Hello! Thank you for your patience. I know my updates happen just as often as we get Klaroline scenes, so I'm very appreciative of everyone's encouraging and sweet reviews. And follows. And favorites! You guys are awesome.
And,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR NOMINATING ME! Best Underrated Fiction? Oh my heart. I was so moved when I got the news. Truly touched. It really made me feel special so thank you.
From the bottom of my Klaroline heart, thank you to those who nominated me and voted for me. I couldn't ask for better fans of my writing. And thank you to the people who created, organized, and managed the Klaroline Awards. Caroline would be so proud.
Okay, now to respond to some comments.
First, I've said it before and I'll say it again. I promise I will not abandon this story. Don't lose hope okay? (haha)
Second, so many people are concerned for Caroline. I'm glad I've gotten this reaction. Remember that this is only the 2nd part out of 4.
Third, people are curious about Valentina. The next chapter will highlight her story.
Finally, this chapter is longer than the others. I'm also beta-less, by choice, so forgive any spelling and grammar mistakes.
Happy reading! :]
Disclaimer: I do not own anything pertaining to TVD of the OGs.
(Ten weeks ago)
"So you're Niklaus Mikaelson. The Original Hybrid."
Klaus watched as the redheaded beauty moved deeper into the room so she could fix herself a drink. By the dress she wore he noted her taste was classy but he suspected her intentions were anything but.
"Care for another?" she offered, raising a glass towards him.
"I've had my fill," the hybrid replied.
Genevieve threw back her head and laughed. "Yes, I have no problem believing that statement." She said and at the same time nodded toward the dead girls Marcel and him just finished draining. She took a seat into one of the plush chairs and crossed one leg over the other. Flicking her hair over her shoulder, the scent of her perfume filled the room. "I never dreamed I would ever get to meet you."
He smiled at her. "Apologies for not feeling the same way about you, love." He took a seat across from her. "So, you co-own the club with Marcel."
"Yes," she bit her lip and returned his smile. The two of them stared at each other for a moment. Over the centuries, Klaus had developed the skill of recognizing the good in a person. It was the first thing he saw in his Caroline. But he also recognized darkness and it was exactly what he saw in Genevieve. She wasn't exactly evil but he immediately labeled her as wicked, devious, and far from innocent.
Genevieve had a certain gleam in her eyes that for some odd reason attracted him. He couldn't lie to himself about that. Still, he knew his heart belonged to Caroline. At the thought of his young lover he came to and broke the silence, "Pleasure meeting you, Genevieve. I'll leave you to your drink."
"Let me guess, you just remembered you came here with Caroline."
Klaus stopped his movement toward the door and turned his now suspicious eyes on her.
"Don't be upset. You said it yourself, I own half of this club and I like to know who walks through its doors." She shook her head at him in a mocking manner. "You can't win this battle alone, Klaus. I know for a fact that if Sophie Deveroux were to get pregnant by Marcel, that child would survive. It would be a hybrid. A witch and a vampire. And when that child comes to age, him or her would be a force to be reckoned with."
Klaus remained silent as Genevieve approached him.
"That kind of power and a little blood can go a long way, honey, and honestly I don't want to see that sort of magic while I'm alive."
"So kill you then?" Klaus offered with a teasing smirk. In a flash his hand was around her throat and just as fast he went to grab his own head.
"Try that again and I'll give you a bigger headache."
He glared at her because he knew what she was going to say next.
"You need me, Klaus. I may not be as old as you and I certainly don't know Marcel the way you do, but I do know how he runs this town."
"Tell me sweetheart, if I agree to your help, what's in it for you? How do I know your loyalty would be to me and not Marcel?"
"I just told you. I don't want to see Marcel's power get stronger. I enjoy being a witch but right now I can't use my powers without him knowing. And as for my loyalty. You're just going to have to trust me. You don't have a choice. I promise to share every little secret so long as you promise to use them to kill Marcel. Do we have a deal?" She held out her hand towards him.
He knew he should have discussed the matter with Elijah first. He knew that by involving another witch, he risked making a future enemy. However, he also knew that Elijah had already put his faith in Valentina, believing that she knew or could easily find out Marcel's secrets. His thoughts then went to Caroline. If there was anything he learned from his past battles, a witch was always a handy ally to have.
Before he shook her hand he tilted his head. "Rumor has it Marcel can compel other vampires. Let me guess. That same rumor has something to do with this Davina drink I keep getting offered."
Genevieve's grin grew wider, her eyes danced with pride. "It's my drink. It's laced with an old fashioned truth spell Marcel likes to offer his new guests."
"Clever girl."
They shook hands.
:
:
:
(Present day)
"Did you know, that in the original fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, when Belle finally told Beast she loved him it was her who transformed and not him?"
Caroline peeked up from her textbook and glanced at Cami. "What?"
"Yep!" Cami answered in a matter-of-fact tone, "When she said she loved him she turned into a beast too."
Caroline's textbook went limp in her hands. "Eww. Really?"
The other blonde laughed. "Yeah, but they still lived happily ever after."
"Well at least Disney didn't lie about that part," Caroline mumbled.
Despite the dropping temperatures, Caroline and Camille had decided to just bundle up and pick a spot on campus and have a study jam. It was a Friday and both didn't have any classes but studying in each other's company had become a habit.
Tulane's campus was no longer buzzing with the excitement of a new semester. Instead it was quiet and students were heavily into their studies since midterms would happen in a couple of weeks.
Caroline loved it. A year ago she never thought she would be an Art History major but when she had become human, while she was living in Klaus' mansion, she found herself becoming more and more interested in the subject. She supposed it was because deep down she was missing Klaus. We weren't even together then, she thought.
She remembered those early days of her living in his mansion. Her mother didn't understand her reasoning of it being safer than her own home, it probably wasn't, but, thinking about it now, Caroline knows her mother suspected Caroline's feelings for Klaus even before she did.
She smiled to herself thinking about the last conversation she had with her mom. She could hear how happy and proud her mother was when she talked about school. After all, Caroline was a straight A student. WithOUT compulsion thank you very much!
She did have to reassure her every time they spoke though. Especially when Klaus sent some hybrids to guard the sheriff's house. Liz still had her reservations about Klaus but as a sheriff living in a town full of vampires, she also knew how different a life could be for a vampire. And Caroline was a vampire.
"I just want you to be happy, sweetie. I don't like him. I don't think I ever will and I know that makes you sad. But I trust you, Caroline. I know you don't make decisions lightly."
Her mother's words both reassured her and made her question herself. True, she had made the decision to be with Klaus, but sometimes she wasn't so sure. On those days she found herself hidden in Belle Nuit's library or she was somewhere on campus studying while Klaus continued to work toward regaining his kingdom.
There were times Klaus had found her and when their eyes met, despite the obvious love she saw in his gaze, she also saw something else. It was that something else, that mystery, that both made her nervous and curious at the same time. It was the purest example of a moth being drawn to a flame. Even better, he was the spider and she was caught in his web.
"Ugh. I just got an email from my psych professor saying he's going to move the test date up to this Tuesday. Looks like I'm headed to the library." Camille sighed loudly as she shut her laptop and started to gather her books.
Caroline pouted at the sight. "So you're leaving me?"
"Don't look at me like that. You know it's my senior year, Caroline. Besides, I'm not an Art history major," she teased.
"Hey! Art is meaningful. It's about genuine beauty and culture," Caroline defended and then chucked a pen at Camille's head.
"You know what's beautiful? That fancy car your older boyfriend drives. You know, the one he always picks you up with," she began to walk away in the direction in the library but then she yelled over her shoulder, "I want to ride in that car, Caroline! So hurry up and introduce me to your boyfriend!"
Caroline laughed and then frowned. She considered Cami a good friend but she couldn't tell her the truth. It's too dangerous.
:
"So what do you think of this one?"
Elijah turned around in time to watch Valentina come out from behind the curtain of the small boutique's dressing room. The elder Mikaelson acknowledged her with a bored expression but deep down he did like the latest dress the saucy Latina had on.
She did a twirl as she stepped out toward him. "I take your silence as a good sign?"
"You know, when you asked me to accompany you on important business I was under the assumption it had to do with Marcel's business," he confessed looking down at her. Though the grin on his face told her he was perfectly fine with their current meeting.
His schedule as of late had two priorities. The first was checking in on Sophie daily. He kept a watchful eye on the witch, asking her what her own schedule was for the day to avoid any surprises. The second was a daily secret meeting with Valentina. So far he learned that Marcel spent his mornings in the attic of Saint Louis' Cathedral, he then paid a visit to Sophie at the bar she worked at, he would then go back to his own place and him and his vampire followers indulged in blood and entertainment.
All this information he learned from Valentina. From her he discovered Marcel's habits but he also came to realize that she was beautiful, she was entrancing, and he was charmed by her. Yes, he thought. He had grown fond of Valentina but despite their obvious flirtatious banters, he still hadn't acted on his feelings.
"Marcel Marcel Marcel. If I didn't know you Elijah I would assume you were in love with the guy." When he gave her a pointed look she rolled her eyes and went behind the curtain again, "Listen, as long as I'm fake-dating Marcel's right-hand man, Diego, I'm in his circle. Trust me."
Straightening his tie around his neck he turned around and walked over to the saleswoman and handed her his credit card. "The lady would like the dress."
Valentina smiled at overhearing him buy her the dress.
"I know you're smiling behind there," he called.
She poked her head out, still grinning widely. "Then you know me."
:
"Hello, sweetheart."
At the sound of his voice, Caroline peeked up from her notes and she smiled when she saw Klaus leaning against a tree across from her. "You're early," she said with a grin still plastered on her face.
Klaus pushed away from the tree and smiled almost shyly, "It would appear so." He walked over and settled himself to sit next to her. He closed his eyes for the briefest of moments as a wave of vanilla scent hit him. He swore he would never tire of how sweet his lover always smelled.
"How was Marcel today?"
He grimaced at her question because he honestly had no desire to discuss Marcel with her. He had spent yet another day faking a friendship and still he was no closer gaining Marcel's trust.
"He's overly confident," Klaus finally answered her. He tucked some of her hair behind her ear but her eyes were trained on her notes. His lips briefly curved upward. "What are you working on?"
She shrugged. "Just studying," she glanced at him and cracked a grin, "But I'm assuming you're here to steal me away?"
His devilish smirk made her knees feel weak as she went to stand up.
"Precisely," he answered.
He helped her put her books in her bag and then slung it over his shoulder. She giggled at the sight.
"What so amusing?"
"You just look funny holding a backpack," she confessed.
They walked in silence, hand in hand, across the campus lawns until he opened the door to his car. Caroline watched him through the glass as he crossed in front to the driver's door.
"Klaus?"
"Hmm."
She glanced at him quickly, almost nervously, before she asked, "Are you sure you don't need my help with the Marcel thing?"
Klaus turned the key in the ignition and sighed with frustration. "We've discussed this, Caroline."
She rolled her eyes in response, "I know, I know, but I can be helpful."
"Caroline—"
"I'm smart you know. And I can be a good distraction," she said, sounding like she was begging.
"NO!" He shouted, slamming his fist against the steering wheel.
He hadn't meant to frighten her but by the look in her eyes he knew he did, at least for a moment. He placed his hands on her shoulders gently and turned her toward him, making sure she was looking at him.
"I am not like your friends back in Mystic Falls, Caroline. I am not your friend. I am your lover. I would never, not even for one moment, consider you to play the role of distraction to my enemy." He didn't like that she looked angry at him but he was not going to change his mind. He cupped her face tenderly and slid his thumbs over her cheeks. "I love you. You mean the world to me. I love you," he said again as his eyes bore into hers. "Please don't ask me again if you can help because you're already helping me by staying safe. Understand?"
Caroline was once again lost in the dark sea of blue that was his eyes. His gaze held hers prisoner and she could feel the intense energy that always rippled between them when they were touching.
A part of her was offended that he didn't want her help, but only because that feeling was foreign to her. This was the first time in her vampire life that she was given the opportunity to do something normal. His refusal of her aid and his constant protection over her was allowing her to attend school. She knew it was silly that school would be so important to her but it was. And he knew it as well.
Her angry frown softened as she remembered why he was rejecting her help. She leaned into one of his palms and covered his hand with hers. "Thank you. I know you're trying for me and it means so much."
He gave her a quick small smile and then kissed her knuckles.
She leaned back into the leather seating when he pulled out onto the road. The Fall air was crisp and cool as it breezed through the open windows.
They drove in a comfortable silence but Klaus would every so often look over at her, admiring her. She had her eyes closed, clearly enjoying the feeling of his thumb drawing circles into her palm.
"I'm taking you out. This evening" he finally spoke. He paused and waited for her reaction since the last time he took her out it was to Marcel's club. When she didn't say anything but instead looked back at him with her curious blues he continued, "I promise it will be just the two of us. I haven't courted you properly," he finished, letting his dimples come out to play.
She let out a breathy laugh and shook her head. "Isn't the point of courting like to get the girl? You already have me."
"Oh I know I have you," he said will full male pride, "But I've neglected you for the past several days because of this Marcel nonsense." His expression turned almost mad and it made Caroline want to lighten his mood.
"Well to be honest I'm still sore from last night and even the night before so now I'm curious what it will be like to have your full attention."
His sincere laughter made her smile but then she frowned as she remembered what she had wanted to tell him.
Her serious expression wasn't lost on Klaus. "Tell me," was all he said.
"I'm glad you're taking me out tonight. I mean, I'm glad it will just be the two of us because…"
"Because?"
"Because I'd like to talk about us."
"About us." His face gave nothing away as he looked ahead while he drove.
"Yes. About our future." She fiddled with her fingers in her lap.
Klaus reached over and covered her hands. "Alright, sweetheart."
Belle Nuit came into view and she could see the help moving about, tending to its gardens and sweeping its porches. She wondered if all the properties he owned were as orderly and grand, and stuck in a certain time period. She giggled when she spotted one of the butlers that reminded her of Carson from Downton Abbey. She made a mental note to share her opinion with Elijah later since they were still watching the show together.
Entering the large estate, Caroline made her way toward the kitchen and Klaus followed suit. She pulled a bloodbag from the fridge and he grabbed an apple from the counter's fruit bowl.
Again, they moved about one another in silence as they made their way to their floor level. Klaus set her bag on her desk chair and Caroline stole a bite of his apple. He grinned.
The time he had spent with Marcel, and Genevieve, had mentally exhausted him. During his drive over to Tulane, all he could think about was that he wanted, no needed, to get lost in Caroline. He just wanted to be in her presence and the longer his thoughts had lingered on her the more eager he was to see her.
Caroline flopped onto her bed and exhaled at how comfy it was. "So where are you taking me?"
Klaus tossed his apple core to a passing maid before regarding the baby vampire. "To dinner."
"Dinnerrrr?" She motioned her hand in a circle, urging him to elaborate.
He disappeared in the direction of his room. "Be ready in three hours, Caroline. Dress casual."
:
"Good afternoon, Miss Deveroux," Elijah greeted. He promised the young witch he would check in on her every day but he had to admit Valentina was on his mind. In fact, she was the only woman he thought about lately, he realized.
Sophie rolled her eyes as he entered the tomb she was sitting in. "Elijah, how many times do I have to tell you. Just call me, Sophie."
"I remember." He smiled at her before he glanced at his surroundings, noticing all the white candles. "Are the pages of my mother's grimoire any help to you?"
Sophie flipped another page before shrugging. "Not really. Your mother has some wicked spells in here but I can't find any that would do good against a vampire-witch hybrid. Sooo," she sang, "I'm seeking guidance from my ancestors. This circle I'm in," she explained while motioning her hands, "Marcel can't feel or find me."
"It's a spell."
"Almost. It's just a safety circle. I can safely ignite the circle without getting in trouble but once the circle is made I can only seek advice from my ancestors. It's just how it works." She shrugged.
"And I take it you wish it worked differently?" he offered.
"No. Right now I wish my headache would go away."
He laughed.
She wanted to laugh with him but then she shook her head sadly. "What I wish is to have my life back." She looked at him and almost cried. "I remember how this city was when I was a little girl. I remember how witches could freely use magic and sure, we all knew the city was built by the Originals but you guys weren't around. I mean, this city had its problems. Vampires and werewolves and witches didn't always get along but it was certainly better than it is now. It was better. It was better!" She heaved in a breath. "And my sister was alive. I warned her, Elijah. That first day when I saw Marcel walk into my mother's shop. I knew. I just had this feeling that he wasn't good. I just knew it and now look! She's dead! And now, now he wants me. What am I going to do?" She covered her face with her hands and began to weep.
Elijah kneeled immediately and comforted. "I swear to you I will not let Marcellus take you. You will live to be an old woman, Sophie. I promise."
:
With a final zip of her mid-calf boots, Caroline was ready for her date with Klaus. Ignoring her small headache. She looked at herself in the mirror, appreciating her new top paired with her skinny jeans. She grabbed her favorite scarf and jacket and set off to go find her date.
"Mr. Mikaelson is waiting for you out front, Miss Forbes," one of the butlers informed her.
She went through the dining area, the library, and then through another sitting room and couldn't help but skip out the door because of pure excitement.
The moment she saw Klaus, however, she slowed her steps and her walk became almost shy.
"Good afternoon, Caroline."
Klaus' husky voice always got her attention, as did his trademark black and leather attire but what was even more distracting was what he was standing in front of.
"Hi," she replied after a moment. "So um, is this the surprise," she asked.
"Indeed." He swung his leg over the sleek silver and black Ducati. She watched how he twisted the clutch handle and then moved the gear into place with his boot. The motorcycle revved and roared into life and he shot her a wolfish grin. "Get on."
She pursed her lips to keep from smiling. "My mother always told me to never trust a guy who rode a motorcycle."
He chuckled. "Your mother isn't here right now."
"Doesn't mean I won't take her advice," she teased and threatened.
Klaus let go of the handles and leaned back. He scratched his chin as if deep in thought. "Well. I suppose we could skip this part of the date. But then how would we make it to dinner? I'm rather hungry, love." He then looked up and down her body appreciatively. "However, I could always settle for something more, delectable."
"Klaus!"
"Get on the bike, Caroline."
Deciding there was no way she was going to win their battle of wits, she caved in. Besides, she wanted to ride the motorcycle anyway.
He handed her a helmet and gave her some leather gloves. However, before she went to slip on her gloves, he took off her engagement ring and then slipped it into his pocket. For safe-keeping, he told her. She swung her leg over and her knees wrapped his hips. He took her hands and wrapped them around his torso but he kissed each one before doing so.
"You're safe with me, love. Always."
She hugged him tight. "I know," she replied and she sighed in that moment of reassurance.
With a flick of his wrists, he drove them off Belle Nuit's property and out towards the setting sun.
:
There's something to be said about New Orleans. Caroline always assumed it was made up of Katrina victims, Bourbon Street, voodoo, brass bands, and gumbo. But actually living in Louisiana had taught her otherwise.
Belle Nuit was nestled in the middle of the Garden District, a quiet, historic, and extremely well off neighborhood. At night she could here the sounds of the popular French Quarter. However, when she looked out the library windows, she could see the city of New Orleans in the distance. Not the one made up of cobblestones and wrought iron. But the one that stood tall, scraping the skies like any other modern day metropolis. Klaus caught her one time staring and it was then he decided to take her to see it up close.
Klaus turned onto a main highway and began weaving through traffic. The faster he went the harsher the wind bit back.
"Does the cold bother you, love?" he shouted over the engine.
She snuggled closer to him, wrapping her arms tighter around him. "No! I'm warm enough! The city looks so beautiful from here!"
Klaus made a turn to pay a toll and before Caroline realized it, they were crossing over a rather large bridge. The Mississippi river glimmered beneath them and the sun began to set behind the city.
She laughed when Klaus shouted an explicit to an ill-focused driver.
"I should have known you have road rage!"
She thought she heard him laugh and then they were off the bridge. She had never been to any city. She had seen plenty of movies that were set in New York City but Mystic Falls was really all she knew.
By now the sun was nearly set and Caroline could see the beginnings of the city's night look. She hugged Klaus tighter as they exited a raised ramp. Both of them leaned as one as they spiraled down onto the bumpy pot-holed streets.
He squeezed her hand for a moment before pointing in the direction of the famed Superdome. She beamed at the amazing structure and soon after she found herself smiling again.
The city was raw and lively. Parts of it smelled like stale water and others like fresh baked bread. It boomed with honking horns and chatty citizens and Caroline loved it.
At some point Klaus made another turn and Caroline could tell they were riding down a popular strip. Of course it was no Times Square but she still appreciated it. She hugged the man in front of her for taking the time to show her. For loving her.
At first she didn't see the point of riding a bike to their destination but now she appreciated the exposed feeling. She felt like she could reach out and touch the culture of the city. She felt alive. She briefly wondered if she would always feel this way with Klaus. She wondered if discovering the world with him would always be this fun.
Eventually he pulled into a hotel's parking garage.
"That was amazing," Caroline commented as she pulled her helmet off. "Except now I probably have helmet hair." She glared at him but they both knew she wasn't really angry.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." He took off his helmet and then grabbed her hand. Tugging off her leather glove, he quickly slipped back on her engagement ring. He looked into her eyes and she could tell he was searching for something but she didn't know exactly what.
"Have you ever been engaged before?" she found herself asking.
His brow furrowed at her question. "No, Caroline. I never even considered it before."
He pulled her into the hotel's main lobby where he briefly exchanged some quieted words with a man in a suit. They then entered an elevator and rode it to the very top.
Caroline could barely contain her excitement and Klaus couldn't contain his smirk.
The elevator pinged open and they were immediately greeted by an amber-lit restaurant. She could tell it was fine dining based on its white satin tables and fresh roses.
"Okay so I'm totally not dressed appropriately for this," she laughed.
Klaus smirked as they walked further into the restaurant. "No, we both aren't but then we would not have been able to enjoy the city like we did. Besides," he extended his arm for her to walk ahead of him into a back room, "it will only be the two of us tonight.
:
"Mmmmm, mmm oh my god that was so good!"
Klaus smiled, pleased with himself at having impressed Caroline with his cooking skills. He watched her scrap the last bite of her plate. He was glad she was open to trying the classic French dish. He also found it adorable she couldn't master the pronunciation of it as well.
They sat across each other at table on the semi-covered outdoor patio. Wooden beams went across the entire patio above them and were wrapped in vines and twinkling lights. It was meant add to the Italian feel of the restaurant but Klaus only chose the establishment because of its spectacular view.
He couldn't lie to himself. He was beyond stressed with Marcel and his men. And having to pretend along with Genevieve just added to his stress levels. A part of him wanted to abandon his want to regain his kingdom. He found himself often thinking he would be perfectly content to leaving Elijah to rule the city.
However, it only took one cocky statement from Marcel to refuel his fire, his desire to crush the man and take back what was his.
Still, he could feel the price he was paying for such a desire.
"I'm pleased you enjoyed it, love," he replied to her compliment.
Caroline had barely heard him though. She was transfixed with their view. Seeing the city from such a height took her breath away. The starry night sky was nothing compared to starry-like city.
"Love?" Klaus grew concerned when she remained quiet and thoughtful.
"I think when I became a vampire again, more of my humanity stayed with me." She turned to look at him, not quite believing she finally voiced her personal concern. She held her breath and watched him, hoping to catch any sort of expression he might have given away.
When their eyes met, however, she saw nothing. His face remained stoic. At least at first.
After a few moments he finally spoke and his features softened. "I agree with you, sweetheart."
"You do?" she asked surprised. "Wait…why? Are you agreeing with me because I just brought it up or are you agreeing with me because you noticed." Please don't notice. Please don't notice. Please don't notice.
"I noticed," he answered simply. But Caroline felt weight to his answer.
"When?" she now asked seriously.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I didn't notice at first. I only began to realize it the longer we remained here."
"Go on," she whispered.
"You're more agreeable now." He couldn't think of any other way to describe her. She wasn't weak, no, he thought. She was a little lost but that was because of her youth. But never weak.
She pondered over his description of her for a moment. "Well I've always been a nice person, Klaus," she said defensively. Maybe a little shallow but still nice!
He reached over the table and covered her hand with his. "Of course you have. That's part of your light. But let's be honest, love. If you were ever nice towards me it was because you were playing a part to fool me," he laughed lightly.
"Well that's because I didn't love you back then!" She was irritated now and she pulled her hand away from his.
He scowled at her reaction. "Calm down, Caroline."
He watched her shake her head, a frown etching onto her lovely face. She stood up and walked over to the edge of the rooftop patio and gripped the railing.
"Is this what you wanted to discuss with me tonight, Caroline?" he asked her softly as he approached her from behind.
He couldn't see her expression but he saw her weighted shoulders and he heard the slight stutter of her breath. At her silence he growled in frustration. They just finished having an exquisite meal together. He laughed like a bloody adolescent when they had a mini food fight while cooking.
"What are we doing?" she finally asked.
He reached out and touched the strands of her hair that were caught in the wind. "Having a spat. You'll be over it once I take you to bed tonight."
He was relieved to hear her light laugh at his comment, but then frowned again once she turned around with glossy eyes. "I'm not the same girl you fell in love with, Klaus. I can feel that I've changed. And you've just admitted that you've seen it too."
"Enough—" he interrupted angrily.
"No, just listen, please. You won't accept my help and I guess that's a good thing because I'm not even sure I can handle Marcel and his goons right now. I mean this sort of life was never part of my plan. When I was human—"
"But you aren't human, Caroline. You're a vampire, love." He reached up and clasped her shoulders. Their eyes locked in on each other. She couldn't tear her eyes away from his steely gaze. "And you're mine."
She shook her head again. "Why? Because of this?" She raised her hand in between their bodies. Her ring caught the light of the moon.
He stepped away from her and tilted his head. "Does the idea of marrying me really bother you so?"
Did it? Was the stupid ring the reason why she was pushing him away? No, it had to be more than that, right? Then again, every day he tried to be a better man for her. She asked him to not discuss any details on their fake – was it really fake? – engagement and he did. She told him she wanted to go to college and he let her. He didn't get angry when she wanted spend hours watching Downton Abbey with Elijah. He didn't complain when she said no to sex because she had to study. What was bothering her? Yes, it was the stupid ring, she decided.
"Yes! It does bother me!"
"Why?" he shouted back.
"Because you say the engagement is fake but deep down you believe it's real!"
"I've already told you I will wait, Caroline—"
"—And when l look at it I feel the weight of it, this pressure to be the woman you want but I'm not her anymore, Klaus!"
"Weight?" he bit out. He surprised her by grabbing her hand and snagging the ring off her finger. In the next second he flung it into the night sky and it disappeared from their sight. "There! The weight is gone."
He muffled her response with his mouth, fisting his fingers in her golden hair and kept her prisoner as he began to ravage her mouth.
She couldn't help her moan as the sensations she felt whenever he kissed her took over. She clenched the lapels of his jacket and pressed her body to his.
After a long while, he finally pulled away from her, not without noticing the lust in her eyes. "I want you, Caroline, and you want me," he kissed her swollen lips once more, "What must I do to keep you?" he asked and shook her slightly, barely able to hide the frustration from his voice.
Caroline sighed deeply and thought about her answer. She reached out and rubbed her fingers against his scruff. There was no doubt in her mind that she was still in love with him. Her doubt was born from the anxiety she had about becoming his queen. She looked deeply into his dark blue eyes and saw that he was fearful of her answer. She hated to see that look in eyes but, at the same time, she was happy the ring was gone.
"Just promise me we'll see the world. That we won't stay here forever, okay?"
He smoothed the sides of her hair down when he answered, "Of course."
"Thank you," she whispered and pecked him on his lips softly. After a beat she added, "Sometimes I'm scared of how hard I've fallen for you, of how much I love you. You make me forget everything else," she confessed.
Something in his eyes changed and in the next second he had her sitting on a table and stood between his legs. With one hand cupping the back of her head and the other holding her waist, he bent his head toward hers, "We'll see the world, Caroline. I want you to be glad you're with me. When you're with me, I want you to forget everything around us because that is what you do to me. You make me forget the hybrid and his kingdom and you make me remember the man I used to be. That is why I love you."
He looked at her before he closed his eyes and covered her mouth in a fierce open-mouthed kiss. Caroline instantly felt her body respond to him and her skin began to warm. He cradled the side of her head as his lips continued to taste, lick, and make love to her mouth. He loved how she felt in his arms. He loved the sounds he could pull from her. She moaned when she felt his tongue plunge past her lips and then proceeded to tangle with her own.
"Klaus," she whispered when he pulled away for a moment just to look at her. His thumb brushed her now swollen lips as her eyes fluttered opened. He didn't smile but instead just gazed at her.
She touched his face, her hand rubbing against his jaw and then he leaned down to kiss her again, offering the same amount of passion as the one from before.
Caroline was lost in him. She didn't care that as the night progressed the air had turned cold. All she wanted was him. Him and all his expert-kissing glory. Him who confused her but constantly proved that he loved her.
Slowly, without tearing his mouth from hers, he began to move his hips against hers. She held onto his shoulders when he held her tighter to him, all while he deepened their kiss, a primal growl emitting from him when he angled his head to the side.
"Klaus," Caroline groaned when he dragged his lips down to her neck and began to suck. He ran his hand down the side of her body and hitched her leg around his waist, digging his hips into hers further.
He bit down on her neck, not breaking her skin, but he was rough and his grip on her tightened. She winced for a moment.
"Klaus," she said again and gasped when he bit down once more, but then soothed the sting of his blunt bite by running his tongue over her skin.
"Hush," he whispered, his voice thick and raspy. He covered her mouth again and Caroline swore she saw stars..
When he finally pulled away they were both out of breath.
"Take me home," she whispered, knowing neither of them would be getting sleep anytime soon.
:
Klaus was still awake long after Caroline had fallen asleep in his arms. She was curled against him, her breathing heavy from exhaustion. He caressed her bare skin as he stared at the ceiling, contemplating over what she had said to him that evening. He went over every detail of her expressions and he pondered on the moments she held back.
Bloody hell, he couldn't lose her. He refused to. He just had to hurry up and be rid of Marcel and then all would be well.
A light illuminated from his night table. He picked up his phone and read the text from the red-headed witch.
"Tomorrow the Casket Girl festivities begin. Marcel always hosts a private party. Meet me at the square at noon. Don't bring Caroline."
**So. No smut in this chapter but I hope it was satisfying. The next chapter will be dirtier. ;]
I hope the wait was worth it. I hope you guys are still intrigued by the story. I'd say we're over halfway done…..I can't wait until I can write something happier. Their relationship is so frustrating, right?
Please let me know what you think! Reviews are cherished.