CHAPTER 22

Bonnie woke the next morning feeling bleary and confused. Yet there was a warmth in her chest that hadn't faded. Slowly, the memory of the night before returned and she blushed. Kai had told her he loved her. And coming from the evil dark lord that was a big revelation. And maybe even bigger than that, she had lost her virginity.

Kai was already awake and staring at the ceiling.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

She knew that look and it never meant anything good.

"Nothing," Kai glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and a ruefully fond smile played on his lips. "I'm just planning battle strategy and oh boy, it's risky."

Bonnie curled against his side and sighed when she felt his warmth.

"Tell me about it."

"There's an ancient summoning spell. One that will allow us to call Death."

"Only we shouldn't cast it until we know how to kill Death."

"Exactly," Kai played with a lock of her hair and kissed her forehead. "Is there anything I can say or do to convince you to sit this one out?"

"No. And don't waste your breath trying. The visions from Hecate were clear, we both do this together or we all die."

Kai sighed. "I was afraid you would say that."

"So about killing Death any ideas?"

"A few myths refer to the death of Gods, but they are sufficiently vague."

"What about that crystal skull in your bedroom?"

"It has power and it might do the trick if we could trick Death into touching it, but I don't see that happening."

"But maybe we could harness its power. If we can draw that power into the coven, we can channel all of it back into our magic as we fight death."

"It might kill us."

"Yeah, but it will definitely kill Death and I think that's a risk worth taking."

Kai sat up and looked at her.

"You're a fucking genius, Bonster. But you're also insane."

Bonnie sat up and wrapped the sheet around her. She looked at Kai willing him to understand.

"There is one catch."

Bonnie grimaced because she knew this would be a sacrifice she was forced to make. In order to save the coven, she would have to give up her mortal life completely.

"What is it?" Kol asked in a tone of voice that implied he suspected.

"I have to join the dark coven," Bonnie said feeling the defeat of the statement and steeling herself for what she had to do.

"Yes, I thought so. I know it's not what you wanted, but it's the only way this works. The coven needs the extra juice."

"And I can't cast with you not unless I am one of you. Not for such a big spell. Like you said, it's not what I want, but I want to protect the coven. Even if it means sacrificing my mortal life."

Kai ran his hand through his hair and exhaled heavily. "I once read that to be a good leader is to make sacrifices."

"Where did you read that?"

"In one of the previous dark lord's diaries. If he was right then you are already a badass leader."

Bonnie kissed his cheek. "So are you. When do we get the coven ready?"

"Tomorrow," Kai wrapped his arms more securely around her and nuzzled into her throat. "I still want to spend the day with you. No drama, no anything except us."

Bonnie chewed on her lower lip. "Are you sure we can spare the time?"

"Positive. Why are you getting a psychic feeling?"

"No, just the normal levels of fear before war."

"Cute, like you've ever been to war," Kai snorted. "What do you want to do today? We can do anything you like. Go anywhere. The day is yours."

"Obviously you have never been a teenage girl," Bonnie said and rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the smile that played on her lips. "I want to sleep."

Bonnie nuzzled closer and pressed a soft kiss to Kai's throat. His hand roamed down her spine, stroking teasing patterns.

"You're perfect."

"I know," she said with a teasing smile.

Kai chuckled and the vibrations in his chest hit her. It wasn't unpleasant, but it did draw her attention to how genuinely intimate their situation was.

"But here's the thing, I'm wide awake. What do you say to breakfast in bed and scouring every grimoire we can find?"

"Oh my God yes," Bonnie breathed. "I was actually just thinking about this old myth."

"Which one?"

Bonnie rubbed her temple. "I'm not sure. It's a story my Grams used to tell me and Lucy when we were really little. Something about the old woman, who was burned alive. She was reborn as a young woman, I think? Like literally sprang back into existence. And that's Hecate. She represents the three phases of a witch's life."

"Bon - I'm not a hundred percent Hecate is where the coven gets their power."

"I have this theory," Bonnie said slowly. "That once upon a time we all got our power from Hecate until you or your ancestor protected her people. As a reward you were given extra power."

"Quite the theory."

"So it's possible?"

"It is," Kai agreed. "It certainly covers all of the bases including why the coven receives their magic from me."

"So let's research it."

Kai shook his head. "This doesn't count as a real date, you know that, right?"

"As far as dates go I'll admit it's pretty dull, but it's kind of a perfect coven leader and future consort afternoon."

Kai grinned. "It is."

Kai waved his hand and said a few quick words in Latin. Out of thin air several stacks of books materialized in the tent. She raised an eyebrow.

"Impressive. What incantation was that?"

"The standard liberus importus," Kai said.

"You made that up."

"Yes, I did," Kai confessed, snickering. "But here's the thing I invented the spell. It summons specific objects based on what you choose to call forth."

"And you chose books on magical theory and Hecate?"

"Winner, winner chicken-dinner."

Bonnie rolled her eyes and ignored Kai's choice of extremely mortal reference. Instead, she picked up a book and started reading.

XXX

Kai glanced at Bonnie. She had several pillows propped up behind her and she hadn't moved beyond flipping a page in almost an hour. There was an adorable crease in her brow as she concentrated. He picked up her foot and massaged it. She sighed and her eyes fluttered shut as she sunk back into the pillows.

"You have the cutest feet," he murmured. He ran his index finger teasingly along the sole of her foot and she sighed. "They're so tiny."

Bonnie giggled and tried to squirm out of his grasp, but Kai hung on. He pulled her foot closer and massaged her more firmly.

"This isn't research."

"I know," Kai flashed a wicked smile. "But we're on a date, remember, babe?"

Bonnie rolled her eyes and huffed. But all the same, she tossed the book aside and surrendered to the warmth of his touch.

"I wish we could stay in here forever."

"Me too," Kai spoke with such an earnestness it caught her off guard.

"But we can't."

"Well we could, but it would majorly screw over the coven."

Bonnie laughed in spite of herself.

XXX

The day passed Bonnie by in a hazy blur of soft kisses that turned into more. Her passions ran wild, untamed within her. It was as if Kai had unlocked a secret part of her. One not even she had known existed until she met him. At some point between all of the sex, she couldn't quite remember when they returned to Kai's bedroom. He had an early coven meeting and she needed to help the coven prepare for war.

Kai's fingers ran lazily along her thigh. Their naked bodies were tightly entwined. His arms were wrapped around her like he couldn't get her close enough. His face was burrowed into the nape of her neck. Her eyes kept drifting closed as she lost all sense of time and space. All that existed was her and Kai in this moment. The only indication she had of the time was the dark night sky she could see a sliver of through the curtains. The moon was bright, almost full.

If the Weird Sisters still wanted to, they would become her Night Maidens tomorrow. It was a strange thought. She found it unsettling not only because it meant in a way she would have the same sort of power over a small group of people that Kai had over the coven, but also because it was her first real taste of the responsibility that would weigh on her once she was consort. It meant she was responsible for the Weird Sisters in a way that was more than friend or sister, she had to protect them as much as they did her. If something happened to any of them, it would be her fault.

All of it.

"When do I join the coven?" she asked letting her mind wander to any one of the many other thoughts that weighed heavily on her.

"On the full moon. It's how it's done."

"Right."

Bonnie should have remembered. It was why her initiation had taken place on a full moon in the first place.

"You don't have to do this."

"Yes, I do. In all of my visions we are united when the sky burns. The Weird Sisters saw it as well. We need to be united. The coven has to be whole."

There was more that they must be together as their King and Queen, but Kai already knew that. And Bonnie didn't feel like talking about them. Her head was still spinning from Kai's unexpected declaration of love.

Kai loved her. It was almost too much to wrap her mind around. After all, before she met him she had thought he was evil incarnate. Now she knew Kai was more complex than that. He was like anyone else. He had good in him and bad. And could she really say she was that much different? She had changed since coming to the Academy becoming darker than before. She was still a long-shot off from being like Kai or the Weird Sisters or really any of the Dark Coven, but she was no longer innocent. But that was probably due to her half-mortal side.

"Screw the coven," Kai said placing a soft kiss to the place between her ear and jaw. "If it's not what you want then fuck it. We'll work something else out."

Bonnie was tempted so desperately tempted to give in to her more selfish urges. But that was her witch side talking.

"No, Hecate showed me those visions for a reason. There isn't another way. We all have to stand together. It's the only way we survive and I am not losing any more people I love."

Bonnie turned around and kissed him gently on the lips. She buried her face in the crook of his neck. Kai's fingers played along her spine, tracing patterns and making her shiver.

"You're thinking of your parents."

"I am."

"Do you remember them at all?"

"No, I was just a baby, remember?"

"Right," Kai sighed. "Sometimes I forget just how much older than you I am."

"Thanks for making this creepy," Bonnie said with a laugh.

Kai huffed, but the silent laughter that made his chest shake told another story.

"Mortals," he said with a snort.

Kai tilted his head down to hers. His forehead rested against hers and his lips brushed hers. It was a gentle touch that made a shiver of electricity run through her. His breath fanned her face and she sighed. She could feel his growing hardness against her thigh and it made warmth pool between her legs.

His hand roamed between the parting of her thighs. His fingers stroked her slit and she sighed. Warmth spread through her and her eyes fell shut. Colors danced behind her eyelids. Kai knew just how to be the perfect blend of rough and soft with her.

Kai pushed her onto her back and entered her without warning. She cried out as he stretched her and his groan made a thrill go through her. His hand caught her wrists, holding her hands above his head as he thrust into her. She moaned as he quickened the pace, pushing into her harder. She saw stars when her eyes fell closed.

"Just like that, just like that," she moaned.

Kai thrust harder and she shuddered.

"Like that, babe?"

"Yeah," her voice was a breathy moan.

Kai kept going until she shattered with a scream. Heat coursed through her and she fell back against the pillow, but he wasn't done yet. He pulled her into a kiss and she broke free of his hands, she ran her fingers through his.

Kai turned her over and lay down on top of her. He drove into her from behind and the new angle caused heat to roar through her like a wildfire all over again. She reached for his hand and laced their fingers together. His palms were rough against her hands. He kissed her throat and she knew he loved her. Felt it in that moment.

She arched her back pressing herself against him. She needed him closer, he still wasn't closer. He must have agreed because one of his arms wrapped around her stomach, drawing her closer.

His hand roamed lower. His fingers played with her clit and colors danced behind her eyelids. Heat roared through her and he continued his ministrations until she came with a scream. Her magic came crashing down like a tidal wave. The bedroom windows flew open. They hit the wall and crashed, shattering.

Kai thrust into her one last time and he stiffened above her as he came. He moaned her name. His magic surged in the air and the wall in front of her cracked open. She gasped and watched as the walls and ceiling cracked.

Kai rolled to the side and she flopped onto her back.

"Wow," Kai breathed.

Bonnie laughed and he joined in.

"I'll say."

Kai waved his hand and the walls, ceiling and windows were patched back up. All she did was blink and the damage was done. He laced their fingers together and she sighed in content.

XXX

Bonnie didn't know how much later it was, but the night sky was still pitch black. She awoke with a gasp. Her racing heart only calmed when she saw Kai sleeping soundly next to her. She smiled at how content he looked. The only time she had seen Kai look anything like innocent or vulnerable was when he was asleep. Even when he was professing feelings for her, she didn't get the feeling he was vulnerable. Maybe a little more human than he was otherwise, but not vulnerable.

She ran her fingers through his hair and stroked it away from his forehead. She hummed under her breath, wishing she could stay in this moment forever. The thought of tomorrow and everything it would bring filled her with dread. There was nothing she wanted more than to just stay in this bubble with Kai. But they had responsibilities, people to protect and a psychotic god, who was out for their blood.

"But I'll be alright, it's just a thousand cuts. I get drunk and it's not enough because you're not my baby," Bonnie sang forgetting herself.

Matt's sister Vicki used to play Taylor Swift on an endless loop whenever she was home. More than one of the songs had stuck with Bonnie even though she preferred other artists. Death by a thousand cuts seemed oddly appropriate given what they would soon face.

Kai murmured in his sleep and his arm shot out. In the blink of an eye, her chest was pressed against his and she could feel his warmth seeping into her. His hard muscles held her close and she fought back a laugh.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Since you first played with my hair," he confessed and she could hear the teasing in his voice.

"You big faker," she laughed. "I should have known."

"It was nice alright, but I draw the line at Taylor Swift."

"Hey, I like that song!"

Kai chortled and kissed the top of her head. He rested is chin against her head. His hands roamed her body teasingly and she sighed.

"You can make any song beautiful."

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "I'm already sleeping with you, you can lay off the nonsense now."

"Oh, I see you need convincing, do you?"

Kai's voice was filled with heat and Bonnie groaned.

"Don't even think about it. I'm exhausted."

Kai laughed and pulled her closer. She heard him sigh in content. Her eyes closed and she let his warmth stroke every part of her. It was seconds before she was drifting off to sleep.

"Marry me."

"I am," Bonnie mumbled and yawned. She stretched and rolled around. Kai buried his nose in the nape of her neck.

"I know. I mean soon, I mean now."

Bonnie blinked and opened her eyes. "What?"

"Not because I totally stalked you or because Hecate knows we need to be the next coven leaders, but because we love each other and want to be together."

Bonnie was too stunned to answer. She was on her feet and pulling Kai's shirt over her head before she knew what happened. She walked over to the window, just to put some distance between herself and Kai.

"Are you insane?" she finally whispered.

"Why?" Kai stared at her.

He started pulling on his pants.

Bonnie threw her arms out in exasperation. "Because I'm sixteen and at the rate things are going I probably won't live to see my seventeenth birthday!"

Bonnie gasped and covered her hand with her mouth. It was a thought that had plagued her for weeks, but she hadn't ever dared voice it aloud. Tears threatened to spill and furiously she blinked them away.

Kai was next to in her two strides. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her close with a ferocity that shocked her.

"Don't you ever say that again. You aren't dying, do you hear me? Not for centuries."

"Some things are out of your control and this big battle that's coming up? It's going to be bad. I feel it in my whole body. Whenever I think about it, I feel like I'm already stuck in a coffin. I can hear the dirt on the lid."

Kai's whole body stiffened.

"No," the word was nothing more than a breathless gasp.

Bonnie understood. Statements like those weren't what a person liked to hear from psychics.

"It's fine."

She kissed him lightly on the lips. Kai clutched her chin and gave her an insistent look.

"Don't you as much as even think about dying on me."

"Shut up and kiss me."

"Not until you agree to marry me, babe."

"I told you I am marrying you."

"Fuck the coven and all that bullshit I pursued you for in the first place. Fuck the deal we made and marry me for the hell of it."

"Again, I'm sixteen. It'll be a cold day in hell before I get married on a whim," Bonnie said with an eye roll.

Kai frowned at her before his expression closed off. There was a tick in his jaw line and she wondered how pissed off he was. Before it finally dawned on her, he wasn't pissed. She'd hurt his feelings.

"I'm going back to bed. You can do whatever you want."

"Kai -" Bonnie said, but he disappeared in a cloud of black smoke. "Fuck. That's really mature, asshole," she muttered to herself.

XXX

Kai poured himself a drink and stared out of the window. He cracked his neck and thought about how much he would like to crack someone's neck. How his old self before the merge would have already gone on a rampage after a rejection like that. He downed his drink and refilled it.

He closed his eyes and hoped to sense a few vampires foolish enough to have wandered into his territory. No such luck, his border was as it always had been perfectly safe. If only he could kill Death on his own without the coven.

Of course, he should have known he had pushed Bonnie too far. After all, this life had been forced onto her as much as it had him, but he wanted it. He wanted her and not just because she was born with more power than any other member from this century or because she was beautiful, but because she was Bonnie. It was stupid, he should have stuck to pursuing her for the power she could bring.

XXX

Bonnie wandered through the manor's hallways. She wasn't sure, who she wanted to see more Kai or the Weird Sisters. If she ran into Kai she could try talking to him again, but she didn't see him. And she knew if he didn't want to be found he could hide from her for days.

"I thought I sensed turmoil," a smooth voice said.

Bonnie felt the tendrils of power. She whirled around and saw Kol leaning against the doorway. It must be the bedroom he was staying in while he was here.

"Kol? What are you doing up?"

"I sensed tension. You must be in quite a snit if you woke me."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I know I'm not," his dark eyes shone with heat. "What's wrong?" before she could even think to formulate an answer, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Oh, I see. Having doubts about the dark lord, are we?"

Bonnie shook her head, but she knew it was futile to lie to an empath. "Why am I bothering? You probably already know the whole story."

"Most of it," Kol cracked a smile. "You really should learn to hide your feelings better, beautiful."

In spite of herself, Bonnie blushed. "It's easier to do without empaths creeping around reading everyone."

"Not everyone, just you, little witch," he closed his eyes again. "Not that I would bother if your feelings weren't so delicious. If you ever tire of the dark lord, you know where to find me."

Kol winked at her and disappeared back inside of his room. Bonnie didn't miss how he left his door ajar.

Bonnie shook her head and kept walking. She found the Weird Sisters bedroom at the end of the hall. She knocked before letting herself in.

"Hey," Bonnie said flopping down on Lucy's bed.

Lucy grumbled and rubbed her eyes. Katherine and Rebekah sat up looking bleary-eyed.

"What the hell?"

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"What's wrong?" Lucy asked.

"It's K – the dark lord," Bonnie said seriously hating that spell. One of these days, she was either going to kill Kai or force him to reveal his name to the Weird Sisters. Of course, she knew that was a long-shot. Knowing someone's name could be abused in any number of spells. "He proposed."

"That's old news," Lucy yawned.

"Yes, why would you wake us for that?" Katherine purred.

"Because he proposed again. And I'm freaking out."

"I wouldn't," Rebekah sighed. "If a man that hot, powerful and wealthy proposed to me I'd be on that dick already."

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "We have had sex."

"When?"

"How could you not tell us?"

"You little slut! You've been holding out on us!"

Bonnie was suddenly surrounded by three curious girls, who were all crowding her space.

"Is he as good as he looks?" Katherine purred.

"Do you think we can join you sometime?" Rebekah asked with a sly smile.

"That's my cousin count me out!"

"Yes, to the first, never to the second and thank you Lucy," Bonnie said when they peered at her as one.

"Oh, but I love a good orgy," Rebekah sighed.

"And Stefan is just what? Cool with that?" Bonnie asked.

"Of course, we're not monogamous. What are we mortal?"

"Elijah and I are monogamous."

"Of course, you are. My brother has no imagination."

"I can assure you that's not true," Katherine said with a satisfied smirk.

"Can we get back on topic, please?" Bonnie asked.

Although it reminded her to ask Kai if they were monogamous. She didn't think he was sleeping with anyone else, but she had forgotten how many witches and warlock preferred polygamy. It was something she had never discussed with Kai and it needed to be asked.

"I fail to see a problem here," Rebekah said. "A handsome, powerful warlock, who happens to be our coven's King wants to marry you. Not just for a powerful alliance, but because he loves you. And you said it yourself, you're having good sex. Precisely what is the problem?"

"I'm sixteen. I should be at the mall shopping with my friends -"

Lucy snorted. "You're a witch. Better to just embrace it, cuz. Once you've had magic it's difficult actually impossible to live without it."

"And I know that, but I also don't want to join the coven. Yet I don't have a choice because if I don't Death will kill everyone I love."

"But you're bound by an oath of loyalty that should be plenty," Lucy said.

"No, I don't think it will be. Hecate has shown me visions and I have this feeling that if we're going to defeat Death then I need to be in this one hundred percent."

"Fuck that's some intense shit," Lucy said.

"Yeah," Bonnie said quietly. "I'll do what I have to do, but I have been thinking and I can't let you be my Night Maidens. It's too dangerous and too permanent. I'm in this, I was born do to this, but I can't let anyone else I care about get caught up in it."

"Don't be stupid," Lucy said.

"We're members of the dark coven and we're already in this," Rebekah agreed.

"You can't keep us on the sidelines even if you want to," Katherine said. "We're already in danger so we might as well do what we can to protect each other."

"We'll be safer together," Lucy said.

Bonnie sighed realizing it was futile to argue with them. Clearly, they had already made up their minds.

"Thank you."

XXX

Kai spent most of the morning reaching out with his mind to find out where Bonnie was. Actually, that was not entirely true. He knew where she was. Her magic roared through the manor in a way that did not escape his notice. What he was trying to do was sense whether or not she was alright. Her magic felt angry and doubtful, but unharmed. So he stayed away for as long as he could.

Finally, he was forced to go to her. There was a coven meeting in ten minutes and he needed his future Queen at his side. He followed her magic. Naturally it led straight to the room where the Weird Sisters were staying. He didn't need magic to tell him this was the place she would go.

He knocked and strode inside when he heard one of the girls invite him in.

"Don't, it's him," Bonnie said, but it was too late. He was already in the room. "What do you want?"

"Coven meeting. Thought perhaps you would care to join me?"

"Fine."

"Excuse me," Katherine said in an airy tone of voice. "Dressed like that?"

Bonnie looked down and saw she was still wearing one of Kai's T-shirts and boxers.

"It makes a statement," Kai said and smirked at him.

"That statement is concubine," Lucy said and her disapproval was palpable.

Bonnie narrowed her eyes and shot him a dirty look. "Shut up."

That only made Kai laugh.

"Ugh," Katherine said.

"Just wait, outside would you?"

"Why are you mad at me? See I've been over it and over it again in my head, but I just don't get it," Kai said with a grimace and ran his hand through his hair.

"You wouldn't," Bonnie replied.

"Everyone chill," Lucy said. "I have the perfect outfit in mind."

Lucy waved her hand and murmured an incantation. Bonnie grinned when she saw the outfit that manifested. It was perfect for a council meeting. It made her look not only like a consort, but dangerous.

Bonnie was dressed in black from head to toe. The fabric was leather and it clung to every curve. The skirt was long, but tight fitting. It had a long slit up the side that showed off the thigh-high black boots. The cleavage was cut into such a low V-shape it almost ran into the slit.

But it was the accessories that really made the look. She wore a heavy silver necklace around her throat that was shaped like a crescent moon. The earrings consisted of a dainty looking crescent moon that hung from her ear. Whereas the other was a crescent shaped cuff. Her hair was up in a tight ponytail that hung halfway down her back. The top was covered with a silver crescent moon.

"Let's do this," Bonnie said.

"Why are you angry with me?"

Bonnie quickened her stride, but Kai easily kept pace without as much as breaking a sweat. It was infuriating to say the least.

"Because nothing is ever enough for you. You always have to push for more."

"I'm sorry, I got carried away."

"Screw you."

Kai caught her elbow and turned her around to face him.

"Do you have any idea the number of times I have apologized in my life?"

"No," Bonnie said and yanked her arm back. She crossed her arms and surveyed.

"Well I do and I can assure you every single apology has been made to you."

"What am I supposed to do with that?"

"Appreciate the fact that you're different."

"I don't want to be different," Bonnie snarled. "I want to be normal, but instead I am dealing with problems that are way beyond my years. Then in the midst of all this insanity I have to join the coven. That's fine, I can deal with that even if it's not what I wanted. But then you have to go and propose."

"Oh," Kai stuffed his hands in his pockets. "You're overwhelmed. That's what you're feeling, right?"

"Of course, that's what I'm feeling!"

"And you blame me?"

"Yes. If you had picked another girl this would all be someone else's problem."

"I don't think I ever could love another girl," Kai said in such a matter of fact way that it left no doubt in her mind he meant it. "And if you want to be angry with anyone be pissed at destiny. You were born on the eve of a full moon. The first child in the coven for a century. That's what marked you as special almost as much as who you are."

"Well I didn't ask for this!"

"Neither did I!" Kai snapped. "Geez, Bonster. Don't tell me you think everyone, who is born special wants to be. Because I can tell you right now every single person, I have ever met, who is doesn't want it. Sucks to be us, am I, right? I mean I want it, but I'm a selfish bastard." Bonnie was still angry, but she couldn't help herself. Kai grinned a slow lazy smile and she started to laugh. He joined in and then they were both laughing like a couple of little kids in school.

"Fine, I'm not mad at you anymore, but if you try to propose one more time, I might strangle you, alright?"

"Alright," Kai agreed, but he was still laughing. "Ready to dive head first in to coven business? It's got everything drama, intrigue, political alliances that change with the season and best of all no magic."

"I am sold. Why is there no magic by the way? I've seen you cast at coven meetings."

"Actually, sometimes there is magic, but usually it's just boring old political stuff. Discussing future marriages, business at the school, open positions within the coven. Special requests like the one Kol made to travel the world."

At the sound of Kol's name she tensed. There was no way she was telling Kai what had transpired. He would freak out and who knew what he would do to Kol in retaliation?

"Sounds about as boring as class."

"You better not be talking about my class."

"Actually, your class could stand to be a little more boring."

Kai gasped and faked hurt. "Ouch, lucky for you we need to get there."

Bonnie grinned. Kai linked their hands and she followed him to the dungeon. She wished she had paid better attention when Sheila tried to teach her about the coven's doctrines and rules. With all of the time she spent in the mortal world as a child nothing about the coven seemed important.

Except magic and even then, she had mostly cast the spells she wanted and only learned the things she found interesting at the time. Sheila had long since given up trying to foist a more formal magical education upon Bonnie. Instead, Sheila had decided Bonnie would finally be forced to learn at the Academy. Thanks to Kai that much was true.

The dungeon was full of the council members. They were seated in a circle on high chairs. There were high wooden tables in front of each of them. It sort of reminded Bonnie of the senate. It was intimidating and a cold sweat broke out. She didn't think she could do this until she saw Sheila. She was seated at the front along with Carol Lockwood and Liz Forbes.

She followed Kai to the dais at the very back. The coven stood to attention as they passed. Bonnie scanned the crowd for other familiar faces. She spotted Elijah and Kol. None of the other Mikaelsons were in attendance. She recalled Rebekah saying something about Finn and Klaus putting their money on Joshua and his heir of choice.

Liv and Luke were towards the back. They looked bored and disinterested. Bonnie didn't blame them. They weren't heavy spellcasters not with their combined power. And Kai would forever distrust them thanks to Joshua so they would never rise higher than the position of family. Attending meetings was purely ceremonial.

Bonnie took the consort throne when Kai gestured to her. Kai remained on his feet and grinned maniacally. Bonnie recognized the mask he wore to rule the coven. It was such a different persona than the one he showed her it caught her off guard. But Kai was right, she put her own game face on. She settled for hard and cold. Much the same way her Grams looked when dealing with coven business.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road," Kai said with a bright smile. "I'm sure you're all wondering why the coven is back on lockdown. The short answer is that I ordered it. Why did I order it you ask? Well that's a tiny bit more complicated. There are psychic visions that Death is not gone only playing possum. So we're going on the offensive."

Carol Lockwood rose to her feet and stared Kai down. Rumor around the coven was that she had become a tough cookie since her husband's mysterious death. Then of course, there was the rumors she had killed Mr. Lockwood. Either way, Bonnie had noticed one thing was for sure, Carol wasn't afraid of anyone or anything anymore. That appeared to include Kai.

"Forgive my interruption, dark lord," Carol said with a deceptively pleasant smile. "However, I believe it was a mere few days ago you ordered us out of your home. What changed?"

"New information so now I am ordering you back," Kai said with a smirk. "Anyone got a problem with that?"

The coven shook their heads.

Bonnie might have been inclined to feel sorry for Kai except he had brought this on himself. After all, he had been willing to sacrifice members of his coven in order to draw Death out. All because he was comfortable with a risky strategy. So as far as she was concerned this was his bed and he could damn well lie in it.

Carol remained standing. "What is this new information? Who has had these visions? I think we all know not every psychic is reliable."

"The Weird Sisters and Bonnie my beautiful future Queen," Kai replied.

Kai rubbed his jaw and Bonnie could see the tension building there. Once again, she had the unkind thought that this was good for him. Being forced to squirm a little and at least answer to others about his decisions was healthy for any leader. Not that he would be held accountable too much with a brainwashed coven at his beck and call.

"The Bennetts are a powerful psychic line no doubt about that. However, this latest one is young and untested. As for the Weird Sisters I have found their visions are as much games for their own amusement as anything else."

"Excuse me?" Bonnie said and stared at Carol. She was on her feet in seconds. Watching Kai squirm a little wouldn't hurt him, but she wouldn't let anyone talk trash about her friends. "The Weird Sisters are powerful psychics. You have no reason to say anything else."

"They play games," Carol hissed. "Just take what they did to my Tyler -"

Elijah and Kol rose to their feet too. Bonnie was starting to think that was a part of the procedure. In order to speak out, you must rise to your feet.

"He was a willing victim," Kol said with a laugh. "I watched him pant and drool and lust after all three sisters. When they finally gave him what he wanted, he was addicted. The only reason he is complaining now is because they dumped him."

"There is no evidence they have done anything untoward against your son," Elijah said calmly. "I take such allegations seriously and would not permit such behavior at the Academy."

"Oh, really?" Carol demanded. "This is nepotism. You will protect your sister at all costs."

Sheila slammed her hand on the table. She stood up and her expression was furious. Her magic roared to life and thrummed through the room. It was old and powerful, crashing over everyone gathered like a tidal wave.

"My Lucy and her friends dumped Tyler for being a second-tier warlock and a subpar lover," Sheila snapped. "And if you have a problem with that then I suggest you take it up with your son because that's where the problem is. As for Bonnie being untested, how dare you? She is the last in a long line of psychics. Reliable and powerful psychics, who have been greatly honored in this coven. Bonnie will be no different. And if you have a problem with that you may settle that particular score with me."

Bonnie grinned. It was rare to see Sheila threaten anyone anymore, but that was exactly what made it so wonderful. Sheila might be older, but she was among the most powerful witches in the coven.

"Enough already," Kai said waving at Carol when she tried to reply. "Carol sit down. I appreciate all of your advice. Everyone here has a right to be heard, but this isn't a democracy. I have made my decision and you are all to shut up and deal with it. If you find it unfair may I suggest you stop the petty squabbling and jockeying for position. Maybe if you all truly put the coven first, I would bother to take a vote."

"Praise the dark lord," the council members echoed as one.

Bonnie repressed a shudder.

The council members all sat down and Kai did the same.

After Kai scolded all of the adults in the council in other words, the most powerful people in the coven they continued on with other more ordinary business. The Weird Sisters promotion to position of Night Maidens was mentioned as well as Bonnie joining the coven as a full member. Then followed a list of even duller topics.

By the time it was over, Bonnie's backside was numb from sitting on the throne and she felt half asleep. Kai watched them all leave with impassive eyes.

"That was boring," Bonnie said with an exhale. "And harrowing somehow?"

"Actually, that was one of the more exciting meetings."

"Oh, man," Bonnie sighed. "Consort is a rough gig. But not as rough as yours."

Kai laughed. "Feeling guilty about yelling at me earlier?"

"No," she snorted. "You wish."

XXX

Bonnie was nervously getting ready for the Weird Sisters' initiation. After tonight the four of them would be bound together. Or more specifically they would be bound to her.

Bonnie was wearing a black dress that had the widest skirt of anything she had ever worn before. The sleeves were taught and made of gold lace as was the bodice. There was a low cut V-shape neckline that made her afraid to bend forward or even move too much at all.

The Weird Sisters wore simpler black dresses. Their skirts were flat and fell to their knees. The dresses were sleeveless and instead they wore gold armbands with the sigil of the consort. The consort's sigil was two crescent moons facing each other.

"Cheer up, Bon," Katherine said flashing a smile. "We want to do this."

"I know, but I don't want you as like my servants."

"Eh," Rebekah shrugged. "Sooner or later you'll be our queen and you will be so far above us in station it'll be the same thing."

"If you say so," Bonnie said unconvinced. She looked to Lucy that was where it hurt the most. "Cousin -"

"Exactly, I'm your cousin," Lucy said with feeling. "And what sort of cousin would I be if I let you do this alone?"

"You guys," Bonnie said and blinked back tears. "I love you guys. I so don't deserve you."

The Weird Sisters whimpered and there was a chorus of 'awes' as they surrounded her. They hugged each other and it wasn't long before they were all hugging and crying.

The clock on the wall struck midnight. They laughed and broke apart. As if agreed on it, they all started to wipe away their tears.

"That's our cue," Lucy said. "Let's rock this bitch."

That got all of them laughing.

The four of them linked hands and teleported to the clearing in the woods behind Kai's house. When they appeared in a cloud of smoke, Bonnie looked around anxiously. She sensed wards in the air and knew Kai had done his best to secure the area. But she still felt uneasy. This was near the border of his property.

The night air was cold against her skin and goosebumps raised on her arms. She wrapped her arms around herself and warmed herself with a quick warming spell.

The clearing was dark except for the glow emanating from each of the torches placed in a circle surrounding the area. The coven was standing around wearing the traditional ceremonial robes. Instead of plain black the colors tonight were black robes with gold trim. Their hoods were up.

Bonnie had one as well and Kai was at the altar wearing a plain black robe. She knew on the back the coven's sigil was embroidered in gold. The gold sigil was a simple circle with two crescent moons facing out. The moons were back to back. She tilted her head to the side. It did sort of resemble Hecate's symbol. Maybe her theory about the Dark Coven and Hecate was right.

The coven chanted when they saw them. Bonnie led the way and the Weird Sisters flanked her. They walked up the path that led to the stone altar in time with the chants. As the coven continued to chant, Bonnie felt the electric surge of power surrounding her. It crackled against her skin.

She came to a stop in front of Kai. He winked at her and pulled the hood up. Then he took her hand and guided her to lay down on the stone table. It was cold against her skin and she was glad of the warming spell she had just cast.

"Siúracha na hoíche ceangailte le chéile le haghaidh eternity. Ceangailte le seirbhís dá mBanríon Oíche. Dílseacht a mhionnaímid. Sciatha agus claimhte chun a mBanríon a chosaint."

The Weird Sisters slit their palms opens with a ceremonial athame. In unison they walked around her repeating the chant that the coven had been repeating. As they walked, they let their blood drip onto the stone table. They only stopped when the blood formed a perfect circle around her.

One of the last steps was for the Weird Sisters to kneel around the stone table. They crossed their arms and repeated the spell one last time. The spell was sealed. There was a flash of gold around her.

"All rise," Kai said in a strangely formal voice she only ever heard him use at ceremonies.

Kai helped her down from the altar as the Weird Sisters got to their feet.

Bonnie felt uncomfortable standing at the front of the whole coven with her hand in Kai's. Once again, it brought home to the reality that one day soon she would be consort. Queen of a coven she never wanted.

The coven cheered and Bonnie snuck a glance at Sheila, who looked prouder than she had ever seen her before.

Sheila's pride was cut short by an animal growling noise. Bonnie looked around and seconds later there was a loud explosion. It knocked her off her feet and then everything went black.

Thank you so much to everyone, who has read this fic! I hope you like this update! Let me know what you think about Hecate's theory and who you think crashed the party.

- Izzy

Using Gaelic in the spell because I have this headcanon that the Parkers hail from Scotland like some of Bonnie's ancestors. At least hers do in the books and I think maybe a Scottish side of the family is mentioned on the show? Maybe? The coven uses a lot of old languages in their spells. Anyway, the English translation of the spell is:

Sisters of night bound together for eternity. Bound in service to their Queen of Night. Loyalty we swear. Shields and swords to protect their Queen.