Soul of Shadows | Eternal Bonds: Book 2

Chapter Two

AN: Alright so we're going to open with Stefan this time before shifting gears and jumping into Selena's head. Stefan is in a really bad place and I do apologize because I know many readers love Stefan, but he's going to be like this for a while, so expect more of this broken and sad Stefan. Again. Sorry. Hope you all enjoy and as always be sure to drop some comments as you read! Now onward and forward to Chapter Two!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

*Stefan*

I took another sip of whiskey as I looked at my phone sitting on the kitchen island. I pressed the button for my voicemail and began playing my messages. Knowing what was coming, I took another sip of whiskey.

"Stefan, it's Star," I heard my oldest sister's melodious voice say, she sounded worried, "Look, I know things are hard right now, but please baby brother, come home. Damien is getting married. Come home and stand by his side, please."

There was a beep and then the next message began to play. I took another sip of whiskey.

"Stef, please come home," I heard Sorina plead, "I know things have been bad since Lex died, but they're getting better. Damien and Selena dropped a bombshell on us recently. It's good news. Please come home, frate."

Another beep, another sip of whiskey.

"Hey it's Gabe," I heard Gabriel's voice say, "Look I know you and I haven't always had the best relationship, but please come home, Stefan. Cygnus Keep isn't the same without you. Besides, Damien's getting married, don't you want to be able to tell him you were right all along about him and Selena?"

I had to smirk at that. Gabriel was pleading with me to come home.

Another beep, next message. Another sip of whiskey.

"Stefan," Damien's voice greeted me, "I'm sorry about what happened back at your apartment. But please, come home. I'm getting married frate. Come and see me get married, if not for you, then for me. Please, frate, come home."

Another beep. I took another sip of whiskey, thinking that was the end of my messages, but I was wrong.

"Stefan," I heard her say and nearly choked on my whiskey. Selena. They had roped her into making phone calls to me now? "Look you haven't answered any of your siblings' calls, so I don't see why you'd answer mine. But please, come home. I'm marrying your brother. Damien wants you there so bad and I know he'll be devastated if you don't show up. Besides, Damien and I have something amazing to tell you." She sighed. "At least call me back if you get this."

I fiddled with my phone as I looked around. I'd been staying in an apartment I owned in Whiteshore, which was about a three day drive from Blackfell, trying my best to cope with everything that happened. And it'd be a lot easier if my family would take a hint and leave me alone, but I didn't expect to her voice. Selena Mercer. My soon to be sister in law.

Should I call her back? I wasn't sure. I didn't want her to hear how broken I was. I couldn't do that to her, not to someone who I considered to be my sister.

But at the same time, I felt like I needed to at least wish her well. I owed Selena that much. She brought Damien back from the dark place he'd locked himself in.

So, before I could change my mind...I clicked on Selena's name and held the phone up to my ear.