Hello! I hope the still young new year is treating everyone of you well so far and if not than I do hope for you that everything will be fine eventually!

But for now, as I promised, here is the first chapter! *drummrole*

I changed the canon of the series and also some connections between certain characters, but you will figure that out by yourself, I am sure.;)
If you have any question feel free to ask!=)

Each chapter will have the title of a song which more or less fits the chapter.^^

I will just let you enjoy this now and I hope you will like it!

First song: If I Lose Myself - OneRepublic

"She did what!?" Caroline said into her phone and laughed. "You are so lying!" She told Stefan who was on the other end, but Stefan denied vehemently and Caroline's laughter sounded through the room. It was careless and free and today she felt alive again for the first time after she had moved with Klaus and Elijah to New Orleans. She wasn't unhappy, no not at all. Klaus had the ability to anticipate her every wish and she found herself to be more in love with him than ever, but never the less the loss of her mother and her friends who she had left behind in Mystic Falls put some kind of a dimmer on the new beauties that were in her life now.

Blessed be the twenty first century that came with the inventions of phones and the World Wide Web which allowed her home to stay as close to her as it could and her homesickness was forgotten. It made her believe that one day she would be able to truly feel at home in this new house and the new city.

Was it only three weeks ago that she had left everything behind? Yes it was.

Caroline was still laughing. "Okay, you know what, tell her she is crazy!"

Her laughter ceased when Stefan asked her about New Orleans. There it was again, the stopper on her happy feelings. She sighed. The city, how was the city?

"He doesn't let me out much." She said and sighed.

Klaus didn't like her to wander around the city on her own, because he had no inkling about whatsoever was going on behind his back. He wanted to keep her safe and she understood that, but it was never the less frustrating. She would have loved to be engulfed in the city lights for a night.

Life had been rather dull and boring lately. She wasn't asking for any trouble, but some fun now and then would be nice. "He says he wants to check out how everyone is reacting to his return and I do understand it. I know that he has many enemies around here and that he wants to keep me hidden from them for as long as possible, but I think I don't want to hide anymore. I'll kick everyone's ass who stands in my way!"

So Stefan told her to start with Klaus'. Caroline grinned and mentally slapped her head for the dirty thoughts that manifested very vividly in her mind. Her cheeks flared bright red and she was happy that no one was there to witness it.

"Will you come visit soon? Tell Rebekah that her brothers miss her!" And knowing that that would never suffice as a good enough reason Caroline added. "And I miss her too!"

She heard the studio door closing and smiled to herself. "Hey, I gotta go, but I'll talk to you soon! Say hi to everyone! I miss you!"

She hung up the phone and left her room into the direction of the studio. She turned around a corner and in the hallway she slowed down a genuine grin spreading on her face directed at Klaus who was heading into her direction wiping his hands on a towel that was stained with many different shades of colours. He smirked at her and his eyes twinkled the way they always did when he saw Caroline. He wasn't hiding his feelings anymore, well in front of her he didn't do it anymore and always showed her his happiness when he felt like it. Caroline kept beaming and cocked her eyebrows at him a bit cocky while closing the distance between them with every step they took.

"Can I see?" She asked excited and came to stand in front of the hybrid.

He tilted his head and stared at her for a second before smiled a crooked grin at her as if he wanted to make sure that she was worth of his art. He got lost in her smile and drowned in her eyes for only a moment. With every passing day, with every smile and every joke he realized that she became more to him than she already was. The realization almost hurt and he asked himself if it was even possible or just an illusion. How could someone who hadn't been capable of love for centuries fall into a fathomless sea of love?

Even their fights brought them closer together.

He placed a simple kiss onto the tip of her nose. Then he said. "No."

Her shoulders slumped. "But you said you'd be finished today!" She wailed and Klaus chuckled.

"Caroline, you can't rush art!" He wrapped his arms around her waist and his heart ached of happiness when she returned the embrace. He wouldn't get used to her reactions towards him. The way she freely displayed her feeling for him was simply too good to be true. So every time his neurotic thousand year's old self came to the surface and took over he tried to see the ruse in her behaviour. He waited for her to laugh in his face and break him, because she was the one person to do just that for once and for all and irreparably so.

But she steadfast refused to prove his paranoid beliefs right.

"Yeah, I get it. But, you know Paul Valery said, an artist never really finishes his work, he merely abandons it." While she spoke Klaus tucked a blond curl behind her ear.

"And that is so true." He said and inclined his head to kiss her, but Caroline interrupted him.

"So, don't you want to abandon yours?" Her tone was playful. Maybe one day, he kept telling himself, in a decade, the fear that this wasn't real would leave him. Maybe.

"I told you that it is not finished yet."

"Eugene Delacroix said that the artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing."

Klaus showed her a dimpled crooked smile. He was obviously amused and licked his lips. "Do you want to keep throwing quotes from dead French poets at me?" She shrugged and he continued. "I can only guess what you have been doing while I painted."

"I rummaged through your library."

He nodded. "Figures. Now, do you want to join me for lunch?" He asked and pulled her closer to his body. Her eyes were locked on his lips that came endearingly close, but they just hovered over one corner of her mouth. "I am starving." He whispered against her mouth and his breath tickled her skin deliciously. She felt like it took him forever, before he finally plunged into it. A lovely sigh escaped into the kiss and her tongue met his in a sensual dance. Their bodies were so attuned to each other that they moved in unison burning with anticipation. Closing her eyes, Caroline savoured the kiss.

"Starving for what exactly?" She whispered between two kisses and made Klaus chuckle against her lips which she found adorable. His hands left her hair and moved over her back very slowly downward. A grin lit his face when Caroline pressed herself into him. His fingertip slid down at the side of her face and over her lips. Klaus smirked at her half closed eyes. He brought his lips to her ear and whispered: "Surprisingly enough I would really like to have some food."

Caroline held on to his arms because her knees had gone weak. "You are the devil!" She swallowed and Klaus chuckled. "Having problems with your self-control, love?" He let the L heavily roll over the tip of his tongue.

Caroline scoffed and found what was left of her strength to keep her mind from clouding over. "Says the man who almost drained me last night."

His finger was in front of her face instantly, emphasizing every word. "That is not funny!"

Caroline winked. "It is a bit. Come on let's get you some food." She managed to stand without his support even though her legs felt still a bit wobbly. Klaus however held on to her hand and yanked her back. "I mean it, Caroline!" He almost snarled at her. It reminded Caroline of the big bad hybrid that he still was, but she had made peace with her conscience. She would never forget, no, but the way he treated her was something she had secretly longed for but never found in anyone. Now she had found it in the big bag selfish murderous hybrid and everyone deserved a second chance, isn't that what they say? There ain't no sense in love. So, here's not to the past, but to the future.

"Niklaus." She said lovingly and with so much trust that his stomach clenched. "I know that you would never hurt me." Her hand cupped his cheek. Her trust in him was almost suffocating and Klaus was still waiting for the day that she either walked away or he woke up from the daggered sleep he was surely having. It was half a year. A beautifully half year that she was at his side and as amazing as it was he didn't trust it! No, Niklaus, be honest: You don't trust yourself not to hurt her and it scares the crap out of you!

He swallowed. "How can you be so sure?"

She shrugged. "Although the allure to each other's blood became stronger over the last months I refuse to believe that the bond that we share will consume us so much that we will simply drain each other." If he was what she needed then who was she to deny it herself?

Klaus sighed. "Caroline, no one I know has ever dealt with this, mating thing. What if it is going to be simply that? A means to kill each other?"

Caroline groaned and turned away mumbling: "God you are so paranoid."

"Hey, hey, I am sorry, love, let's not talk about this right now!" He said quickly and caught her wrist. "Sorry. I…"He chuckled at his own stupidity. "I actually wanted this to be a fun day."

"Fun?" She raised her eyebrows. "Does that imply that someone has to die?"

The humour left his eyes and was replaced with a wry expression.

He knew that Caroline kept teasing him with being all about murder, but he didn't deem it funny anymore, especially, because she knew he wasn't.

"If you would like to kill someone then please feel free." Sometimes he wondered if it was a miracle that he actually couldn't bring himself to kill her, but he would never ever be able to. Truth be told he couldn't live without her anymore.

Caroline pouted, but didn't reply.

Klaus smiled a dimpled smile and it made her realize just then how often he had actually smiled these days and it made her hope. It made her hope that someday he would finally believe that she wouldn't leave his side any time soon. Maybe it was simply time to admit that she wanted to have her perfect feathers ruffled and by no one else but Klaus.

"Care to see the bayou?"

After they had grabbed something to eat Klaus drove the car out of New Orleans. Although the sun was shining the sky was still covered with thick grey clouds. Only here and there the sunrays managed to break through the thick cover. It made the city look grey and a bit grim.

Caroline thought that the bayou fit the weather better than a stroll through the city would have done, because she was determined to see the city in the beauty Klaus had always described to her. She had seen glimpses of it when they had arrived, but she wanted to look deeper and behind the facade, the question that remained was just what would she discover behind the facade? Beauty? Cruelty?

They left the city behind and Klaus turned from the main road into a dry wash that led deeper and deeper into a forest.

Was there beauty in cruelty? Caroline wondered while the pictures around her changed from light green to dark green. Or was it an oxymoron?

Klaus voice interrupted her musings.

"You know that the bayou is haunted right?" Klaus smirked at her.

Caroline arched an eyebrow. "Is it?" She looked out of the window at the passing bushes and trees that were covered in green moss. Everything looked green or grey mixed with different nuances of brown. She squinted as if she tried to see something that wasn't there.

"Of course. You see, there are many people who have died here for decades and their souls are trapped. They can't leave the bayou so they haunt it and drag everyone, who dares to trespass, deeper into it."

"Doesn't that sound nice! Now I really do feel like walking around here!" She mocked and Klaus just laughed. He stopped the car and got out, Caroline following his lead. She wrinkled her nose when she felt the soft ground under her feet and was reminded of all the bog people she had seen on TV. Not even a vampire could prevent himself from bogging, could he?

Klaus chuckled when he saw her uneasy face. "Already scared, are you love?"

"I am not so keen on getting stuck in the bayou! That must be horrible! Oh my god, just imagine if you would desiccate in such a place! There was no way out! The bayou would swallow you forever and that hasn't even anything to do with any stupid ghosts!"

He was still grinning when he put his hands onto her shoulders. "Sweetheart, I wouldn't let you desiccate in the bayou. Come on, I know my way!" He grabbed her hand and simply pulled his still reluctant girl along. The plants were dense and stood rather close together which gave the few rays of light that managed to shine through the leaves look green. The way ahead was hidden by nature and Caroline realized that if she got lost in here she would never be able to find her way back again. Her grip on Klaus' hand tightened afraid of letting go and Klaus smirked.

"The souls wandering through the swamps sometimes appear to you as a feu follet." He continued the ghost stories, but Caroline frowned at him.

"A ghost light or will-o'-wisp." He explained. "They appear out of nowhere and they whisper into your ear. Clouding your mind and before you know what's happening you are lost in the bayou."

Caroline contorted her face again and looked around. Well, ghosts did exist, didn't they?

She probably shouldn't become scared anymore with everything that she had already seen, but ghosts and magic never ceased to make her feel a bit uneasy. Maybe it was especially because she knew what was actually out there and what things were possible that she got scared even easier today. Ignorance was bliss sometimes, wasn't it?

"And of course this has always been the home of the loup garou." Klaus went on and the soft ground made some kind of gurgling sounds under their feet. Caroline didn't want to know what was buried deep down here.

"Werewolves?" She guessed and Klaus nodded.

"Very good. The shape-shifters, who turn into wild beasts at full moon. Legend around here says that they can read everyone's soul and kill evil people. At least that's what they tell the children."

"My mum always told me the bogeyman would get me if I misbehaved."

"Another tale that stems from here, I believe, though that tale has many names in every culture Bloody Bones, Tommy Rawhead, Buhmann, El Cucuy, Bicho Papão, le croquet-mitaine, Bhakolwa. Take your pick."

Caroline nibbled at her bottom lip.

"Did I scare you, love?" Klaus chuckled.

"I really was scared of that tale as a child and since I know what is out there…Do you think it could be true? I mean every legend has a true point, doesn't it?"

He laughed. "Wouldn't surprise me."

"Yeah, I guess not…" Caroline mumbled and once more searched the green thick veil around them. By now she really did expect to see something behind every tree.

Klaus grinned and put his arm around her shoulders.

"There's actually a pretty run down shack not far away from here. A filthy bar, but the meeting point for every supernatural outcast. It's the perfect place to catch up on the latest gossip, but not for you. Don't ever get the stupid idea to go there, it's not safe, especially not for someone like you, Caroline."

"Someone like me?" She asked raising her eyebrows, wondering if he was insulting her.

"You draw to much attention to yourself." He replied as if it was the most natural fact in the world. But Caroline had to admit that he was probably right.

From behind the brush wood followed a pair of red eyes undetected their stroll.

The bayou was interesting, Caroline had to admit. It was nature in its purest form and this mysterious air around it made it quite exciting to walk around there, but she was still happy when they were on their way back to the city.

"What about the Vieux Carré? When will you really show me everything around there?" She asked calling the French Quarter by its original name, but in a very bad French accent that Klaus would make sure to tease her about later.

He sighed. "Sweetheart, I know I have kept you from the Quarter for a long time now, but…"

"But you don't want too many people seeing us together." She finished his sentence. "I know, I get it." She sounded disappointed.

"It's for your own safety. I have a lot of enemies here and I don't want anyone of them get too close to you."

She nodded. She could understand it. She really could, but she wanted to go out and have fun. Explore the city. "Niklaus, you can't hide me forever."

He stopped the car in front of the mansion and pulled the key.

"I know." Klaus knew he was dragging the unavoidable out as long as possible. He had wanted to check the environment first. Everyone knew by now that he was back and yet no one had stroke him.

He looked into her eyes and knew that he couldn't put her into a gilded cage even if he wanted to. He had to let her fly. So he made a decision which he hoped not to regret.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

He twitched his lips. "I will show you the quarter tonight, but Elijah and I will accompany you. You won't do anything stupid and when I tell you to run, you run."

Caroline rolled her eyes but she couldn't help the bright smile that spread on her lips. Klaus' skin tingled every time her beautiful smile hit him. "I promise!" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. "But I think you are over reacting."

"Let me tell you this: If there is one thing I would never do, it is over reacting!" He smirked and Caroline laughed. "Of course."

As soon as Caroline was through the door she went looking for Elijah to tell him about the plan. His excitement however wasn't nearly as big as Caroline's.

"Do you think this is a good idea?" Elijah asked putting his fingertips together.

Caroline walked up to him and threw her hands up in the air. "Oh, Elijah, please! You cannot keep me in here forever. It will make them even more suspicious! 'Who is the prisoner they're keeping?' I thought you were the smart brother!"

Klaus huffed but didn't comment her remark. Elijah's eyes pierced his brother who shrugged. "She does have a point."

"You will both be there with me!" Caroline wailed. "Nothing will happen!" By now she was more determined to go out than ever.

"I know." Elijah simply said.

"So we are going?" Caroline asked excited and suddenly Klaus felt a pinch for keeping her so long.

"I hope you do understand what tonight will be about. We have to make an appearance. Show every one that you are with us and so off limits." Elijah told her but she had suspected as much. She was no original which made her a more or less easy victim. "Meanwhile the whole supernatural community knows that we are here and they are only waiting for an official appearance. They are uneasy because we haven't made a move so far. We have to intimidate them not to come too close. Take the wind out of their sails before it even started blowing metaphorically speaking."

Caroline nodded and sobered a bit. "Okay, I can do that, since I have the two best examples at home, haven't I?" She asked and looked from Klaus to Elijah who locked eyes for a moment.

"I gather you understand." Elijah told her and Klaus nodded.

"So, where are we going then?" She asked happily.

Klaus smirked. "Le centre du monde."

Was that his Caroline who was coming down the stairs?

She had always impressed him with her bravery towards him and now she was pure elegance, a menacing elegance that seemed to float over the ground instead of walking.

She was wearing a black long dress that emphasized her figure in all the right places. She looked proud and intimidating which would make everyone keep their distance. Her blond curls hung heavily on her shoulders and yet they looked so light that you simple wanted to stretch out your hand to touch them. Her makeup was rather dark, but not too much. It made her look self-conscious and powerful.

Caroline had tried to visualize how Rebekah would move. Even if Rebekah was a teenager inside she had grown up with ruthless brothers and been around for a long time which made her frightening at times when she displayed all her original trades.

So she held her head up high and kept a straight face. She watched Klaus blinking several times at her which irritated her and brought back the girl that she was. Could she pretend to be someone else for a whole night?

When she came to stand in front of him her eyes flickered nervously from one side to the other and Klaus recognized his Caroline beneath the clothes and make up. "Is it too much?" She asked.

"Perfect." Klaus whispered and kissed her lips. She enjoyed the warm feeling of his lips against hers and she drew confidence from it. Yes, she could pretend to be the inapproachable, sexy and dangerous vampire for one night.

Klaus acknowledged that she fit to his side perfectly. He felt her uneasiness and put his hand onto the small of her back to keep her grounded. He knew that this wasn't her, but he also knew that she could be if she wanted to and admittedly he found it very hot. The flame burning inside of him scorched his insides. It took all of his self control to not lose it in front of Elijah.

"Miss Forbes, may I tell you that you look simply stunning. It truly is an honour to be in your company tonight." Elijah bowed slightly and held out his hand. Caroline smiled, but then quickly hid it, making a neutral face. She held out her hand and looked condescendingly at Elijah who placed a soft kiss onto the back of her hand. Klaus contorted his face into a wry smile and snorted. Show off!

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr Mikaelson. Now if you would be so kind as to take me to my carriage."

"Of course." Elijah replied and held her hand up walking her to the door. Caroline looked back over her shoulder and flashed a bright smile at Klaus, not caring that it ruined her performance. She winked and Klaus shook his head while he quickly grabbed his jacket and followed them.

"I think I feel sick." Caroline confessed nervously when they walked through the streets. Even though she couldn't see them she felt them. Her body had lately become more attuned to any presences around her, especially to vampires. Their eyes were on the beautiful stranger and it was yet to decide if welcomed or not. Word would travel quickly.

"You'll be fine." Elijah told her. Caroline nodded. Come on Caroline, you left the little girl in Mystic Falls and now it is time to discover who you are. You can do this!

The club was packed with vampires but that was no surprise, as wasn't the tension that filled the room when the two originals entered with the strange beautiful blonde in their middle. Everyone moved out of their way if consciously or not.

The attention was on her immediately and Klaus had expected as much, but it made him more nervous than he would have thought. Yes, nervous. He hadn't said a word since they had left the house and now all of his instincts were running high.

He pricked his ears at every conversation, took everyone's body language in and never let someone's hands out of sight. He was in full hybrid mode and Elijah had to put a hand onto his shoulder in order to keep him sane and down to earth.

Klaus closed his eyes briefly, for everyone else it was simply a tad longer than a mere blink, but Elijah acknowledged it, pleased that his brother tried to stay calm. He mustn't lose his head now, for Caroline's safety. That was everything that mattered tonight.

They made their way over to the bar where a dark skinned vampire turned around and flashed them the brightest smile ever. Caroline couldn't help but compare it to the sun reflecting on snow. Never the less, her guts told her that it was false.

"Klaus Mikaelson!" He said and stood up. "I wondered when you would show up around here."

Klaus laughed. "I thought you would."

"My friend and mentor." Marcel said and hugged Klaus quickly which surprised Caroline, but she didn't let it show.

"You do remember Elijah, I believe."

"Of course." Marcel answered. "Who wouldn't." He nodded at Elijah, showing the required courtesy, but his eyes were already locked on Caroline's face. She braced herself and hid her uneasiness as much as possible. Marcel examined her face and for a second he checked her out from head to toe. Klaus gnawed his teeth and out of the corners of her eyes she saw his jaw muscles flex.

"Well, I would like to introduce you to Caroline Forbes." Klaus said sounding totally in control, but he put his arm around her waist possessively. His warm hand on her hip reassured Caroline and she straightened with one of her disarming smiles.

"Miss Forbes. This is a stunning surprise. I never thought Klaus would make any friends and such beautiful ones as well."

"I thank you for the compliment, but I wonder, why would you believe that?"

If it wasn't for the performance Klaus would have laughed out loud, especially when Marcel licked his lips and his eyes wandered from Klaus' amused face back to Caroline's. Well, careful what you're saying now, friend.

Marcel knew that it was easy to cross Klaus, a bit too easy maybe. "Well, if I remember correctly, he has quite the temper. From the two of us Klaus was always the most…daring one." He smiled looking straight at Klaus who chuckled.

"Your memory does not fail you there, mate."

"Come on, join me for a drink!" Marcel said and turned around. "Diego!" A vampire with curly hair lifted his head. "Get us a bottle of Bourbon and whatever the lady wants, would you?"

Marcel showed them over to a table at the edge of the dance floor.

Caroline had settled for a dry martini which Diego brought her. Klaus watched everything closely, especially Diego's and Marcel's exchange. "Marcel? Joey wants to know what to do."

"Tell him to get his friend out of town until everything settles down. Anna can accompany them if she likes." Diego nodded and was about to retreat when Marcel called him back. "Oh and take Marc with you when you go to Sophie Deveraux. Tell her that this is the last warning!"

Klaus and Elijah exchanged a look at that.

"So." Marcel turned around to them again.

"Deveraux…" Klaus drew out the name. "Having a witch problem, mate?"

"Nothing I can't handle." The vampire smirked and Caroline shivered. She couldn't put a finger on it, but on the one hand he seemed to be nice and polite, but there was another side to him. One that was not so pleasant.

"It seems like you have the place quite under control." Klaus pointed out pursing his lips.

Marcel clicked his tongue. "I do."

"Funny, because when I left years ago you were nothing but a foot soldier."

Marcel laughed. "A lot has changed over the years, Klaus. I am not a foot soldier, I am king."

Marcel had become cocky over the years and Klaus noticed that he found him even more annoying than Damon Salvatore. He chuckled wryly. "King?"

"All the vampires are on my side. They stand behind me no matter what." At that moment the three of them noticed the prying eyes of every vampire in the room. The atmosphere had changed from tension to caution. However, Klaus simply smiled. "I see."

"You are welcome to stay, but I demand that you abide by my rules."

"Your rules?" Klaus chuckled amused again. "Now, what would that be?"

"No killing sprees."

Klaus knew that wasn't all, but Marcel would certainly not tell him everything tonight.

"What do you think Elijah?"

"As to this point, brother, I can't see any fault with it." He answered, but Caroline noticed the smirk on Elijah's face. A smirk that he usually didn't display. It surprised her how good she could already read their faces and it also showed her that she was in the inner circle. She was with them which made her feel safe, but it also burdened her with a lot of responsibility.

"Yes." Klaus replied. "What about you, sweetheart?"

For a second Caroline was caught by surprise, but she quickly regained composure. She looked from her painted fingernails up lingering on each of their faces for a moment, before she said a bit arrogantly. "I'll consider it."

To Marcel's surprise Klaus burst out laughing. "Well." He looked very amused around the table. "I guess we'll consider it. Now, sweetheart, would you like to dance?"

Caroline smirked at him.

They made their way over to the dance floor with Marcel and Elijah and the whole room watching.

"How old is she?" Marcel asked watching Caroline move. Her appearance was very appealing and it screamed pride, but there was something about her that didn't fit. Maybe the shy look in her eyes, maybe something else.

Elijah smiled silently. "You'd be surprised."

It was all he got for an answer. "So, she and Klaus…"

"Marcel, listen closely, Caroline is part of the family and not to be crossed." Elijah turned towards him seriously.

"I see." Marcel answered. "Cross one and you will cross all."

Elijah nodded pleased. "I see you know how this works."

Caroline felt his hands on her lower back while they moved in unison to the rhythm of the music. Her hands were at the sides of his neck and it just seemed as if the music was becoming louder and louder. It swallowed her up and Caroline gave herself over to the tunes. Klaus eyes were dark and it stirred something inside of Caroline that clenched in anticipation. For a moment she thought about breaking away from him so she could clear her head, but her hands wouldn't obey her. They held on to him and Caroline realized that she was falling and becoming a wet mess. She panted. Her hips swaying from one side to the other unconsciously.

Klaus fought with his self-control, but he felt her body just too distinctly moving against his. He hissed and pressed his forehead against hers. "Caroline." His whisper was a mere panted hiss. "We need to slow down!" Her eyes were closed and she nodded holding on to him. His hands wandered up to her shoulders to steady her.

"I am gonna get some cold water." She mumbled still catching her breath. Klaus chuckled. "It's not funny, if I didn't have to concentrate here I'd slap you right now."

His lips were at her ear. "Why don't you postpone that to later?"

A shiver ran over Caroline's body from her upper back all the way down her spine. "No help!" She pressed.

"Just breathe." He whispered. And she drew a deep breath, letting the air stream inside of her and calming her down. Klaus imitated her and regained his control over the action.

"I'll be right back." She said but lingered for another moment.

Caroline left for the bathroom while Klaus made his way back to the table. Elijah squinted at him, showing him that he had overdone it not just a little, but Klaus just cocked his eyebrows.

The cold water was refreshing and cooled her heated skin. Another deep breath and she was able to look into the mirror with a neutral expression. The way he could work her up was almost too much to handle. Sometimes it would only take one touch and she was lost, let alone dancing this closely with him. How could she hold up her composure now?

She tried to bring her curls into order and noticed that she was trembling lightly. Damn it!

Come on Caroline focus! You need to get a grip!

When she made her way back to the bar a vampire stepped into her way.

"Beautiful." It was all that he said.

"Thanks." Caroline replied with an unspoken question mark at the end.

"I'm Dane."

"Caroline." She straightened up and squinted at him.

"Caroline." He smiled. "Would you like to dance?" He came closer.

"No, thanks. I'll pass."

"Really?" He stepped closer. "Come on, just one dance." He was so tall that Caroline had to look up at him. His broad shoulders blocked her from the view of everyone in the other room.

Caroline took a step back. "No. Now, let me go." She pursed her lips and scowled, but Dane didn't seem to back down.

He blocked her way and towered over her making her realize how broad he was. He smiled. "Please."

He put his hand onto her waist and her reflexes kicked in. Her slight fear made her react without even realizing it. She turned and twisted his arm and with a low voice she snarled. "I said no!"

"Any problems, love?" Klaus was suddenly standing behind her and despite his light tone his face was dark and menacing.

"I'm fine." She said, pushing Dane away.

Klaus flashed in front of him. "I thought the lady made her point the first time she said no."

He opened his mouth to reply, but Klaus didn't wait for it. Instead of words, it was a scream that left his throat and the cracking of breaking bones made the room go silent.

Dane was lying on the ground with a broken arm and Klaus towering over him. "Better remember that, mate." His eyes had turned yellow and flashed at the vampire on the floor.

"Klaus, buddy, easy there okay." Marcel quickly stepped in front of him. "Nothing happened."

"You better tell your minions off then, I suggest." Klaus snarled.

"He was just…"

"Let me make this very clear for you!" Klaus hissed and came closer to Marcel's face. "Another move like that and a broken arm will be the least of his pains."

The other vampires in the club formed a circle around them which Caroline watched uneasily. Elijah was at her side with a grim expression. "I guess you might have figured out by now what I am and what I am capable of." Klaus said.

Marcel squinted. "You are not strong enough against all of us, that is what I know. As I said before, you are welcome to stay, but: My city, my rules. I hope you keep them."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No. Just a reminder." Marcel replied casually.

"Like the lackey you send to Mystic Falls to sniff me out, was it, mate?" He practically spit the last word into his face.

Marcel frowned. "I don't know what you are talking about there."

Klaus pursed his lips and nodded. "Fine then." That's all he said before he simply turned around and walked away.

"Tell your friends that if they cross one of us they cross all. We will abide to your rules as long as no one interferes with our lives here." Elijah told Marcel and then put his hand onto Caroline's back to steer her out of the club.

She bit her tongue in order to not apologize to Marcel or any of his minions. She hadn't wanted to start a war. Oh, if that stupid vampire had just turned around and gone away. Everything would have been fine!

She wondered what she could have done to prevent that fight. Should you have prevented that fight, Caroline? What is your role down here?

Marcel and his inner circle of followers met upstairs in his quarters to recall the events.

The king nervously paced the room while the others watched him. A woman attended to Dane who was just finishing a blood bag. "She's strong, but she can't be that old." He said tossing the empty bag.

Marcel nodded. He had assumed as much. "This Klaus seems to be very protective of her." Diego said and Marcel pursed his lips. "She is part of their family, whatever that means. For us though it means to be very careful!"

"Yeah, what is it with him anyway?" One of them asked.

"He's a hybrid." Marcel explained. "Half vampire, half werewolf and absolutely lethal. He is not to be trifled with!"

"Let's hope he doesn't stay long." Diego muttered and Marcel nodded.

"Let's hope so." But he had the bad feeling that after tonight Klaus would be determined to postpone his leave. There had been this look in his eyes and if it had been anyone he would have called it jealousy, but with Klaus he wasn't sure if it was that simple.

"You didn't send anyone to sniff him out, did you?" Diego asked, remembering Klaus' words.

Klaus poured himself a glass of liqueur in the study which he downed in one big gulp.

"Klaus." Caroline said carefully. She slowly approached him, Elijah tried to hold her back but she shook her head at him and he let go of her hand. She stepped forward. "Nik."

"Caroline, just leave me alone." He grumbled.

"No. I am not leaving until you spoke to me."

He smashed the glass into the fireplace and Caroline jerked. "Do not tell me what to do!"

He said spinning around to her, but her face was what somehow got to him. "Please, don't shut me out!" He quickly turned away to avoid looking at her. He had never told anyone about his feelings. He had always been alone and he was just slowly beginning to understand what it meant to have a mate. Sometimes one look at her and he knew what he had to do. Sometimes one look was all it took to give him back his clarity.

He supported his weight with one hand onto the mantelpiece staring into the dark fireplace. The wood cracked under his hand.

Suddenly it was as if an electric shock went through his whole body when Caroline put her hand onto his back. He drew in a sharp breath and stiffened. He wouldn't get used to it.

"Please." She whispered.

His shoulders dropped and he turned around embracing her. Caroline wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest.

"Are you okay, love?" He raised her chin to look at her. Caroline nodded.

"I am fine." Her eyes searched his face. "I am sorry that I ruined it."

Suddenly he looked totally taken aback. "What?"

"I am sorry that I ruined the show."

He frowned. "You didn't do anything wrong Caroline." He cupped her face.

"But…"

"You were brilliant tonight."

"I don't get it, then what is really bothering you?" She watched how the look in his eyes hardened. He turned around again, back to the fireplace. Caroline glanced at Elijah who stood near the door with his arms crossed over his chest. A calculating expression on his face.

Klaus took his time before he explained. "I build this city! It was mine!" He faced them again. "My home! My kingdom! And it certainly wasn't his to take!"

Caroline frowned. "Wait! You are jealous? Seriously?"

"This is not about jealousy, Caroline, I made him become what he is and he spit right into my face." He stepped closer to her. "No one dares to challenge me! Remember that!"

He stormed out of the room without another word.

Caroline huffed. "He is jealous, isn't he?"

Elijah sighed. "Yes, I believe he is, but I also believe that what he actually means is that there is more to the dynamics in this city than what is presented on the surface."

"Do you think there is a third party in on the game?" She asked referring to the vampire that had been sent to Mystic Falls almost a year ago to spy on them. He had been killed before Klaus and Elijah could get anything out of him. She bit her lip nervously when Elijah shrugged.

"I think that has yet to be discovered."

Thank you so much for reading!

And I wanted to add that I am not familiar with any southern legends, about the loup garou for example, I googled everything and I apologize if I got something wrong!