Quick Note: I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the reviews, favorites, and those following. I also wanted to say that there will be some clues to the hidden plot in this chapter as well as different types of intense scenes so be prepared. As always I hope everyone enjoys and let me know what you think. Happy reading everyone.

Moonlight

Dinner past in silence for Caroline and the other woman while the men conversed about trading and other forms of income. Caroline did her best to ignore them and glanced to the woman a few times noticing she kept her eyes on her food, so she let her eyes roam the room to pass the time as she ate. Caroline was inwardly elated when the men excused them from the table until she noticed it had turned dark outside and she couldn't go outside again, so she decided to prepare for bed and read until she fell asleep.

After Caroline left Klaus kept up the discussions with the lord of the house in boredom; half-tempted to compel the man to shut up for the rest of their stay so he could focus on other matters. After an hour or so more passed he excused himself with the excuse of being tired from the day's events and went to the bedroom. The first thing he noticed was Caroline's even breathing as she lay upon the bed with an open book next to her; knowing she had fallen asleep reading he smirked. When he felt the breeze hit him he froze as he focused his senses to the outlying grounds to listen for any sounds of wolves.

When he heard the howling in the distance he flashed over and shut the windows in the room, pulling the curtains closed to block out the light from the room. Then he flashed to the washroom to make sure the windows were the same in there before going back to Caroline. He noticed she was sweating and inwardly cursed knowing her scent was stronger than it normally was and reached down to wake her up. When she jolted awake he covered her mouth to keep her from screaming, as he let her know it was him since she couldn't see in the completely dark room. When she calmed he removed his hand and pulled her up, leading her into the washroom.

"What are you doing?" She whispered as she tried to see anything she could in the dark and not fall.

"Just keep whispering until I tell you otherwise. Why did you open the windows?"

"The room was stuffy and it was difficult getting comfortable…"

"I just told you earlier it was a full moon sweetheart… wolves can track for miles and your scent is stronger when you are sweating. We need to wash you off and then overpower your scent with something else."

"I can wash myself…"

"Can you see anything?"

"No but…"

"Then how will you wash yourself?"

"I've washed in the dark before. Just give me something to wash with and another gown." She instructed and felt the breeze from him speeding as he disappeared and returned with a gown. He turned so she would wash and she lifted her gown to work quickly. Klaus reached over to the table and picked up some fragrance oils to hand to her when she was done; resisting the urge to turn and look at her. When her scent was weaker he instructed her to reach forward and grab the vial from his hand and waited until he felt her reach for it. Once she was dressed and had covered different areas of herself in the oils he turned back and led her back to the bedroom; sitting her in a chair until he could gather all of the beddings and put them in the washroom in water and oils. He could hear the wolves coming closer but he didn't let her know about them; not wanting her to panic and give herself away. "Klaus what are you doing now?"

"I'm getting the bed changed and anything with your scent on it I'm putting in the washroom to soak and remove your scent."

"What about after?"

"Then we'll get in the bed and you'll stay close so my scent masks yours…"

"Please tell me you'll be wearing something."

"I'll have to tonight in case I have to get you out of here quickly."

"What happens if they come inside?"

"Then we'll be going to our next destination a little early."

"We'd just leave everyone to die?"

"Why are you asking me Caroline? You dislike all but one person in this house…"

"That doesn't mean I think they should die…"

"If it means keeping you safe and alive I'll let everyone here die."

"Klaus…"

"Nothing you say or do would make me change my thoughts on it so don't even attempt it."

"Does your cruelty know no boundaries?"

"Very few Caroline." He replied as he finished preparing the bed and walked over to her. She felt him pull her up and didn't fight him as he walked her over to the bed. He released her at the edge and she fumbled around until she got in and adjusted the blankets. She felt the bed shift as he crawled in beside her and felt his arm reach around her waist to pull her against him. She sucked in a breath and bit her lip to keep from making a sound, but he could hear her heartbeat quicken and felt her uneasiness with him. She knew he was angry but she couldn't tell if it was all because of her or if it was the wolves drawing closer since she could hear them in the distance now. With what sounded to Caroline like a growl she felt him push her on her back before moving to lay over her and she tried to push farther up in the bed away from him. "Hold still Caroline."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm masking your scent. Had you used that head of yours you wouldn't have me on top of you right now."

"I didn't think it would be a problem…"

"No you didn't think did you?"

"I don't know about wolves like you do Klaus and you've barely told me anything."

"Don't try to get out of this one sweetheart…"

"Maybe if you would explain everything I need to know these things wouldn't happen. You can't withhold needed information and then blame me because something happens or you get outraged…"

"Careful Caroline… you're about to snap my patience with you."

"Just like last week you mean? I recall you leaving me in the dark then too and then when I fought back you had me chained to the post outside and whipped until my back was barely there."

"It's time for you to be quiet…"

"Not until I'm finished; not this time. You can't just force me into something or put me in a situation without having all of the details…"

"When I tell you something you are supposed to pay attention and follow my instructions…"

"That's just it though; you only give instructions, but you don't want to give the reasons behind them until after something happens. Then you get angry and take it out on me when I don't deserve it. I'm not going to live my life like this Klaus; facing danger one minute and your wrath the next."

"You can't leave… or did you forget our little deal?"

"No I can't leave but I can make sure that once a child is conceived I don't see you or speak to you again; even in the same house. Your family would be alive and I would be rid of you."

"Let me tell you something sweetheart… you'll never be rid of me; no matter how hard you try or fight me, you're stuck with me and we have eternity ahead of us."

"I'm not your slave Klaus… and the more you push me the more I will fight you; don't forget that."

"You will not fight me…"

"In case you've forgotten Klaus you've already tortured me and I still fight you. As long as I stay my friends are kept alive because of our deal and you've already agreed that you won't complete our marriage until tomorrow night, so what do you think you can further do to me?"

"There are countless things I could do to you Caroline… would you like a demonstration?"

"I see all I need to see. No matter what you try to surprise me with or how you ACT like you would consider anything I say, you're still the same monster that I met."

"So much for your false forgiveness."

"My forgiveness has never been false but you never intended to earn it did you?"

"What does it matter? You're content believing I'm nothing but a monster so maybe I should show you the monster I've kept at bay for days for you."

"I know you're capable of being more than a monster, but until you choose to let those parts of you out instead of your wrath you'll only know destruction and death. Why would you want that life? Do you never wish for peace or happiness?"

"When I was foolish enough to believe I would one day have it I did, but the past few centuries have told me that it doesn't happen…"

"Because you won't let it; you don't even take the chance for it. You think you'll have peace or be happy with power? Power will grant you nothing but misery and whatever good you have in life will fall away. Your family is hoping that this union will somehow pull you out of the dark so everyone can have peace, but how can that happen if you destroy the little hope they have?"

"When the witch showed me the vision I used to wonder how everything in it could look so perfect… I would wonder if it was all a trick to gain something for someone. I know she wasn't lying about being mates but I think I was misled in how it would be."

"You think you were misled because I'm not like what I was in the vision?"

"Well that is one reason…"

"When have you given me a reason to be like that? You wanted me terrified and submissive to you from the very beginning… I think you don't really know what you want from me besides having a child and becoming a vampire. Do you want to know what the strangest part of that vision was to me?"

"And what would that be sweetheart?"

"Seeing myself laughing after everything you've done because it was exactly what I'm like when I'm happy and I don't see how that's possible anymore; you somehow always find a way to ensure I don't."

"Do you even know what would make you happy?"

"You could start with getting off of me. I'm sure my scent is covered by now."

"I wouldn't be so sure sweetheart. I can still hear them roaming just outside the grounds; they've made a kill and they're relishing in it. You'll hear their howls again in minutes at most. I'm not moving until they start going away instead of drawing closer. Though I must say I'm rather enjoying this despite our disagreements."

"I have no doubt you are; I'm not as oblivious as you might think."

"So you just choose to ignore and what… hope that it will go away?"

"I was hoping you would have more control of yourself seeing as I can't move away from you right now and I don't want to acknowledge your problem. I don't even want to know why you have that particular problem right now when there is no good reason for it."

"I could list the reasons for you if you're interested…"

"No. I just want the wolves to go so you can get off of me and I can go to sleep."

"Can you not sleep now? I know you're tired enough to sleep, so aside from our little discussion what's keeping you awake?"

"Like you have to ask… you're on top of me for one and secondly there are wolves nearby that could get in here…"

"If they come to the house you probably won't like what I'll do…"

"What are you going to do?"

"Make them think I'm claiming you as they close in…"

"How are you going to do that? Why would they even come closer if you're hiding my scent?"

"If you forget sweetheart… you did go outside earlier and your scent may still very well be there. And I'll let them think I'm claiming you by biting you… if they smell your blood they might move on."

"And if they don't? I'll have been bit for nothing…"

"Werewolves are just as fast as vampires, but not quite as fast as me; they would track all night if they wanted to."

"How close are they?"

"They're about to come onto the grounds…"

"Can they hear us whispering?"

"Not yet but they will soon… it's time to test your skills in acting again." He warned and she went to question him but he cut her off with his lips against hers. She thought about trying to stop him but the howls from below in the gardens scared her more than him in that moment and she began kissing back. Klaus sat up, pulling Caroline with him to settle straddling his waist as he took a hand and untied the top of her nightgown to push one side of it past her shoulder while his other arm wrapped around her waist to hold her to him. After he pushed her hair away from her shoulder he moved his mouth from hers trailing to her neck. Sensing what he was about to do Caroline braced her arms on him as he grazed his teeth along her neck. She felt the arm around her waist move up to grasp the other side of her neck before she felt her skin give way to him as he bit into her neck and his other arm take the place of where the other one had been. She barely even noticed she had bit his shoulder when his fangs pierced her neck but upon noticing she released him and pulled her arm up to brace her head on while he was still attached to her neck. When his grip tightened she tried to readjust but it caused her to grind against him and a small whimper escaped her as her breathing increased.

Klaus could feel the shift in her as he struggled to remain in control instead of ripping the barriers between them and having her completely. He released his hold on her neck and quickly bit into his wrist to hold it to her mouth. Further pushing his control, while giving her his blood she tilted pushing her body against him further and her gown was barely covering her anymore since it was only being held up by them being against each other. When he was sure she had healed he released her mouth and bent forward to lick away any remaining blood from her as she struggled to catch her breath while still in a haze. When she was able to pay attention again she noticed her gown and gathered the material to her chest to cover her until she could retie it; Klaus moved his head away when he noticed her coming back to her senses and gathering her gown. He knew the wolves had started moving away from them and were tracking something else now, but he didn't want to let her know.

"Are they gone?" She whispered as she kept her eyes closed; she may not be able to see him anyway, but she knew he would be looking at her now.

"It worked… they're moving away." He replied and watched her breathe in relief before using one of her hands to fix her gown back in place. She was about to tie the little string but he took over and tied it for her, leaving her surprised until his hands dropped to her hips and she noticed she was still straddling him. She could feel herself blushing in the dark when she noticed his earlier "problem" was more in effect now than it had been and she was restrained to her position. Not knowing how he would react she slowly moved her hands to his to try and get him to release her but he didn't let go.

"Klaus… they're gone… you can let me go now…" She whispered and felt him lifting her with him as he walked over to the window to open the curtains back up enough to give light to the room. Caroline had been hanging on in worry that she might slip and fall to the floor, but when the curtains opened she saw his face; he barely had his eyes open and she could see the gold shining through the slits as he tried to keep his face turned from her.

"Do you see the moon Caroline?"

"Yes." She replied as she looked up for a moment before turning back to see him staring at her looking somewhat confused.

"Since I unleashed my wolf side from the curse placed upon it I've enjoyed feeling it myself give in to its calling during nights like tonight."

"You want to be a wolf tonight? Is that what you're…"

"What's strange Caroline is that there is something else pulling stronger than the moon. But I'm beginning to question whether or not I should turn tonight since we made that little deal."

"I thought you said wolves can't control themselves when they turn?"

"I can… matter of fact I could turn and stay in here all night if I wished it."

"Are you going to?"

"Are you afraid of me being a wolf around you?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" She asked and he placed her on her feet. She looked down to make sure she had her footing as she pulled her arms from him but hearing a crack had her head shooting back up. She watched as he went to his hands and knees as his bones cracked during the shift as she started walking around him towards the door if she needed to run. When Klaus noticed the direction she was headed he managed to tell her to stay in the room before he fully became a wolf. In shock Caroline stumbled to her knees and started pushing herself backwards until her back hit the foot of the bed and she realized she couldn't move as Klaus came closer.

Klaus knew she was afraid of what he would do while in wolf form so he moved slowly until he was looking at her face to face and let his body rest on hers. She sucked in a breath and raised her arms up with his actions until she forced herself to calm and lowered one of her hands to the fur on his neck; moving to other to brace against the floor with the added weight on her. As she took her time feeling his fur below her hand she kept thinking how different it seemed from what she expected; from every tale she was told and from the nightmares she had he was showing something completely opposite as he nuzzled her stomach through her gown.

After a few minutes Caroline started to notice she was feeling cramped being in the same position with him resting on her and she brought her free hand up to lift his head slowly while keeping eye contact with him. With a small growl she froze in her movements until she tried again and added little petting motions to appease him.

"I'm not pushing you away Klaus. I'm not comfortable on the floor and I'm still really tired; I just want to move to the bed." She said hoping he could still understand what she said while in wolf form. When he rose from her she pushed herself up and climbed onto the bed, turning in time to spot in jump onto the bed next to her. "Are you really going to stay a wolf all night? I don't know how the servants will react to seeing a wolf in the morning." She supplied before lying down on the pillow and looking at him. At the right angle his light-colored fur seemed to glow in the moonlight shining on them and it was hard for her to look away. "Go get your clothes and turn back so both of us can get some sleep; I don't think I'll sleep much if you stay this way." She explained and watched him whine before using his teeth to pull the blanket part of the way over him and the sound of bones cracking began. She clenched her eyes closed and covered her ears, humming to try and drown out the sounds from his shifting until she felt his hand tugging her arm down. She opened her eyes to see him panting before she brought her arms down completely and resumed her earlier silence.

"I was sure you would have rather had me stay a wolf all night…"

"I told you the servants probably wouldn't like it…"

"And if the servants weren't an issue to deal with?"

"I still don't know what to think about it… you seemed different as a wolf."

"That is to be expected when I'm a wolf around you; you being my mate will have an effect."

"What kind of affect?"

"My wolf traits will be slightly stronger than my vampire traits. That is all you need to know about it."

"I know it has to hurt to change… why do it if you don't have to?"

"Because I have no wish to deny myself a part of me that was kept from me by my mother until the day I broke the curse. The pain is worth feeling what I was denied."

"I guess that would make sense. Maybe you should remember that when you are trying to change me into something I'm not…"

"And we're back to being difficult."

"I'm not being difficult… I'm just saying that instead of trying to change who I am then maybe you should remember what it's like to have a part of you taken away and then maybe you would understand how I feel a little. Did you just think that doing to me what was done to you would make me more like you and I wouldn't fight you at all? Tell me how well that worked with you because I don't see you bowing down and taking orders…"

"Enough Caroline…"

"No… tell me honestly Klaus… when your parents thought to bend you to their will did you give in without a fight? No you didn't because you wanted to be free to be you. Do you want to become them?"

"I said enough…"

"Just answer me…"

"I'm not them and I will not be them…"

"You will if you keep forcing your hand Klaus. You had to kill them for you and your family to be free of them… is that what you want to have to happen to you?"

"Do you really think you could kill me?"

"I don't want you dead… I want you to fix the problems you have with yourself so nobody else suffers for it. And I would rather you did it before we have a child on the way but I think it is going to be a lot of effort so it will take a long time; maybe not long by vampire standards but from my perspective it's a long time. And I'm not just speaking for the things you've done to me… I know you've done things to your family as well as others that didn't deserve them. If you really want this to work like you saw in that vision… then you're going to have to figure out how to make yourself deserve it and that starts with gaining forgiveness; and like I said it's not just from me."

"I think you should go to sleep now…"

"Because you don't like hearing the truth? I'll go to sleep but it doesn't change the fact that you know I'm right…"

"Caroline…"

"Goodnight." She said and turned over to face away from him since he wouldn't relinquish his hold on her; ever so glad that the blanket was bunched between them somewhat giving her the appearance of space. Eventually her exhaustion won over her uncomfortableness of the situation and she fell into a deep sleep.

Klaus listened as her breathing eventually evened out signaling she had finally fallen asleep as he thought over the events of the night and all she had said. The last part of their conversation was weighing the heaviest on his mind the more he tried to push it from his thoughts. Looking at her sleeping form he knew she had a point but what would be the cost and he couldn't help but wonder if there was something she was planning and was using all of this as a distraction. As if on cue she turned back towards him in her sleep and her face pressed against his chest. He moved the hair away from her face before letting his arm slide over her waist and closed his eyes to find sleep himself.

Morning…

Neither Klaus nor Caroline got very much sleep during the night as they both had nightmares but he didn't move when he came awake, unlike Caroline who would get up to splash her face and pace to calm down before going back to bed. Klaus woke first and pulled himself from the bed to dress, being careful not to wake her as he set out to leave the room to feed. Caroline shot up in bed when she woke and looked around before calming down again. She noticed Klaus wasn't in the bedroom and the door to the washroom was open so she knew she was alone. She decided to get dressed for the day and wait on breakfast to be brought as she slid off the bed and walked to the washroom; remembering she didn't have any clean clothes to wear she changed her mind and just cleaned up. When she heard the bedroom door open she turned and walked over to the entryway between the two rooms, but nearly stumbled when Klaus flashed in front of her.

"Good morning sweetheart… since you're still in your nightclothes I assume you haven't noticed our luggage has arrived?" He asked and she pursed her lips before glaring at him. "I can also see your mood hasn't improved either…"

"I was fine until you mentioned how I was dressed…"

"Well you need to get dressed quickly because we are going into town with our hosts after breakfast; which will not be brought here today because we are joining our hosts at the table."

"What are we doing in town?"

"We are going to be getting you some more clothes and supplies for when we leave her and our host wants to buy some more servants, as well as rid himself of some of the ones he owns already."

"So we have to go with him? I don't want to watch that… please… that man is cruel enough…"

"We'll only be present for part of it… most of our time will be in the markets and showing you the sights…"

"Can we leave here earlier than planned? I don't know what it is but there's something wrong here… did you tell anyone besides your family the route you planned to take on this trip?"

"Only a couple but I have no reason to distrust them…"

"Just hear me out… you're having nightmares now too, the carriage was attacked on our way here, the wolves came really close last night… I can't help but feel like all of this is linked together somehow."

"I've already admitted we've had a rocky start with this trip but I'm sure any further problems that could occur on this trip will be void after tonight."

"That's only going to keep the wolves from starting something with you… there are other things that could go wrong…"

"Caroline just stop thinking all of this is something more than a line of coincidences that have no meaning…"

"Even the nightmares? You can't be compelled like I can so that tells me it has to be a witch…"

"And I will take care of it. You have other things to think about today sweetheart…"

"I don't need you reminding me to remember that. I woke up right before he sun rose this morning and I watched it rise up remembering that it was the last sunrise I would see as I am now; as sunset tonight will be." She finished and walked around him to go find a dress. Klaus didn't say anything else to her as she gathered her dressings and went into the washroom, nor did he as they joined their hosts for breakfast.

The town was larger than any she had seen so far and she noticed how different the building structures were from what she was accustomed to as Klaus led her through the markets; she barely paid any attention to what he was saying or buying as she looked around. Klaus tried to get her attention several times with different dresses and jewels but she would rarely turn to him as she gazed at everything around her; failing to keep her attention for more than few seconds at a time he chose items for her until it was time to join the others. When they arrived at the stage where people were being lined up their host told them that the sale was delayed so masters could extend final punishments for unruly servants and bile rose up in Caroline's throat. Klaus was busy observing how fast the day had passed and how it was already well into the evening when he felt Caroline through the link; he knew she wasn't going to like watching but they were to stay until their host was ready to leave.

Caroline did her best to keep her eyes averted as the first couple of people were being punished, but eventually had to turn around to try and breathe through the memories that were surfacing from the past week. Klaus noticed and told her to not let her emotions be known so they wouldn't draw attention, but as the breeze blew by them Klaus stiffened. Caroline noticed him freeze beside her and looked to see his eyes scanning the crowd, worry building as she saw his eyes flash gold for a second before changing back to blue. Klaus leaned over and excused them from their host as he led Caroline away from the crowd and back towards the carriage. When the carriage came into view Klaus stopped them and turned them towards the forest behind some houses. Caroline was about to ask what was wrong but Klaus held up a finger against her lips before he picked her up and flashed them further into the forest.

They found a very small clearing and he looked around before looking to the trees above them. He turned to Caroline and led her to one of the trees before lifting her up and she reached to grab a branch above her to pull herself up. Klaus told her to keep climbing and to not come down unless he told her to. When Caroline was over halfway up she looked at Klaus and he nodded so she could stop so she turned and took position on the branch while holding on to the trunk so she wouldn't fall. When Caroline looked back down she saw a few dozen people coming through the forest and surrounding Klaus and she began to panic; thankful enough she could still hear what was being said from below.

"What are you doing in our territory?" A muscular man with black hair asked as he walked forward to stand a couple feet from Klaus.

"Traveling, although it really isn't your business mate."

"I'm the alpha around here and this is my pack. I see you've brought your mate with you, yet you haven't claimed her."

"She's none of your concern and I would back down if I were you. You may be alpha of this measly pack, but I'm the alpha and I will not have you challenging me."

"Oh but I can challenge you and when you die I can take everything that is yours; your pretty little mate too." The man explained and Caroline's chest constricted in fear. Klaus smirked at the man and began walking around the man; predator circling prey.

"I could kill you before you blink mutt. Can you not tell that I am more than a wolf? I'm also a vampire; the hybrid. You all could be dead in seconds if I wish it, but I'm willing to let your insolence slide if you part from here and agree to leave my mate alone."

"Or I could kill YOU and take everything you have. You see… we're expanding our territory and I bet with being a vampire you've acquired quite a bit over the years… I'm challenging you. If I happen to fall one of my pack members will take my place. We've heard the rumors that you had found your mate and intended to create an heir to everything… if you're not alive you won't have the power you seek."

"Now where did you hear that?"

"Word travels. We've had quite the variety of visitors over the years, but there were a couple that gave us a few tricks… like vervain." The man said and threw a large vial-full of vervain at Klaus. Caroline could see Klaus' skin burning but he didn't scream out; barely making a face before his eyes flashed yellow and the tell-tale sound of bones cracking sounded through the air. Caroline knew it was about to be a bloodbath but she couldn't look away as all of the people started rushing forth with the alpha as Klaus shifted quicker than he had the night before. She covered her mouth as he started tearing into them as a couple of the pack members came towards the tree she was in and began to climb. She shifted around to look for something she could use, but only found a branch above her that was broken enough for her to break the rest of the way from the tree. Noticing how fast they were climbing, Caroline got the branch ready to push down towards them in hopes she would make a hit and they would fall.

Klaus was flashing between the pack members ripping flesh as he came close to it while he tried to block out feeling what Caroline was feeling. It wasn't until he heard her scream that he looked back towards the tree to see her falling towards the ground. Caroline had tried to use the branch wisely but only managed to get one of the people pushed from the tree; the other had the upper hand since he took a different route. He managed to use the branch against her and she felt the loss of balance before she slid off the branch. Both Caroline and Klaus were expecting Caroline to make impact with the ground, but out of nowhere Kol flashed under her; leaving her looking up in shock.

Caroline looked around to see Elijah as he flashed onto the scene next to Klaus and Bonnie was running from behind Kol. When her feet touched the ground she found herself being pushed towards Bonnie before seeing Kol taking out the pack members that came near them. Bonnie drew Caroline closer and told her that there was something important they needed to discuss alone after the fight, but Caroline just stared at her. They noticed someone coming up behind them and Bonnie started chanting, causing the man to fall to his knees screaming in pain. She turned back to look at the bodies falling not far from them before she fell to her knees from the sight in front of her. When the last body fell they made their ways towards a nearby river to let Klaus, Elijah, and Kol wash themselves while Bonnie pulled clothes out of her bag for each of them. When they were all dressed Caroline heard them speaking together and walked over to them.

"So how did you find us Elijah?" Klaus asked.

"It seems Miss Bennett takes after her grandmother with her talents and saw a threat. She immediately told Kol and he told me. We came directly here and had we not Caroline would have died in the fall." He explained and Caroline sucked in a breath while Klaus turned his head to look at her. "Luckily Bonnie informed us of this event and I told Kol to assist the women while I helped you. You would not have won this challenge and kept Caroline alive without help. Hopefully you'll use this experience to learn how to control your pride before you lose everything."

"Were there any other things that need my attention?"

"There is something going on but we are still unsure as to what it is exactly. Bonnie has been looking into with Kol's guidance and as soon as we figure it out we will come back to you two. I was hoping to have a chance to speak to you alone while Kol takes Caroline and Bonnie back to your lodgings."

"Alright Elijah… we can feed while we talk." Klaus answered and looked back to Caroline who was looking out at the river. "Caroline…" He started to get her attention. "Kol and Bonnie will be taking you back to the house. I have matters to discuss with Elijah but I need a word with you before you go."

"What is it?" She asked and he walked over to her to flash them out of hearing range.

"I know you didn't want to take the potion for the first time, but I'm asking you to reconsider. I don't think you're grasping the severity of the situation and we need to quicken our pace."

"Where is it?"

"It's among the luggage in little vials. Might I suggest doubling up as well to help make haste."

"If that's all I'd like to leave now. We must be late for dinner and I'd rather skip than tolerate that insufferable man."

"Then have the servants bring your dinner to you. You need to keep up your nourishment so you can carry a child…"

"I know."

"The servants will also be delivering the purchases I made for you to our room. There are a few gowns you should find to both our likings in them…"

"I understand I need to be ready… I haven't forgotten."

"You're not even going to ask for another delay?"

"I gave you my word… but I expect you to wait until night falls like we agreed."

"Very well. I'll take you back to Kol and the witch and I'll see you tonight." He replied before flashing them back to the others and releasing her to Bonnie's waiting arms. When Caroline saw Klaus and Elijah flash off Caroline looked to Kol to see him coming over to them.

"Thank you for coming; both of you."

"We have a lot to discuss but we need to get you back to the house. You can get cleaned up and we'll talk while you eat." Kol supplied before he separated them to throw them over his shoulders and flashing them to the small castle and setting them down. Caroline was glad she remembered the way to her room and they only stopped to inform the servants to prepare a bath and to have dinner brought to her room. Caroline looked around the room at the pile of purchases that were already in the room before going over and pulling out what she would need. She had Kol and Bonnie stay in her room while she cleaned up, and when she was done she unrolled her gown to pull out the two small vials that she didn't want to drink. Taking a deep breath she downed them both and got dressed as quickly as she could. When she came out of the washroom Bonnie came to her to look at her curiously.

"Caroline… something's different. What did you do just now?"

"I took a bath and got dressed… and I drank the potion Klaus told me to."

"Oh lord no… that's what we were going to talk about Caroline."

"Bonnie… what's wrong with it?"

"I think you better sit… I'm going to have to do a spell on you and Kol I need you to get a bucket or something."

"Bonnie what is going on?"

"It's not a fertility potion Caroline! It's the opposite… one vial will keep you from conceiving a child for a whole month…"

"What?! I just drank 2 vials Bonnie…"

"Kol I need that bucket now! Caroline… I need you to be as still as you can be. First I'm going to make you throw it back up and then I'm going to use magic to get whatever is left out of your system…"

"But that only helps me right now Bonnie… I have a dozens of vials that I'm supposed to take everyday and Klaus won't let me out of it…"

"We figured out about the potion before I got a vision of you today…I made the correct potion you are supposed to take, but it may take a while to have an effect since you drank Sophie's potion and I have to get it out of you."

"Let's just get it over with… I don't know how long Klaus will be gone…"

"Listen to me Caroline… you can't tell him what we found out yet. I've seen parts of it and you have to wait until you are with child to point out her plans."

"Why is she doing this?"

"She wants to bring Klaus down and she plans on using you. She's betting that if you don't conceive Klaus will lose his temper and kill you because he's impatient. Someone is guiding her and her sister both and we haven't found who it is yet. It isn't time for us to know, but you are going to be alright; our plan will work. Now… hold still." She instructed as Kol handed her a bucket and she make Caroline vomit into it before making her lie down on the floor. Once Caroline was in place she heard Bonnie start chanting and felt a pain rip through her and Kol had to hold her down. She saw a mist coming from her body that flowed over to an empty vial next to Bonnie before she felt the pain stop and her body sagged in relief. Bonnie took the vial on the floor and Kol helped her gather the vials left in Caroline's luggage to dump them out. Caroline was about to panic until she saw Kol and Bonnie rinsing each vial out and pouring a new liquid into each one; placing the vials back in the luggage like they never were taken out. "Caroline are you alright?"

"That really hurt… but I think I'll be alright in a few minutes."

"I'm sorry I had to do that."

"You've learned a lot since we left…"

"Kol has been helping out with what he can and he's even let me practice on him. It's how I learned how to take down someone like earlier; I caused some parts in his head to bust."

"That was really… strange. So how many vials of your potion should I take?"

"I left enough in the jug for your first dose." She replied as she handed the jug to Caroline. Caroline looked at the jug for a moment before drinking it down in a couple gulps and handing the empty jug back to Bonnie. "Caroline… when you do conceive… you'll know sooner and your pregnancy will be shorter than normal; you're only going to carry for about 4 ½ months and you'll know you're with child within 2 weeks. I don't see you conceiving until either near the end of your trip or when you get back, but you still need to try; if today is any indication you should know it's not really safe enough not to."

"Is there anything else? How is everyone?"

"Everyone is doing good and I can't say anything else right now. We only came to save you today and switch out the potions. Elijah is distracting Klaus by asking if he's been good to you."

"He's having nightmares too now Bonnie. You all need to find out what's happening before it drives us insane."

"I already prepared for that as well… I made you both amulets that will keep you from dreaming and you only have to wear them when you sleep."

"Thank you Bonnie; I've not had a night free of nightmares unless I've been compelled not to."

"Have faith Caroline… we're working on it. It won't take too long to get all the information we need. Rebekah stayed behind to keep an eye out until we return." Bonnie replied as they heard a knock at the door. Bonnie helped Caroline get to her feet and they took their seats at the table while Kol went to let the servant in with dinner. When the servant left Kol joined them at the table and Bonnie decided to let them have time to talk to.

"Rebekah said to tell you that you better remember what she taught you." Kol said with a smirk and Caroline choked on her water while bonnie told him to not be crude.

"I remember; you can tell her that."

"Honestly… how has been towards you?"

"Better but he still finds a way to stay on my bad side. I think I've really only had two experiences with him that I didn't want to hit him."

"And pray tell how he managed that."

"The first was taking me up a mountain to watch the sun rise over the village below and the light hit the mist making it look like dancing lights. The second was last night when the wolves moved past us and he changed into a wolf right next to me. At first I was scared of what he would do and I got wedged between him and the bed on the floor; he didn't do anything, he just came over and rested on me for a little while before I had him let me move to the bed. He changed back in the bed and I can say without a doubt that I can't stand the sound of bones breaking, but I was somewhat more comfortable with him as a wolf once I knew he wasn't going to attack me."

"Hasn't he taken you shopping or tried giving you more gifts?"

"Yes, but I'm not interested in being bought. I told him if he wanted this to work he needed to fix his problems and then earn forgiveness from everyone."

"How did he react to that?"

"He told me to go to sleep so I turned over and went to sleep; I didn't quite feel like wasting any more breath than I already had."

"Keep standing strong… he needs to listen to you a little more. He's never had goodness from anyone besides us siblings and we've been known to act against him at times. I think you would have liked him when he was human…"

"That was then Kol… I'm doing what I can to try and convince him that he needs to be better. Which reminds me… before you leave will you compel the lord of the house to treat his wife better and stop bedding his servants?"

"Why?"

"His wife is always afraid and he treats her like she is nothing. She's been kind to me and I want to return the favor but I doubt Klaus would do it if I asked so I'm asking you."

"Alright… I'm sure we can do that before we go. Anything else?"

"You all have helped more than I could have asked already… I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." She finished and they all resumed eating and waiting on Klaus and Elijah's arrival.

Klaus and Elijah POV from exit in the forest…

Klaus and Elijah had flashed to another village to put some ground between them and the town they were in after the bloodbath they had left behind. It didn't take long for them to get their fills and they began roaming through the center of the small marketplace there. Klaus found a few trinkets he thought Caroline might accept but Elijah quickly input that he didn't think she would.

"What do you suggest I do Elijah? You want me to gain favor with her but she refuses any advance I make…"

"Perhaps you are making the wrong types of advances."

"I've tried her love for nature, jewelry, dresses, and some light seduction. Nothing works with her and I think she is denying my attentions on purpose to spite me."

"Niklaus you have to take things slowly with her and do things that have meaning. You were so awful with her in the beginning that it's going to take a while before she sees you as anything different than the man that came and turned her life upside down."

"Every time I've done something with meaning it's turned against me…"

"That is to be expected at first but it's what you need to do. Don't buy her gifts… make them or do things together."

"So aside from coming to help with the wolves today you came to tell me what I should do with Caroline."

"I was only offering guidance brother. Just think of what I've said and take your time. I think I know what you intend to do tonight… is there any way you would wait a little longer?"

"I won't force her Elijah but she already agreed to tonight. After today it's safer for her if I claim her."

"I may agree with the issue of her safety, but if I may give a little advice… don't hurt her tonight."

"Elijah it's going to hurt her a little for obvious reasons…"

"Be that as it may, you can still use extra caution with her and proceed slowly until she adjusts to the changes…"

"I had to bite her last night when the wolves came close to make them think I was claiming her; she didn't seem to be in pain then."

"Then make sure you do that the same way, perhaps you could distract her for the rest."

"Don't worry big brother… if last night gave me any hints about what tonight will bring I think she will fare very well."

"Well… then I need to tell you that Bonnie has sensed magic being used against you and Caroline but she hasn't developed enough to track it. Kol is working with her diligently to ensure she is reaching higher levels quicker."

"If anything is revealed I want you to deliver me the news personally Elijah. Then I will seek out the culprit and kill them."

"It will be Kol or myself, although in that situation I think Kol and Bonnie would want to be the ones to stay with Caroline to protect her while you extract revenge."

"Yes… Kol does seem to have taken a liking to the Bennett witch, and I think Kol knows not to mess up in regards to protecting her."

"He does indeed… we see her as a new little sister already. She'll be splendid as a vampire too; it won't control her."

"Perhaps but only time will tell. Kol suggested we make her an original instead of turning her…"

"I think he is right. There will always be new enemies that arise and she would defend herself better as one of us; as well as help defend your future child. You were trying to break her or make her how you wanted her to be, but she's used it to make herself stronger than before."

"So that's why she looks like she's lost all of the time when she stares at everything around her?"

"We know not what thoughts she has when she looks like that, but she has shown parts of her normal self when you are not around and from what Bonnie has seen, she's only going to get stronger. Don't try to change her Niklaus; you will fail and you'll turn her into what she doesn't want to be."

"And what is that Elijah?"

"A monster. If you insist on changing her she will only hate you for it and then you'll have that hate amplified with being a vampire; you'd create your own downfall. However, if you prove you want to be better and gain her forgiveness, then she will be your greatest ally. She's going through many changes and she needs time to accept them. Maybe you should listen to what she wants more often instead of insisting everything go your way."

"Elijah I've made deal after deal with her…"

"Not deals Niklaus… do something for her without expecting something back. You keep pushing at each other and there hasn't been any progress. If you want to move on from all of this you need to do as I've said. It is not weakness to accept help or feel something for others Niklaus… it's weakness to deny it."

"We must return soon… it is nearly sundown."

"I'm aware brother. Kol and Bonnie will leave when you return. I intend to leave when you go back."

"I will see you soon brother."

"Goodbye Niklaus." Elijah replied as he watched his brother walk off before heading in another direction. Klaus walked until he was out of sight and flashed back to the castle. He stopped outside under the window to his and Caroline's room to listen in, but he heard them discussing a card game and laughing. With a smirk he walked inside and proceeded to make his way upstairs.

In Klaus and Caroline's Room…

The trio was laughing as Kol had taken out his cards and taught the girls how to play, but he had been losing against them ever since the second round. When Kol stopped laughing they looked to him but he just reached out his other hand for their cards and they knew Klaus had arrived. Kol packed away his cards and Bonnie grabbed her bag before they told Caroline goodbye and left the room. Caroline stood and walked over to the window to watch what was left of the sun sinking into the horizon. She knew it wouldn't long before night came; a half hour at most. When she heard the door open she turned to make sure it was Klaus before turning back to the window.

"From the sounds I heard below I assume you are feeling better?"

"Yes."

"You still look a little tired so I'll be giving you my blood soon."

"I guess…"

"Did you take the potion?"

"Yes and I drank extra like you said."

"Did you eat?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any questions?"

"What did you do with all of the bodies?"

"We left them where they were. Everyone will think it was an animal attack and then Elijah and I went to feed in another village. Why do you ask Caroline?"

"I didn't know if you were just going to leave them like… that."

"I eliminated a threat to you…"

"They were challenging you; not me."

"He challenged me for power and you. And judging by the scent on the other pack members I can say the self-proclaimed alpha was bedding each female and none were his actual mate. He intended to take what was mine to add to his collection, but he picked the wrong fight."

"Was there no other way?"

"It was a challenge to the death and he signed his own death as well as his pack members. Are you really going to pick a fight with me about it?"

"I was just asking if there was another way. You know what I think about killing people. Did the pack members even have a choice or were they just forced to follow his order?"

"They would have had to fight at first but once I killed him they had the chance to stop; they didn't so they made their choice."

"Then I can't say anything for them." She finished as there was barely a sliver of sun left. When the last of the light left she bent her head to rest her forehead against the glass and forced herself to keep calm before turning to look at him. "I'll be ready in a minute." She supplied before picking up her robe and walking into the washroom to take her dress back off and put it up for the next day since she hadn't worn it long. Standing there in her nightgown she pulled her hair over to one side and braided it so her blood wouldn't get into it in a few minutes and put her robe on; even though she knew she wouldn't have it on long. When she came back out she saw him standing at the window like she had been watching the moon brighten as the sky grew darker and darker, so she walked over to look at it too. She could feel the moment his eyes stopped looking at the moon and began looking at her, but she kept her gaze on the sky as she felt his hand glide up her back and rext on her shoulder as one of his fingers rubbed back and forth on her neck.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."