LadyoftheFanfictions - Of course there's going to be more! I am far from done with this story. It might be a little time before I get to Rebekah and Kol but they'll come around again. Promise.

Thank you darlings! You've made this so much fun to write and given me so much love. I appreciate you all.

Sorry, sorry. I took forever, again. But I'm quite happy with how this is going. I'll try to have the next one soon. Enjoy!

PART 9

Caroline's Apartment 4:31 p.m.

Adrenaline coursed through her bloodstream, pumping her blood at record speeds. Her fingers tapped the steering wheel as she pulled up to her parking space around the corner from her garden apartment. As she switched the ignition off she could only feel her rage making her heart beat wildly. She slammed the door of her car and rounded the corner with angry stomps that shook the earth beneath them. She normally wobbled a little on the sidewalk in her heels but right now everything was tunnel vision.

Klaus was waiting on the steps outside her door with Henrik in tow. Seeing them stirred her and there was no time to think when she finally reached them. Her hand went flying across his face in a harsh slap! It stunned them all and her breath came in fast little pants. His head turned back slowly and she closed her mouth in a frown.

"Never lie to me like that again."

Henrik's eyes were as wide as saucers and he hurriedly moved out of the way so she could unlock the door. She walked into her home briskly, leaving them to their own defenses. Klaus walked in with his brother clutching his leg then murmured for him to go to the living room and turn on the television. Henrik obeyed without question.

Caroline waited for him to find her in the kitchen, trying to contain the whirlwind of emotions inside her. Relief trumped by anger, and anger trumped by fear. Klaus found her standing rigid in front of the sink, staring out the window. She had shed her jacket and purse sloppily over the table. Her fingers were gripping the counter's edge hard enough to whiten her knuckles.

"Let me explain," he started.

"Yes, by all means please explain to me why you didn't feel the need to mention that your mother is at your house!" He was shamed into silence by the sheer amount of fury in her voice and the ferocity in her eyes. "I went over there expecting to see a sick kid and instead I see this wasp of a woman holding her own daughter hostage!"

"I'm sorry."

"I thought Henrik was in there with her! I thought…" She huffed, shaking her head and turning away as she pressed her fingertips to her temples, cursing the tears that sprung on.

"Caroline..."

"No."

"Caroline," he repeated, edging closer.

"Just don't."

But she knew he was right behind her, that when she turned around he would try to take her in his embrace, comfort her into submission when he was the one she was mad at. She wasn't giving him that benefit. And she definitely wasn't going to let him see her cry.

"I should have told you." She nodded with her back to him. "I just…" He let out a breath. "I thought it would be easier."

"Why?" She finally faced him, letting her anger flourish. "Why is it easier to hide the truth than it is to let me in?"

He flinched at that and slowly shook his head. "I don't know."

"Do you know how scared I was for him?" She crossed her arms, her voice softening as she stubbornly looked away, blinking back the tears to keep them from falling. "For you."

He swallowed and braved a step forward to tip her chin up with a single fingertip. She kept her gaze lowered until he slid his whole hand to cup her face, his other on her shoulder.

"I am truly sorry." She blinked a few times before shakily sighing in relief and defeat."I should have told you where we were, what was going on." He ducked his head a little to try to catch her averting eyes. "Can you forgive me?"

She glanced up, and as much as she wanted to stay angry, she couldn't. Her lips turned and she nodded feebly. He nodded once to reaffirm and then meandered to her side, leaning with her against the counter. A silent beat passed.

"I imagine this is not your ideal 'meet the parents' scenario."

Her laugh was sharp, humorless. "Hardly."Her amusement waned with curiosity. "Did you know? That she would get there today?"

"I wasn't certain. I had a hunch."

She shook her head. "Why didn't you warn Rebekah?"

"Rebekah chose her side."

Her brows lowered in skeptical disbelief. "So she chose to be there? Then why was she practically begging me for help?"

Klaus peered curiously. "In what way?"

"I don't know. Just...the look in her eyes." She shrugged, hugging herself and frowning. "She looked petrified."

He looked away. "Kol won't leave her on her own," he decided. "They fight like animals but their loyalty to one another is a force to be reckoned."

"At least she'll have one ally..."

His eyes snapped to hers, stalking her every movement heatedly as she walked away from him and busied herself with the flowers from a few nights ago.

"I can't save them all," he said finally.

"Why?" she challenged, turning around again.

His expression defied her. "There's a little thing known as free will."

"There's also something called responsibility. They are yours."

He looked away. "It's complicated."

"They're your family. What is so complicated about that?"

"Kol has no idea our mother is home. When he walks in, when he sees Rebekah is her prisoner, he'll inevitably choose to stay. His self-preservation won't trump her safety."

"So that's your plan? Sacrifice one for the good of the other?"

"For now."

"So he's just collateral damage?" She rolled her eyes. "Because that's fair."

"In case you haven't noticed, sweetheart, fair isn't high up on my to-do list. Nor do I need your approval." She blinked, taken aback by his tone. His face filled with immediate regret. "I'm sorry."

"Whatever." She walked over to her purse and began rummaging for her phone. Klaus ran his hand over his face in tired frustration.

"I didn't mean I don't care, Caroline."

"You're on edge. I get it."

He sighed through his nose and walked over to her, hovering behind. "How can I acquit myself?"

She stopped rummaging, looking down. "A little compassion wouldn't hurt." She turned around to face him. "I don't want to tell you what to do. It's your family's issue to deal with." She reached up to touch his face, frowning. "But I am scared."

He held her hand against his cheek, his other at her waist. "So am I."

They shared a look of understanding before he rested his forehead against hers and they both closed their eyes.

"I'm glad you're okay," she whispered.

His eyes opened and he let his nose graze hers a little so she would smile. She looked up at him from beneath lashes and he brushed her lips in a gentle kiss, hugging her to him as he let her warmth comfort him. She kissed him lovingly, her hands grazing his stubbled jawline with tenderness before linking at the back of his neck when she leaned in on her tiptoes. A tiny blissful sigh coaxed him into sneaking his tongue between her parted lips, turning the tables lustfully. She followed suit, her hips bucking into his on their own. His hands wandered down from her mid-back and she felt her weight lifted from the ground before he sat her on her own kitchen table.

She smiled against his lips as he moved in between her legs, his fingers weaving into her hair to tilt her head up for another taste. Gently she let her nails drag against the back of his head, sifting through the softness of his curls. He moaned into her mouth and it made her tighten her legs around him which in turn made him grind against her. Her neck arched and invited him to lavish it with kisses. She opened her eyes only briefly but it was enough to catch a glimpse of movement in the doorway. She turned her head just a little so his lips dragged to her cheek.

"I think we have an audience," she whispered. Klaus paused, eyes half lidded before he followed her line of sight and saw the little mop of brown hair wisping as he scurried away. A tiny growl of frustration sounded from his throat.

"Henrik," he called warningly.

Caroline laughed. "Let him be."

"Kol's turning him into a little voyeur."

She pushed herself back from the edge a little, gripping it with her hands as she gave him a knowing look. He sighed and retreated backwards, bumping into the counter behind him and hanging his head in defeat.

"He must think the world of me, now." She glanced up with a shameful wince. "I'm sorry I slapped you."

"I deserved it."

"No, you didn't." Their eyes met briefly before she broke contact. She let her legs swing a little out of restlessness. "So what now?"

"I hadn't thought that far."

"Does he know what's going on?"

"No. And I'd prefer to keep it that way."

"You can't lie to him forever."

"I know. But if I can protect him from the truth a little longer, then I will. Even if it means he'll hate me in the long run."

"He would never hate you. You're his favorite."

His dimples appeared. "Did he tell you that?" Her wide-eyed shamed face was all the answer he needed. "Fancy that."

"That was supposed to be our secret."

"And what other secrets are you two keeping, I wonder?"

She smirked as he neared her. "None that you'll ever find out about."

He leaned closer still, his narrowed eyes zeroing in on hers. One hand went on either side of her, flat against the table, and the proximity made her heart begin to race.

"Is that so?" His voice was almost a growl and it made goosebumps rise all over. He probably expected her to shrink away, submit to his domineering, but she challenged him back and leaned closer, their noses just barely touching. His look of surprise was totally worth it.

"And what exactly are you going to do about it?"

"Careful, love. You're playing with fire." His hands slowly crept over her thighs, bunching her skirt to slowly shove it upwards.

She grinned then grabbed his shirt in a fist and tugged him hard, pausing just before their lips could touch. "Maybe I like a little danger." His breath hitched and she bit her lip, taunting him with her eyes.

He started to let one hand slide inward, stroking her inner thigh delicately in contrast to the hot intensity between their gazes. "I'll keep that in mind," he murmured against her lips, about to kiss her again.

"This is awkward," a voice drawled, its owner slinking in the doorway with a bored expression on her face. Both blondes froze, turning in tandem. Henrik popped his head from behind her with a tiny smile.

"Kaffrine's here."

Klaus let go and stepped back at once. A flushing Caroline slipped off the table, smoothing her skirt out. "Henrik, did you let her in?"

He shrank back slightly. "She knocked..."

"You know you're not supposed to answer the door for strangers," Klaus reminded him.

"You two were occupied," Katherine reasoned, putting a comforting hand on the five-year-old's shoulder who just as quickly shrugged it off and ducked around her toward his brother. Klaus put a protective hand against his back.

"What are you doing here?"

"Well I sure as hell wasn't going to the mansion after Elijah filled me in."

"He knows we're here? And where I live?" Caroline glanced to Klaus but he raised a dubious brow.

"You're the only kindergarten teacher in town." Katherine leaned against the door panel, crossing her arms. "Doesn't take a genius to track you down."

Henrik tugged his brother's pant leg and whispered, "Are you and Miss Caroline maked up now?"

The pair shared a glance, awkward smiles abounding. Klaus shook his head. "What makes you think we were angry?"

"Cause of how she yelled and hit your face."

Katherine glanced at her, impressed. "And I thought Kindergarten teachers were sweet."

Caroline ignored her and crouched to her knees. "Henrik? I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have done that." He shrugged and looked down. "I didn't mean to scare you."

He looked up timidly. "I don't like it when Nik gets hit." She blinked in confusion and looked to Klaus for clarification but he was just as bemused.

"I'm sorry," she repeated. "What I did was wrong. We should never hurt people. Especially when we're mad."

"Why were you so mad at him?"

She opened her mouth to respond but Klaus' voice answered, "It was my fault." He nodded emphatically. "I told her a lie and she found out about it."

"Why did you lie?"

"Because I'm an idiot."

"Understatement," Katherine chimed in.

Caroline scoffed, sliding her eyes to them both in scolding. "What he means is that he was scared."

Henrik frowned hard. "Scared of what? Nik's never scared."

"I'll tell you when you're older," Klaus told him.

His lips quirked in an adorable smirk reminiscent of one of his other brothers. "Like tomorrow?"

"Nice try, monkey."

"I'll tell you later," Caroline whispered playfully ignoring the warn of Klaus' eyes.

Henrik's eyes lit up. "Are we sleeping over again?"

"Again?" Katherine lit up too, her implications more devious.

Klaus' jaw set. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?" she goaded.

"Yeah," Henrik agreed. "Why not?"

His eyes flicked to hers dangerously while he instructed his brother, "Go back into the living room and watch your cartoons. We'll discuss it later."

"But you're all in here," he protested.

"We need to have an adult conversation, Henrik."

His little brows furrowed in a deep frown and he crossed his arms. "When I'm a grown up I can say no to you and you can't make me in trouble."

"Well, fortunately for me, you're not one yet."

Henrik's mouth went tight and he stomped off dramatically. Klaus watched in mild concern despite his amusement. "He's getting more and more brazen by the day."

"I like it," Katherine said.

Caroline let out a long sigh and went over to the cupboard by the fridge, pulling out a bottle of Savignon Blanc. "Anyone else need a drink?"

A melody went off on Klaus' phone alerting all three of them. The tension in the room while he silently read the message was almost suffocating.

"Elijah's looking to come here after his shift," he finally announced.

Caroline set the bottle down with a thud. "If you all start showing up here, Henrik's going to know something's up."

"Something is up," Katherine argued. "The wicked bitch of the West End is back."

"Keep your voice down, Katerina."

Katherine glared at him. "Don't call me that."

"Your name's not Katherine?" Caroline asked in confusion.

"She doesn't like people to know her birth name." He smiled sinisterly as she fumbled for her foot. "I guess I forgot."

"How about I shove my heel through your skull? Maybe then you'll remember." She inched closer, wielding her stiletto in his face threateningly.

"Save the bedroom talk for your fiancée, sweetheart." She took another step and he grabbed her wrist in a vice grip.

"Whoa whoa whoa!" Caroline shoved her arms between them to separate the two, frowning in disbelief. "Seriously?! We have bigger problems than your bickering."

Their staring match lasted a moment longer before Katherine finally backed away, taking up a seat at the table to put her shoe back on.

"We're all on edge here, but going at each other's throats is no way to solve our problems." She spared a glance at each of them, both acknowledging her minimally. The room fell silent again while she took out three glasses and filled them, handing them off respectively. "Here."

She set one on the table for Katherine then handed Klaus his. The three of them remained in silence, each pondering their glasses with minute sips.

"Does anyone have a plan?" Caroline finally asked.

Katherine pursed her lips. "Stay as far away from the mansion as possible?"

"Okay. Does anyone have a productive plan?"

"What?" She shrugged. "If she can't catch him, she can't take him away." Caroline sighed.

"I wouldn't put your faith in this one." Klaus crossed his arms, leering at Katherine. "She'll betray you the first chance she gets."

Katherine's eyes rolled skyward with a groan. "Will you drop the stupid art project already? I said I was sorry!"

"A lot of good that does me. A semester's worth of work was ruined, thanks to your carelessness."

"Oh boo hoo. I left it out in the sun and it faded. It was an accident."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"I don't expect you to do anything. Except maybe drop dead."

His nostrils flared and he stepped forward, enraged.

"Stop it!" Caroline pushed on his chest to hold him back glaring at Katherine. "Both of you." Katherine raised her hands in surrender and Klaus' tension eased. She let her hand relax, then grabbed a fist full of his shirt. "You. With me."

She pulled him toward the hallway and let go when they were near her room so she could turn to face him.

"You know she's baiting you, right? And you're just as bad an instigator."

"You don't know her, Caroline. You don't know our history."

"You're right. I don't. What I do know is that your fighting isn't going to help Henrik. Or you. So can you please just be civilized for, like, five minutes?" He sighed and rubbed his chin in impatience, letting go with a toss of his hand but refusing to look her in the eye. Stubborn as a five-year-old. "Thank you." He nodded and hung his head, giving her a glimpse of the painful worry in his eyes just before. She stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey. We're going to figure this out."

He looked up and the pure vulnerability in his eyes was enough to shake her to the core. "I can't lose him too," he said quietly.

Her hands moved to caress his face comfortingly. "You won't." Her thumb stroked his cheek lovingly and his brows twitched in an awed expression.

"Why are you so sure of me?"

"Why aren't you?"

He turned from her touch and walked a few steps away. He didn't make any movements except for the curling and uncurling of his fists. "Elijah will be here soon."

Her shoulders drooped in disappointment. One step forward, and a mile back. "I've been thinking..." She started towards him carefully. "What if we talk to my mom? She has some pull, maybe she could - "

He turned around sharply and her movements froze. "You haven't told her anything, have you?"

"Well not all of it, but - " His sigh of distress cut her off. "What? Why is that bad?"

"Getting the authorities involved will only make things worse."

"I'm sorry. I didn't think it mattered…"

"It matters very much." He sighed heavily, shaking his head. "We can't stay here. I won't have you be any more involved than you are."

"Why not?"

"Because it's too dangerous, Caroline!"

"Yeah! I know!" She shrugged. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not the one running here."

He pressed his lips together, exhaling through his nose. "I wish you would."

"And I wish you'd stop wanting to push me away, but we can't always get what we want." His eyes narrowed, rolling away from hers. "Klaus, I get being scared, but helping you is my choice. And I happen to be pretty damn capable, actually." He glanced up, lifting one brow, smiling wryly. "What? I am!"

"You never cease to surprise me."

"That's what happens when you underestimate people." She put her hands on her hips intending to come across matter of factly but to Klaus she looked adorable.

"A mistake I won't be making again."

"Good. Because..." Her arms dropped. "I know you have your issues or whatever, but, believe it or not, I care about you. And I'm in this. And I'm not going to sit back or be pushed to the sidelines." Her heart pounded the whole time but if she didn't get it out now, she never would. "I'm not scared of getting caught in the crossfire but I am scared of losing you." She swallowed, feeling a light heat in her cheeks. "And Henrik," she added for good measure.

Klaus' eyes had grown wide and he seemed as stunned as she was nervous. He stood speechless, unsure how to respond, but there wasn't anything to say. She'd just needed him to know.

A light piano tune interrupted the silence. Klaus pulled his phone from his pocket and his anxiety amplified. He hadn't seen the name show up in three years and there it was in bold type. His blood ran suddenly cold, his fingers clutching the device going numb.

"Elijah?" Caroline guessed.

"No." He swallowed and looked up at her confused face, saying nothing just before sliding his finger to answer the call. "Hello, mother."