Chapter 9
"Remind me again why we are throwing them a dinner party?" She asked, fighting with her dress.
He smiled patiently at her and turned her around so he could zip up the dress. "Because, love, it's a sign of goodwill."
"I don't want to be near him." Jane scowled at Klaus over her shoulder.
"Please be civil, love."
Jane frowned. "I don't trust Marcel, Klaus. I just don't. So please send him away."
Klaus turned and cupped her chin. "No one is going to harm you, my love. Least of all Marcel."
"It's not me I'm worried about. It's you." She muttered. He kissed her forehead and turned back to the mirror.
"They trust Marcel. He earned their loyalty. We must do the same."
She sat on the edge of the bed and kicking her shoes off to rub her foot. She was going to have to go with flats from now on.
"How? We overthrew their friend and they already disliked us."
He sighed. "Trust me, sweetheart. This is one of many ways to rally them to our side."
"Fine." She huffed and he smiled. "Well, I'm hungry anyway." He chuckled and kissed her nose.
He pulled away to check on the dinner preparations and she sighed when he left.
Their first night in their new home and it was going to be filled with potential enemies. She didn't like it one bit. She wanted to at least spend a few days with just Klaus before he started being King of the Quarter. But he wasn't going to wait and slow down now. Not when he finally got what he wanted. He wasn't giving them time to adjust to him being their new leader or what that would entail.
One thing that worried her the most was that he wanted them to protect her, he had said so himself. That now that he was King, she would have more protection and more people looking out for her. She suspected that was his way of saying that the vampires were now like family. He was trying to hurry and replace his siblings.
And she really didn't like that at all.
Jane spun her fork around in the pasta but had no intention of eating it. The tension and silence in the air was too thick for her liking and she sat at the end of the table, opposite of Klaus which she wasn't fond of either. No one else at the table had food on their plate and that had curbed her appetite as well. Whatever Klaus was planning, it was plain that he wasn't going to feed his guests human food, so why all of the preparations? Appearance? Smugness? She wasn't sure. There were several well-dressed servants behind her with no trays or plates, save for one or two that had come to check on her progress and refill her glass of water every so often.
Her husband-to-be rose raised his fork to his glass of wine and clanged it softly to get everyone's attention.
"Let us begin with a toast." He said, rising from his seat. "To our shared gift-immortality. After 1,000 years one might expect for life to be less keenly felt, for it's beauties and sorrows to diminish with time, but as vampires we feel more deeply than humans could possibly imagine." He made a gesture to the waitstaff behind her and Jane watched them walk up behind each guest at the table. "Insatiable need, exquisite pain," At this the men and women rolled up their sleeves. Jane's eyes widened. Oh, no. They then cut into both of their wrists, letting blood flow into the cups that had been artfully arranged on the table.
"Our victories." Klaus continued, not seeing Jane's wide-eyed expression. "And our defeats." This was said toward Marcel who glanced at him. "To my city, my home again. May the blood never cease to flow."
"And the party never end." Marcel added raising his own glass.
Jane eyed him with surprise and suspicion. That was awful quick.
"To New Orleans." Diego added too. That threw her for a loop as well and she looked at Klaus for an explanation. He was standing there smiling as if nothing were wrong.
"To New Orleans." He repeated and so did the other guests and each of the sipped their drinks. Jane said nothing.
"I know some of you have questions regarding the recent change in leadership, and I invited you here tonight to assure you that you are not defeated. No. My intentions moving forward are to celebrate what we have what Marcel, in fact, took..." He placed a hand on Marcel's shoulder. "And built into this a true community of vampires."
"What about her?" Diego pointed at Jane and the girl lowered her fork, looking from one face to the other before frowning.
"Had you let me finish, Diego, you would know that, there is, of course one further matter I would like to address." He walked around the table to stand behind her, placing his hands possessively on her shoulders. "As many of you know, she is carrying my child. She is my mate and as such you will treat her with the appropriate respect. She is after all your Queen."
"However, I know that some of you are concerned by this vicious rumor that intend to use the blood of our child to create Hybrids." Whispers rose among the guests and Jane gripped her glass of water. "I assure you I do not." He finished evenly, silencing some, but not all of the whispers.
"Well, what about her? She's just as dangerous as you." One of the other vampires spoke up, eyeing Jane warily. "We saw what her bite did to that Lockwood kid."
Jane hadn't really thought of the fact that they might fear her.
Klaus arched an eyebrow at the others. "I am your King, she is your Queen. Treat her with the proper respect and you won't lose your head."
Jane put her hand on Klaus to stop him. "Look, I protect people I care about. Tyler hurt me and tried to kill my baby, so I hurt him."
"She wouldn't hurt any of you." Marcel added. "Jane's not like that." Again she was suspicious of him, but didn't get a chance to dwell on it.
"It appears I will have to earn your trust." Klaus continued. "Very well. We'll eliminate the root of your anxiety. You see, how can I sire Hybrids if there are no more werewolves alive in the bayou to turn?"
Jane's mouth flew open in horror as his words crashed down on her. "No..."
"So, eat, drink, and be merry, and tomorrow I suggest you have yourself a little wolf hunt." He smirked. "Go ahead. Have fun. Kill them all."
"Klaus, how could you?!" Jane exclaimed as soon as their bedroom door was shut. He walked past her to kick his shoes off. "You can't be serious about killing the werewolves? You're talking about destroying and eliminating an entire species because of some stupid bid for power."
He rolled his eyes. "We have to show them that we are not the enemy. That we are not the threat." He knew she'd feel strongly about it and had already been readying for a fight with her.
"They are suffering enough! Don't make them extinct!"
He whirled to face her.
"Don't not undermine me, Jane." He snapped and she scowled at him. "We have to show power."
"Power? You mean terrorize a group of people who are already traumatized by Marcel?" She tried her best to unzip her dress herself and spitefully he continued to watch her struggle until she almost fell into the dresser.
He caught her from bumping into the furniture and spun her around to unzip the dress quickly.
"And just how the hell am I supposed to show them anything anyway? They hate me. You saw them looking at me! And they're scared of me."
He sighed when her eyes wet. "Love."
"I've never had anyone scared of me."
He shook his head. "It is better to be feared, love. They will do as you ask."
"That's not better and besides that you brought humans to the table to show that we are subservient to you. To vampires. How am I different than those who slit their wrists at the table tonight?"
He realized how that must have seemed to her, to watch the display of power. But she was no ordinary human. She was his mate and an elemental.
"You are mine." He said quietly. "That is how."
"Possessiveness only gets you so far, Klaus."
"You are not a mere human, my love. You are an elemental. You are my mate carrying my child. And my future wife."
Jane sighed. "Fine, but I don't think they see it that way. Please take back what you said about the werewolves.
"No. That's the end."
"But one saved me from Lucien. He finally left when one showed up. And it was the same one that saved me from the witches, I just know it."
"No more about the damn werewolves. I've given the order it's over."
She scowled. "Klaus, these werewolves...they want me to be in their pack. Be a part of them. All I've wanted was a big family, why can't you see that?"
He felt furious at her. Didn't she see the danger? Didn't she understand? Vivianne, his long lost love, had died the first time, because of a werewolf and a witch war and now Jane was trying to get herself right into the middle of something she shouldn't. He just knew the end result would be the same. And it terrified him. She was like Viv in that she wanted peace for everyone, but that wasn't going to work. The witches were too headstrong, and the wolves were just beneath them. If she were to be taken in as part of the pack, they would never let her go. They would fight anyone who wanted her, including himself. And the sudden urge of the wolves to want Jane to join them was too suspicious. But of course, she didn't see that. She couldn't possibly understand the danger of even attempting the idea of helping them.
"Haven't you learned yet that you can't trust family?" He spat at her and she bit her lip harshly, painfully reminded of his siblings. "They will betray you and abandon you in the end." His face softened at her downhearted expression and he cupped her face. She allowed it, gazing at him sorrowfully. "My love, don't you see that this is the best thing? You don't even know them."
"But Dorian's family is out there." She protested weakly, tears in her eyes. "They were kind to me. You saw their living conditions, Klaus. Remember that shack that I was in? They don't have anyone protecting them or trying to help them. Dorian said that maybe I could."
That was even more of a reason to stay far away from the creatures.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to summon patience. "Love, don't you see that is just the point? They want to use you for something that's all. They have no real intention to bring you into their pack for anything but a blood donator. I know this hurts you, but you have to face the facts. They never wanted to meet you until now. Why I wonder? Your parents never mentioned them to you nor even told you about the surrogate. Again, I wonder why?" His voice was taking a more mocking tone now and she frowned. "It's a ploy, my love. They don't care what happens to you, they never did."
"That's not true!" She exclaimed. "Dorian said-"
"Him? He's a lovestruck idiot!" He snapped and whirled to face her again. She had yet to change into her pajamas, still keeping the unzipped dress against her. "He's been in love with you, since day one I'd imagine. He deserves to be out there with the rest of them. He too was disloyal, choosing to side with my enemies rather than support me."
Jane's lower lip trembled. "But Dorian's aunt and Dr. Blakely...Klaus they will hurt her for treating the werewolves. Please don't-"
"We can find a new doctor." He rolled his eyes and scoffed; her excuses were becoming weaker. "One that is better equipped and not in a bloody marsh."
"The werewolves were forced out there! It's not their fault!" She exclaimed, her voice hitching because of her tears. "Klaus, please take it back!"
"No. My word is final." He was done talking about the stupid werewolves. "I don't wish to discuss it any longer. And I forbid you to go anywhere near the bayou. Is that understood?" He went into the bathroom and slammed the door shut before she could answer.
Jane scowled at the door, tears rolling down her cheeks.
She felt lightheaded and could hardly move. Her whole body was sore and she was so exhausted. Lifting her head was difficult even and she blinked at the sky, noticing dark clouds moving rapidly over the bright full moon. Too rapidly to be normal. Underneath her was a smooth surface, cold and hard like rock.
Shouts and screams registered after a second of silence and she tried to turn her head to see what was going on. There were loud explosions and snarls, screams and shouts both triumphant and in anger. Thick black smoke obscured most of the fighting she could barely make out and the scent of fire, smoke, and blood came at her all at once making her woozy from the sensations.
Morts-vivants. Morts-vivants. Morts-vivants. There were whispers coming somewhere saying the same thing over and over.
"Jane!" She heard her name being called, but from where she wasn't sure. "Jane!"
She heard some more shouts and thought she heard Elijah and Kol somewhere in the heat of the battle.
She tried to move her hands, but found that they were tied to the hard stone that lay beneath her. She realized with a delayed jolt that her arms were stretched out as far as they could go with a thick, rough rope.
She saw black-hooded figures coming towards her and she jerked weakly at her tied wrists. She felt like she was floating and yet, painful spasms were coursing through her body.
"Jane!"
She saw him then, his eyes focused on hers as he shoved his way past the fighters.
"Niklaus..." She whispered, the name barely making it out.
"Stay away from her!" He shouted at the cloaked figures that started to come closer.
"There you are, Klaus." Desmond crooned from near her head. Jane tilted her to see him, black robes on like his companions. "I was hoping you'd see this."
He made a gesture and Marcel was dragged forward, dangling from the grip of two witches. He was groggy and could hardly keep his head up.
"Marcellus." Klaus muttered, eyes darting from Jane to Marcel.
"Say your goodbyes, Klaus."
Jane's eyes widened as Marcel was pushed into a group of decaying individuals. The morts-vivants, her mind was quick to conjure. They looked as if they had crawled out of their graves, dirt and rotting flesh covered them. they attacked him and weak as he was, put up a good fight. However, he was soon overwhelmed. Klaus gave a strangled yell as one of the witches, held him in place, keeping him from going any nearer. Marcel was flipped onto his back and the ugly creatures, that hardly resembled human beings, stood above him, blood dripping down their chins. One straddled him and then thrust their hand into his chest like a knife sliding into butter.
Marcel screamed in pain and Klaus snarled and yelled, fighting his captives.
Jane shook her head. "No!" She cried. "Don't, please!"
With a vicious yank, the undead creature held Marcel's heart in it's hand.
"Nooooo!" Klaus cried out in agony and she even thought she heard Elijah, maybe Kol.
Jane screamed as the zombie-like creature brought the heart of Marcel Gerard up its mouth and took a bite out of it.
Marcel was about to enter the room Klaus had directed him too when heard an odd sound. Moving toward the sound, he peered into a bedroom and saw Jane, her brow furrowed. She had apparently slept in the guest room.
"No...Don't..." She murmured, her head turning back and forth. She sounded upset and he realized she was having a nightmare.
"No!" She cried out, startling him and he went over to her.
"Jane, hey, it's okay." He said and tried to wake her gently. "Jane."
Suddenly, she started screaming and he jumped.
Klaus entered the room, having heard her screams and took her arms.
"Jane, love."
The girl's eyes flew open and she didn't hesitate to toss her arms around his neck, sobbing into his chest.
"There, there, my love. It's only a dream." He soothed.
She shook her head. "No Klaus, he's going to kill him."
"Who, love?"
"Desmond...He's going to rip out Marcel's heart." Jane whispered before burying her face into her hands. "It was horrible."
Marcel's eyes widened.
Klaus frowned and stroked her back. "What else did you see, love?"
"There were so many of the things. They were hurting you and your siblings. I could hear them shouting. Morts-vivants, someone was saying over and over."
"What does that mean?" Marcel questioned, frowning. "I've never heard that before, but it sounds French."
"Living death." Klaus translated, looking uneasy. He knew more than he was telling, Marcel was sure.
Jane lifted her hands from her face. "There were so many and they were attacking everyone." Her gaze met Marcel's. "Desmond's witches caught you and...they dragged you in front of Klaus and..." She turned her head into Klaus' chest and he stroked her hair gently. Marcel grimaced.
Klaus' mind was in a whirl. First the dreams about bodies with no hearts, second seeing his mother's opal necklace and then this...Mort-vivant. That's what they had called the undead witches.
"It ate your heart right in front of us." She sobbed and Klaus rocked her gently.
"Shh, take it easy, sweetheart. We're all just fine."
"And I was...I think I was dying."
Klaus met Marcel's eyes and they exchanged looks that mirrored each other's.
The Original Hybrid pressed his face into her hair, nosing her ear to soothe her.
"I can bring you something to eat." He offered.
Jane looked ill at the thought. "I just want an apple. I don't think I can stomach anything else right now."
"Anything you'd like, love." Klaus murmured. "Would you like me to bring it here?"
She shook her head wildly.
"All right, my love."
Marcel found something that interested him. A photo sat one of the shelves, one he had never seen before. It was of a familiar looking couple and of Jane. She sat in the middle of them on a swing, her smile a bittersweet one and not quite reaching her eyes. The woman, Jane's mother he assumed, looked so familiar that it bothered him. He lifted it to get a better view. Yes, he had seen her before, but where?
Hearing something, he turned his head and saw Jane come in, looking a little better and dressed in a flowy, comfortable dark purple dress.
"Hey." He greeted. "Feeling better?"
She nodded and noticed the picture in his hand. "Please be careful of that." She said softly. "It's important to me."
Marcel set the picture frame back on the shelf.
"Those your parents?"
"Yes. Melinda and Richard."
"Melinda...Would anyone call her Mel for short?"
Jane's eyes widened. "Yes, a few people did." She moved closer to him. "How'd you know that?"
Marcel frowned. "She looks familiar to me. I knew a woman named Mel, looked just like her actually... Did your parents come to New Orleans early nineties?"
Klaus came in before Jane could inquire further or answer him and he handed her a glass of sweet tea and an apple.
"Here, love."
"Thank you." She murmured and he led her to the couch to sit.
Jane leaned her head onto Klaus' collar bone as he spoke to Marcel. He had one arm draped around her, resting on her prominent baby bump, his thumb rubbing back and forth soothingly. She hadn't really forgiven him for the werewolves, but for now she just wanted comfort.
"Diplomacy goes a long way with the human faction." Marcel was saying.
"Dully noted." He muttered, his hand shifting higher on her baby bump as he thought. "There are some things I must confess to you, but where to begin? Thierry was never disloyal to you."
Jane opened an eye to look at him, concern in her gaze. Why was he telling Marcel all of this? The look of rebellion was still in the vampire's eyes and not defeat. Eventually he'd try to take over again.
"I set him up in an attempt to locate my brother. He is your friend, and consequently, he can return to the compound at your discretion."
She was a bit glad about that. Thierry was one of the nicer vampires, but she knew that if he were released he'd be loyal to only Marcel. That meant he was giving the younger vampire every opportunity to rebel and the means to do so. She bit her lip, worrying at it.
"And then there's young Joshua. I've been compelling him from the beginning, although I suspect you already knew that, as he was the one who led me into your trap."
"I may have fed the kid some misinformation."
"And then there's Davina. She's a powerful weapon. At this point, I'd like to keep her close at hand."
"No, leave that girl alone." Jane said, turning in her seat to look at him. "She's not someone for you to use."
"She's a powerful witch, love."
"So? And you think she enjoys being at someone's beck and call? Being locked away? It may have been for her safety at first, but she's a young girl, not Rapunzel. No one wants to have their freedom limited even by someone she cares about." She looked toward Marcel who nodded slowly in agreement with her.
"She'll be free enough to wander the compound, my love." Klaus told her, trying to appease her.
"Well, while I agree that she's safer here than on her own, I don't like the fact that you want to use her. She's not a weapon, she's a very smart and talented young witch."
"Eh, she can't leave the attic. I already tried that once." Marcel murmured.
"About that," Klaus chuckled. "Turns out, your little witch is quite the talented actress. She made a deal with Elijah while he was in captivity, tricked you into letting her stay put in exchange for some spells from our mother's grimoire."
"Good to know." Marcel said blankly and Jane frowned a bit. "Is that all?"
"I do believe it is." Klaus murmured and got up from the couch to pour himself another drink.
"Appreciate the honesty. Meeting's in an hour."
Although, Jane wasn't entirely sure about Marcel, she couldn't help but blurt out: "Be careful."
He did smile at her though and nodded as he went out the door.
"What meeting?" She asked as Marcel exited the room.
"The human faction wants to know who is in charge now." He murmured. "Davina should be here a little before then."
Jane touched his arm. "Please don't do this to her, Klaus. She needs our help. The witches will kill her."
"She'll be safe here." He said. "But I shouldn't think that a spell or two here or there would be a horrible thing to ask of her while we protect her."
"That's not fair." She frowned and he turned to her.
"Going to argue with me again?"
"To protect people from you? If I must."
"Oh, I see. Protect them from me, eh? Including yourself?" He scoffed and then looked offended. "Our child?"
"No." She said, horrified that his mind went in that direction so fast. "No, that's not what I was saying! It's just that you just don't seem to care that the werewolves are suffering and now your trying to make Davina miserable-"
"Enough about the bloody werewolves!" He snarled at her. "I've had it! I thought you had gotten over it. Perhaps not."
"Gotten over it? No, I haven't. It's cruel."
He rolled his eyes. "I'm heading out. Do not leave the Compound."
"Don't tell me what to do!"
He growled at her. "Don't test me, love." He warned her and stalked out the door.
"This came for you."
Jane looked up to see a small white box.
"Thank you." She said, curiously and got up to examine the items closer. A tag hung off the package.
In an elegant scrawl were the words: I believe this belongs to you, little elemental. It's time to be yourself.
Carefully, she undid the ribbon and lifted the lid.
Inside was a necklace. One that she hadn't seen since she left Mystic Falls. It was the necklace Elijah had given her over a year ago. The elemental necklace.
Jane lifted it from the box, holding it carefully in her hands. Gently, she ran her fingers over the stone, gasping as she felt prickles in her fingers from magic. Slowly it started turning back to its brilliant emerald color and the crack in it began to mend.
She put it around her neck, and it gave off a low glow. Jane gasped as she felt warmth go through her body from head to toe. As soon as it had started it went away.
Still puzzling over the strange feeling, she turned towards the gates. She had a renewed interest in leaving to aid the werewolves.
"Klaus said not to let you go downstairs." One of the vampires told her and she scowled.
"Well, then, do you think you could possibly get me something to eat? I'm feeling a little lightheaded. Preferably a fruit. And something to drink?"
"Fine." The vampire gripped, ducking his head back out.
She wasn't really hungry.
Moving quickly as she could, she came went out of the room, looking for the vampire that had been lurking outside the door. He was still in the kitchen she was sure, probably taking his time to spite her. Jane tip-toed out the door and hurried down the steps, trying to keep from making too much noise.
She was almost to the front entrance when another vampire stepped in front of her.
"Going somewhere?"
"Get out of my way." She huffed at him.
He rolled his eyes. "Get back upstairs."
"I don't want too."
Annoyed, the vampire made a grab for her, snagging her wrist.
"Hey, let go!"
"We may have to listen to Klaus, but I sure as hell ain't doing what you say."
Jane frowned. "I'm tired of all your attitudes. I'm not out to get you all."
"Whatever. Just get back upstairs where you belong." He started to drag Jane backward when a pair of hands grabbed his head, snapping his neck. When the vampire fell to the ground, Jane looked up at her rescuer.
"Elijah?"
"Are you hurt?" He asked, taking her hands in his turning them to see if the vampire had harmed her.
"No. I'm fine."
He glanced up at her as she spoke and frowned.
"Something's happened. You look upset and pale."
"Well, I-What are you doing here?"
Before he could reply, there were several shouts and she turned around to see Kol and Rebekah standing there and a few vampires laying on the ground behind them.
"We're here to rescue you, little love." Kol said proudly and Jane shook her head.
"What? I don't need rescuing."
"We know Klaus' temper and we were worried about you." Rebekah stated before frowning. "You're so pale. What's been going on?"
"I'm fine, I was just on my way out." Jane stated. "You shouldn't be here, if Klaus sees you-" She stopped herself. "You just shouldn't be here."
"Perhaps we were in the wrong about Niklaus, but we do care about you, Jane." Kol murmured. "And the baby. We never meant to hurt you."
"I just want to know why you believe he'd do that to me after everything."
Kol sighed. "You know we haven't had the best relationship, love. And it's not a farfetched as you'd think, but I was wrong. He does love you and the baby."
"Yes, we do know that, Jane." Rebekah chimed in. "Please don't be angry with us."
"He's felt so alone since it happened. You didn't see him..."
Elijah put his hand on her arm. "And we will try our best to make it up to him and you too." He promised. "Now what's wrong?" He asked her. "What were you going out to do?"
"Klaus has ordered a slaughter of the werewolves in the bayou. Dorian's family is out there. I can't let them die."
He frowned. "Why is he doing this?"
"A power move. And spite at Dorian probably." Jane looked around. "Where is he?"
"Out in the bayou." Rebekah grimaced.
"Have you told him how much it upsets you?" Elijah asked her and Jane snorted.
"He doesn't care." She shook her head. "He thinks they're up to something and he won't help them. We had a fight last night and we're still sort of fighting about it."
Kol snorted. "Perhaps he's right."
"They are a people in need, Kol." Jane frowned at him. "And they are part of me. Part of Klaus too. Only he's too damn stubborn to see it."
Elijah stepped forward. "What do you want us to do?"
"Help them if you can."
"What the bloody hell for?" Rebekah scowled.
"Because it's wrong. And you know how important this is to me." Jane frowned. "Just because he's the King doesn't mean he gets to terrorize people."
Elijah nodded. "If that is what you wish, we'll help them. I needn't remind you of why our family isn't a big fan of them."
"I know and it's a lot to ask, but...They've been persecuted for so long. I have to do something. If I have the power to stop it, I will. Because according to the almighty Klaus, I'm the Queen."
Kol snorted at her choice of her words. "He's going to be pissed."
"Well serves him right for being a jerk."
They turned to go and Jane bit her lip.
"Please be careful."
They turned back to her and Elijah frowned.
"What, Jane? What's happened?"
She recounted the vision/nightmare she had and out of the three of them, Elijah and Rebekah were the most concerned.
"So, please be careful. Someone could be watching."
Kol frowned. "Don't worry, little love. We'll be all right."
Elijah nodded. "We'll be back. Stay here, where it's safe." He told her.
"Do you want me to stay with you?" The blonde Original asked.
"Klaus will be back soon, I'm sure. To gloat at Davina, I'm sure." Jane murmured.
"If you're sure then." Rebekah hugged her. "We'll be back."
She zipped off after her brothers and Jane sighed.
"Crap." A voice said and something crashed behind one of the cars. She froze on the steps of the basement, debating whether to run upstairs or not.
She blinked as someone toppled to the ground. "Josh?"
"Uh...no?" He laughed weakly and she relaxed. "Please don't tell, Klaus."
"Of course, I won't." The girl stood and went over to him. "How long have you been down here?"
"Since the failed plan." He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I knew Klaus would kill me as soon as he laid eyes on me."
"I won't let him." Jane frowned. "But why Josh?"
He sighed. "Well, Marcel found out that I was being compelled by Klaus, so he took me to Davina. She took the compulsion off-"
"She can do that?" Jane's eyes widened.
"Yeah and it hurts like hell. So, to keep me from being killed by Marcel, I agreed to double-cross Klaus."
"Oh. Well, you don't have to hide down here. You must be hungry. Come with me." She started for the stairs, but he hesitated.
"I don't want you to get into trouble."
Jane scowled. "I don't care what he wants. Come on, it's okay."
Taking a few things out of the kitchen, she went up the stairs and towards the room that had been deemed Davina's. She snuck Josh upstairs along with her.
She knocked on the door frame and the girl turned around.
"Hi. May I come in?" Jane asked and she smiled at Davina. The girl nodded once. "I brought you some cookies." She handed her a Tupperware box. "I thought I better give them to you, so I don't eat them all. Cravings." She put a hand on her stomach and Davina smiled.
"Thank you."
Jane turned her head. "Come on in, Josh."
"Josh!"
Davina hugged him and he hugged her back.
"What are you doing here?" The witch asked in concern. "Klaus will kill you."
"No, he won't. I won't let him." Jane told them. "He'll listen or sleep on the couch."
"What do you see in him?" Davina asked and she sighed.
"I know it's hard to see. Because I once felt the same as you. But he is a good man. He does have feelings and he does have a heart. You may not see it now, and you may never, depending on his mood, but it's there beneath the surface. And I love him more than I have ever loved another person."
"Good to know." Josh mumbled.
"He knows better than to upset me, Josh. Don't worry, you'll be safe."
Josh smiled at her. "Thanks."
Jane turned to Davina, who was looking through her boxes. "I'm sorry you had to move, but at least you're not in a stuffy attic, right?" The girl nodded. "The flowers are dead." She murmured and went over to the vase near the bed. She touched the dying sunflowers gently and they began to grow and brighten back to life beneath her fingertips.
"Whoa. How'd you do that?" Josh asked, eyes wide.
Davina looked at her in awe. "You really are the elemental. What else can you do?"
"I can do other things? I've just discovered I could bring plants back to life."
"As the elemental, you should be able to use the elementals, including the fifth elemental. unlike a witch, you're not limited."
Jane blinked. "But why is it just appearing now?"
"New Orleans is a sacred ground for elementals. Your kind once flourished here a long time ago, before they were wiped out by supernatural wars."
"Oh." The girl sighed and then turned to Josh. "I won't tell him you're here, but please keep a low profile."
He nodded at her with a smile. "Sure thing, but I hope you don't get into trouble."
"I'm already mad at him." She rolled her eyes. "It won't make a difference."
"Did he hurt you?" Davina demanded. She looked ready to beat him.
"No, he's not like that. He just upset me." Jane murmured. "He... Sent vampires out to the bayou to kill the werewolves."
"Aren't werewolves bad?" Josh asked, curiously. "I mean I know Klaus is part werewolf."
"They don't have to be. You didn't see how they were living. Dorian's clan lives out there too. His aunt Mona was nice to me."
"Hey, something came for you." One of the vampires said from outside of Davina's room.
Jane panicked and hurried to the door. Josh and Davina froze.
"Um, okay. I'll be right down." She called. She saw Davina frowning. "What's wrong?"
"I can't find my violin. I must have left it in the attic." She worried her lower lip.
"It's okay. We can go get it. I'm sure Father Kieran won't mind."
"I can't. It's not safe for me out there. The witches are after me."
"Like Agnus?" Jane asked softly and Davina's head whipped up. "Elijah killed her. She tried to kill my baby."
"She's dead? Marcel never told me. She was the last living elder, if she's dead then I'm safe."
"Well, I'm not going to defend Marcel's actions." She stood up from the bed. "Nor Klaus'. So whatever you decide to do, I'd make sure neither one of them were around when you do it, okay? They'll be pissed, but no one deserves to have their freedom taken from them, especially someone as sweet as you Davina. You're sixteen and a powerful witch, you don't have to bow down to anyone. Take care of her Josh."
He nodded at her and Jane went out of the room.
"Do you trust her?" Davina asked. "I want too, and she seems genuine..."
Josh nodded. "She's one of the good ones. Despite loving Klaus, she's not like him. You can trust her."
"My decision was not entirely my own." He confessed and Marcel frowned. "If I didn't agree to usurp your power, the witches swore to kill my unborn child and Jane along with her." The other vampire's face softened. "I didn't want to believe them at first, but then...Sophie Deveraux linked herself to Jane and then took a fast-acting poison to prove her point. I tried to send her out of the city, but it proved to be almost fatal. They had made it so that if she were to leave the city she would die. So, in order to protect Jane and our child, I made the deal with the witches."
"They were going to kill Jane?"
"Its' still on their agenda, I'm sure." Klaus growled, taking another swig from his flask. "That Laurent fellow took a particular interest in her ever since we arrived."
"Yeah, he's been a pain in my ass for years now. His coven is full of a bunch of fanatics." Marcel frowned. "So that's what all the spying and manipulation was about? It was something you were forced into? "Hey, buddy, it's nothing personal." Is that it?"
"I'll admit..." Klaus said slowly. "That I was jealous."
"You?"
"I saw the empire you had created on your own without me. I saw it and I wanted it."
"You're wrong you know." Marcel murmured. "I didn't do it on my own. I stood in the shadow of my father my entire human life, and I never would have gotten out from under it, if not for you. You're the one who taught me that a man can't be defined by anyone but himself. So, what now?"
"This community that you've built, you have their respect. Their love. I can rule them, but I cannot win them, not without you. So, rule with me side by side as equals. Friends...brothers." He offered the flask to Marcel who took it with a smile.
"That's a lot of flowers."
They turned to see vampires coming into the compound with clear vases full of roses. Some were white and some were lavender. Six vases in total now adorned the table.
Jane who was looking at the vases with confusion looked at Klaus as he and Marcel approached.
"What's all this then?" The Original asked one of the vampires who shrugged and eyed Marcel briefly.
"They're for her." He nodded at Jane and was about to hand her an envelope when Klaus snatched it from his hand.
Jane scowled. "Hey!"
Disregarding her protest, Klaus opened the envelope and slid out the letter.
"To the lovely elemental, stories of your kind have fascinated me for centuries. But your beauty and warmth of heart make you far superior to your ancestors. Please accept my humble gifts."
Biting her lip, she moved closer to Klaus. "Who is it from?"
"A friend." He read. "That's all it says."
"Centuries?" Jane repeated and Marcel frowned.
"Caught that too." He said. "None of my guys knew what she was until that Lockwood kid."
Klaus kept her from going near the flowers. "Go back upstairs." He told her. Jane scowled at him and he rolled his eyes. "It's safer."
Still glowering she went up the stairs and he sighed crossly before turning to the vampires. "Get rid of them."
"Are they-" Jane started worriedly, and Elijah nodded.
"They're safe. All of them."
"Oh, thank you." She hugged him and Kol too when he appeared. Kol patted her gently.
Rebekah grimaced as she came up to them. "I stink of the bog." She announced loudly and Jane started to respond when a voice came from down the hall.
"Serves you right for your pathetic attempt to undermine my rule."
They found Klaus in the lounge, sitting at the piano. A half a glass of bourbon on the top. He was eyeing his siblings angrily.
"Nik, listen-"
"When I order werewolves to be hunted down to extinction, I expect you to stand aside and let the blood flow." Klaus interrupted her and Jane pushed her way past Kol and Elijah.
"Well I asked them to go." Jane stated Klaus narrowed his eyes.
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me."
He stood up and she folded her arms across her chest. Kol and Rebekah, exchanged looks. Elijah shook his head at her, but Jane ignored him.
"You said last night that I am the queen and as such I get to make decisions." The girl continued haughtily. "So, I decided to spare the wolves you wanted to slaughter."
"I told you not to undermine me, Jane." He said through clenched teeth.
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" She snapped at him and Kol's eyes widened. Klaus growled at her. "It's already done!"
"We're trying to appease the vampires!"
"You're trying to destroy a dying people!" She threw her hands in the air. "For no reason other than your stupid egotistical agenda!"
"They're not an endangered species in need of your assistance!"
"Apparently they are!" She snapped. "And by the way, they are Dorian's family, Klaus! The Hybrid that's done nothing but be helpful to us!" The Original Hybrid was glowering at her, but she wasn't deterred. "Those people might have been part of you as well, did you even think of that?"
"Of course, I did and don't give a damn! And I have no desire to start now."
"How can you say that? It's a part of you! And me!"
"Only for you because your mother couldn't carry you. You weren't born with an active gene!" He shouted at her. Rebekah gasped loudly at his words and Elijah frowned.
"Niklaus." He said sharply.
Jane narrowed her eyes with her fists clenched at her sides, and the next thing they knew, Klaus bourbon exploded from the glass and into his face.
"The bloody hell was that?!" Kol exclaimed looking from Klaus' dripping surprised face to Jane's angry one. Rebekah's eyes widened.
"You better cool off before you say something your regret." She snapped at him. "Don't you dare talk about my mother like that! I don't know why you've been in a pissy mood ever since I've given my views on your "Rule", but that was rude and insensitive. And since we are on the subject, did it ever occur to you that Mona was the one who carried me so, in a way, she is like a mother to me? And you send a pack of morons out to the bayou to kill her! So my anger is justified! What's your damn excuse!?"
Klaus wiped the bourbon off his face slowly, remaining silent. Jane threw her hands in the air.
"Fine. Keep being a jackass. Have a nice sleep in another room!"
She turned to stormed off, but Elijah caught her arm. "Wait. You need to hear this." Confused she stayed and turned back around.
Elijah tossed something to him and Klaus caught it, glancing down at the ring. "Do you recognize it? Perhaps not, it has been a thousand years since you last saw it grace the hand of our mother. The ring was in possession of one of the very wolves who extinction you ordered. So naturally I questioned him. He spoke of a legend, a legend wherein long ago, a chief of theirs had fathered a child to a very powerful witch. Their mythology further states, this child, a son, was later transformed into something this clan had never before seen. Something werewolf and vampire."
Jane's anger abated somewhat at the story, but she grew irritated knowing that she had been right about him having more family in the bayou. Klaus examined the ring in his fingers. Kol remained silent, watching Jane closely. There was something very different about her.
"Nik, we're trying to make amends with you. We already have with Jane. We found remnants of your family, the bloodline of your true father, and we saved them from being slaughtered at the hands of the vampires you command." Rebekah told him.
"Niklaus, your ambitions have come before this family for far too long. I beseech you and Jane to come home." Elijah murmured and Jane smiled a little.
Klaus lifted his head, eyes on Elijah. "What home," His brother frowned. "-this pathetic substitute? You see, despite all your doubts, all your attempts to thwart me, I've reclaimed our true home." Jane scoffed at him and he ignored her. "I took back the entire city." He held up the ring. "Even if this is, what you say it is, I've had enough of family to last me a lifetime." He slammed it down on the piano. "Why would I possibly want any more?"
"Listen to yourself!" The girl exclaimed and he eyed her. "They are trying to apologize for doubting you. Don't turn them away now. Stop being an ass and listen."
"I have listened. You and to them." He spat at her. "No more."
"So, you're still not going to call it off? Not even after finding out you have more family?"
"No, I'm not. And I'm done with this discussion."
Jane scowled. "Well, I'd like to know them. Don't you want to learn more about the father that might have been a hell of a lot better than Mikael?"
"Stop this
"Well how am I supposed to feel? Your stomping all over my hope for family."
Klaus chuckled in disbelief, grabbing his own hair. "Love, all of these notions about family-"
"Are what?!" She demanded, glaring at him. "All I want for our baby is a big family. Something I never had. I want something better for her. I want our daughter to have both of us and so many more that care about her. More family that she could possibly hope for."
"You claim that you're satisfied with how things are, but that's not true is it? It's not the baby you want this for it's for yourself." Klaus snapped at her and she faltered. "Admit that this entire "family" is what you desire. This is for you, not our child."
"Niklaus." Rebekah snapped. "Stop this, you're being cruel."
"Yes, I'll admit it." Jane said quietly. "I haven't asked for anything big or expensive, just saving people that could very well be more family for me, our child, and you."
He shook his head. "You said I was in the wrong and had selfish pursuits to become King of New Orleans, but you, my love, have been just as selfish. Looking for things you ought not, such as this pointless infatuation with saving a species that never wanted you until now. Until I claimed you as my mate. Am I not enough for you then, love? Our child? Am I not enough that you have to go looking for more?"
Tears stung Jane's eyes as his words sank in. He was angry that she'd seek out more family and maybe he was right in calling her selfish. He stormed off, leaving Jane to look after him in disbelief.
Elijah put a hand on her arm. "Jane, he's scared, and I think I know why."
"Scared?" She repeated, frowning in concern despite how much she wanted to run from the room. "Of what?"
Rebekah frowned too. "I hardly think he should be speaking to her that way."
"Sister, try to recall the past month. Jane had a nightmare about mother's opal necklace and now a vision of Marcellus' death involving morts-vivants. I believe Niklaus is reliving a past horror." Rebekah's eyes widened and Kol frowned.
Jane still looked perplexed and he continued. "Has he told you of Vivianne?"
"Yes, but...Oh." She shook her head in thought. "But I didn't die and so the witches didn't bring me back."
"The first time she died, she died trying to make peace between all the factions. It didn't work out and it never has. Niklaus is afraid of you getting caught in the middle and by deciding to spare the wolves and the very fact that they've taken a liking to you-"
"Not to mention the legend that you will break their curse." Kol added and Elijah sent him a look.
"Yes, that as well."
Rebekah sighed. "What Elijah is trying to point out is that although, not how he should have approached it, he's scared of losing you. By pushing you away and trying to keep you from making a mistake."
Jane sighed. "I'll talk to him when he gets back. Just don't leave. I think he'll come back and ask you to stay. He didn't exactly throw you out, you know." she smiled half-heartedly. "You warned me, Rebekah, and I didn't listen."
"It's all right, sweets." She engulfed her in a hug. "He's going to have to learn to share you."
"He's right though. They only like me because I'm the elemental. Not because I have a werewolf gene." She muttered. They were unsure of what to say to that.
Kol turned to her. "What the bloody hell was that earlier?"
Jane grimaced. "Um, well..."
Klaus found her sitting on the window seat, gazing out at the city below.
He closed the door behind him, but she never turned.
"It's late." He said simply.
"I know. I was waiting for you." She muttered lowly, fiddling with a blanket.
He sighed. "You should get some sleep."
"Are you leaving?" She turned her head instantly, looking at him nervously.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "I was under the impression that you were angry with me." Jane looked away. "Is that no longer the case?" She shook her head.
"Why didn't you tell me why you didn't want to me help the werewolves?"
"Love-"
"The real reason. Vivianne."
Klaus chose to stare at the wall, rather than her. "Because it's not the same."
"My visions and nightmares have been about the very thing that haunts you still. I'm sorry if I hurt you, by choosing to help them but I can't help it. I saw their living conditions and with it getting cooler outside..."
She sniffled and he moved to wrap his arms around her.
"I'm sorry." She murmured.
He cupped her face, making her look at him. "No, love, I am. What you were saying about family for our child...Well, I can't exactly blame you for wanting more for her. I asked Father Kieran if would open his doors to certain people."
"You did?"
"Yes, I cannot go against my own words, but he promised to help where he could."
"Thank you." She hugged him and he stroked her hair. "I love you so much, Klaus. And I don't want to fight with you anymore. Don't be angry anymore."
Klaus nuzzled her ear. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, love. What I said about your mother-"
"You're right though. I'm not really a werewolf so why would they want me? It's not real."
"It came out wrong, my love. I apologize." He took her chin in his finger and made her look at him. "My wolf chose you long before I became a Hybrid because it knew you were my mate. I want to keep you safe, love. From every potential threat, friendly as they may seem. I don't entirely trust the wolves, but Elijah has told me that they have come here for you. and if this vision of yours comes to pass, we need to have more allies. I have a feeling that things aren't going to be so simple any longer."
Jane shuddered. "What about the flowers?"
Klaus growled lowly. "I don't know, my love. I don't know. but now that my wayward siblings have decided to come here, perhaps that will deter them."
She smiled. "I knew you'd forgive them."
"Hush, love."
She giggled and he pulled her into a kiss.
"Come. It's late and you need rest." He said, carrying her to the bed.
"Goodnight, Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol." Jane called out, knowing they'd hear. Klaus rolled his eyes as his siblings responded. "Goodnight, Marcel." She added.
"Goodnight, Jimbob." Klaus muttered and turned out the light as she laughed. He couldn't help but smile in the darkness at her giggles.
"I knew you've seen the Waltons."
"Hush, love."
(Cue Waltons' music)
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