Chapter 6

Real

Elijah took a sip out of his cup; he noticed how closely Brie was observing him.

"Is… Is it okay?" she asked cautiously.

"Yes," he replied smiling. "This is delicious."

His words clearly made her relax, she was smiling happily.

"Really?"

"Yes, the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted."

Her smile grew wider, she was practically glowing.

"I'm so glad you like it, I have my own recipe…"

She sounded excited as she started to explain to him how she made her hot chocolate. He listened to her and kept nodding politely. At the same time he observed her. He had never met anyone like her before. There was some very strange childlike innocence and naivety in her. It was obvious that she had lived a very isolated life and this father of hers… He seemed to be a very disturbed individual.

Who would do something like this to his own daughter? Use her like this. He remembered the look in her eyes at the ball; he just hadn't been able to identify it back then. Fear, desperation and determination. She had done exactly what her father had wanted her to do without even knowing why. A perfect little tool. It seemed that she had been trained to please. He couldn't help but wonder how strong was this… programming. He took a bite out of a cookie and frowned.

"I don't like this," he stated, keeping his tone of voice neutral.

She stood up immediately.

"I'm sorry, I…I'll get you something else. What would you like?"

The distress in her eyes made him to regret his "experiment", obviously she had been manipulated more than enough. He took another bite and smiled.

"You know what, I believe I was wrong. This is actually quite good. Very good."

She looked at him insecurely, but finally she seemed to believe that he meant it.

"Thank you," he continued smiling. "You know, you're the first person who has ever brought me hot chocolate and cookies. That was very kind of you."

"Oh, I'm glad if you're happy," she replied, she was smiling again.

"I'm very happy. How about you?"

She seemed confused by his question.

"I'm sorry?"

"What makes you happy?"

She hesitated, clearly unsure of what to say.

"I… My little one makes me happy. I only want to love him or her and be a good mother."

"I see. What about your mother?"

Brie bowed her head.

"She…didn't want me. Daddy said that I was a disappointment to her. I didn't deserve her love."

Elijah pressed his lips together.

"I would say that she didn't deserve your love," he stated.

Brie's eyes widened before she looked up.

"No, no, it was my fault. She left because of me. But daddy forgave me. He never left me."

Yes, he was a real saint. Elijah had to struggle to control himself; he didn't want to upset Brie. It was very clear that the poor girl had been brainwashed her whole life, she needed to be treated with care. First of all he wanted her to feel safe here and hopefully learn to trust him. He also needed to have a word with Kol. This time he would make sure that his brother would for once take responsibility for his actions.

Kol clenched his fists as he looked at the sleeping girl. She was breathing peacefully and she seemed to be comfortable in her queen-size bed. She was wearing one of Rebekah's nighties, a pink satin one. Apparently both Rebekah and Elijah were foolish enough to coddle the little pretender. That would end right now. Kol sat on the bed next to her and touched her cheek.

"Time to wake up, darling," he hummed.

She blinked her eyes sleepily, but she was fully awake when she noticed him. Awake and startled.

"Hello there," he purred. "Do you still want to talk?"

She blinked rapidly few times before nodding.

"I… Yes."

"Wonderful." He paused and leaned towards her. "So, what shall we talk about?"

She looked at him nervously.

"I… I would like to apologize for lying to you."

"Really? Well, I appreciate that. And I accept your apology."

She smiled cautiously.

"Thank you."

"Oh, you're welcome. We had a fun night, didn't we?"

"Yes."

He smiled and ran his fingers over her neck.

"How about a rerun? Since we're going to have a baby together and everything."

She looked at him insecurely. Obviously she was faking and he was going to make her drop the act.

"I…I guess we can do that if you want. Could you please be careful with my belly?"

His eyes narrowed, she was really starting to annoy him. Slowly he placed his hand on her stomach.

"Careful?" he repeated coldly. "Why?"

She swallowed and forced a smile on her face.

"Please, baby," she said and guided his hand towards her waist. "I need you. Please let me show you how much. I'm so hot for you."

She moved lower, he could hear her heart pounding as she started to unbuckle his belt with shaking fingers. It was an act. She was a lying faker. No. She was terrified. She was trying desperately to protect her… The thing growing inside her. In that moment he heard it.

Th-thump, th-thump, th-thump…

The child's heartbeat. For a moment he was too shocked to move. This whole thing was actually real.

"Stop that!" he snapped as he remembered the girl who was just unzipping his jeans. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

She looked frightened and confused.

"I'm sorry if I did something wrong…"

"Stop apologizing!" he snapped. "Stand up for yourself like a normal person!"

She didn't say anything and she seemed to be too scared to move. He got up and started to pace back and forth.

"Damn it!" he growled and slammed his fist against the wall.

She flinched and wrapped her arms around her. He was angry, but not at her. Not really. How could he have been so damn blind? He should have seen that there was something wrong with her. What the hell was he supposed to do now? Nothing. This wasn't his damn problem. She wasn't his problem.

Th-thump, th-thump, th-thump…

No! He stormed out without looking at her. This was too much for him to handle.