The Good Daughter

Eighteen

"Stefan!" I crashed into him and he wrapped his arms around me. Somehow I'd gotten dragged into the woods with Elena Gilbert of all people.

"Fuck you for being an idiot!"

"I'm sorry." His grip tightened. "So so sorry. We shouldn't have done that."

Something in my chest loosened. The sound of his heart beating, his voice. He was alive. Even if Damon wasn't, he was.

Stefan stepped back, hands reaching to grasp my face. "How long have you been awake?"

"Couple weeks. Had a downward spiral but... it's better."

He nodded.

I snatched a Jell-O shot from the tray Elena had so painstakingly prepared. "To being alive, I guess."

"I'll do one with you to that kind of toast." The doppelgänger downed a red one. "It hasn't been fun."

"Well. Some of us like to face our problems head on." Caroline jabbed, grabbing one that was blue. "So."

"This isn't awkward..." Stefan stuck close to me, something I was grateful for.

It was like grieving Damon all over again, yet weirdly different.

Some twigs snapped and heavy footfalls accompanied the sound of Matthew Donovan. He was talking to someone and the moment I turned around, I froze.

Tyler did too. "Morgan."

"Hey."

"You're- I tried- they wouldn't listen and I couldn't wake you."

This was not a conversation for everyone's ears. I used my speed to grab him and take the both of us further into the woods.

"I know. Marcel filled me in."

"Why didn't you call me? Let me know you were okay? I have so many questions."

He was human. I couldn't smell the wolf on him anymore. Tyler really was better off without me. "You moved on, and I'm glad you did. This is what I want."

No matter how it might destroy me to say.

"Morgan I-" He stepped forward and I stepped back.

"No. If I have to cut and run, I don't want you caught in the crossfire again. I won't be able to save you this time." Definitely not if Elijah thought for even a second that Tyler was hiding me. "It's better this way."

He looked so hurt.

I hated it.

"It's over Tyler."

He closed the space between us and kissed me. Slow and soft and needy, hands grasping the sides of my face like a lifeline.

I missed this.

How my stomach would flip or the way him being near genuinely warmed me. I held on to him, almost begging not to be let go.

My eyes fell shut as he drew back just enough to breathe, resting his forehead against mine.

"Please." He whispered. "I'll wait as long as you need me to. "

No.

No.

Not safe.

I stepped back. "I can't. Don't you understand? I-I would rather die than be with a human. You are too easily lost, I could not bear it... it's over Tyler. Go back to your witchy girlfriend. You'll be happier with her." I turned to leave.

"How did you know about Liv?"

Damn it. "Caroline's a chatterbox."

"Then you'd know that I'm only friends with Liv because she was helping me figure out how to dismantle the coffins and the daggers." Tyler took a step toward me, faltering when I took one back. "It's always been you, Morgan."

My heart ached. "I'm sorry. I can't let you do that either. I'd love nothing more than to destroy those wretched things, but in doing so, you invite Nik's attention. Elijah's. What if someone's inside when you do? Would they die? Have you thought about that?"

"She's powerful and we're looking for a spell."

"Liv would have to get close for that to work, she never will. Magic like that wouldn't work long distance. Those daggers are old magic."

"I know but-"

"No Tyler." I snapped. "If it doesn't stop, I'll have to kill her. Don't make me do that." It was so dangerous. Even without the potential of hurting whoever was inside. "Leave it be or I'll make you."

He still had that kicked puppy eyed look.

Good god. "Goodbye Tyler."