Chapter Seven

Caroline felt her knees grow weak and her legs turn to jelly as she struggled to stand. It could not be, she couldn't have missed. It was not that she had faith in her skills. Perhaps she was naïve thinking that she could've passed Klaus' test by sheer determination alone. Disappointment swept through her as Caroline felt the tears threatening to leave her eyes.

"No no no "she said "I did not miss, the bullet hit target" Caroline whispered her voice barely audible, filled with fear and desperation. She knew it was no use, she had failed Klaus' test but she could not help but cling on to that one small silver of hope.

"I afraid love, that what you've hit is the target sheet and not the target itself" Klaus replied holding a mocking tone as if annoyed at her petulance. "Perhaps you did not want it bad enough" he added. Caroline felt her blood boil, anger pulsating through her body as her fingers edged around the gun. Who was he to mock her, to put down her efforts; he had given her no chance to explain herself. She had lied but she had no choice. How dare she force her to leave even after she divulged her intention to stay? She wanted this, she needed to stay. Caroline's mind flashed to the scene of Matt's motionless body, it haunted her to remember his blank face. The memories they shared, once brought her peace and solace now plague her nightmares for her dearest friend was gone.

The wheels in her mind started turning, there was only was thing she could do to salvage this situation. Caroline was determined as she pulled the gun towards the man opposite her. "You are so very wrong Klaus, you have no idea how much I need this" her resolve was unwavering as she watched the expressions on his face turn. For a moment it held shock before it was gone, replaced with a solemn glare.

"What are you doing? Stop this now Caroline" she heard Kol said but she did not falter her eyes and hands trained at Klaus. Caroline heard Kol's footsteps grow closer as her heart sped up, panic gripping her. She cursed inwardly berating herself for not thinking this through thoroughly. "Don't come any closer I will shoot" she said her tone firm and rigid not at all betraying the frenzy she was currently in.

"Caroline you are being foolish! Please stop" Kol pleaded with his friend. He could not watch the scene before him. He could not watch as his friend shot his brother as he rushed forward attempting to wrestle the gun from her hand, but it was no use as the girl evaded him easily.

"Don't bother Kol she probably can't even shoot straight" Klaus said to his brother but his eyes were trained on Caroline watching her every move. He could not help as the corners of his mouth tugged upwards, a smirk gracing his face as he watched her face turn beet red and the grip on the gun tightening. "I bet daddy's little girl would miss even from this distance" he added as she glared at him.

Anger coursed through her veins, and blood rushed through her. Never had she been so utterly humiliated. Here she was in all seriousness and the man had to nerve to mock her! Slowly she pulled her arm back as she aimed the gun towards herself. Caroline could feel the cool metallic touch of the barrel on the surface of the skin. She felt shivers running up her mind and she pulled the safety back. Her breathing hitched as she heard the distinct click of the bullet falling into place. "Surely even I wouldn't miss now"

"Oh god Caroline, this is stupid. Klaus isn't worth it" Kol screamed desperation filled his voice as he pleaded with Caroline.

"He might not be worth it but I'm not doing this for him" she said he tone firm and determined as she stalked towards Klaus. "I'm doing this for Matt" she added, watching him carefully.

"I do not like being threatened Caroline" Klaus' fist clenched by his sides as he turned to face her.

"And you think I like threatening you Klaus, you gave me no choice" she retorted raising the volume of her voice to match his.

"I'm not the one pointing the gun at myself!" he shouted, raw anger filled his voice as he punched the wall, blood seeping from his bruised knuckles. "You and I both know you aren't going to be pulling that trigger"

"Are you willing to bet on that" she said her voice soft and firm but filled with fury. "I promise I'll pull the trigger and I always keep my promises"

"I'm calling your bluff Caroline" he said as he moved across the room towards Caroline. "Go on! Pull it!"

"Fine then just know that you are responsible for what is going to happen" Caroline said as she closed her eyes, preparing herself for what was going to happen next. She felt her hand shake uncontrollably, as she forced her fingers to move pulling against the trigger. Every vein of her body was screaming for her to stop, to just give up and leave, but she just couldn't. She was still clinging to the last piece of hope that Klaus would change his mind, that he wouldn't kick her out.

He stood frozen his feet planted firmly against the cold marble floor. For the first time in many years Klaus felt true unbridled fear as he watch her hand pulling against the trigger. Caroline's eyes were closed tears streaming from them as the sound of the gun going off echoed through the manor. Quickly he snapped out of his reverie rushing towards her, within seconds he was by her side catching her body as her knees buckled as her limp body fell into his hands. His heart was pounding heavily against his chest, relief rushing through him as he felt her intense gaze on him. Her blue irises staring back into his.

"I guess my shooting skills are even worse than I thought" Caroline said almost sheepishly, as her corners of her lips tug upwards. Her doleful eyes were drifting between Klaus and Kol, carefully observing their reactions. "It was a blank Caroline" Kol said as he picked up the fallen gun fiddling and playing with it. "I thought Klaus was crazy but you Caroline you are an insane" he added his voice filled with rage as he threw the gun against wall before turning and storming out of the room.

"Great now another Mikaelson is pissed with me" she mumbled to herself.

"He has every reason to be Caroline" Klaus said his voice sending shivers don't her spine. Blood rush to her face turning it a bright shade of red as Caroline realise how close they were. His hand rested on her back allowing her to keep her upright position. Finally noticing their closeness Klaus pulled away causing her to fall onto the floor. For a moment he almost seemed embarrassed, a tint of red dying his cheeks.

"Come on lets go "he said as he reached towards her, attempting to pull the girl up.

"No not before you agree to let me stay" she replied pushing him away.

"God how stubborn are you?" Klaus said feeling a wave of annoyance pass through him. Didn't she just die; he remembered the distinct terror he felt as she pulled the trigger. Panic and fear rushing through him as he stood his feet stuck firmly against the ground as he struggled to move his body. Never had he felt such paralysing fear and he sure as hell wouldn't want to experience that again.

"Are you going to let me stay?" she said emphasizing each word

"Fine" Klaus said finally relenting, irritation creeping through his voice. But even he could not help the smile on his face, as he watched the girl's face brightened at his words.

"Thank you! I'll do whatever you say, I swear" she replied her voice filled with unparalleled glee.

"You can start by leaving so I can get some rest" Klaus said his voice back to its normal sullen tone as he moved towards the door gesturing her to leave. "Come on now I don't have all day"

"I can't"

"What you mean you can't"

"I hurt my leg when I fell" she said her face donning a sheepish smile

"You are the most frustrating women I've ever had the misfortune of meeting" he said whilst shaking his head.

"Hey! You're the one that brought me into this so in the end this is entirely your fault" Caroline spat, her face turning a deep shade of red. Klaus could not help but laugh at her actions, she seemed so wrapped up in her speech that she didn't notice his hand around her hips before it was too late. In one swift motion Klaus lifted the girl off the floor throwing her over his shoulder as he life the room.

"Come on Klaus put me down!" Caroline screamed as her hand beat against his back. Her hands scrambling to keep her wig in place. She struggled against him her body squirming and moving to escape his tight grip.

Klaus felt his jaw clenched tightly, his hand winding tightly around Caroline's narrow s waist. He had tried his best to ignore her incessant whining, however this the touch of her naked skin brushing against him, this he could not ignore no matter how he tried. The fabric of her pants seemed to stick tightly round her long slender legs, her shirt pulling up revealing her narrow waistline. He quickly looked away as desire rushed through his veins. Did she not know the effect she had on him, on any man? His mind began to wander recollecting the scene just this morning. This sight the towel wrapped tightly round her body caused shivers up his spine as he struggled to brush away his thoughts.

"Remember our deal Caroline, you do as I say" Klaus said, his voice strained as Caroline continued to struggle against him. Her movement came to an abrupt stop, her brows furrowing as if processing his words. Slowly he lifted her off his shoulders, carefully placing his free arm under her knees as he pulled the girl against his chest. His actions causing her to struggle again"Just don't move I'm trying to help you here" his added his voice exasperated. Klaus turned to face her, his eyes searching as if he were waiting for an answer. Caroline's words were silenced under his intense gaze; for once it did not hint at his apparent anger but seemed almost gentle. He was worried. When the realisation dawned Caroline could not help the small smile that adorned her face, he heart seemed to swell as blood rushed to her cheeks. Perhaps it would be fine to give in just this once; she had nothing to lose after all. Slowly she leaned into the crook of his neck as she nodded her head conceding to his request.

Anna rushed through the hallways. Her legs moving as quickly as she could and her lungs searing from the pain, but she despite the pain she did not care. Her hand was clutched tightly around the letter in her hand as a wide smile spread across her face. He was finally back. "Elijah" she screamed trying to grab the attention of the man, as he turned to face her. His face lighting up as Annabelle ran into his arm and embraced him.

Elijah felt warmth rushed through him and he returned the hug, he arms wrapping around her slender figure. Anna had been with the family for years, and though the circumstance of her stay was less than ideal he had grown to care for the girl as a sister. He was extremely protective of her, remembering how broken she was just a few years back, when he tore her away from her mother. "How is she? Can I meet her?" she said her eyes lighting up, eager for any news about her mother.

"She's doing find, but I'm sorry you can't meet her"

"But why? It's been months since I last saw my mother" she said tears threatening to fall.

"It's not safe now, you have to understand" he replied, watching her expression turn weary and dejected. How he wished he could do something, every time he watches her saddened expression Elijah could not help but feel his heart break along with hers. But alas he could not; it was his fault she was in this situation in the first place.

"I'm sorry" he added, his hand reaching out to wipe away the tears. He wondered how many more times she had to endure this, how long more before she breaks and loses her light, her hope.

"No, it isn't your fault" Anna said as she pulled away. "You must be tired now; she should go back to your room" She refused to cry in front of him, she hated that he saw her as the child she was and not the women she had become. Anna watched as he walked away, his back facing her as he left for his room. It was only when his figure disappeared round the corner did she turn around, letting her tears fall freely.

"Well and here I thought you hated all Mikaelsons" Kol said he approached the sobbing girl. He had been curious as to who could make the sullen girl so excited. Imagine his surprise when he found her in the arms of his brother. He felt irritation rushed through him as she smiled brightly at his brother, but quickly pushed them away. He was definitely not jealous; his foul mood was more likely because of Klaus and Caroline.

Anna turned to face the sound of the face, her eyes widening at the sight of the dishevelled man before her. Swiftly she collected herself, wiping the tears away as she formulated her escape route. How embarrassing was it to be caught by him, the most loathsome and annoying person she had ever met. In her years the Mikaelson manor she had only heard of Kol, never having seen him since he technically did not live here. Anna had always thought the rumours were ridiculous, exaggerated lies of the man, but after having met him just days prior she was convinced they were nothing but the gospel truth. Never had she ever met a more infuriating man.

She turned around preparing to leave the scene, however just as she was about to escape Kol tugged against her hand, pulling her body towards him. "Isn't it a little hypocritical of you to spite me one day, and throw yourself at my brother the next" he whispered into her ear causing shivers to run down her spine.

Anna turned to face him, their faces just inches apart. "I do not throw myself at your brother; we were merely having a conversation"

"That is not what I see Ms Roberts. I see a girl hopelessly in love with a man that still thinks she's a child" Kol said as he watched the blood rush to her cheeks tinting it a deep hue of red.

"So you're no denying it then, that you are in love with my brother" he added, his tone mocking. Kol felt a wave of irritation rush through him, as he tightened the grip around her arms.

Anna winced pulling away as she sneered at him. "I'm not hiding anything Kol, and truthfully whether I'm in love with your brother or not isn't really your concern"

"Your right it's not" he said this time failing to keep his anger in checked as he brushed pass her leaving Anna alone in the hallway more confused then she'd even been.

The weight of the girl on his arms proved to be the burden. By the time they reached his room Klaus' arms were sore and aching as he carefully laid her onto his bed, wary of hurting her injured leg. He was aware of her eyes on him. Whenever she thought he wasn't looking, Caroline's gaze would follow him, trailing his every step and movement. She watched as she rummaged his drawers and gathering seemingly random materials, his actions causing the once tidy room to unravel into a mess. Caroline pulled herself from her lying state, using her arms to shift herself to the edge of the bed. The pain it caused was excruciating and she clutched tightly onto the bed sheets struggling to keep her voice down.

From the corner of his eye, Klaus noticed the sudden movement. Aware of her discomfort he rushed towards her. Within seconds he was by her side. Caroline couldn't even remember how she managed to hurt her leg, just the sharp excruciating pain she felt when she attempted to move the injured leg. She watched as he placed his hand gently along her leg, pulling her pants up to reveal her swollen ankle. Slowly he examined the wound, his hand trailing across her feet causing her to wince involuntarily and her feet to pull away slightly. Klaus turned to look up at her, his gaze soft and gentle as if to reassure her. That she was going to be safe and he would not hurt her. Hesitantly Caroline relaxed leg allowing him to wrap the bandages around her ankle. Klaus in return was cautious when treating her injuries, careful not to put additional pressure on it.

"Klaus?" Caroline said her voice soft and questioning as he turned to face her. Klaus turned to face her, his eyes lingering on her as he took her in. The light shined on her face giving her an almost ethereal glow against the dark dreariness of his room. Without conscious thought he reached towards her, his hand slowly caressing his face. "I gave you a chance to leave, why didn't you take it?" he said his voice fill with sadness and regret. He could not help but fear for her, of what he was capable of doing to her.

"I was supposed to die that day" Caroline said, as she pulled away from his touch staring intently at the ceiling, as she shied away from Klaus' intense gaze. "The idiot took a bullet for me, the least I could do is to find the people responsible" she added as she struggled to keep her tears from falling.

"It is not your fight Caroline" Klaus whispered as he turned away from her, his eyes drifting towards the ground. "I shouldn't have gotten you involved" he added his voice laced with guilt and remorse.

"No, it became my fight the day they killed my best friend" she replied, as she tilted his face towards her, her hands reaching into his. Caroline's hands fit perfectly into his rough calloused ones; she held them tightly, her fingers drawing circles on his skin as if to comfort him. "It is my decision Klaus you don't get to make them for me" she added.

Klaus pulled away from her and started pacing the room, His mind a blur, as he contemplated the situation "if I allow you to remain with us, would you promise it'll be on my terms and that you will listen to whatever I say" he directed to her.

"I promise" Caroline said without hesitation as Klaus moved, his face was cold and expressionless as he turned to face her once more. "And no more lies Caroline, I would not be so kind the next time I find out that you've deceived me"

Caroline felt her mood turning immediately as she extended her arms, her eyes staring straight into his "I'm Caroline Forbes and I hereby accept the conditions of our agreement" she added, grinning as she watched Klaus expression turn to puzzlement. Turning towards him nudged him signalling for him to shake her hand. "I promise no more lies and I'll follow your every word" she said unfazed by his previous threats brushing them off easily. Klaus was shook his momentarily taken aback at how the atmosphere of the room had changed so drastically.

"Klaus Mikaelson" he replied curtly holding onto her outstretched hand as he played along with her games. He watched as her eye brightened, her blue orbs seemed to turn a lighter shade of blue as her lips tugged upwards, till a smile adorned her face. She was beautiful, even dressed in her rags, Klaus could not help but to be mesmerised by her radiance. Caroline had been on his mind days; the least he could do was return the favour, especially after all the trouble he had put him through. Slowly he turned to face her, his face plastered with a sinister grin. Klaus reached for her wig pushing it off, his action causing her blond curls to fall along the sides of her face. Caroline could feel her heart accelerate as Klaus moved closer towards her, his face just inches from hers, as she pulled her face away refusing to look him in the eye. She felt a wave of disappointment rush through her as he moved away, grinning as he noticed his effect on her.

For the first time Caroline noticed the similarities between the brothers, their eyes lit up with mischief as she distance herself from him, pushing herself further into the bed hoping the darkness could alleviate her embarrassment. She was focused from escaping him she did not notice Klaus pulling her hand towards his lips, and kissing it gently. Instinctively she pulled her hand away, rubbing it against the fabric of her clothes till it turned sore. Caroline willed her heart to calm, it did not mean anything he was just trying to tease her she recited the mantra in her head struggling to slow her heart but it was useless it would not cease pounding against her chest.

"Sweet dreams love" Klaus said, his voice filled with amusement as he left the room. Caroline's gaze drifted to the ground careful not to make any eye contact fearing the effect it might have on her. His words echoed through his mind and his kiss lingering on her hand. Suffice to say she did not get much sleep that night.

Oh god i'm so sorry, i really don't have any excuses. i'm truly sorry for the delay in updating :( forgive me?

I'll keep this short since i'm short on time

thanks for the support even though i was gone for so long! and Reviews are always welcome :)

I'm not going to promise anything cos i'm really busy with exams but i'll try to get the net chapt up ASAP.