Chapter 31: Chapter 31

I sit up in bed, gasping and tears running down my face. New nightmare, this one about the person Katherine killed. Damon helped me clean up the blood last night and confirmed it was human. That means Katherine killed someone and put there blood in my car. It’s just too sick. I can’t even think about going in my car anymore. It’s still at Damon’s, he gave me a ride home last night.

When I told Elena about it, she freaked. Now she thinks that Katherine is out to get me and her. I don’t think Katherine would hurt Elena or I but she’ll hurt the people we care about. She’s cynical like that.

“Aria?” I look up and see Jeremy standing at the door. I quickly wipe the tears away and give him a small smile.

“What’s up? Isn’t it a little early for you to be awake?” It’s early for me to be awake, I can tell you that. It’s only 10:30 in the morning.

“You were screaming, Aria. What’s wrong?” Jeremy asks, slightly worried.

“Nothing, I just watched a horror movie last night. Well, actually…I lived a horror movie last night.” I shrug like it’s no big deal. It’s true, my life has became a bad, teenage, horror movie.

“Sounds…” Jeremy trails off, not really knowing what to say. I wouldn’t know what to say if someone told me that.

“Terrible? Sucky? Shitty? And those are just some words I would use to describe it.” I sigh.

“Do I even want to know what happened?” Jeremy questions with a slight frown on his face.

“No, no you don’t.” I answer, wincing. You don’t know how much I regret ever signing up to play Katherine’s game. But I did sign up, so I have to play. She made move one, well now I’m going to have to make move two. I have to win this game, no matter what it takes to do it.

—————————————

“Are you going to move your car out of my driveway?” Damon asks, handing me the glass of bourbon.

I take a sip before shaking my head, “I can not drive that thing anymore, maybe you could like, eat it?”

Damon gives me a weird look, “You want me to eat your car?”

“Yes, I do. It might hurt just a little but you heal quickly so that won’t be a problem. The blood in it could be like ketchup in a hamburger.” I smirk, realizing how disgusting I sound. But, hey, I’m having fun. I don’t have much fun anymore.

“Why would I eat that when I have such a delicious tasting girlfriend?” Damon teases, then speeds over to me, acting like he’s biting my neck. I laugh and push him away from me. He gives me a sad face before sitting down on the sofa, looking like a stiff, pouty, schoolboy.

“Why so stiff?” I question, moving over and straddling him on the couch. I push him back into the sofa, running my hands up and down his chest. He smirks at me, and I lean in, kissing him. He pushes me down onto the sofa, so that he is on top of me. I pull away from him, giving him a teasing look. “Men and there need to be on top. Why do men have su-“ Damon stops me by kissing my neck. For some reason that just shuts me up.

Right as he is about to get lower, the doorbell rings. Damon and I both groan and he gets off me. He gives me a longing look before heading over to the front door.

“I need to talk to you.” a voice states as soon as Damon opens the door. Huh, that sounds just like Jeremy… I look and realize it is Jeremy.

“And why would I need to talk with you?” Damon sighs, trying to close the door in his face but Jeremy catches it.

“Tyler Lockwood has to kill someone to activate his curse, he’s not a werewolf yet.” Jeremy states, struggling to hold the door open. I frown and get up off the couch, walking towards them. Tyler isn’t a werewolf yet? That’s news to me.

“Wow, fascinating…but not enough.” Damon shrugs, once again trying to close the door. Again Jeremy stops him.

“But Mason Lockwood is and he’s looking for the Moonstone, a special rock connected to the werewolf legend. That’s why he is here.” Jeremy explains, and Damon lets up on the door just a little.

“A Moonstone?” Damon clarifies.

“And I know where it is.” Jeremy smirks, feeling proud of himself.

“You’re bringing this to Damon, why? You two aren’t exactly friends on Facebook.” I say causing Jeremy to look at me. He raises his eyebrows and I can imagine what he’s thinking. I probably look like I was doing it with Damon on the couch. Yay…now my little brother thinks I hook up with Damon on the couch, though I sometimes do. But we never get very far.

“Do I need a reason? I just want to help, okay?” Jeremy defends looking between Damon and I.

“What does our sister say about this little discovery?” I question causing Jeremy to look down at the ground, “Oh, you haven’t told her, have you?”

“Elena doesn’t want me to get involved in all this.” Jeremy says and tries to walk in but I push him back outside.

“Neither do I, Jeremy. If I let you get involved in any of this, Elena would have my head. And not to mention I would feel guilty and I hate feeling guilty.” I sigh, looking at my younger brother.

“He’s a Gilbert, Ari. He just can’t help himself.” Damon states amused causing me to roll my eyes. I’m technically not a Gilbert but I technically am. You get it? I hope so because I sure as hell don’t.

“Wow, your search for life’s purpose is as obvious as it is tragic.” Damon sighs when Jeremy doesn’t back down.

“Damon, not nice.” I mutter, defending my brother.

“Are you going to let me in or not?” Jeremy asks, staring at Damon. Damon stares back for a few moments before stepping aside. Jeremy walks right in and to the living room.

“You did not just let him in!” I whisper angrily to Damon.

“He might be useful.” Damon shrugs, not caring that he is involving my brother in this.

“We are not going to use him Damon! He is my damn, little brother. I want him to stay out of this.” I argue, glaring at him.

“Calm down, Ari, you sound like Elena. Nothing is going to happen to him, he’s just doing research.” Damon sighs, following Jeremy into the living room. I watch him walk away, standing there like a statue. It’s true, I do sound like Elena.

Oh God, what have I turned into? I will not become my overbearing sister.

I start to follow Damon into the living room but someone knocks on the door. I stop in my tracks and sigh, annoyed. I turn back around and swing open the door glaring at whoever decided to knock.

“Caroline?” I question surprised, my glare fading.

“Hey, I just came to check up on my Mom.” Caroline smiles. Oh…I completely forgot Liz is downstairs in the basement…

“Oh, of course, go right ahead.” I say, stepping aside so she can walk in. She walks in and her eyes widen when she sees Jeremy talking to Damon in the living room.

“Why is your brother talking to Damon?” Caroline questions.

“Apparently my brother has useful information.” I sigh, looking at them. If Elena found out that I didn’t try to stop this.

Caroline looks over at me, a slight smirk on her face, “Have fun dealing with this. Oh and of course Elena, she won’t be happy.” I am about to glare at Caroline but she is already gone. Went down to the basement, I suppose.

“So…what’s the plan?” I ask, walking up to Jeremy and Damon.

“I’m going to call Ric and see if he can give us any info. Your brother here, only knows so much.” Damon smirks, pulling out his cell phone. I look over at Jeremy and see him glaring at Damon. That’s to be expected though. They are always glaring at each other.

We wait for about 20 minutes, until Ric shows up. “Ric.” Damon says in an almost sing song voice. He nods his head at Damon and comes into the living room, holding what looks like a heavy box. His eyes roam over me quickly, not surprised to find me there but his eyes widen at the sight of Jeremy.

“What are you doing here?” he questions, crossing his arms.

“Helping Damon, I’m the one who found out about the Moonstone.” Jeremy answers, still sounding smug with himself.

“Does Elena know you’re here?” Alaric asks, and Damon shakes his head quickly.

“Not exactly.” Jeremy sighs, not sounding too concerned.

Alaric turns towards me, “You’re alright with this? I thought you backed Elena on him staying out of this stuff.”

“I do back Elena but he won’t listen to me. I tried to get him to leave, I did, so I’m innocent.” I defend, holding up my hands.

“So, what do you got?” Damon asks Ric, changing the subject. Thank God.

“This is Isobel’s research from Duke, her assistant sent it to me.” Ric explains causing my nose to scrunch up in disgust.

“Vanessa, the girl who tried to Elena and I, but ended up shooting Damon in the back. That Vanessa, right?” I smirk, looking at Ric.

“Vanessa, yes.” he nods, looking slightly annoyed. “Now do you guys remember the old Aztec curse she told us about?”

“The Sun and the Moon, blah blah blah.” Damon shrugs.

“Aztec curse? Cool.” Jeremy states coming over to us. I look at him and roll my eyes.

“Yeah, apparently vampires and werewolves used to roam freely until Osama put a curse on them to limit their power. Since then werewolves can only turn on a full moon and vampires are weakened by the sun.” Alaric explains.

Damon holds up his hand, gesturing to his ring. “Most of them anyway.”

“According to legend, the werwolf part of the curse, is sealed with the Moonstone.” Alaric hands Jeremy some old looking paper, with pictures and stuff. I don’t know why Jeremy is so interested in this stuff, it’s really not that cool.

“What do you mean by sealed?” I question.

“It’s a witch thing, whatever seals the curse is the key to un-sealing the curse.” Damon answers.

“Maybe Mason Lockwood believes he can use the Moonstone to break the curse.” Alaric guesses.

“If we start to believe in some supernatural, witchy picture book, we’re idiots.” I sigh, not believing that any of this could be true.

“Where is the stone now?” Damon asks, ignoring me.

“Tyler.” Jeremy answers.

“Can you get it?” Damon questions.

“I could get it, Tyler and I, we were close. I could…seduce it out of him. I’m pretty sure he’s still desperately in love with me…” I suggest, looking at Damon for permission. Damon is my boyfriend so he might not like me seducing Tyler. Just wait for it….

“Absolutely not, you’re not getting anywhere near that dog. Jeremy can do it.” Damon glares at me, an expression on his face saying ‘don’t argue with me’.

“Yeah, sure. I can do it.” Jeremy agrees, ignoring my glare.

“See, now your life has purpose.” Damon smirks, handing the rest of his glass of bourbon to me. I roll my eyes, he thinks he can make my anger go away with alcohol….smart man. I take the glass from him, taking a small sip.

“So you believe in all this?” I question, looking at Damon with disbelief.

“It’s from the same book that says a werewolf bite kills a vampire. Ignoring it, would make me even bigger of an idiot.” Damon winces, heading towards the door. “Let’s go.” when I grab my bag and make a move to follow him, he spins around. “No, you stay here.”

“Ah…no.” I smirk, continuing to walk towards the door. I open it up and turn back, seeing a pouting Damon. “Oh suck it up.” he continues to stand there and pout like a little child.

Ugh, vampires these days….

——————————————————-

“Katherine is with Mason Lockwood?” Damon questions, sounding disgusted by it. I really hope that it’s not jealousy I hear in his tone, I still have some doubts.

“We missed it, he got into town right after she did. It makes perfect sense.” Stefan sighs, pacing with his brother. I on the other hand, am lounging on the patio chair they have out here. I’m trying to avoid Elena and staying with Damon is an easy way to know I won’t run into her. She tends to avoid Damon.

“Mason Lockwood?” Damon questions again and Stefan just shrugs and throws his hand up in a ‘who gives a shit’ gesture. “Werewolf thing aside, he’s a surfer. She’s gotta be using him, she has to be.” Damon whispers the last sentence. Is it me or does he sound slightly jealous?

“Well surfer thing aside, he is a very good-looking guy. Oh and he is a complete jackass, that is probably what Katherine sees in him.” I smirk causing both Damon and Stefan to glare at me. They did both date her at one time, so I’m kind of insulting them. Damon is most likely glaring because I said Mason was good-looking.

“Using him for what though?” Stefan asks, deciding not to mention my comment.

“Lockwood is looking for a Moonstone that allegedly can break the full moon curse. Maybe Katherine wants it as well.” Damon guesses, frowning slightly.

“Why?” I stand up and head over to the boys, deciding to involve myself more in there conversation. It is getting a little lonely there in my chair. Ooooo, that rhymes! I’m the next Doctor Seuss bitches!

Well…probably not.

“Well…” Damon trails off, acting like he is thinking. “No idea. That is the beauty of Katherine, she is always up to something.” Damon almost murmurs to himself. Did he just call her beautiful? No…I don’t think he meant it like that Aria.

“So how are we going to find this Moonstone?” Stefan asks, changing the subject from Katherine.

“I wanted to seduce it out of Tyler because it is always fun seducing guys but Damon wouldn’t let me. Instead he sent my little brother to get it out of him. I hope Jeremy fails so I can rub it in Damon’s face.” I smirk, shooting an annoyed look at Damon. Damon rolls his eyes, deciding not to say anything. Smart man.

“Why would you involve Jeremy? And why would you let him Aria?” Stefan questions, annoyed. I just shrug deciding not to say anything. Stefan shakes his head and starts to head back to the party. When he walks past Damon, he hits him on the shoulder. I think that may be the first brotherly thing I’ve seen them do…

“He’s playing Indiana Jones, he involved himself.” Damon defends causing Stefan to look back briefly and flick his hand. So he basically just told Damon to screw off. I think I’m liking Stefan more and more.

—————————————

We stand on the ledge, watching Jeremy and Tyler talk like creepers. Damon and Stefan are listening to there conversation but I don’t have vampire hearing so I’m just stalking my brother and ex. Yup, I take creepy to a whole new level bitches.

Damon and Stefan both turn around at the same time with an annoyed look on their faces. “I’m guessing that Tyler gave it to…Mason?” Damon and Stefan both nod.

“Time for plan B.” Damon smirks and the bothers start walking. I hurry to keep up with there long strides.

“Plan B?” I ask, having no idea what he is referring to.

“It involves Bonnie.” Stefan answers causing me to groan.

“Really? Bonnie and I don’t get along because the last time I talked to her, I kind of punched her in the face… So yeah, I don’t want to see her or talk to her.” I grimace, wondering if Bonnie won’t help us because of me. The boys just ignore me, how mean of them.

After a few minutes of wondering around, we finally spot Bonnie, hanging up some balloons. Damon walks up to her and grabs her arm, dragging her with him.

“Damon! What the hell are you doing?!” Bonnie tries to struggle out of his grip but Damon is quite strong. Bonnie spots me and she stops struggling, a shocked look taking over her face. “Aria?”

“Hey witch bitch, how you doing?” I smirk as we head for the patio we were standing on before.

I hear Stefan sigh and he leans down whispering in my ear, “Not a good way to get her to forgive you.”

I roll my eyes and answer him out loud, not caring if she hears. “Why does she need to forgive me? I need to forgive her and a good way to get on the right track would be for her to apologize.” Bonnie looks over at me with an almost guilty look but doesn’t make any move to apologize. How rude of her!

“Okay, this is as far as I go.” Bonnie plants her feet into the ground, causing Damon to stop with an annoyed look on his face.

“Alright princess.” I bow, and give her a fake smile. She doesn’t acknowledge my presence and just looks between Damon and Stefan. She is being very rude tonight.

“What do you want?” she questions harshly.

“A favor.” Damon answers.

“Like that’s going to happen.” Bonnie glares, not even asking what it is. God, I never realized how much of a bitch Bonnie was. How is my sister best friends with her?

“So predictable.” Damon sighs, “That’s why I brought him. Oh and I brought Aria here to threaten you if Stefan couldn’t get you to do it. Maybe she could, oh I don’t know, punch you in the face again.” Damon smirks, causing me to smirk with him. I will gladly punch her again, even if it hurt my knuckles last time I did it.

Stefan rolls his eyes, “Ignore those two, they’re just being annoying.”

I cut in, “No were not, we’re just telling the truth. So you better be a good girl and help us out Bon Bon.”

She glares at me, “Can you shut up so I can actually hear what you want me to do?” I glare back at her and start to take a step toward her but Stefan pushes me back. He gives me a warning look before turing back to Bonnie.

“Look I know how you feel about helping us out but, since you’re the one who linked Mason with Katherine. We may have an opportunity to get the other hand, so please hear us out.” Stefan smiles, working his good guy charm.

“Pretty please.” Damon and I both say in high voices at the same time. We look at each other smirking, “Jinx.” we say at the same time. We both laugh before turning back towards Bonnie. We can’t get distracted, we have to stay focused.

Bonnie looks between us all before crossing her arms over her chest, “I’m listening.” she says at the same exact time Stefan’s phone starts ringing.

He takes it out of his pocket and looks at the caller ID, “I have to take this, I gotta fill Elena in. Can you two play nice?” Stefan sighs, looking between Damon and I. Damon does a slight nod while I just shake my head. Hasn’t he heard? I don’t play well with others. Never have, and never will…unless I need something. Wow, sometimes I am a heartless bitch…maybe I should work on that…

“So what do you want me to do exactly?” Bonnie asks, bringing me out of my depressing thoughts.

“All you have to do is touch Mason Lockwood again, see if he can give Katherine to us.” Damon smirks, wanting Bonnie to use her like physic visions or something. I don’t exactly know how to classify them.

“My visions don’t work like that, I don’t get to ask questions.” Bonnie sighs, looking annoyed as ever.

“How inconvenient.” I glare, not liking her tone. If only I was a vampire, so I was more threatening.

“Lets talk about that little witchy juju thing you do on me. You know that fun one where my brain bursts into flames.” Damon smirks but winces slightly. I guess that thing must really hurt.

“What is that?” I ask slightly curious.

“It’s me giving him an aneurism. His blood vessels go pop, but he heals quickly, so I do it over and over again.” Bonnie smirks, seeming smug with herself. Why the hell would she feel smug about hurting people?! See, I’m not that bad compared to Bon Bon over here. She is going to become the next witchy Terminator, I know it.

“Is it vamp specific?” Damon questions, and I realize where he is going with this. He wants to take down Mason.

“It will work on anyone with a supernatural healing ability.” Bonnie answers, still slightly smug.

“Good.” Damon smirks, looking at me. I roll my eyes, knowing he wants to hurt Mason very badly. And to tell the truth, I want to hurt Mason also. I owe him a good slap.

“Damon, I’m not going to help you guys hurt him.” Bonnie argues.

“Mason Lockwood is a werewolf, Katherine is evil. They’re the bad guys. Really? You’re going to play morality police with me right now?” Damon questions, his patience dissolving.

“Here let me put it another way, for ya Bonnie. They are a threat to Elena, and me…but I don’t I don’t think you care. You do know that me hit me right?” I’m guessing by Bonnie’s shocked face she didn’t know. “Okay, Elena didn’t tell you than. But going to back to the point, you need to get over yourself and help us!” I growl, not taking the good cop approach.

“Yeah, she meant that as a question. With a please on the end.” Stefan says walking up to us. I’m about to argue but Damon elbows me, telling me to keep quiet. Fine…they are no fun.

“Absolutely.” I give her a fake smile, and look at her with a threatening glare. She looks at me for a second and I know I got to her. She’s going to help us, even if she doesn’t really want to. Because I’m not going to let the witch back out.

————————————————

I walk into the Lockwood mansion, looking around for a drink. If they aren’t serving any, I know where Tyler stashes some. After dealing Bonnie, I need a drink. Then I’m heading over to Damon’s house and I’m going to watch him inflict pain on Mason Lockwood. I really should feel bad about it, and I kind of do, but he has it coming. You don’t just abuse people and be an ass then fly up to heaven with a halo on.

I start to head towards the bar but Elena steps in front of me, looking majorly pissed off. “You’re letting Jeremy get involved in all of this? I thought we had a mutual understanding that he shouldn’t get in involved with what were in. Aria, how can you let him hang with Damon? Do you know how dangerous it is for him?!”

I sigh and roll my eyes, “Stop scolding me Lena, I’m not your younger sister. We do have an understanding, but I can’t force Jeremy to go home and hide under his covers because vampires will eat him for an appetizer. Elena, he knows what he is getting into. Oh and hanging with Damon is not that dangerous. He can protect Jer a lot more than you can.”

“You’re unbelievable Aria.” Elena shakes her head, looking ready to murder someone. Most likely me.

“Are you done?” I question, bored of her scolding me.

“No.” Elena glares, “Bonnie’s told me how you have been treating her. You have been a complete bitch to her Aria. You punched her in the face and didn’t even apologize. That is our best friend that you’re treating like dirt.”

“Our best friend?” I laugh coldly, “Your best friend Lena. I hate the witch bitch. All she does is complain and try to kill Damon. That, for some unknown reason, just makes me hate the girl. I’m sorry Elena but you’re being a hypocrite!”

“A hypocrite? How is that?” Elena puts her hand on her hip, looking like those mean girls from movies. If we were on like a TV show or something, Elena would be the queen bitch of the school. I bet you that most of the viewers would hate her.

“You are so mean to Damon, always giving him shit. You wanted to kill him at one point. I don’t know if you have realized but I’m in love with him. So maybe if you stared treating my boyfriend with some respect, I’ll treat your best friend with some.” I walk past her, practically radiating with fury. She is being so unreasonable right now. Why am I always the bad guy? I’m always the unreasonable bitch. She’s always the perfect, responsible saint. I’m so sick of living in her shadow.

Maybe it’s time for me to make my own shadow.

————————————————

I hear Mason’s screams of pain as I lean against the front door of the Salvatore house. I’m not sure if I want to go in.  I know what Damon is doing in there… I don’t know what freaks me out more. Seeing Mason get tortured or seeing that, cruel side of Damon. They both scare the hell out of me. But you have to face your fears, don’t you?

I twist open the doorknob and walk into the room, frowning at what I see. Mason is chained to the chair, while Damon stands over him with a hot poker.

“Well, isn’t this a disturbing sight?” I question, walking over to the boys. Damon looks over at me and I can’t describe what flashes through his eyes. It’s almost like uneasiness, like he doesn’t want me to see him doing this. I ignore his look and walk right in front of Mason.

I slap him as hard as I can on the face, casing his head to whip to the side, “Now we’re even.” I smirk starting to walk away but Mason’s voice stops me.

“How can you let him do this Aria? I’ve known you since you were, what? Five?” Mason asks, causing me to wince. Actually four.

“I’m sorry Mason.” I whisper, not turning around. I walk over to the table, and pour myself a drink.

“When did you two meet? She seduce you and tell you she loved you? You’re supernatural so she can’t compel you, so I’m sure she used her other charms. Katherine is good that way.” Damon smirks, leaning over the fire, putting the poker in. I hear someone enter the room and I look up to see my little brother. My stupid, dumb ass, little brother. Why the hell is he still here? He doesn’t need to see this. Hell, I don’t even need to see this.

“I thought I told you to leave.” Damon sighs, looking up at Jeremy.

“I thought I did also.” I murmur, not loud enough for either of them to hear me. I’m pretty sure I have already drank, three glasses of bourbon already in a matter of like 10 minutes. I should slow down, if I want to be on my feet by the end of Damon’s torture time with Mason.

“I found something in Ric’s box of stuff.” Jeremy states, bringing the box over to the table.

“Oo.” Damon almost sings, dropping the poker to the ground. “What is it?” he asks, now standing right in front of Jeremy. The only reason I would want to become a vampire is for there speed. It is pretty damn useful.

“Um… I did a search on my phone, it’s a plant. Aconitum Volperia.” Jeremy explains, unrolling some cloth, reliving some little shrubs. “It grows in the mountains areas of the Northern Hemisphere, commonly known as Aconite, Blue Rocket, and…wolfsbane.”

“What else did you read?” I question, bored. Based on its name it’s probably just like vervain. I don’t really want to know about any more torture devices Damon can use.

“Well, every source says something different. One site says it causes Lycanthropy, which is bogus. Another one says that it protects people and another one says…well, it’s toxic.” Jeremy frowns, as Mason clenches his teeth. Due to his reaction I’m guessing it’s toxic.

“I’m guessing toxic.” Damon agrees, thinking the same thing as me. He grabs the shrubs from Jeremy and walks over to Mason with them. Oh no, this won’t be pleasant. “What’s Katherine doing in Mystic Falls?” Damon demands, glaring at Mason. Mason just looks at him, having no intent to answer him. Damon shrugs and runs the Wolfsbane across Mason’s face, slowly. Mason cries out in pain and I look over at Jeremy, wishing he wasn’t here to see this.

“Why is she here?” Damon questions again, really starting to loose his patience.

“She’s here with me!” Mason cries out. “Why you ask? You jealous?” Mason tries in vain to sound tough but, it’s just not working. Even I can see past his exterior toughness and see just how scared he is on the inside.

“How rude of me, I just realized.” Damon laughs, “I didn’t offer you anything to eat.” he shoves the Wolfsbane into Mason’s mouth, forcing him to swallow most of it. Mason is screaming in pain but it’s muffled by Damon’s hand. Damon steps away from him, and Mason desperately tries to spit out. Both Jeremy and I look away, not able to look at Mason.

“Why do you want the Moonstone?” Damon asks, sounding oddly calm.

“Screw you.” Mason chocks out, still spitting up Wolfsbane.

Damon makes a buzzer sound, “Wrong answer.” Damon starts to step towards Mason again but Jeremy runs forward, intervening.

“If he was going to say anything, he would have already.” Jeremy pleads, trying to save Mason from anymore torture.

Damon ignores Jeremy and leans forward, with the Wolfsbane in his hand. “In your eyes now.” he threatens.

“The well! You can find it there.” Mason gasps out, desperately trying to save himself.

“I know where it is, I want to know what it does and why you want it.” Damon growls, his patience gone.

“I’m getting it for Katherine.” Mason answers, finally being somewhat compliant.

“Why?” I ask this time, slightly curious as to why Katherine would want it.

“She’s going to use it to lift the curse.” Mason says, causing me to look at him skeptically.

“Of the moon?” Damon is just as skeptic as me. Why would Katherine do something so stupid. “Now why would a vampire help a werewolf, break a curse that keeps them from turning whenever they want?”

“So I wouldn’t have to turn anymore.” Mason sounds like he is about to cry. He better not cry because when I was getting tortured by vamps, I didn’t cry.

“Why?!” Damon yells, right in Mason’s face now.

“Because she loves me!” Mason yells back causing Damon to put on a fake sympathetic face.

Damon keeps it for a few moments before he start laughing. Like a genuine laugh. “Oh, now I get it. You’re just stupid.” Damon grins, still finding the fact Katherine loves him hilarious. “Katherine doesn’t love you, she’s using you. You moron.” Damon glares, serious once again.

“I’m done talking.” Mason shakes his head, trying to keep a straight face.

“Yes, you are.” Damon agrees, handing the wolfsbane to Jeremy. “Aria, Jeremy, it’s time to take a walk.” Damon commands in a deadly voice.

“I’m staying.” I argue, getting off the couch and walking over to my brother.

“Me too.” Jeremy agrees, even though I really wish he didn’t.

“No, you two should go.” Damon says slowly, not wanting us to watch whatever it is he is about to do.

“I’m staying Damon, he’s had enough.” Jeremy glares.

“Just help Tyler, don’t let this happen to him.” Mason begs looking up at us. I meet his gaze for a second before I have to look away, guilty or ashamed. Not even I can tell.

“Damon-“ Jeremy starts to say but before I can even blink, Damon is pinning Jeremy up against the wall with his hand around Jer’s throat.

“Damon!” I yell alarmed as Jeremy struggle to breathe. “Get off him!” I pull Damon away from him, glaring at my boyfriend. Damon glares back at me before turning back to Jeremy.

“You wanted to be a part of this, well here it is. Kill or be killed, this guy is a werewolf who will kill me the first change he gets. So you suck it up or leave.” Damon growls looking between Jeremy and I. He slowly starts walking towards Mason once again.  “He wants me to kill him anyway. Don’t you Mason?” Mason doesn’t object, making me feel slightly bad for him. “It really is a curse, isn’t it?”

I look over at my brother with a pleading look in my eyes, “Please Jer, you don’t need to see this.” he stares at me for a few moments before sighing and leaving the room.

“You know I look at you and I see myself. Less dashing, less intelligent version.” Damon smirks slightly.

“I love her.” Mason states, and it makes me feel worse for the guy. Katherine really does have her claws in him.

“Oh I know, I’ve been where you are. Katherine will only rip your heart out, let me do it for her.” Damon sticks his hand in Mason’s chest, grabbing his heart. He looks at Mason for a few seconds before pulling it out of his chest. I gasp and look at Damon in horror.

He doesn’t meet my eyes, he just looks down at the floor. But I know even if he did meet my gaze, there would be no remorse in his blue eyes. It doesn’t faze him. Killing someone. Human or not, they’re still a living being with feelings.

I feel tears well up in my eyes, and I spin around, heading for the front door. I leave quickly and slam the door shut behind me, not wanting Damon to see me cry. I don’t want him to think that I’m some Elena, that cries whenever someone dies. I’m not crying because Mason died. I’m crying because of the cold look in Damon’s eyes when he ripped Mason’s heart out.

———————————————-

I stare at my phone in my hand, wondering if I should dial her number. A few days ago her contact just magically appeared in my phone. I don’t know how Katherine managed to steal my phone and enter her number, but she did. I guess she wanted a way for me to reach her, so I could play the game. Well, I’m ready to make my move now.

I hit the call button and put the phone up to my ear, only waiting two rings before she answers. “Hello Arianna, you rang?” I can practically hear her smirk. It just makes me want to punch it off her face so badly.

“Yes, I hope I don’t make you jealous or anything but I just spent the last, oh I don’t know, hour with your boyfriend. He is a handsome one, I’ll give you that. It was a good plan Kathy, using him to get to the Moonstone. I know you want it, I just don’t know why. I just wanted to call and tell you that, Mason won’t be showing up for anymore dates. He’s not…how I do I put this…he’s not whole. He’s missing a part, unfortunately, a very vital part. You made the first move, so now I made mine bitch. Your turn.” I hang up the phone, smirking, before she could have a chance to answer. My smirk soon fades away though. I really shouldn't’ have done that. I don’t know why I did, maybe I’m still a little bit buzzed from my drinks earlier.

Plus I didn’t even kill Mason, Damon did. But, killing Katherine’s boy toy was a good move. Earned me a few spots up on the board, now I’m just worried about what revenge Katherine has planned for me.

I shake my head, not believing how stupid I was. I dialed Katherine and lead her on… but the worst thing is, I was a little drunk when I did it.

“Aria, dinner!” Ric yells from downstairs causing me to smile. He has been spending a lot of time with Jenna. I think they finally got together, though I’m not sure.

I walk into the kitchen and see Jenna on the phone with someone having a serious conversation. “Who is she on the phone with?” I ask Ric and Elena but they both just shrug.

“Of course, I understand.” Jenna replies very formally and walks over to Elena with the phone. “It’s for you Elena.”

“Who is it?” Elena questions taking the phone from Jenna but Jenna doesn’t answer. She just walks back over to the cutting board. “Hello.” Elena answers and a few seconds later her eyes snap up, scared.

Ric and I look at each other, both with questioning looks. Who the hell is it? I have a super bad feeling, that I know who it is. I hope I’m wrong but, I highly doubt I am. I’m normally not.

After a few moments, Elena walks over to me, holding out the phone. She looks scared as hell. I take a deep breath and grab the phone from her. I walk over to where Elena was at so no one can hear me.

“Katherine.” I say, trying to sound pleasant.

“I’m impressed, you knew it was me.” she teases, causing me to stiffen. She is in too good of a mood right now considering the information I just gave her.

“Did you call to just frighten my sister and listen to my voice again? I know it’s nice but I thought you were into guys. I guess I just make girls go lesbian.” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Haha, very funny Arianna, but I called for something a little more, fun.” she taunts. “You know how easy it was to get into your house and replace Aunt Jenna’s vervain perfume? To convince her to stop drinking her special tea?”

“That’s impossible, you were never invited in.” I argue with much less confidence than before. I think she was in here but I’m not really that sure, wait a second. She pretend to be Elena! Oh no…

“She’s been my little spy now for days. So this is me making my move Arianna. I have a feeling it will be the winning move.” I spin around and see Jenna raising the knife, ready to stab herself.

“Jenna no!” I scream dropping the phone, right as she stabs the knife into her abdomen. Ric and Elena run over to her but I just stand paralyzed. Too shocked and horrified to move.

What have I done?

———————————————

I finish the drink and pour myself another one. I have lost count of how many I’ve had. I haven’t drank this much in a long time, since my parents died, I think. Elena texted me telling me Jenna was going to be fine but that didn’t make me feel any better. She almost died because of me and my stubbornness. I didn’t want Katherine to win, I hate loosing. So I played and look what happened. Jenna almost died.

I finish another glass so I decide to just stop pouring glasses. I pick up the bottle and take a nice long sip. Enjoying the feeling as it numbs some more of the pain. I’ll keep drinking until I can’t feel anything, then I’ll most likely pass out.

“Aria, open the door.” Damon commands, still standing outside. I locked myself in his room, putting a chair in front of the door so he can’t get in. I needed his alcohol supply, but I don’t want to be with him right now. I just can’t take it. “If you don’t open the door, I’ll kick it down.” Damon warns, completely serious.

“Can’t you just leave me alone?” I cry, my words only slightly slurred.

“No, I can’t. You’re hurting and it kills me, Aria, to see you like this. I want to help you.” he pleads, but the alcohol keeps my heart from breaking at his words. Or maybe it’s just because my heart is already shattered. I look at the door, wishing I could see through it just so I could see his face. I look at it for a moment, before I scream and throw the bottle of bourbon at it.

That is all it takes for Damon to kick down the door, and walk in, his eyes landing on my broken state. He starts to walk towards me but I hold my hand out, “Don’t, please. Just go away.” I beg, tears streaming down my face.

“No, I’m not leaving Aria.” Damon insists taking a few steps closer.

“Why? Why won’t you leave?” I sob, taking a few steps back. I would have backed further away but I’m already backed up against the wall.

“Because I love you Aria, and you’re hurting.” he whispers, taking a few more steps closer.

“How could you love me?! I’m a terrible person! She almost died tonight Damon! Because I played Katherine’s game, I didn’t want to loose. My Aunt was almost killed because of my competitiveness. I’m stupid and selfish and-“ I stop when Damon wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. I try to get away from him, screaming hysterically, but he doesn’t let me go. He holds onto me tight, rubbing my back.

I let myself stop fighting, and just melt into his arms, still crying my heart out. He picks me up gently and brings me over to to his bed. He sets me down and I just curl up, burying my face in his sheets. He sits down next to me and runs his hands through my hair, whispering reassurances.

I shift slightly so that my head is in his lap, wanting to feel safer. He is practically emitting love right now and I need that. My cries slowly start to fade and my breathing becomes more labored.

“I love you Damon.” I whisper, looking up at his worried blue eyes. All events from earlier in the day gone from my mind.

He smiles sadly, leaning down and kissing my forehead. “Get some rest, Ari.”

“You won’t leave right?” I ask childishly, not wanting to be alone.

“I’ll never leave you, I’ll always be here for you. Aria. You just need to start believing that. You know how I can promise that I won’t leave you?” he asks, looking down at me with an intensity I’ve never seen before. I shake my head, too stunned and drunk to speak. “I will never abandon you, because I love you, Aria.”