A/N: Thanks everyone 'Rejected & Redundant' cleared 90,000 hits xx Alexis
I needed to get away from this place, I am going to freak out I can feel it. Hell, I know Jasper can feel it too. I start to glace around looking for an escape route before I panic or explode and hurt someone I care about. Then suddenly I'm moving faster than I'm capable of on my own. I feel heat beneath my fingers and know it's Elijah, thank God! I just let go of my emotions and sob inconsolably in his arms. I just let my temper get the better of me and actually killed those witches. It was different from the last time because I sent their own spells back to them. But this time I did to them what they had tried to do to me, I attacked. I killed them without thought or recourse! This is not me, this is not who I want to be!
I am so confused and a little disgusted at myself, when did life become so cheap to me? When did I become so heartless? I wasn't just defending myself like before. I went there; I took the fight to them. I let my anger rule my head and my heart and am now no better than them. Yes, I had reason and cause to seek them out, but to kill in cold blood! Why does life seem so much cheaper in the supernatural world? I knew back there they were all proud of me, but I'm not proud of myself! Isn't it a fact that your own opinion counts for more, well right at this moment my opinion of myself is bad! I couldn't have a lower one if I tried! I could barely hear Elijah above the pounding in my ears, the screaming in my head!
"Don't beat yourself up sweetheart, they forced you into a corner and you lashed out. You're a human, a human who until a year ago didn't know this world existed and you've done so well. But we've all been here so long and yes we're blasé about it and death.
Those witches have killed many of us. They were born into this world and trained to kill us. You were in their way and your life meant nothing to them! You are now in a battle and I'm sorry, but it's kill or be killed!" he said soothingly,
I listen and can't help but compare him to Edward. Elijah is not saying it wasn't my fault, because, clearly it was. He's not saying it will all be all right, because, clearly it isn't! What he's saying is I made the best of a bad situation out of my control. No condemnation, no wishy-washy platitudes, just a heartfelt explanation. This is why I love him so much, even in the face of my grief-stricken meltdown. He didn't lie or make light of the situation, in other words, he gave it to me straight. This was my life now; I chose him and with him comes baggage, deadly baggage. I sigh, he's right of course and this will not be the last time I take a life I know this. But I will retain my humanity, I will still be me. I will not let this life consume me!
IOOH
We return to Elizabeth's slowly, givin' Bella and Elijah time to come to terms with this. I wish it could be easier for her, but death is never easy! Emmett asks me what I'm gonna do now and I don't know. Peter and Char are still away and I need to do, need to go somewhere new.
"I don't know Em, but it's not here and not in Texas either. I knew a Traditional years ago, I would like to meet him again" I murmur unsure if this is the right path,
"Oh, who?" Rebekah asks and I tell her,
"Damon! Why does that not surprise me? Well, Mystic Falls is where you need to go. You'll find everyone there, vampires, werewolves, vampire hunters and of course witches! They all live side by side in a tense sort of truce. Damon and his brother Stefan have a house, no a mansion there" she explains and I nod, yes that's where I'll go,
"Well okay, sounds like a plan. What about you and Rose? You fancy a trip to a supernatural town once Bella's settled?" I ask and they both nod,
"Yes, Damon can be fun, but his brother is a little morose and has the hots for a human girl. He's an animal drinker too actually, to control the beast he told me once!" Rebekah says and we all burst out laughin',
"God, he sounds like Edward! How pathetic!" Rose sniggers,
Once inside Elijah greets us and says Bella is in the shower and is a little better. Then he asks his sister for those rings she took and he looks at the three of us.
"I don't know if this will work, but if there's a chance it would benefit you greatly. Jasper, please stand there" he insists and I step into the beam of sunlight,
I don't know what to expect and then he hands me a large but not too ornate ring. The minute my fingers close around it the other's gasp. The annoyin' and to be honest humiliatin' sparklin' had stopped. I was amazed, this was for us monumental. Elijah turned to Rose and Emmett and handed over two more rings, telling us it's the stone and not the mount that matters and to change them to suit ourselves. This was mind blowin', but absolutely freein' as well. I shook his hand and thanked him profusely.
"No thank you, without your help, I might not have surfaced sane! Isabella is lucky to have you three and Peter as her extended family. Now, where the hell do I send Peter's rings to?" Elijah says with a small smile,
Both Bella who had returned and him cocked their heads and waited. His phone vibrates and he laughs. Jeez, they have him on speed dial without the diallin' just like me. Bella nods and says out loud knowin' he's seen it or heard it or whatever the hell he does!
"They're on their way Peter and thank you for everything"
IOOH
I had just given the rings to Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett when Isabella appeared. She seemed calmer and if not happy, resigned to what had happened. It's a tough fact to learn, that sometimes you have to strike first and strike hard! I know in my heart that this won't be the last time either, but I never said so to Isabella. We had a little moment when arranging where to send Peter's rings and I was happy she and I were still on the same page. I didn't want my troubles here in New Orleans, to impact our relationship, by driving a wedge between us. The only good thing that's come out of it is Rebekah is now giving Isabella a real chance. I found it amusing that Rosalie and Rebekah actually clicked.
It probably was more to do with the fact that she, Rosalie had that act that Rebekah wanted, down pat. She could flip on a dime from a nice friendly caring woman to a total bitch and I say that with respect. Everyone has a coping mechanism and whereas Rebekah comes across as a whiny entitled person, Rosalie comes across as someone not to be messed with. It's a fine line I know and Isabella finds the two of them confusing. She has never needed to do that to protect herself and in the past. She has been hurt by not shielding herself from people insisting and demanding their wants be met, as against hers. What is it the humans say, ah yes; she doesn't have a thick enough skin!
Which is amazing really because everyone seems to go out of their way to hurt her. Her mother, her father, her so-called friends and that jerk of an ex-boyfriend! No wonder when my sister started it to she barely reacted, she's too damned used to it. Well thank God we were getting away from it all and I suggest Rebekah take the other to Mystic Falls and show them around, saying they can stay are our house there. I wonder where Isabella would like to live. I have homes worldwide, but none I'd call home I suppose. So when we decide it will in truth be my first real home, one I want to be in and with someone I want to spend time with.
But I will phone Madam LaRue and tell her what happened and that at this time Marcel is witch-less and let the chips fall where they may. He deserves all he gets, his power-play against my family failed and yes I better tell Klaus as well! I know everyone thinks of him as irrational and one who jumps in feet first, but that is not true. He studies his enemy first, then makes his move. It's the devastation he leaves behind that makes others think that. Once committed he gives himself over to the beast inside him, but he is rarely that out of control. He just enjoys the carnage, the fear he evokes and the ability to indulge his werewolf side. In fact, he's very like how the Major described himself, two very opposing sides to the same coin.
IOOH
"Bella, since you and Elijah will be away for your birthday, how about you let us take you both out to lunch tomorrow? Plus I want to buy you something, no argument! Something for your new job maybe?" I say determined to make things as normal as possible for her,
"Thank you, Rose, that would be lovely. I would love a messenger bag, you know for my laptop and things!" Bella tells me,
I'm actually proud of her; she didn't flinch away as she did from Alice and Edward. But hell, they'd probably insist on a diamond-studded one! It was never about her, but all about them showing other people what they bought her, how much they had spent. Subtlety was neither of those two's forte. Yes, I like good things but I don't rub it in everyone's face. Unlike them I had an outlet for my boredom, cars, repairing, restoring and even detailing them. Maybe that was what they lacked, a purpose and with Edward a way of making money for himself instead of leeching off of Carlisle. Emmett is the same as me, he doesn't just play games he writes them and we have our own money.
"Good, so where do you suggest, you know the city better than me?" I ask Elijah and Rebekah,
I was really looking forward to going out in the sun and not sparkling. That has been one of the things I hated about being like this. I mean there are other things as everyone knows, but this will lift our spirits and actually help us to fit in more than we ever did. We promised to not tell anyone else about these daylight rings, Elijah gave us. Hell, most of our kind doesn't even believe in witches and damn until now neither did I. I really have no interest in meeting a werewolf either, shapeshifters are bad enough!
"Okay, Em and I are going hunting, we'll see you tomorrow and Jasper we'll see you at the guesthouse," I say taking Emmett's hand,
"Yes, I'll walk you out Miss Mikaelson," Jasper says and you could see the confusion on her face,
"I believe Elijah and Bella would like some alone time" I explain quietly,
She looks shocked as if it had never crossed her mind, but I saw Elijah roll his eyes. She really knows nothing about personal space. We hustle her out waving over our shoulders at the two lovebirds. God, no wonder they are never all together all the time it would be insane!
IOOH
"Alone at last sweetheart. Come and lie down with me, would you like something to eat or drink?" I ask her,
"No, I just want to be with you" she mutters and cuddles up closer to me,
I continually fail to remember how young she is and how she has never had the one on one type of relationship before. The former Cullens were constantly in your face too by all accounts. I saw Rosalie's reaction to Rebekah not leaving, but she forgets her family were the same. I'm so glad we're leaving soon and talk about it to her for a while. Isabella seems a little excited as well, I remind her it's not going to be all work. I want her to enjoy being with me alone too, we don't, I'm glad to say ever run out of things to talk about. But she often seems surprised when I ask about what she likes, what she wants. So this is something she's going to have to learn, I want to share everything with her, work and home life because I love her.
"Elijah? Do I have to wait until I have an accident to be like you? What if I never do? What happens if I grow old?" Isabella asks me and I hear the panic in her voice,
"Sweetheart, I'm not leaving you or letting you get old either. I would like you to be totally sure and ready for this. I can easily start your transformation, never doubt you will be with e forever" I say hoping to alleviate her concerns,
"I just..., I'm sorry for being so needy, so pathetic!" she mumbles,
"No, you're none of those things. You're scared and out of your comfort zone. I will never abandon you, I will never sideline you and I will change you to be like me. I only want you to be sure. I would never be able to live with myself if you resented me later on!" I whisper and now she sees I'm scared too,
"Oh Elijah, I'm sorry. I'm being so selfish, worrying about myself and not taking into account this is impacting on you too. I'm letting my past insecurities colour our relationship and I'm so ashamed of myself! Please believe me when I say I love you and I want to be with you" she tells me,
We are basically clinging to each other like drowning rats. I've never felt so exposed in a relationship and I realise it's because I've never cared this deeply before. I was in love yes, but maybe not as invested as I thought I was! It's all so new and a little terrifying, I tell her this and she nods in agreement. She knew she wasn't invested in Edward either and that's why she ran. Never mind that they were two different species as well. We lie quietly after that and before long we're both asleep. Waking up in her arms is one of my most favourite things. She always looks so cute as she comes to and stretches like a cat and her little noises and the way she wrinkles her nose makes me love her a little more each day.
IOOH
I wake slowly and stretch out my arms and legs ready to start the new day. I realise Elijah is watching me with a very satisfied look on his face. It's like he's happy with what he see's and that makes me feel good about myself. If he likes me like this, well who am I to complain. I run my hand up his chest and smile.
"Good morning Mr Mikaelson, do you fancy a quickie in the shower?" I say trying not to laugh and he growls,
"There will be nothing quick about it Miss Swan!" He states scooping me up and walking to the bathroom,
I brushed my teeth as he started the shower and he did the same smiling at me in the mirror. It was one of those moments; you know when you can see yourself still doing in twenty years or fifty years from now. Since we still had our clothes on from yesterday and I finished cleaning my teeth first, I started to undo his buttons. He wasn't even pretending to do his now, just watching me in the mirror as I slowly undressed him. I could see just how turned on he was as I released the button and zip on his trousers. I had never done this outside of his bed but slide slowly to my knees taking his trousers down with me. Once I'd removed them and his boxers, I leant forward and kissed the tip of his penis.
The sound of his toothbrush being snapped in his mouth just spurred me on. I was maybe a little out of my depth, but I was determined to make him feel good. Once I got a rhythm going I grabbed one of his hands and place it at the back of my head and he growled. God that was such a turn on, I knew he would know this too and I felt him wrap my hair around his fist. When I relaxed my throat and completely engulfed him he almost staggered but quickly regained control. I was trying to see his face, but it's not an easy angle to be at and all that told me he was blissfully enjoying this were his moans. I knew when he was going to cum but refused to let go as he tried to push me away.
I felt so pleased with myself as he shuddered and released into my throat. Swallowing quickly, I was actually quite impressed with myself, but not more than he was. Grabbing me up and showering me with kisses as he gently stripped me as well. I think we might have stayed in there all day if we hadn't already made arrangements to meet the others for lunch. But I was more than a bit unsteady as we finally left to and get dressed. Elijah looked more than a little smug about that too! I was actually looking forward to lunch as I hadn't eaten much yesterday and this morning. It was so strange to see them standing in the sunlight and not sparkling.
Rose gave me a beautiful soft leather messenger bag, just like I wanted it was so soft and I loved it. Jasper surprised the hell out of me by giving me tan leather cowboy boots that went well with it and then Rebekah floored me by giving me a clutch that could be used on its own or fit into the messenger bag. I was so moved by their gifts and thanked them profusely. I was so happy that they did this for me and coordinated them to match. We had a wonderful meal even though only three of us were eating. It was a perfect lunch with people I considered family, as well as friends. I was sad when it was over and we promised to join them at Mystic Falls after our trip.
IOOH
I wasn't so much hiding as observing from a distance. I knew one of the Cold Ones could feel emotions and I didn't want to get too close. My brother had never looked happier and my dear sister had obviously changed her mind about Elijah's little human. They were having fun and seemed very close to Miss Isabella Swan. I was very surprised they were wearing daylight rings, not something we let Cold Ones have normally, so what had they done to help Elijah? Strangely it wasn't the empath that spotted me but the human. She excused herself to the ladies room and nodded in the direction of the back door. Well, she's brave I'll give her that!
I took a circumvented route there, to avoid the others and found her waiting outside for me.
"Hello Niklaus, I'm surprised you didn't just join us," she said calmly and I really was impressed,
"Hello love, you seem to have captured my brother's heart. But maybe I can persuade you otherwise" I say and I admit I was a little cocky about it,
"You could try, but I warn you now I can't be compelled! I also can't be physically touched unless I want to be either. Although I can attack, however, it's entirely up to you!" she explained and now I really was intrigued,
"You're an unusual little thing, love, what makes you think you can stop me. I'm not like anyone else in my family and that makes me as much of a conundrum as you!" I tell her, before rushing right up to her and bouncing back abruptly,
"Not so unique after all then?" she asks with a raised eyebrow and I laugh,
"Touché Miss Swan" I reply, realising she was way stronger than Damon had led me to believe,
"Oh please call me Bella, let's not be formal since I'll one day be your sister-in-law!" she floored me by saying,
I had no way of knowing if she was calling my bluff or not. Elijah had had love affairs before, he had been besotted, but never fully committed, was he now?
"He's a complex man with a troubled past and hidden demons," I say now and this time she laughs,
"Ah yes, your mother really did a number on him didn't she? But you'll be thrilled to know the Red Door in his mind, is no more! I helped him to exorcise his demons and now he's free from her cruel curse!" she explained and I was stunned to complete silence for several seconds,
"What? How?" I blurted out,
"Isabella walked the corridors of my mind with me and sent them all on their way to hopefully a better place!" I heard Elijah say from right behind me,
"The Fuck!" was all I could say to the now six people around me.
