READ ME: This was meant to be my last year posting fanfics, but no one expected the pandemic. Many of our lives changed. So, I will be here, through 2021, and I hope that these little stories are helping to distract any of you from our reality. :)

Hello, my lovely readers! Tyler gets caught in Klaus' machinations, and Rebekah's frustrations come out to play. On with the show...

Chapter 17: I Just Want to Feel Something!

Sounds of movement came from the Lockwood Manor foyer; Tyler had arrived home, half an hour ago. He dropped his bag on the floor of his bedroom and headed to the shower. After jerking on a new T-shirt, pair of jeans, and a pair sneakers, he had been on his way out. But the sounds in the foyer made his ears perk up. He headed down the stairs to find his mother in the foyer. She held a clipboard in one hand. Her lips were pursed, signaling her "It's planning time" mood. Tyler eased backwards on the stairs. He and Matt had made plans that morning to catch a football game, two towns over, and if his mother saw him-

"Tyler?" Too late.

Tyler groaned, internally, and headed down the stairs with heavy feet. "Hey, Mom. I was just headed-" he began when Carol glanced upward. Her brows came together and her lips took a downward turn. Never a good sign.

"Are you going somewhere?" Carol Lockwood's free hand went to her hip.

Brows rising, Tyler watched more men coming to stand just inside the foyer, awaiting his mother's instructions. "Well, yes. Um. Matt and I... We... There's a game..." Tyler trailed off as his mother shook her head at him.

"I need you, here. I'm hosting a charity event. You still have that blue suit, don't you?" Before Tyler could reply, his mother turned her attention to the men behind her. "You can take those through the hallway. There's a door to the-Oh, never mind. I'll show you." She raised a hand, indicating that the men should follow her.

Shoulders slumping, Tyler reached in his pocket. He'd have to call Matt, give him the bad news. It felt like forever since they'd been able to hang, when it did not involve school, or a game. Tyler had too much to deal with since he'd turned into a wolf and joined Caroline's team of whatever they wanted to call themselves.

"Cheer up, mate. You're in for an eventful night." Eyes shooting to the still-open door, Tyler felt his stomach twist at the sight of a smirking Klaus Mikaelson. Like his day could not get worse. "Caroline's not here." Making his way down the staircase, Tyler tried to not show how afraid he was of The Original Hybrid.

Eyes lighting up, Klaus' smirk became a wide smile. "I know, which allows us to chat. It really feels like years. Doesn't it?" He glanced down the hall. "Your mother seems well." He looked back at Tyler. "Wouldn't want to change that, would we?"

"What the hell do you want from me?" Tyler growled out. He could feel his fingernails growing. Apparently he didn't need the full moon; he just needed Klaus being the dick he is.

Klaus moved closer to Tyler. "I need information from a certain slayer. I have it under good authority that you two have become fast friends." His words came out quietly and quickly, his eyes searching Tyler's as he spoke.

It took Tyler a moment to figure out who Klaus was talking about. "You mean Hayley? What do you want from her?"

"I have questions. They need answers. You're going to get them for me. Or your mother's event is going to end with a crimson fountain." Klaus stared at Tyler, Klaus was no longer smiling.

Frowning, Tyler shook his head. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"

With an eyeroll, Klaus titled his head to the side. "This is a matter of delicacy. You see. Better for a..." Klaus chuckled, "friend to ask." He took Tyler's phone out of his hand. Swiping the screen, he nodded, thumb moving downward before his brows lifted. "Here. Be a good lad, and make the call." He held up the phone with Hayley's name on the screen.

With a groan, Tyler took the phone. It looked like tonight could get worse. He tapped the call button and placed the phone to his ear. The line began to ring. At first Tyler thought Hayley wasn't going to answer. Then the sound of music filled his ear. This was followed by: "Tyler! Hi!" Hayley sounded out-of-breath.

Klaus continued to watch Tyler who wished he would leave. "Hales, hey!" Tyler forced himself to sound chipper. "So, my mom's forcing me to attend one of her events. Tonight. And I don't have a date. I thought if you don't have plans, maybe you'd want to come."

"You want me to be your date..."

Tyler ran a hand through his hair. "I mean, if you want to. Or it could be a non-date. A friend thing."

"You don't want it to be a date?" The music switched off and Tyler felt the silence on the other end of the line.

A delivery man came to the door. "Package," he said.

Klaus took the delivery man's pad and scrawled out: "It is a date!"

Tyler clenched his free fist and shoved the desire to lift a certain finger in Klaus' direction into a dark space where all of his will-get-him-gutted-by-a-crazed-hybrid feelings went. Might need said finger, in the future. "Hayley, will you be my date?" He closed his eyes and waited.

"Yes!" Hayley's squeal of delight made Tyler open his eyes. "Oh, wait. You said: event? Like fancy, party dress event? 'Cause I don't really own fancy things..."

Again, Klaus wrote something down. He held up the pad. "She will be taken care of."

"Don't worry about it," Tyler said. He thought about it. "Someone will drop off a box for you, with your new party wear." He smirked at Klaus. If he was forcing Tyler to do this; then Klaus could buy Hayley a fancy party gown.

"Okay. Cool. I'll see you later."

"Later." Tyler hung up and Klaus shoved the pad into Tyler's chest. "He can sign for the package," Klaus told the delivery man. "I'll be waiting for your call, tomorrow." Klaus shot at Tyler. And then the horrible hybrid was gone.

~0~

Straightening his tie, Tyler came downstairs as the doorbell rang. He opened it to find Matt. He'd forgotten to call his friend and cancel their plans. "Hey, man!" Matt's eyes widened. "Little dressy for a game. Huh?" He offered Tyler his goofy grin.

Tyler shook his head. "Matt, I am so sorry. I meant to call-"

"But you have to cancel." Matt's smile slipped. "It's cool."

"No. No, it really isn't. And I will tell you about it. Some other time." Tyler shoved his hands in his pockets. "So, we can try, again. Next week?"

"Not a problem." Matt shook his head. "I'll see ya." He turned and almost ran into a girl. "Oh! Shit! Hayley?" There was a pause before: "You look really nice."

"Thanks, Matt." Matt moved out of the way for Hayley to stand by the door. "So, now, I know why my friend is blowing me off." Shaking his head, Matt waved good-bye. "You kids have fun!"

Tyler's eyes went to Hayley's dress. He knew Klaus would probably find her something nice. But Tyler did not expect red velvet with thin straps revealing just enough cleavage to make Tyler inhale and a little slit at the bottom of the skirt to tease calf. Man, he hated Klaus so much.

"Wow!" Tyler finally got out. "Matt's right. You look nice. Really, really nice."

Hayley blushed. Her hand went up to her bare neck. "You did pick it out."

"I did." Tyler nodded. He held out a hand. "So, we should go, and mingle, before my mom thinks I ditched."

"Wouldn't want that." Hayley took his hand and Tyler led her towards the ballroom. He could do this. Food. Drink. Dancing. Light convo, before he found the perfect moment to pepper her with Klaus' questions. Yes. This would go to plan.

~0~

"Hayley?" Tyler came up the stairs of his house with a pair of drinks. Half an hour into the auction part of the auction and Hayley said she was thirsty. Then she disappeared on him. What if Klaus had grown impatient and decided to question her himself?

"Hales?" Tyler saw light coming from his bedroom. He went inside and found Hayley. She stood in front of his bed. The drinks slid out of his hands at the sight of the slayer in her underwear. The dress laid at her feet. "Hayley?"

"Tyler." Hayley made her way over to him. "I've been thinking about you. A lot. And I made a decision."

"Oh?" Tyler nodded. "That's good. About what?" His eyes went down as her lips moved up to brush against his. His eyes closed and his hands went to her hips. Klaus was going to kill him...

~0~

Lying on his back, Tyler stroked Hayley's naked arm. Klaus might kill him, but Tyler would die happy. Tired. But happy. He nuzzled the top of her head with his nose. His lips traveled over her hairline.

Hayley made a contented noise before her head lifted. She looked at Tyler. Her eyes and lips smiled at him. Then her lips moved to meet his. "Hi," she muttered.

"Hey." Tyler ran his hands over her back. "So, what drove you to this moment in time. Not that I am complaining. No complaints. Opposite of complaints."

Burying her face in his chest, Hayley sighed heavily. "Can I tell you a secret?" She pressed a kiss to his chest, making him less interested in conversation. His hand went into her hair as she leaned up to stare him in the eye. "Caroline came to Marcel's. This morning." Her words made Tyler alert. Lust dying quickly. "Julian was there. You remember her telling us that she had this big plan?" Hayley's wide eyes stared into Tyler's. "Well, she went through with it. The plan. And Julian is taking her back to The Council. There's this test. It was made, like, centuries ago, by hunter's who wanted to able to tell if a Slayer had been turned. And, so, that's what Caroline is up to. If the test works. Then I would be next. And I'm nervous. 'Cause of what might happen. And sex is supposed to be this big stress-reliever. Right? Tyler?"

But Tyler could not keep listening. He was sitting up. "Sorry. I've got to go." He moved to get off the bed.

Hayley ran a hand through her hair. "Go? Where? Now?" She looked hurt, drawing a sheet over her chest.

Thoughts a scattered mess, Tyler shook his head as he headed over to grab his pants. "I'm really sorry, Hayley. I have to go." He knew he was repeating himself. He needed his phone. He had to call Bon. And Ric. And his keys. Where were his keys?

Tyler looked around the floor. Nothing. He made his way over, to search under the bed when Hayley moved over to lean close to him. He found himself less than an inch from her. "This is a secret!" Hayley hissed out. "Caroline doesn't want you chasing after her! If you do, they'll become suspicious!"

Shaking his head, Tyler found his keys and turned his back on Hayley to get his shirt. He did not get far because she grabbed him and knocked him back on the bed. Climbing on top of him, she pressed her hands over his wrists. "I am not letting you leave!"

A growl came out of Tyler. He could feel his fangs trying to come out. "You don't get it! Caroline is one of my best friends! She would die trying to protect me! Now, get off!"

Hayley inhaled. She sat back and placed her hands on his chest. "The test was made for humans, Ty. Whatever Caroline is, she was never completely human. That has to be the answer. Why she could turn. She's different. And because the test was made for humans; she'll pass. The idiots has no idea what to test for." Smiling, Hayley ran her hands through her hair. "She's going to be fine." A sudden sob broke through her. "She's going to be okay."

"Hey! Hey..." Tyler sat up and wrapped his arms around Hayley's shaking form. "Shush."

Nodding, Hayley wrapped her arms around his neck. "I thought... And Julian has this crazy-ass prophecy about how Caroline and I are supposed to end all of the supernatural beings. And he was being kind of scary-religious. And...and...and he doesn't even go to church... Tyler, I'm scared of what he's going to try to make me do-"

"Hayley, he's not going to force you to do anything. Okay?" Tyler looked Hayley in the eye, shaking his head before he pressed his lips to hers. He rolled on top of her. "We'll protect you, too." She nodded as he pulled the sheet out of the way.

With any luck, her theory was right, and Julian's little prophecy would turn out to be false. But if Julian was right-there would be a war-like no other before it.

~0~

Finger going up, Klaus indicated that Rebekah needed to be quiet. Her brow furrowed, What the bloody hell could be more important discussing why Julian suddenly disappeared from town? Her brother's hand cupped his phone, and placing it to his ear, he wore that little smirk that meant he was in plotting-mode.

Bored, Rebekah walked over to throw herself down on his couch. Her eyes went to window as Klaus said, "Yes, Tyler." Now, her ears perked up. She thought Klaus has grown bored with the boy he'd once intended to make into his pet. What would he want with the wolf, now?

"I got Hayley to talk-"

"I'm sure you did." There something was crude in Klaus' tone. It made Rebekah roll her eyes. Ah, yes. Klaus' was up to his old tricks. Move people about, like bloody pieces on his mental chessboard. This time it was the young wolf and the little slayer girl. That would end well, no doubt. Rebekah smothered a scoff.

Tyler continued. "Hayley told me that Caroline sought out Julian. Apparently, he's taken her to The Council." Gaze darting to her brother, Rebekah saw his eyes close. His hand gripped the phone. Head lowering, he muttered a curse. "Hayley has this theory that Care is... Um... Well..."

"What? Spit it out, Lockwood?" Klaus demanded through clenched teeth. "Hayley believes that Caroline is what, exactly?"

Rebekah dropped the veneer of nonchalance and turned to watch her brother who had begun to pace the floor. A deep frown marred his brow. "Hayley thinks that Caroline must have been something else. Before she turned. Maybe she was like us, you know, part wolf. Or witch. Or-"

"Unicorn," Rebekah provided, earning her a dark look from Klaus.

Klaus stopped pacing. "Does our little slayer have any theories on that topic?" His eyes were dark and Rebekah had a sneaking suspicion that Hayley did not want to know the truth, or it might be the last of her learning experiences.

"Nope." Tyler sighed. "She said she'd been trying to figure it out, but she's got nothing that makes sense. But she also said that The Council will test Caroline. You know to make sure she didn't turn."

Now, Rebekah did scoff aloud. "Well, that is one exam she will ace."

"Rebekah!" Klaus snapped.

"Actually, Hayley thinks Caroline will pass because thr test won't pick up her vampirism. See, the test was made for humans. If Care was never really human-"

"Thank you, Tyler. You've been most helpful." Klaus stared to end the conversation when Tyler added something that made the older vampires freeze.

"Thing is, that's not all Hayley told me."

"And?"

"And Julian lost his mind. Hales said he was going on about some kind of prophecy. It involved two slayers rising. They're supposed to put an end to all of us. No more Club Fangy and Spelly. Just humans, humans, everywhere."

"Thank you, Tyler. Enjoy your reward. We will be in touch." Hanging up, Klaus scowled.

Shooting to her feet, Rebekah stalked over to her brother. "What was your little minion-of-the-day going on about? Prophecy? Two slayers who are bent on exterminating our kind?" Her eyes burned into her brother's.

What bothered Rebekah the most was how unperturbed Klaus seemed. He did not even look at her as he moved around her to take a seat across from the couch. His gaze was far off. "Nik?" Rebekah snapped, glaring down at him.

Head rising, Klaus stared at Rebekah. "Yes?"

"The bloody prophecy!" Rebekah snarled through her teeth.

Hand waving her off, Klaus shook his head. "Julian is a fool. Obviously, he read the prophecy wrong. If only we get out hands on it. Elijah would he able to interpret, correctly. That is matter for consideration, later. Right now-"

"Right now?" Scoffing, Rebekah stalked over to grab the arms of the chair Klaus sat in. She placed her face close his. "Tomorrow, you might have Slayers bloody well throwing molotov cocktails through the window of your bedroom!"

Klaus pushed himself up, making Rebekah back away. "Calm yourself, sister." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Julian is wrong. Caroline would not be part of this." He walked away and picked up his decanter, pouring himself a drink.

Whirling on her heel, Rebekah folded her arms over her chest. "What makes you so sure? This would not mark the first occasion when your lover attempted to kill you."

Holding up a finger, Klaus pointed at Rebekah with a smirk. "True. But this time is different. She would not be targeting one of us, but the entire supernatural community. Since she is one of us: It would not promote self-interest, dear."

Still not convinced, Rebekah stalked towards the door. "Where are you going, Bekah?" Klaus demanded. He followed this with speeding to stand in front of the door. "You won't be able to enter The Council. Not without a death wish."

Rebekah cocked her head to the side. "I was thinking of dealing with things on a more local scale." She smiled at Klaus who shook his head at her.

Thankfully, Kol decided to appear. "Drinks? So early?" He sped over to snag Klaus' drink. "Must be noon somewhere. Cheers!"

"Kol, Klaus would like to talk to you, about the latest prophecy that involves the end to us, and all we hold dear." Rebekah smirked at Klaus as Kol turned to stare at their brother. "I'm off to grab a snack. Don't worry, Nik. I'll chose something a bit more fragile." She opened the door and sped out of the house.

~0~

Window rising, it barely made a noise. Rebekah flipped her legs through and then dropped to the floor in a crouch. Her eyes went round the room. Nothing. No one. The girl was either not here. Or she wasn't in her room. No matter. There was more than one way to deal with this little problem.

Stalking over to the bedroom door, Rebekah took hold of the knob and pushed it open. A piece of wood darted out of the darkness of the living room. Eyes narrowing, Rebekah grabbed the wrist belonging to the hand which had raised a weapon to her. "That was rude, Marcellus."

"Name's Marcel." The hunter grunted. He tried to break her hold. He failed. Instead, she jerked him into the doorway to look him in the eye. "What do you want?" he snapped. He was doing an admirable job of covering up how much pain he was in.

Rebekah pulled him closer. Her eyes sparkled and a slow smile crept over her face. "I want to send your little slayer a message. Would you like to help me with that?" Not giving Marcel the opportunity to answer, Rebekah tossed him across the room. He fell on top of his dinning room table and rolled onto the floor. "Oh, dear. That looks painful."

Marcel groaned from the other side of the wood. "Sorry, love. Didn't catch that. Try speaking louder!" Moving towards Marcel, Rebekah looked around for something to toy with. A knife? Perhaps. Or she should wait for later to use real weapons. Her hands would do a decent job as is.

The hunter sat up. "I thought we were playing nice. Leave it to a vamp to take things personally." He grabbed the table and hoisted himself to his feet.

"Don't get up," Rebekah replied with a pout. Her hand went out to knock on top of the table. "Or do." She climbed on top of him. "How would you like to do this? Hmm? Nice and slow? Or shall we have a bit of foreplay?

Chuckling, Marcel shrugged. "I'm a gentleman, so foreplay."

"Right then." Rebekah's hand went down to run a nail along his wrist. "I'm told my brother I came out for a snack. Hate for him to accuse me of lying." Her mouth went down to suck at the hunter's wound. She must have been distracted, because the feeling of his knees meeting her stomach and pushing her upward took caught her off-guard. This left time for Marcel to somersault off the table.

"Slow. Very nice." Rebekah muttered, following him as Marcel slammed his door in her face. The lock clicked closed. She could hear him making his way across the floor and the sound of a drawer opening. Her fingers went around the knob to his bedroom. Snapping it off, she allowed it to fall to the floor.

Tsking, Rebekah pushed the door open with her foot. She found Marcel had donned a silver necklace. One hand held a crossbow, the other a bottle of something that smelled like vevian. She rolled her eyes before she darting out of the way of the wooden bolt. "Too slow!" she taunted him.

Unscrewing the cap of the vervain off, Marcel tried to splash it at her when she leapt on his bed. One foot came up, and she sent the bottle of liquid pain flying. "No more toys." Leaning down, she grabbed him by the shirt collar and tossed him on top of the bed. "No more delaying the inevitable." Taking hold his nekclace, she tore it off, and tossed it aside.

Straddling Marcel, Rebekah leaned down and stared into his eyes. "It is a shame. Really. I was beginning to like you." Her fangs came out she was about to tear into his throat when he spoke.

"Can I at least know why you're doing this?" Marcel demanded. "Bad day? Bored? Fight with the boyfriend?"

Sighing, Rebekah sat up. "A little birdie told me that your girl will be part of a team bent on killing the few people I care for. Is that enough reason?"

"And you think Hayley will do whatever Julian tells her to?" Marcel snapped. He took Rebekah by the shoulders, sitting up. "You've done this dance. Prophecies aren't always true. And she's got a serious crush on a wolf. Never seen her this happy. Plus, all her new friends seem to batting for Team Fangs or Team Speaking in Latin and Not Riding a Broom on a Saturday Night. She's not going to kill the people she cares about."

"What makes you so sure?" Rebekah examined the man.

"Because all that girl wants is somewhere to belong. People who she belongs with. I've never seen someone so lonely. 'Til now." Marcel's hand went to Rebekah's cheek. "Someone hurt you. Badly."

Rebekah brushed his hand away. Her fangs retracted and she pushed him back down. "I suppose you can make this visit with my wile." He did not argue as she pulled her top off and leaned down to embrace him.

~0~

"Still planning on killing my charge?" Marcel whispered in Rebekah's ear. His hand held her hip and she closed her eyes as he leaned into her back.

"Just as long as she plays nice with my family; I will not touch a hair on her head." Laying very still, Rebekah decided to stop worrying. At least until tomorrow's crisis.

Thank you for reading, faving, following, and reviewing. :)

Be safe,

-J