Part 7

Klaus pressed his lips together as he watched Dafne walking away. Damn it.

"Nik!" Rebekah demanded. "Are you listening to me…?"

"No!" he snapped and marched away. He was more than annoyed. Who the hell that girl thought she was? She was nothing and she would have been dead a long time ago without Klaus. She owed him everything and yet she dared to be arrogant. He should most definitely teach her a lesson. She was nothing. Nothing. She meant nothing.

He let out a growl and slammed his fist against the wall. Damn girl. What had happened between them just didn't leave him alone. They had made an agreement after that, she allowed him to feed from her for every now and then. He had no idea why he had agreed to that. If he wanted something, he simply took it. He didn't ask for anyone's permission. Especially not some human's. She was a servant, she was here to serve.

Well, she did serve Elijah, he took her everywhere with him. She was willing to do anything for him. Not that Klaus cared; he could easily find a pet of his own if he would so choose. There was absolutely nothing special about her. She meant nothing to him. He clenched his fists and forced himself to calm down. Deep down he knew why he was so annoyed, but he would never admit to anyone, not even to himself.

He wanted what Elijah had with her. Trust, companionship… Someone who was always there. Not just someone, her. What was it about her…? She had most definitely been Elijah's muse during the last century; he had mentioned that she had given him the idea to create the Strix. Not that it mattered; Elijah could keep his snob society. And the girl. Klaus didn't want her. He would take her blood when he would feel like it, but other than that she meant nothing to him. Absolutely nothing.

Elijah's fingers were caressing Dafne's back; he loved feeling her warm skin. Gently he touched her scars and leaned down to kiss one of them. She was lying naked on her side beside him, breathing steadily now. Slowly his hand slid down her back, molding and caressing her curves. Her body never ceased to intrigue him; he could have continued admiring her the whole night.

"Everything alright?" he murmured as his mouth searched the tender skin of her neck and throat.

"Yes," she replied and twisted to give him the access he wanted.

He had already fed after she had eaten her dinner; right now he only wanted to feel her. His Dafne. She rolled on her back to face him.

"That was nice," he hummed smiling and touched her reddened cheek.

"Yes, it was."

"I have missed you."

She smiled.

"You see me every day."

"You know what I mean." He paused and touched her hair. "Have you missed me?"

"Yes."

He kissed her forehead and rolled on his back. He felt completely relaxed and content. Her blood and her body always gave him just what he needed. Everything was perfect until he once again felt an unpleasant sting that accused him of taking advantage of her. No, he had never forced her into anything. She always had the right to refuse him. Maybe so, but he had nonetheless took her innocence without wedding her. He had never even courted her. The whole thing had just happened. Just happened? No, it hadn't.

He had kissed her one time after feeding from her and she hadn't stopped him. He had asked her to tell him if she wanted him to stop. She hadn't. They had shared a bed many times after that, but he couldn't really define their relationship. Obviously he was very attached to her and he most definitely needed her. If he wasn't mistaken, she was also attached to him. He couldn't have hoped for a better companion, she was calm, rational and reliable. Her presence always soothed him.

"Why was Tristan de Martel at the celebration?" she asked after a long silence. "Based on what you have told me about him, I didn't think that he would be the kind of person you are looking for."

"He is not," Elijah sighed. "But many other members think otherwise. They admire Tristan."

"But the final decision is yours, is it not?"

Elijah smiled.

"Technically yes, but I have stressed many times that in the society we are all equal. If I would ignore what the majority of the members think and banish Tristan simply because I personally do not like him… Well, it would not send a very good message."

"I see what you mean. How well do they know Tristan?"

Elijah bit his bottom lip.

"They know what he has achieved. He is intelligent, I have to give him that, and he has many useful skills. But can he be trusted… no, definitely not."

"Why do you think he wanted to join the Strix?"

"That is an excellent question. I highly doubt that he wants to make this world a better place."

Dafne rolled on her side.

"Is there anything I can do?"

Elijah smiled and touched her hair.

"Not right now. Except…"

"Yes?"

"Stay here for tonight."

She smiled too.

"Sure."

She curled up against him as he wrapped his arms around her. Even after all these years, he never got tired of her warmth. Nothing soothed him like listening to the sound of her heartbeat. His Dafne. He didn't know how he would have coped without her.