Alright, there are discussions of past rape in here. If you don't like it, then please don't read it. It's not discussed by name but it's still in here and very obvious. At the moment, it's mostly how the characters deal with finding out but… There will be more hints of it in the next chapter or chapters. Again, I don't do graphic much, so there won't ever be a scene but if you're uncomfortable with it, then please don't read it.

Enjoy,

Nick

Elena glanced down at her phone in annoyance, pressing the call away. She would have thought that Damon would have gotten the hint the first five times but apparently not.

"You're ignoring me," Damon narrowed his eyes as soon as the door was open. He pushed into the house, brushing back his wet hair. As if he didn't have enough problems already with Thea still missing. Now, Stefan was nowhere to be found either.

"The six missed calls?" the Doppelgänger asked, crossing her arms "Sorry. My phone is dead."

The vampire gritted his teeth in annoyance "Is Stefan here?"

This made Elena straighten up "No. Why? Something wrong?"

"He went out in the woods and didn't come back," Damon pointed out "I can't get him on his phone. I figured he was here with you."

Elena pressed a few buttons on her phone, completely forgetting about her previous lie in her worry "It's going straight to voice-mail," she murmured, lowering the device "Where could he be?"

"You're not going to like what I'm thinking," Damon mumbled, clenching his hands into fists. He whirled around, stalking back out of the house with Elena scampering after him. Typical. First she didn't want anything to do with him and now that Saint Stefan was in danger, she ran after him like a lost puppy. The older Salvatore sighed internally. It had been so much easier when they had no idea that a Katherine look-alike was running around. Then again, he wouldn't have met Thea if he hadn't followed Stefan here, so maybe some good things had come from it…

Damon stormed up to the door, banging on the door. He had barely gotten Elena to stay at the car. In the end, he had just stomped off after practically growling at her to stay where she was "Pearl," he shouted "Open this door. I swear to God I'll bust through and rip your head off."

"Pearl's not home," Frederick pointed out, leaning against the open door. He looked at the sky that was still overcast with rain "Hmm. Beautiful weather. Not a ray of sun in the sky." The vampire wondered how much Damon knew about what they were doing. Oh well, he would find out… Maybe.

"Where's my brother?" the older Salvatore demanded, glaring at the man in front of him.

Frederick smirked and glanced over his shoulder "Billy." Two of his friends dragged Stefan into the hallway, holding the younger vampire up.

"You're dead," Damon whispered, staring at his younger brother. He surged forward, intent on ripping each and every one of them apart.

"Whoa," Frederick laughed when Damon was stopped by the invisible barrier "I'm sorry. You haven't been invited it. Miss Gibbons?"

An older woman with more than a few bite marks littering her body, came up to him "Yes, Frederick, honey?"

The vampire grabbed her shoulder, pointing to Damon "Never let this bad man in."

"I'll never let him in," the woman parroted.

"Ugh," Stefan let out. He wanted to warn Damon, tell him that they had Thea, that she was hurt but he couldn't get the words out.

Frederick crossed his arms, glaring from one Salvatore to the other "145 years left starving in a tomb, thanks to Katherine's infatuation with you and your brother. First few weeks, every single nerve in your body screams with fire. The kind of pain that can drive a person man. Well… I thought your brother might want to get a taste of that before I kill him."

"Damon," Stefan called out, his voice weaker than he would have liked "They have…"

"Billy," Frederick snapped, causing the vampire in question to stab Stefan in the stomach with a stake.

Stefan's legs gave out on him "Urgh. Ah," he grimaced, getting dragged off to the basement again.

"You have a nice day," Frederick smiled at Damon, closing the door in his face.

Tyler was walked up the stairs to Thea's room. He had looked everywhere he could think of. His cousin was just gone. He just hoped that Damon and Stefan had more luck in finding her. If something happened to his cousin, he would never forgive himself.

Thea's room was just like she left it and normally he wouldn't come in here without her permission but maybe he would find some sort of clue here. She might have just decided to leave for some reason, even if he doubted that. Thea wasn't the type of person to leave everything behind. Not without a damn good reason anyway.

Tyler looked around, seeing a notebook open on the desk. He walked over, glancing at the page. When he realized what he was looking at, he wanted to look. He really did but the word that caught his attention made him freeze. His eyes flitted over the page of the diary and the more he read, the more it felt like someone was squeezing his insides. No… This couldn't have happened to his cousin. Mason would have noticed, right? Tyler grabbed the book, leafing through it some more. He had no doubt that Thea would kill him for going through her diary like this but he just had to know what happened to her.

"Tyler?" a voice from the doorway made him jump.

"Mom," he rasped, looking up at the woman with tears in his eyes.

Carol looked at her son with worry shining in her eyes. Her gaze caught the book in his hands and she frowned "What are you doing in here?"

"I wanted to know if I could find out something… Some other place, I haven't checked yet," Tyler admitted "I… I didn't want to read it, mom. I swear."

"What…" the Lockwood matriarch cleared her throat. She was worried about her niece as well. When she hadn't come back, they had called Liz instantly. The Sheriff had promised to look for Thea but… So far there hadn't been any news and it got to all of them "Tyler, is that her diary?"

"Yes, but…"

Carol cut her son off "No buts. I've taught you better than that, Tyler."

"Mom," Tyler interrupted before she could go into a whole rant about personal privacy "Look." He shoved the diary at his mother, tapping the page where the dreaded words were written in Thea's neat handwriting.

Carol stiffened. They had suspicions that Thea might have been hurt in one way or another but this? This was worse than what she and Richard ever thought. She could understand why Thea didn't want to talk about it… Or talk in general. The fact a friend of her own father couldn't stop himself from violating a child was more than enough reason for anyone to snap. Carol just wondered whether Thea had tried to talk to Mason about this "This is… Oh, God."

"I know," Tyler nodded. He hated seeing his mother so shaken but at least, they would be able to help Thea more now "I – I read a little about what she wrote about Damon." He shifted "I have to apologize to both of them. After we find Thea, that is. Do you think she's alright?"

Carol sighed, running a hand through her hair. She couldn't help but think that something happened to Thea. That she had gotten involved in the drama that's based around the vampire who had come to town. If anything happened to her… Carol didn't know what she would do then. The vampires were the job of the council but… Having their families get hurt was the worst thing that could happen as a member "I don't know, dear. I really don't. But I know that I'm worried."

Thea squinted up at the men standing around her. She was hurting all over but that wasn't something she cared much about. It wasn't the first time, after all. No, they were hurting one of her friends and that was something she hated more than anything else.

The tomb vampires were tying Stefan up with vervain-soaked ropes "Vervain on the ropes," Frederick remarked, looking at Stefan through cold dark eyes. When the younger vampire hissed in pain, he grimaced in fake sympathy "That's gotta sting. Speaking of…" He pulled out an eye dropped with vervain in it and pressed a few drops into Stefan's eyes.

Thea scrambled over to Stefan, wanting to see whether he was alright since she couldn't cry out for him. Before she could reach him, though, a hand grabbed her hair, pulling her up. Frederick wrapped his forearm around the girl's throat, pressing her against him as Stefan screamed in pain.

"This isn't right," Harper shouted, entering the room. He took in the scene and let out a shaky breath when he caught sight of the girl. The very human girl who had done nothing wrong.

Frederick glared at the other vampire "He killed Beth-Anne. One of us, Harper. Don't think for a second he wouldn't kill you if he had the chance. Pearl says we're not here for revenge, right? I say that's exactly what we're here for. Starting with this." The vampire pulled Thea to a table, picking up a hunting knife, careful to only touch the handle "What do you think, Stefan? I'm sure your little friend could use a few new… designs."

"Leave her alone," Stefan told them gruffly "She didn't do anything to you."

"Hm," Frederick hummed "She is close to you and your brother. That is enough for me."

He went to press the knife against Thea's cheek when Stefan started fighting against the ropes, ignoring the burn that surged through the wounds. He had to get the attention off Thea somehow. They hurt her enough already "So, you're mad at Damon and me because you were stupid?" When the man stopped in his tracks, he continued "After all, you guys let yourselves be caught by some humans. A bit embarrassing really, isn't it?"

Frederick threw Thea to the ground, not caring that her head hit the ground with a too loud thud and threw a hard punch at Stefan's face. The younger of the two Salvatores let out a groan, his head falling forward. Frederick tightened his grip on the knife "Tie the girl up and make sure that she can't get out."

"This isn't right," Harper repeated, grabbing the other man's arm in a tight grip. He had never been the best fighter, so there wasn't much he could actually do against all of the others but that didn't mean that he wouldn't try.

Harper licked his lips "Miss Pearl will be home soon."

"Miss Pearl is no longer in charge," Frederick hissed, ripping his arm away. He glanced to some of the others "Tie him up as well. And then stake him down."

"Are you absolutely sure that it's…" Mayor Lockwood trailed off, shaking his head. He couldn't believe what his son had told him. The thought that someone hurt his niece this badly right under her werewolf father's nose. The thought alone made him want to hurt the person who hurt her. Thea was as good as his daughter now and having something like this happen to someone you cared about was the worst feeling ever. To know that they had no choice and were hurt by someone… He shook his head, opening the door to the Grill. Both Lockwood men had been out to look for Thea again when it had started raining again, so they decided it would be best to take a break for now.

"I'm more than sure, dad," Tyler sighed "Why would she write it if it wasn't true? You know Thea. She wouldn't do that."

"I know," Richard murmured "I just wish that she didn't have to go through that." He looked up to see a woman and a girl about to walk past them "Hey, you're not going out in that, are you? The roads are dangerous. Route 5 is completely flooded."

Pearl smiled at the man tightly "We'll make do."

"Mayor Lockwood, we have your table ready," a waitress called, waving the two men over.

Tyler's expression lit up a little at the thought of food "Great."

"Mayor… Lockwood, is it?" Pearl repeated, her smile changing to charming "I suppose it is treacherous outside. My name is Pearl."

Richard looked at her in surprise at her change of tone but shrugged internally "Hi."

"This is my daughter Anna," the vampire introduced "We've just recently moved to town."

"Welcome," Richard nodded, falling into his role as the Mayor "Richard Lockwood. This is my son Tyler." He gestured to their table "You're welcome to join us if you want?"

Peal tilted her head in consideration "It would be a pleasure."

Tyler rolled his eyes at his father "Can't you leave the Mayor at the office for once, dad? Thea is still missing and we have no lead, nothing. It's as if she just disappeared last night."

"Tyler," Richard sighed "I know that. And you know that I'm worried. But there's nothing we can do from here. No one has seen her. The only thing we know is that her car is still here. Don't you think I want her found?"

The boy closed his eyes and dropped his head "Sorry, dad. I'm just…"

Richard squeezed his son's shoulder "I know, Tyler. I know. Why don't you go and shoot some pool? Distract yourself for a bit? I'm sure it'll do you some good. I know how much you hate being around when I discuss work."

Alaric looked at the house before knocking on the door a little frantically. He wasn't happy that he was here but… If Damon knew about Isobel… He just had to try "Oh, good," he breathed out when the door was answered "Someone's home. Uh, could I use your phone? My car broke down a few miles up the road. This was the first house I saw."

Frederick looked at him for a moment before stepping to the side "Well, lucky you."

"Yeah," Alaric murmured, trying not to grimace "Lucky me. It's no trouble, is it?"

"Not in the slightest," the vampire gave back.

"Great. Whew." the History teacher stepped into the house, rubbing at his freezing hands "Hey, man, I really appreciate it. It's rough out there."

Frederick stuck his head into the living room "Billy, show our visitor where the phone is in the kitchen. And get me something to drink."

"Yeah," Billy nodded "Sure thing." He gestured for Alaric to follow him "Hey, Miss Gibbons, this guys wants to use your phone."

Miss Gibbons looked up with a smile "Oh, sure, honey. It's right there."

"Thanks," Alaric replied, walking towards the phone. He heard movement behind him and sidestepped the stake that was aimed for his heart, grabbing it to stab Billy with it in one smooth motion. As soon as the vampire was on the ground, he quickly turned on the faucet and started the blender to create as much noise as possible.

Miss Gibbons stared at the scene with wide eyes "What's happening?"

"I'm really sorry," Alaric murmured, pulling the woman to the back door "But you're gonna need to invite a friend of mine inside." He opened the door, revealing Damon.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the older woman shook her head "He's not allowed in the house."

The History teacher glanced over his shoulder, hoping that the vampires inside didn't notice anything unusual "I know that. But you've gotta make an exception."

"Get her out of the house," Damon hissed. He grabbed the woman as soon as she was within reach "Now. Miss Gibbons, tell me the truth. Are you married?"

"No."

"Parents, children, anyone else who lives on this property?"

"No," the woman shook her head "It's just me."

Damon let out a small smirk "No? Good." He quickly broke her neck and entered the house.

Alaric flinched at the sound and stared at the body on the porch "You were supposed to compel her."

"It doesn't work that way," the older Salvatore shot back.

"She's human."

"And I'm not," Damon rolled his eyes "So, I don't care. Now, get out of here. And get rid of the body." He waited until Alaric was out of sight before creeping closer to the living room.

"Billy," Frederick shouted from the other room, his tone holding annoyance "What's the holdup?" He gestured for another vampire to go and see what was going on. The vampire in question made his way to the kitchen, turning off the sink and the blender. He hesitatingly approached the pantry, startling when Damon opened the door and staked him "Billy, Jacob, get back in here."

Damon rolled his eyes at the idiot and went to look for Stefan. What he didn't except – but maybe should have – was that Elena was slowly creeping towards one of the tomb vampires guarding the door. He flashed towards him, staking him before whirling around to face the Doppelgänger "Are you insane?"

"I wanted to help, Damon," Elena shot back "I know I can help."

The older Salvatore groaned "Fine. I guess you're already here anyway… Come on, then. But stay behind me, alright?"

"Fine."

Downstairs, they could see Stefan hanging from the ropes, almost out of it "Elena…" the younger of the two brothers whispered "You shouldn't be here."

"She was supposed to stay in the car," Damon grumbled, readying the stake to kill Harper.

Stefan let out a groan of protest "No. No. No. Not him."

"Whatever," Damon shook his head "Let's get you down."

"There's vervain on the ropes," Stefan explain just as Damon pulled his hand back with a low curse.

"Elena, pull that." Damon caught his brother as his legs gave out under him "Alright, let's go. Clothes on."

Stefan struggled against his brother's grip "Wait. Thea."

"Stefan… We have to get…" Damon froze as the word registered "What did you just say?"

"Thea's here," Stefan said, leaning against Elena more heavily when his older brother let go of him "They hurt her, Damon."

"Where is she?" Damon demanded.

Harper was the one who nodded his head to the side "Behind that table. I haven't heard her move sine Frederick threw her to the ground. I think she hit her head pretty badly."

Damon hurried behind the table, immediately crouching down next to his… next to Thea. From his place, he could hear Harper groan as the other two pulled out the stakes that were holding him to the chair. Thea was unconscious, tied up enough so that her hands were slowly turning blue from the lack of circulation. There was also blood smeared on her forehead from where she had hit the ground. He quickly ripped the binds and propped Thea up against his chest "Come on," he whispered, running a hand through the Lockwood's tangled hair. When she didn't react at all, he panicked a little. Damon wasn't sure how badly she was hurt "Please. I need to know that you're alright."

"Damon," Elena called out "We have to get out of here."

"Can you get Stefan into the car, Elena?"

The Doppelgänger hummed "Yeah."

"Alright, go." Damon bit into his wrist as the others left, holding the bleeding appendage to Thea's mouth. Just in case, he told himself as he urged the girl to drink a little before scooping her up in his arms. Upstairs, he carefully put her down to the ground, making sure that she was hidden before going to distract the vampires who were still in the house. The older Salvatore snuck into the dining room, catching Frederick unaware "I'm going to make you pay for what you did," he hissed, punching the vampire until he was on the ground. Even then, he didn't stop until two others came up behind him, pulling him away from the man on the ground. Frederick got up and ran out of the house as Damon started to fight the other two vampires. He whirled around when he heard a thud from behind.

"Aren't you glad that I didn't leave?" Alaric asked sarcastically.

Damon grunted, shoving a stake in the remaining vampire before looking from the door to where he had hidden Thea. He wanted to go after Frederick so badly but Thea was more important right now "Wait here."

Alaric reloaded his dart gun, as a vampire attacked him from the side. They both wrestled until Alaric was able to stab him with a vervain syringe. He had just gotten up when Damon came back with Thea in his arms "What happened?" the History teacher gasped, hurrying to the vampire's side.

"They had her," Damon muttered through clenched teeth. While he liked the feeling of Thea in his arms, he would have liked it more if she didn't have healing wounds all over her body "We were all looking for her and they had her since last night."

Alaric looked at the unconscious girl. He didn't know her too well since she didn't go to the school but he had seen her at the Grill fairly often and even more with either Damon or Stefan around "Let's get out of here."

"I'm going to kill him," Damon threatened, thinking about all the ways he could make Frederick pay for what he did. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the group of vampires surrounding the house. His grip on Thea tightened "How many of those vervain darts do you have left?"

Alaric looked down "One."

"Not gonna be enough," Damon sighed.

"So, what you said to get me to do this," Alaric spoke up "About my wife. It was a lie, wasn't it?"

Damon glanced at him somewhat apologetically "Yep."

"Stop," Pearl demanded, striding through the vampires and to the porch "What's going on here?" She turned to Damon and glared "What did you do?"

"Me?" Damon scoffed, adjusting his grip on the girl he was holding. His small motion drew Pearl's attention to her "Your merry little band of vampires spent the day torturing my brother and the Mayor's niece."

Pearl swallowed as she watched the girl she knew was human. This shouldn't have happened. She could care less about what they did to the Salvatores as long as they didn't go overboard but… To torture an innocent girl? Frederick definitely went to far this time "Trust me. The parties responsible for this will be dealt with."

"Our little arrangement doesn't work unless you learn to control them," Damon pointed out.

"This wasn't supposed to happen," Pearl murmured.

Damon snorted "Well, it did. If you can't keep them under control, I might just slip what happened to the Mayor. I'm sure he would be really interested in the nest of vampires lurking around Mystic Falls." With that, he nodded to Alaric and the two of them left.