"You were buddy buddy with Stefan?!" I paced in the old warehouse while we waited for Rebekah. "See that's how I know lying to me about them being alive was bullshit. It wasn't for my protection."

"Perhaps you'd know if you had actually accompanied Elijah. Instead you were gods know where." He frowned.

"Don't put the blame on me."

"Rebekah ought to get this verbal lashing as well. She was with me." He wasn't even denying it.

"Oh I'll let her know when she wakes."

"Why don't I remember?" Stefan shoved his hands into his jeans pockets.

"You're unbelievable. Did Elijah know?"

Nik sighed. "No. He didn't."

"Thanks, that makes me feel so much better."

"I know you're upset, love. I already gave you my answer as to why we didn't tell you before."

"Upset?" I laughed incredulously.

He ran a hand down his face. "Elijah's word on you is final. He chose to keep this secret. It's what he felt was best for you."

"That's bullshit."

"You would challenge him?"

I hesitated.

"You need to calm yourself." He leaned against one of the other coffins, Kol's, if I remembered correctly. "Lest you say something you'll regret."

"Why don't I remember?" Stefan asked in the pursuing silence. "I was compelled."

"Yes. I'm so glad you have a firm grasp of the obvious." Nik seemed bored with him. I wouldn't have thought they'd be friends. They weren't exactly alike.

"I'm going to go explore so you two can work out this apparent bromance." And so I can have some fucking space.

Nik was right. I needed to calm down.

"You will do nothing of the sort." He stood up straight. "Leave my sight and you'll sooner find yourself back in that box."

"C'mon Nik, it's been forever since we've been in a big city. I want to see it." Especially because it'd be getting dark soon. "At least while we wait for Bekah."

"I learned to resist that forlorn look of yours a long time ago, little one." He chuckled.

"I can take her." Stefan offered cautiously. "You know I'll be back, and I won't lose my sister."

"See, even he wants to go. Plus I think Bekah's going to be pissed when she wakes and I don't want Stefan in the crossfire."

Nik watched the two of us closely, as if narrowing his eyes at us would suss out what we were hiding. "Fine. I'll allow it, just this once."

"Yes!" I grinned.

"Within the city limits, Stefan." He turned to him. "And I'd like to make one thing perfectly clear. If one hair on her head is harmed, I will personally ensure you never experience a moment of peace."

"You sound like Damon."

Nik stepped closer to him, and I moved to intervene, but stopped short at Stefan's side. That could make things worse. "My revenge won't be some petty promise to sully your fun."

"He gets it." I pushed Stefan further away. "We're going." Thankfully he seemed to get the message, and lead the way to the exit.

"Tread carefully, Stefan Salvatore." Nik called after us.

God, I hated when he got protective. It was annoying. "We're stealing your car!"

Nik let out a grunt. "Hourly, Morgan!"

Stefan opened the door, and I ducked underneath his arm. "Yeah, yeah."