AN: Kol recruits a reluctant Toni, whose heritage makes her a target for more foes than just Kai.
Elena rejoices over her miracle baby, and a drunken Damon reveals some harsh truths regarding his emotions.
Enter Toni Topaz and some background on The Summit, next chapter we will meet her MIA sisters.
Songs for this chapter:
Counting Stars -by One Republic
Come and Get It -by Selena Gomez
Diamonds -by Rihanna
Towards the end of this chapter is an ode to my high school crush, who neither knew nor cared that I existed until after I'd moved on with my life. Easily the most beautiful male I'd ever seen in my actual life.
Bonnie and Elena's POV
Bonnie waited until her girls arrived to return Davina's call. When Caroline and Elena arrived, she found she had to invite them into her home again; the dust Kol had given her acted as a barrier until the invitation was extended.
"Get in here," Bonnie ushered them inside, before throwing a glance around outside and shutting the door.
"Ok but honestly look at this, Bonnie," Caroline yanked Elena's top up.
"Ow, careful with the tits! They're sensitive," Elena exclaimed as she slapped Caroline's hands.
"Oh, show her the cleavage too!"
Elena sighed and she figured she should just take off her shirt. Resting her shirt on her breasts was too uncomfortable. She stood there in a sports bra -because squeezing into her regular bra was not happening that day- and smoothed her hand over her usually flat stomach that had a slight bulge around the belly area.
"Wow, you are growing," Bonnie marveled. "When did you notice this?"
"Last night, when the storm started. I was with Liam and I got really nauseous. And then I lost my dinner. Do you think it's because you and Kol…"
"I don't know, I mean I get the weather but if it's going to affect you all, wouldn't Caroline be pregnant too?" Bonnie wondered aloud. "And why do you feel the symptoms but no heartbeat? Wouldn't there be a heartbeat if you're starting to show?"
"She was thinking maybe not because it's a vampire baby, maybe there's no heartbeat," Caroline suggested.
Bonnie face-palmed. "Caroline, there is no such thing as a vampire baby!"
"There was in Twilight! Bella had a half-human and half-vampire baby with Edward because she was human when she conceived their baby."
"And her pregnancy was accelerated," Elena added. "As soon as she was pregnant, she was showing. Hello?!" She gestured to her stomach. "I'm a vampire, my baby daddy is a human, and we just made our baby two nights ago. Bonnie, I am having a Twilight, miracle baby! There's no other explanation!"
Elena felt bad that Bonnie finally consummated her relationship with her soulmate, yet Elena was the one who had a product of love. Ok, maybe not love, but primal passion that she hadn't felt in years. But either way, this was her baby and whether or not things worked out with Liam, she would see this through. Her child would be as loved as her parents made her feel, and Elena would always protect him. She felt it was a boy, she would call him little Grayson, after her father.
With Elena being so excited over this strange pregnancy, Bonnie couldn't help but to be happy for her friend as well. She pulled her in for a hug. "Congratulations," she said, laughing in awe.
"Oh, ow! Watch the boobies," Elena winced as she pulled back.
"Sorry. I wish there was a spell I could do to see how this is possible. But my magic,"
"Right, what's wrong with your magic?" Caroline asked.
"Watch this. Incendia! " Bonnie gestured to candles in her living room and nothing happened. " Motus! " Still, nothing. "And I got a call from Davina Claire. Listen to this," Bonnie said before she played the voicemail.
"What the hell is going on?" Her blonde friend wailed. "And why do the heretics still have their magic?"
"The heretics have their magic still?" Care and Elena nodded. "They're siphons. That means that…"
Elena's eyes bulged in alarm. Siphons still had access to their magic. Kai Parker had access to his magic! Nothing about that was ok.
Stefan's POV
"I'm just saying, I'd make a great mother. I mean considering who my mom was?" Caroline raised her brows expectantly.
"I know you would, and she'd be absolutely fucking proud," Stefan said, pulling her closer. Caroline pouted. "In fact, why don't we practice the act of making babies until one day, we get tired of all this and find the cure. Then, boom, first try as humans, you'll be carrying my baby."
Caroline giggled against his lips. "What if it takes more than one try?"
"Mmm, you know I never miss,"
"Mhmm, so I'll hold you to that," she tilted her head up and kissed him. Every kiss with Caroline always incited his arousal. It was likely because she was a passionate kisser and Stefan was a passionate person. Now that they were finally together, he couldn't get enough of her. As he pushed her up against his Porshe outside of the boarding house, both of their heads turned towards his home when they heard Damon going off on Bonnie.
"What the hell?!" Caroline groaned as she marched toward the front door with Stefan following close behind.
Damon's POV
Damon's day could absolutely not get any worse. Being betrayed by Lily and her band of heretics, then he was stuck at home because of the storm, having to listen to Stefan and Caroline go at it for hours last night, and today he comes to find out witch magic is on the fritz, only the heretics still had their power, and were abusing it now that the Originals had left town. Fucking convenient.
According to Caroline, most of this was because Bonnie finally decided to give up the goods. Even if he hadn't caught wind of that, he detected the altered scent that was Bonnie's before she even came through the door. She even looked different, more glowy and cheery than he'd seen her in a long time. The sight was beautiful, but jealousy and envy reigned his emotions so powerfully that the beauty of her new glow sickened him.
"Hey," she said tapping his shoulder as she walked up. He jerked his shoulder away.
Bonnie frowned. "What's wrong with you?"
"You bring the sage?"
"Yes," Bonnie said slowly, eyeing him curiously. "And I was going to try a cloaking spell so Kai can't track me, but that's off the table now. Will you do the honors and be my puny human's self bodyguard?"
"What's in it for me?" He asked, with a stone face.
"Ahh, well I have a gift for you. Guess what Kol gave me?"
Fuck. It's like she was setting him up to lash out at her with her fucking rainbow parade of everything in life is swell now that she has a sex life with Kol. Damon gritted his teeth and snapped, "I don't have to guess, I can smell him all over you,"
Taken aback, Bonnie dropped her mouth open. "Damon, I don't know why-"
Damon stalked up to lean into her face.
"I don't know why either, Bonnie. I don't know why I fucking bother with you. Am I just that convenient to you?"
She looked behind him and saw that there were two bottles of bourbon, one completely empty, and the second was nearly gone as well.
"You're drunk," she scoffed.
"So what if I am. It doesn't blind me to the truth. I'm just an emotional booty call for you, which is a new low for Damon Salvatore, by the way, and now that you have an actual dick to ride on, you fucking-"
Bonnie shuddered and slapped his cheek, so fast he didn't see it coming. "Don't you ever speak to me that way!"
Damon grabbed her shoulders and glowered his wild blue eyes at her. "Admit it," he hissed.
Bonnie shook herself free of his hold. "You're supposed to be my friend! Instead, you're being an asshole. Some friend you are! Here. Here's some magic dust for your door to keep you safe, not that you appreciate it!"
She ran out of the front door in tears, rushing past Stefan and Caroline as they walked in. Caroline scowled at Damon, shaking her head in indignation.
"You just can't help yourself, can you?" She flashed out after Bonnie.
"BONNIE!" Damon wiped his hands over his face, stretching his skin, before he grabbed the empty bottle and shattered it against the wall.
"Real smooth, Damon. You have no right to judge her for shit that's her business," Stefan called as he approached his brother.
"Yeah, make me out to be the fucking bad guy here. I don't lead people on and then treat them like they don't mean shit to me,"
"First of all, that's exactly what you do and that's why Caroline only tolerates you," his little brother explained. "And second, you put yourself in these situations, going after another man's girl, except what the fuck are you talking about? I've never known Bonnie to lead you on, not once."
"I had her Stefan! In the prison world. Right before that little prick showed up and ruined everything. We had a moment, we kissed. It was passion, it was everything and now it's fucking gone."
As much as he'd tried to prepare himself that Bonnie was back with Kol, it was easier said than done. His feelings would not, could not just automatically vanish.
"Damon," Stefan said softly. "She loves him,"
"But I love her. I can't stop,"
"You need to focus. What are we going to do about our mother?" Stefan reminded him.
Bonnie's POV
"Damon's an asshole. We all know that," Elena said, dipping another handful of fries into her milkshake, before popping it into her mouth. She pointed to Bonnie's carton of fries. "You gonna finish that?" She asked with a mouthful of fries.
Bonnie handed over her fries and sighed. "And then last summer was spent with him getting drunk off his ass, and I had to be there for him. If anything I was his emotional support, but do I get any recognition for that? I mean yeah, he was there when I was the anchor, but I specifically asked for alone time. It's not my fault if he didn't listen! And now that Lily's back, I bet he's gonna-"
"Ok, I'm going to stop you right there, Bon. These hormones are testing my patience as much as Damon does so I'm just going to give it to you straight." Elena sighed deeply. "Damon Salvatore is not your responsibility, in fact, he's not even Stefan's responsibility. Of course, they won't listen to me, but that's because men are unreasonable, especially vampire men. Yeah, he's been there for you, but he's also been there for himself. He's so attached to you, he can't be just friends with you. He never will be your friend, he's stuck in love with you, and he's not going to just get over you, now that Kol's back in the picture. He didn't invest nearly three years of his time in you for you to just go running back to your literal soulmate. He doesn't care about that, his emotions cloud his better judgment. He's hurt. And what does he do when he's hurt?"
"Lay in the street like a drama queen so he can slaughter the first poor fool who takes mercy on him, the way his feelings have been slaughtered," Bonnie had to admit.
"Exactly because that's what Damon does. Because he is Damon! And that is not your fault, so don't you dare blame yourself for the way he chooses to react! That's his problem. You're a good friend because you care so much, but Damon…" her vampire's face flickered as anger seeped in. She squeezed the burger she'd picked up. "In fact, why don't you let me go talk to him, I'll-"
"Whoa, Elena. It's fine, why don't we just give him some time. I'm sure the whole Lily thing isn't helping,"
Bonnie didn't want to admit she felt guilty since she let Lily and her friends out, she had a feeling that would once again spark Elena's hormonal rage. "But this is for you, and your baby daddy," she said, handing her a small pouch. Kol gave it to me before he left."
Intrigued as Elena picked up on the scent of it, she asked, "What is it? Why does it smell so good?"
"I don't know but he said putting it in front of the doorway will protect our homes,"
Last night
After reclaiming his jeans and wrapping Bonnie inside his leather jacket, Kol began to lead her inside when something caught his attention. He stopped at the entrance. "Wait here, love," he zipped to the front gate. Outside of it was a small dune of fine, red sand.
He zipped to the front door, only to be halted by an invitation barrier. "What is this?"
"Oh, sorry. Kol, won't you please come in? This is my home," the bashful and innocent way she acted despite the things they just did, spurred his desire once again. He entered his former home and took Bonnie to his former room, only remembering when his little witch slumbered to collect that which he had found.
One week later
Kol and Toni's POV
They locked eyes before she broke his gaze and started over to the bar. He watched as she sauntered up to the counter and waved down the bartender. No doubt she was going to order one of her signature drinks she ordered during his observations. She reminded him of the Bennett witch, only slightly taller in stature with hazel eyes instead of green, the witch had sable tresses in a short bob, Toni had rose gold beach waves cascading down near to her waist. Although he could tell she was no witch, there was definitely a supernatural aura about her. She was more than human, something ancient he could smell in her blood and her aura, and he still didn't know if being supernatural, she'd be able to be compelled. Her supernatural side was likely suppressed but he could fix that.
He slid up to the bar next to Toni and ordered the same drink, a Sex on the Beach, avoiding her gaze when she looked over at him.
"What's your game, Hitchcock? Or is this some weird coincidence?" She mused at what she perceived as his lame attempt to get her attention.
"I beg your pardon?" He feigned innocence.
"Oh the innocent act, really? Like you weren't eye fucking me across the room from the moment I walked in here. And now you've taken the very seat next to me, and you also ordered the same drink as me."
"I'm merely enjoying a drink. I attribute it to pure coincidence that we happen to fancy the same tastes," He delighted as he tasted the drink for the first time in his existence. "I'm impressed, you've got quite the tastes for fine spirits."
"Yeah and I'm Beyoncé." She stated sardonically.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Beyoncé. I'm Kol." He raised his glass. "Now, are you going to tell me your real name so we can discuss why we are here?"
Toni frowned. "Well Hitchcock-I mean Kol, I don't know about you but I was really just trying to enjoy a drink and maybe get lucky tonight but without the creep factor. So I'm gonna go… that way,"
"Getting inebriated beyond comprehension and picking up strangers in bars for the past seven days, you really find solace in that? I may have misjudged you.."
She scoffed. She looked equally annoyed as well as alarmed at the revelation that he'd been tailing her.
"You fucking- you're misjudging me now! And why the hell are you following me?"
Kol smirked and said nothing, enjoying the fact that he was already getting under her skin. He liked them feisty.
"You've really been watching me?" She whispered.
Kol nodded.
"For how long?"
"For seven days, Toni. As I've stated. Keep up!"
She took a breath and rolled her eyes. "Ok, so you're coming off real old school and judgey so I'm going to say goodnight and hopefully you don't follow me. I've had enough weirdos lately. Word of advice, if you wanna hang with me, you need to drop the creepy stalker act. Creep," She muttered under her breath before she turned to go and at that moment she realized everyone in the entire establishment was shuffling out the door.
"Right on time, lovely. Sit down darling, we now have a private moment to hang ." Kol spoke a calm but steely order. She immediately obeyed, intrigued and dazed.
"On..time? Everyone is gone," he nodded expectantly. "How did you know? How did you do that?" She looked to her drink and furrowed her brows. "Did you put something in my drink or am I trippin?" Her eyes widened in horror. "Oh my God, you're here to kill me!" She whispered and shrank back in horror.
"I assure you, your drink was not tampered with and I will not harm you, as long as you do as I say. I mean to have you as an ally. Before you walked in here, I'd compelled everyone in the bar to leave at the stroke of midnight so we may discuss matters in private."
"An ally for what? You just hypnotized everyone! You're fucking psycho or inhuman and I don't have time for this shit!"
Kol knew she was playing coy, she knew he meant for something supernatural, just what, he was sure she didn't quite understand. His eyes gleamed something thoughtful and maybe evil for just a second before they turned business-like. The look in her eyes told him she was equal parts intrigued and terrified.
"Right as you may be about the psychotic part, I also happen to know what you are Toni, darling."
"Holy shit, you really are a stalker," she sighed.
"You are the only person I've met who couldn't be drained by a siphon witch. I am an Original Vampire and I can't be killed, trust me. I'm on your side," At the mention of siphon witch Toni recoiled, furiously shaking her head.
"No Hitch, I can't, I don't even know what I am! I can't be your ally. He'll KILL me!"
Clearly, she was terrified. That was good, he needed her terrified just enough to be angry and seek out retribution. But time was wasting.
She moved to get up but he gripped her arm gently, using impossible strength so that she couldn't free herself from his grasp. He rolled his eyes. "My name is Kol darling and rest assured, I'll kill you myself if you refuse or fail to be of assistance. But you have my word, no harm shall come to you so long as you heed my instructions exactly." he hissed and black veins swirled under his eyes.
Toni shrieked and at that instant all of the bottles on the shelf busted. Finally! Kol instinctively shielded her with his body. They were crouched down a moment until the rainfall of glass subsided. As they rose, he inspected her to see if she was ok. His vampire visage had disappeared. "Are you alright?"
She nodded. "I'm fine. But sorry, that happens sometimes when I'm in trouble. I know you," He smirked at how she never wanted to appear vulnerable, just like him. And just like his brave little witch. Except he wasn't sure where she knew him from and Kol was sure she was mistaking him for someone else.
"I don't believe we've ever met before, darling, and I didn't mean to frighten you but I had to make you use your power. I have gathered through my observations that you're more powerful than you can imagine. It's how I'm confident you will make an advantageous ally and a formidable opponent." He reminded her he is indestructible and they have a common enemy.
"No, I know you! And I'm sorry, Kol, I don't even know how to use my powers, much less where they come from. It's only ever happened with the siphon and once, a few years ago."
"How did your powers manifest that long ago?"
"Something scared me. I was at a hotel in New Orleans with my girlfriend and we had just booked a room at the Bourbon. We were taking the elevator up to our room and a guy and girl appeared out of nowhere. It was you! You made that face and scared us shitless."
"I vaguely remember that. Many apologies, darling but I don't think your power manifested then. It was my beloved still getting a hold on her use of magic." Kol remembered that night in New Orleans as his first and, at the time, only intimate night with Bonnie. Oddly enough, one of his last nights with her.
"It was me, Kol. I can't explain it but I felt it. And outside I broke a streetlamp because I was so on edge. Do vampires have magic?"
"No, but I used to be a witch, or warlock if you will. Witch magic is harnessed by the balance of nature and it's what created my immortality, my vampirism. Your magic, however, is fae and it just is and it comes out through your emotions. No nature or expression to channel it, it has existed for eons when succubi roamed. It can't be siphoned but it is like a battery that keeps you going so long as you utilize it. Otherwise, your magic will be finite."
She glared at him.
"Fae, like a fairy? You fucking serious, what makes you think I want it? All it does is seem to attract anyone who's magical and crazy!"
"Toni, darling, you have to use it. I can show you how to control it and utilize it. You'll be hunted down and slaughtered for your magic if you don't. Why do you think the siphon was after you?"
Everything Davina told him began to make too much sense. As the harvest witch, she had a deeper knowledge of the supernatural, which included contacts for every faction of the summit, for peace talks. She was the one who told him of a halfling, otherwise, he would have had to travel to California and lure someone with fae blood out. Luckily there was Toni, and apparently, they'd crossed paths before. It seemed another twist of fate. The power that Kai Parker was trying to access and harness for Bonnie was the power of the fae, which he'd found in Toni. Except Kai was never supposed to rise to power with how volatile and reckless he was. He couldn't be trusted with that knowledge and his witch contacts wouldn't give him any information on anything related to the fae. Kai just thought she was a special kind of witch, but he'd left a bloody trail in his path when witches would refuse to reveal any information he requested.
Toni just stared at Kol, feeling overwhelmed, he guessed. He tried again. "I understand you've had an ordeal with the siphon and you probably want to put it all behind you. Kai isn't the only one you have to worry about. And with him on this plane of existence, you aren't safe, and there are others unsafe from him as well. There are also things you don't know, Toni, about your heritage. I can help you with that."
"I'm sorry Kol," she sighed softly.
"It's better if you come willingly darling, I can make you agreeable but I'd rather you come of your own accord." Kol was growing impatient.
"How?" Toni pressed. "If I'm in for the fight of my life, I need some encouragement."
"Actually," he gripped her arms and she shuddered. "Do not fear me, Toni." His pupils widened in compulsion and he heard her breathe a sigh of relief and his vampire senses heard her heartbeat steady. "Tell me what Kai did to you, darling."
In a trance Toni murmured, "He seduced me and he attacked me, trying to access my power. Every time he hurt me, my magic would spark and he couldn't absorb it. It made him violent. He killed my fiancee." She pulled her shirt to the side to reveal scars on her collarbone.
Kol released her from his compulsion. "The reprehensible wanker will pay dearly for his crimes, Toni. Take comfort in that knowledge. Your beloved's death will not be in vain."
"Oh my god. Kol how did you-? I'm scared, Kol. But you can take that away?" She looked at him, her eyes pleading. "The mind thing, you can erase my fear! That's the only way I can face him. Please take it away," she implored.
"I can't compel you for that, Toni, not yet. You need your fear of the siphon to help channel your powers. Your emotions are your power. I can help you control it." He tried but she looked panicked again, as if his compulsion wore off.
"No, I'm sorry, I can't! I don't want to, I can't even-" Kol's face started writhing with black veins, his patience just about gone. He shook it off and stared into her eyes, pupils widening again.
"Be still."
She stilled, gazing into his eyes with empty, receptive eyes.
"Toni from this day forward you will pledge your eternal loyalty to me. You will be my right hand, my second in command, and answer to me, while I, in turn, help you harness your fae powers and offer you protection."
He surmised that she may only serve as a means to an end in order to dispatch Kai. Bonnie wouldn't be happy about that, putting more people in danger in order to save her from Kai's juvenile but very potent obsession. It was decidedly for the best as Toni would be the distraction needed to help take that siphon prick out. His obsession with Bonnie might only be trumped by his obsession to tap into a source of new power. No doubt he'd be doing his homework on how to access the power of the fae once he found out what she was and would be scheming up ways to commission Bonnie to be by his side.
Kol thought it sickening and also amusing that Kai had found Toni who bore so many similarities to his little witch. Both petite, caramel beauties, coming from a lineage of great power, both fiercely loyal to their own detriment. That was where the similarities ended because Bonnie was more chaste and didn't thrive on chaos, she only fought when necessary. His innocent reserved little witch, how he couldn't wait to get back to her. In contrast, Toni was all too happy to work her seductive charm on Kai after a wild night of debauchery. Kai wanted to corrupt the incorruptible so he chased after Bonnie's innocence.
Kol brushed his shoulders off as Toni blinked back to reality. He stepped off the platform the bar was on and held out a hand for Toni to join him. "Now that we're allies, I have someone I'd like you to meet, another young lady who was also tormented by Kai. Come now, we have a long journey ahead."
Toni sighed and reluctantly took his hand and let him lead her out of the bar, her newfound loyalty trumping over any objections she may have had, thanks to his compulsion. "You could have just said girl in trouble. We're not off to a room, I'm guessing. So much for getting lucky." She pouted. "You know you could've at least bought me a drink before you let me down."
"Many apologies love, I can rectify that when we reach our destination. As for leaving together not turning out how you imagined, I am not blind to your beauty, however, I am indeed quite spoken for." He smiled at the thought of Bonnie's possessiveness over him. "If you like, later I can compel someone to sate your carnal appetite."
She glared at him. "I don't need help getting laid, especially from your ancient ass."
"Are you certain about that? Your tastes nearly cost you your pretty little head recently."
"I blame it on the rebound. And the alcohol. Trust me it's not a usual habit but I am officially back on the market now so.." Her voice trailed off.
"You and my little love have a lot in common. Rare beauties, petite but packs quite the powerful punch, and imbued with an extraordinary amount of power. Save for your pursuit of inebriated carnal pleasure-seeking, of course."
Toni rolled her eyes. She could do without his vampy judgments. Surely a vampire who was as old as his ancient ass seemed to be could understand the need for a drunken hookup. Especially since her last one was a major bust. "We're going to meet her."
Toni swirled a finger in the air. "Yippee," she said, making no effort to conceal her lack of enthusiasm.
"So tell me about the faeries." She said as they got into his car.
Toni's POV
Toni was overwhelmed with information during the week she spent with Kol. There was a whole ass supernatural committee governing all the things that went bump in the night. It had a leader from each group of supernatural species that formed the Supernatural Lords. The Fae Lumierary, the Werewolf High Alpha, the Witch Regent, the Voodoo Queen, and the Vampire King. There was division among the group, with the faeries usually allying themselves with the werewolves, the witches with the voodoo conjurers. They all had tensions with the vampires but Kol supposed witches would be the closest allies of vampires, as the witch magic was what created vampires and werewolves were a natural enemy to vampires. The group would congregate once every five centuries at a meeting called The Summit, unless there was a topic of dire importance that needed to be deliberated or a supernatural trial.
Kol explained that his oldest living brother was on the board of committees, so to speak. Elijah Mikaelson was the spokesperson for all vampires, he was the Vampire King. Each faction governed themselves, with no intervention from the other factions, until each Summit, which was an opportunity to air out any tensions between groups, with the fae having the final say if agreements couldn't be made.
"And Elijah keeps all the vampires in check?" she asked one night as she was checking into her hotel room.
"In verity, no. There's hardly a need for that as most vampires keep their affairs amongst themselves unless they're plotting to take down an Original, Original Hybrid, or what have you," he explained.
Toni scoffed. "I'm on the wrong damn team if you can't even check your vampires," she muttered. "There's no code?"
"Let's see, shall we?" Kol said, rubbing his chin as if deep in thought. "Ahh, yes. The vampire code is, never cross an Original, kill or be killed, unless you're facing an Original, then you can die or spend centuries hiding away in shame. Does that paint a clear enough picture for you?"
He was annoyingly crass and crude with the sarcastic way he said things. From what he said about his girlfriend, she seemed like a very sweet girl. Why did all the good girls like assholes? Then again, Toni wasn't immune to the charm. Cheryl was her favorite asshole in the world.
She slammed the hotel door in his face.
On the way back to Mystic Falls, Kol taught her how to harness her magic through her emotions as well as training her to fight with and without magic. Her tutelage also included lessons on her fae heritage. In addition to learning that faerie magic was the most ancient magic in existence and that the fae were the original regulators of supernatural affairs, she was also told that there was a war amongst the first generation of vampires- sired by Originals themselves- and the royal faerie clan. As a result, the fae severed ties with witches since witch magic created vampires. The witches were deemed servants of nature, able to continue to practice their craft and keep the balance of nature as punishment for creating vampires. They largely coexisted as rivals who steered clear of each other, the fae territory encompassing all of what is now California, witch and voodoo territory in Louisiana, largely in the heart of New Orleans, with the vampire population as well as wolves were spread out globally, save for California. Only the leaders in the witch community were given information on fae contacts, which was why and how Davina linked Kol to Toni. The Witch Regent of New Orleans also had the fae knowledge, only she was murdered by Parker for not disclosing information. A commencement to appoint a new Regent was in place. Kai as a coven leader was not permitted the information because he was, well, Kai.
"So what would happen if a vampire entered California?" Toni asked while they were sparring in the woods on the fifth day of their travels.
"The vampire would be incinerated with fae light. Faeries do not need stakes to kill vampires, their light burns as bright as the sun. Step back and give me a roundhouse kick, try to land it this time." Kol ordered.
"No vampire reflexes, Kai's not going to use that on me."
He nodded as Toni stepped back, rushed him, and gave a kick with her right leg, and then her left one spinning. He landed on the ground.
"Good but you can be quicker. Again!" Kol called as he got up.
"What about you or your siblings? Can faeries kill Originals?" She said as she attacked and threw in an extra kick. Kol grabbed her leg.
"Spontaneous, that's good too. Go for the unexpected. Except I've caught you. Why the question darling, are you looking for a way to kill me? I thought we were allies, Toni." He taunted as he held her leg.
He kept making her feel inadequate like she didn't already know how to defend herself. Granted Kai was a more formidable opponent but still. She had defended herself and the Serpents long before her life became this complicated. She used her other leg to jump up suddenly and kick his face with a tiny magic boost.
"Ugh!" Kol yelled as he released her leg and stumbled back.
"Is that spontaneous enough? Or are you just letting me kick your ass, ally ?"
It felt good to be the one taunting this time. Kol shot his legs out and hopped up, grabbing Toni's throat. "As Originals, we are the ambassadors of all vampire affairs. And we did not incite nor participate in the faerie wars, so the fae would be willing to hear us out before they would attempt to incinerate us."
She thrust his arm up and sent him reeling with a punch.
"So they don't need a white oak stake to take you out?"
"Better focus your sights on the siphon. You can't kill me or my siblings, I've already compelled your loyalty. You've done well," Kol said as he appeared next to her and threw her a few feet.
"Ow! What the hell!" Toni yelled. "If you wanted any real friends you wouldn't have to compel them, you ass!" She climbed to her feet. "I think we're good for today."
"Clearly, you're not ready," he rushed to her and was consequently blasted by her light shooting from her hands.
"I think I'm good, Kol." She smirked as Kol attempted to get to his feet.
"If you insist. Are you going to heal me?" Toni rolled her eyes and placed her hand on his shoulder, harnessing her healing powers the way he'd taught her. "Shall we then, to dinner?" Kol walked over to where their cellphones, sunglasses, and wallets were resting and pocketed his items, handing Toni hers.
Toni put her sunglasses on and they walked back to Kol's car.
"My life is never going to be the same, is it?" She looked up at him as they walked.
"You'll get used to it." Kol replied nonchalantly.
She scowled. "Easy for you to say, you've had a thousand years to adjust and get used to it! In case you forgot, I'm human Kol, I'm-"
She was cut off by Kol's remark. "Half-human, half-fae. The fae in you will keep you alive as long as you wish to extend your life. You may have a thousand years if you wish to. Get in." He added when she stopped at the car to gape at his audacity.
"I like being human! It means my life means something and I've already lost Cheryl, I still don't know what happened to Archie, my faerie sisters appeared out of nowhere, now they're fucking awol. I don't want this Kol, I can't go a thousand years outliving all my loved ones." A hint of a tear appeared in the outer corner of her hazel eye as she slumped into the passenger seat.
Kol started the car but before he put it in drive, he eyed Toni closely.
"Don't go bloody soft on me, Toni. I need you strong." Kol tentatively said.
"I'm trying! But this is overwhelming. The past five days have been soooo overwhelming and I don't have anyone, Kol! Just you but you're old as dirt! You're no fun, fucking bossy and rude, and I'm going to be alone forever and I can't even be with my guys anymore! I can't go home, the fae will probably kill me for even hanging out with you, I'm-"
She couldn't take it. There was so much pressure on her to be this savior and she didn't know who she was without the Serpents to have her back. She needed community, human interaction, not to be wrapped up in this isolated world of supernatural for all of her existence. It was as if her life had been ripped away from her.
One other thing that Toni wasn't sure she wanted to admit was that she needed her fae sisters. But they were still MIA, she wondered if they were even still alive, she hadn't heard from them since the last she saw of the siphon.
"Hey, hey," Kol said in his best soothing voice. "I've realized long ago that attachments are a human thing. Bonnie is a witch, she's human as well and the closest thing I have to my own humanity. Her being mortal means I may very well have to bury her one day."
"You may have to bury her? You will have to! From what you've said she doesn't want to be a vampire! You know that's not what she wants, don't you respect her wishes? Do you respect any women's wishes? You sure as hell don't respect mine." She retorted. "Unless you want her to hate you and leave you for sure this time. Yeah, that'll do it! Way to go asshole."
Taking a deep breath since Toni rambled on, he couldn't get a word in, Kol replied warmly, "Toni dear, you are under my protection so we can collectively protect Bonnie from a siphon problem. Do not make the mistake of assuming we are mates and your insight into my relationship with Bonnie is any of your business, much less an invitation to voice your opinions on the matter. Your trivial human issues irk me as it is," he muttered.
Kol's voice was still strangely soothing. Toni hated that, she was sure it was because he was getting ready to release the venom. He was a dick like that, always toying with his prey before going in for the kill. She let out a loud sigh.
"I'm getting the sense that you're a social person, you thrive on community." At his attempt to change the subject his soothing voice was gone and a sardonic tone in place.
"Oh gee, what gave it away, Kol?" She snapped. She was pissed and Kol was the only one around, to receive her rage. He raised his eyebrows at her. "What, you compelled my loyalty, that doesn't mean I'm not pissed at you. I can rage for centuries. I think I will," she said with a smile.
"We've been training endlessly, after all our hard work, I think a little play is in order. Tonight, we go dancing. Would that sate your need for social interactions?" He asked.
Her face changed from defiant to curiosity, presumably trying to mask her hopes at the prospect of going out. Kol had a way of getting her hopes up and then crushing them and she wasn't in the damn mood.
"What's that my tiny sprite, are you actually looking excited at the prospect of spending your evening with this old and bossy vampire?"
Surprisingly, he was serious! "I would hella change my attitude if we can go out tonight! Even if I have to go with your old ass. Please can we go?" She pleaded.
"I don't know, I am old, I might not be up for it. Of course, if you cease your lamenting and your petulance, it may bring out the young devil in me. Do we have a deal?"
"No more complaints I promise!" Toni squealed.
"Then your request is hella granted," Kol emphasized hella as he shifted into drive.
"Thanks," Toni expressed. "Kol?"
"Yes, little sprite?"
"Don't say hella."
Toni nearly doubled over in laughter as Kol scowled.
A few hours later, Kol and Toni were seated at a table in a first club, dressed in 21st-century club garb. Well, Toni was seated, wondering where the hell Kol was. She guessed he was off on the phone with his "little witch" but it had been fifteen minutes already.
"Is this seat taken?"
Toni looked up to look into the eyes of a tall, light-skinned green-eyed, breathtaking adonis. Good thing, she didn't need her game face on, she was already here with a friend.
"It is actually," she said, smiling brightly.
"I think your boy left with some chick," the stranger said, sliding into Kol's seat. Toni's smile tightened. She was pretty sure Kol would extract him from his spot with extreme aggression when he got back as he did not like people invading his personal space. Especially hungry, horny-looking men. Having spent a thousand years seducing the ladies, he'd know it when he saw it. But gawd, green eyes was gorgeous! She could absolutely use one night to blow off some steam.
Still, she resolved to get him out of there before Kol came back in.
"He's not my boyfriend, he's my- my coworker. He really left with some girl?" Toni was thinking on her toes.
Green eyes nodded. "Don't worry about him tho, he doesn't deserve you."
Toni giggled. "Honestly, he's just my coworker. But I was just going to get another drink. Unless you wanna get me one?"
She stood up beckoning him towards the bar.
"Did you come here alone?" She asked as they reached the bar.
He shook his head. "With my roommate but he's staying out for the night." He raised his brows and gave her a heated look at that. Oh yes, she knew that look all too well. "So what's a beautiful woman like you doing here without a man?"
"I dunno, am I supposed to be here with a man? What are you doing here without a beautiful woman?"
"Maybe I was waiting for someone to catch my attention, then I saw you."
She chuckled. So damn cheesy. If he wasn't so beautiful, he would have already been dismissed.
"I'm Toni, by the way. I'll take a gin and tonic," Toni relayed to the bartender.
"Make that two double shots of Jack, Bobby." Green eyes announced to the bartender. "And put it on my tab. Toni. That's a sexy name. I'm Bryan." Toni smirked, she saw where this was going. She did a quick scan to make sure there was nothing supernatural about this sex god.
Nope, just your everyday gorgeous douchebag of a horndog, looking to go to fucktown with the hottest woman he could find that night. They raised their glasses and swallowed down their drinks. Now one more test to see if he was worthy of the task. How long would it take for him to-
"So what are you doing after this? Any plans?" Welp, that was that. Unworthy. She could always deem which men were unworthy. The more eager they were to get her back to their place and get to the business, the worse they were in bed. One speed and then done. Toni had barely swallowed down her drink and already she could see he was all too eager to get this show on the road. It was a damn shame because he was probably the most beautiful human male she had ever seen.
"I was going to go home and sleep," she gave him a tight-lipped smile.
His face fell. "Aww, girl it's going to be like that?"
"Like what, Bryan?"
"I just bought you a drink and you ain't gonna chill with me?"
He reached for her when she looked past him and saw Kol strolling in.
"Oh, there's my friend, thanks for the drink, babe!"
She sauntered off.
Kol's POV
Kol led his lady friend outside to a secluded corner on the side of the club. Under the pretense that sex was on the venue, she leaned against the wall and pressed her hands up against his chest and leaned in but before she could land her lips on his he stared into her eyes, pupils dilating.
"Do not move or scream," he instructed before biting into her carotid. She did as was instructed and didn't squirm or scream but gave soft moans. Anyone passing but would think he was just giving her a love bite. When he had his fill, he compelled her to go clean herself up and forget she ever met him.
Wiping his mouth with a clean handkerchief from his coat, he pulled out his cellphone. He dialed his favorite contact and smiled when she answered on the second ring.
"Kol, hi," Bonnie said in his ear. Kol wondered if she could hear his heart leap over the phone.
"Hello, little witch. Do you miss me yet?"
"More than you realize." She cooed into the phone.
"Trust me, Bonnie, I realize. I'll have you in my arms soon enough, my love, my contact's tutelage is just about complete. We should be back in two days. What's the latest with the siphon?"
"Surprisingly, it's been quiet around here. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I've finally perfected my glamour spell, I can't wait to show you!"
"I can't wait to see it, lover. You should glamour yourself into me and me into you so we can let the passion unfold."
"I just might miss you enough to take you up on that offer."
Kol absolutely loved how open-minded the years had made her.
"That's my little seductive temptress. Tell me, little love, what are you currently wearing?" Kohl's voice got all low and throaty, making Bonnie giggle shyly and Kol guessed she was remembering all the things they did together before he left to recruit Toni.
"That's my cue to go. You're not going to get me all riled up before movie night with Caroline," Bonnie teased then she let out a long sigh. "Two more days."
"Two more days, Bonnie."
"I love you, Kol."
"And I love you, my little witch."
After the line disconnected, Kol made his way back into the club. Vampire hearing made him privy to a conversation Toni was having with a patron. It seemed the commoner was attempting to seduce her in a passive-aggressive way as if she was a common whore. It didn't sit well with Kol to cheapen encounters that way. It's 2013 for Pete's sake and women were as liberated as men, or so they should be.
He moved quickly as he saw Toni rushing towards him.
"Who's the commoner?"
"Oh just your average gorgeous douchebag, looking for a quick lay. Where have you been?"
"You desire him, do you not? Yet he addressed you as a common whore. Shall I ruff him up?" He suggested. He and Toni watched as he slid up to another girl at the bar. Unbelievable! He'd right this indiscretion, he meant for Toni to enjoy herself that night. The sprite was far too uptight.
"No, there's no need. He is gorgeous though, but I can't with men like that ." She sighed. "But at least he's human."
"You scanned for it?"
"Yup. I'm about ready to call it a night, are you?"
"Do you want him?"
"He's a jerk and he's already moved on."
Kol looked her in the eyes. "Toni, do you want him? I can compel it out of you but I'd prefer you tell me. And quite frankly, he must pay for his affront."
Toni took a deep breath. "I'm fine Kol, really. I'm gonna go grab my coat."
Still lying I see. As Toni went to grab her coat, Kol zipped across the room and was next to green eyes.
"Hi there, mate. I'm Kol." He held his hand out, expectantly, interrupting his chat with the vapid chit next to him.
The man grasped his hand with attempted equal strength. "Bryan."
"I understand you've met my companion Toni."
"Yo, I'm sorry man, is that yo girl?"
"I assure you, we're merely colleagues." Kol drilled into his eyes with widening pupils, sucking him into his compulsion.
"Tell me Bryan, is there a significant other in your life at the moment?"
"No."
"Are you infected with any sexual ailments?"
Miss vapid raised her eyebrows at the questioning. She was too drunk for this shit.
"I don't understand."
Good lord, he was of low wit. He tried again in layman's terms.
"Have you had the proper medical examinations to clear you of any diseases that are transmitted sexually?"
"I'm clean."
"Splendid. She's lovely, isn't she? Tonight, you exist solely for her pleasure. Give her your best,"
The human nodded in agreement. Kol smiled. "Go to her. Now."
Bryan stalked off to go find Toni. Lovely. If everyone could just get along and find passion with one another, Kol felt the world would be a far less dreadful place. Well, almost everyone, psychotic siphons or filicidal parents not included. Kol turned to the girl who was looking forlorn after the commoner went after Toni.
"Hello, darling, I'm Kol."
His pupils widened as he compelled her to forget the man who just abandoned her and the conversation she just witnessed.
"Why don't we get out of here?"
Kol watched the pulse in her neck throbbing as he led her towards the exit. He would need to get a new room at their hotel suite. Though he wanted Toni to enjoy herself, as she needed to loosen up, he had no desire to audibly witness her at whatever she'd get up to that night. He'd switch his own room to a different floor. He texted Toni.
We leave tomorrow at check-out time. Do not keep me waiting.
AN: Did anyone guess that faeries were involved? It was only in the tags lol well on the Archives website, I definitely did indicate as much in the tags.
I absolutely loved the show even though people only seemed to care about Delena this, Delena that, but one thing that always put me off was that there was absolutely no authority to answer to; it was basically what Kol said here, the vampires do whatever, just don't mess with the Originals. However here, we have The Summit. The vampires and factions running amok certainly have bigger consequences, especially with things going public as the next chapter will show. Oh no, I've said too much!
Poor Elena thinks she's having her a miracle baby, she's so excited for it, except she has patience for nothing lol Sadly, we will see what the actual case is. I had to add in that twilight part, who else has a vampire baby to reference? lolololol
Wanted to focus on the week with Toni, so we'll have to backtrack to what happened in MF while Kol was away.
I hope you are still enjoying this, I love the faerie storyline, I absolutely wanted it to remain ambiguous until the deeper plot is slowly /
Please read, share, add comments, kudos, let me know if you are liking this, and if there are any errors of any kind, I will read back and hunt them suckaz down :)