STRATEGY

Damon's POV:

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a gentle glow over the world below. I stood at the doorstep of Derek's house. I'd pondered for days how I could receive the news of Derek's innocence. It had been so difficult for me to come to terms with it but now it was different. If Derek had indeed not killed our parents, then who the fuck did? My heart pounded with anticipation. Things had always been complicated between us, a constant dance of push and pull, filled with hatred and malice. Perhaps we could sort that all out tonight if we knew what we were doing.

My mind raced with thoughts of our history, the ups and downs, the missed opportunities. I couldn't help but smile as I recalled the countless times they had come close to crossing the line, only to be interrupted by life's interruptions. Even though I had no idea how to face her tonight, I still believed that it could all be resolved.

The door swung open, revealing Elens standing there, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her eyes. Her hair fell in gentle waves around her face, she took in my presence. My heart skipped a beat as I drank in her beauty, the way her eyes sparkled...my eyes dropped down to her belly and I had to admit I wish the child was mine. I knew I hated kids in the past, but that was only because I didn't want any harm to them. I couldn't imagine my life centred around a family that wasn't safe. I wouldn't be able to bear the thought if they ever got hurt. Maybe Derek was a better father than I'll ever be. I blamed her before but now I respect her choice. If she doesn't want me then she has strong reasons not to.

"What brings you here?" She asked and Leo and Jessie appeared from behind her. I wasn't surprised, of course, they were here. Then Derek appeared as well, his eyes calculative but he said nothing, only opened the door wider so I could come in. We had a lot to talk about.

We moved to the living room, where we settled onto the couch, the air heavy with anticipation.

"I thought about what you said," I said to Elena. "Found it hard to believe but eventually did. I had no idea Leo had been playing pranks with my laptop and that was where I found the truth. I know it was dumb of me not to have checked it a long time ago and you have assumed it was you. Leo had everything in place, because that night, everything was recorded on the security cameras. I believed what I saw and didn't go further to look for any other evidence, till I saw the footage. And I just want to say...I'm sorry." That was difficult. I never apologize, but damn today was different, and I had been indifferent towards my brother for absolutely no reason. They all looked at each other, surprised because of my apology. But I meant what I said.

Derek nodded. "Did you notice anything strange in the footage?"

"No. Just some men with guns."

"Leo, I think we have to let it out to him. The real people that killed our parents. You've worked with them. Vito and Jonathan."

"The old fools? Yeah, I have. And I sure as hell know they're coming against us one way or another. So they had been the ones to..." I chuckled. The real enemies had been right under my nose all these while and I was so blinded by my emotions that I refused to see them. I looked around and saw their bags and everything.

"Were you guys travelling today?"

"Oh, yes. We needed a little vacation." They said and I nodded.

"But so many things are at risk right now. Even Elena's life. I don't think we can afford vacations for now. Let's deal with these men first." They all sat down.

"Yeah, but we already paid for tickets..." Jessie smacked his arm.

"We know, we're just not worried about anything," Derek said.

"Even Lamas?" I cocked my brows. I knew that guy was up to something.

"O,h we know exactly what we're doing alright?" Leo winked, causing me to cock another brow. If they say so then.

"You still going on vacation? I guess I can pay for tickets too then. It would be nice if we covered all the years we missed as brothers." Derek nodded in agreement. I said and glanced at Elena who said nothing, just observing. Then her eyes met mine.

"Mexico." Leo danced ridiculously, while we all laughed. I chuckled. I wouldn't ever have thought I'd be here today with my brother. And as the day progressed, we found ourselves on a plane on our way to Mexico. While I leaned on the seat, I looked back and noticed some suspicious looks. I furrowed my brows. Their eyes were on both Derek and Elena. Although Elena was asleep.

When the plane landed. Derek made a call and soon three drivers packed right in front of us. We all entered each one and the last one, I drove myself. I didn't need anyone driving me about at this point. Things were getting more and more suspicious. We arrived at another mansion, something I knew Derek owned of course. I knew he was trying to get Elena's mind off a lot of things. I watched as he helped her get out of the car and into the house. Leo and Jessie as well. Same thing. I walked into the house with them while the maid assisted with our pieces of luggage. I watched them enter a room. I entered mine and was impressed by the look of it. Exactly my taste. I sat on the bed and opened my phone up. We might have to start asking Leo for help soon because he's the computer genius among us. Something just didn't feel right and I knew that I wasn't the only one feeling it. I typed away on my computer and while I was settled, I decided to get some fresh air. I stepped out of the room, seeing Elena was heading out. I was about to call her but then left it. I didn't know how to face her anyway. What was the point?

It was a few moments later when I'd relaxed that I finally decided to go downstairs.

"Damon, have you seen Elena?" I turned to see Derek walking towards me. "She headed downstairs like an hour ago."

"An hour? That's weird. Leo, check the security footage."

With his mouth full, Leo checked his laptop and while he was excitedly eating, he stopped. That caught me. And instantly, I rushed to his side to see what was going on. He rewinded the clip and there we saw Elena...I turned to Derek.

"Elena is gone," I said and Derek, with widened eyes, walked down and checked the video to confirm if what he heard was right. "She was captured."

"Fuck!"