Chapter Twenty Four: Heart Like Yours

"Breathe deep, breathe clear
Know that I'm here
Know that I'm here
Waitin'

How could a heart like yours
Ever love a heart like mine?
How could I live before?
How could I have been so blind?

You opened up my eyes

Hold fast hope
All your love is all I've ever known…"

-Willamette Stone

Ooo0ooO

The Day of the Wedding- dusk

(Klaus's POV)

There have been moments in my life that have defined me. They have made me into the man I am today, many of which revolved around the woman who had just emerged from around the bend of trees, beaming brightly at me.

This was the moment, however, I knew that would define my eternity. Nothing could take this away from us, not a witch's prophecy, not a war, nor death. This was the day, the minute, the very second I would hold onto and keep within my heart until the stars fell from the sky.

Looking at Annabelle was like forgetting how to breathe. I could hear the music playing, the gasps and murmurs from the people around me, as well as Hope's excited cooing when she saw her mother, which was echoed by her brother, who was now in the arms of Elijah.

She walked towards me with her arm linked with her brother's, smiling that secret smile of hers that had stolen my heart many months ago. Her eyes, a deep fathomless gray, met mine and sparkled, warm with a deep kind of love that nearly brought me to my knees.

The dress was a soft ivory color with a sweetheart neckline, hugging her upper body intimately before swirling softly down to the ground, right below a soft gold sash at her waist. A tender stitching of lace covered the dress, wrapping below Anna's collarbone and around her shoulder before sweeping down her upper arms, leaving her forearms bare to show off the soul bond mark.

Her long brown hair was sectioned off, French braided back so curls framed her face before knotting together in the back loosely, so more curls fell from the confides of an array of sparking pins.

Her sapphire engagement shone in the low light, and in her ears winked a tier of diamonds, which I recognized as something borrowed from Rebekah. The something new glinted on her right wrist, and even from a distance I could make out the charm bracelet, which carried one of the charms from the bracelet that Charlie had given to her before- the howling wolf- and now next to it sparkled a small music note, a silver heart with the engraving of the twin's birthday, a Celtic knot, and finally, a gleaming infinity symbol.

Curious about the blue and the old, I filed that question away for later as I shifted on my feet once more and smiled broadly, triumphantly, at Annabelle.

When Anna and Charlie reached the end of the aisle, Charlie turned to his sister to kiss her cheek softly. Then he met my gaze and winked before taking his place beside Bennett. Then I passed Hope over to Hayley.

Annabelle stepped forward when I did, and our hands met in the middle. A surge of warmth ran up the length of my arms towards my heart and I smiled again, but more softly. I pulled her forward until we stood in position in front of Antonio, whose brown eyes positively twinkled.

"Friends, family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union between Niklaus Mikaelson and his beautiful mate Annabelle Davis," the old werewolf began.

"I have known Niklaus for the better part of a century and I am proud to call him my friend, and perhaps in some cases, my son. When he came to me many months ago to inquire about a young werewolf, I had reason to hope that even a man like Niklaus, who has faced many trials and hardships in his life, had finally found love. Hope, of course, is all one needs when it comes to opening up the heart to allow love to enter.

Today, I sat before the young woman who had brought hope and so much love in this man's heart that they both bear the mark of the bond that their souls share. Upon meeting Annabelle Davis, I understood why Niklaus had reacted as he did, not only because she was beautiful and kind, but because she had a fire in her that I have rarely seen in my hundred years. This fire was why their souls are connected, why a heart was able to recognize a heart, and why today does not mark the end of Niklaus and Annabelle as two, but marks the day where they truly become one."

Antonio smiled then, which made his eyes crinkle at the edges. "I believe that the bride and groom have prepared their own vows. Niklaus?"

I took a deep breath, grasped Anna's hand in mine, and met her gaze.

Ooo0ooO

(Anna's POV)

I felt like I was walking in a dream.

The scent of the lilies and roses, the river and the trees consumed me for the blinding second, and I could hear the sweet swell of music playing and announcing my entrance as Charlie and I turned the corner to walk down the petal-covered aisle.

Breath rushed out of my lungs when I met a pair of midnight blue eyes from a distance.

Klaus stood tall and proudly at the end of the aisle, joined by his brother, Marcel, and Bennett. Antonio stood in wait as well, and my bridesmaids all wore matching grins.

Klaus wore a black three piece suit, topped over a soft ivory colored dress shirt, and had a golden tie knotted below his throat. Pinned to his lapel were white and red roses, like the others, but his also included a shrunken white lily, matching the flowers I held in my hand. His hair was neatly combed but his jaw was still dotted with golden stubble, and his lips then curved upward into a brilliant smile that lifted my pounding heart.

I glanced briefly at my children; at my daughter who was snuggled against her father's side and at my son, who held onto his uncle tightly. They both waved their fists and cried out when they saw me and I laughed softly. Hope then was placed into Hayley's hands, despite a brief cry of protest.

I leaned into Charlie when he kissed me at the end of the aisle before he passed me over to Klaus, who stepped forward to hold my hands. My nails dug into his hands when I felt the warm rush of love and happiness wash over me from where our hands were joined.

When Antonio began speaking, I kept my gaze on Klaus, who stared back with equal fervor. Any nerves I had disappeared when I felt the bond between us begin to pulse like a heartbeat, warming every inch of my body.

Antonio then turned to Klaus, giving him permission to speak his vows. My heart gave a quick flutter of anticipation when my mate gripped my hands more firmly and stared deeply into my eyes.

"Annabelle," Klaus began on a near sigh.

"Niklaus," I replied in a mock serious voice.

Klaus grinned when everyone else chuckled.

"All my life, I've been told that I'm a monster, the most feared creature on the planet. All my life I've been running from something; my father, my past… But now I realize I have not been running away from anything, rather I've been running towards someone- you. Ever since that first day we met, right here, I knew my life had made a turn for the better.

My Anna, you've captured me with your sweet, shy smile and your beautiful gray eyes. When I began dreaming of you, I thought surely there was no other woman on this earth more perfect for me, and when I first saw you swimming in this river, I knew that perhaps that even a man with a black heart like my own could find happiness.

You've taught me that although this world is filled with darkness, there is also light, if one only has enough hope and love to see it. Before you, I never believed in such a thing, but now, I know that I want to spend the rest of my eternity living in your light. So now I stand before you, offering everything I have, my heart and soul, if you'll take me as I am, because no other man will love you like I love you, Annabelle."

He grasped my left hand gently and slid a bright gold band onto my finger, where it joined my sapphire engagement ring.

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I smiled. My hands tightened around Klaus's and I felt a warm pulse of pure love enter my body and wash back into him, and I gathered myself and my courage.

"Annabelle, if you please," Antonio said, wiping away a tear from his own eye.

I took a deep breath and clenched Klaus's hands to my heart.

"When I first heard of you, I remember thinking how lonely you must be to cause that kind of chaos and destruction. I remember wondering why you chose this kind of life and then, later that night, I dreamed of you. But this dream, it wasn't just a figment of my imagination. It was too clear, too vivid. I could smell your scent and feel your touch long before your fingers actually met my skin… and then I realized something. I realized that loneliness cannot be conquered through fear or pain, but through love. All I needed was a little courage.

So when I first saw you standing on this riverbed, I didn't see the man that so many described as monster, but I saw a man who was lonely, longing for his family. I learned later on that what I believed was not wrong, and that my courage was something I could rely on when everything seemed to be against us. I saw you, Niklaus, and from that first moment, I loved you with all my heart. I didn't know it then, no, but it became clear when you allowed me to see past the veil that you had hidden behind for so many years.

So I stand before you with a promise that I will never run, I will never turn from you no matter how bad things may get, I will stand by your side and I will fight with you and for you, always and forever. Take me as I am, and take my promise, and I will love you for the rest of my eternity, for the rest of time."

I reached back, knowing Rebekah was handing over the ring I selected for Klaus, before I slid the gold and black band on his left ring finger.

I pressed Klaus's hands to my lips and exhaled deeply, brushing his knuckles along my cheek before meeting his gaze again. It burned into my own, like sapphire flames.

Ooo0ooO

(Klaus's POV)

As I listened to my mate speak her vows, her gray eyes gazing into my eyes, I felt as though the last bit of darkness in my heart was erased. It was replaced with a bright white and gold light, not unlike the magical colors that linked Anna and I through the soul bond.

I allowed her to wipe her tears away with my hands as I held her gaze, and I pulled her hands to my chest in turn, wondering if she could feel how my heart burned for her.

When her eyes brightened and smile widened, my question was answered.

Antonio cleared his throat and then opened the old tome he held, then looked towards Anna and I, as well as the others who sat and stood before us.

"Hold your left hands out before me," he instructed.

Anna and I did as we were told, with our hands linked firmly together.

"With this ribbon," Antonio continued, pulling a soft white ribbon from within the tomb. "I bind you, Niklaus Mikaelson, to this woman, Annabelle Davis. Here lies the testimony of their love and devotion to one another, like those whose souls were bonded before them. The bond between them can never be broken, not by spell or by hate, for they are no longer two souls, but one unified."

As he spoke, Antonio wrapped the ribbon around Anna's left hand and wrist, then my own, and it began to glow and meld into our skin, turning a bright white-gold color. It felt warm against my skin and it kept pulsing, as though it was becoming a physical manifestation of the soul bond between us.

"As it has been passed down through many generations, starting with William Davis, this ribbon symbolizes the bond between Annabelle and Niklaus, who will forever bear its mark not only on their skin but within as well."

The ribbon began to glow even brighter and slow dissolved into bright particles of light which circled and wrapped themselves around our joined hands, before slowly sinking into our skin, where it burned briefly, and then began to fade away.

"Let it be known that from this day forth, the soul bond between Niklaus Mikaelson and Annabelle Davis is complete and true, and so it shall be for the rest of eternity."

There was a flash of blinding light and when it cleared, the ribbon sat on our skin, whole and soft once more. And when Antonio removed it slowly, the mark stayed, a perfect blend of dark blue and gray, starting from our left ring fingers, up our hands, to our wrists, before it faded away at our elbows, like disappearing veins.

"It is done," Antonio exclaimed. "And now I present to you, Niklaus Mikaelson and his beautiful mate, Annabelle Davis-Mikaelson!"

Applause erupted, causing the twins to cry out.

Ooo0ooO

(Anna's POV)

I burst out laughing when applause broke out and startled the twins, so I reached over and took my daughter from Hayley. Klaus mirrored me, taking Mason from Elijah.

Then I leaned over and kissed Klaus passionately, smiling against his lips when he pulled me close with his spare hand. I pulled away and met his gaze, feeling breathless. We both laughed when Hope cooed loudly, pulling at one of my earrings.

I kissed her cheek as well as Mason's, before we turned to face the others, who were still standing and applauding. A few sharp whistles pierced the air, courtesy of Marcel, Hayley, and Charlie.

Klaus and I both laughed before his hand took my own and he pulled me back down the aisle.

Charlie was by my side in an instant, kissing my cheek while his eyes gleamed with tears. I was then swamped by my bridesmaids, who cried out excitedly, but my hand stayed firmly clasped in Klaus's while the other kept a steady hold on Hope, who bounced against my hip.

When I managed to shoved past everyone, Klaus pulled me against his side and I leaned against him, smiling broadly. He leaned down and brushed his lips against Hope's temple, making her coo softly again.

"Say cheese!"

There was a flash of light and caused Klaus and I to blink, then glare.

Hayley grinned innocently at us while Charlie snickered at her side, both of them clenching cameras. When they saw the looks on our faces, however, they turned tail and bolted.

I sighed, rolling my eyes.

Then, out of nowhere, Eve approached us both, followed by Patrick and a few other members of her pack, all of whom had sat near the back.

I straightened my spine and met the other female's gaze coolly, my arm tightening around Hope protectively. "Eve. I'm so pleased you could come."

The older female werewolf inclined her head at us both. "Annabelle. Niklaus. I was pleased to receive your invitation. It was a beautiful ceremony."

"Will you join us for the reception?" Klaus inquired politely, adjusting Mason against his hip.

"Of course," she replied calmly.

Patrick then stepped forward, grinning widely. "Hey, Belle."

"Hey, Patrick," I returned with an equally wide smile.

"Look at you," he said, gesturing to all of me.

"Look at me," I repeated, laughing. "Look at you! You clean up well."

Patrick grimaced and adjusted his tie. He wore a simple black suit with a pressed white shirt, topped with a green tie that brought out the greenish color of his eyes. His long hair, like my brother's, was smoothed back into a small tail.

"Yeah, well, it's not every day I go to weddings," he replied, looking a little flustered.

"Well I think you look very handsome," I said with a wink.

"Don't tell me I have competition," Klaus inquired smoothly, tugging at one of my curls.

Patrick's eyes widened briefly. "No, uh, I mean-,"

I laughed, elbowing Klaus in the side. "Be nice," I said, scolding him.

"Yes, darling," Klaus murmured in a placated tone, leaning down to kiss my throat.

I shivered and grinned sheepishly when Patrick's eyes gleamed mischievously.

Suddenly, the wind changed, bringing in a different, familiar, and very unexpected scent. Klaus and I instantly stiffened, growls erupting from within our chests, and immediately we were surrounded by Eve, Patrick, Charlie, Marcel, Elijah, and Rebekah, even the other from Mystic Falls moved in closer with wary expressions.

I turned to face where the scent was coming from and silently passed my daughter off to Hayley, who pressed close to me, while Charlie took Mason. Klaus and I sidled closer to each other and moved forward.

Klaus's eyes darkened and looked dangerous when his lips peeled back to reveal sharpened teeth as he snarled, "Sophie."

Sophie and a few other witches from the Quarter slid out of the shadows and approached slowly, cautiously. Sophie's eyes darted from me to Klaus and back again, as though she was trying to decide who would attack first. And in that moment, I wasn't sure who would either.

Before Klaus could move forward, I gave him a firm shove, and stepped towards the witches. I could feel my Hybrid nature spiking, causing my skin to heat and teeth to lengthen.

"Sophie," I snarled very softly. "Why are you here?"

The tall brunette witch swallowed audibly. "We came here to see you and…" she trailed off, her gaze now turning to the twins.

The snarl that had been building up in my throat shot up, causing the witches to stumble back a step. I didn't need to see how I looked, I knew that my eyes were gold and black, and my teeth were bared and sharp.

One of the witches cried out in shock.

Sophie, however, held her ground, even though her hands trembled. "Annabelle, we aren't here to fight-,"

"Could've fooled us," Charlie snapped, moving to my side.

"We're not-,"

"Then why are you?" I asked through gritted fangs.

"To see if the rumors are true," Sophie stated, lifting her chin.

"Rumors?" I repeated on a growl.

"There have been whispers of your transformation, of the twin's birth, and of Mikael's demise… Clearly, they weren't false."

"You came all this way to see if rumors were true," I said slowly, approaching her, a predator stalking its prey.

Sophie stumbled back a few steps, and I could smell her fear. It made my lips curve.

"That, and I wanted to make amends-,"

"Amends!" I bellowed along with Hayley, Charlie, Marcel, and the Mikaelson siblings.

"Y-yes," Sophie stammered, looking more and more nervous as all of our anger bared down on her. "The fight between witches and vampires has gone on f-for too long and I thought- I thought that…"

"And what about the prophecy?" I challenged when the witch lost her train of thought. "Why did you come here if not warn us again about what Celeste said?"

"N-no! It's not that!" she protested. "I never wanted- I would never hurt them. I never wanted that. They're just children, what can they possibly do?" Her tone got higher and higher, until it was nearly shrill.

Sophie rushed on. "What Agnes and Celeste did, I know it's unforgivable. I know that you have no reason to trust me or the rest of us, but I thought- I hoped- that now that they're gone, we could start fresh."

My eyes narrowed dangerously.

Klaus snarled, shoving past my brother. "And you truly believe we are going to let you leave alive?"

Sophie paled.

Grappling for control, I turned slightly to rest a hand on Klaus's chest. "Wait," I murmured very softly, so only he could hear. I met his angry gaze. "Please."

I turned back to face the witches, fists clenched. "How dare you," I said in a very quiet, very calm voice.

Sophie flinched when I suddenly appeared directly in front of her, her pulse hammering, and eyes wide.

"How dare you come here, on today of all days. How dare you come here and talk of making peace, when your eyes have barely left the twins- my children- and claim you aren't here because of the prophecy."

I circled her slowly.

"You came here to see me, to see if I became the monster like Niklaus, my husband," I snarled lowly against her ear. "You came to see if the twins are a threat yet to you and your brothers and sisters, because you believe they'll grow up to be monsters too, because we are something you don't understand. Well, let me make it clear for you."

I grabbed her shoulder and whirled her around, so our gazes clashed.

"We are not the monsters you believe us to be. The twins will grow into the persons they are meant to be, and I'll be damned if they grow up in fear because of a crazed witch's premonition. And if you ever- ever- come near my family again..." I trailed off, my threat clear. "Because you see, darling Sophie, I am not a monster. I'm a mother, and that is something you should fear."

Sophie trembled when I backed away until I was in front of my friends and family once more.

"Never come near me nor mine again," I warned, eyes flashing.

She seemed to get the hint and backed away quickly. The other witches had disappeared already, leaving the smell of fear behind them.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I grounded myself before turning to face the others. I gave them a wobbly smile.

"Did someone say something about a reception?"

Ooo0ooO

Disclaimer: I do not own the Originals or TVD.

Author's Note: A wedding isn't a wedding without a little drama, right? Well, time for the reception!

Inspiration for Anna's dress came from images of an Orleons strapless gown, shown with off-shoulder half-sleeve lace top. Klaus's wedding band is basically a Tungsten black and gold band, while Anna's wedding ring is more of the gold "unisex" Tungsten band (Google for images).