❛ ACT I ❜
-ˋˏ chapter nine ˎˊ-

SOFIA WOKE up with a gasp of air and immediately put a hand on her chest where her birthmark stung. She looked down at it and watched it glow dimly before fading back to her skin color.

"What the..." She muttered and finally took note of the fact that she was in her bed in her room she had no memory of entering.

The last thing she remembers is laying face down on the dirt ground as one of Jules's werewolf friends pinned her down. The vampire looked down to see herself still in the blue dress that she was tortured in. Except it was nearly brown and had blood stains on it. But what surprised her was the black blazer around her body that acted as a blanket. It was way too big for her and it smelled so intoxicating that Sofia gripped the material tighter.

Before she could be consumed by her own mind, her bedroom door opened and Sofia felt relieved to see Jeremy peek his head in. "You're finally awake!"

Sofia smiled when her brother rushed to hug her, not having seen him for almost two days. Her body didn't ache from her previous injuries due to her healing abilities so Sofia was able to hug him tightly, but not too much to break his rib cage.

"It's so good to see you Jer." Sofia said, sighing.

Jeremy pulled away and sat down in front of her. "You have no clue how worried we've been. When I got the call that you and Caroline were kidnapped, I swear I felt my heart stop."

He squeezed her hand and she noticed the tears in her little brother's eyes. "You gotta stop getting kidnapped Sof." He added a light laugh but it was clear how much her absence has affected him.

"I'm sorry." She frowned, regretting ever going to The Grill with Caroline.

Jeremy shook his head and kissed her forehead, a gesture she usually did to him. "Don't be, I'm just happy you're a vampire so you can heal."

Sofia smiled but suddenly felt a familiar burn in her throat from thirst and felt her urges grip her. Her eyes moved to her brother's neck, more specifically his artery, before quickly looking down at her hands and clasping them together.

She hasn't fed in two days so she felt the affect.

Jeremy noticed her behavior and stood up with a look of sympathy. "Me being here isn't helping, huh?"

Jeremy noticed how grey her skin become, barely any color blooming and how, if you look closer, you could see veins.

Sofia shook her head, eyes still casted down. "No don't worry, but can you get me two blood bags from my bottom draw under the board please?"

Jeremy quickly took two blood bags from her stash and gave it to his sister. "I'll be back in a second, I just need to call Elena and the others and tell them that you're awake."

Sofia nodded as her brother closed the door behind him. The second the door clicked, Sofia hungrily started to drink from the blood bag and within seconds she finished the second one.

The warm liquid went down her throat making her sigh in satisfaction. A part of her, the dominant predator side of her, wanted the fresh blood from a human, straight from the vein . But Sofia promised herself to never feed off humans unless absolutely necessary. Then she'd really be the thing her father hated most.

Feeling a hundred times better, Sofia got out of her bed and saw that it was nine o' clock in the morning. Her eyes looked for her phone before seeing it on her dresser.

She received a few texts from her family and friends both from before she and Caroline were kidnapped and some from last night.

Damon

Bambi, where are you?
Thursday, 18:40

Did you seriously just walk off mid-fight? Wuss. But seriously, did you get home okay?
Friday, 22:26

Elena

Sofia, is everything okay? You haven't come home yet and Jenna is asking questions.
Thursday, 17:16

Hey sis, Stefan just called and said he and Damon got you and Caroline back but apparently you went straight home and went to bed. Bonnie and I are sleeping over at Caroline's because she's really shaken up but we really wish you were coming too :( I'm happy you're okay, please rest and I'll see you tomorrow.
Friday, 22:32

Bonnie

Call me please, I'm worried.
Thursday, 17:30

Aunt J

Sofia Anne Gilbert, it's almost eleven and you're not home. I know you're an adult but you need to tell me if you're not coming home because no one knows where you are and I'm freaking out.

If you're at Caroline's, please call me and say so because I don't know where you are sweetheart.
Thursday, 22:48

Leo

Hey Sof, you aren't picking up your phone which is not like you. Call me back and tell me if you're okay.
Friday, 14:34

Sofia sighed at replied to all the meassges, despite her brother already telling everyone that she's okay. She lied and told Jenna that her phone died at Caroline's house and it was too dark outside to go home without her car and Liz wasn't home.

Sofia hated lying to Jenna but it had to be done.

She put her phone down and went to the bathroom to shower and hopefully she will be able to wash the memories of torture away.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The moment Sofia stepped through the door she was brought into a tight hug.

"Wow, Damon Salvatore showing emotion? What have I done?" She teased before he pulled away, his eyes stern.

"What the hell, Bambi? Going off in the middle of a fight? Stefan and I had to make sure you weren't dead on the floor before taking Caroline home." Damon scolded and Sofia sighed before walking further into the large boarding house.

"I got badly injured and I had to go home to take the bullets out since I can't exactly get undressed in the woods." She lied.

Gosh, she hated lying.

Damon stared at her figure, knowing something was up. No way was Sofia in any form selfish and he knew that despite her injuries she would continue to fight and make sure Caroline got home safely. He sighed, she'll tell him eventually, she always does.

"Alright, well I'm happy you had your beauty rest while I got my ass partially kicked." He raised his eyebrows and she smiled. "But I'm going to need you for today."

"Why?"

"As my smoking hot date to the Historical Society party."

"No."

"Why?" He whined and ended up on his knees in front of her as she sat on the couch. "Please!"

Sofia let her head fall back into the couch and groaned. She was not in the mood to socialize after last night.

Damon rested his chin on her jean covered legs. "If you come with me, I'll let you use my credit card to buy a classy outfit." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Sofia's head shot up and she smirked. "Really?"

"As long as it's sexy, deal?" He pointed a finger playfully at her and Sofia scoffed a laugh and smacked it away.

"Deal"

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Sofia closed the door of her car and put her hands in the pockets of her sleek black romper.

If the Gilbert was being honest, she felt quite confident in her outfit choice. And she found her pearl necklace that her mother gifted her from her grandmother and it really put the outfit together. Her hair was loose and down her shoulders, she didn't worry to much about her hairstyle.

She jumped slightly when she felt a hand on the small of her back, but it was just Damon.

"You had fun making me broke, huh?" He smirked.

Sofia rolled her eyes and turned to him. "Like you could be broke. Besides, you asked for sexy and I delivered." She smiled.

"Mmhm." Damon's eyes scanned her body, bitting his lip slightly. "You know, if you weren't my best friend, I wouldn't mind taking you home."

Sofia couldn't hold back her snort, pushing the Salvatore against his shoulder. "Like you could pull me."

Damon laughed before the two best friends made their way to door.

The tea party was in full swing, classical music drifted through the room and everything looked so clean. Guests were dressed appropriately and waiters were walking around with glasses of champagne and Sofia took two from a passing tray.

"Good sir." Sofia nodded to Damon and handed him his glass.

"Why, thank you, my lady." He smirked before taking a sip.

"Damon what are you doing here?" Jenna came out of nowhere and approached the two before her eyes fell on her niece. "Sofia." Jenna said in a softer tone.

Sofia cursed herself. Why didn't she remember that Jenna was part of the Historical Society? She would have never came. After Jenna lashed out at her at The Grill for keeping secrets and then freaking out because Sofia never came home, Sofia didn't think Jenna wanted to talk to her.

But the desperate look in her aunt's eyes said something different.

"Hey Aunt J." Sofia looked down at her champagne.

Damon's eyes flickered between the women before clearing his throat. "Uh, I'll leave you two alone." He gave Sofia a small smile of reassurance before disappearing into the crowd of people.

Sofia took in a breath before speaking first, seeing as she was in the wrong. "I'm sorry for not telling you about who Elena's real parents were. I didn't tell you because Elena wanted it to be a secret and it wasn't my place to tell you. But you're apart of this family and had the right to know." Sofia took another breath. "And I'm really sorry for not telling you that I was spending the night at Caroline's. I - um, I knew you were still mad at me so I didn't think you'd care."

Half of her words was lies and she hated it but Sofia was glad that she finally said something.

Jenna touched her arm and Sofia finally looked up and was suprised to see Jenna give her a soft smile.

"Oh Annie." Jenna pulled her into a warm hug. "You don't need to apologize. That night - I was so upset about everything and I blew up on you about it. You're right, it wasn't your secret to tell." She pulled away. "And about last night, I was just so worried about you. And I'm happy you're okay. I should have known that my Sofie doesn't do something without thinking it through first."

Sofia beamed at her aunt. "So I'm forgiven?"

Jenna sighed dramatically. "Of course. But now." She moved a bit further away so Sofia could see her dress. "Tell me how amazing I look."

Sofia giggled, happy then they made up. She hated it when Jenna was mad at her. "Like you should be on a red carpet." She complimented.

Jenna smiled before taking in Sofia's outfit. "And my niece looks like the star." She teased.

Sofia shook her head at her aunt's words before taking a sip from her champagne. But she winced when her birthmark, which was fully on display, stung. "Ouch." She looked at it.

Jenna titled her head. "What's wrong?"

Sofia sighed and discreetly rubbed her birthmark. "Nothing, I'm fine."

But she wasn't. Because at that moment, her eyes landed on someone she didn't expect to be here.

"Elijah's here?" Sofia tore her eyes away from the vampire and towards Jenna.

She couldn't keep staring but oh how she wanted too. It seemed suits were Elijah's style as he wore one that made him look handsome and important. His dark eyes were trained on Carol Lockwood but Sofia wanted them on her. His jawline looked sharp enough to cut her finger if she were to -

Sofia took a big gulp of champagne at her thoughts, trying her best to pretend that she didn't just think that of Elijah Mikaelson.

Jenna nodded and smirked, noticing her niece's behavior. "Yes and guess what? He has no date." She bumped her hips against Sofia's suggestively.

"Oh." Sofia acted nonchalant.

"Just so you know." Jenna leaned closer to Sofia, who was trying her best not to look at Elijah across the room. "I so approve." Jenna winked.

Sofia gasped. "Jenna!"

"What?"

"You have a boyfriend!"

"I know but that doesn't mean I don't know a good looking guy when I see him." Jenna smiled before nodding suggestively at Elijah's direction and leaving her alone at the door.

"Hey, you're done?" Damon walked back to her.

Sofia replaced her glass with another as a waiter passed and took a big sip. "Yeah."

"Good." He smiled before suddenly wrapping his arm around her waist and tugging her in the direction she was avoiding. "Because we have some chatting to do."

Sofia's eyes widen as the moved closer to Elijah and Carol, her feet betraying her as they followed along Damon's movements. "What? Damon! No -"

"Damon, Sofia." Carol Lockwood smiled at the two vampires that approached.

Elijah looked to his right and his eyes met hers, and like always, he felt his birthmark burn in excitement.

He knew when she arrived 5 minutes ago, he sensed her before she even walked in the doorway with that vampire. Of course, he couldn't go up to her yet but now that she was in front of him, Elijah was taken away by her.

She looked gorgeous in her romper, her soft skin looking as if it was silk and her long dark hair flowed elegantly.

"Elijah, I want you to meet Damon Salvatore and Sofia Gilbert. Both their families are apart of Mystic Falls' founding families." Carol introduced.

"Mm-hm." Damon kept eye contact with Elijah, making it known that his hand was around Sofia's waist as he drummed his fingers gently on her hip. "Such a pleasure to meet you."

Elijah's eyes hardened when they landed on Damon's hand placement and his polite expression faded into a colder one. "No, pleasure his all mine."

They shook hands and Damon tried to hide his wince when Elijah crushed his hand painfully, neither women noticing the tension between them.

"We've already met." Sofia plastered a fake smile on her face, eyes on Carol.

"Oh well since you've already been acquainted, why don't you show Elijah around Mystic Falls sometime?" Carol suggested, not sensing Sofia's reluctance.

"I would enjoy your company Miss Gilbert." Elijah said and Sofia gave him a pointed look to which he just smiled smugly at.

"It's a date." Sofia smiled nervously. She drank the last of her champagne before smiling politely at the three. "I need to refresh my drink, excuse me."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"What can I do for you, Damon?" Elijah asked in an unbothered tone. He actually couldn't stop thinking about his soulmate, who he knew was talking to Carol Lockwood outside the room they were in.

The two men were able to slip away into an empty office as the party carried on outside, neither wanting to be in the same room together, but Damon insisted.

"I was hoping we could have a word." Damon answered, on the opposite side of the room as Elijah stood by the large desk chair "Maybe I should go get Sofia, you seem to be more persuasive around her." Damon smirked, wanting to rile him up.

"I'd prefer it if you don't bring Sofia into this." Elijah glared at him.

"Did I hit a nerve?"

"Where's Elena?" Elijah changed the subject.

Damon rolled his eyes. "Safe with Stefan. They're laying low, you know, a bit if a werewolf problem."

"Oh yeah, I heard of that." Elijah smirked.

"I'm sure you did since your witch saved the day."

"You are welcome."

Damon narrowed his eyes and sat down on the desk "Which adds to my confusion on exactly why you're here."

Elijah kept his eyes on his finger as it dragged over the chair. "Why don't you just stay focused on keeping Elena safe and leave the rest to me."

Elijah, finished with the conversation, walked towards the door but Damon sped in front of him, blocking his exit. "Not good enough." He said.

Elijah clenched his jaw and grabbed the Salvatore by the throat, violently pinning him against the wall, grip tightening around his flesh. Damon grunted and tried to pry the original's hand off him but Elijah was stronger. He took Damon's hand off his and crashed it like before, making Damon groan in pain.

"You young vampires, so arrogant." He dropped Damon's broken hand, grip still around his throat. "How dare you come here and challenge me?"

"You can't kill me man, it's not part of the deal." Damon choked. "Besides, Sofia would hate you if you killed me. She's the type to hold grudges." He retorted watching Elijah's eyes become harder.

"Silence." Elijah hissed before grabbing a pencil from the desk and stabbing it deep into the side of Damon's throat before letting him go.

Damon yelled in pain and clutched the pencil, falling against the desk. He removed it painfully, panting, before covering the bleeding wound with his hand. Elijah stepped away and straightened out his suit before wiping his bloody hands with a handkerchief. He dangled the same piece of cloth in front of Damon who grabbed it.

"I'm a Original, show a little respect."

Suddenly the office door opened and Sofia's worried figure stood in the door way. "Damon!" She gasped.

Sofia was looking everywhere for her best friend until she heard him scream and she instantly ran towards the source without drawing attention.

Sofia ran past Elijah and knelt next to Damon, taking his hand away to see the wound. It was healed but the blood covered his neck. "What happened?" She asked, taking the handkerchief from him and wiping away the wet blood.

Damon only looked behind Sofia to the culprit and Sofia turned her head to see Elijah hastily walk out the door. Anger bubbled in her, regretting leaving the two vampires alone.

"I'll be right back." She handed him the handkerchief to clean the rest, which wasn't much, before storming after the original.

She followed him outside to where the cars were parked before shouting. "Elijah!"

Elijah turned around and Sofia was suprised to see the angry expression on his face, something she's never seen with him before. His face was always neutral besides when they walked in the park together because then he was all smiles.

Although, the anger faded once he looked at her.

She walked up to him so they weren't even a foot away from each other, looking him dead in the eye. "What the hell did you do to him? What happened to trust, Elijah? You said I could trust you and hurting my friends isn't the way to gain it."

Elijah stepped closer, if that was even possible. "You're intolerant friend needs to learn not to anger me." He growled and Sofia could feel his breath against her face.

She clenched her jaw. "You really think that because you're an original that you're better than everyone else?"

"No Sofia, I don't. Do you really think I'm so arrogant?" Elijah asked, eyes piercing hers intensely.

Sofia stayed quiet, breathing heavily from her words whilst her eyes flickered between his in confusion. Their faces were so close and Elijah wanted nothing more than to pull her closer and kiss her.

But he couldn't.

"Wait here." She finally said before walking towards her car, leaving Elijah confused until she came back with the familiar piece of clothing neatly folded in her hands. Sofia cleared her throat and handed Elijah his blazer. "This is yours."

Elijah looked at it before meeting her eyes. "How did you know it was mine?"

Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Well you're the only one I know who wears suits day in and day out."

Elijah chuckled and took his blazer. "Thank you for returning it."

Sofia nodded and turned on her heel to go back to Damon but hesitated. Turning back around to meet Elijah's eyes, that never left her on the first place, she looked at him sincerely.

"Thank you." She paused to memorize the way his eyes stared into hers, making every nerve in her body jump. "For saving me last night."

Sofia turned around to leave, not waiting for a reaction. But his hand caught hers and spun her around to face him so they were close once again, her chest against his. Sofia's breath caught in her throat as she looked down at his lips for a split second before meeting his warm eyes that held an emotion she didn't understand.

"I will always save you, Sofia." He whispered, his voice being so gentle that it made Sofia's dead heart beat again.

She's never felt like this.

Her usually fierce eyes become soft and she didn't get the chance to say anything because in a blink of an eye, Elijah was gone, leaving behind the warm memory of his eyes on hers.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

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