The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Seven

To cooperate at what? Meredith communicateed.Ill explain most that later. merely despatchset printing I want to recognize whats been freeing on in towns multitude since I-left.Well, hysteria mostly, Meredith verbalize, raising an eyebrow. Your Aunt Judiths been pretty badly off. She h all tolducinated that she saw you-only it wasnt a hallucination, was it? And she and Robert protrude to sort of broken up.I bash, Elena utter grimly. Go on.Everybody at school is upset. I cherished to talk to Stefan, especially when I began to shady you werent really dead, provided he hasnt been at school. Matt has been, tho t heres any(prenominal)thing vituperate with him. He impressions handle a zombie, and he wont talk to whatso ever so maven. I wanted to explain to him that there was a rule you might non be gone forever I horizon that would cheer him up. But he wouldnt list. He was acting totally set out come out of character, and at one topographic point I design he wa s firing to hit me. He wouldnt listen to a word.Oh, God-Matt. Something terrible was stirring at the bottom of Elenas thinker, some storage too disturbing to be let loose. She couldnt cope with anything more s run throughful now, she couldnt, she thought, and slam dunked the memory keister down.Meredith was overtaking on. Its clear, though, that some other people are suspicious roughly your death. Thats wherefore I say what I did in the memorial service I was afraid if I utter the real day and place that Alaric Saltzman would end up ambushing you a way of life the house. Hes been inquire all sorts of questions, and its a good thing fairish didnt know anything she could blab.That isnt fair, clean protested. Alarics scantily interested, thats all, and he wants to help us through the trauma, manage before. Hes an Aquarius-Hes a spy, said Elena, and maybe more than that. But well talk intimately that later. What blind drunk Tyler Smallwood? I didnt insure him at the service.Meredith looked nonplussed. You mean you dont know?I dont know anything Ive been asleep for four days in an attic.Well Meredith paused uneasily. Tyler just got back from the hospital. Same with Dick Carter and those four tough guys they had along with them on Founders Day. They were attacked in the Quonset hut that evening and they lost a lot of blood.Oh. The mystery of why Stefans Powers had been so much stronger that shadow was explained. And why theyd been getting weaker ever since. He probably hadnt eaten since then. Meredith, is Stefan a suspect?Well, Tylers father tried to make him one, besides the police couldnt make the beats work out. They know approximately when Tyler was attacked because he was hypothetic to meet Mr. Smallwood, and he didnt show up. And beautiful and I locoweed alibi Stefan for that time because wed just left him by the river with your body. So he couldnt commence gotten back to the Quonset hut to attack Tyler-at least no chemical formula gentlemans gentleman could. And so far the police arent thinking about anything supernatural.supposed to meet Mr. Smallwood, and he didnt show up. And average and I merchant ship alibi Stefan for that time because wed just left him by the river with your body. So he couldnt apply gotten back to the Quonset hut to attack Tyler-at least no normal human could. And so far the police arent thinking about anything supernatural.Tyler and those guys coffin nailt identify the assailant because they cant opine a thing about that afternoon, Meredith added. Neither can Carolean.Caroline was in there?Yes, scarce she wasnt bitten. Just in shock. In nastiness of everything shes done, I almost know sorry for her. Meredith shrugged and added, She looks pretty pathetic these days.And I dont think anyone will ever suspect Stefan after what happened with those dogs at church building today, sightly beat in. My dad says that a big dog could have broken the window in the Quonset hut, and t he wounds in Tylers throat looked sort of like animal wounds. I think a lot of people trust it was a dog or a pack of dogs that did it.Its a at ease ex inventation, Meredith said dryly. It means they dont have to think any more about it.But thats ridiculous, said Elena. Normal dogs dont behave that way. Arent people wondering about why their dogs would suddenly go mad and turn on them? wads of people are just getting rid of them. Oh, and I ascertain someone talk about mandatory rabies testing, Meredith said. But its not just rabies, is it, Elena?No, I dont think so. And neither do Stefan or Damon. And thats what I came over to talk to you about. Elena explained, as clearly as she could, what she had been thinking about the Other Power in Fells Church. She told about the force that had chased her off the bridge and about the feeling shed had with the dogs and about everything she and Stefan and Damon had discussed. She finished with, And Bonnie said it herself in church today Some thing evil. I think thats whats here in Fells Church, something nobody knows about, something completely evil. I dont suppose you know what you meant by that, Bonnie.But Bonnies mind was running on another track. So Damon didnt necessarily do all those awful things you said he did, she said shrewdly. Like killing Yangtze and hurting Vickie and murdering Mr. Tanner, and all. I told you nobody that gorgeous could be a psychotic killer.I think, said Meredith with a stare at Elena, that you had better blockade about Damon as a love interest.Yes, said Elena emphatically. He did kill Mr. Tanner, Bonnie. And it stands to curtilage he did the other attacks, too Ill ask him about that. And Im having lavish trouble dealing with him myself. You dont want to mess with him, Bonnie, believe me.Im supposed to conduce Damon alone Im supposed to leave Alaric alone Are there any guys Im not supposed to leave alone? And meanwhile Elena gets them all. Its not fair.I dont know. Something tremendo usly strong- that it could be shielding itself so that we cant sense it. It could look like an ordinary person. And thats why I came for your help, because it could be anybody in Fells Church. Its like what Bonnie said during the service today Nobody is what they look. Bonnie looked forlorn. I dont remember saying that.You said it, all right. Nobody is what they seem, Elena quoted again weightily. Nobody. She glanced at Meredith, but the dark eyes under the elegantly arched eyebrows were calm and distant.Well, that would seem to make everybody a suspect, Meredith said in her most unruffled voice. regenerate?Right, said Elena. But wed better get a note drift and pencil and make a list of the most important ones. Damon and Stefan have already agreed to help investigate, and if youll help, too, well stand an even better chance of finding it. She was hitting her stride with this shed always been good at organizing things, from schemes to get boys to fundraising events. This was just a more serious version of the old plan A and plan B.Meredith gave the pencil and paper to Bonnie, who looked at it. and then at Meredith, and then at Elena. Fine, she said, but who goes on the list?Well, anyone we have reason to suspect of being the Other Power. Anyone who might have done the things we know it did seal Stefan in the well, chase me, set those dogs on people. Anyone weve noticed behaving oddly.Matt, said Bonnie, writing busily. And Vickie. And Robert.Bonnie exclaimed Elena and Meredith simultaneously.Bonnie looked up. Well, Matt has been acting oddly, and so has Vickie, for months now. And Robert was abatement around outside the church before the service, but he neer came in-Oh, Bonnie, honestly, Meredith said. Vickies a victim, not a suspect. And if Matts an evil Power, Im the hunchback of Notre Dame. And as for Robert-Fine, Ive track it all out, said Bonnie coldly. immediately lets hear your ideas.No, wait, Elena said. Bonnie, wait a present moment. She was th inking about something, something that had been nagging at her for quite a while, ever since- Ever since the church, she said aloud, remembering it. Do you know, I saw Robert outside the church, too, when I was hidden in the choir loft. It was just before the dogs attacked, and he was sort of backing away like he knew what was personnel casualty to happen.Oh, but Elena-Soberly, after a moments hesitation, Bonnie did. Who else? she said.Well, Alaric, Im afraid, Elena said. Im sorry, Bonnie, but hes practically number one. She told what she had overheard that dawn between Alaric and the principal. He isnt a normal history teacher they called him here for some reason. He knows Im a vampire, and hes looking for me. And today, while the dogs were attacking, he was stand up there on the sidelines making some kind of weird gestures. Hes emphatically not what he seems, and the only question is what is he? Are you listening, Meredith?Yes. You know, I think you should put Mrs. Flowers on that list. Remember the way she stood at the window of the boarding-house when we were bringing Stefan back from the well? But she wouldnt come downstairs to undetermined the door for us? Thats odd behavior.Elena nodded. Yes, and how she kept hanging up on me when I called him. And she certainly keeps to herself in that old house. She may just be a dotty old lady, but put her down anyway, Bonnie. She ran a hand through her hair, lifting it off the back of her neck. She was hot. Or-not hot exactly, but ill-fitting in some way that was similar to being overheated. She felt parched.all(a) right, well go by the boardinghouse tomorrow before school, Meredith said. Meanwhile, what else can we be doing? Lets have a look at that list, Bonnie.Bonnie held the list out so they could see it, and Elena and Meredith leaned forward and readMatt HoneycuttVickie BennettRobert Maxwell-What was he doing at the church when the dogs attacked? And what was going on that night with Elenas aunt?Alaric Sa ltzman-Why does he ask so many questions? What was he called to Fells Church to do?Mrs. Flowers-Why does she act so strange?Why didnt she let us in the night Stefan was wounded?Good, Elena said. I guess we could also find out whose dogs were at the church today. And you can watch Alaric at school tomorrow.Ill watch Alaric, Bonnie said firmly. And Ill get him cleared of suspicion you see if I dont.Fine, you do that. You can be assigned to him. And Meredith can investigate Mrs. Flowers, and I can canvas Robert. And as for Stefan and Damon-well, they can be assigned to everyone, because they can use their Powers to investigation peoples minds. Besides, that list is by no means complete. Im going to ask them to guidebook around town searching for any signs of Power, or anything else weird going on. Theyre more likely than I am to recognize it.Fine, you do that. You can be assigned to him. And Meredith can investigate Mrs. Flowers, and I can do Robert. And as for Stefan and Damon-well , they can be assigned to everyone, because they can use their Powers to prove peoples minds. Besides, that list is by no means complete. Im going to ask them to usher around town searching for any signs of Power, or anything else weird going on. Theyre more likely than I am to recognize it.Elena. ElenaStartled, Elena looked up, to see Merediths cautious dark eyes and Bonnies alarmed expression. It was only then that she realized she was crouched close to Bonnies wrist, rubbing the biggest vein with her finger.Sorry, she murmured, sitting back. But she could feel the extra aloofness and sharpness of her canine teeth. It was something like wearing braces she could clearly feel the difference in weight. She realized her reassuring smile at Bonnie was not having the desired effect. Bonnie was looking s shell outd, which was silly. Bonnie ought to know that Elena would never hurt her. And Elena wasnt very hungry tonight Elena had always been a short eater. She could get all she nee ded from this tiny vein here in the wristElena jumped to her feet and spun toward the window, leaning against the casing, feeling the cool night air blowing on her skin. She felt dizzy, and she couldnt seem to get her breath.What had she been doing? She turned around to see Bonnie huddled close to Meredith, both of them looking sick with fear. She hated having them look at her that way.Im sorry, she said. I didnt mean to, Bonnie. Look, Im not coming any closer. I should have eaten before I came here. Damon said Id get hungry later.Bonnie swallowed, looking even sicker. Eaten?Yes, of course, Elena said tartly. Her veins were burning that was what this feeling was. Stefan had described it before, but shed never really understood shed never realized what he was going through when the need for blood was on him. It was terrible, irresistible. What do you think I eat these days, air? she added defiantly. Im a hunter now, and Id better go out hunting.Bonnie and Meredith were trying to cope she could tell they were, but she could also see the revulsion in their eyes. She concentrated on using her new senses, in opening herself to the night and searching for Stefans or Damons presence. It was difficult, because neither of them was projecting with his mind as he had been the night theyd been fighting in the woods, but she thought she could sense a glimmerof Power out there in the town.When the bulb was finally screwed back in, it revealed Damon sitting casually but precariously on the sill of the open window, one knee up. He was smiling one of his wildest smiles.Do you mind? he said. This is uncomfortable.Elena glanced back at Bonnie and Meredith, who were fix against the closet, looking horrified and hypnotized at once. She herself shook her head, exasperated.And I thought I liked to make a dramatic entrance, she said. Very funny, Damon. Now lets go.With two such beautiful friends of yours right here? Damon smiled again at Bonnie and Meredith. Besides, I only just got here. Wont somebody be complaisant and ask me in?Bonnies brown eyes, fixed helplessly on his face, muffled a bit. Her lips, which had been parted in horror, parted further. Elena recognized the signs of imminent meltdown.No, they wont, she said. She put herself directly between Damon and the other girls. Nobody here is for you, Damon-not now, not ever. see the flare of challenge in his eyes, she added archly, And anyway, Im leaving. I dont know about you, but Im going hunting. She was reassured to sense Stefans presence nearby, on the roof probably, and to hear his instant amendment Were going hunting, Damon. You can sit there all night if you want.Damon gave in with good grace, shooting one last amused glance toward Bonnie before disappearing from the window. Bonnie and Meredith both started forward in alarm as he did, obviously concerned that he had just fallen to his death.Hes fine, said Elena, shaking her head again. And dont worry, I wont let himcome back. Ill meet you at t he same time tomorrow. Good-bye. But-Elena- Meredith stopped. I mean, I was going to ask you if you wanted to change your clothes.Elena regarded herself. The nineteenth-century heirloom dress was tattered and bedraggled, the thin unobjectionable muslin shredded in some places. But there was no time to change it she had to feed now.Itll have to wait, she said. See you tomorrow. And she boosted herself out ofthe window the way Damon had. The last she saw of them, Meredith and Bonnie were staring after her dazedly.Your cloak, she said, pleased. For a moment they smiled at each other, remembering the first time he had prone her the cloak, after hed saved her from Tyler in the graveyard and taken her back to his means to clean up. Hed been afraid to touch her then. But, Elena thought, smiling up into his eyes, she had taken care of that fear rather quickly.I thought we were hunting, Damon said.Elena turned the smile on him, without unlinking her hand from Stefans. We are, she said. Wh ere should we go?Any house on this street, Damon suggested.The woods, Stefan said.The woods, Elena decided. We dont touch humans, and we dont kill. Isnt that how it goes, Stefan?He returned the pressure of her fingers. Thats how it goes, he said quietly. Damons lip curled fastidiously. And just what are we looking for in the woods, or dont I want to know? muskrat fur? Skunk? Termites? His eyes moved to Elena and his voice dropped. Come with me, and Ill show you some real hunting.We can go through the graveyard, Elena said, ignoring him.White-tailed deer feed all night in the open areas, Stefan told her, but well have to be on the alert stalking them they can hear almost as well as we can.Another time, then, Damons voice said in Elenas mind.