I hope you enjoy this chapter. I put a lot of time and effort into it. I was up until the early hours writing and editing. So, I hope you think the same.

It's one of my favourite chapters and longest so far.

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Enjoy.

I thought the day I learned that I was a werewolf would have been the hardest day of my life, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Watching my father as he drew his last breath was. The sadness and pain I felt as I watched his chest rise and fall of the last time was excruciating. As much as you think you can prepare yourself for that time to come, you're wrong. You won't be prepared, not at all. Maybe in the moment when it's happening, you won't feel that bad. You go numb. You block it out. Then the pain hits you when you're least expecting it. Out of nowhere, you'll become overwhelmed. The thought of never seeing this person anymore hits you, and you become unable to think of anything else. Do anything else. You just sit there...unable to move. Unable to think. Just...blank.

That's how I spent the last few days. Sitting alone in my room. I curled up into a ball under the window during the day... and ran at night. Just to feel something other than deep sadness, I ran. Something to clear my mind and shed the unwavering anger for even the smallest of seconds was a great relief. Days had gone buy and it was getting easier to function knowing that he's not here anymore. He'd always be with me though, regardless of in which state. So that gave me comfort in the moments when I needed it most.

I slowed to a steady jog as I stopped in front of the house. The beads of sweat that gathered at my hair line were wiped away with the back of my hand before I rested it on my hip. Being inside during the day, being all depressed, mopey and alone was beginning to drive me insane. So, I've been going morning runs to clear my head. I walked up the porch stairs to the front door and walked inside, closing it softly behind me before making a b-line to the kitchen. I poured myself a large glass of water and leaned back against the cool counter-top as Caroline entered.

The phone was pressed against her ear, her expression saddened as I watched on. I placed the now empty glass into the sink as she placed her phone on the counter and huffed.

"Tyler?" I asked knowingly.

"Yeah, he-" There was a sudden, gentle knock at the door which cut Care off.

"I'll get it." I pushed myself off the counter and headed down the hallway to the front door.

Once there, I opened it up to be met by empty space as no one was there. I took a step forward to peer around each side, but still came up empty. The only thing there was a box. A deep purple box which was wrapped in a cream ribbon. I eyed it sceptically. These days, you don't just get a box at your front door for no reason. There was always something that came with it. A price or something else. I shrugged my shoulders and lifted the box up. It had a good weight to it as I walked back inside and kicked the door shut.

Caroline rounded the corner and looked at me confused as I made my way to the bedroom with the mystery box in my arms.

"What's that?" She asked as she stood in the doorway.

"It's a box, Caroline." I smirked at her.

"Ha-ha." She narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "You're not as funny as you think you are, you know." She crossed her arms as she entered my room and stopped at the end of the bed beside me.

"You know I am." I playfully nudged her with my shoulder.

I plopped the box down on the the bed and lifted the envelop that was tucked under the ribbon.

"It's addressed to me." I said as I looked at the envelope. My name was written in beautiful black, cursive writing.

I read it aloud, "Please join the Mikaelson Family, this evening at seven o'clock, for dancing, cocktails, and celebration." I frowned and faced my sister. "Who are the Mikaelsons?"

She just shook her head, but my question was answered as soon as I flipped the card over.

Save me a dance, fondly, Klaus.

My heart momentarily picked up the pace as I read it to myself.

The moment was short lived however as Care snatched the card from my hand.

"Seriously!" She slapped her hands against her thighs as she looked over the card in dismay. "The Mikaelsons are Klaus' family!?"

I ignored her tantrum as I lifted the lid on the box. I was thrown into silence as I gazed upon the contents inside. Running my hand over the blue tulle ballgown that was folded neatly inside. It was beautiful. Silver and clear jewels were elegantly placed across the bodice. I smiled... but my moment was once again short lived. I barely got my hand out of the box before the lid was slammed shut.

"What the hell!?" I yelled and stepped back from the box.

"Don't even think about it." Caroline warned.

"I'm sorry...What?" I asked in annoyance and slight confusion.

"You're not going!"

"Sorry, mom," I frowned. "Since when do you tell me what I can and can't do?"

"It's too dangerous, Jess!" Caroline replied and placed her hands on her hips like she was in charge.

I walked around her and opened the closet door, pulling out a padded hanger to hang the dress on so it wouldn't crinkle inside the box any longer.

"You can't seriously be considering going, Jess." Care whined.

"So what if I am?" I replied and pulled the box across the bed and out of her grasp. I lifted the lid off once more and pulled the dress out. Words could not describe just how beautiful it was as it swept across the floor briefly before I placed it onto the hanger and then onto the back of the closet door.

"Jess, please!" Caroline pleaded once more with me.

"I'm going, Care!" I raised my voice. "After everything we've been through lately, I just want one night. One night, where I don't need to think about anything." I gasped as the air left my lungs. "I don't want to fight with you, but I'm going."

"Whatever!" Caroline yelled and threw her hands in the air in defeat before storming out.

I truly hated fighting with my sister, but I knew I was in the right. I just wanted something to look forward too. Something to clear my mind from the racing thoughts that invaded them, even for a little while. Now my mind was set on one thing. Him. I picked up the invitation and sat the the end of the bed beside the box as I looked over the invite once more. I ran my finger over his name and smiled to myself.

Tonight would be a good night.

I peered back inside the box, a little surprised to see there were more hidden surprises inside. I pulled out a pair of white, silk gloves, along with a silver shawl. Just like the dress, they looked and felt expensive as I held them between my hands. The thought that they had come from Klaus, set off the butterflies that lay dormant inside my stomach.

The rest of the day passed by at an agonising pace. I cleaned my room, sorted my closet and washed the dishes to pass the time by, but it still seemed to tick at a snails-pace. As I lay on top of my bed with my head dangling off the side and a book in my hand as I read. I nearly rolled right off as the alarm on my phone began to ring loudly. I dropped the book to the floor with a thud as I reached for the phone on the nightstand and made quick work of silencing the noise. The clock read five thirty in digital time on the lock screen.

Rolling off the bed, I eagerly headed into the bathroom and showered before coming out to blow dry my hair. I used the curling iron and styled my hair into loose ringlets before pinning them up into an up-do of sorts. I let some strands hang down to frame my face before doing my make up. Once I was satisfied that I looked my best. I left the bathroom and walked back into the room. I smiled as I trailed my hands down the fabric of the dress. The jewels shone in the light and bounced off the walls as I peeled it from the hanger and gently slipped it on. I had never felt more beautiful than I had in this moment. The dress hugged me perfectly and in all the right places. Taking one last look at the mirror, I smiled to myself as I looked at my reflection for the last time before I left to the car.

As I pulled up to the Mikaelson Mansion, I gasped. The exterior was much different since the last time I was here. The grounds were littered with cars and people making their way towards the entrance. I was slightly shocked at the amount of people that were already here as it was just shy of quarter past seven. I pulled up into an empty space and turned off the ignition before climbing out gently as to not crumple the dress. I placed the shawl over my shoulders and retrieved the silk gloves from a black clutch and slipped them on as I made my way to the front door.

The doors were opened simultaneously by two gentlemen as I entered. A well-dressed woman approached me and took my shawl and bag before vanishing through the crowd. I looked around, taking in my surroundings. The once empty hall was now covered with fine art and a winding staircase on each side of the room. I made my way through the sea of people, unintentionally searching for Klaus or someone else that I knew. My arm was tugged on gently and I turned around to be met by Stefan.

"Stefan?" I gasped.

"What are you doing here?" He asked in haste. His brows knitting together as he looked around.

"I was invited." I eyed him.

"By who?"

I swallowed, "Klaus."

"I think you should leave." Stefan tried to tug my arm in the direction of the door.

I snatched my arm from his grasp. "What is it with all of you?!" I hissed as he looked at me confused. "First Caroline and now you." I patted down my dress, composing myself as some people were beginning to stare. "I deserve a night like tonight, Stefan. Now, if you'll excuse me. I need a drink." I forced a smile before I turned on my heels and waded through the crowd of people.

It didn't take me long until I found him. My breath caught in my throat as my eyes finally landed on him from across the room. He looked like something plucked straight out of a fairytale book. Just like the ones that still sat in my bookshelf since I was a little kid. He was dressed in a tuxedo with a white bow tie instead of your classic black. It only made him stand out more. He was standing at a small table, talking with another beautiful woman. I felt a sudden surge of jealousy rattle though my body as I watched them. He smiled. She laughed. I frowned in annoyance, but it quickly left my system as he turned to face me head on. The jealousy dissolved and the butterflies emerged at his stare.

Klaus began to make his way across the floor and I done the same until we met in the middle.

"Good evening." Klaus murmured with a smile.

I couldn't fight the urge to smile as I replied, "Good evening."

He parted his lips briefly, about so speak but was cut short as a man appeared and whispered into his ear. He sighed and faced me, "If you'll excuse me, Jessica. I must join my family to welcome all of our guests."

I dipped my head, "Of course."

He smiled before taking two glasses of champagne from one of the waiters and handed me one, which I graciously accepted. He then pointed to the foyer with his glass. As we began to walk, I shuddered as I felt his hand rest on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd effortlessly.

"I'll join you again in a few moments." He whispered into my ear before he headed up the marble staircase to join his family.

I watched on from below as he took his place beside what I could only presume to be his family. I knew Elijah and Rebekah, but the other two gentlemen were a mystery. Both dark haired, dressed in tailored suits, and with the classic black bow ties around their necks. It made me smile to see that Klaus was the only one of his family to not bend to the standards of others. I wasn't surprised though.

Elijah stepped forward, "Uh, if everyone could gather, please." He called out from the staircase to gain everyone's attention. The room fell silent as a elegant woman descended the staircase and stopped once she was beside the originals as Elijah continued. "Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance."

I took a sip from the flute as I watched Elijah speak, he was as eloquent as always. However, I was slightly weary of the woman on the staircase. I now know her to be their mother. The mother that Klaus supposedly killed many, many years ago. Then again, she was the original witch after all.

"Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom." I swallowed the rest of the liquid in the glass before placing it on top of a tray as the waiter walked by.

I hadn't danced a Waltz in many years. So to say I was nervous was an understatement. Klaus descended the staircase and headed straight for me but I watched on as his mother retreated back upstairs.

I forced a smile on my face as he stopped in front of me.

"May I have this dance?" He asked and extended a hand.

"You may." I smiled and placed my silk-covered hand in his, allowing him to lead me into the ballroom. "I have to admit, I haven't dance a Waltz in a very long time." I admitted to him as we entered the large room.

"Don't threat, love," He murmured as we stood side-by-side, split into two lines in the room with spectators all around. "It'll be like riding a bike." He grinned as I faced him. Klaus held both my hands gently in his as we took position before the music began.

Taking an elegant step forward as Klaus leads us through the beginning of the song. We faced the other suitors and bowed our heads before meeting in the middle of the room. My eyes instantly connected with the couple across from us and my body tensed at their presence. Damon and Elena's eyes met mine, almost looking through me as we passed by them to the other side.

"What's wrong?" Klaus' soothing voice came from beside me as I was spun around in a complete circle to face him.

"Hmm, nothing." I replied before clearing my throat.

I moved my hand up to his shoulder as he held the other one tightly in his grasp. His other hand travelled down to the small of my back before we began to move in circles around the room with the other dancers.

"Forgive me, but I don't believe you." He spoke softly.

I smiled, "It's nothing," I began to speak but lost my train-of-thought as his thumb began stroking the back of my hand. "I just haven't seen Damon in a while. So, I was surprised to see him here tonight."

"I see," He said as we glided along the floor. "Anything to do with me?"

I looked up at him confused by his question. "What do you mean?"

"For you not seeing him."

I shook my head, "Ahh, no." He smiled at my response. "He was occupied with Stefan and I had...my own stuff to deal with."

"I'm glad you came." He smiled sympathetically.

"It was either this or another casserole" I joked.

"I heard about your father. My condolences."

I smiled, "Thank you." I paused and took a deep breath. "Can we talk about something else? I don't really want to talk about it."

Klaus grinned, "Very well. On to more mannered subjects then, like how ravishing you look in that dress."

I couldn't help but blush at his comment as he looked me up and down, the grin never leaving his face as he done so.

"What can I say," I grinned back at him, "Your invitation was so last minute, I didn't have time to shop for another."

He chuckled softly, "And the bracelet I gave you, what's your excuse for wearing that?"

"You have impeccable taste." I bared my teeth as my lips parted. "Plus, it complimented the dress you picked."

"Still, you look beautiful none the less." He said.

And there go the butterflies. All taking flight at once in the pit of my stomach at his words. His smell was intoxicating, which didn't help at all.

"You look very handsome tonight." I complimented him back. I felt his hand grip me tighter as I gasped slightly.

"Having not dance the Waltz in a while, you're doing well."

"That's because I have a good teacher leading me."

Klaus and I stepped back from one another before he took my hand and spun me before releasing me to my next partner. I spun in the spot before landing in the arms of Matt.

"Hey," I smiled as we moved with the beat of the music.

"Hey back," He smiled. "I didn't know you'd be here."

"I could say the same to you." I chuckled lightly, "Did Caroline attack you as well for coming here with Rebekah?"

He frowned, "No, why? Did she do it to you?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Yeah, a little. She's in a huff that I'm here with Klaus."

I looked up to Matt as I felt him tense at his name.

"What the hell are you doing here with him, Jess?" Matt frowned.

"I'm not going to have the same argument, Matt. Please, just drop it." I pleaded with him.

His expression softened, "Okay, but know that I'll always look out for you. No matter what."

I half-smiled, "I know."

Once the song came to an end, I thanked Matt for the dance and then we parted ways. I made my way over to the refreshments table and picked at the hors d'oeuvers that were set out on fancy plates along with the flutes of champagne. I sipped on it lightly as I gazed out upon the room. People were dancing and laughing with one another. And here I was, standing alone nibbling on food and drinking expensive champagne. Placing the glass down onto the table, I crossed the room to where the coats and bags were and retrieved my shawl before making my way outside. I was in need for some fresh air, the atmosphere inside was becoming thick and claustrophobic the longer I was there.

The gentlemen at the door opened it for me as I left the building alone and headed down the brick walkway. The sound of a horse whining instantly caught my attention. The cool air nipped at my skin as I made my way over to the horses that were strapped to a beautiful carriage. I cautiously approached them so they wouldn't get spooked before extending my silk-covered hand and began to stroke its muscular neck.

"You like horses?" Klaus' voice spoke from behind me.

"I do." I smiled as he took his place by my side. "I use to go riding a lot when I was younger. Then I broke my leg and got a little freaked out about going back on one." I chuckled lightly but the smile quickly fell from my face as I looked to him. "Why did you invite me here, Klaus?"

"I fancy you. Is that so hard to believe?" Klaus replied confidently.

I blinked a few times at his confession as my throat became increasingly dry.

I wasn't expecting him to say that. Hell, that was the last thing I was expecting to hear come from his mouth.

"Why?" I murmured.

"Why?" He frowned, "You're beautiful, you're strong, you're full of light." He smiled, "I enjoy you."

"I-I'm not." I replied and looked towards the ground.

His hand reached out and cupped my chin, forcing my head back up. "You're not what? Beautiful? Strong?"

"Light." I replied sheepishly.

"We all have a little darkness in us, love." He smiled, "Your light far outweighs your darkness." He sensed my sudden change in body language and changed the subject, his hand fell from my chin back down to his side as he walked closer to the horse. "You know, horses are the opposite of people. They're loyal. My father hunted me for a thousand years and the closest he ever came was the day he killed my favourite horse. He severed its neck with a sword as a warning."

I instantly frowned in disgust, "God, that's horrible." I moved closer to the horse, closer to Klaus, as I spoke softly. "I thought what my father did to my sister was awful, but deep down, I know he did it from a place of love." I sniffled lightly, "Not to mention keeping me in the dark about who my biological father was, and what I really am." Klaus turned to face me as I looked up at him, "Having met your father, I understand why you loathed him so much. He was a cruel man." I gave him a warm smile, "I bet you feel relieved to be free of him now."

"Not as relieved as I was when I saw you walk into the room tonight."

If my bright red face didn't give me away, my racing heart sure as hell did, and the look on Klaus' face only confirmed it.

"We should head back inside. Mother will be making a toast soon and she'll want everyone present." Klaus held out his hand once more and I placed mine inside of his as he closed it around mine, our fingers intertwining together as I held my shawl tightly with my free hand.

Many people were gathered inside by the staircase as Klaus and I entered through the main doors and waded through the people. His hand never left mine as we stopped at the bottom of the staircase. A waiter carrying a tray of champagne flutes stopped beside us. Klaus reached for two glasses and handed me one over.

I examined the glass, "That's-That's very pink." I laughed lightly.

Klaus chuckled softly as the sound of a crystal ringing fell over the room, silencing it instantly.

"Good Evening, Ladies and Gentleman," Esther began, "Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!"

Everyone cheered and took a sip from their glasses. I faced Klaus and raised my glass.

"Cheers." I smiled and he returned it before clinking the rim of his glass against mine.

"Cheers."

I tipped my glass up and took a sip as my eyes fell on to Elena across the room. She stood nervously beside Elijah and hesitated before taking a drink from her glass. It struck me as odd, but I brushed it off. I turned my attention back onto the man in front of me as he smiled. I think this was the first I had seen him smile for this long.

"You're going to get face-ache." I laughed as he eyed me.

"How so?"

"If you smile any longer." I replied.

Klaus chuckled softly, "Well, I have you to blame for that, sweetheart." I returned his smile and took another sip from the flute. As I lowered my glass, Klaus took it and placed it along with his on an empty, silver dish as the waiter passed by.

"Come with me." He commanded.

He made quick work of taking my hand and guided me out of the room as we headed up the staircase. Out of the sight from everyone, I followed on behind Klaus as he guided me down a long hallway.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked curiously.

Klaus opened the door at the end of the hallway and ushered me inside before closing it behind us. I walked further into the room and entered though a pair of french, glass doors that were already opened fully.

"One of my passions." Klaus spoke from behind as he entered the room. He grinned from ear-to-ear as we stopped in front of a large marble desk that sat below a large painting that hung on the wall. I grinned as I looked around the room at all the art hanging from the walls.

"They're beautiful," I stared in amazement before bringing my eyes back to meet his. "I take it the curators at the Louvre aren't on vervain?" I joked.

He chuckled softly, "Yeah, well that's their mistake."

"What about this?" I ran my fingers along the bracelet on my wrist. The diamonds reflected the light from the chandelier to caste a pattern on the walls.

"Well, that's a long story. But rest assured it was worn by a princess almost as beautiful as you."

"Is that so?" I smiled and lowered my hand beck to my side. "Maybe one day you can share that story."

"Perhaps." He smiled back at me.

I felt myself heating up under his gaze as we looked into each others eyes. Feeling overwhelmed, I cast my eyes downwards to the table where sketches lay. I picked up one of a beautiful woman and looked back to Klaus.

"Wait a second. Did-did you do these?" I asked in amazement.

"Yeah, um..." Klaus shifted his weight between his feet nervously. "Actually, one of my landscapes is hanging at the Hermitage, not that anyone would notice." He chuckled lightly. "Have you been?"

I shook my head, "I've never been anywhere other than to my dads in Georgia."

"I'll take you." Klaus spoke quickly. It took me a moment to realise that he was dead serious. "Wherever you want Rome. Paris. Tokyo?"

My eyes widened, "Oh wow." We both laughed until the moment had passed. "Is that your way of asking me on a date?" I wondered.

"Are you saying you'd like me to ask you on a date?" Klaus replied. He reached forward until his hand was on top of mine on the desk. The heat from his hand set my skin a blaze as I stared at him.

"Klaus, I..." I lost my train of thought as I realised my voice was coming out higher than I anticipated. "What you said earlier... in the courtyard." My breath came out shaky as I felt my cheeks heating up as he moved his hand slowly up my arm until he touched the bare skin above my glove. "I think I m-may like you, too."

I instantly slammed my lips shut at the realisation of what I had just said.

Why, oh why did I just say that! I couldn't blame the champagne, I didn't have nearly enough to make myself tell him that. Perhaps...Perhaps I was just fed up of keeping secrets or maybe I just wanted to see his reaction. Either way, It was out in the open now. I couldn't fight the attraction I felt towards him any longer.

A smile tugged at Klaus' lips as his eyes drifted from mine, down to my lips. I could feel the air becoming thick as my lips parted under his blazing gaze. Klaus moved closer and as he began to lean in towards me. My tongue instinctively swept over my bottom lip as they parted. Eagerly waiting for what was to come. I found myself moving closer into him as I leaned my head back to accommodate his height against my own.

Klaus' lips lightly brushed my own as I held my breath. My hands were shaking but instantly stilled as Klaus clamped them together in his own. He pulled back and looked at me, his hand slowly reached up and moved a stand of hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear. He trailed his finger across my jaw and tilted my head back once more. My breath caught in my throat as he gazed down upon me. I trembled under his touch, which only made him grin wider.

Klaus stoked his thumb over my bottom lip, pulling it down ever-so-slightly to reveal my teeth before it snapped back into place as he let go. He leaned in once more as I held my breath, waiting for the moment to come, but the laughter from a group of people walking down the hallway caused me to snap my head back as Klaus and I stepped away from each other.

I looked at him nervously as my chest was rising and falling at an alarming rate as his blue-green eyes stared back at me.

"I-I need some air." I turned around and left the room quickly before he could stop me. I knew if he really wanted to, he would have but I was grateful that he didn't.

I just had to get away.

I quickly walked down the staircase and waded though the sea of people as they cluttered the foyer before making it to the large, double doors that lead to the outside world. The instant the cool air touched my skin, I released the breath I didn't know I was holding. I descended the stairs and began to paced back and fourth. Continuously going over what just happened moments ago.

Klaus nearly kissed me...and I didn't stop him. Did I want to? No, no I didn't. I wanted it to happen almost as much as he did. Every damn fibre of my being wanted it to happen but I was in my head too much. Not to mention those people that walked by and ruined the moment. On the one hand I was grateful for their interruption, and on the other I wanted to rip their heads off for ruining the moment...

"What the hell?" I instantly snapped from my thoughts and stopped pacing as I looked up to the top balcony. I heard a groan of pain ringing through the air. I had no time to react as a body suddenly came flying through the air in my direction. The force that came from above knocked me to the ground instantly. I lay flat out on my back as it pinned me to the ground. I groaned as the sudden jolt of pain that travelled through my skull as my head ricocheted on the ground bellow with such a force that I felt a crack.

A bad crack.

I mustered the strength to push the body off of me with one arm and tossed it to the side. A soft moan escaped my lips as I lifted my head up. I instantly winced in pain as I tried to lean back on my right arm. It must have folded underneath my back as I tried to break my fall. The warm feeling of blood began to travel down my cheek as I sat up.

"Agh!" I groaned as I touched my head.

"Damon! Are you crazy?" I looked towards the steps as Stefan emerged from the doors and ran down the steps.

I turned to the right to see Damon getting to his feet. He stood beside a lifeless body on the ground as he faced his brother who looked at him in anger.

"Maybe a little," Damon glared at Elena, "Far be it for me to cause a problem." The rest of the Mikaelsons came out to witness the commotion at the front door as Elena gasped as she looked at me on the ground.

"Oh, god. Jessica!"

I felt the instant whoosh of air surround me before I was pulled up onto my feet. I winced in pain as I looked over my right shoulder to see Klaus. He held me up like I was nothing.

"I suggest you get your brother out of here before I break every single bone in his body." Klaus hissed at Stefan.

Stefan made a move towards Damon but he threw his hands in the air and left on his own accord without a glance back at any of us. Not even Elena.

In the blink of an eye, Klaus whooshed us inside out of the view of prying eyes. He stopped outside of a lounge area we had passed coming up the stairs earlier and set me back down on my feet.

"Are you alright to walk, love?" He asked softly.

I nodded my head very gently as the pain shot through it at the slightest movement. Klaus opened the door and walked me inside, his hand didn't leave the small of my back the whole way until I sat on the sofa in front of a roaring fire.

He walked over to a small table and retrieved a cloth before walking back over to me and began to dab it lightly against my bleeding forehead. I felt the wound sting as it came into contact with the cloth. Once the wound stopped bleeding, Klaus lowered the cloth down and sat it on the table beside the sofa before turning to face me.

"Who's fall did I break?" I asked in a serious manner with a hint of sarcasm.

Klaus sighed, "That would be my brother, Kol."

I nodded my head and began to look over my dress. Pulling the fabric from side-to-side under Klaus' watchful eye as he looked at me.

"What on earth are you doing?" He asked.

"Making sure I didn't get any blood or dirt on the dress."

"That doesn't matter."

"It matters to me." I replied sharply.

A smile tugged at his lips as he looked over me.

"Stand up." He ordered and without a second thought I followed his command. Klaus got to his feet and done a full circle round my body before stopping in front of me. "Not a scratch." He smiled.

I returned his smile and sighed with relief.

"I don't want to return something damaged to you." I spoke softly.

He frowned, "Return?"

I nodded and he shook his head in protest.

"It was a gift. I intended it for you, and only you."

I looked at him in shock.

He wanted me to keep it?

"Thank you." I gleefully smiled. My eyes drifted up to the clock that hung by the fire. "It's getting late. I should head home before Caroline throws a fit."

"I'll walk you out." Klaus held out his hand and like before, I didn't think twice before taking it.

As we walked through foyer, the woman from earlier approached us and handed over my clutch before wishing me a pleasant evening. I returned the pleasantry before Klaus guided me out of the Mansion and down the steps. The body of his brother was gone. The only thing left was a small pool of my blood on the gravel.

"This is me." I smiled as we approached my car. I retrieved the keys from my clutch and clicked the button to unlock the car as we stopped beside it.

"Allow me." Klaus released my hand and opened the driver side of car for me.

A true gentleman.

I reached inside and placed my shawl and clutch on the passenger side seat before straightening my back and facing him.

He stood beside the door as his hand gripped the top of it lightly.

"Thank you for this evening." I smiled. "I really enjoyed it."

Klaus leaned forward and took my hand in his before he raised it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on top of the glove.

"As did I." He returned the smile.

He continued to hold my hand as he helped me climb into the car.

"I'll see you around, Jessica."

"I'm sure you will." I replied.

He released my hand and closed the door before taking a few steps back as I started the ignition. With one final smile shared between us, I pulled out and drove off down the driveway and headed home.

A short while later I arrived back home. I pulled up outside of the house and took a mental-note that my mums police car wasn't in the drive. One less thing to worry about when I went inside, I told myself as I climbed out of the car. I patted down the dress and threw the shawl over my shoulders as I locked the car up and headed up the path to the front door.

I opened it quietly as it was late and placed my keys into the bowl by the door. As I headed up the hallway, I could hear the subtle sound of music coming from Care's room as a soft light flickered underneath her door. I passed by quietly as to not wake or disturb her before I entered my room and closed the door gently behind me. I switched on the light and kicked off my heels under my dresser before removing my shawl and gloves. I opened up the box that sat at the closet door and placed them inside before I delicately slipped out of the dress. I smiled once more at its beauty before placing it inside with the other items.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the dressing table mirror as I passed by before I stopped in my tracks. I took a few steps backwards and stopped as I frowned and turned to face my bed. On top sat a black, velvet box wrapped in a white ribbon. Much like the one Klaus gave me before. I unclasped my earrings and placed them on the dresser before crossing over to the bed and taking a seat at the edge.

I slipped the ribbon off and opened the box to unveil a coiled up piece of stained paper. I pulled it out and placed the box back down onto the bed before I unravelled the piece of paper.

"Ohh..." Words failed me as I looked at the piece of paper. It was me, drawn beside one of the horses I was petting earlier. The sketch looked exactly like me. It was beautifully sketched out. I cast my eyes downward to see a written note in the bottom right corner, it read: Thank you for an unforgettable evening, Klaus.

I grinned for ear-to-ear as I looked over the sketch once more.

I placed it back inside of the box and placed it back down onto the bed before I climbed off and walked over to my dresser to retrieve my cell. I leaned down and unzipped my bag and pulled out a crumbled up piece of paper with Klaus' number written on it. I could just about make out the numbers as I typed them into my cell and flopped down on top of the bed, stomach first as I placed the phone against my ear.

It was answered after two rings.

"Hello, love." I smiled as his voice hummed through the speakers. "Finally added me to your call list, I see."

"Yeah, well, I had to call." I replied.

"How so?"

"I had to thank you for the drawing. It's beautiful."

He fell silent for a moment before speaking, "I'm glad you like it."

"How did you draw it so fast? Not to mention put it in my room before I got back?" I wondered.

He chuckled softly, "When you have a subject that you're passionate about...it takes no time at all, love." This time, I was the one to fall silent. "I wanted you to have something good to remember from this evening."

"Plenty of good things happened this evening, Klaus." I replied almost in a whisper.

I could hear him breath on the other end of the line as we both fell silent. Neither on of us spoke for a short period of time until Klaus broke the silent spell.

"I'll let you go, get some rest for the night." He spoke softly.

"Alright," I replied. "Klaus..." I said quickly before he hung up the phone.

"Hmm?" He hummed.

"Thank you for tonight...For all of it."

"It was my utmost pleasure, Jessica. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I took the phone away from my ear and hit the red button and the call ended.

I tossed the phone to the left and rolled over onto my back, a huge grin slapped on my face. Even though I was nearly crushed tonight, I don't think I would have changed a thing. Not. One.

I snapped up onto my elbows at the clearing of a throat. There in the doorway stood my sister, her arms crossed over her chest as she looked at me, disappointingly.

"Who were you talking to?" She asked, but I could tell she already knew. It was written all over her face.

"Why are you eavesdropping into my conversations?" I spat back.

She rolled her eyes and walked further into the room as I sat up in the bed and covered my chest that only had a bra on top.

"Seriously? You're just gonna lie to my face now?"

I scoffed, "It's none of your business, Caroline."

"You're my sister, so yeah, it is my business!" She bit back as her voice raised.

"Just...Get out." I pointed to the door.

"No." She replied sternly.

"Look, Care." I got to my feet and stood in front of her, "I've had a really good evening and you're ruining it. So either drop it, or get out of my room."

"You know, I could and I should just compel you to forget." My sister hissed.

I stepped back in shock as my mouth hung open. I looked at her in dismay. The tears slowly began to gather in the corner of my eyes.

"You don't mean that." I replied in a whispered tone.

"I do." Caroline dropped her arms, "If it would stop you from being stupid and putting yourself in stupid situations. Then yes, I would."

I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her mouth. I blinked and wiped away the stray tear that beaded down my left cheek.

"Get out of my room, Caroline." I snapped at her.

"No. Not until you understand and stop thinking that Klaus is some good-guy that you can be friends with."

I snickered, "Or what? Hmm?" I crossed the room and threw on an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts before turning back around to face my sister. "Are you gonna lock me up? Force me to bend to your every will. Take away my voice." She eyed me sceptically.

"If-If I have to, yes!" She yelled.

"I-I can't believe you said that." I murmured.

As I pushed past her and headed for the door, she quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. I gasped at the sudden impact as she shoved my back against the wall by my neck. Her eyes dilated for the briefest of moments and I knew what was to follow. The rage brewed over from within as I shoved her with all my strength. She stumbled back before looking at me in shock.

I quickly caught my breath, "What? Did you forget that I was stronger all of a sudden?" I shook my head at her in disgust, "I can't believe that you just tried to do that to me!"

I'd had enough. I couldn't stand to be within the same house as her any longer than I had to.

I rushed out of the room and headed towards the front door. "Where are you going?" She called after me as I sat on the ground. "Jessica!"

"What!" I yelled back.

"Where are you going?"

I tied the laces on my shoes and got to my feet. "Anywhere that's away from you." My words dripped in poison as I scowled at her.

I turned around and opened the door.

"No, Jess! Wait!" She shouted from behind me. "I'm sorry. I just want you to be safe."

I hung my head and shook it from side-to-side before I turned around and faced her, a half-smile on my face as I said, "Right now, you're my only threat."

I walked out the door and slammed it behind me as I fled down the path and ran towards my car.

I thought about my options as I sat in my car. The tears stream down my cheeks as the realisation about what just happened was settling in.

Damon was a no-go after tonight. So the boarding house is out of the window. Elena also isn't a choice, she'd just give me a lecture like Caroline. Although, maybe not as diabolical as she had done. No, she's off the table as well. Tyler's gone awol, so he wasn't even an option. I hadn't heard from Bonnie since she left to meet her mom and Matt was probably in the emergency room getting his hand tended to. So there goes that idea.

I was left with only one option.

I turned the key in the ignition shortly after making my mind up. It didn't take me long before I was parked in his drive. Once I gave myself a once over in the rear-view mirror, I climbed out of the car. Anxiously shuffling from foot-to-foot as I stood on the steps by the front door, I began to wonder if I had made the right call.

"Fuck it." I sighed and knocked on the large door.

A few moments later the door opened and I was greeted by Elijah.

"Jessica?" He narrowed his eyes as he looked over me. My hands curled into fists as I dug my nails into the palm of my hands.

I cleared my throat, "Elijah, It's nice to see you again." I smiled polity.

He dipped his head, "Likewise. How may I help you?"

I clenched my teeth before replying, "I'm looking for Klaus."

With his eyes still narrowed, Elijah took a step backwards and invited me inside before shutting the door and locking it. I looked around as the once filled foyer was now empty. You could hear the footsteps bouncing off the walls as we walked across the marble floor.

"Niklaus!" Elijah called for his brother at the bottom of the stairs.

I slightly shuddered at his sudden outcry. He didn't need to raise his voice much for it to travel far.

Within a few seconds, Klaus rounded the corner and stopped at the top of the staircase.

"Yes, Elijah." He drawled. Klaus looked at his brother briefly before his gaze fell upon me. "Jessica?"

I smiled weakly up at him as his brows knitted together at my presence.

"Ca-Can I speak with you?" I called up to him from the bottom of the staircase.

"Of course." He waved me up the stairs.

I turned to face Elijah before I headed up the stairs, "Thank you."

He pressed his lips into a fine-line and smiled.

I jogged up the staircase and Klaus wrapped a hand around my shoulders as he guided me down the hallway into a slightly smaller living area.

Once inside, he closed the door and I walked over and took a seat on the sofa beside the roaring, amber fire. Klaus crossed the room and took a seat across from me. As he watched me, his eyes slowly travelled down to my hands as they pressed tightly into my palms.

"What's happened?" He asked softly.

I looked up from my hands and stared into his eyes. A subtle hint of worry was held within them as he looked at me.

"I just-I just had a fight with my sister." I sighed before laughing slightly, realising how idiotic I sounded. "Sorry, I should go." I got to my feet and patted down my shirt, "You don't need me here, dumping all my family drama on you." I smiled at him as I took a step forward. "Sorry for disturbing you."

As I made my may to walk by him, his hand shot up and pulled me back.

"Nonsense." Klaus said as he got to his feet and turned me around to face him. "If you need someone to listen, I'm here for you."

I smiled at his words.

Could he really care that much about me?

"It's nothing, just a fight over yo-" My mouth clamped shut.

He smirked, "Over me?"

I smiled and looked down, "Yeah...Something along those lines."

Klaus chuckled lightly, "How can I be of assistance, sweetheart?"

I don't know what it was, but when he called me sweetheart, it set my stomach in knots.

"You don't happen to have a spare bedroom in your big, fancy Mansion, do you?" I laughed lightly as he joined in.

"Follow me." He held my hand in his as he guided me across the hall and down another.

We stopped outside by a door before he opened it and tugged me inside. As always, it was beautiful. Fully furnished from top-to-bottom in the finest materials, with some art hanging on the walls. I looked around in awe as my hand slipped out of his the further in I went.

"Will this do?" Klaus' voice snapped me back to reality.

I nodded, "It'll more than do."

I caught a glimpse of him from the side of my eye as I looked at the piece of art hanging above the fire place. He was smiling. And not just your normal, happy smile, but one full of content.

"Are you sure this is alright?" I asked.

"Of course." He crossed the room and stopped in front of me by the fire. "Do you need anything?"

I looked down at my clothes. I threw them on in the middle of an argument, so of course they wouldn't be suitable.

"You wouldn't happen to have something I could change into, do you?"

He nodded his head, "I'll be right back."

Klaus left the room to find me something to change into as I wandered around. Using my shirt as a hanky wasn't the best of ideas as it was now damp from the tears that I had shed. Then again, after what I just went through with my sister, I wasn't thinking about anything else. The tears just wouldn't stop.

I wandered around the room as I waited for Klaus to return. I noticed that there was a bookshelf on the far side of the room and beside it was a Chaise Lounge Velvet chair sitting in a diagonal position. I headed over and looked at the books, finding one that piqued my interest. I made a mental-note of the name as the door opened behind me and Klaus entered.

"A few of Rebekah's things." He placed a pile of clothes on the bottom of the bed.

"She's going to kill me if she sees me wearing her clothes, you know that, right?"

He snickered, "You also said that she'd come after you when I removed the dagger from her back."

I nodded, "True."

The room fell silent as I pulled at the cuff of the shirt I was wearing. "Are you sure this is okay, with your siblings?"

"Of course." He smiled. "My siblings and I are under strict rules from my mother. You're safe." Klaus reassured me the best he could. But there was still something niggling at me in the back of my head. "Something on your mind?"

"Hmm...No" I smiled at him. "Thank you, for the clothes and for letting me stay here tonight."

"It's my pleasure." He replied with a grin. "You should rest, you've had quite the day of it."

I nodded in agreement. I hadn't noticed just how much that argument with Care took it out of me. Putting the physical aspect of it aside, I was truly mentally exhausted.

"If you need anything, call me." Klaus said as he ran his hand down my arm. "My rooms right down the hall to your right."

I smiled. I only saw one other door on this side of the hallway. This one, and his. He was sleeping right next door to me and it already made me feel safe and secure knowing that.

"Thank you, again."

"Goodnight, Jessica." He released my hand before he walked off and closed the door behind him with a subtle 'clink'.

I looked around the room one last time. Opening the door to my right, I walked into the private bathroom and looked around. The mirror covered one side of the wall completely from the floor to the ceiling. I've never stayed anywhere this beautiful, until now.

I washed my face and brushed my teeth with one of the toothbrushes that was inside of a drawer, still in its wrapper before changing into some of the clothes Klaus retrieved for me before switching the light off. Making my way across the now dark room, I could hear the patter of my bare feet as I walked across the wooden floor. The room was illuminated slightly by the moonlight as it shone outside of my window. I chose to leave the drapes open for the night. I liked sleeping under the subtle glow of the moon.

I pulled back the covers on the large bed and climbed in before pulling them up around my waist. I blew a sigh of relief as I felt the worry and tension leave my body and I finally relaxed and sunk into the mattress. Closing my heavy lids for the night.