𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒. ❪ 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗏𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗂𝗋𝖾 𝖽𝗂𝖺𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 ❫

𝐯𝐢𝐢. THE SOCIOPATHIC STRANGER

I playfully rolled my eyes. "You got it, brother. Love you."

"Love you, too."

I plugged my phone into its charger and laid down on my bed. I just needed to take a few minutes to clear my head.

The last thing I wanted to do was put Jo in danger. I'm not even sure if Liv and Luke have completed the merge, but if they did, it wouldn't stop Kai from killing his own twin. It's not like she would've been much use to him afterward.

I texted Damon earlier, but he hasn't been answering me either. I just hope he got there in time to save her.

I'm still a little confused about what Cassandra had talked to me about at the bar. We're not supposed to go against the Geminis because of the pact and now she wants me to watch over one of them. It just doesn't make any sense. It must be important if she asked me to handle it, considering the current situation that I'm in.

And I also haven't told Damon and Stefan the other reason why I'm here either. In fact, I haven't told anyone. Cassandra only knew about it because she's basically aware of anything that happens with her coven, that's why she's in charge.

I've been keeping it a secret because this information can put anyone I love in harm's way. That's why I moved out of New Orleans — people want me dead.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of movement by my window. I sat up quickly and went over to see what it was. Although, when I looked out there wasn't anything. The wind was just a little bit stronger than normal. I checked one last time before closing the window.

I almost let out a sigh of relief, until I sensed another presence in the room. When I turned to see who it was, my breath hitched in my throat. Not because I was frightened, but because I had no clue why this person was even here right now.

"Kai," I choked out in surprise.

He took a step towards me and I stepped back as a gut reaction. He frowned, walking closer until he was right in front of me, his eyes locked on mine.

"Janelle, what's wrong?" he asked, brushing his fingers over my cheek making me involuntarily flinch. "Why are you scared of me?"

I swatted his hand away and pushed on his chest to get some space between us. "I'm not scared of you. I just wanna know what the hell you're doing in my house?"

"I came to see you," he said.

"Why?" I retorted.

"Because I —" He was clearly growing frustrated. "What's the matter with you, Nelle?"

"Whoa." I held my hand up to put some distance between us. "First of all, only my friends call me that. Second, you've got some nerve waltzing your way into my home uninvited. And third, why the hell do you and your sister keep acting like we've known each other our whole lives?"

Kai was taken aback by my words. It wasn't meant to come out as harsh as it did, but I've never been more confused. I needed answers, and I needed them now.

"You honestly don't remember me?" he asked with genuine hurt in his eyes.

"If I did, I wouldn't be asking," I said in an obvious tone, waiting for him to speak up.

"Janelle, you were my girlfriend in 1994."

My face stayed for straight for a few seconds until I let out a quiet, stifled laugh. "I'm sorry, it sounded like you just said I was your girlfriend in 1994."

There's no way that is even possible. I would be out of my right mind if I ever went out with him.

Kai's jaw clenched as his hands balled into fists. "We were together for almost a year."

"Yeah, right," I scoffed.

"Why don't you believe me?" he asked incredulously.

"Why don't I belie — I don't believe you because it's not true," I stated. "I wasn't anywhere near Portland 18 years ago and I certainly did not have any contact with you or your sister."

"If that's true, then where were you during that time?"

I opened my mouth to tell him off, but no sound came out. My mind was blank, literally nothing. It's like I had something to say, only I couldn't. I have no memories whatsoever of what I was doing in 1994. It's as if it had all been erased, and anything before, or after that year is as clear as day.

It doesn't make any sense.

"I don't know," I said quietly.

"Exactly," he emphasized. "You can't deny being with me if you don't remember."

"Actually, that gives me every right to deny being with you." I retorted. "For all I know, everything you're telling me is a lie."

"I'm not lying!" He shouted. I tensed up as Kai towered over me. He clearly saw this and slowly stepped away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you."

I watched his movements carefully. "It's okay, I guess."

Kai's hand trailed down to my waist in a firm grip, bringing my attention to him. "I don't care if you don't remember — I love you, Janelle. I need you to know that."

I was afraid of that.

He pressed our bodies together as he leaned in closer to my face, but I couldn't move. I wanted to, but something kept me from doing so. Just as Kai's lips were about to brush against mine, the front door slammed shut.

"Janelle, you home?"

I jumped back in surprise as I heard Damon's voice. Kai let out an annoyed groan as I pulled away from him.

"You need to leave," I whispered, pushing him towards the window.

Kai grabbed my wrist, stopping me. "I don't wanna leave you again."

"No, I can't deal with this right now. Damon's going to be up here any second and I doubt he wants to see you here. You have to leave, Kai."

"Janelle?" Damon called again.

"Upstairs!" I yelled back before turning to the man right in front of me. "Please, Kai," I pleaded, squeezing his hand that I now had a hold of.

Kai nodded sadly and climbed out the window, taking one last glance at me. Luckily, there was a tree close by, so hopefully, he wouldn't fall. Damon's footsteps were getting closer, so I quickly ran to my bed, plopping down onto it.

I grabbed my phone and pretended to be on it just as Damon opened the door.

"Hey," he greeted, taking a look around.

"Hey." I sat up, plastering a smile onto my face. "Were you able to find Jo?"

"Yeah, she's fine. Which saves me from a huge blowout with Ric when he gets back," he sighed, coming into the room.

"Good, then Kai wasn't able to complete the merge with her."

"Oh, no. He merged all right," he stated. "Luke sacrificed himself to save Jo by merging with Kai, and Kai won," he explained. "At least now he'll be out of our hair and on his way back to Portland to kill the rest of his family that locked him away in solitude."

I laughed, anxiously, "I'm sure it'll be a scream."

"Well, I'll let you get some shut-eye. I know I definitely need it," Damon said, kissing my head before leaving. "Goodnight, Nelle."

"Night," I mumbled as he shut the door.

What the hell just happened?