Klaus smiled as he heard her whisper carried by the wind.

She was a curious little thing, his Caroline, and she couldn't resist a dare even if her life depended on it.

It was only a matter of time now, before she came to him.

He'd waited centuries for this moment. Centuries for someone to truly belong to him, and him alone. His family was loyal to a fault, and even though it was an unforgiveable weakness, he loved them. However, even though they'd spent millennia together, and would likely continue to do so, if his plans came together like he wanted, they also had lives and people of their own.

Finn was gone, he was the outcast of the family, only checking in every few hundred years or so, as he'd spent the past 900-years with his mate, Sage. And then there was Elijah, who'd spent half a millennium with that cunning she-devil Katerina Petrova, or Katherine Pierce, as she went by these days.

Rebekah was happily enjoying her eternal life now that she had Stefan, and Kol had found himself a bloody New Orleans witch. And then there was his older sister, Freya, the almighty powerful witch who stayed alive through the potent power of the Mikaelson-witches. She was currently single, but his sister was a woman of her own mind, and he knew it was likely she'd find someone at a certain point.

Before he broke the spell his mother put on him, before he learned that he had someone destined to be his and only his, he'd never envisioned such a life for himself. A life where he had someone who was his and only his, who would never leave him, who could never leave him. But after he found out, it was all he could think about.

And he'd planned for this. Planned for her, for more than a century. And finally, it was time.

It was time to get everything he had ever wanted. But it would happen on his terms, not by some ancient werewolf ritual. A ritual that would make him weak, make him as dependent on her, as she would be of him.

And that - that was not part of his plan.

Now, for Caroline's question... Well, he had a call to make.

She'd been distracted all day. She couldn't get that visit from Klaus out of her head.

Or that sketch... or his dare!

God, the asshole went and dared her. And she was Caroline Forbes, or Mystic, or Falls or whatever, and she never passed on a dare, ever.

So now she had to come up with a plan. A plan that included ditching an "army" of vampires who were already on edge after her last little escape, and then she had to find him. Though, from what she'd heard about him, it was likely he'd find her so maybe she didn't have to worry so much about that.

Still, it was no easy feat and she had to be smart, and likely play the long game. But damn it, she wanted answers and she wanted them yesterday.

Obviously, the last thing she'd wanted to do that day was go shopping, but for some reason, Rebekah had been adamant.

"Come now, Caroline, we're going to be sisters-in-law soon, might as well get to know each other." She'd said right after Caroline had picked through her breakfast, and she'd smartly chosen to ignore the "sisters-in-law" part of that comment, seeing as everyone was taking it as a given that she'd mate with Klaus, and she'd made no such decision.

She was pretty sure even werewolves got a choice in who they wanted to be with, and even if she was supposedly destined for Rebekah's brother, that didn't mean she was just going accept it as fact. One thing she knew for sure.

If Klaus turned out to be an asshole, she was not spending the rest of her life with him. No. Way.

And if anyone tried to force her... well, she'd run.

She likely wouldn't get very far, but she'd do it over and over again until they got the message. Whatever it took to get her point across, she'd do it. So no, she was not feeling the love for "sister-in-law bonding" over shopping. But, Rebekah hadn't given her much of a choice.

And so she'd been in practically every shop the small town had to offer, and there were some good selections and she couldn't deny she'd missed a good shopping trip lately, but her mind was mostly occupied with everything else going on.

Rebekah declaring they were having lunch at "The Grill" was therefore a welcome break, and Caroline exhaled a breath of relief as they settled down in a booth in the far back of the room.

She was perusing the menu when she sensed Rebekah getting up and turned her eyes to the blonde vampire to see she had her eyes on Caroline and a look in them she couldn't read properly.

"If Elijah asks, we were shopping all day and nothing of import happened. I'll be back in two hours, enjoy your extended lunch, Caroline."

Before Caroline had a chance to reply, Rebekah walked away, and two seconds later another figure slid into Rebekah's unoccupied seat. One look at him, and Caroline knew who he was. She'd seen him pretty clearly during their last encounter, but now she had a chance to really study him.

He was clearly Rebekah's brother. She could see the family resemblance with the hair and the eyes, certain facial features, but it wasn't anything obvious unless you were specifically looking for it. He was taller than her, not by much, just enough that she knew they'd fit perfectly together.

He had a lean physique, and there was an aura of unmistakeable power and dangerous energy vibrating in the air around him. At first glance, he looked almost harmless, but there was no mistaking the fact she was sitting across from a highly dangerous predator, and his entire focus was on her.

"Hello love,"

"I'm guessing you're Niklaus," she said carefully, testing him out, gently trying to gauge his reactions.

"Klaus, sweetheart, or Nik. Whichever you prefer. Elijah's the only one who calls me Niklaus, sometimes Kol when he's looking to rile me."

"Thank you for the sketch, it was beautiful."

She knew it was lame, but she had so many questions and no idea where to start, so casual conversation seemed to be the best way to go.

"It doesn't compare to the real life version," he told her and she suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Sure, it was a nice thing to say, but it was a seriously lame attempt at flirting.

"Is this the point where you feed me your blood, snap my neck and turn me into a hybrid?" She queried, just to put it out there and he chuckled before he leaned towards her.

"Not yet, love. That part comes later. After we've gotten to know each other a bit. And in that spirit... tell me about yourself, Caroline. Your hopes, your dreams, what you want out of your life."

Well, the man was certainly charming, she had to give him that. And clever. Very clever.

He had to know, this kind of questioning and that kind of comment would put her at ease at the same time it would leave her curious about him. Which she figured was exactly what he wanted. The more intrigued she was, the more likely she was to talk to him, spend time with him, and it seemed like that had been his plan since he dropped off her sketch last night.

"The only thing I want out of my life right now is answers. Why my parents lied to me, what you and your family really want with me, whether or not I have a choice in everything that seems to be "destined" for me. I'd also like my life to be as normal as possible. You know, college, nice job, husband, kids, dog. All of that, but I highly doubt that's a possibility for me anymore. My hopes, well, answers. Though I've already mentioned that. I hope for a beautiful life that's free of as much drama as possible, and I dream of seeing the world, of exploring the most remote corners of the world, and seeing the great wonders of the world. I'm sure I can think of more of these, but that's what I've got on the spot. How about you? Your hopes, dreams, and wants for your life."

He'd been watching her intently during her little speech, and as she directed his question back at him, his lips quirked.

"My answer is very simple love, it's only word... you." She frowned and shook her head.

"I don't understand,"

"I've seen the entire world a million times, Caroline, and it does get dreary, but I'd do it a million more times if it means I get to show it to you. I'm a thousand years old, so I've lived through nearly every important piece of history that humans learn about in school today, so I have no need, nor desire, for a college degree, I already know everything I need to. I've experienced my fair share of romances throughout the centuries, some of them were quite epic and lasted a few decades or so, and I've experienced love and passion, but I was never fond of the idea of truly settling down with just one chosen someone. Until I broke my mother's spell five hundred years ago, and the witches informed me of your future existence. Ever since that day, all I've been thinking about, all I've planned for, is an eternity spent with just one chosen someone. I'm a vampire love, or at least part vampire, and as such I cannot father children. But, even vampires can adopt, and if that is something you would like to do at a certain point, then of course we can. I'm afraid I may not be able to grant you your wish of a drama free life, my sister is Rebekah of course, and we are the original family of vampires. Drama often comes with the territory. As for your hopes to answers... well, I need the questions first, Caroline."

Okay, well... what the hell was she supposed to do with that?

Part of what he'd said was beautiful, and some of it was sad. It was also arrogant, and highly conceited. Especially the part where he felt the need to inform her of the obvious, that being - he was a vampire and couldn't father children, but they could adopt.

Now that, that told her exactly how sure her supposed "mate" was that things would turn out in his favor. It also, raised even more questions. If that was the kind of plans the hybrid had for "their" future, why had he spent five hundred years eradicating her entire bloodline and any bloodline that might bring the birth of his mate? And why was he running around killing teenage girls? She didn't know for sure that was him, but she was almost positive, and that didn't make sense.

"You're very sure of yourself," she noted, referring to the part of his speech where he talked like they were a sure thing.

"As I mentioned before, I'm a thousand years old, love. I'm used to getting my way, and if it doesn't immediately happen, I find ways to make it so."

Caroline had absolutely no doubt about that. The problem was, she was currently the what he wanted, and she was worried about the lengths he'd go to in order to get his way. And the one thing she could not let herself forget was precisely who this man was, and what he was capable of.

"You killed those girls." She stated quietly, mostly to make sure no one but the itended recipient heard her, and as soon as the words slipped past her lips, she watched him change.

Gone was the casual and relaxed charmer, and in his place was the cold eyed predator at the heart of him. His face closed down, his eyes were alert and watching her with a focus that was so intense it made her highly uncomfortable.

"I did." He confirmed, though he gave no further explanation to why he'd done so. That, Caroline knew, had something to do with the Elena-girl that half the vampires in town were trying to keep out of his reach, and while she understood part of the reason why, there was still some blanks.

"Why?"

He shifted in his seat, his eyes going over her head as a thoughtful expression crossed his handsome features.

"It's complicated," he said eventually, and she was not about to accept that vague bullshit of an answer.

"Then uncomplicate it. Rebekah won't be back for another hour and a half. You owe me."

At the end of her demand, his eyes had sharpened on her face and he cocked his head to the side, studying her with a cold intelligence that was more than a little unnerving.

"How do I owe you?"

He wanted to do this? Fine, she'd play.

"I know it was you who set the events in motion that triggered my curse. I'm a werewolf because of you, and if I had to guess, I'd say it was by your design that I ended up in Mystic Falls in the first place. You wanted me here, you wanted me to discover the truth, and like you stated not ten minutes ago, you just plain want me. So yes, you owe me. Because the way I see it, my life was completely fine, completely normal, until you decided to mess with it. The least you owe me is an explanation why."

"Did you deduce all that on your own, or have my siblings been telling tales?"

Caroline shrugged, but didn't take her eyes off him.

"They've shared bits and pieces, but obviously, you haven't let them in on your plans because they seem to think you want me dead, or at least Elijah did. That was before he discovered your pattern of killing teenage girls with a passing resemblance to his wife."

"Very clever, Caroline." At that, she rolled her eyes.

"Spare me the compliments and answer my question. Why are you running around killing Katherine-look-a-likes, and what exactly do you want from me."

"It's simple, really. The girls I killed had the bad fortune of not being Katherine's doppleganger, and I'm not good at controlling myself when I feel frustrated. Their deaths were simply tragic mistakes. I don't wish the real doppleganger dead, I only require her blood. As for you, I intend to turn you into a hybrid, love. Like me."

Hmm, that was unexpected, and not at all something she wanted.

"And what if I don't want to be a hybrid, what then? Will you turn me against my will?" The truth was, Caroline was just coming to terms with the fact she was a werewolf, the last thing she wanted was to spend the rest of her life - or eternity or whatever - depending on a steady supply of blood in order to survive.

"If I have to, yes." Well, atleast he was honest.

"And then what? If I'm supposed to be your mate, or whatever, won't it be hard if I spend the rest of eternity hating you? Because I will, if you turn me without my permission."

"It's the only way to ensure you're safety." His eyes had gone cold, his words hard, and she realized he truly believed what he was saying.

"That's bullshit." She said quietly, holding his eyes as she leaned further across the table towards him.

"I know about your enemies, Klaus, Elijah has filled me in on some of your family history. Even if you make me into a hybrid, I will never be completely safe. I might be harder to kill, but not impossible. Just like there are ways to kill you and you're siblings too." She took a deep breath, swallowed, and said quietly under her breath, "I read your mother's grimoire, so I know about your weakness to white oak."

His eyes flashed at her words, and she wondered which part he reacted to - not that it mattered. She wasn't making a threat, simply stating facts, but he might have perceived her words in the wrong meaning.

"That wasn't a threat, by the way." She said, relaxing back into her side of the booth, "All I'm saying is, even if I do become a hybrid, there's no guarantee that's going to keep me alive any longer than if your siblings perform that stupid ritual their planning."

"Ah yes," he sighed, leaning back as well, an amused smile quirking his lips, bringing out his dimples, "the ritual. Binding your life to mine and vice versa. See, that's where the problem lies. I have no intention of having my life tied to yours. You're terribly fragile, Caroline. I could reach across this table right now and crush your windpipe before you ever saw it coming. That's the sort of weakness a man in my position cannot afford."

Caroline snorted and rolled her eyes.

"I'm with you, buddie. I don't exactly see the appeal in having my life tied to yours either. So, I have a proposition for you that could fix both of our problems." And she'd given this some thought, and in her mind it seemed like the only logical solution to both of their problems.

"Yes?"

"Just walk away." She declared and he stared at her, clearly needing more detail.

"Walk away, Klaus. Forget I ever existed. Convince you're family that I'm not the mate you've been hunting down for five hundred years, and we can both just move on with our lives. You don't have to keep killing Katherine-look-alikes, and I can go back to what's left of my life and pretend none of this never happened." For a second, she thought she was getting somewhere, but sadly, he was about to prove her wrong.

"Unfortunately, that won't work, love. For either of us. See, my mother was a crafty witch. The spell she put on me, on us, doesn't allow what you're suggesting. My wolf has been searching for you for five hundred years, Caroline, longing and aching for its mate. You have yet to go through a transformation, thanks to that nifty little trinket you wear, but once you do, you'll feel as I do every bloody full moon."

"Okay, then, problem fixed." She declared happily, "as long as I never lose my kyanite pendant and never turn into a wolf, I won't feel any of that." This time his smile was slow.

"Come now, sweetheart, don't fool yourself. You're already experiencing it, it brought you here today, didn't it?"

"No," she denied, "your sister brought me here actually."

"Yes, but you took me up on my dare, did you not?"

"That's different," she argued heatedly, shaking her head, "I never pass up a dare, ever."

"I'm aware," he smiled, "but don't fool yourself love, you accepted my dare because you're curious. And don't tell me you haven't thought of me, of what eternity at my side could look like."

Damn it, she couldn't deny that, any of it. The asshole was right. A small part of her was already drawn to him, it was like a magnetic force, pulling her towards him, and each day she spent in this stupid town, close to him, it was only getting worse.

"Even if you're right, that doesn't change our problem, Klaus. You don't want the ritual, I don't want to be a hybrid. Clearly, we're at a stalemate."

"Or you could stop being difficult and give me what I want." He suggested in the most reasonable tone and she narrowed her eyes.

"Not. Happening."

He smiled, leaned so close she could feel his breath on her face, see his lips move as he said, "We'll see."

And then, just like that, he was gone.

It wasn't until fifteen minutes later, when Rebekah showed to pick her up that Caroline realized her kyanite pendant was gone. And tonight was a full moon.

Asshole.