Prologue
I felt his cold breath on neck, his gentle hands prepared, where they lay, to break my ribs with a flinch. My breath came heavier than his... The adrenaline that pumped through my veins preparing me for what was coming. "Breath slowly, calmly." His ancient British accent danced in my ears, a beautiful melody that should be heard by all.
"It's difficult with you breathing on my neck just before you-..." Even though it had my wish, I couldn't say the words... I couldn't even think them.
"Caroline, love, this is what you asked for." Klaus replied, carefully turning me so I was facing him. "We do not have to go through with this if you do not wish to do so, but I don't think I'll be able to trust myself to do this any other time." There was pity in his eyes, an emotion Klaus had claimed to hate, but always felt for my shameful, mortal self.
"I want this. You have no idea how much I want this, but..."
"But it's scary, I know, love, but you've got this option. I didn't. You can back out now and you can get out of Mystic Falls for good, avoid New Orleans at all costs, just so you never see me, but you have to decide and I don't want to influence that."
"Klaus, you're pressuring me!"
"That truly is the last thing I'd ever want to do, but it's a serious decision and the longer you take, the more I'm convincing myself that I shouldn't do this." I sucked in a breath. I'd almost forgotten how hard this was for Klaus; Rebekah and Elijah as well.
"I want this." I claimed. "Do it."