CAROLINE
Klaus is mad at her, or at least he's giving her sudden attitude for something Caroline's not even responsible for. It's not her fault that no one considered witches. It was easy to assume wolves would depend on their own innate tracking abilities. If they fixated enough on a creature and its scent, they can develop an antagonistic opinion, teaching themselves that the focal point is incompatible, hostile, or an enemy. It's what everyone supposed Bill did when training his werewolf buddies, including Steven. How a witch or even witches came to play a part is yet to be determined. Now, Klaus is suddenly cold and stony, and it's pissing Caroline off.
One step forward, and a gazillion steps back. That seems to be Klaus's perpetual formula.
"So, how does a wind spell work?" Elena asks.
The group walks vigorously towards the Lockwood cellar, taking in consideration that Bonnie, Liz, Jeremy, and Matt can't vamp speed through acres of the private woodland.
"Basically, the spell was cast in the wind to help the wolves track Caroline or at least remember her scent when their senses are at their weakest."
"So, when it's not a full moon?" Elena clarifies.
"Exactly," says Bonnie. "They want the wind strongest days prior to the full moon, just before they're due to shift."
"Get it? It opens up their appetite and keeps them salivating over Blondie until it's munch time," adds Damon.
Elijah blocks him. "Your commentary and analysis cease now. You will show consideration towards Caroline and her mother. If not, it will be my honour to lay the consequences upon you directly."
"Liz, how are you doing? Are we going too fast?" Rebekah enquires.
"Rebekah, I'm a cop. Speed and adrenaline are not new to me. I'm good, sweetie."
Caroline gives Rebekah a slim, thankful smile. She's been focused on Klaus's icy behaviour, agitated over the idea that they are about to turn to Steven for answers, in his wolf form. She endeavoured to change Liz's mind, begging her to go home, but her mother insisted she tag along.
"When Klaus located Caroline out of town this weekend," Bonnie continues, "it wasn't too difficult for him since he knows her personally and the spell was meant for wolves. Following her scent became that much easier."
"And you thought you were something special," teases Kol.
Klaus glowers.
Caroline's mind takes a stroll through memory lane. The weekend feels so long ago. When this is over, the first thing she wants to do is give Iris another try, and watch Klaus ride through the pastures again with Marquisse.
Why is he being this way?
Klaus is walking ahead of everyone, paying no attention to anyone behind. Liz picks up on her daughter's piqued look.
"Honey, that man is scared. He looks mad only because he cares, but I studied human conditioning over the years, and I think it goes for super naturals, too. Klaus is just worried about you."
Caroline's discomfited. Liz was whispering over to her, but every vampire around almost certainly heard her take on it, which undoubtedly mortified Klaus.
Rebekah looks at Caroline, nodding her concurrence.
"Actually, I came to the Grill tonight to make an announcement," says Liz, her voice winching for everyone to hear.
The crowd looks to her but keeps moving.
"What kind of an announcement?" asks Caroline.
"Well, sweetie," Liz says, pulling in a breath. "I'm taking my leave from work."
The group stops, including Klaus.
"Early retirement," she clarifies. "I'm needed at home and I've been under the weather so it's time I listen to my body and just take care of myself and be there for my daughter."
"How commendable," says Elijah.
"Sheriff Forbes, you're sick?" asks Matt.
"No!" says Caroline, aghast. "My mom has high blood pressure and migraines. It's natural with her line of work, but Mom…" Caroline beseeches. "Retiring? You? I hope you're not making a rash decision because of me. This will all pass."
"No, the decision is because of me, and this will pass, and you will be safe again. But, I'm not returning to my job, honey. So, I thought I'd toast with all of you tonight. Elijah, maybe a rein check on the Chianti?" she asks, flicking him a gaze and a frivol smile.
"Consider it done," he says, nodding. His kind but fierce glare remains on Liz for a few more seconds.
Caroline's eyes narrow. She feels somewhat thrown off balance.
"Sheriff Forbes," Klaus speaks up. His voice crops instant shivers on Caroline's skin. "It's admirable. You're an exemplary woman."
Damn him! He's hot and he's cold. He's driving her crazy!
"We'll throw a retirement party at our house, Niklaus," exclaims Rebekah.
"Oh no. I don't like a fuss," Liz protests.
"I'll keep it quaint," Rebekah promises.
Caroline's letting the news sink in, but her brain has loads to sort these days. It's so out of the blue, yet if her mother really wants this, then it's what she wants, too. She just has to dig a little deeper and be sure Liz isn't ailing from anything else she may have not alluded.
The resonance of a wild dog wails through the night.
"What's the plan, Klaus?" inquires Stefan.
Klaus massages his temples. His attention snaps in their direction as if acquiring new found determination
"We'll see how the wolf reacts to us all. Then, we can confirm if there's a difference once he catches sight of Caroline."
"And he's well secured?" Liz asks.
"Indeed."
"Lockwoods have shifted in there for generations, Mom. Tyler included. We're safe."
"Sheriff," Klaus says. "Please, guard the perimeter around the cellar with Elijah and Rebekah. We'll assess the wolf's behaviour."
"Oh sure," Kol says. "Story of my life. Save the other two but bring the baby down with you."
"How about I feed you to it?" roars Klaus.
"Enough!" admonishes Elijah.
"Alright, Klaus," Liz says. "We'll stay out here." She glares at Caroline. "Don't do anything stupid, Forbes. Do what Klaus says, do you hear me."
Caroline spies Damon grimacing, and Stefan thwacks him.
"Yeah, but you and I need to have a chat," grouses Caroline.
"Put that finger down and lose the sass," Liz warns.