WOUNDED

Elena's POV:

"This is really going to hurt." That voice. My vision was still blurry. I groaned when I felt a steel entering my body. Someone held me still. It hurt. I was terrified and excruciatingly pained. He was trying his hardest to be gentle but it didn't relieve me at all. I could feel the bullet shift slightly, it felt like any slip and there'd be so much damage. His hand trembled a little but the pain made me cry out as he removed the bullet. I heard metal hitting metal.

"Done." He said and I felt a wash of relief before the next thing, a liquid content was poured on my skin and I gripped the man behind me tightly.

"It's okay. It's okay." He whispered before I was bandaged. I could feel sweat rolling down my cheeks and even though I was still in pain there was a bit of relief that the bullet was gone. My eyes slowly shut and then I was able to rest. I didn't care if I died anymore. I was too tired.

"That's where you're wrong Damon. I do care about her. If she was mine I wouldn't put her in that sort of danger. Do you have any idea how close she was to getting killed?"

Derek?

"If Jason had not been there she would have died. You only cared about capturing a man you were aware she wasn't ready to handle. How would you even do that Damon?"

Jason? Jason. I knew I wasn't hallucinating. After all these years. Then I heard Antonio's voice.

"That is my responsibility, Derek. She's my wife."

"And your wife got shot. The only thing that makes me speak to you Damon is your wife. You don't care about her enough."

"Don't fucking tell me how I feel about my wife. You have no fucking idea what I'd sacrifice to protect her. You don't know me, Derek, stop acting like you do because you're worse than me. How sure I'm I that you're going to protect her well enough when you killed our parents."

"Don't even start with that."

"I don't trust her with you Derek. She's not safe anywhere not to talk of being with you."

"And yet you sent her to me." I could hear the smirk in his tone. "Why?"

I could only listen to the conversation, unable to actively participate in it. The accusations against both brothers about the one who killed their parents and the one who couldn't protect me lingered in the air, adding to the already tense atmosphere. I was sceptical about Derek though. If he wanted to kill me, he would have done so by now. And even though Antonio might not believe or trust him I couldn't believe I was actually comfortable being with Derek. I had no fears whatsoever. Just curiosity about what it was that he wanted. He already knew I was sent to kill him and it wouldn't be so easy to actually try to deceive someone like him.

It was really important that I regained consciousness but then, how would I be able to help? Both brothers in my opinion were doing what they could to help me. I still didn't understand the reason for Derek's keen eyes on me though. He didn't have to protect me, but he did anyway and I owe him that. I felt a mix of anger and vulnerability. How could I have been so careless with my life?

"I'm outside. Bring her to me before I break in." That was Antonio's voice and I heard Derek sigh. Probably because he knew his brother would do so.

"What if I don't?"

"Don't test me, brother." Antonio's voice had gotten dark and after all the long talk I shifted. I opened my eyes and looked up at the ceiling. It looked familiar. It was obviously Derek's room, the first place I'd met him personally. It seemed Derek heard me move because he turned in my direction.

"Don't be too reckless, or you'll disturb your wife's peace. At least let her wake up and decide if she wants to return with you." He said and I heard Antonio scoff. "Consider her feelings at least Antonio and allow her to decide."

"Fine, this even isn't supposed to be an argument, but okay." Antonio hung up while Derek rose from where he was and walked to me before holding my hand.

"You're awake."

"I thought I was dead," I said and he chuckled.

"Are you being sarcastic?" He asked and I shook my head gently. I was being honest. I thought I was going to die.

"I'm glad you're alright, after putting yourself in harm's way."

"It wasn't intentional," I said and he nodded.

"Even though, I'm not very happy with the fact that Antonio left you out there unguarded."

"I was guarded. Antonio sends at least ten of his men to guard me every time I go out. They came the instant I was fighting those men, even though I didn't see Antonio. But Antonio never left me unguarded. The man just happened to have a good shot because he targeted me."

"You're defending him?"

"Why wouldn't I when he's always taking care of me? I don't know how many men he killed that tried to or touched me against my will. He is overly protective. You can't judge him just because I was shot. It's mafia policy, how safe could I possibly be?"

"I see you care so much about him."

"I was about to ask a related question. Why do you care?"

"That should be my concern only."

"Is there something you want that you're not saying? I know you're not planning to kill me."

"How so?" He chuckled.

"You would have done so already. I've seen what you do to women Derek." I said and he nodded his head.

"Good. But I'm not telling you anything just yet. Besides, it seems like you would want to leave with Antonio." He said.

I nodded.

"I won't stop you then."

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