6

A/N: All I have to say is this: remember canon? Yeah, throw that shit away.


Bastianna Natale considered herself a good person. When it was necessary. Good and bad were fuzzy and wavering concepts. It was about perspective and results. For her good meant honouring the task she'd been given as a servant of nature. Her duty was to her coven and the ancestors who gave them their power. Some things they asked of her were not easy. The temptation to question them lingered. But their ways always proved advantageous for them at the end of the day. Choices were made for survival. Hard and easy ones. In the end it wasn't really about what was good or what was bad.

It was about what was natural and what was not. Keeping the balance.

She was chopping up vegetables in her kitchen when Katie, her protégé, arrived with news of the errand she'd been sent on.

"Have you contacted them?" She asked.

The young witch nodded, "They said they'd arrive within a week."

"Good," Bastianna plucked an herb from the bunch and sliced it off the stalk. "And you're certain no one saw you?"

"I cloaked myself," Katie assured. She fiddled with her hands wanting to ask a question but unsure if it would be welcome.

"Spit it out," the elder was impatient with her fidgetiness.

"Isn't this treason?" Katie scratched her elbow nervously. "If the Regent finds out -,"

"You'll do well to keep your mouth shut Katie," Bastianna warned, stabbing the knife into the chopping board startling the younger witch. "There are things that must be done for the good of the coven. I taught you that but clearly you need the refresher."

"No, I understand," Katie quickly said. "I'm just worried what will happen if we get caught."

"We won't," Bastianna assured. "The ancestors are on our side."

"Are they really?" Katie muttered looking away.

Bastianna didn't answer. She removed the knife and continued chopping away.

"Elder Veronique came earlier to meet you. I told her you were not around like you said," Katie reported.

Bastianna tried not to sneer. The Algiers elder had been trying to meet with her for a few days now, poking her nose in matters that didn't concern her. All she had to do was hold her off until everything was done with. The elder communed with the supreme bitch and she didn't want to risk any word reaching her.

"There was a message from the council representative. There's a meeting set for Wednesday," Katie informed.

Bastianna nodded, "Thank you. Note it in my calendar and take the rest of the day off."

"T-thank you," Katie stuttered then rushed out of the kitchen feeling happy and guilty to be away from her mentor for the moment. Bastianna had been acting odd recently; secret meetings at night and making strange potions she locked away from view. She had never really been very talkative in the past but now she kept to herself even more. She was hiding something.

The strangest had been what she requested of Katie earlier that day: send a message to some siphoners asking them to meet. Working with them was unheard amongst witches who practically shunned them. Now her mentor wanted to meet with some?

Working under Bastianna was meant to be an honour. Every year the elders of her coven picked a few witches to mentor personally and that honour had fallen onto Katie this year. It was the first time her mother looked at her with any semblance of pride. She didn't want to mess that up by making the elder angry or doubt her. But the things she'd seen, the things she was doing. They didn't match up with what she'd been taught all her life. But what other choice did she have? She was still an amateur witch. There were many things Katie didn't know yet. For now, it would be best to just trust her mentor. Trust that she was doing the right thing.

If Bastianna said the ancestors were on their side, that was what she would believe.


Bonnie packed up her books relieved that her final class of the day was done with. Ethics wasn't her favourite class but she got good grades in it all the same. Her dance class had been cancelled due to construction in the studio so that left her with a big gaping hole in her schedule.

She could go home and practice her magic. She'd already started a second book of shadows since the first was now completely full of all the spells she'd mastered already. Cordelia was impressed, telling her that most witches couldn't finish a whole book within three years. Especially since she only came into her powers at 17. The perks of her elite bloodline helped but Bonnie herself was a hard worker and passionate about the craft.

Sometimes it made her feel phony knowing that the majority of her strength came from being a Bennett. Perhaps she'd have just been any other average witch if she were born with a different last name. But Cordelia shot that down quickly.

"Not all Bennett witches are born prodigies. Plenty of your relatives remained mediocre and died that way," the Supreme explained. "In fact, my clan was considered unremarkable to many but I became a supreme. It's two-fold my dear. Your bloodline helps immensely, but it's up to you to decide the witch you want to become."

Words she took to heart.

"Bonnie Hopkins?" Bonnie turned to see a pretty red head address her.

She'd registered in the university under her father's name. She and Cordelia decided it would be best to keep her Bennett heritage a secret for now.

"Clara, right?" Bonnie tested.

The girl nodded, "Yup that's me. I wanted to ask for your notes from last week. I missed the class due to a doctor's appointment. I see you around sometimes and noticed you don't seem to miss any classes."

"Sure," Bonnie agreed. "If you give me your email then I can send them to you."

Clara grinned, "Awesome." she scribbled her email on a piece of paper and handed it to her. "You're a lifesaver."

"It's no big deal," Bonnie dismissed with a smile. "I'll see you around then."

"Alright cool," Clara bounced away in the other direction. She'd seen the redhead a few times but they'd never spoken before. Bonnie made her way to the quad planning to hit the coffee shop for an iced coffee when she felt a tingle at the base of her spine. She paused subtly glancing around until she pinpointed the location. There was a tall dark-haired man trying very carefully to tail her without getting caught. He looked normal enough but she could see what others didn't.

Vampire.

One was following her.

She took a deep breath and continued walking to make sure she wasn't just paranoid. She went past the bulletin board pretending to grab a flyer for a slam poetry night and waited for a few minutes then turned back to the building she just left. Sure enough, he followed.

From what she knew, all the vampires in the city answered to Marcel. But this one didn't feel like the regular vampires she knew. There was something else coating the familiar crimson aura she'd associated with them. And why was this one following her? Bonnie muttered a protection spell and walked quicker hoping to lead him away from the path of the innocent bystanders.

She walked to the other end of the old Liberal Arts building since it was usually empty. The vampire was a few paces behind her pretending like he was going to walk towards the Science building. Bonnie waited until she was sure no one could see them then instantly cast a barrier spell over the two of them, waved her hand to pin him against the stone wall trapping him there.

"Who sent you?" She demanded hoping to sound intimidating even though her heart was pounding.

The vampire struggled against the invisible hold but she was strong. "My sire," He managed to choke out.

"Who is your sire?" Bonnie squeezed her fist making the pressure increase on his throat.

"Klaus!" He choked.

What? Why would he send a vampire to her?

"I'm your protection!" He spoke further still struggling against her hold. "I'm your bodyguard! Call him and ask him if you don't believe me."

Bonnie frowned, taken aback by his words. "Why would Klaus send a vampire to watch me?"

"I'm a hybrid!"

Klaus had sent a hybrid to watch over her? No wonder he felt like more than a vampire. He was half werewolf.

She was still very suspicious but she loosened her hold still keeping him pinned but not choking him any longer. With her eyes still locked on the hybrid, Bonnie dialled Klaus' number. They'd been speaking so much during the past two days that his number was already on her favourites list.

She called and it took just two rings before he answered.

"Bonnie, wonderful to hear from you earlier than expected," his smooth voice sent a satisfying flutter through her but she ignored it in favour of the situation at hand.

"Did you send a hybrid to watch over me?"

There was silence on the other end. Bonnie worried that the answer was no so she geared up with a fire spell.

"Depends on why you're asking love," He spoke carefully.

She sighed, "Because I noticed him following me. I pinned him down with a spell and I am moments from setting him on fire so if you didn't send him, he's going to be BBQ in a few seconds."

"Well," Klaus drawled, sounding a tad too amused for her liking. "I have to say I'm impressed, love. It's not easy to take down a hybrid. I sent Dwayne over there to make sure you remained away from trouble." Feeling a weight lifted, Bonnie released the hybrid Dwayne, from the spell and removed the barrier. He fell to the ground moaning in relief.

Her own relief soon turned to annoyance though.

"Why exactly would you send a hybrid to watch over me?" Bonnie demanded.

"Because I have very little trust for the witches in this city and I'd prefer it if you were well protected," Klaus answered calmly. "Especially since you are associated with Cordelia and they don't exactly like her I'm told."

She could admit his concern was sweet. "But why didn't you tell me? I almost fried his ass." Dwayne winced at the insinuation.

"I didn't find it necessary at the time."

"You didn't find it necessary to tell me I have a rare supernatural creature as a bodyguard," Bonnie deadpanned. "Do you see how that could have backfired spectacularly?"

Admitting fault was not a particular strength of Klaus'. His brother Elijah was secure enough to humbly admit his wrongdoings but Klaus was not blessed with such a trait. He'd rather meander his opinion into being correct and justify himself rather confess to any wrongdoing. But he suspected that such an approach might not get him a positive response from Bonnie. So, in the spirit of compromise he would have to temper his usual habits. They had made such good progress in the past few days and he would not have that undone now. He felt lucky enough that she had agreed to court him.

"I see now," He said with the weariness of a thousand martyrs. "But in my defence, your safety is my priority. I have no doubt that you are formidable as you've proven already but precautions hurt no one. Courting you means proving I am a viable mate and keeping you secured is part of it."

"You could have just asked me."

"I had a feeling you'd say no." Well he had her there. She would have definitely refused a bodyguard. The witch could be quite strong-willed.

"Thank you," Bonnie said quietly, turning away from Dwayne's inquiring gaze. "Next time just tell me ok?"

She wanted to protest further. To fan the flames of her stubbornness into a blaze. But what would that accomplish? She could see his point and while not executed in the best manner it still stood. She'd grown enough to understand the importance of seeing all sides not just her own. His regard for her well-being was thoughtful and she appreciated it.

"You're most welcome love and I will," His voice took a low mellifluous quality. "Now, how can I make up for my blunder?"

She grinned. He'd sent her a first edition signed copy of East of Eden just the day before after she'd remarked that it was one of her favourite books. Bonnie didn't see what could beat that. "I don't know. What do you suggest?"

Klaus pretended to ponder, "How about... I take you to dinner? Tonight."

Bonnie gripped the strap of her bag, "That sounds lovely actually."

"Wonderful. I'll send Dwayne to pick you up by 8. Since he's gone and gotten himself spotted then perhaps the two of you might as well get acquainted." Bonnie turned back to the hybrid who smiled sheepishly.

"I'll see you then," She tried to temper the excitement in her voice before cutting the call. This would officially be their first date together. Their first meeting since he found her unconscious in the Bayou actually. The date made the courtship feel more tangible. Courtship, ha. That word made her feel like a heroine in a Jane Austen novel.

One with vampires and witches perhaps.

"Sorry for scaring you like that," Dwayne apologised finally speaking. "I was told to keep a distance."

Bonnie shook her head, "I'm so sorry too for nearly killing you. Your sire is just a bit of a control freak I'm learning."

Dwayne chuckled good-naturedly, "If it makes you feel better, you're the first witch who's ever made me. I've passed several already today."

She was surprised since he was almost hard to miss, "Really?"

He nodded, "Hybrids are pretty good at sneaking around. The werewolf side significantly decreases the warning sensation you'd normally get from any regular vampire. Witches can tell after maybe a few hours after very close contact. I'd been following you just this morning and you picked me up pretty quickly."

That was an interesting tidbit. It made sense since werewolves were seen as natural and therefore more tolerable to witches than vampires. She'd surely have to speak with Cordelia about it. But now all that was on her mind was going home and getting ready for her date.

"Dwayne you know where I live don't you?" Bonnie asked.

The hybrid looked guilty, "Yes." How else did Klaus expect him to watch her so effectively?

"Good. You're taking me home but first we're stopping for milkshakes. I trust you can pay for it," She declared bouncing back to the quad with newly discovered energy. Dwayne raised an eyebrow watching her strut away. If this witch was meant to be his Alpha's mate then surely Klaus might have met his match.


Dwayne back came to pick her up at exactly 7pm sharp. Bonnie had wrecked her closet for an hour looking for something appropriate to wear. She'd caved in and called Caroline over Facetime, who like the loyal and fashion educated friend she was, directed her to pick the chiffon knee length dress and brown suede wedges. The blonde had pressed for details of her date but Bonnie managed to get away with letting her believe it was some guy from one of her classes. Caroline made excited noises and squeals, demanding for details when it was over.

She wasn't exactly sure how to tell her best friend she was partially mated with the Original Hybrid. Bonnie wasn't even sure if Caroline knew who that was. Her introduction in everything supernatural was due to the fact that Damon Salvatore had disgustingly made her an unwilling blood donor. The Salvatore brothers didn't exactly bring them all up to speed on the supernatural world. Everything Bonnie learnt was on her own after coming to NOLA. It was clear that they knew of the Originals since Klaus was the reason their girl Katherine was missing in the first place.

At first Bonnie had felt bad leaving human Caroline alone in Mystic Falls after everything that happened. Sure, life was relatively back to normal for her friends but anything could happen. Stefan and Damon were live wires ready to snap at any moment. Who knew the chaos that would follow them?

At least she'd given Caroline a spelled ring and gotten her hooked on vervain before she left.

Cordelia had taken the news of their date with a lopsided smile and wink, teasing her about coming home before midnight. It felt good that she was trying for Bonnie's sake. She was an adult and entitled to do what she wanted but having Cordelia's approval meant a lot. The supreme was certain that Klaus wouldn't hurt Bonnie. Not deliberately at least.

"You look really good," Dwayne commented when she got into the car.

"Thanks," Bonnie blushed.

Their drive to the compound was in easy silence. When they arrived, she was surprised that everywhere was fairly empty. The last time she was here vampires swarmed the place from top to bottom. It made her feel uncomfortable then so she was grateful now.

"He's waiting inside," Dwayne directed.

"Aren't you coming in?" She asked, grabbing her purse.

"No," He said simply before driving away.

Bonnie inhaled mentally psyching herself up then walked in through the doors of the Abattoir. Klaus was right there; he stood in front of the stairwell looking absolutely handsome in a pair of black slacks and a black cashmere sweater. She felt her mouth dry up and willed words to finally escape her so she wouldn't just stand there like a mute idiot.

"Hi."

A lazy smile crossed his features, "Hello to you too."

"Have you been standing there waiting for me all this time?" Bonnie managed to summon the courage to take a few steps forward.

"Would it excite you if I said yes?" He asked moving closer until they were nearly chest to chest. The ache in her chest had dulled into a pleasant flutter. Their proximity was to thank for that.

She shrugged, "Maybe. I'm not very vain." Her words were airy but they both knew it was an act. Her heart was pounding like a freight train about to hit a dam. Every blood vessel in her was bounding with pressure. How could he make her feel so calm and jumpy at the same time?

"You look quite delectable," Klaus purred taking in her appearance. She wore minimal makeup, not that she truly needed it, allowing her skin to remain fresh and her natural scent pull through. If he were not a thousand years old, he might have lost control and released his fangs. Her smooth neck was on display, the rich blood calling out to him from the large throbbing vein that went down her collarbone. Green eyes glittering like rare stars on display. It truly was a mystery how he'd allowed himself to be away from her for so long.

"Ditto," She replied. "How come it feels empty here?"

"I decided that we would not be disturbed," He grabbed her hand leading her away from the foyer.

Bonnie brushed her shoulder against his arm, "Oh ok. So, we're completely alone?"

"I wouldn't say that. Just minimally surrounded," He answered vaguely. Demi was asleep in her bedroom guarded by Rebekah. His brother and son had gone out. Lourdes and Killian were enjoying their personal time. The night walkers were out on a hunt while some were on patrol. He wanted to have as much privacy with Bonnie as he could manage.

"So no other hybrids lying in wait?" She asked dryly.

His mouth twitched, "Sorry love, Dwayne is the only one for now. Apart from me of course."

Klaus led her through a terrace door to see a beautifully decorated garden with fairy lights, a table prepared for two complete with candles, rose petals sprinkled on the ground and all the works. Fireflies roamed freely dancing over her head much to her delight.

"They sense your magic," He explained.

"This is all so pretty," She remarked taking it all in. "You didn't have to do all of this for me."

Klaus chuckled, "Once you get to know me, you'll realize this is only the tip of the iceberg." He'd planned to overwhelm her with more gifts and gestures but restrained himself for her sake. The witch wasn't used to such extravagance but in time he would temper her down so she could enjoy all the fine things he was eager to provide her with.

He pulled a chair for her to sit. She accepted gracefully, "You know, I didn't think you'd be like this."

"How?" He questioned taking his own seat. It was a moot point since he knew exactly what she was referring to.

Bonnie shrugged with a thoughtful look, "Romantic."

"I am a man of many layers," Klaus answered simply uncorking a bottle of wine. She pushed her glass forward so he could pour some. It was a ridiculously old and expensive vintage she couldn't even pronounce. It tasted lovely all the same.

"It sounds like it might take me a lot of work to unpeel them all," She licked her lips to savour the taste.

"Perhaps," He said with an unreadable look. There was plenty lurking within him. Plenty he was sure his witch might not find pleasant to behold. Things he wasn't ashamed of but should have been if he were normal. How would Bonnie take it? Yes, they were mates but that didn't mean the process would be automatically smooth sailing. There was a chance she would fight and drag it if she decided that she didn't want him.

Klaus was certain he would eventually wear her down if that were the case but the time and effort in doing so would only serve to frustrate them both. He was a patient man and he did enjoy games, but he was also greedy and used to instant gratification.

He had no intention of slowly waiting to attain Bonnie Bennett when he could have her now.

"I understand enough," Bonnie trailed the stem of her glass. "In another set of circumstances, you might even be the villain of my story."

"That is certainly a part I've come to inhabit many times," Klaus leaned back, draping himself over his chair with the grace of a panther. The grey and black lingered over him like a floating crown. She shivered.

"But right now, being here with you feels right," Bonnie admitted looking down at the tablecloth. "I'm not sure how much of that is the bond and how much is just you. Being with you just feels so good." Mates were two parts of a whole. They complemented and completed each other. Like two or more puzzles fitting together. There was always a reason for it and to their knowledge so far, there were no mistakes.

His wolf howled with joy at her admission. From the moment she entered the compound, the heavy ache in him settled. Their bond was steadying into permanency, he could feel it. Soon it would become woven tight into an unbreakable bridge.

"I wish I could hold your hand through the Quarter for everyone to see," The emotions going through Bonnie were immensely foreign to her. She'd never felt this sense of urgency to belong to anyone before. It made what she felt for Jeremy puppy love and she'd known him all her life.

Klaus was new to her yet she needed this man...this creature to consume every inch of her.

"There are those who would disagree with it," Klaus could not help the bitterness that seeped through his tone. Being a walking magical loophole garnered him plenty of enemies. That was even before all the killing and maiming he'd done was put in consideration. He would try his best to keep their mating and courtship a secret but there was no certainty for how long.

"Nature always finds a way to maintain the balance," She continued. "So, if this is allowed to happen, then surely it must in tandem with the laws of nature, right?"

There was a point there. But he didn't want to dwell on it tonight. Tonight, he wanted to pour his attention solely on her and soak up all of hers.

"How do you feel about duck?" He swiftly and skilfully changed the topic. Bonnie noticed the deflection but didn't press. It was a heavy topic and she understood his apprehension. From all the gathered he'd battled with the spirits since he was turned. His very nature was unnatural by their decree.

Instead she grinned, "I've never had it. Is it good?"

"You, my dear, are in for a treat," Klaus promised picking up a tiny bell from the table and ringing it. Instantly a man came in with two plates carefully balanced and laid them in front of the two diners. The tray was opened immediately assaulting her senses, both visual and nasal, with the most enticing dish she'd ever beheld.

"What is this?" She could not keep the delight from her voice.

"Roast duck with port wine and figs," Klaus stated, wiping his cutlery with a napkin.

"That sounds way too fancy," Bonnie chuckled, picking up her own fork. Her excitement was infectious and he found himself smiling at her reactions. Was this how it would be? Every little action of hers making him jump like an excited puppy? The thought was both disconcerting and delightful.

"So good," She moaned at the first bite.

"I'm glad you like it," Klaus watched her pleased with her reaction. The chef who prepared the meal had been from one of the best French restaurants in the city, paid generously and compelled within an inch of his life to ensure discretion of course. Good to know he didn't have to rip the man's head off for cooking a terrible meal.

It didn't even occur to her to be self-conscious. For all intents and purposes, eating in front of a hot guy was no easy feat. But the food was far too good to be caught up in patriarchal infused pangs of shame. Klaus certainly didn't mind. In fact, he seemed to enjoy watching her eat. His denim blue eyes followed every bite, the way her throat moved as she swallowed, the pink of her tongue licking away the sweet sauce. Everything she did was mesmerizing.

"You aren't hungry?" Bonnie asked, noticing that he'd barely touched his own plate.

"Not for this," He said candidly. If only she had an idea of what really made his mouth water...

"Human food isn't very filling for you is it?" She sipped the wine.

"It's more of an indulgence than requirement. It's like chewing gum; it's all taste but no substance," Klaus explained. "Alcohol has more of an effect. It dulls the cravings to an extent." Not that it really worked for him. He was old enough that it was more of a habit than anything.

Bonnie snorted, "That explains a lot. All the vampires I know are alcoholics." Technically she only knew two personally but Damon especially was never without a drink in his hand since the time she'd day met him.

His eyes darkened at the mention of other vampires. In gathering everything about her life, he was unpleasantly surprised to find that the Salvatore brothers had once again made their way back to Mystic Falls. It of course had to do with a doppelgänger as history always repeated itself. He left Elena Gilbert, the latest one, alone for now since he had no plan to make any new hybrids. In due time he would present her with the same deal he'd given her predecessor. Hopefully, the girl was smart enough to take it.

Klaus made sure to punish their first lover, that bitch Katherine, for her part in delaying his transformation the first time around. She had presented Daisy Flemming hoping it would appease him into forgiveness but Klaus enjoyed his grudges. He was similar to nuns that way.

The brothers weren't threats, they were more like annoying ants but the idea that they had come into contact with his mate sent a flair of black rage through the hybrid. Especially since they had caused her sadness.

"Ah, the Salvatore brothers," He muttered in well-concealed rage.

Bonnie's eyes widened slightly, "You know them? Do you keep tabs on all the vampires ever made or what?"

Klaus chuckled at her hasty question, "No love. I just happened to have a particular history with those two."

Her cheeks burned, "Right, sorry that was stupid of me to assume. You know them from when you broke your curse in Mystic Falls?" She remembered the story Cordelia told her.

"Yes," He answered simply. "They were nuisances as usual."

"Those nuisances are the reason my grandmother is dead," Bonnie said grimly. Damon was an asshole and a half but Stefan was the one she felt most betrayed by. Sheila seemed to know and trust him. It was because of him she agreed to do the spell. The younger had apologized to her somewhat sincerely but the resentment was still firmly tucked within her. It didn't help that her best friend still had no problem frolicking with them.

Bonnie and Elena were fractured that night. Sure, they managed to remain friendly through their high school graduation and freshman to sophomore year but the pieces were breaking away in slow peels. That was one of the reasons it wasn't hard to leave when Cordelia came calling. Their lives were upended the moment she spotted Stefan's hot back.

Logically, Bonnie knew now that something supernatural would have made its way into her life eventually. She was a witch and that fact couldn't be hidden forever.

But blame needed to be tacked onto something and the brothers made the perfect candidates.

The unpleasant thoughts were interrupted when she felt Klaus grab her hand. The motion relaxed her, pushing away all the hurt and filling her with calm. His touch relaxed her. Hers did the same for him.

"One word from you and I can serve their heads on pikes," Klaus said seriously. The bright blue irises faded leaving the familiar intense gold in their wake. He meant what he said. He would wring their pathetic hearts like necklaces if she so desired.

"There's no need for that," She assured, feeling both pleased and overwhelmed by the sentiment. Then guilty all of a sudden. He had just offered to kill people for her and she was happy about it. Gosh, didn't that make her a terrible person? But the thought of him avenging on her behalf was so... intoxicating. To be defended wholeheartedly. Still, she didn't enjoy unnecessary killing. Elena was still her friend even if they were on the outs and she wouldn't do that to her.

Bonnie squeezed reciprocating, "Thank you for offering though."

He nodded, bringing her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. It sent shudders from her head to her feet.

"Come. I want to show you something," Klaus stood still holding her hand and she followed suit. They walked up the stairs, past several rooms to a study. Inside was a canvas covered with a cloth. On the desk was a sketchbook, pieces of charcoal and several pencils scattered. Bonnie eyed them curiously, "You draw?"

"I dabble," Klaus said modestly. "Here."

He pulled away the cloth to reveal a painting. It was her. It was a painting of her lying in bed, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber and hair flowing behind her. Bonnie gasped. She looked completely ethereal, like a goddess laid to rest. For a moment she didn't want to believe it was her. The person she saw painted was too beautiful, too untouchable. She was neither of those things. But it seemed that was how he saw her.

Klaus watched her reaction earnestly. He had painted it the day she left after the attack. The image of her sleeping in his bed was burned into his memory. His fingers itched to immortalize it somewhere else.

"What do you think?" He asked quietly.

She bit her lip facing him, "I don't know what to say."

This new relationship of yours will be nothing like you've ever experienced. You will be sharing parts of your body, mind and soul with this partner that you have never revealed to anyone before and vice versa.

"So much is happening between us in so little time," Bonnie's lips trembled. "I'm so excited and frightened by it all."

Klaus placed both arms around her waist pulling her body towards his. Her scent wafted in his nostrils, so potent. It was divine. His large hands covered her small. Bonnie melted into his embrace tucking her head underneath his chin. His hard chest pillowed her head giving her comfort that she had never imagined or wanted.

"I want you like I've never wanted anyone before," He revealed. The words were heavy with truth. He coveted for her to be in his possession like the lungs craved oxygen. Such need was an outlandish concept in the past. He had his family, he had his hybrids, he had his fortress, he had his kingdom.

But he needed her.

Bonnie inhaled then shifted to look him right in the eye, "I don't think I can stay away from you."

Klaus cupped her chin towards him, "Good." He roughly pressed his lips onto hers. The kiss was an electrifying spectrum of passion that could not be properly described. In that moment everything within her came alive and alert, responding to the currents that surrounded her. Even her magic shot out with tiny bursts of power sending her heart and head thumping.

Bonnie moaned, flattening her hands on his shoulders steadying him to her embrace. His lips were soft and demanding, burying into her mouth and eager to take what he wanted. One hand went to the nape of her neck puppeteering her head to the position he wanted. The other gripped her ass rapacious with want. Heat pooled in her southern region as she felt him hardening in response. Her back hit the wall.

She didn't even realize they'd been walking backwards.

Klaus grinded on her, releasing a tiny whimper from her lips. He pressed himself directly against her centre. Bonnie dug her nails into his clothed back. His lips freed from hers allowing her to take a much-needed breath, then attached themselves to her neck kissing and sucking the unblemished skin. The aroma of her blood was unlike he'd ever scented before. His fangs itched to bury themselves and drink until he thirsted no more but he held back. He had to, for now.

He hooked his hands behind her knees prompting her to jump and wrap herself around his waist. Bonnie buried his fingers in his blonde curls, closing her eyes to enjoy the sensation of his mouth on her neck.

"Spend the night with me," Klaus all but begged. His voice was thick with want. He couldn't let her go. Not anymore. Fuck all his waiting and gentlemanly behaviour.

Bonnie wanted to scream yes from the top of her longs. But restraint slithered like a silent headmistress to dampen her fire. "I-I want to. But I don't think I'm ready for sex yet." Sex with the hybrid would definitely include biting. Biting would complete the second part of the mating bond. The final part would be when they mated directly underneath the full moon.

"I understand," It seemed he would still have to remain gentlemanly. The disappointment was there but Klaus knew she deserved better than a quick rut in his study. She deserved to be taken on a bed of the finest silks and linens.

He frowned. He was beginning to sound like one of those ridiculous men in Rebekah's secret romance novels.

"I just need you beside me," He dropped her to her feet once more. "Just spend the night by my side."

"Ok," Bonnie whispered, placing her arms around his shoulders. She wanted that. The thought of going back to the mansion to sleep alone in her cold room sounded unbearable.

Klaus kissed her forehead hugging her close. Tomorrow, he would properly introduce her to his family. She would meet Demi. He would embed her into every aspect of his life slowly and surely. She was his.

He would never let her go.


"Ma'am, your visitor is here," Bernard notified Cordelia.

"Send him in," She directed, closing the grimoire she had been consulting. A moment later, Elijah Mikealson strolled into her office with his usual imposing and majestic air.

"Miss. Vasquez. Wonderful to see you again," He greeted with a polite but sincere smile.

Cordelia grinned standing up to hug him, "Please stop with all the formality. We've known each other too long. I do have to apologise for my display the other day."

"Nonsense," He dismissed. "You were rightly worried about your girl. An action no one could blame you for."

She pulled away going back to her chair, "Now, what do you have for me? I assume you're here in connection with the girl."

Elijah took a seat crossing his legs elegantly, "Demetria, yes. I managed to track down the name of the mother. Marianne Leclerq was a witch with the French Quarter coven seven years ago. She died after giving birth to a daughter. The child was unnamed and sent into the foster care system as there were no relatives to claim her. The father was unknown." He handed the Supreme a file containing all he'd collected.

"Poor child," Cordelia felt a wave of sympathy. She made a note to bring up Marianna's name during the council meeting to see how the elders of that coven would react.

"The girl went missing a few months after she turned one, kidnapped from the home of her foster parents. She was never found allegedly and the case never went further due to the incompetence of the police," Elijah couldn't help but sneer. Demi was an innocent child who deserved none of what happened to her.

"I assume that's when she was taken by the siphoners?" Cordelia flipped a page.

He nodded, "Yes. I also found something interesting; Marianna had several issues with fertility before giving birth to her daughter. The medical records show the woman spent thousands on treatments that didn't work. She did make one notable payment to a woman named Mallory Benson, a pharmacy technician. That was the last one before she finally got pregnant."

"You think that's the necromancer?" Cordelia's eyes glittered with intrigue.

The Original smirked, "Right after the payment, Mallory disappeared from New Orleans. Her identity was false. Whoever this necromancer, she's a wanderer. I found similar patterns in Houston, Boston, New York and Seattle. New Orleans was her last known location." His network was no laughing matter. There was no information he couldn't solicit from any corner of the earth.

"So, she offers her services in a city then moves away after it's done," Cordelia mused.

"Most likely to avoid the consequences of side effects she never informed her clients about," He added. "I believe whatever she did for Marianna to finally get a baby is what caused her death."

"Soul anchoring," Cordelia stated, opening back the grimoire to show Elijah the spell she'd been researching. "It's when one being anchors a piece of their soul to another allowing them to live. It's risky and difficult but can be done in very rare cases." It was the most likely spell used by a necromancer to keep a baby alive. It was a very old spell that had been used a few times in the past. The number of successes could be counted on both fingers.

"It requires the soul of a very powerful being to work. The only thing that doesn't seem to make sense is that for Demi to still be alive, barring the hex, Marianna must have been powerful enough to anchor her soul. A witch that powerful shouldn't have died."

Elijah looked at her in contemplation, "Then perhaps it was not her birth mother's soul that was used as an anchor."

"Then the question is this; whose soul did they use to anchor Demi?"


Klaus and Bonnie are moving faster than my Wi-Fi but I can't say I blame them. We learn more about Demi's mysterious birth. In the next chapter, Bonnie and Demi will finally meet! The MF gang will eventually make an appearance because I'm mean like that...