"Don't you like it?"
Bonnie started into the depths of the glass she was holding. There was nothing sinister in there as far as she could tell. . .only the familiar pale color and tangy smell of champagne. She nodded. "I just don't drink very often," she replied to the man sitting next to her.
"What about the dress?" he asked. "I picked it out myself Bonnie."
She shivered at the sound of her name on his lips and looked down quickly at the gown she was wearing--hoping he wouldn't notice her reaction.
It was a beautiful dress, sleek and sexy, while tasteful at the same time. The color was a soft cream, not unlike the champagne in her glass. Incredibly fragile gossamer-like straps held up the bodice that was just low-cut enough to be daring, and it molded to Bonnie's small, yet curvacious form. The empire waistline billowed out into a graceful skirt that just brushed the tops of her small creamy silk slippers.
Bonnie couldn't believe it, she'd never worn anything like this before. "It's. . .exquisite," she breathed excitedly while looking up into the face of her companion.
"Yes, exquisite," he agreed. "Just like you."
Bonnie's face lit up as she saw the sincerity in his impossibly dark eyes. They were familiar. . .but she wasn't sure why. The color. . .they almost looked. . .
"Do you like me Bonnie?"
His voice interrupted her thoughts. She shook her head to clear it and took a hasty sip of her champagne. It was bitter, more so than any kind she had ever tasted before. "What?" she asked.
His smile was charming. "Do you like me?" he repeated.
"Well, of course I like you. . ." Bonnie frowned. "I'm sorry, what did you say your name was again?"
"Is it important?" he asked as he took the champagne glass from her hand. "I like you Bonnie--I think that's all that matters."
Bonnie found herself melting under his gaze. His eyes were beautiful. . .so dark. Her mind clouded over again. They reminded her of something. . .but she could hear him talking again--forcing her out of her reverie.
"You and I are so much alike," he said as he absently stroked her hands. Bonnie felt shivers race up her spine. "We're both so powerful. . .so full of energy. What we could do for each other. . ."
"What do you mean?" Bonnie whispered, captivated by the sound of his voice.
"You're psychic," he stated simply. "To be more precise--you're a witch. Or you could be if you harnessed your powers. I could help you do that. . ."
Bonnie tried to draw her hand away from his. "Who are you?" she asked. Suspicion welled up inside her. "How do you about my powers?"
He laughed as she eyed him warily. "I know you Bonnie McCullough. I know everything about you. . .I know how strong and beautiful you are."
Bonnie blinked repeatedly. She shook her head, but her mind was still swimming. For the first time, she looked around at her surroundings. There was nothing--just herself. . .and him. Beyond that. . .nothing but a grey mist. "What's going on?" Her throat began to close.
He stood up with her. "Bonnie. . .you're frightened aren't you?"
She stared into his eyes again. "I--I don't know." What was it about his eyes? Their darkness was unfathomable. . .so bleak. . .almost. . .
"Are you frightened of me?" he continued. "You don't need to be." His words slapped Bonnie in the face with their familiarity.
almost. . .black.
Bonnie gasped as memories swirled about in her head. Blood. . .vampires. . .Stefan. . .Vickie's window. . .Sue. . .Elena's diary. . .Founder's Day. . .Katherine. . .Klaus. . .black eyes. . .Damon.
"Where in the Hell am I?" she screamed to the man beside her. "Who are you?!"
For the first time, he looked upset. "You're where you belong Bonnie. With me."
"No!" Bonnie backed away from him. . .not caring that she couldn't see anything or where she was going. "Stay away from me!"
His face became hard. "You don't know what you're doing Bonnie. Don't resist me!"
Bonnie turned and ran. She could hear his voice behind her.
"You can't hide from me Bonnie! I am always with you!"
