Chapter 13: What Devilry Have You Gotten Up To
Author's note: Thanks for your patience as I tried to find my muse while working on some of my other stories. Finally, we're getting to some action — I can't wait to read your thoughts!
Warning: Some delicious smut after last chapter's little tease!
"Is it just me or does Alaric seem to fancy that Tyler bloke a bit, love," Klaus asked Caroline with a cheeky grin when she returned to her office after an exhausting lunch with Alaric.
Throwing her red satchel on the edge of her mahogany desk, she rolled her eyes at the smug hybrid. "Of course you were lurking in the shadows like a serial killer during my meeting."
Klaus immediately launched himself out of a blue armchair, sweeping her into his arms protectively. "Someone is targeting you, sweetheart. They broke into your loft, stole your bracelet and left behind a flower full of dubious meaning. Your safety is my highest priority."
She could feel herself start to melt at his protective tone and breathed in his comforting smells of cedar with a bite of citrus. She began to warm at the prospect of Klaus rubbing his masculine scent into her sheets. Slightly embarrassed by her inappropriate thoughts at work, not to mention their passionate display in her office earlier, she blushed, pushing away from him gently. "I appreciate you taking your guard dog responsibilities so seriously, but you must have been ridiculously bored listening to Alaric ramble on about how Tyler is continuing the proud Lockwood academic legacy."
He chuckled, "I was especially delighted with his rendition of Tyler's latest draft of a scholarly submission concerning the ancient Egyptian city, Hamunaptra. He seemed to be able to quote large portions of the text. Bit obsessive of the rather unremarkable lad, if you ask me."
Caroline leaned comfortably against him, unable to hide the way her blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Right. Tyler's fascinating, no doubt well-researched work on that Egyptian city will be talked about for a long time in academic circles," she giggled.
Smirking down at her he asked, "What devilry have you gotten up to, you little minx?"
Rolling her eyes, she explained, "Tyler has a nasty habit of stealing other people's research and publishing it as his own. He also recruits top college students to do research and then publishes their findings without giving them proper credit. I found out that he tried recruiting Matty and I refuse to allow my brilliant, innocent protégé to be used like that. Since I know that Tyler likes trolling the university's shared drive and borrowing research to publish as his own, I may have uploaded some imaginative discovery summaries that aren't entirely accurate."
Klaus laughed, "How much was inaccurate?"
Smiling widely, she smugly answered, "All of it. Hamunaptra is an ancient Indian city that was discovered when British engineers were excavating land to build a railroad." She snorted, "Serves him right for not checking out some of my obvious resources that I cited like Dr. Rick O'Connell and Imhotep Th' Mümì."
His lips curled into a knowing grin. "Imhotep, The Mummy? How I admire your biting wit, sweetheart." He leaned down to press his lips to hers, his kiss deliciously slow as his hands smoothly slid over her shoulders and down her back to pull her close.
All of her misgivings about maintaining a professional demeanor at work were abandoned as she sank into the warmth of his powerful body. Her fingers traced the outlines of his muscular forearms, relishing in the feel of his skin trembling under her tentative exploration. She slipped her hands underneath the soft fabric of his navy henley, playfully scratching at his skin as she had done earlier.
Her actions pulled a low growl from him as he quickly tugged her ruffled blouse over her blonde curls. He hungrily attacked the curve of her shoulder, teasing the tips of his fangs across her sensitive skin. At her shudder, he smoothly pressed down, spilling a few drops of her blood as she couldn't stop the lusty moan that escaped her lips. With a devilish smirk against her flesh, he followed a small rivulet of blood down her throat, his tongue lingering between her bare breasts.
"Klaus," she hummed, arching her back as she pressed more firmly against him. Taking the hint, his lips eagerly wrapped around a hardened nipple, causing her to gasp as he began playfully nipping at the throbbing peak. He maneuvered them both toward an armchair, sinking down into it as he pulled her onto his lap.
Caroline rocked her hips against him, the motion becoming more forceful as he teased her with his clever tongue. The blue chair gave a creak of protest under her enthusiastic rutting, but she paid it no heed as she started to feel the hard line of his erection underneath her. Suddenly, the chair tipped back, falling to the floor with a thud that temporarily jarred the couple before they continued their eager explorations.
With an impatient snarl, Klaus ripped off her simple cotton panties, then hoisted her up his muscular body until her center was perfectly perched above his lips. "Ride me," he rasped, his sexy, guttural command leaving her breathless.
She bunched her wrap skirt around her waist, not wanting to miss a moment of his decadent ministrations. Her greedy stare basked in the heat of his gaze as he angled his head to plunge into her. She stiffened at the sinful curl of his tongue, groaning as he licked over her sensitive flesh. His fingers dug into her hips, encouraging her to rock against the movements of his tongue until she cried out in ecstasy.
Still trembling from the effects of the delicious orgasm Klaus has pulled from her, she leaned back until she could feel his zipper, taking a moment to massage his undoubtedly painful erection as she freed him. She slowly slid down his body until she could feel his cock, slick with desire, against her dripping center. With a wicked grin, she rubbed her pelvis against him, momentarily allowing his tip to brush against her damp folds before swiftly moving away. At his grunts of frustration, she ground herself against the sweat of his skin, breathing in their mingled desire.
Klaus took advantage the moment she closed her eyes in blissful abandon, and quickly sat up, pulling her onto his hard cock and sliding home. He wrapped her thighs around his waist, angling his hips to reach every part of her. His lips were on fire as he attacked her breasts, clutching at her back while his eyes burned gold.
She could feel that familiar ache building again, and she rolled her hips against his powerful thrusts, desperately seeking release. His growls against her flesh as he filled her left her a whining, groaning mess as she tumbled into another orgasm. They remained connected, panting as they reveled in that golden moment of lovers' bliss.
Klaus glanced at the antique mantle clock on the bookcase across from them and with a sigh of regret, he tucked himself back into his jeans. Caroline followed his lead, playfully glaring at him when she spied her torn panties near the door. After straightening their rumpled clothes, Klaus said with a hint of concern, "During your lunch with Alaric, what do you make of his inquiries about the Phoenix Stone?"
She frowned slightly, weighing her words before she answered, "I'll admit I'm a bit paranoid now when it comes to the Phoenix Stone, but overall I feel like his questions were normal questions a department administrator would ask. He was concerned that I wasn't making significant progress with my research in addition to my Sun and Moon Curse project."
He seemed to be mulling over her words, finally asking somewhat hesitantly, "I assume the stone is secure? You did not mention it when examining your loft for missing items, so you've hidden it either at the shelter or this office. Since you would never risk the safety of your charges at the shelter, I imagine you have it tucked away in here?"
Her lovely face registered surprise at how well he knew her. Nodding slightly, she considered her options. She had been amazed that Klaus hadn't demanded the stone once his intentions had been revealed, but then she began to realize that it was his way of trying to demonstrate his trust in her. Klaus trusted her. It was time for her to trust him. Nodding to herself, she leaned over the side of her desk, feeling along the intricate carvings of the rich mahogany until the hidden latch was released. She held his gaze, telling him, "Since the ritual is almost upon us, I think you should keep it safe." She carefully handed him the carved red beryl, a look of awe upon his handsome face.
He touched it delicately, his voice a strangled whisper as he said, "You've entrusted me with the key to my brother's freedom."
She melted at the wonder in his voice and reassured him, "You've put your faith in me. It's only fair that I return the favor." At her soft words, he pulls her in for a tender kiss, brushing his fingers through her messy blonde curls.
Realizing that they easily could get carried away again, Caroline pulled back, giving him a wry smile. "As much as I would enjoy an encore, we both have work to do. You need to bring our medicine wheel research over to Bonnie's and also find out if she has any ideas on the best location for the ritual. Suggest to her that there was an incredibly violent battle during the Powhatan Wars that took place a few miles outside of town. History tends to underreport the casualties of native populations, but my research indicates that it decimated the local Algonquian-speaking tribes in the 1600s."
Klaus sighed as he carefully tucked the stone into his pocket and balanced several books and files in his arms. "I noticed your use of you instead of we, love. I assume this means that you're intending to remain in your office to modify the presentation slides per Alaric's instructions?"
She rolled her eyes, huffing, "Of course. I refuse to compel my boss and colleagues unless absolutely necessary." Her blue eyes gleamed as she added impishly, "Besides, Alaric really felt that those slides needed some work."
Eyebrow cocked, he replied in a dry tone, "Don't think I didn't notice how you subtly blamed me for the slides Alaric took issue with. Hardly fair given you completed the entire presentation without my input, sweetheart."
She scoffed, playing with the edge of her laptop screen. "You were unavailable for consultation. And it's not like you care. This is my career we're talking about and when this mess is over, I expect to return to it with minimal fuss."
His eyes flashed briefly at her words regarding the aftermath of the ritual, as though he wanted to probe her thoughts concerning whatever was between them. However, he seemed to think better of it and instead said, "I assumed that would be your answer, love. Therefore, I've made arrangements for you to be carefully guarded during my absence."
Her office door opened with a bang, and she was irritated to see Rebekah standing defiantly at the threshold. Crossing her arms in front of her she turned to Klaus and spat, "Seriously?"
The statuesque blonde glared back at her, frostily responding with, "Trust me, Caroline, if it wasn't for Nik's agreement to purchase Monique Lhuillier's entire spring collection for me, I would have zero interest in your welfare."
"Watch your tongue, sister," Klaus hissed, leaning down to place a protective kiss on Caroline's lips. When he straightened, he commanded her, "You are to treat Caroline with the utmost respect and above all, keep her safe." Placing a final, gentle kiss on top of Caroline's curls, he flashed from the room, leaving the women alone in an awkwardly silence.
Rebekah snorted derisively as she spied the torn panties near the door. Delicately pointing the open toe of her metallic stiletto bootie near the fabric she said venomously, "Tell me, Caroline, are you such an easy conquest because of your homely appearance or do your insecurities lie deeper?"
Incensed, Caroline flashed over to Rebekah, the other blonde's icy blue eyes widening as though she hadn't expected Caroline to attack. Instead, Caroline grabbed the torn cotton, flashing back to her desk to angrily stuff it into her red satchel. She whirled around to face Rebekah with a look of contempt she normally reserved for Tyler's academic incompetence. "Slut-shaming is such a predictable tool for petty, ignorant people who desperately want to cover up their own insecurities."
Rebekah laughed, "What a surprise the little bookworm wants to hide behind her fancy education. Spare me your lecture about the Romans or whomever and how they slut-shamed women as part of some stupid cultural dynamic that you wrote a paper about that no one bothered reading because no one cares."
"Actually, research has discovered numerous references to the fertility god, Priapus, in addition to stunning mosaic imagery which indicates quite relaxed views concerning sexuality in Ancient Rome. Perhaps you meant Ancient Greece," Caroline responded sarcastically, taking particular delight in the scowl that crept across Rebekah's face.
"Whatever," Rebekah scoffed, "It doesn't concern me in the least that you think I'm stupid just because I enjoy fashion. You don't know anything about me."
Rolling her eyes, Caroline settled behind her desk, muttering under her breath as she accessed her research files. "Just as you clearly know nothing about me. I would never judge someone else's passion. And there's nothing wrong with liking fashion. Have you ever considered exploring your interest further? You could go to a design school and maybe create your own clothing line. It's not like you don't have the money to do it and it's a waste of perfectly good immortal life if you're not doing what you love."
Rebekah seemed stunned as she sat down in the remaining blue armchair that was still upright. "I...I never thought about it before. Education wasn't a luxury my family could afford in our village and after we turned, survival was our only concern."
Caroline waved her hands in aggravation. "See? That right there! If anything, I'm envious of you because you have lived history. You possess the inviable heritage of a respected, powerful, innovative people. That's amazing!"
Looking somewhat sheepish, Rebekah answered in a small voice, "Thank you." For several uncomfortable moments, she fiddled with the links in her diamond and silver bracelets. "Do you...perhaps you would offer some advice on where to begin with enrolling in a design school?"
Smiling warmly, Caroline nodded. "Of course. But in exchange I want to pester you about obscure Norseman customs when I have some time." She groaned as she added, "Of course, who knows when that will be. I'm supervising a shipment of clothes and toiletries to the shelter this weekend and I promised Alaric I'd have a revised slide deck to him by Monday. Maybe I'll see if Matty can research some of these talking points."
"Matty," Rebekah asked curiously. "You're quite protective of your little human assistant. I heard all about him from my brother — in the beginning he was quite jealous, you know. Kept grumbling about an innocent baby face he desperately wanted to pummel."
"No," Caroline answered firmly. "You are not to interact with Matty. He's my brilliant student and I want him kept out of this nonsense so he can lead a remarkable, beautiful human life where he will be revered in his field." She shrugged her shoulders, adding, "Besides, he has a girlfriend that he really seems to like."
Rebekah sighed, "Pity. He sounded delicious."
Grumbling, Caroline returned to the slide deck, and the women lapsed into a silence that wasn't quite companionable, but at least marked the beginnings of a truce.
The following week found Caroline anxiously following Klaus into the clearing Bonnie and Lucy had identified as the center of one of the most violent battles during the Powhatan Wars. She admired the impressive arches and strong lines of the modified Native American medicine wheel that the witches had painstakingly outlined with smooth quartz stones. Glancing up at the night sky, she estimated that the penumbral lunar eclipse was nearly at its apex. It was almost time.
Noticing their arrival, Bonnie left Lucy and Rebekah at the makeshift tree stump altar, jogging over to Caroline. The look of worry on her face was alarming. "Caroline, I want you to know that he followed us here and refused to leave. But if you want him gone, I'll make him go," she finished angrily, red sparks igniting from her fingertips.
Confused, Caroline scanned the area, not understanding what Bonnie was talking about. She sighed in resignation when she noticed Stefan step out of a thick cluster of trees, hesitantly walking toward her. "What the fuck, Stefan? I told you to stay away from me," she ranted, stomping her foot angrily.
He held up his palms in what was meant to be a calming gesture, which only served to incense Caroline further. "Caroline, I just want to be here for you. Please let me help."
The pain in his voice hurt her heart, but she shook her head in irritation. "No, Stefan. I'm not ready to deal with you and you need to respect that. You need to respect me."
Before Stefan could respond, Klaus flashed over to him, clutching his throat in one clawed hand and effortlessly raising him several inches above the ground. "I told you to stay away from Caroline, you useless little vampire," he hissed.
"Honestly Nik, can you please set aside your silly insecurities about your relationship with Caroline until after we get our brother back," Rebekah called out in exasperation.
Caroline anxiously flicked her blue eyes up at the night sky once more, noting the angle of the moon was in the correct position for the ritual. With a heavy sigh, she placed her hand gently on Klaus' forearm as he continued to throttle Stefan. "Klaus, just let him go. We need to start the spell." She watched in satisfaction as Klaus released his death grip, allowing her former best friend to crumple to the hard ground, gasping for breath.
"Very well, love," he agreed, lacing his fingers with hers as they walked over to the medicine wheel. He handed the Phoenix Stone to Bonnie, the dull red catching the moonlight. The witch ran her thumb carefully over the spiral petroglyph carved into one side, starting to draw upon its energy.
Lucy began chanting, throwing belladonna onto the flickering flames of the small fire near the altar. At her brief nod, Rebekah poured honeyed mead from a carved stone bowl in a semicircle, a look of trepidation on her beautiful face as she glanced at the Phoenix Stone Bonnie carried to the center of the medicine wheel.
Bonnie gestured toward Klaus and Caroline, who joined her inside the quartz-lined symbol. Klaus squeezed Caroline's hand encouragingly as she held out her forearm to Bonnie. Her friend's voice joined Lucy's, her chanting low but confident as she pulled out a short obsidian blade.
Caroline held her breath as she watched Bonnie hold the knife over her head, pointing its sharpened tip at the penumbral lunar eclipse above them. The air vibrated with power and a soft whisper of red sparks flew from Bonnie's fingers as she brought the blade down and carefully sliced a thin line into Caroline's ivory flesh. She quickly placed the red stone underneath the droplets of blood, ensuring that none was wasted. The quartz stones began to shake, shifting out of their carefully placed positions as the earth trembled beneath them.
A flash of dull, throbbing red light shot out of the Phoenix Stone, and Bonnie cried out as her nose began to bleed. "No! Something's wrong," she gasped, shuddering as the spell's power overcame her small form. Lucy yelled in pain as her body began to convulse as well, but the group was distracted by the sudden appearance of a decidedly disheveled Original in the center of the medicine wheel.
"Elijah," Klaus declared hoarsely as his gray eyes filled with powerful emotions, but before he could embrace his long-lost brother, the Phoenix Stone unexpectedly released another pulsating red beam that enveloped Klaus and Caroline, temporarily cloaking the couple from the rest of the group.
When the red light faded, the group was astonished to find that Klaus and Caroline had disappeared.