Chapter 6
It had been a week since Elijah's return and things weren't any better. He and Klaus were at odds and it left Kol and Rebekah to pick sides. Much to no one's surprise, they agreed that Elijah's anger at Klaus was justified. And it was. Klaus however, found it offense that his siblings would take their elder brother's side, when all he was trying to do was take down Marcel and get them their home back.
None of the siblings believed him and that made matters worse. No, this wasn't for them or for Jane and their baby as he so often added. It was for himself. To regain something that he had loved at the cost of everything that he was supposed to hold above all that. Rebekah knew better, as did Kol, and they were steadily readying to leave and let Elijah and Klaus duke it out.
The divided house made Jane feel lonely. She was upset that Kol and Rebekah were choosing to leave rather than stay and that Elijah and Klaus were fighting. The siblings were often behind closed doors fighting and bickering. They left her out of it, which was fine, but she didn't want them to do it to begin with. Often, she sat alone outside, waiting until it was too dark to see before coming inside. Klaus would scold her for sitting outside alone and vulnerable, while Elijah pointed out that inside wasn't exactly a friendly environment for her to have to sit through. They would argue with one another until Jane left, often to the room dubbed the nursey, a safe haven. She loved to rearrange the inside, imagining rocking her baby in the chair in the corner. It always made her smile.
Rebekah entered the parlor on her way to the kitchen and paused. Elijah was flipping through a book, carefully examining pages. Klaus was reading as well.
Scoffing, she put her hands on her hips. "So, this is what you do the first time you've stopped arguing? Vampire book club?"
Klaus didn't look at her. "Reading edifies the mind, sister. Isn't that right, Elijah?" He glanced up with a smirk.
Elijah met his gaze with a look of indifference. "Yes, that's quite right, Niklaus."
"And what's this business?" She waved a hand at the dead girl who lay across the coffee table. Blood rain from her neck and dripped onto the plush old carpet below.
"This is a peace offering." Her eldest brother answered.
"I presumed that after so much time desiccating inside a coffin, that my big brother might be a bit peckish." Klaus responded.
Rebekah rolled her eyes.
"So, I explained to my little brother." Elijah added. "That forgiveness cannot be bought. I'd simply prefer to see some change in behavior that indicates contrition and personal growth." Klaus rolled his eyes. "Not this nonsense."
"Well, I couldn't very well let her go to waste, could I?"
Rebekah huffed. "Jane is going to be angry at you. You know she gets upset when you kill the help."
Klaus scowled at that.
"Well, I suppose I'll fetch the rubbish bin because she's staining a two-hundred-year-old carpet!" She snapped and stomped out of the room.
Elijah glanced over. "Oh, yes..."
Elijah and Klaus both looked up from their respective books to see Jane come into the parlor. The girl looked half-awake, a hand on belly 19 weeks pregnant belly. Behind her Dorian trailed at her heels.
"Morning, my love." Klaus greeted and she smiled at him.
"Morning." Luckily, she hadn't glanced at the coffee table. Dorian had and paused a second before shaking his head.
The brothers watched her go by and then Elijah stood up to follow her. Klaus' eyes narrowed.
Elijah entered the kitchen to see Dorian was riffling through the cabinet while Jane stood behind him, pointing out something she wanted.
"Here." He said and handed her the box of some chocolate flavored cereal. The girl smiled at him.
"Thank you, Dorian."
The Hybrid flushed a bit and shifted. "No, problem."
"Good morning." Elijah greeted them politely.
Jane looked at him as she gathered her bowl and spoon, her smile widening. "Morning, Elijah."
Dorian put his empty coffee mug in the sink. "I'll be outside." He said and went out the back door. Rebekah came in as he left and glanced at Jane.
"Sweets, add bleach to the grocery list."
"Okay." The girl replied, watching curiously as the vampire walked by with yellow gloves under one arm.
Elijah watched her go and then gathered milk from the fridge for Jane, pouring some into her bowl for her.
She turned back to him with a small smile.
"Thank you."
He inclined his head and followed her to the table.
"We haven't had time to talk alone since I came home." He began.
She sat down, looking at him curiously as she dipped her spoon into the bowl and swirled her cereal around.
"I was curious as to how my siblings have been treating you in my absence. Rebekah told me of your confinement to the house."
Jane shrugged. "They've treated me as they always do." She answered and then added: "Except for the past few days...Rebekah and Kol are going to leave. Kol's been distant. Rebekah's restless."
Elijah watched her for a moment before sighing. "You didn't mention how Niklaus and I have been acting."
Again, she shrugged, choosing to look at her food instead. "Fine."
"Have we hurt you with our bickering?"
"Doesn't matter." She said quickly.
"It does." He said with an apologetic tone. "I'm sorry if our fighting has upset you. It's hard to...let go."
She snorted at him. "Oh, I know. He mutters to himself sometimes because he knows it was wrong and he can't admit it."
Elijah took her hand in his. "Please do not let our problems become yours, Jane. We've done this many times before and eventually it all turns out."
"That's just it." She said, waving a hand at him. "If he hadn't jumped the gun and staked you, we wouldn't be having this problem."
"I quite agree with you, but as I said, it'll smooth over." He said, smiling bitterly. "Besides, I've procured an alliance with Davina I think will be beneficial to us. And I couldn't have done so if I weren't daggered."
Jane was about to respond when saw someone else had come into the kitchen: "Oh my god, Rebekah!"
The blonde was dragging a dead human girl by the arm, leaving behind bloody streaks on the floor.
"Don't blame me, blame your egocentric boyfriend." The vampire retorted and headed for the backdoor.
Jane scowled. "Niklaus Mikaelson!" The girl exclaimed.
Elijah stifled a smile at her tone.
"Yes, my love?" His brother replied and Jane turned to see him, looking at her innocently from the doorframe.
"What did we talk about?" She demanded, waving her spoon at him.
"She wasn't for me. She was for Elijah." He gestured at his brother.
"I hardly think he would condone that." She snapped.
Rebekah snickered from outside and Klaus rolled his eyes.
"Yes, my big brother the saint."
Jane shook her head. "None of you are saints I'm afraid." She smirked and Elijah smiled in amusement as Kol laughed loudly from the hall. Klaus snorted. "No more bringing them in the house." She pointed a finger at Klaus. "I mean it."
He held his hands up. "All right, my love. I promise."
"Mmhm." She hummed and Klaus smirked disappearing around the corner again.
Elijah tilted his head. "So... I am hoping to severe the link between you and Sophie soon."
"Really? When?"
"Today. If I can."
"She won't like that." She muttered.
"She doesn't have a choice." Elijah said firmly. "She's been dishonest from the start. It was never fully about you and it's time to make her let you go. Especially after what happened a few weeks ago. I know she had nothing to do with it," He raised a hand when she started to tell him about Sophie. "But nevertheless, your safety is still an issue."
"My baby's safety." Jane corrected. "I just want her safe."
"She will be and so will you." Elijah murmured. "No one harms or attempts to harm my family."
She smiled at him.
Rebekah came back inside. "Yes, and once you're unlinked, we can leave this crap town."
Jane went to the sink to wash her bowl.
"So, who do we have to kill?" The blonde Original asked.
"Probably no one."
Jane looked at Elijah with a raised eyebrow. She knew perfectly well that the Mikaelson's were not above violence.
"All right. Potentially everyone." He admitted.
She shook her head, hiding a knowing smile.
Rebekah looked up from scrubbing at the carpet. Wishing Jane hadn't given the maids a day off. He was reading something over and over, brow furrowed.
"Poetry about poisoned apples from dead trees." She began and he glanced at her. "Looks like someone is worried about impending daddyhood."
Klaus brushed off the comment, even though she was right on the nose. "Nonsense." He said nonchalantly. "Elijah is back. In his presence all problems turn to pixie dust and float away."
Kol snorted from the armchair.
"Strange, I don't recall any pixie dust from the darkness of the coffin I was recently forced to endure."
Klaus slouched as his elder brother came back into the room.
Kol sat up. "What are you doing with mother's grimoire?"
Their sister looked up sharply as well.
"Well, in exchange for my freedom, I promised the witch Davina that I would share a few pages from mother's grimoire. It'll help her learn to control her magic."
"There's an unlinking spell in there." Kol said slyly and Elijah nodded at him.
"Yes."
Klaus and Rebekah exchanged looks.
"Wait." She said. "You want to use her to unlink Jane and Sophie?"
"Sophie Deveraux brought us here under false pretenses. It was not just to get rid of Marcel and his minions as they claimed. She wants to take Davina back and in doing so linked herself to Jane to ensure our help. Well, no more. As of now, our deal with Sophie Deveraux is null and void."
Klaus smirked.
"Niklaus, I need you to come with me. I need five minutes alone with Davina. You need to make certain I am not interrupted."
Rebekah stood up, looking hopeful.
"You and Kol stay here and watch Jane."
"What?" Kol scowled. "Why do I have to stay? Make Bekah stay. She and Dorian are enough protection."
"Very well but do control yourself." Elijah fixed him with a stare.
"Yes, yes."
Rebekah huffed as Kol and Elijah went out of the room. "When did I get elected super nanny?"
"More importantly, who put him in charge?" Klaus grumbled and got up from the couch. "Er...Bekah."
She turned to him and faltered. He looked genuinely worried.
"Don't worry, Nik. I won't leave her side. Jane and your baby will be just fine." She promised and he nodded once in thanks.
"Where are you three going?" Jane asked suspiciously from the staircase.
Elijah turned to her with a smile. "Making good on my promise to you. We're off to get you unlinked from Sophie."
The girl frowned. "All three of you?"
Kol smirked. "Don't trust us, little love?"
"Not one bit."
He laughed and Klaus went over to her when his brothers went outside.
"We shan't be long, my love." He murmured, stroking her cheek. "Rebekah will stay with you." He noticed her saddened expression and grimaced.
"Love, you know she'd stay if you asked her."
"I don't want to make her stay...It's just...She didn't really want to be here to begin with." Jane muttered.
He sighed and kissed her forehead. "I know. Call me if you need me." He zipped out the door.
"Ouch!"
Rebekah looked over at her, frowning when she noticed Jane rubbing her neck.
"What's the matter?"
"I don't know. I felt like I just jabbed with something."
Frowning, the vampire came over and brushed her hair back from her neck.
"Your neck is bleeding. Did you cut yourself?" She asked and dabbed the blood away.
"No..." Jane looked up in alarm. "Was it Sophie?"
"No, it's probably nothing." She told her and turned her head, frowning.
Elijah leaned down to help Sabine to her feet.
"What happened?" He asked, trying to remain calm, but his body was rigid with tension. Kol was glaring at the witch while Klaus paced in the background.
"It was Agnes." Sabine said, rubbing her head from where the other witches had hit her. "Her men took Sophie."
"What will they do to her?" Klaus snapped. He was worried about Jane's safety.
"I-I don't know. but they wouldn't hurt her."
"Where is Agnes?" The Hybrid demanded, a sadistic murderous glint in his eyes. "Seems we ought to have a talk. This is the second time she's tried to harm Jane."
"If I tell you where Agnes is, you'll just kill her."
Kol nodded. "That's the idea, love. By the way, shouldn't we just kill you?" He asked her, zooming up to grab her throat and squeeze hard. She gasped out for air, but he didn't relent his grip his fangs extending. "It's your bloody fault they were after her to begin with!"
Elijah ripped his brother away from her. "Kol, that's enough." He warned and turned his eyes to Sabine, who was eyeing the younger brother uneasily. "It wasn't entirely Sabine's fault. Angus is the one who interpreted the vision."
"Look, I know she's a little cuckoo," The witch began. "But she's our coven's last living elder. That might not mean a lot to you, but it means plenty to us. The elders are the only ones who can do important spells."
"Like the Harvest." Kol surmised and she turned to him in surprise.
"How did you know-"
"We know enough." Klaus interrupted and moved to stand next to Elijah. "Now, allow me to entertain you with today's list of priorities. One, unlink Jane from Sophie so she no longer has control over my beloved and my child, two, convince my brother to accept my heartfelt apologies for my recently dodgy behavior," Kol snorted and Klaus ignored him. "And three..." He smiled. "There is no three."
Elijah cleared his throat. "What my brother, Niklaus, is attempting to communicate here is that neither the life of this elder nor the Harvest ritual nor your coven's connection to magic are of any relevance to him whatsoever." Sabine grimaced. "Now talk."
Rebekah looked back in on Jane who was flipping through a magazine.
"It's time for the demon spawn to snack." She said cheerily and offered the girl a basket of apples.
"Don't call her that." Jane sighed. "It's not funny."
"Well, have you picked a name yet?"
"No." The girl muttered, and Rebekah smiled, sitting down across from her.
"Here, the plantation is lousy with them."
Jane took one of the apples, biting into and leaning back against the chair while absently stroking her stomach.
Rebekah smiled at her. She knew Jane would be a good mother. The girl had a sweet disposition.
"How's your neck?"
The girl shrugged. "I must have scratched it or something. It doesn't hurt anymore."
"Well, just don't die on my watch. I'll never hear the end of it." She joked.
"I'm so glad your concerned." Jane rolled her eyes. "How sweet of you."
There was a sadness in her tone and Rebekah sighed. "Sweets, it's not anything you did. And it won't be forever."
"You're leaving me with the boys."
The vampire laughed. "Yes, I do apologize for that, but they'll protect you. Now that Elijah's back there shouldn't be a problem."
"Please don't go, Bekah. I'm scared." Jane chewed her lip, looking frightened.
"There's nothing for me here. Old memories mostly." Rebekah sighed. "I know you're scared, but my brother loves you and I've never seen him love another person so much. He'll make sure you have anything and everything you need."
"Klaus would faint if I told him I was in labor."
Rebekah burst into laughter at the thought. "Yes, he might, but then again he may surprise you." She took Jane's hand. "It's not goodbye forever, I'll come visit. I just can't live here. I'll be back in time for the baby for sure."
"You promise?" Jane asked her and the vampire hugged her.
"Yes, I promise. And I'll make Kol come too."
Jane sighed and then slowly got up out of the chair. "I'm sure going to miss you when you go."
The girl went out into the hallway and headed for the kitchen.
Dorian came into the room.
"Go? Where are you going?" He asked.
"I only came to make sure that everything was okay with Elijah. He's fine and he hasn't punished Klaus for daggering him, so as usual they will be thick as thieves and I'll be left to clean up the mess." She explained. "It's time for me to fly the coop."
"Oh. Does Jane know?" Dorian frowned and then sighed when Rebekah nodded. "She'll be upset when you leave."
"Yes, I know."
The sound of breaking glass came from the hall.
"Jane?!"
Rebekah and Dorian found the girl bracing herself against the wall with one hand, the other covering her stomach. A vase that had been on the hall table lay broken in the floor. Water, porcelain, and flowers everywhere.
"Jane, what's wrong?"
"I feel dizzy." She winced, leaning against the wall. "Something's wrong."
Rebekah put a hand to her forehead. "You're burning up actually." Jane pressed her face against her cool hand. "Come on, darling. Let's get you into bed."
"I'm fine…Morning sickness again."
"Not running such a high fever, Jane." The vampire explained and helped her up the stairs. The girl suddenly fainted.
"Jane!" Dorian caught her and hauled the limp girl up into his arms. "What's going on?"
Rebekah got out her phone. "Sophie."
The Hybrid paled and carted the pregnant girl up the stairs.
"Ah." Sophie winced, rubbing at her neck as Elijah got her free from the chains. "Angus stuck me with a needle. Cursed objects were made a long time ago." Kol paled at the words, his eyes shifting towards his brothers and then back to Sophie. "We use them so that we don't get busted by Marcel for using magic."
Sophie sat down and rubbed at her wrist. "The one she used to be called the Needle of Sorrows. It was cursed in 1860 when-"
"Spare us the history lesson, love." Klaus growled threateningly. "Jump ahead a few decades and tell us what it does."
Sophie looked horrified at the very thought of it and every vampire stiffened in anticipation for what she would say.
""It has one purpose-" She swallowed hard. "To kill a child in utero by raising her blood temperature."
"It's for a miscarriage." Elijah breathed and Klaus straightened up off the wall with a look of horror.
"Are you telling me that Jane and my child are being threatened by witches?" He demanded.
Kol looked ill and he felt horrible. He had helped make those cursed objects a long time ago. Back when he had a particularly sore spot with Klaus. He had gained witches trust, trying to find a way to dagger his Hybrid brother and they had created the objects to aid them. He had been daggered before the objects could have been used and so he had forgotten about them. And now Jane, his sweet pregnant sister in law, was suffering for it. she could die, the baby could die... And if Klaus, or Elijah for that matter, were to ever find out that he had had a hand in making that object... He'd been daggered for sure, probably staked if either of them knew where the white oak had gotten to.
Kol swallowed nervously. "How-" He had to stop and collect himself. "How do we stop it?"
"It'll do what it's meant to by tonight's hightide." Sophie told them. "And believe me, it'll work. I saw her use a similar object on a kid who went mad and killed a bunch of priests."
"Where might I find Agnes? I'd like a little chat with her." Klaus said, eyes flashing gold.
"You won't. There are a thousand places she could hole up to wait it out."
"This is precisely why we must unlink you from Jane." Elijah said coolly.
Sophie gaped. "No. What?! If I'm not linked to Jane, then I lose my leverage on you. We had a deal."
"We," The elder Mikaelson scowled. "Are not on the same side, Sophie Deveraux. Our deal no longer stands." The witch blinked at him. "I don't believe that you were ever out to harm Jane."
"No." Sophie agreed. "I can't help you find Agnes, but I can help slow down Jane's fever a bit. Give you more time."
"Good." Elijah turned to his brothers.
Klaus' phone rang.
"Rebekah." The Original Hybrid greeted.
"What's going on? Jane's collapsed and is running a dangerously high temperature."
"It was Agnes."
"Of bloody course it was!" His sister scoffed. "How do we fix it?"
"I'll fix it...How is she?"
He could hear Jane in the background, asking for water. She sounded in pain and he winced.
"Whatever you're doing, you best do it quickly. She wants to talk to you."
"Love."
"Klaus, it hurts so much. What's going on?"
"It's going to be all right, sweetheart. I'm going to fix you." He said, shutting his eyes for a moment. He wanted to be with her, but not acting would be worse. She seemed to know what he was thinking.
"Bekah and Dorian are here. I'll be okay. Just come home soon."
He smiled. "I will, my love. You rest and I'll take care of everything."
He hung up and Elijah sighed.
"You're more likely to find her than I am." He pointed out. "I'll take Sophie and Kol and I will head back to the house." He put a hand on his brother's shoulder and Klaus looked at him. "We will cure her, brother. We won't lose her nor your child." He nodded gratefully.
Rebekah took the washcloth out of the bowl of cold water and rung it out a bit before patting Jane's face with it to ease her growing fever.
"Stop fussing. Elijah and Kol are on their way."
The girl moaned, her eyes fluttering open. "It hurts. I feel like I'm being microwaved."
"I know, darling." Rebekah said to her and stroked the girl's hair back from her face, frowning at the unnatural heat that coming from her. "But just because you're sick doesn't mean you get to act like a baby."
Jane smiled softly. "I'm sorry."
"It's going to be all right, Jane. We won't let anything happen to you. I'm sure my little niece is healing you up as we speak."
Dorian was sitting in a chair, leaning his head back. Connected to Jane, he could feel her pain and it was affecting him as well.
Elijah came in with Sophie and Kol lingered behind them, idling in the doorway.
"What the hell is she doing here?" The blonde Original demanded and stood near Jane protectively.
"I'm trying to help." Sophie said calmly, looking past her at Jane.
"Help? You're the reason we're in this bloody mess. Why aren't we unlinked with this witch already, Elijah?" She demanded, still blocking Jane from view.
Elijah stepped forward. "Rebekah, let her do what she can."
"I may know a way to bring the fever down." Sophie moved closer.
"Jane, do you trust her?" Rebekah asked and the girl nodded.
"Hey, Sophie." She whispered to the witch and Sophie sat on the bed, frowning as she felt of Jane's forehead and noting her tremble.
"It's worse than I thought." She looked up at Elijah who looked worried. "It shouldn't be working that fast."
"What do you mean?"
"It's effecting her more because she's the elemental...It could possibly kill her just as easily as the baby."
Elijah and Rebekah exchanged looks of apprehension.
Kol shifted from the doorway, watching Jane warily.
"I'm going to need some special herbs. I'll text you a list." The witch continued, turning to Rebekah.
Elijah looked at her and she scowled.
"Fine. Happy to play the fetch girl." She snarked and stalked from the room. She paused in the hall watching Kol. "Kol?"
"I can't see her like that." He muttered.
She put a hand on his arm. "She's going to be okay. I'm going into town for some herbs, you can come if you like."
"No... I'll stay."
Rebekah nodded and she went out the door. Kol turned back towards Jane's bedroom, listening.
Elijah stroked Jane's heated forehead, applying the cold rag across her forehead again. "How are you feeling?"
"Like something baking in the oven." She murmured and Elijah heard her rasp slightly. He took a glass from the bedside table and lifted her head slightly so she could drink. "Thank you. Where's Klaus?"
"Tracking down the witch who's done this to you." He replied.
"Don't let him kill her. He's not himself when he's angry." She grabbed his wrist, stilling his movement. "Please, Elijah."
He smiled at her. "Just lie still. I will speak to him."
Jane moaned, gripping at the sheets and shutting her eyes. "It hurts so much. What's going to happen to the baby?"
"Nothing." Elijah assured her, ignoring Sophie staring at him. "We will fix this."
She took his wrist again. "If something happens to me...promise you'll try to save the baby."
"Jane-"
"Please. My baby comes first. Promise me, baby first."
He nodded once. "I promise, but nothing will happen to you."
"In case something does." She whispered.
Kol had to walk away, he couldn't listen anymore.
Jane opened her eyes tiredly as the pain passed for the moment. She noticed Kol was at the window, his back to her. she had hardly seen him since he had arrived.
"Are you afraid?"
He jumped at the sound of her voice and turned to her.
"Of you?" He asked, a smile playing at his lips. "Not a bit."
She smiled back. "No... Of me dying."
"Don't say things like that." He frowned and turned away again.
She sighed. "Kol, I know you still think about that night at Elena's. It's why you won't look at me."
He looked pained as he forced himself to face. "Please don't mention it, darling."
"It'll be okay. You have your siblings."
He moved over to the bed, taking her hand in his. It was unnaturally hot like the rest of her.
"How many times must I tell you, little love? You're a sister to me. You are family."
She gripped at the headboard with a sharp gasp and Kol winced.
"I hope giving birth doesn't feel like this." She said weakly when the pain subsided for a moment and he snorted.
"Don't make jokes, darling."
"What's wrong?" She asked him, reaching for him. "Tell me, Kol. It's okay."
"It's nothing, lovey."
"Kol."
He sighed and looked at her. "This is my fault. I made those cursed objects for the witches, centuries ago. They did this to you because of me. I'm killing you."
Jane took his hand. "Don't tell Klaus. Ever. He'd never forgive you," She squeezed his hand, preventing him from pulling away again. "But I don't blame you, Kol. So, don't be guilty. You couldn't have known they'd still be around and used." She moaned and he rewet the rag in the ice water, before laying it across her forehead.
"You are too kind to me, little love. More than you should be." He felt some guilt lift at her forgiveness. At how easily she dismissed his past.
She yawned tiredly. "I'm sorry. I'm just so tired."
"Then try to rest." He murmured and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'll be right here."
Jane's eyes closed and her head turned, exhaustion overtaking her. "The baby..."
"She's going to be fine, lovey, and so are you."
"This is outrageous. What's the charge?" Agnes asked indignantly as the handcuffed witch was shoved onto a pew.
"Please Agnes, you know Marcel runs the vampires in this town. Who do you think runs everything else?" Kieran asked and motioned for the wrapped object in one of the officers' hands.
He unwrapped the object, revealing the Needle of Sorrows.
"I believe this is what you're looking for." He said aloud and Klaus zoomed in, taking said object and smirking at Agnes shocked expression.
"Hello, Agnes."
"You made a deal with him?!" She sputtered.
Kieran scowled. "After what you did to Sean, I'd deal with the devil himself to make you suffer." He hissed at her and she sneered at him.
"You can't hurt me. The entire witch community will turn against you."
"Enough!" Klaus bellowed and stepped forward. "Please. Enough. I don't care about witch politics. I don't care about your ridiculous little Harvest ritual. what I care about," He held up the needle. "-is this little trinket. Undo it's curse, or I'll show you things worse than death."
Agnes snorted. "Dark objects don't come with an off switch. The curse took root in Sophie she's linked to your devil child." Klaus snarled. "It's just a matter of time."
"Poor girl doesn't know what you've done to her."
"You lot claimed that you cared for her."
"Jane? Yes. The baby? No. we don't need the baby just the girl"
Kieran frowned. "Wait. You said Jane. As in Jane Evans? Robert's niece? The one you cursed."
"We didn't curse him, just the soul inside him." Agnes stated.
"Jane's baby is yours." The priest said to the vampire who eyed him.
Klaus eyed the human.
"What of it?"
"And you love her?"
"Yes." He said slowly, and for a moment the human saw a bit of pure terror in the vampire's eyes. This was no joke or a show of power. Jane was suffering at the hands of the witch and it was taking a toll on the vampire. Just for a brief second, Klaus was almost human.
Kieran nodded. "I only ask because Rob was a good friend of mine. I promised myself to keep an eye on her and not let anything happen to her. If I had known that Agnes had been harming Jane from the start...I would have killed her myself."
Klaus smiled.
"It's not about the girl it's about the spawn you put inside her." Agnes spat at Klaus and the vampire hissed at her.
"Shut your mouth or I'll rip out your tongue."
Davina looked up when someone knocked on the door.
She opened it warily. "Who are you?"
"I'm Kol."
She looked at him for a second, trying not to stare too much. "Oh, one of Elijah's brothers. Why are you here?"
"To assist."
"You can't do magic." She frowned.
"I used to be able too. Long before I was a vampire. I still remember a thing or two."
Davina chewed her lip. "Well, I am having trouble..."
"May I?" He asked politely, not wanting to frighten the pretty young witch.
She tilted her head and then nodded. "Come in."
"No…" Jane moaned and swatted at Elijah's hand. "Get it away."
"She's hallucinating." Sophie told him. "The herbs aren't working anymore."
"Klaus…"
"Shh. It's all right." Elijah murmured to Jane. "He'll be along soon."
"I want Klaus." She whispered. "Where is he? Where is he?!" She was soaked with sweat, trembling from the heat.
Rebekah stroked her hair. "There, there. Hush now. He'll be along soon."
"We need another way of cooling her off. A faster way." Sophie muttered.
Jane tugged at her sleeve. "Can we go swimming today? It's so hot out."
She was about to respond when she met Elijah's eyes. "That's not a half bad idea. The water should be cool enough."
Dorian pushed off the wall. "Let's get her in the pool."
They took her outside and Jane smiled.
"It's so pretty."
Dorian snorted. "Whatever you say, Jane."
"Get her in the water." Sophie told them and Elijah stepped into the pool, turning to get Jane.
He helped her get into the water and she leaned her head against him. Steam was rising from the water.
Sophie handed him another drink. "Get her to drink another dose, it should help that she's in the cool water."
"Here, Jane." Elijah murmured and helped her sip the contents.
"You need to get her heartrate down."
"How do you suggest I do that?"
"Hold her. It's a natural human remedy to slow the heartrate and reduce blood pressure."
Elijah set the cup aside and lifted Jane into his arms. She leaned her head against him tiredly.
"It's so hot out today." She murmured and he shushed her.
"This is taking too long." Rebekah murmured from the steps to the pool.
He shook his head. "Davina will break the link. We need to give her time. I trust Kol can help her."
"Take a deep breath, love. In and out. Your power flows through you, so you have to concentrate on not just the words, but what you want the spell to do." Kol coached and Davina nodded.
She took a deep breath and held the rope knot between her hands.
"Phesmatos, omnio ligata soluto..." She whispered and Kol could feel the air pressurizing around them. She was so close to doing it. "Vingulia cordit..."
The knot floated into the air and began to unravel. Kol watched it intently.
"I can't. I can't breathe." Jane gasped, shifting in Elijah's arms. "I can't do it!"
"Just take deep breaths, Jane." He told her. "You have to calm down. Look at me." The girl did with a whimper. "Long deep breaths." She did as he asked, trying to reign in her breathing. He nodded at her.
"You're doing good. Just focus on the sound of my voice." He murmured, dipping her head slightly in the water to try cool off her forehead. "Everything's going to be okay."
The girl screamed out suddenly, thrashing, and Elijah tried to keep her still.
"Jane!"
She put a hand on her stomach, gasping sharply. "Make it stop." She sobbed and he held her closer.
Sophie felt the pain disappear and her body began to cool back down. "I just felt it lift."
"Thank you Kol." Rebekah murmured and sighed with relief. Dorian sighed too, feeling Jane's pain ebb away.
The girl went limp in exhaustion and relief, floating in Elijah's arms.
They both looked over at Sophie who took her earring out and used it to poke her skin. Blood appeared in her palm.
Elijah took Jane's hand and lifted it. There was no pin prick. They were no longer linked.
"I'm kind of cold now." Jane said to Rebekah who shook her head.
"Then let's get you inside and into dry, warm clothes, sweets."
Elijah carried her out of the pool and set her on her feet, near Rebekah who had a towel ready for her.
Dorian held out a hand for Sophie to help her out of the pool.
She took it and he pulled her up, leaning to say into her ear:
"I know you were just using her to save your people and she may not care, but I do." He said lowly to Sophie. "Try it again on her or anyone else, I'll kill you."
The witch nodded and then cleared her throat.
"Elijah."
He turned to her.
"As soon as your brother finds out that the link is broken, he'll kill Agnes. I know you don't own me anything, but please don't let him kill her."
"I promised Jane that I wouldn't let Klaus lift a hand against Agnes. I don't go back on my word."
He dug his phone from his coat pocket calling Klaus. "It's me. Where are you? Don't hurt her. I'll be here shortly. She's just fine. Exhausted, but she and the baby are just fine."
While Jane was changing into warmer clothing after a warm bath, Rebekah met Elijah in the hallway.
"The unlinking worked. Maybe now we can make plans-"
"Not now, Rebekah. I've got to meet Niklaus. Can we discuss this when I return?"
"I won't be here when you return."
He paused on the steps and turned to face her.
"That sounds like a goodbye."
"I guess it is. I only came to New Orleans to make sure you were safe. You are. I thought I might be able to convince you to come with me. Kol's leaving too. But here you are rushing off into whatever Klaus and Marcel and the witches had cooked up. and I finally get it. you'll never leave this city. Like Nik, you love it here. And you'll never leave Klaus, especially with Jane here."
"Then you should stay."
She shook her head. "This thing that you and Klaus and Marcel have, I want no part of it. I just want to be free."
"Well, then go." He kissed her cheek. "You are free. And we will always have a place for you if you decide to come back."
"Thank you, Elijah. I hate to leave Jane, but she's in good hands."
Elijah smiled at her and then checked in on Jane who drying her hair.
He went to Jane and kissed her forehead. "Klaus and I will return shortly."
"Okay. Be careful."
He smiled at her and then zoomed off.
"Goodbye, sweets. I'll be back to visit soon."
Jane stood up and hugged the Original.
"Bye, Bekah. Be careful and tell me where you're going."
"I will, darling. Now get some sleep. They'll be home soon, and Dorian is outside if you need him." The Original kissed her forehead and then her cheek. "Call me if you need something or if they won't listen to you."
"I will."
Rebekah hugged her close. "I'm going to miss you, but you'll be all right. You have my brothers to take care of you. And at least Elijah will make sure you have whatever you need."
Jane sighed and stood in the doorway, watching as she went down the stairs, bags in hand.
Jane peeked out the curtain on the door and then opened it.
"Hi, Josh."
"Hey, Jane." He glanced around. "Is Klaus here?"
"No, why?"
"I've been trying to find him all day. Marcel knows he lied about where he lives."
Jane frowned. "Why does he care? What does it matter?"
"I don't know, but he's suspicious."
"I'll handle it, Josh. Don't worry. You want something to eat? I can make you a sandwich."
The vampire laughed and shook his head. he still hadn't figured out how the sweet human ever ended up with the scary Original.
"No, thank you. I've got to be heading back now. Marcel is throwing a Fight Night in an hour."
Jane tilted her head. "What's that?"
"Vying for a daylight ring I think."
"Oh."
"Tell him to call me."
"I will." Jane nodded and Josh started to leave.
The girl followed him out on the porch. "Wait!"
Josh turned and Jane hugged him.
"What was that for?"
"You looked like you needed it."
He smiled and hugged her back.
"Thank you, Jane."
She waved at him as he went down the driveway and then went back into the house. She tugged at Klaus' Henley, stretching it over her little baby bump.
There came another knock on the door and Jane peered out of the curtain again, tensing when she saw Marcel.
She unlocked the door and opened it again.
"Marcel?"
He smiled at her. "Hey, sorry it's so late. Is Klaus here?"
"No. He'll be back soon." She frowned. "Is something wrong?"
"So, this is where you live." He stated and she chewed her lip. "Not the Palace Royale."
"Yes..." She had to think fast, cover Klaus' lie. "I didn't like it there. I needed bigger space. Especially for when the baby comes." She put a hand on her belly.
"Oh, right. You could have said something."
"I didn't think we had too." She said, frowning. "Besides, the less people that know the better."
"Why?"
Jane sighed. "Look, we couldn't tell you. And now you can't tell anyone."
Marcel didn't look so smug anymore and he started to look confused.
"What's going on?"
"We couldn't let Desmond know. Klaus didn't tell you about him still looking for us. Looking for me." She said softly. It was a partial truth. Only Marcel wasn't supposed to find them either she guessed. "He's trying to take care of it himself, you know." Marcel nodded, understanding.
"Of course, he is." He muttered. "You could have told me. He could have."
"You know he wouldn't have." Jane shifted. "We have to be careful. If the wrong person overheard... We're not big fans of witches."
Marcel nodded again. "I'm sorry to bother you like this."
"It's fine. We just had to be careful." She said again.
He stepped back. "Call me if you need anything. Tell Klaus not to be so stubborn. Desmond is a dangerous guy. I can offer some help if he wants it."
"Thank you for being so understanding. It wasn't anything about you. I just...It was me mainly. Klaus thinks he can stop things from happening. But it's not a reality."
"Let me know if you need anything too, Jane. My door is always open to you."
"Thank you, Marcel. Have a good night."
Dorian felt something hit his neck and jerked out several small darts.
"Fuck..." His eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed on the ground. The back door swung, hitting his leg so that it couldn't close. Someone stepped over him quietly, hoisting a bag over one shoulder.
The figure froze, hearing humming coming from upstairs and then started to move again. He had to act quickly. Up the stairs he went.
Following the humming, he paused just outside a door that was ajar and peered in.
Jane was standing with her back to him. He pushed open the door.
Hearing the door, she turned around and gasped.
"T-Tyler?"
He smiled grimly at her. "Hello, Jane. It's been awhile." He stepped closer and she stepped back, putting distance between them. He looked down at her stomach. "So, it's true. You actually are carrying his kid."
Jane grabbed a knife she had been using to peel an apple with and held it out at him. "If-If you're here for revenge or something, you'll die. So, you might as well leave."
"Put that down or this will get ugly really quick." He warned her darkly and backed into the wall. "I'm not above hurting you to get you to cooperate. You're Hybrid friend down there is out and I happen to know you're all alone."
"Leave me alone, Tyler." She snapped made to swipe at him with the knife.
He grabbed her wrist and squeezed hard, making her drop it.
"I warned you."
She kneed him in the groin and ran into the bathroom, shutting and locking the door, even though she knew it wouldn't do any good.
Gasping in fear, she started shoving at the cabinet with all the soaps and towels on it, trying to block the door.
Tyler slammed a fist against it.
Jane screamed and jumped back.
"This is your warning, Jane!" He snarled. "I'm not playing games and I'm really pissed off. Either you open that door and get whatever it is out of the way or I'll bust in and get you the hard way."
"Screw you!" She screamed at the door and then it was silent. Jane backed far from the door, a bad feeling in her gut.
Bam!
Tyler's fist burst through the wood and Jane screamed in fright as he tore at the door to get to her.
"Klaus!"
Kol glanced at his phone and rolled his eyes.
"Yes, Uncle Rob?"
"Why the hell isn't your brother answering?!"
"I'm not his keeper, mate. What's the problem?"
"The problem is Tyler Lockwood. He broke into my house last night and found the address to your house in New Orleans."
"What?"
"I had to have been him. No other rogue vampire can get in. Tyler's been invited by Jane. He's got access."
Kol scowled. "The little shit won't get near her. I'll make sure Klaus knows."
"Good, because he's a nut. He's on the rampage. Damon caught him at Klaus' place here in Mystic Falls digging for who knows what."
"Damn it. Thanks for the heads up."
Davina looked at him curiously. "Is everything okay?"
"It'll be fine. Just a threat to eliminate."
"Thank you, for your help."
He winked at her. "Any time, love."
"Be serous!" She laughed and he grinned at her.
"Good night, Davina Claire." He took her hand and kissed the back of it, making her flush. "Until we meet again."
"Good night, Kol Mikaelson."
He zipped out the door, shutting the door softy behind him.
Klaus ran into Marcel outside of Rousseau's.
"Hey, where have you been? Not still mad about our tiff the other night, are you?"
Klaus turned around to face him.
"Water under the bridge."
"Good. good. so, I swung by your place to commiserate over a drink, but I must have just missed you."
"The Palace Royale just didn't suit me." Klaus smirked. "I've not been living there for quite a while."
"No," Marcel shook his head. "I meant your other place."
The smile slid off Klaus' face. "I see."
"You should have said that Desmond was bothering you." He said and Klaus relaxed. "Jane told me about it and that she needed bigger space."
"Yes, well. A baby is rather difficult to raise in a hotel."
Marcel nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I guess a plantation is a better place than a hotel room."
Elijah frowned. It was unusually quiet. "Jane?" He called and walked into the drawing room. No sign of her. He ventured upstairs and noticed that Niklaus' and Jane's bedroom door was askew.
Zooming into the room, he looked around at the mess. Furniture broken, blood splatters here and there. A small kitchen knife lay on the floor, perfectly clean, but it disturbed him none the less.
The bathroom door was broken into pieces and the looks of it, a scrimmage had occurred inside. A cabinet that had held towel and things, was against the far wall, broken in places. Someone had tried to block someone else from coming in...
"Jane!?"
He stepped back into the bedroom, pulling his phone out.
"Is she with you?"
"What?" Rebekah replied. He could hear that she was driving.
"Jane. She's gone. Something's happened here."
The car screeched to stop. "What the hell are you talking about?! I just left not ten minutes ago. Where is she?"
Klaus stalked into the room, pausing at the disarray and the evidence that someone had been harmed. "Marcel was here." He hissed and his brother stiffened.
"Surely, he wouldn't harm her." But even as he said it, uncertainty overcame him.
"Someone did." Klaus snarled, eyeing the blood splatters. "And they'll pay."
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