To Be Or Not To Be » Stefan Salvatore

Chapter 7 - Between Love and Loyalty

"You did what?" Disbelief laced Skye's voice as Rebekah's words settled in. She had always known her sister was capable of a lot, but sleeping with the enemy while working with someone as self-serving as Sage? That was a new low.

"Don't use that judgy tone on me," Rebekah shot back. "It worked. I know Sage is a bitch and all, but she's so head over heels for Finn that she'd do anything to keep him safe. And now we know where the White Oak wood is. And again, I need you to help me burn it."

Skye stared at her. The manipulation wasn't surprising—it was almost expected—but Sage? Of all people? And what was she even doing here?

"So, you slept with Damon because you needed something from him?" she asked at last.

Rebekah was silent for a moment before scoffing. "Is that really the only thing that stuck with you? Not that we're about to destroy the only weapon that can kill us?"

Skye didn't answer, lips pressing into a firm line.

"Wait—" Rebekah narrowed her eyes. "You don't like Damon, do you?"

Skye's eyes widened, though Rebekah couldn't see it through the phone. "No!" she practically shouted.

"Then why do you care?"

"I—I don't," Skye huffed, though even she didn't sound convinced.

Rebekah snorted but let it go. "Just get here."

The call ended.

⋯

The fire roared in front of them, consuming the remnants of the White Oak in a searing blaze. Smoke curled into the night sky, the flames crackling in defiance. Skye stood beside Rebekah, her eyes locked on the burning wood, trying—failing—not to glance at her sister.

She didn't know why she cared so much. She just did. And she was too exhausted to fight it.

The sharp slam of a car door cut through the night, and both sisters turned as Damon Salvatore stalked toward them, his face a mask of frustration and disbelief.

Rebekah smiled sweetly. "Your grand plans always seem to get ruined, don't they? Sorry to disappoint you." She let the words hang in the air before adding, "Again."

Then she turned and walked away.

Skye cast Damon one last glance, her face unreadable, then followed her sister into the night.

⋯

People liked to say family was the most important thing in the world. And in a way, they were right. Family was a constant. Something you couldn't outrun, no matter how much you wanted to.

Sometimes, you were grateful for it.

Other times, it sucked.

This was one of those times.

Nik had been tracking their brothers. He knew exactly where Kol and Elijah were. And recently, he had learned Finn's location as well.

Which was why Skye and Rebekah now found themselves in a dimly lit alley in Chicago, listening in on the conversation unfolding just a few feet away.

"Hello, Finn," came Nik's voice, smooth and confident as ever.

"Hello, Niklaus. I have nothing to say to you," Finn replied, his tone flat.

"Well, I'm not here to chat. I'll ask you once—where's our mother?"

"Gone to find another way to end our abominable lives. And when she does, I will sacrifice myself all over again."