He turned to look at her, Juliana still in his arms, “I didn't see why,” he retorted, “Last time I was here you made it clear you weren't obligated to tell me anything and that I had no right to tell you what to do. I see no reason why I can't apply the same rule,”

Alana's arched eyebrow lifted higher, her expression incredulous, and Stefan, angry as he was at her, didn’t think she’d ever looked so fierce, or so desirable. The fierceness was new, as was the crackling energy. She ...