Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story is mine.

Note: Previously, in "Deadly Beauty," Klaus learns the truth about why Marcel wanted to see him in private and Caroline meets Mikael face to face after killing the vampire who grabbed her.

Thanks for the great reviews, guys! You're the best! No spoilers, just follow along and you'll see what I'm going to do.

Warehouse District – After the Call...

Caroline stole angry glances at Mikael while waiting for Klaus to arrive. She wanted to rip his heart out, like she had done to Samuel just moments ago. In fact, she still had Samuel's blood on her face from when she drank from his heart, as well her hands. With every minute that ticked by, Caroline was becoming more and more vengeful.

Just then, her senses alerted her to another presence in the warehouse other than her and Mikael. When she looked in the direction of the presence, she saw a woman walking in. She was rather lovely, with long, blonde hair that was in a gentle curl, hazel eyes, and was dressed in a black tank top under a black leather jacket, dark blue jeans, and black leather biker boots. Judging from the scent, Caroline guessed that the woman was a vampire. Mikael also noticed the woman and spoke first.

"Yes, Eleanor? Did you need anything from me, love?"

The woman, named Eleanor, looked at Caroline and then back at Mikael. "I would like to know what she's doing here. Don't tell me you're looking to replace me."

"Relax, she's not here to replace you," he replied. "She's here because I'm using her as a bait for a trap to catch my worthless stepson."

Caroline noticed that Eleanor was trying to keep from flashing her fangs at Mikael for his remark. Why is she getting so angry at him? Aren't they supposed to be together?

"I just hope you know what you're doing," said Eleanor. "After all, I've heard that Klaus isn't stupid. He'll be expecting this, so he might have a strategy. Trust me, Mikael, I know what I'm talking about." She looked at Caroline and then back at Mikael. "Go think of something. I'll watch the girl."

"All right," said Mikael, even though he had feeling that something was going on. "But, make sure that she doesn't try anything foolish, like running away."

With that, he walked away. Once he was gone, Eleanor went over to Caroline. "It's all right, I'm not going to hurt you. I work for Klaus."

Caroline blinked. "You work for Klaus?"

"Yes. I've worked for him for a while now," said Eleanor. "I live here in New Orleans, so I know that he's back. In fact, I heard rumors that he wasn't alone, that he had a girl with him. Then, once I saw you, I can see that the rumors were true. You must be very special to him if he went to such great lengths like this."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I can help you," said Eleanor. "Trust me, I may be Mikael's lover, but my loyalty to Klaus will always be my top priority."

Meanwhile...

Klaus arrived at his destination and maintained a determined look on his face as he walked. He didn't know what Mikael's plan was, but he did know that he couldn't let Caroline down. Suddenly, he heard his phone go off and, curious as to who was calling him, he looked at the ID screen and when he saw the number, a smile appeared. He recognized the number from anywhere.

Answering the call, he said, "Eleanor. Long time, no hear."

"A bit too long," she replied. "Why didn't you call me the moment you arrived in New Orleans, Klaus? You know that I would've gladly given you a place to hide."

"My apologies, Mother."

Eleanor laughed on her end. She was eight hundred years old and a great deal younger than him, but Klaus saw her as a mother figure, since his own mother was a heartless bitch. "Apology accepted, son." She cleared her throat. "I've had the opportunity to meet Caroline, and I must say, you're a very lucky man to have someone like her."

"I knew you'd approve," said Klaus. "Not to change the subject or anything, but where are you? Mikael didn't specify where in the Warehouse District he was hiding, and I'd hate to barge in on the wrong party."

"We're in the fifth warehouse on your left," said Eleanor. "The door is unlocked, so you don't have to worry about getting inside."

"Thank you, Eleanor. Anything else?"

"The most effective way to kill Mikael is to stab him with a white oak stake," said Eleanor. "Fortunately, I happen to have one with me. You know the old saying, 'You only hurt the ones you love'? Well, when it comes to helping you, I have no reservations whatsoever about driving a white oak stake through Mikael's heart."

"Clever girl," said Klaus. "I knew I could count on you."

Eleanor laughed again. "All in a day's work. See you shortly, Klaus."

With that being said, she hung up and Klaus arrived at the fifth building on his left. He then walked in through the door that Eleanor said was unlocked. Once inside, Klaus' senses alerted him to the familiar scents that belonged to Caroline and Eleanor. He followed them until he saw them in the middle of the building. It did make him a bit curious that Mikael was nowhere to be seen.

Before he could wonder that, Caroline rushed over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, jumping up and wrapping her legs around his waist. "I knew you'd come for me."

Klaus smiled as he held her to him. "Of course I would, love. You didn't honestly think that I'd let Mikael get away with this, did you?"

Caroline's response to that was a passionate kiss on his lips, which he gladly returned. However, the kiss was interrupted by the sound of applause. They looked over and saw Mikael approaching them. Klaus growled as he set Caroline down.

"Bravo, what a marvelous performance," the older vampire said. "The valiant hero arrives to rescue the fair damsel."

"Did you think that I'd let you take her from me?" said Klaus. "Well, you're wrong. You're going to burn in hell for what you've done."

Mikael laughed at this. "And I suppose the two of you are going to make that happen?"

"Make that three."

Mikael saw Eleanor appear on Klaus' right side while Caroline took her spot on his left. "Eleanor?"

"That's right, love," she replied. "I've been working with Klaus this whole time. I hope you're not too disappointed. I know that you practically worshipped the ground I walked on, but hey, such is life, right?"

"You traitorous bitch!" said Mikael. "I gave you everything your heart desired and this is how you repay me?"

Eleanor didn't even flinch as she took out the white oak stake. "No, this is."

Mikael barely had time to respond when Caroline lunged at him, her eyes flashing a demonic black and her fangs popping out. The blood that was still on her face made her appear menacing, which was the effect she was going for. While the fight was going on, Eleanor handed Klaus the white oak stake.

Once he was armed with his weapon, Klaus threw it to Caroline, who caught it effortlessly and plunged it into Mikael's chest, watching as the bastard caught on fire. She then returned to Klaus and Eleanor and continued to watch the fire. This was a victory for all of them, that was for sure.

Outside the Warehouse – Later...

Eleanor watched Klaus and Caroline kiss again after they exited the warehouse. She smiled at the love that they were showing each other and it almost made her miss Mikael...almost. After a few minutes, the couple broke the kiss and Eleanor cleared her throat.

"So, what are you two going to do now?"

Klaus and Caroline looked at each other and then Klaus looked at Eleanor. "I was thinking that maybe we could head to Chicago next."

"Sounds exciting," she replied. "I think I'll join you. Don't get me wrong, New Orleans is a great city and all, but I need a change in scenery or I'll go crazy. Who knows? Maybe we'll have some crazy adventures there."

Caroline smiled. "We'd love it if you joined us, Eleanor. It'll give me a chance to really get to know you."

"Likewise," said Eleanor. "Plus, I hear that Chicago is lovely this time of year."

Note: I rewrote this chapter three times, but I finally got the flow to where I wanted it. The guest character, Eleanor, was courtesy of TheIrishShipperholic. Thank you so much, my friend! You were a big help! Stay tuned as the adventure continues!

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