Chapter 8
Klaus tapped his fingers on his desk, eyes unfocused as his mind wandered through dark, depressing thoughts. His own siblings hated him, distrusted him, thought he was out to harm his own child. His daughter. No doubt Rebekah did as well. Even though her face had been well schooled yesterday, Klaus knew she was still angry about how he had left their brothers. She was probably plotting his downfall at the very moment and her trysts with Marcel left him doubly suspicious of them both.
He and Jane were alone that much was clear. Or he would be solely alone if his siblings coerced her to their side. But she was still very upset with them and he doubted even Elijah could sway her to his side now. She was losing faith in the promise of "Always and Forever" and he hated how sad it made her, but it had been a long time coming. This was just the final straw, a final excuse for his siblings to toss him aside. It was harsh lesson for her to have to learn. You can't trust anyone, even those you once called family.
He looked up when there was a knock on the study door.
"Yes?"
It was Marguerite, the woman who ran the house servants. She was the one whose priority was to care for Jane herself. She felt the others were too clumsy for that and that they were the unfortunate victims of the house's supernatural occupants' hunger. Klaus had ordered for one of them to wait on the girl and no one disobeyed Mr. Klaus.
She was a rotund, short woman with sun tanned skin and long black hair that was always neatly pulled into a bun on the back of her head. The streaks of silvery grey gave away her age, yet her face was youthful.
"Sorry to disturb you, sir, but it's Miss Jane."
He frowned. "What's wrong?"
"She's waiting for you in the dining room, sir."
He smiled and stood up. "Well, I won't keep her waiting then."
"Mr. Klaus?"
He paused and took a good look at the woman in front of him.
"What? What are you not saying?"
Marguerite sighed. "She's injured herself."
"What do you mean?" He asked sharply.
"She was having a nightmare. When I went to wake her, she rolled onto her side and broke the vase next to the bed." Klaus grimaced. He hadn't heard the glass shatter, it must have happened when he had stepped outside.
"She's cut her palm on the glass." The woman continued. "It's not a deep cut. I've cleaned it and bandaged it, just wanted you to know about it." He was relieved to know it wasn't a huge matter, but the fact that she had yet another nightmare was concerning.
"How is she?"
Marguerite knew what he was asking. "She was upset. It must have been worse this time."
Klaus sighed. "Yes, thank you."
He walked out of the room in search of her. Of course, she wasn't at the table. Rolling his eyes, he zipped up the stairs. Going into their bedroom, he found her kneeling on the carpet, trying to clean the rug next to the bed. There was a bandage wrapped around her left hand. She was picking up glass and throwing it away into the waste basket next to her.
"I knocked a vase over." She said without looking at him. She sounded tired.
"Love, stop that." He said sternly and put his arms underneath hers, hauling her gently out of the floor like a toddler. "I've told you, time and time again. That's not for you to deal-"
"Good gracious! You shouldn't be in the floor, dear!"
Klaus chuckled as Jane backed into him, startled, as Marguerite came flying into the room. Clucking her tongue, the woman took the rag from Jane's uninjured hand.
"You shouldn't be straining yourself, miss." She chided her gently. "You could injure yourself further."
"But I made a mess." Jane began and the woman shooed at her.
"Nonsense, dearie. It was an accident of course." The woman patted her cheek. "You're such a sweet girl. Thought you could clean it up before I could get back." Jane smiled a little at the teasing. "Now you best get downstairs, your breakfast will be ready shortly."
Klaus grabbed her bathrobe from the vanity chair and wrapped it around her.
"Come on, sweetheart. I'll join you for breakfast. I'm sure Rebekah's finally made it to the table."
"I'm sorry." Jane said and Marguerite shook her head.
"It's not your fault, dear. I didn't catch the vase in time."
Klaus had to tote her out of the room.
"You shouldn't have been in the floor." He said, trying not to scold her. She was still trying to get used to not having to do such menial things. Jane scowled.
"Well, I knocked it over."
"Because of a nightmare." He reminded her and his words made her clutch at his arm, her scowl fading into fear. He turned to her when they reached the bottom step. Jane was staring at him with terror filled eyes.
"What did you see?" He questioned, frowning.
She shook her head wildly, looking ill, and he swiftly moved her to the drawing room, settling her down on the couch. He knelt in front of her, taking her hands and looking down at the injured one with a furrowed brow. She was cold.
"Tell me, my love."
"They were everywhere." She whispered, shivering and staring down at her lap to avoid looking at him. A bad sign. "They were wearing masks. Animal masks. I couldn't see their faces. They were following me." She buried her face into her hands, and he moved to hold her. "Everywhere I went, they were there, watching and following me."
"Did they hurt you?"
She nodded, shuddering again and she tucked her head under his chin. "They grabbed me and were holding me down. Saying something repeatedly. They were drawing things on me with dirt and mud. Some kind of symbols...and then they took my blood. They wrote on my stomach with the blood, but I don't know what it said. I was so scared."
Klaus stroked her hair as she shivered again, he was frowning in thought. "There, there, my love. No one is going to hurt you. You're safe and our baby's safe. It's just a nightmare."
She shook her head. "No...It's a warning. I could feel it."
He didn't like the sound of that and held her closer.
"At least they weren't after the baby." She muttered. "I wasn't pregnant."
Klaus didn't like that either.
"Other than the nightmare did you sleep well?" He murmured, his hand resting on her belly.
Shook her head. "No...that woke me and then my face was hurting." She said quietly.
He growled lowly, cupping her chin gently and tilting her face up towards his. The bruise was darker this morning, more prominent against her lightly tanned skin. Painful looking. He moved his hand to her hair and tucked her curls behind her ear before stroking her jaw. At least the split lip was healed.
"I'm sorry, my love." He murmured. "I couldn't protect you." His hand fell away and he slipped out from under her to stand at the window. "I've failed you and our child."
Jane shook her head, tears in her eyes because she knew how he was feeling. She still felt shocked that his siblings had turned on him, them, so quickly and all because someone planted that idea in their heads. Jane wanted to punch Hayley's face in.
Though she was appalled that both brothers had felt that way, it was Elijah whose anger had startled her the most. She knew he was still bitter from the dagger, but to say that Klaus would do that to her, to their baby... Kol, she knew, was always itching for a fight. Even after all this time he was still harboring a deep resentment from the last time he was daggered and how long he had been daggered. And then there was Dorian. She still wasn't sure how to feel about that. Klaus made it perfectly clear that the Hybrid was no longer welcome. His wolf side despised anyone who dared look at her in any other way but friendship and even then, he was temperamental.
Finn was the only neutral side right then because, unfortunately, she wasn't all that sure about Rebekah either. She hated that. The glamorous, beautiful Original was her best friend, but she knew Bekah's temper was just as bad as her siblings.
"No." She took his hand and kissed his palm, moving to wrap her arms around him. "You didn't. They did." She said bitterly, they said in a harsh tone. "At least we have Rebekah, even though she's angry about Kol and Elijah."
He scoffed, but didn't say anything. Turning his face, he buried his nose into her hair, and she hugged him as tight as she could.
"We'll get through this. With or without them."
"I thought you'd be angry that I've left them."
"I don't like how you left them." She corrected against his chest. "But I understand why you were upset, because it upset me too."
Rebekah walked into the dining room, pausing at the sight of Klaus tenderly nuzzling Jane's hair. The girl was hugging him, her face against his chest as they faced the wide window.
She didn't want to break a peaceful moment between them and started to leave when Jane turned and caught sight of her.
"Morning, Bekah."
Klaus turned in her direction when the girl spoke, his arms still around Jane.
"Good morning, sweets." The Original said, ignoring her brother completely. "Is brekkie ready yet?"
No sooner had she spoken than a few of the servants came in, carting trays of food and drinks.
"You're timing is impeccable, sister." Klaus smirked and she rolled her eyes. As the couple walked by, she noticed something odd.
Rebekah took her hand, scowling. "Now what's happened to you?" Jane flushed.
"Have you spoken to our good friend Marcel today?" Klaus asked, handing Jane a bowl of strawberries.
Rebekah shook her head, sipping from her teacup. "No. Should I have?"
"Well, he's been mysteriously silent, avoiding me some might say. I thought perhaps he may have whispered reasons into your ear along with all of those sweet nothings."
Jane rolled her eyes and bit into her strawberry, juicing running down her fingers. Klaus took her hand and sucked her fingers clean, making her flush as he hummed at the taste.
"Klaus, stop it!" She squealed and swatted at him, but he only grinned at her shamelessly. Rebekah rolled her eyes at them.
"If I see him, I'll be sure to ask if he's still sore at you."
"Can you ask him if he'll come to dinner one night?" Jane asked, picking up her orange juice.
Rebekah blinked at her. "Of course, sweets, but...why?" She looked at her brother to see if he had planted the idea in her head, but even he looked surprised.
"Well, we've been here two almost three months." The pregnant girl answered. "Don't you think it's time we talked properly? And if you're dating him, Bekah...I'd like to talk to him without his rude posse. Klaus has spoken to him in bars. Not a civilized conversation."
Klaus snorted and kissed her head. "If you wish, love."
Jane pushed her chair back from the table. "I'll be upstairs getting dressed." She stood and then bent her head to kiss him, cupping his face. "I love you." She whispered against his lips and he stroked her cheek lovingly.
"And I you."
He watched her leave, marveling still at how warm and happy she made him feel. That she loved him and only him and she was his and he was forever hers. He was truly lucky.
"Let me give a voice to that look in your eyes." He began, knowing that his beloved was well out of earshot. "My saintly brother and my insane one, lie writhing in agony in the bayou, victims of my bastard brother's bite. When just one or two drops of his blood would ease their pain."
"On the contrary, Nik. I am simply enjoying my brekkie waiting for Elijah's and Kol's healthy return."
"Oh, come on Rebekah, you've been giving me the Devil's eye all morning. If Jane hadn't been sitting here you would have been still giving it to me. So out with it."
"Perhaps I'm concerned that if I voice my opinion about what you did to our brothers, I'll end up on the wrong end of your toxic Hybrid teeth."
"Poppycock." Klaus scowled and slapped the table. "I would never bite you. Our brothers." He sneered and Rebekah narrowed her eyes. "Made some very offensive accusations about my intentions towards my child. They deserve a day or two of discomfort."
"Besides," he continued in a lower voice. "You know my preferred method of punishment for your indiscretions is the dagger."
Rebekah slowly stood and then leaned close to her brother. "There is something fundamentally wrong with you." Klaus blinked at her and she leaned back upright.
"Sorry to disturb you, sir." Marguerite said and they turned to her. In her hands she held a bouquet of blue irises. "These were on the backsteps."
Frowning, Klaus stood and Rebekah frowned too, exchanging looks with him.
"Is there a note?" She asked first.
The woman nodded and handed the little scrap of paper to Klaus.
"For the elemental, your beauty far surpasses the rumors." He read aloud and his furrowed deeper. "And no one saw this mysterious delivery person?"
"No, Mr. Klaus. The gardener has not come in yet."
So, no one had gone into the backyard. As much as Klaus hated to admit it, this wouldn't have occurred if Dorian had been here. He may have caught this person and interrogated them or scared off whomever dared to approach the house.
Rebekah bit her lip. Perhaps if she were to convince Marcel to protect Jane, then she and the baby would be safe.
"Get rid of them and don't say a word to her." Klaus commanded. "I don't want her hearing of it."
"Of course, sir." The woman took the flowers and went to dispose of them.
"Nik, who sent them?" Rebekah asked.
He glanced at her, a rare emotion of fear on his face. "I don't know. but the last time she had an admirer, he nearly killed her. I will not let that happen again."
She nodded in agreement. "Neither shall I." Because she sure isn't safe with you.
The sun was boring down on the thin tin roof of the shack, making get inside seem like a sauna. To the occupants, it didn't help their distressed states.
"I'll bloody kill him." Kol groaned, trying to sit upright for the umpteenth time.
"Save your strength, brother. And you'll have to wait in line." Elijah panted from the other bed.
Both were drenched in sweat and feverish. Dorian had his hands full trying to help them both. He knew better than to try going home, Klaus would murder him and then Jane would have no one to protect her from that monster.
"It doesn't make sense. All this time, he's pretended to like the baby?" Dorian questioned. "I don't get it."
Kol snorted and wiped his face clean of perspiration. "You don't have to understand. It's bloody Niklaus. Any chance to rise to power he takes it, rather it's from his own kid or his own girlfriend."
Dorian shook his head. "He seemed to care about the baby though. I mean...I saw his face after he found out it was a girl..."
"Yes, and I guarantee had it been a boy, he would have done locked Jane away until she gave birth. Then he and his son would rule New Orleans with an iron fist and leave the rest of us to rot, including poor Jane. Girl should have ran when she had the chance." Kol growled and then grunted in pain.
"Jane doesn't see the danger." He continued. "Her love of Niklaus led to blind trust."
"Wait, we can't be serious in thinking that Klaus would do that to her-to them. He seemed genuinely upset." Dorian sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Do you really think he'd harm her?"
"Yes."
"I don't know." Elijah admitted. "Perhaps we were wrong."
Kol glared at him. "You know he'd do it."
"Not to her, Kol. Any other person, yes. But not to Jane."
"That's bullshit, Elijah. Klaus would murder her if he thought it would give him power and he almost did once. That ritual to unlock his werewolf side. She died!"
"Not from Niklaus. Even he didn't know the extent of the magic's hold on her." Elijah shook his head. "You didn't see his expression, Kol. The night Jane went missing."
"He may love her, 'Lijah. But he'll drive her away like everyone else. It's time for you to stop trying to fix what can't be fixed."
Jane reached for the bottle on the shelf, scowling when her fingers barely brushed the handle. She was even standing on her tiptoes.
"Here, allow me." Marcel stated and lifted the bottle of fabric softener for her. "You shouldn't strain yourself."
"Oh, thank you, Marcel." She smiled and he set the bottle inside her cart with a nod of his head. "What are you doing in here?"
He stared at her a moment, a brief bout of anger crossing his face. Tyler had left out the fact that he had harmed her. She had a dark bruise under her right eye that looked painful.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded, looking away. "Thank you for letting them borrow Sabine. I know you don't want them using magic."
"I'm surprised to see you in here without Klaus. Especially after yesterday." He was trying not to look at her bruise as they went down the next aisle and she grimaced.
She sighed. "He didn't want me to be, but with everyone gone...I'm the only human besides some of the maids. And well, they're not very reliable for stocking up things I want. Plus, I wanted to get out of the house for a bit."
He smiled at her and nodded. "I get it. So, where is Klaus?"
She shrugged. "In town somewhere. He wouldn't tell me where. He hates going into stores." She rolled her eyes.
Clever. Klaus hadn't told her because she'd innocently tell without worrying why it was a secret. Marcel faltered as he watched her examine a diaper bag, looking at it thoroughly as she checked out the pockets. Jane wasn't a malicious girl. Not like Lockwood had been telling. She may indeed have a temper and he had seen that she had fangs, so it was true her bite could be fatal, but...She was still partly a human girl. Only 18 years old, barely an adult. And she was pregnant. True, it was Klaus', but he doubted she had ever expected to get pregnant, much less with an Original. The Original Hybrid at that. That still left him with a dilemma. Innocent and with child she may be, but she was still an elemental and according to Tyler that spelt trouble.
"Can I ask you a question?"
She turned to him. "Sure."
"Is the baby Klaus'?"
Jane hesitated and then nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm not going to lie to you because I see that you already know."
"Why was it a secret?"
She turned to face. "Because Klaus has enemies and if they found out...The more people that know that I'm carrying his baby, the more danger she's in." She put a hand on her bump protectively. "I have to protect her."
"She, huh?" He smiled and she smiled too, glancing back up.
"Yes. It's a girl." Her smile faded. "Can I ask you something?"
He nodded. "Of course."
"Um...How did you know? Who told you?"
Marcel didn't say anything, and she sighed.
"Tyler told you." She guessed and then looked down at the cart. "I know what you must think of me. I don't have to ask what else he told you. I know why you're here now." She frowned lightly, looking back at him. "I don't want to start anything because I know you are the reason there are no werewolves here. But I didn't know until around last Christmas that I even had the gene. It's dormant, which means I can't trigger it or turn, but I still have it. That's what brought Klaus and I together."
Marcel took in the information, thinking things over. Jane wasn't a bad person and having her on his side could and would be beneficial. He could offer her protection from the witches that tried to harm her. And her bite could come in handy.
"I don't want to hurt you, Jane. That's not why I'm here."
She felt more at ease now.
"Can I ask you something else then? It's kind of weird."
Marcel tilted his head curiously. "Sure."
"Um, are there people that run around in... animal masks?"
The vampire blinked and Jane flushed.
"Sorry, it's stupid, it's just-"
"No, it's okay. Um, yeah there were actually were. A long time ago. Voodoo witch types."
Jane paled. "Voodoo, like sacrificial people killing stuff?"
"Yeah." Marcel frowned. "Hey, you okay?"
"Could they still be around?" She whispered, worrying her lower lip, despite the pain of the still healing split.
That's when he knew she feared something, someone.
"Is someone threatening you? Does Klaus know?" He demanded, eyes narrowed. True he was still unsure of what to do with her, but the thought of anyone harming her made him feel protective.
She smiled at him grimly. "No, it's a nightmare I had..."
"Nightmare or a vision?" He asked softly, seeing how upset she was by the mere thought of it. Rebekah had told him of her visions. Sometimes they came to be or were easily mistaken for nightmares.
"I-I don't know." She admitted, shifting slightly.
"Hey," He said gently, and she met his eyes. "-anyone messes with you? You let me know."
She smiled at him; a genuine smile that had all worries disappearing. He felt proud to make her smile that way. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, shocking him.
"Thank you, Marcel. We appreciate it."
He knew she was referring to the baby and herself and smiled back.
"You should come to dinner one night." She suggested as she took the cart up to the register. "I think it's time for us to talk." And it was. She knew that Klaus was wanting to usurp the city from him, it's what he was always plotting for, but Jane hoped that they could talk. Maybe they could co-lead. If Marcel and Klaus were friends again, not frenemies as they were now, then maybe things would get better. Klaus wouldn't feel like losing family. He'd be gaining one back. And Jane thought it was time to put her feelings of doubt aside.
Marcel arched an eyebrow. "Klaus and I do talk."
She rolled her eyes. "No, I mean a real conversation, not one in a bar like a couple of drunks." He smirked at her and she shook her head. "We've been here, what, almost three months and we've never sat down and spoke. I'd like to get to know you." She beamed at him and he nodded.
"Yeah, sure." It wouldn't happen. Not like she wanted. It was obvious she wanted to be friends and she probably didn't have many here. Not with witches after her constantly or having Klaus around all the time. And he remembered Klaus mentioning that she was into family functions, rounding his siblings for holidays and parties. She was an only child and so a big family was what she wanted most. It was too bad that Klaus was an ass.
"Let me." He said, paying for her groceries. Trying to ease his growing guilt. She wouldn't like him so much after today.
"You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted too."
He followed her out to the car and helped her put things in the trunk.
"Why do you want me and Klaus to talk to badly?"
"Look, Marcel...Once upon a time you and Klaus got along and were family." She sighed. "I just want all the fighting and arguing to stop. We've always got room for more family." She beamed at him and he felt guilt punch his gut. She had no idea...
"Jane, I-"
"Even if Klaus acts allergic to family." She rolled her eyes before sighing. "I have to get home. I'm trying my hand at baking pies. My mother used to make them for me and...well I'd like to try."
He nodded at her. "Well, good luck."
He decided to let her be for now. There was no reason to drag her into the mess that was going to happen. Rebekah would go to get her when the fight was over and Klaus was safely away from her.
Jane felt dizzy and gripped Marcel's arm.
"Hey, you all right?" He asked, frowning when he saw her pale. The girl gave a gasp and he blinked.
Her head fell back as she screamed in agony. Her whole body drenched in sweat, water, and blood. Sharp pain was coming from her lower half, but there was so much pain it was hard to pinpoint where. "Klaus!"
"It's going to be okay." Marcel's voice drifted from nearby. "Just hang in there."
"It's all right, lovey." Kol said, his voice slightly panicked. "Breathe."
Jane screamed as pain erupted again at her stomach.
"Klaus!"
Marcel blinked the images away, helping Jane to her feet. The girl swayed unsteadily, still pale.
"Was that a vision?" He asked and she nodded before rubbing her head, feeling faint. "Let's get you something to drink okay?" He helped her across the street to a little café and ordered her a lemonade.
Jane sipped it slowly and sighed when her head stopped spinning.
Marcel was watching her with concern. "Are you all right? What happened?"
"I don't know...I don't usually get so dizzy after a vision." She admitted and as she spoke, she felt better.
"Do I need to find, Klaus?"
She shook her head. "No, no. I'm fine. No need to worry him." She said quickly and waved a hand. "I'm fine now. Thank you."
"Maybe you should head home." He frowned. "I can drive you."
"Thank you, but no."
"What was happening?"
She chewed her lip. "I'm not sure, but I think it had something to do with the baby."
Marcel grimaced.
Jane hummed softly, her fingers stroking the browning flowers near the back-porch steps. Next to her was a basket of apples. Now that it was nearing the middle of October, she wanted to get as many as she could before it grew too cold for them.
"Oh, no." She said, looking at a deadening plant and kneeling next to it. "You poor thing." She ran her fingers along the wilting rose. Klaus had said they would have to get new ones planted since these had been dying when they had moved in. Tilting her head, she gazed at the pitiful thing. Before she realized it, it was turning back into its bright red color, the entire bush turning as green as a newly grown plant.
Gasping, she stepped back a hand over her mouth and eyes wide. The rose bush was back to its full splendor, roses red and full and so was its twin on the other side of the steps.
"Oh my..."
"Extraordinary."
Jane whipped her head around in a shriek at the new voice.
"So sorry to startle you, love." The man smiled at her, standing calmly across from her. He was leaning against one of the apple trees, his hazel eyes focused on her entirely and she felt a chill of foreboding. "I was merely curious."
"Who-who are you?" She asked him, unsure if he'd move if she did. She remained kneeling on the ground, watching him warily.
He gave her a small bow. "My name is Lucien Castle, my lady. And you must be Klaus Mikaelson's little elemental."
She opened her mouth and he gave a chuckle, interrupting her. "Don't lie, sweetness. I know exactly what you are."
"Yes." She answered him, suddenly afraid. She had to get inside. Even if he'd follow her because this house wasn't in her name. Anyone could walk in. She realized with a growing horror then that they hadn't really talked about that. How just any vampire could come in. It was how Tyler came in.
He smiled. "You're a beauty."
She reached for the railing. "Um, thank you. But I should go-" He zoomed over to her quickly, blocking her exit and helping her to her feet simultaneously. Jane froze. He still had her hands in his and he could easily kill her.
"Don't leave just yet. I have a few questions for you." His arrogant smirk made her fear fade and anger take it's place.
"Let go." She snapped at him, but he held tight.
He turned her wrist, catching sight of the star tattoo. "Ah, well now. You are a rare and special little thing, aren't you? Wonder why he's not got you under protection. Still arrogant I see."
"Maybe I don't need it." She hissed, fangs extending and eyes flashing black as jerked her hands away from him. She hoped Klaus could feel her agitation and come get her.
"Easy there, gorgeous." He soothed and reached to stroke her face with the back of his knuckles lightly. He clicked his tongue, though his eyes were full of interest. "No reason we can't be civil."
Lucien's eyes landed on the baby bump and they widened.
"My god...your carrying his child, aren't you?" He whispered in awe and she swallowed, wishing Klaus hadn't gone into town and that Marcel had driven her home. He might have stayed. "You are so much more than I imagined. So intriguing."
"What do you want?"
He smirked, a coldness in his eyes now that made her shudder. "You're the elemental everyone's been talking about, my dear. My friend told me about you. How special you are. Once I learned you existed, I had to see for myself if the rumors were true. I never imagined you'd be Niklaus Mikaelson's little lover nor how truly exquisite you are."
"Go away." She told him, when he moved closer to her.
"Don't be frightened. I know your Niklaus'. I wouldn't dare incense his wrath. I was just curious about you." As he spoke, his eyes once again strayed to her bump and she chewed her lip.
A growling came from behind him and Lucien turned. Jane's eyes widened as a wolf stepped out of the trees, teeth bared at the vampire.
"Friend of yours?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. "I see my visit is at an end." He stepped back from her, moving so that he could keep an eye on the wolf as well as Jane. "Tell Klaus I'll visit again soon. And he should keep better care of his special girl." She was positive that last bit was a warning, but he merely smiled. "Have a good day, beautiful."
He turned and walked away, sneering at the wolf as he exited through the back gate.
Breathing in relief, she slowly sat down on the steps, her legs giving out from standing so stiffly. Tears appeared in her eyes, and she bit her knuckles to stifle her terrified sobs. She knew she was being overly emotional, but she was frightened still. Who was that vampire and what was he going to do now that he knows who I am? Was he going to tell everyone? Why did he keep eyeing my stomach?
A cold object touched her hand and she jerked in surprise before looking down to see the wolf.
"Thank you." She told it and wiped her eyes. "You saved me again." It tilted its head at her and then turned to leave. "Wait, don't go!" It stopped and regarded her for a moment and then promptly left.
Jane sighed as it disappeared as she started up the steps, a vision came to her.
She immediately dropped the basket of apples.
"Klaus! Klaus!" Jane ran after him and he turned around.
Seeing her distressed face, he frowned in concern, and she threw her arms around him.
"What's wrong, my love? What are you doing here?" He questioned before seeing the blood on her clothing. Instantly, he took her arms, looking her over. "What happened?"
Ignoring his questions, she shoved at him. "You have to go!"
"What happened to you?" He demanded.
She paused, frowning. "Oh, my nose was bleeding."
"What?" Klaus took her chin, tilting her face up towards him. Her skin was cool to the touch and she looked faint. "You're cold. You shouldn't be out here."
"No, not without you. Come with me." She pleaded, clutching at his arm. "Please. Don't stay here."
He stroked her cheek. "Not until I've talked with Marcel."
She shoved his chest hard. "No! You have to listen to me. You have to leave. It's some kind of trap. You can't be here!"
He frowned. "What are you talking about, love?"
"It's about the daggers, Klaus. I hid them. I meant it when I said no more daggering. Marcel doesn't have one, he's bluffing. Trying to get your attention. Rebekah claimed to have one."
Klaus scowled. "I see."
"Let's just go home. You can beat the hell out of Marcel tomorrow. Just please."
He wasn't sure why she was so upset, but the mention of Rebekah made him angry.
She shook his arm. "We need to leave right now. Something bad is going to happen."
"Klaus."
Jane gasped and clutched at Klaus as Marcel stepped out of the dark.
"You've been avoiding my calls." Klaus told him and Jane shoved at him to move, but he didn't budge.
Marcel scoffed. "Little pissed off lately."
"Apologies for my behavior can come later."
Jane snorted. "He needs no apology."
"Jane, give us the daggers, darling." Rebekah beckoned, stepping from the dark to join her lover. "I know you have them."
"What is this?" Klaus hissed.
His sister sneered at him. "Apologies for your behavior? You don't apologize, Nik. You just act. Daggers, Jane."
"I know you heard me say no more daggering. I meant it." Jane snapped and Klaus moved her behind him.
"What's going on here?"
Marcel whistled sharply and vampires came in from everywhere, blocking them in. Jane clutched at his arm tightly.
"Is this it?" Klaus arched an eyebrow. "The evil bastard Klaus has gone too far, must be punished and by his own sibling no less. How positively biblical."
"Stop calling yourself that." She told him. "Stop this right now, Marcel."
Klaus looked at Marcel evenly. "And you, Marcel. Is this your idea of a hit? I taught you better than this paltry excuse for a takedown. You think you can subdue me!? With this?!" He snarled and waved a hand mockingly.
"No." Marcel said calmly. "But I think I can with this." He gave another whistle and vampires poured in from every crevice. Jane grimaced and pressed against Klaus. They were trapped in the middle of dozens of vampires each with a look of hatred toward them both.
"So here we are. Let me guess you'll bury me in the garden."
Jane gasped in horror, making the two across from them flinch.
"What of me? Hm? What were you planning on doing with me?" She demanded.
Marcel tilted his head. "I know what you really are, Jane. An elemental." He held his hand out to her. "I offer you protection. Leave Klaus to his fate and join us."
"So, I can be locked away like Davina? Used whenever it's convenient? Screw you!"
Klaus growled and Rebekah shook her head.
"No, of course not darling."
"I don't believe you." Jane scowled. "How can I?"
Marcel looked at Klaus evenly. "You brought this on yourself, Klaus. Remember that."
"I never forget betrayal, Marcel. Remember that." He replied just as evenly.
"Do it now." Rebekah murmured and Jane frowned at her.
Klaus gave them a chance to back off. "If you order your men to attack me you'll be sending them to their deaths that I guarantee."
"Jane."
She jumped as Rebekah took her arm. "No!" She jerked her arm free. "Rebekah, what is going on?! You chose Marcel over us? He's been lying to us since we stepped foot here! You told me he broke your heart and you go crawling back."
"Like you do to Nik every time he hurts you? I'm sorry, Jane. I really am, but he's gone too far. He bit Elijah and Kol, left them to suffer. No more."
She frowned at Rebekah. "Elijah and Kol provoked him. They were making false accusations, that really should not have ever crossed their minds. Or yours. Klaus is not a monster." The Original didn't reply.
"He would never hurt me or the baby."
"Maybe not on purpose, but he's got a temper." Marcel eyed her. "I heard that he even wants to use your baby to make more of those Hybrids."
"No..." Jane shook her head, scowling deeply. "Everyone needs to stop saying that about him!" She glared at Rebekah "Especially you! His sister! My best friend!"
"Yes, his sister! Look what he did to our brothers! He's a beast, Jane. I've been telling you that since we met."
"Klaus is not a beast. Everyone thinks that, but it's not true." Klaus put a hand on her, but she shook him off. "How dare you of all people say that, Marcellus." She pointed a finger at him and he raised an eyebrow. "He raised you. He took care of you. How can you call him a monster? How are you not one? You're trying to intimidate me." She took a calming breath and concluded: "You don't have to believe me. But he loves our baby so much. And he'd never hurt her or me. I love him. And I won't let you take him from me."
"So, you say, but really think about this Jane." Marcel pointed a finger back at her. "He used you to free his werewolf side. Used your blood to make his Hybrids. Now he's got a kid that makes them too. And you don't think he'd use her?"
Klaus snarled and Jane put a hand on his chest, glaring at Marcel.
She shook her head. "No, he's not like that! People have been threatening my baby ever since I came here. She's a baby, not even born yet, and I'm trying to protect her. Apparently, I have to protect her from her own family!"
Klaus tucked her behind him. "Let's end this charade, shall we?" He gestured to the crowd. "Vampires of New Orleans, do recall that I'm, am an Original, a Hybrid. I cannot be killed. Eternity is an awfully long time. How long do you think Marcel will stay in power? How long before some young upstart moves to take his crown? Perhaps, it will be fearless Diego." He pointed at the vampire who merely scoffed at him. "He will free his friend Theirry from the Garden and together the two of them will revolt. What if one of you lot," He gestured to the crowd. "Were to release us, knowing I would be eternally in your debt?" He chuckled humorlessly. "Oh, I would pity those of you who dared to cross me. I can assure you, your ends would be spectacular." He smirked.
"To borrow a trick from an old friend." He pulled a coin from his pocket. "Whoever picks up this coin gets to live." He tossed it onto the ground. "Now which of you magnificent bastards wants to join me?"
"Anyone wants that coin," Marcel began. "-pledge allegiance to Klaus. Take it now. The choice is yours." Jane stared at the coin a moment then back up at the vampires. No one moved.
"Take him." Marcel commanded and two vampires attacked Klaus first. Without much effort, he disposed of the two and smirked at Marcel.
Jane frowned at the gesture that Marcel made only to watch in horror as chains were wrapped around both of Klaus wrists, yanking him backwards.
"No!" She screamed as Klaus was engulfed by the crowd. With the chains holding his arms down, he wasn't having much luck keeping Marcel's vampires off him or from harming him.
Rebekah caught Jane from running to him. "Let me go, Rebekah!"
"No. He's getting what he deserves, Jane."
"He's your brother how can you stand here and watch this!? Please, Bekah. Call it off."
"Sorry, darling."
Jane turned away, frowning. She knew they couldn't kill him, but they could inflict plenty of damage. Every time he made a sound she was flinching.
The crowd parted slightly and she gasped. Klaus was on his knees, his arms suspended by the chains that they held. Diego grabbed his chin and jerked his knife across his lip, making Klaus cry out.
Diego moved aside and Klaus's head was hanging down, appearing unmoving.
"Niklaus." She whispered.
Growling came from the middle of the vampires and they stepped back in alarm.
Marcel and Rebekah turned to see Niklaus' eyes flashing yellow, his werewolf side fully in control. Jane smiled.
"Now who's getting what they deserve?" She said smugly, no longer trying to get away.
Klaus was tossing vampires left and right, snapping necks and ripping out hearts.
"Marcel, come and finish this!" He snarled, bodies of dead vampires all around his feet as he emerged from the corner they had tried to confine him in.
Marcel stepped forward.
"No!" Rebekah pulled him back. "Pick up the coin."
"What?" He frowned.
Jane rolled his eyes. "He'll kill you, idiot." She snapped. "Pick up the damn coin and live. As much as I hate you right now, Rebekah loves you and I won't let her happiness get killed like she was trying to do to mine." The girl swayed for a moment, a wave of dizziness overcoming her. She felt exhausted and nauseous.
"Jane?"
"I'm fine, Rebekah." Jane scowled, pale and shaky, and faced Marcel. "You want him to kill you? Pick it up."
Klaus was still dispatching vampires at a quickened pace.
Marcel swallowed his pride. "Enough!" He shouted and everyone fell silent. Slowly, he went to the coin and bent down on a knee, picking it up.
"Well, well, well. The Great Marcel, self-proclaimed King of New Orleans, bowing before me."
"There." Marcel tossed the coin at his feet. "I hereby pledge my allegiance to you. You have the keys to my kingdom. It's yours." Klaus smirked.
Jane pushed away from Rebekah and hugged herself to Klaus, ignoring the blood soaking into her clothing as she clung to him.
"There, there, my love. It's over." He soothed, she was shaking against him and he drew his arms around her shaking frame, being careful of the baby bump between them. "It's all right." He stroked her hair. "I'm all right, sweetheart." She stayed against his chest and he frowned. She was still shaking. "I'm not going anywhere." He locked eyes with his sister and Marcel.
Klaus frowned as she wiped the blood off his face with a shaky hand.
He took her wrist when she tried to wipe at him again. "Love."
"I'm just tired that's all."
"That's not all." He said, looking at her closely. "Something happened before your vision."
"Who's Lucien Castle?" She blurted instead.
Klaus froze beneath her fingers. "What?" He growled. "Tell me what happened."
"He-he was at the house." She began, twisting her hands nervously. "He heard about me and found out I was with you. And he knows that the baby is yours." She was babbling and he pulled her against his chest. She told him what Lucien said and how he had frightened her. Klaus scowled over her head, stroking her hair soothingly.
"He's the very first vampire I sired."
"Do you trust him?"
"No." He said automatically. "You let me know if you see him again." She nodded. He wiped the tears from her cheeks and cradled her face in his hands. "It's all right, my love. It's going to be all right."
"Well, there's something else...um...I...sort of broughttherosebushesbacktolife." She said rapidly and he blinked for a moment, processing.
"Come again?"
"The rose bushes that were dead?" She shrugged. "Well, um, they're not anymore...I just touched one of the roses and then poof?" She was still unsure how it had happened.
Klaus' eyebrows rose. "Hmm. Well, that's interesting." He allowed her to finish cleaning his face off.
"You think? That freaked me out and then that creep showed up." She frowned and looked at him. "What do we do?"
He sighed. "One problem at a time, love. One problem at a time."
"Enjoy your kingdom."
"We will, thanks." Jane told him, joining them at the railing. Klaus slipped an arm around her waist, hand resting on her abdomen. "This is what you've done to yourself, Marcellus. Remember that." She snarked and he grimaced. "This," She waved a hand at the dead vampires below. Diego was helping pour alcohol over the bodies. "-this is on you. You lost a lot of people tonight, unnecessarily." She softened her voice and he glanced at her. "It didn't have to be this way, but you made it so. Well you and Rebekah."
"She wasn't trying to hurt you. I wasn't trying too."
"Well, you know what Marcel? You did." She scowled and leaned against Klaus. "I love Niklaus and I would do anything and everything for him. Even if he doesn't see what's necessary."
"You mean me, don't you?" He asked and she merely gave him a fanged smile.
Klaus pressed his lips to her head and she turned to him. "Can we go, please? I'm tired."
"Of course, my love. I'll start the car."
She waited until he walked off.
"I should have known I couldn't trust you. Everything was a lie wasn't it?" Marcel couldn't look at her.
"Not everything."
"You stay away from me. I don't like being threatened and I don't like anyone threatening Niklaus. He's all I have. He's all my child has at the moment because apparently, we can't trust family. Have a good night, Marcellus." She turned and walked off, leaving him to look after her like a scolded child.
Rebekah entered the darkened living room. Jane was nowhere to be seen. Klaus had his back to her, gazing out the window. She could tell he was holding a dagger in his hands, twirling it between his fingers. She couldn't tell if he had more than one.
"Elijah and Kol are home. You only have one dagger. Which one of us will you be punishing today?"
"I contemplated a game." He said jovially before his voice changed drastically into a dangerous tone. "Of eeny meeny miny mo..." Without warning, he zoomed over and grabbed her in a headlock, dagger at the ready. "You betrayed me, my own sister."
"Niklaus don't you dare." Elijah warned, striding into the room, Kol behind him.
"Well, perhaps it should be you, older brother." Klaus snapped. "For accusing me of having ulterior motives about my child. Or you, Kol. You've hated me for daggering you for so long."
Jane appeared in the doorway and they turned to her.
"For the past two and a half months and I have been threatened by witches and almost lost my baby several times. All through it, you have all been there for me, except now." The room was silent. "When I found out I pregnant, it was you, Elijah, who told me that this was a good thing. That it would help bring the family closer. What happened to that? What changed? Was it Hayley or Tyler who changed your mind?" He didn't answer her.
She looked at Rebekah. "You were on my side since day one, like Elijah. Helping me and then…Then you started sneaking off with Marcel. So much for your support."
"And you." She pointed at Kol. "I have always tried to defend you. To help you and attempt to reconcile you with your siblings, because you don't seem to have that connection anymore. Well, you found your loyalty finally, only…We didn't seem to be part of the dynamic anymore."
Jane paused to wipe at her eyes and Klaus pulled her against his side. "I'm done trying to keep you together. If this is what you believe…Then I don't want you around my baby. I guess Always and Forever truly means nothing."
"Go wait in the hall, my love." Klaus stated and she nodded.
"Goodbye." She told the Originals softly before walking away.
"Little love-" Kol tried to call her back.
"Leave her be. You've done enough damage." Klaus snapped at him. "You lot were plotting on taking her from me, weren't you?!"
"We're not trying to take Jane from you, Niklaus." Elijah shook his head.
Rebekah scowled. "Has history taught you nothing? We don't abandon you, Nik! You drive us away!"
"Is that so? What have I done lately other than cooperate? Bowed down, to you brother." He pointed at Elijah. "To make up for daggering you for the greater good of our plan for reclaiming our home. Looked the other way, sister, as you repeat the same cycle with Marcel, falling again for a man you shouldn't be with! While he controls the empire that we built. That he took!"
"And you, little brother." He pointed at Kol. "I've been patient with you for months, but no more. Jane's protected you and she shouldn't have." Klaus hissed at him.
"Now, I make no excuses for past sins, but in the one moment when you three could have chosen to stand by me. To believe that my intentions for my child were pure, you turned against me and sided with my enemies."
"I wanted our home back. Now I have it. So, Jane and I are going to live there. I'll respect her wishes not to dagger any of you. That and she's hidden the other daggers somewhere. And the three of you can stay here and rot."
Jane turned her head to see the three siblings standing in the doorway to the living room. Klaus glanced at them too before taking her bag and opening the door for her.
"Time to go, my love."
"Okay." She whispered and Klaus guided her out the door with his hand.
He put her bag in the car and turned to her. She was staring at the house, looking disappointed. "It'll be all right, love."
"I know it's just..." She couldn't finish her sentence and Klaus kissed her head.
"I know, sweetheart. I know." He opened the car door for her and she got inside.
As they drove away, Jane glanced back at the house. Dorian was on the porch. He raised a hand at her and she smiled faintly before they turned the corner and the house was out of view.
"Yes, it's only a matter of time now. Marcel or pretty little Jane will free you." Desmond said, smirking at Thierry. "He's finally overthrown Marcel."
The vampire sighed. "And then I can see Katie?"
"Not quite, my young friend. Once you're free, you have some jobs to do before I can bring your precious witch back from the dead."
"You said you could."
"And I will. To power a spell like that requires powerful magic. Such as...elemental blood."
Thierry frowned. "Jane's blood? Klaus will never let me within ten feet of her."
"Oh, but she likes you. She'll sway him to give you a chance. You'll see. It'll be easier than you think."
Thierry only nodded.
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