Rumors of a mysterious animal terrorizing Oakdale town had been circulating for days. The neighboring towns had also reported similar incidents, leaving everyone on edge. The sheriff had warned the residents that a dangerous animal might be lurking in the woods.
Inside the Wilder home, Annie's frustration boiled over. "It hurts me that you don't believe me," she said, her voice trembling with anger. "You lock me up all day and still think I'm the one doing the killing."
Esther's expression remained skeptical. "I don't doubt my instincts, Annie. You can be tricky."
Elijah, who had been watching the exchange, stood up and intervened. "Fine, if you're not the vampire killing people, then we've got another vampire in this town. And we need to find a solution to it."
Annie's eyes locked onto Elijah's, a hint of gratitude flickering in their depths. "Thank you, Elijah. Finally, someone believes me."
Esther's gaze narrowed, her eyes darting between Annie and Elijah. "We'll get to the bottom of this. But until then, Annie, you're still not leaving this house."
Annie walked out of the room, leaving Esther and Elijah to discuss their next move. Esther turned to Elijah, her eyes narrowing. "Do you have any idea how to catch the vampire?"
Elijah shook his head. "I don't know, but we need to do something to protect this town. I'm thinking of talking to the sheriff and offering them the vervain from our basement."
Esther's expression turned disapproving. "You can't do that, Elijah. The vervain will affect us too. We're vampires, and even if we are the originals, the vervain will still work on us."
Elijah's jaw clenched in determination. "I have no choice, Esther. Unless you have a better plan to find the vampire?"
Esther's eyes flashed with thought. "I'll work out a plan. But until then, let's not rush into anything."
Elijah nodded, his voice firm. "I'll give you a few more days. But if nothing is sorted out by then, I'll go meet with the sheriff. Protecting this town is more important than our lives."
Esther's gaze met Elijah's, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes. She knew Elijah was willing to risk everything to protect the innocent, but she also knew the dangers that came with exposing themselves to the humans.
Esther's eyes searched Elijah's face. "Why are you so concerned about protecting this town?" she asked, her voice soft.
Elijah's expression turned somber. "Because I care more about their lives than mine. If it wasn't for Mom, we wouldn't be like this. We wouldn't even be alive to see this century."
Esther's gaze faltered, knowing how Elijah felt about their mother, Lilith. "Okay, fine. I understand you. I'll get something done soon."
Just then, Elijah's phone rang, breaking the tension. He answered, and Esther recognized the smile on his face as he spoke to Georgina.
"Hey, haven't forgotten, have you?" Georgina's voice chimed through the phone.
Elijah chuckled. "Of course not. I'll meet you at school."
As he hung up, Esther raised an eyebrow. "Loving your teenage life, aren't you?" she teased, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Do they know what you are?"
Elijah ignored her jibe, his expression neutral. "I'll see you later, Esther." He walked away.
Esther pushed open the door to Mr. Bill's Bar, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses enveloping her. She navigated through the crowded room, her eyes scanning the bar until she spotted an empty stool.
As she sat down, the bartender, Mr. Bill, raised an eyebrow. "What's the occasion?" he asked, wiping down the counter with a dirty rag.
Esther's smile was enigmatic. "Saving lives."
Mr. Bill chuckled, thinking she was joking. "Well, in that case, what can I get you?"
"I'll take tequila," Esther replied, her eyes glinting in the dim light.
Mr. Bill raised an eyebrow but poured her a shot. Esther downed it in one gulp, her eyes never leaving Mr. Bill's face.
"Do you believe in the supernatural?" Esther asked, her voice low and mysterious.
Mr. Bill burst out laughing. "There's no such thing as supernatural."
Esther's laughter echoed through the bar, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I was kidding. Maybe the tequila's already working."
Mr. Bill grinned, wiping down the counter again. "Probably."
Esther's requests for tequila became more frequent, and Mr. Bill's surprise grew as he watched her down shot after shot. Eventually, he just handed her the entire bottle, shaking his head in amazement.
"I've never seen a young girl drink like that," Mr. Bill said, eyeing Esther with concern.
Esther gulped down the remainder of the tequila, her eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. "I'm never better," she replied, her voice low and husky.
Just then, Esther's vampire senses picked up on a conversation from across the bar. A group of guys were discussing a murder that had taken place the previous night. One of them mentioned witnessing the killing, and Esther's attention snapped into focus.
"…and then he sucked the blood right out of her," one of the guys said, his voice laced with disgust. "I'm telling you, it was no animal attack. The sheriff's got no clue what's going on."
Esther's eyes narrowed as she listened intently. She rose from her seat, the empty tequila bottle still clutched in her hand, and began to make her way towards the group.
As she approached, the guys fell silent, their eyes fixed on Esther's intense gaze. "Mind if I join the conversation?" Esther asked, her voice low and mysterious.
One of the guys eyed Esther warily. "Why do you want to join our conversation?" he asked, his tone suspicious.
Esther's smile was saccharine. "Oh, I just love the story you're telling. It's riveting."
Another guy furrowed his brow. "What story?"
Esther's sarcasm was palpable. "You're lousy storytellers, that's what."
The guys exchanged confused glances. "Lousy? We weren't even talking loud," one of them protested.
Esther's laughter was mocking. "Well, my ears ache from listening to your fascinating tale."
The guys looked at each other, clearly uncomfortable. They quickly gathered their things and beat a hasty retreat, exiting the bar.
Undeterred, Esther followed them, her eyes fixed on their retreating backs. She slipped out of the bar, her movements silent and deliberate.
As soon as they were out of sight, Esther called out to them, "Hey, you." The five guys turned around, their expressions wary.
One of them took a step forward, his face reddening with anger. "Why are you following us?" he demanded.
Esther's smile was icy. "Because I haven't gotten what I want from you yet."
Another guy spoke up, his voice laced with curiosity. "And what's that?"
"I want more details on your story," Esther replied, her eyes glinting with intensity. "And what the man looks like."
The guy who had spoken earlier shook his head. "There was no story, and no guy."
Esther's laughter was low and menacing. "We're not doing this right."
One of the guys took a step back, his eyes darting nervously between Esther and his friends. "Doing what?" he asked.
Esther's smile grew wider. "Me beating you all until one of you tells me the story."
The guys laughed, their amusement short-lived as Esther's expression turned deadly serious.
One of them sneered, "What makes you think you can take us down?"
Esther's response was immediate. "Because I know I can."
Unexpectedly, the guys charged at Esther, but she was more than prepared. She fought with a fluid grace, her movements economical and precise. Without using her vampire powers, Esther's natural strength allowed her to overpower the guys, breaking bones and injuring hands.
As she pinned the last guy to the ground, his hand twisted at an awkward angle, he shouted, "I'll talk! Please don't hurt me!"
Esther's gaze locked onto his, her eyes glinting with a fierce intensity. "I'm listening."
The man winced in pain as he began to explain. "Last night, we were all drunk and heading home… we saw this weird-looking guy… he was feasting on a girl, sucking out her blood… she dropped dead right in front of us." He gasped, his eyes welling up with tears. "We had to run for our lives."
Esther's expression remained impassive. "Where did this happen?"
The man hesitated before spitting out the location. "It was on Elm Street, near the old warehouse."
Esther's eyes narrowed. "Is there anything else I should know?"
The man's voice trembled. "The man… he looks dangerous… and weird. Please, don't go looking for him."
Esther's smile was cold. "Thank you for your concern." With a swift motion, she broke the man's hand, and he screamed in agony.
Without a backward glance, Esther walked away, leaving the group of guys groaning in pain on the ground.
Elijah, Georgina, and Lucas were busy helping Bonnie unpack and settle into her new home. The house, a gift from Bonnie's parents, was a fresh start for her. Elijah, having been welcomed into the home by Bonnie, moved freely, his presence comfortable and familiar.
"I'm so excited to have my place finally," Bonnie said, beaming as she put away dishes in the kitchen.
"We're excited for you, Bonnie," Georgina replied, hanging up a picture frame in the living room. "This place is outstanding."
"Thanks, guys," Bonnie said, smiling. "I couldn't have done it without your help."
Elijah, who was carrying a box of books into the study, tripped and stumbled, causing Lucas to burst out laughing.
"Hey, watch it!" Elijah joked, pretending to be offended. "I'm just trying to help."
"Oh, sure, sure," Lucas teased, chuckling. "That's why you're face-planting into the wall."
The group erupted into laughter, and Bonnie playfully rolled her eyes. "Boys will be boys," she said, smiling.
As they finished unpacking, Bonnie suggested, "Hey, why don't we play a game together before you guys leave? I would rather not be stuck here alone, bored out of my mind."
The others agreed, and Bonnie pulled out a deck of Uno cards. As they began to play, the conversation flowed easily, with jokes and teasing filling the air.
As they played, Bonnie turned to Elijah and asked, "So, Elijah, have you ever been in a relationship?"
Elijah shook his head. "No, I haven't."
Lucas jumped in, making fun of Elijah. "Wow, Elijah, you're a real ladies' man, aren't you?"
Elijah shot back, "Hey, I'm just focused on other things, okay?"
Georgina chuckled and said, "Bonnie is anyone's girl, just saying."
Bonnie raised an eyebrow, feeling slightly offended, but she let it slide. "Well, I've been in a few relationships, but they always seem to end in disaster."
Lucas grinned mischievously. "I'm not looking for a relationship, to be honest. I'd rather just have fun and enjoy life. Commitment is so overrated."
Elijah turned to Georgina and asked, "What's your take on relationships, Georgina? Do you think commitment is important?"
Georgina thought for a moment before responding, "I think I'd want to be committed, but to the right person. Someone who truly understands and supports me."
Lucas chimed in, "Speaking of which, Georgina, what happened to you and Eric? You two seemed pretty serious."
Georgina's expression turned wistful. "I don't know, Lucas. I just wasn't feeling it anymore. Eric was already planning our future together, but I wasn't ready for that level of commitment."
Elijah muttered under his breath, "Future man…"
Georgina looked at him curiously. "What did you say?"
Elijah's eyes locked onto hers, and he said, "You just need someone much better, that's all."
Georgina's cheeks flushed with a soft blush, and Bonnie caught the exchange, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
As the evening wore on, the group continued to chat and play Uno, the conversation flowing easily. But as the darkness outside deepened, Lucas finally stood up, stretching his arms over his head.
"I should get going," he said, glancing at his watch. "It's getting pretty late."
Georgina and Elijah nodded in agreement, gathering their belongings as they prepared to leave.
Bonnie walked them to the door, thanking them again for their help. "I appreciate it, guys. You're the best."
After they said their goodbyes and headed out into the night, Bonnie smiled.
Georgina and Elijah walked through the darkness, Georgina turned to Elijah and said, "You don't have to walk me all the way home, Elijah. I'll be fine."
Elijah smiled reassuringly. "I want to make sure you're safe, especially with all the strange attacks happening around town. I don't want anything to happen to you."
Georgina raised an eyebrow. "I don't think it's an animal that's killing people, Elijah."
Elijah's curiosity arose. "What do you think it is, then?"
Georgina hesitated, her eyes scanning the darkness. "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling it's not something natural."
Elijah nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving Georgina's face.
As they continued walking, Elijah suddenly stopped and reached into his pocket. "I almost forgot," he said, pulling out an ancient-looking wristband. The gold glittered in the moonlight, catching Georgina's eye.
Elijah fastened the wristband around Georgina's wrist, his fingers brushing against her skin. "This is for you," he said, his voice low and serious. "Don't ever take it off. It's a sign of protection."
Georgina's eyes widened as she stared at the wristband in wonder. "Elijah, it's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
She threw her arms around Elijah, hugging him tightly. "I promise I won't take it off," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest.
Elijah wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I'll always be here to protect you, Georgina," he whispered back, his voice filled with deep affection.
"Get your girl to safety," a low, husky voice called out, sending a shiver down Elijah's spine.
Georgina, sensing Elijah's tension, turned to him with a questioning look. "Who's there?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elijah's eyes locked onto a figure emerging from the shadows. "It's my twin sister, Esther," he said, his voice low and even.
Georgina's eyes widened in surprise. "You have a twin?"
Elijah nodded, his gaze still fixed on Esther. "What brings you here, Esther?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Esther's smile was enigmatic. "I'm following a lead, and it brought me here." Her eyes flicked to Georgina. "Hi, Georgina. Elijah talks a lot about you… even in his sleep."
Elijah's face darkened, but before he could respond, Esther's gaze snapped back to him. "Now, Elijah, you need to get your girl out of here."
Georgina's confusion was evident. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Before Elijah could answer, Esther pointed into the darkness, her eyes glinting with a fierce intensity. "That's what's going on," she said, her voice low and deadly.
A figure stood in the shadows, its body blending seamlessly into the night. Elijah's eyes narrowed, his instincts on high alert.
Elijah grasped Georgina's hand, ready to whisk her away with his vampire speed. But before he could move, the figure zoomed in, its speed almost a blur. It snatched Georgina from Elijah's grip and sank its fangs into her neck.
Elijah's eyes widened in horror as the figure suddenly recoiled, its mouth and lips burning. "Vervain!" it snarled, stumbling backward.
Georgina collapsed to the ground, clutching her neck in agony. Elijah rushed to her side, biting his wrist to make it bleed. "Drink my blood, Georgina," he urged, his voice low and urgent. "You'll heal faster."
Georgina's eyes were wide with shock. "Why?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Elijah's gaze locked onto hers. "You just need to trust me, Georgina. Please."
As Georgina hesitated, Elijah's sister Esther clashed with the figure in the distance, their snarls and growls filling the air. Elijah longed to join the fight, but he couldn't leave Georgina's side.
With a deep breath, Georgina brought Elijah's bleeding wrist to her lips and drank. Almost instantly, the wound on her neck began to heal.
As she pulled away, her eyes locked onto Elijah's. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion and fear.
Elijah's expression was solemn. "It's a lot to take in, Georgina, but you need to know… I'm a vampire."
Georgina's eyes went wide, her mind reeling. "A vampire?" she whispered. "Are vampires even real?"
Elijah's gaze held hers. "I'm standing right in front of you, Georgina. Please, just trust me. You need to get somewhere safe. I have to go help my sister."
Georgina's eyes darted toward the fight in the distance, her mind struggling to process the surreal scene unfolding before her. She found herself a safe place to hide, and Elijah, seeing she was secure, joined Esther in the battle. The fight was a blur of speed and fury, with Esther taking a few injuries but healing rapidly. Elijah dodged the figure's attacks with ease before landing a decisive blow, plunging his hands deep into the figure's chest.
But as Elijah tried to hold the figure down, Esther struck it from behind with a wooden stake. The figure let out a blood-curdling scream, and Elijah and Esther recoiled, shocked.
"Benjamin?" Elijah whispered, his eyes widening in horror.
Benjamin smirked, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "It's so bad my younger ones couldn't recognize me at first glance."
Esther's face lit up with joy. "You're alive!"
Benjamin's expression turned cold. "Not that you care."
He sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing. "I smell dinner."
Elijah stepped forward, his eyes flashing with warning. "She's off-limits, Ben."
Benjamin chuckled. "Benjamin is long gone. And I see how smart you are, putting vervain on your girl and using Lilith's wristband. Thought you never liked Mother."
Esther's eyes narrowed. "Did you turn off your humanity?"
Benjamin laughed. "Humanity is useless. And so is having this discussion with you. I'm not here for family bonding."
With a swift motion, Benjamin snapped Elijah's neck and vanished into the darkness.
Georgina, who had been watching in horror, stumbled out of her hiding place, her eyes fixed on Elijah's lifeless body. She tried to scream, but her voice was frozen in her throat. Tears streamed down her face as she stumbled closer to Elijah, her heart shattering into a million pieces.
Georgina stumbled closer to Elijah's body, her voice shaking as she called out his name. "Elijah! Oh my god, Elijah!"
Esther rushed to her side, her expression calm and reassuring. "He's not dead, Georgina. He'll be fine."
Georgina's eyes welled up with tears. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Esther nodded. "Yes, I'm positive. You need to trust me, Georgina. Now, please help me carry him. He's… quite heavy."
Georgina nodded, still looking uncertain, but Esther's calm demeanor seemed to reassure her. Together, they carefully lifted Elijah's body, Esther taking most of the weight as they began to move him out of the street.