The next morning Caroline awoke to someone draping a blanket over her. She sat up slightly and turned her head. It was Klaus. The usual self-pleased smirk spread across his face. He walked around her chair and sat on the low coffee table facing her. He must have just stepped out of the shower. His curly blonde hair was still wet and his shirt clung slightly to his torso. Caroline couldn't help but notice that he looked kind of sexy when he was damp. But she quickly dismissed the thought from her head.

"Good morning darling. Sleep well?" He greeted.

"I forgot where I was for a second," Caroline replied rubbing the sleep from her eye.

"Don't worry, you're still here in the Big Apple with me," he smiled. Caroline frowned at him. "Coffee?" He said gesturing to the tray beside her.

She reached for the steaming cup and brought it to her lips. Milk and sugar, just they way she liked it. The warm liquid coursed down her throat. She smiled at the comfort it brought. Again for a moment, waking up to a beautiful morning, in a comfy chair, with coffee seemed perfect. And then she opened her eyes and saw Klaus. She frowned at the realization and tried to focus on the goodness of the caffeine instead.

"So," she said," what's on the evil agenda today?"

"Going to visit a friend today. A witch. You'll like him," Klaus replied.

"More friends?" Caroline's face fell even further.

"Those vampires last night weren't friends. Simply, loyal subjects. I'll have you know Caroline that some vampires respect the Original family as if we were royalty."

"Yeah I picked up on that."

"Besides, I have plans for them. And if they want to stay on my good side, they'll all do as I say."

"Oh and what is your evil plan?" She teased.

"Well I'm going to kill most of them."

Caroline almost spit out her coffee. "Kill them? Why?"

"Not all of them. Just some. I need them first though for a little something. Then those who prove themselves will be spared." He was so casual about all of it.

"Well no wonder they were all sucking up to you last night. If I thought you might kill me I'd be kissing your ass too."

"Oh because you do such a good job of that now?" Klaus countered raising his eyebrows at her. Caroline just scrunched up her nose in reply. Klaus stood up over her chair. "Hurry up. Drink your coffee and get dressed, shower, whatever you need to do. We have someone to meet in an hour."

Klaus made a few calls while he waited for Caroline to shower and dress. One to his hybrids still in Mystic Falls and another to Rebecca. She still wasn't answering. Not even a phone call to let him know how pissed she was with him. He had to admit he was starting to worry a bit.

He heard noise coming from the shower. Was she singing? How could she possibly be singing right now? The way Caroline would vacillate between completely hating him and acting normally astounded him. He shook his head as he made his way up the stairs.

Everything was going to plan so far. He was glad that the Manhattan vampires had remained loyal to the originals. There were a couple new additions that would need convincing, Charles and his sister Claudia for example, but he didn't imagine it would be too difficult to win them over. Whether it be through charm or violence.

As he reached the top of the stairs Klaus casually glanced towards Caroline and her singing. He did a double take. Due to the combination of the bathroom lighting and the frosted glass door Klaus could make out every inch of Caroline's silhouetted body in the shower. Her naked silhouetted body. The way she spun and twirled around while washing herself, she had to be doing it on purpose. No one could be that unintentionally sexy. Especially someone who was normally so self-conscious.

Klaus instinctively licked his lips. He hadn't really taken much notice of the baby vampire until yesterday. She wasn't really a baby though was she? Judging by those curves he'd say not. He watched her turn off the water and grab the towel that hung over the door. She ran it down her legs, slowly, covering every wet inch. When she bent over, he could see the perfect curve of her bum. Then the towel went across both arms and then over her breasts. Klaus could only imagine based on the shadows what they might look like. He imagined what it might be like to follow the same trail as the towel with his own hands. Finally she wrapped the cloth around her body. She opened the shower door and stepped out. Revealing one perfectly smooth leg and then the other.

"Hey!"

Shit. Klaus's eyes flicked upward away from her legs and to her face. She glared daggers at him.

"What the hell?" Caroline screeched.

Klaus cleared his throat and without a word, went back downstairs. Shit. He couldn't think of anything to say. For the first time in a thousand years Klaus felt a bit sheepish. He chuckled to himself a bit at the irony. A wolf feeling sheepish. He could hear Caroline rummaging through the bags and changing clothes. He debated for a moment on possibly running up accidentally while she was changing. She was already angry with him for ogling her in the shower, what more harm could it do? And at least he would have some fun.

But no. No he shouldn't do that. She was his prisoner currently. And his enemy. She hated him and was a source of constant irritation. He shouldn't be trying to see her naked. Or picturing it either.

While he debated with himself, Caroline had finished changing and came downstairs. Her hair was loose and curly again and she wore another one of Rebecca's black tops over a pair of jeans. Klaus appreciated it, but he like the view of her in the shower much better.

"Are you gonna stare at me all day or are we going to go?" Caroline chided, placing her hands on her hips.

"Excuse me but who is in charge here again?" Klaus retorted.

Caroline raised her eyebrows at him. "Fine. I'll be out—"

"No we are leaving. Now." Klaus commanded.

Caroline stomped towards the door, flinging it open, and pressed the call button for the elevator.

Klaus frowned. Damn she was irritating! He followed her out the door and stood next to her waiting for the elevator. What was taking so long? He pushed on the button again impatiently.

"You know that never helps," Caroline said.

"Shut it," Klaus replied.

"What has you in such a great mood today?"

Klaus faced her, painting on a sarcastic smile, "You're trying my patience Caroline."

"Oh I'm sorry, are you annoyed because some kidnapping hybrid perv was creeping on you while you were showering?" Caroline fired.

Klaus clenched his jaw, becoming more irritated. God damned elevator!

"You know an apology would be appropriate. Not to mention nice." The little blonde nuisance continued.

"I don't apologize." He replied through clenched teeth. Why did this foyer have to be so small and why wasn't the elevator there yet?

"Gee that's a big surprise. Maybe if you—"

"ARRRGGGH!" he grunted. That was it! He suddenly flashed over to the stairwell and decided to walk down. The elevator was obviously never coming to deliver him from the hell in the hallway. Plus, he had supernatural speed. It would be quicker anyways.

Klaus reached the ground level and exited into the lobby. He glanced around. Damn it! Caroline wasn't behind him. That frustrating little vampire! If he had to throw her over his shoulder and drag her ass downstairs he—The elevator dinged. He spun around. The doors split open to reveal the little terror herself. She stepped out toward him, a smug look on her face.

"It arrived right after you left. You should've waited," she smiled sweetly and brushed past him toward the front entrance.

Klaus clenched and unclenched his fists as he followed glaring at her back. Once outside, he barked a couple of orders at the valets and soon he and Caroline were in a cab and on their way to Brooklyn. Caroline stared at the window, pointedly ignoring him. Klaus did the same.

After a few minutes though, Caroline finally broke the silence. "So can we go back to the whole killing the vampires thing?"

"Caroline, aren't you concerned at all about talking of supernatural related issues in front of a very human cab driver?" Klaus continued to stare out the window.

"You're just going to compel him anyways," she shrugged, "and you're avoiding my question. Why are you going to kill them?"

"Why do you care either way?"

"Because. Yeah they were all vapid and shallow. Trust me, I know vapid and shallow. I used to be the vapid and shallow queen. But that's no reason to kill someone."

Klaus looked her in the eye, "Isn't it?" She cocked her head at him, as if to say be serious. "If it makes you feel any better, maybe I won't have to kill any of them. I doubt it. But its not an issue until the time comes."

"When will that be?"

"Soon."

"God you are so evasive."

Klaus smirked at her. "After a thousand years, I'm a master."

About twenty minutes later the cab dropped them off in front of a sketchy looking dive bar. Dimmed neon signs hung in the windows of a red-bricked building. Klaus walked towards the door, letting Caroline in first.

The bell dinged as the door opened and Caroline walked through. The bar was rather dark and empty. No one was around. Music stilled played on the jukebox near the back though. The place looked pretty battered up but in a would-be charming way. Pictures and other typical bar décor lined the walls. A man appeared behind the bar. He was a black man, who looked much older. Maybe in his 50's. He a had a thick, graying beading and glasses perched on top of his nose.

"Klaus."

"Gregory."

The two men grasped hands. It wasn't the friendliest of greetings. It was more tentative. As if this Gregory was scared of Klaus but didn't want to show it. Made perfect sense to Caroline.

"It's been a long time. Can I get you a drink?"

"Scotch." Klaus replied.

"And for your friend," he asked finally acknowledging Caroline.

"I'm fine thanks," she replied. Caroline slid onto one of the bar stools.

Gregory took out two glasses and a bottle of liquor, pouring one for Klaus and one for himself. Both of them remained standing.

"Gloria called me a while back. Said you would probably be popping by eventually," Gregory said taking a sip of the alcohol.

"Yes, naturally I stopped in Chicago first. Sorted some things out there and now I'm finally here in Manhattan," Klaus smiled.

"And you finally broke the curse." Gregory sounded awestruck. Klaus flashed his fangs at him. "So you're really going to go through with this?"

"It's been the plan all along. The final phase."

"It's not going to be easy you know? The world has changed. The world of vampires and werewolves has changed too." Gregory shook his head, chuckling to himself. "I remember the last time the werewolves had control of this city. From about 1971 to about 1983. Not New York's greatest point in history, I'll tell ya."

"Sorry I missed out," Klaus took another sip of whiskey. His tone became serious. "Where is the pack these days? The vampires were awfully easy to track down."

"They were easy because they control it all now. And they don't mind being found. They want to be out in the limelight. No, some of the pack is in Manhattan or Staten Island, but the alpha and his group spend their time upstate. You know wolves. Not big on city livin'. They like to be outside."

"I do know wolves," Klaus replied flippantly, "Guess it will have to be something dramatic to draw them out." Caroline watched Klaus smile slightly as he considered the prospects. Just then his phone buzzed in his pocket. Klaus retrieved it and checked the caller ID. His face lit up. "Ah, excuse me for a moment," he said walking out of the bar and out of earshot.

Caroline's eyes followed him out the bar. She remained on the stool, suddenly feeling a bit awkward.

"What's a nice girl like you doing with a guy like that?" Gregory asked her once Klaus was outside.

"As if I had a choice," she quipped. Gregory chuckled.

"I know how that goes. Say, when is the last time you fed?"

Caroline cocked her head at his question. Odd. But come to think of it, it was before homecoming, so at least a few days ago. Her throat did burn slightly for the taste of blood.

"I don't feed directly from people," she said in answer.

"But you don't mind human blood?" Caroline shook her head. "Here then." Gregory reached down and unlocked a blue cooler. Inside were a few blood bags. He took one out and handed it to Caroline. "I keep these around just in case."

Caroline took it gratefully and began to drink. With everything that had been going on she really hadn't thought much about feeding. Klaus was still outside on the phone.

"You also seem like a nice person. Why are you helping Klaus?" Caroline asked.

"Well why are you?" Gregory countered.

"I told you I didn't have a choice. He basically kidnapped me and dragged me up here against my will."

Gregory shook his head. "No, there's something else. Something else going on with you two, I just can't read it."

"What do you mean?"

"I can usually get readings on people, situations, things like that. Vampires and wolves are a bit harder to grasp somtimes. I can sense something bigger developing here with you two."

Caroline finished off the blood bag. "Well whatever it is I have no clue. I'm here by force and he doesn't bother telling me anything."

Gregory took a deep serious breath. He seemed to be considering something for a moment. He studied Caroline closely. She tried very hard not to squirm under his scrutiny. "He wants to pit the vampires against the wolves and take out the leaders of the pack so he can take it over. The pack members are descendants of his real father's pack long ago. He feels that he has some right to what is theirs and plans on staking claim. No pun intended."

"Oh my gosh," Caroline replied. It all made sense now why he had taken her to the museum the day before. Made sure she knew all those stories, all that history. It all tied into his reasons for being here.

"Well just be careful. Try to not get involved as much as you can. Everyone is expendable to Klaus. Getting mixed up with him can only lead to one end."

Caroline nodded, understanding his unspoken words. Just then Klaus walked back inside. He had a mischievous look painted across his face.

"That was your past tense boyfriend. Concerned about where you might be. All of your friends are. Don't worry though; I let them know that you were safe and sound. And would continued to be as long as they cooperated."

Caroline scowled. First of all, she was glad her friends realized she was missing and were trying to do something about it. Only not so glad because she didn't want any of them getting hurt or killed in the process. Secondly, why did Tyler call Klaus and whine to him? Clearly this sire thing was even worse than she had imagined.

"Well Gregory, I think we'll be off," Klaus said, slinging back the rest of the liquid in his class.

"Here, if you wanna make an impression on the pack, start here," Gregory took a card off the bulletin board behind him and handed it to Klaus.

"Thank you my friend," Klaus smiled, "Come on Caroline."

Caroline gave Gregory a farewell smile and slid off the stool, following Klaus toward the door.

"Oh and Klaus," he turned to face the witch again, "you might wanna toughen her up a bit before throwing her into the wolves den."

Klaus gave Caroline a once over. In return, she gave him a confused look.

"Duly noted," Klaus replied and with that they exited the bar.

The two of them walked a couple blocks waiting for another cab to come by. It was another nice day. A bit cooler than it would be in Mystic Falls this time of year.

"So Gregory was running his mouth again. He's always had a nasty habit of that. Which can sometime be fortunate and other times not so much."

So Klaus had heard their conversation. Caroline hoped that wouldn't come back to bite Gregory in the ass. He was nice person. She hoped it wasn't about to come back and bite her in the ass either.

"Yeah well, it seems like a crazy plan to me. How are you going to take out an entire pack of werewolves?"

"Dear Caroline, I think you underestimate just how strong I really am," he grinned wickedly, "plus that is where our vampire friends come in. I will convince them to help me take out the wolves."

"How?"

"It will be quite simple really. The idea of never having to worry about werewolves again is very appealing to them. I shall simply dangle it before them like a carrot on a stick."

"But Gregory said you wanted to take over the pack. Take back what you think is yours, "Caroline said, the pieces fitting together like a puzzle in her mind. "That's why you're going to kill the vampires. Because once they've done what you wanted, you'll double cross them."

"You do have your moments of brilliance darling," Klaus smirked.

Just then a cab drove by. Klaus flagged it down and they both climbed in. Caroline went back to her position of staring out the window, her head cradled in her hand. Everything was coming together for her. Klaus's plan and her unwilling role in it. He wanted to control the Manhattan vampire and wolves. Possibly even bring his hybrids into the mix. And once he had Manhattan, who knew where his ambition might lead. Gregory's words kept playing in her mind over and over. Try to not get involved as much as you can. Everyone is expendable to Klaus. Caroline was certainly expendable to him. She knew she was about to get caught in the crossfire of his greed and ambition. Getting mixed up with him can only lead to one end.

What do you think of Gregory and his comments about Klaus and Caroline? What's going on?

Let me know what you think! Reviews are lovely and I will always beg for them :) Also, I don't know if any of you caught this, but do you remember Gloria? The witch from the Chicago episode? Well I imagine that her and Gregory to be brother and sister. Maybe he's a little bit nicer than she was though.

I also have a bit of news: I'll be heading home from school tomorrow for the holidays so my updates won't be as frequent for the next couple weeks. I might update again tomorrow if I have time. Unfortunately my parents don't have internet at their house (crazy I know) so I'll only be able to update if I head out of the house for some free wi-fi time. I promise I'll try to sneak in something here and there! Until then...

Cheers!