The Good Daughter

Forty eight

I sat high up in the cool metal bleachers, a book perched on my lap.

Tyler was shirtless on the field.

A view I very much appreciated.

They were running drills for the upcoming football game. Half the team against the other, or however it works.

Nik stood at the bottom of the bleachers, his arms crossed, clearly bored. I could actually read in peace.

The squad made their appearance.

Or the ladies on the squad.

Caroline moved toward Nik himself, while Elena and Bonnie made their way upward. Whatever this was, I wouldn't be finishing this chapter.

Unfortunate because my slow burn lovers were finally touching hands.

Damn Elena.

"Doppelgänger, to what do I owe this displeasure?"

"We needed to talk to you."

"And you thought that the witch would persuade me to listen, how adorable." I glanced at Caroline, who was making a fool of herself in front of a rather disinterested Nik.

"Rumor has it, your family is throwing a party."

"They are." No matter how I might try to convince them to stop it.

"They're planning on staying?"

I let out a sigh and reluctantly placed my bookmark between the pages. "What do you want?"

Bonnie and Elena exchanged a look, and something silent passed between them, earning an eye roll from the witch. "Will you just talk to your brothers. They said they want to give you space but they clearly miss you."

Nik's head turned just slightly.

He was listening.

"I already told them the terms of my speaking to them."

Unsurprisingly I'd been interrogated on what it was I'd discussed with them on my little outing. Apparently that was more important than the literal execution they were fucking planning.

Tyler was even distractedly playing on the field.

Great.

"They're your brothers!" Elena let out a huff.

"Really? I had no idea." I wish that I could warn them.

Wait.

I'm a dumbass.

Even though it hurt my soul to do so, I tore a nearly blank page from my book, and took a pen from my bag, quickly scrawling a note.

"What's this?"

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Nik had seen that I was writing. How did he get up here so fast?! He reached for the paper and I... well I shoved it in my mouth.

He paused, then let out a deep sigh. "Little one." He held out his hand expectantly.

I shook my head glancing at Elena and Bonnie, who were openly gaping.

If Nik knew that I was actively defying Elijah's order, then I wouldn't see my brothers until they were executed. I'd have to find a different way to warn them without raising suspicion.

"Need I fish it out of your mouth?"

Fuck.

What do I do?!

It'd be all too convenient if there was a spell I could give to...

Idiot.

I grasped Bonnie's hand, sending her a knowing look, and before Nik could stop it, her eyes widened in horror.

Caroline and Tyler got up to us at the same time.

"We need to leave. Right now." Bonnie tugged at Elena. "Come on Care."

Nik tutted.