Marcel and his vampires had cleared out quickly. They had left her alone with Kol and the corpse of the killed vampire. He had shriveled up and turned grey like all vampires did. His blood ran crimson in the street, the rain washed it away turning it into a river. His still bloody heart lay discarded next to his corpse. Kol had dropped it like it was nothing. Done it just as easily as he had taken that vampires life. Kol might not kill witches, but apparently that same respect did not extend to his own kind.
But hadn´t she always known that?
Bonnie was breathing hard. Kol was walking toward her and the rain had stopped falling, but they were both soaking wet. He put his arm around her shoulder and she looked up only to see his vampire face was gone again.
"I'll walk you home, little witch."
"You should have killed him," Bonnie snapped. "Hell, I should kill you both."
Kol turned her face up to his. "For the last time, I'm sorry about your friends. But if you had woken Silas, you would understand."
Bonnie shook her head.
She would never understand. How could Kol take lives and destroy the lives of the survivors so easily? Didn't he realize what he was doing or was he simply incapable of guilt?
That was what Klaus was like. He only saw what he wanted and anyone that got in his way needed to be eliminated, consequences be damned. He certainly never felt guilty for the havoc he wreaked and she wondered if Kol was the same or if he was a different kind of monster.
"I don't need you to walk me."
She shook Kol's arm off and started to walk away. He caught up easily and she grit her teeth.
"Out of curiosity, how would you kill me?" he asked and she shot him an annoyed look. "Come now, confess. From the look in your eyes just a moment ago, I daresay you have imagined it hundreds of times."
"I'd set you on fire, desiccate your body and stuff you at the bottom of the ocean."
That was a blatant lie. She was going to run his stake straight through his heart. Now that was ironic twist, she was sure Kol would appreciate.
Kol laughed. "My, you are vicious. I am ecstatic I didn't kill you."
"Only because I stopped you."
"I was going to knock you unconscious and lock you up until your friends had been dealt with," he rolled his eyes. "How many times must I tell you, I don't kill witches."
"No, just Elena. And Jeremy too if it hadn't been for the hunter's curse."
"Honestly," he scoffed. "I did Jeremy a favor. Hunters ordinarily meet a brutal death. I spared him that much if nothing else."
"Don't -" she shook her head. "Don't you dare defend what you did to him."
"Why shouldn´t I? They tried to kill me first. I may be the victor however, I did not start that war."
"Doesn't mean you needed to prove them right."
"Can I ask you something?"
Bonnie was walking faster trying to get rid of him, but Kol wasn't easily lost. He was fast even when he wasn't using his vampire speed.
Stupid Kol and his stupid long legs.
"If I said no, would it actually stop you?"
"Unlikely."
"Then I don't see why not."
"Why did you want to make Elena human again? It wouldn't last. It never does when someone is caught between two vampires."
"Because she was better then and she didn't want it."
"Most don't. They adapt and adjust," he shrugged. "You risked your life and theirs for nothing. She would never have remained human for long because she would never have let the Salvatores go. I've seen what becomes of girls like Elena a hundred times over. The lucky ones, they turn. The unfortunate ones, they die."
Bonnie felt sick. She sped up. She wanted to get away from Kol. Mostly because what he was saying rang true. Elena would have turned sooner or later. And it wasn't like Damon was going to allow her to live a normal life. He wanted Elena all to himself and he was too selfish to let her go.
But Bonnie couldn't stand to hear it spoken aloud.
Because if she did, her friend had died for nothing. Jeremy had been hurt for nothing. And Bonnie? She was on a suicide mission to kill an Original for no reason.
She saw her hotel.
"That's my stop. Now leave me alone."
She strode away from Kol without another word.
"See you at the bar tomorrow."
Bonnie went back to her room and used the extra lock. It wouldn't stop a vampire, but it made her feel safer.
She got ready for bed and went to sleep. It wasn't long before she drifted into a dream.
Bonnie was back in the ballroom. She was wearing that same red dress. A masked man was twirling her around the dancefloor. She had danced this dance with him before. Not just in her dream.
The man pulled her close and he flashed a dazzling smile. His lips brushed the shell of her ear and she gasped in surprise.
"Do you remember me now, little witch?" he murmured.
She blinked and she recognized Kol. Even with the mask – how could she ever have mistaken him for someone else?
"Kol? Why are you here again?"
"Again? We haven't been here before, silly girl."
"Yes, we have," she insisted.
Kol smirked.
Bonnie woke with a start. She scanned the room with her magic. It was empty.
What the fuck was that?
Why did she keep dreaming about Kol?
Disgusted with herself, she turned over and tried to go back to sleep.
XXX
Kol ran until he was on the first floor of Bonnie's hotel. He was sure her magic couldn't sense him from that distance.
She was more powerful than he had thought if she was shaking off his dreams. She couldn't control them yet, but she remembered what had happened in the past ones.
His hope had been to use the dream to seduce and maybe glean something about what she wanted from them. But he had learned that tonight without entering her dreams. She wanted to kill him and even though he had suspected as much it caused him pain.
Bonnie had lied when she said she came to New Orleans looking for a witch. No doubt his brother had given up his location. It would be a pity to kill her. That could wait though. The night was still young and he was hungry.
XXX
Bonnie was in the backroom of Coven with Marie and Kol. Marie had poured them each a glass of scotch. Bonnie didn't touch hers, she was not going to let her guard down around Kol.
"What did you learn?" Marie asked.
Marie leaned forward eagerly and her eyes were bright with excitement. No, not excitement, Bonnie thought. Desperation and fervor.
"That Marcel truly has issues with witches," Kol drawled.
It didn't escape Bonnie's notice that Kol wasn't giving her a straight answer. If Kol didn't entirely trust Marie, she decided to follow his example. Although, she suspected Marie was not a threat to her. They were both witches and though Bonnie had limited experience with witches, there was one thing they all had in common. They looked out for their own.
"And?" Marie prodded.
"I sensed something. It's some kind of powerful magic, but I couldn't get a real read. I need to get closer."
Kol glanced at her. Probably wondering, why she hadn't told him any of this yesterday. The answer was simple, she hated him.
Feeling his eyes on her, he shot her a smile. One that was exactly like the one in her dreams. It was so much the same, she wondered if maybe she hated herself, not him. Something of what she was thinking must have shown on her face because his brow creased with worry.
"We have invitations to Marcel's masquerade," Kol said. "That should give us the access we need for Bonnie to find the source."
"Good. And you are right. The masquerade is an annual event. The whole city parties, there will be hundreds at Marcel's bar. Sneaking away and finding the source should be easy."
Easy for her to say when she will be safe in her own bar, Bonnie thought.
"Then that's the plan," Bonnie agreed squelching her desire to speak her mind.
She needed Marie to get access to Kol and more importantly, to learn control over her expression.
"Excellent, cherie we need to work on your magic."
"Actually," Kol said shooting her a look to go with it and out of curiosity she did. "Bonnie and I have dinner plans."
"Do you now?" Marie said raising an eyebrow.
Kol reached out and squeezed her hand. Silently, he was communicating with her to play along. Deciding this was another good opportunity to get close to Kol and maybe find his stake, she decided to go along with his plan.
"Yes, we do," Bonnie agreed.
"And our reservation is soon."
Kol got to his feet and she followed him out the door. She didn't speak until they were on the street.
"What are you doing?"
"Taking you to dinner."
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Why?"
"I rather fancy you, little witch. I think the more pressing question is, why did you agree?"
"I wanted to know what you want and why you don't trust Marie?"
"Never said I didn't."
"Fine, but if that's all you wanted, I'm leaving."
Bonnie turned on her heel. If she gave in to his flirting too easily, he would be suspicious.
Kol caught her wrist and let go as soon as she faced him, glaring.
"There was something else, I'd like to discuss with you as well."
"What is it?"
"Not here, if you want to know, you'll have to come with me."
"I don't want to know bad enough to go to dinner with you."
"Why not? I know the best restaurant in town and it's entirely free of tourists, little witch."
Bonnie debated internally for a few seconds. If she went now, she might be giving in too easily, which could make Kol suspicious. But at the same time, if she didn't start inching toward trust, she might never find the stake before he left New Orleans. From what little Bonnie had been able to learn about Kol, he never stayed in one place for long. And if Kol left the city, she lost her window of opportunity.
"Fine, but just so we are clear, I'm only going to see what you want."
"Fine by me. Whatever gets you there."
The look Kol sent her was full of heat and she had no doubt it was a calculated move. Another aspect of his charm offensive and she steadfastly ignored him.
Kol started walking and she kept pace. He tried to put his hand on the small of her back and she sidestepped him with a look of disgust.
"Don't touch me."
Kol held his hands up and laughed. "Wouldn't dream of it."
"Good, because I don't care what Marcel says, I'll set you on fire if I have to."
"You Bennett witches are always so passionate," he chuckled.
He had known Ayanna, but it sounded as if he had met other relatives of hers.
"How many of my relatives do you know?"
"Two or three. They were a lot like you, you know."
Bonnie couldn't help herself, her curiosity was piqued. "How so?"
"Stubborn, brave and they did their best to maintain the balance in nature. You're the same except for the last one. You don't seem to care about nature, only protecting your friends."
Bonnie ignored that too. It hit a little too close to home. She couldn't remember the last time she had used her magic the way it should be used. Both nature and the spirits had cut her off for her reckless use of the craft. It was how she had ended up using expression in the first place.
"Are we there yet?"
"Just about," Kol said and led her down an alley. "There is one thing Bennetts always have in common. They die young and violently protecting others, getting into fights that aren't theirs and martyring themselves. You'd do well do avoid that fate, little witch."
She stopped at the mouth of the alley. She hesitated scanning with her magic, checking for a trap. Kol turned around and waved her along. But she ignored him. She was on high alert. Kol's last statement had sounded like a threat to her and she wanted to know part of whatever creepy game he was playing. She was here to kill him, not play mind games. No matter what Klaus suggested.
"I'm not going into a dark alley with you."
Kol laughed. "Suit yourself."
He disappeared through a door. Readying her magic, Bonnie went closer. She saw a discrete sign outside so it was in fact a restaurant. She still didn't trust Kol and she kept her magic ready as she went inside.
Kol was waiting for her on the other side of the door. He grinned and chuckled when he saw her.
"Told you I had no nefarious motives in bringing you here."
"Can you blame me for distrusting you?"
"No, but I must confess it's getting tedious."
Bonnie rolled her eyes. She let her magic disperse back into the air harmlessly. It was expression magic, which meant it didn´t go quietly the way her own once had. It rippled and roiled in the air around her. It crackled and sparked, begging her to use it. Deep within her, she could feel that itch to give in and use it. She shoved it away.
The host appeared. He showed them to a table in the back. It was a booth and Bonnie sat down first. To her annoyance, Kol sat down next to her.
"You know there's another side of the table, right?"
"Is there?" he feigned shock.
"Shut up," she muttered under breath. She smiled and accepted the menu the waiter passed her. "Thank you."
Kol took his before turning to the waiter.
"Do you still serve treche leches cakes?" Kol asked.
"We haven't served those since my grandfather retired ten years ago," the waiter said with a startled look and Bonnie felt a tendril of magic in the air.
Surprised, she realized the waiter was a warlock.
"This is New Orleans," Kol said evenly. "Surely, you must serve treche leches?"
"No," the waiter repeated. "No one could master the recipe like my grandfather so we removed them from the menu. Now order or get out, bloodsucker."
Bonnie suppressed a smile. "You just make friends everywhere, don't you Kol?"
Kol rolled his eyes. "Relax," he said to the waiter. "I'm not with Marcel, we're just here to enjoy your lovely family restaurant."
"Make certain you stick to the menu," the warlock said in a way that was entirely too threatening.
"He will," Bonnie said quickly and kicked Kol under the table.
If he tried to eat anyone, she would set him on fire. Judging by the amused look he sent her, he knew that.
Kol settled for ordering a myriad of all of the items on the menu. They ordered drinks before the meal and Bonnie decided to go with a mojito. She assumed one drink, wouldn't kill her and to be honest, if she was going to have to deal with Kol for the entirety of the meal, she was going to need alcohol.
The waiter left and returned with their drinks. He shot one more threatening look at Kol before disappearing.
Kol chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Bonnie asked irritably.
"Him. With Marcel's order enforced on the witches and warlocks of New Orleans, there's nothing he can do to stop me yet he can't resist posturing."
"This isn't funny," Bonnie hissed. "Marcel is a creepy dictator and he needs to be stopped."
"You seemed to like him well enough," Kol sulked.
He sounded jealous and she rolled her eyes.
"I was playing a part, dummy."
Kol's expression. "Such as you are doing now?"
Bonnie had a sip of her mojito to hide her reaction. It was like her heart was going to jump out of her chest from pure fear.
"What are you talking about?"
Kol chuckled. "Don't play coy with me. I know you are here to kill me."
"I'm here to sort out my expression problem, remember?" Bonnie said and she hoped her voice wasn't as high as she thought it was.
"Liar," he leaned in to whisper in her ear.
Bonnie jumped back and readied her magic. It came easily to her. She could feel it gathering in her hands like a dark storm cloud.
"You don't know what you are talking about."
"I think I do. See I was wondering why you were surprised to see Marie Laveau if you came seeking a powerful witch. Then it hit me, you came seeking me, little witch. You're here to kill me for murdering your little friend," Kol said with an amicable chuckle.
Bonnie remained silent. It seemed like the smart move given her current predicament.
"Come now, I'm not going to kill you and you can't be surprised I worked it out, can you? It's not as if you hid your true feelings very well."
"Like you wouldn't have thought that was suspicious," Bonnie snorted. Her eyes narrowed. "So why aren't you trying to kill me back?"
"Because I presume since you have yet to strike or strike less lethally than I am sure you would like, you don't know how to kill me."
"I have an idea or two."
"I'm sure you do," he grinned. "That's what I like about you, Bon. You're resourceful and I think I have a better idea."
"A better idea than killing you? Do you even comprehend what you did to people I love?" Bonnie demanded in a hiss.
Kol cracked a smile. "So dramatic, little witch. Just hear me out, I think I know someone you would rather see dead."
"No, I really don't think you do," Bonnie said inching away.
He was an Original, if she was going to take him on, she would need her distance. He was faster than her, but at a distance, she could do as much damage as he could. Especially with her expression magic.
"Not even Nik?"
Bonnie gaped at him. "You want to kill your brother?"
"Yes."
Bonnie rolled her eyes. She was having the most incredible sense of DeJa'Vu.
"You know Elijah came to us with the exact same offer," she said with a hard look. "And then he betrayed us. So I'm not about to make the same mistake twice."
Kol chuckled. "Sounds like Elijah. He always was Nik's lapdog right from when we were children. Make no mistake, love I'm not Elijah. I want Nik dead and I'm thinking that will be easier with a witch in my corner."
"I'm not anyone's backup."
"Apologies, I meant no offence. However, if you pin down Nik, I can drive the white oak stake through his heart."
"Why shouldn't I run it through your heart afterwards?"
Now Kol laughed for real. He threw his head back and laughed.
"Oh, little witch. Small wonder I fancy you, you're bloodthirsty. I think we will make a wonderful team, what do you say? Let's do it together."
Bonnie thought it over. Her first instinct was to turn it down and tell Kol to go to hell. Unfortunately, if she wanted to find the stake and kill Kol for real, she needed to get close to him. This deal offered her both. A way close to Kol and a way to find the stake because Kol was literally going to use it in front of her.
And she suspected Klaus had done something to Caroline. If things went to plan, which they rarely did then well, she might just kill two birds with one stone.
"I accept on one condition."
"Name your price, little witch."
"Caroline stays out of it. I know she is with Klaus or something, but she doesn't get hurt no matter what."
He tilted his head to the side and studied her. "Why do you care so much about one baby vampire?"
"She's my friend. We grew up together."
"If the two of you are so close, why did you come on this revenge mission solo?"
"Because -" Bonnie faltered.
She had no real explanation. The simplest one was that she hadn't asked Caroline, but it ran deeper than that. She had known she couldn't count on Caroline for this. She knew her friend wouldn't go as far for Elena and Jeremy as she would.
Just as she was sure, if push came to shove, Caroline would leave Bonnie to Kol's mercy. Whereas Bonnie would give anything to save her friends.
"Ah, I see," Kol said slowly as if he really did understand. "Then you are in?"
"Sure, Klaus can go to hell," Bonnie agreed readily.
Perfect, she could take out Kol and Klaus too while she was at it. She was fairly sure Caroline stemmed from Rebekah's bloodline. As for Tyler, she thought he was dead. He had been missing for months and no tracking spell she had cast had been able to find him. It was just another reason the Originals needed to be stopped.
Rebekah, she would let live. As far as Bonnie could tell, Rebekah didn't have plans to murder anyone or dominate the world. Instead, she was travelling it with Matt. Giving him the summer of his dreams.
XXX
Kol noticed Bonnie was drinking alcohol around him freely. He supposed she had let her guard down, it seemed to him as if she had finally started to come around. He wasn't surprised, if she hated him, she must hate Klaus ten times as much. After all, he was the one that had first brought vampires and trouble back to Mystic Falls. Along with the Salvatores.
He wanted to warn her about what Marie was doing, but he didn't think that was wise. In a thousand years, he had learned to play things close to the chest and only reveal potentially valuable information when it was necessary. Once he was certain, he could trust Bonnie, he would mention the expression problem.
However, in the meantime, he would keep her away from Marie. With their new alliance, a genuine one this time around, he suspected that would be an easy feat.
Their food arrived and he grinned when he saw the shrimp wrapped in bacon. That was a delightful treat, he felt sure the little witch would enjoy.
"Try this," he said in seductive tones.
He held up a shrimp and fed it to her. He could tell she was tipsy, otherwise there was no doubt in his mind, Bonnie would never allow him to get this close. Allies or not.
Her lips grazed his fingers and his eyes darkened with desire. He felt his cock harden in response and he saw the way her eyes widened in shock when her lips connected with his finger. She blushed and it was delicious, he wanted to lick every inch of her body, find out if she blushed everywhere.
Bonnie was on her third mojito by the time their second course came. She looked at him with slightly unfocused eyes.
"Did you order everything on the menu?"
"Only the best items," Kol replied. He let his fingers trail along her shoulders and enjoyed the way goosebumps raised on her skin. "I thought you would enjoy the local cuisine; I know I do."
Bonnie snorted and he grinned, she was adorable when she was tipsy. She gave him a squinty-eyed stare that spoke volumes of her distrust. It seemed he was right, he still had a long way to go before she wanted anything to do with him. For now, they shared a common goal and that was a start.
XXX
"Tell me about my relatives. Did you know Emily?"
Bonnie plucked up the courage to ask because she was dying of curiosity. Her Grams had died three years ago and her cousin Lucy had dropped off the map. It was a long shot Kol would go into any specifics because he obviously didn't want to talk about her ancestors, but she wanted to know.
Kol was her one chance at learning about her family. The first one, she'd had in a long time since Stefan had disappeared and Damon had never cared about witches, so he knew nothing. Now that she had a chance to learn something from someone, who had probably been their friend, she found herself eager to know more.
"No," Kol said having a pull of his drink. He leaned back against the booth and he surveyed her. "I've encountered other relatives, but never Emily."
"Like who?"
"It was a long time ago, little witch."
"Why don't you want to talk about it?"
"There's not much to say, they were powerful women. Exceptional just as you are."
Bonnie rolled her eyes.
An hour later, Bonnie was leaving the restaurant with Kol. She was a little tipsy because she had a few drinks in order to keep up appearances. She was tripping in her heels. She wanted to kick herself for being so vulnerable. But she could feel her expression roaring inside of her. If push came to shove, she could still defend herself.
Her foot caught on a cobblestone and she stumbled. Kol caught her readily. He put his arm around her waist and his other hand caught her hand. He pulled her to him and she glared at him. He cracked a smile.
"What are you doing, Kol?"
"Mixing business with pleasure."
Bonnie stood transfixed. This was so much like her dreams she was starting to think it had been one of her psychic dreams. Kol moved closer his, his eyes were intense and his gaze landed on her lips.
In the next instant, his lips were on hers. An electric shock went through her and for a second, she imagined she would wake up from the dream. Only that never happened. Instead, she felt Kol draw her closer to him and his tongue traced the seam of her bottom lip. She gasped and he tried to take advantage of that gasp to deepen the kiss.
Bonnie saw red. She bit down his tongue. He cried out and jerked back. Her magic roared to life and she threw him into the wall. He hit the wall with a loud crack. He flashed forward, his black eyes flashing dangerously as he stalked toward her.
"Don't you ever do that again," Bonnie hissed.
"Frightened of your attraction to me, little witch?"
"No! Because there isn't one! I hate you! We are only allies because I hate Klaus more!"
"Pity," Kol replied with a dark expression.
Bonnie's hackles rose as she felt vampiric energy approaching. Just then, Kol's eyes went above her head. He must have heard them too.
"Marcel," she breathed.
Kol grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him before she even realized what had happened. That put her between him and the wall. For a moment, she was completely floored by his protective gesture. Especially, after she had just rejected and attacked him. Then she remembered, they were allies. Of course, he would protect her. At least until Klaus was dealt with.
In the next instant, Marcel had jumped off the roof of the nearest building. He landed in a crouch and rose to his feet slowly, dramatically. Following him were dozens and dozens of vampires. The alley was completely filled with them and she sensed several more prowling the rooftops above them.
Kol growled and she couldn't see his face, but she had a hunch his vampire face was out.
"I thought I warned you and your witch about using magic in my quarter," Marcel said in silky smooth yet lethal tones.
"I don't answer to you," Bonnie growled.
"No, she doesn't," Kol chimed in. His voice was chipper, but his posture was tense. "And I thought I warned you about what would happen if you threatened her again."
Bonnie shot him a look of surprise, but at least he hadn't been stupid enough to call her 'his witch'.
"You mean like I warned you this time there would be consequences. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid your girl has to go."
"Oh my," Kol chuckled. He tossed an arrogant look back at Bonnie. "I don't think he knows, who you are. Care to enlighten him love?"
Bonnie smirked mirroring Kol's expression without being aware of it.
"I'm Bonnie Bennett."
Marcel showed no signs of recognizing her family name. Bonnie had to admit, she was a little disappointed. Ordinarily, her last name garnered a big reaction and some awe. She was surprised to discover she had grown accustomed to it. She liked to think of herself as a fairly humble person, which apparently, she wasn´t.
"Kill her," Marcel said almost lazily.
That infuriated Bonnie. He was talking about killing her for disobeying him - a self-appointed king. And he had the nerve to be lazy about it. Her expression roared to life and she readied herself for a fight.
At Marcel's command hundreds of vampires swarmed the alley. They seemed to come from every direction, above, right, left and center. Kol pushed her further behind him and stayed right in front of her.
Tactically, it was their best chance at defending themselves. She needed distance to be at her best and Kol like most was at his best up close and personal. This way, he kept her out of the fray and it forced the vampires to come at both of them at the same time.
Except, the attacking vampires were leery as they came at them. They seemed to hold back afraid to get too close.
Smart, Bonnie noted with an evil smile.
With a wave of her hand, the vampires were on fire. The sounds of their screams made her smile. The vampires on fire scattered and ran. A few ran into other vampires, who were crowding in behind them. They were promptly set on fire and their screams joined their allies, mingling into a horrifying chorus that echoed throughout the alley.
Any vampire that made the mistake of getting within reach of Kol promptly had his heart torn out courtesy of Kol's Original speed and strength. Bonnie had never before seen him fully unleash his powers and it was in all honesty, terrifying.
Bonnie tried to block out the sight of Kol fighting. Instead, she kept her mind on what she needed to do. The vampires were starting to get past Kol thanks to sheer numbers. She threw two into a wall.
They kept coming and she drew on the expression inside of her. It roared to life and she could feel the magic's excitement at being let loose. This fight was exactly what she had been craving for weeks. That itch she couldn't scratch.
Bonnie kept throwing vampires every, which way. Setting others on fire. It felt incredible. She could not remember the last time she felt so alive and she reveled in her power.
Why didn't she do this more often?
Just let loose?
The power kept going and it was nowhere near her limits. She could have continued to fight for hours. From behind her a vampire jumped down from the roof. He landed in a crouch and she turned around to use her magic on him. But he was too fast. There were too many of them.
In the next instant, his fangs were in her throat. She screamed and the pain was searing.
Bonnie raised her hand and magic flowed out of her. The aneurism sent him down to his knees and she smirked. With her other hand, she kept the others at bay and she could feel the skin on her throat knitting back together. Incredibly, she was healing.
Damn, expression was something else.
What happened next was a bit of a blur. She felt a burning pain. It was as if her neck was on fire. Her vision started to go hazy and she felt herself sink to her knees. It was like her soul was being ripped out of her.
Black spots danced before her eyes.
When Bonnie came to again, she saw the alley was littered with dead bodies. The only ones left standing was Kol and Marcel, who stayed on the outskirts of the alley.
Coward.
Marcel was perfectly content to let his boys take the risk while he himself stayed at a safe distance.
Bonnie was amazed when Kol lifted her into his arms. He held her carefully and he turned her face into his chest to rest against him. She let her eyes drift closed and she tried to block out the ice-cold feeling running through her body. It was like going to sleep in a blizzard.
When Bonnie had pictured death, she had imagined searing pain, blinding pain and a hundred other horrible variations of pain. The one thing she had never pictured was that it was cold.
She opened her eyes just in time to see Kol had stopped in front of Marcel.
"Cheer up, mate. I'm certain you must still have other vampires left," Kol said and she could hear the smile in his voice.
"If you're going to kill me, just get it over with."
"Now why would I do that? You have history with my family and for that reason alone, I'm letting you live. But next time? I'll kill all of your men and you. See you at the masquerade."
Bonnie closed her eyes as Kol carried her away. She knew why he hadn't killed Marcel yet. First, they needed to find out how he was controlling the witches in case the spell stayed in place after his death.
"Klaus should have killed you a long time ago," Marcel muttered.
"The feeling is mutual. Now bite your tongue or I will rectify my brother's mistake."
Bonnie bit down on a smile when she heard Kol's taunt. She couldn't help herself although she ordinarily considered herself above petty taunts and mocking. After all, she wasn't Damon.
Her eyes drifted closed and she didn't wake again until she heard the sound of a hotel key in a lock. She blinked and forced her eyes open even though they felt as if they had been glued shut. Glancing around the hallway before the door opened, she realized with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Kol hadn't taken her back to her room.
By the time, he lowered her gently onto his bed, she knew without a doubt this was his hotel room. But the bite had weakened her too much to argue. So when Kol's vampire face appeared the most fight she could muster was a low whimper and close her eyes.
Something wet and warm was pressed against her lips. Kol's hand was behind her head, supporting her. She could feel the weight of him as he sat on the bed next to her as well as the crackling energy that accompanied his aura.
"Drink, little witch."
Bonnie whimpered again. She was cold, so cold without the warmth from Kol's body. A shiver racked through her.
Forcibly, Kol pressed his wrist between her lips. Slowly, his blood trickled into her mouth and she swallowed. It was hot and metallic. She could taste his power along with it. His blood was as ancient and powerful as he was. Drop by drop, her strength returned to her and she felt her body warm.
Kol pulled his wrist away and she grabbed at him. He bit into his wrist again placed it back to her lips. His blood should have been disgusting, instead it was anything but. It tasted rich and smooth no different than melted chocolate. There was power in it too along with strength of centuries.
Bonnie pulled away and her head was spinning. Her whole body felt boneless and relaxed. She sighed and fell back against the pillows. Kol lay down next to her and she normally would have minded, but after the taste of his blood, she barely noticed. She was riding high and she grinned.
Was this what being on drugs felt like? If so, small wonder Jeremy was constantly high.
"It's a rush, isn't it, little witch?"
Bonnie sighed once more in content and nodded.
XXX
Katherine had a hell of a time getting away from Elijah in order to take Marcel's call on her burner cell. She kept it stashed at the bottom of her purse in a makeup kit on silent, but she happened to check and saw it was ringing.
In the end, she sent Elijah on a cappuccino run and ran to the bathroom, quickly calling Marcel back.
"Baby girl," Marcel said, but his voice lacked its usual seductive undertone. Something was wrong and Katherine tensed. "You picked a bad time to be away from your phone."
"I only have two minutes and if you want this to work, you're going to have to deal with it."
"Kol's witch was acting up."
"I'm assuming you didn't let it slide," Katherine said with a heavy sigh. She had warned Marcel to leave Kol and his witch alone. She knew from past experience how territorial he could be and the last thing they needed was Kol interfering in their plans. "What happened?"
"She kicked our asses," Marcel said honestly. "Powerful girl. Said her name was Bonnie Bennett."
Katherine exhaled in shock. That was bad. And Lucy no longer owed her a debt. Without Lucy there was no way to reign Bonnie back in. Especially not now that she was hopped up on expression magic.
"I think I have a plan," Katherine purred as the idea came to her in a lightning bolt of inspiration. "Because there is no way that girl is with Kol for real. Mark my words she is after him and possibly Klaus as well."
"I'm all ears, baby girl," Marcel said in smooth tones.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Hope you like it!
Izzy