BLEED

by E. A. Brown

"Screw you, Klaus!" Bonnie hissed as she tried to wiggle free from his grasp. Tightening his hold, he whispered into her ear "That's an excellent idea, Witch. Screw me." Her eyes widened in horror! ... Klonnie with some Bamon.

11. Checkmate!

Disclaimer: The characters in this story are the property of LJ Smith and the CW.

Author's Note: Thank you all for being so loyal to this story even though I have not updated in a really long while. A lot has been going on in my life. Some new readers PM me explaining that they read this because someone discussed it in a forum or recommended it on tumblr or a reader expressed joy for a previous update that made them curious… so THANK YOU everyone for every kind word! You guys rock!

With this said, I want to dedicate this chapter to everyone who continues to read this story :-) If not for you, there would be no story.

And to Dannya1980, Lapis Love and AnissaB1: I haven't forgotten about you guys!

Songs for this chapter: 'Set Me Free' by Raquel and 'Put Your Loving On Me' by Robin Thicke!

Beware: Chapter is EXTREMELY long. I was going to divide it in two, but then I decided to leave it. After all, this chap took forever in coming lol. Please, please do not be bored ;-)

Chapter 11 – Checkmate!

A sharp intake of breath—

Mine?

—before an uppercut to the gut confirmed his reality. This was really happening.

I cannot—wheeze.

He couldn't breathe because there was—no AIR!

And then …

Whoosh!

A breeze. He tried to gulp it down but the motion that caused it inhibited his ability to take it in; proving his father—no, Mikael's fist was faster than what met the eye (which explained the dual vision). He'd been punched in the face.

He tried to turn his head. "Moth"—his mouth contorted to accommodate another right hook to the jaw, distorting the sound—"eeerrrrrrrrr!" The blow tilted him off axis causing him to lose his footing. 'Thud' was the next sound which could be heard when his face smacked the wooden floor.

Block! Thou knowest what will follow!

Too late!

It was always to late. A barrage of stomps and kicks assailed his prone form. Since his broken ribs still refused to contract to help him inhale, he realized forcing them to move so he could curl into a protective ball on the floor would be impossible. So he lay there taking it, knowing his father had every right to punish him for Henrik's death.

Tis' not thy father, a little voice inside him screamed.

It was the voice of his youth. The young boy who spent most of his days alone in the fields while his father—Mikael (he once again corrected himself) hunted with his brothers. It all made sense now … Never being bounced on his f—Mikael's knee. Being denied every request. Never hearing a kind word from the man … All because he was not his son.

Tonight the circumstances of his birth had been summarized in two words, three if one counted the adjectives, which included "bastard!" And from the amount of venom injected into that word each time it was yelled this evening, he deduced the word held some deeper meaning for Mikael.

His 'father' was usually given to variety; often using many colorful terms to describe him such as 'worthless filth' or 'feces'. So the fact that those insults had been substituted for this one word highlighted the adamance of Mikael's rejection (hence the current trampling) and so the truth was revealed proving his boyhood suspicions: he was illegitimate. He did not belong.

Oh how he wanted to shut his eyes against the truth and the sole of his fath—Mikael's rapidly descending shoe, but he just couldn't. He turned his head to view the only thing he could from this angle.

His mother.

Her visage might as well have been cast in stone as she and her equally blurry twin, stood silently while he continued to get stomped on.

…

"Flee, Niklaus, Flee!"

…

Death calleth me by name … and yet I knoweth not the name of my father?

…

"NIK!"

At once the mental haze began to clear at the sound of the endearment turned plea.

Rebekah?

When the fog dissipated and his eyes focused, he realized he was being propped up on his feet by his brothers, both of whom were transfixed by the sight before them. He followed their line of sight.

No, his eyes were not deceiving him. Elijah pinned Mikael to wall with one elbow!

The person closest to the interlocked pair, however, did not appear stunned. In fact, Rebekah looked terrified … because … because Elijah's grip was slipping. She issued her command again, "Flee, Niklaus!"

He desperately wanted to obey his sister but he knew he would fall the moment Finn and Kol released him. Placing one foot in front of the other to run with what felt like broken ribs, two broken hips and a disconnected kneecap would be suicide. But Rebekah's next shrill cry spurred him into painful action because it was a reminder that he risked possible homicide if he remained; double homicide if Elijah lost his hold. Mikael did not tolerate opposition. The poor sod would need Finn and Kol to have a chance of survival, which meant that he was on his own …

Alone.

It took Klaus a moment to calm down; to realize he was alone. Rebekah, his brothers, his treacherous mother and Mikael were nowhere to be found. This is now not the past, he reminded himself as he looked down at his legs. There were no injuries like the ones he'd sustained that day. They were a memory. And yet … he could still feel those wounds deep within. Although he remained seated, his legs flexed anxiously in preparation for flight as if he would be required to transport a broken body to this field all over again.

To prevent himself from sprinting across the clearing like a buck; Klaus toppled backward into the grass, bringing his body to a sleeping position. Unfortunately, it was like falling into the past. Into that battered, exhausted heap who had fought to take in air one harsh breath at a time while staring blankly at the sky.

This same sky …

Slowly, he turned his head from the many constellations and gulped in pain. Tears fell from his eyelids onto the earth. Tonight's vicious beating had been warranted. He deserved Mikael's violent contempt. If he were to die this night, it would be a fair punishment. For he had watched those creatures maul Henrik without scarcely a whimper. Why did he not act? What had held him in such thrall that his heart had threatened to burst into flame?

… Those gold eyes …

He squeezed his eyes together tightly, not wanting to see them. Forcefully trying to forget the strange irises which had stirred his emotions and held them in check at the same time. Yes, he wanted to die, but … Oh God, wilt thou see me perish knowing not the name of my true sire?

Those gold eyes flashed in his mind once more.

His eyes flew open.

The other insult hurled at him while he lay slumped against the wall after being flung across the room at some point during the beating suddenly came to mind. 'Filthy mongrel', Michael had yelled ... like he was some four-legged creature … Like he … was one of the beasts that destroyed his younger brother …

His eyes widened.

"Thought I might findest thou here."

The sound of his brother's jovial voice caught his attention. Kol was always the first to come.

"Elijah," Klaus gasped, trying to pull himself into a sitting position.

"Alive." Kol confirmed before dropping to his haunches before his brother. He used one hand to push his brother back down. "But thou art near death."

"Nay. I …" His voice trailed off. His ribs threatened to burst into flame under Kol's palm. The pain was so sharp; he flinched, desperately biting his tongue to keep from crying out … Bloody hell, there was no sense in trying to hide it. His brother already knew. Kol had this way of looking into one's eyes and seeing the soul even though he hid such perception behind a carefree smile and mischievous behavior.

"Rest thy head upon the herbs whilst I bandage thee. On the morrow, thou must explain to the tavern wenches why they were deprived of my company this night."

If this were any other night, he would have laughed at Kol's words, but not tonight … even though he suddenly wanted to.

Klaus did laugh; out loud. He wasn't able to do so then because of circumstance and tragedy even though he'd found the statement strangely comforting. But he could now for some reason. He felt free; unrestricted. Able to just be … because of her.

Kol could always be counted on to say the most random thing at the most inappropriate time, and for the first time in a long while he could appreciate his brother's reckless humor. Even more impressive, he could admit he loved this about his brother. The ability to make light of any situation was a rare gift. He chuckled. Damn, I'm buggered. This walk down memory lane reeked of sentiment and all things soft and cuddly. Gad, I'm acting like a pussy, a freaking pansy.

His laughter died. He was neither sentimental nor a pussy so to speak, but now that he was on the subject of 'pussy', he wanted some in the worst way. And since she was doing her best to turn him into a cunt by inspiring such reflection and mushiness, it was only fair he obtain that which she held from him. He had her love, which still shocked him to his toes. All he needed now was her vagina.

And he was about as close to getting her panties as he'd been the day they met. He laughed at the irony. They loved each other and were bound inextricably yet their hostility toward one another was greater than before thanks to the little stunt he pulled with the heart. Actually, it had gone downhill after he killed that Lockwood woman.

Honestly, he blamed love. The side effects i.e. overprotectiveness and jealousy were the reasons he wasn't shagging her in this valley right now.

And after all the progress we made.

He shook his head. It was a bloody shame. But on the bright side, they'd never had any trouble expressing their feelings which was evidenced by their first night here … I loved her then, possibly even before that. Why else would I have brought her here? To this place … To this sanctuary where he was free to be himself … This valley of reflection and escape … He could see them in his minds eye, frolicking in the grass as they had that day …

Her green eyes sparkled like stalagmite in the darkest cave as she whispered, "I do care for you even though I tried not to."

"Likewise," he remembered responding before she'd kissed him.

It was true. Passion wasn't their problem. They cocked up around the follow through with tit for tat attacks. First, she paraded that Salvatore berk in front of my face. I mean what did she expect? A medal? And then she had the absolute nerve to overreact! He rolled his eyes. So feminine. In fact it was this overreaction that inspired his jaunt down memory lane. She'd forced him to relive the beginning of the most painful night of his life, and in doing so forced him to recall the full night in its entirety which revealed an important piece of information that put the truth in perspective.

… Those gold eyes …

Those fucking irises were the reason he'd never heard his mother's conversation with that so-called man of the cloth. They had held him prisoner at the scene which was what that bitch had been counting on! No, it was much more diabolical. She'd wanted him to feel such anger and sadness at being unable to help Henrik at the time of his death that he would transform into one of them … A monster with gold eyes. A Lycan. No wonder she'd stood silently in a corner while his 'father' had beat him to within an inch of his life. She'd planned it!

A few months ago, he'd discovered that she was responsible for the loss of his beloved brother, but to find that that she was also behind the cruel beating he suffered was a real eye opener. Had she expected a flogging to bring out his wolf? It seemed hindsight was an even bigger bitch than his mother. Apparently one's past was a huge spoiler for the future. And to think, he'd always believed his mother feared that part of him. Why else had she attempted to seal it away?

I guess you never know with that bitch.

Klaus began to laugh bitterly. It was too much irony for one day. Who would ever think he'd be grateful to Bonnie Bennett for handing his ass to him? If not for her wrath, the depths of his mother's duplicity would never have come to light. Why had his mother been so interested in his breed? There was obviously more to the Original Lycan than the Greek manuscripts recorded.

Well … those tomes were right about one thing: the love of his life held they key to his wolf. Bonnie had brought a hidden memory to the surface. There was only one problem. How the devil had she seen what happened to Henrik?

"Is that laughter I hear? From the mighty, wolf 'so-I-gotta-be-right' Niklaus. I knew I would find you here. You used to come here as a lad whenever you needed to get away. Now what, may I ask, is so funny?"

Dandy, just dandy. What were the chances of his brother happening upon him in the same position on the same field as he had that day eons ago? It had to be one in a billion and yet here Kol was. And considering the nature of younger siblings, Kol probably wanted something. But more importantly, the way the disrespectful louse had said 'mighty' made it sound like he believed him to be everything but 'mighty'. "And you're here because?"

Kol could tell he wasn't wanted so he took a seat beside his reclining brother. "Come on Nikky, you're not still salty over that little incident regarding Bonnie Bennett, are you?"

Nikky? He itched to smack Kol. "Not at all."

"Oh my God, you like her." Kol smirked. "And Elijah knew. That calculating bastard," he laughed. "That's why he was so certain you'd come to her rescue."

Elijah recognized my feelings before I did and sought to use them against me? How sweet, he's still bitter over that Celeste matter. Klaus shook his head. It seemed the brother who risked his life to save him was forever gone. It was too bad because he wanted to believe in all this talk of reclaiming New Orleans together, but Elijah's plans most likely served his own agenda. Note to self: trust Elijah even less. "I needed a witch so I saved her. End of story."

"I had no idea you were so desperate for a witch considering you screw every attractive one you come across. What makes Bonnie Bennett so special? Grant it, she's gorgeous. And that sensual frame …Mmm. Her charms are 'unique' if you catch my drift?" He smiled salaciously.

Klaus did 'catch Kol's drift'. And it warranted a punch in the face, but it wouldn't do to make his feelings known. Just concentrate on the stars above … Lovely aren't they?

"What I wouldn't give to throw her on a bed and …" Kol's voice trailed off with a horny grunt.

Klaus sat up abruptly.

Kol smiled knowingly. "But she doesn't seem the type to entertain us, even if courted. It's a shame witches can't be compelled or you could date her."

Dismissing his brother's antics, Klaus focused on the vast field before him. "Why this sudden preoccupation with Bonnie Bennett, Kol?"

"Rest assured, Niklaus. She's all yours." Kol started laughing as he stared off into the distance as well. But just as quickly as his laughter began, it ended. "Unless Silas has anything to say about it. Rumor has it she's a huge part of his plan."

Klaus turned to face him. "Silas?"

"Yes. He wants her just as much as you do." Kol suddenly smiled suggestively. "Although for different reasons I'm sure."

Ignoring his brother's last comment, Klaus asked "Are you certain Silas has returned?"

"Strange. You did not question his existence like Rebekah. You know he's real." Kol stared at him as if he were pleased to find another believer. "We must stop him before his grudge against your kind extends to our entire family …"

Now that, he did not know. What grudge? Against hybrids? Fortunately Kol was kind enough to keep yapping and answer his unspoken questions.

"… Actually, he may believe the Original Lycan is extinct since he was trapped before our time which could work to our advantage. But to be safe, we must destroy the witch so that he is unable to use her to return to this world."

"Miss Bennett is off limits."

"I daresay, Nikky, your paws are showing. Is it lust or love?"

"Does it matter? She's irrelevant. She's not our problem, Silas is."

Love. He's in love with her. Kol surveyed his brother casually, hiding his skepticism. If that's the case, he better fess up or she's fair game. But as always, Klaus remained remained tight-lipped. Fine. Have it your way. "You're right, brother. She's not a problem"—for you—"so she will be left alone," he lied. "Speaking of problems, there's one so trifling I wasn't even going to mention it, but … bugger it. You seem to have developed a heartbeat which might be a problem considering your dead, technically. I can only imagine how you obtained one, but you should probably get rid of it before it gets any louder. Sooner or later, every supernatural being will be able to hear it, not just us originals."

Klaus' eyes widened. He'd forgotten all about that since his only mimicked hers when it beat rapidly. Is she distressed?

Kol smiled. "Well, I'll leave you to your thoughts. Mother always said she'd pay a penny for them. So would I."

I'll bet. He watched his brother disappear into the foliage surrounding this private meadow thinking … a penny for my thoughts. Why? Is there something special about them because of what I am?

Clarity. And with it came the answer.

It seems the secrets of the original lycan are hidden inside me and every one knew it, except me. He laughed spitefully knowing he had been a pawn in his mother's game, although not a very useful one, considering she hadn't been able to read his mind nor had he ever behaved according to somehow, he still felt like her pieces, including him, were moving into place.

White Queen to c3 + Black King to b1

(King on the run)

Where the hell was Professor Shane? He'd said he would meet her here over an hour ago.

It's things like this that make me wonder …

It wasn't that she didn't trust him. He had been instrumental in helping Jeremy control his hunter's impulses, which from her point of view, appeared to be an extremely difficult thing to do. And teaching her the ins and outs of expression was proving to be an exhausting, not to mention dangerous, task. In truth, he was a Godsend—I don't trust him!

And there it was: the truth, which had this little way of bubbling to the surface. The question of whether to believe in or suspect Shane was just another thing in her life that caused mental conflict. First, Klaus, whom she loved senselessly and could no longer deny despite his penchant for extracting hearts. It was a good thing she'd begun practicing the art of avoidance after the incident in his bedroom or she would be—no. She refused to think of the many things she could be doing with—to—him. Wrong either way, genius. Both 'with' and 'to' imply something dirty.

Okay! Moving on …

Second, Damon. He was acting stranger these days. Maybe it was time to ask the obvious question: "Who told you were are friends?" Maybe then he would understand the beauty of their relationship, which was: they didn't have one.

Third, Jeremy … Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy. She shook her head as she paced the hallway outside of Shane's office at her all but deserted high school. Well, it was Saturday so what could one expect? She half expected Jeremy to pop up and try to protect her. Or Damon. She smirked in an un-ladylike manner. Those two picked the worst week to be boys. Jeremy had basically declared his undying love for her and all she could think was if only this had happened months ago. But now … Dammit, Klaus! Her feelings for him were set in stone.

And last but certainly not least, the whole expression thing. More and more, it felt like there was something the professor wasn't telling her about Qetsiyah and every time she thought about this, she could feel something boiling underneath her skin. It was like something was hiding inside her warring emotions waiting to jump out. Her mind began to travel a mile a minute. Answers. She needed answers.

Enough! Lord knew mulling over her problems wasn't constructive when the existence of Silas threatened the world as she knew it. Besides, she could discuss her worries with Shane when he arrived. In the meantime, she could do what she had been planning to do before life got in the way: return Jane-Anne Devereaux's call. She reached into her back pocket to retrieve her cell, hoping it was nothing serious since this reply was almost a week late.

An iMessage waited patiently for her to read on the locked screen. It was from Matt.

Come to my place whenever u get a chance. Like in 30 min. Its important.

Bonnie smiled. I love how he says 'whenever' then gives a time. Better let him know it could take awhile.

Waiting for Prof. Shane right now. Give me 1 hrrrrrrrrrrrr

Crash.

The sound made when her phone hit the ground.

Emptiness.

The brief sensation in her hands when she realized her phone was no longer in them.

She could hear birds chirping as they flew in circles around her head. "Ow," she grumbled as she rubbed the back of it. It had hit the locker with such force all she could see was …

Blurriness.

She blinked.

Some nameless figure was shouting at her.

Bonnie concentrate.

Her eyelashes fluttered. Kol?

He smiled into her face. At which point, she attempted to fend him off only to realize his body pinned hers to the lockers. Now that her mind was functioning properly again she heard him loud and clear. And he was, by no means, screaming.

"That's right, Bonnie. You can't move." His eyes twinkled dangerously. "I wouldn't struggle if I were you or I might forget that this is an interrogation." When she looked away from him, he spoke in her ear. "I finally understand why my brother likes you."

She gasped.

He laughed. "Don't confuse us, Bonnie. I prefer willing woman but all this squirming is putting your more amiable qualities on display. Your breasts feel quite luscious against me to be sure but I'm much more interested in information."

She turned and looked him squarely in the eyes. "And I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about."

He was smiling again. "Playing coy? I like it." His expression was deceptively playful. "Do you want me to beg?" His eyes twinkled. "Does my brother beg?"

Bonnie almost bit her tongue, but she masked her shock with a warning. "Kol? Oh I remember. You were the one with the third degree burns. I strongly suggest you recall the events of the day we met and release me."

The last question had obviously spooked her. Interesting. "Judging from your response, I'd say my brother hasn't fucked you yet and if you don't tell me where Silas is, he may never get the chance."

Silas.

Her eyes widened.

Then her blood began to boil wickedly. This guy has the nerve! For starters, she had no idea where Silas was?Second:'fucking'?! Who's 'fucking' who? Certainly not her and Klaus! And Klaus 'begging', really? I won't dignify those questions with answers. "You have more in common with your brother than you realize. Both of you seem to enjoy getting your asses kicked."

Niklaus certainly knew how to pick 'em. He was becoming more intrigued by the minute. "Flattery will get you nowhere," he said sarcastically. "But trust me, Ms. Bennett when I tell you the differences between my brother and I are stark. I would bring you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams whereas poor Niklaus would only give you pain. He would lose himself the minute he entered you and seek fulfillment. I would exercise restraint; take my time." His fingers caressed her arms. "You see, my dear, he is quite obsessed with you and I am not. And he might let you live after such an encounter out of strong feeling or sentiment but I would not." His eyes blackened. "Shall I prove it? Or will you tell me what I wish to know?"

"One."

"Not the answer I'm looking for." His blunt fingernails began to dig into her forearms.

"Two."

He lifted her, glared into her eyes then slammed her against the lockers once more. "Don't play with me!" He grabbed her face and used his grip to mush her head into the lockers. He didn't let go. He kept pushing, hard enough to make a dent.

She could feel the steel cutting into her scalp. It hurt so much, she croaked, "Three."

Stupid little bitch! He was going to—kneel. No, he meant to choke the life out of her after copping a few feels. So why couldn't he get up?! His body suddenly felt so heavy, he could hardly lift it. It was as if gravity had increased tenfold. He suddenly dropped from his knees to all fours; palms flat on the marble flooring. He twisted and turned his fingers to lock his position so he could keep his body from flopping to the ground.

Was the floor zooming in? Or was his face getting closer to it? Her boots seemed to be getting bigger as his gaze descended. I can't fucking believe this! Such power!

Kol almost broke his neck trying to reverse his downward spiral and look up at her at the same time. After a good amount of struggling, he managed to steal a glance. She eyed him casually as if nothing were happening before bending over to retrieve her phone. A minute later he heard her say, "Hello, Matt. I'm on my way." Then she stepped over him and proceeded down the hall without so much as a backward glance.

He lay there facedown listening to the decreasing sound of heels clicking on the flooring knowing the 'good' professor had deceived him; sent him here to die. "Speak to the town witch. Ask her about Silas. They have an interesting relationship," Shane had said. Relationship, my ass! The mere mention of that name had set her off! He couldn't tell what bothered her more, Silas or his brother. He cursed, vowing to kill the lying bastard, but something told him Shane had escaped the makeshift prison he'd fashioned for him. The guy planned this well.

Bonnie Bennett is not working with Silas, Shane is. And unfortunately for him the witch did not destroy me.

Black King to b3 c1 = White Queen

"I love you."

Bonnie nearly dropped her car keys.

Function, Bon.

With shaking fingers she pressed the lock button.

You might want to close the door first …

Oh yeah. She leaned forward and shut the door before straightening, her back becoming as stiff as a poker.

Klaus.

She knew she had to face him, but she didn't want to deal—couldn't deal with him just yet. Because … Because … Oh how she wanted to run from this moment. Matt's house was a stone's throw away. If only she could … not have this conversation. Not today and certainly not with one of her best friends living a few yards away.

The Different Ways In Which This Can Play Out

By: Bonnie Bennett

Make a run for it … only to have him pursue and embarrass you in front of Matt.

Turn around and say, "About this whole love thing …" Yeah—no.

Fight him (because that always ends well).

Enchant him and then do something stupid like admit your feelings, BUT you've already done that.

Seeing as how all the scenarios were equally heinous and ignoring him wasn't an option, she swung around to face him.

As always, he was sexy to death … in a burgundy fitted tee. She almost went into cardiac arrest. Clutching her chest, she tried to concentrate but he was speaking again.

"I love you."

Her heart skipped a beat. He was straightforward, persistent and so goddamn determined she was stunned speechless … Well, not quite. She rushed into a nervous tirade, as was her habit whenever he crowded her. "Love? You killed all those people?! You shoved 'I-don't-know-who's' heart into a Tiffany's box and gave it to me!" She finished on a ragged breath only to realize he wasn't violating her personal space at all. He just stood there unfazed, unapologetic and … stared.

Blue eyes found green.

The heated gaze did unspeakable things to her psyche. "This is neither the time nor the place to discuss feelings, Klaus," she said honestly. Nervously.

He remained immobile, eyes fixed on hers.

His silence terrified her because she knew better. He was purposeful; pure calculation. Any spontaneity he'd ever displayed was her fault. It was frightening how set he was in his ways. He acted like he had every right to be here which was outrageously pompous, not to mention domineering. So why did it call to her every feminine sense? "Shouldn't you be off missing Henrik?" She asked vindictively in a futile attempt to remind him (mainly herself) that they were enemies. Natural born. Their love was best forgotten.

But he continued to stare intently.

And then …

"Touché, my sweet. If you're referring to the little re-enactment of my life you provided, rest assured, love, I learned a valuable lesson. One I might thank you for by the way." He smiled evilly. "Which I will. Later. But that's not the reason I came."

Of course. An ulterior motive.

"I don't care why—"

He wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Wha-what are you trying to do …" her voice faltered, when his lips touched her shoulder. His tongue slithered upward to her neck. "In broad daylight?"

"Is it daylight?" he murmured against her collarbone. "I hadn't noticed."

"Liar," she moaned, closing her eyes … Their relationship was changing. Right and wrong seemed to have vanished into thin air. Murder, horrific paintings, and so forth, etcetera … only thing left was to give in. "Klaus …" she mumbled incoherently seconds before she felt herself being lifted!

Klaus dropped her on the hood of her car and then … watched her. For one beautiful moment, she lay sprawled in a motionless heap. If I could paint her thus … Her eyes flew open and he witnessed the moment reality set in. Worry was written all over her face. She tried to sit up but made the mistake of planting her feet flat on the surface and bending her knees. Wordlessly, he grabbed her shins.

Knowing he would attempt to spread her knees, she scrambled backward, shoulder hitting the windshields.

He tilted his head to view her entire, frantic form. A goddess.

Undeterred, he climbed up onto the hood of the car and settled between her legs. Then he stared into the endless abyss of green that were her eyes. "I love you."

"Klaus, please. This is not …"

Ignoring her, he lowered his head until their noses were inches apart. "Say it."

She opened her mouth to respond when the sound of wheels rolling along the pavement caught her attention. This is crazy! Cars were driving down the street! The sun was shining down brightly on them! Matt could push back a curtain, look through a window and see them! Anyone could! And yet, here she was in a compromising position with the world's most dangerous predator, who was demanding her heart. "There are people—"

"I don't care." He cut her off with that single declarative statement. "World be damned. This is about us. Everything changed when I said those three little words and you returned them. This time you don't have a spell to impair me, so I suggest you get comfortable because you won't escape. Neither will I allow your pride to get in the way. And for the record, sweetheart, you will no longer use my past deeds as an excuse to deny me the love we both know we share. So move those lips. Form the phrase. I want you to look me in the eyes and say it again. I want to hear the words while I'm in my right mind and your voice is the only one in my head. I need this to be real."

He would never look more appealing than he did right now … He's vulnerable. And no one was more shocked to discover this than she. This need to have her affirm her feelings for him reminded her of a child needing a kind word of encouragement from a parent to cement his or her worth. And from what she knew of his parents, it seemed doubtful Klaus ever received such attention. At this moment, it was clear he yearned for affection. She could see it in his eyes. This was a part of him he probably never allowed anyone to see, and yet he's showing me. Her chest swelled with love for him when she thought she couldn't love him any more than she already did.

He moved so that his lips hovered directly above hers. "Of course you don't know how I'll react when you say it." He planted a chaste kiss on her lips. "You'll just have to accept the strong possibility that slow, passionate, long overdue lovemaking may follow."

"Excuse me miss, is he bothering—oh, Bonnie!" Mr. Sayers attempted to mask his surprise when Klaus adjusted his position to—who knew? Fondle her. From his unpredictable yet strangely romantic actions today to Kol's attack to one of her father's best friends catching her beneath him, it couldn't possibly get any worse. Mr. Sayer cleared his throat. "I'm on my way to see your father for a late lunch. Can I interest you in joining me?" Then his eyes settled accusingly on Klaus. "That is, if this young man—I didn't quite catch his name—will be so kind as to get off of you."

Bonnie frowned. Oh. My. Gosh. This IS getting worse and her head was already throbbing. Now Klaus will kill him if I don't—

"Niklaus Mikaelson." Klaus introduced himself pleasantly before returning his gaze to hers. He watched her wince as he spoke. "Unfortunately, the young lady is preoccupied and will have to forgo lunch." His eyes impaled hers. "You see, she is about to make love to her boyfriend who has waited an eternity for her and simply cannot wait any longer. Give Mr. Bennett my regards. Tell him his daughter is in good hands."

"****" Was the best she could manage.

"Now see here, young man!"

Klaus turned and looked Mr. Sayers directly in the eyes. "Be gone. You never saw us."

Then he returned his gaze to her and collected his smack like a champion. He said nothing while she mouthed 'ow'. The angry look in her eyes told him she hadn't forgotten they were linked. "Was that necessary?! He'll tell my father," she railed as she attempted to maneuver her way out from under him. Then she stopped moving and looked up at him. "An eternity, really?" A smirk accompanied the question. It was as if her anger had faded momentarily to allow the dig. He slid off the car, dragging her with him so that her legs dangled off the hood and he maintained his position between them while he stood.

"Yes, an eternity." He defended himself cheekily. "I've been around a lot longer than you, sweetheart." He raised an eyebrow. "And to the girl who used my brother's death as a means to hurt me: yes, that was absolutely necessary." He grinned suddenly. "What's the big deal anyway, love? I compelled him in the end."

Her eyes widened. "Really? When did you"—it dawned. "Yoouuuuu!" She shook her head while attempting to glare simultaneously. Despite her best efforts, her lips tilted upward into a smile and ruined the effect. She raised her hands to do him (and herself) bodily harm because he was so frustrating and so infuriating and so damn cute!

He raised his hands to block. "Careful, love. My blood pressure."

She shoved him anyway, just because.

"Ouch," he complained with a sly smile.

"You're not hurt so don't pretend." She rolled her eyes.

"But you looked like you put your all into that tap so I wanted to make you happy."

She began to laugh. "Idiot."

"I'd prefer another term of endearment, love." His lips descended on hers.

The kiss was everything she feared, a blatant enticement. He didn't force her. The undulation of her lips evidenced her desire. His tongue darted in and out of her mouth with quick, smooth passes that made her want to seize his hair and hold him still for their kiss.

Please, dear Lord, help me! I'm supposed to be angry.

He killed and dismembered all those people.

He gave me a heart.

But whenever he's near … loving him becomes easy.

His right hand slid into her hair. At once, his head began throbbing. "Bon-Bonnie," he groaned and drew back. "What's wrong?"

Meanwhile …

"She's got two seconds to enter this house."

"Let's give her some time, Caroline. When I spoke with her she said she was on her way."

"She's outside. She has been for the past fifteen minutes."

"Maybe she's—"

"Would you stop making excuses for her, Matt! She's with Klaus! And I can only imagine what they're doing out there!"

Matt surprised them all with "And?"

"And?" Tyler repeated. "You have no idea what they're saying out there. Klaus is claiming he loves her! Klaus?! The 'big bad'? He couldn't possibly love Bonnie." He looked to Elena. "It's not that she's not lovable. She's sweet, not to mention hot." His eyes floated guiltily to Caroline's. "I mean she's cute. But that's not the point." He shook his head, eyes finding Matt's once again. "It's Klaus, guys. Klaus?! He's too psychotic for that!"

"And Bonnie should know better." Caroline supplied, looking to Elena for help. When none was forthcoming she asked, "Really, Elena? Nothing?"

"Don't look to her for answers, Car. She's still fighting for her mental health thanks to Connor. Besides, it's not like she's in a position to throw stones anyway. Neither are you. Why don't we give Bonnie a chance to defend herself? We're her friends."

"But—"

"Bonnie's not the first to get involved with vampires is all I'm saying."

"You sure you don't want to say more?" Elena asked, noting his veiled insult. She was still lucid enough to read between the lines. "We wouldn't want you to hold back on our account."

He stood, shaking his head. "No. I'm not getting into the petty bullshit between you three. You two just need to be fair."

"By fair, you mean?"

Obviously, Caroline never learned to leave well enough alone. "You could try to understand where Bonnie's coming from." Given her stubbornness, he knew it was a lost cause. So he tried his other ex. "Elena, you slept with a vampire." He looked at Stefan. "No pun intended man." His eyes traveled back to Caroline's. "You've slept with two so I wouldn't play the judgmental card if I were you."

"Tyler was a werewolf," she shot back.

"And my best friend. None of which stopped you. Last time I checked, Klaus was a werewolf too. Both he and Tyler are the same: hybrids, so that's not the best defense. And weren't you the same one convinced of his 'humanity' not too long ago? You know what, forget it."

"You say whatever and then expect me to forget it?"

'Whatever'? Her self-righteousness was astonishing. Were his ears playing tricks on him or did she really just label the truth 'whatever'? Caroline couldn't be serious right now; so he wouldn't take her seriously. "Look, I just think we just need to cut Bonnie some slack. It's not like she shares your standards or track record. Klaus would have better luck getting you into bed."

"Matt, apologize to Caroline!"

"Facts are facts. She knows I'm not trying to be cruel."

"Does she?" Elena carried on. "You know, she's worried about Bonnie too."

"I don't doubt that for one second, but I think its hypocritical to criticize your best friend for things you're guilty off. Attacking her morals when she's the most innocent one in our little incestuous group is a tad much. I mean, say what you want, but she's the only one I haven't dated. And let's not forget Damon, who's done everything from murdering Vicki—my sister, remember her—to killing Jeremy like twenty times, and yet somehow you manage to defend him. But Bonnie, you're willing to excommunicate? Get off your high horse, Elena. Just remember to drag Caroline off hers when you're done," he added offhand. "Then you can do Stefan a favor and cut him loose because we all know you've got some 'love your rapist' thing for Damon. Oh, and you might want to do that first before accusing Bonnie of anything."

Stefan jumped to his feet and grabbed Elena before she could do anything she'd regret. Killing Matt would be bad. "Matt," he said in warning.

"Just sticking up for Bonnie. And it would've been nice to have some backup." Where the hell was Jeremy when he needed him? He walked to the window muttering, "Someone has to do the right thing," before peeling back the curtain slightly. She better not be kissing that murderer! The last thing I need is for Caroline to be right!

Outside …

Klaus held her face between his fingers. The headache was almost as painful as her infamous migraines. If it pained him, her world was probably spinning. So why did she remain silent? Why had she kept it to herself?

Pity he'd been too selfish to realize it sooner.

Now she's got me using ridiculous words like 'selfish'.

Unfortunately, his distaste for the word didn't make it any less fitting. He'd been selfish; too preoccupied with extracting an admission from her to notice her pain. And she, being a fool, was content to keep him in the dark as if she'd forgotten their little connection problem. As if nothing had changed. As if their love didn't mean a bloody thing. He looked her in those gorgeous almond shaped eyes … Love. Yes, love was the reason he wasn't punishing her remorseless behind for hurting him with that Henrik stunt. In fact, she'd made the association between 'hurt' and his name possible. While it was true he'd discovered something important on memory lane, he could have done without the painful special effects.

'Try' to be pa-tient with the chit. "Tell me what happened, love?"

"It doesn't matter. I took care of it."

Don't choke her. "Humor me."

She noted the lack of humor in his tone. "Why? Why do I have to say anything?"

"Because—"

"I love you?" She finished for him, turning it into a question. "Yes, I do love you. I'm in love you. Head over heels. So?"

Apparently, love didn't make one's soulmate less vexing. Bonnie would always find new ways to shock or test him it seemed. Here she sat, entwined with him, giving him everything he came for and … nothing at all. How did she manage to make love the least important thing they shared while staring at him like he'd grown two heads?

Am I supposed to answer 'so'?

What Bloody nerve …

And that's when he knew he wasn't going to let her get away with this. Love, he was realizing, wasn't enough. He wanted a relationship. He wanted to be the one she came to when she had a bad day, the one she confided in, the last thing she saw before she went to bed at night and the first thing she saw in the morning when she awoke from dreaming … of him.

She was still staring at him expectantly.

The wench. We will be together.

She glared.

She's mine.

Ignoring her cavalier attitude, he asked, "Are you going to make me beg?"

"Does my brother beg?" Kol's question came back to haunt her.

"Because I will," he informed her, jerking her mind to attention. She froze but her heart almost beat right out of her chest.

He really does love me.

Bonnie placed her palm on his shirt and pushed softly. But it's not enough. She tried to dislodge him from between her legs and slide off the car. It's not enough. And to her surprise, he helped her down. God, he was being so, so affectionate … it was unnerving and it made her feel guilty. Her eyes shuffled to the ground.

"Kol attacked me."

The silence that followed was absolute.

I never should have said … That wasn't supposed to—

She looked up at him.

—come out!

Yellow. She saw yellow.

No … It was more like—GOLD!

He groaned and started backing up.

"Klaus?"

He heard her or he wanted to at least, but her words couldn't reach him. Kol hurt her? His bones started to rattle. My brother, Kol? His entire body shook when those bones began to rearrange. Kol! He took another quaking step backward just in time to feel his heart explode! Freezing on a wobble, he stared at her with horrified, enhanced eyes which could suddenly see behind her widened irises. Suddenly her face swam before his all-seeing eyes, filling his vision. His enlarged nostrils, which seemed perilously close to hers, inhaled the strong scent of gardenias. The dark hair that framed her angel's face brushed against his chin. Surely he was hallucinating because his emotions were soaring sky high. She's not moving closer, he told himself. She's running away … Running away from him, Kol, their lifestyle … KOL! He erupted with fury and tore at his skin. His mind continued to torture him with magnified images of her while he twisted, turned and broke.

Blood pumped through him at a furious rate causing him to nearly miss the fact that she seemed closer or enlarged somehow because she was closer. She was holding on to him, touching him and he … he was transforming. "Get back!"

"Klaus, I didn't mean for—"

"LET GO!" Why was she still here? He didn't want to hurt her, but he had no choice. The pain would soon be hers, if it weren't already. And if that didn't kill her, their proximity certainly would. The transition was rough. If he accidentally struck out, it could be fatal. Relax! Keep calm, he instructed himself but his words betrayed him. "DId hE?" He choked out angrily, revealing canine teeth that were too large to fit his jaw.

What is he asking? His mouth is literally being ripped apart and he wants to know about the incident with his brother?! Where are his priorities? Wait a minute … Is this because of me?

Tears of blood streaked down his—snout! Bonnie was so shocked by the gruesome sight in front of her eyes; she did not immediately follow his tortured gaze. He was looking at her arm, which still gripped his, and apparently he didn't like what he saw. She looked down and saw the bruise there.

He's worried about me.

Me? When he's soaked in sweat and bleeding! She reached up and cupped the sides of what was left of his face, speaking directly over what used to be lips. "No. Klaus, I'm fine. Kol didn't hurt me," she whispered, trying to get through to him. Her voice became frantic when black hair grew out of every pore of his skin. "I'm right here with you. See?"

His vision was skewed with images of his brother tossing her around. I'll kill him! I'll—he grabbed her shoulders, crushing them in his heavy-handed grasp.

Bonnie heard two loud, popping noises and then Klaus buckled. His sharp fingernails dug into her shoulders when he lost his footing. She cried out and what appeared to be talons were removed from her skin. "Uggh," she moaned. The pain was so intense she staggered, but she didn't flee. Her feet were still, not moving like they should have been.

"GET OUT OF HERE!"

She couldn't leave him. He was in such terrible pain … that I can't feel. She knelt and wrapped her arms around his neck, dismissing his struggles and convulsions. Why can't I feel him? Aside from the pain in her shoulders and a terrible migraine, she couldn't feel anything, which meant their bond was trickier than she realized. It wasn't that she wanted to feel the terrible transformation disfiguring him; she just couldn't bear watching him go through it alone.

And she didn't have to because his next shove was so hard her back hit the pavement beside her car. "Klaus," she called brokenly as she watched him take off on all fours with a piece of her heart.

She just needed a moment.

But seconds passed.

A minute.

Minutes. Ten of them.

"You look like you could use a hand."

Of course he would find her sitting disheveled on the pavement with her back to the curb. Why not? This is my life … She didn't try to fix herself, didn't bother to ask him why he was here and didn't turn around to face him. She just continued to sit there because it didn't matter. Nothing mattered anymore.

And of course, he refused to take a hint or hike as it were. He circled around her. Next thing she knew, she was being dragged to her feet. "Damon, don't" she protested.

One look at her confirmed his suspicion: she'd been with that poodle. The bloodstains on her upper arms were new but the waterworks were definitely the mutt's M.O.

Matt called me over to see this? I've already had the pleasure of seeing her cry. Once was enough.

Apparently the second time was the charm because these tears were different. Or maybe, it was her facial expression. She looked … worried. About what? His mind rejected the follow up question: about whom, so he could deny what seemed to be staring him in the face. Could she really have feelings for—no.

It was time to say something like 'loving this new victim look' while giving her a 'you-know-I'm-being-sarcastic-get-it-together' glare. And then he could top it off with ' I know I have this devastating effect on women, but please have some dignity. Tears are beneath you and won't get my attention'. That will really piss her off. He opened his mouth to—damn! With a curse, he gave up what might have been the greatest taunt of his career and embraced her.

"Damon," she mumbled against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist.

He couldn't believe she was hugging him back. It was right up there with his disbelief of how good this moment felt. He never thought he could feel this way, but there it was: gratitude. He felt grateful. Thank you, Klaus for being a douche. Without you, moments like this would be rare … Really rare. He kissed the hair above her head and locked his embrace.

Inside …

Now she's hugging Damon! This was getting sordid. Matt let the curtain fall. From what he saw, Elena needed to be just as worried as Caroline because Damon obviously had a thing for Bonnie. Fortunately, Bonnie would never reciprocate those feelings because she carried a major torch for Klaus, who could apparently go wolf (well, half wolf) in the sunlight. At which point, he'd been prepared to run out and save Bonnie, but Klaus hadn't harmed her … intentionally. From what it looked like, Klaus tried to push her to safety. Caroline was going to be so jealous. And Damon would do what he usually did when things didn't go his way. The bastard!

He was no fan of Klaus, but anyone was preferable to Damon Salvatore.

White Queen to d3 + Black King to a1

Kol moved out of dodge real quick. One step to the left had literally saved his neck. He turned, facing … the original lycan! "Why Nikky, what sharp teeth you have?" He kept his tone light. "That could have been my head," he said, pointing to the fallen tree beside him. "Fortunately, I heard you coming. The heavy breathing was a dead give away." In response, his brother howled to the … setting sun? How is this—his hands flew to his ears, covering them before he could finish his thought. The sound was deafening, reaching a pitch that was sure to pop his eardrums. He bowed over as the incessant wailing became more than unbearable. Wondering how this was 'possible' vibrated away as his head shook with the sound.

Okay, he's angry.

"Niklaus," Kol ground out before jumping back to avoid getting his throat slashed by the sharp claws coming his way. Guess he knows about today's chitchat. Well, since the cats out of the bag … "How did you find me?"

Klaus stood on his hind legs, wondering if he should beat the nonsense out of Kol now or two seconds from now. Is he pissing around? It took real brass to be standing in front of the victim's home voicing such a question … I'm going to enjoy thrashing him. And he would because he was completely lucid this time around unlike the first time he'd transformed, thank God!

Hmm. 'God' was an interesting concept. One that described him perfectly. In fact, the answer to his brother's question proved his divinity. As a mere original, he would have had to spend time tracking Kol down because they stood on equal footing in that respect. Even he, the Original Hybrid would have had to resort to sniffing about because his sibling was crafty. But in this form, Kol had been visible from afar.

From miles away, he'd seen Kol leaning against the tree he felled upon arrival. Not only had his sight been amplified, all five senses had been. He could hear the distinct sound the wind made when it touched his brother's hair before whizzing through it. He could even see Kol's lunch coursing through his veins! He was as powerful as the Grecian tomes foretold. He'd developed gifts other immortals would never possess … And now to remove some organs from this disobedient brother of mine. Oh look, lungs …

Kol didn't realize Niklaus grabbed him until those long claws were embedded in his thorax. "You would attack me for a witch?"

"For that witch," Klaus clarified, his voice taking on a deeper timbre. I can speak in this form. Interesting. This keeps getting better and better. The tips of his forepaws struck gold, puncturing Kol's lungs. Hopefully, it hurt like the devil.

Refusing to take a thumping from his oversensitive brother, Kol bit Niklaus' neck, severing his carotid artery. As expected, Nikky yelped like a wounded doe and withdrew his paws, creating the opening he needed. He kicked his brother so hard it sent him flying across the street.

Klaus landed on all fours feeling a heady rush of sensation. Good. His brother was game (and he meant that in more ways than one), which would ultimately make this beating more fun. He crouched closer to the ground, senses locking onto his target, before leaping into the air in a high arc. He landed on Kol, who had jumped simultaneously to uppercut him at the pass, with a ferocious intensity meant to suppress opposition.

The weight of the original lycan proved too much to evade. They landed in a pothole of their own creation with him trapped beneath his brother. It became instantly clear that the situation had escalated. Niklaus was lethal!

"So is this how it ends?" Kol coughed bitterly as his crushed bones redirected his blood flow. Blood caught in his throat producing gurgling sounds when he spoke. "You wo-ould …" His tongue swished around in blood making the words nearly impossible to get out as he bled from the mouth. He tried again. "Yo-ou would kill the broth-ther who fought for your survi-vival for a g-girl who's looathe to acc-ccept you?" The drool descending on him from Niklaus' muzzle became forceful blows to his spirit. Each drop symbolized a minute in which the miserable ass considered killing him. Really killing him. His eyes bulged as he attempted to mask his pain, but his irises conveyed his disappointment. He remembered a time when the situation and circumstances was reversed and he'd offered a helping, understanding hand. I forgave you for Henrik and aided you when our father nearly ended you; and yet you withhold this same forgiveness from me for some petty offense to a child of Ayana and then seek to destroy me?

Klaus was about to take a huge nip out of Kol's forehead when he saw the expression of betrayal he wore being reflected back at him. Unfortunately, Kol wore it best. The wolf in him began to retreat as those sad, dark eyes observed him. Black hair fell from his pores in massive droves to reveal the skin beneath. The axial and appendicular skeleton reformed and merged once again to form a very human, Niklaus Mikaelson … No. He would not allow Kol to flip the switch. He rose on unsteady feet and abandoned his brother's flattened form. I AM NOT TO BLAME! He almost took her from me! He stumbled backward in his own acrimony. "I love her!" He raged at Kol, angry with himself for allowing his love to change him! He'd almost murdered his brother! His own brother! He couldn't stand himself! He was just so … "You knew how I felt and still you went after her!"

"She's worth more to you than me it appears!" Kol spat brokenly. "Family means nothing!"

"You gave me your word that she would remain unharmed!"

"And for a millennium, you've kept your word? You lie time and time again! To her, your family, even to yourself. You claim to be all-powerful and all knowing when you manipulate and scheme to get your way like everyone else! You locked us in coffins for generations and convinced yourself it was for our benefit just so you could pretend you were alone and wallow in your own self-pity! And yet, I'm expected to believe you're still capable of love?"

Kol's words were sharper than a sword. They cut, deeply. It was too bad his brother didn't know the full story and today was not the day to enlighten him. "I did what I had to do."

"And so did I."

Touché. Apparently, they both knew there was more to both stories. Kol had guessed there was a legitimate reason behind the coffin ordeal just like he understood there was an explanation for today's attack on Bonnie, but neither was willing to play their both refused to accept anything save the truth. That, however, was a battle for another day. Today Kol would learn that the truth was not required to obey his commandment. "I repeat: The witch is off limits."

Kol smirked loudly from his prone position in the ground. I stand corrected. Niklaus is truly in love. He honestly appreciated the irony of the thought seeing as though he couldn't stand."I wonder … does she know the depths of your love? Does she even understand what you were willing to give up?"

From his brother's double-edged questions, Klaus could tell he was on the mend. Kol would be back to his feckless self in no time at all which was why he wanted his brother's word that she would be safe. "I want your promise, Kol, that you will stay away from her," he prompted. " And for the record, I had no intention of killing you. But I'll remain tempted if you do not comply with my wishes."

"Tell that to my injuries." Kol retorted before continuing on with his 'questions'. "I repeat: does she understand what you were willing to give up?"

"I have already stated that I did not wish to murder you, just to punish you."

Ignoring him, Kol demanded, "Do you understand what you were willing to give up?" He realized Niklaus did not have complete control over that rare breed of wolf. He had almost been mauled whether his brother 'intended it' or not. That coward Shane was right about one thing: Bonnie Bennett was the root of the problem. She held a power over his brother he hoped she didn't know she possessed and love would only make it worse. "Is this love mutual? If it is, she didn't seem too aware when we talked. I'll leave her alone but I warn you, so should you."

Klaus offered Kol a hand and he took it. They hadn't apologized to each other since they were boys. A handshake had been their way for as long as he could remember. "Keep your word as well as your distance and we're squared." He hefted Kol onto his feet. "Miss Bennett is mine to do with as I please."

Kol laughed in the dying sunlight. "Wrong, dear Nikky. She's not what you think. I did you a service today."

"Careful. You're not up to sparring just yet. I'm still propping you up."

"Don't say I didn't warn you. Silas—" Kol shut his mouth when they were engulfed by darkness.

The world was suddenly pitch black.

What the devil? For one moment, Klaus wished he had stayed in his lycan form. Maybe then he would have seen this coming. As he was now, he couldn't even make out his brother's features in this blacker version of night. His hold on Kol was the only reason he knew his brother remained beside him. What the hell was going on?

Jeremy smiled in the shadows. Ayana had held up her end of the bargain. 'Starless Abyss' was truly a sight to behold. That was, if one could see through the dark fog, and he could, compliments of Ayana. His strength and senses had been heightened to a supernatural degree surpassing that of a hunter. But this power would fade after the darkness dispersed in five minutes—now four. So he had about four, maybe three and half minutes to kill Klaus. Only then, after killing an original, would he be able to retain these powers.

As luck would have it, Klaus seemed to have gotten into what appeared to be a violent altercation with a naked and bloody human which was a surprise. This human must have used some kind of magic to be able to force a situation where (he squinted) Klaus needed to lean on him for support. Judging from the loud heartbeat, the assailant couldn't be more than a warlock or a werewolf, but he couldn't tell from his stance behind them twenty feet away. His position even made it difficult to discern their hair colors—no. Wait … my powers are dwindling! This is why their figures are becoming less defined. Are these powers decreasing by the minute? If so, Ayana failed to mention this stipulation, which was a problem because he'd been laboring under the assumption that the powers decreased after the allotted time not during and he estimated only two minutes left! If this was indeed the case, he needed to aim the crossbow containing the white oak stake at Klaus' heart while he could still smell him. Three, two, one!

Klaus lost his grip on Kol when the force of the impact lifted them off their feet.

Impact from what? Klaus wondered as the blackness began to disappear. Maybe Kol knew. He turned to question him. Kol's expression said it all. He burst into flame a second later.

Klaus blinked.

The image of his brother burning did not disappear.

His gaze focused on the corpse falling onto the pavement.

Either it was happening in slow motion or he was replaying the scene over and over again in his brain. He fell to knees beside his brother's remains, still seeing the sudden spontaneous combustion for the sixth time in a row.

No words … A seventh time.

He felt lame … An eighth time.

He went deaf … A ninth time.

But obviously not blind, because he watched it happen for the tenth time.

He closed his eyes.

And that's when he heard an exclamation followed by the dreaded, "Are you alright?"

He swore viciously. It never fails …

And NO! He wasn't al-RIGHT.

Without thinking twice, he turned, grabbed the gentleman by his collar, exposed his neck, dragged him to his level and then sank his fangs into the loser who had the nerve to be sauntering down the street at this time in the evening. From the dying light, it appeared to be 7 PM. He looked down. The man had a wedding ring. Apparently, he was doing the guy's wife a favor. The bloke was annoying. He drained him completely and then divested him of his pants.

He immediately felt disgust. Only animals ate in their bare skin. And stealing was another sin entirely. He wasn't in the habit of borrowing clothes, but he'd make an exception to pursue his brother's murderer.

From the smell of it, Jeremy Gilbert was the culprit. The odious kid had a stench that lingered. He would make that prat suffer for making him break two of his cardinal rules regarding table manners and hygiene, but Elena Gilbert would die to avenge his brother!

He looked down at Kol's ashes and saw him burst into flame for the eleventh time!

White Queen to a6 + Black King to b1

"Caroline is an empty shell like most blondes. Ignore her. I always do. Even during sex. I used to say 'let your vagina speak for itself'."

Bonnie's shocked eyes flew to his. "Damon, please don't. As exciting as your prowess may be, I'd rather not hear about it." She winced. "It's probably overhyped and exaggerated anyway," she added casually as they entered Matt's kitchen. "You know you didn't have to come with me. Matt's couch isn't that far from the kitchen." I hope Klaus is okay …

"It's customary for a babysitter to follow the kid."

She rolled her eyes, momentarily forgetting Klaus. "I don't need a babysitter."

"Fine. Think of me as a bodyguard." He grinned, knowing she was annoyed enough to walk away but wouldn't dare because things were still tense in the living room.

They heard Caroline slam the front door followed by Tyler's comment "she'll come around" before he left to pursue her.

"Don't pay any attention to that. I mean, her boyfriend's a werewolf. Need I say more?"

Elena made her exit next and Stefan followed suit.

Bonnie gave Damon a look which begged the question 'and-what-do-you-say-to-that?'

"He just left to make sure looney tunes doesn't off herself. I wouldn't worry about that. Besides, you'll get your revenge soon. Elena will fall into a ditch somewhere, as always, and my 'chasing rainbows' brother will think it romantic to jump in so they can be together. And there they'll stay waiting for you to rescue them. Then you can make that face, you know the condescending, bitchy 'I'm better than you'—"

"I do not," she argued.

"That's it." He pointed to her face. "That's the one."

"Jerk." The corners of her mouth tilted upward until … Klaus.

She really appreciated what Damon was trying to do, but she just wanted to get a glass of water and drink it: alone. Caroline and Elena could wait. They'd had disagreements before and they would certainly have them again. Glasses, glasses, glasses … where are you? She opened the cabinets above the sink. Not there. She moved to check the cabinets near the fridge when one appeared before her very eyes, courtesy of Damon.

Bonnie took the glass from his hand. "I don't need a bodyguard."

"Agreed, when you tell me what happened with Klaus."

"I already told you. There's nothing to tell." She turned, bending to grab the handle of the refrigerator when Damon took hold of her arm and used it to whirl her around to face him again. His other hand moved to rest on the small of her back.

He stared down at her. "Why were you crying?"

Refusing to meet his gaze, she tried to find the words. Any words really.

"Where's Bonnie?" She heard Jeremy ask.

Jeremy?

Jeremy!

She escaped Damon's hold and ran into the living room before he could stop her. Upon her arrival, Matt and Jeremy stopped speaking as if they had something to hide. She froze, viewing them suspiciously. "I heard you calling my name. Is there something you'd like to tell me?" She felt Damon's fingers brush her nape as he swept her hair off her shoulder. What does he have against personal space? Does he have to stand so close? His whisper caught her ear alone as it was meant to.

"We'll continue our conversation later. Patience is my middle name."

She coughed to cover her response of "Bullshit."

And like a 'good friend' he whacked her between the shoulder blades to help her 'recover' from her coughing fit. If only I could wipe that smug smile off his face. She didn't need to see him to know that he was giving her that Damon smile. His hand slid down her spine to rest on the small of her back. What is it with him and that spot? She twisted her head to glare at him before returning to face Jeremy, who was watching them warily. And in that moment, when their eyes met, she knew Jeremy had changed.

Bonnie approached Jeremy slowly. "Where have you been?"

"Around."

He looks different. More buff. "Around where?"

"Here and there. Running some errands. I had to take care of a few things."

Black ink peeked out from above his shirt collar and below, just where his sleeves ended. His tattoo expanded? But Shane said the only way it could do that was if Jeremy killed vam—her eyes widened. "What did you do?"

Jeremy's eyes narrowed on hers. "I killed an Original."

That was it. He looked powerful. That's why he seemed so different. But still the news came as a shock.

"Umm, that's," she cleared her throat. "That's …"

Matt stepped in."Maybe we should talk about this later."After witnessing the scene outside his home, he was certain 'now' was not the right time to discuss Jeremy's victory. "We still have a cure to find."

"Yes, with Klaus gone, we have one less villain to worry about." Jeremy supplied helpfully.

And the world quite simply fell apart.

Bonnie couldn't breathe. It began with shortness of breath and progressed into a panic attack. No, he can't be! She began to wheeze. I would have felt that! Surely, I would have felt that!

No, her mind corrected. You would be dead too.

Okay. Relax. Her fingers began to tremble as she tried to talk herself down. He can't be gone because your still here.

He's fine.

"Bonnie?"

"I'm fine," she practically squeaked.

"I thought you'd be relieved. He was the one stalking you, making your life a living hell. I did it for you."

"Relieved—yes. Yes." But her eyes instantly became watery. I couldn't feel him this afternoon. Maybe our connection was broken. Does that mean he's … She felt faint. Klaus is …

Suddenly, she was having an out of body experience … Damon was holding her hand, steering her towards the couch. When did Damon grab my hand? Where is he taking me? A knock on the door sounded, confusing her all the more. Maybe I'm dreaming. Klaus can't be dead. She heard Jeremy cry, "It's not possible!" Of course 'it's not possible', Klaus is right there by the door, looking disheveled and bleeding in nothing but pants. She squinted. Pants that were in desperate need of a belt. They slung low … This is a dream. A dirty one.

So why is Elena in it? Why is Klaus holding her by the throat?!

Bonnie snapped out of her saddened, twice removed from reality funk in a flash. "You thought you killed me," she heard Klaus say menacingly to Jeremy. "You, an infant?"

"Let him in, Matt." She advised, her mind crystal clear.

"Are you kidding?"

Klaus looked severely unhinged, demented even. Bonnie had seen that look before in her dreams when she watched him lose Henrik. But Henrik was already dead which meant that he'd lost … another sibling?! There would be no reasoning with him. "He'll kill Elena," she barked at Matt.

"Yes he will," Klaus agreed. "It'll be a shame too since she seems to be fully cognizant of what's happening. You'll be pleased to know that she's regained her full sanity thanks to my brother."

"Come in!"

Klaus looked to Matt as he dragged his victim over the threshold. "Finally, some hospitality." His gaze settled on Bonnie. "And hello to you too, sweetheart." Elena tried to scream, but he tightened his grip on her neck and then addressed the group. "One move and I'll rip her throat out."

"Klaus let her go!"

Klaus ignored Bonnie's request. He would haul her off to New Orleans after he got his revenge. His eyes found Jeremy's. "Getting a witch to cheat for you will cost your sister her life. It already cost my brother his." From the corner of his right eye, he saw movement and broke Elena's jaw. Hopefully her painful moan spoke volumes. Without turning to face the 'would be idiot' who decided to test him, he added. "Move again, Mr. Salvatore, and it'll be her neck. Now where were we?" He asked Jeremy. "Oh yes, you were going to offer your hide to save hers. It will be the least cowardly thing you've done all evening."

"Not that it matters, because one vampire is the same as the next, but I thought I killed you. And speaking of witches, tell me, because I'm curious, how is it you managed to fake a heartbeat? It looks like I'm not the only one working with a witch!"

Bonnie tried to conceal her gasp. It was a good thing Jeremy was focused on Klaus because her facial expression was telling! She was the witch in question! Klaus' heart was mimicking hers thanks to her failed astral projection spell. Apparently the sound had become loud enough for everyone to hear. Either that or Jeremy's supernatural gifts were now on par with an Original's. Hopefully, it was the latter. She'd rather Damon remain blessedly ignorant.

After watching Bonnie complete the five stages of grief for that rodent minutes ago, Damon thought nothing else could surprise him. But the myriad expressions crossing her face took the cake. Although he couldn't hear this supposed 'heartbeat', he didn't doubt its existence for one minute. Bonnie and Klaus were neck deep in something shady as he'd suspected prior to this delightful get together. No wonder she'd sided with him that day in her room. It seemed she had a vested interest in his wellbeing.

That Salvatore bastard was still staring at his woman! Klaus realized he should be focused on the brat calling him out. Jeremy knew about the bloody heartbeat. He could hear it for fuck's sake, which meant he was powerful … but his concentration kept drifting back to what was happening on his right. Damn Damon's lustful stare! I'm the only one who can look at her that way! He'd allowed Damon Salvatore to roam the streets for too long. After he killed the doppelgänger and her pitiful excuse for a brother, he would do what he should have done a long time ago: stake that prick.

"Klaus, please."

Her voice was like a lullaby, calming the anger inside him. He closed his eyes …

There were just some things you do for love …

And some things, you didn't. He broke Elena's neck without hesitation. Next, he would torch her so her brother could watch his sibling burn the same way he had. They needed to know he valued the word 'family' and he needed to remind himself where his loyalties lay. And Bonnie—he opened his eyes and looked at her—would have to understand that this did not concern her.

No aneurysms.

No physical display of power.

Of course. She wouldn't want to risk personal injury or her friends finding out about their bond, which was losing it potency if today's transformation was any indication. She didn't appear to be in pain at all. Then again, it's not like she would tell me if she was. She'd made it very clear this afternoon where they stood. He reached into his pocket to pull out the lighter he had procured from the female smoker he'd drained on the way and …

And nothing happened.

As in, he couldn't remove his hand from his pocket.

In fact, he couldn't move at all.

She, he thought bitterly, is always full of surprises.

"Jeremy, Matt, Damon. Get Elena out of here and steer clear of the house."

In a flurry of movement, everyone did as they were instructed, except Damon.

"Trust me, Damon. You want to leave," she advised as she maneuvered Klaus' frozen form into the kitchen with her mind. Her body followed. Things were about to get ugly, fast! She had been so close to crying for him, for yet the second time today, when he charged into Matt's home like a wild boar. No, that was incorrect. She did cry for him the first time! The second time she'd been beyond tears—beyond sanity at the prospect of losing him; just for him to look her in the eye and break her best friend's neck?! So she and Elena were not exactly on the same page as of today's pow wow, but they usually overcame their difficulties because they were friends, sisters even. The only thing insurmountable were her problems with him! His love claims were always accompanied by some sick act designed to hurt her! He wanted to talk love: FINE, but they would do so at his own peril!

Damon's touch at the small of her back broke her concentration, freeing Klaus, who wasted no time in heading for Damon's jugular. He moved liked lightening and would have succeeded in slashing Damon's throat if not for her quick thinking to erect a barrier. His movements became slower and halted just short of the barrier.

"It's nice to see you on the other side. Refreshing actually. Don't you just love it when the tables get reversed?"

Ignoring the smug little prick, Klaus addressed Bonnie, his eyes never leaving hers. "My love for you won't stop me from killing him and the Gilbert brats."

Forget the threat, did this bastard just say 'love'? I see we've gone from Fight Club to Days of Our Lives in the span of a heartbeat. Damon didn't know what bothered him more: Klaus' comments or the fact that he knew the name of a soap opera.Love? Really? Was it too late to applaud the mutt's performance? This guy is better at diversionary tactics than I am. Klaus must really believe his shit doesn't stink.

… Are we at intermission? Can I voice my concerns now? Maybe it was a little premature to declare victory, Bonnie was probably as shocked he was.Damon proceeded to pick his jaw up off the floor.

Bonnie didn't bat an eyelash. "Cut it out with that 'love' crap, Klaus. It sounds even less believable this time around considering your present predicament. And the threat at the end was the perfect touch. It's so … so you." Her eyes narrowed on him. "You are the reason there will never be a 'we'."

She knows he loves her?! What the—wait, is this still planet Earth? Damon could practically hear the narrator's creepy voice from that old show delivering the opening monologue ... "That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone!" But his presence and shock did nothing to deter their conversation. They continued to go at it.

"I see the week's mental beat downs haven't made you overly sentimental, Klaus. Either you want to see me in pain or you just enjoy what follows after you've pissed me off!" Bonnie didn't care what Damon heard at this point. "Tell me. What is it exactly that you love about me? My ability to bring you to your knees? The fact that that I can't kill you? Or is it my willingness to go through whatever lengths I have to, even bargain with you, to save the people in this town? For crying out loud, WHAT IS IT?! Dammit, I'm sick of this!" She realized she was screaming like a madwoman and closed her eyes to gather her wits. She took a deep breath and opened them. "I'm done. With all of it. Forget what I said the other night. What we have could never be misconstrued as something romantic. You don't love me! You want me dead. You threaten to kill me every other day! My family and friends," she glanced at Damon, "present company excluded, are in constant danger from your 'violent mood swings!'" She made quotations with her hands to show that 'mood swings' was putting it mildly. "You can't say 'I love you' and then vow to destroy everything I hold dear in the same breath! You're screaming again. Calm down. Her voice broke as she said, "You're a lost cause. I understand …" Don't say it. Your upset but that's going too far! "I understand why your parents gave up on you."

...

If she'd been aiming for the heart she'd made beat, she hadn't missed her mark. It took every shred of discipline he'd ever learned to keep sane; it hurt so much. He was already distraught over the loss of his brother and she stood there bludgeoning him with rejection because it was easier to give up on him than accept him as he was. He wanted to rant and rave; cut loose even. If he somehow got free, he would kill the flunky beside her and then—fuck it!

I won't let her get away with that!

As long they were being 'honest', he would say his piece. At this point, he had no problem laying his shit bare! "Kol was murdered shortly after I left you. Your friend Jeremy mistook him for me. My brother was killed in my stead. In my place!" He went silent, trying to stifle his rising fury. "I watched it all. I saw the surprised look in his eyes become a vacant stare before he burst into flame."

Bonnie froze, horrified.

"Don't look so aghast, love." His voice became deceptively mild. "It wasn't the first time I'd seen that look. He viewed me with that same questioning expression when I attacked him minutes before he died." He began to laugh bitterly. "My own brother believed I would take his life. He lay there in a hole staring up at me. And in that moment, all I could see was you. I lost control. I became a beast of passion and rage, forsaking the brother I knew. What should have been a physical punishment became a battle to the death because I chose you. I chose you!" His voice rose and he paused, stifling his emotions. "Kol's demise keeps replaying in my head, love, because I can't seem to figure out if that wide-eyed expression stemmed from shock that he would cease to exist in a matter of seconds after the stake pierced his heart or from the fact that his brother made it all possible, in more ways than he could have imagined. It seems I am as irredeemable as you claim. But I fought for you, you stubborn wench. And I will continue to because I want you! You, Bonnie Bennett! You, despite my wishes and better judgment."

Her heart ached for him. She hugged herself, trying to hold her emotions at bay but his words were tearing down her defenses. She looked away but he didn't let up.

"Loving you has nothing to do with your gifts or your curves so don't flatter yourself, sweetheart. Yes, you're beautiful, but so am I. And yes, you're powerful, but then again … so am I. So 'WHAT IS IT'?" He repeated her words. " It's the sickeningly sweet fragrance you emit whenever you're near. Gardenias." He stepped up closer to the invisible wall of the barrier. "I can't decide whether I want to escape it or pull you in close to inhale it. And the way you look at me with those eyes … as if I'm the problem and somehow the solution all wrapped into one, makes it difficult to look away. Your gaze penetrated my soul when I was so certain I'd lost it a long time ago. For many months now I've been feeling alive in the worst way. You've awoken human emotions in me that I kept buried. Pain, jealousy, anger, it doesn't matter what I feel because it disappears along with our constant bickering, family drama and your 'friends' when we kiss. And I know it's the same for you because I've tasted it. So you can use every word in the English dictionary to phrase your denial and you can continue to use my disdain for your friends and your opposition to my lifestyle as a crutch to lean on, but know that your feelings manifest in your actions. You held my cheek when I confessed my mother's plot against Henrik like you understood, like we were kindred which nullifies your statement about my parents. Your always fighting the inevitable and it's frustrating as hell but I do believe, Ms. Bennett that that is what I love most about you. You're a warrior."

Bonnie stood motionless, her bluster, rage, sadness and defenses: gone. His words were like an arrow through the heart. Cupid's arrow. There was nothing to say except, "Are you finished?"

Klaus lips tilted upward into a devilish smile.

Damon was more than uncomfortable. Klaus' Ode to Judgy had been excruciating, bordering on physical pain because it was … true. She was everything that dog said and more and it bothered him that he'd never experienced most of that romantic drivel with her firsthand. It was ludicrous to feel this way because there were things he knew about her that the mutt failed to include in his laundry list like the way she laughed when Caroline made a funny joke or the way a dimple appeared on her right cheek just before she rolled her eyes and made some sarcastic remark—Shit! His thoughts were right up there with 'Juliet is the sun and … blah blah (something) east'. Basically, he had a problem and it reeked of feelings! He looked from Bonnie to Klaus' and then back again. Bonnie looked ready to—he didn't know. The face she was making was unusual. And since Sigmund Freud wasn't here to make sense of it, he supposed it was up to him to come up with a plan before Bonnie succumbed to Mr. Softy. Let's see … a plan. It would be really nice to have one of those—like now, except he was at a loss for … thought. He couldn't think. More like, didn't think. He just reacted.

Before she could yelp in surprise, Bonnie found herself wrapped in Damon's embrace.

Good Lord, he was kissing her and … his reputation is well deserved, BUT he tasted nothing like Klaus.

He wasn't Klaus.

Klaus.

She wanted to be in Klaus' arms, with her lips on his. She could no longer dispute that thanks to this kiss. She shoved at Damon's chest with all the strength she could muster. Forcing him off her, she yelled, "Dammit, Damon! My mouth was open! Are you crazy?" She shoved him again! "And was that your tongue?" She knew full well it was. "Why would you—what made you think you cooooooouuuuuuuuuld!"

It was the longest 'could' ever.

It hung in the air echoing as her body jerked backward. Klaus' grip was stronger than she remembered! For ten unbelievable seconds, she was airborne. Through the barrier she went, and into his embrace on the other side while Damon pounded the invisible wall in an attempt to retrieve her.

Bonnie stood in front of Klaus not believing the look she saw in Damon's eyes as she faced him.

"Holding her captive won't make her love you!" Damon yelled before coming to a standstill as he focused on the picture before him. Klaus had his arms wrapped around her waist possessively. Damon drew to his full height. "She'll never love you. You've extracted one too many hearts for that. Yes, I know about that. She talks to me."

He'd lifted one little heart from Elijah's dinner remains to freak her out and they never let him forget it. "Is that so?"

Without warning, Klaus' arms shot past the sides of her head, out of the barrier and circled Damon's throat! When Damon began to struggle, Klaus stepped in closer, forgetting that she was sandwiched between him and the barrier. Her body slammed against it! This—everything, was too much! First Kol, then Mr. Sayers, then a werewolf, then she'd lost Klaus along with sense only to have him pop-up with a well detailed, soul shattering 'I love you' capped off with a kiss from Damon! I forgot, Klaus also snapped Elena's neck! And now … NOW this! I can't. I just can't!

She lost it …

White Queen to a2 #

(King backed into a corner)

… And Damon caught the brunt of it.

He went limp in Klaus' hands.

Klaus dropped the unconscious runt immediately and looked down at her. "Thank you," he said against her hair even though he realized she'd probably done it to save the prick's life. Well, it didn't matter. He would thank her for her aide whenever she chose to give it from now on because they were a team. He would show her that he could be the one she needed, the one she could talk to. "I owed you one," he heard her mutter in reply. It's not what I wanted to hear but—

She suddenly turned, stood on her toes and kissed him. "Bonnie," he moaned, pleased with her eagerness, but still …

He broke the contact. "What was that for?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "It is I who should be thanking you."

He looked down into the eyes of the woman he loved.

There was no mistaking the naughty sparkle there. It was so candid, so risqué and so very unlike her.

He drew back.

"What's the problem? I thought you wanted me."

And now she was going to play with him? Not likely. He wouldn't allow it. "I want her. The girl I know."

"I'm a woman." She pressed her hand against the bulge in his trousers and leaned in close. "But I'm guessing you already know that."

He smirked, not willing to play along. "I do, but I am not in the habit of entertaining strange women."

"Well, I gave it a shot, but there's no fooling you. I'm impressed Niklaus Mikaelson." She began to laugh.

"And you are?"

"Bonnie Bennett, of course." Her eyes continued to twinkle. "I hear that's what I go by these days."

If he wasn't mistaken, her eyes began to darken.

"But I prefer my given name, Qetsiyah."

… Checkmate!

A/N: Once again, I'm sorry for the long wait. I really do hope you liked the chapter. And don't worry lol, Bonnie's relationship with her friends will be fixed in the next chapters. Anyway, don't hesitate to let me know what you think. All comments are VERY welcome lol. Well, until the next chapter ;-)