Rebekah thought she heard water running. Maybe it was wind? She wasn't sure because her head was fuzzy. All she had wanted to do was sneak out to her car and get her packages. But now she couldn't move, her hands and feet were restrained, she was blindfolded. The air was cool and smelled of rot. She had just wanted to surprise Marcel with some lingerie, not for him, but for herself. Rebekah had also spent a little too much and wanted to get the revealing garments and high-end price tags out of the car before she got in even more trouble. Rebekah had meant to bring it into the house when no one was looking. If Elijah even glimpsed it, she'd probably get a few hard whacks with the wooden spoon right in the kitchen, Klaus would snickered, and Kol would probably yank it out of the bag and parade around in it. The boys...she hoped no one found it, but by now they surely had...
Bex, as she thought of herself, knew she was in the wrong when she encouraged Marcel to sneak off to that seedy motel. Then, she turned their mobile phones off without bothering to tell him. She had regretted giving attitude to her older brothers when she got home, but it upset her to see how they treated Marcel like a boy. He was a man, her man, and she felt like she needed to support him even if it was her backside on the side. Kol had even been teasing her about being a "spoiled brat" lately. It was no secret that they all indulged her. Which is why she didn't think sneaking out to the driveway would have her ending up here. Wherever she was.
Her supernatural hearing picked up the wings of bats and then footsteps approaching.
"What?" Elijah blinked in surprise and stopping before smacking Tyler's behind again.
"Gone. Rebekah. Can you a wrap this up and...?" Klaus indicated Matt sprawled across Elijah's lap
"Indeed. Matthew, I"m going to finish in a minute with the belt. Try to stay still," Elijah said picking up the belt and folding it.
"I'll go get Kol," Klaus said shutting the door.
"Sorry about that. It's almost over," Elijah said lining up the belt with Tyler's bare thighs. Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap!
He strapped him quickly five times on his thighs and used his vampire strength to hold the blond boy down. Matt yelled out and tried to move.
"I'm sorry about that. I just did not want this hanging over your head. If you ever look at drugs again, you will get the whipping of your life. Do you understand?" Elijah prompted.
Matt was sobbing and shaking.
Elijah spanked him with his hand hard three times.
"Matthew, answer me or I will continue this discussion later," Elijah said firmly.
"Y-yes, sir. I'm sorry. Please..." Matt cried as Elijah finally helped right him and pulled him into a quick hug.
"Shh, all done. I hated to do that but it seems we have a situation on hand. You are okay. Jeremy, you can get dressed and go to bed. Matt, you too. I'm going to go see what's happening. Please don't make me ever repeat that. I love you both," Elijah said making sure they both got into bed and seemed okay. He turned out the lights and shut the door. He listened and heard people in the lower level of the mansion. Elijah vamped there and found Kol and Klaus pacing.
"What is it?" Elijah said concerned at the looks on their faces.
"Ah, not sure you want to see this, Brother," Klaus muttered.
"Oh, no, I think he needs to. Take a look, Elijah," Kol said shoving the bag at him
Elijah took a peak and immediately shut the bag. It was the most scandalous lingerie he had ever seen. They would have to deal with this once they got their sister back, but he was disturbed. Elijah looked at his brothers questioningly, surely, they were not concerned about her impropriety now.
"We found it scattered on the ground by Rebekah's car. It looks like maybe..." Klaus started.
"What? Do you think someone grabbed her? How would they?" Elijah snapped.
"We checked the surveillance footage. It looks like she heard something and then went into a trance and vamped off. I've never seen anything like it," Klaus said seriously.
"It has to be connected to the willow hoops we found yesterday. Can I see those poppets again?" Kol asked as Klaus handed them to him.
"There is a spell where you whisper to the poppet representing what you want them to do. These witches, perhaps Mother Dearest, could have whispered where she wanted Bex to vamp to and then done a boundary spell. It also could have been an illusion spell to make her think she was seeing something that wasn't there. I'm going to need the help of a real witch," Kol admitted.
"When I get my hands on our little sister, she is going to be very sorry she wasn't in her room where she was supposed to be," Klaus fumed.
"Nik, you would have gone soft on her. You always do," Kol added.
"Well, I don't. And she is going to answer for that lewd underwear, in addition. However, Brothers, we must find her first," Elijah insisted.
"We will, mates. Give me some time to figure these spells out. I just don't know any of the witches here," Kol said in frustration.
Tyler came out to the living room.
"Tyler, you are supposed to be in your room resting, not lurking about eavesdropping. Unless I need to fetch the paddle again and make myself clear?" Klaus demanded.
Tyler reddened at being threatened in front of Kol. Kol noticed and smirked at his discomfort.
"No, Dad. Sorry, it's just I think I know a witch who might be able to help," Tyler muttered.
"Really, who?" Elijah wondered.
"Bonnie Bennett," Tyler said simply.
An hour later, Bonnie came to the house with Elena.
As they pulled up, their mouths were wide open.
"You didn't tell me Jeremy was living in a mansion!" Bonnie exclaimed to Elena as she parked.
"Bon, I didn't know. I mean he told me that it was big, but wow!" Elena admitted.
"Maybe we could move in here?" Bonnie suggested.
"Ha, no thanks. I'm up to my ears with Stefan's place. When Damon eats the maid, it gets trashed in a day. They can be such pigs. Less can be more, believe me," Elena informed her.
"I don't know. I think if I lived in this place, I would be happy every day. It's just beautiful," Bonnie said in wonder as they rang the front bell.
"Welcome, my dears. Miss Bennett, I'm Klaus. These are my brothers Elijah and Kol. My son Marcel is upstair trying his police contacts, he'll be down soon. Thank you for helping us. Elena, nice to see you again," Klaus said graciously.
"Sure, no problem, sir. Please call me Bonnie. This is a beautiful home. Truly. I have never seen it's like," Bonnie gushed.
"How kind of you to say, now if you would follow me," Klaus said leading Bonnie to the living room.
Elijah said, "Jeremy and Matthew are in their bedroom upstairs if you want to see them, Elena. It's the second room on the left. Just follow the music."
"Sure, thanks. Bonnie, call me when you're ready to leave," Elena said heading up the front staircase. She did hear the thumping of the music.
Elena pulled open the door and neither Matt nor Jeremy noticed her. Tyler yelled, "Turn it down, Matt." Matt was unable to hear him until Tyler pointed at Elena.
"Oh, sorry. Hey, Elena. What's up?" Matt said getting up to hug her.
"Bonnie's helping with some witch business downstairs," Elena responded punching Jeremy on the arm and accepting a kiss on the cheek from Tyler.
"Yeah, I suggested Bonnie. Rebekah is missing and everyone is freaking out. Some witches might have taken her," Tyler blurted.
"What? Jeremy is it safe for you to be here? Maybe you better come home with me?" Elena panicked.
"Is anyone there, Elena? Or at you at Stefan's and Jenna is with Alaric all the time? I mean, I've been there and I've done that. I'll take my chances here," Jeremy grumped.
"Elena, please excuse his pissed off mood. He's just sore," Tyler teased throwing a pillow at Jeremy.
"Sore? What are you in a bad mood about? Aside from the kidnappings, it seems you guys have it made here?" Elena questioned.
"No, Elena, he's like sore-sore. Genius here brought home drugs from the Grill and yup, we got caught," Matt added.
"Come on, guys. Shut the hell up about it! She doesn't need to know all the details," Jeremy pleaded.
"Jeremy, I can't believe this. I thought you were clean," Elena shouted.
"I am, Elena. I swear it. It was one slip up. Believe me, it won't happen again. We got in a lot of trouble," Jeremy blurted out quickly.
"Well, it doesn't look like you're grounded. And I see your mobile right there. So what's this big punishment? No dessert?" Elena fumed.
"It was a little worse than that," Matt laughed.
"Or a lot," Tyler quipped.
"Please, guys. Don't," Jeremy pleaded again his face and neck flushing.
"If someone doesn't tell me, I'm going to march downstairs and ask one of the Mikaelsons. Now, tell me," Elena said with her hands on her hips.
"Jesus Christ, we got our asses beat. Are you happy?" Jeremy blasted, getting up and stomping off.
After he slammed the door, Elena said, "I think that is exactly what my brother needs. Are you guys okay?"
Matt answered, "Yeah, I mean, it's bad but after it's done with. No one is mad about it or fighting."
"How do they do it...? I mean, sorry, I don't need to know the details," Elena said ashamed of prodding too much.
"Look, Elena, I know you worry about Jeremy. But honestly, we get our butts whupped only when we really deserve it and then it's over. Truthfully, we probably have been getting away with too much. Jeremy's doing good. Doing a lot with his artwork, paints with Klaus, talks about music with Elijah. You know I wouldn't lie to you. He's good," Tyler insisted.
Matt agreed, "Go talk to him. He's probably pouting in the game room. I think he feels a little guilty that he's happy here. Elena, this is the first structure I've ever really had. I know you guys had great parents, but this is second best. Jeremy needs support and that structure. Without it, he'll fall apart again."
"You guys are the best. Thank you. I'll go talk to him," Elena gushed.
"And Elena? If he gives you any lip, just crack him on the butt. Believe me, he'll very tender there tonight," Tyler joked.
"Jer, let me in," Elena said knocking.
Jeremy unlocked the door and let her in.
"Sorry," he said quietly.
"Hey, you don't have to be embarrassed or guilty that you like it here. I'm glad and happy for you. Like you said, Jenna and I weren't around enough for you. Is that what's wrong?" Elena gently pressed.
"I guess. I just wanted you to think I was doing well, not screwing up with the pot again. Also, I guess I'm kind of embarrassed about...you know," Jeremy drifted.
"Getting spanked? Don't be. I guess you don't know this but there were a few times Mom spanked me. One of them just a few months before they died," Elena admitted.
"What? Are you serious? I never knew that. What did you do?" Jeremy asked fascinated.
"Talking bad, lying, and the last time I snuck out to meet Matt. Please don't tell him, he never knew why I didn't show up. That was the worst one. I don't think Dad approved of it, but I guess I had a way of pushing Mom's buttons. You were the easy kid," Elena smiled.
"Jeez, I guess I overreacted. I always thought mom was joking about smacking us with that wooden spoon. You're not going to tell Jenna about all this are you?" Jeremy asked.
"No, Jer. If you want to share with her, that's fine. I'm not going to say a word. I think she is happy as long as you are happy. And no, mom wasn't joking about the spoon. It hurt like a bitch," Elena said coming over to hug him.
Smack!
Elena's hand shot down and whacked Jeremy's backside swiftly.
"Oww, what was that for?" Jeremy laughed rubbing the spot.
"That's for trying to hide things from me. There is nothing you need to be afraid to tell me, I'm your sister AND your cousin, all in one. I love you, you know," Elena said hugging him tighter. Elena rarely brought up the fact that his biological dad was her uncle, but it was true. She hadn't heard from her father, "Uncle" John since he lost his fingers in that little accident engineered by Katherine at their house.
"Me, too. You and Bonnie should come out more often. I mean, things are weird now with this witch stuff, but after," Jeremy suggested.
"We will," Elena agreed.
Bonnie did the locator spell in the living room. It failed as someone had cloaked Rebekah's location. As a Bennett witch, she called out to her ancestors for help. They showed her that Rebekah had been in the wolf cave, but wasn't anymore.
"Where the bloody hell could she be?" Kol said kicking the coffee table over.
"Kol, calm down. We'll find her," Elijah said gripping him tightly. "We'll find her."
Bonnie suggested, "Maybe we should search that cave system for clues?"
Klaus was impressed with the young witch, "Miss Bennett, you are quite accomplished for your young age. Please lead the way, we shall follow."
"I'll come with you," Marcel said without waiting for an introduction to Bonnie.
Elijah said he would stay home and check on the boys. He took the bag of lewd undergarments and set them in her room. If she had only stayed in her room, like they had asked. Elijah was caught between anger and fear, but mostly fear. His little sister was out there someone alone. They had to find her and quickly.
An hour earlier:
"Mother! I should have guessed you would be behind this plot," Rebekah scoffed seeing Ether holding a touch with Finn lurking behind her.
"Daughter, my only living girl left, I am here to save you," Ether purred.
"Living? That is rich. We are undead, as you made us. Save me, from what you did to us. You're a bit too late. We are fine. If you want to save us, kill Mikael instead!" Rebekah demanded.
"Father? Why would she kill Father. He is going to be the one to bring down the greatest abomination of them all, the hybrid, Niklaus," Finn said in his slow dull voice.
Rebekah was in general against long torture sessions. Yet she promised that she was going to cut out Finn's tongue in a hundred different ways.
"Shut up! Nik will destroy all of you, including Mikael. He and Elijah were kind to you, they tried to help you and yet you betray us? You made Nik what he was, Mother. And he's fine now! But you, the nerve? Want to kill us? Too late, go fix yourself and leave us alone. We are immortal," Rebekah raged tugging against the vervain soaked ropes that restrained her.
"Daughter, we will meet your father in that disgusting swampy penal colony you once called home, the City of New Orleans. Then, I shall use you as bait to lure your siblings there. Your father can kill Niklaus and I will kill the rest of you. You will all be placed in new mortal bodies to end the curse I created against nature," Ester proclaimed in a grand voice.
"How did you lure me here?" Rebekeh asked curiously.
"Oh, after the ancestors woke me from my tomb. I follow you and your lover, or is he your nephew, to that hotel you favor. I posed as a maid and took hair and let's say, fluid samples. That allowed me to create the poppets. I can whisper the starlings song to your doll and then you will hear and think what I want you to, I can control your mind and your gentleman friend in a mere moment. Alas, none of this would have been possible without aide from your eldest brother. I must thank whomever was kind enough to undagger him from his long slumber," Ester went on.
"We would have left him there forever, if not for the evil plotting of witches like you. Leave me now and I'll see that you die quickly, witch!" Rebekah screamed in rage. She was an Original vampire and something was preventing her breaking these ropes.
"Rebekah, is that a way to talk to your mother? We were so close once. Perhaps you need to go to bed early tonight. Sleep, Daughter," Ester said blowing a power in her father that rendered her unconscious.
"Come, Finn, we must get her in the vehicle. Your brothers are on their way," Ester said directing Finn to left her up and carry her out of the cave.
Luckily, neither Finn nor Ester noticed what Rebekah had carved on the cave with her hands tied behind her back.