Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Vampire Diaries. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and L.J. Smith. I do own the original characters made up for this storyline. Thank you.
Writer's Notes: Thank you everyone that has supported my little story. It's been fun writing this fanfiction and evolve the relationship between Klaus and Bella over time. An Epilogue will follow.
~Mikaelson Manor: July 11th
Bella woke up early, Klaus was still sleeping next to her naked. She pulled herself out of bed and put on some clothes before wandering out to check on Hayley and found her room empty and a note on the nightstand.
Please understand. Thank you for everything.
-H
Bella sighed and left to check in the nursery. She left him behind. She really did it. She went and picked him up as he started to stir and make hungry whimpering noises. She carried him down to the kitchen with her and made him a bottle. She swayed with him as she fed him. She hummed a little lullaby as he drank down the bottle. His dark blue eyes stared up at her in wonder.
Elijah found her in the kitchen, and he leaned against the counter bar. "Hayley left?"
"Yeah." Bella said, looking up at Elijah. "Klaus is still sleeping."
Elijah nodded. "Want me to take him?"
"Nah. He's fine. We're just…getting acquainted with each other." Bella said with a small smile. She would try to understand Hayley for leaving behind her son, but it still sent a little pain to her heart. Hayley didn't want to know him, didn't want to take care of him. When Klaus got up, they would have a lot to talk about.
Elijah watched her for a moment. She was a natural when it came to children, and she handled motherhood like a pro. He was always so impressed with her ability. He saw Klaus walk into the kitchen then and Elijah straightened, pushing some very wrong thoughts out of his mind about Bella.
Klaus was shirtless but wore light pajama pants. He looked at Bella holding his son, and he felt saddened. She was still reminded of what happened months ago, and now she was taking care of him. He saw the note that Hayley left, and he knew that Bella would just take this all-in stride. "I'm sorry."
"No need to be sorry Klaus. We just have to understand Hayley's reasons and just move on. Everything is okay." Bella said, lifting her face up to look at Klaus. She tilted her head up and kissed him softly before positioning the baby and burping him.
Elijah watched as Bella didn't hesitate to step into a mother role for the little boy. "So, he has to have a name. We can't just keep calling him it or him or baby."
Bella nodded. "That's true." She looked up at Klaus. "Name your son."
Klaus had thought about names before for when Bella was pregnant. They had discussed a few options. Hayley never mentioned what she wanted to call him. "I…" He looked at his son's face. "Elliot Charles."
Bella smiled and then looked down at Elliot. "Elliot Charles. Hear that? You've got a name now, and such a wonderful one."
Klaus looked at Elijah before disappearing out of the kitchen. Bella looked up and sighed. "Elijah, here. Take Elliot. I'm going to go talk to him." She said and handed Elliot to Elijah carefully.
Elijah took the bottle and cradled Elliot gently and watched Bella disappear after Klaus.
"Klaus." Bella said and Klaus stopped and turned around. "We need to talk about this."
Klaus closed his eyes. "You're taking care of another woman's child. It doesn't bother you?"
"Of course, I'm taking care of him. He's our son now Klaus. More importantly he's part of you."
"But not you."
"And? You think that makes a difference to me?" She argued back.
Klaus shook his head. "How can you just move past it like it doesn't matter?"
Bella sighed. "It doesn't matter because, if I keep reliving those months, if I keep going back and remembering New Orleans and the pain, then I won't be able to breathe. I've moved past the infidelity and so should you. You keep pinning this all on yourself when you know that it wasn't you. I'm going to care for Elliot like he's my own because that's what I want to do. Not because I have to, but because I want to take care of him. He's just a baby, innocent in all of this."
Klaus looked at her, studied her face, her appearance. Her hair had grown longer since she cut many months ago. It was already past her shoulders now. She was bright eyed, full of energy and compassion. "Then the birth certificate. It'll have your name on it."
"What? No Klaus, that wouldn't be fair to Hayley."
"She left him. Left us!" He raised his voice. Bella could see he was angry now. "She doesn't get to decide what we do next."
Bella was silent a moment. "What if she comes back and wants to know him?"
"She won't have that choice Bella."
"That isn't right."
"It isn't right that she left. She abandoned him, you, me. She was given many options and she ran away. If you want to care for him like he's ours. Then this is how is has to be." Klaus said, his voice leveling out, not yelling anymore.
Bella looked away. It made logical sense to Klaus to do it this way because he wasn't a mom. He didn't understand the pain that Hayley went through to just walk away. The emotional toll it will have on her. She wanted what was best for Elliot, and while her heart hurt for Hayley, Klaus was right. She walked away, abandoned him, and left only a note. Nothing else. She sighed, looking back at him. "Fine. Do it your way." She said and turned away from him. She heard him sigh and then he was behind her, his hands on her shoulders.
"Bella…" He said softly. "I'm sorry for raising my voice."
"You're upset, it's okay. Have the birth certificate made out. Do whatever you need to do. I'm going to go get the girls up for breakfast." She said and she walked away, heading up the stairs to get Alora and Elodie.
~Salvatore Boarding House: October 16th
Stefan scooped up Alora as she took off running through the hall upstairs. Her giggles filled the entire second floor, which made Bella smile. It was hard to wrap her head around that Alora and Elodie were like 2-year old's already, and Elliot was one. She dropped in to visit Stefan since Damon was out of town at the moment with Enzo.
Alora's hair fell in dark curls to her shoulders, and Elodie's blonde hair was just as long and curly. "Unkie Steffie!" Alora's song-like voice rang out as she giggled more.
Bella smiled as she leaned against the wall with Elliot positioned on her hip. "Hmm. They missed you. Klaus is in Egypt at the moment, and so they're just missing having someone run after them like you do. Kol is in New Orleans, and Elijah has been distant lately."
Stefan set Alora down on her feet as Elodie latched herself around Stefan's right leg, giggling. "Well, I'm the fun uncle, so of course I'm always up for play time with the girls. Do you need a break?"
Bella laughed. "Oh boy. It's pretty constant in the house. With Klaus gone, it's really just me and Elijah. Rebekah is in Egypt with him, and it's just…a lot. Mom comes with Charlotte and Gabby and they spend some time, but Gabby has been more interested in friends and all of that preteen phase. Mason and Mom have actually made their relationship public. So that awkwardness is over with." She sighed. "Everyone is just…living life I suppose. There's no more threat of cold ones, no war, nothing to keep us all tightly wound. Jasper and Emmett are doing something in South America, and Alice is on one of her trips in Europe. Rosalie spends a lot of time at the hospital with the NICU since she became a registered nurse. You, Bonnie, Kai, and Elena are my only source of entertainment these days. Especially since school started back September and Uncle Ric is teaching more. Jake is in Forks at the moment, and Jared and Quil stay on patrol constantly."
Stefan nodded. "Yeah, I can see that you might be going a bit stir crazy. Why don't you leave the kids with me? Damon will be back soon with Enzo, and you, Elena, and Bonnie grab Caroline and Jo and go out and have a girl's night?"
Bella thought about it. It had been a while since she had spent some time with just the girls. "We might just do-"
The front door kicked open downstairs, and Damon rushed inside carrying Enzo in his arms. He was roughed up badly. Bella moved down the stairs quickly, setting Elliot down in the playpen she brought with her. Stefan got the girls up to the room they put together for a play area for them and put up the baby gate before coming down the stairs to see what was happening.
"What happened?" Bella asked as Damon lay Enzo on couch in the parlor.
"We were attacked. Hunter." Damon said, and took a step back. His shirt was covered in blood and he had a wooden bullet lodged in his side. He doubled over in pain now, falling to his knees.
"Damon!" Bella said and she ripped open his shirt to look at the bullet. "It didn't go too deep." She said and then she put a hand over his side, murmuring an incantation and drew the bullet out so he could heal properly. She turned to Enzo, who was barely breathing. His chest was messed up, several open wounds. She counted six bullets. She took a breath and then lay her hand on his chest and focused her energy. She pulled the bullets to the surface and then plucked them out of the wound. She kept healing Enzo because his body was not healing quick enough.
Damon was still struggling to stay upright, but his body was healing. "Is he going to be okay?"
Bella was concentrating the hardest on the wounds that were worse. She didn't answer as Damon as she didn't want to break her focus. Then she found the last splinter of bullet, it was scraping against his heart. She drew it away, and brought it to the surface, getting Enzo out of immediate danger. She leaned back, breathing hard.
She fell back a little, but Damon caught her against him. He tensed, the pain still in his side. She turned to face him now, her hands running over his chest, looking for more wounds. Her fingertips brushed over his bare chest gently as she searched. She went to his side, looking at the closed wound, her hands were cooler than his skin there, and her hands felt nice to him. She concentrated, searching for any splinters. When she found the splinter that had ricocheted, she drew it to the surface like she had done for Enzo. She pulled the splinter away, and Damon relaxed as his body started healing again. Bella looked him over again.
"Bella…I'm okay. Thank you." Damon said softly.
"What exactly happened?" Stefan asked, relaxing now that Bella had healed Damon and Enzo.
Bella looked up at Damon, he looked a little tired, but he wasn't in pain anymore. Her hands were still on his chest and side. He looked down at her and smiled. "Thank you, I'm okay. Really Bells." He said, using her nickname that mostly Jake, and the Quileute boys called her.
She took a step back, looking back over at Enzo, who was just sleeping now, but the pain was gone she could tell.
"We stopped right outside the barrier. The Welcome to Mystic Falls sign was down, so we stopped to fix it. We got attacked. I saw the guy, but he moved into the trees. Enzo had shielded me from most of the shots, and so I carried him the whole way here, leaving my car up there by the sign. "Damon explained, obvious irritation in his voice.
Bella nodded. "Okay. I'll go have a look. Stefan can you-"
"I'll watch the kids. Be careful." Stefan said with a nod.
Bella turned to go but Damon stopped her. She sighed. "Damon, I'll be okay. Stay here with Enzo and wait for him to wake up. I'm a huntress, he's not going to attack me." She said and left. She got to her Jeep and started strapping on her gear that she always kept with her. She uncovered her hunter's mark so he would see that she is a fellow hunter. She got in her Jeep and she drove right up before the border. She got out of her Jeep and pulled her weapon from her waist and swept through in a military fashion. She moved towards the trees, her eyes catching glimpse of a man.
"Hands up, weapon down. Walk forward slowly." Bella called out.
There was a brief pause before the man moved from the trees, his hands raised. She narrowed her eyes. He was a hunter that she had recognized. "Connor Jordan." She said as he approached. She didn't lower her weapon. "Mystic Falls is off limits and you know it."
Connor was tall, muscular, and his dark skin glinted with the slightest bit of sweat where he had been moving around a lot. "I'm aware Isabella. I caught them going into Mystic Falls."
"They were fixing the sign, an old school move, and a trap set by you. You've been watching us." Bella said, her eyes not leaving Connor's for a second.
"Well…you are harboring vampires and werewolves here. Imagine my surprise when I found out you married the hybrid, and now you have what…three kids by him? It goes against our duties." Connor bit the words out.
Bella flipped the safety off her gun. "Well. It's my duty to protect this town, and all of its inhabitants. It's why the Brotherhood of the Five was warned not to step foot in this direction. There is a treaty in place and you've just broke it."
"They were outside the town." Connor repeated, his eyes wandering over her gun. "You won't shoot me Bella. I'm- "
Bella fired, shooting Connor in his shoulder. He growled in pain. "Don't pretend that you know me Connor. You may be a hunter, but I will not hesitate to end you and you know that I can."
Connor studied her. "Well. With Klaus away, your boys are gonna die anyways. You see…I lace all my bullets with werewolf venom."
"You don't think I do the same thing? You think that I would be stupid enough to not have an antidote on hand? I thought you were smart Connor." Bella spat the words out. "I don't have time to play your little games. Your only options are to go back to the Brotherhood or die standing right here."
Connor made a hmph sound before he drew his weapon quickly, shooting Bella in her chest, the bullet missing her lung and heart, and went straight out the back. It didn't stop Bella from shooting Connor straight in the head. His body dropping to the ground. He went for center mass, the easy shot, probably because of his injured shoulder. The pain flooded Bella's chest, the blood soaking her shirt. She felt her right arm lose sensation, and she cursed. She had to get back into town, but she had to move Connor's body. She leaned down, ripping Connor's shirt from him with her knife and used that to put pressure on her wound. She pulled her shirt up over her head and used it to tie the other shirt in place. The blood ran down her body into her cleavage and down to her hip, but she got the shirt tucked in place the best she could. She knew that she would lose a lot of blood, but she had to move fast. The pain was wearing on her and she knew that she didn't have a lot of time. She went to Damon's car not parked far away and moved it to Connor's body and opened the trunk. She used all her strength to pick Connor's deadweight body and put it in the trunk. She closed the trunk down, panting and breathing hard from all the exertion. She got back in Damon's car and started back into Mystic Falls.
She drove, swerving a little as her vision blurred a little. "Damnit." She cursed as she got closer to the boarding house. She pulled over on the side of the road because she didn't know if she could continue driving like she was. She parked Damon's car and sat there, breathing hard. Her blood soaked through both shirts and stained Damon's seats. She groaned, taking in deeper breaths as she managed to summon the energy find her phone. Her vision blurred a little, but she dialed Elijah's number.
"Bella, are you still at the boarding house?"
"Eli…jah. I…. shot." Bella said, not sure if the words were coming out of her mouth or not. She could hear her heart beating in her ears.
"Bella, where are you?" Elijah's voice was rushed, and she could tell he was running.
"Da…mo…. n's car. C-close…. boarding" Her hand went numb and she could no longer hold the phone. It slipped from her grasp and fell to the floorboard under her. She groaned and coughed a little. Darkness edged in on her vision and she fought hard to stay conscious. She couldn't close her eyes, she just had to keep fighting. She leaned forward in the seat, looking for anything to help put pressure on her wound and found one of Damon's jackets. She pulled it across the seat to her and she used that to help put pressure on her wound. Blood oozed out and ran down her chest.
Elijah was in a near panic after received Bella's call. He knew that she had gone to the boarding house earlier. He had been keeping some distance since Hayley left. He was starting to feel something for her, and that wasn't going to end well for him, so he just backed off. But she was hurt. She was shot he thought, and she was near the boarding house. He called Damon as he was running to alert him.
He got to Damon's car as Damon did. Elijah opened the door and Bella slumped out against him. He pulled her out and put her on her back on the ground. She was breathing still, which was good.
"Bella," Damon called her name. "Hey, don't you die on us. I need you to open your eyes."
Bella heard her name because called. It sounded like Damon. She forced her eyes open and she looked up, her vision blurring and then settled on Damon's face. "Damon…" Her words were quiet, nearly inaudible. Her breathing was shallow, and she tried to fight to stay awake. "I…Damon…" She said his name again.
Elijah pulled away the shirts and jacket and looked at her wound. "It went all the way through." He said and then cursed when Bella's heart stuttered and got weak. He bit into his wrist and put it to her mouth. "Bella, please don't die on us." Elijah had never been as scared as he was just then. Bella drank in his blood, and they watched the wound start to close slowly.
Tears welled up in Bella's eyes as she felt the flow of energy push into her. She wasn't as weak anymore. She had come close to dying. To never seeing the people, she loved again. She blinked looking up at Damon, who had tears shining in his own eyes, and Elijah, who had a tear that managed to escape.
"I should have gone with you," Damon cursed at himself. Maybe she wouldn't have gotten hurt. He wiped the tears from her face and looked down at her. His heart was hurting a little, and some feelings were emerging that he wasn't sure why. Bella was just his best friend.
Elijah's hands were covered in Bella's blood and if he were just a little slower, she would be dead right now. He scooped Bella up into his arms then, standing with her. "I'm going to take her to the manor. She needs to be cleaned up before…before her children see her. "
"Wait. They need the antidote to werewolf venom. Connor laces his bullets too. His body is in the trunk of your car Damon." She said, her voice a little shaky and weak.
"Alive?" Damon asked, a little surprised.
"No…I killed him…after he shot me." Bella said, leaning her head against Elijah's chest because she was too weak to keep holding it up.
Damon nodded. "I'll take care of it Bella." He said and looked to Elijah. She got shot in the chest, survived, killed Connor, and then put his body in the trunk and then drove almost to the boarding house and that was all after healing him and Enzo.
Elijah looked to Damon. "Send Stefan for the antidote. Klaus keeps it stocked because of the last incident." He said and then was gone, carrying Bella away, back to the manor.
She faded into unconsciousness now as he carried her.
~Mikaelson Manor~
Elijah carried Bella inside and walked up the stairs with her. She was passed out now. He carried her into the bathroom that adjoined Bella and Klaus' room. He turned on the shower with one hand, taking his phone out of his pocket and set it on the vanity and just walked into the shower with her. He set her down on the little ledge and pulled his shirt off, the buttons popping off the front. He bent to use it like rag, the hot water pelting down over them as he washed away the blood that stained her skin. She was out cold, and the hot water didn't wake her. Elijah pulled her hair out of the ponytail gently, and let the hot water run through her hair, making sure there was no more blood on her. The bullet wound was all gone now, not even a scar was present. Her sports bra was stained with blood as was her pants. He bent, unfastening her pants, and gently pulling them off of her. The hot water washed away more of the blood. When he couldn't see any more blood running off into the water, he picked her up carefully. She was slick from the water against him. His pants, socks, and shoes were soaked, but he didn't care. He grabbed the towel from the rung and moved into the bedroom, laying her down with. He moved the towel over her, drying her off. His phone rang from the bathroom, but he didn't go to answer it. He moved to the dresser in the room and opened several of the drawers looking for clothes for her. He hesitated. He would have to undress her completely to get her into dry, clean clothes. He closed his eyes and sighed. He grabbed panties and shorts and a shirt and brought it over to the bed.
"I'm so sorry Bella." He said as he finished undressing her, sliding her panties off, moving the towel to cover her. He pulled the dry panties up, his hands lightly touching against her skin as he moved upwards. She wasn't heavy or anything, but he had to lift her hips to get the panties to go up, his hands brushing her butt lightly. He then pulled the shorts up, which were easier. He stopped, looking down at her sleeping face. He sighed again, and then unsnapped her sports bra in the front, her breasts falling free. He lifted her up close, her bare breast touching his bare chest as he slipped her bra off before laying her back and using the towel to finish drying her off. He leaned her up again, pulling the shirt over her head carefully. He dried her face more, and then her hair, squeezing the water from her hair into the towel.
Stefan walked in just then. "Is she okay?" He asked, looking at the soaking wet, shirtless Elijah.
"She's unconscious now. I got her cleaned up and dressed. She'll need to rest." He said and then moved over to a cabinet where Bella kept different potions of sorts. He pulled out the antidote for werewolf venom, which the main ingredient was Klaus' blood. He brought it over to Stefan and handed it to him.
Stefan looked at the two little vials. Damon was already exhibiting signs of the venom and Enzo was still sleeping. "Thanks. Elena is at the boarding house now watching the girls and Elliot. I called Klaus because I didn't think you had time. He's flying back from Egypt now with Rebekah."
Elijah nodded. "Go take care of your brother. When Bella wakes up, I'll update you all."
Stefan nodded, leaving Elijah standing there. Elijah brushed a hand through his wet hair, water falling to the ground around him. He looked over at Bella. Her breathing was even, and her heart was getting stronger. He closed his eyes, relaxing a bit. He then moved over to the bed side, pulling the blankets up over her to make sure she was warm. She had lost a lot of blood and needed more. She was really pale. He started to leave, but Bella stirred just then. He turned, looking down at her.
"Eli…Elijah?" Bella said softly, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at him. He was standing next to her, his hair dripping. "Why…why are you wet?"
He looked down at her. "I…you were covered in blood so I just…walked into the shower with you."
Bella blinked a few times. "Oh. Right. I was shot. Did you get the antidote to Damon?"
"Stefan just left with it. You need to rest Bella." Elijah said when Bella tried to sit up. "You still need more blood. You lost a lot of blood." He said and bit into his wrist and held his wrist up to her.
She had only really drunk from Klaus and the couple of times Damon. She brought Elijah's wrist to her mouth and sucked, Elijah's blood flowing into her. She felt better as she drank.
Elijah closed his eyes, the familiar feeling of arousal hitting him, but he tried pushing the thoughts out of his head.
Bella was sitting now as she moved her mouth away from his wrist. Elijah opened his eyes and looked at her. His eyes were swirling with emotion. He didn't want Bella to see him like this. Her eyes drifted over him, noticing his arousal, but she didn't say anything to embarrass him. "Elijah," Bella said his name softly.
He was in a sort of daze. His wrist had closed up, and he actually felt a little lightheaded. He knew that she took a good bit of blood, but he would be okay. He needed to drink, but he needed to make sure she was okay. He stared down into her eyes, not hearing his phone ring again.
Bella looked back up at him. He was tired looking, and he was looking at her, with a look that she had never seen him look at her before with. When he leaned down closer to her, she didn't move, her eyes stayed on his. His lips met hers and they were warm. His mouth moved against hers, tasting her. Her eyes fluttered close as she let him kiss her. She let him take this moment, parting her lips as his tongue swept into hers. One hand wound its way in her hair, as he kissed her deep. Bella shifted, raising from the bed to stand with him. His other hand went to her waist as he pulled her against him. His mouth continued to move against hers as he fought to reel himself in, to gain his control back. His heart was beating against the inside of his chest and his growing erection was evidence that Bella was a weakness of his. Bella's hands came up to his bare chest. She tried to keep it as a kiss for him. She made a small moaning sound, and her body responded when she didn't intend for it to. Elijah's brain was working against him as he eased her backwards onto the bed. He hovered over her, his mouth connecting with her throat, freeing her mouth. He needed to stop himself, he needed reel himself back in. Bella's brain wasn't wanting to work either, but she made the conscious move to drag his mouth back to hers. She framed his face with her hands, controlling the kiss now. She pulled back, which seemed to snap his attention back to the present. He pulled himself back, reeling his emotions back in. He leaned up, standing. He brushed a hand through his hair, turning away from Bella. He closed his eyes. He was an idiot. His brother's wife. If Bella hadn't…hadn't brought him back to his senses, he wasn't sure he was going to stop.
"Bella…" He finally got himself under control and turned to face her. "I'm so sorry."
Bella nodded, sitting. "Elijah, it's okay. I'm okay."
"No, it's not okay. I…I don't know why." Elijah closed his eyes. He knew why.
"Elijah, it's okay. I promise. I'm okay. It was the blood. Sharing your blood, I know what it can do…it's perfectly okay. I'm okay. Your phone is ringing." She said and Elijah cursed before moving to the bathroom and answering. IT was Klaus.
"I've been trying to call both you and Bella. Stefan called me and said that Bella was shot, by another hunter. I'm waiting on the next flight out. Is she okay?" Klaus' voice was rushed, and full of concern.
"She's okay. She's conscious now. She lost a lot of blood. I've handled it." Elijah said, trying to make sure that his voice was even.
Klaus was quiet. "Can I talk to her?"
Elijah handed Bella the phone and she put it up to her ear. "Hey, I'm okay. You don't have to leave Egypt early. Everything is okay. Elijah saved me, it's okay. Damon and Enzo are okay. Stefan brought them the antidote for the werewolf venom that Connor laced his bullets with."
"Are you sure you're okay? Elijah said you lost a lot of blood."
"I'm sure. Elijah got me all cleaned up and good as new. Not even a scar." She said with a smile.
Klaus sighed. "I'm still coming home. My flight leaves in two hours. I love you."
"I love you too. Be careful," She said and hung up. She handed Elijah his phone back. He was still trying not to meet her gaze. "Elijah. Are you okay?"
He didn't say anything at first. "I was actually scared Bella. I…I have been avoiding you since Hayley left."
Bella nodded. "I know. I wasn't sure why, but…it's not just the blood is it?"
He sighed. "I started getting these feelings and I just wanted to give it some distance. I know how to handle my own emotions, and today. It just…"
"You saw me hurt." Bella finished for him. He nodded. "Elijah, when did the first feelings start?"
"Right after the bond was severed."
She was quiet a few moments. "You know…I love Klaus. I…."
"I know Bella. I know that. I will get past this. It's just silly feelings. It's been…. a long time since I had the company of a woman. I apologize. It won't happen again." He said. He felt a little vulnerable, shirtless, and soaking wet standing there in front of Bella. "I'm going to go get changed. Get some rest." He said and turned, leaving Bella to be by herself.
She sighed as she lay back in the bed. She had clean clothes on, no bra, and her hair was still damp. He had taken care of her, had dressed her carefully. Elijah had been there more times than she could count. She pulled the blankets up over her and snuggled into the blankets. She soon drifted back off to sleep.
When Bella woke up, Klaus was laying in bed next to her, one arm was draped around her waist, her back against his bare chest. His arm was tucked under him as a pillow, and she could feel his warm breath on her shoulder. She glanced over at the clock on the bedside and the blue numbers showed four in the morning. She thought about the girls and Elliot. She eased out of bed, careful not to stir Klaus and walked out of the room. She glanced in the nursery and saw Elliot sleeping in his crib peacefully. She eased down the hall to the girls' room and saw them sleeping peacefully in their toddler beds. She smiled. They were okay. She wandered down to the kitchen, bumping into Elijah as she rounded the corner. He reached out a hand, steadying her. He was wearing a plain white t shirt, and pajama pants.
"Oh, sorry. I wasn't expecting anyone to be awake." Bella said, apologizing.
Elijah removed his hand. "It's alright. I was getting a drink." He said, lifting the blood bag.
"Oh, I did drink a lot of your blood yesterday." She smiled. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes. I'm fine Bella. Thank you for worrying about me, but you don't need to. Like I said yesterday, it won't happen again." He gave her a small smile.
Bella nodded. "Okay. If you want to talk about it and what happened…we can." She paused. "The kids are back home; did you go and get them after I fell asleep?"
"I did. Rosalie helped get the kids in bed before going back to her shift at the hospital and before Klaus got home."
"Oh. Uh. Did you tell-"
"I didn't. I will if you want me to." Elijah said lowly.
She shook her head. "It's okay. I'll talk to him." She smiled, she moved towards him, leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for saving my life."
He looked down into her eyes, feeling himself get lost again, so he cleared his throat. "Of course. No need to thank me. You should still get more rest while the kids are sleeping." He said with a smile and then moved past her, leaving her in the kitchen.
She sighed and then moved to the fridge and grabbed a bottled water and took it back with her up to the room. She took a drink before setting it on the bedside. She moved back into bed. Klaus's arms found her, pulling her into him.
"Hmm. You feel okay?" Klaus asked, his eyes still closed.
"I'm alright. I didn't realize I slept so long." She said, laying her head against his chest.
Klaus tilted her face up and kissed her softly. "I was worried."
"I know, I'm sorry. Elijah really did take care of me." She said with a smile.
Klaus ran a hand up her back, drawing little circles. "What was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Hmm?"
"You were talking with Elijah in the kitchen just now."
Bella thought he would be sleeping. "Oh. It's really nothing. It was a blood thing. I drank a lot of Elijah's blood. It had some weird affects on him, and me I suppose."
Klaus opened his eyes, leaning up in bed and leaned over and turned the bedside lamp on. "What happened?"
"Just a kiss. Klaus," She said, grabbing his arm. "Listen to me. You know what blood sharing can do to vampires. Listen." She framed his face. "It wasn't anything. I promise. He didn't touch me, just a kiss. He realized what was happening and left the room."
Klaus looked at her. He wanted to say so much more, but he just nodded. He didn't want to push her. They were in a better spot since Hayley left and all of that was behind them. "Are you okay?"
She was quiet. "I'm fine. Honest. I kissed him back, so don't get super upset with him. It was a lot of blood. More than what me and you normally share. He was really weak afterwards."
Klaus nodded. He could understand that. Elijah had a crazy amount of control, so it must have been just as she said. The amount of blood. He would check on him later to make sure he was okay. "Well, if you're okay, then I don't need to worry. He didn't come on to you?"
"No, honey…" She sighed and then kissed him. "Nothing like that. Can you just hold me and kiss me? I missed you while you were away."
He looked at her for a few moments and then moved his mouth to hers. Her mouth pressed against his, nudging his lips apart as she slipped her tongue through and swept it across his. Her hands crept up his chest to his hair. She moved her body against his, arching against him, feeling his bulging erection in his pajama pants.
It didn't take them long to be completely naked together. Bella got him on his back as she straddled him, she raised up before sliding down over his hard member. He filled her completely and she sighed, moaning a little as she moved slow and deliberate, twisting her hips in a slight dance as she bounced a little. His hands gripped her waist as she slid down on him over and over again, riding the waves of pleasure that was hitting her.
He rocked up, his arms coming around her as his mouth drank her in, their hips meeting against each other. She was tightening around him as she reached her apex. Her head hung back as she moaned, her orgasm rolling over her from head to toe. He moved, getting her on her hands and knees as he thrust into her from behind. He moved fast and hard as he slammed into her tight center. She was moaning again as he felt her fluids roll over him as she came for a second time. He swelled, ready to burst, as he thrust faster. He pushed for his release as she finished her third, he came, their fluids mixing together as he pumped a few more times before settling in bed with her snuggled into his side. He kissed the top of her head.
"I love you," he murmured.
"I love you too." She murmured back; her eyes drifting shut. Her breathing changed, letting him know she was sleeping. He smiled, rolling on his side slightly, to face her. She instinctively snuggled closer to him, her head against his chest.
~Mikaelson Manor: December 21st
Mason was helping Rebekah with dragging in Christmas presents. There was an abundance of presents for Gabby, Toby, Charlotte, and of course Alora, Elodie, and Elliot. Christmas seemed to be Rebekah's favorite holiday. He carried things in without complaint.
He looked at the massive tree that was decorated differently this year than it was last year. "So, what time is Toby flying in?" He asked as Bella entered the room.
"Uh, I think Renee said his flight was landing Christmas Eve at noon. Klaus convinced him that it was going to be okay. So this is his first flight." Bella said with a smile. She looked at all the presents that were already getting stacked up around the tree. "Somehow I feel like there is just more."
"Oh that's because there is. Your sister-in-law is insane." Mason said with a grin.
"Very funny. I can hear you, you know." Rebekah said with a mocking tone.
Bella smiled and then hugged Mason. "So, how are things with mom? You moved in?"
Mason nodded. "I was wanting to talk to you about it. I didn't want it to be weird for you. Are you okay with me and your mom…being together?"
"Of course. She deserves happiness too." She said with a smile. "Jake is chill about it to, right?"
"He is. He told me he wasn't going to call me daddy, so that was out of the question." He said with a little laugh. "Gabby is okay with it. She's been spending a lot of time with her friends. Sarah has been letting her. She calls me Uncle Mason, so that means she likes me at least."
Bella smiled. "She loves you. I'm glad that you're there for mom and Charlotte especially. She's still so little, about to be one. She's been doing the usual baby talk right?"
"Oh yeah, everything is mama. She has said dada couple times but I just tell her I'm Mason." He said with a smile. "Jake told me it was silly to correct a baby, but still. I don't want to take that away from Charlie."
Bella nodded. "I understand, but she is just a baby and she also calls Klaus dada too, and Kol, and I believe she's even said dada to Richard as well. So, don't feel weird about it. As she gets older, she'll understand more."
Mason smiled and then looked up as Jake came in. "Oh hey. Your mom was wanting you to pick Gabby up from Hannah's house on the way back from patrol today."
Jake nodded, giving Mason a fist bump. "Sure thing. Daddy." He said with a grin, which got a punch to his arm and Mason laughing.
Bella shook her head and looked down at her phone when it dinged.
[Jasper]: I'll get Toby from the airport xmas eve.
[Bella]: Thanks.
[Jasper]: No problem, darlin.
Klaus walked in carrying Elliot in his arms. His hair was straight and dark, and his eyes were a deep hazel. He favored Hayley a lot actually. "Mommy," Elliot said, reaching out for her to take him.
Bella smiled, pulling him into her arms. "What is it kiddo?"
"I a big boy!" He said with a grin.
"Oh! Really? Does this mean no more diapers?"
Klaus smiled. "That would be a correct assumption, love."
"Finally. Good job, high-five!" Bella said and Elliot gave her a high five and then let him to his feet when he squirmed to be put down.
Elliot was grinning, he looked at Mason. "Mawon, I big boy!"
"I heard buddy. That's awesome." He said with a wide grin and then held out his fist and Elliot bumped his tiny fist to Mason's making an explosion sound and then he was bounding off to tackle Rebekah.
Bella watched with a smile and then looked up at Klaus as he slipped his arm around her. She tilted her head and kissed him softly. "I'm glad that this year is nearly over."
"Oh?" Klaus said with a smile. "How come?"
"Well, it was a rough year. I'm hoping the new year will be better." She said simply.
Mason's phone rang, so he stepped out to answer. It was probably Sarah asking him to do something on his way home.
Elijah made an appearance. He had been traveling a lot more for Klaus, so Klaus didn't have to leave Bella that much anymore. Since the hunter got a shot in on her a couple months ago, Klaus was still on edge. Bella had contacted the Brotherhood of the five and explained what had happened. She put out another warning. Keith, one of the five had agreed. They didn't know that Connor had gone off towards Mystic Falls. They were aware that there was a treaty in place with the Mikaelson's and Salvatore's. As long as they didn't kill humans, they were going.
It still didn't make Klaus any less tense about the entire situation. He never spoke about Elijah kissing Bella, or her kissing him back. He had let it go. He didn't want to dredge up anymore pain for Bella. She had been through a lot, and he could let things slide once in a while, especially since there was a good reason for it.
It was approaching the one-year mark since Charlie and Embry had given their lives for the war, and they were going to do a little memorial for them, to honor them, and Alaine, but they had to survive Christmas with Rebekah first.
~Mikaelson Manor: Christmas Day~
Toby settled into his guest room the night before. He was thirteen last year when he came, and now he was fourteen, and his voice was changing awkwardly, and he was taller. He got braces after Christmas, so he was more than a little awkward. Rebekah told him that he looked fine and she was sure that all the girls loved him. They didn't, he was not popular at his school at all.
Bella had sat him down when he got there, and she explained some things to him. He already had some suspicions about certain things, but he had kept it to himself. Naturally, he was in awe that his big sister was a super cool witch slash huntress. He always felt that vampires and werewolves were real, and to hear that they were, just blew his mind. He wasn't afraid of any of them. They were nice people; they didn't treat him badly like the kids did back home. He met his nieces and nephew and he was just amazed at how fast they were growing, soon they would be older than him and then it would be really weird.
"Toby." Klaus called, breaking Toby out of his thoughts.
Toby looked up at Klaus. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was spacing out I suppose."
"Not a problem. Can you help Rebekah, she needs your assistance." Klaus said with a smile.
Toby stood, smiling. "Of course." He said and he wandered off to find Rebekah.
Klaus was impressed with Toby and his acceptance of the secrets that Bella had kept from him for all of his life. He went on to find Mason, who was holding Charlotte when he walked up. "Ah, Charlotte. She's getting so big." He said with a smile. Mason handed Charlotte over to Klaus and smiled.
"Yeah, she's growing big, not as fast as the twins and Elliot, but she's above average according to Esme." Mason said and then looked around before pulling something from his pocket. A ring, a single solitaire in a round cut.
Klaus raised a brow. "That's for Sarah?"
"It is. Do you think it's too soon?" Mason asked with a frown.
"Well. How have things been?" Klaus asked as he bounced Charlotte a little.
Mason smiled. "Great. She loves me, she's told me so. We moved in together a few months ago, and we've talked to all the kids. They accept the relationship. Sarah seems happy."
Klaus nodded. "I say go for it. Love is love Mason. If you love her, let her know." He smiled and then when Charlotte reached for Mason, Klaus let her go back.
"Thanks man," Mason sad and Klaus nodded, before patting him on the shoulder.
Carlisle was there already with Esme, Rose, and Emmett. Emmett had been doing a lot of traveling for him.
"Ah, Emmett. Just the man I wanted to see." Klaus said, draping an arm around his shoulders. "How is the excavation team going in South America?"
Emmett had been to university several times, and one of the things that he was pretty proud of was his degree he had in Archaeology. People always thought that he was the big dumb one out of the Cullen's. That his was jock persona he put on for high school idiots. He could be a "bro" when he was chilling with the guys, but he enjoyed Archaeology and had been to South America a few times on a dig that Klaus sponsored for him. "It's going great. We're starting back after the holidays to give the team a break. I'll head back down after the New Year."
"Good. Let me know if there's anything else you need. Equipment, grants and whatnot. I'll make it happen." Klaus said with a smile and then looked up as Alice wandered over, wearing a sparkly green dress. "Ah Alice, it's good to see you back stateside. How was London?"
Alice smiled. "Great. Thank you. I've found quite a few interesting pieces of art that I recognized as yours."
Klaus nodded. "I have art in a lot of museums." He smiled and then Damon and Stefan walked in. Most everyone had arrived, with the exception of the Quileute boys.
Damon found Klaus and walked over. "Thanks for inviting us to Christmas Klaus."
"Of course. Your Bella's family." Klaus said with a smile. "Bella is in the kitchen I believe."
Damon nodded and then walked off and found Bella in the kitchen drinking some wine. She was sitting alone. "Why are you not mingling with all the people?"
"Just felt like drinking some wine before all the present madness begins." She said with a smile. Since Elijah compelled Damon, its been a little weird for Bella. She knew that it wasn't weird for Damon because this is what he thought he knew. He was extra friendly with Klaus, which made her think was odd. "Let me ask you a question."
"Shoot." Damon said, sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Why are you all buddy buddy with Klaus now. I mean when I first met you, you were adamant that Klaus was this evil villain."
Damon smiled, his teeth showing as he chuckled. "Well. He's still Satan. I will always attest to that. But you're my best friend Bella. He's your husband, because I would do anything for you, I've learned to just get along with him. I don't have to like him to be friendly with him."
Bella nodded. That did make sense. Elijah's compulsion had specifically stated that he would do anything for her. So, his attitude towards Klaus and the lack of snarkiness was because of the compulsion. She supposed she couldn't really complain about the two of them getting along. She took a drink of her wine, finishing it before setting the glass in the sink. "Well, thank you." She said and then hugged him.
He hugged her back, their bodies pressed against each other. Some feelings stirred in his gut, but he smiled, ruffling her hair a little before taking a step back. "Rebekah is about to start the gifts. You can hide if you want, but she's not going to start without you." He teased.
Bella groaned and then looped her arm in Damon's playfully and followed him back out to the gathering area.
Surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as Bella had anticipated. Elliot didn't really care about what was under the wrapping paper, only that there were bows and paper that he could now play with. The girls loved every bit of the toys that Rebekah showered them with. Toby got a bunch of gift cards different places, along with some new games he was looking forward to. Gabby was eleven and starting to get into more teenish items like nail polish and more shoes. Nothing toys related, so Rebekah catered to that. Charlotte got some toys and a bunch more clothes, which Sarah smiled big and shook her head at Rebekah for going all out…again.
Then Mason took Sarah's hand, grabbing her attention as he went down on one knee. The whole room got silent as they watched his proposal.
"Sarah. I don't think I've ever been this happy…ever. You have this radiance about you that lights up whatever room you're in. It is an honor to kneel before you now, and ask, will you marry me?" Mason held the little black velvet box up, the ring situated prettily there, sparkling as the light hit it.
Sarah smiled, tears springing to her eyes as she smiled widely. She didn't know if she would love again. She felt guilty for moving on, but Gabby had told her to. That she needed to be happy too. She nodded, her hand shaking slightly as Mason grinned and slipped the ring onto her hand. He moved up, grabbing her in his arms and kissed her. She laughed and when he swung her around. "Whoa, easy. Don't forget."
"Oh right." Mason said smiling, setting her down easy. "I did forget." He murmured and kissed her softly.
Bella was staring with her mouth open. "Wait."
Sarah looked around the room, and blushed. "Sorry for the display everyone."
"No mom." Bella went to her now, her hands hold her arms and looking at her, looking down at her mom's belly. "Mom. Really?"
Sarah nodded. "Yes. It's true."
"Mom! That's such great news. Why didn't you tell me?" Bella asked.
"Can someone tell us what's going on and not talk in code?" Klaus said out loud.
Sarah smiled, wiping a tear from her eye. "Mason and I are expecting. We're due June 6th." She said and looked over a Mason who was grinning.
Bella then moved Mason, hugging him tight. She kissed his cheek, making a loud smacking sound. "Congrats!"
Mason hugged Bella back and then he was catching Gabby against him. She was hugging him tight as well, and then Jake was hugging him too, grinning wide. Sarah looked at her children, watched them hug Mason, and welcome him into their life with ease. She put a hand to her stomach. She was excited and worried about this new journey. She was thirty-eight now and having a baby so late in life was already taking its toll on her. She was happy and couldn't wait for the blood results to come back to tell her if she was having another girl or adding another boy.
Bella couldn't ask for a better Christmas, but it just kept getting better.
Rebekah smiled wide and then she looked down at her and Jasper's fingers laced together. They had been pretty quiet about their relationship so far, but they caught Bella's glance and then saw her raise a brow. Rebekah blushed and turned her face away, but Jasper reached over, tilted her face over and then leaned in and kissed her right in front of everyone.
Klaus looked surprised for once, and so did Elijah and Kol. They hadn't realized that Rebekah was seeing Jasper. Jasper made it a bigger display by dipping her then, his mouth not leaving hers.
Bella clapped, and then everyone was clapping. Carlisle was smiling wide as was Esme. Even Rosalie was smiling big. Emmett must have known because he wasn't acting surprised, but he was clapping along with everyone.
So, then it started the chain reaction. Klaus grabbed Bella and kissed her, dipping her down. Then Jake grabbed Caroline around the waist and was kissing her, and she was kissing him back. Stefan kissed Elena softly, smiling, and then Enzo grabbed Bonnie and kissed her like he was never going to see her again. Alaric kissed Jenna softly, Carlisle kissed Esme the same way. Rose and Emmett shared a big kiss. Jeremy was grinning and then Alice was in front of him. She winked and then she leaned forward, kissing him gently, taking him by surprise. He smiled at her though.
Jo grinned and grabbed Elijah by the collar and then planted a kiss on him. Elijah was a little startled at first, but he kissed her back, out of respect and then smiled at her when she winked at him. Kai smiled wide and then he jumped into Kol's arms and planted a loud smacking kiss on him. Kol caught Kai out of reflex. Kai's legs were wrapped around Kol's waist. Kol smiled, laughing a little. He leaned forward and caught Kai's mouth with his in a more serious kiss. It stunned Kai a little, but he obliged Kol.
Quil and Jared pretended to kiss, but then punched each other in the arm, which had Jake howling in laughter. Then Gabby tapped Toby on the shoulder and kissed him on the cheek with a smile. He smiled back at her. Damon smiled, looking away from all the affection going on in the room. Alice flitted over to him, smiling at him. "Can't be left out." She said and she tipped up on her toes and put her lips to his.
Damon was a little surprised as Alice kissed him. A hand instinctively went to her waist to lift her, so she didn't have to stretch so far. He set her down after a moment and smiled at her. "Thank you."
Bella felt the little pang in her heart from watching Alice kiss Damon, but she brushed it away. Everyone was happy around her and it was probably the best Christmas she had experienced in a long while. She leaned back against Klaus as she watched everyone around her continue to have a great time, no worries about war or death. They were all together, like a big family.