Ace of Hearts

9

"Are you feeling any better, bean?" My dad asks as he knock on the door to my makeshift bedroom, which is actually his writing study. His eyes are full of concern as he looks me over for any obvious problems. It makes my heart break even further.

"Yeah, I'm feeling better. I think it was just nerves over everything going on." My voice nearly falters at the last phrase. If only he knew how much more it was than his argument with mom or my birth parents. "I'll be fine though. There's no need to worry about me."

A ghost of a smile passes across his face, but it's gone just as quickly as it came. "I'm always going to worry about you." There's a blanket of silence over us as we both try to think of what to say next. "So, what do you want for dinner? I was thinking we could order in and have a movie night?"

I look at the clock and panic. I have less than twenty minutes before Kol's coming to pick me up, and in the usual Lee fashion, I was too wrapped up in things to actually remember. "Actually, I have plans—well, a date, technically—tonight. How about tomorrow night?" I question as I rummage through my suitcase for a decent outfit. "Speaking of which, I really have to get ready. He's going to be here any minute."

"A date?" My dad asks, and I stop in my tracks at the happiness in his voice. There's a bright glimmer in his dark green eyes as he watches me scramble. "Did that Jeremy boy finally ask you out?"

"Jeremy? No." I have to bite back a chuckle at the thought. Jeremy is one of my best friends here in Mystic Falls, but I highly doubt he would ever ask me out on a date. "I'm going out with Kol. You know Kol, right?"

I can tell the immense effort it takes for my dad to not lose the smile. The glimmer doesn't fade when he notices how nervous I am, which has always been my telltale sign. "Yeah, I remember him. He seems like a—decent—guy."

"Dad, I really like this one. So, don't go too hard on him?" I ask as I lead him out of my room. Although, he 'makes no promises,' I know he'll do it for me.

The moment the door closes, I scramble to get dressed and ready. Of course, I'm not usually one to spend hours on my appearance, but it would have been nice to look a bit nicer than normal for my first date with Kol. Because, if I'm being honest with myself, I really like him, and the thought of tonight makes me pretty nervous.

Of course, this isn't my first date, but it's by far the first one that has had me this flustered. Charlie Beaumont definitely didn't make me this nervous, but then again that was the worst first date known to humanity. I mean, I should have known it was doomed the moment he gave me a list of places he had coupons to.

Nevertheless, I'm sure Kol has a much better plan in mind knowing him.

I take one last look in the mirror to double check that I'm not a complete mess. Well, on the outside at least. "Bean, you're date's here." My dad calls from the other side of the door, and I swear every ounce of blood rushes to my cheeks at my nickname. Even without vampire hearing, Kol would have had no trouble hearing it.

"Thanks, dad." I force on a smile as I open my door and kiss my dad's cheek goodbye. "Don't wait up for me. I don't know how long we'll be." Kol waits for me in the hall. His usual leather jacket is taught against his arms as he crosses them and pushes off the doorframe. I have to pause for a moment when I realize he never bothered to convince or compel his way inside. "I hope you weren't waiting out here too long." I stutter as we leave with my father's green eyes watching our every step.

"No. Believe it or not, I was actually on time." He teases, and after a quick look over his shoulder to make sure we're out of sight, takes my hand in his as we walk. I can't help but roll my eyes at him. "You look radiant, by the way."

"I look decent at best, and we both know that." I send a glare towards him, but it has no effect other than to make him smile. "Why do you always do that? You always smile whenever I argue with you."

"Because, it's not very often that someone has the guts to argue with me other than my siblings." Kol chuckles and the sound sends a shiver down my spine. My eyes can't help but focus on him, the radiance in his smile, the laughter lines that enhance his charming features. It's everything that makes me feel a little bit weak in the knees and are the subtle glimpses at the real Kol.

Unfortunately, Kol notices my staring. I clear my throat as I start to walk a little bit faster so he doesn't notice the way I can no longer meet his eyes. A blanket of silence wraps itself around us until I have to speak to stave off the smothering feeling. "So, tell me about your siblings."

"They're rather boring. Isn't there something else you would rather talk about?"

"I guess." My fingers twitch as a random question pops into my head. "How did you become a vampire?" The second the words escape my lips, I can see the line I've crossed. Kol tries to hide it, but his whole body language is altered for a split second. His shoulders tense, stride stumbles, eyes cloud over, and his lips become a thin line. "Sorry, I probably shouldn't be asking so many questions."

"It's alright, darling. I'm just not used to being asked." His hand once again finds mine, and his fingers lace through mine. "I promise I will tell you some time. I just don't really think it's a conversation topic for a first date."

"True, death isn't usually a great 'get to know more' topic." I chuckle and bite my lip. "Why don't you ask me some questions?"

"If you insist. How did you not know—" His voice drops off suddenly as he glares at something over my shoulder. I follow his eyes to a guy with dark hair and a leather jacket leaned against a brick wall.

Normally, I would think nothing of it, but something about his gaze is unsettling. Even from this distance, it's clear that he's watching us. Although, his eyes are focused on me like a hungry predator looking at his next meal.

"Kol, who is that?" My voice comes out uneven and nearly cracks. The stranger's face reflects a ghost of a smile. In that moment, I feel ice water running through my veins. All around him is a darkness, unlike anything I've ever seen before, and I realize the answer. "He's a vampire." There's a sense of strength at my comment.

"Yes, he is, but he's not someone you need to worry about." Kol's hand gently squeezes mine as he leans down to whisper. "I'm going to go take care of this, but I need you to do me a favor. When I leave, walk away and go directly to our usual place. Don't stop for anyone or anything. Understood?"

I barely manage a nod as I look up at his deep brown eyes, which are full with worry. "I understand." I whisper back and return his look with a faint smile. "I'll see you soon." It's a statement, as much to reassure him as for me.

Kol's footsteps echo through the empty street as he approaches the dark stranger, whose eyes are reluctant to leave me. I wait until he's no longer looking before I hold my head high and turn down the opposite street. All the while, a feeling of dread is clawing its way through my body. I don't need magic or premonition to tell me—something very bad is going to happen.