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The silence that followed spoke more loudly than any words could have. She looked into Stefan's eyes and saw the uncertainty there, an awareness that something was going on that he wasn't privy to. It was still a tiny seed, not yet bloomed into full-fledged suspicion, but it was there and seeing it made her mind go blank. Her mouth opened and then closed again. She wasn't ready to give him an answer, or even a confession. Stefan's brow furrowed and he reached for her.

"I thought you went to go find the witch."

Damon's snide comment cut the tension and Stefan's hand dropped away. They both turned to look at him and Elena's shoulders sagged with relief. Stefan side-stepped her and sauntered down the stairs into the living room while she mouthed a silent "thank you" to Damon.

"I talked to Bonny. She's not happy. She doesn't want to give Elena a ring until she's certain her blood cravings are under control."

"Witches!" Damon threw his hands up in exasperation and stalked over to the fireplace. Elena made a move to follow and then stopped herself and paced back and forth in front of the wet bar instead.

"I should've gone with you to talk to her," she muttered, shaking her head.

Stefan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, stopping her feet in place. She looked up and he gave her a patient smile.

"It'll be okay. It was the same with Caroline. She's just looking out for you."

"Come off it, Stefan. She's on a witchy power trip because she's pissed off that Elena turned into a vampire."

Stefan glared over his shoulder at Damon, who was only too happy to return it.

"She's not going to let her best friend stay cooped up at our place forever. She'll come around."

Elena nodded, realizing that he was probably right. Now that Bonny knew what she was, she'd come. Even if it was just to see it for herself. She was too curious to stay away forever.  Bonny hated vampires but maybe once she proved to her that she could control the cravings it'd be like old times again. That was what she hoped would happen anyway. The question now was how long would Bonny make her wait?

"What am I supposed to do in the meantime?"

She looked up in time to see Stefan and Damon exchange a glance. Some unspoken communication passed between them and Damon nodded before looking away. Stefan's arm slipped around her shoulder and she managed a tight smile.

"We can't do much until sunset, but maybe we can use that time to our advantage. I'll teach you how to control the cravings and then later tonight we'll go out and see how far you've progressed."

The idea instantly filled her with horror. There was no telling what she might do or who she could hurt. What if she saw someone in town – like Jer or Matt. How would she explain it to them?

"Stefan… I can't!"

He leaned down and gave her a certain look. "You can. I know you can."

He caressed her cheek with his thumb before planting a soft kiss against her lips, "You have to trust me, Elena. I won't let anything happen."

His words were reassuring, but they couldn't dispel the knot of worry that had taken root in the pit of her stomach. She glanced over at Damon and found him watching her with a grim expression. He looked at her as though he understood every doubt and worry running through her mind and he probably did. After all, 147 years ago he'd been in her position and was also wooed by Stefan's reassurances that everything would be fine. They all knew how that had turned out.

Damon's lips lifted in a humourless smile before he looked away. She wanted to go to him but Stefan's hand was suddenly warm and soft around hers and he was pulling her towards the stairs.

"Come on, we've got a lot of work to do before sundown."

She reluctantly went along with him, not feeling the least bit reassured. Glancing back over her shoulder, she saw that Damon was gone and exhaled a quiet sigh of defeat.

oOo

Downtown Mystic Falls was bustling with activity. Some charity organization or another had organized a picnic style event in the town square. Damon eyed the gingham-checkered tables piled high with Tupperware containers and disposable plates and groaned inwardly. It never ceased to amaze him how style and class had consistently gone downhill with each passing generation.

He wasn't there to nibble on potato salad and talk about little league baseball though. His eyes narrowed and made one more sweep of the tables before he spotted his target. Moving swiftly through the crowds of people, he came up behind the perky blonde. She turned before he reached her and narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion.

"Damon."

"Caroline."

He offered her a bemused smile and she lifted a brow before shifting her weight to her other foot.

"What do you want?"

"I need a favour."

"No."

Turning her back, she promptly disappeared into the crowd of people milling about the tables. Lifting his eyes to the sky, Damon asked for some patience before setting off after her. He caught up to her next to the stage where some local country band was setting up their equipment.

"Come on, Caroline. It's about Elena."

Her lavender pumps slowed to a stop and she turned to face him. Her expression was wary but he knew that when it came to Elena she couldn't say no.

"Leave her alone, Damon."

He put up his hands in defence and took a step closer.

"It's not what you think."

She gave him a guarded look and crossed her arms.

"Look, it's kind of a long story. Come with me to the Grill, I'll buy you a mimosa or two, and we can talk about it."

He flashed his best charming smile at her and saw her conviction waver.

"I do love mimosas," she pouted.

Damon held out his arm and Caroline realized that he'd already won. Accepting defeat, she slipped her arm through his and they headed in the direction of the Grill.

oOo

"What?!"

Damon cringed at Caroline's sudden outburst and motioned for her to be quiet.

"Keep it down, would ya?"

Caroline slowly dropped back onto the booth's red vinyl seat and stared blankly at the table. It was obvious that she was shaken. Damon considered reaching out and taking her hand, but took a sip from his glass instead.

"How did this happen?"

"Katherine."

Caroline nodded understandingly, needing no further explanation. Katherine had turned her against her will as well. The only difference was, when she woke up at the hospital no one had been there to walk her through the process. There hadn't been a single kind face to tell her what was going on or promise to help her through it. She'd never felt more alone than she had that day and she felt a sudden sadness well up within her at her friend's plight.

"Poor Elena."

Damon set down his drink and studied the blonde vampire sitting across from him. When he first arrived in Mystic Falls he'd gladly taken advantage of her. She was little more than a child then – weak, naïve, dim-witted and vain. He'd played upon every single one of her weaknesses to get what he wanted. Becoming a vampire had changed Caroline in ways that she likely didn't even realize. She was stronger now, a worthy adversary and an even better friend. On some level he considered her a friend, but doubted that she extended the same affection for him.

"I need your help," he said finally. She looked up and met his gaze evenly.

"Tell me what I can do."

Damon smiled inwardly, feeling relieved for the first time that day.

"I need you to help me keep an eye on her," he explained, fingering the condensation on his glass. "Stefan's convinced that he can help her control the blood cravings. He wants to take her out on the town tonight to prove it to Bonny so she'll give her a ring."

Caroline's eyes widened.

"That's crazy!"

A grim smile lifted his lips. "I know that and you know that, but Stefan's not convinced. I just want an extra pair of eyes to be on her tonight, you know, in case something happens."

Caroline nodded understandingly. She remembered all too well what it felt like to lose yourself to the craving. She still hadn't gotten over the guilt of killing that poor man. With her parents already gone, the last thing Elena needed to worry about was having some innocent person's death on her hands. There was no telling what that might do to her. She'd been so strong since the accident, but everyone had their breaking point.

"Okay, I'll help," she promised with a nod of her head. "I think it's probably best if we keep Matt and Jer away tonight, too. They'll know something's up if she's not acting like herself."

Damon nodded in agreement, "Good plan." Sighing suddenly, he sat back and wearily closed his eyes.

"This has got bad idea written all over it."

Caroline frowned in sympathy and reached out to lay her hand overtop his. His eyes opened slowly and he glanced down in surprise. He could count on one hand the number of people in his life who'd ever shown him affection. Caroline was number three on that list. When his eyes met hers she gave him an encouraging smile and then pulled her hand away. Taking up her empty glass she held it out to him expectantly.

"Or two..." she reminded him, smiling sweetly.

Sighing heavily, Damon leaned forward to take the glass from her, "Yeah, yeah…"

He got up and headed to the bar just in time to hide the smile that turned up the corners of his mouth. Of all the people in Mystic Falls that he could've turned to in his hour of need, he'd chosen Caroline Forbes. He glanced over his shoulder at her lavender pump bouncing up and down and shook his head. Well, stranger things had happened…

oOo

"I can't do it, Stefan."

"Just try again."

His tone was controlled and patient, but it did little to ease her frustration. She tossed down the empty blood bag and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"This is impossible."

"It's difficult but it's not impossible. Come on, just once more."

Stefan pulled the tab out of a fresh blood bag and held it out to her. She stared at it and willed her arms to stay wrapped around her body. Her resolve lasted all of three seconds. The moment the scent of fresh blood hit her nose, it was like her body moved with a will of its own. She snatched the bag from him and brought it to her lips.

Her first sip was like Heaven. She pulled long and hard before swallowing down the viscous red liquid. It didn't taste different from regular blood. She'd always assumed that it must by the way vampires seemed to go into orgasms over it, but she knew the truth now. It wasn't the taste that made it so good, it was the instant effect it had on your body.

The moment the blood touched her tongue and travelled down her throat she could feel its power coursing through her. It reached to the very tips of her fingers and toes, along with every muscle and nerve cell in-between. It was like receiving an instant shot of life with each sip and that was what made it impossible to stop. She suddenly felt a strong camaraderie with drug addicts. It had to be something like this.

"Now stop."

She heard Stefan's command and reluctantly pulled the blood bag from her lips. The temptation was almost too much to bear. Mere inches away was the exact thing she craved. It would be so easy to have more, so simple just to lean forward and suck the bag dry. She hissed in annoyance and glared at Stefan's patient expression.

"Now think of something else. It can be anything - Jenna, Jer, your parents, your homework, anything that will keep you from taking that next sip."

That was the hard part. No matter how much she loved the people in her life, just thinking about them wasn't enough to override the craving. Therein lay her problem – she'd yet to find anything that could distract her long enough to let her craving return to a manageable level.

The sound of heavy footsteps on the wooden floorboards caught her attention and her eyes snapped up to the door. Damon filled the doorway with one arm braced against the jam. He studied her carefully and she felt her features slowly return to normal. For a moment, at least, the blood bag rested forgotten in her hand. She was too busy remembering how to breathe and trying her best to figure out exactly what she was going to do about him.

Noticing her sudden change, Stefan glanced over his shoulder at the door and his expression quickly fell.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, getting to his feet.

"Just seeing how your  lessons are coming along, little brother," Damon shot back before sauntering into the room. He made his way over to where she was sitting on the floor and crouched down next to her.

"How you holding up?"

The soft look in his eyes sent a wave of relief coursing through her. She knew how she looked – disoriented, surrounded by empty blood bags and her lips and teeth stained red – and yet he didn't seem bothered by it. There was no hint of disgust or censure in his gaze, just genuine concern for her well being. She managed a nod and exhaled a quiet sigh.

"Better. Not great, but better."

"Don't sell yourself short. You've improved a lot."

Stefan's words of encouragement rang hollow when she looked at the empty blood bags on the floor around her. Each one was another failed attempt. There were six in total. Those could be six innocent lives, six of her friends, Jenna or Jer… Who was he trying to fool? They hadn't made any progress at all.

"This coming from the guy who spent the first half of the 20th century known as 'The Ripper'," Damon remarked with a sly glance over his shoulder.

Stefan's expression darkened at the reference and he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"What's your point, Damon?" he asked, leaning back against his desk.

Damon shrugged and got to his feet.

"Nothing, 'cept that you're the last person who should be giving her advice on how to control blood cravings."

"You've got a better idea?" he challenged.

At this Damon smiled victoriously and gave Elena a wink.

"As a matter of fact, I do."

He gestured to the door and Stefan turned his head in time to see Caroline rush in. She was at Elena's side in an instant, pulling her into her arms.

"Elena! I'm so sorry! Are you okay? You must be so scared…"

Caroline sat back on her heels and studied the tell-tale red stain around her friend's mouth. Her brow furrowed and she took her hand in hers, offering her a sympathetic smile.

"It's so hard to stop, I know! But don't you worry. We'll work on it together, just you and me, and pretty soon it'll be like nothing at all."

"Just as simple as that?"

Caroline's head bobbed, her blonde curls bouncing as she nodded.

"Yup! Just as simple as that. Now come on, we can't concentrate here with all these boys and blood bags around."

Taking her by the hand, Caroline helped Elena up off the floor and headed for the door. Stefan opened his mouth object, but Damon held him off.

"You can use my room. Last door at the end of the hall," he called out to them as their footsteps faded from the library.

"What are you up to, Damon?" Stefan demanded as soon as they were alone. "What happened between the two of you today?"

Damon wisely chose to ignore the accusation. He lifted a brow and turned on his brother.

"You know, I was about to ask you the same question," he taunted with a placating smile.

Stefan looked angry enough to throw something. Instead he exhaled a controlled breath through his nose and headed for the door. He made sure to stop next to Damon and leaned in close enough so that only he could hear his next words.

"Just stay the hell away from her," he ground out in a voice like ice.

Damon shivered in mock fright and laughed. Not a chance.

Description

The silence that followed spoke more loudly than any words could have. She looked into Stefan's eyes and saw the uncertainty there, an awareness that something was going on that he wasn't privy to. It was still a tiny seed, not yet bloomed into full-fledged suspicion, but it was there and seeing it made her mind go blank. Her mouth opened and then closed again. She wasn't ready to give him an answer, or even a confession. Stefan's brow furrowed and he reached for her.

"I thought you went to go find the witch."

Damon's snide comment cut the tension and Stefan's hand dropped away. They both turned to look at him and Elena's shoulders sagged with relief. Stefan side-stepped her and sauntered down the stairs into the living room while she mouthed a silent "thank you" to Damon.

"I talked to Bonny. She's not happy. She doesn't want to give Elena a ring until she's certain her blood cravings are under control."

"Witches!" Damon threw his hands up in exasperation and stalked over to the fireplace. Elena made a move to follow and then stopped herself and paced back and forth in front of the wet bar instead.

"I should've gone with you to talk to her," she muttered, shaking her head.

Stefan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, stopping her feet in place. She looked up and he gave her a patient smile.

"It'll be okay. It was the same with Caroline. She's just looking out for you."

"Come off it, Stefan. She's on a witchy power trip because she's pissed off that Elena turned into a vampire."

Stefan glared over his shoulder at Damon, who was only too happy to return it.

"She's not going to let her best friend stay cooped up at our place forever. She'll come around."

Elena nodded, realizing that he was probably right. Now that Bonny knew what she was, she'd come. Even if it was just to see it for herself. She was too curious to stay away forever.  Bonny hated vampires but maybe once she proved to her that she could control the cravings it'd be like old times again. That was what she hoped would happen anyway. The question now was how long would Bonny make her wait?

"What am I supposed to do in the meantime?"

She looked up in time to see Stefan and Damon exchange a glance. Some unspoken communication passed between them and Damon nodded before looking away. Stefan's arm slipped around her shoulder and she managed a tight smile.

"We can't do much until sunset, but maybe we can use that time to our advantage. I'll teach you how to control the cravings and then later tonight we'll go out and see how far you've progressed."

The idea instantly filled her with horror. There was no telling what she might do or who she could hurt. What if she saw someone in town – like Jer or Matt. How would she explain it to them?

"Stefan… I can't!"

He leaned down and gave her a certain look. "You can. I know you can."

He caressed her cheek with his thumb before planting a soft kiss against her lips, "You have to trust me, Elena. I won't let anything happen."

His words were reassuring, but they couldn't dispel the knot of worry that had taken root in the pit of her stomach. She glanced over at Damon and found him watching her with a grim expression. He looked at her as though he understood every doubt and worry running through her mind and he probably did. After all, 147 years ago he'd been in her position and was also wooed by Stefan's reassurances that everything would be fine. They all knew how that had turned out.

Damon's lips lifted in a humourless smile before he looked away. She wanted to go to him but Stefan's hand was suddenly warm and soft around hers and he was pulling her towards the stairs.

"Come on, we've got a lot of work to do before sundown."

She reluctantly went along with him, not feeling the least bit reassured. Glancing back over her shoulder, she saw that Damon was gone and exhaled a quiet sigh of defeat.

oOo

Downtown Mystic Falls was bustling with activity. Some charity organization or another had organized a picnic style event in the town square. Damon eyed the gingham-checkered tables piled high with Tupperware containers and disposable plates and groaned inwardly. It never ceased to amaze him how style and class had consistently gone downhill with each passing generation.

He wasn't there to nibble on potato salad and talk about little league baseball though. His eyes narrowed and made one more sweep of the tables before he spotted his target. Moving swiftly through the crowds of people, he came up behind the perky blonde. She turned before he reached her and narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion.

"Damon."

"Caroline."

He offered her a bemused smile and she lifted a brow before shifting her weight to her other foot.

"What do you want?"

"I need a favour."

"No."

Turning her back, she promptly disappeared into the crowd of people milling about the tables. Lifting his eyes to the sky, Damon asked for some patience before setting off after her. He caught up to her next to the stage where some local country band was setting up their equipment.

"Come on, Caroline. It's about Elena."

Her lavender pumps slowed to a stop and she turned to face him. Her expression was wary but he knew that when it came to Elena she couldn't say no.

"Leave her alone, Damon."

He put up his hands in defence and took a step closer.

"It's not what you think."

She gave him a guarded look and crossed her arms.

"Look, it's kind of a long story. Come with me to the Grill, I'll buy you a mimosa or two, and we can talk about it."

He flashed his best charming smile at her and saw her conviction waver.

"I do love mimosas," she pouted.

Damon held out his arm and Caroline realized that he'd already won. Accepting defeat, she slipped her arm through his and they headed in the direction of the Grill.

oOo

"What?!"

Damon cringed at Caroline's sudden outburst and motioned for her to be quiet.

"Keep it down, would ya?"

Caroline slowly dropped back onto the booth's red vinyl seat and stared blankly at the table. It was obvious that she was shaken. Damon considered reaching out and taking her hand, but took a sip from his glass instead.

"How did this happen?"

"Katherine."

Caroline nodded understandingly, needing no further explanation. Katherine had turned her against her will as well. The only difference was, when she woke up at the hospital no one had been there to walk her through the process. There hadn't been a single kind face to tell her what was going on or promise to help her through it. She'd never felt more alone than she had that day and she felt a sudden sadness well up within her at her friend's plight.

"Poor Elena."

Damon set down his drink and studied the blonde vampire sitting across from him. When he first arrived in Mystic Falls he'd gladly taken advantage of her. She was little more than a child then – weak, naïve, dim-witted and vain. He'd played upon every single one of her weaknesses to get what he wanted. Becoming a vampire had changed Caroline in ways that she likely didn't even realize. She was stronger now, a worthy adversary and an even better friend. On some level he considered her a friend, but doubted that she extended the same affection for him.

"I need your help," he said finally. She looked up and met his gaze evenly.

"Tell me what I can do."

Damon smiled inwardly, feeling relieved for the first time that day.

"I need you to help me keep an eye on her," he explained, fingering the condensation on his glass. "Stefan's convinced that he can help her control the blood cravings. He wants to take her out on the town tonight to prove it to Bonny so she'll give her a ring."

Caroline's eyes widened.

"That's crazy!"

A grim smile lifted his lips. "I know that and you know that, but Stefan's not convinced. I just want an extra pair of eyes to be on her tonight, you know, in case something happens."

Caroline nodded understandingly. She remembered all too well what it felt like to lose yourself to the craving. She still hadn't gotten over the guilt of killing that poor man. With her parents already gone, the last thing Elena needed to worry about was having some innocent person's death on her hands. There was no telling what that might do to her. She'd been so strong since the accident, but everyone had their breaking point.

"Okay, I'll help," she promised with a nod of her head. "I think it's probably best if we keep Matt and Jer away tonight, too. They'll know something's up if she's not acting like herself."

Damon nodded in agreement, "Good plan." Sighing suddenly, he sat back and wearily closed his eyes.

"This has got bad idea written all over it."

Caroline frowned in sympathy and reached out to lay her hand overtop his. His eyes opened slowly and he glanced down in surprise. He could count on one hand the number of people in his life who'd ever shown him affection. Caroline was number three on that list. When his eyes met hers she gave him an encouraging smile and then pulled her hand away. Taking up her empty glass she held it out to him expectantly.

"Or two..." she reminded him, smiling sweetly.

Sighing heavily, Damon leaned forward to take the glass from her, "Yeah, yeah…"

He got up and headed to the bar just in time to hide the smile that turned up the corners of his mouth. Of all the people in Mystic Falls that he could've turned to in his hour of need, he'd chosen Caroline Forbes. He glanced over his shoulder at her lavender pump bouncing up and down and shook his head. Well, stranger things had happened…

oOo

"I can't do it, Stefan."

"Just try again."

His tone was controlled and patient, but it did little to ease her frustration. She tossed down the empty blood bag and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"This is impossible."

"It's difficult but it's not impossible. Come on, just once more."

Stefan pulled the tab out of a fresh blood bag and held it out to her. She stared at it and willed her arms to stay wrapped around her body. Her resolve lasted all of three seconds. The moment the scent of fresh blood hit her nose, it was like her body moved with a will of its own. She snatched the bag from him and brought it to her lips.

Her first sip was like Heaven. She pulled long and hard before swallowing down the viscous red liquid. It didn't taste different from regular blood. She'd always assumed that it must by the way vampires seemed to go into orgasms over it, but she knew the truth now. It wasn't the taste that made it so good, it was the instant effect it had on your body.

The moment the blood touched her tongue and travelled down her throat she could feel its power coursing through her. It reached to the very tips of her fingers and toes, along with every muscle and nerve cell in-between. It was like receiving an instant shot of life with each sip and that was what made it impossible to stop. She suddenly felt a strong camaraderie with drug addicts. It had to be something like this.

"Now stop."

She heard Stefan's command and reluctantly pulled the blood bag from her lips. The temptation was almost too much to bear. Mere inches away was the exact thing she craved. It would be so easy to have more, so simple just to lean forward and suck the bag dry. She hissed in annoyance and glared at Stefan's patient expression.

"Now think of something else. It can be anything - Jenna, Jer, your parents, your homework, anything that will keep you from taking that next sip."

That was the hard part. No matter how much she loved the people in her life, just thinking about them wasn't enough to override the craving. Therein lay her problem – she'd yet to find anything that could distract her long enough to let her craving return to a manageable level.

The sound of heavy footsteps on the wooden floorboards caught her attention and her eyes snapped up to the door. Damon filled the doorway with one arm braced against the jam. He studied her carefully and she felt her features slowly return to normal. For a moment, at least, the blood bag rested forgotten in her hand. She was too busy remembering how to breathe and trying her best to figure out exactly what she was going to do about him.

Noticing her sudden change, Stefan glanced over his shoulder at the door and his expression quickly fell.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, getting to his feet.

"Just seeing how your  lessons are coming along, little brother," Damon shot back before sauntering into the room. He made his way over to where she was sitting on the floor and crouched down next to her.

"How you holding up?"

The soft look in his eyes sent a wave of relief coursing through her. She knew how she looked – disoriented, surrounded by empty blood bags and her lips and teeth stained red – and yet he didn't seem bothered by it. There was no hint of disgust or censure in his gaze, just genuine concern for her well being. She managed a nod and exhaled a quiet sigh.

"Better. Not great, but better."

"Don't sell yourself short. You've improved a lot."

Stefan's words of encouragement rang hollow when she looked at the empty blood bags on the floor around her. Each one was another failed attempt. There were six in total. Those could be six innocent lives, six of her friends, Jenna or Jer… Who was he trying to fool? They hadn't made any progress at all.

"This coming from the guy who spent the first half of the 20th century known as 'The Ripper'," Damon remarked with a sly glance over his shoulder.

Stefan's expression darkened at the reference and he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"What's your point, Damon?" he asked, leaning back against his desk.

Damon shrugged and got to his feet.

"Nothing, 'cept that you're the last person who should be giving her advice on how to control blood cravings."

"You've got a better idea?" he challenged.

At this Damon smiled victoriously and gave Elena a wink.

"As a matter of fact, I do."

He gestured to the door and Stefan turned his head in time to see Caroline rush in. She was at Elena's side in an instant, pulling her into her arms.

"Elena! I'm so sorry! Are you okay? You must be so scared…"

Caroline sat back on her heels and studied the tell-tale red stain around her friend's mouth. Her brow furrowed and she took her hand in hers, offering her a sympathetic smile.

"It's so hard to stop, I know! But don't you worry. We'll work on it together, just you and me, and pretty soon it'll be like nothing at all."

"Just as simple as that?"

Caroline's head bobbed, her blonde curls bouncing as she nodded.

"Yup! Just as simple as that. Now come on, we can't concentrate here with all these boys and blood bags around."

Taking her by the hand, Caroline helped Elena up off the floor and headed for the door. Stefan opened his mouth object, but Damon held him off.

"You can use my room. Last door at the end of the hall," he called out to them as their footsteps faded from the library.

"What are you up to, Damon?" Stefan demanded as soon as they were alone. "What happened between the two of you today?"

Damon wisely chose to ignore the accusation. He lifted a brow and turned on his brother.

"You know, I was about to ask you the same question," he taunted with a placating smile.

Stefan looked angry enough to throw something. Instead he exhaled a controlled breath through his nose and headed for the door. He made sure to stop next to Damon and leaned in close enough so that only he could hear his next words.

"Just stay the hell away from her," he ground out in a voice like ice.

Damon shivered in mock fright and laughed. Not a chance.