoavampire,thenintoacrueldolinsteadofaperson,changedheruntilshewasviciousandmindless,eageronlytotormentthosesheonceloved.
Stefan,Damon,andElenakiledhimatlast,butitwasnearlyimpossible,wouldhavebeenimpossiblewithoutthespiritsofabattalionofunquietghostsfromtheCivilWartiedtotheblood-soakedbattlegroundsofFel’sChurch.
“Klauswhomadethevampirewhomadeyou,”Ethansaidcheerfuly.“ItwasanotherofhisdescendantswhoIfoundinEuropethissummeronmytripabroad.Iconvincedhertoturnmeintoavampire.Shetaughtmesometricks,too,likehowtousevervain,andhowlapislazulicanprotectusfromthesun.Iputlapislazuliinthepinswewearnow,soalthemembershaveitonthemataltimes.Shewasveryhelpful,thisvampirewhochangedme.AndshetoldmealaboutKlaus.”HesmiledwarmlyatStefanagain.“See,youshouldlikeme,Stefan.We’repracticalycousins.”Stefanshuthiseyesforamoment.“Klauswasinsane,”hetriedtoexplain.“Hewon’tworkwithyou,he’ldestroyyou.”
Ethansighed.“IrealythinkIcanworkitoutwithhim,though,”hesaid.“I’mverypersuasive.AndI’mofferinghimsoldiers.Ihearhelikeswar.There’snoreasonforhimtoturnusdown;wewanttogivehimeverythinghewants.”HepausedandlookedatStefan,stilsmiling,buttherewasanotenowinthatwidesmilethatStefandidn’tlike,afalseinnocence.WhateverEthanwasgoingtoaskStefannow,healreadyknewtheanswer.“Doesthismeanyou’renotinterestedinjoiningourarmy,cousin?”heaskedwithmocksurprise.
Grittinghisteeth,Stefanstrainedagainsttheropesoncemore,buttheydidn’tbudge.HeglaredupatEthan.“Iwon’thelpyou,”hesaid.“Never.”
Ethancamecloser,bentdownuntilhisfacewaslevelwithStefan’s.“Butyouwilhelp,”hesaidlightly,atraceofself-satisfactioninhiseyes.“Whetheryouwanttoornot.
See,whatIneedmostofaltobringbackKlausisblood.”Heranhishandsthroughhiscurls,shakinghishead.“It’salwaysbloodforthiskindofthing,haveyounoticed?”headded.
“Blood?”askedStefanuneasily.Youngvampireswereneversane,inhisopinion—theinitialrushofnewsensesandPowerswereenoughtobewilderanyone.Hewasstartingtothink,though,thatEthan’sgrasponsanitymightnothavebeenthatstrongtobeginwith.He’dconvincedsomeonetoturnhimintoavampire?
“Thebloodofhisdescendants,specificaly.”Ethannoddedsmugly.“That’swhyIwassodelightedtofindthatyouwererighthereoncampus.ImadeahobbyoftrackingdownthedescendantsofKlausthissummer,afterI’dtalkedthefirstoneImetintochangingmeintowhatshewas.
Someofthemgavemebloodwilingly,whentheyheardwhatIwantedtodo.NotalofKlaus’sdescendantsareasungratefulasyou.Ionlyneedalittlemore,andthenI’lhaveenough.Yours,ofcourse,”andhiseyesflickeduptowardthedoorthatStefanhadbeensurreptitiouslywatchingalthistime,waitingforDamon,“andyourbrother’s.Iassumehe’lbehereanyminute?”
Stefan’sheartplummeted,andhestaredopenlyatthedoor.Damon,pleasestayaway,hethoughtdesperately.
40
Damonwasmovingfast,andElenaandtheothershadtoalmostracetokeepupwithhimastheyheadedforthelibrary.“TypicalStefan,sacrificinghimself,”hemutteredangrily.“Hecouldhaveaskedforhelpwhenherealizedsomethingwasgoingon.”Hestoppedforasecondtolettheotherscatchupandglaredatthemal.“IfStefancan’thandleafewnewlymadevampiresbyhimself,I’mashamedofhim,”hesaid.“Maybeweshouldjustleavehimafteral.Survivalofthefittest.”
Elenatouchedhishandlightly,and,afteramoment,Damonhurriedontowardthelibrary.Shedidn’tforaninstantbelievehewouldleaveStefanacaptive.Noneofthemdid.Thetaut,strainedlinesofhisfaceshowedthatDamonwasentirelyfocusedonthedangerhisbrotherwasin,theirrivalrytemporarilyforgotten.
“It’snotjustafewvampires,”Mattsaid.“Thereareabouttwenty-fiveofthem.I’msorry,youguys,I’vebeenamoron.”HeswungthestaveMeredithhadgivenhim—
Samantha’sstave—determinedlyinonehand.
“It’snotyourfault,”Bonniesaid.“Youcouldn’thaveknownyourfrat—orwhatever—wasevil,couldyou?”Ifanyonehadspottedthemastheycrossedthecampus,Elenawassuretheywouldhavebeenanalarmingsight:sheandBonniewereclutchingthelarge,sharphuntingknivesMeredithhadgiventhemonlyhalfconcealedundertheirjackets.Mattwasholdingthestave,andMeredithhadherownstaveinonehand.Butitwaspastmidnight,andthepaththeywerefolowingwasdeserted.
OnlyDamonwasn’tcarryingaweapon,andheclearlywasaweapon.
Hishumanfa?adeseemedtohavelifted,andhisangryexpressioncouldhavebeencarvedoutofstone,exceptfortheglimpseofsharpwhiteteethbetweenhislipsandtheseeminglybottomlessdarknessofhiseyes.
Whentheyreachedtheclosedlibrary,Damondidn’tpause,forcingitsmetaldoorsopenwiththegrindingsoundofsplittingmetal.Elenaglancedaroundnervously.Thelastthingtheyneededwascampussecurityshowingup.Butthepathsnearthelibraryweredarkandempty.
TheyalfolowedDamondowntothebasementandintothehalwaysofadministrativeoffices.Finaly,hestoppedoutsidethedoormarkedResearchOfficewhereheandElenahadoncemetMatt.“Thisistheentrance?”heaskedMattand,athisnod,efficientlybrokethelockonthedoor.
“You’realstayinguphere.JustMeredithandIaregoingdown.”HelookedatMeredith.“Wanttokilsomevampires,hunter?Let’sfulfilyourdestiny,shalwe?”Meredithslashedherstaveintheair,andaslowsmiletuggedatthecornersofhermouth.“I’mready,”shesaidatlast.
“I’mcoming,too,”Elenasaid,keepinghervoicesteady.
“I’mnotwaitingupherewhileStefan’sindanger.”Damondrewabreath,andshethoughthewasgoingtoarguewithher,butinsteadhesighed.
“Alright,princess,”hesaid,hisvoicegentlerthanithadbeensinceMatttoldthemwhathadhappenedtoStefan.
“ButyoudowhatI—orMeredith—telyou.”
“I’mnotwaitinguphere,”Mattsaidstubbornly.“Thisismyfault.”
Damonturnedonhim,hismouthtwistingintoasneer.
“Yes,itisyourfault.AndyoutoldusEthancancontrolyou.Idon’twanttogetyourknifeinmybackwhilewe’refightingyourenemies.”
Mattdroppedhishead,defeated.“Okay,”hesaid.“Godowntwoflightsofstairs,andyou’lseethedoorstotheroomthey’rein.”Damonnoddedsharplyandpuledupthetrapdoor.
Meredithfolowedhimdownthestairs,butMattcaughtElena’sarmassheheadedafterthem.“Please,”hesaidquickly.“Ifanyofthepledgesstilseemrational,evenifthey’revampires,trytogetthemout.Maybewecanhelpthem.MyfriendChloe…”Inthegrimlinesofhisface,hispaleblueeyeswerefrightened.
“I’ltry,”Elenasaid,andsqueezedhishand.SheexchangedaglancewithBonnie,thenfolowedMerediththroughthetrapdoor.
WhentheyreachedtheentrancetotheVitaleSociety’schamber,MeredithandDamonpressedtheirbacksagainsttheelaboratelycarvedwoodendoors.Watching,Elenacouldseeasimilarityforthefirsttimebetweenthem.
Nowthattheywerefacingabattle,MeredithandDamonwerebothwearingeagersmiles.
One…two…cameDamon’ssilentcount…three.
Theypushedtogether.Thedoubledoorsflewinward,andthechainsthathadheldthemclosedwentflying.
Damonstalkedin,stilsmilingaviciousgleamingsmile,Mereditherectandalertbehindhim,herstavepoised.
Darkfiguresrushedatthem,butElenawaslookingpastthem,searchingforStefan.
Thenhereyesfoundhim,andalthebreathrushedoutofher.Hewashurt.Tiedfirmlytoachair,heraisedapalefacetogreether,hisleaf-greeneyesagonized.Fromhisarm,darkredblooddrippedsteadily,poolingonthefloorbeneathhischair.
Elenawentalittlemad.
ChargingacrosstheroomtowardStefan,shewasonlyhalfawareofoneofthehoodedfiguresleapingather,andofDamoncatchingitinmidstride,casualysnappingitsneckandlettingthebodyfaltothefloor.Absently,sheregisteredthesmackofwoodagainstfleshasMeredithcaughtanotherattackerwithherstavesothatitfelinconvulsionsastheconcentratedessenceofvervainfromthestave’sspikeshititsbloodstream.
AndthenshewascrouchingnexttoStefan,and,foramomentatleast,nothingelsemattered.Hewasshakingslightly,justthefaintesttremors,andshestrokedhishand,carefulofthewoundonhisforearm.Raisedredridgesranaroundhiswristsbelowtherope,spotsofbloodontheirsurface.“Vervainontheropes,”hemuttered.“I’mokay,justhurry.”Andthen,“Elena?”Belowthepaininhisvoice,adawningnoteofjoy.
Shehopedhecouldreadaltheloveshefeltinhereyesasshemethisgaze.“I’mhere,Stefan.I’msosorry.”ShetookouttheknifeMeredithhadgivenherandbegantosawattheropesthatheldhim,carefulnottocuthim,tryingnottopultheropesanytighter.Hewincedinpain,andthentheropesaroundhiswristssnapped.“Yourpoorarm,”shesaid,andfeltinherpocketsforsomethingtostaunchtheblood,finalyjustpulingoffherjacketandholdingitagainstthecut.Stefantookthejacketfromher.“You’lhavetocutthroughtherestoftheropes,too,”hesaid,hisvoicestrained.“Ican’ttouchthembecauseofthevervain.”Shenoddedandwenttoworkontheropesholdinghislegs.“Iloveyou,”shetoldhim,concentratingonherwork,notlookingup.“Iloveyousomuch.Ihurtyou,andIneverwantedto.Never,Stefan.Pleasebelieveme.”ShefinishedcuttingthroughtheropesaroundhiskneesandanklesandchancedaglanceupatStefan’sface.Tears,sherealized,wererunningdownherownface,andshewipedthemaway.
Thethudofanotherbodyhittingthefloorandascreechofragecamefrombehindthem.ButStefan’seyesheldhersunwaveringly.“Elena,I…”hesighed.“Iloveyoumorethananythingintheworld,”hesaidsimply.“Youknowthat.
Noconditions.”
Shetookalong,shudderingbreathandwipedthetearsawayagain.Shehadtobeabletosee,hadtokeepherhandsfromshaking.Theropesaroundhistorsowereloopedandtwistedtogether.Shepuledatthem,findingwheretherewasenoughgivetostartcutting,andStefanhissedinpain.
“Sorry,sorry,”shesaidhurriedly,andbegantoslicethroughtheropeasrapidlyasshedared.“Stefan,”shebeganagain,“thekisswithDamon—wel,Ican’tlieandsayIdon’tfeelanythingforhim—butthekisswasn’tanythingI’dplannedon.Ididn’tevenmeantobewithhimthatnight,itjusthappened.Andwhenyousawus,thatkiss,he’djustsavedmylife…”Shewasstumblingoverherwordsnow,andsheletthemtrailoff.“Idon’thaveanyrealexcuses,Stefan,”shesaidflatly.“Ijustwantyoutoforgiveme.Idon’tthinkIcanlivewithoutyou.”
Thelastoftheropesparted,andsheeasedthemfromaroundhimbeforeshelookedup,frightenedandhopeful.
Stefanwasgazingather,hissculptedlipsturningupinahalfsmile.“Elena,”hesaidandpuledhertohiminabrief,tenderkiss.Thenhepushedhertothewal.“Stayoutofthis,please,”hesaid,andlimpedtowardthefight,stilweakfromthevervain,butreachingtopulavampireawayfromMeredithandsinkinghisownfangsintoitsneck.
Notthatsheneededhishelp.Meredithwasamazing.
Whenhadshegottensogood?Elenahadseenherfightbefore,ofcourse,andshe’dbeenstrongandquick,butnowthetalgirlwasasgracefulasadancerandasdeadlyasanassassin.
Shewasfightingthreevampires,whocircledherangrily.Spinningandkicking,movingalmostasfastasthemonstersshewasfighting,despitethefactthattheirspeedwassupernatural,sheknockedoneoffhisfeet,sendinghimflying,and,inasmoothfolow-upblow,bashedanotherintheface,leavingthevampirestaggeringbackwardwithhishandsup,halfblinded.
Therewerebodieslitteredacrossthefloor,evidenceofMeredith’sskilandDamon’sviciousrage.AsElenawatched,Stefantosseddownthedrainedbodyofthevampirehehadbeenfightingandlookedaround.OnlyEthanandthethreevampiressurroundingMeredithremainedontheirfeet.
DamonhadEthanontherun,backingnervouslyawayasDamonstalkedtowardhim,pepperinghimwithsharpopen-handedblows.“…mybrother,”sheheardDamonmuttering.“Insolentpup.Youthinkyouknowanything,child,youthinkyouwantpower?”Withasudden,violentmovement,hegrabbedEthan’sarmandjerked.Elenacouldhearthebonesnap.
StefanpassedElena,headingtowardMeredithagain,andpausedforamoment.“EthanwaslayingatrapforDamon,”hetoldherdryly.“Idon’tknowwhyIwasworried.
Clearly,hedidn’tknowwhathewastryingtocatch.”Elenanoddedagain,suppressingagrin.Theideaofanybrand-newvampiregettingthebetterofDamon,withalhisexperienceandcunning,seemedridiculous.
Thenthetideofthebattlesuddenlyturned.
OneofthevampiresMeredithwasfightingdodgedherblowand,halfbentover,flungitselfather,knockingtheslendergirlintotheair.TherewasanendlessmomentwhereMeredithlookedlikeshewasflying,armsakimbo,andthensheslammedheadfirstintotheheavyaltarliketableatthefrontoftheroom.
Thetablewobbledandfeloverwithaheavythud.
Meredithlaystil,hereyesclosed,unconscious.Elenarantoherandkneltdown,cradlingherheadinherlap.
ThethreevampiresMeredithhadbeenfightingwereworseforthewear.Onehadbloodsteadilystreamingdownhisface,anotherwaslimping,andthelastwasdoubledoverasifsomethinghadbeeninjuredinsideher,buttheycouldstilmovefast.Inaninstant,theyhadsurroundedStefan.
AsDamongrowledandturned,shiftinghisstancetohelphisbrother,EthansawhischanceandlaunchedhimselfatDamon.FasterthanElena’seyecouldfolow,histeethweregougingatDamon’sthroat,brightspurtsofbloodflyingup.HehadaknifeinonehandandwastryingtocutatDamonatthesametimeashebit.
Withacryofpainandshock,DamonclawedatEthan,tryingtoflinghimaway.Elenapickedupherknifeagainandrushedtowardthem.
ButtwooftheremainingvampireswereonDamoninasplitsecond,pulinghisarmsback.OnecaughtDamon’smidnightdarkhairinhishand,yankingtheoldervampire’sheadbacktoexposehisthroatmorefulytoEthan’steeth.
Offbalance,DamonstaggeredbackwardandforamomentcaughtElena’seye,hisfacesoftwithdismay.
Terrified,Elenagrabbedatthebackofoneofthevampires,anditthrewhertothefloorwithoutevenlookingather.Stefan,meanwhile,wascaughtinastrugglewithanothervampire,desperatetogettohisbrother.Damonwasabetterandamoreexperiencedwarriorthananyofthevampiresattackinghim.Butiftheypushedtheirmomentaryadvantage,usedtheirsuperiornumbers,theymightbringhimdownbeforehecouldrecover.
Sheclutchedherknifetighterandjumpedtoherfeetagain,knowinginherheartthatshe’dbetoolatetosavehimbutthatsheneededtotry.
Asnarlingblurshotpasther,andStefan,freeofhisadversary,slammedintoEthan,throwinghimacrosstheroom,sendinghisknifeflying.Withoutpausing,herippedoneoftheothervampiresfromDamon’sarmandsnappedhisneck.Bythetimethebodyhitthefloor,Damonhadneatlydispatchedtheotherone.
Thebrothers,bothpanting,exchangedalonglookthatseemedtocarryalotofunspokencommunication.Damonwipedasmearofcrimsonbloodfromhismouthwiththebackofhishand.
SuddenlyanarmwasaroundElena’sthroat,andtheknifewaswrenchedoutofherhand.Shewasbeingdraggedupward.Somethingsharpwaspokingherinthetenderholowatthebottomofherneck.
“Icankilherbeforeyoucouldevengetoverhere,”Ethan’svoicesaid,tooloudbyherear.Elenaflailedanarmbackward,tryingtograbathishairorface,andhekickedviciouslyatherlegs,knockingheroff-balance,andpuledhercloser.“Icouldsnapherneckwithonearm.Icouldstabherwithherownknifeandletherbleedout.Itwouldbefun.”Hewasholdingherknife,Elenarealized,pressedagainstherthroat.Hisotherarmhungloose,andcuriouslybent.Damonhadbrokenit,Elenaremembered.
StefanandDamonfrozeandthenveryslowlyturnedtowardElenaandEthan,boththeirfacesshutteredandwary.ThenDamon’sbrokeintoarictusofrage.
“Lethergo,”hesnarled.“We’dkilyouthesecondshehittheground.”
Ethanlaughed,aremarkablygenuinelaughforsomeoneinalife-or-deathstandoff.“She’lstilbedead,though,soIthinkitmightbeworthit.You’renotplanningtoletmeleavehereanyway,areyou?”HeturnedtoStefan,hisvoicemocking.“Youknow,IheardallabouttheSalvatorebrothersfromsomeofKlaus’sotherdescendants.Theysaidyouwerearistocraticandbeautifulandterriblyhottempered.ThatStefanwasmoral,andthatDamonwasremorseless.Buttheyalsosaidthatyouwerebothfoolsforlove,alwaysforlove.It’syourfatalflaw.So,yeah,IthinkmychancesarealotbetterwhenI’vegotyourgirlfriendinmypower.Whosegirlfriendisshe,actualy?Ican’ttel.”Elenaflinched.
“Waitasecond,Ethan.”Stefanheldouthishandsplacatingly.“Holdon.IfyouagreenottobringbackKlausandletElenagosafely,we’lgiveyouwhateveryouwant.
Getoutoftown,andwewon’tcomeafteryou.You’lbesafe.Ifyouknowaboutus,youknowwe’lkeepourword.”Behindhim,Damonnoddedreluctantly,hiseyesonElena’sface.
Ethanlaughedagain.“Idon’tthinkyouhaveanythingIwantanymore,Stefan,”hesaid.“TherestoftheVitaleSociety,includingournewestinitiates,wilbecomingbacksoon,andIthinkthey’ltipthescalesbackinmyfavor.”HetightenedhisarmaroundElena’sthroat.“We’vekiledsomanystudentsonthiscampus.Surelyonemorewon’tbemissed.”
Damonhissedinrageandstartedforward,butEthancaledout,“Stoprightthere,or—”
Suddenly,hejerked,andElenafeltasharp,stingingpaininherthroat.Shesqueakedinhorrorandgrabbedatherownneck.Butitwasonlyascratchfromtheknife.
AsStefanandDamonstoodhelplessandfurious,Ethan’sarmloosenedfromaroundherthroat.Hemadeahideousgurglingnoise.Elenayankedawayassoonashisgripweakened.
BloodwasrunninginlongthickrivuletsfromEthan’storso,andhismouthopenedinshockasheclutchedathimselfandslowlyfelforward,aroundholeinhischestfilingwithblood.
Behindhim,Meredithstood,hairflying,herusualycoolgrayeyesburninglikedarkcoalsinherface.HerstavewascoatedinEthan’sblood.
“Igothimintheheart,”shesaid,hervoicefierce.
“Thankyou,”Elenamurmuredpolitely.Shewasfeeling
…realy…verypeculiar,anditwasn’tuntilshewasactualystartingtofalthatshethought,Ohno,IthinkI’mgoingtofaint.
Blurrily,shesawbothDamonandStefanrushingforwardtocatchher,andwhenshecametoamomentlater,shewasheldtightlyintwopairsofarms.
“I’mokay,”shesaid.“Itwasjust…forasecond,Iwas…”Shefeltonepairofarmspulhercloserforamoment,andthentheyreleasedher,shiftingherweightovertotheotherset.Whenshelookedup,Stefanwasclutchinghertightlytohim.Damonstoodafewfeetaway,hisfaceunreadable.
“Iknewyou’dcometosaveme,”Stefansaid,holdingElenabutlookingatDamon.
Damon’slipstwitchedintoatiny,reluctantsmile.“OfcourseIdid,youidiot,”hesaidgruffly.“I’myourbrother.”Theylookedateachotherforalongmoment,andthenDamon’seyesflickedtoElena,stilinStefan’sarms,andaway.“Let’sputoutthetorchesandgo,”hesaidbriskly.
“We’vestilgotaboutfourteenvampirestofind.”41
ItseemedlikeheandBonniehadbeenwaitingforeverinthetinybackofficeofthelibrary,Mattthought.Theyhadstrainedtocatchasound,totryandlearnanythingatalaboutwhatwashappeningdownthere.Bonniepaced,wringingherhandsandbitingherlips,andheleanedagainstthewal,headlowered,andkeptagoodgriponSamantha’sstave.Justincase.
Heknewaboutalthedoorsandpassagesandtunnelsdownthere,manyofwhichhehadnoideawheretheyled,buthedidn’trealizethesoundproofingwassogood.Theyhadn’theardathing.
Thensuddenlythetrapdoorwaspushingup,andMatttensed,raisingthestave,untilhesawElena’sface.
Meredith,Elena,Stefan,andDamonclimbedout,coveredinblood,butbasicalyfine,iftheeagerwayElenaandMeredithweretelingBonniewhathappened,theirwordstumblingovereachother,wasanyindication.
“Ethan’sdead,”StefantoldMatt.“ThereweresomeotherVitalesdownthereinthefight,butnoneofthepledges.He’dsentthemouttohunt.”
Mattfeltsickandweirdlyhappyatthesametime.He’dpicturedthemdeadatDamonandStefan’shands,Chloe,alhisfriendsfrompledging.Buttheyweren’t.Notdead,notrealy.Buttransformed,vampiresnow.
“You’regoingtohuntthem,”hesaid,aiminghiswordsatStefanandDamon,andatMeredith,too.Shenodded,herfaceresolved,andDamonlookedaway.
“Wehaveto,”Stefantoldhim.“Youknowthat.”Mattstaredhardathisshoes.“Yeah,”hesaid,“Iknow.
But,ifyougetachance,maybetalktosomeofthem?Ifyoucan,ifthey’rereasonableandnoone’sindanger?Maybetheycouldlearntolivewithoutkilingpeople.Ifyoushowedthemhow,Stefan.”Herubbedatthebackofhisneck.
“Chloewas…special.Andtheotherpledges,theyweregoodpeople.Theydidn’tknowwhattheyweregettinginto.
Theydeserveachance.”
Everyonewassilent,and,afteramoment,MattlookeduptofindStefanregardinghim,hiseyesdarkgreenwithsympathy,hismouthpuledtautinlinesofpain.“I’ldomybest,”hesaidkindly.“Icanpromiseyouthat.Butnewvampires—vampiresingeneral,realy—canbeunpredictable.Wemightnotbeabletosaveanyofthem,andourpriorityhastobetheinnocent.Wewilltry,though.”Mattnodded.Hismouthtastedsourandhiseyesburned.Hewasbeginningtorealizejusthowtiredhewas.
“That’saboutthebestIcanexpect,”hesaidroughly.“Thankyou.”
“Sothere’sawholeroomfulofdeadvampiresdownthere?”Bonnieasked,wrinklinghernoseindisgust.
“Prettymuch,”saidElena.“Wechainedthedoorsclosedagain,butIwishwecouldclosethechamberoffmorepermanently.Someone’sgoingtogodownthereeventualy,andthelastthingthiscampusneedsisanothermurderinvestigation,oranothergruesomelegend.”
“Ta-da!”Bonniesaid,grinningbrightlyandpulingalittlebagoutofherpocket.“FinalysomethingIcando.”Sheheldthebagup.“RememberalthehoursMrs.Flowersmademespendstudyingherbs?Wel,Iknowspelsforlockingandwarding,andI’vegottheherbstouserighthere.Ithoughttheymightcomeinhandy,assoonasMatttoldusweweregoingtoasecretundergroundchamber.”ShelookedsopleasedwithherselfthatMatthadtosmilealittledespitetheheavinessinsidehimatthethoughtofChloeandtheotherssomewhereoutinthenight.“Theymightnotworkformorethanadayortwo,”sheaddedmodestly,“butthey’ldefinitelydiscouragepeoplefrominvestigatingthetrapdoorforthatlong.”
“You’reawonder,Bonnie,”Elenasaid,andspontaneouslyhuggedher.
Stefannodded.“Wecangetridofthebodiestomorrow,”hesaid.“It’stooclosetodawntodoitnow.”Bonniegotrighttowork,sprinklingdriedplantsacrossthetrapdoor.“Hyssop,Solomon’sseal,anddamianaleaves,”shesaidwhenshesawMattwatchingher.“They’reforstrengtheningoflocks,protectionfromevil,andgeneralprotection.Mrs.FlowersdriledmeonthisstuffsomuchIfinalygotthemaldown.It’stoobadIdidn’thaveherhelpingmewithmyhomeworkinhighschool.MaybeIwouldhavelearnedsomeofthoseFrenchverbs.”Damonwaswatchingthem,hiseyeshalfhooded.“Weshouldlookforthenewvampires,too,”hesaid.“Youknowvampiresaren’tpackanimals.Theywon’thunttogetherforlong.Oncetheysplitup,wecanpickthemoff,”hetoldStefan.
“I’mcoming,too,”Meredithsaid.ShelookedatDamonchalengingly.“I’ljustwalkMatthomeandthenmeetupwithyouboth.”
Damonsmiled,apeculiarlywarmsmilethatMatthadneverseenhimdirectatMeredithbefore.“Iwastalkingtoyou,too,hunter,”hesaid.“You’vegottenbetter.”Afterasecond,shesmiledback,ahumoroustwistofherlips,andMattthoughthesawsomethingthatmightbethebeginningsoffriendshipflickeringbetweenthem.
“SotheVitalesweredefinitelybehindalthemurdersanddisappearances?”MattaskedStefan,feelingsick.
HowcouldhehavespentsomuchtimewithEthanandnotsuspectedthathewasamurderer?
Bonnie’sfacewentsowhitethatherfewfrecklesshowedlikelittledarkdotsonplainpaper.Andthenhercolorcamefloodingback,hercheeksandearsturningabrightpink.Sheclimbedunsteadilytoherfeet.“IshouldgoseeZander,”shesaid.
“Hey,”Mattsaid,alarmed,andmovedtoblockthedoor.
“There’sstilawholebunchofvampiresoutside,Bonnie.
Waitforsomebodytowalkyouover.”
“Nottomentionthatyouhaveothercommitments,”Damonsaiddryly,lookingmeaningfulyattheherbsscatteredacrossthetrapdoor.“Afteryouworkyourwitchymojo,thenyoucangoseeyourpet.”
“We’resorry,Bonnie,”Meredithsaid,shiftinguncomfortablyfromonefoottoanother.“Weshouldhavetrustedyoutoknowagoodguywhenyousawone.”
“Right!Alisforgiven,”Bonniesaidbrightly,andploppeddowninfrontofthetrapdooragain.“Ijustneedtosaythespel.”Sheranherhandsthroughtheherbs.“Existosignum,”shemuttered.“Servoquisestintus.”Asshescoopedsomeoftheherbsbackintoherbag,Bonniekeptsmiling,andstopping,andstaringintospace,andthenbouncingalittle.Mattsmiledathertiredly.GoodforBonnie.Someoneoughttohaveahappyending.
Hefeltastrong,thinhandtakehisandturnedtoseeMeredithbesidehim.Shesmiledsympatheticalyathim.
Nearby,ElenalaidherhandtentativelyonStefan’sarm,andtheybothhadtheireyesonBonnie.Damonstoodstil,watchingthemalwithanalmostfondexpression.
MattleanedagainstMeredith,comforted.Nomatterwhathappened,atleasttheyweretogether.Histruefriendswerewithhim;hehadcomehometothematlast.
ThesunwaslowintheeastwhenBonnieclimbedupthefireescape,herfeetclangingoneachstep.Asshecameoverthesideofthebuilding,shesawZandersittingwithhisbackagainsttheroughconcretewalattheedgeoftheroof.Heturnedtostareatherasshecametowardhim.
“Hi,”shesaid.She’dbeensoexcitedtoseehimonherwayoverhere,enoughsothatElenaandMeredithgotovertheirguiltandstartedtolaughather,butnowshefeltweirdanduncomfortable,likeherheadwastoobig.Itwas,sherealized,totalypossiblethathewouldn’twanttotalktoher.
Afteral,she’daccusedhimofbeingamurderer,whichwasaprettybigmistakeforagirlfriendtomake.
“Hi,”hesaidslowly.Therewasalongpause,andthenhepattedtheconcretenexttohim.“Wanttositdown?”heasked.“I’mjustwatchingthesky.”Hehesitated.“Fulmooninacoupleofdays.”
Mentioningthefulmoonfeltlikeachalenge,andBonniesettlednexttohim,thensqueezedherhandstogetherandjumpedrightin.“I’msorryIcaledyouakiler,”shesaid.“IknownowthatIwaswrongtoaccuseyouofbeingresponsibleforthedeathsoncampus.Ishouldhavetrustedyoumore.Pleaseacceptmyapology,”shefinishedinalittlerush.“BecauseImissyou.”
“Imissyou,too,”Zandersaid.“AndIunderstanditwasashock.”
“Seriously,though,Zander,”Bonniesaid,andshovedhimalittlewithherhip.“Youjusttelmeyou’reawerewolf?
Didyougetbittenwhenyouwereakidorsomething?
BecauseIknowgettingbittenistheonlywaytobecomeawerewolfwithoutkilingsomeone.And,okay,Iknowyou’renotthekilernow,butMeredithsawyouwithagirlwho’djustbeenattacked.And…andyouhadbruises,realybadbruiseseverywhere.IthinkIhadeveryrighttothinksomethingwashinkywithyou.”
“Hinky?”Zanderlaughedalittle,buttherewasanedgeofsadnesstoit,Bonniethought.“Iguessit’skindofhinky,ifyouwanttoputitthatway.”
“Canyouexplain?”Bonnieasked.
“Okay,I’ltry,”Zandersaidthoughtfuly.Hereacheddownandtookherhand,turningitoverinhisandplayingwithherfingers,pulingthemlightly.“Asyouapparentlyknow,mostwerewolvesarecreatedeitherbybeingbitten,orbyhavingthewerewolfvirusintheirfamilyandactivatingitbykilingsomeoneinaspecialritual.So,eitheraterribleattack,whichusualyscrewsthevictimup,oradeliberateactofeviltograbthepowerofthewolf.”Hegrimaced.“Itkindofexplainswhywerewolveshavesuchabadreputation.Butthere’sanotherkindofwerewolf.”HeglancedatBonniewithasortofshypride.“IcomefromtheOriginalpackofwerewolves.”Original.Bonnie’smindraced.Immortal,shethought,andrememberedKlaus,whohadneverbeenahuman.“So
…you’rerealyold,then?”sheaskedhesitantly.
Itwasfine,sheguessed,forElenatodateguyswhohadseencenturiesgoby.Romantic,even.Sortof.
Despitethecrushshe’dhadonDamon,though,Bonniealwayspictureddatingsomeoneclosetoherownage.
EvenMeredith’scute,smartAlaricseemedkindofoldtoher,andhewasonlyinhistwenties.
Zandersnortedwithsuddenlaughterandsqueezedherhandtight.“No!”hesaid.“Ijustturnedtwentylastmonth!
Werewolvesaren’tlikethat—we’realive.Welive,wedie.
We’relikeeverybodyelse,wejust…”
“Turnintosuperstrong,superfastwolves,”Bonniesaidtartly.
“Yeah,fine,”Zandersaid.“Pointtaken.Anyway,theOriginalpackislike,theoriginalfamilyofwerewolves.Mostwerewolvesareinfectedbysomekindofmysticalvirus.Itcanbepasseddown,butit’sdormant.TheOriginalpackisdescendedfromtheveryfirstwerewolves,theonesthatwerecavemenexceptduringthefulmoon.It’sinourgenes.
We’redifferentfromregularwerewolves.Wecanstopourselvesfromchangingifweneedto.Wecanlearntochangewhenthemoon’snotful,too,althoughit’sdifficult.”
“Ifyoucanstopyourselffromchanging,dosomeofyoustopbeingwerewolves?”Bonnieasked.
Zanderpuledhercloser.“Wewouldneverstopbeingwerewolves,evenifweneverchangedatal.It’swhoweare.Andithurtstonotchangewhenthemoonisful.It’slikeitsingstous,andthesonggetslouderandclearerthecloseritgetstobeingful.We’reachingtochangebythetimeithappens.”
“Wow,”saidBonnie.Thenhereyeswidened.“So,alyourfriendsaremembersoftheOriginalpack,too?Like,you’realrelated?”
“Um,”Zandersaid.“Iguess.Buttherelationshipcangobackprettyfar—it’snotlikewe’realfirstcousinsoranything.”
“Weird,”Bonniesaid.“Okay,Originalpack,gotit.”ShesnuggledherheadcomfortablyagainstZander’sshoulder.
“Telmetherest.”
“Okay,”Zandersaidagain.HepushedhishairoutofhiseyesandwrappedonearmaroundBonnie.Itwasgettingalittlecoldsittingontheconcrete,andshenestledgratefulyagainstthewarmthofhisside.“So,Dalcrestisonwhat’ssortofahotspotforparanormalactivity.There’sthesethingscaledleylines,see…”
“Alreadyknowit,”Bonniesaidbriskly.“Goonwithyourpart.”
Zanderstaredather.“O…kay,”hesaidslowly.
“Anyway,theHighWolfCouncilsendssomeofustoDalcresteveryyearasstudents.Sothatwecanmonitoranydangers.We’rekindoflikewatchdogs,Iguess.Theoriginalwatchdogs.”
Bonniesnorted.“TheHighWolfCouncil.”Zanderpokedherintheribs.
“Shutup,it’snotfunny,”hesaid.“They’reveryimportant.”Bonniegiggledagain,andheelbowedhergently.“So,withalthedisappearancesandattacks,thingshavebeenbadoncampusthisyear,”hecontinued,sobering.“Muchworsethantheyusualyare.We’vebeeninvestigating.Apackofvampiresinasecretsocietyoncampusisbehindit,andwe’vebeenfightingthemoffandprotectingpeoplewhenwecan.Butwe’renotasstrongastheyare,exceptatthefulmoon,evenifwechange.Andsothebruises.Andyourfriendseeingmeguardingagirlwho’djustbeenattacked.”
“Don’tworry.WetookcareoftheVitaleSocietytonight,”Bonniesaidsmugly.“Wel,theleaderatleast,andsomeoftheothers,”sheamended.“There’sstilabunchofvampiresoncampus,butwe’lgetridofthem.”Zanderturnedandstaredatherforalongmomentbeforehespoke.“Ithink,”hesaidatlastinacarefulyneutralvoice,“thatit’syourturntoexplain.”Bonniewasn’tactualythatgreatatproperlyorganized,logicalexplanations,butshedidherbest,goingbackandforthintime,addingsidenotesandrememberingthingsasshewentalong.ShetoldhimaboutStefanandDamon,andhoweverythinghadchangedwhenthevampirebrotherscametoFel’sChurchlastyearandElenafelinlovewiththem.ShetoldhimaboutMeredith’ssacreddutyasavampirehunter,andshetoldhimaboutherownpsychicvisionsandhertrainingasawitch.
Sheleftalotofstuffout—everythingabouttheDarkDimension,andElena’sbargainwiththeGuardians,forinstance,becausethatwasrealyconfusing,andmaybesheshouldtelhimaboutitlatersohedidn’tjustoverload—
butthetelingstiltookalongtime.
“Huh,”Zandersaidwhenshewasfinished,andthenhelaughed.
“What?”Bonnieasked.
“You’reaweirdgirl,”Zandersaid.“Prettyheroic,though.”
Bonniepushedherfaceintohisneck,happilybreathingintheessentialZandersmelofhim:fabricsoftener,worncotton,andcleanguy.
“You’reweird,”shesaid,andthen,admiringly,“andtherealhero.You’vebeenfightingoffvampireattacksforweeksandweeks,toprotecteverybody.”
“We’requiteapair,”Zandersaid.
“Yeah,”Bonniesaid.Shesatupandfacedhim,thenreachedoutandranherhandthroughhissoftpalehair,pulinghisheadclosertoher.“Stil,”shesaid,justbeforetheirlipstouched,“normalisoverrated.”42
Elena,Stefan,andDamonheadedtowardElena’sdormtogether,andtensionthrummedsharplybetweenthem.
ElenahadtakenStefan’shandautomaticalyastheywalked,andhehadstiffenedandthengradualyrelaxed,sothatnowhishandfeltnaturalinhers.
Thingsweren’tbackthewaytheyhadbeenbetweenthem,notyet.ButStefan’sgreeneyeswerefulofashyaffectionwhentheylookedather,andElenaknewshecouldmakethingsright.SomethinghadshiftedinStefanwhenDamoncametorescuehim,whenElenauntiedhimandtoldhimhowsorryshewas.MaybeStefanjustneededtoknowthatwhateverwasbetweenherandDamon,hewasfirstforher.Noonewasshuttinghimout.
Elenaunlockedherdoor,andtheyalwentinside.Ithadbeenonlyafewhourssinceshewaslastthere,butsomuchhadhappenedthatitseemedlikesomewherefromalongtimeago,thepostersandclothesandBonnie’steddybearalrelicsofalostcivilization.
“Oh,Stefan,”Elenasaid,“I’msogladthatyou’resafe.”Shereachedoutandwrappedherarmsaroundhimand,justlikewhenshetookhishand,hetensedforamomentbeforehuggingherback.
“I’mgladthatbothofyouaresafe,”sheamended,andlookedatDamon.Hisblackeyesmetherscooly,andsheknewthat,withouttheirhavingtodiscussit,heunderstoodthatthingsweren’tgoingtogoonthewaytheyhadbeen.
ShelovedStefan.Shehadchosen.
WhenStefantoldthemofEthan’splantotakebothofthebrothers’bloodanduseittoresurrectKlaus,shewashorrified.NotjustbecauseofthedangerStefanhadbeenin,orbecauseoftheterrifyingideaofKlausaliveagain,andnodoubtvengefulagainstthem,butbecauseofthetrapEthanhadlaidforDamon.HehadplannedtotakethebestofDamon—thereluctant,oftenmarred,butstilstronglovehehadforhisbrother—anduseittodestroyhim.
“I’meternalygladyou’rebothokay,”shesaidagain,andreachedouttohugDamon,too.
Damoncameintoherarmswilingly,but,asshesqueezedhimtightly,hewinced.
“What’swrong?”Elenaasked,puzzled,andDamonfrowned.
“Ethancutme,”hesaid,thefrownturningintoagrimaceofpain.“I’mjustalittlesore.”Hetuggedathisshirt,fingeringatornedge,andpuleditup,exposingaswathofpaletautskin.AgainstthewhiteskinElenasawthelongcutwasalreadyhealing.
“It’snothing,”Damonsaid.HeshotElenaawickedsmile.“AlittledrinkfromawilingdonorandI’lbeasgoodasnew,Ipromise.”
Sheshookherheadathimreprovingly,butdidn’tanswer.
“Goodnight,Elena,”Stefansaid,andbrushedhercheekgentlywiththebackofhishand.“Goodmorning,realy,Iguess,buttrytogetsomesleep.”
“Areyougoingafterthevampires?”sheaskedanxiously.“Becareful.”Damonlaughed.
“I’lmakesurehetakescarewiththenastyvampires,”hesaid.“PoorElena.Normallifeisn’tgoingsowel,isit?”Elenasighed.Thatwastheproblem,wasn’tit?Damonwouldneverunderstandwhyshewantedtobeanordinaryperson.Hethoughtofherashisdarkprincess,wantedhertobelikehim,tobebetterthanordinarypeople.Stefandidn’tthinkshewasadarkprincess;hethoughtshewasahumanbeing.
Butwasshe?ShethoughtbrieflyoftelingthemabouttheGuardiansandthesecretsofherbirth,butshejustcouldn’t.Notrightnow.Notyet.Damonwouldn’tknowwhyitupsether.AndStefanwassopaleandtiredafterhisordealwiththevervain-soakedropesthatshecouldn’tbringherselftoburdenhimwithherfearsabouttheGuardians.
Asshethoughtthis,Stefanstaggered,justafraction,andDamonreachedoutautomaticalytosteadyhim.
“Thankyou,”Stefansaid,“Forcomingtosaveme.Bothofyou.”
“I’lalwayssaveyou,littlebrother,”Damonsaid,buthewaslookingatElena,andsheheardtheechoofwhenhehadsaidthesamewordstoher.“EventhoughImightbebetteroffwithoutyou,”Damonadded.
Stefangaveatiredsmile.“Timetogo,”hesaid.
“Iloveyou,Stefan.”Elenabrushedherlipsagainsthissoftly.
Damongaveherabriefnod,hisfaceneutral.“Sleepwel,”hesaid.
Thenthedoorwasclosedbehindher,andElenawasalone.Herbedhadneverlookedmorecomfortableorinviting,andshelaydownwithasigh,lookingupatthesoftlightthatwasbeginningtobreakthroughthewindow.
TheVitaleSocietywasgone.Ethan’splanhadbeenstopped.Thecampuswassafer,andanewdaywasdawning.Stefanhadforgivenher,andDamondidn’tleave,didn’tturnagainstthem.
Itwas,fornow,thebestshecouldhopefor.Elenaclosedhereyesandfelwilinglyasleepatlast.Tomorrowwouldbeanotherday.
Epilogue
Ethangasped,suckinginalongbreathofair,andcoughedhiswayawake,hiswholebodyshaking.
Everythinghurt.
Gingerly,hepattedhimselfdown,findingthathewasstickywithhalf-driedblood,coveredwithascoreofsmalinjuries.Reachingup,hefeltthealreadyhealingindentationinhisbackwithdelicatefingers.Thestavethegirlhadthrustintohimhadbrushedhisheart,butithadn’tpiercedit.
Ahalfcentimetertooneside,andhewouldhavebeendead.Realydead,thistime,notundead.
Grabbingholdofavelvet-coveredchairwithonehand,Ethanpuledhimselftohisfeetandlookedaround.HislieutenantsintheVitaleSociety,hisfriends,laydeadonthefloor.TheSalvatorebrothers,andthegirlswhowerewiththem,hadescaped.
Nervously,hefeltinonepocketandsighedinreliefashishandclosedonasmalvial.Pulingitout,helookedatthethickredliquidwithin.StefanSalvatore’sblood.Hefishedinthesamepocketanddrewoutaclothbearingalongreddish-brownstain.DamonSalvatore’sblood.
Hehadwhatheneeded.
Klauswouldriseagain.
AbouttheAuthor
L.J.SMITHhaswrittenanumberofbestselingbooksandseriesforyoungadults,includingTheVampireDiaries(nowahitTVshow),TheSecretCircle,TheForbiddenGame,NightWorld,andthe#1NewYorkTimesbestselingDarkVisions.SheishappiestsittingbyacracklingfireinacabininPointReyes,California,orwalkingthebeachesthatsurroundthatarea.Shelovestohearfromreadersandhopestheywilvisitherupdatedwebsiteatwww.ljanesmith.net.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperColinsauthors.
OtherWorks
TheVampireDiariesnovels
VOL.I:THEAWAKENING
VOL.II:THESTRUGGLE
VOL.III:THEFURY
VOL.IV:DARKREUNION
THERETURNVOL.1:NIGHTFALL
THERETURNVOL.2:SHADOWSOULS
THERETURNVOL.3:MIDNIGHT
THEHUNTERSVOL.1:PHANTOM
THEHUNTERSVOL.2:MOONSONG
Stefan’sDiariesnovels
VOL.1:ORIGINS
VOL.2:BLOODLUST
VOL.3:THECRAVING
VOL.4:THERIPPER
VOL.5:THEASYLUM
VOL.6:THECOMPELLED
TheSecretCirclenovels
THEINITIATIONANDTHECAPTIVEPARTI
THECAPTIVEPARTIIANDTHEPOWER
THEDIVIDE
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