A/N: Thanks guys 'My Death Will Be My Revenge' passed 60,000 hits, while Visibility reached 30,000 and Wedding cleared 10,000 xx Alexis


Watching my brother Klaus' face was quite amusing, he hates when anyone gets the drop on him and I'll admit it hasn't happened often over the years. But well he's never met anyone quite like my Isabella before and her shield stopped him hearing us all approach. Jasper noticed first, her emotions just shut off and he stood looking towards the rear door. The Major just silently signalled Rosalie and Emmett their path and then turned to Rebekah and me and motioned for us to go through the doorway, but to split apart once threw. We all split up and came up to them from different angles and that's what threw Klaus. Very tactical, but his own approach was the most spectacular if a little showy.

Just as Klaus turned at my voice the Major somersaulted from the roof into the final position in the loose circle we had around my brother. Rebekah looked impressed, but I could tell she was wasting her time; he's seriously had his fill of high maintenance women! In another life, I could imagine Isabella and him being a good fit. She has that calming influence both he and I need, Isabella is a balm to my tortured soul. I'm sure when he's ready the right woman for him will appear and they will just fit together seamlessly.

"Hello, little brother, what brings you to New Orleans? Wait you weren't actually going to do Rebekah's bidding for once!" I ask and she huffs,

"I changed my mind, okay. Bella's not what I thought she was!" Rebekah whines,

"Does that shit actually work on them? Wow, you both just went down in my estimation!" Rosalie says with a bored tone to her voice,

"Not every woman had brass balls like you Rose, accept it you're in a class of your own darlin'," The Major says and I thought for a moment she'd attack him,

"Yes my brother I have and don't you forget it!" she says laughing,

"Do you need us to stay Elijah?" the Major asks me and I shake my head,

"No thank you, Major, we'll be fine" I reply and he continues by saying,

"Okay well in that case it's time for us to go. Miss Mikaelson if you're ready we should get on the road?"

"Major? Ah, Damon's Cold One. The infamous Major Whitlock or is that the God of War? We were never sure you were real" Klaus spoke for the first time to any of them,

"Yup, I'm as real as any other dead man and way more dangerous!" the Major says with a nod to Klaus,

It was a clear warning and there was not one ounce of fear in his voice or stance. He knew his own strengths and weaknesses and I'm guessing by the scars all over him he's never lost a battle. Yes, a dangerous enemy for anyone to have and I could see Klaus taking note of it too. He has a tendency to use fear as a weapon, but if his enemy had no fear, then what?

"Right Bella here's your gifts and remember to come to Mystic Falls after your vacation. Rebekah and I will want all the details" Rosalie said and winked at Isabella,

Emmett just grabbed her up in a hug and spun her around.

"Be good Belly Bean, don't do anything I wouldn't!" he told her and now she laughs,

"So that means I can go flipping wild then Emmy Bear?" she asks innocently and he looks scared for her,

"Keep my sister safe, Elijah, promise me!" he says to me,

"I will Emmett, don't worry. Her safety is my top priority!" I say, shaking their hands and kissing Rosalie and Rebekah on the cheek,

The Major encircled Isabella in his arms and breathed in deeply. She clung to him and I saw the tears in her eyes.

"Be happy now Jasper. Show the world the Jasper Whitlock I know and love. It's your turn to get what you want out of life!" she whispers, but we all hear her,

He kisses the top of her head and smiles a genuine smile for the first time since they arrived.

"I promise darlin', for you, I'll try!" he tells her sincerely and we all feel it, pure unadulterated love,

It crashed into us all and even Klaus looked taken aback at the strength of it. The Major loved Isabella deeply; she was his sister in every way but blood. Rebekah darts forward and kisses both Klaus and me on the cheek before they all left.

"Well Love, that's a very unusual family you have there!" Klaus says once it's just the three of us,

IOOH

I was really sad to see them go, but they have their own lives and I'm just a small part of that. Plus Elijah and I were leaving soon, that's if we still are! His brother turning up here was unexpected; it must have been spur of the moment. I'm sure Peter said New York, but he never called so I'm also guessing this was a better outcome. I just wish everything was quieter, smoother and less life-threatening! But he's here now and there is nothing I can do about it. So I just do what I normally do, buckle down and deal with what's in front of me. It isn't always the best thing, but it seems to be the way I can cope with awkward or unwanted situations.

"Shall we return to Elizabeth's Elijah? Are you hungry Niklaus, it's almost dinner time?" I say nicely,

"You don't need to put on an act for me Love. Don't waste your energy, as it will be too hard to keep up!" he replies snarkily,

"That may be how you live your life Klaus, but not everyone is so cynical. But don't accuse me of lying because you don't understand the concept of human kindness!" I say without raising my voice or putting any emotion in it,

Once we arrive back I decline to join them, I've had a belly full of passive-aggressive shit. I got so much of it in the past from far too many people, to take it now. Elijah sighs and kisses me on the cheek and says he'll see me later. I don't care if his brother thinks I'm rude; even on my worst day, he's got me beat! Anyway, I've packing to do for our trip and I should check to see if Teresa needs my help. The packing doesn't take long, yes I've got more clothes than before but not that much more than fills one large suitcase. I love my gifts they are so beautiful and I have never owned anything quite so expensive before, so I'm really looking forward to using them.

I was right and Teresa did need a hand this evening, so I helped her and Gareth by doing kitchen prep and plating the meals. I really didn't want to be on the floor in case Elijah and his brother decided to eat in, this evening. I wasn't worried because with Elijah being inside Elizabeth's he was under my shield and therefore immune to any attack, should things go south with his brother. From all accounts, he could be extremely rash and I was not letting him try anything on Elijah. Not here and not before we go to New York, I was looking forward to it. For once I was being selfish and going to do something for myself. It's only taken me just short of nineteen years to put myself first.

IOOH

Bugger, she's nothing like I expected! But more than that, she doesn't give a crap about how I feel about them being together. It's been many years since I met someone who isn't intimidated by me or even interested in how I feel about her being in Elijah's life. It's hard to accept in her eyes my opinion is irrelevant! She actually appears to be nice, that thing I accused her of faking, is the real her! But more than that she has, in just this short amount of time caught Elijah, hook, line and sinker! She's seen his darkest secrets, helped him overcome them and never at any point will hold them against him. She has no intention of using them as ammunition to get what she wants because she wants nothing from him, but love!

He told me he's tried to buy her things and she refuses, can spot the real thing miles off. She is insisting on working for him, alongside him even, for independence. What were the chances of him finding such an honest, normalish, down to earth human girl? Granted her family as she calls them are Cold Ones and she even knows several shapeshifters. But she really does treat everyone as equal, unless they attack her or her loved ones and then she's a different person altogether. I had to laugh when Elijah told me about her ancestor, Edgar Swan; he was just like her from all accounts. Easy going, pleasant and then the Cormier's pissed him off and we know how that went down. Yes, the Swan's are a force to be reckoned with.

This is the first time in many years that I feel our family dynamic is changing. Is it because for once my word isn't law to someone? Have I just become accustomed to them doing as I say? Considering I have two of my brother's daggered and hidden away, I suppose that's a yes! Though God knows Finn is too zealous to release, if Sage is still alive, she and only she could control him, because he loves her more than mother! Kol well his hedonistic tendencies are a thing of legend, becoming a vampire was the cruellest thing for him. He was a spectacular witch and could do things others couldn't comprehend. I know I've made many mistakes and taken several missteps, but this was one I'd have to be careful of.

Isabella as an enemy could well be the death of me and therefore my whole line. Most I don't give a damn about, but there are a couple I would miss, but only a couple! So do I just let them be and see where it goes or do I make the biggest mistake of my long life? I truly believe he would become my mortal enemy if anything happened to her, is it worth it just to get my way again? I know she had him shielded all the time we were alone, she doesn't trust me at all, clever girl! Our conversation earlier was enlightening.

"Well brother, this is different for you. Giving your heart over so quickly and so willingly, it is willingly isn't it?" I query,

"It is Klaus. But this time I'm not begging or pleading with you. Hurt her and I will kill you no matter how long it takes!" he replied with so much conviction,

"I hear you and for once I believe you too! I take it you've been feeding her, so she will be transitioning soon?" I ask,

"When she's ready, but the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned" was his answer,

When we went downstairs to eat, I was quite taken aback at how friendly he was with the owners until I realised they were related to Isabella, but also it appeared Kol's vassals. My brother's seemed to have a lot of secrets from me, but then I'm also not that surprised, I bring down a lot of enmity on myself with my demanding and controlling ways.

"Bella's in the kitchen helping Gareth if you're looking for her Elijah," the woman said,

I was once again reminded she was nothing like our sister, who hadn't work a single day in her life. Then none of us have, except for Elijah. He was the one who made sure this family stayed afloat. I guess I'm going to have to make an effort to actually get to know my new future sister-in-law because that seems to be the way things are going. But I'd be watching closely, in case this was a very long game she was playing or was that something only I would do?

IOOH

I arrived back in Mystic Falls the day before yesterday after my mad dash to avoid Rebekah Mikaelson. She was an acquired taste and I could only put up with her once every one hundred years or so. My fool of a brother Stefan, looked rather shell shocked, still recovering from the displeasure of being her slave. Idiot, they can compel us too, that's why I rarely look any of them in the eye. I'll admit, I actually quite like Elijah, he's a fair man and way more civilised than Niklaus. Yes, I blame them, the Mikaelson's for all my ails, but of them all, he's the sanest! He seems to be the only one prepared to embrace each era as it arrives and use it to his advantage and financial stability.

"Damon, there are cleaners at the Mikaelson's place. You don't think they are moving in do you?" my brother asks,

"If it's Elijah and Bella that would be great, but the others, not so much! You better let everyone know because chaos always follows them wherever they go!" I say wearily,

I'm getting bored with all the high school drama and the childish antics around us. The residents of Mystic Falls are immature at best and it grates on my nerves. I need hell I don't know what I need!

"Do we know when whoever is arriving? This time don't fall for Bekah's crap and don't look her in the eye, dummy!" I tell Stefan before wandering over to their place,

So it's Princess Bitch and three guests and possibly Nik later on. Nothing like getting to the bottom of things with a little compelling. I didn't know she had any friends, clinger-on's and sycophants yes, but honest to goodness friends! Wonders will never cease. Well, they'll be here tomorrow, so do I stay or do I go again?

IOOH

I need to talk to Isabella, she is less than impressed by Klaus and I can't see her putting up with him for long. This living in each other's pockets when we are together has to stop. I need time to be alone with my Isabella. Thank God we're leaving soon, but I don't want to leave him here, Gareth and Teresa don't deserve that! I told him all that Marcel has been up to, hoping he'd latch on to that, but he seems to be settling in for the duration. I need something to really distract him, but what? Ah, the reports of a large number of werewolves in the area, just the thing.

"Klaus, did you know about all the wolves amassing outside of the city? Is something happening? Has Marcel been making tentative alliances, do you think? Maybe you need to be laying down the law to them before we're all exposed to the world!" I say, hoping it plants the seed,

"I'll check it out while you're in New York and meet you all in Mystic Falls. If they don't have any allegiances, I may have to step in and let them harass Marcel for us. It will soon be time to put that child in his place, but for now, I'll let him lick his wounds. Without his witches, he's just another traditional with delusions of grandeur.

I fear I didn't make a good impression on you lady love and I'll have to remedy that! So I'll leave you for now brother, don't do anything rash" Klaus says and I nod,

Thank goodness, I didn't want him staying here upsetting Isabella anymore than he already has. My family can be too much even for me. I never really thought about it before, but we do seem to have nothing but drama surrounding us. It's not something Isabella is used to, she has such a small family and even though they have had problems, they are more normal than us! Maybe that's just more predictable! Okay time to find her and make this mess up to her. I really wanted her to have more time before being thrown into the deep end of my world. But I forgot she was already shoulder deep in the supernatural already and nothing seems to surprise her anymore.

"Hey sweetheart, are you finished for the night? Klaus has gone to investigate some wolves out there, so it's just you and me again" I say wrapping my arms around her,

"I wasn't trying to be rude Elijah, but I'm not joining in with his drama and disrespect. He either accepts me or not, I don't actually care! You're all I care about, your happiness, your wellbeing! For me, the extended family comes second and I'm sorry if that hurts!" she replies and I squeeze her tighter,

"No, you're right Isabella, it should be us first and then them. Yes, I care about them, but not to the detriment of you sweetheart. You're my priority from now on, even if we have to stay far away from them for peace" I sigh into her hair,

She takes my hand and leads me back up the stair. I'm happiest when it's just the two of us. But, I can't help but think how strange it is that her family came, helped us and left. Mine came, tried to destroy us and had to be sent away!

IOOH

I'm so excited; we're at the airport waiting for our flight to be called. I want to meet his accountant and officially be his assistant, but I can't wait for the fun part as well. I holiday for just us, one where I won't be running after other people. One where it's my needs being met and no someone else's, okay I mean Renee! I have never had a holiday just for me to relax. Even going to Forks as a kid meant doing what others wanted, never what I wanted! So this will be special, not only because it's a first, but because I'll be with Elijah. As far as I'm concerned he's my first real relationship. Edward never took me on dates, Elijah has. Edward never asked what I wanted, Elijah always does, yes he's really my first everything!

Wow, New York is so busy; I've never seen so many people in one place before. The hustle and bustle is crazy, New Orleans was way more laid back even for a touristy place. I'm so glad Elijah is here, I'd be terrified otherwise. The hotel is sumptuous, I know it's expensive and for once I don't care. It's The Langham, Fifth Avenue and wow, just wow! We're going to Great Neck tomorrow to meet the accountant and finalise my employment and then we're free to have fun and celebrate my birthday. Where are we celebrating, well, in the largest bookstore in New York? The Strand, it has more than two point five million books. Then lunch and hopefully the rest of the day in bed!

What more could I want, I'm a simple girl, with simple tastes. Money isn't everything, yes it's a means to an end, but it can't replace real love or affection. I must remember to send postcards to Charlie and Renee, I won't ignore them. Just keep them both at arm's length from now on and our relationship will be what I choose, not them. It's well past time to cut the apron strings; unfortunately, it was me wearing the apron! My life has never been normal; I don't suppose it ever will be from now on. But I'm sure it will be exciting, filled with strange and wonderful things. But mostly it will be filled with love because that to me is more important than all the rest.

I was so surprised when we attended the meal with Elijah's accountant, his wife had presented me with a small birthday cake for tomorrow for Elijah and me. They also gave me a gift card for the Strand bookstore which was so thoughtful. I liked them; they were so genuine and friendly. Yes, Thomas and Martina would be good friends for a very long time I think, human friends to have safe, sane and normal conversations with. The ability to blend in was so much easier for Elijah's kind of vampire, but those rings will give Rose, Em and the three Whitlocks much more freedom. They deserve it for all they've done for me and for Elijah too.

Well, I'm nineteen today and heck I don't feel any different. Unless you count being in love, really in love not infatuated. The Strand is beyond amazing and Elijah had booked a private tour of the Rare Book Room for the day before we catch our flight to Mystic Falls, when we return to New York. Just to see them will be a treat and something I never thought I'd do. We had a glorious picnic lunch in Central Park with my cake and everything. It was so nice and calming, to be in the centre of a huge city and be almost alone was surreal. It was by far the best birthday ever, especially as I didn't have to cook or do any work myself. I was being truly spoilt and loving it for once.