Possession

by maevelin

She belonged to him, she was his possession, his wife, but how could she feel drawn to the man she should hate? He knows that if he lets her in she would become his greatest weakness but she has awakened his heart. An arranged marriage between two rival mafia families is just the beginning. AU/AH

4. Choose your poison

A/N : So here is -finally- the next update. Those that have seen the author's note I have posted some days ago know the reasons for the lack of updates this last year. As I have said due to some personal problems of mine my stories were left behind.

In any case when it comes to this story and this update... originally the chapter was a lot bigger. 30.000 words. However most people believed (and voted) that it would be better for me to break it in two parts so here is the first part of the chapter.

Thank you all for your patience and your understanding.

The next part of the chapter will be called: "Out of the Blue and into the Black" and it will be posted next Friday.

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Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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Warning: M rated story that includes dark themes. In this chapter there is one scene that has some non-con elements.

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As always many thanks to my amazing beta Anastasia Dreams. This story wouldn't be the same without her help!

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Previously in Possession:

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Two rival mafia families, the Mikaelsons and the Salvatores, decide to unite their forces against a common threat with the marriage of their children.

In order to save Matt, the man she is in love with, Caroline Salvatore is forced to marry the son of Mikael.

She walks down the aisle and against her will marries an unknown man she despises and fears. Her whole life changes. Her father is dead, her brothers gave her away to their enemies and now she is the wife of NiKlaus Mikaelson.

At their wedding reception she gets closer to him with a kiss and a dance. All the time she is aware that his family is dangerous and that she is caught in a lethal web that could endanger her life. Now inside the lion's den she comes to realize that Klaus is the most dangerous of them all. He uses intimidation and seduction and she finds herself drawn to him.

Klaus is the eldest son of the Mikaelson family. Finn and Elijah are dead and now he is the heir to Mikael's throne.

Klaus finds that Caroline is the perfect pawn. His marriage with her ensures him more power and influence. He has his own ghosts from the past to deal with and he doesn't believe in love. But soon he realizes that he is attracted to her light and innocence. He finds himself enjoying her presence and is intrigued by her.

Klaus' siblings, Kol and Rebekah, decide to make Caroline's life difficult. Caroline has no one to turn to as she doesn't want to have anything to do with her own brothers ever again. She is desperate and hates them for the fact that they have sold her to Klaus and his hostile family like she was an object and not a person.

Stefan Salvatore feels bad for what he has done, but now Caroline rejects him and their family.

Damon Salvatore, now the head of the Salvatore family, has promised to also marry Rebekah even though he is in love with his brother's wife Elena. Rebekah on the other hand doesn't want to marry Damon (even though she finds him attractive) and is determined to find a way to get herself out of her impending fate. Kol allies with her since Damon is his own personal nemesis.

Mikael has put Caroline under his protection, but he expects her to be an obedient wife to his son. Esther Mikaelson keeps inspecting Caroline from a distance.

While the reception continues there is plotting by unknown players taking place and someone is stalking Caroline from afar.

At their wedding night Klaus tries to reach out to Caroline, but she is cold and keeps him at a distance. He warns her that she now belongs to him and claims her as his possession and wife. He starts a game of seduction that momentarily makes Caroline desire for more, but he knows that deep down she is unwilling and he lets her go. She is stunned when he doesn't take advantage of her and by the fact that he stopped without going any further.

Klaus, after declaring to her that she is now his, leaves her alone and untouched in their bedroom.

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Songs used as inspiration for this chapter :

Nino Rota - Waltz (From The Godfather Soundtrack) & Love is Hard by James Morrisson.

Chapter 4 : Choose your poison

And it kicks so hard it breaks your bones.

Cuts so deep it hits your soul.
Tears your skin and makes your blood flow.

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Klaus carelessly threw his jacket at the table and went straight to the liquor cabinet. He poured whiskey in a glass and slammed it down ignoring the burning in his throat. He went for a refill.

After that his vest and his bow tie ended up with his jacket. He looked around and tried to calm himself.

Books, paintings, brushes and palettes were all around the room, on drawing tables, in chairs and on the floor. Large bookcases were covering all the walls. There were no windows.

This place was his sanctuary. No one was allowed to come in except him. It was the place where he could still be himself. Where he would leave the gun and start drawing endlessly. Usually the result would be some form of dark art. Black and crimson shades. Ever since he lost her he couldn't paint anything else. All his work was turning out dark and gloomy like his soul.

Right now though he wasn't in that room in order to read or paint. He wasn't there to think of her. He was there because of a girl with bright green eyes and silky blond hair. He was there because he wanted to smash and destroy.

He wanted to scream in rage. This shouldn't have happened. Right now his beautiful bride should be sprawled underneath him writhing with pleasure and he should be claiming what was rightfully his to claim. And yet something in her eyes made him spare her. He never once had a woman against her will before and he wasn't going to start with Caroline, but damn he wanted her!

They hardly knew each other, but his body's reactions were obvious. Painfully obvious he thought as he tried to calm himself and ignore the heat he was feeling. What was angering him the most was that without taking her tonight their marriage was legally void.

He would have to correct that little detail soon. Caroline was now in his grasp. He would never let her go and she didn't have a chance to escape him. If she would translate his little act of good will for weakness he would have to teach her the hard way how wrong and dangerous an assumption like that was. He could not allow her to believe that she could manipulate him in any way, but it would be a shame to hurt someone as beautiful as her. He didn't want to snuff her fire out.

He had committed many sins in his life, but dragging an unwilling woman in his bed was not one of them and he wasn't going to begin now.

It was so hard to resist temptation though.

She was perfect, he could give her that. Perfect face, perfect body, perfect eyes.

He sat on his leather chair and opened up the first buttons of his snow-white shirt, his breathing labored. His necklaces showing under the dim light.

She had something that he had never seen before. A light surrounded her. It was a strange sensation being around a creature as sweet and bright as her. It was a good thing that he was attracted to her. It would have been quite unpleasant to have a wife that did not turn him on.

He smiled at that. His anger and sexual frustration were replaced with something different. He would give her the time she needed. Seducing her would be a very pleasurable way to spent time with her. Before she would give in to him that is.

He would enjoy getting under her skin. Like he did tonight. Because she could deny it as much as she wanted, but for some moments even if her mind was fighting him, her body was surrendering. He could always detect a woman's desire when he saw it, and even more so when he felt it, and Caroline was a sensual being even if she didn't know it yet.

He would be more than happy to teach her. To have her discover all those hidden sides with him.

She was very young and very scared of him right now, but she was his. No one else was going to touch her ever again. And he would make sure she would learn to be content with that. If she were to give him a chance she would see that he was always very attentive with the things that belonged to him.

Besides there were no alternatives. She had to give herself to him. But he didn't want her to do it because she had to. His male ego was screaming at him now. He wanted her to want to be with him. Body and soul. He wanted her mind and her thoughts. Her heart she could keep. It was a useless acquirement after all.

This was an interesting turn of events. In the beginning he didn't care for what this marriage would be. Now he did. His hand started playing slowly with his glass. The golden liquid twirling inside. Caroline Mikaelson was in a deeper web than she originally thought. They both were. This attraction was complicating everything, but in the end it was there and he couldn't ignore it.

One night was enough for him to want to conquer her.

And he always got what he wanted. And now he wanted his wife.

He took a deep breath and then drank in one go the rest of his drink.

As always, when he was in this room, he took in his hands his sketch pad and paged through it until he found an empty page. A few moments later a pencil was in his hand leaving marks on the paper with soft and hard strokes.

The sound was soothing and he didn't pay much attention to the shapes coming to life on the paper.

It wouldn't be until the morning that he would realize that he had started making drawings of his wife.

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She was slipping further and further into the darkness. She didn't know where she was heading. All that she knew was that she couldn't stay in this place a minute longer. She didn't want to be trapped into this place that seemed more like a mausoleum than anything else. This marriage should have never happened. She should have never stood up next to Klaus upon that alter. She had to gain her freedom back.

The corridor seemed to be going on forever. She had to find her way out, to run and to go back to her life. She glanced down at herself and gulped. She didn't have anything else to wear other than that wedding dress that confined her body like a deadly trap. The back of the wedding dress was still open. She didn't have the time to fasten those buttons again. And she could still feel his finger touching her skin. She had to get out of here now.

She looked around as she kept walking. Paintings were hung on the walls. All whispering songs of blood and destruction. Black and crimson were the only colors that the tormented soul of the painter wanted to throw on the canvases. Those haunting images were following her every step. She was afraid to look directly at them. It was like they were calling to her.

She was afraid and she was lost. What if someone would find her trying to escape? What would happen to her then? What if her husband found her?

She held the bodice of her gown tighter in front of her chest.

She closed her eyes while scolding herself. That man was not her husband. He would never be.

She kept walking. She felt like danger lurked in her every step.

She suddenly stopped.

She looked at her right. There was a door and at the bottom of it a dim ray of light streamed though the crack. There were no other doors. Just walls and paintings that surrounded that wooden surface that seemed to be tempting her to open it.

Where was she? She looked behind her and then in front of her and her heart stopped. The corridor had no end and no beginning.

She would walk forever.

She heard laughter coming through that door. A woman was laughing and she sounded happy. How could someone be happy in a place like this?

Before she knew what she was doing her hand, as if it had a will of its own, reached for the doorknob. Her palm wrapped around the cold metal. Slightly turning it.

The door moved a little bit and the laughter stopped.

She could here whispers now, but she couldn't make out what they meant. She felt her heart beating faster and faster.

Before she knew it a hand wrapped around her waist and violently pulled her away from the door that now shut with a thud.

She screamed and struggled as she felt her blood turned to ice.

Before she knew it she was shoved to the opposite wall and her hands were pinned at her sides. The man that was now her husband was looking at her with a mad gaze that shone through the dark shadows.

"You shouldn't be here, never come here again!" Klaus roared.

His voice held such menace that she shivered. She whimpered and tried to move, but he held her tighter. She felt so cold and defenseless. He had caught her. Would she ever be able to escape?

His demeanor changed and she found herself unable to move as his one hand trapped her wrists above her head and the other started pulling her wedding dress of her body. The fabric was sliding from her body leaving her chest bare to his hungry gaze.

"Your place isn't here," he said as his lips feathered over her earlobe gently biting the tender flesh.

His body covered hers and all she could feel now was warmth that was turning into heat. The shadows seemed to be getting larger and scarier, devouring them both in their darkened mists.

"Your place is with me," he said, slowly kissing her neck. His hand caressing the curves of her naked skin.

She was burning. She was burning up. Heat was coming from every direction. Her mind clouded with a need she could not name. What was he doing to her?

She closed her eyes and moaned as his lips slowly moved on her neck. Her desire to run was leaving her. Her need to fight was diminishing.

She suddenly felt something wet slowly flowing down her back. She opened her eyes and turned her head slightly. Her back was resting on a painting.

The paint was melting. Black oil paint was flowing from the painting to her body and tainting the white of her dress that was now a pool of black silk and lace around her feet.

"Stop," she urged, but he didn't listen. Instead he kissed her hard and she tried to breathe, but it was impossible.

His hands were now covering her body and spreading the black thick paint all over her.

She heard that laughter coming through that door again. Everything around her was spinning and she was tormented by his kisses.

She tried to move, to push him away, but he wasn't stopping. The paint was sticking on her skin and devouring her pale complexion. It was like she was becoming part of the painting. Forever trapped.

Panic rushed through her veins.

"Please stop." She pleaded through his passionate kisses and he moved his head. His heated gaze was making her dizzy. Her head was pounding. Her feet shaking. The paint melting on her skin. The laughter from behind that door growing louder and louder until it was just a scream.

"Let me go," she begged him as her hands moved to try and hold on to something. She was falling.

She was falling into his arms.

"Never." His voice a threat and a promise as he kissed her again.

This time everything went silent and empty. No laughter. No fear. No hope. His hands holding her where she now belonged.

She would never be able to escape him. Never to leave him.

Never.

She woke up with a start, gasping as her heart thrummed under her ribcage. It was a nightmare. Just a bad dream. It wasn't real.

Her head was pounding and she felt lost as she woke up in the strange environment. She looked around at her new room and she sighed. Only it was not a nightmare. The wedding, the reception, Klaus Mikaelson were all real. She was married to him. She moved her rigid body until she sat up and leaned her back on the headboard of the huge king-sized bed. She looked around at the room that seemed so cold and unfamiliar to her. Everything in it looked expensive and soulless.

She rubbed her eyes and took deep breaths. She felt so tired. She hadn't slept for more than two hours and after that dream she wished she hadn't slept at all. Truth be told last night, even though she was physically and emotionally drained, she couldn't relax and she was scared to let herself fall asleep in the lion's den.

She looked at the wedding dress that was thrown on a chair. Her breath was caught as she remembered Klaus's hands unfastening the buttons. She stared at the elegant dress and she felt shame. For a moment she had felt all tingly and weak under his hands. A mix of desire and need. He was an experienced man and he was messing with her fear and her helplessness. She knew men like him. She had grown up with men like him. Fear and seduction was part of the game.

Even like that though, she was thankful that he didn't go any further. He could have. She wouldn't have been able to fend him off. She bit her lip and looked at the door. Last night after he left she half expected him to return. Considering his reputation that wasn't such an irrational fear.

He had let her go. More or less it would have been rape. But he had let her go. He strangely smelled her hair and it wounded her pride a little bit as she remembered the way she trembled for a moment in his hands, but he had let her go. Another place, another woman and all of that would have had a whole different outcome. But he let her go.

She closed her eyes. He was even more dangerous than she originally thought. He was buying his time knowing that she didn't have any other alternatives. He was prolonging what in his mind was something that would definitely happen sooner or later.

She frowned and opened her eyes. They didn't consummate the marriage. Didn't that mean that their marriage was illegal?

She tried to clear her thoughts. A part of her was still trying to find a way out of this mess.

Was there any or was it too late for her?

She sighed; today was supposed to be the first day of her new life and all she could think of was that she wanted to be anywhere but here.

With a supreme effort she picked up herself from bed.

The silk of the nightgown she was wearing moved along with her and she tried to steady her breath. Last night she didn't want to wear that wretched wedding dress any longer so after Klaus left –and after she felt like she was at least, for that night, safe and that he wouldn't return to finish what he had started– she took off the wedding dress only to realize that she didn't have anything else to wear. Her mind was numb and she hadn't thought of searching for anything else; she just had to wear something, so she wore the nightgown that was on the bed. Sleeping naked on that bed wasn't an option! That would never be an option. She tried to block away all the thoughts that kept telling her that sooner or later, maybe even tonight, she might have to do exactly that and much more than just that, while sharing that bed with the prince of mafia. But now she didn't want to think like that. Right now she looked at her reflection at the large mirror and cringed.

The nightdress was hugging her body like a second skin, revealing more skin than it covered and making her look like she was a tempting invitation for every man that would look at her like this. With her face flushed from sleep and her hair all messed up and with her body wrapped up as a provocative present she was a picture that she really hated. At least she hated being like this in here.

She felt like she was going to be sick. This was so wrong. Her first day as a married woman should have been totally different. She should be waking up in the arms of the man she loved and not all alone in a place she hated and afraid of what would come up next.

Barefoot and feeling something close to exhaustion she walked around the luxurious bedroom and she started looking around. This was going to be her new room, a place where supposedly she should be feeling comfortable. At least she should try to settle here.

She saw two doors that were strategically placed at the right and left side of the wall opposite to the bed, in a way that were not noticeable at first sight.

She went to the first one and saw that it led at a really large adjoining lavish bathroom. As she stepped inside she realized that it was actually enormous.

Gentle lights illuminated the room that was made of warm and cold natural elements: wood, granite and white, caramel and alabaster marbles. All blended in perfect harmony.

Big mirrors, a tray with small candles, plush rugs. The details screamed of luxury but surprisingly they were not over the top.

Three wide marble steps led to a wooden deep, large, sunken bathtub that was placed in one side. There was also a separate shower room with glass doors. Along the walls there was wooden paneling and some renaissance paintings that captured beautiful blond women in their depths.

She shuddered as she remembered her dream. What is it with this house and paintings in every corner?

She looked around a little bit more and saw that at one side there was also a table and a chaise lounge along with some bathroom furniture and vanities. She lifted her head and saw a chandelier and some angled skylights.

She huffed in annoyance. This whole room screamed of unnecessary luxury and it was starting to get on her nerves. She had grown up in a house like this once, but during the few months she had gotten used to living in her small, cozy apartment near the college. And this bathroom was basically larger than the whole place she was living just days before.

She angrily took her nightdress of and went into the shower. She huffed again in annoyance as she saw the shower panel with its many buttons and she immediately started pressing the buttons so hard that she could have broken them. After a while hot water splashed all over her skin. She stood immobilized there letting the water and reality wash over her. This was her life now. She was married to Klaus. She was never going to go back to what her life used to be some days before. She was alone and there was no way out of this.

For the first time after her father died and she was forced into this she let the tears fall and before she knew it they became a flood.

How was she going to survive this?

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Men with black suits and vests were occupying the large office. Their presence was making it seem smaller somehow. Hateful glances were exchanged but no one dared to speak out loud. Years of blood were coming to an end as the unholy alliance between the two families declared last night and started today. A new dawn.

Klaus Mikaelson married Caroline Salvatore the night before and today was time to get down to business. It wouldn't be easy nor clean.

The heads of the greatest Mafia families were in that office today trying to settle old scores. The status quo had changed. From powerful enemies they had to be converted to useful allies and that was proving to be quite a challenge.

With the death of Giuseppe Salvatore still covering them like a dark cloud the allies of the Salvatore family were divided. They wanted to blindly prove their allegiance to Damon, but most of them didn't trust him to be the leader his father was. Damon was impulsive and reckless. Stefan was more like Giuseppe, but was soft. It all came down to how Damon would handle his new given power. The fact than none of them trusted the Mikaelsons wasn't helping Damon's case either.

On the other hand all those that were serving Mikael were sensing a change in the air. The patriarch of the Mikaelson family was losing ground and power was changing hands. Elijah was trustworthy. An honorable man that respected their treaties. With his early demise now they would have to deal with Klaus Mikaelson and it was a widely known fact that he was a force to be reckoned with.

New loyalties were being forged today and old ones that stretched 100 years to the past would have to be renewed. A new age where the underworld wouldn't be divided between the two families was fast approaching.

Damon was sitting casually in one of the big leather chairs in Mikael's office. His legs were crossed and his gun was showing. Behind him was standing an old man who was wiping his sweat from his forehead with his worn out handkerchief. He was the advisor to Giuseppe for years and now it was time to serve Damon. The only problem of course was that Damon never listened.

Klaus was behind the large wooden desk and was leaning against the big bookcase that covered the wall while he had his arms crossed against his chest. His wedding band was showing and his gaze, to anyone that didn't know him, seemed peaceful.

Kol was waiting in the wings, inspecting the scene like he was bored, but even he had to admit that this was a weird image. Some weeks ago if all of these men had been present in the same room bloodshed would have been the natural result.

He had orders to control himself, but it was really hard to do so.

To start with, he hated the fact that Damon Salvatore was allowed to freely enter their house now and walk around like he owned the place. What was unnerving him more, though, was the fact that his brother had placed himself behind their father's desk while Mikael was present. Something was amiss and he couldn't tell what.

Not even Elijah had dared to do something like that and yet Klaus here was claiming the King's throne while the King himself was pouring a glass of bourbon even if it was just morning.

He couldn't voice any of his questions in public, though. Not when Damon and members from both organizations were present.

Damon's voice filled the room.

"Stefan is at the docks as we speak, he is arranging the last details. The shipment is arriving tonight," he said while looking at the elders. This was a first step. Damon just gave information that he would never share it the past.

It was then that Klaus took charge. He straightened his body and looked directly at Damon ignoring all others including Mikael.

"As a gesture of good will you can place it in our storages." His voice held a finality that provoked most of the men in the room.

Damon's smirk was a rival of Klaus's. People started whispering, all of them divided until Mikael spoke out loud surprising them all.

"It is needless to say that our storages and everything else that belongs to us will be always at your disposal from this day forward."

Klaus nodded and Damon accepted with a nod of his own.

All whispers stopped.

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As she walked out of the shower she wore a soft white bathrobe, the fabric belt tied tightly as she started drying her hair with a fluffy towel. She noticed that at the shelf she had taken the robe from there was also another. A black one. She ignored it and went for the hair drier.

She also noticed that on the marble platform of the sink there were many cosmetics and all of them were the brands she used.

Caroline sighed. Everything was so well organized supposedly for her comfort that it was creating a very creepy atmosphere.

She started pampering herself in order to feel like a normal person again.

After her shower, and crying her eyes out, it seemed her mind was calmer and clearer somehow.

She saw her reflection at one of the mirrors and nodded at herself. Crying and feeling sorry wouldn't do. She had to learn how to cope.

She looked around and saw that in the other side of the bathroom there was one more door. She went and opened it and was surprised to see that it led to a walk in closet.

She remembered that in the bedroom there were two doors. One that led into the bathroom so probably the other one was leading into this room.

Actually it was more of a really big room that was divided in two. The one side obviously belonged to her and the other to Klaus.

Her feet were lost in the cream plush carpet and she tried to brush off the fact that this place looked like a private shopping mall. She looked to her side and bit her lip. This was too much even for her.

She looked at Klaus's side and noticed that black was the prominent color. What she didn't expect was that besides costumes and formal clothing there were long sleeve shirts with low Vs, leather jackets, jeans and soft henleys. She hesitantly touched some of the shirts, but withdrew her hand feeling disgusted when she also noticed the leather holster gun belts. She was familiar with those little "extra's" since Damon and Stefan had a load of those back at home. But they never left anything like that near her.

Of course there were no guns at sight. He wouldn't leave guns lying around her now would he? Good for him because given the chance she would definitely use one against him!

She noticed that her headache had returned with a vengeance and she moved to her side and she saw all kind of clothes. All her clothes were there folded and neatly placed on hangers and in piles. Elena probably had brought them here some days ago. She cringed at the idea that some strangers had been touching her stuff. She also felt stupid for not searching for her clothes last night instead of sleeping in that horrible nightdress.

She started mentally scolding herself, but then everything else that was on her side caught her attention.

Her new wardrobe had more clothes, actually. Gowns and elegant casual dresses that shined under strategically placed lights. She carefully touched the delicate fabrics. All of them made by world known designers, but none was actually her style. A little voice inside her mind though kept whispering that dresses like these were every girl's style.

She couldn't deny it. The fashionista inside her was throwing a party. In that wardrobe was all that a girl could dream of. Uncountable beautiful designer dresses and gorgeous shoes. Handbags and accessories.

She also saw a remote control. She took it in her hand and started playing with the buttons. Before she knew it hidden drawers and built up secret doors were sliding out.

In the drawers there were bottles of many perfumes, not just her own, and a series of sunglasses along with more accessories. Hairpins, tiara bands, haircombs and jewelry for the hair.

She then took a step back and gasped.

In the top drawer there were gems and jewelry. All fit for a princess. Sets and stand alone pieces. Necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, even tiaras. The diamonds were glowing and tempting her to slide her fingers over their enticing surface.

For a moment she stared at all this luxury almost mesmerized. She was always surrounded by money and was always pampered and spoilt, but this was just too much even for her. She looked closer and saw that in the wall there was also a safe box. She really didn't want to know what was in there.

Caroline started realizing what being married to Klaus actually meant and it frightened her.

She closed her eyes and threw the remote control away like it was made out of fire. Everything in here didn't belong to her. It all belonged to Mrs. Mikaelson and that made her feel extremely uncomfortable, turning her stomach over.

She took some of her old clothes, just a pair of black jeans, a simple dark grey top and a black thin cardigan. She smirked at the fact that the happy bride would be dressed in colors that were meant for mourning and swore that she wouldn't even try on anything else no matter how beautiful or shiny they looked like.

Everything in here came with a price and she really hated the aspect of having to wear all those things and being paraded around as Klaus Mikaelson's dutiful little wife.

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There was an exchange of silent looks that created a heavy atmosphere inside the old office, but no one dared speak out loud.

When Mikael offered his families storage and everything else to the Salvatore's disposal it actually meant not only his family's properties, but also those that belonged to anyone that had declared an alliance with the Mikaelsons. The only problem was that from those present no one was ready to give such privileges to the Salvatores. And that caused a form of hostility to spread all around, but no man present was able to directly express it.

Finally one of Mikael's advisors came forth. A short bald man named Emil. He wore baggy pants and an old plaid shirt that looked at least two sizes bigger than he was. He swallowed nervously and looked at Klaus who sent him a hard stare. As always Niklaus Mikaelson never responded well when it came to his father's confidents.

"Mikael if I may speak…" he asked with his raspy voice.

Mikael nodded in affirmation.

The man coughed nervously and looked around.

He then straightened his back and spoke clearly.

"You are asking us too much. For years we have set territory rules that won't be that easy to break. You should understand that we need some time to evaluate the current standing, don't you?" he anxiously asked.

Whispers sounded all around and before Mikael had a chance to answer the unimaginable happened.

Klaus moved and sat in Mikael's chair. He rested his hands on the table and looked relaxed as everyone suddenly became speechless at his bold move. What caused even more surprise to everyone present was the fact that Mikael remained stoic with no reaction.

Klaus looked at the man that dared speak dismissively.

"I understand your uncertainty Emil, but here is the current standing. Today is my first day as a married man and instead of spending it with my lovely bride I am here listening to your objections."

Emil coughed uncomfortably under Klaus's sharp gaze.

"I understand but…"

"But you are opposed to the new order," Klaus said with an authority that made all the men standing look at him in awe.

Klaus leaned on the chair as a king would at his throne. He rested his elbows on the chairs arms and connected his palms together in front of his chest.

"I would suggest that everyone take a good look around. This is your family. From now on we work together. All of us. No objections, no second thoughts. If anyone has a problem with this the doors are open," he casually said as he placed his hands on the table again. He started playing with a sharp envelope opener "However it is well known that my family and I appreciate loyalty above all. Anyone who decides to leave today breaks this loyalty. And that is…treason," Klaus said. Malice was hidden beneath his calm posture as he let the opener fall from his hands with a thud.

"So gentlemen what shall it be?" he asked with a smirk on his face.

Emil didn't dare speak he just lowered his head. Most of members that had allied with the Mikaelsons turned to look at Mikael, but he remained silent.

Damon narrowed his eyes at this obvious show of power, but he immediately put back his poker face.

The ball was now at Klaus's court.

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She moved around in the bedroom feeling uneasy. She literally felt trapped. Relentless gloomy thoughts kept tormenting her mind. She wanted to talk to Bonnie, to see Matt again. She wanted to get out of here and to return to her own life. But she knew that if she were to get out of that room she would have to face the Mikaelsons and…Klaus.

She kept moving around the room like a caged animal and just like last night she went to the balcony. She needed to breath and to feel less contained. In the daylight the view of the gardens and of the beautiful lake was even more mesmerizing and it did have a strange calming effect on her. She hated the room, but she had to admit that the view was beautiful.

She kept watching how the lake was glowing under the sun and she imagined for a moment how it would be if she liked being here. If she was the happy bride she was supposed to be. How would it feel if she wanted to be with Klaus, if she cared for him and if it was love that made her marry him?

She extended her hand and spread her fingers. The sunlight casted between her digits and the golden wedding band on her finger sparkled.

She lowered her hand and shivered. All of this was nothing more of a forced parody. Klaus could never be the man of her dreams and she could never become the smiling forgiving and obedient wife he certainly expected her to be. The very thought of spending her life with him, of sharing her bed with him was repugnant to her.

Truth is that in the last months she had realized that she craved freedom more than anything else. She hated all those unspoken rules that were placed upon her just for being Giuseppe's daughter. And now it would be even worse. As the wife of Klaus Mikaelson she would have to bow down to him. She would be bound to a man that made and forced his own rules on others. And she was afraid that she would have to learn to obey a man as cruel as him. This arranged union would eventually create an illusion of matrimonial bliss to the outside world ,but in reality it would be her own personal hell.

Her father was always pressuring her to do things she didn't like, but at least he always protected her. What would Klaus do with her now? He didn't care. People need to have a heart in order to feel and care for others and she doubted that Klaus had one.

All those thoughts made her head throb painfully and she jolted when she heard a voice coming from behind her. She sharply turned her head half expecting to see her…husband but thankful her eyes met Anna's figure.

The girl kindly smiled at her.

"I didn't mean to startle you Mrs. Mikaelson," she gently apologized.

Caroline closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She hated being called Mrs. Mikaelson.

"It is okay Anna don't worry about it," she said as she tried to smile back to Anna, but failed miserably.

"Mr. Mikaelson said to inform you that your brother is here and to ask you to join them as soon as you can," Anna told her.

Caroline seethed internally. Klaus's orders made her mad. Who did he think he was anyway? Not to mention that the word brother made her ill these days.

She didn't want to see either Damon or Stefan and most certainly she didn't want to see Klaus. Not today or anytime soon for that matter.

And she most certainly wasn't a lapdog for Klaus to order around.

"Which brother would that be?" she asked with a hard tone.

"Mr. Damon."

"Okay, Anna, thank you," Caroline said as she turned to the balcony again. This time the beauty of the scenery didn't touch her in any way.

"Would you like to come and see them? The whole family is already downstairs," Anna hesitantly informed her as she took notice of the way she was dressed.

Caroline turned and looked at Anna who was expectantly watching her.

"No it won't be necessary," she said and noticed the look of confusion in the girl's eyes.

"Maybe later Anna," she hurriedly answered hoping for the girl to leave.

"As you wish Mrs. Mikaelson," she politely said bowing her head.

All this formality was quite weird for Caroline. From the looks of it Anna was about the same age as her. She was like her and Bonnie actually. In any other case they could even be friends.

"You can call me Caroline, Anna," she said to the brunette.

Anna smiled gently, but then bit her lip.

"I don't know if it is proper Mrs. Mikaelson," she carefully said.

Caroline sighed. Obviously the Mikaelsons ran a tight ship around here. There was a certain code of behavior in this house and she didn't know if she could abide by it.

"Well at least you can call me by my name when we are alone, how does that sound?" she proposed.

Anna smiled and nodded. "Of course," she eagerly accepted and Caroline returned her smile. If she was to live here then at least she could start getting to know people and to connect with them. Preferably people that had nothing to do with the family from hell.

Anna looked at Caroline like she was about to say something, but she just stood there.

"Would you like anything else Anna?" she asked her.

Anna looked skeptical for a moment but then her gaze became serious.

"If I may Caroline?" she asked.

"Yes?"

"The whole family is gathered downstairs and Mr. Klaus always expects his suggestions to be followed. Wouldn't it be best if you were to…" she stopped her sentence and dropped her gaze to her feet as she bit her lip.

Obviously Anna was afraid to speak her mind. Caroline was the wife of Klaus Mikaelson and a Salvatore after all.

"You can speak your mind with me Anna. Tell me, it would be best if I were to do what?" she asked even though she knew what Anna would tell her.

Klaus had given her an order. To bring his new wife downstairs. And Anna was to obey. The only problem was that she wasn't one to be ordered around so easily and even though she didn't want to cause any trouble for Anna she wasn't going to back down. She didn't want to see Damon today and she was going to meet the Mikaelsons when she was ready not the other way around.

Anna looked at her almost pleadingly.

"Well, if you were to wear something more appropriate for the occasion and join them at the living room it would certainly make Mr. Klaus very happy," Anna said literally in one breath.

She wasn't reprimanding her but she was trying to convince her to follow the rules.

Too bad that she wasn't one to follow rules.

"I am afraid Anna that it won't be possible. You see…"

She didn't complete her sentence as suddenly the enticing aroma of strong coffee caught her attention and then she finally noticed that behind Anna, inside the room, was also a cart that she must have brought with her when she entered the bedroom.

She moved around Anna and went closer to the wheeled table.

A linen crisp, white tablecloth covered the cart and on it there were many types of breakfast items on a silver tray. Juice, milk, coffee, chocolate, all kind of bagels and croissants. An omelet and French toast and even vegetables and fruits.

She also noticed a single red rose. She carefully approached the cart like it was made out of something explosive and noticed that the under the rose there was a folded card.

She questionably looked at Anna, but she only smiled and playfully shrugged at her.

She took the deeply dark red rose and held it close. She looked at it as if it was something she hadn't seen before and her hand like it had a will of its own brought the flower closer to her face and she inhaled the sweet scent deeply.

She then carefully took the card in her hands and she unfolded the note.

.

"Good morning Caroline,

I didn't know what you preferred so I had the kitchen prepare you a variety in hopes that there would be something that you would like.

I would have liked to be with you when you woke up and to join you for breakfast, but I wasn't sure if you would have welcomed such a thought.

I can't wait to see you and spent the rest of the day with you.

Save me some of your time…

Fondly Klaus."

.

She stared at the note for some time. She noticed Klaus's elegant handwriting and she couldn't take her eyes away from each word. Her former anger evaporated and all that was left was a sense of confusion and wonder. She forgot that Anna's eyes were on her and all her own eyes could read were the last two words.

"Fondly Klaus."

Her heart skipped a beat. She would have never expected such considerate behavior from him.

She had to admit that she had been afraid that she would have to join him and his whole family for breakfast, but obviously she wouldn't have to do such a thing today. She couldn't help but wonder if Klaus was trying to be helpful.

The strong smell from the rose made her a little dizzy and she didn't realize that she had grabbed the flower's stem tight until she felt a thorn piercing the sensitive skin of her thumb. She winced as the rose fell from her hands and a drop of blood littered the tablecloth.

The blood stain made her heart beat faster. She couldn't help but think that the first day of her marriage was beginning with blood. Metaphorically and literally. A drop of blood from the thorn of the rose that Klaus gave to her. Ironically he had already started hurting her even if his intentions were good.

She looked at the rose at her feet and saw more of her blood on the thorn slowly running its way over the hard surface of the thorn.

Her finger kept bleeding and she could barely hear Anna asking her if she was okay. All she could think was that this was appropriate. She was entering a world of blood and this was her own blood baptism.

"I am okay, Anna," she said in a whisper as she brought her thumb to her mouth gently sucking the wound and tasting her own bitter blood.

And then she saw the note she was still holding and all became clear.

"I would have liked to be with you when you woke up…"

She just realized the hidden meaning behind that sentence and she barely restrained herself from throwing the note on the floor.

"I can't wait to see you and spent the rest of the day with you…"

She didn't want to see him. She just didn't. All she could think about was how he had touched her last night. How his eyes glinted with possession.

"Possession" she thought.

One that would last. Because she wouldn't have to spent just the rest of the day with him, but the rest of her life.

As his wife…as his possession…

It was the first time in her life that she wanted to disappear. The simple words on paper made her feel like she couldn't breathe or move.

"Fondly Klaus"

This was his signature, but she knew that there was no fondness between them. No love not even sympathy.

This was going to be more than just a possession. This was going to be a continual battle of emotions and of a harsh reality that was beginning with blood.

"I won't need any of these Anna," she said pointing at the trolley with all the food as she felt nausea overcoming her, "Please take the cart and go," she demanded in a desperate voice.

Anna looked at her with concern as she kneeled and picked the rose up.

"Are you sure…Caroline?" Anna asked almost with care like she was a little bit afraid of calling her by her name.

"Yes, I am sure," she said and she could swear that the paper in her hand was burning her.

Anna nodded and went and put the rose on the dresser. Then she went to immediately follow her orders, but as she was about to leave she demurely asked Caroline, "What would you like me to tell to Mr. Mikaelson, Caroline?" she asked slowly.

"Tell him that regrettably I am still recovering from last night's excitement and I won't be able to join him any time soon. I am sure he'll understand," she bitterly told Anna.

Anna looked at her with sympathy and nodded. She then left the room leaving her alone.

Right now her emotions raged. She wanted to scream and she wanted to tear the note she was holding in a thousand pieces, but for some reason she found that she couldn't. She put the note in her back pocket and her eyes couldn't look away from the bloody rose on her dresser.

She felt like she was suffocating. All she knew was that she had to get out of her room. She wanted to get some air and sort her thoughts out.

Most importantly she wanted to find a way to put some distance between her and Klaus even if she knew that it was impossible.

She decisively got out of the room. She knew she had to be careful and to avoid pretty much everyone, but she couldn't stay in that room any longer.

She had to get out.

---

Damon looked around and raised his eyebrows. Internally he was worried. Klaus was shuffling cards and he didn't know what kind of power struggles were taking place inside the Mikaelson family. Obviously Klaus was gaining power.

In the mean time he had not gained complete control over his kingdom since his father's death. For now he had to take it slow. Observe and wait.

He smirked and looked at Klaus.

"Well, as I always say, the more the merrier," he said sounding amused.

Klaus smirked back and looked at Damon.

They started talking about all the details and their plans. Arrangements for their shipments and the way they would push them to their buyers. There was mention of several gangs and cartels. Organizations known to the public and others completely off the charts. Soon all the men present started participating in the discussion. All except Mikael who was gazing out, through the window, into the gardens.

Eventually the orders were given by Klaus and Damon.

"Once you place your cargo at our storage facilities you can send some of your men to help ours with the maintenance. Kol is an expert at this but I am sure you would like to supervise the status of your products," Klaus said and looked at his little brother who send a death glare at him.

Damon smirked at that.

"Stefan can show your brother the ropes. We are marketing different kinds of guns lately. We haven't pushed them in the market yet so we will need to take special care of them," he said drinking his scotch.

"Sure thing, mate," Klaus said "Although as you might have noticed in the past Kol has a special attachment with army hardware," he said nonchalant.

Damon's eyes glinted at that.

"I haven't noticed actually," he said smiling, insinuating Kol's incompetence.

"That could be because lately I prefer bats," Kol said smiling innocently.

Everyone in the room remembered how exactly Kol had used his bat on Damon a long time ago.

Klaus laughed at that and picked himself up.

"No arguments here brother," he said and Kol raised his glass in salute before he drank his liquor in one go.

Most of the men that Damon had brought with him tensed but Damon let out a cocky laugh.

"If memory serves I still owe you a golf rematch," he said and almost everyone in the room laughed since they did remember that this rematch had already taken place. Several times.

Damon got up and shook hands with Klaus.

"Tomorrow night I am expecting you and everyone that is present here to come to the Salvatore manor. We still have many things to discuss," he said with a serious expression.

Klaus nodded. Both of their families needed to start organizing against their common threat. The reason why they supposedly had to unite their families in the first place. The Lockwoods.

All the men started talking again about general details, but no one even mentioned the obvious. In all of this Mikael stood on the sidelines and remained there.

His presence was practically nonexistent and from the looks of it the gavel was changing hands.

---

Meredith Fell walked through the hospital's corridors. Eventually she went to the drug storage room. She opened the door with her security card and went in, but not before she double-checked to make sure that no one saw her going in.

This place was dark and cold. The right illumination and temperature had to always be maintained in this room.

Her heels clicked on the floor as the dim lights in the room flickered.

She took out her safe skeleton key from the pocket of her medical robe. She opened a locker and pressed the right security code at the safety system were a certain prescription was saved.

She took a deep breath and did what she had been doing for the last six months. She took out from her pocket a small plastic bag with pills in it and then opened the prescription bottle she had just taken out from the safety shelf.

She bit her lip and with trembling hands she replaced the pills the bottle had with the ones she had in her plastic bag.

She put the plastic bag back in her pocket and held the bottle in her hand.

The name Mikaelson was written in the drug information of the prescription.

---

Their meeting was over and most men from both organizations had departed.

Damon had stayed in hope of seeing Caroline and making sure that she was all right, but when he had gotten out of the office he had seen one of the maids going to Klaus and talking privately to him. Normally he wouldn't pay any attention, but after that Klaus had informed him that unfortunately Caroline was preoccupied and she wouldn't be able to see him today.

He wanted to object, but the last thing he needed now was to irritate Klaus knowing that his sister was in his hands. This thought was unsettling, but he couldn't do much.

Klaus had then told Kol to escort him outside while he and Mikael went back to the office.

Kol was against it and so was he, but Klaus insisted. Obviously enjoying playing his little games with both of them.

Damon smirked at that. Maybe he should join the games then. If he remembered correctly he did owe Kol something for his little speech at the wedding reception from last night and thankfully Stefan was not around to hold him back.

As they walked down the massive hall he discretely looked at the cameras on the walls.

Damon looked at Kol smirking.

"Since we are one big family now maybe I should share a little detail with you…" he said as he rolled his jackets sleeves up.

"By all means…" Kol said bored.

Damon grabbed his arm and they both stopped walking. They were at a relatively dark corner now.

"Those cameras you know, are covering certain angles. While they are turned, for a few seconds, from one side there is always a missing angle," Damon said gazing pointedly at the camera in the wall.

"Your point?" Kol asked him looking even more bored than before and itching to hit the man that stood next to him.

Damon's smirk turned wider.

Before Kol could even think twice Damon shoved him into the wall and before Kol could react Damon had his gun pressed against his neck.

"In a few seconds I could kill you and disappear, no evidence no killer," he said while Kol stared him with undiluted hate.

"That been said," Damon's fist contacted with Kol's stomach while his other hand was still targeting his opponent with a loaded gun.

The force of the strike was so hard that Kol gasped and fell on his knees breathless and spitting blood. He tried to reach for his gun, but Damon's was pointed straight at his temple, so that wouldn't be a wise move and he knew it. Damn him!

"That little speech you made last night was very entertaining," Damon said while he kneeled in front of Kol, his finger dangerously caressing the trigger.

"My kind of fun is a little bit different as you might remember from our latest golf rematch; the last time I sent you in the hospital for how much? A month? No! That can't be it! It was much more right?" Damon grinned at him while patting him friendly on the shoulder, never lowering his gun.

"Alliance or not, threaten my sister again and your next trip will be in a grave," he warned.

Kol tried to shove him away, but he couldn't move. That bastard had cracked his ribs.

Damon laughed.

"Easy there, we don't want you to hurt yourself now," he said smirking and getting up.

Kol ignored the pain that spread through his body and stood on his feet shaking in rage.

"You are not fast enough Salvatore, you've missed the missing angle," he told him pointed at the camera that was now recording them.

"Actually if you or anyone harms even a hair from Caroline's head you will notice that I don't pay attention to…little details," Damon said sending a clear message, knowing that his little show was now being recorded for the rest of the Mikaelsons to see. Giuseppe would be so disappointed with him right now. This was not the best way to start an alliance, but the old man was finally dead and he was going to do things his way. And no one was going to threaten people that he cared about without consequences. Even if that meant the Mikaelsons. Besides he had played nice for too long today. It was definitely not his thing.

"Make no mistake, I might have inherited Giuseppe's place, but I am still me and I still like to dance," he said winking happily at Kol like nothing happened between them.

Damon put his gun back at his belt the moment that the guards arrived. Klaus followed right behind them, sending them away before things got out of hand.

He saw that his brother was holding the side of his stomach while blood was on his chin.

"Is anything wrong?" he asked looking disappointed with Kol. There was no excuse for Damon to have taken the upper hand in a battle between them.

Damon shrugged.

"You know your security needs upgrading, especially now that my sister lives here," he said pointing at Kol.

Kol was ready to attack when Klaus raised his hand in a forbidding gesture without taking his eyes of Damon. It wasn't a surprise that Kol obeyed the silent order his brother gave him. After Mikael it was known, that at least in public, Klaus was not to be disrespected.

"No need for worries, mate, I am completely capable of protecting, my wife," Klaus said with an evil glint. Caroline was now his. She was his wife first before anything else.

Damon pressed his lips together, but kept his façade on. He stepped closer to Klaus.

"Therefore I am counting that her safety here is your prime concern. No one, would want me to suspect anything different, mate," he said with irony coloring his words.

Klaus smirked at that,

"Of course Damon, unfortunately though, as I told you before, Caroline declined to see you. Don't take it the wrong way but she had a long night and she is probably exhausted," he said insinuating things that never happened between him and his bride.

Damon tried to control his anger, knowing that Klaus was provoking him. Unfortunately Klaus was not such an easy pick as Kol was and this was still their court.

"Tell her that I will call her then," he said.

"Sure, I am sure she will call back," Klaus said knowing that Caroline would not call her brothers. His sweetheart seemed to be really angry with her family after all. Which in all honestly, he could relate with her completely. Besides it was in his best interest for Caroline to cut ties with the Salvatores. That way she would only have him to turn to.

Damon knew that too. Caroline was not going to call them.

"I'll be on my way then," he said and turned to leave, but then stopped.

He looked at the Mikaelson brothers with a smirk.

"Before I forget, give my regards to your lovely sister, I can't wait to spend some more quality time with her," he said and left.

"I am going to kill him," Kol hissed.

Klaus looked at him unimpressed. His brother was obviously in pain. Well, he had it coming.

"How about you clean yourself up first?" he said and turned and left leaving Kol behind.

Kol's glare was one of a maniac's at that moment. Things weren't going to stay like this.

He left too, and no one noticed that Caroline had watched the whole scene standing behind a wall not far from them.

She had been holding her breath all this time. Damon had tried to protect her even though she knew that it was in vain. Her only protection here was Klaus and Mikael and she was afraid that it meant that she was basically on her own.

Klaus's possessive tone as he referred to her as his wife was chilling her to the bone.

At least Damon had tried. It was not enough. He had sold her to them; his concern was coming after a major delay. But it was something. Not much. But something.

She turned and left.

.

.

.

She kept aimlessly walking. She had managed to pass through the hallways and the corridors and she was now out of the house heading to the gardens. All this was too much. She didn't know what she was feeling anymore. Seeing Damon today even from afar hurt her more than she thought it would. He was her brother and he was supposed to be the one to help her. He did try in his own way, but he still was the one that handed her over to Klaus. She didn't know how she was supposed to react and what to do. She needed to clear her thoughts. All she wanted was a moment to be left alone. This place was vast so she could certainly find a place where no one would come looking for her, couldn't she?

If she had to be honest she really didn't want to see Klaus. After last night she wasn't so fond of the idea that she would have to deal with him. She knew that she was postponing the inevitable, but she couldn't do something else. When she saw him with Damon and she heard him talking about her she felt out of place. Vulnerable and lost. She didn't want to confront him any time soon. Or at least she needed some time to sort out her thoughts.

Before she knew it she found herself at the place in the gardens where the reception took place last night. It was day now and it all seemed so different under the bright sun. The clean up crew was there. People were cleaning up and moving things around, but there were not that many.

Last night there had been too many people and so much noise. The hang up lights had casted a strange glow and it seemed like they were mocking her with their fairytale imagery. Her nightmare had been all dressed up to look like every girls dream.

But now under the harsh light of the sun, even with the slight commotion, everything seemed soulless. Now it was time to face reality and to truly dance with the devil.

For a moment she had to steady her breath. Last night she had danced literally with Klaus and right now she could still picture that image as a shadow of a memory.

She looked around and bitterly noticed that there were guards that were following her and discretely casting looks at her. Most probably they had certain orders. Supposedly to keep her safe. She knew better though. In the last days before the wedding Damon had basically locked her up and had ordered his men to make sure she wouldn't try to escape. She didn't expect things to be any different in this house.

She kept looking around and got distracted. People were working around her, gathering tables and chairs, storing away glasses and crystals, taking away the flower arrangements and she had to bite her lip. All this seemed so surreal. The wedding actually happened. She was married and last night in these grounds she had truly danced with her husband.

She took some more steps and looked at the garden stage. People were collecting the sound systems, the microphones and the cables but all she could see was the same memory. Her and Klaus dancing.

Why was it that he was affecting her so? His words, the way they moved. She could still feel her skin all tingly.

She shut her eyes for a moment and turned around to leave.

She started walking again and in the distance she saw the small lake and the stone path that could be seen from her bedroom balcony.

She instantly turned around and walked in the opposite direction. She took some more steps and went under the shade of a big tree. It was quiet and the shade and the gentle breeze relaxed her a bit. The flowery scent in the air was soothing. She sat on a bench and her hands immediately started rubbing her temples.

"Good morning sister."

At the sound of that chirper voice she inwardly groaned. Just great. She had wandered around in hope to be left alone and now she had to deal with Rebekah. Now the same smell of the flowers she had found soothing moments before were asphyxiating.

She looked up and saw the smug smile of her new sister and then her own lips curled into a smile of their own. She knew that she shouldn't show any sign of weakness so she had to force herself to act quickly around them. Easier said than done.

She also knew that she had to deal with the Mikaelsons sooner or later. And after last night she had no doubts that they were not going to make her life easy here. Especially Rebekah and Kol. And to think that just days before the thought that she would have to deal with them would have been simply unbelievable.

The memory of Damon punching Kol from just minutes before came into her mind and for a moment she wished she could do the same. Instead she steeled herself and stood up.

She took Rebekah's appearance in. She was dressed to kill and looked exactly the opposite from her. She couldn't stop herself from wondering if she had dressed up like this for her brother. Damon was here, or at least he was here just minutes before, and he and Rebekah would soon follow hers and Klaus's footsteps.

Rebekah didn't seem to be like her, though. She looked confident and not pressured at all.

But then why was she here and not with Damon? For what she knew her brother and Rebekah had not spent much time together or any at all. Maybe Rebekah wasn't in a better place after all? She just knew how to hide her emotions better? Or she just had more time to come to terms with what she had to do.

For a moment she was about to allow herself to give to Rebekah a chance, or at least the benefit of doubt when it came to her character, but as she saw the way the blond bombshell was looking at her she instantly changed her mind. Rebekah was no different from any of them. She was cold and unrelenting and she enjoyed playing games with her. Games that could hurt her in the process. And they didn't even really know each other!

As Rebekah looked at her simple jeans and gloomy blouse she saw her raising her eyebrows in surprise. She probably didn't expect her brother's new bride to be dressed in simple grey and black. Colors that suited a widow better.

She knew that she didn't look like the happy bride today, but honestly she didn't care.

"Good morning, Rebekah," she responded keeping her smile intact.

If it was another person she would probably try to honestly reach out to her, but she had a feeling that with Rebekah it would be useless. And that made her miss Bonnie and Matt even more. She didn't have any friends here. Only enemies. And she was alone with them.

"Did you sleep well Caroline?" Rebekah asked while her eyes shone with mischief.

She gritted her teeth for a moment, but she kept her calm. She knew that Rebekah was provoking her with her wedding night, but she had to control herself. What was there to answer anyway? Well, Rebekah, I didn't sleep much, but at least your brother had the decency to leave me be?

How well would such conversation with Rebekah go? She cringed at the thought. Besides her love life or lack of it was no one's concern. Not even Klaus's if she could help it!

"Very well thank you," she answered although she knew that a female trained eye could detect the heavy eyelids and the bags underneath her eyes no matter how much make-up she used.

Rebekah snickered at that and smiled brightly obviously enjoying herself.

"Is there something you need Rebekah?" she tiredly asked the other blond when she saw that she was going to keep taunting her.

Rebekah's smile grew bigger and that frightened her.

"Actually yes, mother asked for you. You see in this house we take breakfast as a family and since the days before your wedding you didn't honor us with your presence and today you ran away from the house, she wants to talk to you in private." Rebekah said with her most innocent voice, but her eyes sparkled threateningly.

The way Rebekah was looking at her was indicating that Esther was not pleased with her.

Caroline's breath hitched. She didn't want to be alone with that woman. She had to admit that the matriarch of the Mikaelson family looked scary to her. Besides last night she had constantly felt Esther's eyes always following her and that unnerved her. She looked as intimidating as Mikael.

She was starting to regret not staying in her room. Right now Klaus's idea of taking breakfast there and even spending time with him seemed way better. It could have spared her from this.

Esther was a terrifying person.

Rebekah and Kol were playing games, but when it came to Mikael and Esther things took a dangerous turn. And she most certainly didn't want to go there with them. She panicked and didn't know what to say in order to get herself out of her predicament. Being married to their devil spawn should be enough! Why would she have to deal with the rest of them?

"Come on sister, mother doesn't like to be kept waiting," Rebekah ordered her but before she could reply a male voice interrupted them.

"I am afraid Bekah that mother will unfortunately have to wait a little longer," Klaus said as he stepped next to Caroline and his hand wrapped casually around her waist.

She stood motionless as his hold kept her next to him. She hadn't heard him approach and it was the first time she had seen him since their last encounter. Since the moment he unbuttoned her wedding dressed and played with her fear and desire. She shivered at the memory and she hoped against hope that he didn't detect her reaction. But judging from the smirk on his lips as he looked at her she highly doubted it.

She didn't want to, but she blushed at the memory of being close to him as he undressed her slowly and she instinctively tried to move away from his hold but his grip was firm.

She then saw that he looked different from all the times she had seen him before. Which was twice in her house and yesterday at their wedding.

Today he was dressed less casually. Leather jacket over a soft henley shirt and a pair of jeans. He also wore necklaces around his neck and she felt the weird need to inspect them closely and she internally cursed herself for her thoughts. What was wrong with her? Why couldn't she concentrate when she was around him?

She looked at Rebekah hoping to take her mind of Klaus's proximity and she noticed that Rebekah hadn't seen him coming either. She saw her take a step back at the stern gaze that Klaus sent her way.

For a moment she was glad that this look didn't have her as a target. But she couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for him to look at her the way he was looking Rebekah now. And obviously Rebekah knew better than to provoke her brother when he was like this because her whole posture changed.

She almost burst out laughing when she saw Rebekah pouting like a little girl.

But she just stood there speechless and let the scene unfold in front of her. She did try to get away from his hold once more but without success. If anything she managed to have him hold her tighter than before.

"You know mother, Nik. She wants to talk with Caroline now," Rebekah quickly said.

"Well you should inform her then that Caroline had to go out… with her husband," he said and turned to look at his…wife.

At the mention of him being her husband she felt her stomach turning and not in a good way. But it was at that moment that she realized that she was too tired to fight both Rebekah and Klaus all at once. As of now it seemed that Klaus was the lesser evil. At least if she wanted to buy some time before getting to meet Esther.

So she endured his claim ignoring the warm feeling that spread in her bones for the first time today.

He then focused his attentions at her; He stood in front of her and his hands traveled over her upper arms. His tall frame blocking Rebekah's body from her sight.

He was standing against the sun. His body bathed in sun and his face was illuminated completely. It was the first time she could really see and examine his features clearly. The first time she noticed exactly how blue his eyes were. How his features seemed both delicate and masculine at the same time. She noticed his raspberry lips and the fact that his visage could seem even angelic. She raised her eyes to his and she almost gasped with the intensity she saw there.

His left hand slowly lowered to her waist and his fingers gently pressed her skin over the thin material of her blouse . For a moment she forgot that Rebekah was there.

She couldn't deny that he was an attractive man, but she couldn't understand why she was feeling so lost in his presence. No matter how much she despised him she felt again the same weird sensation she had felt when they were dancing or when they were alone at his…at their bedroom.

She felt like she was standing at the edge of a very steep slippery cliff. On the precipice of darkness.

"What do you say Caroline?" his voice sounding low and tempting.

"How about I take out for breakfast," he suggested and she could tell that he knew perfectly well that she hadn't eaten anything from what he sent to her earlier in their room. But now that was giving him the opportunity to ask her to go out with him and to spent time together alone.

"Just you and me," he winked at her as his other hand moved tenderly to her cheek. He seemed so eager for her to accept his invitation.

She shifted uncomfortably forgetting completely that Rebekah was watching them. And yet she couldn't break the spell he had her encased in.

"I…"

Whatever she was about to say got lost under Rebekah's exasperated voice that snapped her out of her reverie. She blinked twice unable to understand her own reactions.

"Really Nik!" Rebekah intervened as she obviously didn't like what she was watching.

She nervously gulped and took a step back breaking that weird connection she had formed with Klaus.

Stupid it was stupid. She couldn't believe that she was letting herself get carried away like that! It was making no sense. She didn't know him! She hated him! He was one of the heads of a mafia organization for God's sake and yet she seemed completely disoriented around him. What the hell was happening to her? She just had known him for a few hours! He was still the man that forced her into a marriage she didn't want!

She had to control herself. Now!

She heard Klaus sigh and as she was ready to move away his fingers wrapped around her wrist forcing her to stay by his side as he turned around to deal with his sister.

The irritation in his voice and gaze undeniable.

"If you haven't noticed Rebekah today is mine's and Caroline's first day as a married couple. We need some alone time, sister. I am sure mother will understand," his voice indicating that there was no room for further argument.

Rebekah was about to say something, but she stopped when she saw the way Klaus looked at her.

"As you wish brother, but you are the one that will have to deal with mother later," she said bitterly and turned to leave.

"Like always," he mocked his sister as she left them alone.

The moment that Rebekah was far away from them Caroline pulled her hand from his grip and stepped away from him.

He smiled at her almost shyly and that drew her attention because for a moment the confident and mocking look he always had was absent. He seemed almost amiable.

"Come along, love," he gently told her expecting from her to follow, but she just stood there causing him to look at her questionably.

She took a deep breath uncertain of what to do or say when it came to him.

Last night his mood swings were too many for her to follow or even understand. He had been distant and yet kind during the wedding, but the hint of darkness was always there. When he had kissed her and danced with her he seemed a mixture of seduction and allurement and when they were finally alone, even though he let her be, he had shown himself to be possessive, controlling and yet merciful. He was confusing to no end.

He seemed to be a riddle and she didn't know how to proceed from here.

"You don't have to do this," she started ,trying to sound casual, but he stepped closer and looked at her intently.

"Do what?" he asked.

"Go out with me. I can go back inside and…"

"Have you considered the possibility that I am being honest and I really want to spend some time with you away from here?" he interrupted her grinning.

Her gaze abruptly locked with his. Determination shining in the green shade of her eyes.

"No." She downright answered with no qualms or uncertainty in her voice.

He sighed at that. But couldn't stop himself from smiling at how absolute and fearless she looked.

"Well, sweetheart, I really do," he told her enjoying the way she was looking at him. The fire in her eyes was a look to savor.

The sunlight that was reflecting on her hair paled in comparison to her eyes' luminosity. She was strong, beautiful, full of light. He was close enough to smell the scent that was radiating from her skin and he had to control himself from licking his own lips. She smelled like summer and spring. Fragrant and sweet.

He still remembered how soft her lips were when he kissed her last night at their wedding and at the table. How her hair smelled as he had her in his arms. So close, yet so far away.

He had this feeling in her presence that startled him. All he knew was that he had to spend time with her. To get to know her. To make her give him a chance.

For some reason this girl provoked feelings that seemed so far gone for him. Sunshine, warmth, life. If there was a smell for all the above that was how her scene could be described to him.

She looked even more beautiful now than she did yesterday. He smirked at her choice of clothing, but he preferred her like that. Her top and her jeans were tightly hugging her form in all the right places; complimenting the delicious curves of her body. A body that he couldn't wait to explore. A body that was now covered in black and grey colors. He knew that she was still mourning her father, but something told him that that was not the only reason why she had chosen those colors for today. She was trying to make a statement, but little did she know that black suited her and his tastes. As his eyes inspected her he could see that she looked tired. Sleep deprivation did nothing for him, but obviously it affected her and yet still she looked radiant.

He carefully took another step closer to her. He was careful to keep a slight distance between them. To make sure that his movements would indicate that he was honest and friendly with her. Her eyes were suspiciously analyzing his every move. He wasn't a fool. He knew his reputation and he knew that she knew it too. Usually he was proud of that said reputation, but right now it posed a problem with Caroline. She was a Salvatore after all and she certainly must have heard the worst of him from her family. Admittedly what she had heard and believed of him was probably true, but he was coming to realize that he didn't want to hurt her and that was indeed confusing him.

Putting those thoughts aside he admired how she stood her ground. And at that moment reality struck him even harder than last night. He fancied Caroline Mikaelson more than he should. It wasn't just the sexual attraction. He was enjoying her spirit and her attitude. It was too soon to tell, but he could feel her getting under his skin. Maybe following her example and keeping her at a distance as she was trying to do with him was the safe and logical thing to do, but then again sterile logic has never been his course of action.

"Why?" she asked, her voice showing signs of suspicion.

He smiled at the way she scoffed.

"This is the first day of our life together," he reminded her and he had to admit that he didn't like the way she winced at that.

She remained silent so he continued.

"I want to get to know you. Come on out with me Caroline, give me a chance," his voice a deliberate seduction.

"Well I don't want to get to know you!" she snapped at him. Her eyes and tone dismissing him.

Before he could control himself he reached for her. Her instant rejection causing his anger to flare. His hand cupped her chin holding it firmly so she couldn't move or look away from him.

"That is too bad love, because you really don't have a choice," he slowly said to her, all signs of former tenderness and playfulness evaporating "Unless of course you are eager to spent time with my family and especially with my mother," he said failing to mention that in reality he wasn't giving her a choice. She would come with him anyway.

When Anna told him that she rejected his offerings and that she wouldn't come down to him he felt disappointment and anger. He was trying to make her feel comfortable even if it was from a distance. Breakfast in bed would be a nice gesture he had thought even though he hated that they wouldn't be taking it together in bed. But he had to go slow with her. Her rejection stung, but right now it was proving to be a great thing. It was giving him the opportunity to get her out of the house. Something that he realized he really wanted. To spent time alone with her. Away from dangerous grounds and prying eyes. Just him and her. Alone.

It was obvious that while this idea excited him the same could not be said about Caroline.

He saw her grimacing and looking at him in anger. Somehow that excited him and made him want to get even closer to her. He bent his head and stopped barely a centimeter away from her mouth. He could feel her erratic now breath warming his skin.

Their gazes crushed into each other. His lips almost touched the side of her mouth following the line of her cheek as he lowered his head even more, taking in the enthralling scent that emanated from her hair.

His mouth now almost touched her ear so his whisper could be clearly heard.

"Choose your poison sweetheart."

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Love takes hostages, gives them pain.
Gives someone the power to hurt you again and again.

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A/N: And this was the first part of the chapter! I hope that you enjoyed it! The next one comes in a few days.

Btw the scene where Caroline sees her new "closet" is inspirated from a movie. Take a guess...!

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I would like to thank all of you that read this story! Also all of you that have put this story in your favorites and in your alerts. Thank you all for your heartfelt comments and your support all this time. This story exists because you kept inspiring me to continue with this project. I am not watching the show anymore and I won't watch the Originals either but I will not abandon my stories.

I would also like to thank all the guest reviewers for your reviews, your comments and your opinions. Thank you so much. Your responses are encouraging me to write even more!

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As always it goes without saying that I can't wait to hear your thoughts for this chapter. What did you think of it? Comments and criticism are always welcome!