(1) Bloodlines: The Curse (A Vampire Dairies Fanfiction)

11. Compromise

The drive back to Mystic Falls seemed to take longer than the drive up. Without Katherine, the ride was silent, besides the soft rock that James had playing. Alex found herself taking the time to contemplate the next step. There was still so much happening that could cause a number of outcomes, and Alex didn't like that.

With Mikael awake, it meant that Alex could start to formulate some kind of plan that could lead Klaus to his death. She wanted to keep Elena out of it as much as possible, but knowing Elena, that probably was going to be difficult. Alex knew that she could rely on Stefan and Damon to keep her out of immediate danger.

It made Alex want to scream when she realised that she was allowing vampires to keep her sister safe, but for the moment, they weren't the biggest threat she was facing. Alex needed to deal with Klaus first, then she could remove the supernatural threats completely from Elena's life.

At least with Katherine gone, there was one less vampire that Alex needed to consider. What she did need to consider was the other people or supernaturals in Elena's life. Caroline was one of her best friends; separating them would be almost impossible without killing Caroline. Bonnie would probably be the only supernatural being that Alex would accept as part of Elena's life; as a fellow witch, she wasn't a constant threat like vampires were, but Alex was still hesitant.

James reached the 'Welcome to Mystic Falls' sign and pulled his car over. Alex's rental car was still parked by the side, and she would need to drive it back home. As soon as the car stopped, Stefan climbed out and disappeared without a word. She had no idea what he would tell Elena, but Alex would make sure to explain her side once she got back home. But that was once she had the full story about Elijah.

That was the other problem; Elijah had his own plans; whatever they were, Alex was going to need to keep him away from Elena and not allow him to learn that Mikael was awake and ready to kill Klaus. Alex also really wanted to know his plan; why was he in Mystic Falls without Klaus? Why was he allowing Elena to stay in Mystic Falls? Alex thought that Elijah would have grabbed her and dragged Elena kicking and screaming back to Klaus. But maybe he wanted every piece of the puzzle first.

"Robert is waiting for you outside your house. He said that your family are aware of the boundary spell and that Bonnie has been trying to break it," said James.

Alex sighed. "I'll explain once I get back. I have a lot to explain." She rubbed her face and opened the car door.

James reached over and took her hand. "We are keeping her safe," he said.

Alex smiled and nodded. "I know. I just wish this was simple."

"Like every other hunt?" he asked.

"Yeah. No complications, just find, kill, clean up."

James smiled. "Family is always complicated." He squeezed her fingers before releasing them. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Alex leant across the centre console and kissed him. "Love you."

"Love you too."

James waited until she was in her car before he drove off, heading into town to meet up with his sister, Sarah, at the bed and breakfast they had checked into. Alex started her own car and headed straight back to the house.

When she arrived, Robert was sitting parked across the street. He climbed out of his car and met her in the driveway as she parked.

"Who have you allowed in?" she asked.

"Only your family," said Robert.

Alex nodded. "Thank you."

Robert squeezed her shoulder. "No problem. That Bennett witch that is friends with your sister, she has been giving it a good crack to get in."