Chapter 11: Ties That Bind and the Secrets That Destroy
The air inside the Delgallo house was thick with an unspoken tension. Jenna stood near the large bay window, arms folded, looking out onto the quiet street, her mind in turmoil. Leon leaned against the wooden desk, arms crossed, his sharp gaze unwavering as he regarded her.
"It's time to mend things with your family," Leon said calmly.
Jenna's fingers clenched at the fabric of her blouse. She turned to him, searching his face for some semblance of what had passed between them. "Are you putting me out because of what happened between us in the bathroom?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leon smirked, his eyes unreadable. "Jenna, you were never meant to stay forever."
Her stomach tightened. To Leon, she had merely been a fleeting moment of manipulation through mental magic to test his strength. But for her? She had lost herself in a reckless wave of desire, lusting after the man who was not only her best friend's husband but someone she had been forced to bear witness to courthouse marriage over the weekend. The guilt was unbearable, but what haunted her most was the memory of him—his strength, his physique, the way his thick, long, and throbbing member had left an imprint deep in her bones.
She knew it wasn't love. She loved Alaric, not Leon. But her body betrayed her, craving Leon with a sinful hunger she was too ashamed to admit. If only for one night…
Leon approached her slowly, standing mere inches away. "What's been happening in Mystic Falls is bigger than just us, Jenna. You need to be with Elena and Jeremy. They need you."
Jenna swallowed hard and nodded, knowing he was right. But as she left the house, she couldn't shake the feeling that a part of her would always be tied to him.
Later that afternoon, Leon and Vanessa sat at their usual table at the Mystic Grill, sharing a quiet lunch. Across the room, the Gilbert family entered—Elena, Jeremy, and Jenna, the latter still visibly rattled. Stefan followed close behind, his posture rigid, his eyes constantly shifting as if expecting danger at every turn.
Elena's lips curled into a soft smile at the sight of Leon, her body instantly relaxing. There was something about him, a warmth she couldn't explain. Jenna, meanwhile, was battling an internal war. She felt a magnetic pull toward him, though whether it was desire or something darker, she couldn't say.
Jeremy's thoughts were lighter. Leon had helped Bonnie regain her magic, had saved Elena. In his mind, Leon was a necessary force of good, someone who had done what others could not. Without realizing it, the Gilbert family had grown close to the Delgallos, entangled in a web of comfort, lust, and power they could not yet comprehend.
Across the room, Stefan sat at the bar, staring into a glass of bourbon. Watching the light and cheerful conversation between the two families was too much for him. Every laugh, every smile, every shared glance was a knife twisting in his gut.
He constantly remembered the day of his torture, the agony he endured, and the pleasure on Elena's face when he was forced to watch Leon ravage her. Leon showed now mercy and played Elena's body as if he had unraveled it's secrets.
The way she smiled so effortlessly now, the way Jenna was close with Vanessa, thanking Leon for taking care of her family, the way Jeremy looked at Leon as if he were a protector—all of it made Stefan sick. He had seen the devil's true face and yet did nothing. He was a coward, shackled by fear and guilt, unable to reveal what he knew.
Caroline entered the Grill with Matt, her bright smile faltering when she saw Stefan's brooding figure. She left Matt's side and approached him.
"What's going on?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
Stefan exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around the glass. "Caroline, you don't want to know."
"That's not an answer."
Already in a rage and before he could stop himself, Stefan grabbed the sides of her head, forcing his memories into her mind. Images flashed—Leon torturing him, Elena writhing beneath Leon's touch, her moans, whimpers, and cries, Stefan's helplessness, the cruelty in Leon's eyes and ecstasy in Elena's. The memory seared into Caroline's consciousness like a hot brand.
She gasped, stumbling back, her hands trembling. "He forced you to watch and she… she…" Her voice cracked, her throat closing with emotion. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry, Stefan." Tears welled in her eyes.
"And you..." she looked down between his thighs.
Stefan caught her gaze and the glass shatter in his hand.
Caroline couldn't shake the most crucial memory. Stefan restrained, torture and his cock standing tall as Leon fucked Elena every way the gave him the best view pussy being stretched and invaded. Caroline shook her head and looked at Stefan apologetically.
He didn't know why he showed Caroline everything. Not even Damon knew of his most embarrassing memory.
Caroline turned, looking at Elena, feeling sick with conflict.
"Does she know?" Caroline asked, her voice hushed and urgent.
Stefan shook his head. "She feels connected to him, I think. But we believe he wiped her memory. But that means...her body."
"Her heart remembers" Caroline whispered, then closed her with guilt. She wanted to pop herself in the mouth.
Caroline's fists clenched. "Then I'll show her." She started toward Elena, but Stefan seized her arm, his next words making her blood run cold.
"It was punishment," he murmured. "Damon overstepped."
Caroline's entire body went rigid.
This wasn't just about Elena. It was about power. About control. And Leon had won.
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The Mystic Grill buzzed with its usual energy, the scent of sizzling food hanging in the air. At the center of it all, two families sat together—one bound by blood, the other by something far more enigmatic. The Gilberts and the Delgallos shared a table, their conversations weaving between casual banter and the looming threat of Klaus.
Leon leaned back in his chair, his fingers idly tapping against his glass as he listened. Jenna and Vanessa had effortlessly fallen into conversation, their voices light and friendly. They ladies with the help of Alice's network had been making great progress on their project. Through mystic falls, they had been locating young witches –the true purpose of Vanessa's project.
while Elena sat next to Leon, a furrow between her brows.
"So, you know he's coming," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leon tilted his head slightly, giving her a knowing look. "Klaus has always been coming," he replied. "It's only a matter of when."
Jeremy frowned. "And you? Can you stop him?"
Leon smirked, swirling the liquid in his glass. "Not even I can take down Klaus alone," he admitted, his tone light but firm. "And trust me, I don't say that often."
Elena exchanged a look with her brother before turning back to Leon. "There's something you should know. About a place—one with old magic. The witch burial ground."
At this, Leon's gaze sharpened. He leaned in slightly. "Go on."
Elena hesitated, but she could see the intrigue in his eyes. "It's where the witches were burned. Bonnie says their magic lingers there, powerful magic that could be used against Klaus."
Leon exhaled through his nose, sitting back. "Now that," he mused, "is very interesting."
Vanessa arched a brow. "And yet, you already knew, didn't you?"
Leon grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I know a lot of things, love. But it never hurts to have confirmation."
Elena crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Then help Bonnie tap into that power."
Leon tilted his head, considering. "Tell you what—I'll teach her a spell. Something that can help. But only if she's willing."
Jeremy nodded eagerly. "She will be. She wants to be ready for Klaus."
Leon's lips curled into a slow smile. "Then I'll be generous."
Across the table, Stefan watched the exchange in silence, his jaw tight. He could see it—Leon's easy charisma, his effortless control over the conversation. He kept secrets, always. And yet, they were falling into his orbit like moths to a flame.
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Caroline paced back and forth in Bonnie's room, her arms tightly crossed over her chest. Bonnie sat on the edge of her bed, watching her friend with concern.
"You can't trust him, Bonnie," Caroline finally blurted out. "Leon isn't some charming, helpful stranger. He's dangerous."
Bonnie arched an eyebrow. "Dangerous how?"
Caroline exhaled sharply. "I don't know all the details, but Stefan… he showed me things. Things Leon has done. To Stefan. To Elena." Her voice wavered. "I don't know how, but he's got everyone wrapped around his finger. And now he wants you to learn magic from him?"
Bonnie's expression hardened. "I need power, Caroline. If I don't take every opportunity to prepare for Klaus, we all lose."
Caroline shook her head. "Then find another way. You don't need him."
Bonnie sighed. "I appreciate the warning, but I have to do this. I'll be careful, okay?"
Caroline's jaw clenched, but she nodded reluctantly. "Just promise me… you won't let him get into your head."
Bonnie gave her a small smile. "I promise."
Leon walked the property lines of Mystic Falls with Mayor Carol Lockwood, Sheriff Liz Forbes, and Damon Salvatore. The sun cast long shadows over the land, and the conversation was thick with tension. A cool breeze rustled the trees, whispering through the air like a warning.
"The witches want to move into Mystic Falls," Sheriff Forbes stated, adjusting her stance. "Some of the council members are… hesitant."
Leon smirked. "Hesitant or afraid?"
Mayor Lockwood sighed. "This town has long been a battleground. Werewolves, vampires, and now witches… It's a delicate balance."
Leon nodded. "That's exactly my point. Balance. This town needs them. Werewolves need guidance, vampires need restraint, and humans… well, humans need a fighting chance."
Damon scoffed, crossing his arms. "And you just happen to be the one to make that happen?"
Leon grinned. "Someone has to. This town is a powder keg, and sooner or later, it's going to blow. Unless we take the proper steps."
Sheriff Forbes frowned. "The council doesn't trust outsiders. And frankly, neither do I. What exactly do you get out of this, Leon?"
Leon took a measured step forward, surveying the land before them. "A town that isn't overrun with chaos. A structured, functioning society where everyone has a place. If the witches have a stake in Mystic Falls, they'll work to protect it. If they're forced into hiding, they'll fight back. It's simple logic."
Mayor Lockwood exchanged a look with Sheriff Forbes. There was truth in his words, and they all knew it.
Damon's expression darkened, his voice low. "And what happens when you decide balance isn't enough? That you want control?"
Leon chuckled, the sound low and knowing. "Damon, if I wanted control, I'd already have it. Think of me as an investment in Mystic Falls' future."
Sheriff Forbes glanced at the Mayor again before sighing. "I'll bring it to the council, but no promises."
Leon smiled, satisfied. "Good. Then let's make sure Mystic Falls survives what's coming next."
"What's coming?" The sheriff asked as she noticed Damon react.
"He hasn't told you everything, has he?" Leon asked.
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The air in the Delgallo house was thick with the lingering scent of passion, the quiet hum of satisfaction vibrating through the walls. Alice stood in the dimly lit hallway, arms crossed, her patience unwavering as she waited for Leon and Vanessa to finish. The muffled sounds of pleasure from within the bedroom didn't faze her; she was long accustomed to their indulgences. She had more pressing matters to tend to.
Finally, the door creaked open. The scent of sweat and lust mingled in the air as Vanessa, still draped in a satin sheet, leaned lazily against the frame. Leon lounged on the bed, half-dressed, his aquamarine eyes gleaming in the low light.
"You may speak," he murmured, his voice tinged with amusement.
Alice stepped inside, sparing only a brief glance at their state of undress before delivering her report. "The Sheriff and Mayor spoke at the station. They're increasing border patrols. Something has them worried."
Vanessa arched a delicate brow, her fingers tracing lazy patterns along Leon's arm. "Do we know why?"
Alice shook her head. "Not yet. But they suspect something. They're not just securing the borders for show."
Leon exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. "We're not the only ones making moves."
Vanessa smirked. "Then let's give them something real to worry about." She stretched, cat-like, and glanced at Alice. "Find the right kind of vampires. Those with grudges against the Salvatores. Invite them in, fuel their hatred, let them stir the pot."
Alice nodded. "Consider it done."
Leon studied her carefully. "Make sure they're desperate, reckless. We need chaos, but controlled chaos."
Alice inclined her head. "I'll spread the message."
As she turned to leave, Vanessa's voice stopped her. "And Alice?"
Alice glanced back.
Vanessa's smile was razor-sharp. "Make it a message they won't forget."
Alice's lips curled at the edges. "Of course."
As she slipped into the night, the first ripples of their scheme began to take shape. Leon was ultimately proud of himself. After informing the mayor and sheriff of the danger, they responded quickly. Alice behaved as she should and Vanessa's mind was becoming more agile.