Chapter 21

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

Note: Previously, in "Deadly Beauty," Katherine arrives in New Orleans and encounters Elijah and Amelia.

Hey, lovelies! I haven't touched this story in what seems like forever (the last time being May 11, 2017), so I thought I'd go ahead and update. No spoilers.

ON WITH THE SHOW AND HAPPY 2018!

Louisiana Bayou – Later…

Caroline leaned against a tree, scanning the area. She had gotten a call from Elijah, telling her that Katherine was in the city. When she heard about the "flirting" in front of Amelia, it was all the blonde vampire could do to keep from going into a rage. Of course, that was nothing compared to the fact the bitch had been following her and Klaus since the start of their journey.

"I suppose it was only a matter of time before Katerina showed up."

Caroline closed her eyes as she heard Klaus' voice beside her. He had come with her to defend her if necessary, although Caroline was more than capable of defending herself. Still, it didn't hurt to have backup.

"Yeah, and it couldn't have come at a worst time," she replied. "Not only do we have our war with Marcel to concentrate on, but we also have Amelia's sister to worry about. Now, Katherine has invited herself to the party."

Klaus was about to reply when Katherine revealed herself. "Of course I did. It wouldn't be much of a party without me." She smiled at the couple. "As I said to Elijah, I've been following you two, and I'm very impressed. You've turned out to be a powerful vampire in a short span of time. Or are you a Ripper now?"

Caroline growled, struggling to keep her fangs in check. "Why have you been following us, Katherine? It's bad manners to spy, you know."

"Who says I was spying? I was simply keeping an eye on you," said Katherine. "You were newly turned, naive to the ways of the supernatural world. If you didn't have anyone to train you and make sure you got the proper nourishment, you wouldn't have lasted the first several hours of becoming a vampire."

"How sweet of you," said Caroline, her words dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't know you cared that much." She shook her head. "Why are you here, Katherine? We don't have time to deal with you right now."

Katherine smiled. "Since you asked so nicely, I'm here to offer my services. I may not know Marcel, but that doesn't mean I can't help you in your fight against him."

Caroline and Klaus exchanged looks after hearing the brunette vampire's explanation. Was she serious? She wanted to help them? Klaus stepped forward then, locking eyes with her. He was curious and skeptical at the same time.

"And how do we know we can trust you, Katerina?"

Katherine smiled. "That's the beauty of it, you don't."

"If that's the case, why are you offering to help us?" said Caroline. "What's in it for you?" Her blue eyes took on an evil black as she added, "If it's because of Elijah, you can forget it. He's spoken for by Amelia."

"Relax, Caroline, he's not the reason I want to help you," said Katherine. "The reason I want to help you is because I happen to be friends with a few of the witches in the Quarter and I don't like the way Marcel and his merry men, for lack of a better term, are persecuting them for practicing magic. I'm concerned for their safety."

Caroline had a hard time believing her. "What's the catch?"

"I explained myself and you're still skeptical?"

"Trust is earned, Katherine," said Caroline. "And let's just say I'm not sure I trust you very much. For all we know, you could be a spy for Marcel. Worse, you could be a spy for Amelia's sister." The black in her eyes glowed brighter. "So, you'll have to excuse me if I'm not eager to have you as an ally."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Caroline," said Katherine. "I'm also disappointed. You may have become a Ripper, but you're rather pathetic."

Caroline had enough and, with an angry growl, vamp sped them to a nearby tree, holding Katherine against the trunk, her eyes glowing even brighter than they were several minutes ago. Klaus saw this and smirked. His little Ripper never ceased to impress him.

"You really should learn to hold your tongue, Katerina," he said. "Caroline is easily angered."

Katherine flashed her fangs. "Call her off, Klaus!"

"And risk getting bitten? I think not," said Klaus. "Besides, you have not earned our trust, especially not after you tried to come between Elijah and Amelia." His smirk turned into a growl. "You can take your offer and suck it!" He looked at Caroline. "Take care of her, my Ripper."

Her eyes still on Katherine, Caroline said, "With pleasure."

Before the brunette vampire could react, she bit her and then reached into her chest, ripping her heart out and then stepped back, letting her body fall to the ground by her feet. The deed done, she looked at Klaus, her mouth still covered with Katherine's blood.

"I would have had to kill her eventually," she said. "Even if she's responsible for me being a vampire, what she did was unforgivable. I only did what was necessary for the honor of this family." She smiled. "For the honor of our family."

"You need not explain, love," said Klaus. "Katerina was too dangerous to be kept alive." He approached her and kissed, not giving a damn about her lips still having her victim's blood on them. "Come, we have a war to prepare for."

Caroline nodded and they sped back to the Quarter.

Note: I know this update is short, but I didn't want to repeat anything I already wrote. Anyway, hope you liked it and stay tuned for more.

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