#mark tlb

David’s POV:

The boys and I had long past given up on birthdays. It’s not like they mattered much when you were immortal anyways. And Paul and Marko never needed an excuse to party. They were pointless.

At least that’s what I thought before I met them. Our Human. My human. They somehow made life feel so simple, yet so complicated all at once. They were an enigma, one you couldn’t pry your eyes away from.

Birthdays where Important for two reasons. Human lives were fragile. Nearly everything could hurt them, kill them. I was in a constant battle of worry so every birthday we got to see was a blessing. A reminder that they really were meant to be ours and weren’t going anywhere.

But more importantly, each birthday brought them closer to their promise to us. Just three more and they would join us, stand by my side for the rest of our lives. Sure, it was selfish to preserve my excitement for my own reasons, but I couldn’t help it.

Today marked two more birthdays until they would turn. And I tried to make each human birthday more special than the last. It wasn’t hard when Marko and Paul were like excited puppy’s ready to please their every whim. They would go out of their way for our mate for the smallest things.

The boys had decorated the cave and Dwayne picked out some music. But I was in charge of the most important part. Getting the cake. It was an easy task really, I had an ongoing deal with the baker in town. He was a paranoid old man convinced the rival bakery was trying to steal his secret recipe. I said I’d “watch” the store if he gave me a free cake for my partners birthday every year.

This year I decided to theme the cake around their current favourite character. They were always talking about it, that even Paul started to remember details about it. I asked him, not so kindly, to not smoke tonight at the party unless Y/N gave the ok. He could get even more rowdy when he was high. And that could be a lot for any vampire, let alone a human.

Dwayne was tasked with keeping and eye on him and Marko. So I was beyond livid when I escorted our mate back to the cave for their surprise party, and their cake was nowhere in sight. And neither was Dwayne.

I could sense the other two still in the cave. Y/N may not be able to hear their faint laughter but I could.

“This looks amazing babe” y/n complimented.

I gave them a lazy smile, not trying to bring their attention to the missing cake. I guided them over to the couch when I saw a slight pout on their face, making up a quick lie.

“They must be out getting some last minuet gifts for you doll, you know how they are. Always procrastinating.”

I almost felt my heart flutter when I heard them chuckle. It quickly became one of my favourite sounds after meeting them. And right now I wanted to keep their spirits up. They’d had a long day celebrating with the humans, but I knew they much preferred our smaller parties.

I was furious by the time Dwayne came back to the cave with Laddie, they’d missed like half the party and I still had no cake for our Mate. I pulled him to the side, harshly whispering out of earshot of our human.

“Where the hell were you?” I grit out.

“Laddie got spooked by the thunder and ran off, Star and I were out looking for him. He wasn’t in any of the usual spots.”

I sighed. I couldn’t be mad at him for that. He loved that boy more than anything, we all did. And our kitten would be even more upset if something happened to laddie on their birthday.

“The two idiots did something to the cake while you were gone, but they’re being cowards and won’t come out. Our mate is starting to get sad nobodies here for their birthday, and I think they’ve noticed the missing cake I promised them. This is a disaster Dwyane. I swear I’m gonna kill them-“

He looked almost as furious as I did. Their pranks were typically harmless, but this one wasn’t in good taste. Pun fully NOT intended.

My heart nearly stopped again when I heard faint crying upon re-entering the cave. Followed by the rambling of Marko and Paul apologising profusely. Christ, what have they done now.

“Out!”

I shouted.

The three of them jumped, and I felt bad, but Dwayne could deal with those two right now. I simply pointed to the cave entrance and they hung their heads and left with a few more muttered apologies.

I quickly moved in to scoop up our baby, holding them closely to my chest while they cried. I was never good with words like Dwayne was in moments like this, so I just rocked them, petting their hair softly which seemed to work.

When the sniffling lightened I looked down at them, trying to give my best smile.

“Wanna go for a drive, doll?”

They could never resist a midnight ride under the moon. That would give the boys enough time to fix the party before I got back. Or they’d have hell to pay, those hunters will be the least of their worries…

An: I’m so sorry if this is bad, I haven’t written in so long I feel rusty. I gotta get back into it but seasonal depression is kicking my arse! 😭 Got that writers block hard core right now and I want it to stop!

Damon had dragged the boys somewhere to cause some mischief. I'm sure Stefan and Matt were being the voice of reason. While my brother was likely lucky to keep his head on his shoulders. Which left me all alone, standing in the middle of our air b and b rental. I drew the shades, blocking out any sunlight. Unlike my brother, My werewolf eyes were sensitive. I could see much better than him at night, but this hindered me during the day. Without my sunglasses, I was basically blind.

I turned the air conditioning up and laid down on the cold marble flooring of the kitchen. It felt nice against my hot skin. Before I knew it, I fell asleep.

David's POV:

The night was drawing close, I could see the last remnants of sunlight setting along the horizon. I was always the first to wake unless Dwayne was particularly antsy that day. It had been three days since we met that girl at the convenience store. Three whole days since we fed on her in the ally. I knew the boys were still thinking about her, I was too. Paul was jumping out of his skin at a chance to sniff her out. But we had to be patient, she said she'd meet us again, and I doubt she'd lie. Not after letting us feed on her so willingly. Nobody had ever done that for us before.

I hear Marko stir from his place on the ceiling, the others were quick to wake up after.

"I have a good feeling about tonight!" He declared, overly cheerful.

"Somebodies happy, wet have one of those dreams again?" Paul teased.

Marko rolled his eyes, and Dwayne chuckled lightly under his breath. He stretched showing the top of his happy trail. My eyes wandered for a moment, before Paul clapped his hand on my shoulder.

"And somebodies hungry this morning. Who did the two of you drink last night, because I want what you're having."?

"Shut it hairspray!" I flinched his hand off of me.

Dwayne chuckled playfully.

"If you're sure tonight is the night Marko, do your thing, sniff her out."

"With Pleasure." Marko cracked his infamous cat like grin.

He was the best tracker out of all of us. We set out into the crowd, patrolling the boardwalk as usual. Despite my best efforts, Paul got distracted by the usual chum. Pretty girls, less pretty boys. He was a horny bastard and he needed to get his priorities straight. He'd be disappointed if he tires himself out before we find her, she would to. And for that I'd have to punish him. But it was his grave he was digging, Paul learned things the hard way.

Dwayne was on high alert as usual, scanning the crowd as if any of these humans were a danger to us. Though I couldn't really blame him, his gut feelings were never wrong. I just wish he'd relax outside of the cave every once and a while.

But Marko, Marko did not disappoint. In under an hour, we had her in our sights again. And by the gods, was she breath taking. Her outfit wasn't particularly stunning the first time we met. But that hardly mattered, right now however, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I slapped Paul on the back of his head, pulling his attention away from the girl he was toying with.

"Ow, what the hell man?"

Her hair was loosely braided to one side. She wore a short red plaid skirt, black knee-high socks and platform boots. But what had my breath catching in my throat was her top or lack thereof. She wore a thing black lace bralette, and Dwayne's leather jacket hung loosely around it. It was way too oversized, and she honestly looked adorable in it. It was clear Dwayne agreed from the genuine smile on his face.

"She's wearing it."

I was honestly surprised when he gave it to her. Dwayne wasn't nearly as uppity about his jacket as Marko was with his. But it was still one of his favorite things. He wore it every day. Today however he threw on one of Paul's old black flannels he stole. It was a little tight on him, because his muscles were larger. But it still looked nice, weird but nice.

She was sat alone on a bench by Max's video store. None of her pesky friends following her today. Most importantly, her brother was nowhere in sight. He smelt like wet dog and cheap booze. She fidgeted with the necklace around her neck. Her gaze was far off, staring up at the sky.

Before I could finish reading Marko's mind, he was already on his way over. Too eager I suppose. I sighed heavily as I watched the scene unfold.

"Should we intervene?" Dwayne asked.

I shook my head.

"Naw man, Markie's just having some fun." Paul defended.

We watched as he jumped out in front of her, starling her. I could hear the soft squeak that left her mouth. She clutched her necklace tighter and glared up at him. We took that as our que to softly approach.

"You should have seen your face." Paul laughed.

"You should know it well, it's the same face you make when you walk past a reflective surface."

Paul placed a hand over his heart in offence. Marko was double over laughing, leaning on her shoulder.

"How are you?" I asked smoothly.

She smiled up at me, holding out her hand, as if to ask for mine I pulled her up to her feet, watching Marko stumble in the process.

"Thank you. And I'm fine, you?"

I gave her a half-baked answer, I could tell she wasn't fully with us. Her eye looked past me at the sky again. I followed her line of sight, and she quickly shrunk in on herself when she noticed.

"Something wrong?" Dwayne asked for me.

"Sorry. Just, the moons very bright tonight, don't you think?"

"It is, isn't it." I muttered.

"Awesome, isn't it? The blood moons tonight." Paul wiggled his fingers in her face like a kid telling a ghost story.

She frowned, but it was so subtle I almost thought I imagined it.

"Yeah, cool..."

"You with us Doll face?" I mused.

Her attention snapped back to me.

"So, you settled on Doll face? Better than Kitten I guess." she laughed lightly.

It wasn't pity laugh. Just something small, genuine.

"What's wrong with Kitten, Kitten?" Marko purred in her ear.

"Wrong type of pet." She joked.

The type of joke, only she knew the true meaning of. But Marko took this as a challenge.

"Little bird? Bunny? No, no- you're definitely some thinks cool like a snake!" He declared.

She pushed his face away with her hand.

"Keep trying buddy. You boys want to get out of her?" She asked.

I could hear the nerves in her voice, it was the way Dwayne spoke when he felt threatened.

"I thought you'd never ask." Paul grinned.

I held out my hand, mirroring her earlier action. She took it gratefully and we all started walking.

"Where too?" I questioned.

"Somewhere the light doesn't touch." She said defiantly.

On odd request, but who was I to judge. She was making this all too easy. I walked her over to where Our bikes sat and helped her hop on. I handed her the extra helmet I used for Star. The boys and I talked through our mind link.

"Do you think she's on something?" Paul asked.

"Her pupils were fine." Dwayne observed.

"Of course, you were staring at her eye's loser, did you see what she's wearing?" Marko jeered.

That was a stupid question, of course he did. But Dwayne was more gentlemanly than the rest of us, or at least he played the part better.

"She seemed uncomfortable, maybe she got in a fight with one of her friends. Would explain why that blond girl wasn't hanging off of her, and that due with the dumb haircut wasn't glaring at anyone who got to close." Dwayne queried.

"Doesn't explain why she doesn't like the light." I finally chimed in.

Nobody seemed to have an explanation for that one. The rest of the ride to the cave was silent. She got of my biked, taking of the helmet, and removing her braid. She shook her hair out, so it fell sloppily around her neck. The bite marks had healed pretty well.

"So, what do you think?" Marko asked.

"Of what? This hunk of rock?" She laughed, not genuine like it was early.

She was defiantly on edge about something.

"Well, this hunk of rock is ours, Sweetcheeks" Paul slung his arm over our shoulders.

"We live deep within the cave, used to be an old hotel or something like that. Sink hole got to it."

"No shit, that's kinda cool actually. Show me around?" She asked, looking right into his eyes.

Dwayne playfully scooped her up in his arms.

"Hey, put me down!" "No can do, the way in's slippery, can't have you falling and breaking that pretty little neck of yours."

I knew he was cracking. Vampires were territorial creatures by nature. Being this close to our home and seeing her in his clothes. His mind was numbing by the second.

He flew her down to our spot in the cave, Her giggled echoed of the walls. It made my undead heart swell in a way I didn't think it could. He plated his feet on the edge of the fountain, threatening to drop her in it. A move I'm sure he learned from one of the terror twins.

"No don't!"

"Why not?" "Because you'll ruin your jacket silly!" She said it like there was nothing more obvious in the whole world.

Paul had already made himself comfortable on the couch. Marko read my mind and left to go get some food. We wouldn't need to find dinner ourselves, if she let us feed on her again. I stood watching the whole ordeal and lit a cigarette.

"And what if I were to just take it back?"

Her eyes widened like saucers.

"You musty ass bitch! you'll have to pry it from my could dead hands!" she shouted.

She somehow managed to twist out of his hold, flipping backwards and landing expertly on the tip of the center of the fountain.

Paul starred at her like she just grew a second head. I honestly was surprised, and mildly impressed. Dwayne took a moment to contemplate what just happened but lunged for her playfully. She jumped back gain, dogging him with ease. A chase ensued for a few minutes, Paul deciding to join in and help.

"Oh, come on, it's my jacket!" Dwayne tried to reason.

"Finder keepers, losers' weepers!" She stuck her tongue out at him.

It was like she sensed Paul's presence behind her, cause she ducked when he tried to reach for her, slipping under his legs. She grabbed his hair and pulled him close, using him as a human shield between her and Dwayne. Paul bit his lip hard, I could tell he was trying to hold back a moan. It was honestly hilarious, and what that idiot deserved. They circled each other for a moment, stargazing.

"Hey when did I become a pawn in this?"

"When you picked his side you traitor."

Marko came back with the food, but none of them moved an inch.

"I got the chow- what the hell is going on here?" He asked amused.

"Care to explain Doll face?" I asked nonchalantly.

"Dwayne want's his jacket back. I like being warm."

Marko chuckled, placing the food down on the makeshift coffee table.

"Oh yeah? I could always warm you up babe." He tried.

She rolled her eyes.

"Pick a side blondie, there no cuddling in the heat of war!"

He jumped over the couch and stood by Dwayne's side.

"What? Wouldn't give up my jacket for just any girl." He smiled at her.

"Boo, you whore!"

I laughed under my breath, it was true, Marko as a whore.

"What are you laughing at Ken, get over here and help me."

I raised a brow at her. Not only did she just give me an order, she called me ken. It's almost like she raid my mind, because in a smaller voice, with a blush on her face, she explained.

"Well, if I'm your doll..."

"When you say it like that, sure, I'll help you."

I stood Infront of her and Dwayne glared at me. She finally let go of Paul, knowing he wouldn't dare switch back teams.

"So that's how were gonna play this?" Dwayne asked her.

"All is fair in war." She shrugged.

She definitely shouldn't have said that. He and Marko shared a look, before he launched the smaller boy at me. I shifted the impact so we wouldn't back up into her. Dwayne went for her but got cut off by Paul. She took this as an opportunity to run and hide. Another mistake. We were vampires, she knew this. It was amusing she thought we couldn't find her.

I quickly shook Marko off of me and went to go find her. She'd never suspect someone on her own team to turn on her. She said it herself, anything goes. I pulled back the makeshift curtain, separating Paul's part of the cave. I found her hiding behind the mini fringe he kept in there. I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder.

"NO fair!" She let out between laughs.

"This has been fun Doll, but I'm hungry and you're delaying dinner."

She must have understood my double entendre, because I felt a shiver run through her spine. I chuckled menacingly. I threw her down on the couch and she glared up at me. Dwayne came up behind her and removed his jacket.

"I win." he said, leaning down to her height and grinning.

She said nothing, glaring. She was giving him the silent treatment. To emphasized this, she turned away from him, focusing her attention on Paul. She called him over, and he obliged. She pecked him on the cheek.

"Thats for not betraying me."

He smiled the brightest smile I've ever seen. He plopped down next to her on the couch and handed her some food.

"Thanks."

We all ate, the boys making meaningless conversation. Dwayne looked over at her every once in a while, trying to gauge if she was actually upset. I was just glad she was eating. We wouldn't want her passing out later. I'm sure she'd have to get back to her friends sooner or later. She spaced out again, staring lifelessly at a spot on the floor. Paul nudgedx her shoudler, but she didnt budge. I grew a tad concenred.

"Y/N?" I asked.

The other boys drew their full attention to her now.

"Y/N?" I asked a little louder.

Marko waved his hand in front of her face. A few minutes past and we still could snap her out of it. So, I made a decision.

"What are you doing?" Paul asked, suddenly protective.

"We have to snap he out of whatever this is, she's not consciously breathing, and her heart is slowing. You can hear it can't you?"

They all nodded.

"Being gentle isn't working so-"

I extended my claws. I grabbed her wrist, turning it over in my grasp. I made eye contact with Dwayne for a second, he was the smartest of us, basically asking if he thought this was the right play. He gave me a nod. I dug y nail into her skin, hard enough to draw blood. She snaped out of it quickly, grabbing my hand in a tight grip. Her eyes met mine and they were darker than before. She had a scowl on her face.

"What was that?" She growled.

"We lost you for a second there, you were out for a few minutes." I said defensively.

Her grip is much tighter than it should of been. The boy's and I suspected she wasn't human, but she wasn't one of us either. That was obvious. What the hell was she?

"Yeah, you totally went all zombie on us, not like literally-"

She cut off Paul with a glare. She took a deep breath, before finally letting go of my arm. There was a red mark for a moment, before it healed.

"Sorry." She apologized.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Dwayne, always the worry wort.

"What does it feel like when you feed?" She asked suddenly, changing the subject.

I starred at her with curiosity.

"When you drink from a human, I mean. How does it make you feel?" Her question was directed at me specifically this time.

"IS that what you're worried about. We weren't gonna feed on you without permission." I laughed.

She shook her head.

"No." She looked past me at Dwayne now. "What do you think when you're doing it?"

Dwayne let out a heavy sigh.

"I don't think we have the answer you want."

"I'm not testing you; I just want a genuine answer. Please." Her voice got small in the end.

Paul was an idiot, but he was good at comforting. He pulled her close once he felt no resistance, and pet her hair down, smoothing it.

"Well, for me it feels really exciting. More the hunting them down, hearing their please. Sometimes they taste good, and the ones that don't, the weed helps." He explained.

I excepted her to pull away from him, disgusted, but she just nodded, leaning into his touch more.

"Well, if were being honest, it kidna turns me on. I usually pick the hottest people to feed off of. You were the first one who liked it though." Marko added.

She gave him a weak smile, eyes drifting to Dwayne.

"I didn't like it at first, being a vampire. But it doesn't bother me anymore. I like it because they like it. As long as they're having fun, then so am I." Dwayne confessed.

"So not only are you a literally leech, but you're a social leech to." She joked softly. Laughing into Paul's chest.

Dwayne rolled his eyes. Her attention finally shifted back to me. We held eye contact for a long time, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

"Why do you want to know?" I sighed. "Aren't their answers good enough?"

She sat up, pulling away from Paul. I heard a small whine escape him. But he let her go anyway.

"I'm not asking you to pour your heart out to me David. I'll-" She stopped herself, running an unsteady had through her hair. "I'll answer a question for you, if you answer mine. Any question, I can't say no." She offered.

It was tempting, truly. I wanted to know if me and the boys could trust her. Why we felt these things towards her, that we never felt before. Why she had this effect on us.

"Any question?"

"You can each ask me something, yes." Her heart didn't falter, she wasn't lying.

"It's a power exchange for me. To know me and my boys can strike fear, that people wouldn't mess with us. I feed on douchbags, idiots who deserve what they get. To watch them feel small, it feels good. If you're talking more literally, it does power us. Were stronger right after we've just fed. We feel faster, lighter, our mood improves."

She looked lost in thought for a moment.

"Thank you for being honest."

"You're not scared of us?" Paul asked, sounding hopful.

"Is that your question?"

He thought for a moment, before nodding. Out of all of us, he was the worst with rejection. She reached out to stroke his cheek with her thumb.

"No. I'm not scared of you. If you guys wanted to kill me, I'd most likely already be dead. Now, trust is a different story. But I trust you as much I trust any man. But at least you guys seem to want to be honest with me."

"Why did you let us feed from you?" Dwayne asked next. "You'd already been fed on that night, so why risk it?"

"Because I can tell when a vampire is in need. You boys are just more forthcoming with your thirst then others I've interacted with. Besides, you piqued my interest, and my night was rather boring."

He didn't seem fully satisfied with the answer none of us were, but he let her continue.

"Do you like me? I mean us?" Marko blurted out.

She let out a soft chortle.

"Would I be here right now if I didn't?"

He frowned.

"The answer is yes, Marko, I do find all of you rater attractive. I'm just a bit more subtle than you are."

He gave a small cheer.

"The floor is yours David." She spoke.

"Who bit you that night? Did you know the vampire?"

"Thats two questions." She stalled.

"Y/N" I warned.

She sighed dropping her head. She fidgeted with her hands.

"Yes. I knew him."

"Him?" Marko and Paul asked in sync.

I could tell their territorial nature was kicking in as well.

"He's a friend, he doesn't like me like that. Probably never will." She sounded sad. "He's not very good at controlling his thirst-"

"So, he bit you?" I asked, angry.

"It's not like that, David. He would never hurt me... on purpose. He doesn't like hurting people, He didn't bring enough blood packs on this trip, so I gave him a top off. It was my choice, just let letting you guys' feed on me was my choice."

"He's using your feeling for him to get stuff from you." I said.

"And you aren't?!" She suddenly yelled. "I know what your intentions were bringing me here, to your home. It's secluded, no body for miles, I'm not stupid David. Don't you dare suggest that I am not in control of my own feelings, and my body!"

She got up in my face.

"He didnt-" Dwayne started to defed me.

"NO! Let him speak for himself, this is his grave he's digging, not yours."

"It was not my place to speak."

"Yeah, no shit.

She suddenly slumped over, clutching her side. She groaned in pain. I reached down to try to ask what was wrong.

"What, time is it?" She asked, her voice strained.

"Almost midnight, why?" Dwayne asked, getting up from his spot and coming over to her.

"I have to go." She shrugged Dwayne's hand off her and tried to stand, faltering in her steps.

"You don't look so good." Paul said.

If Paul was concerned, something was definitely wrong.

"I'm fine!" she growled out.

Her town was low, deep. She doubled over in pain again, this time falling to her knees.

"I shouldn't have come here; this was a mistake." She said. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears.

"What's happening?" I asked, my tone more bitter than I intended.

"The blood moon." She stuttered out. "You all should leave, it's not- it's not safe." She pleaded.

I heard a deafening crack echo throughout the cave. She cradled her arm with her other hand.

"This was reckless, I'm so stupid." It seemed like she was talking more to herself now.

Paul tried to help her up but hissed and pulled his hand away.

"She's burning up." He explained. "Like really hot."

She suddenly let out a scream as another loud crack was heard. She laid on her back now, staring up at the ceiling with tears in her eyes. Her eyes flashed yellow. I was by her side in an instant, holding her in my arms.

"I know you're trying to help David, but you cant. It's not safe. I'm- I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have put you guys int his position."

Before I could ask for clarification, she screamed again. This tie I could feel her bones cracking. She was a sweating mess, writhing in pain. Even after all the horrible things I've done, I couldn't stand to watch this. The boys remained quiet, trying not to disturb her. But their thoughts were rapid. But one thoughts of Dwayne's stood out.

"What's effected by the moonlight, has fangs, and a high body temperature?" He asked himself.

"It can't be." Marko said.

"Max said they were real, just not native to this part of the country, that's why he made a home in California." Paul reasoned.

It could be possible; we'd never seen one of their kind in person. Only heard the stories.

"You're a werewolf." I concluded.

She nodded, a few tears slipping from her eyes as they screwed shut.

"How can we help?" Dwayne asked, kneeling down besides us.

"You can't. My brother, he's the only one who-"

The most violent scream I'd ever heard tore through her throat. It grated in my ears, it held so much anguish, even Marko flinched. And he relished in his victim's scream, but she wasn't his victim.

"I'll go find him." Marko was quick to leave.

We'd caught his scent that first day, it was obvious now he smelled like a wolf. But why didn't she smell that way? Paul paced back and forth, biting his nails. He didn't know what to do. Paul was never good in a crisis, especially not ow that he was currently sober. She calmed for a moment, gripping my hand and breathing heavily.

"I- I'm ok. This isn't my first turning. But you can't stay. Whatever you do, don't let me bite you. My venom is poisonous to your kind."

Max had conveniently left that out, telling us we'd never have to worry about werewolves. She bit down on her tongue, her body contorting wildly.

"David, promise me you'll leave. It's not fair for me to kick you out of the house, you aren't day walkers. But you'll find somewhere safe to hide." She took in a couple stuttered breaths.

"My friends, bring them my necklace." She ripped it off, handing it to me. "They'll know It's an emergency if you have this, I never take it off unless I trust someone. They'll make sure you're away from the sun and away from me. Now go!" She begged.

She threw herself off of me, backing up into the wall.

"Now!" she yelled.

I hesitated, we all did, but she promised she'd be alright. Marko would alert her brother and we'd fixed this. She had to be ok, she had to. The boys and I left, in search of her friends.