Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries / The Originals, or any of the characters, plot-lines, dialogues from the shows or books
However, I do own Catherine Matthews/ my very own Katherine Peirce, her backstory, the storyline, and any additional characters that do not belong to The Vampire Diaries or The Originals. Characters in this story may not have the same opinion as you. These characters are all fictional.
"One of these days I am gonna murder you?"
"Well, that's not at all comforting," was Stefan Salvatore's reply.
"Yeah, you know, what's not comforting?" I said, with a hand on my hips which he couldn't, definitely, see, "Getting a call from Klaus Mikaelson."
"Ah!" Stefan gave a noise of recognition, "In my defense, I wanted to know why and how."
"Something that could've costed our lives," I retorted. "Why are you asking him questions you shouldn't?"
"I am just curious," Stefan said, "My days in Chicago are blurry. I thought I blanked out most of them in the blood haze."
"Yeah. Blood, booze, and blondes, I remember," I said, memorizing the scenes in the back of my head.
"See," Stefan released a sigh, content, that I understood what he is talking about, "I was already at my worst, and I just wanted to know how much worse I got in the company of a hybrid dick."
"Well, you could've asked me," I said, still upset he gave my phone number to Klaus, "I said I didn't know why he compelled, but I was pretty conscious for most of the part. Also, he didn't make you do anything. He actually hated your guts at first. I mean, you were dating his sister. But then he became a fan of your Ripper side and gory talents. You know, you should actually visit Gloria's Bar in Chicago. I am pretty sure there is still a photo of you there, somewhere."
"Gloria?"
"Gloria, the witch, who owns a bar," I answered, "And yes, the bar and witch are both still intact and kicking."
"Wait, what talents?" Stefan asked, fully confused.
"You really don't want to know the talents that were fascinating to the thousand-year-old original vampire, Stefan," I told the younger Salvatore.
"I am sorry. Did Klaus give you a hard time?" Stefan asked in a concerned tone.
"Nothing, I couldn't handle," I muttered, "Just stop asking questions that might get us killed, alright?"
"But..."
"And warn me before you decide it's a rational thing to give my number to my 500-year old enemy," I said, not giving him a chance to talk.
Hayley Marshall, or should she say, Andrea Labonair was over the moon. The werewolf was skeptical when an unknown vampire called her two months ago, saying she had information about her parents. Hayley, though, wasn't involved with many supernaturals other than the pack in the Appalachian mountains. Sure, the girl heard of witches and vampires during pack meetings, but she never knew them personally. So Hayley was more than suspicious when she heard the offer from a vampire chick she never met. The werewolf first thought it was a cruel joke. A prank call at the most. But, when the said vampire talked about the birthmark on her shoulder, the werewolf prayed that it wasn't a prank.
However, growing up on her own, Hayley Marshall knew, not everything is rainbows and sunshine. If you want something, then you have to give something in return. The orphaned werewolf knew everything has a price. The price for her super strength is to break every bone in her body on full moon night. For Hayley, the werewolf gene is not a curse. It was something that helped her a lot while living on the streets. The speed, the agility, and senses. After getting kicked out of her foster home, she sure hated it. Mainly because she didn't know how, or why. She didn't like the agony she felt every full moon on the top of the guilt she was feeling for killing a person.
But when she is running in the woods under the full moon with no thought of pain and trouble, just freedom...there is no better feeling than that. So, when she got a chance to know more about her parents, a family, she bit it. Hayley was willing to pay the price. And she was absolutely distorted when she didn't hear another call from the vampire. Just when the werewolf thought to try different methods to search for her family, Hayley got another call. Exactly after 2 months and 18 days. And this time when the vampire called saying, she will take her directly to her family, Hayley wasted no time in saying yes.
The werewolves first thought when she met the vampire Katherine Pierce was, 'that's a rich bitch.' The vampire came in a Porsche, wearing a cute gingham dress, her sunglasses on the top of her head, and her silky black hair fell straight past her shoulders. During the road trip, Hayley figured out a few things about Katherine. First, Katherine wasn't much of a talker. But the vampire loves to give out death threats every two minutes. Katherine is not a fan of Jazz, but she loves the Piano, and also plays it...occasionally. And the most important and obvious thing is that Katherine loves to brag about her old age, but likes to say she is the youngest of the group. All in all, the vampire is a tad bit weird.
Throughout the journey, Hayley asked a lot of questions, and she received answers for most of them. Even though, 'I have got my ways' was the answer to most of them. The answer, absolutely, frustrated Hayley, but she endured it. Because Hayley doesn't care about 'how' or 'why' as long as she gets what she wants. However, the werewolf wasn't, honestly, expecting Katherine to take her to her family anytime soon. She expected the vampire to ask her to do a few dirty works or some favors before even talking about the pack. Because Hayley knew, she was desperate. The werewolf expected the vampire to take a few advantages of it. After all, the desperate are easy to manipulate.
Sure, Katherine did say she was helping Hayley for a return favor in the future. But Hayley thought it was a far-fetched idea. How was she supposed to belive a 500-year-old vampire, whom she never met, will help her find a cursed pack, who turn into humans only on the night of the full moon? I mean, the witch who cursed the pack died, and the vampire who asked for the favor of said witch, is the self-proclaimed king of New Orleans. And for the first time, Hayley Marshall was happy to be proven that she is wrong. Because not even a day has gone by, and she has already met up with her pack. Her family. A stable home, she has been searching for years to live and spend with. And, it was all thanks to a strange vampire chick that likes to pet wolves because she was bored.
"You are weirding me out. What is it?" The question got the werewolf out of the stupor. Hayley realized she has been smiling at the girl in her burgundy halter dress and kitten heels for a few minutes now.
"Nothing," Hayley said, glancing between the vampire and the gumbo in front of her. "I just never thought I would meet my family again, you know. And I don' know how to thank you for everything you have done."
"Oh! now you are making me look like a saint," Katherine grumbled. "Trust me, honey. I am no saint, and I am pretty sure I got a special place reserved in hell for all my sins."
"Yeah. I believe you," Hayley grumbled in a dry tone.
"I really am a bitch," The vampire said, taking a bite from her food, "I didn't do this out of some good heart. It really is an investment."
"Yeah, I know you are a bitch," Hayley said, "I just think you are a bitch with heart."
And the vampire in the question just threw her hands up in the air as if she just wasted her breath. "Just eat your stupid gumbo."
Hayley's lips twitched at that and glanced back to her untouched plate. It's been a week since they arrived in New Orleans, and luckily, the duo hasn't attracted the attention of any stray vampires lurking in the city. Hayley spent most of the time with wolves and Eve, while Katherine stayed back in town for half the visits. The vampire didn't have much to do in the woods, and so she decided to check out the city. The doppelganger was generous enough to lend her car to Hayley a few times. Not before warning the wolf, about the many ways she would murder her if there was a single scratch on her Porsche.
"The pack is gonna change back into their human forms today," Hayley said and continued when the vampire nodded carelessly, "Eve already prepared a place for me to transform tonight. I don't really have that amount of control in my wolf form, so..."
"You want me to drop you off?" It wasn't a question, but Hayley still nodded her head.
"And..." Katherine continued. And it really unnerved Hayley when she realized the vampire could read her like an open book. The werewolf decided to work on that. Because when Hayley sees Katherine, she can't for the life of her figure out what's going in the doppelgangers mind. Katherine Pierce exudes mystery, and her face is mostly indifferent.
"I would like you to talk to them," blurted out the Labonair wolf, and Katherine raised her eyebrow.
"Would you like me to order a few kegs as well," was the sarcastic reply she received. Hayley knew it was not a favor the vampire would agree to. But she wants to know her family more, but she can't communicate with them until she finds a way to break the curse, which didn't seem to happen anytime now.
"I know, I know, I am pushing you. Eve said I was to be their Alpha. But I can't lead them if I don't know them. I want the pack to know, I am willing to find a solution, and that they can trust me," Hayley said, pausing their late lunch, "And communication is kinda important to earn trust. So, can you please help me out this one time. I will owe you another one."
Katherine stared at the werewolf for one good minute and huffed, "Fine. Just remember I will rip your heart out without any remorse if you decide to go against me when this shit ends."
That moment, Katherine had a look in her eye that made her want to run. "I definitely don't want to get on your bad side," thought Hayley, and nodded her head, saying aloud, "Deal."
The vampire and werewolf were just about to leave the parking lot after a light shopping when a voice stopped their further advance to her car.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here, Katherine Pierce," He said, with a wide grin. "I wasn't expecting to see you again. Not after all this time."
The said woman in the question cringed at the voice as soon as she recognized it. Katherine turned around to face him with a smile. "Marcellus. What a surprise. Good to see you."
Hayley, of course, heard the name. The vampire king had been a topic for a lot of conversations. Marcellus or Marcel Gerard was the vampire king who killed half of her pack and cursed the remaining half by swapping their nature. But, what she didn't know was Katherine's history with the said vampire, Marcel.
"Yeah," Marcel chuckled. "I honestly didn't know what to think about you when you disappeared one day without any prior notice."
"Huh," Katherine hummed, "I had a tail I wanted to get rid of. But then I realized the tail was not following me, but he came to appease you. False Alarm."
"Are you talking about the same person I am thinking of?" Marcel asked, cocking his head to aside.
"Depends. Are you talking about your pseudo father, Niklaus Mikaelson?" Katherine commented, folding her arms under her chest. Hayley was surprised to learn the new information but didn't show it.
"Woah! What did you do that made you think Klaus is after you?" Marcel asked, intrigued.
"Let me introduce myself again, Katerina Petrova, the Bulgarian doppelganger, who ditched Klaus just before the big day," The older vampire said, with an accent in her tone, opening her arms wide.
"No way," Marcel said, "You were the chick he used to go nuts about?"
"Well, it's all in the past now," Hayley watched as Katherine said, nonchalantly, "I got my freedom, and I am back in his good graces."
"Klaus is not someone who forgives people easily for their mistakes. And for him, your mistake is considered, off the charts. There's no way he would even think about showing you mercy. I was there when Klaus swore to torture you for years when you get finally get caught."
"But here I am," Katherine said, "Enough about me. Tell me about you. You know when I heard someone's ruling the vampire faction in New Orleans, I definitely didn't think, the leader of a French Regiment during world war I, was the one they were talking about."
"Yeah, the universe works in strange ways," Marcel said, not elaborating, his gaze falling on the werewolf behind Katherine. "My apologies. You must be Hayley, the werewolf companion."
"Right," Katherine said, clenching her fists a little. "Marcel, this is Hayley, my friend. Hayley, this is Marcel. We met in France during world war I. His group was called Brotherhood of the Damned."
"I got to tell you, Katherine, you might be considered my friend a century ago. Even a mentor. But this is my city. And I make the rules here. And one of those states that werewolves are not allowed in the quarter," Marcel said.
Katherine glanced at the 5 vampires behind him, but she didn't back down, "Hmm. Yeah, I heard of it. But I am not someone who plays by rules. And, since you are the one who made it, I am sure you can bend them a little for my friend here. Think of it as repayment for all the lessons I thought you during our time."
Marcel looked unimpressed. He chuckled forcefully, "See, I can't break my own rules and expect my people not to do the same now, can I? So, how about you take a step away from her and we can forget all about this. I will personally give you a tour of my city. Show you the best time."
This time, it was Katherine's turn to chuckle, "Hmm. Now, what would happen to my reputation if I were to leave my friend here, just because a two-hundred-year-old vampire ordered me to?"
She glared when the vampires behind Marcel took a step forward. "You really want to do this now...this close to the full moon? Oh! Marcel. Did you forget all the lessons I taught you?" The doppelganger said without an ounce of fear in her eyes. "Never attack someone without knowing their defenses. Know your enemy's strengths and be sure you can face the consequences before you even think of taking a step."
"I remember the lessons very well. Which is why I didn't confront you until today. I had my guys following you for the last three days. You are alone in my city, Katherine. So, take a step back when I am giving a chance," said Marcel. Hayley was sure today is going to be her last day. She didn't expect Katherine to defend her in the first place. But the werewolf could see all the walls closing in on her. Maybe if she just extended her execution for a little while, there might be a chance for her to change into a wolf and defend herself.
"See, that's where you are wrong. Do I look like someone who walks into a city full of vampires and witches, with a werewolf in her tow, even after knowing the history between you? You must know by now, Marcel, I don't do things half-arsed," At this, the vampire king looked confused, and Katherine continued, "When I said, I am back in Klaus's good graces, I wasn't lying. I helped him complete the ritual. Klaus Mikaelson is now a Hybrid, and he already started creating more of him. Do you know what happens if I were to inform the Original Hybrid that there are werewolves here in New Orleans, sitting ducks? Klaus will change them all. And when they become Hybrids, the curse is not going to do shit."
Katherine stepped forward a little, and smiled sweetly, "So, tell me, Marcellus, what do you think the werewolves will do once they change. A bite from them can kill every one of you. You won't have to fear them just on full moons. They will take back the city and once again live like royalty. Actually, what will Klaus think when he learns you are still alive. I am pretty sure he will be pissed for taking over the city they ruled once. Maybe he will want to take back his kingdom once he sees what you have got here. How will you save your kingdom?"
The vampire stepped back once she was sure the message was received, "See. Do we really want all this fuss? All you have to do is stay away from Hayley and me. In return, we will forget about this meeting, and will stay out of your business and won't tip off Klaus."
Marcel gritted his teeth, scowling at the new turn of events. He knew Katherine enough to know she wasn't someone to bluff. But he is still doubtful about her relationship with Klaus. There was no way Klaus would forgive the doppelganger after all the lengths he went to catch her alive.
"You think I am bluffing," It wasn't a question, "How about I prove it to you?" Katherine said. Marcel still stayed quiet to confirm. He watched as the older vampire took her phone out and dialed a number.
"Katerina, I wasn't expecting a call from you after the last one," a voice said from the other end. And Marcel knew exactly who it is. No matter how many years passed by, he could still remember it. The man who gave him a life and taught him everything that made him what he was today.
"Well, I didn't meet your old acquaintance then," the vampire in question said. Marcel knew Klaus very well. He knew, 'Power' is something that entices the Original vampire the most. Does he really want to lose everything he built for a stray werewolf? If what Katherine said about Klaus is true then the hybrid's matter could be true too. Marcel immediately went and kept a hand on the doppelganger's phone.
"Oh, who is it?" Klaus asked, interested. At this, Marcel looked at the 3 centuries older vampire in the eye and shook his head.
"Your first sired. Lucien Castle," The vampire lied at the last minute.
"Ah! Lucien. Well, that's a surprise. I haven't heard of him since forever, actually," Klaus said. "What's he doing in Greece, considering you haven't up and left?"
"He is the CEO of a land development company. He is looking for another place to open a branch. Quite charming if you look past the psychotic look in his eyes," Katherine continued the conversation.
"Hmm. But that can't be the only thing you called me for," Klaus said.
Katherine nodded her head, thinking of a different topic, "Yeah. I, actually, wanted to ask you about someone, Greta Sienna? Heard of her?"
"No. Should I?" Klaus asked.
"Considering you killed her husband for killing werewolves back in the 1930s, yeah?" Katherine said.
"Hmm. I do remember every person I killed," Klaus said, "What's his name?"
"August Muller."
"Huh. The guy who believed in Vampire superiority," Klaus's tone was condescending. "However, I showed mercy to his wife and children for picking up the coin. What of her?"
"His wife is following in her husband's footsteps. Teaching his ideology to vampires. She has a large group of sycophants, an army if you will. Their goal is to eradicate werewolves and Hybrids and wants the vampires to rise to their place as apex predators. It seems she still holds a grudge against you," Katherine said, successfully diverting the topic.
"Well, she can't do anything to me, love. She may try like all the other and fail," Klaus said.
"If only you knew," thought the girl in Katherine's body. She honestly didn't know why she talked about Greta. It's at the end of The Originals season 5, and she doesn't even know if she has an army or not. Katherine said the first thing that came into her mind.
"But, what did you want in return for this information," Klaus asked.
"Nothing, just an act of goodwill," Katherine said, she paused a second before adding, "Or you could spare two Lockwood werewolves lives when the time comes."
"So, truce," Katherine said, once she ended the call with the Original Hybrid.
"Alright. Trusting you won't tip him off, I will agree. You don't involve in my business, and my boys will leave you both alone," Marcel said, throwing his hands up in the air. "But if you go back on your word, I will bury you in my garden with the rest of the prisoners who breaks my codes."
"You have my word," the doppelganger said in a no-nonsense tone. She then turned towards her companion and signaled her to start walking, "Come on, Hayley. The moon will be at its peak in a few minutes."
"You wolf girl," Marcel called out. "Do me a favor, and try to make your presence as little as possible."
You know, I thought the chapters are gonna be small as I didn't have much to write about without a prior plot. But by some miracle, they keep getting bigger by each chapter. Let's hope they continue in the same way.
Also, I wanted to say that I read every review but sometimes they are from a guest party so I can't message them. But I still receive all the love you send me. Keep sending the love. It does keep me motivated. Lots of hugs and kisses from my side too. Bye.