Chapter 7
Branded
Klaus had always believed that women had the power to turn even the strongest man weak. Pretty faces and soft lips that whispered some sweet promises. But in the end women, like Katerina Petrova or Caroline Forbes, were deceitful creatures. Klaus had cursed himself many times for letting his guard down with Caroline. She had betrayed him without hesitation. But he never made the same mistake twice.
Now he had his family and his hybrids and he could find someone to warm his bed when he felt like it. Basically he had everything he had ever wanted. There was no reason to make things more complicated.
Still he couldn't stop staring at this girl when she danced in front of his brother. She moved like a professional dancer, whipping her hair back. But he could see the silent desperation and anger in her eyes. Somehow his brother was controlling her. Klaus had ruled out the compulsion, it would have shown when he had tried to compel her. What was it then? The girl was shaking when Kol gave her a permission to stop.
"May I go?" she asked quietly
Kol smiled.
"No. You said that you are hungry so you will sit down and eat."
She looked furious but she obeyed. Her hand was squishing the knife when she ate. It looked like she had to force herself to eat.
"Isn't she talented?" Kol asked cheerily and touched her hair. She flinched.
Elijah was looking at him disapprovingly. Rebekah rolled her eyes and snorted.
"That was a tacky performance. I'm trying to eat here."
Kol looked at Klaus.
"What did you think, Nik? Doesn't she have a nice body?"
The girl kept her face down. Her hands were still shaking.
"Like Bekah said, we are trying to eat", Klaus replied coldly.
Kol looked amused.
"Oh, you think I'm selfish for not sharing the fun. I'm sure she can do the same to you if you ask very nicely."
"Enough", Elijah said before Klaus managed to reply. "You know I don't approve using humans like some puppets."
Kol rolled his eyes.
"Still the same buzzkill, I see. But for your information, I have never compelled her. Like I said, she is just eager to fulfill my every need. And in return, I take care of her."
Rebekah snorted.
"There's a word for a woman like that."
Kol smiled.
"Yes, you should know."
Rebekah gave him a murderous look.
"Oh why don't you just…"
"Enough already", Elijah said annoyed. "We are trying to have a nice dinner."
Kol looked at Seraphine.
"Would you like some dessert, darling?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"In that case, we're done. Good night everyone."
Seraphine stood up and walked out as fast as she could.
"Someone is hurry to get to bed", Kol said grinning and followed her.
Elijah shook his head.
"He definitely hasn't changed", he murmured.
Klaus could completely agree. His little brother had always been impulsive and unpredictable. Still Klaus couldn't quite understand what Kol was doing with this girl. As far as he knew, Kol hadn't kept human companions before. Klaus had to admit that he was curious about her. It seemed that she couldn't stand Kol but she wasn't compelled. Interesting.
And Kol was right about one thing. She did have a nice body. He certainly wouldn't mind getting to know her a little closer… No, no, he had to stop this right now. Maybe Rebekah had been right, he needed some action. It was still early so he could go and pick up a woman from a bar. That shouldn't be too difficult. Klaus went to the living room and pondered his options when he heard Kol storming out and starting the car. The girl wasn't with him. That meant that she was in his room all by herself. So what? What was he going to do? Go in there and chat with her? That was ridiculous.
What he needed right now was some good meaningless sex. Klaus went to his room, took a shower and changed his clothes. He picked up a pair of black jeans and a grey shirt. For a moment he thought about asking Elijah to join him. He would probably decline. And Klaus certainly wasn't going to take Rebekah with him. Maybe some of his hybrids… No, it was best to go alone. Klaus poured himself a drink before he headed out.
He was just passing Kol's room when something made him stop. He couldn't hear anything. Maybe the girl was sleeping. He should just go. But one look wouldn't hurt. He tried to open the door but it was locked. Klaus couldn't help but smile. Sharing had never been his little brother's strength. He could easily break the door but that would be ridiculous. Besides, he happened to have a master key that opened all the doors in this house.
Klaus opened the door and looked inside. He couldn't see the girl. Then he heard something from the bathroom. She was sobbing. He should definitely leave now. What Kol did with her didn't concern him. She was just a human. Klaus knew that he was the last person to judge Kol. He had done terrible things to humans over the years. But maybe she was hurt. And that should concern him because…? Klaus sighed. He would just take a quick look. Then he could finally get going.
Klaus opened the bathroom door. It was dark so he turned the lights on. Where was she? The bathtub. Klaus walked slowly next to it and looked at her. She was lying there in a fetal position. She kept her eyes firmly closed. He could sense her fear. He should just walk away. In the next second, he was lifting her up and rocking her fragile body in his arms. To his surprise, her body started to relax.
He carried her out and took her into his room. She was asleep when he placed her on his bed. What the hell was he doing? He wasn't in the mood for fighting with Kol, especially because of a human. Klaus sat next to her and touched her face. If he would only know why Kol wanted to keep her… She wasn't unpleasant to look at but that couldn't be the only reason.
Then Klaus noticed something on her wrist. It was a strange looking pattern. Could it be some kind of burn mark? It almost looked like she had been branded, like cattle. Klaus touched her wrist with his thumb. She shrived but she didn't wake up. Something was really wrong here. What had Kol get himself into? The girl shivered again. Maybe she was cold. Klaus took a blanket and placed it on her. He had no idea what to do.
