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"I'm coming Bonnie! Calm down, we're gonna figure this out together" Caroline said before hanging up on her friend's cries for help.

"Shit" she blurted out. She turned away from Klaus, and jumped out of bed before she went for her commode.

She was tired of all the problems; couldn't they have a break from it for once? Weren't they entitled to some happiness by now? She really was exhausted of all the drama and she wished she could just get away from it all, but she couldn't, she couldn't leave her friends alone to deal with these cans of worms.

Pulling on the first drawer she took out a black t-shirt and rummaged through the next drawer taking out socks and a black lace bra. When she realized Klaus was still studying her every moves, she hid it between the folded layers of her t-shit.

Klaus smiled, amused at her troubled expression. He couldn't help imaging her just wearing that black lace bra and matching panties He clearly remembered the day he had saved her from the Council members, would it have not been for his need to be honest and his refusal to be deceitful towards Caroline, he would have had a taste of what she had qualified as hot hybrid-vampire sex. That thought still haunted him at nights. Yet although he undeniably regretted not taking advantage of the situation he was somewhat glad he hadn't because he wanted the feel of his own fingers on her bare skin and certainly not Tyler's. He could still see the sun reflecting on her creamy skin as she launched herself on him, her mouth all over his… no Tyler's, he growled internally.

As Klaus was deeply absorbed in his mind, Caroline, her face red, flashed to her wardrobe and took out a pair of jeans from a hanger. Regretfully for her, before she could discretely leave the room, Klaus got to her and holding her arms firmly he made her face him, his own features serious.

"Let go" Caroline cried out, frowning at him.

Klaus released some pressure on his grip but didn't let go like she asked.

"Whoa! Slow down Caroline" he said. "Why don't you explain to me what the big rush is?"

"I need to go and help my friends, Klaus" she said.

"That I understand, your need to help and protect those you care about is undeniable" he started. He didn't quite get what the urgency was, or who Shane was and why he was so important to the Scooby gang. "What I don't, though, is why you feel the need to run out in the middle of the night, when you have at least three people out there, a lot stronger than you may I add, that are just waiting for you to put so much as a toe outside the protective spell's boundaries to put a stake through your heart."

"You wouldn't understand…" she said. She wasn't being fair to him, she knew, but she didn't know how to explain to him what she felt deep inside.

"You'd be surprised of my comprehensive abilities" Klaus bluntly replied, his face serious. "Why don't you start by telling me who that Shane character is?"

Horror crossed Caroline's face, as she suddenly understood that that information had been yet another piece of knowledge they had concealed from the Hybrid. If she wanted to be true to her word to Klaus and not hide anything from him anymore, she needed to confess one of the biggest secrets they had kept from him so far.

He felt her muscles relax under his loosened grasp, and saw her features change as she started "Okay, don't get mad…"

Oh, that was never good… he thought.

"… but my friends and I have kept a few things from you in the past few months" she started.

This wasn't news to him. He bit back the remarks that came to his mind. No matter how hard he had tried to earn their trust, or at least Caroline and Stefan's, it turned out that all his attempts had failed. However he fooled himself in thinking he had finally got through to them, he was always reminded he was nothing more than the Big Bad Wolf not worthy of their confidence.

"Go on…" he simply said, encouraging her to pursue with her line of thoughts.

"Shane is our History teacher" she started again. Gosh couldn't she just get it out already she thought to herself.

"And, he's been teaching Bonnie magic and… most importantly, he knows the location of the Cure" she finished.

Suddenly realizing what impacts the teacher`s abduction meant for their quest to get to the Cure, anger started boiling inside of him.

"Are you saying that the sword I've been keeping aside, thinking it would be the key to unlocking the Hunter's tattoo and bring us closer to the Cure and you have all led me to think this when all the while it was nothing more than a mere toy, an accessory which you used to knowingly hide its true unworthiness from me. And on top of that, you have actually been aware of the Cure`s wereabouts all this time?" Rage rose up inside him and he suppressed the urges to break the furniture around them. Here they were again, Caroline and her friends, playing him for a fool while he was trying to give them proof of his goodwill. His grip unvoluntarily hardened on Caroline's arm and she winced at the sudden pain.

"No!" Caroline denied. "We don't know where it is but Shane does. He didn't tell us because he knew Damon would kill him once he got the information, it was his leverage to remain alive. Which is precisely why we haven't told you either" she said pointing an accusing finger at him. "You and Damon have similar instincts when it comes to getting rid of the people that annoy you or ones you simply dislike. We didn't want to risk either of you to kill the only person that keeps Bonnie under control and grounded. They have a special bonding relationship because he helped her get her Powers back which served to regain her confidence. We have gone through so much, we've left our childhoods' hopes and dreams behind because we had to grow up after everything and everyone we've lost in the past year, seeing her so happy again made us like the guy almost instantly."

Caroline's eyes started swelling with tears as she continued.

"But for Bonnie, to lose yet another person, and one that actually can save her from herself, would be too much for her to bare. I don't want to see my friend lose herself and this is why I need to get to her fast so we can work up a plan to save Shane and get her mind occupied. If we save Shane, we save Bonnie, and we save this town from being destroyed or burnt down to the ground by a magical outburst. So there you are, this is why time is so critical here, so can you please let go, you're hurting me."

Klaus instantly let go of her and she raced to the washroom where she closed and locked the door and started to quickly undress. She knew his concern for her was legitimate, that it was dangerous for her to leave her house, yet she already felt better, she was able to run at vampire speed without feeling exhausted and her muscles had regained their tone and strength.

Plus, she wasn't going to sit around and wait for god knows how long, just to be a hundred percent sure she was back at full strength. Her friends needed her and she would do anything for them.

Although a part of her brain was busy thinking about some plan to save both Matt and Shane, the other part was completely obsessed about the night she had spent in Klaus' arms.

Had she actually begged him to share her bed last night? She had felt so vulnerable and frail and he was just so strong and protective of her.

Okay, who am I trying to convince exactly? Yes she had been afraid but that alone would not have pushed her to invite him into her bed. You wanted him next to you, she thought to herself. You find him attractive and his presence is soothing to you, admit it! She wanted his body next to hers, she longed for his proximity. Plus, she couldn`t let him sit by the window all night while she was comfortably sprawled in her bed, not after all he had done for her.

When she came back into her room she noticed Klaus had changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt as well. He looked deeply lost in his thoughts, staring blankly at the undone bed.

Klaus was not only frustrated at the Scooby gang for dissimulating the teacher's existence, he was mostly mad at himself for hurting Caroline just now. How could he have lost control like that and hurt the person he cared the most about? Staring at the bed, he remembered Caroline's warm body lying next to him, the smell of her soft golden locks tickling at his cheek. He looked down at his hands, still feeling her fingers squeezing his, his arm resting against her heaving chest. He had listened intently to her slow breathing just before falling into oblivion himself.

He suddenly realized Caroline was behind him as he spun around to face her. They stared at each other both uncomfortable. He walked slowly towards her trying not to look aggressive, and took her hands, bringing them to his mouth. "I am sorry for hurting you earlier" was all he said before dropping his gaze and kissing her hands trying to make it up to her somehow.

Caroline couldn't stand the sorrow she saw in his eyes before he averted her gaze. She knew he hadn't meant to hurt her, that he would never harm her on purpose. He had such a tortured soul it broke her heart to see it displayed in front of her. He was such a dreaded enemy to some, but to her he showed his sweetest sides.

She put her hands on each side of his face, feeling the roughness of his stubble on her palms. He instantly jerked his head up at her touch, and looking into his eyes she once again felt shivers going down her spine. What was it with these blue eyes that made her go weak in the knees every time she looked at him? She absentmindedly caressed his cheeks with her thumbs, completely lost in his eyes before she noticed his stunned expression at her intimate gesture and she couldn't help but felicitate herself for surprising him as it probably didn't happen that often for the thousands years old vampire.

"I know you wouldn't hurt me by choice" she said, her voice soft. "I have a proposition for you, come with me at Elena's. Be a part of this, we need you. I need you!" she finished.

How could he resist her when she was so close to him, when he could smell her breath on his face like a refreshing breeze? She was a sorceress… there was no other explanation. No matter how hard he told himself to keep his head clear she just had to touch him and say his name and he'd come running like a dog.

"I will be by your side tonight, I will give you whatever support you need Caroline. Always."

She smiled at him sweetly; his pledge to help and protect her went straight to her heart. "I know" she whispered, before moving closer to him, and still holding his face she approached hers to his before finally making their lips meet. The spontaneous move took Klaus off guard.

At first the exchange was timid almost hesitant, she felt like she was taking a huge step and she could no longer fool herself at thinking their new found connection was only friendship.

Klaus started taking the matter into his own hands, grabbing at the small of her back with one hand and seizing a handful of her golden locks in his other he glued her body to his. Caroline, still with one hand holding on to his cheek, slid her other hand to his waist clawing at his shirt. Completely absorbed in the moment Caroline lost all senses of her surroundings the instant his hands moved down to her bottom, lifting her off her feet. Klaus spun her around before laying her on her bed and hovered over her, never releasing her mouth as he did. Circling his hips with both her legs she inched him closer to her. Her head was spinning from the excitement of the kiss, his lips were so soft in contrast with his facial hair that was roughly scraping her chin, but she welcomed the feeling as it confirmed the reality of the exchange. All her head was able to process now was Klaus, his lips, his scent, his warmth, his entire body and her own, burning with an internal fire that was blazing in her belly.

Wait this brought something forward in her mind… Think Caroline, it has something to do with fire… Burning…

Suddenly an image of Bonnie, the tip of her black hair smoldering from the fire surrounding her, her hands playing with the flames, her eyes all black, a sadistic smile on her lips, her arms extended in front of her, ready to throw snakes of flames at her.

Caroline snapped out of the trance she was in, and swiftly moved out of under Klaus, pushing him slightly as she squirmed to get out of bed. Feeling her resentment Klaus let her go reluctantly, grunting.

They both stared at each other, passion and desire reflected in both their eyes. Panting as if they had lost their personal access to oxygen - which they didn't really need - Klaus stood up looking at her with concern, did she regret what had just happened?

"We need to go" Caroline reminded him, not trying to avoid his gaze, but facing him with dignity. "Bonnie…"

Klaus moved closer to her, gently brushing her cheek, he murmured "No, we have to go Caroline, as right now my needs, and yours I believe, are in a whole different world." He smiled teasingly at her.

She smiled back looking down as she did, before he lifted her chin up and moved forward again.

"Don't" she said looking away "please. It's not that I don't want to." She looked back at him smiling reassuringly. "I do, believe me, but I had a hard time putting a stop to it the first time so I know if we start again I won't want it to stop and we have big problems on our hands right now."

"Then I will take a rain check on it, love."


They took Caroline's car to Elena's place, as Klaus' SUV was still at his house since he had ran to the Forbes house two nights ago. They kept quiet throughout the car ride both lost in their thoughts.

That kiss had been surreal, she certainly hadn`t planned it, at first she had just wanted to reassure him and then that pull that had been nagging at her for weeks now, had taken over her mind and had pushed away her resistance finally bringing down the walls. She was still terribly aware of his proximity in her small Ford Fiesta. Their elbows were brushing against one another and the heat coming from his body was slowly taking over hers. She had to stay concentrated on the road ahead but she knew from the corner of her eyes that he was staring at her with an indeceferable expression. She blushed lightly and smiled despite her best resolution.

Klaus looked at her profile as they made their way to the Gilberts' house. Caroline went through a red light going over the speedlimit, knowing the sheriff`s officers would all be too busy trying to find the town's missing people, rather than running after their boss`daughter. He knew her friends' situation was disturbing her, yet he couldn`t help but boast at the thought she was overwelmed by his presence next to her. He couldn`t believe she had finally taken the lead in kissing him and she hadn`t fallen back because she regretted her move, but because her friends were in need. He was sure that without that, he would have made the most of his time alone with her, until Liz got back home. He would have easily made her forget about Tyler. One night in his arms and the cub would have been nothing more then a bad memory.

When he noticed her smile he couldn't help but grin. He would get through to her resistance and bring down her ramparts. She would soon realize they were meant for one another. She would realize that the affection she thought she had for Tyler was nothing more than puppy love.

As she parked into Elena's drive way and they both got out of the car, Klaus flashed in front of her holding both her arms and locking his gaze with hers.

"Will you let me assist you?" he asked his voice grave. "Will you trust me enough for this task?" He felt he needed to make amend for his earlier outburst. He knew he needed to be part of the trusted circle of the Scooby Gang if he wanted to know what was going on in this town, as it all seemed to affect him in the end weither he didn`t want anything to do with it or not. He knew it would take them some time to trust him completely but he figured being next to Caroline, one of their own at the discussion table wouldn't hurt.

"If you promise to behave" she said half-jokingly.

"For you, love, I promise" he said with a crooked smile. He offered her his arm before they made their way to the front porch.

Caroline was about to knock when the door suddenly flew opened before them. Bonnie stood there looking past them her eyes lost in the distance.

"Bonnie, it's okay I'm here now" Carolinee said stepping inside the house and hugging her friend. She felt bad for arriving this late, at least 40 minutes had passed since her friend had called her in panic, she should have been there at least 30 minutes ago, if it hadn`t been for the passionate moment she had had in her bedroom with a certain Hybrid.

Bonnie relaxed in her friend's arms knowing they'd somehow find a way to fix everything. They started to make their way to the kitchen when they heard Klaus clear his throat behind them.

Elena came to join her friends as they all looked at the Original standing in the doorframe, arms extended on the doorframe, unable to go further. He looked at them meaningfully waiting for the doppelganger to invite him in.

Caroline turned to look at her friend, shrugging "He wants to help" she simply said, smiling encouragingly.

Elena was not sure it was such a good idea to invite Klaus inside her house but what other choice did they have, Klaus was their strongest ally against their enemies… funny how she kept him aside from the list of villains now.

"Come on in" she said, hoping she wouldn't regret her decision later on.


Bonnie was pacing around the dining room muttering under her breath.

"Bonnie, please come and sit with us" Caroline pleaded with her friend. She was desperate to get the young witch in a more serene state. If Bonnie lost control, they would all be doomed. The extent of her Powers went beyond what they used to be and she used to be pretty powerful before, especially against vampires, Caroline did not want to think what an outburst coming from Expression would be like.

"She's right Bon, let's work on this plan together" Elena said.

"Yes witch, do calm down" Klaus interviened. "Going blindly against my siblings would only result in the death of your friends and that nice professor you respect so much. You would then be left with nothing but hatred and the bodies of the ones you once loved dearly." Caroline saw the ghost of a shadow cross the Hybrid's features as he spoke.

"You told him about Shane?" Bonnie yelled out, frustrated with Caroline. Her friend had blindly signed her mentor's death certificate. Having to stop Damon from killing their History professor was one thing, but putting Klaus on top of the picture made it just that more complicated.

"I had to Bonnie, okay? He'd on our side…"

They all heard the front door open and Jeremy and Damon made there way into the dining room, joining the group.

"Jer!" Elena cried out, hugging her brother with fierce. She then jumped into Damon's arms, kissing him hard on the lips, she draw back smiling brightly.

"You brought him back, thank you!"

Klaus got up from his chair making his way to the couple, looking unpleased.

"Yes thank you Damon for endangering the life of our now only real resource left in this Cure hunt for team Delena."

"Resource?" Jeremy asked, insulted.

Damon turned his gaze from Elena, glaring at the Original.

"And when were you invited to the party?"

Klaus smiled wickidly, happy to see the younger vampire's annoyed expression.

"Why don't you ask your girlfriend here, it's her house after all."

"Boys!" Caroline warned them quickly glancing at Bonnie. "Please. Elena, it is a bit risky to bring Jeremy back when Rebekah and Kol are indeniably out for the Cure. Wouldn't it have been better to hide him somewhere else outside of Mystic Falls?"

"I know Care. I just couldn't let him out there without being able to protect him…"

"Protect him? Against two Original Vampires that have eaten their lot of humans and vampires alike, centuries before your great great grand mother was borned?" Klaus intervened.

"Well we don't expect you to understand family values knowing how you prefer to keep your siblings staked in coffins most of the time, dragging them around wherever you're going…" Damon nastily spat at him.

Klaus lost his cocky smile and advanced on the oldest Salvatore brother You're one to talk stealing his girlfriend from him...

Sensing the level of tension peeking, Caroline stepped in, grabbing Klaus' arm and she saw Elena place herself in front of Damon shielding his body from the Hybrid.

"Enough you two! Klaus you said you'd behave…"

He looked at her with the face of a child being caught with his hand in a bag.

"Listen to her Klaus…" Damon pitched in.

"And you" Caroline said pointing a finger at Damon, "stop trying to push him to his limit, we're here to help find Shane and bring him back safely from Rebekah and Kol, not for you two to show your macho man attitudes."

"Professor Shady Pants' disapearance is a real shame but if you ask me I never thrusted the guy, I'm sure he doesn't know where the Cure really is he just wanted us to believe he did to save his sorry ass."

"No" Bonnie stepped in her eyes blazing. "Shane told the thruth, we need to help him, like he helped me. We have to save him before they torture him to his death" she pleaded.

"And we will" Jeremy said taking her hands in his, trying to channel positive energy through his touch.

"And how exactly do you plan to? Barge into Barbie and Psychotic Klaus' hideout? We don't even know where they are and if I'm not mistaken we haven't heard from my dear brother yet to find out where they are. Don't get me wrong it's nice to not get the silent treatment on purpose from him, thanks to you, kindly sending him out to fetch your little shinny medieval toy. So bottom line is, we're as blind as bats right now."

Klaus' phone started ringing and he took it noticing Stefan's name appear on the caller ID.

"Just on time, we were starting to worry about you mate."

"Hello brother, how nice of you to send me Stefan to play with."

"Rebekah…"