Chapter Three: Undisclosed Desires
"You trick your lovers
That you're wicked and divine
You may be a sinner
But your innocence is mine
Please me
Show me how it's done
Tease me
You are the one
I want to reconcile the violence in your heart
I want to recognize your beauty's not just a mask
I want to exorcise the demons from your past
I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart…"
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
"How are things back home?"
"Quieter, now that that Gilbert girl left for college with that blonde vampire friend of hers."
"Caroline, right. And how are things with Meredith?"
I walked quietly into the bedroom Anna and I shared, only to find her sitting in the middle of the bed, talking on the phone. She was sitting cross legged with her hair tumbling messily around her shoulders as she laughed.
"Honestly, Charlie, I don't see why you haven't pro-,"
"Nuh uh. Not the 'P' word."
Annabelle looked up and smiled, lifting her hand to motion for me to come over to her. I sat down next to her and she shifted so she could curl against my side, her head resting on my shoulder. I kissed her forehead and listened to her talk with her brother.
"Why not?" Anna protested. "You've been dating for a long time-,"
"Because, Miss I'm-Engaged-Therefore-Everyone-Should-Get-Engaged, it's a process," Charlie said with a laugh. "Besides, that's not why I called you."
"Oh?"
"So I found more of Grandpa's old journals-,"
Impatient and bored, I snagged the phone out of Anna's hands, despite her protests.
"Yes, Charlie, hello," I greeted. "How are you this fine autumn morning? Good, I presume. Listen, Annabelle and I need to discuss some matters that have come up, she'll just have to ring you later. Cheers, mate."
When I hung up, Anna smacked my shoulder with impressive force. Her gray eyes were glinting with annoyance, but also laughter.
"Rude," she scolded.
Smirking, I leaned over and kissed her. Her lips curved under mine and she lifted a hand to cup my cheek. I leaned into her touch and looked her in the eyes again, which had softened.
"Cheater."
"Now you know I never play fair," I said, standing up before offering her a hand. I helped her out of bed then nudged her towards the door.
"Go eat some breakfast with your distant cousin, love," I urged. Anna smiled at me from over her shoulder.
"Join me?" she asked with a tantalizing arch of her brow.
"Perhaps later," I replied. "I need to find my sister first, darling."
"All right, all right," Anna said before bounding down the stairs, calling out Hayley's name.
I watched her go and laughed quietly to myself. She seemed in very high spirits today, and had a glow about her. I wondered if she had always had that glow, or if it was the pregnancy that brought it out in her.
It's you, you idiot.
I blinked when I heard Anna's teasing voice in my mind. I smirked again, pleased.
Ooo0ooO
Mystic Falls
(Charlie's POV)
I sighed loudly as I pulled the phone away from my ear. I forget sometimes how big of an ass Anna's fiancé could be.
"Is everything all right?"
I glanced over at Meredith, who was standing at the doorway of the living room. I had recently moved my things into her small apartment, so I didn't have to hang around the Mikaelson mansion alone.
Despite being an ass- Klaus did have some moments were he was an okay guy. One of those was when he offered for me to stay at his home while he and Anna returned to Louisiana, and said that Meredith and I could make ourselves comfortable there.
But we were more at ease at her place, it was simpler and cozier than the elaborate three story palace in the woods. Our relationship had gotten stronger over summer, since we both had taken long trips together cross country before she decided she wanted to return to her work at the hospital.
"Yeah," I replied, putting my phone down. "That was Anna."
"How is she?" Meredith asked, sitting beside me on the couch.
I shrugged. "She seems happy enough. She still misses being here."
"You could always go visit her, you know. I wouldn't mind."
"I know," I sighed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull her in closer. "But I like being here with you."
Meredith smiled and leaned in to kiss me.
"Me too."
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
After Hayley and I finished eating, she told me she wanted to show me something. I followed her into another room of the house, which looked like a small den. It had a few bookshelves crammed with old books and leather back journals, along with a desk covered in old paper and parchment.
"Look at this," she said, handing me on of the old, worn journals. I took it from her hands and skimmed it, noticing how beautiful the handwriting was. It was thick and slanted, and very familiar.
"Is this one of Elijah's?" I asked.
"How did you know?"
I smiled slightly. "The handwriting is similar to Klaus's, but his is a little rougher rather than… I don't know, elegant. I've seen Rebekah's handwriting once or twice around the mansion back in Mystic Falls so I just guessed it would be his."
"Yeah. Check out the date."
So I began reading, sitting down on a chair while Hayley sat cross legged on the floor, studying an old sketching of Elijah, along with a violin.
August, 1359,
I have noticed a difference in my siblings. Our bond strains under the pressure our live as vampires. Each day it removes them further from the humanity we once possessed. My sweet sister Rebekah has grown quite indifferent to brutality. However, the true problem remains my brother Niklaus, who continues to hide his loneliness with cruelty. Still, I cling to the hope that I, as their eldest brother, can lead them down the correct path- a path charged with the power of a family united. For if I fail, our family's legacy will end in darkness.
I traced my fingers over the small indents in the page, right over the words continues to hide his loneliness with cruelty.
Elijah the righteous, the one who would always have faith even in the bleakest of time, I mused. Even when it all seemed hopeless, he still held onto the smallest of things to keep going.
I placed the journal aside and picked up the violin, plucking at the strings. I wondered if he'd play for me, if we got him back.
"Speaking of which," I said out loud, standing up. Hayley looked at me with confusion before following me out of the room.
Rebekah and Klaus were standing in the front parlor, which overlooked the front lawns and drive way up to the mansion. There were still remains of last night's fire on the grass. Hayley had told me when I was sleeping she had awoken to look outside and had seen Klaus burning the dead vampires with a gallon of gasoline and a lighter.
"I cannot believe you disposed of those vampires without me," Rebekah was saying to Klaus. "You know I love to set things on fire."
"Was I supposed to leave them in the front lawn to rot? Besides, they were my responsibility. They attacked the helpless pregnant girl who's carrying my children."
I walked into the room, raising my brow. I marched over to him and jabbed a finger into his chest, glaring.
"I'm not a girl, and I'm not helpless," I growled. Klaus reached out to touch my cheek but I grabbed his hand and squeezed it, smirking when he grunted softly in pain.
"Point taken," he muttered as I released his hand, before looking back at Rebekah. "Fine, they attacked the not helpless, pregnant woman carrying my children."
"Ooh, I am so moved by your new found sense of fatherly duty towards the werewolf carrying your Hybrid bun in her oven," Rebekah replied sarcastically.
Klaus laughed when I turned my burning gaze to her. Hayley finally walked in, holding the journal I had been reading to her chest.
"The other werewolf would like to know what the plan is?" she asked, looking around.
"Well that depends what plan you mean, love. My plan for global domination or Rebekah's plan to find love in a cruel, cruel world," Klaus said, giving his sister a sly smile.
Rebekah stared at him for a moment before grabbing a pencil and throwing it at Klaus with brutal force. I snatched it from the air right before it could pierce his throat and sighed heavily.
"Children, please," I scolded, wagging the pencil at Rebekah. "We already have two infants on the way."
Rebekah pouted while Klaus smirked again. Hayley rubbed a hand over her forehead.
"The plan to rescue Elijah," she continued. "You know, the good brother. The one who is now in the possession of your mortal enemy after you stabbed him in the back."
"In the front, if we're being specific," Klaus replied coolly. I gave him a dirty look, since I still was angry with him about that. I had forced him to give Hayley her memory back about the day he had staked Elijah with the dagger, warning him not to compel her again. He had obeyed in a rare moment of looking thoroughly chastised.
"You two said he would get him back, so is there a plan or what?" I pointed out, lifting my brows at the Mikaelson siblings.
Klaus and Rebekah exchanged a look before he sighed. He turned to walk over to one of the parlor chairs and sat down. I moved by his side and sat down on the arm of the chair, resting one hand on top of his.
"Okay. Well, firstly, Marcel is not my mortal enemy," he said, taking the pencil from me to shake it at Hayley. "He's my friend. I'll be that one while he is unaware that I am trying to sabotage his hold over the supernatural community of the French Quarter, but a friend nonetheless. And secondly, I daggered Elijah in order to gain Marcel's trust. If I had known he would place my brother in the hands of a particularly nasty teenage witch, I certainly would have weighed my options a bit differently. And thirdly, sister, please."
"And thirdly, the plan, as you have demanded, is for Niklaus to simply ask Marcel for Elijah back," Rebekah concluded.
Hayley and I looked at each other in disbelief before I looked down at Klaus, who met my gaze. He shrugged and frowned in consideration, making a small gesture with his other hand. The other squeezed mine reassuringly.
"That's not the whole plan, is it?" I asked slowly.
Rebekah chuckled. "Please. Klaus may be a miserable excuse for a sibling, but there is none more diabolical."
My lips twisted in disapproval at her description of my mate, but I let it pass. I knew Rebekah didn't want to be here, therefore she was going to take out her temper on her brother.
"Well that's only the plan A, love," he replied. "There's always a plan B."
"And what's plan B?" Hayley wanted to know.
"War," Klaus said with a gleam in his eyes.
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
"War," Annabelle repeated, her voice flat.
"Indeed," I said, looking back up at her.
Anna didn't respond, she just closed her eyes briefly before standing with her back straight and marched out of the mansion, shutting the door softly behind her. Hayley scoffed quietly, giving me a look of disapproval.
"Have something to share, wolf?" I asked sternly, standing up.
"I'd go check on her," she suggested. "She might not have slammed the door, but I'm willing to bet she's a little miffed at you right now."
Frowning, I walked outside. Anna was standing close to the pyre where I had burned the vampires, her arms hugging her body. When I stood beside her, I saw her eyes were dark and emotionless.
"This is going to keep happening, isn't it?" she asked dully. "The killing, the secrets, the lies."
"Yes."
"Despite everything," she said, looking at me. "Despite this."
When she gestured, her ring glimmered in the sunlight as her hand came to a rest over the small bump that rested between her slender hips. My gaze trailed upwards to meet hers again.
"Yes."
Anna looked back towards the black ash and remains. I felt an icy finger slide down my spine as her expression went cold, colder than I had ever seen it. Her eyes didn't give away any emotion except boredom.
"Anna?" I asked softly, reaching out to touch her.
"Go to Marcel," she ordered, stepping away from me.
My hand fell by my side. "Anna," I whispered.
Her eyes met mine and there, for a brief moment, I saw them flash before they iced over again. I felt my shoulders give slightly before I leaned in to kiss her cheek gently.
"I'll return to you," I said against her ear.
When I turned, her hand flashed out and grabbed mine. I looked back but she was already turning away from me. Her fingers slid away from mine, leaving me with a sense of loss.
"I'm sorry," I murmured as she entered the mansion once more.
Casting aside my thoughts, I went to find Marcel as commanded.
When I walked in to the upper section of the Abattoir, I immediately heard Marcel talking to Thierry.
"One thing, I sent four nightwalkers to look into a werewolf sighting in the Quarter. I haven't heard from them since," Thierry said.
Interesting, I thought. Marcel hadn't told Thierry that Annabelle was back in town, which I found odd since Thierry knew Annabelle and her past with Marcel.
Marcel sighed. "That means ten dead nightwalkers in a week. You think the werewolves are back in town, trying to start some trouble?"
I stood outside the door, listening carefully. I knew Marcel was eluding to his dislike about the fact that Hayley was here along with Anna, although he hadn't met the younger wolf. Not yet.
"Look, I know you and Klaus are friends but the fact is since the Originals showed up-,"
I walked inside and smiled easily.
"Oh, come now, Thierry. You're still not upset about that little toxic werewolf bite I gave you, are you? I thought we were at bygones."
"I see you've given him free reign of your compound now too," Thierry said to Marcel, looking displeased.
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Yes, well, seeing how my family and I lived here… Built the place, in fact," I commented, looking around.
"All right, come on, you both know the drill," Marcel said smoothly. "Thierry's my guy, inner circle, Klaus is my old time friend and sire, he is also a guest here. Peace, all right? All right."
Thierry made a face, like one of a toddler who did not get his way, but Marcel ignored him, turning his attention to me.
"What do you need, my brother?" he asked.
"I'm afraid my sister Rebekah is insisting I demand Elijah's return. She's quite worked up about it," I explained.
"I'll say," Marcel muttered, adjusting his jacket again.
"We're not going to have three Originals walking around town, are we?" Thierry demanded. "Half our guys think the sister killed the nightwalkers-,"
"Is that an accusation?" I interrupted, clenching my jaw. I already was unstable from my discussion with Anna, and I wasn't against biting Thierry once more…
"Yeah," he replied.
"Against an Original?" I asked, storming forward. Marcel intercepted us, placing a hand on my chest as well as Thierry's.
"What did I just say about peace?" he asked with a strained smile. "Come on, walk with me."
I followed him from the room, allowing myself to smirk in Thierry's direction.
"Your inner circle man lacks a sense of humor," I commented as we walked outside, along the balcony of the Abattoir.
"He's a little overprotective, but loyal to a fault. I saved his life back in the 40's, found him dying of a war wound outside of a hospital. He'd kill for me."
I followed Marcel down the stairs to the lower section of his place, where people were decorating the area all around us.
"And die for me. Plus, that boy can play the trumpet like you would not believe. Maybe I'll see if he can play a little tonight at the party." Marcel paused and looked back at me. "You're coming, right?"
"How could I miss my chance to meet the city councilman as he accepts your gigantic charitable donation?" I asked with false humor.
"Well, he's a shmuck, but he lets us do our thing in exchange for certain community services, like keeping our fangs out of the locals," Marcel explained, looking around.
"Listen, about your brother," he continued. "I would love to help you out, but Thierry's right. My guys are on edge, they see the Original family moving in, vampires dying, it makes them nervous. If I hand Elijah back now, it might give the wrong impression about who's really in charge here, you know what I mean?"
I shrugged a little. "You understand I had to ask."
Marcel smiled again. "You have been asking a lot of me lately. What with Anna being back and all. If you haven't noticed, she's fine, but that's because I say so. That can change Klaus."
I stared at Marcel for a long, tense moment before he clapped a hand on my shoulder and walked off. I watched him go before I flexed my hand irritably, which was the only outward sign of annoyance I allowed to be seen.
I checked my phone and saw a text from Rebekah, stating she was on her way to the Quarter to deal with the witches. It was also time for me to head back to the mansion, to where I had other business to attend to.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
I knew he was back long before the front door opened. The warmth along the soul bond indicated such.
I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around my body. I wiped down the steamy mirror and looked at myself.
Black circles encased my eyes, and worry lines marred my brow. I could see the tension in my eyes, which reflected over every inch of my body. Training my expression, I slipped on a mask of indifference before I got dressed.
When I walked downstairs, I wore a soft black maxi dress that fell to my ankles. I walked quietly down to the basement, my bare feet barely making a sound along the wooden steps.
When I entered the room where Klaus was, an unpleasant sight was awaiting me. He had taken the vampire from the night before and had chained him up, while the newest vampire in Marcel's crew was thrusting something rather sharp into his abdomen in short, uncertain stabs.
Klaus was standing a few feet away, with his back to the precession, his phone pressed to his ear. I listened carefully, and heard Rebekah's voice on the other line.
"Niklaus, for the love of Mary Magdalene, how long does it take to ask a simple question?" she was demanding.
"Much longer than you think, considering the answer was as expected- no," he replied, turning. "Marcel's man Thierry is suspicious, he thinks you killed ten nightwalkers."
"That's a lie, I only killed eight. I'll make Thierry the ninth," Rebekah said coldly.
"Marcel is playing friendly, we can't kill the favorite son, or he'll catch onto us. He claims he's already making an exception for me upon Anna's return."
"So war it is then."
"Indeed," Klaus said. "Do you know what to do with the witch?"
"I believe I do," his sister said with a weary sigh.
"Good. You manage Sophie Devereux, I'll take care of the next step," he finished before hanging up the phone.
But before he moved, he stiffened, his head tilting to the side. I watched as he turned and saw me standing at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes darkened and his mouth tightened. I lifted my chin and folded my arms over my midsection.
"So back to torture, are we?" I asked coolly.
"It needs to be done," Klaus said emotionlessly. I looked over his shoulder at the other vampires, and flicked my hand dismissively.
"Go on then," I ordered.
Within a second, Klaus flashed over to me. He towered over me, his eyes searching mine. I could feel him pressing along the bond, seeking for something.
"What happened to you?" he asked quietly. "You aren't the one to encourage this."
Looking him in the eye, I replied, "War is happening. And if this means hurting a vampire that tried to hurt me- tried to hurt my children- well, exceptions have to be made. There is nothing I won't do to protect what's mine."
Klaus stared at me before he turned and strode over to the younger vampire.
"I ordered you to drain him of blood. What's taking so long?" he demanded.
"Sorry, I'm not, like, medieval torture expert guy," the man replied uncertainly. Klaus sighed, before rapidly reaching over and grabbing a pitchfork, slamming it into the other vampire's torso.
"What'd he do to you anyway?" the new vampire inquired.
"It's not about what he did, it's about what he's going to do when we're done here, which is whatever I want him to. Just like you. For example-"
With that, I turned and glided out of the room. I steeled myself against the sickness building inside my gut, and the burning sensation behind my eyes. No, being myself in a time like this wouldn't do. I had to bury everything and focus on the big picture, on what mattered.
I lowered my hands to my stomach and listened to the twin's heart beats. This was what mattered. The family Klaus and I were going to start, the future we were going to build. And like I said, nothing was going to stop me from protecting what was mine.
When Klaus emerged from his cave, I was in the kitchen, making myself some soup. My stomach had been curiously queasy the past few days, mostly in the mornings, which begged the question as to how similar my pregnancy would be to a human's.
"Would you like some?" I asked when I sensed Klaus's presence.
"No," he replied. "I'd like an explanation."
"An explanation of what?" I asked, cutting up some carrots.
A sharp breeze told me he had moved and a hand on my shoulder made me look up directly into his eyes. They were burning, bright like the sapphire that rested heavily on my left finger.
"Don't play games, Anna," he growled.
"Oh? Why not?" I asked, turning away to add in the vegetables to the broth. "The whole plan was initially to play this little game. To play Marcel's little game. We told each other we would come back here, and you said you would have to act like someone else, like the person you once were. But you also promised me that you would come back."
I faced him again. "Seems like promises can be broken in order to win the game. So I'm joining the game. I'm going to help you, whether you like it or not, because I'll be damned if I'm going to sit around this fucking palace while your neck is on the chopping block out there. Do you understand me, Niklaus?"
"How can you be this way, after everything?" Klaus asked softly.
"I'm burying," I replied coldly. "You should be familiar with how to do that, hmm?"
Once more, I turned my back on him to flip the switch on the stove to 'off'. I picked up a large ladle and a bowl, serving myself some soup. When I looked over my shoulder, I saw that Klaus was watching me broodingly, darkly.
Sighing quietly, I placed my bowl down and took one of his hands, holding it between mine. I rubbed my thumb over his knuckles before lifting it to my cheek. As he watched, I lowered it to my stomach, to the bump. His hand carefully opened and rested fully over it, his touch still gentle and uncertain. I held his hand as we watched each other for a few minutes.
"Trust me," I whispered.
The moment was shattered when he heard the sounds of a car pulling up to the mansion. I stepped away from him and continued eating as he walked out of the room. Right before he left completely, he paused at the doorway. He looked back at me, his gaze soft.
"I do," he replied before walking away.
A small smile pulled my lips upwards, which faded away just as quickly as it appeared. I gazed out the window, which looked out towards the gardens. The sun was still high in the sky, casting warm, golden rays down on the hills, trees and flowers.
"Klaus, I brought a visitor!" Rebekah called out.
Looking away, I saw Hayley standing at the doorway of the kitchen. She was wearing a pretty dress that brought out the gold in her skin and her hair. She walked over and picked up an empty bowl and served herself.
"Okay?" she asked before she took a bite.
I just gave her a look before I sighed, placing my empty bowl down in the sink. I walked out of the kitchen, preparing myself to deal with the next level of business that was currently sitting on the couch of the parlor, across from Klaus and Rebekah.
"Sophie Devereux," Klaus said as I walked into the room. He glanced up at me while I settled myself on the arm of the chair he was sitting in, but didn't saying anything to me.
"Sophie," I greeted casually, folding my hands on my lap.
The witch arched her brow at me. "Anna," she returned.
"Only friends and family call me Anna, please call me Annabelle," I requested. I heard Klaus chuckle softly.
"Right, business then," Rebekah said, her lips twisting in a sneer.
"Of course," Klaus continued, folding his hands together. "It seems we have found ourselves in quite the predicament, wouldn't you say? Now, as much as I would like to rip off your friend's head, I've been discourage to do so. So, you, Sophie, are going to help us with our plan."
"What do you want?" Sophie challenged.
"Magic," Rebekah said. "We need your magic."
Sophie's eyes widened considerably. "Are you out of your mind? No way!"
"It's very simple. We need you to perform a teeny, tiny locator spell to help us find our brother," Rebekah continued, ignoring the witch's protests.
"Witches who practice magic in this town get caught and they get killed," Sophie said. Klaus stood up and paced a little around the room, looking annoyed.
"Yes, about that. It seems you left out a crucial detail when we made our deal," he remarked, before sitting down again. "Marcel's secret weapon. The way he knows when a witch is using magic."
Rebekah lifted her arm. "Girl about yay high. Cute as a button. Anger issues."
"Davina?" Sophie breathed. I watched as Klaus tilted his head, his eyes now glinting with malice.
I reached over with my hand and took Klaus's. He caressed the inside of my palm with a finger, and I sent a wave of reassurance through the bond.
Trust me? I asked silently. I felt his assurance that he did, and opened myself up to his mind, his emotions. It was a torrent of anger, annoyance, guilt, along with the flashing memories of when he left me the morning Rebekah returned to the mansion. I saw him talk to his sister, and how his sister told him of the girl. I squeezed his hand one last time before I slid away and back into the present.
"Where are you seen her?"
Rebekah sighed. "I don't know. The little brat erased my memory right after she threw me out the window with her bloody mind."
This time I spoke. I lifted my hand impatiently, cutting off anything Sophie had to say or any more complaints Rebekah had yet to utter.
"Let me cut to the chase," I began. "Davina has Elijah, so it would seem. I assume that by your reaction that you witches want to get Davina away from Marcel. We don't know where she is, therefore, we need magic."
"Davina would sense it-,"
"Unless, of course," Rebekah said, looking up at me. "Another witch, say a traitor to the cause- Katie, for example, was to perform much more powerful magic at the same time. That would create a smoke screen, concealing your very small spell from Davina."
"Katie doesn't deserve to die."
Rage boiled in my veins as I strode in front of the witch. "And neither do my children. Thanks to Katie, I was attacked by a group of vampires. If Hayley and Rebekah hadn't been there, there's a good chance I could have died. It's sad, very sad, but no one- not even you witches- will hurt my babies."
"But-,"
Klaus slammed his hands on the table and stood. "Sophie Devereux."
He moved to sit on the table directly in front of the witch. I stepped aside and glared down at her. "You are in no position to be so principled. You can't win a war without a few strategic losses, no matter how regrettable they may be. How many times have the vampires been one step ahead? Known something they shouldn't? Your sister, executed in the public square for practicing magic. You knew she'd be caught. Did she even attempt to flee?"
"She was caught hiding in a cargo hold in a freighter before it set sail down the Mississippi," Sophie muttered.
"And who, pray tell, of Marcel's inner circle, manages his business down at the docks?" Klaus inquired.
Sophie's expression fell along with her shoulders. "Katie's boyfriend, Thierry."
"That settles it then," I concluded. "Convince Katie to help us. She's dead either way."
I turned and walked out of the room, clenching my fists. Hayley approached me but I lifted a hand, cutting her off from speaking. I stormed upstairs and found myself standing along the third floor balcony, outside of the room Klaus and I had originally shared.
My mind raced, thinking of ways where I could help. Katie would be a mere diversion, since right now Elijah was the key. I desperately wanted him back, since he was one of the few I knew I could trust. My instincts were screaming at me to find protection, and to guard myself from the growing threats within this town. Without Elijah, I wasn't sure how I was going to hold out, not with Klaus playing for both sides like he was.
When Klaus appeared by my side, I leaned against the railing, sighing deeply. He mirrored my pose, clasping his hands in front of him.
"Getting Katie to do this won't be enough," he remarked.
I shoved my hair out of my eyes. "Yeah, I suppose it won't. Knowing Marcel, he'll want something more." I glanced over at him. "What are we going to do about Thierry?"
"I could always bite him again," Klaus said darkly.
I rolled my eyes impassively. "Bite first, talk later, excellent idea."
"Do you have any ideas then?" he asked.
I pursed my lips. "That vampire down in the basement, is he drained of vervain?"
"Yes."
An idea began to form inside my mind. "And the other one, Josh, is under your compulsion."
"Yes. Are you scheming, my Anna?" Klaus's eyes gleamed when I met his gaze.
"I think I might be," I replied. "Because I was thinking, if Thierry truly loves his witch, there's nothing he wouldn't do for her, right? Even kill a vampire who, under some sort of influence, attacked her."
"And Marcel would have no choice but to take action against his right hand man," Klaus continued.
I nodded. "Then Juliet would have no choice but to try to save her Romeo," I concluded. "Which means using her magic."
"You really are brilliant," Klaus said, reaching out to touch me.
I shifted my chin away. "I'm only doing this because I have no choice," I reminded him. "I'm in a corner, and I'm going to fight."
"Ever the fighter," Klaus murmured, his hand dropping away.
"Go back to Marcel, he's probably wondering where you disappeared to," I said, looking back out towards the horizon. "Let me know how things unfold in the Quarter."
A sharp breeze blew the hair away from my face, and within a second, I was alone. I sighed once more and lifted a hand to my eyes, rubbing them wearily.
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
When I left Anna, I went to the Abattoir in search of Marcel. He was waiting for me, standing along the upper level while his crew continued to decorate for tonight's gala.
Thierry was playing the trumpet, so I went over to Marcel and watched him.
"You're right, he's good," I remarked.
Marcel smiled widely. "Right? Music man, I call him. The ladies love him, but he's spoken for. He knocks around with this pretty little witch, says he loves her but I don't know…"
I tried to keep my expression neutral. "Your brightest solider is fraternizing with your enemy and… you don't care?" I inquired.
"Well of course I care, but Thierry's a grown man. He makes his own choices and I get some good entail. Besides, he's not going to jeopardize anything we're doing here- I mean check this out. A vampire holding a ritzy charity event, we have a community here…no one's going to mess that up."
Still scheming, I gave Marcel a doubtful look. "Still… you don't want the witches to get too bold, given that a witch's tip about another werewolf in town lead to the disappearance of your nightwalkers. I'm sure you've considered the possibility that it could have been a trap."
Marcel regarded me for a moment. "Well, maybe I'll send a little message. Thierry!" he called out. "Take a team of nightwalkers to the Cauldron tonight, do a little rousting. Oh and Thierry? Make it nasty."
I smirked. As Marcel moved to look at the set up for one of the bars, I pulled out my phone to send a text to Annabelle.
It seems our plan shall work perfectly. I will return to the mansion shortly.
Her response was nearly instantaneous. Perfect. Be safe.
Where is Rebekah?
She just left. Something about more scheming.
I frowned at that, but dismissed it for the moment. I slid my phone back into my pocket and approached Marcel.
"Well it seems you have everything taken care of here, mate," I said smoothly. "See you later, hmm?"
"Absolutely," Marcel said, clapping me on the shoulder. "Don't forget- it's a masquerade gala. Wear a mask."
I smiled and nodded before disappearing from his sight. Making sure I wasn't being watched, I went upstairs to Marcel's rooms. I knew where he kept his most private paperwork, which I knew would come in handy at tonight's event. I smiled to myself when I found what I was looking for.
After that, I went back to the mansion within a matter of minutes, and went up the stairs to find Annabelle.
I found her sitting at the desk that sat on the third floor of the mansion, where she was surrounded by piles of old parchment and what looked like more journals from centuries passed.
"I was thinking," she began, still looking through the papers. "What if we left a clue- well, not a clue- but something that would be enough proof for Marcel to believe that that witch of his and his friend were turncoats?"
"I believe I am one step of you, sweetheart," I said, walking over. I picked her up and settled her down on my lap as I sat down in the black leather chair. She picked the paper I held out of my hands and read it. Her brows scrunched together before her eyes flashed with understanding.
"You want to plant a spell," she said. "I'm guessing this is one that Marcel keeps away under lock and key?"
"Not unless you have complete access to his compound," I replied with a smile.
"All right," Anna said, settling herself along my side. "So do we have that vampire of yours plant it at her shop?"
Before he could reply, his phone rang. He reached over and answered the call so it was on speaker phone.
"Little sister," he said.
"Hello, brother. I believe I have certain that Marcel will be properly distracted tonight," Rebekah said, sounding pleased with herself.
"Dare I ask?" Klaus asked, raising his brows.
"Let's just say his attention will not be on us. I did my bit, what are you doing to ensure Elijah's safe return?"
"Currently, Anna and I are preparing insurance against the tender hearted."
"Meaning?"
Anna leaned forward. "We need to give Katie some motivation to cast that spell tonight, right? Well, we're creating that motivation."
"Marcel has ordered a rousting of the witches," Klaus continued, running a hand down my arm. "And I, in turn, have arranged for things to do tragically wrong. Marcel may not be concerned for Thierry's romantic entanglements, but there are other crimes he would be less inclined to so easily forgive…"
"Killing a vampire, for example," Anna concluded. "That would be unforgiveable in his book, don't you think? If Katie hopes to save her Romeo from Marcel's punishment, well, a rescue like that would require something positively magical, right?"
"But then…what's worth dying for, if not love?" I asked, meeting Anna's smoky gaze.
"Very well," Rebekah sighed. "I'm coming home to change for the gala. I have something picked out for you, brother that I think you'll find quite suiting."
When she hung up, I saw Anna smiling.
"What is it, love?" I asked curiously.
She turned her gaze back to me. "I was just thinking of what I was going to wear for tonight's event."
"Pardon?" I narrowed my eyes at her. "What makes you think you are attending?"
Anna sighed and stood. "Klaus, Marcel already knows I'm here. There is no point of me sitting around this house, like I have said before. I will not be useless. I can defend myself, and besides, I already convinced Hayley to come with me while you were at the Abattoir."
"Absolutely no-,"
"Klaus," Anna huffed, cutting me off. "I will be fine. you just have to trust me, all right? I won't stay long, just long enough to help with distracting Marcel until he finds out about what Thierry. Anyway, someone has to get your two henchmen there. I'll make sure they're in position while you and Rebekah exchange hellos with Marcel. If everything goes right, I'll leave if I don't feel safe."
I stared at her for a long moment. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely," she replied, leaning down to kiss me. "Now, go tell your goonies what to do and to make sure they'll follow my instruction as well. Go on."
I sighed and stood up, giving her a mild look before disappearing to the basement.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
When everything was set up, Hayley and I waited for everyone to leave. The plan was that we were going to follow Klaus and Rebekah to the gala. She was only coming with me for protection, but was meant to stay hidden while Klaus and I moved our pawns into position.
I walked outside along the garden and pool, breathing in the night air. Hayley trailed behind me, her fingers brushing along the flowers.
The sounds of snapping twigs and leaves caught our attention. I saw her tense but I waved her off. I didn't sense a threat, in fact, the presence seemed eerily familiar.
I walked a few feet forward and froze when I saw a lean brown and white wolf standing all of ten feet away, its gold eyes fixed intently on me. I watched it, not noticing how my own eyes flashed gold briefly.
"Who are you?" I asked softly.
"Anna, don't!" Hayley hissed as I took a step towards it.
"It's fine," I murmured. "I think…"
Before I could finish that sentence, the wolf shifted back into a man. Except it wasn't just any man, this man stared at me with large hazel eyes and a condescending smirk that caused my jaw to drop.
"Patrick?" I exclaimed.
"Hi-ya, Belle," Patrick replied with a small wave. "I see the rumors are true then. It seems oyu did find that Hybrid guy after all."
"Uh, yeah," I said, my eyes wide. "He's my…my mate. I'm sorry, but how did you find me? Again?"
He shrugged. "Luck? I dunno. I just found myself here."
"Sorry," Hayley said, steping forward. "But who the hell is this?"
"Sorry!" I said, taking her hand. "This is Patrick. We met briefly right before I met Klaus. He was actually the one who told me where to find him. Oh, and my name's Annabelle, by the way."
"I know," Patrick said with amusement. "Annabelle Davis, the mate to the Hybrid. Rumor also has it that you're…ah, well… knocked up."
"That's a nice way to put it," I scowled.
"I'm Hayley," Hayley interrupted. "Just in case you were wondering."
"Sorry," Patrick said sheepishly. "How do you two know each other?"
"Distant cousins. Long story," Hayley replied.
The sounds of footsteps cut us off and I saw Patrick stiffen. Before I could say anything, he shifted back into a wolf and I furrowed my brow in confusion.
"You're not supposed to be out here!"
Hayley and I turned around and saw a woman standing behind us. "Who are you?" I demanded.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm Sabine, we've met, I'm one of Sophie's friends," the woman replied with a smile.
"You're one of the witches," Hayley said, her eyes narrowing.
"Sophie just asked me to come to keep you company while everyone's out," Sabine said matter-of-factly. "You know it's drawn to you."
I glanced over my shoulder, surprised to see Patrick still standing there on four paws. "The child you're carrying, it's part vampire, part werewolf, even Klaus made something special."
Hayley scoffed, but I smiled. "You don't need to tell me that," I said softly, touching the bump.
"You sound like Elijah," Hayley said.
I nodded. "She's right. He thinks these babies are going to make us one big happy family, but now he's gone and…" I touched the bump again as a strange lump raised in my throat and I looked up at the witch oddly.
"I don't even know what…They are," I stammered, biting my lip. Hayley touched my shoulder soothingly.
"You know, I can do something about that, if you want. We can find out if they're boys or girls…"
"I thought you couldn't do witchy stuff around here," Hayley said suspiciously.
Sabine laughed. "It's not magic, it's just an old trick my grandmother taught me. Come on. You have to be a little curious," she said, looking at me.
"All right," I said. "We have time."
Sabine lead us back into the mansion, back towards the kitchen. She instructed me to lie flat on the counter, before she extracted a small crystal on a gold chain from her pocket.
She began waving it over my stomach in small circles, chanting something under her breath.
"I think one is a girl," she murmured. She shifted the crystal slightly "And the other… A boy."
"One of each," I sighed happily, lifting both hands to cover the babies.
"Wait…" Sabine breathed sharply, the crystal jerking in her hands, glinting in the light.
"Wait what? Please tell me she's not having a mini Klaus," Hayley said, looking alarmed. I sat up, eyeing the witch.
Sabine's body jerked as she gasped deeply. Her eyes rolled back in her head and she uttered something in another language again and again. I yelped and moved away from her.
"What the hell?" Hayley exclaimed.
Sabine jerked again and collapsed slightly, leaning heavily on the counter. She panted as she looked back up at me and Hayley. Her eyes were wide and her brow was covered in sweat. I felt the hair on the back of my neck rise as a chill settled over my skin.
"I-I'm sorry," Sabine stammered. "I have to go."
She stumbled her way out of the kitchen and within moments, the front door slammed. Hayley turned and looked me over.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
"Yeah, yeah," I said, lifting a hand to the twins. "We're fine, I'm fine."
"Witches," Hayley snarled softly. "What the hell was that all about?"
"I don't know," I muttered. "Come on. We have a gala to go to."
"Are you sure?" Hayley's brows raised.
I nodded. "Come on."
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
Rebekah and I entered the gala arm in arm, looking over the rather impressive set up. There were dancers and acrobats, along with humans and vampires dressed in costumes and masks.
Rebekah was wearing a shimmering black ball gown, which bared her shoulders and arms for everyone to see. She had twisted her hair back and perched close to her ear was a small black clip with feather that mirrored the one on the mask she carried in her right hand.
I myself wore a black on black suit, while carrying the clever mask my sister had acquired for me. I found it to my liking, since it depicted the devil, complete with horns.
"Well, this certainly is a fitting backdrop to tonight's events, I must say," I commented, leaning close to my sister. I scanned the crowd and stiffened when I saw Camille standing alone, wearing a strapless, pure white gown complete with angel wings.
The angel among the demons, crossed my mind briefly.
"What's she doing here?" I demanded.
"What better way to distract Marcel then to put his very human new girl in a room chalk full of vampires?" Rebekah replied, before gliding over to her.
"Cami, darling, you look precious," I heard her say.
"This party is ridiculous and I think I don't fit in too much with this dress," Camille replied uneasily, before her gaze latched onto mine. "Is he the infamous on again, off again?"
I walked over and smile politely. "He's the brother, actually, and my sister is right- you do look stunning."
"You clean up pretty well yourself," Camille replied.
"Well, don't be fooled, I'm the devil in disguise," I said with a small wave of my mask.
"You two should chat. I need booze," Rebekah said smoothly before walking off again. I nearly sighed with annoyance and turned slightly to offer Camille my arm. But something seemed to have caught her attention.
"Wow," she breathed.
I looked over in the direction she was gazing and felt the world stop on its axis. Annabelle all but floated inside the Abattoir, with Hayley shadowing her. Her gray eyes searched before landing on me, and a secret smile curved her lips.
She wore a stunning gown, one that left her shoulders bare, and hugged her torso intimately before it expanded outwards, touching the ground along her slipper-covered feet. It was a deep, shining gray, with a black lace overlay on the bodice. More black lace covered the fabric of the skirt, which covered any hint of her small bump rather well. Her hair was bundled back, left to tumble down behind her shoulders in long curls. Black tier earrings nearly brushed those delicate shoulders, but she wore no other jewelry, apart from the ring on her finger.
What caught my attention the most, however, was her mask. It was delicately woven metal, dark silver, weaving into the pattern of a wolf's face, ears and snout. It was small, feminine, and did not hide her identity in any way.
My gaze flickered briefly over to Hayley, who looked rather well put together herself. She wore a deep brown, curve hugging gown with straps that pulled back around her neck and exposed a large amount of cleavage as well as her back. Her mask was simpler than Anna's, it echoed the traditional Victorian era masquerade masks. It was oval shaped, and deep gold with a delicate floral design, with slanted eye cut outs. It was tied back with a ribbon that matched the dress. Her hair was piled on top of her head in an elegant twist, and golden jewels adorned her ears and wrists.
"Do you know her?"
Camille's voice brought me back and I felt the rush of sensation return to my body. Once more, I could hear the music and the people talking, laughing, and I could see the lingering vampires all around us.
Annabelle and Hayley approached us, and Anna smiled at Camille. "Hi," she greeted. "You must be Camille."
"Yes, hello," Cami replied. "I'm sorry, have we met?"
"No," Annabelle laughed. "Klaus has told me all about you."
She reached out on took my hand, squeezing it as if in reassurance. I didn't miss Camille's eyes darting down and absorbing the sight of Annabelle's engagement ring.
"Oh, he's your fiancé?" Camille inquired, looking at me. "You didn't tell me you had a fiancée."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hayley disappear into the crowd. Not to leave, but to blend in as well as she could. Her eyes never left Annabelle, and for that, I was grateful.
"Must have slipped my mind," I said easily, before Anna smacked my arm without much force.
"The joker," Anna said, making Camille laugh.
"And here I thought he was the devil in disguise," Camille teased.
Annabelle hooked her arm through Camille, flashing her a wide smile. "Well appearances can be deceiving. Like at me, the wolf in sheep's clothing."
I stared at the pair as they walked away, deeper into the center of the Abattoir, talking like long lost friends. I rolled my eyes with tolerant amusement before I followed them.
The wolf in sheep's clothing, I mused. Indeed.
I joined Annabelle and Camille over at the bar, where both of them were observing Rebekah and Marcel. The other pair seemed to notice them as well, and I stilled. Marcel eyed Anna before inclining his head at her, but his eyes were glinting dangerously. I saw Annabelle return the gesture with a small lift of her chin.
"That guy of hers that Rebekah was talking about, I'm sensing that would be Marcel," Camille commented as I moved to Annabelle's side. Marcel's eyes narrowed at me before his attention went back to my sister.
"I wouldn't worry about it. Ancient history," I said reassuringly.
"I'm beginning to think your sister is a bit of a bitch," Camille said dryly.
Anna and I laughed together. "It's as though she invented the term," I confessed. "Listen, Camille, will you pardon Anna and I for a moment?"
Right then, Marcel began moving in towards us. I took Annabelle's arm and lead her away from the line of fire, relieved when I saw Marcel's attention remained latched onto Camille.
"Worried?" Anna asked lightly.
"The angel among demons," I said, reflecting on my thoughts earlier. "She should be afraid."
"She's a big girl," Anna said dismissively. "Dance with me?"
I looked back at her and saw that secret smile of hers gracing her lips. "But of course, love," I replied, before taking her hand and twirling her into the dance floor.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
Klaus and I danced under the low lights for a few songs while we both carefully observed Marcel and Camille talking to each other. Once the song we had been dancing to ended, Rebekah appeared on Klaus's other side.
"Enjoying ourselves then? Why are you here?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, are you talking to me?" I asked, leaning so I could look at the blonde vampire.
"Who else? You are one of the daftest people I know, showing up here when you could be killed in a heartbeat."
"You forget, Rebekah, that if I wanted to, I could kill everyone here with one bite," I snapped under my breath.
"Ladies," I interrupted. "No quarreling, please." I turned my head slightly towards Rebekah. "You really are a hideously evil little thing, aren't you?"
"Nonsense, they're perfect for each other. You wanted Marcel distracted- viola," she replied calmly.
My attention turned towards Diego, who walked inside the Abattoir looking worried. I smiled as he walked over to Marcel and Camille, who were dancing, and interrupted them by talking into Marcel's ear.
"My cue to leave," Rebekah said.
"Go make sure the witches are keep up their end of the bargain, hmm?" Anna suggested. Rebekah gave her a snotty look, but disappeared quickly among the masses of people.
"Oh boy," Anna whispered.
I looked over and saw Thierry walking inside, removing his cap the second Marcel spotted him. Marcel looked positively livid. As he glared at the vampire, I watched Anna take out her phone and quietly sent two texts, directly to the vampires under my control.
By that point, Marcel had Thierry by his throat and was dragging him off. I saw Diego push Marcel away, ushering him away from the crowds which had quieted slightly.
I glanced over at Camille, who was watching the whole ordeal with wide green eyes. I felt Anna touch my arm before she moved through the crowd to the woman. Camille looked at her before her gaze went back up to Marcel, who was standing on the second level now.
I joined them "Are you all right?" I asked, looking down at Camille.
"He's got a temper, doesn't he?" she asked softly. "I guess this is the moment I remember better."
"Camille-," Anna began.
"It was nice meeting you, Annabelle," Camille said politely before taking her leave. Anna sighed but then looked over her shoulder. I looked as well before I opened my jacket slightly to extract what I needed from it.
Josh appeared and took the envelope from earlier from my hands and disappeared, making his way up to Marcel.
"I'm guessing you were successful with your part," I commented.
Anna lifted her gaze upwards. "Right before Hayley and I left, I told the vampire what to do, then I told Josh to meet us here when he saw Marcel confront Thierry. All according to plan."
"We found this at his girl's place," Josh said to Marcel from above. Anna tilted her head and I knew she was listening too.
"Still my friend, huh? That's funny, 'cause it looks to me like that little witch of yours got her hands on a spell I keep locked away," Marcel seethed at Thierry.
"Marcel, I have never seen that!" Thierry protested.
"Shut up, I see your hand, you still got the daylight ring I gave you, so what would you need with a recipe for making new ones? Unless you and Katie were going to go off and start a little kingdom of your own."
"Marcel, no!"
"Here's a lesson in friendship," Marcel snapped. "Friends don't lie to me, they don't break my rules and they do not steal what is mine." He paused to turn away and look back over the lower section, where the gala was still in motion before turning back towards Thierry.
"For the crime of murdering one of his own, I sentence Thierry Vanchure to one hundred years to The Garden," Marcel declared.
I smirked. "And it begins," I said.
"Here we go," Anna said, looking down at her phone once more, checking the time.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
Everything was going exactly as planned. Once Rebekah had convinced Sophie and Katie to help us, it all came down to timing.
So Klaus and I watched Marcel drag Thierry away before following them. They made their ways out onto the street, where I felt my skin prickle as I sensed the growing tension, the growing power in the air.
Katie approached Marcel, Thierry and the rest of the vampires, chanting a spell, which caused the street lights to burst and go out.
"Katie, no!" Thierry shouted.
Klaus pushed me back slightly, keeping me hidden under the entrance of the Abattoir. He stood protectively in front of me, while Hayley appeared behind me, looking around cautiously.
"Like clockwork," Klaus said quietly.
We watched as Katie took down the vampires, using a spell that reminded me of the aneurysm spell Bonnie Bennett used against the vampires in Mystic Falls. Marcel was grunting, snarling, but she continued knocking him back down.
But to my surprise, he rose, as if by a will that wasn't just his own.
"If you're here to save your man, well, come on, little girl," he roared, moving directly at her. Katie lifted her hand and brought him to his knees again, directly in front of her. She extracted a stake from her clothes and bared her teeth.
The rise of the stake seemed to be in slow motion to me. I watched it and my brain flashed through hundreds of scenarios within seconds. And I knew what I had to do.
"Die, you son of a bitch!" Katie screamed.
I didn't bother sweeping up my skirts. I ran out onto the street, ignoring Klaus's shout and Hayley's cry.
"No! Katie, don't!" Thierry bellowed.
And at that moment, I was behind Katie. My gaze met Marcel's in the briefest of seconds, before I reached up and mercilessly snapped the witch's neck with a sharp twist of my hands.
Ooo0ooO
(Sophie's POV)
I chanted the spell and let the pocket watch swing back and forth in my hand. I left the magic burn through my veins as the black ash spread across the old map.
Suddenly, the magical link I shared with Katie snapped off like a light switch. I jerked and my eyes flew open.
"Something's wrong. Katie's magic has stopped," I breathed, looking around. I looked back down at the map and lifted my hand again. "I can keep going."
"No, she'll sense it!" Rebekah protested.
"No, I can find Davina, I just need another moment," I argued, right before Rebekah grabbed the parchment and tossed it aside. I whirled around and looked at her incredulously.
"You may be willing to die to get your witch back, but Anna and the babies will die with you! Elijah will never forgive us, and rescuing him will be for nothing. It's over. We failed."
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
The vampires began to sit as soon as Katie's magic stopped. Her body had crumpled to the ground directly at Annabelle's feet. I watched as she panted slightly, before her dark eyes met mine.
Thierry crawled over to Katie's body. "No, Katie, no! No, no, no…" he cried out, hunching over and rocking.
Marcel stood up and I watched Anna straighten to her shoulders. I flashed over to her and stood slightly in front of her, not saying a word, but warning Marcel with a mere look. He nodded slightly before he waved his hands and the vampires took Thierry away.
"Yes, I know," Anna said quietly behind me. I turned and saw she was on the phone. "Tell Sophie to come get the body."
She hung up and looked down at Katie's still body. She knelt down and brushed the hair out of the witch's eyes.
"Why did you do it?" I asked quietly.
"It was the only way he could know I was not a threat," she whispered. "I'm sorry."
But I could not tell if that apology was directed at me, or at the woman she had just murdered.
Hayley walked over and rested a hand on Annabelle's shoulders. They exchanged a look before Anna nodded. Hayley looked at me briefly before she walked away, taking side streets to avoid any lingering vampires.
I turned when I heard approaching footsteps and saw Marcel returning. Annabelle stood and we followed him as he walked back inside the Abattoir. Anna gestured for me to continue following him while she waited for me below.
The party, I noticed, had cleared out rather quickly. Marcel stood alone on the second floor balcony, brooding. I went over to one of the bars and fixed him a drink before I joined him.
"How much did Cami see?" he asked after I pressed the drink into his hand.
I sighed and shrugged. "She just saw an argument, mate. It's nothing you can't fix." I glanced at him while he sighed. "You really like her, don't you?"
"I like that she's not a part in any of this. Sometimes it's good to see the world the way the humans do," he replied. I looked down and saw Anna still waiting for me, her gray eyes fixed on Marcel before looking to me.
"I am sorry about Thierry, you know. I can tell he was a good friend," I said calmly.
"I made him what he was. Obviously my trust was misplaced."
"Doesn't make it any easier," I reminded him.
Marcel straightened and looked at me, before glancing down at Annabelle. She inclined her head, in a very queenly way, and Marcel titled his glass at her.
"You saved me tonight," he said, knowing she would hear him. "I guess I owe you guys one." His gaze shifted back to me. "You asked for your brother back, seems like the least I could do."
"Thank you," I said politely. Marcel slapped a hand on my shoulder before he walked away.
Quickly, I went down to the lower section and went over to Anna. She was gazing in the direction Marcel had disappeared to, then her gaze shifted back to me. She smiled uncertainly.
"Sun's almost up," she said. I looked over to where the sky was turning lighter, becoming more purple and pink then dark.
"Indeed."
"Klaus?"
"Yes, love?" I asked, taking her hand. She lifted it to her cheek and rubbed my knuckles against her skin.
"Nothing," she murmured. "Let's go."
"We best find Camille," I said as I lead Anna away from the Abattoir. "It seems we might have to make a few changes to her memory to make things right."
She was sitting at the very bar she worked at, drinking a rather large glass of beer. She turned as Anna made her way over to her first, sitting beside her while I took the seat on Anna's other side. I leaned forward and looked at the blonde, who was still wearing her white dress.
"Cami-," I began.
"Don't even try it.," Camille said abruptly. "I get the bro code, you're here to smooth things over for your friend. It's very nice of you but-,"
"But you've been hurt before," Anna said softly, looking at the other woman, her eyes surprisingly soft. "And you're not taking any more chances."
"Something like that. The guy I saw tonight, not the guy I thought he was. And if he can turn on a dime like that-,"
"Sounds like more than just a broken heart. Someone broke your trust," Anna said, resting her hand on top of Camille's. I watched as Camille smiled at my mate, and wondered if Anna was still playing her part, or if she truly sympathized with the woman.
"Camille. The brave bartender," I said to get her attention. I stood in front of her. "I am sorry, but I need you to give Marcel another chance."
"Wow, um-,"
I leaned forward, cutting her off. "We all have our roles to play," I said kindly. "You went to Marcel's. You danced, you feel badly that he had a row with his friend, but otherwise all you remember is that it was perfect."
Camille blinked a few times as my compulsion broke. I took Anna's hand and lead her away from the bar, and we went back to the mansion.
When we arrived, she went upstairs and changed while I went to find Rebekah, who I tracked down by the sounds of someone playing the piano note by note.
"Well tonight was an epic failure," my sister sighed. I placed my mask on the fireplace and smirked to myself.
"On the contrary, sister, tonight was a masterpiece," I remarked.
"Are you mad? Katie died before Sophie could complete the spell."
"I'm well aware… Anna killed Katie," I replied, pouring myself a drink.
"She what?" Rebekah demanded.
"There was no way our little suicide witch wasn't going to try to take out Marcel with her, she saved his life and in doing so, I know have him exact where I want him."
"Sophie trusted you. I trusted you, against all my better instincts," Rebekah hissed, moving around the piano to stand in front of me.
"Wake up, Rebekah," I ordered, putting my drink down. "The witches are on no one's side but their own. This girl, Davina, that's all they want and once they have her, what do you think happens then? A truce? Of course not. They will use Davina's power against all of us."
"Even if you're right, the plan was to find Elijah and you failed us."
"You always did lack faith," I snarled softly. "By protecting Marcel, Anna and I have cemented his trust- so much so that he's agreed to return Elijah to us. And when the time is right, when he has told me everything I need to know about Davina, I will have her for myself."
Rebekah stepped forward. "I have all the faith in the world that you'll get what you want, Nik," she said softly. "You always do, no matter what it costs the rest of us. You disgust me."
She picked up my drink, took a sip, then placed it back down before walking away from me.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
When I was done changing, I saw that Hayley was in an office- or was it a den?- reading some more of Elijah's journals while her laptop rested on the desk.
"Fascinating, huh?" I asked, sitting down beside her in other massive leather chair. I curled my legs up against my body.
"Yeah," she said. "Better than any history class."
We were silent for a few moments before Klaus appeared at the door way, with a strange look in his eyes.
"Hayley. I thought you might like to know that Elijah is returning to us," he said.
Hayley smiled. "Congratulations, I guess being diabolical has its perks."
Klaus looked around the room. "You hardly know him, and yet you miss him. What is it about my brother that always inspires some instant admiration?"
"He was kind to me," Hayley replied, honesty ringing in her tone.
I stood up and rushed over to Klaus's side before he could turn and leave. I touched his shoulder and he looked down at me. I smiled, a real smile, and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Hey… I learned something today," I said, meeting his eyes. "I think they're going to be a boy and a girl."
Klaus stilled, his eyes widening slightly. Then his lips curved slowly and in a flash, his arms were around me, lifting me off the ground. I laughed and wrapped my own arms around him, burying my face in the crook of his neck.
"I'm guessing that you're happy-,"
His lips interrupted me for saying anything else. His arms shifted me until they were under my legs, and I wrapped myself around him. I sighed and nibbled his lips, before pulling away to grin.
He watched me with turbulent eyes, which glowed with love, awe and a joy that filled me with a new warmth. He carried me away, and I heard Hayley laughed.
"Have fun!" she called teasingly.
Instead of replying, I gripped Klaus's hair firmly and kissed him again.
Ooo0ooO
(Hayley's POV)
My smile faded as soon as I heard the happy couple ascend the stairs. I turned back towards my laptop and pulled up a translation website.
The words the witch had said after she told us the sex of the babies had spooked me. I typed in "Nos omnia perdetu el eam", trying the translation in Bulgarian. Then Czech. Croatian. Belarusian. Galician.
No luck.
I bit my lip and rand my fingers over the keyboard before closing the laptop. I sighed, pushing my hair back.
A knock on the front door had me stilling before I went to investigate. I saw a big shadow at the doorstep, before whoever it was knocked loudly again.
"Anna! Klaus!"
My eyebrows shot up when I recognized Charlie's voice. I opened the door and he smiled at me, but it looked forced.
"Where's Anna?" he asked, stepping inside.
"Uh, upstairs. With Klaus."
"Oh," he huffed. "She's usually up and about this time."
"Yeah, well, she was out all night," I replied. "And she just found out the sex of the twins, so obviously, celebratory sex was in order. Want something to drink?"
"Please," Charlie said, following me with a slightly disgusted expression.
"Wait," he said as he sat down. "She knows the sex of the babies?"
"Yep," I said. "Some witch did some- I don't know- witchy woo, and viola."
"And you know," he accused, narrowing his eyes.
"Of course I do," I said with a smile. "I was there, after all."
"And you're not going to share?"
"Nope."
"So much for family," he muttered.
"Why are you here again?" I asked.
He reached down and pulled out an old looking book that was only slightly bigger than the size of both his palms. I lifted a brow and studied it before I looked at him.
"What is it?"
"My grandfather's journal. Or rather one that was passed down to him," he explained. "They are filled with our family history, with everything having to do with our blood line, et cetera. But there's something I found that caught my attention, and not in a good way. Take a look."
I opened the journal to where Charlie had dog-eared the page and began reading.
Upon the day of his birth, and the day of his change, we knew he was more dangerous than any other creature we had seen. The Original Vampires were new, but this boy, he was something more. Part vampire, part werewolf, he is the true monster of these forests.
The witch who created us did not say much, apart from the moment she seemed to slip into a trance, were she chanted the words:
'Nos omnia perdetu el eam'
"Son of a bitch," I cursed.
"It dates back to my ancestor, William Davis, who was the Original werewolf," Charlie said, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "I have no idea what it means."
"What what means?"
Anna bounded into the kitchen and launched herself into her brother's arms. She grinned at him.
"I didn't know you were coming down! I thought you would come back here if it wasn't life or death," she said.
"I have to show you something," Charlie said, taking the journal from me and handing it to her.
Klaus entered the room and regarded Charlie carefully, before his gaze zeroed in on the journal. I watched as Anna stilled and her hand lifted to her lips. Her eyes met Klaus's.
"What is it?" Klaus asked, striding forward to look at the entry himself. "What does this mean?"
Ooo0ooO
(Sophie's POV)
We prepared Katie's body for a proper funeral. I burned sage over her body, which was draped in a white cotton gown.
"I told you nothing good would come from this unholy alliance of yours," Agnes muttered.
I stood quickly, whirling around. I glared down at the other witch. "At least I'm doing something. What about you?"
I began to walk away when Agnes's voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Sabine, tell them what you saw," Agnes demanded.
"It's the girl. The wolf," Sabine began.
I listened and crossed my arms, absorbing everything Sabine had to say. I felt the ripple of unease among the witches and sighed.
This was not going to end well, if it ever was.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
Klaus and I made love in our bedroom, exploring each other's bodies with renewed interest. He paid special attention to the bump, even murmured a few words to the life within before he had entered me.
We allowed ourselves a few moments of rest before I had heard the unmistakable sound of my brother's voice.
So I had dashed downstairs after throwing on another, more casual dress. But the news Charlie had brought with him all the way from Mystic Falls was hardly good news.
I didn't know what to make of the strange words, and by the look of it, neither did Klaus. And if he did, he hid it well under his concern for me. I reassured him that this couldn't change anything, but it only added to the question as to what had happened earlier with Sabine.
Eventually, Klaus took Charlie on a tour of the house and offered for him to stay for as long as he liked. I was surprised that Meredith wasn't with him, but he claimed she didn't want to leave her work since she had spent the entire summer travelling with him.
So Hayley and I sat together, and I watched as Klaus lead Charlie around the main parlor from the open door of the kitchen. Klaus said something that made my brother laugh, then clap him on the back. I couldn't help but smile.
It seemed that no matter what, there were always good moments in the bad. It reminded me of something I had read in Elijah's journals earlier.
"There are moments when I doubt my family's capable of redemption. Yet each time I am tempted to surrender, I see it. The glimmer of goodness, that allows me to believe."
And he wasn't the only one who believed.
We'll figure this out, I thought to myself, resting my hands over my little girl and little boy. We always do.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note:
Surprise! Did you guys miss Charlie? I did. He's so much fun to write, especially when you picture him as Eoin Macken (you may know him as Sir Gwaine from Merlin).
I decided to bring back my old O/C Patrick, who Annabelle met briefly in chapter 12 of A Wolf's Mate, because well… Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?
Also, that chapter has more stuff on Annabelle's lineage and about the journals her grandfather kept, it case you need to refresh your memory. I hope you guys like where I'm going with that.
Let me know what you thought of this chapter! Suggestions for baby names would be cool too! Thanks everyone!