If only | Damon Salvatore

022. NOTHING BREAKS LIKE A HEART

Chapter twenty two

"Nothing breaks like a heart."

The next morning, the town woke up to the shocking news that Mayor Lockwood had been killed during the chaos of the fire.

Winnifred scoffed loudly as she, Cassandra, and Beatrix walked up the driveway toward the Lockwood mansion to pay their respects. "Wolves," she muttered under her breath. "That device had the capability to take all of us down—except, of course, for the Bennett witch who weaponized it."

Cassandra let out a heavy sigh, nudging her mother. "Mother, the man is dead. Show some respect."

Winnifred scoffed again, entirely unbothered. "Respect? They are wolves, dear. Most of them hate our kind by instinct, even if we offer to help them. It is simply in their nature. Plus, that Lockwood boy got into that car accident last night. He is incredibly lucky Caroline Forbes survived her injuries, or he'd already be on his way to chaining himself up at night and turning into a giant, bloodthirsty wolf."

As the three witches walked up the grand front steps, the heavy front door opened.

"The Black family," Tyler Lockwood said softly, stepping out onto the porch. He looked exhausted, his eyes red from crying.

"Tyler, we are so incredibly sorry about your father," Beatrix told him gently. She stepped forward and pulled him into a warm embrace.

Tyler hugged her back tightly, burying his face in her shoulder for a brief second. "Thanks, Beatrix."

"If there is absolutely anything we can do for you and your mother during this time, please let us know," Cassandra shared, offering him a supportive smile.

Tyler nodded, wiping his face. "We'll let you know. Thanks."

Beatrix and her family stepped past him into the crowded foyer. As they turned left to head toward the drawing room, a low, smooth whistle cut through the somber atmosphere.

"Wow. The Black family," Mason Lockwood said, stepping out of the shadows of the hallway. "You all look absolutely amazing."

Cassandra raised her brows, her posture instantly turning sharp and guarded. "Mason. I never expected to see you back in town. Especially since the last time I saw you was our senior year, when you decided to break up with me by saying, 'Cass, it's not you, it's me. I just can't have a girl holding me down when I'm looking for a change of scenery.'"

Mason let out a slow sigh, a sheepish smirk playing on his lips. "Still a little upset about that, huh?" He shifted his gaze away from Cassandra, his eyes locking onto Beatrix. "But you... you've completely grown up since the last time I saw you."

Cassandra furrowed her brows, stepping slightly in front of her daughter. "What? Are you going for the younger model now, Mason?"

Mason chuckled softly, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Maybe."

Beatrix raised her brows, sliding a playful glance toward her mother. "Well... I have to admit, he isn't bad looking."

Cassandra gasped and sharply nudged Beatrix in the side.

Winnifred simply smirked, entirely amused by the exchange. "What can I say? Girls like us have always been known to go for the older guys," she shared smoothly.

Mason chuckled, looking between the three of them. "I'm sure. Wow, you three are a whole lot more fun than I remember. I'm gonna go make the rounds, but we are definitely going to have to talk more." He stepped forward, casually pressing a polite kiss to Winnifred's cheek, followed by Beatrix, and finally Cassandra.