Star Light

Thirty-Seven: Vulnerability

I was driving home from work the next day, still about ten minutes from the Mikaelson Mansion when I got a call. It was from Meredith. "Hey, what's up girl?" 

There was sobbing on the other end and banging. "Meredith?" I asked worriedly. 

"Help me, Alaric's lost it."

"Meredith, hold on, talk to me. What is he doing? Where are you? What happened?" I asked worriedly. 

"He stabbed me. I locked myself in Elena's bathroom. Please hurry. He's trying to get in through the door. I can't fight him." I cursed and pushed my car as fast as it could go. "I'm tired." 

"Meredith, you have to stay awake. Please just stay awake." I pleaded worriedly. Klaus' name popped up on my phone and I pushed him to voicemail. "Come on, talk to me Meredith, tell me anything. Where is Elena?" 

There was silence on the other end, Klaus tried to call me again but I didn't answer again. "She went to Rick's house, trying to find his wedding ring for a spell Bonnie said she could do... Oh my god, she'll be coming home soon." 

"Don't worry, I'll get there first," I assured her. My house came into sight and I slammed on the brakes as I jumped out. This was not ideal. I was going to try and fight a vampire hunting teacher dressed in a suit with heels and a briefcase as my only protection. "Meredith, I'm here. I'll be up shortly. Don't leave the bathroom for anything." 

"No, Europa he'll kill you." She cried softly. 

Gulping slightly. I paused on the steps and nodded. "Stay in the bathroom, Meredith." Then I hung up the phone and walked in. 

"Hey guys, I know I said I wouldn't be here for a few days but I forgot a hair product. My hair was a bitch to do today." I said, acting normal as I walked in. 

Rick walked out of the kitchen, a towel in his hands as he dried them. "Hey Europa," He greeted. His eyes were cold. I knew they would be. 

Smiling, I waved, "Hey Rick. Feeling better?" I asked as I slipped my heels off and kept them in my hands, my briefcase resting on the ledge. 

"You could say that." Rick smiled, twisting the towel in his hands. 

Nodding, I straightened up and looked at him warily. "Where is everyone?" I feigned ignorance. 

"I would be more worried about yourself. I won't fail a second time." Then he lunged for me. I dodged out of the way, dropping the heel in my right hand I whirled to face him and punched him right in the throat, using the heel in my left hand and rammed it into his hand, pushing him away. 

Unfortunately, I miscalculated his pain tolerance as he pushed himself forward from the couch towards me as I ran for the kitchen, wanting to grab a weapon to protect myself. With my back turned, he was able to wrap the towel around my neck and yanked me into him. I felt my eyes flutter as he cut my oxygen off until suddenly the pressure was gone. 

Soft hands grabbed my arms and I saw my sister staring down at me in fear. "Europa?" 

I looked over to Alaric, finding him in Stefan's grasp, who was strangling him, "Please don't hurt him!" I cried, my voice cracking. 

"I'm trying not to," Growled the vampire. Then Alaric lost consciousness. 

Elena stared at me, fear in her eyes, "What were you thinking?! Why are you here!" She shouted at me. 

I ignored her, grabbing her hand and running off adrenaline as I grabbed Stefan too. "Can you control your bloodlust for five seconds? Cause this is going to be difficult."