CHAPTER FOUR
Mikaelson Compound, New Orleans
Two hours later, Klaus has a duffle bag packed as he crosses through the courtyard of the compound. Swiftly he retrieves his cell from his pocket and makes a call. "Sweetheart,"
"You're not coming are you?" Caoline says sadly. Silent tears running down her face.
Of course I am. The jet has been fueled and will be cleared for take off as soon as I reach the airport. Just a slight delay is all."
"...slight delay? She questions.
"I need to have a word with my siblings before I depart. I owe them. I owe Elijah an explanation at least. I am coming home to you Caroline.
Caroline gives a small sigh of relief before asking, "Wait, what about the war and New Orleans?"
"I've brokered an agreement with Marcellus. The vampire factions of New Orleans are no longer splintered. He will act as Regent while I am gone. Working closely with my brother to handle the Witches and Hayley as she is Queen of the Crescent Pack with speak with their Alpha Jackson on behalf of the family in order to bring peace to the Quarter once more."
"Why would he agree so easily?"
"Marcellus has a vested interest in saving one of the witches...a powerful young witch, Davina Claire. Marcel saved her from her own coven who were determined to sacrifice the girl. He saved her and he adopted her much the same way I adopted him as a child. To him she's a daughter. Sameway, despite our squabbles, he is my son."
"Wait, so I'm not only a Queen but a Step-Mom twice over and a Grandma?" Caroline giggles. Klaus chuckles softly before returning to his previously serious state. "He also values honesty. I explained our situation and why I needed to take a leave of absence. My place, right now is at your side. As one day, my dearest wish, not too far in the future I hope...when you are ready your place will be at my side. As Queen. I shared some of my fondest memories of us with him."
"You...you didnt show him the...the woods?" Caroline asked worriedly.
"Never my Love, though I may be a monster to most, I am also a gentleman."
"Good."
"It was nothing too intimate, however, it was enough to make him understand what you mean to me."
"Was it my graduation?"
"Yes, and when Silas messed with my mind and it was you who broke me free. Our date at the Miss Mystic Falls pageant. My family's ball. When I saved you from Alaric. Your birthday. The 20's dance. The night i bit you out of anger after Kol's death...when you told me you knew I was in love with you."
Caroline repeated the words said so long ago. "And anyone capable of love is capable of being saved."
"I held very little back. Marcellus felt what I felt when I thought you were dead by my own hands. We have reconciled and family once more."
"My mom? Is she...am I?
"Safe? Quite so. Marcellus has accepted you as his Queen." Klaus says proudly.
"That was quick."
"Caroline, where are you presently?"
"At home. Uh, my mom's house."
"Specifically?"
"My bedroom."
"I want you to pack two bags."
"Why? I thought you said we were safe…"
"You are safe, Sweetheart. I am just being through. I need to ensure it, for my own peace of mind. Caroline, please follow my instructions to the letter."
"Nik, you're starting to scare me. Where am I going?"
"My home, on the edge of town."
"Your house?"
"OUR HOUSE. Pack one bag for yourself and another for your mother. You're moving in my Love. I have a private team of medical professionals already setting up a state of the art suite for Elizabeth in the guest house. She'll have Drs on call 24/7 and 4 dedicated personal nurses. Top specialists will be flying in from around the country and Europe the day after tomorrow for consultations. Everything has been arranged so she doesn't need to go to them. Less stress on her and you the better."
"How did you get it organized so quickly?"
"Money talks, and unlimited money speaks even louder. Compulsion doesn't hurt either. It assures privacy."
"My Mom will never agree.."
" That pitiful hospital cleared the vervain out of her system weeks ago. Fortunately one of my minions has compelled her acquiescence already."
"You used COMPULSION on my MOTHER? KLAUS!!!"
"It was necessary, I assure you."
"Out of curiosity, who, who did it? I mean who did the compelling I mean?"
"Zackery, I believe."
"A "Middle Management Minnion!! SERIOUSLY?"
"It was at my behest, Darling."
"NIKLAUS!!
"Caroline, I will remove it once I am there. For the time being it must stay in place. For Elizabeth's protection as well as your own. However I promise to apologize to your Mother when I get home."
"She's going to be so pissed, you know that right?'
"As you've told me more than once, I'm old as dirt. Weathering your mother's wrath is a small price to pay to make sure everything that can be done for Elizabeth is being done."
"I don't know how to thank you."
"No need, Just get to our home and I will see you shortly."
"Wait, how do you have boots on the ground here already?"
Klaus smirks mischievously into the phone, "Did you honestly believe I would allow you to go College and not leave minions charged with your protection?"
"Niklaus Mikaelson, I don't know if i want to kiss you or dagger you!" Klaus laughs. "Don't take too long to come home...I miss you."
"I'll be as quick as possible. Get some rest my love." Klaus hangs up and places his phone into his back jeans pocket just as Marcel wanders in from the Jackson Square entrance to the compound.
CHAPTER FOUR