Chapter 42

The morning light streamed through the thin curtains, casting soft golden streaks across the ceiling. I lay on my bed, staring blankly upward, sleep-deprived and tangled in my own thoughts. My life had changed so drastically, so quickly, and I wasn’t sure how to process it. The memories—the fragments of another life, another existence—I wasn’t supposed to have them. They didn’t belong to me. Or did they?

Everything I knew, everything that had ever felt real to me—Claire, Vanessa, New Orleans itself—suddenly felt like a dream I was waking up from. But if this was a dream… why did it feel more real than anything else?

Vanessa had left early that morning. Even with everything going on, she still had responsibilities—being captain of the Varsity volleyball team meant practices, competitions, and maintaining her leadership role. She had an actual normal life, something I envied more than I cared to admit.

I had no morning lectures, so I decided I’d go to the library. Maybe I could find something—anything—that could help me make sense of what was happening to me.

Stepping outside, I let the cool morning air clear my thoughts. The streets were already buzzing with life, the sounds of the city pulling me back to reality. As I walked, my eyes caught sight of someone leaning against his car in a familiar dark blue uniform.

Nick.

His face lit up with a smile the moment he saw me, and before I could even think of an escape route, he was jogging over.

Guilt twisted in my stomach. I had completely neglected our dates. I had avoided his calls, ignored his texts, and every time he reached out, I had an excuse ready. But the truth was, I didn’t know how to act around him anymore. I liked him—I really did. He was kind, thoughtful, and genuinely cared about me. But how could I explain any of this to him? He would never understand.

"Hey, stranger," Nick said, falling into step beside me as I continued walking toward the library. "Didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to see you outside of class again." His voice was lighthearted, but there was an edge of concern beneath it.

I sighed. "I know. I’m sorry." And I genuinely was. "I’ve just… been dealing with some stuff. Personal stuff. I didn’t mean to push you away."

He studied me for a second before nodding. "Is everything okay? At home?"

I hesitated. I couldn’t tell him the truth. Not only would he think I was crazy, but I wasn’t even sure I could put it into words myself. "It’s nothing bad. Just… something I need to figure out on my own first." I gave him a small, appreciative smile. "But thank you for worrying about me. It means a lot."

Nick’s face softened, and without a word, he pulled me into a warm hug. It was comforting, familiar, and for a brief moment, I wished I could just stay in it. Stay in this normal world where my biggest problem was making time for my boyfriend.

"You know I’m here for you, right?" he murmured.

I nodded against his shoulder. "I know."

As we pulled away, my eyes drifted past him, across the street, to the small park with the large pond. My breath hitched.

Damon.

He was sitting on the wooden bench near the water, lazily tossing pieces of bread to the ducks. The morning light hit his dark hair just right, giving it an almost silver sheen. He looked completely unbothered, completely at peace—like he wasn’t the reason I was losing sleep.

I should ignore him. I should.

Instead, I sighed. "I’ll see you later, Nick."

Before he could respond, I turned and marched toward the pond.

The closer I got, the more I hated myself for noticing how good he looked. Dressed in black—like always—his presence was effortless, like he belonged in the shadows but chose to sit in the light for now.

He glanced up, his silver-gray eyes locking onto mine, but he said nothing. He simply tossed another piece of bread into the water and waited.

I crossed my arms. "Why are you here?"

Damon arched a brow. "Feeding ducks. It’s a rather enjoyable pastime, actually."

"You know that’s not what I meant."

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He dusted his hands off and leaned back against the bench. "Then what did you mean, Elizabeth?"

I exhaled sharply. "You and your brothers—you could have gone anywhere. Why here?"

His expression didn’t change. "Because this is our home."

I frowned. That wasn’t the answer I was looking for. It felt too simple, too normal. They weren’t normal.

"Okay," I said slowly, watching him. "Then why do you keep saving me?"

His smirk deepened, but his gaze remained unreadable.

"You caught me when I fell," I continued. "You warned me to stay out of trouble. You keep showing up. Why?"

Damon rubbed his hands together, as if savoring the moment, then finally stood. He was close enough now that I had to tilt my chin slightly to look up at him.

"You ask a lot of questions," he murmured.

I clenched my jaw. "And you never answer them."

Silence stretched between us. The air felt different—thicker, charged with something I didn’t understand.

Then he said something that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Because you are mine."

My breath hitched. My entire body tensed.

I should have felt terrified.

Instead, warmth spread through my chest, confusing and frustrating all at once.

I stared at him, my mind scrambling for something—anything—to say.

Finally, I managed, "I’m not—"

But he was gone.

I stood there, frozen, staring at the empty space where he had been just a second ago. My heart pounded against my ribs, my fingers curled into fists.

Every time I talked to Damon, I was left with more questions. More confusion. He kept avoiding my questions and answering them in his own way that really didn't give me much. I sighed and turned back, but I didn't miss the look on Nick's face . I could feel it as he drove past, he had been watching and he looked... disappointed it made my stomach drop a little.