A/N: Hey guys, quick note. I realized I made an error. Amelia is Bonnie's great great grandmother and Sheila's grandmother, not mother. So sorry for the confusion. I've gone to earlier chapters and corrected the mistake.

5

"I require an audience with the council," Cordelia sipped her tea.

"What for?" Josephine LaRue raised an eyebrow. The supreme witch had invited the Regent of the nine covens to talk after the whole debacle of Bonnie and Klaus finding out they were mates. She'd had a meeting with the hybrid and they'd both agreed on the best course of action to rid the little girl, Demi, of her hex before the worst happened. They'd avoided seriously talking about the ramifications of the mating between him and Bonnie but sooner or later firm words would have to be said. On Cordelia's end perhaps threats would be made. Being mates didn't exempt the hybrid from her wrath if he forced Bonnie into anything she didn't want to or caused her harm. It was early enough that the bond could still be severed albeit with some discomfort on both ends. Her great great grandniece was her number one priority.

There were bigger fish to fry for now however.

Things were moving faster than she'd hoped so she had to move with the tide. That meant meeting with the witches' council.

"A little matter to do with an attempted human sacrifice years ago," She crossed her legs.

"Human sacrifice is prohibited. You know this," Josephine replied, pressing her lips together.

"I know it but if it is still happening then there are those who don't," Cordelia smiled solemnly. "Or they're deliberately choosing to ignore it."

"I'll investigate the matter."

Cordelia crossed her legs, "As I was saying, I need to meet with all the elders of the nine covens."

Josephine shrugged, "Why are you asking me? Technically you can command the council to meet whenever you like. You are the Supreme after all." A supreme witch had the power to summon all the covens of whatever area she visited. It was a unique right granted to the few who held the title. She didn't need the permission of even the Regent to do so. So, asking for permission was rather odd. There was only one reason for that.

"Yes, but this meeting will be unique," Cordelia broke off a piece of biscotti and dipped it in her chicory. "I want to bring an outsider."

Josephine looked unsurprised, "I guessed as much. Who shall be our guest of honour?"

"Klaus Mikealson."

The regent was silent then chuckled humorlessly, "Why do you insult us further supreme? Is it not enough that we already share this city with the wolves and vampires? Now you want to bring the worst of them all to intrude in our sacred space."

Ever since the Mikealsons had returned back to the city, everyone had been on edge. No one knew their reason for arriving or their next moves. Many had assumed it was to take back the title of vampire king but Marcel still sat comfortably. Now it seemed she would be getting an inkling.

"The reason is important," Cordelia insisted.

"They won't care about the reasoning. They'll just care that you brought one of their hated enemies into their household," Josephine raised her voice. "Not every witch is you. Plenty despise vampires."

"Once again, it is with good reason. They despise vampires but have worked with many to their mutual benefits," the Supreme dropped down her tea on the small table. "I'm sure they can manage an hour alone with one."

"You talk like it's just any new-born. You would like them to speak with an original. The hybrid original in fact," Josephine scoffed. "Hell, even I think you're stark raving mad and I don't mind a few of them myself. What is so important that you need him there?" The Regent herself was rather neutral when it came to vampires. She had a treaty in place with Marcel but many under her were very vocal in their hatred.

Cordelia folded her hands together. "Have you ever known any elders of any of the nine covens to work with siphoners?"

Josephine furrowed her eyebrows, "That is impossible. Siphoners are hated as much as vampires. I can't think of any elder who would."

"Well I believe some from the French Quarter coven might be doing so," Cordelia informed her.

"That's a very big accusation. Be very sure of yourself. You know the weight that such talk can carry," the Regent warned.

"I am," She stated confidently. "What do you know about a child born about seven years ago from the deal made with a necromancer?"

"I know that the ancestors might have demanded the death or banishment of such a child," Josephine spoke carefully. Necromancy was forbidden in practice. Anyone who practiced or solicited was sentenced to be burned. Witches born with that ability were shunned and released from their covens but thankfully such were rare. Siphoners however were much more common even though their numbers were also quite small.

"You would condone such a killing," Cordelia's tone was accusatory.

Josephine sighed, "It is not always what I condone. Witches here follow the word of our ancestors. A concept that you hate but it is a way of life for us. Not all of us are lucky enough to draw from the other sources."

"My disapproval isn't haughty. You know very well the ancestors are not nearly as right as they make themselves out to be," The supreme argued. "Their only concern is how to maintain their power and nothing more."

"Be that as it may, we still answer to them," The Regent insisted. "If such a child was born it would upset the balance. They might not make it past childbirth in the first place."

"And if the child survived?" Cordelia probed.

"What does that hybrid have to do with this?" Josephine eyed her with suspicion. She was one of the Supremes' allies but that didn't mean she agreed with all her dealings. One involving Klaus Mikealson promised to be of no good in the end.

"I'm still finding out myself," Cordelia muttered. It would not be enough to sate her clear curiosity but Cordelia needed to hold all her cards to her chest for the time being. She wasn't exactly sure who she could trust on the council. She had known Josephine for a long time but even she didn't know everything that happened right under her nose.

Josephine stood up from the chair, "I'll make your request but don't expect anything more than pushback. In fact, expect me to come back to you with a negative answer."

"Thank you all the same," Cordelia was sincere. Josephine was one of the few on the council she could vouch for. The rest were elitist and power-hungry vultures who sucked on the teats of their ancestors forgetting that they had brains of their own. Their relationship was not such a deep friendship but was built on mutual respect of the other's choices and abilities.

She waved her off, "Don't thank me yet." The truth was that Josephine had suspicions of her own she had yet to voice. The ancestors had told her nothing so far but she could feel the rumblings of strange forces moving through the city recently. Ill winds whispered but their words were unclear. Whatever it was, Josephine hoped that they would be able to stop it. Before it was too late.


Bonnie delicately patted the soil she'd just planted a few seeds in before removing her gloves. For the past few days her chest had felt heavy with a dull ache that wouldn't go away no matter what she did. She knew it was a symptom of the bond forming. Cordelia told her the only way to fix it would be to come into contact with her mate but she couldn't find it within herself to do so yet. It had been a few days since they'd first met each other. Bonnie was still coming to terms with the situation and who exactly Klaus Mikealson was.

He was dangerous yet she didn't fear him. That alone caused her worry. How could she not feel anything bad towards a person everyone seemed to stiffen at the mere mention of? Cordelia and Veronique had their own thoughts and opinions on the kind of person he was and in turned feared her relation with him. That alone made her more wary. She didn't want to overlook what he might be capable of just because a magic bond willed her to. But she also didn't want to let others' thoughts about him cloud her judgement.

She wanted to know him for herself.

It certainly didn't hurt that he was the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes on. She could admit she'd been a little jealous of Elena having two obviously hot vampires lusting over her but the Original took the trophy in her opinion. So much that she'd been tempted to use a dream spell to see his face once again. But with the mess of last time she didn't dare it.

Her fingers brushed against her sternum feeling the ache intensify. Bonnie wondered if that meant he was thinking about her like she was thinking about. Even when she didn't want to. It was a hard thing to carry especially since she didn't feel like she could talk to anyone about it.

Cordelia was there and a very willing ear too but Bonnie missed her friends the most in this moment. In the past she'd longed for the time when she would gossip about her conquests with Caroline and Elena too. She left out hearing about their exploits with boys all the time. With Jeremy it hadn't exactly been that way. The Gilbert boy was already a fixture in their lives and the two girls saw him mostly as Elena's dorky little brother. It felt awkward talking about their stolen kisses or sweet fumbles in the dark. Now that there was one guy sort of interested in her she couldn't even talk about him unsure if it was a smart move or not.

Her life in New Orleans had become a separate, private thing away from all the events of Mystic Falls. When it came to the supernatural, Mystic Falls was like a beacon no doubt attracting all sorts of things but New Orleans was ten times that. It felt vast and unending. Even the most troubling times in her hometown felt like small fries when compared to everything she'd seen and learnt so far. To think it had been her whole world once upon a time.

"Miss?" Bonnie was interrupted by Bernard calling her.

She stood up dusting the soil from her knees, "Oh hi. What's up?"

"A package came in for you just a moment ago," the butler said. "I put it in your bedroom after making sure it was safe."

"Thank you. I'll come check it out in a bit," She replied. Bernard nodded and left. Bonnie grabbed the hose and sprayed her bare hands and feet before heading into the house. The package was larger than she'd expected. It was a medium sized white cardboard box Bernard had placed on the floor near her bed. There was no sender name or address. Just her name.

That was strange. There was no one she'd been expecting anything from. Caroline had sent her little care packages in the past but she always called to let her know first. Matt sent her a birthday card but that was it.

No one else came to mind. For a moment she wanted to believe it was Elena but the thought vanished as it came. They hadn't spoken in months and Bonnie was certain there had been no change of heart on her part. It hurt Bonnie that one of her best friends could be so selfish and stubborn despite all she'd done for her. All they'd been through together.

Elena had seen her coming to New Orleans as a betrayal since the three of them were supposed to go to Whitmore together. Poor Caroline was caught in the middle trying to keep the peace. But Bonnie knew that it might have been a sign that it was time to let her go. It was so painful to think about, but what other choice did she have? Her new life was everything she needed and wanted. No matter how much she loved her friends going back to Mystic Falls felt like going back to darkness. Not when she'd tasted colour.

Bonnie eyed the package wondering if it could be a trick or trap. It couldn't be a bomb or anything dangerous since Bernard had authenticated it and she knew nothing went through him. Just to be sure, she said a quick scanning spell to search for malicious objects. It came up clear. There was nothing bad inside.

She grabbed some scissors and tore the box open, removing the packing paper to reveal a smaller wooden box. On top was the word Reuge written in a whimsical font. Her eyes widened in astonishment. No, it couldn't be. Who on earth would send her that?

Carefully, she opened the box only to lose all ability to breathe at what she saw inside.

It was a music box.

Not just any music box. It was a Reuge music box, one of the most well-crafted and expensive music boxes in the world. Growing up, Bonnie had loved music boxes and Grams had indulged her buying them whenever she could. Even her dad had figured that she wouldn't be as upset at his absences whenever he came back from a trip with one.

As a little girl she would sit for hours just listening to the music playing, watching the little ballerina spin over and over. After discovering that she was a witch and everything that came with it her music boxes were the only thing that calmed her down from all the chaos around her. The one she had brought with her to New Orleans was a white wooden one her grandmother had gifted her on her 16th birthday.

But this was something else. Whoever had sent this really knew what she liked, what she cherished. It was the most thoughtful gift she'd ever received in her life.

The expertly polished wood and beautiful floral inlay on the lid almost made her afraid to open it but she did eventually. Inside the lid was a gold plate with her name engraved. Bonnie brushed her fingers against it, marvelling at the attention to detail. It was like nothing she'd ever seen before. The five cylinders were pure gold too, like Reugers was known for. Placed on top of them was a thick card with such delicate and refined calligraphy. A forgotten art form. The note read:

Bonnie,

The little I know of you has me yearning for more. I hope this gift finds you well and you enjoy it as much as I hope you do. By now I am certain you know of me and who I am. The things I have done. What I can do. Perhaps it has made you weary of me, perhaps not. I do not know your mind or how you feel about our bond, but I sincerely and without a shred of privilege, humbly seek permission to court you. I look forward to your answer soon.

Klaus Mikealson.

Xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Her heart was pounding as she read the card over and over again. Klaus had done it. He had formally asked to court her. According to what she knew about wolves, saying yes was pretty much an instant acceptance to bond. She pushed the tiny switch on the box and her bedroom was flooded with the sweet melody of Cristofori's Dream. Her eyes closed and a tear fell of their own accord. Grams had played this on her piano so many times. It was one of her favourite songs.

She should have felt apprehension that he'd known so much about her. To know her most intimate hobby. But all Bonnie felt in the moment was absolute joy. He wanted to know her. Klaus wanted to know more of her. The bond was one thing but this was effort of his own doing. And hadn't that been what she wanted? To know who he was of her own accord? Without any of the outside influences?

The ache in her chest thumped with intensity. She brushed the phone number he'd written down contemplating for half a second before yanking her cell phone off the charger and calling it.


"I cannot believe I let you talk me into this," the hybrid glared at the two grinning obnoxiously before him.

Rebekah scoffed dropping the bracelet she was crafting with Demi, "Why are you complaining? You're hopeless at romance. At least I have some experience." The three of them were in the sunroom together making bracelets. Well, Rebekah and Demi were making bracelets. Klaus refused vehemently to join their little craft session. They'd almost worn him down with their whining but thankfully agreed to the compromise of allowing him to sketch them. The little girl had woken up feeling well and Rebekah sought to indulge her by taking full advantage of the fact. They'd gone horse-riding earlier and shopped in a neighbouring city cloaked by Lourdes.

Marcel had gone out with Elijah and Killian since the elder vampire had gotten a lead he wanted to explore. The daywalkers were patrolling as usual. Klaus had sought to wait for Cordelia's message since she was going to have a meeting with the Regent.

Klaus rolled his eyes, "Yes your many dalliances count as experience. A real shame they all ended the same way." For that he got a rhinestone thrown at him.

"Little ears," Rebekah hissed referring to Demi.

Demi looked up from the bead she was carefully placing inside a piece of string, "What are dalliances Aunty Bekah?"

"They're parties dear," Rebekah answered.

"Grown up parties," Klaus snickered like an adolescent. That earned him another rhinestone but this time he caught it with a smirk.

Rebekah rolled her eyes, "My idea was obviously better since you were planning to yank the poor girl from her house."

The preliminary bond had formed and made him restless as a result. He itched to see the witch, to hold her, to inhale her scent. He'd heard all about mating bonds and knew what they entailed. But that was from the mouths of others. Experiencing it himself was something else. Each night his wolf whined and howled to be near her. His sister wasn't wrong; he'd really been considering going to her house but he was certain that the Supreme had put up wards. Not to mention it might not endear him to his mate if he, well, kidnapped her.

"But now I've played putty into her hands by appearing like a besotted fool," He scowled. After scouring over the information he'd gotten about her and discovering her love of music boxes, Klaus had been satisfied with giving her a personalized box of her own. Actually, he'd sought to give her one he borrowed after a visit to the palace of Prince Felix of Schwarzenberg in 1849 but Elijah had suggested it might be too much for the witch. Rebekah had suggested the note saying it would make the gift feel more personal.

It seemed like a good idea at the time but the more he waited and fixated on the words he'd written, the more he felt bare and angry with himself for sounding so...sincere. If she didn't want it and rejected it then he'd feel like a complete idiot.

He was the original hybrid damnit. He was the king of the supernatural world and one little witch no matter how beautiful had a right to make him feel that way.

"But you are a besotted fool," Rebekah grinned.

He threw the rhinestone at her making her laugh out. "But seriously, she's going to accept. Nature has determined that you are compatible as mates so you have nothing to worry about."

"The bond can still be broken," He muttered looking away.

Rebekah knew her brother well. For all his arrogance and bravado, he was still afraid of rejection. Their parents had ruined them in little ways but Klaus bore the brunt of it. Even after all those years the wounds remained deep and sore. It might have been worse if he hadn't broken his curse and that was something she was grateful for. Becoming a hybrid made her brother better. Something in him had just settled. He was still the infamous original to the rest of the world but to his family he'd become better.

Always and forever finally started to mean something. He'd stopped his threats of daggering and undaggered Kol. He stopped treating Elijah like the lackey that would always fix his mistakes and began to truly respect his older brother once more. He became less controlling towards them. He was still a possessive bastard but now it truly felt like it was out of love and not the obsessive need to tie everything to himself.

Klaus had finally become the brother she'd remembered in their human years. The bits and pieces she'd loved the most at least. They were a family once again. And now Demi and hopefully Bonnie would be joining that family too. They just needed to save the little girl.

"Nik," She started. "You cannot control her actions or emotions. But you can control yours. I'm fairly certain that if she wasn't interested in this then she'd have said something to Cordelia already. She will receive your gift, she will like it and she will call you."

"And if she doesn't?"

"She's not going to break the bond," Rebekah assured firmly. "She's probably feeling all the things you are. Wanting to come and see you also but feeling nervous. You have to understand Nik; this isn't something anyone really expected. She's just getting used to the fact that she's mates with one of the most notorious people in the world. Besides, she's already seen your ugly face and didn't run away screaming so you've nothing to worry about."

Klaus scoffed secretly grateful at her attempts to lift his spirits, "Your lies hold no weight here. I am the most good-looking one out of all of us."

"As if," Rebekah disagreed. She kissed Demi on the cheek, "Which one of us is prettier dearie?"

The little girl looked at them both seriously causing a laugh to bubble in his chest. Finally, she sighed so dramatically, "I don't know. But I'm sure I'll know after a makeover!"

Rebekah laughed hugging her close, "Yes! A makeover is the best way to decide."

Klaus stood up taking his sketchbook with him, "No way. You two will not drag me further into your shenanigans. I'm leaving."

"Please!" Demi pleaded, running to hug his legs. "I promise I'll make you look pretty."

"Yes Klaus, she'll make you look pretty," Rebekah joined with a grin.

He patted Demi's head, "Maybe later darling."

She pouted going back to sit with Rebekah and continue making their bracelets, "I'll hold you to that." Goodness, she was becoming just like them by the day. He felt a tinge of pride. She would soon be a Mikealson through and through. He gave the girls one last fond look before speeding away. He went to his study and plopped himself on the couch after pouring a glass of bourbon. He'd searched through all the grimoires in his possession and found nothing of substance yet.

He'd already reached out to Kol to search but his brother had yet to get back to him. Lourdes had made a potion that would suppress Demi's powers for another month but that solution was only temporary. They needed a permanent solution. Hopefully Cordelia was working hard on her end with the witch's council.

A vibration in his trousers interrupted his thoughts. Klaus brought out his phone expecting to see Elijah or Marcel calling. Instead it was an unknown number. He furrowed his eyebrows, swiping to answer without saying a word.

"Hello?" a female voice spoke sounding unsure.

Klaus immediately sat up recognizing it. "Bonnie?"

"Klaus." Her voice was soft and hesitant. How he longed to hear it these past few days. The ache in his chest reduced to a mere flutter but it still remained. His wolf purred. "I got your present. Thank you."

"Do you like it?" He hated how hopeful he sounded and steeled his tone into that of cool indifference. "I thought you might."

There was a pause. Then a shuffle. She was lying in bed. "I do. It's wow." she chuckled. Even her laughter was eerily pleasant. "It's the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me." His wolf preened in delight having pleased his mate.

"Well I can be quite thoughtful when I put my mind to it," Klaus stood up. He felt restless but unlike before. It wasn't from anxiousness but rather excitement. He needed her to keep talking.

"I have to ask though, how did you know I like music boxes?" Bonnie inquired.

"I supposed I'll sound like a stalker but I searched your social media pages. You post a lot about them," He said hoping she wouldn't take offense.

"Oh," there was the shuffling again, "Can't really blame you for that since it's public. But the song though, it's one of my favourites. How did you know?"

"Cordelia."

Bonnie giggled, "Really? I got the impression she's not exactly fond of you being my mate."

"Yes, but she recognizes that it's your choice in the end. Besides she doesn't really hate me. We are friends," He explained walking over to the desk and sitting on the edge. The supreme was both confused and amused by his request to know what song Bonnie liked the most but obliged without much protest. She was still unhappy about their mating though. Her protectiveness towards Bonnie was the cause.

She hummed, "She told me all about that. How she helped you break your curse and become a hybrid. It's quite something I'll be honest. I feel like I should be afraid of you but I can't find it within myself to be."

Klaus raised an eyebrow, "Really?" That was interesting.

"I've heard plenty about you from every corner. Some people like you and some hate you. Almost everyone is afraid though," Bonnie spoke candidly. He found that he liked that quality in her.

"You get used to it," He concluded. "You saw the note I presume."

"I did," Bonnie said quietly. "Courting is a big step isn't it?"

"Yes," It was best to be honest with her and allow her to know what she was getting herself into. His normal strategy would be to ply her with half-truths and sweetened falsehoods to sway her to the direction he wanted but he couldn't do it with her. Maybe for the others but not her. Klaus needed her to want him entirely and completely.

"What does it entail really?" She asked.

He fiddled with his fountain pen, "We spend time together, learn about each other. Traditionally, I'm meant to bring you gifts to prove that I can provide for you. I think it would be better to deviate from some traditions though."

She laughed, "Oh so you're a thoroughly modern original hybrid then? I thought you'd be more interested in doing it like the old days when everything was better and blah blah." It was amazing how it didn't take long for their conversation to shift to a more familiar level. Bonnie felt comfortable and so did he.

Klaus smirked, "I lived through a time without indoor plumbing and air conditioning, not everything was better then. The old days would require me to bring the head of a deer and place it at your doorstep. Something tells me you might not be too enthusiastic about that idea."

"I'll just keep it with all my other deer heads," Bonnie spoke in faux seriousness. "A girl can never have too many."

"Hopefully I'll be the only one in your collection," He strolled over to the fireplace.

"Yes," That single word sent hope soaring through him. Klaus truly had never wanted a mate. But after meeting her, the more he thought about it his usual arguments against it made no sense to him anymore. It felt like a missing piece of himself was close to becoming whole. The wolves who described it to him had seemed utterly bewitched and he wanted no part in that. But now, now he could see for himself. Now he wanted nothing more.

They spoke for hours after that about everything that came to mind. Favourite books, music, art. A brief rundown of her childhood in Mystic Falls. Some things he knew but enjoyed hearing them directly from her. Her first run in with the supernatural till she came to NOLA. He spoke of his travels and fortress. His siblings and how much he cared for them. There was still plenty they both held back but it was alright. It was a start and gently they would ease into it. They were easing into it.

He was so easy to talk to. Bonnie hadn't had such a free-flowing conversation with anyone in years. Klaus made her laugh and snort. He was deeply intelligent and contemplative. His thousand years had been well spent gleaning knowledge from different sources. They talked until the sky dulled into a murky pink and crickets sang to welcome the night.

"I have to go to bed soon," Bonnie sounded regretful. It pleased him so much to know she enjoyed speaking with him that much. "I have a class by 8am tomorrow."

They had talked for nearly four hours.

"Would you like me to be the bad influence that tells you to blow it off?" He teased pouring another glass of bourbon.

"Yes!" She grinned.

"Unfortunately, I won't. I can't keep you from your sleep. Let it be known that I am sorely tempted though," Klaus spoke against the rim of his glass.

"Such a gentleman," She cooed.

"Not at all little witch," He retorted.

"I want to know more about you Klaus," Bonnie admitted lightly. "Not who everyone tells me you are."

"I want that too," His voice was hoarse. "I want to know you Bonnie Bennett."

"Then court me."