Music in Chapter
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Things We Lost In the Fire - Bastille
Closer - Ne yo
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Previously on The Other Half
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"It-it cuts me off and I can't feel her. Dad, I can't do it," Davina cried, shaking her head feeling powerless.
...
This was not a coincidence.
Lines were twisted and spiraled together in loops. Curls. Now I realized that they made hair. Lots of it, it would seem.
An outline of a face was also visible. I can still recall the moment when I sketched the perfect shape.
...
A simple reaction to an equally, simple action.
Julie smiled at Sabine's written words. She placed the unfinished memoir down and sighed. Tonight she would be getting her revenge.
Luna took the love of her life out of this world. And because of that, she was going to take Luna out...not caring if it caused her own demise...not caring that she betrayed an old friend.
The bright flames atop the candles surrounding the wolf princess' cell faded into dull gray whisps.
"You will lose."
Her words echoed in the quiet room, her tone low.
The air thrummed with power as Sabine shakily inhaled.
"It doesn't matter how you change your plans, what you do to me, or how hard she hits me... I won't break...it's impossible because I was never whole in the first place!"
The mirror in Luna's cell shattered into a million pieces, deadly sharp shards of glass flew everywhere.
Sabine covered her face but it was no use as she still toppled to the ground, unconscious.
Moments passed...and Luna continued to pace...
"Glad to see you did the work for me."
Her head lifted up, "Julie?"
"Remember when I said I was going to get you back. Today's that day."
The graying brunette snapped her fingers and the group of people waiting outside came in. The hybrid raised her chin up in defiance...and Julie smiled cruelly.
...
When the two hybrids' eyes met time itself seemed frozen. Hearts beating wildly of their own accord. Each lost the breath in their lungs and both were entranced. Fervent feelings of warmth, and awareness of a sort of familiarness yet unknowingness.
"You see, I came for her."
A few observers laughed. Klaus shot them all a glare, they stopped.
"Interested in a halfbreed bitch for a mate, hybrid?"
The Original Hybrid's reaction was grounded. He wished to rip him apart. Not with his hands, but with his teeth. He didn't 'wolf out' very often but up until this very moment, he couldn't remember a time when he wanted to so badly. But he resisted, in fear of hurting Luna...in fear of making things worse for her.
"I plan to take her out of here...somewhere safe..."
...
Klaus Pov
...
Her silvery words, I believe you, echoed in my head.
Though her silvery voice had fallen to a whisper, her three words had been the loudest thing in the room. For a moment I listened to the melodious sound of her beating heart.
Oddly, comforted by the sound.
It followed no real sequence and for a second that worried me. But its beat was strong in her chest and that put my worries down for the most part.
Its pattern did not suggest that she was alarmed or agitated. If anything she was at ease.
"I know you will probably think I'm weird after I say this, but I trust you."
She blinked hard, "Or at least feel as I should. As a child, I could sense things and people. And with you I-"
Luna hesitated, shaking her head as she struggled with her words.
I pulled her up, missing the warmth her hand provided when I let it go to raise my own shirt over my head.
And almost immediately Luna protested, eyes wide. "No, I'll dirty it."
She stared down at herself, full plump lips settling into a frown.
"I'm filthy."
Anger swelled up in my chest, understanding what she meant.
All the things she must have been called...
"No."
"They are the ones who are filthy," I continued, even as she looked up at me. "Evil taints people once it touches them, and you are not one of them. I've been around for more than 1,000 years, love. Trust me when I say that you aren't."
She allowed me to slip the slightly bloodied blue fabric over her head. I was glad she let me cover her.
For one, she had been cold. The temperature in here was warm, but with all the exertion she had put on her body tonight, it wasn't doubtful that she wouldn't be cold. Especially after the beating, she had taken.
"Thank you-"
"There's no need to thank m-"
I trailed off as she stepped closer to me, shrinking the distance between us. "Yes, there is. I owe you my life."
Hayley appeared briefly in her cheekbones, as well as the soft green color that had begun recurring in her irises.
"I don't want your life. I hoped to break you free of your prison so that you could live your life. Family is everything, one of my brother's quotes I thought I'd never repeat. But the point is, is I don't want you to feel as if you owe me because you don't. I did what any sane person would do even on their worst day."
She smiled, and I was surprised not only at seeing the gentle curve of her lips on either side but the flickering feeling of heat yet again taking my breath away.
It felt more like an emotion than anything.
"You saved me," she declared passionately. "And I will forever...be grateful to you. I don't care who you are or what you do... Because I'm with you..."
Luna sighed tiredly before walking past me, gracefully stepping over the wounded corpses and making her way to the exit.
"Aren't you going to show me that safe place?" She asked, with her head tilted slightly to the side.
I smirked, making my way to her, feeling more at ease now, because as she said, she was with me.
...
"Have you ever been..." I trailed off, not sure where to begin. Since I was waiting for Marcel's reply, talking to her seemed like the best course of action.
It was a pleasure to watch her look around at things.
"Out? Yes. Sometimes to do a ritual that involved me or my blood, they'd drag me through the city and to the Bayou. It's beautiful."
"Yes, it is," I say, but I wasn't looking at my surroundings. I was looking at the one who accompanied me.
She was beautiful, hauntingly so, the night reflected in her gray and green eyes. It was a stunning kaleidoscope mixture I had never seen before.
As I cleared my throat, I noticed a small clothing shop with its lights still on.
We walked up to the door and saw an older man appear through the glass. "We're clos-" he started telling us but stopped himself when he saw Luna.
He opened the door, gray eyes shining with worry.
"Oh my, well, you two best come in."
We entered the small, stuffy shop smelling of cinnamon and whisky. I scanned the area, relaxing slightly, when I didn't see, hear, or sense any threats.
"Women's clothing is over in that their pile, son," the man said, gesturing to the fully stocked shelves. I only hoped that it held something that was not only comfortable but also something her size. Luna's body size was drastically different from her sister's. Without my shirt over her dress, her ribs were just visible. She could do with gaining some weight. Luna had obvious curves, something Hayley's slim figure could not handle.
"Would you like some water?"
My hands paused over the clothes, just as I was about to reply when she did.
"If you're going to poison me-"
"No," the shop owner shook his head. "Oh my lands, I would never! Look, I knew your mother."
I had turned around content with knowing that he wouldn't do anything to hurt her. I could hear the fondness in his voice.
Grabbing a couple of pairs of; soft cloth shorts, vintage t-shirts, and one shimmery periwinkle purple dress, I couldn't stop myself picturing her in. It had caught my eye earlier and wanted to see how the glimmering fabric would look like upon her richly toned skin. She deserved nice things. And I would be more than happy to provide her them.
"Madeline used to stay over some nights, so you should find underclothes and such," the man said, going places my mind had not.
I headed to the back while listening to Luna's questions.
"Stay over?"
"Oh yeah," he said, and I could tell he looked forward to having someone to talk to.
"I used to own a bar, and she had one of her fights, nothing out of the ordinary," he gave a bark of laughter before continuing, "And it ended up getting burnt down."
"But you still like her even after that?"
I smiled at her inquisitive attitude.
I found the clean backpack and after, shuffling through it certainly had her mother's things.
"Yes, your mother had a way of growing on people. Just like you, I'm sure."
Luna hummed but didn't say anything else.
"This should cover it," I said, laying out some hundreds, but he pushed the money back.
"You just take care of her, alright. That's Maddy's girl."
Luna nodded as I began walking her to the exit.
"Yall are free to come in here, anytime you like, and take whatever you need off the shelves."
She started to say thank you, but the old man had disappeared, the lights off as well.
Odd.
Now that I really thought about it, I couldn't remember hearing his heartbeat either.
...
"You realize it's 4:00 in the morning, right? I know we talked about spending more time-"
"I found her. We need a safe place to stay."
I looked over at Luna, who was curled up on a bench, curls being blown around by the harsh wind that had begun not too long ago. A storm was due at any moment, and the last thing I wanted was for her to be in the rain. She was already cold as is. Her eyes were shut, but the anxious beating of her heart told me she wasn't.
"Where are you?" There was an urgency in his voice as well as shakiness. I picked up on him shuffling around.
Although the man has been looking forward to this day for two decades, he didn't sound particularly happy.
"Harmony Street, in front of a gun store... We believed it would be best if we put some distance between us and the cemetery."
"We?"
It was impossible not to scoff. Making sure to walk a little ways away from her, not wanting to disturb her should she be trying to rest.
"Marcellus, of course, we. What did you think, I barged in and slaughtered her persecutors and carried her out?"
I didn't wait for him to reply.
"She is fierce and she was the one who fought them. I only guarded the door."
"But she's okay?" He asked, and I heard him bark orders at some of his vampires. Unfortunately, I could not make out what was being said.
"Cold. Bloody. Healing. Exhausted. Other than that, she's doing fine, despite all she's been through."
"What about a half mile? Can she handle it?"
I watched as she turned on her back, looking up at the night sky. There were a few rifts in the clouds that allotted a few stars to shine their light down upon her. She had said that she had been out but that didn't mean she had gotten the chance to stop and admire anything like the night sky.
"Yes. And before you give directions there is something I need you to go do for me."
He asked, "What is it?" And I could hear the tension clear in his voice.
"Stop by my hotel and pick up the good doctor."
"Oh my God! I thought you said she was okay?"
"She's fine!" I yelled, turning around when Luna gazed at me curiosity in her gorgeous virescent eyes.
"When I found her they were hitting her over the back with a steel cane. There were lash marks on her legs that I'm almost certain are the result of flogging."
Hearing his sharp intake of breath I did not pause. Not liking to dwell on that fact either.
"The marks are barely visible, she's healed for the most part and she won't scar. She doesn't have a permanent mark on her. It appears my hypothesis was correct. We are all lucky that it is."
Feeling a shift in the air I looked over to my right to see she had begun pacing, arms hugging herself.
"I think I'd like those directions now, she's cold."
"Right, sorry. Okay, so you are going to want to head southwest on Prytania Street toward Pleasant Street. Then you are going to turn on Foucher Street. I'll text you the address of the house so you can GPS it. It's not as secluded as I would prefer but it's the best I can do at this moment. Thank you, Klaus."
"I didn't do it for you, or even for Hayley... It had to be done..."
"Damn right it did."
Then he ended the call and I typed the address he had texted me into my GPS app.
"Okay, Luna..." I trailed off, frowning I realized that she wasn't there.
Panic.
That was the first thing I felt and an intense aching feeling began in my chest nearly making me fall to my knees.
Find her, the voice in my head all but growled.
By the second time, I had called out her name she emerged out of a dark alleyway.
Instantaneous relief, like endless waves of cool water whipping out raging flames that had begun burning in my chest.
Before I could stop myself I rushed to her. Briefly picking up on her widening green and gray eyes before wrapping myself around her.
In all my life I've never felt something so intense. I was glad it had been sort lived. The thought of her disappearing was enough to make the flames reappear.
"Why-"
I found myself not being able to speak properly.
Luna and I hadn't known each other for 24 hours and she had already made as big as an impact on my life as I had made on hers. It was funny. Because for me I felt as if I've known her for a month. Not her favorite color or food (not that she'd had the chance to discover those things yet) but her energy.
The vibes she gave off were nothing short of addicting and I felt myself becoming obsessed within hours of meeting her in the physical world.
"Why did you go?" I asked, after forcing myself to pull away. Though, every instinct in my body was saying to go back to her.
"I'm sorry," her tone was sincere, "I had to pee and you were on the phone. I-I didn't want to interrupt you."
She repeated the two words again and before I could tell her that I was just overreacting, and she didn't need to apologize she embraced me.
"You can hug me back."
And I did. Finding out a few things.
1. She was soft.
2. The scent coming off of her skin was smooth and sensuous. Like a knife, it cut through the blood and dirt like butter.
3. Her aromatic blood was nothing short of mouthwatering.
But I didn't want to drain her. The feelings of protection were still there. Though I worried how every other vampire would react and I realized that there would be a strong possibility that I would have to defend her from them.
"I'm sorry for earlier, I don't-"
"Please don't apologize," she intercepted, putting her head into the crook of my arm.
Flickers of warmth around my heart began glowing again at her subtle little action.
"Any affection I get, I'll welcome. And besides, you are warm," she spoke in an explanatory way. "I've also been told that a hug is another way of saying thank you."
I smiled.
For the first time in a long time, it was free of any pretenses and wasn't fake. She was to blame.
Because of her silvery sing-song voice, her irregular unique heart rhythm, the resistant look in her eyes, her willful attitude, the assurance about how she felt, the warmth she made me feel...
The first drop of rain sliding down my neck didn't even make it falter..
...
"We have an 11-minute walk ahead of this. Two people will be at the safe house. Don't worry. They'll only be there to help you."
My mind roamed back to the thought of her blood. I had already decided what to do should the sweet redolence of her blood prove to be a predicament.
She looked over at me when I said the words, don't worry.
"Why would I worry?"
I stopped to look at her, and she didn't look as tired as before. If anything, she looked more awake. Her eyes appeared to be getting livelier as the minutes passed.
"I'm with you," she stated, confident with her words.
Hayley was going to murder me.
With as much softness I could muster, I grasped her wrist. Despite it feeling delicate, she was just the opposite. I had seen first hand what her magic could do, as well as her physique.
I had watched the entire thing with awe.
"Luna, wait."
She turned, almond eyes narrowed slightly, a frown on her lips. "Is something wrong? Are people-"
"No, no one's coming from you at this moment," I say, putting her to ease.
She untensed instantly, and it bothered me of her carelessness around me.
I was the bad guy, the monster. I wanted to protect her from everyone else, including myself.
"It's just when you get around your sister; you might want to refrain from saying things like that."
"Why?"
"Your sister isn't exactly fond of me."
Her frown only seemed to increase. "I can't understand why... You seem more than just de-"
"But you don't know? Do you? You don't even know my name," to be truthful, this night had been a whirlwind. The literal girl of my dreams turned out to be the half-sister of the woman I had knocked up. Not to mention she made me feel things that I had no understanding of, only that it all felt natural.
Being around her felt natural.
A few raindrops fell, dampening my hair.
"Niklaus. Niklaus Mikaelson. The one and only, Original Hybrid."
My mouth popped open in shock for a moment before I closed it. "How-"
"In a dream. I saw it in a dream, written at the bottom of a letter. The second you stepped into the room, I felt your presence. And I knew," Luna paused, nodding, wetting her plump lips with her tongue.
The rain had started coming down in sheets, but neither of us paid any mind to mother nature.
"That it was you... I can't help but...trust you, and I know," she pointed to herself, "that you trust me too... It's bizarre and inexplicable, but what I feel...is real..."
"All my life, I've depended on my feelings to survive. And I know I probably shouldn't even automatically trust the person who got me out of that wicked place. But it's you, and I feel like that's the only sane explanation I can give you or anybody else."
The howling winds swept her hair behind her, and I gripped onto her tighter, afraid she would be blown away.
"I may not know you, but I hope to one day. But I do trust you, and there's nothing you could say or do to change my mind. You gave me what they took from me."
Overhead, the sky rumbled, and I know that I should probably be getting her out of this weather, but my feet like, the first time I had seen her, were frozen in place.
"You gave me a breath of life, and because of you, I can now breathe on my own."
She stepped closer to me, and the sporadic bright flashes of lightning allowed me to see her face.
"And that is why I am with you."
Being lectured by her was surprising. As well as her words rendering me speechless. But I had to say something.
"We will talk about the company you keep later, but right now," I waited for her nod before picking her up. "I need to get you out of this rain."
...
By the time we arrived at the house, the lights were on, and an old car that I didn't know the name of parked in front.
I set her back down on her feet, making sure she was steady before walking up the path to the door.
Luna's right foot was nearly off the ground, giving me the impression that she was about to turn and run.
She couldn't have been comfortable with engaging with new people. I should have taken time aside to go into more in-depth about Marcel and House, but I had been selfish: caught up in my own feelings.
Hearing other heartbeats, I reached down and held her hand, peering down at her. Giving her the best reassuring look I could manage.
Even after everything she'd said: I still didn't like how she trusted in me so undoubtedly.
I had a habit of hurting those around me, and I did not want to harm her. She's already endured enough pain in her life.
As we neared the stairs, Luna tensed, leaning into me after gasping.
That was the only warning I got because, in the next second, two hissing vampires appeared.
Eyes darkened with blood lust, and their hands outstretched, reaching for Luna.
In an instant, I put her behind me, ignoring her, stating that she could use her magic to help me. The last thing I wanted was for her to collapse. Or worse, get harmed by one of them.
I snapped their necks just before Marcel arrived, a concerned look on his face.
"What the hell..." He trailed off, and my guess is he took a whiff of the air because he stopped in his tracks, eyes widening.
"Get back inside the house."
He did as I had told him.
A shaky hand touched my back, "What just happened? Klaus?"
This was what I had feared.
"Your blood is exceptionally fragrant and-"
"They were just acting on instinct," she nodded, chest rising and falling with every passing breath. But then why...aren't you...affected?"
I paused, not sure how to reply to that. Luna's blood did affect me.
But I didn't want to drain her dry.
My heart skipped a beat when I guessed about all the other things I subconsciously wanted to do to her instead. Her drinking my blood would have adverse effects...on me... But if it kept her protected, then I would willingly suffer in silence.
After puncturing my fangs into my wrist, I laid it in her grasp.
"Drink."
"Why?" Her question, like the lightning strikes all around us, was fast.
"With my blood in your body, they will be able to smell me. In other words, it will protect you."
Luna closed her eyes before bending down and sucking at the wounds I had personally inflected.
...
The atmosphere that was currently fermenting in the permitted space was enough to make anyone wonder aloud.
By now, the emblazoned decorated foyer and white-walled living room had become a crowded space in no time.
No one questioned how this one girl had caused so much trouble in the little time she had been here. How I, the Original Hybrid, had given her my blood just before it had started pouring down rain again. Or how she wavered close to me as the room gradually filled up with curious eyes of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Maybe it was a good thing that she trusted me so much.
A part of me was also grateful that she didn't appear to be as damaged on the inside as I had thought she would be. While Marcel's vampires, himself included, and the two doctors gawked at her with unspoken fascination. She stared back at them opaquely, her eyes having relapsed back to the soft gray unveiling nothing. But I could feel the tenseness coming off her in waves, wary.
Wary of these people but not of me.
It didn't make sense, but perhaps it wasn't meant to be understood.
"You will soon learn..."
"Learn what?" I asked back, but the voice receded, and I was left alone with my thoughts.
Luna was currently in the shower. After Marcel had dismissed his guys to the outdoors, an argument broke out.
House had argued with me about my decision to give her my blood.
"What the hell were you thinking?"
Though surprised at his yelling, I didn't bother replying. Too anxious about Luna.
The feelings I was experiencing were nothing like when she had vanished without my knowing. But they felt no better.
If she was going to collapse, I wanted to be the one to get to her first. So, I strained my ears, moving past the whispering voices and insignificant and rather vague sounds of the nightwalker's hearts.
Once I finally picked up on the singular melody, I relaxed. The sound of her breathing was just as clear, the water not masking anything.
"Breathe... Keep breathing..."
I shifted, catching her speaking lowly. A coping mechanism, perhaps? I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn't block her songlike voice out.
"My name is Luna Rahmah Labonair," she inhaled deeply. "I was kidnapped and placed into the witches' hands in my first year of life. They hurt-"
She cut herself off, and a sharp prick in my chest made me want to go to her.
Purely on instinct.
She sounded so pained that I almost did.
"It doesn't matter anymore..."
Her voice became louder. And I noticed her irregular heart rhythm pick up its pace.
"Klaus saved me... What's in the past is in the past. And now the concept of my future isn't so cryptic..."
"Breathe... Just breathe..." She says, just as I hear the faint thud of her head against the wall.
Feeling something hit my leg, I turned annoyed, clutching House's cane in my hands, it had been tapping against my leg.
"Do you have a death wish?" I asked, after a while of silence and handing him back his cane.
"I thought we had an understanding," he seethed as though I had said nothing.
"You wouldn't give Luna your blood or any kind of supernatural hemoglobin until I did my examination."
Rather than lashing out, I clenched my fist. I had plans for this man. Plans that Hayley would most likely disagree with, but I could not find a better doctor to deliver my child that had a decent amount of experience with supernatural occurrences as unique as this.
The dark-skinned man sitting close by Marcel rolled his eyes. "Vampire blood works wonders. The platelets from hybrid blood alone would most likely seal any open injuries she has," he reassured. "Both external and internal. Transient as they may be with her own healing capabilities. What's the problem?"
House sighed, scratching his back with the curve of his cane. "The problem...Eric...is that now, we won't be able to tell if anything is wrong with her. Now, we have to run a bunch of tests, cut her open, the works. You know?"
A searing heat took my breath away.
Cut her open.
"Now, wait a damn minute," Marcel started out, but I had already risen to my feet.
Anger, like nothing I had ever felt before stealing the very breath out of my lungs.
"You will NOT perform any of your idiotic tests on her. You are a doctor. You WILL do your job without hurting her, or you will find yourself face to face with me. And as for you being indestructible, there are worse fates than death."
The doctor smirked, also standing. "Oh, give me a break," he scoffed, placing his cane on the couch, and limping to stand in front of me.
"You think you're tough, huh?"
We were the same height, and if it weren't for my needing him, I would have already rid myself of him.
...Even if only temporarily...
He had seemed alright at first, but now that Luna was involved, I couldn't help but feel differently.
She made me feel...differently...
"Listen, boy," he spoke the word, and I resisted the urge to recoil. Mikael always used that tone with me.
"I've been the Halliwell's doctor longer than you've been breathing. I know who she is and who she will become because I've seen it hundreds of times before. The unique thing about her: her mother, her grandmother, her great-grandmother, and her great-great-grandmother is the fact that they were not only witches but part wolf. So-"
"She's sixth-generation," Eric says, with wide eyes. "That is correct as usual, Dr. Foreman," House replied leaning back and putting his feet up smirking.
"What does my godchild being a sixth-generation were-witch hybrid have anything to do with her health?" Marcel asked, and I could tell that by the way, he was watching me that we would be talking later. Though, my explanation would be about as clear as the mostly-sun browned mud I watched Rebekah and Kol play in as a child.
"Because if her ability to heal is somehow screwed, I won't know without running a bunch of tests. I don't even know if the tests would work on her. I had a hard enough time trying to get an ultrasound, and when I did I got thrown against the wall."
Eric and Marcel looked at him skeptically but he put his hands up in surrender. "It happened, it's on video."
After that, a silence settled over the room.
"I had to do something," I said, before I could start searching for the sound of her heartbeat again. For reasons, unbeknownst to me the seemingly harmonized beats were calming...comforting even...
Marcel put his head in his hands. "I could smell his blood in her. The vampires outside are only a few months old. They wouldn't have thought twice. The ones that just left are older and have more restraint, but she smells-"
"Like a four-course meal," I interjected, and he shook his head.
"Nah, she smells like her momma. That's why I'm not bothered as much. My guys were bothered by Maddy's scent, but they never tried to attack her."
Just the mention of what transpired 30 minutes ago was enough to make the embittered coil tighten in my stomach.
House sighed, "Well, that's interesting."
"On behalf of my friend," Eric swallowed hard, "I'd like to apologize. Even though he is right."
He had winced out the last word, and he had the sense to duck his head.
"So, because your blood is inside her, it will deter my vampires..."
"And others," I added, pleased at the fact that he wasn't angry at me. I was not oblivious.
I could sense I was treading on a thin line.
Legally, Luna was family to him, but he wasn't the only one who wanted to protect her. I strived to figure out how to explain the last few hours to him.
"Okay, so it wasn't the dumbest idea."
I closed my mouth to refrain from replying, turning when I heard the sweet beguiling melody I had been listening to not so long ago to calm me down, closer.
"What wasn't the dumbest idea?"
I took in the sight of her. Happy to see that she was wearing the faded ash gray t-shirt and the thin pair of rosewood shorts. Her damp dark hair was somewhat contained, in a low bun and her arms at her sides, fingers poised.
"Him giving you his blood. But let's move on to other things," House responds as he made his way to her, limping.
Remembering what the woman had used to beat her with, I was thankful he had left it behind, laying across the couch cushions.
"You seem...direct..."
House approved, seemingly gratified with her choice of words, popping a pill into his mouth.
"And you seem like you've hit puberty."
In an instant, I knew that it was because of me that she had not thrown him into a wall with her magic. Before she went to go clean up, I had done brief introductions of everyone I knew.
Then he began circling her like a vulture. She turned with him until he grabbed her shoulders.
"It's kind of hard to do my job if your moving. Hold still."
"Then stop being an ass and ask me to."
Luna unflinchingly stared back into the doctor's blue calculating gaze. They were sizing each other up.
If necessary, I was prepared to act, even after witnessing that Luna could protect herself.
A slow smile spread onto his face. "I think you've just become my number one patient."
Luna's brow furrowed. She was confused, "How? You've-"
He cut her off, "Call me crazy, but I like your recalcitrant attitude."
Thunder boomed on the outside, and she jolted slightly. "And the fact that despite what you've been through, you don't want to be treated like a baby. I like that. I like you," he declared, removing his hands from her shoulders.
"So please, stand still and allow me to do what I came here to do."
Luna did as he asked without complaint. I felt somewhat relieved that she didn't resent him as her sister did.
"Lift your arms."
Luna looked over at me, and I nodded. Judging by the pair of eyes digging in the back of my head, the moment didn't get unnoticed by Marcel.
She responded to his rapid-fire interrogative questions with; yes' and no's. Both of them were straight to the point. As the minutes passed, her shoulders began to slump, and I realized how tired she must be.
"What did they feed you?"
"No fruits or dairy of any kind. A few years ago, they started giving me some protein; some fish fillets, chicken, turkey, beans."
"Raw?"
She hummed lightly; as his fingers gently probed her jaw. "Just the fish."
Eric stood, holding his hands up as he slowly walked towards her. "Can I-"
"Sure," she said, not sounding sure of herself. She glanced at me and took a deep breath.
"Don't bother," House remarked, waving away Eric's hand with the flashlight in it.
"Parasites and parasitic diseases aren't a problem for someone of her status."
"Even-"
"Even if she hasn't shifted," he huffed, "Just when I start to think I was right about you, Foreman..."
House turned to me while Eric did what his boss had called; the usual workup. But I still watched as he checked her heart and breathing with his stethoscope. And then, making her eyes follow his moving finger.
"How are her reflexes Hybrid?"
"Fast," I answered honestly, finally drawn back to House. Though I was only half-listening to him as the other half of me was listening to her.
"She's tired. She needs rest," I insisted, moving over to her after Foreman moved away.
House sighed, rolling his eyes back into his head. "Fine. We'll start tomorrow morning then. No fluids and no food."
Marcel, Eric, and I must have somehow given away our feelings about his last sentence because then he added-
"For me to do my job properly, I need to make sure that her system is clean, and I need to check her weight. Soaking wet, she probably only weighs 110. But given her height and damn good genes, that number has to be bumped up. Somewhere between a solid 130 and 135."
"Thank you," says Luna, with a slight lilt in her voice.
Despite her upright posture, her green and gray eyes were half-closed. And her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your welcome," he replied after a few moments of empty silence of him openly staring at her.
The two men left for the guest house that was a little ways back. I did not doubt that they would be soaked even if they ran.
Leaving Marcel, Luna, and I in the safehouse, for the most part, alone.
Not long after the doctors left, Marcel took Luna to her room.
I lingered in the sitting room. Somewhat...at peace...standing where she stood.
Her scent was just as mouthwatering as her blood.
...So many layers...and not enough time to decipher every last one...
The fragrance emitting from her carmel skin had gently wafted its way through my sinuses and throat. It reminded me of vanilla and for some reason, I couldn't explain notes of butter as well.
I couldn't imagine trying to explain it to someone. I was well aware that my poor attempts would make me not look right. Despite that aspect, it felt natural.
I felt the need to stay back and give Marcel some private time with his godchild.
Before she left I gave her a reassuring look and in return, the edges of her pink lips glided gracefully up.
A tender smile.
For a moment, it made me forget how she ripped those who had harmed her apart.
But nonetheless, she had successfully managed to stir up that warm sensation in me once again. But once they headed upstairs the feeling as fast as it had come, faded.
It didn't burn out like fire...it went softly... Ghostly traces akin to smoke remained. I knew I wouldn't feel that way again until she awoke from her rest.
But for now, while she was away I suffered.
Her absence leaving my insides as cold as the winter wind nipping at my nose. My mood was as bitter as Mikael's whenever I failed at something.
I knew this was a feeling I was going to have to get used to.
The coldness.
Given the fact that Hayley would not want her around and there would be times when she wouldn't be safe just being around me.
Breaking away from her enchanting virescent gaze was not easy.
Even now, the rope pulled and tugged making me clench my fists to avoid walking up those stairs and following the sound of her beating heart.
...Perhaps I wouldn't fight it...
...
"You wanna tell me exactly what happened between you two?"
I didn't turn to face him. Instead, I busied myself with pouring some whiskey that I found in one of the kitchen's many cabinets.
"Is she asleep?" I questioned, handing him the half-full glass of strong-smelling amber liquid.
I took a drink of my own, watching as he followed suit. My lips twitched until they formed the shape of a smirk. He was still copying me, despite him being well over his adolescent years.
"Out like a light," he huffed, plopping down on the couch, and setting the glass on one of the many coasters.
"Sleeps like her Dad."
"How so?"
Marcel put his leg over the other and took a sip of his glass, not answering me at first.
"Jason was a deep sleeper in his teenage years. I can't tell you how many times he'd go to school late and Maddy would have to cover for him."
His eyes twinkled as he laughed, "Then when he had Andrea and Luna it all changed. He became a light sleeper. Those two could change the world easily if they could change their Dad's sleeping habits."
For minutes there was only the sound of the raging storm outside and the conversing, shuffling vampires outside.
I decided to let him have some time to reminisce. Infringing on his good memories didn't seem like the right thing to do.
Ever since Hayley, rethinking everything is something I desperately wanted to turn into a habit. I did not want my child to suffer because of my actions. That didn't mean I was going to be ripping out daises from the ground rather than ripping hearts out of chest cavities. But it did mean that I was going to try and make better decisions, not only for my child but for Luna as well. Despite what Elijah and Hayley thought, I was taking this seriously.
...
Marcel Pov
...
Rain pelted down on my Cadillac windshield so hard I was surprised that the dark-tinted surface didn't fracture.
Klaus and I spent the morning up until noon talking.
A good chunk of our time was spent talking about Luna and this connection between them. He made me swear not to tell anyone, and at first, I thought it was all a joke. But the look in his penetrating blue eyes told me he was serious. The rest we spent planning the day.
I would take Audrey out to dinner this evening and tell her everything. When I got done explaining things to Davina, I would return to the heavily guarded safe house to be with Luna. And Klaus would go to Claire's. Tell his brother and Hayley everything that had happened and make preparations; for the plantation house as their temporary home. We agreed that eventually, everyone would move back into the Abattoir. To my surprise, he proposed that we work together.
As in rule over the city.
Unitedly.
My guys would lose their shit.
Undoubtedly.
Everyone else would probably follow suit, but this man gave me my name and put clothes on my back. I couldn't just say no. And why would I? Everything I knew, I learned it from him. He could have just walked in and demanded, but he asked.
Klaus wasn't the type of person to do that. Regardless of what I felt and how everyone else would feel, this was what was best for Luna and Hayley. We needed to work together, end of story. I would make them see.
I would make them all see.
...
As I entered the room I was met by a frantic Esmée. Her blonde hair was frazzled and the ends, amber eyes narrowed.
"Where the hell have you been?! I've been calling you for hours," she growled, her hand reaching out and grabbing my shirt and pulling me into the room with force.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see Blade on his hands and knees cleaning up the dark wood floor. The smell of blood in the air instantly caught my attention, but the sleeping girl in the canopy bed overrode all else.
"What happened?" I asked, brushing back a lock of her dark hair that had been in her face.
"You are unbelievable! Waltzing in here, smelling like a bar!"
It was clear I wasn't going to get an answer from the fuming were-witch. So in a desperate move, I turned to her wife, Nikkita.
But she wasn't looking at me, her usually twinkling chocolate eyes were locked on Esmée. "It iz not 'is fault."
"I didn't say that it was."
"Mimi, go take a walk," Nikkita calmly replied, a frown on her round glossy lips.
I forced myself to take deep breaths rather than loudly demand to know what happened. I loved Esmée, Nikkita, and Blade. The three, despite how different their origins may be all had some sort of connection to Madeline.
After her death, we all became closer.
"All this anger...isn't healthy for Elle. Vous must know that," she says, angling her body towards her and away from D.
Esmée huffed angrily, waving her hand, and covering my face with one of Davina's throw blankets.
Telepathy was a real bitch.
I waited until I could no longer hear her rapid heartbeat and breathless curses that were clearly meant for me. I heard the faint sound of heels clicking towards me just before the soft cheetah print material was moved off of my face.
"Sorry about that, Monsieur. You know how she is when she's angry."
Nikkita's delicate face at the moment held many emotions.
She was conflicted.
But I couldn't guess how she was feeling. She had always been difficult to read.
You never knew anything she didn't tell you.
"As for what happened," Nikkita gently shook her head, her dark wavy tresses followed. "Je I was not present-"
"I was," came the ancient gravelly voice of Blade.
...
Half an hour had passed since I looked at Davina's scarily accurate drawling of Luna and listening to Blade's explanation of how it all went down.
He had left after he finished cleaning up. Though, I asked him to leave Davina's unintentional art on the ground. Nikkita left afterward, saying something about going to go look for Esmée. It took me a minute to realize that they were giving me time alone with her.
I appreciated that.
Klaus gave me permission to tell Davina that we now had Luna in our possession. Besides Hayley and Elijah, she was going to be the only one to know. Klaus even went as far as to compel the vampires that had seen her. At first, he had been apprehensive. But once I explained the 'bond' she had, he later agreed.
Davina sat up, gasping out, "Dad."
"Hey, hey, it's okay, D. I'm here."
She hugged me, despite me telling her to take it easy. The last thing I wanted was for her to start bleeding out of her ears.
"We've got her."
Those seemed to be the magic three words because she pulled away, hazel blue eyes wide, face paling.
"An old...friend...of mine helped get her out. She's safe."
After a few moments of silence, she breathed out, "Where is she?"
"At a safe house in Lafayette. Guarded by the Original hybrid and some of my vampires."
"Original..."
Her tone was questioning but I could tell that wasn't really the question she wanted me to answer.
A small smile appeared on her face as she took my hand, squeezing. "Is she okay? How did your friend find her? What does she look like-"
"Easy," I say, as I let a chuckle slip out. Seeing her awake made me relieved. "Luna is fine."
"Really..." I replied, holding my free hand up in surrender when she quirked an arched brow. "She is actually better than I expected."
I hesitated, not wanting to tell her exactly how Klaus found her. But I didn't want to lie and Davina end up pissed at me. Surprisingly we hadn't fought over anything serious. Our preferences on pringles, soda, and candy bars, yeah. But not about her being able to go out into the world. Because she knew the second she did the witches would come and finish her off. I didn't have to keep constantly reminding her of that fact.
"I'm not a little girl Marcel, I can take it. I promise."
With a furtive glance up at her, I saw that color had begun coming back to her face.
Her knowing less would hurt her more than knowing more.
That was the choice.
I could tell her something I wished to not know or hurt her even though I was trying to spare her from pain.
"Klaus had been wandering around in the Garden District at midnight for a nighttime stroll. He overheard some tourist group and decided that having nothing better to do he'd follow him. While listening to the tour guide ramble on he heard screaming."
Davina didn't blink, but I did.
Hearing Luna's voice in a talking manner was haunting by itself. Hearing her scream... That was a whole other thing entirely...
"So he followed it. She was being beaten with a metal cane."
She tensed. "Beaten?"
"Yeah," I let out a shaky breath, I couldn't believe it either. Our lost wolf princess, tortured.
"Did he stop-"
"He helped her," I assured. "Just not in the way you may think," I continued.
"Klaus distracted her abuser long enough for her to get back up and strike back."
Davina nodded her head once, eyes hard, "Good."
I had underestimated her. She was taking it better than I had.
While I wanted to cry because of how much pain she must have endured Davina was angry. Not that I wasn't angry because I was, but I wasn't the one who lit all the candles in the room.
With annoyance, I looked down at my vibrating phone. I had to leave.
Davina got out of the bed abruptly, walking only a few feet before sitting. Her legs were laid out in front of her, uncrossed as she stared at her artwork.
I had to admit, it was the best thing she had ever drawn.
"Does she really look like that Dad?"
Tilting my head to the side I noticed that I'd seen that look on her face hours ago. Just before she fell asleep she stared at me in the doorway.
I smiled, memories new and old flashing before my eyes. She had a mouth like her momma, but she got the sarcasm from her daddy. And like her father a picture (even a drawing) didn't do her justice.
"You'll see..."
...
Nikkita Pov
...
She hadn't gone far.
The heavy rain falling down and around me made my eyesight reduced. But I could feel her mind. The even familiar frequency beckoned me, like a predatory and ominous siren on the cliffs. I was the navigator who had voluntarily sought for the one creature that was both woman and bird.
Only my wife would be sitting on the sidewalk, unconcealed legs crossed over each other, in the middle of a storm like this.
I walked until I stood in front of her. Through my parted lashes, I could see, that her shoulders held enough tension to snap a rubber band. Her face was flushed a prismatic red. The light hue contrasted beautifully with the soft golden color of her mane.
Even in anger, she was beautiful.
And only she could pull off the dangerous emotion in such a gentle fashion.
On the days when her sadness reached its peak only then would she become violent. Her breaking a room full of mirrors got her over it faster than crying quietly curled up in a warm blanket with me holding her.
"Mimi."
She raised her head a fraction but swiftly averted her eyes from mine. Her hands had begun twisting in her lap.
"Je prends il Vous ne sont pas parler pour moi."
A listless sigh escaped her pursed lips, as I sat next to her. The material of my pants soaking up the water, like a sponge.
"You know I'll always want to talk to you," her softly uttered words, reverberated through my mind.
I smiled, knowing what she said had been the truth.
"Esmée," I say out loud, pleased that she finally turned to look at me. Her aegean eyes were not dulled by the weather but instead brightened.
"Is Marcel... is he..."
I waved off her anxieties, shaking my head.
"Chérie, Zee worst thing you could have done to zat man is made 'im sneeze."
"Did he?"
The wind blew pieces of her sodden hair and mine together. Later, it would be a pain to reset my hair but I wasn't worried about the future.
I was worried about the now.
"Did he?"
Her genuinely concerned inquiry about whether he sneezed or not was truly something. I could no longer hold back my peals of untrammeled laughter.
Release of any kind was pleasurable.
"Oh mon amour, je suis tellement désolé, but you care too much."
Esmée blew out her cheeks, "It-it's just that I'm angry at myself more than anything."
Placing a steady hand on her back, I began rubbing. Knowing that it not only coaxed things out of her but calmed her down.
She groaned, balancing her head on her knees as an abrupt bolt of lightning lit up the blackened sky.
"Before Davina collapsed, I-I yelled at her."
"Yelled at her? Why?"
"She stopped taking her potion. The one that was supposed to help her."
I nodded, now understanding why she was so angry.
"And stop me if I'm wrong Mimi," my hand on her back stilled. "When Marcel came in you pounced on him. You were...are afraid of something happening to Elle, which is why you acted the way you did. You don't want Marcel to be your father."
My wife lifted her head. The rain tumbled down onto her face, and I couldn't be certain if she was crying or not.
I allowed my hand to start moving again. Her tenseness had all but faded away, but it was rare that her father was spoken of. He had played a part in her twin brother's deaths.
"But he won't Mimi. Marcel, notre ami, is not Philip. He would never hurt lovely Ina. Vous devez le savoir... au fond..."
Then she shut her eyes. Though, I could feel a sense of peace in her mind. Her anger like rainwater evaporated.
Faded into nothing.
"I do," she says, putting her head on my shoulder. I held her close to me and we sat on the puddled pavement until Marcel came out of the church, asking us to go and watch over Ina.
...
After I dried up our clothes and hair using an ingenious trick Edith had taught me long ago, Esmée made up with Davina. And then Josh came back over.
I had a sinking suspicion that Marcel had called him back. He was on edge today, more so than usual.
Clearly, something had happened, though I had no idea what.
We had made a color-blocked pallet of throws on the floor. And we were snacking on mildly stale popcorn that the good Father had courteously brought up. It lay in a circle embossed bowl in the middle of the four intersecting covers.
Amongst ourselves, it came to be that points shouldn't go past 200.
That way, everyone would have a chance at winning some games instead of the good Father besting all of us.
"And how is Camille doing?"
Father Kieran turned to me after bidding how many tricks he expected to win.
Card games on stormy days were something we all habitually did. The wifi signal wasn't stable enough due to the turbulent weather; it was an entertaining activity to do together.
"Better, she has a job at Rousseau's as a bartender."
"Did she get her Bachelor's degree?" Davina's small but inquisitive voice pipped up from beside Josh. Marcel had been telling me weeks ago, Elle was interested in attending college. Though, she didn't know exactly what she wanted to be. Currently, she was 18, and she had already attained her GED a couple of months ago.
Ina was a bright girl.
But where she lived, if the ones who were after her, were given the opportunity. Her innocent scintillating light; would heartbreakingly be yanked undeviatingly out of her very being.
Tous les mondes sont pleins de ténèbres.
"Yes," he replied, briefly watching as Josh wrote down the current score.
150.
"She's actually going for her Master's. And she'll keep going until she gets her Ph.D."
Esmée smirked subtly at me, flipping her damp french braid off of her shoulder while making her outrageous bid. She was honestly bad at Spades, card games in general, but she still played with a positive mindset.
I winked at her before laying down a diamond card. Kieran followed suit, as did Ina, Josh, and lastly, my lovely wife.
"Those diamonds don't sparkle as beautifully as your eyes do."
Father Kieran and I snorted while Davina giggled, blushing. "Um, Esmée, those diamonds don't sparkle at all."
I watched with tears in my eyes as she hit Josh lightly.
"Shut up, Hufflepuff."
He scoffed, "You're gonna expose me like that?"
Davina threw a piece of popcorn at his head. "What? You told me you were in Gryffindor."
He dodged as she continued to throw the buttery popcorn at him. "Liar!"
"I just wanted to be cool."
Father Kieran took the bowl of popcorn that was now nothing but unpopped kernels away from Davina, chuckling.
"I think I saw some more. Let me go check."
Feeling the sadness around him, I realized that maybe this was a little much for him.
He was thinking of Sean.
The undying flame engrossed in my essence shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say? I'm rotten to the core."
"Slytherins for life!"
I watched as Esmée and Davina clasped hands and did their 'odd' handshake. Josh shook his head.
Laughing, I crawled over to him. "So, do Vous know what sorting house your date's in?"
"Hufflepuff."
"Really? I thought you were the last one."
He laughed, "I know, right! Gryffindors and Slytherins will always be in style."
Moments like these were ones I wished to have with Luna. Make the 4 of us, or, as Josh had nicknamed us (the Fantastic 4), into the Fantastic 5.
...
Luna Pov
...
Warmth.
In the beginning moments of waking, it's what I feel.
It's soft.
So unlike the harsh, coldness, I had grown accustomed to.
It wasn't hard to figure out which of the two I preferred. In fact, it was as easy as breathing.
Subconsciously, I ran my fingers down the fine embroidered cotton sheets. A material I had been clothed in for most of my life.
Last night hadn't been a dream after all.
I was free.
Finally...after all those years...
I wasn't naive enough to think that pain would end, no. Pain would always be there in the corner...in the shadows...
...A man...
...Niklaus...he had been the one to help me...
Inhaling deeply, I could detect dust, along with wood, and some strong lavender-scented Febreze.
I shuddered, remembering how the mist would get sprayed in my face... My eyes on fire, nose running... The crushing burden of hopelessness was like thousands of smooth rounded stones placed against my chest...
If it weren't for picking up something else, I would have gotten sick.
This scent was heady and pleasant, inhaling again I could tell that it was definitely distinctive.
Despite the three women (Anges, Sabina, and Julie) wearing different brands of; overly expensive oils and perfumes, they all smelled peppery, at least they did to me. Most of the coven had tinges, but those three had the most. When I was a child, I remember gagging because it was so strong. As I grew older, I got used to it. My secret friend worked out that I could smell people for what they were. Kind of like auras, at least that's how he had explained it.
But this compelling smell didn't come in any bottle or vial; this was natural.
Invigorating...
Yes...
My lips tingled and my heart thudded wildly in my chest as I opened my eyes.
And original...
"It doesn't feel real, does it?"
That accented voice...
I knew exactly who it was before I sat up.
Klaus.
Thunder angrily rumbled, shaking the darkened windowpanes as if verifying my thoughts.
"No, but I'm glad that...it isn't just a dream..."
Looking at him in the candlelight I shook my head. Remembering what Agnes said about how the Originals were cruel people who went against nature. I had never been one to believe in all those nature talks about right and wrong. Evil and good. Deserving and undeserving.
"What is it?"
"Nothing," he stared, the stunning blue of his eyes making my train of thought go off the rails.
In the dark, even with the street lamps, they looked darker. Navy blue if I was being specific. But with a decent amount of light, I could see that term was no longer relevant. They were much lighter now, a stunning shade of azure...beautiful...
I had been rescued by a beautiful stranger, who I didn't know but knew I could trust. There was this unspoken bond...this efficacious refulgent glow that made me want to melt every time his eyes met mine. So much had happened in so little time. I was just wrapping my head around it all, but one thing was clear.
This man wasn't leaving my life anytime soon.
I licked my lips, briefly remembering the rich taste of his blood in my mouth. I looked down away from his eyes, breaking our contact. I had thought I'd never escape the mysterious azure sea.
"Julie kidnapped me. Agnes and Sabine will know I've gone missing by now."
He gestured toward the bed and I nodded, saying, "You don't have to ask."
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
Hours had obviously passed but I was still tired. Thunder shook the room and I flinched but it didn't bother me as much as before. It was pouring down so hard it sounded as if rocks had replaced the rain.
"Considering the fact that you're my savior, I think you pretty much get a free pass to do whatever the hell you want with me."
He chuckled, and it looked like the sound surprised even him. "I have no doubt that you would have saved yourself without my interference."
I disagreed but it seemed that he wasn't going to give on this subject. At least, not now.
"Last night," I say, pausing when I saw he had angled his body toward me. "You said I should probably refrain from saying things like, I'm with you...around my sister. Why?"
He tilted his head to the side, smirking devilishly. But I didn't feel threatened or off-put, he was...and I was sure could be...appealing...
While others strive for power, he was dripping with it. The very atmosphere had shifted when he had entered the large mausoleum where Julie's family buried their dead. It was a subtle thing that I could not understand nor describe.
I allowed myself to admire the way the soft light given off by the candles made his ivory skin's golden hue more visible to the eye. "You will soon find that she is greatly opinionated."
"So am I. And if she has a problem with you...then I guess I will have to try and mend her beliefs."
His pink mouth opened but I started speaking again, an energizing, almost uplifting feeling taking over me.
"If she has a problem with who or what you are then she should have a problem with who and what I am as well."
When Klaus didn't say anything I continued, making sure to look into his eyes. Sabine used to tell me how I'd scare people off but this time I wasn't trying to make him afraid. I was trying to be open and sincere with him. It was clear to me that we had some things in common.
"The very term hybrid...suggests that we are a fusion of two different species. We are different and by nature, we are regarded as abominations... Mistakes."
He lifted his head up a fraction, but I continued.
"And they run in fear... or they aim to kill..."
"Or they use...and abuse," he added, the smirk was long gone off his face. For a second, I wondered if it had really ever been there at all.
I swished my hand through the air, "I'm a special case. And I don't wish to hold you down or be some...ignorant obligation...I'm more than that. I want...to be more than that...And I will be happy to let everyone know. It won't be easy always being around me but I can't help...wanting...to be around...you..."
He looked down at his hands, I laughed realizing how ludicrous I must sound to him. "I know we only met last night but it-"
"Feels like longer...I find myself...wanting," he cleared his throat, "to be near you...as well..."
I swore my heartbeat faltered and the brilliant glow returned simultaneously at his words.
"It is eerie, right?"
He laughed, finally peering down at me with his ancient eyes. "Yes, but that doesn't mean that it isn't real."
I nodded, this time I had been the one to look down. I felt intimidated before but this was different. I didn't fear him, yet I couldn't fathom why it was so difficult for me to hold eye contact with the man who was on all accounts a hero.
My hero.
"Luna...relationships haven't...always worked out for me. My mother unintentionally harmed me just by bringing me into this world."
There was a sadness. I could hear it in his voice.
He was in pain.
I forced myself to stay where I was. But that didn't make the desperate want to comfort him leave.
"My father wasn't the most...gentle creature this world has ever known. I always found myself the receiver of his blows. It only got worse when he got wind of the fact that I was not of his blood."
Klaus wasn't like everyone else I had met. But he was the first person who was like me. Who understood...
"Why do you call for him your father if he has...hurt you?"
His vivid blue eyes met mine, and the want to comfort him only deepened. "Because he has done damage only a father could do."
"I take it you see Sabine as-"
Before he could finish I shook my head, getting sick at the very thought. "More like what she sees herself as."
"I have never seen any of them beyond...handlers. I say that because they treated me like an animal. But it was different for me, I'm sure that you had a couple if not a handful of tender times. No matter how brief."
Klaus nodded staring down at the threaded designs etched into the comforter again, "There were a few over the years."
"Even with my siblings, I have known to be...cruel..."
I didn't have a chance to ask, how so because he looked back up at me again. And I was confined in my mind, trying to figure out why his eyes had such an impact on me.
"Over the decades and centuries of being together every time they disagreed with me I put them away. In my point of view, I was trying to protect them, most of the time. But they never took my word for it."
"I would," I said, ignoring the dryness of my throat.
He looked off to the side, and I could sense that he didn't like my response. "I can tell when people are lying to me. I-I can see it in their eyes," he looked back over at me and I stumbled over my words for a second.
I had never seen eyes so blue.
"And smell it on their skin. You wanted to protect them, but they didn't comply. If people made the choice and had the opportunity they would have done the same thing."
Klaus smirked, revealing his dimples. With his dark golden tousled hair, azure eyes, and Nordic features...describing him as charming wasn't nearly enough...
"Be as that may, I doubt they would have put a dagger into their hearts and later store their desiccated bodies in coffins. Oh, and made sure to take them with me wherever I went."
"Your intentions were good. What would have happened if you hadn't put them in said coffins?"
I saw that he hesitated before answering, "They would have met their end."
"See. You are not the villain," he looked at me with uncertainty. "And I can assure you that you've never had a relationship with someone like me."
"No," I stilled my hands, realizing that for some reason they had been shaking. A surge of tiredness flooded me, followed by dizziness, making everything fuzzy. But in the blurry lit-up room he was the clearest thing.
I allowed myself to lay back, forcing myself to blink repeatedly. Trying to stay awake.
Thunder again shook the room and the rain didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.
"I haven't had nor have I met someone quite as extraordinary as you," he finished, walking a few steps, now standing over me.
"Are you alright?"
"Just tired," I answered as quickly as I could, not wanting our conversation to end and him to...leave...
My chest painfully tightened at the thought of the five-lettered word. I had become attached to him...much like I had grown attached to the warmth and soft light I was presently bathing in...
"I can't promise...that I won't hurt you."
"I'm not asking you to promise that," I stated, as sincerely as I could so he would believe me. He obviously had trust issues and I wanted, no, needed him to trust me. We had dreamed of each other in some way, shape, or form and now we were here in this room, in real life.
"Only that you won't abandon me. I can be good, I can be anything you want...I'll do whatever you ask just don't...leave..."
I shut my eyes not being able to look into his anymore, feeling like I was about to cry. "And I know you were probably hoping that this was just a one-time thing but to me, it feels like it should be...more...than that. I should be more to you and you should be more to me. There's this-"
"Unspeakable bond."
My eyes widened at his words, the perfect explanation, I breathed, "Yes..."
"People won't understand," he voiced, and a voice in the back of my head said that this was some last attempt to steer me away from him.
"They don't have to, it doesn't involve them."
"I could hurt you," he repeated, just as his hand reached out, fingers nearly brushing against the crook of my arm. "I know."
He looked down at me, brows furrowed. "But you won't...at least not deliberately. And I can hurt you too... if I wanted..."
"Your sister isn't going to like this," he murmured, chuckling and pulling his hand away. "I don't care," was my honest counter.
His accented voice was too appealing and the feather pillows under my head were too soft.
"I won't leave you."
"Promise?" I asked, closing my eyes as he drew the covers up to my chest. I had been tucked in before by Julie's husband. He had let his hands wander and grab but Klaus had been careful not to touch me. I wondered if I was tempting to him at all.
"Love, I promise not to leave you."
At the sound of the pet name, my eyes fluttered open. Hearing him promise not to leave and to protect me became a lullaby, the storm as the background.
"One more thing?"
I struggled against the peaceful currents of sleep, wanting to ask one last question. Though it was more of a request.
He said nothing, but I knew he was listening.
"Kill the entire coven if you'd like, I just want Sabine."
...
"Yeah, she's still asleep."
I tensed, placing the voice...it wasn't Klaus'...The last thing I remembered before succumbing to the amicable currents of sleep was telling him that I wanted Sabine...and before our conversation...
Then I relaxed, remembering Klaus mentioning Marcel being my godfather, and that he wanted to protect me as well.
"She looks peaceful. Yes, I'll call you if anything changes; you just take care of Hayley and your brother."
The very intensity of it all made for vivid recollections. I now knew that I wasn't alone in the needy feelings of wanting to be around him.
Between him and I there was and would be something. I just didn't know exactly what yet.
Now that he was gone...I wasn't as warm and the room didn't smell so great anymore.
As soon as I sat up I began dry heaving, the artificial stench stifling me. Marcel had come over to me asking what was wrong, I heard a voice at the other end of the phone but I brushed past him, running, needing air.
Fresh air.
No one was there to stop me, even when I reached the outside despite most of the premise being inundated with who I could only presume to be vampires or at least allies of Klaus and Marcel's.
I dropped to my knees, not caring if I had scraped or bruised both knees on the water flooded pavement. With effort, I pushed every whisp of ruined air I could from my lungs, before breathing in the uncontaminated, lavender-free, atmosphere.
"Stay back!" Marcel's voice boomed from behind me.
"But she-"
"I've got it, thank you."
In and out.
In and out.
In and out.
My mind became less foggy with every breath but I avoided trying to pay attention to my surroundings. I needed to focus on my breathing and nothing else.
"Luna, is there anything I can do?" He asked, though he hadn't tried to physically comfort me, I felt oddly satisfied that he cared about my wellbeing.
He was being cautious around me despite caring deeply for me, but I appreciated him keeping his distance.
If he had reached out and touched me even with good intentions he would have been thrown several feet away from me.
Marcel wasn't Klaus. I didn't exactly trust him completely yet.
I pushed myself off the wet pavement, the smell of blood reaching my senses.
Mine.
The smell of rain was in the air, another storm was brewing.
I could feel around 20 eyes on me, but Marcel's deep brown ones were right in front of me. "I don't understand... Did I scare you?"
"No... could I..." I gestured to the phone, Klaus' voice wasn't hard to pick out. My heart picked up its beat just at the thought of speaking to him.
It was hard for my mind to wrap around the fact that we had only met last night; disturbing is the word I'd use to describe the feelings I had about him as a whole. Everything had gone so fast...so fast that everything seemed to blur almost but he...he had been the only clear thing amidst all the chaos...all the chaos he created...and all the chaos I had created...
He sounded agitated and I wanted to make those tense feelings of his go away. We could probably help each other.
"Sure, go on ahead, kiddo," he held out his hand to give me the phone, and I froze. I believe that was a term of endearment. I gave him a small smile hoping he saw how grateful I was.
"Klaus."
Holding the phone in my hand was strange (I had seen them used before but had never used one). But I hoped that he had heard me and that I wasn't too quiet...or loud...
I knew he had because his reply was immediate.
"Are you alright? What happened?"
"I'm fine...it was just the lavender."
"Lavender?"
"Sabine's perfume," I blinked hard, "When I was five, they used to spray me down with it. The smell has always made me sick."
"Why didn't it affect you before?"
He didn't sound less tense; if anything, I had increased his restlessness.
"You were there when I woke up..."
Was I really going to say this?
"And all I could smell was you."
There was a heavy note of silence. I found this significant as everything between Klaus and me was intense.
But it wasn't exactly bad or good...just this profound pyretic, irradiant glow...
"I'm sorry," I nervously drawled, after hearing his deep exhale of breath. A warm breeze stirred the hair next to my ear as if he was right behind me.
"I didn't mean to make you angry or-"
"Don't apologize, it is not you...who angers me..."
Being a fast learner in some ways saved my life. I never once wondered why they hurt me, their intentions to use me spoke enough. And from a young age I just kind of accepted this as my life (but that didn't mean that I wasn't going to fight to change it). Nevertheless, it was a rare day if I was confused.
Hearing about how they hurt you..."
He stopped himself, and all I could think about was how relieved I was at the fact that the sound of my voice wasn't a hindrance...that I wasn't a hindrance. And the fact that he was angry at the witches because they had hurt me.
Oh.
An avid emotional feeling swelled up in my chest.
It was so intense that I found myself incapable of speaking.
"Don't get yourself worked up over them-" I started out saying, but he cut me off.
"If I had it my way they wouldn't have made it to sunrise."
That empty note came again, but as I thought about what he'd said the silence didn't seem so...unmoving...
"It is up to you. This is your quest of vengeance."
I repeated the very words I said to him hours before. When I had been with them I used to plot their deaths, at least the ones who had hurt me. Sometimes in the quiet time I got while in my cell, I'd smile, but I was not smiling now.
"So you're telling me that I can have my way with the rest of them."
He sounded happy at the thought of decimating the coven, eager even.
I laughed the sound almost unfamiliar to my own ears. "No, I'm telling you to be careful. The 9 witch covens are all connected, like organs. Imagine the body to be New Orleans. You could consider the French Quarter coven the heart."
"The others will come." It wasn't a question.
"Yes, and I don't want you to get hurt," I expressed, exhaling and looking down at my shaking hand; I balled it into a fist so Marcel wouldn't worry and ask questions that I just didn't have the answers to.
For a good 7 seconds, he chuckled. Like my own laugh, the sound was foreign but I yearned to hear more.
"When I come back to the house I'll explain to you just how strong I am, until then relax. Marcel and his vampires won't let those wicked witches anywhere near you, Love. Now please hand the phone to Marcel."
I did as he asked, heart still fluttering from when he had called me Love...again...
...
"So, you knew my parents..."
Marcel turned around with a glass of alcohol in his hand. I ran my tongue over my dry lower lip, wishing for today to speed up so tomorrow.
The itchy feeling could only be soothed by the very thing I couldn't have.
Dehydration wasn't new to me by any means. Waiting wouldn't kill me so rather than suffering in silence I decided to speak with one of the only people I was comfortable with...at the moment... He had kept his distance, true but unlike his vampires, he wasn't a total stranger. He told the truth, I could see it in his eyes.
"You and Andrea's...yes..."
"Andrea..." I believe I've heard of that name before...yes in a dream...
"Your sister...she prefers to be called Hayley."
One of my brows automatically lifted in surprise, Hayley was a common name. In fact, I could place 5 witches I knew with the 6 lettered title.
Andrea was unique and much harder to find. For the second time today, I was confused. I wanted to know the reason behind the preference of her's and something told me Marcel didn't have the answer. For that, I would have to go directly to the source. I was uneasy about her not liking me. Maybe learning more about our shared history would put me at ease.
"What were they like?"
"Your parents were good people," his voice taking an immediate defensive tone. I was a little startled by the sudden rising of his voice. A handful of Marcel's vampires left the room. A few of them even smiled at me.
None of them held any malicious intent, I would have been able to sense that. But I stared back and politely nodded not knowing what else to do. Not many people had looked at me that way before and they all had seemed genuine.
"Did they tell you they were bad?"
I saw no point in lying to him or anyone else; though I would lie to spare their feelings should the subject of my torture came up. If I was honest I would undoubtedly make Klaus mad, and while I didn't doubt Marcel got angry he seemed to try and avoid the emotion that overwhelmed people, it didn't matter if they were a witch, a vampire, a werewolf, or even human.
"Something like that."
He nodded and looking content enough with the answer I gave him. He didn't seem interested in all the details, and I was just fine not telling him them.
"Your dad was complicated. He was always being led by his heart."
Marcel laughed, and I tilted my head both confused (for the third time today) and surprised at the sound. "Sorry, but I can hear your mother saying how he was led by his...groin..."
I joined him in laughing, for the first time of the day surprised at myself. "Yeah, I'm not saying what she said, sorry."
There was a pang in my chest, and while it didn't stop my laughter it was familiar. I was notorious for craving and missing things.
I was sure my parents loved me, even if I couldn't recall anything from the depths of my mind. It's one of those things that you just know. It was a love I both craved and missed...compared to the hellish years I was forced to endure I was certain if they had lived, and I had not been taken my life would have been a paradise (and like everyone else I would take advantage of it, but it would have still been a paradise...) But I craved...to know a different world...
"Your mom was pretty damn headstrong,"
The atmosphere hadn't settled into complete seriousness, but we had sobered up from our shared laughter.
"So they must have fought a lot right?"
It would make sense if they did. Your heart and your head didn't always work hand in hand. In a figurative sense (not literal) they opposed eachother and upheld different values.
And Marcel nodded once confirming my assumptions. "But it never lasted long, no matter how serious it was. They met in kindergarten and that was it, best friends until high school. "
Best friends until high school.
I wanted to ask what had happened but Marcel was already leaning forward and telling me. I liked this man. He knew what to say, meaning I didn't have to ask much, and he had a good aura surrounding him.
"Jason, your dad finally realized what had been in front of him his whole life."
"Realised?"
"Your dad used to block other guys whenever they tried to be friends or something more. I saw it myself. He didn't really seem to know what he was doing."
"So, it was a subconscious thing," I partially guessed.
His eyes lit up and an almost cheerful, 'yeah' left his mouth. "And one day he said it just hit him. At the time he had been going out with Laura," seeing the face I made he later added, "Hayley's momma."
Wow, this all seemed complicated. I wondered how I fit into all of it.
"But she was just using him."
"Using him?"
"Yeah, to get to his brother."
There was a moment of silence before it hit me. "I have an uncle?"
A frown appeared on his usual line free brow, and he took a long drink from his glass, nearly freeing it of the iced pungent substance. "James is a piece of shit...maybe I'll tell you all about it one day..."
It was clear that James...my uncle...wouldn't be a topic for today and at least...a while. So I noted the name and put back my questions.
"Why would she do that?" I asked, directing the conversation back to my mom and dad.
"Because your mother was dating," he swallowed, "James." I rolled my head to my right shoulder, thinking I was right again I say, "Her crush?"
I couldn't help but smile when he nodded; being right had its virtues.
"Did my mom like my dad?"
"Since the first met. Maddy never did tell me why she put herself in the path of that no good-"
His eyes dropped to the floor as he cleared his throat. "Anyway, your mother at times wasn't the most open person. You didn't find out something if she didn't want you to. She shut out her friends, and even her family at times. But somehow your dad managed to step into her atmosphere and walk away unharmed...physically at least..."
Why? He had said that they were best friends. It seemed like my mom was rough around the edges, though it isn't necessarily a bad thing. That just means it's harder for people to get inside your head.
That's what she had been like when she had been breathing...when her heart had been beating... She fit in... I wasn't sure where, when, or if I would play my part in all of this.
...
Time Jump
...
3 1/2 Weeks
...
It was 8:00 a.m. and currently, I was taking a shower.
House had put limitations on my use of soap. And he had banned me from using anything that didn't have natural ingredients.
Both Foreman and Marcel had looked at him weirdly when he first suggested this. Once he made his case about how if someone continuously washed their body with soap every day then they would strip the natural oils off of their skin. The same thing applied to hair. But he let me pick that out myself because as he put it, "No offense L, but I only care about your body."
He had started calling me L, after my official first check-up. Then I had weighed no more than 110 pounds. Two weeks later after starting what he called, a high-carb diet I weighed 115. There weren't any physical changes in my appearance. Although, I had no scars from all the years of abuse seeing my bones poking out underneath my skin was disturbing. So because of this I usually preferred shirts with long sleeves and higher necklines. I was uncomfortable with people seeing me, especially Klaus. I didn't want him or anyone else to be reminded of everything that had happened...in the past...
But both doctors had stressed the importance of building muscle as well as fat.
When Eric woke up sometime around 6:00 we ran down the street (over, and over again). I was good at it, at least that what he said. House berated him, saying that I was doing better than good. Before another fight could break out I accepted their compliments. People rarely stepped outside their houses until 10:00. By then House and I would sit by the windows and do our annual activity...people watching...
Marcel would come in around 12:00, toting lunch (hot ham and cheese sandwiches) from someplace he called Munchies in tow with Davina.
I smiled thinking of the bizarre way she came across my mind (House called it a premonition and Marcel said my mom had them too). It was difficult to describe almost like different images flicking over one another; after seeing her I felt the bond Marcel had described earlier. Shortly after as House put it my, "entertaining episode," I met the girl in person.
She had nearly tackled me to the ground with the hug she gave me. Everyone in the room tensed, and Marcel had a worried look on his features. But I laughed a little, surprised but not at all threatened. Oddly enough, like Klaus, I trusted her fully. It was how our bond worked. You don't know how long I've waited for my best friend, were her first words to me.
Between the hours of 2:00-3:00 p.m., Klaus would arrive. He would talk to Marcel for an hour about what he called, reviewing current politics. But before he disappeared behind the dark wood doors he would smile at me.
...
flashback
...
"Does he always look at you like that?" Davina asked, as she reached down and took my hand.
"Like what?"
We were heading to the living room. Books were always available the wall being lined with shelves, and the 60-inch flatscreen was always lit. Marcel's vampires rarely came down here, and if they did they said a few words and restocked on blood bags and drinks.
"I don't know he just looks at you...like he like, likes you."
Before sitting down, I grabbed the book I had been reading a few hours earlier. Only after flipping to the correct page number was when what she had said sunk in.
"I would hope so. He saved my life."
She plopped next to me, propping her colorful mismatched socks on the oak wood table. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as she opened her mouth clearly wanting to say something but then she closed it deciding against it.
"He is attractive for a really old guy," she said, as she dipped her hand into the bowl of chips between us. I wasn't sure how to reply to that. And I wasn't sure why my face felt hot all of a sudden.
"But Tim is cuter than Klaus."
I looked up from my book and turned to her. "Do you like him?"
"What?" She squealed, and her head started shaking at a rapid pace. "No, do you?"
"He saved my life," I repeated, looking at the salty chip poised between my fingers. "I would be a fool not to like him."
Her hazel blue-green eyes lit up and an easy smile passed over her face. "You are not a fool."
"Thanks... I think..."
She laughed shortly, a shadow passing over her face. "What was it like?"
The look in her eyes and the tone her voice had taken told me she was asking about my past.
"Like...hell..."
She leaned over putting her arms around my shoulders, they tightened as she hugged me. "You won't ever have to go back... You're with me, my Dad, and Klaus now. I don't mean to push but if there's ever anything you'd like to talk about...about you are past... I'm here..."
At her words my eyes watered. I would have hugged her back but her hold on me was much stronger than it should have been.
"Thank you, Vina."
When she pulled away to say, 'your welcome,' the crunch of chips stopped her. Somehow we hadn't noticed, but the entire bowl of chips had been overturned leaving a mess.
She stood brushing off the crumbs and grabbing a broom and dustpan from the corner. "Best friends?"
I took it, smiling so widely that it hurt, "best friends."
...
End of Flashback
...
Around 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. dinner would be served. My mom's father figure, Blade, would come around that time.
At first, he just looked at me.
He didn't reach for the glass set out in front of him.
He didn't touch the delicately prepared food by Marcel's chef, Callum.
The first night of meeting him had ended when he handed me a necklace, it was simple yet unique. The intricate chain-connected links shone.
"This was your mother's... I'd sure appreciate it if you could watch over it now that you're here."
I gently pushed his hand back, "No, I couldn't."
He looked like he wanted to object but my next words stopped him.
"It matters more to you. I-I didn't know her...you did."
And every dinner that he attended afterward he didn't mention the necklace and I didn't either.
Between the hours 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., we would all gather in the living room. Klaus usually sat close by, and Davina was as close as ever. I didn't mind but it would have been nice if I could've had the chance to speak with Klaus.
A few smiles and questions about how I was doing and that was it.
I know I wasn't the only one who wanted some time together because I felt his eyes on me (it was a comforting feeling, knowing he was watching me).
On Tuesday night, two women had come over. The blonde one shouted furiously at Marcel as soon as she spotted me and Davina in the corner of the room; and the bags of popcorn we had laid out had begun exploding, decorating the room in the buttery treat Marcel's vampire Diego had splurged and insisted on. But the one she had come with remained calm, touching her hand to her mouth, eyes shining with tears.
That night I had my 2nd premonition. It hadn't been nearly as clear as to when I had seen Davina but it didn't leave me bogged down with questions.
These had been my mom's friends, Nikkita and Esmée. They had been there for her when Blade, Marcel, and even my Dad hadn't been around. From all the retellings I had heard of Madeline Heights it was apparent that she was not the easiest person to be around. Yet, they had been devoted to her. And when I said their names aloud, and they looked at me with nothing but warmth and kindness another bond formed. I didn't need another vision to know that they were going to be a part of my life, my family.
Between the hours 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., we would all gather in the living room. Klaus usually sat close by, and Davina was as close as ever. I didn't mind but it would have been nice if I could've had the chance to speak with Klaus.
A few smiles and questions about how I was doing and that was it.
I know I wasn't the only one who wanted some time together because I felt his eyes on me (it was a comforting feeling, knowing he was watching me).
On Tuesday night, two women had come over. The blonde one shouted furiously at Marcel as soon as she spotted me and Davina in the corner of the room; and the bags of popcorn we had laid out had begun exploding, decorating the room in the buttery treat Marcel's vampire Diego had splurged and insisted on. But the one she had come with remained calm, touching her hand to her mouth, eyes shining with tears.
That night I had my 2nd premonition. It hadn't been nearly as clear as to when I had seen Davina but it didn't leave me bogged down with questions.
These had been my mom's friends, Nikkita and Esmée. They had been there for her when Blade, Marcel, and even my Dad hadn't been around. From all the retellings I had heard of Madeline Heights it was apparent that she was not the easiest person to be around. Yet, they had been devoted to her. And when I said their names aloud, and they looked at me with nothing but warmth and kindness another bond formed. I didn't need another vision to know that they were going to be a part of my life, my family.
At 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Davina would have to leave, Marcel too. She always wanted to stay and he never really wanted to leave. Klaus was always the one to push the people away from me. And then he'd leave himself.
A short, "Goodnight, call me if you need me," and he was gone into the wind. His voice was strangely detached when he was around me and no one else.
And it left me cold (no matter how many blankets I wrapped myself in).
I would fall asleep, my thoughts as my only company.
Stepping out of the shower and onto the flower-decorated matt I looked at myself in the mirror. I was the offspring of two of the most feared and respected people in their time period. Marcel, Nikkita, Esmée, and Blade had said that I had my father's eyes. Most of my features were similar to theirs and yet unique. So I only looked like my mother when I glared, and I only looked like my father when I concentrated on something. But both had been intelligent and I knew I was as well. The spells I was forced to do weren't easy and required everything they didn't have (hence where I came in).
I didn't know who I was yet but surely, I could figure out how to erase the distance Klaus put between us. I would deal with convincing him that he wasn't a monster or a villain later. I'd much rather be next to him and hear him say all those terrible things about himself than to be alone and cold.
Craving that weird glowy feeling was becoming my pastime.
Hearing the familiar sound of House cooking I rushed getting dressed, not even bothering to braid back my still wet hair.
"Now, this is what any good man deserves to be met with every morning," he said when he saw me. I probably would have laughed if I hadn't been so focused on meeting my goal.
"House, I need your help."
"Are you alright?" He dropped his usual charm and checked my pulse on my wrist, looking at his watch. "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking I want Klaus to stop avoiding me."
He removed his finger from my wrist and went back to the sizzling omelet in the thing frying pan. "You noticed?"
"I know he wants to talk to me. And I don't mean to sound overly confident but I just have this feeling..."
House laughed, "Of course he wants to talk to you. You're you. All Halliwells have the ability to make people do what they want but you...your special, L."
"Special?"
"Yes, meaning you say jump and they fly. Amazing how you notice avoidance but not the power you hold over everything warm-blooded."
"I don't want to manipulate anyone..." I started out but he held up his hand, as he put the omelet on a clear undecorated glass plate. Feeling nice I handed him a fork and followed him to the table.
"You can't change who you are, L. Your voice, your face, your eyes is what lures them in."
"So?"
He rolled his eyes, twirling the fork around catching the strands of melted cheese. "Lure him."
Fish and lure were commonly used together. The dress...the shimmery dress Klaus had gotten for me...
"I do have one dress."
He shooed me off, focusing only on the omelet he was indulging in. "Go put it on."
My brows raised at his commanding tone. "I'm gonna teach you how to make everyone fall to your knees and beg for forgiveness."
...
Rebekah Pov
...
After all these years the property was still as elegant and up-kept as ever. I had been a bit hesitant driving Bella (my lovely blood-red Porsche 911 Carrera) on the most unfortunate background road in history; once I saw that nothing was trashed, I relaxed.
When Nik had texted me the address I couldn't believe it.
"Why do I feel like this is a bad idea?" Caroline asked, as her eyes darted around the concrete porch. Empty lounge chairs had pillows and small tables that would serve well for holding drinks and a snack or two. The perfect hangout. I killed a mosquito that had landed on my arm before it could begin to drain me of my blood. It wouldn't be half bad to sit out here even with it being as hot as it was. (if it weren't for these cursed bugs! Bloody nuisances)!
"Because, it is," Kathrine quipped through gritted teeth, mirroring the teenager's movements, though in a more subtle way.
But I didn't come here to sit. At least, I didn't have a specific goal in mind when I had called Nik.
I actually don't know why I convinced myself and my friends I just had this feeling that I needed to be around family...
Melinda always said trust your instincts.
Driving up, I had seen Klaus' black jeep parked out front. I had no doubt that Elijah's precious car was stored away in the garage that had clearly just been added on. There was the faint smell of new drywall and the best paint money could buy.
I knew Elijah must have handled the renovations. Klaus had a more laid-back approach when it came to interior and exterior design.
With an eye roll, I knocked on the door loud enough to disturb all the little woodland creatures in the apple orchard that was in the back of the house. If my memories were correct, there was a creek as well, a little ways past the trees that bore no fruits of any kind and were entrapped with honeysuckle vines. When the white and yellow flowers fell off or (were picked) then the wind blew them around. Eventually, they would end up in the deep, clear waters of the creek, sweetening the chilled liquid.
I had such fond memories, with the one I considered my most treasured love.
Marcel had been different
He never treated me like I was nothing but a simpleton with breasts. Most of the men I had been with were asses but he was anything but. Always polite and open. He was a good listener too. I knew this because I used to talk his ear off about my brothers and any other petty thing that bothered me that week. He never complained once, and if I asked for them he gave me his thoughts. Even when he grew frustrated with me he never called me out of my name, and he never laid a hand on me. Our relationship had been surprising. Something I wasn't even sure dear Melinda could have seen in her visions.
The door opened and I was met with my brother and some pretty girl with hazel eyes that for some reason reminded me of a fox's and watermelon pink-tinted lips.
"You snapped my neck!" Caroline exclaimed, angrily staring at the girl in the doorway whose cheekbones I couldn't help but envy.
She had a strong presence despite her not saying a word.
"And you helped me find a piece of my family," the girl said, looking at Kathrine. Completely ignoring Caroline which only seemed to infuriate my friend further.
My brother was was still apparently starstruck by the doppelganger who enjoyed violence of any kind. She had chosen to, dress up, for this visit. Her shoulders were free from her usual dark jacket materials. Today she wore a simplistic stone blue dress with flat brown sandals. Her hair was in a simple twist in the back of her head. Her curls making it look like it had taken hours.
"How did that go by the way?" Kathrine asked, as she notably brushed past Elijah after he invited us three inside.
"Good...better than good because I- we found her."
"Her?" She repeated. It hit me then, so little miss Pierce didn't know every little thing. I won't lie and say I didn't smirk at the revelation.
"Hayley, this is my sister Rebekah-"
"Why is she here?"
"I'm pregnant with your brother's baby."
"That's not..." after seeing Elijah shake his head, I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."
I would have turned and spoken to Caroline but she was currently watching my brother who had begun descending down the stairs not taking his eyes off his phone to spare a glance at the scene playing out just below him.
"My oh my, what do we have here..." Drawled a voice, and behind my brother was...Marcel...
He looked good.
Amazing for what the standard for burned remains was.
His hair was shorter than I remembered. When we were together I always begged him to grow it out so that I could run my hands through it every moment we were together. But the kindness he never failed to show me was still there...in his dark hooded eyes...
"Bekah."
At the sound of him saying my old pet name, lightning seemed to shoot through my veins. Bouncing off the walls of my body with no clear destination. Kathrine was here and beautiful as ever. Caroline was new. But at the moment only appeared interested in me.
Realizing this did nothing more than inflate my ego as a woman.
Forming a calculated plan in my head I divested myself of my warm blazer on the couch, smiling coyly at him.
Briefly, I caught Nik rolling his eyes then I remembered our talk about his dreams...and that girl he had sounded quite taken with. At the moment I wished to do nothing more than interrogate him but it was not the time for that.
Not yet.
"Marcel," I replied, not bothering to hide the fact that I was checking him out.
I had seen him without clothes and with. It wasn't that I forgot, just that I wanted to get...reacquainted...with the wondrous sight.
This may seem immediate but where we had left off was quite a cliff-hanger. I was ready to drop down to whatever lay below and die so he could resurrect me with his powerful, passionate kiss.
Our love had been charged... I could only hope it remained as loaded with potential... I felt the energy, but did he?
"I see you've brought guests, sister," Klaus remarked, after hugging me. Something Elijah had failed to do. I wasn't going to lie and say that my feelings weren't hurt.
Nik smelled different, sweeter somehow... Momentarily, I questioned if he was trying out a new cologne or spending some time with a girl (aka one of his dreams).
Hopefully, he had taken my advice. He had seemed engaged whenever he had been receiving it.
I watched as he greeted Caroline and Kathrine politely.
Surprisingly Kathrine nodded as if it was the most normal thing in the world. On the other hand, Caroline didn't tense up like before. She had angered herself towards him. But what I found interesting was the fact that my brother was angeled towards the door and not to her.
He wanted to leave...
Not only that but Elijah had been right. I let my shoulders fall at the realization.
"Hi," she said, in an attempt to make a conversation but he had gone back to staring at his phone screen smirking.
Caroline's bright smile faltered as she heard the girl with fox eyes laugh. My brother, Elijah turned to her brow raised.
"Do try to keep out of trouble Hayley, I have somewhere to be. And Katerina," the Petrova doppelganger shifted under my brother's cold gaze. I had half the mind to tell him to leave us alone but part of me was curious to know what he would say.
"Do not make me regret allowing you into my life. This is the only warning you will get."
He threw a pointed look at Caroline who blushed at the brief flash of attention he gave her and then he was out the door.
Elijah followed closely behind, as he would continue to do, for as long as he still believed in Nik's redemption.
Once, I had been right alongside him, searching for ways, and even people to make my brother feel loved.
But that was all in the past. I had long given up.
"Are you leaving too?"
He smiled widely, causing his eyes to crinkle at the edges. "Yeah, but I'll probably be back later."
"You've always kept your promises to me," I reminded him, smoothing down his shirt, letting my hands linger. When I had felt the fast beat of his heart I knew for sure that he was just as excited by my presence as I was by his.
"Haven't been together five minutes and you've already got me in a bind."
I shrugged, hiding my curiosity, "If you are with some other-"
"Girl. No. Business partner is more of the correct term," he said in an explanatory way, and my eyes never left his not even when he said-
"You could come with me if you'd like?"
Nonchalantly, I did a quick survey of the room. The three girls were huddled in one side of the room clearly listening in. I wanted to go with him but I knew from Melinda's wise words, "Never always be available. Men are greedy creatures: and will devour anything you give them like scraps. Make them wait."
He licked his lips and I waited a moment longer to answer, "Oh, I was just planning on having-"
"A girls day," called out Caroline, and for once I was thankful for how she always seemed to interrupt pieces of thoughts and conversations that never concerned her.
Hayley joined in a second later, "Yeah, so as awesome as it's been, you showing me my sister's baby pictures, I think you should go."
Kathrine wasn't a part of any more exchanges and wouldn't be. Her eyes were locked on her phone and I was almost 100% certain she was texting Stefan.
After Marcel was out the door I let myself collapse on the couch. Our travels hadn't exactly been easy. On one of the stops we had been jumped in a bar, Caroline's car died halfway here, and the radio in mine had gone out. The only sound besides our occasional chatter was the annoying dings from Kathrine's iPhone.
"So is he an ex of yours?" Hayley inquired, taking an uninvited seat next to me. She had confidence, that much was obvious. I've been told I'm not the most approachable woman on the planet. But she seemed to be little affected by me if affected at all.
"I thought you said you didn't do teen drama?" Caroline plopped down on the other side of me, cheeks still flushed from the little attention my brother gave her, poor thing. Though I considered her my friend I had made my opinion of her liking of my brother clear. She had agreed that she wouldn't be enough for him and that she had accepted this but sometimes he just caught her off guard.
"For the next 18 years or more I am going to be with your family," Hayley began, blinking her green hazel eyes. "I might as well get used to the drama, and also...get to know you."
The girl held her hand out, and for a moment I just stared at it. This would be another opportunity to make a new friend. Although I didn't know how it was possible this woman might be the reason I become Aunt Bex.
I grasped her hand, shaking it gently, "You can call me by my name or Bekah. Either one is fine by me," I added, before laying my head back on the comfortable leather couch.
"Does anybody want some vodka and cheetos?"
Both Caroline and Hayley looked at me but I just shrugged my shoulders. "Some apple juice would be fine, but yes to the cheetos." they both said after planning the whole thing out seconds before.
Her reply, "You guys are babies."
It might have seemed odd. The four of us were different, true, but did we really have to fight over every little thing (men included). Sometimes girls are just girls. We don't always kick and squall when we don't get our way. We didn't always fight over men, and end friendships over it. And the idea that we would be fighting one another just because we were the same sex is frankly stupid.
Girls were capable of being just girls, just as boys were capable of being just boys.
...
Elijah Pov
...
"And where are you going?" I asserted, planning to figure out just where he had been disappearing to over the last couple of weeks. Niklaus' behavior had taken a turn... though not for the worse as I would have almost preferred at this point.
I've dealt with that side of my brother before... I knew that side of him, Rebekah, too. Sometimes she was the only one to be able to calm him from his rages.
On those long nights, he had been filled with nothing but hate and anger.
Yes, he was loved by Rebekah and me, but it became self-evident in the first few months of our transitions that it was not enough. He needed something different...something stronger...something to better ground him. Not just in a figurative sense but a literal sense as well.
Niklaus had never been one to shy away from the attention of a woman. Tatia had merely been a simple crush that wouldn't have risen to anything more. Aurora had been his longest fling over the centuries. Love wasn't in the atmosphere around those two. Around dinner time, Kol would poke fun at all the members of the De Martel family. My brother who was apparently according to Rebekah, in love, with this girl said nothing to defend her. He had nothing to say, and no glares to give. My brother has a strong, some would say, suffocating, personality. On top of being possessive he is; paranoid, controlling, overprotective, antagonistic, hostile, and when he wanted to be...brutal... Compelling Aurora away had been something I didn't regret and I consider it one of the best things I've ever done in all my years of life.
For the shortest of time, I had thought that Caroline Forbes was a contender for my brother's heart. But this proved naught when I learned of his true aims. (He was using her to get to her friends). People would have the audacity to call my brother out for this and refuse the fact that Caroline did it first (let alone remember that she had tried to kill him). But he was the monster? The world, though I had been walking amongst its patterned surface, and living amongst the new generations of worsening mankind...confused me... I knew part of why he did it was to play get back. He found it humorous how they all held the belief that he deeply cared for the young vampire. But after he quieted from retelling his experiences, and laughing with the swishing crimson liquid in his glass he would get this look on his face... An almost empty look in his eyes, that matched perfectly with the silence that had filled the room.
I hoped that Hayley would fill that void for him but it seems that she has taken a liking to me instead. I could feel her eyes on me whenever he wasn't in the room. I would be lying if I had thought that I didn't enjoy her continuous and lingering gazes. She was a refined creature. Statuesque and slim, a floral lilac cardigan almost always on her knees or under her head. Gold earrings encompassed both of her ears' helixs' and a blue wave spiral pendant was the only jewelry she ever wore. Almond green eyes watering at the simplest of things said... Always ready to cry at a minute's notice... But she was exactly what her DNA painted her to be. Predatory. Even in a calm setting, her body was tense, poised for an attack. If they did not love each other I hoped that in the near future they would learn to respect one another.
His love life or rather lack of one aside, he was always in a hurry to leave. Though he reverently made sure that Hayley was comfortable, to the point of her yelling at him to, "fuck off."
I wanted to know where he went and who he was with because his sudden rather obvious and disturbing alternate of character brought worrisome imagines to my mind.
In the last three days there had been no new bodies uncovered, so if he wasn't killing anyone, then praytell what exactly was my brother doing? What was the driving force behind his (in all honesty) bizarre words and actions?
"Where I spend my time does not concern you."
He was clearly building up a wall.
Usually, he was open with me.
The wall he was building around himself was one I could not see or ease into. My brother had built many walls around himself and even others but this seemed different... harder to map out...
A neatly printed name flashed in my mind. For a second, it seemed odd for Hayley's sister's name to appear in my mind that instant but it felt almost right. It felt right to be thinking of that name... her name...
"Is it Luna?"
The celestial name rolled easily of my tongue. And it felt as if I had been missing something during all the moments that I hadn't said her name.
His steps halted at the four-lettered name. I breathed in deeply, recognizing his expression of surprise.
I was right.
"You said you aided in her extraction but you didn't specify where she was. Correct me if I'm wrong but only Marcel and you know..."
Confusion beginning to stir in the depths of my mind but all I could think about was what he could have possibly been doing with Hayley's sister.
Surely not the first thing that came to mind...
"Hayley would-"
"What Hayley thinks isn't pertinent to our relationship," he said, glaring cooly at me. Over the past millennia he has glared at me many times, this wouldn't be the last time either, but this particular glare was icy and made me shiver.
Our?
He had said our.
That meant...that he had already started a relationship with this girl...Hayley's little sister...
Of all the things he could have gotten himself into.
"What are you doing?" I asked him because, in all honesty, I could not begin to comprehend what he was thinking.
A blustery wind blew his hair and jacket to the side; a dark looked passed over his face before he replied.
"I don't know."
A vibrating sound emitting from his jeans pocket echoed in the silence around us, but he did not whisk it out like he had been doing the past week.
"But I do know," he pointed his finger at me, briefly reminding me of my father. They despised each other but they were more alike than what met the eye. That realization had been a private one of mine.
"That it is not what you or Hayley, or anyone else for that matter would think. You don't understand-"
"What do you suggest to be thought about you and-"
"We have a bond," he simpered, as he resumed his fast walking pace. I repeated the two words still drowning, heavily in confusion and...worry...
"Yes. Look it up if you are so keen to try and understand Luna and I's relationship."
We had finally made it to his car; Marcel had given him the dark cherry red sportscar as a welcome home gift.
Luna and I?
Without pause he made his way to the driver's side, looking behind me I saw that Marcel was headed in this direction.
"Oh, hey man, sorry I didn't see you there," he apologized before getting into the passenger seat and closing the door.
"You have some explaining to do," were the last words I said to my brother. After that I turned around and walked away; the sound of his vehicle's tires crunching against the smooth gravel/soon-to-be pavement.
"I wouldn't go in there if I were you," announced a voice beside me. Of course.
"Katerina."
She tilted her head to the side, causing her curls to immediately spill over to the side. "The four of them are apparently best friends now," she said, making quotation marks with her thin, callus-free fingers.
"And you don't want to be a part of that."
She shook her head, a frown setting itself on her painted lips. "No, I do, it's just I elected myself to be the go-get-girl."
Kathrine laughed, seeing the expression on my face. In my dictionary, the phrase, 'go-get-girl,' was not present at the moment.
"To go get stuff...like vodka and cheetos."
Without being able to help it I laughed, what an odd combination. She looked unaffected by it as she simply shrugged her bare shoulders.
Nothing I hadn't seen before but I saw through her tight-lipped smiles. Since we had been communicating on the phone, and apparently know she had stopped being honest with me. Dressing more like Caroline and even Rebekah. Kathrine didn't wear sandals without heels and she didn't use a headband to garner her curls.
"It's what I want, it's what they want, why not?"
"Why not indeed..."
For a while, I would let her think that her plan of...seduction...had succeeded.
...
"Where is that Salvatore you care so much about?"
"Italy," she said, looking at me with interest, lips curling into a pleased smirk.
Entertained by the thoughts in her head no doubt. She waved at the boy sweeping off the concrete, automatically causing blood to rush to his face.
"Worried about competition?"
I allowed myself to laugh, as we walked back to Rebekah's car that Kathrine had borrowed. I carried the groceries and opened the driver's side door for her.
"Thank you."
If we hadn't been talking over the phone I might have been surprised.
I opened the door, momentarily inspecting the dent, making a mental note to get it fixed at a later date.
She pulled the seat belt over her body with a heavy sigh.
"Why would you think I would be interested in a relationship with you?"
Looking over I saw the wide-eyed look of surprise on her face, as I exited the parking lot. "You said-"
"Months ago, things change."
Rebekah would probably be wondering what took us so long to get back. That was something she had always did...even as a child she always wondered.
Wondered how the birds could sing...wondered why fire burned so bright...wondered why the sky was angry some nights during the warmest days of the summer...
Flocks of birds I couldn't identify flew through the darkening twilight sky. Crickets, katydid, and insects alike had begun tuning their instruments. Being a part of nature for so long, they were well enough practiced. It wouldn't be long before the symphony of New Orleans began, which was their favorite to play no doubt.
Kathrine remained silent for half of the duration of the rid.
Even sneaking a glance over at her I could not guess what she was thinking. Her laugh was filled with mirth as she bluntly stated, "I still made you think that I wanted you."
"You..."
But the Petrova doppelganger did not give me a chance to finish as she continued to drown Rebekah's precious car in her laughter.
"I didn't think it would be that easy," she confessed, opening her () purse and pulling out a pair of sandals stilettos. Within seconds she had them slipped onto her feet, just in time for me to pull into the driveway of the mansion.
"So you aren't-"
She shook her head lightly, causing her curls to tremble with her sudden movements.
"The Salvatore?"
Kathrine began laughing again, "Oh no...manipulating people is one of my favorite pastimes..."
I laughed opening my door and rushing to open hers. She sighed, "You know you don't always have to be such gentlemen."
"And you don't always have to manipulate people."
"I can't help it," she said after she took my hands and allowed me to help her up. "It's in my blood and I know that your nobleness is...and always will be present," she took the first step and nearly plummetted to the ground.
Walking across the gravel-covered space in the type of shes she was wearing was a bad idea.
"Ugh, you have to be kidding me..."
I scooped her up, deciding she was not fit enough to walk on her own. "Elijah, you can't carry me and the groceries."
"You can come and get them when you put on some sensible footwear."
"Sensible?" She was frowning, the only reason I could tell was because of her change of voice. Darkness had fallen upon us, and a starry night had taken place of the gleaming twilight.
"But they're stylish," she said lifting her feet slightly into the air. "You can be stylish and sensible at the same time."
She hit me lightly on the chest, "Not everyone can be you."
I was glad that neither of us was interested in a relationship.
Things change.
Though the phrase seemed to be in the top running for the biggest understatement of the year.
...
Third Pov
...
"Relax," House repeated, after placing the simply woven picnic basket on the ivory blanket. He could read people well and while Luna was the perfect picture of beauty she was not the calmest.
"Breathe. If you look tense then he won't stay."
Luna unstiffened herself and leaned back exhaling. She contorted her body to the pose House had shown her earlier. When she looked at herself in the mirror, wearing the dress, a funny feeling had hit her. She had never worn something like this...something pretty...something of value...
The dress wasn't by any means tight and it wasn't loose. Luna was comfortable in the flowing fabric. When the nervous wolf princess had exited her room and entered the kitchen to show House the dress he had choked on his omelet. Luckily Foreman had been there, but for a moment he stood still curiously looking at Luna before remembering his boss/friend/enemy required his assistance. The other doctor had carefully arranged her hair in a low bun, not a wisp of dark hair free. House immediately destroyed his work by tugging the neutral-colored elastic band out. "She's not going to educate anyone or attend a business meeting." A few of Marcel's vampires told her how beautiful she looked. One of them actually fancily bowed and said, "Make way for the princess."
Luna's Samsung vibrated and on habit, she reached forward, her doctor's words stopped her.
"Don't even look at that."
"Why?"
"The more you ignore him the more curious he will be, aka prone to stay and have a private dinner with you."
She nodded, a little upset that she didn't know what he had said. "Can you please see what he said?"
He sighed and picked up the phone typing in the passcode he somehow knew. "How are you? Did I say something to offend you? Love?"
Luna laughed at his imitation of Klaus' voice. The doctor had a way of putting her nervousness at ease.
Another vibration came from the smartly decorated device cutting their laughter off. "I'm on my way."
"I guess that's your cue."
House nodded, "Just remember everything we talked about."
"I'm not sure how I feel about the guilt-tripping," Luna called out at his retreating limping form. But he just turned around shrugging his shoulders, a mischievous smile on his face.
She laid back, a puff of breath leaving her lips.
The wolf princess was left alone in the backyard to her thoughts. Anticipating the arrival of her hero, reiterating House's advice.
...
Night had fallen. The weather was clear, humid, and no wind was billowing about to bring any sort of relief.
When Klaus had followed the sweet smell that he considered unforgettable he hadn't expected it to lead him to the backyard. Nor had he expected the yard's tall hedges to be lined with bulbs, a soft almost yellow light emitting from them. Luna looked radiant in the periwinkle purple gown he had picked out a couple of weeks ago. Not mortal by any means because she didn't look ethereal, she was ethereal. A true goddess, surrounded by those who were undeserving of her enlightening presence. Her dark curls spilling out of her bun, green and gray eyes shining, but he had never witnessed such a beautiful scene.
As an immortal being, he had seen and experienced many things. But he couldn't compare this woman, this girl to the past.
He was almost afraid to embark across the yard. For the moment he would remain hidden, attempting to compose himself. In the dream world and in real life Luna gave him what he could only describe as a head rush.
"Klaus, is that you?"
At the sound of her silvery voice, the Original Hybrid found his heart stuttering. Her tone wasn't cheerful or even calm. As she continued to peer into the shadows, he heard her heartbeat faster in the passing moments. She was scared.
Klaus decided it was time to step out of the shadows and let her see him. He watched as she relaxed, and a light smile appeared on her lips.
What he did next was completely out of his control.
He began making his way to her. A smile of his very own forming (because of her infectious one).
"I was wondering when you were going to come back. Did something happen?"
"Marcel and I had to deal with the mayor." It was only when he sat down that he noticed the picnic basket. The smell wafting from it was nothing short of mouthwatering.
"What's all this?"
Luna smoothed down her dress, unintentionally drawing his gaze to her legs. "You look stunning."
For most of the day she had been learning and preparing for this evening. What to say, what not to say. Body language was key. And while House heavily suggested she lie, Luna decided to be more honest and...open. If she exposed herself, maybe he'd see that she wasn't one to fear him.
But she hadn't been prepared for those three words. "Thank you."
A moment of silence passed between them before the princess broke it.
"I've been wanting to talk to you."
Klaus' brows rose, "In person. I know you've been...avoiding me... In the sense of not wanting to be in a room alone with me for a long period of time."
The Original Hybrid looked down as blood rushed to his face, unable to handle her virescent gaze. She was right, of course, she hadn't missed a thing. Even before his mother turned him into the man he is today, he had almost always been confident in his choices. Accepting the fact that he had caused something and usually not regretting it. But this was one of those few times where he actually regretted what he'd done.
One more time.
He was going to try to deter her from him one more time. If it didn't work then he wasn't going to avoid her. He would still try and convince her that he was a monster, (not the right company to be around) but she was legally grown and mature enough to make her own decisions without help.
Something Hayley had said earlier today changed his mind on his approach.
He would be lying if he said her comment hadn't hurt him. He was going to do everything in his power to prove her wrong and if he offended her...then so be it...
"I'm not the man you think I am. I don't want to hurt you. If I distance myself from you-"
"It makes things worse."
He looked up at her, only to find her staring at the barely visible patterns on the blanket they were sitting on. His fingers itched for something to draw her with. He had nearly filled an entire sketchbook with his muse, recently he hadn't had time to paint. But every time he saw her, he was inspired.
"I don't know how it is for you but when you are gone...I feel off... I don't mean to drag you down but if you want to leave...you can I-I just wanted to spend some time with someone who didn't look at me with pity. They don't mean too and I know that...it's just..."
Despite not realizing it, their bodies were angled towards each other.
Klaus put his hand over hers, and their eyes lifted to meet the other's simultaneity. "If I hurt you-"
She tilted her head to the side, glaring slightly. "If I hurt you, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."
"I would forgive you...even if you couldn't forgive yourself. Now please, tell me about your day. Talk my head off about how annoying the mayor was for all I care, I just want to be close to you."
In Klaus' head the words, Why is it she always says what I'm thinking, echoed.
Everything about them was bizarre, strange, and so far fast-paced. And as the dinned on the meal House had prepared for them they talked.
About their days, what they'd missed, and future plans.
To the ears that listened in, their conversation would have seemed almost common. But what was the point in talking about spells if there was no real reason for it? Both of them were trying to be careful, to avoid certain topics that they feared the other would dread hearing/talking about.
It was almost like...a dance...
They weren't aware but they had an audience. And it wasn't the nosy vampires, or curious doctors but something much greater.
Eyes had been watching...and impatiently waiting for them to meet and eventually...collide... But for now, it was the time for looking...and approaching...
Klaus rose from the blanket, and while his stomach might have been full...a different thirst...and hunger remained unfulfilled...
He pushed the feelings of desire away...into the deepest, darkest depths of his mind. Realizing that the more time he spent with her, the stronger his wants would become.
But he didn't know that he was confusing want with need. He was naive on this night, and he would be for many moons to come...
"How would you like to come into the city with me?"
He was done. He had surrendered.
The smile on Luna's plump lips was genuine, and wide dazzling the Hybrid with ease. He had his answer...
...
Marcel Pov
...
"I see you accepted my invitation..."
The Original did not turn, but I was sure she smiled.
I know I did.
Her presence was enough to rekindle my teenage years. I only knew about love from books and from the stories that Klaus told me.
Since the last time we were alone together, it seemed like forever had passed. My guys had warned me of her presence but I waved them off. Due to the tension, I had with her earlier, most if not all of my vampires had left to give me privacy. Or they left out of fear. I had already told them to keep their thoughts to themselves. They knew what would happen should they pop off at the mouth.
"Of course, I was partly curious to see what your riff-raff had done to my home, " she replied with her accented voice that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. Especially, during the times when she would sneak out of her room and come into mine. We would talk for hours, comfortable that we weren't under watchful eyes.
I poured drinks for the two of us after making a snap decision.
"Thank you," she replied finally turning, her long hair elegantly falling back into place.
We sat in a mostly peaceful silence. Jazz could faintly be heard playing from the streets below. I wondered what it would be like if we had never been separated. Admittedly, I was relieved that our plan hadn't worked. Having Klaus hurt in the first place wasn't what I wanted. Because in every aspect other than biological, he was my Dad. And just because Rebekah was his sister didn't make her my damn aunt. Thierry and Diego learned that lesson earlier today but I was still pissed off at their assumptions. Rebekah had been many things to me; my fencing partner, my friend, and eventually my lover but never was she once my aunt.
I recall wanting her family's approval and was patient to earn it but Rebekah had never been one to wait. Her and Kol had the same amount of patience when it came to waiting for something.
She sighed, a content look in her hooded eyes, her white french tip nails tapping on the table.
"Now, this is probably the best scotch I've had in years."
I chuckled, "Well, I only keep the best."
Rebekah shifted her weight, fingering her necklace, automatically drawing my attention to her cleavage.
"I suppose that goes for company too."
Surprised at her tone, I lifted my eyes back up to her face to find that she wasn't looking at me but a photograph on the wall. Following her line of sight, I smiled.
"She was a friend."
"Was?" She questioned, maintaining the same jealous tone, standing and walking over to the photo of Madeline and me helping out on some renovations. White powder covering half of my body and most of her hair.
Good times.
I sipped my scotch, having noticed I hadn't drunk much of it. Too busy reminiscing...
"She's pretty... Is she still around the city? I would love to ask about her hair-"
"No, Madeline...she uh...passed years ago..."
"Oh, well...I'm sorry to hear that."
Her tone sounded sincere, and she moved on to the next photo on the wall. This was going to be a long night.
"Jason. He's dead too," I said, looking at the picture remembering that Diego had taken it. Me and Jason had been drinking and talking about our two favorite things, Andrea and Luna. Despite being at the brink of war seeing those two made the worst of days better. It was easier to talk about the two girls than the strong possibility of choosing sides.
She frowned sipping her drink and tilting her head to the side, as she looked at the photo of me and Laura playing pool. I smiled remembering how bad she had been at the game. I don't think she's ever made it in, not even once.
"Her as well?"
I nodded, "That was Laura."
"Is this some type of memorial-" She cut herself off and I could see her looking at a picture of Luna sleeping, sporting a pink onesie, and matching fluffy pink socks. I remember Madeline hating the bright color on her daughter, but loving the look on Jason's face.
She set her empty glass on the mantel. "Marcel, please tell me-"
"Luna is alive. Jason and Madeline appointed me as her godfather before they died."
"If she's alive then why do you keep her on the wall. And where is she?"
I put my not-so-empty glass next to hers. "Not here," I assured, making her tear her gaze away from the direction of the upstairs.
"She was taken...and from the rumors, I've heard...sometimes I wish she was dead..."
She turned her head sharply at she was taken, capri blue eyes wide. "Taken. By who?"
"The witches," I simply, stated. Not wanting to explain the hellish situation.
"I take it by the look on your face you'd rather talk about anything else."
"Your right, I would rather talk about anything else," I retorted, brushing past her, making my way to the simple round table and two chairs.
"I don't mean to push your buttons."
Rolling my eyes I replied, "You never do. Why did you come here? Really?"
Watching her out of the corner of my eyes, I saw that a pink tinge had coated her cheeks. With her head held high, she walked over to me heels clacking. The Mikaelson family was a lot of things, but overall they were confident.
"If you must know...I didn't come here to chat."
"I was let down recently," she confessed, her lively blue eyes falling to the floor.
"Let down?" I repeated, who in their right mind would let Bekah down?
"Yes, I know..."
I almost laughed, not out of meanness but out of how confident she was. She hadn't changed.
"Marcel, I spent weeks pining...after this...boy...and when he finally asks me out it just-"
"Crashed and burned."
Rebekah nodded, her capri gaze rising to meet my brown-eyed one. "And I feel so lonely...and stupid. All the trouble I went through and it didn't even pan out properly."
I turned, sensing the peculiar tone her voice had taken. Her self-confidence had been lowered by some asshole and now I would have to be the one to lift it back up. If I ever meet the sorry guy, I'd probably thank him before destroying him.
He'd hurt her after all.
And then I was encircling her wrist with two fingers, saying how it was his loss.
Her eyes welled up, but she didn't say anything, so I continued. Looking into her eyes and happily getting lost. There wasn't a feeling like it.
"If he couldn't see how perfect you are...then he isn't worth a second... 1 second of your time. Though, in all honesty, it's not all at his fault either. After all, he is just a boy."
"I know and that's partly why I came."
"I thought you said-"
She cut me off, flipping her hair off her shoulder, "Despite me being just a girl, I need a man. And not just a boy."
"You want to use me."
An infectious smirk materialized on her pink lips. I recognized the shade of pink, nectar, from the Chanel collection, as she closed the space between us until her legs were against my knees.
I wasn't complaining by any means. She could use me till the end of next week. Even though I was well out of my teenage years I still worshiped the ground she walked on.
The next word that came out of her mouth only confused me.
"No."
"No, I don't want to use you. I'd like to return to where we left things," she expressed, while straddling me.
To say I was just hard would be the biggest understatement of the year. My heart raced in my chest and I could feel the beginnings of perspiration begin to collect on my neck. But Bekah had always stirred other non-physical feelings within me. When she would jab at me with her sword trying to find an opening in my defense I let her. It was worth the smile of accomplishment on her face. Little moments like that made me dazed when I thought of the life we could have together. There was this energy.
When our eyes met in the most fleeting of moments, it sounded.
When we fought and argued, it cackled.
When we kissed and touched, it blazed.
And when we made love it pealed.
"Unfinished."
She smirked, eyes closed as she touched her lips to mine, causing my skin to tingle.
"Exactly..."
I inclined my head meeting her mouth with my own. Her hands pressed into my chest, sliding them over my shoulders and arms, moaning.
I've always found it amazing, despite us haven't been within another's presence her voice and touch still had an effect on me.
Just as I was about to deepen the kiss, she broke our heated contact. Her pupils dilated, "Now, take off my shirt."
A fog washed over me, but a slow smile spread on my face. This hadn't been the first time she compelled me 'in the bedroom.' I was the one who had suggested it, because she loves to take control. I liked her telling me what to do, it was a huge turn-on.
"Yes, mam," I smiled, hands going to the edge of her sleeveless v-neck top, pulling the dark slinky material up and over her shoulders, throwing the fine fabric behind me. Her bosoms that were clothed in black silk jiggled at the movement.
True, I'd had my fair share of women but they never stayed longer than a night. I was relieved to know that Rebekah hadn't moved on, because I hadn't either.
Placing my hands on the sides of her face, I drew her down. Brushing my open mouth against hers, she leaned pressing her open palms on my chest, nibbling at my bottom lip.
Without removing her mouth from mine, Rebekah edged my hand off her face and placed it on her bare waist; suddenly my feet didn't seem so planted to the ground anymore.
Everything was heightened, but the sound of the fast beating of her heart was above everything else.
My other hand snaked itself in her light-golden locks. Fingers willingly entrapped by the soft strands. Her tongue moved against my bottom lip.
Asking permission.
I granted her access, letting my hand run along the smooth expanse of her back. It had been years so it was like rediscovering each other all over again. Remembering the spot on her left side, I decided there would be no harm in teasing her. As she had teased me in front of her brothers, Hayley, Kathrine, and that new girl Caroline.
But Rebekah suddenly pulled away, gasping for breath, unexpected laughter taking all of her air. She slapped my shoulder lightly, the sound sounding off before she pushed her lips against mine in a desperate way. She shifted her weight, ever so slightly moving her hips back and forth. Providing some pressure and friction on my raging hard-on as her eager tongue began probing my mouth, the both of us moaning.
The smell of her Jasmine Des Anges Dior perfume gave me an intoxicated feeling that no bottle of whiskey or bourbon ever could. A midnight walk within the captivating plains of jasmine in Grasse. The elegant fragrance is rooted in the south of France. I would know, I've been there a handful of times with her, which is why it was one of my favorite places to visit.
Her mascara-coated lashes fluttered against my own and I found myself laughing, and she joined in, soft lips vibrating on the side of my jaw. I remember the first time it had happened. The both of us had laughed so loud that we feared we had woken the entire household.
The laughter faded as her wet tongue laved a spot on my neck, the edges of her fangs pressing ever so slightly into my skin.
We had fed on each other before, but that had been years ago. And everyone knew that once vampires fed off of one another or shared blood there would be a temporary but powerful connection.
I vehemently groaned, as she finally sunk her teeth into me.
Pain and pleasure were consolidated this act. Knowing that she was stronger than me and that I couldn't fight her off only made it hotter.
There is a blazing feeling permeating everything. In ways, fire could never.
She pulled away enough for me to see her darkened capri irises and my blood glistening on her lips.
Rebekah put her open palm under my chin, tipping it up. "You've had your turn, now it's mine."
Her smirk was too innocent to be trusted, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. "That's lovely darling, but there's something I need you to do for me first."
It took everything in me not to sound desperate, I decided that an okay wouldn't be too detrimental to her image of me.
"Okay."
She smiled, pupils dialing. "Stay," she commanded.
My tongue of its own accord darted out to lick my bruised lips as she slipped off her Caovilla gray snake chrome stilettos. The soft white high-waisted flare pants fell to the floor, and her black silk underwear set followed.
The only thing on her comely fair skin was her white gold Cartier chain that dangled elegantly just below her collarbone.
My eyes caressed over every inch of skin I could see. She hadn't changed.
Her archetype breasts were as round and full as ever, small rosebud nipples hard as bullets though I hadn't had the chance to shower them with the attention they deserved, just yet. The sight of her small waist and well-rounded hips never failed to make me twitch in my pants. The soft golden hairs on her mound were groomed to perfection. The sight made me smile, she always liked to be a rebel. And with today's ridiculously high beauty standards that's exactly what she would be seen as. My eyes drifted down to her sexy toned thighs and legs.
Even though my feet were rooted to the ground by her sultry articulated works, I fought against her compulsion, wanting... nothing more than to get to her.
But my attempts had all been in vain.
She disappeared, before reappearing in front of me. Her hand clasping the back of my neck. I knew what was coming this time, no point in fighting.
"...Darling, why don't you go stand where I stood and strip..."
The fog in my mind increased as she closed the distance between us and pecked me briefly on the lips eyes hooded. "And don't you dare," her finger stroked the side of my face. "Take your eyes off mine."
Standing where she stood, my hands on there on reconciliation removed my dark green bomber jacket, brown eyes locked firmly onto hers. Not soon after they went to the edges of my navy blue Everlane t-shirt. I stepped on my boots, and somehow the socks came off with them.
Eventually, her clothing and mine were joined together on the floor.
The air seemed to buzz with more energy the longer we gazed into each other's eyes, I wouldn't be surprised if sparks started flying. In fact, I expected them too.
Once I had felt the fog of her mind control leave my body, I sped over to her.
As I crushed my mouth on hers, her refined arms wrapped around my shoulders, my hard length against her thigh.
Our tongues didn't engage in a battle for dominance.
They danced.
Remembering all the wonderful times they had danced before.
Breaking free of her sensuous lips, I placed Rebekah on the table with great care but also with urgency. Even though, in all honesty, out of the two of us, she could hurt me a hundred times worse.
This woman could kill me and I would let her.
Getting on my knees I wasted no time before putting my face between her sexy thighs. Drowning myself in her wetness, humming as I shamelessly relished in the curses that left her mouth.
My tongue delved between her fleshy folds, slightly brushing against her hardened nub. She jolted, moving her hips away, lowly whining.
We couldn't have that, I thought as I grasped her thighs and pressed my lips hard against her centre, drawling out a loud moan from her. Another string of curses left her mouth, I whirled my tongue inside her, after having pushing it inside. She had such a dirty mouth. But it was familiar.
I could find a home in the crevices of her body, the sounds she was making acting as music effortlessly replacing vinyls; I thought enjoying the unique taste of her rushing arousal that I savored.
Her shudders made the table shake, and wordless voice echoing throughout the foyer.
Breaking away to get some air, I swiped her folds with my tongue, purposefully missing her clit.
At this point, I was leaking onto the floor. As always after we were done, quite a mess would be left behind.
I flattened my tongue moved over her over sensitive bud and I wondered how long it had been since she had been pleasured this way.
A chunk of wood fell to the ground, a frustrated growl, telling me all I need to know.
Kissing her center, and her inner thighs I raised my head to meet her shiny blue eyes that had begun to fill with tears.
"You okay?"
"Sorry," she laughed breathlessly, her face flushed a deep pink. I could detect some nervousness in her voice. Her hand that had gripped the table pulled away to scratch that spot between her breasts she always did when she felt uneasy.
"It's been a while since anyone's gown down on me, so I suppose you could say...I'm out of practice..."
"You were the last," she says, panting.
"The men I've bedded had other things in mind," she continued, rising up to her elbows. Dumbasses. They had no idea what they were missing out on.
"You deserve to be worshipped."
I bent my head back down, and blew cool air on her core. Watching with glee as her hips arched up, and a soft, "fuck," left her lips.
"And I will be more than happy to get you used to again," I added, before going down on her again.
Flicking her clit with my tongue, just as I had under the cover of darkness in the apple orchid. I could remember the warm breeze on my neck, and the faint smell of the honeysuckle in the wind.
"That sounds just bloody...OH!"
I hummed, wrapping my lips around her sensitive bundle of nerves, sucking. Not missing that her heart had begun a frantic pace, her sharp intakes of breath, and bloody hell's.
"You kiss your brothers with that mouth," I asked, my tongue darting out to catch her everflowing arousal.
Her hand found my scalp and she scratched lightly, "Just shut up and eat me out."
I did as she asked.
After a couple of minutes or less, I could feel that her end was near. Her breasts heaved with every raspy breath, and her shaking hand had wound itself in my hair. Over the past few months, I had forgone a visit to the barber's shop, having more pressing matters than my looks. And ever since we were separated I saw no point in letting my hair grow out. Now that she was back I just might let it.
My tongue rubbed against her expanding inner walls, my nose nuzzling her overly sensitive
bundle of nerves.
"Marcel," she whimpered, warningly...
I drug my mouth from her past her pulsating entrance to her inner thighs, sinking my fangs into her sweat-covered flesh.
She cried out in pure ecstasy and blood began to drip down my neck from her nails. That had been her undoing, I knew it would be.
It always was and always would be as long as she was with me.
...
Third Pov
...
As it turned out, Klaus and Luna never got to explore the French Quarter that night.
After he helped her up that's all his mind was fixated on. Showing her the music, the art, walking among the people. Luna was surprised at the sudden shift, but she wasn't going to start complaining. She was getting what she wanted...and he was getting what he wanted...
No one liked to be cold. The chill that crept up on them and coated their insides wasn't ignorable or weather-like but it stabbed through them like ice would just the same. But it was preventable, as long as they stayed together.
The two doctors came out and told the two what Elijah had told them.
Hayley was missing.
...
"And where is Kathrine?"
Elijah explained how it happened for the third time (on speakerphone) to his brother. Klaus sent Marcel's vampires outside not being able to trust them. He had called him but got no answer the same for Rebekah. But Elijah was glad that his brother was concerned for not only his child's well-being but for Hayley's as well. Niklaus might not have known it but his brother's care for the Marshall girl ran deep.
"Unconcious. The two decided to take a walk while I was keying up my piano. When I went to go check on them I found Kathrine on the ground. There is a strong smell of herbs, so I doubt that she would have knocked herself out. And Hayley...is nowhere to be seen."
Luna's ears perked up when she heard Klaus' brother say, 'strong smell of herbs.'
"Does it smell like a horse?"
The Original paused his walking, hearing the strange silvery sound. "Answer her brother," and there was the sound of his brother's impatience.
Inhaling deeply he was surprised that it did indeed smell like a horse. "Yes...it does."
"Ashwagandha," the wolf princess murmurs, she felt oddly disconnected from everything since she learned that her sister was missing.
Feeling eyes on her and hearing stillness at the other end of the phone she explained what it was and what it did.
"It's what they used to knock me out with. Among other things it induces sleep, she should wake up in an hour or two depending on how much her body absorbed."
Elijah coughed, and Klaus immediately asked what was wrong.
"I apologize, it's just the smell of lavender is overpowering."
At the sound of the eight-lettered word, Luna paled, cursing herself for not assuming the wicked woman first.
"Sabine."
Klaus' eyes widened slightly, while the two doctors in the room remained clueless.
Her voice was shaking but her body wasn't. The wolf princess was perfectly still. In fact, nothing about her had changed except for the fact that her eyes were glowing, a kaleidoscope blend of silver and gold.
"Sabine took my sister."
...
A/N: Sooo the second chapter has officially been rewritten and edited! Over 20k words! I'm excited to see what you guys think!
...
Dictionary
Ashwagandha - is an ancient herb with many health benefits (helps induce sleep)
