Reverse Psychology (Book Three Zach's Daughter Series, TVD)

I hadn't gone to Senior Prank Night, either, because no one had come to the house to forcibly take me, thank God.

Damon hadn't even been home.

But when he came home with Elena, they told me everything.

Klaus had been at the school, he found out about Elena being alive, he had compelled Stefan to shut off his humanity, and turned Tyler Lockwood into a hybrid.

"Maybe I was right not to go to the worst Senior Prank Night ever," I said as I handed Elena a glass of Scotch. Well, bourbon. "Hey, have some bourbon. It'll help you forget." Elena took a sip but didn't look like she liked it. "Yeah, it's strong."

"You know, I can help you forget too," Damon said. "At least the memories you don't want to keep."

"No," Elena said. "No compulsion. I need to remember. All of it."

Damon held up her necklace. "I stole it back for you."

"He's really gone this time," Elena said. "I watched it happen. After everything that we went through to get . . .to help him . . . Now he's just . . . Gone. Where were you, Damon?"

Damon put his hand on her leg. "I shouldn't have left. I promise you . . . I will never leave you again."

I exhaled, both of my hands going to my head as I looked down, my fingers clenching my hair.

"Well, isn't this cozy?" Stefan's voice came from behind us. He looked at me as I turned my head to look at him. "You okay, Nikki?"

What the hell was he doing here?

I lowered my hands to my sides, standing up. "What are you doing here, Stefan?"

"Last I checked, I lived here," Stefan replied. He looked at Elena. "Klaus is gone, but he's asked me to keep watch on you until he returns. From now on, you're under my protection." He started to take a sip of the drink he had just poured. "Mmm, by all means. Carry on."

As he left, I looked at Elena and Damon.

Oh, sh . . .