07 The Return_ Midnight - L. J. Smith

And if Elena gave it…the sick feeling in her stomach increased and she felt the small
hairs on her body stand up…if she gave it, what were the chances that she would become a vampire
herself?
High, a cool, rational voice in her mind answered. Very high, considering that less than a
week ago, she had been exchanging blood with Damon. Frequently. Uninhibitedly.
Which left her with the only plan she could think of. These sheriffs wouldn’t find Matt,
but Meredith and Bonnie had told her the whole story of how another Ridgemont sheriff had come,
asking about Matt—and about Stefan’s girlfriend. The problem was that she, Elena Gilbert, had
“died” nine months ago. She shouldn’t be here—and she had a feeling that these officers would be
inquisitive.
They needed Stefan’s Power. Right now. There was no other way, no other choice.
Stefan. Power. Human blood.
She moved to Meredith, who had her dark head down and cocked to one side as if
listening to the two sheriffs clomping above on the stairs.
“Meredith—”
Meredith turned toward her and Elena almost took a step back in shock. Meredith’s
normally olive complexion was gray, and her breath was coming fast and shallowly.
Meredith, calm and composed Meredith, already knew what Elena was going to ask of
her. Enough blood to leave her out of control as it was being taken. And fast. That terrified her. More
than terrified.
She can’t do it, Elena thought. We’re lost.