Madeline Sage Saltzman, a vampire hunter and adoptive daughter of Alaric Saltzman, did not know what was in store for her when she entered Mystic Falls. Each passing day meant more potential dangers emerging. How will she handle it when she falls in...
"Number four, Alaric Saltzman. That certainly is a mouthful." Mrs. Lockwood announced into the microphone, allowing everyone in the compartment to hear clearly. "That's quite a mouthful. What do you do, Alaric? What are some things we should know about you?"
"I am a teacher at Mystic Falls High and a father of a teenage girl," Alaric spoke into the mic, keeping his stare on Jenna most of the time while she reciprocated the action.
"Oh, beauty, brains, and one of the best fathers in our town, ladies." the mayor's wife expressed, making Madeline grin in agreement and send her father a thumbs up. "This one's a keeper. What do you teach?"
"History," he answered, readjusting his sleeve as he looked at Damon, struggling to think after seeing the bizarre expression on the vampire's face.
"Give us a fun fact about Mystic Falls. Something crazy." Mrs. Lockwood continued, holding the mic close to the history teacher. Alaric had a fun fact on the tip of his tongue. Just as he was about to announce it to the crowd, he spotted Damon, the memory of his wife returning. Whatever he planned to say disappeared. Due to his speechlessness, the mayor made an excuse and moved on to the last bachelor, Damon Salvatore. She was fond of him. Of course, that was only because she had no idea who he really was.
"Now, Damon Salvatore." the woman declared. "We don't have much on you."
"Well, I am tough to fit on a card." Damon retorted, making Madeline scoff as she shared a look with her father, knowing they were reckoning the same thing.
"Like to travel?" Mrs. Lockwood questioned, trying to get the crowd to learn more about the mysterious man.
"Definitely. L.A., New York. A couple of years ago, I was in North Carolina, near the Duke campus, actually. I think ─︎ I think Alaric went to school there. Yeah, because I know your wife did. I had a drink with her once." Mouth slightly opening in alarm and brows wrinkling together in fuming resentment, Madeline's eyes brimmed with salty tears as Elena's interest amplified tremendously.
Madeline couldn't believe it. How could he stand up there and taunt them after what he did?
"She was ─︎ she was a brilliant girl. I ever tell you that?" Damon said to Alaric as Stefan entered the public area and realized he was too late. Damon had fallen victim to his big, fat mouth yet again. Madeline turned to face him, and he felt his heart twinge in guilt when he saw the grief and fury demonstrated in her facial features. "Cause she was absolutely delicious. Mmm!"