An Elemental Difference - FIRE - Book 2 (Stefan Salvatore)

Chapter 97 - Did you mean it?

A/N: I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and support over the past week. Not only having someone plagiarize my hard work but have during the week I was supposed to be focused on my mums health really was a kick in the teeth. However, knowing you all have my back is a blessing. Enjoy this chapter xoxo

MYSTIC GRILL

Matt scanned the eatery, his eyes darting around the familiar surroundings, searching for any sign of Caroline. His fingers tapped anxiously against his phone as he left a voicemail, his voice laced with concern.

"Hey, Caroline, it's me. I thought you were calling me so we could lockdown together. I'm starting to worry. Call me."

Hanging up, Matt's attention was abruptly drawn to the entrance as Damon strode purposefully into the eatery, his presence commanding attention. Alaric followed closely behind, their expressions tense with an underlying sense of urgency. Matt's eyes narrowed as he observed them making their way to the bar, his curiosity piqued by their interaction.

Drawing nearer, Matt overheard Damon's confession and Alaric's blunt response, their exchange laced with tension and unspoken grievances.

"I screwed up," Damon admitted, his tone tinged with regret.

Alaric, unfazed by Damon's confession, responded firmly, holding nothing back. "Yeah. Yeah, you did."

As the waitress approached with their drinks, neither Damon nor Alaric made a move to take a sip, their silence speaking volumes. Damon glanced over at Alaric, curiosity etched into his features as he voiced his thoughts.

"I'd thought you'd be with Jenna."

Ric winced, "Yeah... Jenna kinda hates me for coming here

Damon's expression shifted from curiosity to incredulity as he regarded Alaric, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected presence.

"Then why come?" Damon inquired, his tone tinged with a hint of skepticism.

Alaric's response was casual, almost nonchalant, as he took a sip of his drink, wincing slightly at the taste.

"Because I'm your friend and you don't have any friends," Alaric explained matter-of-factly, his words carrying a sense of loyalty and camaraderie.

Damon's eyes rolled in response, but he couldn't refute Alaric's assertion. Instead, he took the first sip of his own drink, choosing not to engage in an argument with his friend.

Alaric continued, his tone shifting as he brought up a sore subject between them.

"I mean, I considered you and Aella friends until you pretended her cousin was dead," Alaric remarked, his words laden with underlying tension.

Damon paused mid-drink, casting a sidelong glance at Alaric, who nodded knowingly. The memory of their past actions weighed heavily between them, a silent acknowledgment of the rift it had caused.

"Yeah, I was told about that. I'm glad you were gentle with my body while Klaus was using it," Alaric added wryly, a hint of bitterness lacing his words.

To the surprise of both Alaric and Damon, a smooth English accent chimed in beside them, signaling the arrival of the infamous Klaus. Leaning casually against the counter with a smirk, Klaus exuded an air of confidence that commanded attention. Alaric couldn't help but roll his eyes at the sight before draining the rest of his drink in one swift motion.

"Speak of the devil," Alaric muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with resignation.

Damon, unimpressed by Klaus's presence, motioned to the waitress for two more drinks as he regarded Klaus with a critical eye.