A/N Thank you all for reviewing!


"You left us."

Klaus rolled his eyes as Stefan entered, his sister smiling once more, a difference from all the complaining she'd done since the Salvatore had taken a break. The hybrid shook his head as he grabbed his bottle once more, leaning over the bar to pick up two shot glasses.

"Calm down, 'Bekah, he just went to write something on a wall."

Rebekah's brow furrowed."Huh?"

"Yeah, sorry."Stefan mumbled, licking blood from his bottom lip as he made his way further into the bar."A guy needs time to process when he finds out his ex was an Original. And here I thought Katherine had done a number on me."

Rebekah pouted, crossing her legs as she looked down to Klaus who was sat on the stool beside her."I thought absence was supposed to make the heart grow fonder."

"Oh, little sister,"Klaus chuckled, sliding over a shot to his sister, nodding over to Maria who was sat beside the witch."Tell me about it."

"Oh would you look at that? My big brother tripping over his feet and brooding over a popsy."Rebekah sing songed so that only Klaus could hear, a teasing grin on her face as Klaus glowered at her."Don't pout, Nik, I can tell what she feels for you isn't all resentment."

Klaus' glower faded slightly and he looked to the wolf then back to his sister."Is that right?"

Rebekah sent her brother a bright smile, cocking her head before she placed her index finger over her lips in a hushing motion. Klaus growled at his sister which only made her giggle before she turned back to Stefan.

Stefan looked down at the table where Gloria was sat, candles and other things she'd need for the spell surrounding her.

"What's she doing?"

"She's failing."Klaus responded in an irritated manner.

Maria rolled her eyes, shifting on the chair, bringing her knees to her chest."And he's bitching."

Maria looked over, meeting Klaus' gaze for a moment, eyes narrowing as he merely smiled at her. It wasn't a warning smile, it was a smile that reminded her of 'i know something you don't know!' her brother would sing song if he found the hidden Christmas presents before her.

She shrugged, looking away as Gloria sighed."It's hard to find something when you don't have anything to go on."

"So use me."Rebekah piped up, jumping off of the bar and landing on her feet gracefully."I only wore it for a thousand years."

"See? Now this one offers a solution."Gloria held out her hand as Rebekah sat down on the table."All right, give me your hand, sweetheart."

"She's, uh, she's looking for the necklace, huh?"

Maria nodded, nibbling on her bottom lip, sensing Stefan's worry."Looks like it."

"Anta cotis syrum, anta cotis syrum..."

The pair shared a nervous look as Gloria began to chant, Klaus instantly perking up as he grew one step closer to his plan coming together. Maria's nails drummed against the table and she crossed her legs almost defensively. The wolf glared at Stefan, mad at how little progress he'd made and remembering Klaus' words.

I do not respond well to threats, even trivial ones.

Maria felt uneasy, a knot tightening in her stomach. She knew Klaus. He was smug, paranoid but he was smart. Not many had crossed him because they knew better but those who had hadn't lived to regret it.

As Gloria gasped, it clear she had found something, Maria then remembered the pass he had given her. He knew she'd been up to something and Maria found herself slightly grateful for it.

You have the right to be mad at me; I understand that. I took your mother from you so, because of that, i am going to let this pass.

The knot began to loosen as she looked to Klaus then Stefan before nodding to herself. As she did, Gloria turned to Klaus with a small nod.

"I found it."

Both Rebekah and Klaus perked up, the female Original demanding."So where is it?"

"It doesn't work like that, doll. I get images. There's a girl with her friends..."

The second those words slipped from Gloria's lips, Maria looked to Stefan just in time to see worry flash in his eyes. The look lasted a mere second but his face fell and he swallowed, turning away with a shake of his head.

Rebekah straightened, a frown on her face. Klaus flashed forward, pulling his sister back before she could storm off in a huff and probably tear through the city for her necklace.

"Yes, a dead girl with dead friends, if I don't get my necklace back."

Gloria just shrugged, not fazed by Rebekah's threat and turned back to her table."Well, I'll have to dive back in to get the details."

Klaus gestured to the ingredients and candles."So dive."

"I need more time."

"And space."Gloria firmly said as Klaus sat on the table beside his sister."You're harshing my ju-ju."

The Original shrugged, giving her a smirk."We can wait."

"I'm sure you can."The witch gave a false smile, expression darkening."But that's not what I asked."

The Original siblings shared a look, both grinning at one another before turning back to the witch. The words seemed like a challenge and, with their dispute settled the pair wouldn't think twice before toying with someone. Maria felt slightly alarmed as she noticed the matching grins they wore, it clear just how alike they were.

Maria straightened, resting her chin on her palm.

Great, now there's two of them.

"Don't worry, pet; it won't be long."Gloria said, inhaling a long breath."You'll have your answers today."

"Fantastic."Klaus almost purred as he got to his feet, a growl leaving him."Someone or something's been meddling with my plan, and when I found out what it is, my wrath will be the definition of slaughter."

Maria's own eyes flashed amber in response to the snarl leaving Klaus.

She could feel how mad he was and it shook her to her core. She had been betting her safety on Stefan's word that he would leave her out of it, but she knew Klaus would get it out of him. The Original's wrath would show mercy and, while he said he wouldn't kill her, her punishment would be worse than death, and he wouldn't stop at her.

He'd kill her brother.

Maria blinked, eyes blank as she looked to Stefan, instantly sensing his worry. He didn't have a leg to stand on.

She saw and heard the desperation as he beckoned Klaus to the door.

"Why don't we just come back later? I'm hungry anyway."Stefan sent Klaus a lively smile, patting the hybrid's shoulder."I'll let you pick who we eat."

Maria stood up just as Rebekah happily got off of the table, sauntering over to Stefan, grabbing his arm.

"I can't say no to that."Rebekah smiled wide, locking her arm with Stefan's and leading him to the door."I fancy a nice, plump one. What do you say?"

Stefan couldn't refuse as Rebekah almost dragged him out of the bar. Klaus rolled his eyes, straightening but made a move to follow.

As he did, he suddenly paused, turning and noticing that Maria hadn't made a move.

"Coming, love?"Klaus softly asked, offering her a half smile."You don't have to watch. There's a nice ice cream stand near-"

Not in the mood for his attempt at humour, Maria briskly walked over to Klaus. She grabbed him bat the wrist and yanked the Original to the side.

Perking up at the brash touch initiated by her, the Original gave a broad smile."Look who's come around."

Maria shook her head when he opened his mouth to speak again, not wanting him to destroy and faith she'd be putting in him with her choice.

"Stop talking, please."

"Only because you said please."Klaus drawled, his smirk about to grace his face again only to fade when he noticed her distressed look."What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Maria released a long breath before inhaling then repeating. She couldn't believe that she was even thinking about it. But it was for her brother, and the pair were likely to die if she went against Klaus. Stefan had been her hope but after witnessing him almost cracking and how he'd made no progress than she had no choice.

It was survival of the fittest and Klaus, however cruel and ruthless, was her best chance.

"Your almighty speech earlier..."

The Original, curious, raised an eyebrow."What about it?"

The words almost died in her throat, but she hung on. Maria's nails dug into Klaus' arm, slicing the skin as she prepared herself for saying the words aloud.

"I want to make a deal."


"The girl with the necklace. She's your girl, isn't she? The one I helped you hide."

"We need to keep them away from Gloria."Stefan said in a hushed voice, speaking more to himself than to Maria."If we do, it means that they won't find anything out and that buys us time."

Maria followed Stefan, growing annoyed when he didn't answer her. They'd been sent to fetch the car and wait by Gloria's bar while the siblings went to fetch some ingredients Gloria would need. At least that's what Stefan assumed.

"Isn't she?"

Stefan spun around, looking frenzied as he tried to keep it all together. He couldn't let Klaus find out Elena was alive. Everything would spiral, and his hard work would've been for nothing.

"The less you know, the better if you want to stay alive. You're meant to work on Klaus; he won't talk to me."

Maria raised her eyebrows, clearly not liking his tone."And how is that meant to keep me alive?"

When Stefan said nothing, Maria gave a silent laugh, shaking her head. The vampire turned from her, defensively crossing his arms over his chest.

"And you believe finding out who he's running from will steer him away from Mystic Falls."Maria whispered, piecing it all together."Away from the key that'll get him his hybrids."

"And away from Elena."Stefan whispered to himself, pacing back and forth."W-We need to come up with something before we've got to go back."

Maria's eyes narrowed, and she placed her hands on her hips as she grew irritated.

"What about me?"

When Stefan sent her a blank look, she growled.

"I gave you your five minutes, I helped you get rid of your brother and girlfriend, and the only progress you've made is remembering you used to share a bed with the sister."

Maria's eyes flashed as she grew angrier."What about my brother?"

"He's on the list!"

"That is not enough."

Maria's tone grew exasperated as she made her way over to Stefan."Klaus has already warned me not to go against him. I got one free pass, and I know him well enough to know that going against him won't just end in a time out."

Maria looked down at the ground, shaking her head."I want him to suffer more than you do, maybe more but vengeance means nothing when it comes to my brother."

Stefan stiffened, eyes narrowing as he grew defensive.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that you either gotta hand over the girl or repent. I say go with the former 'cause Klaus doesn't forget."

"He won't just kill Elena. He killed Elena's aunt as punishment for our meddling."Stefan hissed angrily, beginning to get worried as he paced back and forth."He'll kill everyone I love, including my brother."

"You've had a century with him."Maria shrugged, eyes dark as she met Stefan's gaze, fingers toying with the ring on her index finger."That's more than enough. Unlike you, my brother and I aren't immortal. We take what we can get."

"You need to risk everything to gain your freedom! You know he won't let you go. You're playing right into his hands."

"I go against Klaus my brother suffers, and so do I. If I don't, i'm trapped, but i'll still have my family."Maria gave an almost sad smile, releasing a long breath."If you can't beat them..."

Stefan's eyes darkened, and he took a step forward, ready to wipe out another threat. Maria knew he was strong, Stefan had fed more in a month than a vampire did in three. But, while she wasn't as strong as a vampire, Maria had been taught how to fight by not only her pack, but by Klaus.

"I'm not going to let him hurt those I love."

"Then you probably should've let the girl die."Maria replied, moving backwards as Stefan grew more threatening."Family is the only love worth fighting for."

The vampire's fists clenched at his sides."I told you that i'd leave you out of this if it spiralled.

"I know, but I also know that Klaus is smarter than us all. He knew something was up just by us talking and now that his sister is here..."Maria trailed off, looking worried for a second before shaking her head, firmly adding."I just won't risk it."

The wolf side stepped, putting a coffin that held one of the Originals in between them. Stefan didn't tear his gaze from her, his once honourable morals pushed aside, leaving a desperate yet determined man.

"I'm not letting anyone find out Elena's alive."Stefan's vampire features came forward, and he bared his fangs."I don't care what I have to do or who I have to kill anymore."

Maria shrugged, offering Stefan a far too pleased smile."Then, by all means, put me down."

Stefan didn't have to be told twice.

He released an incensed, ravenous and determined growl as he lunged for Maria. The wolf winced at the sound but didn't move from her spot. Stefan jumped over the coffin in between them, his blood red eyes fixated on their target.

Stefan landed feet first in front of Maria, but just as he moved to attack her, a strong hand pushed him back. The vampire cried out as he flew backwards, landing on his back less than a meter away from the wolf. He groaned as he hit the ground, vision blurry for a moment.

"What do we have here?"

Stefan's eyes widened as he raised his head to see Klaus and Rebekah standing at the entrance. The Original's both looked offended and utterly enraged, it clear that they'd heard the conversation.

He then looked to Maria, everything connecting.

She'd set him up.

"Klaus..."

"I have to say, Stefan, you have upset me."Klaus casually drawled, though it was clear how affronted he was but that disappeared when he looked to Maria."Though it's nice to know my girls still have my back."

Maria just let out a long breath, looking away from the hybrid.

"She plays dirty, Nik."Rebekah drawled, forcing a bright smile but clearly upset with Stefan's disobedience."I like her. She's a keeper."

Klaus sent his sister a half smile, humming in agreement."Isn't she?"

The siblings then looked down to Stefan who's face had paled. Klaus knelt down beside Stefan, plastering a false smile on his face.

"I don't like being lied to, Stefan."

The vampire shook his head."She's wrong."

Stefan grew more worried as Klaus' expression turned murderous."Klaus..."

"Hush, lover, your talking is only angering him."Rebekah hushed Stefan, swallowing the lump in her throat before sending a small smile to Maria."You're a smart girl."

Klaus snarled as he snapped Stefan's neck, tossing aside the male vampire before he got to his feet. As if Klaus had called for them, two of his many minions came out from nowhere and picked up Stefan.

"You adhered to my warning."Klaus said, turning to Maria, tilting his head, honestly curious."Why?"

"You're the strongest and the scariest. That's the only thing I agree with when you rant."Maria stated through gritted teeth, holding out her arms as if baring her soul."My allegiance is to you. I won't fight. As long as my brother remains out of your claws. If not, i'd rather die along with him."

Klaus instantly shook his head."I'd never kill you-"

"I didn't say you'd be the one to kill me."Maria cut in with pure and complete honesty, it obvious she wasn't exaggerating or lying."Wolf or not, he's my pack."

The hybrid went quiet, seconds seeming hours as he remained impassive. Maria's eyes darkened as the hybrid just continued to stare at her. Rebekah, watching the exchange, sighed as she took a step closer, standing beside her brother.

The female Original looked to Maria before she turned her attention to her brother.

"Don't be petty, Nik, we've all tried to hurt eachother."Rebekah said, placing a comforting hand on her brother's shoulder, shaking her head at him."This is her free pass, remember? Let her have this one; you did kill her mother, after all."

As Klaus' expression softened, his sister squeezed his shoulder.

"Pack or not, she's only got her brother left. Her family."Rebekah then looked to Maria, smiling even as she added."But if she tries it again, i'll kill the brother. If there's one person who is going to be kicking your arse it's going to be me."

Klaus quirked an eyebrow at his sister; half irked and half fond before he looked back at Maria. He'd never kill her. He'd punish her, lock her away and torture those around her but never kill her, just like he did to his family.

As he looked to Maria again, the Original smiled. Maria, even in the midst of her hurt and anger toward her, still knew that siding with him was safer than going against him. She knew he wouldn't kill her. This, in Klaus' mind, was seen as progress and he refused to see it any other way.

The hybrid's grin widened as he nodded.

"I suppose since you kept your half of the deal, i'll keep mine."Klaus said, eyes lingering on Maria's as her own lit up."You remain with me at least until I get my hybrids and your brother stays safe."

"You'll keep that promise, right? Even if you have one of your tantrums?"

"I do not have-"Klaus refused to say the word but, when Maria and Rebekah looked at him, he finally said."I'll keep my word."

Maria nodded, unable to stop her smile from growing though she tried to fight it."Thank you."

The words left before she could say them. She shouldn't be grateful for anything. Klaus was the reason the entire situation had happened, why she was begging to her brother's life.

Startled, Klaus nodded, gaze lingering before he turned and started to make his way to the car. The Original waited for one of his minions to open the door and turned back to the women.

"Looks like we're back to were we started, love."Klaus mumbled, referring to Maria handing herself over to save Ray."Only this time you're picking my side."

Smiling when Maria glared at him, Klaus added."Come along, the pair of you, we've got a little town to visit."

Maria rolled her eyes at the demanding tone but began to make her way over to the SUV. She had taken a few steps before she noticed Rebekah following her. The wolf paused, waiting for Rebekah to fall into step beside her.

A second later, she heard a sigh come from the Original.

"What is it?"

Maria almost rolled her eyes again until she realised it hadn't been Klaus. The tone was similar, demanding but curious.

She looked over to Rebekah, giving her a small smile.

"Thank you."Maria softly but gratefully said, pausing for a moment as she remembered the threat."...i guess. Not for the threat but for helping with Klaus."

"He's a moody tyrant my brother."

Maria gave a firm nod of agreement before saying."Yeah but, seriously, thank you."

Rebekah's expression softened, and she stared at Maria for a moment, as if expecting a punchline. Maria didn't feel offended, she expected it, especially after the daggering then Stefan not falling back into love with the Original.

A moment passed before Rebekah nodded, lips curving up.

"I love my brother but he's a bit daft at times."Rebekah nodded at Klaus' back before offering Maria a small, genuine smile."Besides, I'm a firm believer in us girls sticking together."


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