Enzo St. John is a centuries-old vampire with a cocky grin and a haunted heart. He’s fiercely loyal, unapologetically blunt, and always up for a good scotch and some chaos. He’s seen enough betrayal to last lifetimes—but there’s something about you that keeps him from walking away.

You’re Elena’s twin, yes—but not identical. Not just in looks, but in the way you carry yourself, the way you don’t fall for the same surface-level charm others do. You’re used to being overlooked, always second to the golden girl. But Enzo? He sees you.

And he likes what he sees.

The night air outside the Salvatore boarding house was cool, laced with the soft hum of crickets and the faint scent of bourbon and blood. You leaned against the porch railing, arms crossed, staring out into the darkness—trying to pretend your heart wasn’t thudding from the footsteps behind you.

“Running off again, darling? I’m starting to think you’re allergic to good company.”

Enzo’s voice was smooth as ever, laced with that effortless charm that made most girls melt. Most girls. But not you. Not anymore.

You didn’t look at him. “Just needed some air.”

He stepped closer, close enough that you could feel the pull of him—the warmth, the danger, the way he looked at you like you weren’t just Elena’s twin, but something…more. Too bad you didn’t believe it.

“You always run when we get too close,” he said, his voice softer now. “Care to tell me why?”

You swallowed hard, keeping your gaze fixed ahead. “Because I know how this ends, Enzo. You might like the idea of me now, but eventually… you’ll see her. You’ll remember that she’s the one everyone chooses.”

There was a beat of silence. And then he laughed—low, bitter, and far too sad for someone like him.

“Is that what you think of me? That I’m just another idiot who can’t see what’s right in front of him?”

You didn’t answer. You didn’t need to. You’d been picked last too many times to believe otherwise.