The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Seven

To cooperate at what? Meredith conveyed.Ill explain ab come to the fore that later. But first I want to sleep together whats been going on in town since I-left.Well, hysteria mostly, Meredith tell, raising an eyebrow. Your Aunt Judiths been pretty badly off. She h solelyucinated that she saw you- only(prenominal) it wasnt a h aloneucination, was it? And she and Robert have sort of broken up.I chouse, Elena utter grimly. Go on.Everybody at school is upset. I wanted to talk to Stefan, especially when I began to mirthful you werent really dead, scarcely he hasnt been at school. Matt has been, but on that points something wrong with him. He looks desire a zombie, and he wont talk to anyone. I wanted to explain to him that there was a chance you might not be gone invariably I thought that would cheer him up. But he wouldnt listen. He was acting totally out of character, and at one point I thought he was going to hit me. He wouldnt listen to a word.Oh, God-Matt. Something terribl e was stirring at the bottom of Elenas mind, some memory too disturbing to be let loose. She couldnt cope with anything to a greater extent incisively now, she couldnt, she thought, and slam dunked the memory back down.Meredith was going on. Its clear, though, that some other population are suspicious about your death. Thats why I said what I did in the memorial service I was afraid if I said the real day and place that Alaric Saltzman would end up ambushing you extraneous the house. Hes been filling all sorts of questions, and its a good thing Bonnie didnt know anything she could blab.That isnt fair, Bonnie protested. Alarics just interested, thats all, and he wants to help us through the trauma, like forrader. Hes an Aquarius-Hes a spy, said Elena, and maybe more than that. But well talk about that later. What about Tyler Smallwood? I didnt see him at the service.Meredith looked nonplussed. You mean you dont know?I dont know anything Ive been sleepy-eyed for four days in an attic.Well Meredith paused uneasily. Tyler just got back from the hospital. Same with Dick Carter and those four tough guys they had along with them on Founders Day. They were attacked in the Quonset hut that even out and they lost a lot of blood.Oh. The mystery of why Stefans Powers had been so much stronger that night was explained. And why theyd been getting weaker ever since. He probably hadnt eaten since then. Meredith, is Stefan a suspect?Well, Tylers father tried to make him one, but the police couldnt make the times work out. They know approximately when Tyler was attacked because he was supposed to meet Mr. Smallwood, and he didnt record up. And Bonnie and I whoremaster alibi Stefan for that time because wed just left him by the river with your body. So he couldnt have gotten back to the Quonset hut to attack Tyler-at least(prenominal) no form human being could. And so far the police arent thinking about anything supernatural.supposed to meet Mr. Smallwood, and he didn t show up. And Bonnie and I give notice alibi Stefan for that time because wed just left him by the river with your body. So he couldnt have gotten back to the Quonset hut to attack Tyler-at least no normal human could. And so far the police arent thinking about anything supernatural.Tyler and those guys cant identify the attacker because they cant remember a thing about that afternoon, Meredith added. Neither can Caroline.Caroline was in there?Yes, but she wasnt bitten. Just in shock. In spite of everything shes do, I almost feel sorry for her. Meredith shrugged and added, She looks pretty pathetic these days.And I dont think anyone get out ever suspect Stefan after what happened with those dogs at church today, Bonnie put in. My dad says that a big dog could have broken the window in the Quonset hut, and the wounds in Tylers throat looked sort of like animal wounds. I think a lot of people believe it was a dog or a pack of dogs that did it.Its a convenient explanation, Meredith said dryly. It means they dont have to think any more about it.But thats ridiculous, said Elena. Normal dogs dont behave that way. Arent people wondering about why their dogs would suddenly go mad and turn on them?Lots of people are just getting rid of them. Oh, and I heard someone talk about mandatory rabies testing, Meredith said. But its not just rabies, is it, Elena?No, I dont think so. And neither do Stefan or Damon. And thats what I came over to talk to you about. Elena explained, as clearly as she could, what she had been thinking about the Other Power in Fells church building. She told about the force that had chased her off the noseband and about the feeling shed had with the dogs and about everything she and Stefan and Damon had discussed. She finished with, And Bonnie said it herself in church today Something evil. I think thats whats here in Fells Church, something nobody knows about, something only evil. I dont suppose you know what you meant by that, Bonnie.But Bonn ies mind was running on another track. So Damon didnt necessarily do all those awful things you said he did, she said shrewdly. Like killing Yangtze and hurting Vickie and murdering Mr. Tanner, and all. I told you nobody that gorgeous could be a psycho killer.I think, said Meredith with a glimpse at Elena, that you had better forget about Damon as a love interest.Yes, said Elena emphatically. He did kill Mr. Tanner, Bonnie. And it stands to reason he did the other attacks, too Ill ask him about that. And Im having enough trouble dealing with him myself. You dont want to mess with him, Bonnie, believe me.Im supposed to leave Damon alone Im supposed to leave Alaric alone Are there any guys Im not supposed to leave alone? And meanwhile Elena gets them all. Its not fair.I dont know. Something tremendously strong-but it could be shielding itself so that we cant sense it. It could look like an ordinary person. And thats why I came for your help, because it could be anybody in Fells Church . Its like what Bonnie said during the service today nobody is what they seem. Bonnie looked forlorn. I dont remember give tongue to that.You said it, all right. Nobody is what they seem, Elena quoted again weightily. Nobody. She glanced at Meredith, but the dark eyes under the elegantly arched eyebrows were calm and distant.Well, that would seem to make everybody a suspect, Meredith said in her most unruffled voice. Right?Right, said Elena. But wed better get a note pad and pencil and make a list of the most important ones. Damon and Stefan have already agreed to help investigate, and if youll help, too, well stand an even better chance of finding it. She was hitting her stride with this shed of all time been good at organizing things, from schemes to get boys to fundraising events. This was just a more serious version of the old plan A and plan B.Meredith gave the pencil and paper to Bonnie, who looked at it. and then at Meredith, and then at Elena. Fine, she said, but who goes on the list?Well, anyone we have reason to suspect of being the Other Power. Anyone who might have done the things we know it did seal Stefan in the well, chase me, set those dogs on people. Anyone weve noticed behaving oddly.Matt, said Bonnie, writing busily. And Vickie. And Robert.Bonnie exclaimed Elena and Meredith simultaneously.Bonnie looked up. Well, Matt has been acting oddly, and so has Vickie, for months now. And Robert was dangling around outside the church before the service, but he never came in-Oh, Bonnie, honestly, Meredith said. Vickies a victim, not a suspect. And if Matts an evil Power, Im the hunchback of Notre Dame. And as for Robert-Fine, Ive crossed it all out, said Bonnie coldly. Now lets hear your ideas.No, wait, Elena said. Bonnie, wait a moment. She was thinking about something, something that had been nagging at her for quite a while, ever since- Ever since the church, she said aloud, retrieve it. Do you know, I saw Robert outside the church, too, when I was hidden in the choir loft. It was just before the dogs attacked, and he was sort of backing forrad like he knew what was going to happen.Oh, but Elena-Soberly, after a moments hesitation, Bonnie did. Who else? she said.Well, Alaric, Im afraid, Elena said. Im sorry, Bonnie, but hes practically number one. She told what she had overheard that morning between Alaric and the principal. He isnt a normal history teacher they called him here for some reason. He knows Im a vampire, and hes expression for me. And today, while the dogs were attacking, he was standing there on the sidelines making some sort of weird gestures. Hes definitely not what he seems, and the only question is what is he? Are you listening, Meredith?Yes. You know, I think you should put Mrs. Flowers on that list. Remember the way she stood at the window of the boarding-house when we were bringing Stefan back from the well? But she wouldnt come downstairs to open the door for us? Thats odd behavior.Elena nodded. Y es, and how she kept hanging up on me when I called him. And she certainly keeps to herself in that old house. She may just be a dotty old lady, but put her down anyway, Bonnie. She ran a move over through her hair, lifting it off the back of her neck. She was hot. Or-not hot exactly, but uncomfortable in some way that was similar to being overheated. She felt parched.All right, well go by the boardinghouse tomorrow before school, Meredith said. Meanwhile, what else can we be doing? Lets have a look at that list, Bonnie.Bonnie held the list out so they could see it, and Elena and Meredith leaned forward and readMatt HoneycuttVickie BennettRobert Maxwell-What was he doing at the church when the dogs attacked? And what was going on that night with Elenas aunt?Alaric Saltzman-Why does he ask so many questions? What was he called to Fells Church to do?Mrs. Flowers-Why does she act so strange?Why didnt she let us in the night Stefan was wounded?Good, Elena said. I guess we could also fi nd out whose dogs were at the church today. And you can watch Alaric at school tomorrow.Ill watch Alaric, Bonnie said firmly. And Ill get him cleared of suspicion you see if I dont.Fine, you do that. You can be assigned to him. And Meredith can investigate Mrs. Flowers, and I can take Robert. And as for Stefan and Damon-well, they can be assigned to everyone, because they can use their Powers to canvass peoples minds. Besides, that list is by no means complete. Im going to ask them to scout around town peeping for any signs of Power, or anything else weird going on. Theyre more likely than I am to recognize it.Fine, you do that. You can be assigned to him. And Meredith can investigate Mrs. Flowers, and I can take Robert. And as for Stefan and Damon-well, they can be assigned to everyone, because they can use their Powers to probe peoples minds. Besides, that list is by no means complete. Im going to ask them to scout around town searching for any signs of Power, or anything else w eird going on. Theyre more likely than I am to recognize it.Elena. ElenaStartled, Elena looked up, to see Merediths wary dark eyes and Bonnies alarmed expression. It was only then that she realized she was crouched close to Bonnies wrist, rubbing the biggest vein with her finger.Sorry, she murmured, sitting back. But she could feel the extra length and sharpness of her canine teeth. It was something like wearing twain she could clearly feel the difference in weight. She realized her reassuring smile at Bonnie was not having the desired effect. Bonnie was looking scared, which was silly. Bonnie ought to know that Elena would never hurt her. And Elena wasnt very hungry tonight Elena had always been a light eater. She could get all she needed from this tiny vein here in the wristElena jumped to her feet and spun toward the window, leaning against the casing, feeling the cool night air blowing on her skin. She felt dizzy, and she couldnt seem to get her breath.What had she been doing? She turned around to see Bonnie flock close to Meredith, both of them looking sick with fear. She hated having them look at her that way.Im sorry, she said. I didnt mean to, Bonnie. Look, Im not coming any closer. I should have eaten before I came here. Damon said Id get hungry later.Bonnie swallowed, looking even sicker. Eaten?Yes, of course, Elena said tartly. Her veins were burning that was what this feeling was. Stefan had described it before, but shed never really soundless shed never realized what he was going through when the need for blood was on him. It was terrible, irresistible. What do you think I eat these days, air? she added defiantly. Im a huntsman now, and Id better go out hunting.Bonnie and Meredith were trying to cope she could tell they were, but she could also see the revulsion in their eyes. She concentrated on utilize her new senses, in opening herself to the night and searching for Stefans or Damons presence. It was difficult, because neither of them was projecting with his mind as he had been the night theyd been fighting in the woods, but she thought she could sense a glimmerof Power out there in the town.When the bulb was finally screwed back in, it revealed Damon sitting casually but precariously on the sill of the open window, one knee up. He was blessed one of his wildest smiles.Do you mind? he said. This is uncomfortable.Elena glanced back at Bonnie and Meredith, who were braced against the closet, looking horrified and hypnotized at once. She herself shook her head, exasperated.And I thought I liked to make a dramatic entrance, she said. Very funny, Damon. Now lets go.With two such beautiful friends of yours right here? Damon smiled again at Bonnie and Meredith. Besides, I only just got here. Wont somebody be polite and ask me in?Bonnies chocolate-brown eyes, fixed helplessly on his face, softened a bit. Her lips, which had been parted in horror, parted further. Elena recognized the signs of imminent meltdown.No, they won t, she said. She put herself directly between Damon and the other girls. Nobody here is for you, Damon-not now, not ever. Seeing the flare of challenge in his eyes, she added archly, And anyway, Im leaving. I dont know about you, but Im going hunting. She was reassured to sense Stefans presence nearby, on the roof probably, and to hear his instant amendment Were going hunting, Damon. You can sit there all night if you want.Damon gave in with good grace, shooting one last entertained glance toward Bonnie before disappearing from the window. Bonnie and Meredith both started forward in alarm as he did, obviously concerned that he had just fallen to his death.Hes fine, said Elena, shaking her head again. And dont worry, I wont let himcome back. Ill meet you at the same time tomorrow. Good-bye. But-Elena- Meredith stopped. I mean, I was going to ask you if you wanted to change your clothes.Elena regarded herself. The nineteenth-century heirloom dress was tattered and bedraggled, the thin white muslin shredded in some places. But there was no time to change it she had to regimen now.Itll have to wait, she said. See you tomorrow. And she boosted herself out ofthe window the way Damon had. The last she saw of them, Meredith and Bonnie were staring after her dazedly.Your cloak, she said, pleased. For a moment they smiled at each other, remembering the first time he had given her the cloak, after hed saved her from Tyler in the graveyard and taken her back to his room to clean up. Hed been afraid to touch her then. But, Elena thought, smiling up into his eyes, she had taken care of that fear rather quickly.I thought we were hunting, Damon said.Elena turned the smile on him, without unlinking her hand from Stefans. We are, she said. Where should we go?Any house on this street, Damon suggested.The woods, Stefan said.The woods, Elena decided. We dont touch humans, and we dont kill. Isnt that how it goes, Stefan?He returned the pressure of her fingers. Thats how it goes, h e said quietly. Damons lip curled fastidiously. And just what are we looking for in the woods, or dont I want to know? Muskrat? Skunk? Termites? His eyes moved to Elena and his voice dropped. Come with me, and Ill show you some real hunting.We can go through the graveyard, Elena said, ignoring him.White-tailed deer feed all night in the open areas, Stefan told her, but well have to be careful stalking them they can hear almost as well as we can. other time, then, Damons voice said in Elenas mind.