Author's Message: I hope you're enjoying it so far. Lot's more to unfold. Let me know what you think. I do love reading reviews. They help me with my craft, plus fun, smart conversations come about. Thanks for sticking around : )
Something from Remi's tone lingers with Klaus. He recalls Steven's conversation, fixated on an inkling that Remi probably isn't into Bill Forbes as much as his mates are. He didn't convey respect for the bloke Jack Daniels either. The prospective shifter is considering turning because he likes the regard and power that will come with it, but his fear of pain gets in the way—wants the glory without the work, Remi claimed. He struck Klaus as somewhat pragmatic and no-nonsense.
Bill wasn't a super natural, but he had a few who are dear to Remi wrapped around his finger, which would possibly turn his stomach. Shawn Hollis gets the front seat whenever he decides to pull his weight, and Remi, who is faithfully by his cousin's side, resigns to the back like a child or a pet, along for the ride. He showed sympathy towards civilians and disapproval for drifters, especially the likes of partying ones in the woods. Klaus has worked out that this is a man with responsibilities and loyalties. This is a man with bigger concerns than being petty about how he's continuously snubbed and overlooked. He's not entirely appreciated and yet it doesn't affect Remi to the point of provocation. He has bigger things to worry about, maybe a woman or a child. He's balancing his two truths, living as a man and a beast.
Klaus remembers how Remi was affected by the word cancer, and if Caroline wasn't a vampire, then he probably would agree that Bill Forbes' only child is entitled to everything he left behind. Nevertheless, he's an animal, basking under the trail of a beautiful young woman's scent. No one's perfect, but Jeremiah Goodacre is someone suddenly curious and noteworthy. Steven called him sensible—someone to converse with even if they are not on the same page. Remi's interesting food for thought as Klaus keeps watch over his designated area. Perhaps, even a future ally.
There is something else eating at him, too. From time to time, Klaus wishes that cure didn't exist. It's just too tempting! Katarina, Damon, and most of Mystic Falls wants to shove it down his throat. His sister wants it so to become ordinary again, and if truth be told, he wants to get his hands on it, too. Hybrids are always a good idea. He's meant to have a pack because it is in his genes! Although, lately, working closely with these men around the perimeter feels a lot like a personal army of potential comrades, but hybrids can safeguard Caroline from rash, wandering wolves. He feels guilty from the thought. Caroline would be sceptical and cynical if she knew the truth, but it's not because he needs anyone to order around like the master and superior commander she thinks he wants to be. Klaus simply wants support when it's absolutely necessary, and he would return the favour, especially if they join him in protecting her. Caroline can't have a say in this because she has no bloody idea how many enemies he has acquired over the years.
Klaus retrieves his phone, desperate for a break from his own head. He scrolls through photographs of Caroline at the ranch. That halo of luminous blonde hair falling over her dazzling green sweater under a perfect blue sky thaws his frozen soul. It feels like his insides melt at the sight of her. He recognizes men like Steven or maybe even Remi are eager to play a part in a community. Remi called vampires fugitives, and he's not totally wrong. Yet, even regular wolves could be helpful in fighting other regular wolves, and for any new vampire who comes about in the future, wolves won't be taken lightly. It would all be for her. It is always about Caroline, so why won't she see that! His mood plummets.
Klaus tries containing his temper and anxiety to no avail. He's delirious, lost in a surge of thirst and hunger, pining for her proximity, obsessing over her touch, longing for her voice in his ear. He aches to see Caroline. Gods how he wants to help her accept Liz's news. He wants her before the news. He wants to comfort her as the reality hits. She needs him. He needs her. These men at the border have to be enough for now. He has to go.
Klaus breaks away, calling Elijah.
"Niklaus?"
"I'm heading back. Add my range to your area."
"Did the sheriff speak to Caroline?"
"I don't believe so, but I want to be there."
"Niklaus…"
"I'll give them their space, Elijah. I understand all of that, but afterwards… Elijah, I just need to be there."
"Console your girl then. It's honourable, Niklaus. Go on. Your range won't be compromised. I'm here, brother."
"Thank you."
"Please, let me know when the news is out. I'd like to offer the sheriff assistance. She's been alone grieving over her life for far too long."
"I'll keep you posted," says Klaus, dropping his mobile into a pocket.
He whooshes speedily through town until he's home, eager to zip through the house, hollering her name.
"Klaus?" she calls, emerging with a disposable coffee cup in her hand.
A flood of relief and excitement washes over him. Klaus practically leaps towards Caroline, yearning to crash into her for a kiss, but Bonnie materializes. A speculative look glares through the witch's dark, narrowed eyes.
Reluctantly, Klaus keeps a distance. From the look on Bonnie, Caroline hasn't discussed their night with her, nor had he asked earlier what she told Tyler when he left his bedroom at dawn. He's calmed given that Caroline looks genuinely happy to see him too. He winks, and she beams, dazzling him. For all Bonnie knows, they're friends, and he's looking out for her in his home according to the sheriff's wishes, so a wink hello is not overly suspicious except Bonnie seems rattled by their openness.
"So, let's talk spells, shall we?" Klaus changes course. "Bonnie, where are you with keeping the wolves beyond the town's border?"
Klaus takes a carafe from a cooler, pouring blood into a stemless wine glass. He moves into the den.
"Sit, sweethearts."
"I have something," Bonnie says, placing her cup on a side table. "It's similar to what Esther cast when she kept super naturals from exiting the school, except I'll be keeping an entire species out of town."
"But, it gets tricky," adds Caroline, already sympathetic and anxious on her friend's behalf.
Klaus cocks his head as his brows jack up.
He sighs. "Tricky how?"
"First, it's a large area," explains Bonnie. Caroline squeezes her friend's knee for encouragement. "Not only am I alone with this, but I can only be in one place at a time casting the spell. So, Elena can drive me around and I can hop in and out, gaining ground. Hopefully, these spelled locations are where the shifters will try entering town from, and at the same time, it's less ground for the rest of you to worry about. When they try to come in some other way, they'll find themselves face to face with you."
"Well, now. I can't say that sounds like a big problem. What's the next obstacle?" he asks.
"I just missed the full moon. I need a full moon or a solstice and we're out of luck with both those things."
Klaus rises. "I see. So, you truly have nothing."
"It's far from nothing, Klaus," Caroline intervenes. "It's definitely something. It's just a drawback, and who knows… maybe they won't come to town until the next full moon. Maybe that's when their witch can play around with my scent, and it's easiest for them to track me down just before they shift."
"Caroline, this is Mystic Falls, not Tokyo," he hisses. "They don't need a spell to find you in this town, and they don't care if they rip you apart as men or as wolves. The spell was cast in case you moved. Trust me, they are not concerned about logistics."
"Speaking of logistics," says Caroline, taking a sip of coffee. Klaus can tell she's trying to hide behind the cup. "Tyler's on his way back."
Klaus gapes, his hands dropping to the side.
"Aw…" swoons Bonnie. "That's great. I'm happy for you, Care."
Klaus glowers at the witch.
"Klaus," Caroline starts, "if I tell him what's going on," she says, "he can help scope the area beyond the perimeter as he approaches town, and he'll need a heads up on where to crossover. I think it's best he comes in via Stefan or Damon's subdivisions—preferably far away from you," she says, biting down on her lip.
"We've been through this. What if he's travelling with friends?" Klaus asks.
"He doesn't have werewolf friends from Mystic Falls. At some point, they all go off their separate ways. He won't have anyone to yap about this with."
"Enlighten me, Caroline," he says, plunking back down on the leather chesterfield. "This morning… you didn't tell him anything about the threat?"
Caroline swallows. "I kept it short," she answers, flexing her hands, nervously curling and uncurling her fingers. "I'm not going to chance the fact that maybe someone he knows is misleading him and may be in cahoots with my father's fan club," she says. "Now, he knows I'm on to him about dodging my calls when he's away and he knows I'm worried about my mom. I told him I'd be spending most of my time with her, and that he and I have to talk."
"Talk?" repeats Klaus, icy.
"Tyler thought I was cold and distant so I'm sure he's doing the math. For now, that's as up-to-date as he is."
Klaus catches Bonnie's nerves, looking sideways at her jerky head movements. The witch's ping-ponging gaze bounces between him and Caroline.
"Um… Caroline, what's up with you and Tyler? What's this all about?"
Caroline pulls in a laborious breath, releasing it slowly.
"Klaus is right. It's best Tyler finds out about my father when he's back home. Plus, a lot's changed, Bonnie. We have issues to iron out and issues that can't be ironed. So…" Caroline says, looking regretfully at her friend.
She turns to Klaus. "Klaus, can I have a word with her alone, please."
Klaus blows his cheeks out, immediately releasing the air. He stands, staring Caroline down.
"Are you sure, love?" he poses, softly.
"Are you?" she shoots back.
His lips part, as if to respond but a hand reaches through her hair, clipping locks behind her ear.
"I'll be upstairs if you need me," he says, moving back slightly.
Caroline smiles and nods. "Thank you."
He moves to stand before Bonnie. "Once girl talk is over, no matter how you feel about it, we will resume our conversation, Bonnie. You will help her. Am I clear?"
"Klaus!" pleads Caroline.
"I'm going, love. Keep your knickers on." He winks, smugly moseying off.
He can't catch Caroline's expression from this direction, but he guesses her feathers are definitely ruffled now, and she's equally mortified.
Klaus hears Bonnie digest the information.
"Oh, God," she says. "Oh my God, Caroline. No!"
Author's Message: He can be such a prick sometimes LOL