Pairing: Klaus/Connor-Tyler -paddle

"Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation."
― Robert A. Heinlein

Mystic Falls, Virginia

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Mikaelson Mansion

Afternoon

"Erik, is it really you?" Klaus said into the phone.

"Yeah, I mean, yes, sir, it's me," Erik conceded. He walked a little bit away from Marcel and the others for privacy.

"Are you alright, Son? I was so worried," Klaus said in a relieved voice.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry but I just needed to be here to help and I knew you wouldn't let me come down here. I-I," Erik started.

"What, Erik? You can tell me," Klaus said.

"I didn't think anyone much would care. How's Sadie? Penny? Everyone else?" Erik asked rapidly.

"Sadie is fine. She misses you. Everyone does. Sweetheart, why would you think we wouldn't care? Have I been that remiss as a father?" Klaus asked pointedly.

"No, sir. Not at all. I didn't mean it like that. I just...I don't know. But this problem with my kin is still here. Wolves are coming from all over. Can I stay and help Marcel? Please?" Erik begged.

"Erik, I am saying this loud and clear and I want you to listen, okay?" Klaus asked in a serious tone that caused Erik to straighten up.

"Yes, sir?" Erik replied.

"I love you very much and so does everyone else here. We're going to get everything worked out. And with you and Connor? I really want you two to sit down and work everything out, but we need you here," Klaus said.

Erik blinked away tears, he expected Klaus to be angry and annoyed with him, not this. He almost wished Klaus would curse and shout at him so he didn't feel like such an ass, a failure.

Erik cleared his throat, "Sorry. Yes, I will try. But I feel like we ain't never going to be safe until these wolves here are put down."

Klaus knew that Erik was right about that. He didn't want to lie to him.

"Erik, you are correct, but I don't want you putting your life in danger. Do you understand that? You are 14 years old. Yes, you are powerful, but to fight a whole pack takes a pack. Please, just come home," Klaus asked.

"Just one more day, please. I come so far. I'll stay with Marcel the whole time," Erik promised. He ran his hand through his dirty blond hair.

Klaus thought a moment before responding, "Fine. One more day. If you aren't back safety by then, I'm coming to get you. And that my friend, may make our reunion less than pleasant for you. Do you understand me?'

"Yes, sir. I do. Thank you," Erik responded in resignation.

"I do love you. Be careful and obey Marcellus and Rebekah. I trust them to keep you safe," Klaus said.

"Love you, too. I will. Bye," Erik said hanging up.

Kitchen

Klaus leaned his elbows on the kitchen island and held his head. He wanted Erik home now. He wanted them all back in Mystic Falls now. But he needed his son safety home and with his family and his beloved dog. It was almost surprising to him how quickly and strongly he had grown to love Erik and his siblings. Klaus' ancient heart felt empty without the blue-eyed hybrid boy there. Yes, sir. No, sir. Would Erik ever think of him as a father?

"Elijah, Marcel got Erik. He's flying him back tomorrow," Klaus told Elijah, who was in the great room with the boys playing.

"That's great new, Brother. Why not tonight?" Elijah asked.

"Marcel is taking him to the Bayou tomorrow. I am tempted to fly down there right now," Klaus admitted walking towards the great room.

"If you do that, Marcel is going to feel like you don't trust him to handle this situation. He will resent it," Elijah cautioned.

Klaus sighed loudly, his brother was right.

"I know. I just hate waiting. Boys, what are you working on?" Klaus asked.

"A tower," Finn said proudly, showing off his Lego creation.

"Look what I made, it's a police station," Henrik interrupted to show Klaus his building.

"Very impressive indeed," Klaus said in awe.

"Thanks!" Finn said, "Is Erik ever coming home?"

Elijah and Klaus looked at each other in surprise.

"Yes, dear, tomorrow," Elijah responded.

"Oh, is he in trouble for running away?" Henrik asked.

Elijah's eyebrows raised, "That's really none of your business, young man."

"Then what if we run away?" Henrik asked cheekily. Finn laughed but then knocked half of his legos under the table.

"Do not even joke about that. I assure you, you would not like the consequences," Elijah said dryly.

"But what if we do?" Henrik asked again.

Klaus waited for Elijah to step in, but he was distracted by helping Finn find a Lego piece under the coffee table. Vanessa had been still encouraging Elijah to let the boys "express themselves more." Klaus was getting a little fed up with this and still miffed about the lamp they broke.

"Boys, it's very dangerous to do something like that. You could be kidnapped or injured. It's nothing to joke about," Klaus said patting Henrik on the head and getting up.

"But you said Erik is coming back?" Finn asked.

"Yes, but I will not feel better under he is back under this roof," Klaus admitted.

"Yes, we all will. I believe it is getting time for you two to go take a rest," Elijah said also getting up. To Klaus, Elijah looked tired.

"You ought to take a rest too, Brother. These young ones are wearing you out," Klaus joked clapping Elijah on the shoulder.

Elijah smirked, "They aren't the only ones wearing me out."

Klaus shook his head, he knew Vanessa made his brother happy. He also figured that she had the best interest of the boys at heart with her modern ideas. Klaus was trying to be as patient as he could with Penny, but it was one step forward, two steps back at times.

Klaus let the dog out and then told Freya the news about Erik. Then vamped upstairs so he didn't have to hear the whining and arguing that followed Elijah trying to get the boys to clean up their Legos. He went to Connor and Tyler's bedroom first.

"Guys, hey, I just wanted to let you know that Erik called and he should be back tomorrow," Klaus said.

Connor was on his new iPad and Jeremy and Matt were playing a shooting game. Tyler was with Caroline.

"Really?" Connor said with relief.

"Yes, he should be home tomorrow. If not, I'll go get him and drag him back here," Klaus smiled.

"Did he say what he thinks he's doing?" Connor asked putting the iPad aside.

"Basically, what we thought. I'm sorry, I tried to convince him to leave now, but Marcel promised to let him tag along to a meeting with the wolves. This all may come to a head soon," Klaus shared.

"Dad, should um, we also go. I mean, as hybrids, maybe they need our help?" Connor asked.

"Marcel said they have things under control. If they need us, we'll take a plane and be there in hours. I promise you," Klaus said with conviction.

Connor still looked worried. Klaus went to say something else to Connor, but then heard Penny call him from the hallway.

Mystic Grill

Same time-afternoon

"Tyler Lockwood, I am going to say this and then we are never going to discuss it again, okay? I will never give these babies up for adoption. I can't even believe you just freakin' said that," Caroline scoffed in horror.

"Care, I'm sorry. I just thought-," Tyler tried to say.

"Thought what? That we would give away our own flesh and blood? Are you crazy? Plus, they will be werewolf babies!" Caroline loudly hissed at him. Her eyes were shooting daggers at him. Caroline's hair and make up looked perfect, but Tyler could tell she was off today. Edgier than normal.

"Yes, Care. I am aware of that. Forget I mentioned it," Tyler said holding his hands up. Tyler realized he should never argue with a pissed off pregnant Caroline.

"Mentioned what?" Caroline glared. She eyed his remaining fries.

"What?" Tyler asked in confusion.

"Are you going to eat those fries?" Caroline asked.

"Um, they are yours. Honestly, I'd rather have blood right now," Tyler admitted.

"So are you going to be able to control yourself at school next week?" Caroline asked dumping ketchup on his plate.

"I guess we'll find out," Tyler smirked.

"Oh my God, look! There's Elena and...Damon? I'm going to go see what she is doing with him. Wait here," Caroline snapped, grabbing two fries for the road.

"Yes, master," Tyler muttered quietly. Caroline had not been thrilled with is adoption suggestion. Bonnie had removed the cloaking spell and the whole lunch, he could hear the fast beating of three hearts.

Tyler felt terrified. He was going to be a father. Between him and Caroline, these kids were going be total anger kids! Baby werewolves and twins at that. Tyler heard his cell beep. It was from Connor.

"Dude, Erik is in the Bayou. Remember your promise to me? You better come home now."

Shit! Connor was going to take off to the Bayou near New Orleans. It seemed a million miles away. It was a 10-12 hour drive at least. How would they get a car? Tyler then remember that as hybrids they could compel people. But what if he got killed? Tyler didn't just himself to think about. He glanced over at Caroline talking to Elena. Tyler needed to be smarter than that. But could he break a promise he had made?

Tyler got up and tapped Caroline, "Hey Elena, what's up? Sorry, Care, I gotta get home."

Caroline turned and looked disappointed, "Oh, okay. I thought you were coming over. Are you leaving because I've been such a bitch today?"

Tyler put his arm around her, "Stop, no, it's not you. They found Erik in New Orleans. Connor is ready to run away. I have to stop him. Look, I love you and I love the babies. Forget about what I suggested, okay? Am I forgiven?"

Caroline finally smiled and kissed him, "Maybe just a little. Now go home and whatever you do, don't get yourself in trouble. Remember, you have to be the smart one now. Love you. Call me later, 'Daddy.' I didn't mean that in a weird way."

Mikaelson Mansion

Tyler, Connor, and Erik's bedroom

"Klaus, can we go paint in your studio?" Penny asked coming to the doorway of Tyler, Connor, and Erik's bedroom. Klaus had bought Penny several art kits for Christmas and the one she liked best was the painting one. He had asked her to come up the other day and for the first time, she seemed happy to do something.

"Of course, beautiful. There is good news. Your brother is coming home tomorrow. He called from the Bayou," Klaus said stepping into the hallway.

"Oh, that's good, I guess," Penny frowned. Her blue eyes flashing with anger.

"Why the frown, luv?" Klaus said.

"He just runs aways whenever he wants to, doesn't he?" Penny said as they headed up to the third floor.

"Well, this will be the last time, I"m sure," Klaus reassured her. Klaus wondered if she was angry that he left her here.

"What are you going to do to him?" Penny asked.

Klaus hesitated, "Do to him? That sounds ominous. Probably embrace him, make sure he is okay. See that he has everything he needs. After that...? Would it be awful for me to admit that I didn't quite know?"

"Why don't you know?" Penny pressed as they entered the studio. Klaus had set up a little easel for her next to Jeremy's. Her paints were acrylics. Klaus also bought her little canvases for her to work on.

"Penny, you know, although I am very, very old, sometimes I still don't know what the right thing to do is. I'm sorry. I wish I could you a better answer," Klaus said starting to arrange his palette of oil colors.

"Okay," Penny seemed satisfied with that answer. But Klaus was feeling restless. Maybe Connor was right and they should all just fly down there to help. If Marcel didn't like it, too bad. Then, Klaus was determined to focus on Penny for a while and not let himself be distracted.

"What are you going to paint today, Penelope?" Klaus asked.

"Not sure," Penny said concentrating.

"See that makes two of us unsure of what to do today," Klaus admitted.

Mikaelson Mansion

Tyler, Connor, and Erik's bedroom

Tyler went home and told Connor straight out that his plan was stupid.

"Look, your brother will be home tomorrow. What is the point of going tonight?" Tyler asked.

"I just have this bad feeling he needs me. I want to leave right now," Connor said pacing.

"You sound like a lunatic. I'm sorry. I know I'd promised you I would go but I just came from seeing Care and hearing my kids' heartbeats. I don't want to leave them without a dad before they are even born," Tyler said.

"What if something happens to Erik? How am I gonna live with myself" Connor spat.

Jeremy had been playing the video game quietly with Matt.

"Dude, you think you're gonna live if Dad catches you sneaking down there? Jeremy asked slowly, pausing the game.

Matt agreed, "It's suicide, man."

Connor softened, "Y'all are right. Ty, I shouldn't have even asked you. Just forget it. The less y'all know, the better. I don't want to drag everyone done with me."

Tyler wasn't pacified, "You're still going to go aren't you? Jesus Christ, Connor, I can't let you do this. Can you just drop it?"

Connor got up, "Look, I'll leave you out of it. But don't you rat me out or I will kick your Yankee ass from here to that godforsaken bayou!"

Tyler's eyes flashed with anger, he didn't like being threatened. Matt and Jeremy looked at each other and started to back out of the room.

Tyler vamped down the hallway. It was childish, but he decided to just tell Klaus now before this stupid plan got anymore out of control.

Connor caught him on the stairs and tackled him.

"Just keep your damn mouth shut!" Connor growled.

"You are going to get yourself killed," Tyler retorted hotly as he threw Connor off of him. Connor hit the railing of the stairs hard and the wood cracked and split.

Kol heard the fight and came from the great room.

"What the bloody hell are you two blokes doing? Wrestling on the stairs?" Kol shouted.

Connor growled and his eyes flashed yellow, "Just keep your mouth shut."

"Will you stop this idiotic plan?" Tyler hissed back.

Connor got up and tackled Tyler again. This time he drove him into the wall and then through it. Kol went to pull Connor off him, and Connor snarled and pushed him. Kol went flying backwards down the stairs. He jumped onto his feet and before he knew it Connor was on top of Tyler again punching him. Kol growled himself and vamped over, he pulled him up and dragged him backwards down the remaining stairs.

"Stop! What is going on? Tyler, go in the kitchen," Kol ordered, as Connor struggled and tried to break free. Connor was angry, but in his human form, he was not as strong as Kol.

Kol looked up to see Klaus and Penny coming down the stairs.

"What happened?" Klaus asked seeing the huge hole in the wall and the broken railing.

"Penny, love, can you go watch television or something?" Kol smiled as he still held a struggling Conner.

"No, I want to see what happened too," Penny shouted.

Klaus knelt to her eye level, "Sweetheart, let me talk to them alone, please. We're asking you nicely."

"No, it's not fair! I don't wanna," Penny said breaking away and heading down the stairs.

"I'm going to call Freya to put you to bed tonight at 7 pm. Now go," Klaus said firmly.

"AH! Fine. This is stupid!" Penny ranted kicking every stair she could.

Connor tried to shrug off Kol, but he was too strong, "I'm fine now."

Kol released him.

Klaus thundered, "I'm going to ask again, what happened?"

Kol stepped back, "I just found them fighting on the stairs. Connor was on top of Tyler. Tyler was trying to get away."

"Thank you, Brother," Klaus said dismissing him. Kol went back to the great room to finish watching his game.

Klaus grabbed Tyler and Connor by the ear lobes and marched them into the kitchen.

Freya was cooking at the stove, she turned and saw the disheveled, bloody boys.

"What happened?" Freya asked in horror.

"That's what I would like to know," Klaus barked.

Tyler clamped his mouth shut. He opened it to tell on Connor and then looked at Connor's eyes pleading with him not to say anything.

"We just got in a little disagreement," Tyler fibbed.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'll fix the railing. Tyler, sorry," Connor said realizing that Tyler would play ball and not rat him out.

"You know that I can still tell when you are lying, even now. Connor, you are not sorry, but maybe you shall be," Klaus said ominously.

Freya just gave them a tired look as Klaus grabbed the Jokari paddle that he kept on the top of the fridge. Tyler winced and paled. There were holes drills into it that left circular marks on his butt last time. He knew that would heal fair, but sometimes the healing just allowed them to get a longer and harder spanking than a human could withstand.

"I just told one of your brothers that the next time he lied I would bend him over right here on this counter and swat the truth of him if I had to. I guess if you two cannot man up and tell me the truth, so I will treat you like naughty little boys," Klaus threatened.

"Dad, please,...not here," Tyler pleaded. He didn't like where this was going and he had been swatted with that paddle before when he and Matt lied about the truck. At least then, Klaus had done it in the garage. Anyone could walk in the kitchen.

"Tell me what you were fighting over now. I'm counting to three. One," Klaus started.

"Boys, please, just tell your father now," Freya begged.

"Two," Klaus continued slowly.

"We already did," Connor reiterated.

"I want the truth. Three," Klaus said with finality.

Without another word, Klaus put the heavy round paddle on the kitchen island and yanked down Connor's basketball shorts to the floor. He bent him over.

"Stay down. Don't move," Klaus ordered.

Klaus then did the same to Tyler, dropping his jeans and pulling them down to his knees and positioning him over on the counter.

Klaus picked up the paddle and tapped it over Connor's briefs. He didn't want to do this, but these two had never had any tension between them and Klaus knew something serious was happening. He needed to know what was happening.

"One last chance, Son," Klaus said tapping the paddle a little firmer. Tap.

Connor was leaned forward on his elbows and didn't say a word. All he could think is that he should have left sooner. The granite felt cool on his arms and for a moment he almost felt relaxed, but that moment was short. Connor was grateful Klaus had kept up his briefs. Surely, they would provide some protection.

Thwap! Connor heard the sound first and then felt the result of the heavy blow. It was like a thousand bees had stung him at the same time. He bit his lip to remain silent and not move. He had been switched and belted, but this was a different sting that encompassed his whole backside at the same time. Before he could breathe in, he got a second whack.

Thwap!

"Ah," Connor blurted out before he could stop himself.

Klaus moved to swat Tyler and gave him the same taps before smacking him firmly.

Thwap! Tyler thought he was prepared for the pain of the first blow, but it felt more intense and unbearable this time. He was leaning down on his crossed arms and bit into his hand.

Thwap! The second swat landed right over the first and his body jerked a little.

Freya went back to her cooking and felt herself wincing with each blow. Why were these boys so stubborn? A part of her just wished Klaus would compel them, but she knew he had promised to never mess with their minds like that. It was too dangerous and intrusive.

"Connor, are you ready to talk? Or do you need me to keep paddling you?" Klaus asked again patting his now stinging rear with the paddle.

"Please, don't..." was all Connor could muster.

Klaus shook his head and gave him another firm swat.

Thwap! Connor stomped his foot and tried to rise up. Klaus pushed him back down and gave him another whack.

Thwap! Connor brought up his other foot to tried to move to get away from the sting, but it was pointless. Klaus rubbed his back a moment.

"Please tell me what is going on, I'm worried," Klaus pleaded. Connor just buried his head in his arms and cried quietly.

Klaus moved to Tyler and gave him another swat.

Thwap! Even through his cotton briefs, each smack left a deep burning that made it hard to take stoically.

Thwap! Tyler ceased to care about Freya and Connor being there and broke down. He couldn't take anymore.

"Stopppp," Tyler cried.

"I will stop when you answer my question honestly, Tyler," Klaus rubbed his back and then took a minute to inspect the damage. Klaus pulled up the edges of each boy's briefs to check for bruising or damage from the holes.

"Sister, I apologize, but may I trouble you for some salve. These boys are healing quickly and I'm not sure I'm getting through to them," Klaus said.

Thwap!

Thwap!

He gave both Connor and Tyler another quick smack without holding them down. Both boys were now up and crying and trying to rub out the sting.

"It's no trouble, Brother. I think I can whip up a quick batch with extra wolfsbane and vervain in it. I'm sure it will sting a little though," Freya announced.

Freya went to her room to get a salve. She wasn't planning to add extra herbs to her salve, but was hoping the boys spit out the truth soon. She told Elijah she would take care of dinner tonight and it was almost ready.

"I just these briefs will have to come down. The whole family will be arriving for dinner soon. My, what a sight," Klaus said swatting them both again after telling them to move their hands.

Thwap!

Thwap!

Connor broke first. The thought of Penny seeing him getting his bare butt paddled in the kitchen was too much. She'd probably laugh. Plus, his backside was on fire.

"Okay, I'll talk. Please, can't t-take m-more," Connor sobbed.

"It's okay, tell me," Klaus said still holding the paddle.

"I was going to head down to the Bayou tonight. I feel like we need to be there. Something is wrong, Dad. I can feel it. Please, let me go. Tyler was just trying to stop me. You can whup me for the fight later, but please let me go now," Connor begged. Klaus put the paddle on the counter.

"You can get up and pull up your pants," Klaus said tiredly. He was afraid of something like this. Klaus got a couple of napkins and gave it to the boys to wipe their eyes. Both were very tentative about getting their pants back up.

"Ouch," Connor hissed as the waistband of his shorts brushed the cotton of his underpants.

"Tyler, is that true?" Klaus asked.

"Yes, I was going to tell you so he didn't get himself killed. I admit that I promised to go with him, but now I can't. I couldn't do that to Caroline and the babies. I'm sorry, Connor," Tyler said, his voice raw with emotion.

"Me, too," Connor said hugging Tyler tightly.

"Thank you for telling me. Connor, I am listening now. We can go call Marcel and share your concerns. The fact that you were going to try to runaway...shows me how worried you are. Now you two are good? No more fighting? So I don't have to beat you again soundly tonight?" Klaus smiled.

"Dad, I couldn't take another one on this ass, fast healing or no," Tyler whined.

Freya came back in with the salve, "Can you take some more with my spoon for that mouth of yours, young man? Come here." Freya hugged Tyler and lightly smacked him on the backside.

"Owwww! No more swearing. Extra vervain and wolfsbane salve, Aunt Freya? That was just low," Tyler bantered, rubbing his butt without shame. It still hurt, but his healing with kicking in rapidly.

"I was trying to help. You two, so stubborn! Now don't go too far, the chicken is almost ready," Freya hugged Connor next.

Klaus opened his arms and pulled them both in to his chest. He was a few inches taller than both of them and kissed them both on the head. There might have been a better way to handle that, Klaus thought guiltily. Cami was supposed to come over after dinner and he was relieved she hadn't been here.

"Boys, I-," Klaus started.

Penny ran down to the kitchen with Finn and Henrik behind her.

"We're hungry!" she demanded.

Finn said, "What happened to the stairs? Did someone fall?"

Henrik had a Nerf gun that Kol bought him for Christmas and was shooting the walls.

"Dinner will be in five minutes. Don't worry about the stairs now. Why don't you kids set the table?" Freya said checking the oven.

"Why don't you?" Penny said in a mutter.

Klaus was about to take Connor into Elijah's study to call Marcel, but he turned. He glanced back at Freya and noticed she hadn't heard the girl's insolent remark.

"Excuse me?" Klaus fumed.

Penny rolled her eyes and giggled, "What? You two got spanked! Ha, you're like in high school. Connor and Tyler got spanked!"

Klaus snapped, "Unless you want to get a spanking of your own, why don't you apologize for being so rude?"

"Me, I'm not the one who got in TROUBLE," Penny chuckled.

Tyler took the younger boys and Sadie outside for a few minutes. He was walking a little stiffly, but glad his dad knew about Connor's plans.

Klaus crouched down, "Penelope, you are not being very nice right now. You can tell your brothers you are sorry or stand in the corner until you do."

"They aren't my brothers and I'm not sorry so no," Penny concluded.

Klaus was at a loss for a moment, he needed to go call Marcel with Connor.

He gently grabbed Penny and led her to the corner of the kitchen.

"You will stand here until I come back and not move or talk, do you understand?" Klaus asked calmly.

"Why?" Penny asked sadly.

"Penny, I want you to think about that, about why you are in time out. We will talk about it in a few minutes. Can you do that?" Klaus asked.

"Fine!" Penny said. Klaus heard her kick the wall and she turned to watch him.

"Penny, face the wall," Klaus directed. He looked back at Freya and she motioned for him to go on and she would watch Penny.

Connor was confused. He didn't understand why Klaus didn't just give Penny a couple of good smacks.

Klaus put an arm around Connor, "I'm sorry you have to deal with all this. With the wolves, it's not fair that you've had so much strife and struggle in your young life. But Connor, I promise you, it will make you stronger."

"Thanks, Dad. If you don't mind me askin', how's come you don't just give Penny a good lickin' and be done with it? I mean she's asking for it, in my opinion," Connor noted.

"I know her behavior is frustrating. Camille thinks that when she was in that Guerrera place, she was traumatized there. I'm just afraid it would make her afraid of me or scared," Klaus concluded.

"Or are you afraid to whup her cause she's a little girl and too pretty? Because she may be my sister, but she's a real brat at times," Connor joked.

Klaus groaned, "Maybe I have been trying to win her over the wrong way? What would you do if you were me?" Klaus was curious.

"I would treat her the same as you treat the rest of us. Ain't nobody else getting away with that kind of crap. I'm sorry but all this modern stuff is about as useful as tits on a bull, if you pardon my French," Connor rebutted.

Klaus laughed, "Duly noted. We'll call Marcel, have dinner, and see if we can help."

"I am sorry about thinking about leaving, but I can't abandon Erik, not when he needs me," Connor admitted growing serious.

"You're as loyal as Elijah is to me, but Connor, he has sacrificed a great deal for me. The misguided fool. Yet, without him, I am bereft. Son, I'm sorry that if I tried to keep you from your brother for my own selfish reasons," Klaus said stopping right before they got in the office.

"No, I know you mean well," Connor admitted.

Kitchen

Late afternoon

Freya put the finishing touches on dinner. How did Elijah make this look so easy every night? Vanessa was setting the table. The boys were outside and now playing with nerf guns and shooting things. Penny was stomping and kicking the wall in the corner. The paddle was still on the counter. Freya was tempted to pick it up and apply a few whacks to the seat of the little brat's pants. Instead, she put it back up on the fridge. Penny was a hybrid, but still had the temper of an untriggered wolf.

Elijah was inspecting the damage to the railing and the wall. He went outside to talk to Tyler about was happened. She could tell Elijah was irritated about that. Freya looked out the window and saw Elijah had taken Tyler aside and was talking to him. She would assume that most kids would choose a paddling with the Jokari over a long stern lecture from Elijah. She saw Tyler nodding and laughed to herself a little.

Bam! Freya heard Pam kick the wall hard this time. She was going to kick a damn whole in the wall. Then, Elijah would really flip.

Freya stopped shaking the salad dressing and put it down. Vanessa was filling water glasses with ice.

"Penny, you can turn around a minute," Freya said carefully, wiping her hands off on a dish towel and walking over to her.

Penny scowled and turned.

"I know you are frustrated right now. Take a deep breath like this," Freya showed her. Freya sat down on a kitchen chair.

"Feel better?" Freya asked hopefully.

"No, I want to run away! Erik did. I'm going to go and none of you will find me," Penny threatened.

"Erik will be back tomorrow, okay? When Niklaus gets back, you tell him that you are ready to apologize. Then, all you have to say is sorry to Tyler and Connor. Can you be a big girl and do that?" Freya asked in a low voice.

"No! I'm not doing it," Penny screeched. Sparks seemed to fly from Penny's eyes. Her pale cheeks reddened.

Freya stayed serene, "Okay, do you want to sit with me a minute?" Freya held out her arms to Penny. Penny huffed and let Freya pull her onto her lap a minute. Penny was smaller for her age and Freya rocked her a little as she stroked her hair. Freya felt Penny finally relax as she hugged her and got her calmed down.

"Feel better?" Freya said quietly.

Penny nodded and whispered, "Sorry. Do I have to go back in the corner?"

"Will you talk to your brothers?" Freya asked.

Penny nodded solemnly.

"Okay, help Vanessa and me get the food on the table and then we'll call the boys for dinner, okay?" Freya said standing her up.

Penny now looked glum.

Freya lifted up her chin, "We love you, Penny, even when you are a bit sassy. When I was your age, I tried to turn my aunt into a lizard. It didn't work and she couldn't figure out why she got this scaly rash. It's going to get better."

Penny laughed at this, "I want to be a lizard."

"Okay, lizard, carry the salad into the dining room. Vanessa, should we open up a bottle of white tonight?" Freya called.

But before Vanessa could answer, Freya heard the salad bowl shatter.

Penny's eyes turned orange and she began to turn. Freya yelled for help and cast a protection spell, but by the time anyone got there, Vanessa had already been bitten...and Freya felt herself passing out.