6. 50 Ways To Say Goodbye.

 I watched as a little over a week passed, observing the five Damons and Mariella spending most of their time in the bedroom, accompanied by the wolves. I purposely avoided entering the room. From afar, I witnessed their bliss, their whispered words meant to hurt me. I allowed those words to penetrate my being, craving the pain they inflicted. It fueled my growing hatred and darkness.

The separation from Damon, and my denial of his love, led me to the care and affection of these two beautiful beings, Adam and Charles. But I knew I couldn't reveal the truth to them; it was too risky. Damon, being a telepath, could extract information from them, jeopardizing my plan. I sensed his desire to hold on to me, our love, even if it meant letting Damien live. So, I had to be the strong one, leaving Damon with no choice. Damien had to be eliminated once and for all. Our love would be his final victim, and my heart as well.

It was an act of love, even if it didn't feel that way. I believed it would be better for all of us. Damon could shower Mariella with his love, not caring about me, while I could possibly have Charles and Adam by my side. It was time to take my plan further. I prepared myself by going shopping for flower arrangements and other items, including a few foods.

As I worked, I noticed the Salvatores making their way to the kitchen, likely to shower or something before eating. The moment had come. The timing was crucial. I needed to make Mariella jealous enough to persuade Damon and the others to join us in the shop. There, I would identify Damien's spies and put on a convincing act in front of them. After this, I would no longer be the leader of my former organization, nor even a sniper. I was done with that life, having enough money and the means to sustain myself.

Perhaps I would pursue a career in a veterinary clinic or a hospital. However, it all depended on how deeply immersed I would be in my darkness. There was no point in becoming a surgeon if I saw everyone as a potential victim.

Charles was in the kitchen preparing a meal for me, as the Salvatores had mostly stopped cooking for me, focusing their efforts on Mariella instead. I dressed in a button-up shirt, a tight skirt, and skimpy panties, ready to execute my plan.

I walked into the kitchen, the aroma of delicious food filling the air. Charles stood there, effortlessly stirring pots and pans on the stove, creating a symphony of sizzling sounds. As I approached him, I wrapped my arms around him, our bodies pressing together, and we shared a passionate kiss. The kitchen was still empty, giving us a moment of privacy. 

I couldn't help but climb onto the counter, wanting a better view of the scene. Charles seemed calm and collected, as if he were just cooking, but I knew better. Multiple pots and pans were simmering on the stove and in the oven, all being prepared for me. I sat there innocently, pretending to watch, when I noticed Adam walking in. His eyes met mine, and he raised an eyebrow suggestively. I bit my lip, meeting his gaze with half-lidded eyes. 

Charles glanced at Adam, and I could tell he was silently conveying just how naughty I had been. In a swift motion, Charles reached for a sharp dagger from his belt and approached me. He placed the tip of the dagger under one of my buttons, skillfully unfastening it. With the same precision, he used the dagger to open my blouse, his gaze dangerously intense. My plan was unfolding perfectly, aiming to make Salvatore remember and to make Mariella jealous. 

To make it even more convincing, I thought of dropping hints about going shopping. It would certainly add fuel to the fire. The whole situation was incredibly arousing, and I contemplated even enticing them to take me shopping, just so Damien's spies would witness the extent of our connection. Charles remained silent, making a small cut on my skin before returning to his cooking. 

Meanwhile, Adam took charge of the dessert, lifting cake bases and slicing fruits with a sharp knife. He, too, used the dagger to remove one of my buttons, grazing my skin in the process. The tension in the room was palpable, and the scent of strawberries and champagne filled the air. My breath quickened, anticipation building as my little seduction progressed. It could be that we would end up in bed, not at the shop. 

Mariella had gotten Salvatore's little better place, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. It had taken some unloading. As they stepped into the bathroom, the steam from the passionate shower enveloped them, creating a sensual ambiance. The numbers one, two, and five intrigued Mariella - they were so damn identical, while three and four seemed more like intense or even insatiable fucking machines. Sex was their life.

Making their way to the kitchen, Mariella's senses were immediately assaulted by a scene that was simultaneously disturbing, arousing, and infuriating. Mimi sat on the kitchen counter, her blouse half open, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her skin. Charles, in the midst of cooking, turned around with a long, nasty-looking dagger in his hand. He approached Mimi, his lips meeting hers in a passionate kiss. With the dagger, he skillfully removed another button, exposing Mimi's breasts almost entirely. The sight sent a surge of conflicting emotions through Mariella - a mixture of desire, jealousy, and longing.

Charles continued his dangerous and seductive actions, slowly slicing Mimi's skin, causing her to moan in pleasure. Mariella couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, realizing that Mimi had seduced Damon in the same intoxicating manner countless times before. The memory of their recent video call, where Mimi confessed her lack of love for Damon, made the scene almost unbearable for him.

As Charles retreated, Mariella's gaze fixated on Mimi's flushed and exposed nipples, a vivid reminder of the intimacy they had just witnessed. Suddenly, Adam caught her eye, holding a knife of his own. He approached Mimi, his lips exploring her skin, teasing her with each touch. Another button was undone, and he bit into her, drawing her blood. Mimi exploded more or less. Her orgasm had almost an energy of its own. The scent of strawberries and champagne filled the air, intensifying the sensory overload of the scene. 

I was feeling an intense anticipation building up within me. As Adam drank my blood, the sensation was electrifying, causing me to gasp. In a husky and seductive voice, I managed to utter, "Adam, my love, you're such a naughty boy. But before we continue, we should go to the shop. We're running low on a few things. I'm craving some chocolate and nuts, and ordering them takes forever."

Charles turned towards me, stepping closer, and whispered, "Honey, are you sure you're thinking about shopping right now? We can go a little later. Besides, my dagger... you know what I can do with it."

His dagger sliced me oh so deliciously, causing my vortex to be more active. This one knew how to push me close to the point of no return.

Mariella turned to Damon and said, "Damon, my darling, shopping sounds like so much fun. I love discovering new items. And if you could sweeten the deal by taking us all shopping, I could ask the witches from the magic house to come and clean this kitchen. It's starting to smell. If you can make that trio stop that or else they will get into action on that counter."

Damon grunted, his gaze fixed on Mimi and the other two. Jealousy and rage burned within him.

He spat venomously, "If you three could just get some sense and come with us to the shops, we could get what we need. No need to have sex in the kitchen."

I glanced at Salvatore and remarked in an icy voice, "Oh, so is that privilege reserved only for you and Mariella? To have sex wherever you please, even in the room I've designated for myself. But fine, we can go shopping. Who knows what might happen there?"

I locked eyes with Charles. Salvatore remained silent, knowing the impact of my words. Charles lifted me off the counter, passionately kissing me, his hands exploring my body. His hands squeezed and rubbed my breasts, making me moan. 

He whispered into my mind, "You're quite the bitch, you know that? But you do possess remarkable self-restraint, my dear. Now, let's go. I'll choose your clothes, style your hair, and then we can shop."

Without uttering another word, we teleported to one of the bedrooms where I kept a vast collection of clothes. Charles instructed me to take a shower while he carefully selected my outfit. 

After a refreshing shower, my husband gently sat me down, skillfully blowdried my hair, and expertly styled it. He had a specific vision for how he wanted my hair to look, and as he worked, I could feel the sharp bite of his fangs on my neck. He wanted me to have blonde hair. My long, blonde, curly locks were his favorite to style. Once my hair was perfect, he helped me get dressed. Although he could tolerate my naked body, there was a certain point where I hurriedly dressed. Soon, we were ready to go shopping.

We piled into the big SUV, with Adam behind the wheel and Charles sitting up front. Damon, Mariela, and the wolves occupied the middle seats, while I found a seat on the furthest bench, wanting some privacy. It was time to get a little naughty. I wore a silk skirt that flowed gracefully down to my ankles, a comfortable tee shirt, and no bra. I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror, noticing Charles's gaze lingering on me. I turned slightly sideways, allowing my hand to wander under my waistband and into my panties. I began to arouse myself with gentle touches to my clit, swirling my fingers and causing gasps to escape my lips, my teeth biting down on my lip in pleasure.

Adam's voice echoed in my mind, "Not much longer, you naughty little bitch. You'll get some dick inside you at the shop. You can be sure of that."

I couldn't help but smile at his words. Meanwhile, Mariela was seducing the number one, who was still seething with anger. The number two remained quiet, a sign that he too was on the verge of losing control, which meant things were about to get intense at the shop.

Suddenly, the scent of strawberries and champagne filled the air once again. Mariela noticed how heated Charles glanced at me in the rearview mirror, and then she saw Mimi, sighing with pleasure, her hand still hidden beneath my skirt. This sight only fueled Damon's rage, and he was becoming less and less tender towards Mimi.

Mimosa whispered, "Telepaths, I guess that this is a private show for Adam and Charles, and she isn't even thinking about Damon."

Mariela rolled her eyes, realizing that life in the pack was far from easy. 

Mariella understood Mimi, she really did. She and everyone else had been monsters to her, all the time, and there had been little good in her pack life. And now this. Mimi had every right to love, and this little show was so damn arousing. But then again, Damon's jealous gaze lingered, as if he still saw Mimi as his property. That was one wrong thing.

As Mariella sat there, a mix of emotions washed over her. She realized Damon had never seen her as his property, but as his beloved, his mate. His feelings for her were real. Maybe, just maybe, it would be better if Damon would forget Mimi. Perhaps those two weren't meant to be. It would be better for everyone involved. Of course, she was pregnant, hormonal, full of hormonal felines with thoughts of their own. They wanted Damon. They saw Damon as a strong good alpha for them. 

A heavy sigh escaped Mariella's lips as she contemplated the hard task ahead. Helping Damon forget Mimi, and letting her go, would be a challenge. Mimi could be the alpha female of the pack, but a mate for Damon? Not really. Sure, they would have a bond, but it was nothing compared to the deep connection she shared with Damon. Mariella knew it was time to face the realities, to confront the truth. There was no love between Mimi and Damon, no matter what feelings Mimi had stirred within him. She had admitted it to Jarod. She felt nothing for Damon.

Jealousy lingered within Mariella as she thought about Adam and Charles, but she also knew that she had to focus on all the Salvatores for the future. She had to help them move on and be with her and the wolves. And one thing she needed to do was teach the wolves to take human form. It would make things even easier.

With a heavy heart, Mariella realized she needed to grow into an alpha strong enough so that someday, Mimi would no longer be needed. She could and would leave the pack. Disappointment washed over her, but she knew that sometimes not everyone was meant to be. She would help Damon, and now it was better that Mimi was not breeding, relieving any obligation for Damon to go to her. 

As Adam drove up to the shop's parking lot, I could feel the anticipation building within me. Charles greeted me with a dangerous smile, mirroring Adam's expression. I discreetly removed my hand from my panties, aware of the limited time I had. Adam opened the front door smoothly, allowing me to quickly jump out with my bag in hand.

Before I could take more than a few steps, Charles enveloped me, his touch electrifying as he kissed me and sensually licked my fingers. His desire was palpable, and his possessive grip on my shoulders only intensified the sensation. Damons and Mariella walked a little ahead, ensuring Princess's safety. Meanwhile, Adam scanned the parking lot with sharp eyes as we made our way to the shop.

Walking alongside Charles, I discreetly spotted three of Damien's spies. My extensive list of people to watch out for, obtained through a reliable source, guided me. My memory served as a valuable asset, preventing the Salvatores from infiltrating my thoughts, but Mariella remained a concern. She roamed from shelf to shelf, inspecting novelties, accompanied by a few Salvatores and wolves. Two of them stayed close to her, their presence unsettling. Number one and number two, to be exact. They were more of keeping her safe, but not really paying attention to what she was putting in her cart. Really? 

Charles, growing increasingly irritated, grunted and declared, "Excuse me, it's time to be the protector."

He had watched that too, waited patiently for some salvatore to stop her from taking rubbish, but no, they were all so in love that the princess could eat whatever she wanted. He confidently approached Mariella, taking a packet from her hand and exchanging it for another while expressing his anger. Salvatores did not really react. Charles emptied most of the stuff from Mariella's cart with eyes black with irritation and anger. Good for him.

Meanwhile, I continued walking through the shop, noticing the array of delicious-looking treats. According to Charles, Adam, Colin, and my AI, there were gluten-free options and a few indulgences just for me. I could have one here and there when I needed to drink a lot, but I had gotten used to drinking.

Again, these helped me keep my sugars and my mood more stable. Charles, Adam, and Magnum had noticed the link between my blood sugar, my nutrition, and my rage. When my sugars did not act up, my grip on my rage was way much better. I was not sure how long that pancreas transplant would work, so I needed to prepare myself.

Mariella felt a surge of irritation as Charles denied her threats, while Damon stood by doing nothing. The scent of disappointment filled the air as Charles, her protector, seemed to believe he knew what was best for her, even though she was pregnant. Damon, on the other hand, was more focused on protecting the cubs. Damon, arrogant bastard mood, just let Charles do his duty. Charles coldly and calmly emptied most of the novelties of her cart, spatting a few angry words about correct eating in an angry voice. 

Mariella wanted to test her theory, to show Mimi that she still had her duties and responsibilities. The thought of seeing Mimi's expression was exhilarating. It reminded her of how Mimi was originally meant to be Damon's protector but had relinquished that role to Mariella.

Mariella had only read the basics about protectors, knowing that it was based on love and the need for care. Protectors and their proteges were meant to be lovers, biologically compatible, and each other's protectors. Mimi was supposed to be Damon's protector, as she possessed enough power, but she had been lazy or afraid, denying her role. Mariella yearned for the day when Mimi would step into her rightful place as the protector of the Salvatores, as it was meant to be.

However, she understood that eternity was a long time and this transformation would take time. Mariella found herself relying more on her savior radar than her protector radar when it came to the Salvatores. Perhaps she could show Damon a few things, ways to make Mimi's life more interesting. Damon might not be ready for Mimi to be his protector just yet, but with time, they would both come to understand the importance of it.

Mariella sought out Damon, feeling his arms wrap around her as he whispered, "Telepath, strong one. But darlin', what's the use of twisting Mimi into my protector if she no longer loves me? You love me, so you could be my protector."

Mariella responded, "She may not love you yet, but she has lost her way. It will take time for her to see it. It won't be easy for you, but just imagine her expression when we slowly make her embrace her role as your protector. She won't be able to escape. She won't be able to leave you. And as she cares for you and protects you, love will begin to grow again. But my love, we must be patient."

Damon stood in silence, his mind consumed by the desire for a victory, a score of 1-0 against that creature. He yearned for her to care for him, to be a part of his life. As his plan unfolded in his mind, he felt his rage slowly dissipate. It was time for Mimi to face her responsibilities and contemplate her future.

Turning to Mariella, Damon asked with a tinge of frustration, "Alright, what do you suggest we do? How can we make stubborn creature protect me?"

A mischievous smile formed on Mariella's face as she replied, "It's quite simple. She's currently in the gluten-free aisle. Adam, Colin, Charles, and AI have allowed her to indulge in gluten-free treats. Again, something to do with her sugars and her rage. Charles has not written everything in her files. I recommend you go there, ensure she is not poisoning herself, and then test her. Choose something for yourself, bait her. Or better yet, release your pheromones, not to seduce, but so she can smell you and be compelled to act. I guess we both have all sorts of shit in our blood. I will do the same to Charles, making him act, chop things up in my blood. Then you put explorative energy in secret in Cornick's mind to seek out all and any information about Mimi and her physical wellbeing, her problems, and how he has fixed them. You need to know. And when you get Mimi to chop or give you anything, take those formulas, you know her substances are very complex, so it is win-win for you."

Damon grunted, smiled thinly, and walked away like a predator.

Meanwhile, I was browsing through the gluten-free products, selecting my treats.

Suddenly, a forceful grip seized my wrist, and Salvatore's voice whispered in my ear, "You mustn't poison yourself, missy. These items are not good for you, just mere rubbish. You're straining your body again."

Letting out a sigh, I gazed at him, this specimen of a man. I retorted, "Gluten-free products aren't that bad for me. They don't contain additives, and this packet is small."

Damon interjected, "Yes, but that gas has slightly altered those carbs. You're too sensitive. Obey me. I know about links with your sugars and your rage. My radar will keep an eye on your sugars, so I will know when and if that transplant will fail and you shall have another one."

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed my cart and walked away. How in the hell did he know that one? Damn telepath. He walked next to me. I could smell passionfruit very clearly, campfire, but not so much. He was not blood-hungry, but he was not in top shape. 

However, I soon realized that Damon had unleashed his pheromones, filling the air around us. My head ached, and a sense of fatigue washed over me. I got information about his physical state through those damn pheromones. I rubbed between my eyes, attempting to ease the discomfort. Damn it, his pheromones were affecting me even more.

Desperately trying to distance myself, I noticed he was following me. The headache intensified, and my nose felt congested. I could feel my body reacting, producing excess substances. This was some sort of reaction when he flaunted pheromones, all of them wide open. I was thinking, am I doing velvet, or what the fuck? I usually specialize in poisons and toxins.

Damon's voice pierced through me, his words dripping with false innocence and smugness. "What's the matter, baby? Headache? Feeling stuffy?"

The throbbing in my head intensified as he spoke. He believed that I held a link, a connection that made me his protector. But I refused to let that happen. I was supposed to drive him away, not become his guardian.

His grip tightened around my arm, and he led me into the depths of the aisles. The headache pulsed, growing more unbearable with each step.

"Come on," he taunted, tilting his head, "sink your fangs into my veins and show me what I'm missing."

Reluctantly, I had no choice but to comply. My fangs pierced his skin, and I felt a rush of substances flowing into his body. I had no idea what I was giving him, or why, but I gave him a lot. The pressure that was inside me eased and somehow I was quite damn irritated with him, somehow because of this state.

It took 35 agonizing minutes for my teeth to retract. As the headache dissipated, Damon smirked at me, patting my cheek.

"Good girl," he sneered, "you've chopped through my bullshit. Thank you. This is your duty, and someday, you'll accept it. Thank you for the formulas. They are fascinating."

With that, he walked away, leaving me to sigh and confide in Charles about what I had done.

Charles confessed that he, too, had removed the toxins from Mariella's blood. I hoped that no other Salvatores would arrive before me, their pheromones enticingly open. Exhausted, I walked through the shop, not in the mood for a spectacle. That had taken a lot out of me. I guess he really had not eaten as he should. No need for passionate sex scenes or big love confessions.

But I didn't need to make one. Damon and Mariella were entangled in each other, professing their love, oblivious to my presence. There was all the necessary, like calling me beast, mandatory evil, not a woman but a creature. Three of Damien's spies watched the scene unfold. I positioned myself strategically, allowing my expressions to reveal my deep distress. I let my emotions show on my face, my heartbreak, my desperation, my pain, heart wrenching pain. The spies took note, but Damon and Mariella remained blind to it. However, Charles saw and shared in my sorrow. Adam, too, felt upset on my behalf. They did not want to start to drink again. 

Our shopping trip stretched on for over five hours as Mariella enticed every Salvatore to her, seeking their love and affection. It seemed that she had conveniently forgotten that I, not her, should have been Damon's protector. And I had done something she never did – I noticed. Jealousy consumed me as I witnessed the weakening bond between Damon and me, replaced by his love for Mariella. I forced bitter thoughts to fester, fueling the growing hatred for Damien. 

As I strolled through the shop, the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. Suddenly, my phone pierced the tranquility with its insistent ring.

With apprehension, I answered, my voice trembling, "Mimi Salvatore."

A sinister voice sneered on the other end, "Oh, baby, maybe you should reconsider being with Springcove again. There's no love between you and Damon. It must have been hard for you to witness just how much those five of them adore that woman. You're nothing but a pawn, a beast to be used by Damon. We Salvatores are known for our manipulation and disregard. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the pain in your eyes, the heartbreak as you hear them all affirming Mariella's righteousness. Even Number Two, no spark there."

Infuriated, I retorted to Damien, "Oh, really, you're here in this shop? Don't be a coward. No need to call. Come face me."

Damien chuckled, "Not yet, baby. Someday, I'll snatch you. Mr. Sark has some interesting plans for you. You must be thrilled not to be pregnant, watching the others bask in love while knowing that soon Damon will order Adam and Charles to care for the wolves, leaving you all alone. You mean nothing to him. But remember, you'll always be my baby. Perhaps I am the Salvatore destined to be with you."

My hatred surged, and I spat, "I hate you, Damien. I truly do, and I will never be yours. So, you better understand that. As for your little threat of snatching me, it won't be that easy. You better hope I don't snatch you first and make you answer my questions. I'll know if you're lying."

The call abruptly ended. Damien had revealed himself. My plan was unfolding as planned, and my darkness grew stronger. Hatred grew, and bitterness and pain festered in my soul. Fueling darkness within. I need to be strong, to let him destroy us.