A/N: So a new chapter I hope you guys like it.Special shootout to veganswitch, guest and Jennifer for leaving reviews on the last chapter.

Love you to Death

His betrayal landed blows on her heart. "Of course." was all she said before looking away from him. She couldn't fully turn away as she was bound. She should try to get out of the ties but she didn't want to, not at the moment, when he stood so close. Something inside her, wept for the coming loss.

"I wish it could be different." With one last declaration and a heavy heart he left.

Klaus swiftly got into the car. He wanted to go back, go back to her and make everything right but he stopped himself. His loyalty came before his own feelings. With one last glance at the house as if he could somehow see her he drove off.

Caroline struggled for a few precious seconds, Klaus's constraints weren't much convoluted, but his betrayal was blinding and his disloyalty was a severe blow. She got out off the constraints and pocketed them. The ache around her wrists nothing compared to the one around her heart she wondered as she rubbed her wrists.

Urgency propelled her as she got out of the house stealthily and entered the garage, if she had any luck left she might find a vehicle. She smiled when she saw an empty and unlocked Range Rover parked there.

Apparently fate had taken mercy on her. She pulled a few wires from beneath the drivers seat and tapped them together to start the vehicle. When the ignition turned on, she heard a slight noise. Instantly attentive she hid on one side of the car. A shadow materialized and started walking towards her, the faint light in the garage made identification difficult. She held her breath soon as the person came close she launched a kick and had them ram against the wall on the other side.

"Oww. Manners please. Come on Care bear is that any way to treat your best friend?" He complained.

"Kol?" Caroline was shocked, "What in the freaking hell are you doing here?"

"Saving your arse. What else?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, anger and misery a bitter combination had her clench her teeth as she looked at Kol who was Klaus's brother. Klaus, the man whom she both loved and hated with a fire of thousands suns.

"Watch out!" Damon yelled at the top of his voice, alerting Elena as she swerved and dodged a large branch of a tree.

He and Elena were once again embroiled in a high speed chase with none other than the Wolf himself. Before they could enter the large mansion Niklaus Mikaelson had attacked them, leading them to follow him. According to their intel "Menace" was supposed to be with him.

"I can't see her. She is not with him." Elena exclaimed. "Call back up."

Klaus fired a few rounds at them Elena sped and slowed effectively avoiding the bullets.

"We need backup at east 150 road leading to Hikers Peak. Simon take two squad cars to the location we sent, Menace is not with Wolf. We need to check the mansion we followed him to." Damon commanded.

Klaus knew those fools were following him. He had no chance this time as he was fully aware that the road lead to a cliff and then on a flimsy bridge. A frustrated swear came out of his mouth when they fired and broke the back glass of his vehicle. He sped, smell of burnt rubber and tires screeching on the road indicating he was driving at maximum speed. He pressed a button and a rocket ejected from a panel on the rear end of his car.

"Oh shit!" Elena yelled. She turned and the rocket hit Damon's side, spinning the car out of control. It spun

"You okay?

Klaus cackled a maniacal laughter. He now had a lead on them. He raced his car on the bridge, for a split second he glanced at the rear view mirror to check if they were still in pursuit, when a large boom sounded, tires screeched as if he had pressed the breaks.

"Shit!" positively astounded Damon whispered as he saw the car blast of into pieces, fire and smoke blinded his vision and a deafening ringing resounding in his ears.

"Breaking ! This is Audrey Litton and Pete Wilson and we are reporting from Channel 9. In a surprising turn of events it is being reported from Sevit Hills, North Rivera that Nicklaus Mikealson the current heir of Mikealson Family and rumoured future Mafia Ringleader has been found dead on the Righting Bridge. It is said he was involved in a high speed car chase with the CIA when his car exploded and landed in the river below. This news comes both as a huge surprise and relief since he was among Interpol's most wanted." The brunette on the flat screen reported.

Something twisted inside her heart and a tear escaped. Caroline sat on a stool at the bar as she downed a Martini. After encountering Kol she had effectively disarmed him and tied him up before escaping that God forsaken mansion. Katherine had left her a few texts but Caroline had blocked her number. Self preservation dictated she didn't trust anybody unless she was very sure. For all she knew it could be Elijah using Katherine's contact to try and lure Caroline out.

Her trust issues weren't baseless since Niklaus's recent betrayal had left her both bitter and bleeding and now the news of his supposed death was another nail in her heart. Somewhere deep down she felt it was untrue. Her heart refused to accept his death but then again she shouldn't trust her instincts when it came to that asshole.

Her love for him had been all consuming, so much so that she felt she'd die without him and yet she sat here in one of the few secret speakeasys that still survived in this huge flamboyant city of New Orleans. Love and pain a huge burden. She wiped her tears internally beating herself for crying over a man who had betrayed her such callously and ruthlessly.

She was still waiting for the confirmation of his death from her informant because somehow it was imperative that she know.

"Small world." The familiar voice might have surprised her but Caroline was a little tipsy so she just scoffed when Rebekah Mikaelson sat beside her.

"Gin and tonic darling." Rebekah ordered when she saw the waiter advance towards her. "I need something strong today."

"So?" Caroline asked letting the obvious question hang.

"I am here because I have been ordered to keep Menace safe." She supplied grabbing the drink waiter slid towards her.

"Really ? Who ordered you?" Caroline was now dumbfounded a little.

"Well my boss wants to keep his identity secret for awhile."

"Cut the crap Rebekah why don't you say it is Klaus. He is alive isn't he? And he wants me safe so he can claim his place as Sovereign, right?"

"He is not dead that's for sure but I don't know if he is alive." Her eyes watered after all Nik was family.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means they found a body which cops think it's his but we know it's not. He was planning something so he blind sided all of us. But I am worried Caroline because father hired Kai Parker to bring Nik in."

"What?" Caroline was beyond shocked now.

"Yes I know. I was astounded as well. I don't get why father would involve the psychopathic Gemini coven in this."

"Because they are renowned for finding anyone and anything and Mikael knows he wont be able to find Klaus since Klaus has learnt all of his tricks from Mikael himself."

Suddenly very serious Rebekah asked, "What happened at the mansion?" The sincerity evident in Rebekah's gaze softened Caroline a little.

"Your asshole of a brother betrayed me and left me for those jokers to find me. Later Kol showed up to "rescue me". Oh and when we left the mansion exploded. So now the cops think "Menace, one of world's most wanted criminals is dead. Klaus has started a dangerous game here. P" She made air quotes at the rescue me part.

"What a fucker." Rebekah laughed lightly. "Don't you see this is Niklaus's plan. He wants them to think both of you are dead? He is trying to protect you."

"If that was the case he could have let me in on the plan there was no need to leave me chained at the mansion." Then her phone dinged and a message alerted her that Niklaus Mikaelson was alive. "Also let your traitor of a brother know I'll be coming for him." Caroline got up, paid the bill and sauntered out of the bar.

"Malachai Parker." Klaus erupted in an unintentional laugh when he got out of the river. Kai stood close to the edge of the river and waited for Niklaus to swim out. CIA goons and FBI were thinking Klaus was dead. Klaus always had a knack for throwing them off of his scent but this time he had gone to another level of faking his own death. It was rather intriguing.

Mikael had hired him to bring in his son alive but Kai wasn't about to mess with the likes of Niklaus Mikaelson because everyone with even a few brain cells knew the price of crossing Klaus Mikaelson was high and Kai was no fool.

"So how should we do this?" Kai asked.

"Hmm. Well let's say I have a perfect plan for you."

"There's something wrong I don't believe the forensics. Trust me both of them are alive." Stefan was frustrated with the whole scenario. "You guys really believe The Wolf and Menace are dead?"

"Stef what is this really about?" Damon asked getting up from his chair and leaning forward on the table. Damon, Elena, Stefan, Jon Gilbert and few other cops sat around a large D-shaped table in conference room three of their headquarters.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Stefan got up and crossed his arms.

"Perhaps it has to do with your big ego that you can't stomach the fact that me and Elena closed one of the most high profile cases without you being present there."

"Wow. Real mature of you to call me jealous."

Damon was geared up to fire back when Jon intervened, "Enough! Need I remind you this is not your personal wrestling ring and I your superior is still present here. If you keep this up your behaviour will be construed as insubordination. Both of you sit down."

Stefan clenched his teeth but complied with Jon's orders. Damon noisily pulled his chair and sat down as well.

"This case has officially been closed as of today. DNA found from the bodies both at the mansion and the bridge conclusively indicates that the bodies indeed belonged to The Wolf and The Menace."

"But , sir..." Stefan argued but was quieted by Jon, "Stefan do not interrupt."

"This case is longer up for discussion. Furthermore call off the entire team from this case and write down the report and mail it to me by tomorrow." Jon then excused himself.

Stefan saw no point in arguing with these dimwits anymore so he left the room without any word. Elena followed him much to Damon's chagrin.

"Stefan wait."

He turned around. "Why are you so insistent? There was no way he could've escaped we didn't see him jump out of the car. As for Caroline they found a body that matches her description and DNA. Trust us, please."

She placed a soothing hand over his arm. Stefan respected her as a cop, because as an officer she was vigilant, quick and hardworking. Even though they had ended on bad terms he was mature enough to acknowledge her genuinity but he wasn't ready to be convinced that one of world's most cunning criminals died just like that.

However at this point it was just a waste of time to try and persuade them and Stefan Salvatore wasn't one for wasting time on wrong people and wrong situations.

"I do trust your professionalism. Bye." He never was one for long speeches and declarations, Elena thought and watched him walk away.

He laughed a deep throaty laugh then shook his head, then suddenly threw the glass he was holding at the wall in front of him.

She flinched then swallowed her fear. "Julian. Is everything alright?"

"They are saying Niklaus and Caroline are dead. I know Klaus isn't dead but WHAT ABOUT CAROLINE? THESE FOOLS THEY CAN'T FIND IF SHE IS ALIVE OR NOT?"

"I thought you wanted her dead because Elizabeth and Bill lied to you, why is it important now that she stay alive?" Lily inquired. Julian was a true psychopath his motives often stemmed from his personal gain or just plain anger, Lily had been living with him out of self preservation. Things once were much simpler until the elders of the families had meddled in the name of honor, inheritance and prestige. Fates were sealed and futures were doomed. Love and emotions were forsaken and duty and principles were chosen, and what for? For the rule to end up in the hands of a narcissistic psychopath.

Mafia once was governed by rules and regulations. The honour among thieves now lost thanks to the insane whims of Julian's disturbed mind.

Anger and rage oozed off of his body. He glanced at Lily with the same sentiment in his eyes, she backed off a step. He advanced towards her, grabbed her arms with enough force that she was sure she would have bruises later on, "Don't you know why? Elizabeth messed up my prospects and I shall kill her daughter with my own hands to exact my revenge. It's more satisfying that way. Plus it'll be really interesting to see Klaus squirm when I kill his lady love."

Julian then loosened his hold on her, when he saw her rub her arms, he crushed her in a hug, " I'm sorry my love. You shouldn't have confronted me like that."

"You're telling me Niklaus is dead?" Mikael tried his damndest to conceal the sorrow he felt. Klaus was his son and his heir. His expectations from Niklaus were far more than he had from any of his other children and Klaus had never disappointed until now. Until when he had started coverting with Bill's daughter.

"Yes sir." Kai replied sarcastically.

"Are you sure Kai?"

"I could have brought you his head if it hadn't blown off in pieces. But I did manage to find a finger or two."

"They're saying it was staged." Even though his son had betrayed him, Mikael still felt for him after all he was a father.

"Mr Mikaelson you won't believe me and I don't have time to convince you over the phone. I'll just send the evidence to the main headquarters."

"Wait.." Mikael's next word met the dial tone as Kai hung up.

This time he was the one waiting for her. Rebekah Mikaelson walked towards him as he stood on the bridge looking over the lake. The sun shined on her hair and her porcelain skin making her look like a fairy. Her emerald green blouse and white coloured skinny pants made her look stunning. Stefan Salvatore had now made peace with the fact that he was extremely attracted towards her and it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He had to brain dead to not be enamored with such a beautiful woman but the things that bothered him were the emotions other than lust and he wasn't yet ready to accept them.

"Hello. To what do I owe the pleasure of this clandestine meeting Mr Salvatore?" Rebekah asked charmingly.

"Stefan." He corrected like every other time he had called her or met her after their last meeting but for some damned reason she called him with his last name.

He didn't like it when she called him by his last name but it suited her just fine because for some reason it suited him as well.

"I'd like info regarding your brother."

"Which brother?" she asked purposely acting clueless.

"You know which brother I am talking about?" he masked the sudden agitation that was building inside him. He desperately needed information of Klaus if he wanted to get the case reopened before they shelved it for good.

"The brother they are saying is dead, which he clearly isn't judging by the sunny expression and the lavish clothes you are wearing." He did it again, he lashed out at her because the whole situation was futile. Those pesky feelings for her surfacing again and he didn't want to accept them.

"The fact that you think that I shouldn't smile or wear good clothes is extremely neanderthal. Not only that but you have absolutely no right to judge me for how I decide to deal with trauma. I loved my brother more than anything and despite the fact that he betrayed me I didn't wish death upon him but it's beyond someone like you." He saw her eyes fill and he felt like the vilest scum on earth.

"Find someone else to extract information from now on. I'm out." She turned to leave but Stefan grasped her arm and kissed her. The initial touch was electric yet hesitant then it quickly turned into something potent. The pent up desire flowed through the kiss as he brought her flush against him. She wound her arms around his neck, her fingers caressing the nape. He would have taken her there and then had she not broken the kiss.

"Stop. Just back away please." She demanded and he complied.

"I am sorry Rebekah. I lash out because I am an asshole and I feel things for you I don't understand, nope that's not true I refuse to understand. You don't want to give information that's fine with me but don't leave like this." Stefan grasped both her elbows now gently bring her closer. Her heart fluttered abnormally, she was wise enough to know the stirrings of a new passion.

"Caroline is alive and I know where she is. I'll give you this much for your honesty but I have my own terms I'll need you to abide by."

TEN DAYS LATER

Klaus's initial plan was a success and after this respite of a few days he needed to proceed with the second. First was to convince the cops that he and Caroline were dead and second was winning her back. Oh she must hate him for leaving her like that but he will fix it. His loyalty for her came before his promises, his need to protect came before his vows. He stood beside the table in his office in his hilltop safe house taking inventory of his weapons when one of his lackys knocked on the door.

"Come in."

"A package arrived for you sir." He handed Klaus the package and left.

"Reply immediately if you want her alive" he read the envelope as a sense of foreboding build inside him.

He instantly tore off the package and plugged the USB device that it contained into his laptop, fully aware that it might be a bug but his security was fool proof. The device would ping to a restaurant in Paris and then in Iceland, nowhere near his current location.

He played the video and the next thing he saw had him clenching his teeth and grasping the edge of his table in sheer helplessness.

He saw Caroline bound and gagged sitting on her knees. Blood was running down her beautiful face and she was half conscious. It looked like they had drugged her. The next face he saw onscreen had him yell curse words.

Stefan Salvatore with his obnoxious smile came in front of the camera. "Mr Niklaus Mikaelson please come to address mentioned on the other end of the envelope if you want her to live. You have 8 hours to reach in time. Your time starts now." Then a stopwatch with a count down appeared onscreen for a few seconds before the screen went blank.

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