A leaded feeling coated her heart just then. "And she's the reason you're still here." Alana added.

Stefan's features darkened. "Not true."

"And how would I ever know that for certain?"

"You won't. You just have to trust me."

She scoffed and pulled free. Stefan felt helpless, watching her close the door again and secret away the key just when he'd managed to find the lock.

"I think your being around all the time is just making this harder on both of us, Stefan."

"Maybe you're right."

She ...