Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 21
Damon Salvatore sat casually at his usual table in the restaurant of the poshest hotel in the city, silently perusing the people around him. Taking a slow sip of strong coffee, his eyes skated over the many familiar faces until they locked on the straight back of the newest arrival. Cursing lowly, his eyes hardened to something resembling arctic ice as he watched her smile demurely at the men who surrounded her.
There was no question in his mind as to her identity; he would know that poisonous bitch anywhere, even without seeing her face: Katherine had finally come to town.
He had wondered how long it would take her to track Emily, and by extension, him. Now he knew. The question now was, what to do about her?
Tossing some notes on the table, he rose discreetly and made a hasty, though casual exit, intent on getting to his daughter’s home soonest. Speaking with Emily was now a top priority even though they had discussed this eventuality beforehand. It was always best to be prepared where Katherine was concerned. He’d learned that the hard way, after all.
Rapping on the door with the backs of his knuckles, he stood back and waited while glancing at his surroundings. He wouldn’t put it past her to be following him right now and felt he couldn’t be too careful. His daughter was particularly vulnerable as was her husband. Basically, the whole damn situation was untenable.
The door swung open and Charles greeted him. “Mr Salvatore,” he said stepping back. “Won’t you come in, sir?”
“Thank you Charles,” he responded as he stepped into the foyer while removing his hat.
“Mrs. Whitlock is in the parlor, sir. I’ll announce you presently if you’d like to wait here,” he said while hanging Damon’s hat on the rack in the corner.
“Actually Charles, I need to speak to Emily, if you please. It’s a matter of great import.”
Charles turned back to him and inclined his head. “Very well, sir. If you’ll make your way to the library, I’ll announce you.”
Damon nodded and headed off to the library where he entered and poured himself a drink before taking a seat to wait. Minutes later, Emily joined him and closed the door before taking the seat next to him. She looked at him knowingly and got right to the point. “What’s happened?”
He shot her a bitter smirk over the rim of his glass. “Katherine is here,” he said simply, taking a sip as he watched her frown and sit back in her chair.
After a moment, she nodded. “We knew this would happen.”
“We did,” he agreed with a nod while setting his drink on the side-table.
“I have spelled some jewelry for Isabella and uniform cufflinks for her husband. She won’t be able to touch either of them unless it’s voluntary on their part. She won’t be able to compel them either.”
“Good,” he murmured as he rose from the chair and walked to the window. “That’s good; one less thing to worry about.”
She turned in her seat to look at him. “Well, your human self knows I set up protection for the vampires trapped in the church, so what is your plan now?”
He laughed humorlessly while staring out at the sparse traffic on the road outside. “Plan…” he muttered with a sigh. “I’m gonna take the bitch on. I think it’s safe to do so. By the date, I know that my human self has already had a hefty dose of her blood and will be shot, along with my brother, within a day or two so that’s still on track.” He turned and met the witch’s gaze. “Which leaves my options open where she’s concerned,” he finished with a wicked smirk.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Be very careful with what you change…”
He walked back to his chair and sat, taking up his drink as he spoke. “She’s supposed to be locked up for the next few decades. She won’t be missed—unless you count my newly turned, pathetic self that is,” he said dryly as he saluted with his glass and knocked back the contents.
“You’re sure your change will still happen? It’s vital. I’d hate to watch you and Isabella fade out of existence…” She let that thought hang as she watched him frown.
“I’m as sure as I can be,” he said while staring straight ahead. He turned his head and looked at her. “I guess we’ll know for certain within the next couple of days, won’t we?”
“That we will,” she agreed solemnly just as they heard a knock at the door.
“Come,” Damon called out and the door opened to reveal Charles with a refreshment tray.
“I thought Miss Emily might like some tea,” he stated while stepping into the room.
She smiled warmly. “Oh, yes, thank you,” she answered while patting the tea table beside her chair.
He set the tray down and turned toward them. “Will there be anything else?”
Emily glanced at Damon who shook his head. “No, thank you Charles,” she answered.
He smiled warmly at her before quietly leaving and Damon arched a brow which she steadfastly ignored in favor of pouring her tea.
He got up to refresh his drink and when he retook his seat she smirked at him. “No need to go eyeing me like that. He’s a good lookin’, educated man.”
He held up a hand. “Far be it from me to stand in the way of love my dear witchy-poo. That’s what this whole trip was about after all. Might as well get more than one happy couple out of it,” he muttered as he took a sip from his glass.
She smirked behind her tea cup. “You just remember, no matter what your circumstances, you have a duty to father a child in the future. Best make sure any woman you’re with understands that,” she said cryptically.
He frowned at her and she chuckled with that irritating, knowing gleam in her eyes.
He shook his head. “I’m not gonna ask. You won’t tell me anyway. But on that note…” he rose from the chair, drink in hand and gave a shallow bow. “…I’ll take my leave and go see my aforementioned child. I’ll keep you apprised on the Katherine situation as it develops.”
~o0o~
At the sound of a knock at the closed double doors, Bella marked her place and set her book aside. “Come in,” she called out and smiled at the sight of her father as he entered a moment later. She started to struggle from the chair and he held up a hand to stop her as he strode forward.
“No, don’t get up,” he said as he reached her and leaned down to kiss her cheek as she resettled herself in the chair. He took the seat adjacent to her and set his drink on the table as he focused on her. “You’re looking well,” he remarked. “Or at least much better that you did two days ago,” he amended.
She nodded with a smile. “I feel much better.” She met his gaze. “I know I have you to thank for that.”
He scoffed with a smile. “It’s in my job description. No need to thank me.”
“Well, just know that I appreciate it more than you know.”
He inclined his head. “You’re welcome,” he murmured quietly.
“Now,” she chirped with a smile, trying to lift the serious mood that had settled between them. “Tell me what you’ve been up to the past three months.”
He smirked and took up his drink. “Let’s just say no one will ever have to worry about a certain coven of cold ones ever again.”
She stared at him, wide-eyed and in momentary shock. “Truly?” she breathed. “What happened?”
He swirled the liquor in his glass and shrugged a shoulder. “I took care of the problem. They’re ash…all of them.”
She nearly choked. “By yourself?! How could you take such a risk?!” She nearly shouted as she scowled.
He rolled his eyes. “You see me sitting here don’t you? I’m fine.” He grinned. “They however…”
“Yes, I see you’re fine,” she grumbled. “Still, it was a huge risk…”
“It really wasn’t,” he assured over the rim of his glass before taking a drink. “I simply watched them as they did their thing—you know, murder, mayhem, newborns tearing each other apart—most of her coven took care of destroying itself. I simply stepped in when they were through and took care of the rest,” he finished with a close-lipped smile.
“Oh yes, simple, just like that,” she groused while scowling at him.
He sighed. “You know, I thought you’d be grateful—maybe even happy about this.”
Her expression softened. “I am,” she hedged while looking down into her lap. “I just don’t want to lose you either…” She looked back up at him. “Call me selfish, but now that we finally have a relationship, I want to keep it that way.”
He reached over and took her hand. “I’m not going anywhere. I haven’t survived this long by being stupid. I don’t plan to start now. I knew what I was doing and I was very careful.”
She nodded and he squeezed her hand before he let it go and sat back.
Taking a big breath, she sat up and squared her shoulders. “Sorry for being such an emotional ninny. I blame hormones and god help me, but I’ll be so glad when that part’s over.” She scowled. “It’s pissing me off, to be honest.”
He chuckled into his glass. “You’re female; is that part ever really over?”
She narrowed her eyes at him as he smirked. “You are so fortunate I’m less than mobile right now. Maybe I could have Emily hex you or something…”
He grinned. “She’d have to catch me first.”
Bella rolled her eyes and he tsk’ed. “None of that now. Can’t have you reverting back to your old habits.”
She groaned. “Speaking of…” she said with a sigh. “I’d fucking kill for a cheeseburger and a pair of jeans.”
“Language daughter, and I hate to break it to you, but the jeans would be wasted since you couldn’t get into them right now anyway.” He looked at her and smirked. “The cheeseburger wouldn’t help with that part either.”
She glared. “You’re trying to make me cry aren’t you?”
His brows shot up. “What? No,” he defended himself. “Just injecting a bit of reality, that’s all. You know—being helpful.”
“Yes, very helpful pointing out the obvious,” she grouched. “I was merely dreaming out loud and you had to go and ruin it.” She leaned toward him looking fierce. “You’re supposed to patiently listen and keep any and all advice to yourself,” she hissed.
“When are you due again? Perhaps I can find another out-of-town task…”
His eyes widened and brows shot up when she suddenly sagged back into her chair with both hands covering her face as she began to cry. “You’re right…I’m horrid and fat and ug—uglyyyy!” she sobbed into her hands while Damon’s mind scrambled, wishing fervently for the presence of his son-in-law.
Instead, he got up and scooped her from her chair, holding her tightly to his chest. “Hey now, you’re not horrid or fat or ugly. You’re having a baby.” He sat down with her in his lap as she curled into him as best she could.
“I’m sorry,” she sniffled after a few moments when her crying had tapered off. “I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”
He hesitated. “Is…this a rhetorical question?” he cautiously asked and she laughed as she slapped his shoulder.
“I’ll let you off the hook, Pops. You don’t have to answer. Besides, I feel much better now.”
“Good,” he muttered as he kissed her forehead. “Now, how about some blood. I think you need it.”
~o0o~
Jasper removed his hat as he strode into the hotel dining room. He was here to meet his father for lunch after a full morning of drills and familiarizing himself with his new duties within the operations of the Rangers. It had already been a very full day to say the least, and he was ready for a break. He only hoped his father had good news for him where his mother was concerned. His family had always been close and this rift bothered him more than he cared to admit.
“Lt. Whitlock,” the hostess at the door greeted him with a bright smile and a blush on her cheeks. “It’s good to see you again sir. I’ll show you to your table.”
“Thank you,” he said as he removed his gloves and followed.
“Ah, Jasper,” his father cheerfully greeted when he got to the table. He gestured at the chair across the table. “Thank you for meeting me, son.”
“Father,” he nodded as he took the seat. “What news?” he asked as he met his gaze, getting right to the point.
His father sighed and sat back. “She’s been a mess to be honest son. She’s ashamed of herself and is terrified that you won’t find it in your heart to forgive her.”
Jasper remained stoic. “I’m not really the one she should seek forgiveness from.”
His father nodded. “She realizes that and is already planning a family dinner where she intends to speak to Isabella privately beforehand.”
“Good,” Jasper said as he picked up his menu. “I’ll be watching for the invitation.”
The server came and took their order and had just served their drinks when a feminine voice intruded just as Jasper was about to speak.
“Mr. Whitlock! What a pleasant surprise seeing you here.”
Both Jasper and his father rose from their seats at the presence of a lady and she held out a hand to the senior Whitlock which he took and lightly kissed. “Miss Pierce, wasn’t it? A pleasure to see you as well. May I introduce my son, Lt. Jasper Whitlock, Jasper this is Miss Katherine Pierce, just arrived from Virginia.”
Jasper inclined his head but made no other overtures. Neither did she offer her hand to him. His father gestured to an open seat. “Would you care to join us Miss Pierce? We were just sitting down to lunch.”
Her eyes glittered with a calculating light that immediately put Jasper on edge as she stared at him for a beat before answering. “Why, I think I would like that very much Mr. Whitlock, thank you.”
He helped her into her seat and both men retook theirs. Jasper’s father took up the conversation. “Miss Pierce was looking to make some investments with our firm son.”
Jasper smiled politely. “You’ll find none better to manage your financial interests in all of Texas Miss.”
“Indeed,” she drawled as she studied Jasper like a fly in a web. She smirked. “I’m sure you’re quite right Lieutenant. And I must say, if I thought Mr. Whitlock Sr. was handsome, well, the son is even more so.”
Jasper’s eyes hardened even as he kept up his polite smile. “Both of us are happily wed Miss Pierce, but thank you for the gracious compliment.”
“Oh, drat,” she pouted before flashing them both a bright smile. “Just my luck.”
Jasper watched his father chuckle uncomfortably as the server came and took the lady’s order and left.
“You look quite young Lieutenant,” she carried on. “Is it safe to assume you’re newly married?”
“I am,” he answered with a nod, his tone rather cold.
His father, rather puzzled by this, intervened. “My daughter in law is a treasure. As a matter of fact, she and her father hail from Virginia. Perhaps you know them,” he suggested as he took a sip of his drink.
“Really? What is their family name?”
“Salvatore, Damon and his daughter Isabella.”
Her smile was careful but Jasper could almost swear he felt a jolt of excitement from her. It concerned him immediately for reasons he couldn’t explain.
“Why yes, I do believe I may know Mr. Salvatore although I had no idea he had a daughter. How curious,” she murmured into her wine glass. After taking a sip, she waved a hand dismissively. “No matter, but I must say it would be lovely to see him again.”
“My wife is arranging a dinner…” he began when Jasper cut him off.
“Yes, but perhaps another time would better suit introductions?” He met his father’s gaze steadily and his father seemed to catch on.
He cleared his throat. “Forgive me Miss Pierce, my son is correct. The upcoming dinner is meant to be a family affair since my son just recently came home from deployment.”
“Quite understandable,” she gushed. “I’ll look forward to an invitation in the future Mr. Whitlock.”
Their server arrived with their food and they began to eat amid light conversation between Katherine and the elder Whitlock. Jasper remained uncharacteristically silent as he observed the woman carefully. There was just something about her that had all his internal warning bells ringing. In short, she repulsed him completely despite her apparent beauty and façade of charm.
When the meal concluded, he didn’t linger. “It was lovely to meet you Miss Pierce,” he said as he placed his napkin on the table and stood. “Father, I must be going. I’ll be sure to convey your greetings to Isabella and we await your dinner invitation,” he recited as he slipped his gloves on and picked up his hat.
“Oh,” she pouted. “Must you go so soon?”
He smiled tightly as he faced her. “Unfortunately, yes,” he said cooly. “I have duties to attend to before the day is through.” He turned and inclined his head to his father. “Good day to you, Father.”
As he exited onto the boardwalk, he nearly collided with his father-in-law who looked deep in thought. “Jasper,” Damon greeted with a nod.
“Damon,” Jasper returned, brows drawn together in concern. “Everything all right? You seem upset. Is it Isabella?”
Damon waved off the concern. “Bella’s fine. I’m just a bit preoccupied, that’s all.”
“All right then. I need to get back to the Ranger’s office. I’ll see you soon.”
He walked off and Damon watched him go for a moment before entering the hotel. He figured he’d find the one he was looking for inside and his hunch paid off. What he didn’t expect was to see her with Jasper’s father. She certainly didn’t waste time in targeting the big fish in town, he’d give her that.
He approached the table while pasting on a polite smile. “Thomas, good to see you again,” he said when the man noticed him.
“Damon Salvatore! Welcome back,” he said with a smile as he stood and shook hands.
“Thank you Thomas. It’s good to be back,” he said as he glanced at Katherine who was toying with her wine glass as a tiny smile played on her lips.
Thomas gestured toward her. “I understand you two may know each other?”
She met Damon’s gaze then and he nodded. “We do,” he stated as he took her offered hand. “Miss Pierce,” he greeted simply.
“Mr. Salvatore,” she returned with a nod.
“Well,” Thomas interjected, “As much as I hate to, I need to get back to my office for some meetings so I’ll leave you to it.”
“Lunch was lovely, Mr. Whitlock,” Katherine said as he kissed her knuckles. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Miss. I’ll be sure to speak to my wife about a dinner party.”
“Lovely,” she said with a nod. “I look forward to it.
With that, he turned and left the dining room and Damon took the seat across from Katherine, a smirk on his lips as he stared at her. “Well, well, Damon. This is Damon Salvatore I’m looking at and speaking to, correct?” she asked.
“In the flesh,” he responded with a flourish of a hand.
“Interesting…” she drawled with a coy smile partially hidden by her wine glass. “Because I distinctly recall leaving a very human, not to mention very smitten Damon Salvatore back in Mystic Falls…”
He smirked and signaled the server who hurried over. After ordering an aged bourbon, he leaned back and met her eyes with a calculating look of his own. “Undeniably true dear Katherine, but here before you is a much more experienced version of that whelp.”
The server returned with his drink and he picked it up, bringing the fine, crystal glass up in front of himself to study it before meeting her gaze once again. “You could say I’m much like the liquor in this glass; aged and mellowed in some ways but strengthened in others—overall more pleasing to the pallet but all the more dangerous because of it.”
She set her wine glass down and laughed. “Oh, but I believe I will enjoy this version very much.” Her eyes sparkled as she studied him. “Yes, I think I’d like to taste and savor you… There’s an edge to you that was never there before…a delicious darkness…you were always the rebel, but now? It’s just so much more…”
He merely studied her as he sipped his drink. He was done giving her information. If she thought to toy with him now, she was in for one hell of a rude awakening. She was going to have to work for it this time around…
Yes, he was ready for Miss Pierce, he thought as a dangerous smirk quirked his lips.
Question was, was she ready for him?
Damon Salvatore sat casually at his usual table in the restaurant of the poshest hotel in the city, silently perusing the people around him. Taking a slow sip of strong coffee, his eyes skated over the many familiar faces until they locked on the straight back of the newest arrival. Cursing lowly, his eyes hardened to something resembling arctic ice as he watched her smile demurely at the men who surrounded her.
There was no question in his mind as to her identity; he would know that poisonous bitch anywhere, even without seeing her face: Katherine had finally come to town.
He had wondered how long it would take her to track Emily, and by extension, him. Now he knew. The question now was, what to do about her?
Tossing some notes on the table, he rose discreetly and made a hasty, though casual exit, intent on getting to his daughter’s home soonest. Speaking with Emily was now a top priority even though they had discussed this eventuality beforehand. It was always best to be prepared where Katherine was concerned. He’d learned that the hard way, after all.
Rapping on the door with the backs of his knuckles, he stood back and waited while glancing at his surroundings. He wouldn’t put it past her to be following him right now and felt he couldn’t be too careful. His daughter was particularly vulnerable as was her husband. Basically, the whole damn situation was untenable.
The door swung open and Charles greeted him. “Mr Salvatore,” he said stepping back. “Won’t you come in, sir?”
“Thank you Charles,” he responded as he stepped into the foyer while removing his hat.
“Mrs. Whitlock is in the parlor, sir. I’ll announce you presently if you’d like to wait here,” he said while hanging Damon’s hat on the rack in the corner.
“Actually Charles, I need to speak to Emily, if you please. It’s a matter of great import.”
Charles turned back to him and inclined his head. “Very well, sir. If you’ll make your way to the library, I’ll announce you.”
Damon nodded and headed off to the library where he entered and poured himself a drink before taking a seat to wait. Minutes later, Emily joined him and closed the door before taking the seat next to him. She looked at him knowingly and got right to the point. “What’s happened?”
He shot her a bitter smirk over the rim of his glass. “Katherine is here,” he said simply, taking a sip as he watched her frown and sit back in her chair.
After a moment, she nodded. “We knew this would happen.”
“We did,” he agreed with a nod while setting his drink on the side-table.
“I have spelled some jewelry for Isabella and uniform cufflinks for her husband. She won’t be able to touch either of them unless it’s voluntary on their part. She won’t be able to compel them either.”
“Good,” he murmured as he rose from the chair and walked to the window. “That’s good; one less thing to worry about.”
She turned in her seat to look at him. “Well, your human self knows I set up protection for the vampires trapped in the church, so what is your plan now?”
He laughed humorlessly while staring out at the sparse traffic on the road outside. “Plan…” he muttered with a sigh. “I’m gonna take the bitch on. I think it’s safe to do so. By the date, I know that my human self has already had a hefty dose of her blood and will be shot, along with my brother, within a day or two so that’s still on track.” He turned and met the witch’s gaze. “Which leaves my options open where she’s concerned,” he finished with a wicked smirk.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Be very careful with what you change…”
He walked back to his chair and sat, taking up his drink as he spoke. “She’s supposed to be locked up for the next few decades. She won’t be missed—unless you count my newly turned, pathetic self that is,” he said dryly as he saluted with his glass and knocked back the contents.
“You’re sure your change will still happen? It’s vital. I’d hate to watch you and Isabella fade out of existence…” She let that thought hang as she watched him frown.
“I’m as sure as I can be,” he said while staring straight ahead. He turned his head and looked at her. “I guess we’ll know for certain within the next couple of days, won’t we?”
“That we will,” she agreed solemnly just as they heard a knock at the door.
“Come,” Damon called out and the door opened to reveal Charles with a refreshment tray.
“I thought Miss Emily might like some tea,” he stated while stepping into the room.
She smiled warmly. “Oh, yes, thank you,” she answered while patting the tea table beside her chair.
He set the tray down and turned toward them. “Will there be anything else?”
Emily glanced at Damon who shook his head. “No, thank you Charles,” she answered.
He smiled warmly at her before quietly leaving and Damon arched a brow which she steadfastly ignored in favor of pouring her tea.
He got up to refresh his drink and when he retook his seat she smirked at him. “No need to go eyeing me like that. He’s a good lookin’, educated man.”
He held up a hand. “Far be it from me to stand in the way of love my dear witchy-poo. That’s what this whole trip was about after all. Might as well get more than one happy couple out of it,” he muttered as he took a sip from his glass.
She smirked behind her tea cup. “You just remember, no matter what your circumstances, you have a duty to father a child in the future. Best make sure any woman you’re with understands that,” she said cryptically.
He frowned at her and she chuckled with that irritating, knowing gleam in her eyes.
He shook his head. “I’m not gonna ask. You won’t tell me anyway. But on that note…” he rose from the chair, drink in hand and gave a shallow bow. “…I’ll take my leave and go see my aforementioned child. I’ll keep you apprised on the Katherine situation as it develops.”
~o0o~
At the sound of a knock at the closed double doors, Bella marked her place and set her book aside. “Come in,” she called out and smiled at the sight of her father as he entered a moment later. She started to struggle from the chair and he held up a hand to stop her as he strode forward.
“No, don’t get up,” he said as he reached her and leaned down to kiss her cheek as she resettled herself in the chair. He took the seat adjacent to her and set his drink on the table as he focused on her. “You’re looking well,” he remarked. “Or at least much better that you did two days ago,” he amended.
She nodded with a smile. “I feel much better.” She met his gaze. “I know I have you to thank for that.”
He scoffed with a smile. “It’s in my job description. No need to thank me.”
“Well, just know that I appreciate it more than you know.”
He inclined his head. “You’re welcome,” he murmured quietly.
“Now,” she chirped with a smile, trying to lift the serious mood that had settled between them. “Tell me what you’ve been up to the past three months.”
He smirked and took up his drink. “Let’s just say no one will ever have to worry about a certain coven of cold ones ever again.”
She stared at him, wide-eyed and in momentary shock. “Truly?” she breathed. “What happened?”
He swirled the liquor in his glass and shrugged a shoulder. “I took care of the problem. They’re ash…all of them.”
She nearly choked. “By yourself?! How could you take such a risk?!” She nearly shouted as she scowled.
He rolled his eyes. “You see me sitting here don’t you? I’m fine.” He grinned. “They however…”
“Yes, I see you’re fine,” she grumbled. “Still, it was a huge risk…”
“It really wasn’t,” he assured over the rim of his glass before taking a drink. “I simply watched them as they did their thing—you know, murder, mayhem, newborns tearing each other apart—most of her coven took care of destroying itself. I simply stepped in when they were through and took care of the rest,” he finished with a close-lipped smile.
“Oh yes, simple, just like that,” she groused while scowling at him.
He sighed. “You know, I thought you’d be grateful—maybe even happy about this.”
Her expression softened. “I am,” she hedged while looking down into her lap. “I just don’t want to lose you either…” She looked back up at him. “Call me selfish, but now that we finally have a relationship, I want to keep it that way.”
He reached over and took her hand. “I’m not going anywhere. I haven’t survived this long by being stupid. I don’t plan to start now. I knew what I was doing and I was very careful.”
She nodded and he squeezed her hand before he let it go and sat back.
Taking a big breath, she sat up and squared her shoulders. “Sorry for being such an emotional ninny. I blame hormones and god help me, but I’ll be so glad when that part’s over.” She scowled. “It’s pissing me off, to be honest.”
He chuckled into his glass. “You’re female; is that part ever really over?”
She narrowed her eyes at him as he smirked. “You are so fortunate I’m less than mobile right now. Maybe I could have Emily hex you or something…”
He grinned. “She’d have to catch me first.”
Bella rolled her eyes and he tsk’ed. “None of that now. Can’t have you reverting back to your old habits.”
She groaned. “Speaking of…” she said with a sigh. “I’d fucking kill for a cheeseburger and a pair of jeans.”
“Language daughter, and I hate to break it to you, but the jeans would be wasted since you couldn’t get into them right now anyway.” He looked at her and smirked. “The cheeseburger wouldn’t help with that part either.”
She glared. “You’re trying to make me cry aren’t you?”
His brows shot up. “What? No,” he defended himself. “Just injecting a bit of reality, that’s all. You know—being helpful.”
“Yes, very helpful pointing out the obvious,” she grouched. “I was merely dreaming out loud and you had to go and ruin it.” She leaned toward him looking fierce. “You’re supposed to patiently listen and keep any and all advice to yourself,” she hissed.
“When are you due again? Perhaps I can find another out-of-town task…”
His eyes widened and brows shot up when she suddenly sagged back into her chair with both hands covering her face as she began to cry. “You’re right…I’m horrid and fat and ug—uglyyyy!” she sobbed into her hands while Damon’s mind scrambled, wishing fervently for the presence of his son-in-law.
Instead, he got up and scooped her from her chair, holding her tightly to his chest. “Hey now, you’re not horrid or fat or ugly. You’re having a baby.” He sat down with her in his lap as she curled into him as best she could.
“I’m sorry,” she sniffled after a few moments when her crying had tapered off. “I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”
He hesitated. “Is…this a rhetorical question?” he cautiously asked and she laughed as she slapped his shoulder.
“I’ll let you off the hook, Pops. You don’t have to answer. Besides, I feel much better now.”
“Good,” he muttered as he kissed her forehead. “Now, how about some blood. I think you need it.”
~o0o~
Jasper removed his hat as he strode into the hotel dining room. He was here to meet his father for lunch after a full morning of drills and familiarizing himself with his new duties within the operations of the Rangers. It had already been a very full day to say the least, and he was ready for a break. He only hoped his father had good news for him where his mother was concerned. His family had always been close and this rift bothered him more than he cared to admit.
“Lt. Whitlock,” the hostess at the door greeted him with a bright smile and a blush on her cheeks. “It’s good to see you again sir. I’ll show you to your table.”
“Thank you,” he said as he removed his gloves and followed.
“Ah, Jasper,” his father cheerfully greeted when he got to the table. He gestured at the chair across the table. “Thank you for meeting me, son.”
“Father,” he nodded as he took the seat. “What news?” he asked as he met his gaze, getting right to the point.
His father sighed and sat back. “She’s been a mess to be honest son. She’s ashamed of herself and is terrified that you won’t find it in your heart to forgive her.”
Jasper remained stoic. “I’m not really the one she should seek forgiveness from.”
His father nodded. “She realizes that and is already planning a family dinner where she intends to speak to Isabella privately beforehand.”
“Good,” Jasper said as he picked up his menu. “I’ll be watching for the invitation.”
The server came and took their order and had just served their drinks when a feminine voice intruded just as Jasper was about to speak.
“Mr. Whitlock! What a pleasant surprise seeing you here.”
Both Jasper and his father rose from their seats at the presence of a lady and she held out a hand to the senior Whitlock which he took and lightly kissed. “Miss Pierce, wasn’t it? A pleasure to see you as well. May I introduce my son, Lt. Jasper Whitlock, Jasper this is Miss Katherine Pierce, just arrived from Virginia.”
Jasper inclined his head but made no other overtures. Neither did she offer her hand to him. His father gestured to an open seat. “Would you care to join us Miss Pierce? We were just sitting down to lunch.”
Her eyes glittered with a calculating light that immediately put Jasper on edge as she stared at him for a beat before answering. “Why, I think I would like that very much Mr. Whitlock, thank you.”
He helped her into her seat and both men retook theirs. Jasper’s father took up the conversation. “Miss Pierce was looking to make some investments with our firm son.”
Jasper smiled politely. “You’ll find none better to manage your financial interests in all of Texas Miss.”
“Indeed,” she drawled as she studied Jasper like a fly in a web. She smirked. “I’m sure you’re quite right Lieutenant. And I must say, if I thought Mr. Whitlock Sr. was handsome, well, the son is even more so.”
Jasper’s eyes hardened even as he kept up his polite smile. “Both of us are happily wed Miss Pierce, but thank you for the gracious compliment.”
“Oh, drat,” she pouted before flashing them both a bright smile. “Just my luck.”
Jasper watched his father chuckle uncomfortably as the server came and took the lady’s order and left.
“You look quite young Lieutenant,” she carried on. “Is it safe to assume you’re newly married?”
“I am,” he answered with a nod, his tone rather cold.
His father, rather puzzled by this, intervened. “My daughter in law is a treasure. As a matter of fact, she and her father hail from Virginia. Perhaps you know them,” he suggested as he took a sip of his drink.
“Really? What is their family name?”
“Salvatore, Damon and his daughter Isabella.”
Her smile was careful but Jasper could almost swear he felt a jolt of excitement from her. It concerned him immediately for reasons he couldn’t explain.
“Why yes, I do believe I may know Mr. Salvatore although I had no idea he had a daughter. How curious,” she murmured into her wine glass. After taking a sip, she waved a hand dismissively. “No matter, but I must say it would be lovely to see him again.”
“My wife is arranging a dinner…” he began when Jasper cut him off.
“Yes, but perhaps another time would better suit introductions?” He met his father’s gaze steadily and his father seemed to catch on.
He cleared his throat. “Forgive me Miss Pierce, my son is correct. The upcoming dinner is meant to be a family affair since my son just recently came home from deployment.”
“Quite understandable,” she gushed. “I’ll look forward to an invitation in the future Mr. Whitlock.”
Their server arrived with their food and they began to eat amid light conversation between Katherine and the elder Whitlock. Jasper remained uncharacteristically silent as he observed the woman carefully. There was just something about her that had all his internal warning bells ringing. In short, she repulsed him completely despite her apparent beauty and façade of charm.
When the meal concluded, he didn’t linger. “It was lovely to meet you Miss Pierce,” he said as he placed his napkin on the table and stood. “Father, I must be going. I’ll be sure to convey your greetings to Isabella and we await your dinner invitation,” he recited as he slipped his gloves on and picked up his hat.
“Oh,” she pouted. “Must you go so soon?”
He smiled tightly as he faced her. “Unfortunately, yes,” he said cooly. “I have duties to attend to before the day is through.” He turned and inclined his head to his father. “Good day to you, Father.”
As he exited onto the boardwalk, he nearly collided with his father-in-law who looked deep in thought. “Jasper,” Damon greeted with a nod.
“Damon,” Jasper returned, brows drawn together in concern. “Everything all right? You seem upset. Is it Isabella?”
Damon waved off the concern. “Bella’s fine. I’m just a bit preoccupied, that’s all.”
“All right then. I need to get back to the Ranger’s office. I’ll see you soon.”
He walked off and Damon watched him go for a moment before entering the hotel. He figured he’d find the one he was looking for inside and his hunch paid off. What he didn’t expect was to see her with Jasper’s father. She certainly didn’t waste time in targeting the big fish in town, he’d give her that.
He approached the table while pasting on a polite smile. “Thomas, good to see you again,” he said when the man noticed him.
“Damon Salvatore! Welcome back,” he said with a smile as he stood and shook hands.
“Thank you Thomas. It’s good to be back,” he said as he glanced at Katherine who was toying with her wine glass as a tiny smile played on her lips.
Thomas gestured toward her. “I understand you two may know each other?”
She met Damon’s gaze then and he nodded. “We do,” he stated as he took her offered hand. “Miss Pierce,” he greeted simply.
“Mr. Salvatore,” she returned with a nod.
“Well,” Thomas interjected, “As much as I hate to, I need to get back to my office for some meetings so I’ll leave you to it.”
“Lunch was lovely, Mr. Whitlock,” Katherine said as he kissed her knuckles. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Miss. I’ll be sure to speak to my wife about a dinner party.”
“Lovely,” she said with a nod. “I look forward to it.
With that, he turned and left the dining room and Damon took the seat across from Katherine, a smirk on his lips as he stared at her. “Well, well, Damon. This is Damon Salvatore I’m looking at and speaking to, correct?” she asked.
“In the flesh,” he responded with a flourish of a hand.
“Interesting…” she drawled with a coy smile partially hidden by her wine glass. “Because I distinctly recall leaving a very human, not to mention very smitten Damon Salvatore back in Mystic Falls…”
He smirked and signaled the server who hurried over. After ordering an aged bourbon, he leaned back and met her eyes with a calculating look of his own. “Undeniably true dear Katherine, but here before you is a much more experienced version of that whelp.”
The server returned with his drink and he picked it up, bringing the fine, crystal glass up in front of himself to study it before meeting her gaze once again. “You could say I’m much like the liquor in this glass; aged and mellowed in some ways but strengthened in others—overall more pleasing to the pallet but all the more dangerous because of it.”
She set her wine glass down and laughed. “Oh, but I believe I will enjoy this version very much.” Her eyes sparkled as she studied him. “Yes, I think I’d like to taste and savor you… There’s an edge to you that was never there before…a delicious darkness…you were always the rebel, but now? It’s just so much more…”
He merely studied her as he sipped his drink. He was done giving her information. If she thought to toy with him now, she was in for one hell of a rude awakening. She was going to have to work for it this time around…
Yes, he was ready for Miss Pierce, he thought as a dangerous smirk quirked his lips.
Question was, was she ready for him?
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.