After that incident, Stefan had made me call every day both in the morning and at night. It was annoying but I understood that he didn't want me to end up as a vampire's next meal.

After today's morning call, I got a chance to earn some money on an all-day wedding shoot. They were almost as nerve-wrecking as fashion shoots, but you got free drinks.

The wedding took place in an expensive garden hotel with a large area that was perfect for weddings. I read and article about this hotel once, praising the food and the location.

"Are you the photographer?" An elderly woman asked. She stood next to a man dressed in the hotel's uniform who greeted me with a forced smile.

"Persephone Nox. Pleased to meet you," I smiled and shook her hand over the counter of the reception. She looked stern in her grey suit and it seemed unfitting for a wedding.

"My name is Amelia Jones, the groom's mother. The best man is currently holding a speech and we would start with the pictures immediately after. We have a very tight schedule,"

"Of course," I said. Gosh, I felt sorry for that woman who had her as a mother-in-law. I felt more sorry for myself, though.

"You may have a drink until then. We shall take the pictures by the pavillon,"

"Yes, ma'am," I nodded, feeling a bit like a soldier. She looked me up and down before turning to the hotel employee. "And this claims to be America's future, Geoffrey,"

I clenched my jaw and gave her a tight smile. "You will find me by the bar," I muttered.

Even if there was nothing good about this, at least I got free drinks and a pay check.

I think I heard the woman mutter something about alcoholics and druggies, but I was already outside.

I was greeted by the sound of gentle harp sounds and quiet chatter. Everything about this wedding screamed fancy.

I immediately walked to the bar, not bothering to say hi to the groom and bride.

"Bourbon." I sighed and leaned against the counter.

"You aren't the first person determined to get day drunk today," The barman said. I glanced at him. "The bride ordered three shots of tequila and downed them before anyone could see,"

"Who can blame her, though? I mean, have you met the mother-in-law?"

"If it's that witch in a grey suit, only god can help the poor woman,"

"Amen to that," I said and took a large gulp of the beautiful liquor. It left a burning feeling in my throat which was soon replaced by a comfortable numbness.

We took tons of pictures, I argued with the witch-in-a-suit about the best position ("Woman! I'm a photographer!") but at least the couple invited me to have dinner with the rest of the guests. I think it was supposed to be an apology for the way that witch treated me. Free food!

I attempted to leave right after dessert but couldn't get a cab. The groom's uncle offered to drive me but he was one of those fourty-plus-slimebags and I declined. The alcohol he had probably downed had its effect on him and he was very determined. But don't worry, I managed.

So, I had to walk. In the dark, my clothes cold from the falling rain. Additionally to that, I also feel face first into a puddle. I caught myself using my knees and palms and ended up with a few scratches and a bleeding gash on my knee.

I cursed in every language I knew all the way home. When I couldn't find the keyhole in the dark I threatened the door to open.

It worked.

I tiptoed into my room where I paced up and down while calling Stefan. To say my mood was bad was the understatement of a century. My knee was bleeding, my hands hurt and I had a headache that possibly came from a bit too much bourbon. When he finally picked up the phone my head was pounding like I had a fucking car repeatedly driving against the inside of my skull.

"I'm fine," I snapped and I wanted to hang up immediately but a voice so much different from Stefan's caused me to freeze.

"I don't remember asking." I could picture him vividly in my mind, the way he drew his eyebrows together mockingly, pretending to be thinking very hard.

"So you've finally decided to step out of the shadows to play," I said coolly.

"Perse?" He sounded even more surprised than I felt.

"Tell Stefan I called. Oh, and try not to kill each other," I said and hung up.

I got undressed (I had to peel my pants off my injured leg), took a long, hot shower and immediately dropped down on my bed, face first. I burried my nose in my pillow and inhaled the familiar scent. The smell of home.

I wanted to scream. No doubt that there was trouble just around the corner. Trouble seemed to follow Damon on his trail like a puppy followed its owner. Into death, most likely.