Hey guys, I really enjoy this chapter. It explains Aurelia and Klaus' relationship pretty well. Somebody asked me if i had a pairing in mind for Aurelia. What do you guys think? When i started writing I intended the pairing to be with Damon. But now I favor Klaus. Leave a review on what you'd prefer to see! Thanks for reading!
Klaus woke with a groan, he rubbed his head and sat up. His body ached but the pain soon dissipated, he tried to recall the events from before he blacked out. It was Aurelia. The spell had been broken and she was a lot stronger than he anticipated, not only that, but she had magic. She was a vampire with magic. Klaus had heard of heretics, he thought they were only legends.
He was beyond angry, he wasn't used to being overpowered. Especially by someone much younger than he was. He was an original vampire, and he was a hybrid. He was the strongest, the alpha. Aurelia would not change that.
He slowly rose to his feet, stretching out and looking around. There were bricks and dust where he had landed, and the sunlight filtered in through the tiny window of the cell. He cursed under his breath. Zev was nowhere in sight. The blasted coward always fled when things got hard, and he always went home. Like a scared child.
His first priority was finding Aurelia, he had wanted to awaken her for the purpose of working with her. This was obviously not plausible if she was awol.
He figured she would return to Mystic Falls, go back to where she knew. He knew she was too smart to assume her previous connections would still be where they were twenty years ago. The decision was made for him, and he headed towards Mystic Falls.
I drove as fast as I could down the freeway, New Orleans was only 30 miles away. Klaus' phone kept ringing, it was driving me insane. Most calls were from his godawful siblings. It rang again, Rebekah. Simply to amuse myself, I answered.
"What!?"
"Klaus- Wait. Who is this..? Where's Klaus?" She sounded angry, she always was a feisty one.
"Aurelia. Now could you please stop calling. It's so annoying! I'm going insane!"
"Aurelia?! Where is Klaus?"
I laughed, "I don't know. Last I saw him he was lying against the wall unconscious after I kicked his ass."
"Aurelia I swear-" I hung up on her, I'd had enough of her nagging voice.
I raided my "home" before I left for New Orleans, Valentine was at work. I packed a bunch of clothes and other things and shoved it all in the back of my stolen car. I figured it would last me for the trip at least.
"Welcome to New Orleans," The sign read. I smiled to myself, now it was just a matter of finding Zev. Or even better, a witch who could get Sybil out of my head. There were plenty here.
I drove around the city, trying to recall where Zev's house was. 195 Audubon Boulevard. I turned town the street, marveling at the mansions. His house became clear against the sky, a place I'd missed. I used to spend a lot of time there, living the party life that came with New Orleans, though we were relatively far from Downtown. There was a black car in the driveway, Zev's car. I knew he'd be here.
I parked behind him, the car I had was red and relatively new, but it wasn't what I wanted. I left my stuff in the back, I wasn't sure if I'd be staying with him. It was dependent on his reaction.
I walked up and knocked loudly, hearing him inside. I heard him approaching and I heard the lock click.
"Aurelia." He said, no specific emotion behind it, he just said it, I breathed.
"Zev. It's been a long time." I offered a smile, he smiled as well.
"It's you." He enveloped me into a hug, and I smiled again, hugging him back. I was hoping he'd be excited to see me.
"Zev, who's there?" A tall, thin red head came up behind him, resting her head on his shoulders, but when she sees me, she narrows her eyes.
"This is an old friend. Her name is Aurelia. Aurelia, this is Charlotte. Come in, Aurelia." He stepped aside, Charlotte moving with him. She wore a large black tee shirt that hung off her left shoulder, exposing a tattoo that climbed from her back to her shoulder. Black vines. She wore no pants. Her legs were pale and slim, leading to dainty feet. Her clavicle winged out prominently and her neck was marked with the teeth of Zev. Her skin was creamy and flawless, her cheekbones high. She had full, red lips and long eyelashes. Green eyes and her hair was long and wavy. She reminded me of a younger version of my mother. She could have been a model, it almost made me feel insecure. Almost.
I replaced my frown with my signature smirk, I aimed to emanate confidence. I walked over to her and held out my hand, "Pleasure to meet you, Charlotte. I hope you've been treating my friend well." Her hands were warm, a sharp contrast to my ice cold skin. I was a couple shades paler than her.
"Of course..." She faked a smile, she clearly didn't want me here. This fueled my confidence. My heels made it so I was at eye level with her.
"So why are you uh... Here?" Zev asked.
"I came to find you, after you fled I figured you'd come here. I need your help."
"Oh yeah... I'm sorry about that. I panicked." His eyes were downcast.
"No worries, love. All is forgiven. I sure took Niklaus by surprise." I grinned.
"Where is he anyway? Zev asked.
Charlotte was getting frustrated, I could tell. She didn't know what we were talking about. I began to wonder if she was of any meaning to Zev. Or if she was his toy like I'd originally presumed.
"Not sure, you're the second one to ask me that question." I looked around at the foyer, it was exactly as I remembered it, except more modern furniture. There were vaulted ceilings with murals painted on them, I had always loved those murals. The floors were white marble, and there were tall pillars on either side of the entrance to the living room. The walls were painted a dark, oxblood color.
"Well, do you... Do you need somewhere to stay? You know you're always welcome to stay here. I'm sure Charlotte won't mind." He glanced nervously to Charlotte who was glaring daggers into me. So she was his girlfriend.
"Charlotte?" I asked expectantly, a bitter smile on my red lips.
"Yes. It's no problem. No problem at all." She said through her teeth, "I'm going to go get dressed." She scurried away quickly.
I looked back at Zev, "You found yourself a girlfriend... And she's human." I rose an eyebrow.
He shrugged, "I guess you could call it that. Trust me, she's a lot better than she seems. She's just threatened by you."
"Threatened? For what reason? She must know she's beautiful."
Zev walked over close to me, looking down and grabbing my hands.
"Beautiful, yes. But you, my dear, are stunning."
I smiled up at him, "Did you miss me?"
He placed a soft kiss on my forehead, "Endlessly."
Our relationship had always been strange, not confined by any social constructs. We had no title. It was no secret we'd always been infatuated with each other, especially after I turned him. But we also had fun, we did what we pleased with whoever we wanted. It was like an open relationship, Zev's heart would always belong to me. My heart, was made of stone.
"I'll go get my things." I pulled away from him, sprinting to my car and grabbing the bag I brought. When I returned to the door, Zev was waiting.
"So... I would offer you the master bedroom, you know I'd happily move into another room... But Charlotte, not so much. I can offer you the second biggest room, though. It might not have its own bathroom, but it has a balcony."
"Zev, you're too nice for your own good. I'll take whatever room is offered to me. I'm not too picky." I smiled, heading towards the rest of the house. The living room had no tv, but it did have a large fireplace with a lit fire. A window measuring the whole height of the far wall was shrouded by golden curtains. There was a grand staircase leading upstairs, I sped up them and down the hall. I recognized the double doors to the master bedroom, one of them was left open. Charlotte was facing the window. Zev came up behind me.
"Your room will be next door to mine, there is a door that connects the two. Please do not hesitate to find me if you need me."
There was another set of double doors about ten feet away. I smiled at Zev before placing a kiss on his cheek just as Charlotte turned around. I laughed to myself as I went to the room. It was very large, painted the same oxblood color as the foyer. There was a four poster bed against the wall. There were two black night stands next to it, a black dresser, and a few paintings on the wall. There were glass doors with black curtains pulled to the side leading to the balcony.
I set my stuff out on the bed, sighing at the door leading to Zev's room. It would be very strange to live here with Charlotte, as it was very clear she wanted me gone already.
I knocked on the door, and Charlotte opened it, "Yes?"
"Where's Zev?" I asked her, already fed up with her attitude.
"He's busy." She smirked.
"Great. Well when he's available, would you please tell him I went out for a... Drink." I smiled at her and pulled the door closed. That bitch would not continue her behavior, I would be sure of that.
I grabbed my leather purse and located the keys to the car, I would have to get a new one of those as well.
When I neared the front door, Zev came up from the cellar with a bottle of wine, "Where are you going?"
"I'm thirsty." I told him simply, I dint have to elaborate because I knew he knew what I meant.
"Oh. Of course."
There was a knock on the door that startled us both, how had I not heard somebody approaching? I must have been weaker than I thought.
Zev opened it slowly, he was met with Klaus.
"Aurelia!" Klaus shouted, he saw me behind Zev. He looked very angry and tried to push his way inside, but was stopped by the boundary at the door. I raised my eyebrow, whose name was the house under? It clicked when she came down the stairs looking very confused. Charlotte.
"What the hell... Invite me in, Zev, or I swear I'll kill her." He gestured to Charlotte. Her eyes widened.
"Zev... Who is this?" Charlotte shrunk behind him, she was afraid. She must have sensed the power and anger in Klaus.
"I'm his friend." Klaus smiled widely, expectantly. "So would you please invite me in?"
"No!" She cried. Klaus stared at Zev, willing him to tell Charlotte to invite him in. I gulped. If Klaus got in, he would hurt me, or kill me. I also stared at Zev, waiting for his reaction.
He looked back and forth between the two of us. He was panicking, when he panicked, he faltered. It was a weakness of his.
"Charlotte, if you invite this man in, he will kill me. And he might hurt you. Do you understand that?" I told her slowly. I had powers, I was very old and very fast, I was the only one who wasn't an original who could stand a chance against Klaus. But he was angry, I had upset him. And frankly, I wasn't so confident in myself.
"Zev. We're friends. Who was here for you when she broke your heart and left? Hm?" Klaus willed. I glared at him.
Charlotte stayed silent but her breathing was heavy and her heart rate was rising.
"I.." Zev started.
I flashed to the door, just beyond the threshold. Klaus still couldn't reach me.
"Niklaus..." I said softly.
His eyes softened ever so slightly.
"I don't want to hurt you," he said slowly, "But I will."
The edge in his voice sent chills down my spine, his face was ferocious. He was going to get what he wanted, or he was going to kill.
I swallowed and turned towards Zev and Charlotte. I hoped Zev picked up the message in my eyes telling him to take Charlotte away, as my next actions wouldn't bode well with Klaus.
I turned back to Klaus, reaching out my hand and causing him excruciating pain.
I stepped over to the door, still inside. Releasing Klaus.
He glared at me from his knees, growling.
"If your intent is to kill me, I can assure you, Niklaus, you will not succeed." I stepped beyond the threshold, and in an instant I was pinned against the side of the house. I could feel his breath on my face.
"Tread carefully, little rabbit." He did not release me.
I let out a breath, little rabbit. This is what he called me in the time when I was human. And it struck fear into me. Here he stood, with every means to kill me, referring to me by an ancient term of endearment and not a glimmer of affection shone in his eyes.
He smirked, clearly seeing the effect he had on me, and he pulled away from me.
I didn't look at him as I walked back inside, Zev hadn't gotten my message as he stood still, Charlotte holding onto him.
"Invite him in." I said quietly.
Charlotte looked to Zev, eyes wide. Zev nodded. She proceeded cautiously. Klaus stepped inside, looking around, then his eyes fell on Charlotte.
"She's pretty, Zev. And entirely human. So why, pray tell, do you care so deeply for her?" Klaus stepped in circles around Charlotte, who looked utterly terrified.
"You once cared deeply for a human as well, Klaus." Zev glanced at me, Klaus followed his gaze.
"So what can I do for you?" I asked, walking to one of the couches and sitting down. The sun was setting, and the lighting was dim.
Klaus followed, Zev leaned down to my ear, "I'm going to take Charlotte out of here. Will you be ok?" I nodded at him as he announced his departure and left.
He was sitting directly across from me, he had an angered expression on his face, "Well. I had originally sought you out for your assistance. But that didn't work out too well. Now I'm upset."
I rolled my eyes, completely recovered from the transient emotional turmoil he has sent me in, "Oh, how will I ever live with myself knowing I upset you, Niklaus?"
He jumped up, in front of me in a flash, he leaned down and spoke in a near whisper, "I don't care much for your attitude, Aurelia."
I stood up, he still had to look down at me, I smirked, "What a shame."
I stared at him for a moment. "I'm done here. You all did so much work to come and find me, for what? You think I'm going to help you, Niklaus. Don't be fooled, I don't owe you anything."
"You owe me everything!" He cried, "I created you."
"You didn't create me. You ruined me. Now I'm going to return to what I was doing before I was so rudely interrupted, you're welcome to stay. I'm sure you're just exhausted from your trip." I headed back towards the front door.
"Where do you think you're going!?"
I smiled at him, "Out for a drink."
"I'm coming with you." Klaus demanded, at my side in a millisecond.
"No!" I countered.
"I am going with you, Aurelia." He hissed. The fear struck again, and I sighed, not worth fighting anymore.
I got into the car, Klaus sliding into the passenger side. When the engine was started, I turned to him.
"So why are you really here?"
"I need to find someone, or rather, take them." He said reluctantly.
"And who would that be?" I rose an eyebrow.
"Elena Gilbert."
I parked at a nightclub, it had gotten dark. I turned to face him and sighed, "Why?"
His eyes locked with mine, "I found a way to break the curse."
I needed no elaboration, I knew the curse he was speaking of. The one that kept him from having access to his werewolf side. That's what he always wanted.
"Let's go." I said, avoiding the conversation.
We both got out of the car, "Zev told me you wanted to find Katherine." Katherine. I had always hated her.
"That's what I told him." Klaus said, I nodded.
We entered the nightclub, it was already full of people. The music was loud and the lights were flashing. I separated from Klaus, making my way through the pool of people and searching for potential candidates. I remembered Damon trying to teach me how to do this. I frowned, Damon didn't care about me at all. And I didn't care about him.
There was a tall man with dreads reaching his mid back and tattoos. He turned to look at me and smiled, willing me to dance with him. I made my way over to him and he put his hand on my hips. He was very tall, maybe 6'3 so he was over a foot taller than me.
I stood on my tip toes and whispered in his ear, "Come with me."
He seemed thrilled, and he followed me willingly, no need for compulsion.
Once we were outside, I pushed him up against my car, kissing him. He kissed me back. I didn't think I'd find my meal so quickly. I kissed down his neck, he gripped me tightly. I looked up at him, "Don't scream." I compelled and then sunk my teeth into his throat. The blood tasted sweet and wonderful on my tongue. I could almost feel my strength replenishing. I drank until he was barely conscious and I was full. I pulled away and bit my own wrist, feeding my blood to him. He was ok in a minute and I compelled him to forget. I had finished in less than ten minutes. Now I had to wait for Klaus.
I walked back into the club, surveying the crowd for him, telling myself I would force him to leave whether he was done or not.
I couldn't find him at first, so I pushed through again. I found him across the room with some tall brunette. He was clearly getting ready to feed when I walked over to him. I gripped his arm tightly, he swung around angrily but then stopped when he saw it was me.
"We're leaving." I told him.
"I'm not done yet." He glared.
I looked at my watch, it was half past 7, "7:45. I'll be waiting in the car."
I made my way to the door and found my car. I leaned against the drivers side and waited, pulling out Klaus' phone and playing around with it. He had 37 text messages, mostly from his siblings demanding his location. Boring.
"Heyyy.. Pretty lady!" A drunken man who looked to be about 45 stumbled in my direction.
I rolled my eyes, "Not interested."
He feigned a look of concern, "Ya already spoken for? Wh-What's the uh, deal?"
"No I-" an arm snaked around my waist, "Yes, actually she is. So I'd suggest you turn around right now and never speak to her again or I'll be sure to see to it that your end will be... Excruciating." It was Klaus.
The man threw his hands up in surrender, "Sorry, man." As he was walking away, he muttered, "Fuckin' weirdos."
This was enough to set Klaus off as in an instant the man's head rolled after a snap of the neck. Klaus left the body.
"Let's go." He said quietly, slipping into the passenger seat.
I started the engine, "You didn't have to do that."
"He was an ill mannered, drunken fool." Klaus said.
"I can defend myself." I stated. Klaus knew that.
He didn't say anything, he stayed silent the whole way back. He didn't even look at me, kept his gaze locked out the window. I wondered what must have been so interesting.
When we arrived back at the house, he walked in without so much as a glance. Something upset him. I had a hunch it had a lot to do with me.
I made my way to my room, I noticed Zev passed out on the couch, I wondered where Charlotte was.
And Klaus was in mine.
"Niklaus..." I said when I arrived at my door.
He was sitting on my bed, looking at the floor.
"What are you doing...?" I started slowly into my room.
"I think about you often, little rabbit. It's a shame what had to happen." He started.
"That's where you're wrong, Niklaus. It didn't have to happen."
"I meant to make an ally of you. I had heard rumors of heretics. I theorized your powers would transfer over into vampirism. I was correct."
I breathed slowly, he leaned his head down closer to mine. The veins surfacing on his skin, his fangs extending.
"You're scared of me." He whispered.
I didn't move, I didn't even breathe. Truth be told, I was scared of Klaus. I'd always been scared of him. He was violent and impulsive and he could do a complete 180 in the blink of an eye. One wrong move, and he would have me killed. No matter how strong I was, if I let my guard down at the wrong time, all of it.. My whole life, would end in a fraction of a second.
He leaned into my ear, "You should be."
He pushed past me, and walked down the hall. I stayed, motionless. My heart was racing.
After a long bath, I dressed in my pajamas and put a black silk robe over it. I headed towards the kitchen to make myself some tea. I was still shaken up about Klaus. I didn't understand him. He said he meant to make an ally of me, but he left me on my own. Stole away my life and left me with the ruins. 600 years did not undo the scars.
"Something bothering you?" My eyes widened and then narrowed again when I saw Zev.
"No. I'm fine." I lied.
"Aurelia, I know you. You're not fine." He willed.
"Just... Troubling information is all, you needn't worry." I looked down at the cup of steaming tea and then back at Zev, "You can have this." I turned away and quickly headed back to my room. I was ready for a night of rest, hoping Klaus' torment wouldn't carry over into slumber.