𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬

...🌺...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝑀𝑌𝑆𝑇𝐼𝐶 𝐹𝐴𝐿𝐿𝑆

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗

𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫.

I dropped a pen into my open bag. The rest of my notebooks were already stuffed inside, crumpled edges peeking out. I shoved them down, zipped the bag shut, then knelt to lace my boots.

The black leather hugged tight against my calves, grounding me.

The clock on the dresser blinked in steady red numbers.

𝟕:𝟒𝟐 𝐀𝐌

I groaned. "Elena's going to kill me."

I yanked my jacket from the back of the desk chair and slung it on, stuffing my phone into the side pocket of my bag. My hand hovered over the doorknob when something in the mirror behind me shifted.

I frowned.

Before I could turn, my back hit the wall—not hard, but firm enough to knock the breath out of me. My fingers curled against the cool wallpaper.

I looked up into ice-blue eyes, ones that I didn't think I would see today after he left in the middle of the night.

"Good morning, Sunshine," he murmured.

I opened my mouth, but he dipped down and caught my mouth with his.

I didn't think. My bag slipped from my shoulder and hit the floor with a muffled thud as I kissed him back—harder than I meant to, needier than I'd ever admit. My hands curled into the front of his jacket, clinging. His fingers dug into my waist possessively, like he was afraid I might push him away.

My magic sparked, warm and pulsing just beneath my skin. The air buzzed. Light from the lamp flickered.

I didn't care.

Not when his mouth was moving against mine like he already knew every part of me, like we were made to ruin each other.

"Selene!" Elena's voice echoed from downstairs. "We've got five minutes or we're late!"

Her voice hit like a splash of cold water. I pulled back, breathless, chest rising and falling. My eyes locked with Damon's—still dark, still hungry.

"I have to go," I said, voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't answer. Just watched me like he wasn't ready to let me leave.

I bent down and grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder as I turned toward the door.

Before I could reach the handle, his hand wrapped around my wrist. He spun me gently back around and kissed me again—softer. His lips moved against mine slowly and it took everything in me to pull away.

"Be safe," he said, his thumb brushing the back of my cheek.

I nodded, throat too tight to speak, and slipped out the door despite every part of my body wanting to stay.

...🌺...

I stood at my locker mechanically stuffing my books inside. My mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, each more distracting than the last. The kiss with Damon lingered in my thoughts, making it impossible to focus. I forced myself to breathe deeply, hoping it would clear my head.

"Damon hasn't said a word to me," Stefan's voice broke through my thoughts. I turned slightly to see him and Elena approaching. "Every time I try to talk to him, he shuts me down."

I went still for a moment, my hand frozen on the last book before I shoved it into the locker and slammed the door shut. My lips still felt swollen from the kiss this morning.

"Do you think he's still trying to find Katherine?" Elena asked, concern etched on her face.

Stefan sighed. "I don't know. He waited a hundred and forty-five years to get revenge only to find out she wasn't even there?"

"That kinda sucks," I muttered, feeling a pang of sympathy despite everything.

Elena's lips twisted into a wry smile. "And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."

Stefan looked between us, his frown deepening. "You have every reason to be upset with him. Both of you. Have you thought any more about what you're going to do?"

I shook my head. "Not really."

Elena leaned against the lockers, her frustration evident. "About what? Isobel, our vampire birth mother, who's related to our vampire ancestor Katherine, who screwed over your vampire brother? Nah, I haven't thought about it at all."

"Tell us how you really feel, Lena," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm sorry I brought it up," Stefan said softly, looking genuinely regretful.

Elena sighed. "It'd just be nice if we could get through one day without having to deal with any of it. No vampire mother or brother."

"Normal? Like no vampires or witches?" I cocked a brow.

Elena nodded vigorously. "Exactly. No vampires but you." She glanced at Stefan. "I just want to get back to normal stuff like school and homework and, here's a thought: fun."

"Good luck with that," I said, managing a small smile.

"Ooh, when do we start?" Stefan asked, his tone light, bringing Elena a genuine laugh.

I turned to leave them, the laughter following me down the hall. Just as I was about to head to my next class, an arm grabbed me, pulling me to a stop.

"Hey, Care," I greeted Caroline with a smile.

"I'm thinking nothing huge, just a dinner at the Grill and maybe a late movie," she blurted.

"With Matt?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Kinda. But I was thinking two pairs out on a Friday night. A double date," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"With whom?" I asked, already suspecting the answer.

"Elena and Stefan," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Is it a good idea to have a double date when two of the dates are each other's exes?" I questioned.

Caroline shrugged. "Why not? We've all gone out together before. I don't want it to be uncomfortable for us. Look, the couple dynamics have changed, and there's been a little awkwardness between her, Matt, and me. I just think it's important that we get over it."

"Okay. How do I come into this?" I asked, already dreading the answer.

"I was hoping to make it a triple date," Caroline said with a sly smile.

"With?"

"Damon," she said simply.

"Not happening," I said firmly, shaking my head. "Plus, I thought you hated him."

"Oh, I do, but he's different with you."

"Caroline..."

"Don't even pretend he's not," Caroline interrupted, holding up a finger. "I saw how he danced with you during the dance."

"Because I was his last choice," I argued, ignoring the flutter in my chest.

The words left my lips, but I knew they were a lie.

"He cares about you," she insisted.

"No, he doesn't, Care," I said, another lie.

"I know you don't believe that," she said, giving me a knowing look.

"I'll help you get Elena on board with the double date, but enough about me and Damon. Okay?"

"Fine," Caroline conceded with a hug before heading down the hall.

I let out a breath, feeling the weight of the conversation settle on my shoulders. Walking to my next class, I tried not to think about Damon or how he made me feel.

We're too complicated.

...🌺...

I walked into the Mystic Grill, the lively atmosphere doing little to lift my mood. I spotted Caroline at the back by the pool table. Laughter echoed, drawing my gaze to Damon, who was taking a shot with Matt's mom and Jenna. Damon's eyes locked onto mine as if sensing my presence, making my breath catch. I spun away, heading towards Caroline.

"Hey, Selene," Matt greeted, smiling.

"Hey," I replied, holding a pair of gold heels. "Fashion emergency."

Matt just nodded, and Caroline grabbed Elena and my arms, pulling us away from the table.

"We'll be right back," Caroline said, dragging us to the bathroom.

She sat on the bench across from the sinks, slipping on the heels I'd brought. Elena disappeared into a stall.

I leaned against the sink, raising an eyebrow at Caroline. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she replied too quickly.

"Care. You texted me 911 after you asked me to bring you those heels."

"They're laughing together," Caroline admitted, frustration in her voice. "You'd think, being exes, they would..."

"Hate each other?" I suggested.

"Yeah."

"Look, Care, Elena and Matt have a lot of history together. Most of that history is being friends."

Caroline sighed. "I just feel like a third wheel."

"Talk to them," I advised.

Elena emerged from the stall, washing her hands. Caroline stared at her.

"So, um, what are you doing?" Caroline asked, trying to sound casual.

"What?" Elena looked puzzled.

"Well, the point of this was to show Matt how much you care about Stefan. Not to hopscotch down memory lane."

"I was just trying to make conversation," Elena said defensively.

"Care," I interjected, giving her a pointed look.

Caroline ignored me. "Try less."

She snatched her shoes off the counter and stormed out, heels clicking furiously against the tile.

"Caroline!" I called, but Elena was already chasing after her.

I sighed, dragging a hand down my face and following them out of the bathroom. I barely made it past the doorway when a hand clamped around my arm, yanking me to a sudden stop.

My body tensed instantly. I turned, heart pounding, and met the gaze of a man his beard patchy, dark eyes locked on mine. Something cold and instinctual curled in my gut. My magic stirred beneath my skin, warm and alert.

"Anastasia?" he asked, his voice a gravelly murmur.

I blinked, trying to pull my arm free. "Excuse me?"

Before I could say anything else, Elena's voice rang out. "Selene!"

She jogged over, her eyes darting from me to the man.

He tilted his head, studying her now. "Katerine?"

"I'm sorry, you have the wrong person," Elena said firmly.

I looked between them, dread pooling in my stomach.

"Come on!" Caroline called, from across the grill, impatient.

The man hesitated a beat longer, then finally released me. His fingers slipped away from my jacket sleeve.

"My mistake," he muttered, backing away into the crowd.

Elena and I headed back to the pool table, and I was trying to shake the feeling of dread from my gut.

"How's everything going?" Elena asked Stefan.

"Matt's cheating," Stefan replied with a smile.

"No need, I'm awesome," Matt shot back, grinning.

I turned to Caroline and the others. "Have fun, guys."

"Thanks, Selene," Matt said.

I smiled faintly and turned toward the exit, ready to relax in my bed. But fingers wrapped around mine, yanking me again. I spun around, already knowing who it was.

Damon stood too close, his gaze stormy.

"You've been avoiding me," he said flatly, and he wasn't exactly wrong. I was.

I sighed, trying to tug my hand free. "I'm not doing this right now, Damon."

"Why not?" His grip didn't tighten, but he didn't let go either.

"Because one—you're drunk," I said, gesturing toward the half-empty glass behind him. "And two—we're...complicated."

"I don't give a damn about complicated," he said, eyes locked on mine like he was daring me to keep running.

"I'm a witch, Damon. You're a vampire. Enough said."

He stepped closer, his voice low. "If you weren't a witch...if you were just Selene—"

"But I'm not just Selene," I cut in, voice sharp.

He didn't flinch. Instead, he reached up and gently tucked a loose curl behind my ear, his fingers brushing my skin, and my body leaned into his touch.

"I need you to ignore everything," he murmured. "It's just you and me. Tell me what you want, sunshine."

I hesitated because once I said the words, there would be no going back. But the thought of going back to before Damon and I kiss cause a deep ache within me.

"I...want you."

I didn't wait for his reaction. I turned and walked away, needing space. Needing air.

My phone buzzed as I crossed the parking lot. The screen lit up.

𝘿𝘼𝙈𝙊𝙉: 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙖'𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚.

𝘿𝘼𝙈𝙊𝙉: 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚.

...🌺...

By the time I reached the boardinghouse, dread had already settled in my stomach. My boots crunched over gravel as I forced myself up the steps.

The door was already open.

Damon stood in the living room, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other swirling a glass of bourbon. His eyes locked on me the second I walked in. The tension in the air was heavy.

"You said Elena was in trouble,"

He didn't blink. "I lied."

I stared at him, cocking a brow. "You lied?"

"Seemed like the fastest way to get you here."

Anger surged through me. "You can't just—"

"I can," he interrupted. "And did."

My jaw clenched. "Then congratulations. You got me here. But I'm leaving."

I turned toward the door, but he blurred, appearing in front of me before I could take a step. His eyes burned into mine.

I broke his gaze. "Move."

"You said you want me." His voice was soft and caused me to look at him.

"Yes," I admitted, my throat tight. "but that doesn't mean—"

He kissed me before I could finish.

It wasn't gentle. It was angry and desperate. My body reacted before my mind could protest, my hands tangling in his jacket, pulling him closer. His fingers slid into my hair, the coolness of his touch cooling the heat building under my skin.

Damon lifted me, the motion effortless, and the next second my back hit a door. The impact causing me to ache against him with a gasp. His tongue slipped into my parted lips as the kiss deepened, and I gave him control, melting in his arms.

Damon's hand roamed over my body, igniting every nerve. My magic pulsed in response.

Then the door downstairs creaked open.

"Damon!" Stefan's voice cut through the haze.

Damon broke the kiss. He pressed his forehead against mine, his voice low. "I have to go."

"Okay," I whispered even though I didn't want him to leave.

He hesitated, his gaze softening. "Don't leave. Please, Sunshine."

The words cracked something in me.

I nodded. "I won't."

He brushed a quick kiss over my lips before leaving the room and heading down the stairs, leaving me to my thoughts.

This a bad idea.

...🌺...

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to breathe. But my thoughts were running wild the longer Damon was gone. Because this would never work. Even if I wanted it to. Once my coven found out...they'd put a stop to it one way or another. It didn't matter if I was an outsider to them. They wouldn't tolerate any witch being with a vampire.

I moved to sit on Damon's bed when a crash echoed through the room.

I whipped around, and a man stepped through the broken window. My heart pounded when I recognized the man from the grill.

His eyes gleamed with hunger, and I backed up.

He lunged at me. His weight slammed me to the floor. Cold hands pinned my shoulders, and then a sharp sting of fangs tore into my neck.

A scream tore from my lips as pain exploded through me. I pushed, trying to shove him off, but it was no use he was stronger. Heat flooded my veins where his bite burned, taking my breath with it.

He pulled back, a wicked smirk as my blood stained his lips. "You might not be Anastasia, but you taste just like her."

He bit into my neck again, his grip tightening on my shoulders. I gritted my teeth, another scream wrenching free as his fangs sank deeper.

"Get off me!" I gasped, my hands trembling as I pressed against his face. My magic flared in panic, the smell of burning flesh reached my nose.

He roared and stumbled back, clutching at the burn now seared across his cheek.

I scrambled back , hand pressed to my bleeding neck. My breath came in ragged gasps, and I glared at him through the pain.

"That wasn't nice," he hissed, stepping toward me again.

He made another step towards me, but something crashed into him. I blinked, and the vampire slammed into the dresser as Damon stood in front of me, his eyes dark with fury. Stefan appeared seconds later, a broken chair leg in his hand, blood smeared across his shirt.

The vampire hesitated, eyes flickering between Stefan and Damon before vanishing in a blur.

I pressed my palm harder against my wound, my body shaking. Damon was suddenly kneeling in front of me, his hands gentle as they brushed my hair away.

"Sunshine," he said, his voice raw, panic bleeding through.

"He's the guy from the Grill," I whispered, fighting tears. I could feel warm blood seep through my fingers.

Stefan frowned. "I remember him from 1864. He was one of the vampires in the tomb."

The words hit like a stone to the chest. Grams had been right. Breaking the seal it didn't just save Damon and Stefan. It freed all of them.

My stomach turned. "He...he called me Anastasia."

Damon's gaze flicked to Stefan, something unreadable passed between them. Then, without another word, he scooped me up.

"Get the body," Damon ordered over his shoulder.

Stefan left the room as Damon carried to the bathroom, setting me carefully on the counter. His touch delicate as if I was fragile. He pulled my hand away, looking at the wound on my neck and exhaled through his nose. His eyes were filled with worry.

"I'd really like it if I didn't have to drink your blood," I muttered weakly, trying to lighten the mood.

His eyes met mine. "Sorry, Sunshine."

He bit into his wrist and held it out to my mouth. My lip turned up at the thought of drinking his blood but I knew that Damon wasn't taking no for an answer.

I sighed and opened my mouth. The metallic taste hit my tongue as I drank. I could feel the skin on my neck knit back together in seconds. My breathing steadied, though my chest still trembled and my body ached.

I pushed his arm away, trying not to recoil as I swallowed the blood.

Gross.

"I should've been here," Damon said, regret in his voice. "We were dealing with the one downstairs. I should've—"

"Stop," I interrupted, clutching his jacket and pulling him closer. "Please."

He frowned but closed his mouth, hearing the pleaded in my voice.

"Can I stay here?" I asked barely above a whisper. "Just tonight."

"Yes," he said immediately.

I rested my head against his chest, blinking back tears. "Don't leave me."

His arms tightened around me, protective. "I won't."

For a moment, everything else faded away. The danger, the complications, the uncertainty—they all seemed distant and unimportant.

In Damon's arms, I felt a sense of safety and belonging that I hadn't known in a long time. And for now, that was enough.

...🌺...

𝐀/𝐍: ANOTHER UPDATE!!!

Selene and Damon kissed...again. I literally love them so much. Also, it wouldn't be Mystic Falls without someone getting attacked by a vampire in this case, it was Selene.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the update!!!

𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: How are we feeling about the rewrite? How do you feel about Frederick attacking Selene? Who do you think Anastasia is? What are you looking forward to in the rest of this book (ONLY SIX MORE CHAPTERS)?

-𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑎 𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘