A/N: Hey! So here is the epilogue as promised. I think I tied up the loose ends. I didn't want to leave things at Tyler's unfortunate (for him) demise. I like the idea of them getting along; one big happy family. I don't know.
Thank you for reading and giving me feedback. It has been greatly appreciated. It's good to get attention on a new fandom.
One last time, check out The Hunter Coven Saga: Transformation by M. K. Thomas available wherever books are sold online.
REVIEWS = LOVE!
One Year Later
Caroline rushed around her hotel room. She was late. She was on her way to meet Bonnie and Elena. After on last look around she rushed downstairs. Her friends were waiting for her. The three girls embraced and entered the restaurant.
"Finally," Elena said as they sat down.
"Yeah Care, I thought the point of staying in a hotel was so you wouldn't be late today," Bonnie said.
"I know. Sorry," Caroline said, her blue eyes flashing brightly.
"Are you ready?" Elena asked.
"Yeah, I only brought a carry on with me," Caroline said.
"No, I meant in general," Elena asked.
"Elena, we are NOT having this conversation again," Caroline said getting angry.
"Caroline, you're overreacting. I didn't mean it the way you took it," Elena hastened to reassure her. "I only mean you're taking a huge step. It's natural to have cold feet, no matter who the groom is," Elena explained.
"Oh," Caroline said. "You understand why I reacted the way I did though, right?" Caroline asked.
"Yeah, I get it," Elena said as both girls remembered a fight they'd had almost a year ago.
Caroline had been packing up her side of the dorm when Elena came in.
"What are you doing?" Elena asked.
"Packing," Caroline said.
"Why?" the brunette asked.
"I'm moving, obviously," she replied.
"Moving? When? Where?" Elena asked shocked.
"I need to get away from Mystic Falls," Caroline told her.
"What about school?" Elena questioned.
"I'm transferring," Caroline told her.
"Oh, to where?" Elena asked.
"Tulane," Caroline answered, a defiant glint in her eyes.
"No! You can't!" Elena said shocked.
"Excuse me? I can and I am moving to New Orleans," Caroline said.
"Why because you love him? That's pathetic, Caroline," Elena said.
"Pathetic? That's rich coming from you. Miss-woe-is-always-me! Elena, I don't care what you think," Caroline said.
"He doesn't love you. He doesn't love anyone. I'm only looking out for you. We're like sisters and I love you," Elena said.
"Save it. I don't want or need a sister who thinks I'm pathetic for being in love," Caroline said, steel in her voice.
"He tried to kill you once," Elena said incredulous.
"Yeah because we had just conspired to murder his brother. He also saved me," Caroline pointed out.
"Only because Tyler guilted him into it," Elena accused.
"Nothing and no one, especially Tyler could force Klaus to do anything. He and I had a conversation that night that opened my eyes to a lot of thing. Most important, that he is capable of love," Caroline told her.
"He is a master manipulator," Elena said.
"Klaus is a manipulator but so what? So is Damon and we all had to suffer through your train-wreck with him," Caroline said.
"That's why I know you're making a mistake. My history with Damon," Elena said.
"Elena no! Klaus and I are not like you and Damon. You two were horrible together and it hurt everyone around you. Klaus and I aren't hurting anyone," she told her.
"How long has this been going on?" Elena asked suspiciously.
"Since he was here last time," she told her. "When he left, we were together. We've been talking everything since then," Caroline told her.
"You've been hiding this for months. You were dating him while you cried at Tyler's funeral! Wow, Caroline!" Elena accused.
"What?" Caroline asked confused.
"Tyler is dead and you dishonor his memory by being in "love" with Klaus; his nemesis," Elena said attempting to shame her friend.
"I know Tyler's dead. It's as hard for me as it is for everyone else. But I'm not going to deny my heart because he hated Klaus. He hated Damon too. I don't see you asking Bonnie to break up with him," Caroline said.
"That's different," Elena said shaking her head.
"It's not. Damon killed Mason; Tyler's family. He hated Damon for it; so right after this you go to the boarding house and tell Bonnie she's dishonoring his memory because loves Damon," Caroline said meanly.
"This isn't about Damon! It's about Klaus!" Elena yelled.
"No! It's about you. Like always. Well not for me; not anymore. I am done living my life so as not to upset you. I'm living my life for Caroline. Not for Elena," Caroline said as she flashed from their room.
"I'm glad you guys made up," Bonnie said.
"Me too," Elena smiled. "I realized that my opinion of Klaus was unfair. I didn't know anything about him. After seeing him with Hope, I realized I was wrong," Elena said.
"She's very excited to be the flower girl," Caroline said.
"She's going to be so cute," Bonnie said.
"I can't wait to fly on a private jet to a tropical island," Elena said.
"You only agreed to be here because of the plane ride, didn't you?" Caroline teased.
"Yes," Elena said with a straight face causing the girls to laugh.
"I have to tell you guys something," Caroline said becoming serious.
"What's wrong?" Bonnie and Elena asked seriously.
"Nothing's wrong. At least I hope not," she said.
"What is it, Care?" Bonnie asked.
"I invited Demo to the wedding," Caroline admitted. Both girls were silent. They hadn't seen him since the night he killed Tyler. They both knew that both Stefan and Damon had talked to him.
"Why?" Bonnie asked.
"He's Klaus's friend. His true friend; his oldest friend. Believe it or not, he doesn't have many and I wanted all the people he loves to be at our wedding," Caroline explained.
"That makes sense," Bonnie said.
"Yeah but I don't know how Matt and Jer will take it," Elena said honestly.
"I have talked to Demo and he explained his motivations. He didn't apologize but helped me understand," Caroline told them.
"Care, is he flying with us?" Bonnie asked.
"Yeah, the entire wedding party and the guests are flying with us."
"You should probably tell them before they get surprised," Elena said.
"Do you think they'd skip my wedding if he's there?" Caroline asked frowning.
"I wish we could say no," Bonnie said.
The three girls paid the check and exited the restaurant. Caroline called Matt and asked him to bring Jeremy because she had something to talk to them about.
Caroline met Matt and the younger Gilbert at the park near the hotel. She hugged them both when they approached.
"What's up, Care?" Matt asked.
"I have something important to tell you both and I hope we can get through it," she said.
"What? You overbooked and Matt and I have to fly under the plane?" Jeremy said laughing. Matt joined his laughter but they both stopped when they noticed Caroline didn't laugh.
"What is it?" Matt asked.
"I invited Demosthenes to the wedding," she told them. Jeremy waited for Matt to say something but he didn't.
"Caroline, I can't say anything about who you invite to you wedding," the hunter said.
"Jer, it's ok. I want you to tell me," she said.
"It's your day. I'm happy you included me," he told her honestly.
"Thanks, Jer," she said hugging him.
"You're welcome," he said returning the hug.
"Congratulations, Care but I can't be at your wedding with him there," Matt said. Caroline had told Bonnie and Elena that she would understand if they chose not to attend. Now that the moment had arrived she found she didn't understand.
"Why?" she asked.
"I would have thought it was obvious. He killed Tyler. I'm not going to hang out with the guy like he didn't do anything," Matt said irritated.
"Matt, that's unfair," Caroline said.
"Unfair? How?" Matt asked.
"Vicki," she said plainly.
"What?" he asked shocked that Caroline had invoked his sister's name.
"Stefan killed her and you can be in the same room with him; the guy who killed your sister. But the guy who killed your best friend, you can't look at? Get your priorities straight," Caroline said meanly.
"I have never forgiven Stefan for that. You know that," he said.
"Fine, whatever. It's good to know where you stand," Caroline said.
"Stand on what?" Matt asked.
"My life. Elena's life," Caroline said.
"What are you talking about?" Matt questioned.
"If Tyler had succeeded in his plan I would be dead! If Klaus dies, I die; Elena dies. Tyler was ok with that. It's good to know so are you. I wish it didn't have to come to that but I'm not going to hate Demo for saving Klaus and saving me and Elena and Stefan and Damon. It's hurts that you would have forgiven Tyler for killing me," she said tearfully.
"Caroline...I..." Matt started.
"No, forget it," she said.
"Care, wait!" Matt said.
"Forget it! I won't take you name off the flight manifest but I won't expect you either," she said as she rose from her spot. Matt and Jeremy watched her walk away.
"Wow, Matt," Jeremy said.
"What?" he asked.
"I'm sorry Tyler is dead. I miss him but my sister is safe and I can't hate the person who made that happen," Jeremy said walking away.
Caroline shook off her sadness. She hated that Matt felt that way but she wasn't going to dwell on it. She had other things to do. Caroline made sure that all of the dresses and tuxes were delivered to the plan. She made sure the flight list was complete. Klaus hadn't wanted to leave the city to get married. He thought that it would make him vulnerable. Caroline didn't want a wedding interrupted by witches. In the end, Klaus could see her point. He was going to leave Hayley and Jackson in charge until Elijah returned to take over. It wasn't ideal but both Marcel and Elijah were in the wedding.
This way, Caroline wouldn't have to deal with Hayley being at her wedding. Caroline did feel as though she and the hybrid girl needed to be friends. As long as they were civil things worked out fine.
Caroline had arranged for their friends to have a little cocktail hour at the mansion before going to the airport. She didn't know if Matt would show up. She hopped he would but she wasn't going to obsess about it.
"Caroline, why are you so anxious?" Klaus asked as he snaked his arm around her waist.
"I'm not anxious. I'm excited. In three day I will be Mrs. Niklaus Mikealson, Queen of New Orleans," she said beaming.
''Finally," he said before he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. They only stopped when the door bell rang. Caroline opened it to find Hayley and Jackson with Hope.
Hope rushed inside and into her father's arms as Caroline stood aside as Hope's mother and step-father entered. Caroline pointed them toward the ballroom and returned to her fiance's side. Hope stayed with them. She wanted to help greet their guest. When the door bell rang again, Hope rushed to answer it. She jumped into Marcel's arms as he hugged her close.
"Hey little sister," he said as he put her on her feet.
"Hi big brother," she said as she pulled him in to her father and future step mother.
"Hey Marcel," Caroline said as she hugged him, "head to the ballroom," she said. He nodded, smiled at Hope and Klaus and went to the ballroom. Hope opened the door when the door bell rang the next time. Bonnie, Damon, Stefan, Elena and Jeremy stood there.
"Come in. Welcome to our house," the little girl said.
"Thank you, Princess Hope," Stefan said with a bow and a kiss to the back of her hand. Hope giggles and returned to her father's side. Caroline showed them to the ballroom, upset that Matt hadn't come. When she made it back to the door she saw Hope laughing with Klaus and Demo talked.
"Hope, what's so funny?' she asked.
"Kent is going that thing inside my head," she told her.
"Oh," Caroline said with a smile. "Kent, I'm glad you could make it," she said smiling brightly.
"Come on, Kent. I'll show you where to go," Hope said pulling him away.
"Demo, I'm glad you made it," Caroline said, hugging the Spartan.
"Thank you for inviting me to this most joyous occasion," he said formally.
"You are very welcome, my friend," Klaus responded. Caroline stepped away to answer the door. She was surprised to see Matt standing there.
"Hi Care," he said.
"Hi," she said, "I didn't think you were coming," she told him.
"I wasn't," he told her honestly.
"What made you change you mind?" she asked.
"Elena and Jeremy," he said.
"What?" Caroline asked.
"They have more cause than most to hate Klaus but they got over it because they see how happy he makes you. I can't hate the person who made sure I get to keep seeing you that happy. If Ty had succeeded I don't know what would've have happened to Bonnie, Jeremy and me. I'm not positive Jeremy would have killed him. I love you, Care. I don't want to see you hurt," Matt finished.
"Thanks Matt. Come in," she told him. Matt froze for a moment when he saw Demo but he pushed through the moment. He shook Klaus' hand and followed Caroline to the ballroom. When all of their guests had arrived, Klaus and Caroline joined them.
"Thank you all for coming," Klaus said. "We appreciate all of you coming to share in this joyous time with us. We will be leaving for the airport in two hours time. Enjoy yourselves," Klaus told the assembled guests with his glass raised.
Matt approached Demo cautiously. He wasn't sure what was going to happen but he needed to speak to him.
"Demo," Matt said.
"Matt," Demo said inclining his head.
"Can I ask you a question?" Matt asked.
"Of course, but I do not guarantee you will like the answer," Demo told him honestly.
"Ok," Matt said. "Are you sorry you killed Tyler?"
"No," Demo said plainly. Matt's eyes widened slightly. He didn't know what he thought he was going to say but a clear and concise no, wasn't it. "I will not apologize for the death of Tyler Lockwood but if you will allow me, I will explain," Demo told him.
"Alright," Matt agreed. He realized that this was all he was going to get.
"He was never going to stop. Revenge had warped him. Made him anew and until Nik was dead he would not be satisfied. And even then he would not have been appeased. The lesson I have learned in being immortal is that this life is loss. I have lost much and I admit that I killed him for selfish reason. Niklaus' death would have resulted in the loss of three men I count as brothers. I refused to stand by idly while a child acted out because he has had to pay for the consequences of his actions. Tyler Lockwood's death was unfortunate for those who cared for him but because I do not count myself among those people, I do not spare him much thought. I am sorry for your loss but if given the opportunity to go back and do it over, I would," Demo told him with complete honesty.
"Ok, I understand. I admit that I didn't understand how Tyler could have been ok with Caroline and Elena dying. It never made sense. I guess I hoped he would stop when he realized that killing Klaus wasn't the answer," Matt said.
"Kent read his thoughts. He was determined. His last thoughts were spent trying to figure out a way to kill Niklaus and get away," Demo told Matt. "The alpha werewolf knew of Tyler's plan. Kent read it in his mind," Demosthenes told Matt.
"What plan?" Matt questioned.
"When the werewolves attacked their plan was to leave none alive and burn the house to the ground. You were collateral damage and he was willing to go though with his plan regardless," Demo told him.
"Are you sure?" Matt asked.
"I have no reason to lie. Your opinion of me is of no concern to me. I have no need to make myself look better in your eyes. I am speaking the truth. Tyler Lockwood planned to kill all who stood in his way; including you, if it cam to that, leave Mystic Falls and never look back," Demo told Matt what Kent had told him on their drive home. Demo had since told Stefan and Damon. He didn't know who they had told.
Matt walked away, shocked and hurt. He felt as if he was mourning all over again. Only this time it felt worse. The last time he mourned it was for the man who died in front of him. This time it was for the Tyler that he could have been. The Tyler Matt thought he was.
Three days flew by and before Caroline knew it she was sitting in a chair in her en-suite bathroom getting her hair styled for her wedding. Elena and Bonnie had both had their hair and make-up finished. They were getting dressed and then were going to help Caroline get dressed.
Caroline looked at her engagement ring. She loved the Tiffany & Co. three carat cushion cut diamond ring with the pave band. Klaus had chosen the perfect ring. The lady finished her hair and Caroline looked at herself and she felt like a bride. Her hairstylist had fixed a tiara onto her head amidst her curls. She had thought that she would not want to wear her hair up but changed her mind. Klaus had presented her with the tiara, which symbolized her reign as queen. As she looked at it in awe, Bonnie, Elena and Liz entered the room.
"Sweetheart, come in here," her mother called. "Honey, you look beautiful," Liz said.
"Thanks Mom," Caroline said beaming.
"Ok, Care we have some things for you," Elena said.
"What things?" she said curious.
"You know, the basics. New, borrowed, blue because Klaus covered the old with that," Bonnie said pointing to the tiara.
"So here, this is from me and Stefan," Elena said handing Caroline a jewelry box. She opened it and found a beautiful diamond bracelet. She hugged Elena, who helped her put the bracelet on her wrist.
"Here. Remember Care, this is borrowed! I've seen you eying them, so on your special day, they are yours to wear," Bonnie said handing Caroline a pair of diamond earrings. Caroline loved the earring. She had been trying to get Bonnie to give them to her forever. Under normal circumstances, she probably would have but these had been an anniversary gift from Damon.
"My turn," former Sheriff Forbes said to her daughter. She presented Caroline with a small box. She opened it and inside was a blue lace handkerchief.
"What's this?" Caroline asked holding the delicate piece of cloth.
"Your Grandmother Forbes gave me this when you were born. She told me it was for your wedding day," Liz told her trying not to cry. "I didn't think we would see this day but here we are. I am so proud of you and happy for you, sweetheart," Liz told Caroline. The two women embraced. Before Liz left the three helped Caroline put he dress on.
Elena took the handkerchief from Caroline and wrapped it around the handle of her bouquet.
Bonnie opened the garment bag that held Caroline's dress. The bodice was sweetheart and covered in jewels. The skirt was a ball gown made entirely of tulle.
Caroline stepped into the dress as Bonnie zipped her up and Elena fixed the skirt.
The three girls smiled at each other and tried to control their tears. They were interrupted by a knock on the door. Elena opened it to find Rebekah and Hope.
Hope rushed in to hug Caroline but stopped before she got to her.
"You look so pretty," Hope said quietly.
"Thank you. So do you," Caroline said to the little girl who was in a dress identical to her own; only hers had white skater's mesh at the top.
"I come bearing gifts," Rebekah said.
"A vervain dart?" Elena said under her breath. Bonnie chuckled but smacked Elena gently on her arm. Caroline opened the box to find a garter.
"Thanks Rebekah. That was sweet of you," she said.
"You're welcome," Rebekah said before she left, taking Hope with her.
"Ok Care. It's time to go," Bonnie said picking up the bride's bouquet and handing it to her best friend. Bonnie put up her own bouquet, handed Elena hers and then the girls went to line up.
"Nik, are you ready?" Demo asked his friend.
"Yes. It seems unreal. I am ready to marry Caroline. I have waited for far to long," Klaus said.
"I am happy for you, my friend. You deserve every happiness," Demo said.
"Niklaus, it is time," Elijah said.
"One minute," Marcel said. "First, a toast," he said as he poured them each a drink of bourbon. "To Klaus and Caroline. May you know happiness for all eternity," Marcel said with his glass raised.
"To Klaus," Demo and Elijah said taking a drink.
"Let's go gentlemen. I'm getting married," Klaus said as he led them from the room.
Klaus stood at the front of their assembled guest, the setting sun at his back. He could admit that he was nervous. He had waited so long for Caroline to come to him. He was worried that she'd change her mind and the light she brought to his life would be gone.
He watched his beautiful daughter walk down the aisle with Marcel holding her hand while she sprinkled red rose petals behind her. She smiled brightly at him as she and Marcel took their seats beside Rebekah.
Klaus took a deep breath when the wedding march began. He looked down the aisle and coming toward him was his Caroline. She was being led down the aisle by her best friend, Stefan Salvatore. She was smiling at him, her eyes already shining with tears not yet shed. He wished she would use her vampire speed to get to him; he was getting impatient. He felt Elijah's hand on his back and heard him whisper,
"Be patient, Niklaus. Enjoy this moment." Klaus felt himself relax as he watched his mate walk toward him, her eyes shining.
When Caroline took Klaus' hand at the alter she felt peace settle around her. If either Klaus or Caroline were asked later what happened at the ceremony they wouldn't have been able to answer. They only had eyes for each other and while they answered at the appropriate times, it was clear they just want to be lost in each other.
After the first dance, Caroline danced with Elijah, Stefan, Jeremy, Marcel, Damon, Matt and finally Demo.
"Thank you," Caroline said.
"You are welcome. I would not have missed today," he said.
"Not just for today," Caroline clarified.
"For what then?" he asked.
"For everything. For being Klaus' friend. For saving me and saving him. I am so grateful that you were there to keep my friends and Klaus on the same page. If you hadn't been there bridging the gap, I don't know what would have happened," Caroline told him.
"Caroline, you are important to Nik and Stefan, therefore you are important to me. There is no need to thank me but if you must then show your gratitude by loving Niklaus for all of eternity," Demo told her as he handed her off to her husband.
Demosthenes stood on the sideline watching. He saw Klaus and Caroline reveling in the love they had found. He saw Damon finally happy with the one who he was destined to find. And he saw Stefan at peace and not guilt ridden with the one the universe had chosen for him. He watched his friends dance around the dance floor and was happy for the first time in many years.
Demosthenes watched the former enemies become a family and he was proud to have been the bridge that got them there.
