As always, enjoy!


Last night

Celeste staggered her way through dim streets trying to make her way to the only sanctuary she had, the cemetery. She contemplated going to Marcel's compound but needed to heal herself and needed to get the next step of her plans ready. Her appearance was still cloaked and it was a good thing since her jeans were soaked with blood from the wood that the other witch stabbed her with. Her hand was clutched on the stab wound on her upper thigh, blood soaking her fingers, as she weaved in and out of the humans on the street. To say Celeste had been surprised at the power of the other witch had been an understatement and possibly one of the stronger witches she had come across. Yes, this little witch was strong but she lacked experience and that was one thing Celeste could use to her advantage. Celeste was already over two hundred years old and two hundred years to perfect your magic was a priceless thing for a witch. There were also the dark arts of magic most witches wouldn't go near but Celeste was always one to indulge. If you gave yourself over to Expression or dark magic then you wouldn't be bound by powers of the earth or be forced to keep the balance of nature. Your power could be limitless as long as you could control it.

The cemetery was just within her eyesight and Celeste hobbled a bit faster to reach the doors as the burning in her leg increased. The iron bars of the door slammed against the surrounding wall as she continued limping down a dirt path that led back to the largest stone building. This was where Celeste had kept all her herbs and relics she had gathered from her years of travels. The room was filled with white dripping candles along the walls and tall candle holders but nothing else except dirt surrounded her. With one swipe of her hand, a wooden table full of trinkets appeared before her. Celeste slumped into a chair as she crunched herbs into a wooden bowl and poured liquids from a glass jar. After a few uttered words, the mixture steamed and quickly thickened into a spreadable mixture. Celeste tore her jeans to expose the gash and hissed as the mixture came into contact with her skin.

Celeste wasted no more time as she walked with one hand on her wound and pulled a large white cloth sack from the far corner. The items inside the bag clanked together under her limp and she stood in the center of the dirt floor. Celeste turned the bag to empty the contents as piles of dirty brown bones fell at her feet.

Using both hands, the bones flew about to align them in the proper form of a skeleton and she started chanting in her native French tongue. Candles scorched the ceiling as the flames grew larger with the force of the magic in the air and Celeste's chants became urgent as her volume increased. The bones started to rattle slightly as red veins appeared from thin air to slowly wrap around the bones and trail up the makeshift body. Red tissue muscles started to overlap the veins and internal organs started to inflate like balloons. Creamy white skin encased the remains and vibrant red hair started snaking out the base of the skull. With one loud gasp, the newly resurrected body sat forward and her eyes were wide.

"Welcome back sister." Celeste spoke breathless with a gentle hand on her fallen friends cheek.


A triple set of heavy boots crunched against the ground in the New Orleans bayou. It was still early morning with the faintest hint of orange from the sunrise that was about to disappear as the three vampires wandered into the deep wooded area. The bayou had thick barked trees that could shoot to the heavens and deep green leaves for the close of summer. Not many wandered in the woods freely, human or supernatural, since many locals were aware of the beasts that lived within them. Crescent wolves were forced to live in exile for years after having the Crescent Curse placed on the pack by Marcel Gerard. A curse that forced them to live as wild animals except for the full moon that transformed them to into humans.

Klaus had only transformed into his wolf form twice but both times he had completely given himself over to the wolf. The blood taking over and the bodies of humans, animal or any moving creature that was unfortunate enough to cross his path. Unlike other wolves, Klaus was in complete control of his transition and could remember all parts of the hunt where others had suffered from blackouts. The massive pain in breaking every bone in your body was enough to avert him from transitioning more often. The pull of the moon was still there, calling him to join his brothers in the bayou. To be what he was destine to be over a thousand years ago.

Klaus and his other companions walked in surprising silence, surprising since it was Kol that was on one side and Enzo on the other. They reached a small clearing with a well hidden log cabin that was big enough to house one person. The cabin sat off a small rickety wooden dock that had the wetlands on three sides of it.

"Well isn't this just dreamy. I'm so glad for the five a.m. wake up call for this." Enzo kicked a patch of rocks in protest of the early morning meeting.

"Your attendance wasn't mandatory, neither of you." Klaus glared at both vampires.

"What were we supposed to do when we stumbled upon your super secret conversation yesterday? You haven't been in possession of human Doppelganger blood in decades so my curiosity was certainly peeked." Kol mused from beside his brother.

"That happens when you purposely seek out conversations to eavesdrop on." Kol smirked at Klaus' true statement. "What you heard is to stay within our immediate circle. Caroline has entrusted me to keep this secretive until we're ready to enact her plan and I intend to keep it that way. Lord knows we don't need Elijah's rose colored blinders for the Doppelganger getting in the way. If word gets out to the wrong person you will find yourself at the other end of a dagger." Klaus made sure to look to Enzo with his next words, "Same as Rebekah."

Enzo chuckled darkly. "The only reason I am even awake at this ghastly hour of the morning is because of Caroline. Your refusal to bring her along to this meeting with the wolves drew too many red flags for me to simply just ignore. Even if she never told me about the blasted blood in the first place."

His remark was cut off by the sound of a squeaky door of the cabin opening and two women appearing at the entrance. The first was a younger woman of her mid twenties with long wavy brunette hair and the other was a much older graying blonde haired woman, perhaps in her fifties. The brunette was the Alpha of the Crescent wolf pack and had recently acquired the title since she joined the pack after the curse was in place. The older woman, Mary Dumas, that stood along side the alpha was one of a few Crescent wolves that had not triggered the curse.

"Good morning Mary. Hayley." Klaus stepped away from his brother and Enzo to address them alone. Kol was a pest but knew to give his brother his respect when in the presence of his subordinates. They both nodded their heads as the Alpha spoke,

"Could you have not waited a few hours for this meeting? It's barely six a.m.."

"Normally it could have but we have an attack to prepare for later this evening and I wanted to discuss this matter as soon as possible. It's about the wolves returning to the French Quarter to live."

"Is this some kind of joke your trying to pull son? We were on good terms when you first came to New Orleans but that can change quick. " Mary spoke sternly and Hayley placed a hand on the older woman's shoulder as she stepped forward.

"You already know the wolves are cursed Klaus so how can that even be an option?"

"You have the spell that was placed upon your pack years ago?" Hayley nodded with wide eyes at Klaus' words. "Good. I have the means to have the spell removed by our own witch and for you to have the ability to control your transformation permanently. You will be able to shift from wolf to human at your own freewill. For a price."

"What price would that be? How is any of this even possible." Hayley kept her face composed, as an Alpha should, but her eyes shined with hope. That hope was what Klaus was counting on for the wolves to comply.

"My family will take down Marcel Gerard tonight and as you know he was the one to place the curse upon the Crescent wolves. Even though we can kill him with ease, we will still have more enemies. Marcel has been working with others to attack our family and Marcel will have followers after his demise that will retaliate as well."

"My pack will not be your army of servants." Hayley spoke firmly. "Word travels fast so I know about your failed Hybrids and how you slaughtered them all. If that is your plan we want no part of it."

"Yes, I will break the curse on the Crescent wolves and in return I will give you the gift to control your wolf transformation as a Hybrid. There are still many details that will need to be discussed with a companion of mine." Klaus' lips dared to smile at just the thought of a bliss filled blonde back home. "She is quite the persuasive one and she has insisted for your loyalty, you will have your free will in exchange."

Klaus could feel the piercing gaze of his brother in the back of his head. The unsiring of the Hybrids was one detail he left out of the hurried discussion on the way to the bayou this morning. It was still a detail he was not comfortable with and was still not sure he was going to complete.

"I still don't understand how any of this is even possible." Hayley rubbed her forehead in confusion. "I thought you had to have a special type of blood or something to turn wolves into Hybrids."

"Let's just say I happen to stumble upon those ingredients needed to create Hybrids again. The details of how are none of your concern." Klaus sent her a deadly smirk.

"What makes you think we would want to work with you or some mysterious companion of yours? Why doesn't this woman show her face?" Mary was a loose lipped woman and Klaus had to bite back his anger at her disrespect.

"As I stated before, we have Marcel's demise to attend to tonight and there will be conditions on your part that you must agree to before we can move any further. I wanted to give you the time to think over the proposal before the next full moon as I assume you would want to discuss this with your pack. We can meet again before the full moon so you can have all the information you need."

"The next moon is over a week away so we can all meet the day before." Hayley was much more accepting than Mary had been. That was a good sign. Klaus turned to leave but moved back to face the women once more, one finger raised towards them.

"Once she comes to our next meeting, you will show her nothing but the utmost respect. You might be the Alpha of the Crescent wolves but I am the Alpha over all packs, no matter where I travel." Klaus glared between Hayley and Mary. "What small amount of respect you have shown me this morning will be magnified once you are given the privilege to speak with her."

The two women stood stone faced and Hayley nodded that she acknowledged the Hybrids threat in his voice. Klaus trudged back through the bayou to find the SUV parked on the side of the road and he sighed heavily as he heard his baby brothers mocking tone behind him,

"No infatuation at all."


Klaus took the stairs two at a time once he returned home, not even sparing a glance at the house full of occupants. Kol's smart remarks of being whipped fell on deaf ears as he reached the top of the stairs to venture down the hall that led to her room. Klaus had her confession along with her submission and there was nothing to keep him away anymore. There were no threats to her friends to hang over his head and no questioning how the other felt. He refused to let her make this a passing fancy or let Caroline live in denial any longer. Klaus would be there the moment her vibrant green eyes met the mornings rays and as many mornings he could after. A small pause outside her bedroom door gave him the sound of her steady breathing and Klaus entered the room with all the stealth of a thousand year old hybrid.

Even in her sleep she was the most remarkable creature without even trying. With soft steps, Klaus made his way to the foot of her queen size bed and a devilish smirk came to his lips. He brushed his hands up the thin white sheet that collected at her waist, stopping on each side of her hips and his eyes lingered on her light pink tank top. Klaus crept across her sleeping body, still fully clothed, until he was at her eye level. His lips ghosted across her neck until they met the shell of her ear lobe, and teeth lightly bit down. Caroline's breathing increased as Klaus whispered her name, his own breathing becoming short and held his body a few inches above hers so they didn't touch.

Klaus wanted for more, wanting Caroline's first sensations after she woke to be from the flood of an orgasm, his name falling from her lips. Caroline inhaled deeply as her eyes opened, a smile coming to her lips as she spoke,

"Klaus." Her voice rasped and he never knew how arousing his own name could be. Klaus let out a low growl as Caroline's fingers drug along his stomach, pulling the shirt over his head, her eyes locking him in a haze in the process. Their lips became one while Klaus pulled the thin sheet from her waist, every moan, every touch caused his wolf to plead for her. It was an unsettling feeling but he doesn't know what to do without it. Klaus skimmed a hand down her side, parting her legs and cursed at her wetness soaking through, sliding one of his fingers along the inside of her panties. The strokes against her clit caused Caroline's hips to jerk and her hands slid to her stomach. Content humming sounds slipped from her lips as Klaus increased the motions. His fingers continued while his lips placed soft kisses against her inner thighs and fangs scratched lightly against her skin. The light scratching caused Caroline's eyes to flutter and her head shot up to inspect the intense eyes of the Hybrid between her legs. Klaus gave her no time to speak as he tore her fabric away and let his tongue finally touch the area he was begging for.

"Oh my god." Caroline moaned and her hands gripped his hair tightly to keep his tongue in place. Her back arched slightly off the bed, head dropping back to the pillow and her panting increased. Her legs started to shake, tightened around his shoulders and Caroline let out one deep groan as her orgasm spilt on his tongue. Klaus parted her folds and sucked one final time before moving back to her face. Caroline parted her lips to speak but were captured by Klaus, a tongue sliding against hers and a firm hand in her hair.

"Good morning." Caroline breathed deeply while inhaling the foreign smell of dirt mixed with landscape. "Did you go someplace this morning?"

"We had a meeting at dawn in the bayou."

"We?" Caroline asked cautiously, reality hitting her that there were real life problems to take care of.

"Kol and Lorenzo insisted on following after." Klaus continued once he read the disapproval on her face. "My brother loves to stick his nose where it doesn't belong and there was no stopping him once he wants to do something. I'll explain what it was about in due time but there are a few too many prying ears in our home."

Caroline let the subject drop for now and trusted Klaus would tell her the needed information when the time came. Switching topics seemed like a better option.

"So tonight is finally the night we kill Marcel."

"Yes." Klaus simply stated, his voice was barely above a whisper, while running his thumb across her lower lip. Caroline closed her eyes at the small touch. "Why didn't you stay last night? Your always running away."

Caroline let out a puff of air and met the stormy emotions that filled Klaus' eyes. Last night Caroline fled to her own room in the Mikealson home claiming to be ready to sleep but it was really the connection she felt last night that scared her. Caroline had always felt connected with Klaus but last night was different. When she let her eyes meet his it was a different sensation all together. Their relationship seemed to be turning a new page but she had no idea what too. The last time she had anything other than a one night stand with a guy was years ago with Tyler Lockwood and that lasted only a few months. When she traveled she never trusted anyone apart from Enzo for years until Katherine came along. Caroline had been tricked too many times by hunters in the past to think twice about a relationship with someone. Honesty seem to be the best decision right now.

"You're a very intense person, Klaus." Her voice mirrored his whispered tone. "Last night... was very intense and it's all or nothing with you." Caroline sighed heavily. "It's very hard for me to get close to someone and not expect something bad to happen. My track record for killing the people around me, indirectly or not, is horrible."

"I am the Original Hybrid and I can not be killed. That should be the farthest thing from your mind. It is comforting to know that you care enough to not want me dead."

Caroline couldn't speak, just nodded as she kept her gaze locked on her fingers that played with the her tank top.

"Caroline. Look at me." A finger lifted her chin to met his. "You can't run from me any longer. I won't allow it."

"Because we slept together?"

"I suppose." Klaus shrugged while running his fingers along her chest where he removed the splinters last night. "I suppose if you were truly the average vampire then you would be dead right now. There are no words to describe the bloodshed that would take place if that were so."

Klaus swallowed the lump of emotion that was stuck in his throat as he couldn't take his eyes away from hers. His mouth dropped open to speak but closed it just as quick so the words would stay in.


Klaus stood in the foyer of his home that night waiting for Caroline to come downstairs. His siblings and the rest of the Mystic Falls gang just left to attend Marcel's party but he couldn't leave Caroline alone. He heard her send Rebekah and the others away to the party, wanting to attend alone. Klaus understood the reasoning, make a strong entrance for your enemies to see and he often was one for a singular dramatic entrance but not tonight. Tonight was not going to be an easy battle but it would be victorious none the less. Klaus Mikealson did not lose no matter who the opponent was. His eyes darted to the ceiling as he heard footsteps coming from the hallway upstairs and Klaus straightened his black suit.

A light clank of heels on wooden stairs brought his attention to a silky pair of legs beneath a white dress. It was long to her ankles with a small train in the back that sparkled under the lights. There was a provocative split that stopped mid thigh in the front of her leg. It was the kind of split that you wouldn't notice as she stood still but it revealed much more as she walked. The sleeves were long to her wrists with a deep neckline that hugged her cleavage perfectly and Klaus wanted nothing more than to run his lips along that skin. His thoughts were broken by Caroline now standing in front of him with those red lips that tried to hide a smile and her blonde hair swept to one side in the style of a 1950's seductress. Klaus couldn't help but smile as her eye took in his black suit with a white silk tie that was similar to her dress.

"Nice tie. Rebekah I assume?" Caroline smile while placing her hands behind her back and Klaus nodded in agreement. Apparently in between slaughtering vampires in a church, she was capable of perfectly coordinating their outfits in her free time. "What are you still doing here?"

"Every lady needs an escort." Klaus spoke with a side smile and inched closer to where she stood. "You don't need to face your enemies alone, not anymore. When this is all over with I will be the only King of the French Quarter once more and well ... every King needs a Queen by his side."

"Klaus - " Caroline started with disbelief.

"I will be regaining my kingdom, Caroline. You will never have a reason to fear for your safety or to hide who you are ever again. By the end of the night everyone will know who you are and what you mean to me." Klaus picked up one of Caroline's hands as he removed a diamond bracelet from his suit pocket and fastened it to her wrist. He kissed the top of her hand lightly and dropped it for her to inspect.

"Klaus - I don't even know if I am planning on staying in New Orleans once this is all over." Caroline's gaze was fixated on the remarkable bracelet before her, the smallest of smiles on her lips.

"Of course." Klaus smirked knowingly with his eyebrows pointing upwards and his head nodding slightly to the side. "We best be off then."


To say this place was a home would be a massive understatement, compound was a better suited word. From the outside it was a simple three story structure, centuries old moldings painted green and a single long hallway as you entered the home. The hallway opened up to a spacious ballroom or at least that was what it was being used for this evening. It reminded Stefan of the space the Originals had back in Mystic Falls, although appearance wise they were opposites. Their Mystic Falls mansion was newly updated with the finest trimmings compulsion could buy, but the New Orleans compound was a muddy green color that shown it's age with cracked paint. The room held a grand iron staircase that wrapped around in a circle to the balcony that overlooked everything. There were lavish M initials placed along pillars and Stefan wondered if they were for Mikealson or Marcel.

"Anything new over there, Brother." Stefan heard Damon's voice from across the room where he and Elena stood near the bar within earshot of each other.

"Nothing yet but I'm sure he will be here soon enough. Guys like him always make an entrance."

Stefan eyed the room again but all he could see was a sea of human bystanders, human shields he suspected. There were only a small amount of vampires mixed in but he would bet good money there were more just waiting to pounce. The rest of the team was dispersed evenly throughout the room with Elijah and Katherine stationed near the staircase while making what seem to be polite conversation, mostly on Elijah's part. It was no coincidence that they were on the farthest wall away from Elena and it was probably best considering the looks the two Doppelgangers shared. The last thing they needed was a Doppelganger brawl in the middle of a vampire fight. Bonnie was stationed conspicuously in a distant corner along side Kol who was to keep by her side at Caroline's request. Once the fight started and she revealed herself as a witch, Bonnie would be the first target for the vampires to take out. Judging by their exchange, Kol had a fondness for witches although it was clear by Bonnie's disgruntled expression that the feeling was not returned.

Rebekah and Enzo seemed to be the most relaxed as they swayed along the dance floor and Enzo spun her in place before pulling her tightly to his chest. They both laughed momentarily, looking as if they didn't have a care in the world but Stefan knew better. He spent much time with her in the 20's to know that her ears were trained on every creak of the floorboards around her. His Bourbon was nearly gone but before Stefan could make his way to a nearby waiter, his ears caught the sound of new whispers around the room. His eyes bounced around the room in suspicion but eventually found the source of the talk at the entrance of the room. Against his better judgement, Stefan's lips moved slightly to form a smile as Klaus and Caroline walked down the lengthy hallway to stop at the doorway before entering. It was if the house guest knew that supernatural royalty had entered because the people parted like the Red Sea and they were now in plain view for all. Their fingers were intertwined with one another, a simple gesture that was not lost on Stefan.

Anyone could simply escort their date arm in arm like a polite gentlemen but Klaus and Caroline's stance made a statement. They stood together as one against the battle that was about to take place tonight. Caroline wasn't alone anymore and that fact made Stefan happy since she spent so many years by herself. She was with a thousand year old selfish, manipulative Hybrid but Klaus wasn't exactly a selfish, manipulative Hybrid with Caroline. From the few interactions he had seen, Klaus was completely taken with her and his attention was always in some way directed towards Caroline, just like now. Klaus' head was turned towards Caroline while she looked in front of her with her chin lifted and pretended not to notice his stare. Klaus must have noticed the same as he smiled and tugged lightly on Caroline's hand to move her further into the room.

"Looks like Barbie and Ken finally showed up." Damon swirled the last of his Bourbon in his glass and downed the last of it in one gulp. Elena moved her attention over to the couple in question and she swore she saw Caroline's eyes roll from feet away.

"We're here for a reason Damon not just to hear your smart mouth." Elena crossed her arms but Damon just pulled her closer to his side. "The last thing we need is for you to get your neck snapped right before Marcel shows up."

"Oh come on now, why ruin all the fun." Klaus' smooth voice float to a stop before the two vampires and he released Caroline's hand with a kiss to the back of it so he could grab two flutes of champagne.

"So I'm guessing no action so far?" Caroline spoke calmly but tried avoiding direct eye contact with either of them.

"Nothing so far." Elena offered with a tight smile.

"Marcel will already know Niklaus and Caroline are here so it shouldn't be much longer now." Elijah spoke as he walked with Katherine a few steps to his side.

"Well, look at you." Katherine said with a provocative smirk as she eyed Caroline head to toe.

"Would you expect anything less than perfection?" Caroline smiled while sipping champagne and the stern look Elena had on her face couldn't be missed. Katherine couldn't help but rub salt in the wound just a little bit more.

"Don't look so glum, Sweetie. Did you think the only people that could hop between Doppelgangers were brothers?" Elena went to step forward but was caught by the arm by Damon. "Please don't pretend like I couldn't drop you the moment you got close to me."

"Strong words for someone standing between her bodyguards. Did you forget already how close to death you were because of me?"

"Says the person that never leaves home without hers." Katherine nodding her head towards Damon.

"OK maybe you guys should go get refills." Caroline mentioned to Damon and Elena as she took Katherine's arm. "Let's go find Enzo." Caroline started to move without giving Katherine time to protest.


A slow clapping started as the lights were turned down and everyone in the room turned their attention towards the second story balcony. The King had arrived wearing a fitted black suit with matching black bow tie. The blinding smile he sent to his guest along with the hand shakes were that of a politician. So many fake smiles along with compliments were dished out and Marcel just ate everyone up. He made his way past party guests to stand at the center of a empty balcony to place both hands along the iron railings.

"Showtime." Kol sang happily as he and Bonnie went to join the rest of the group that started to assemble near the balcony. Marcel's eyes floated around the room until he met the eyes of the Mikealson's and their guests. His smirk couldn't get any wider as they finally landed on his sire who had a cold glare fixated back at him,

"Marcellus." Klaus uttered above the remaining guest who spoke at whispered tones.

"Klaus."


Author's Note: