A/N Hello everyone. I understand that many of you are mad at me for taking so long on this story and even longer for actually completing this story. It's been over a year since i started this story and I agree it should have been done by now. So I'm hoping to wrap it up in about two more chapters. Then again I'm not very good at keeping promises.

On a different note. THANK YOU SO MUCH! for all the wonderful reviews you left for the last chapter. I was so happy to see that it kept you interested and at the edge of you seats. I did take many of your wonderful suggestions into consideration and I hope this follow-up chapter will give a little bit of satisfaction.

P/S Don't you just love the cover art? Kudos to Nicole or Nfinneman. She does beautiful cover art. I absoultly love what she created for this story. Check out her Tumblr. .com

Any who, enjoy...

Klaus put his face in his hands shaking his head. He couldn't help but feel like this was his fault. He promised Caroline, Trevor would never hurt her again and yet here she was lying in a hospital bed stitched up and bruised.

He felt his hands bawl into fists because he would make Trevor pay for what he did to her. He was suddenly torn from his thoughts when Caroline groaned and started to move. He looked up and sighed in relief standing up to move closer.

Caroline lifted her hands and rubbed her eyes in an effort to actually wake up when she heard him speak.

"Hello love."

Caroline opened her eyes to see Klaus standing by her bed. He leaned over and kissed her head. "Hey," she said softly smiling up at him, "how long have you been here?"

Klaus pulled back his hand caressed her cheek before he sat at the edge of her bed taking one of her hands in his, "Almost an hour, the nurse said you'd be out for a while, and that everyone else is asleep," he looked around the room to see Matt, Elena and Bonnie on the floor with their back against the wall.

"How are you feeling?" he asked looking her over. The side of her right eye was purple, her left cheek was purple, a small cut was on the top of her lip and she had stiches by her hairline above her right eye.

"The doctor said I'm pretty beat up but I'll heal. They're going to do my CAT scan today," Caroline smiled softly trying to move in bed when a pain shot through her ribs causing her to suck air in between her teeth.

Klaus stood up quickly his hands on Caroline's arm and shoulder helping her up, "you shouldn't be moving Caroline."

She smiled waving her hand at him, "I'll be fine. It's just a few cuts and bruises," she said brushing off his forwards to help her up.

He frowned, "sweetheart you were attacked, don't push yourself," he said softly looking at her, "let me help you."

Caroline sighed, "I know I was attacked. I've been here before," she said harshly, "in case you've forgotten I've handled it before, alone, and I think I can do it again," she looked up at Klaus pulling her arm away from him.

He was taken aback by her tone change but nodded, "Very well, I'm going to get the nurse," he turned around and walked out of her room.

She groaned and let her head fall against the pillows.

"Little harsh don't you think?"

Caroline peeked open her eye and saw Matt smiling over her, "Matty," she smiled in relief.

"Hey Care," Matt said softly as he pushed some hair out of her face, "how's its hangin'?"

She chuckled smacking him in the chest, "oh shut up."

He laughed sitting at the edge of her bed, "but seriously, what the hell happen Care?" he gave her that protective father look, "it was Trevor wasn't it?"

Caroline dropped her gaze as she felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't answer Matt she just nodded.

He sighed and touched her cheek, "that bastard is going to pay for this. You're not in Mystic Falls anymore, he'll go down."

Caroline couldn't help the tears falling from her eyes as she looked up at Matt, "he attacked me in my own home Matt. The one place I thought I was safe," she sniffed, "and yet he was able to tear through it like a piece of paper."

Matt moved to sit next to Caroline as he wrapped his arms around her, "Shhhh…Care it's not your fault."

Caroline gripped on to Matt sobbing softly, "Then how did he find me."

Matt rubbed her back as she cried into his chest, "I don't know Care."

Klaus walked back in and saw Matt holding Caroline. She had tears streaming down her face as Matt rubbed her back. As much as he wanted to be the one rubbing her back he understood that Matt was Caroline's best friend.

It stung but what could he do, she trusts Matt. So Klaus thought it'd be best to give her some time, "The doctor will be in soon," he cleared his throat, "I'm going to get some coffee, do you two want anything?"

Matt smiled, "coffee sounds great."

"I want a cappuccino," Elena said yawning rubbing her eyes, "and some breakfast if you could."

"Me too," Bonnie said stretching.

Klaus nodded, "very well," he looked at Caroline, "what about you love?"

Caroline sat up and shook her head no, "I'm fine thanks."

Klaus smiled and without another word headed out of the hospital.

Elena and Bonnie made their way to Caroline's bed asking if she was ok and telling her how scared they were that she was attacked. Caroline sat there nodding to their questions and giving little answers when required.

Caroline's doctor came in holding her chart, "Caroline I'm glad to see you awake," she said walking to the foot of her bed, "with a crowded room," she looked at Elena, Bonnie and Matt.

"If you could wait outside please," Dr. Fell said looking at them.

Caroline nodded as Matt, Elena and Bonnie left the room.

"What's up doc, can I go home soon," Caroline said with a small smile.

Meredith clearing her throat, "Not yet Caroline, we need to do some more x-rays and run a CAT scan today.

"You had irregular breathing and heart rate levels throughout the night and I'd like to see what is causing those," she closed the file looking at her. "I'll have a nurse come in and prep you."

Caroline sighed and nodded.

Meredith wrote a few things in her file and placed back at the foot of her bed, "please try to relax Miss Forbes, don't stress yourself to much. You're ribs are sensitive even though only one was cracked."

Caroline nodded in acknowledgement, "are the police still coming to speak with me?"

"Yes, they're waiting in the lobby," Meredith said looking at her watch, "after you're done speaking with them will take you for your examinations," she smiled walking back out of Caroline's room.

Matt, Bonnie and Elena walked back in as soon as she left, "what's going on?" each of them asked.

"They need to do some more x-rays, do a CAT scan and the police are on their way up right now," Caroline took a deep breath, "this is going to suck."

"Just tell them the truth," Elena said standing next to Caroline, "tell them it was Trevor who did this to you."

Caroline looked down at her hands nodding.

Bonnie put her around Caroline's shoulder, "will be right here Care, we're not going anywhere."

She looked up at her friends and smiled when she heard a knock on the door.

"Miss Forbes, I'm Detective Andrew Murphy I'm here to speak with you about what happen last night."

"Of course," she nodded, "how can I help you."

He walked into her room with a little notebook stepping up to the side of her bed as her friends moved to the other side.

"Let's start from the beginning," he asked nicely looking at Caroline, "tell me what happen?"

Caroline took a deep breath before jumping right into what happen. Being a writer she was able to go into a much detail as possible to make it a little easier for the police to find Trevor. She spoke at a pace the detective could keep up and tried to keep herself from flinching when she recalled certain moments from last night. She still couldn't believe that it's only been hours since she was attacked, it felt like days.

"This isn't the first time he's attacked me."

The detective looked up from his notepad, "where was the previous attack?"

"When I was 18, in Mystic Falls, which was the reason I came to San Francisco. But he found me and now the beautiful city I've called home for the past eight years doesn't feel safe anymore," Caroline choked up a little at the end. She cleared her throat looking back up at the detective.

"Do you need anything else or have I provided you with enough information?"

Detective Murphy closed his note pad looking at Caroline, "this is good," he reached in his pocket and pulled out his business card. "If you see him anywhere or hear from him please don't hesitate to call me."

Caroline took the card and nodded, "thank you."

Klaus walked in holding coffee and breakfast when he saw the man by Caroline's bed, "hello," he walked into the room placing the stuff on the counter near the window. He turned back toward the detective, "Klaus Mikalson," he held out his hand.

"Detective Murphy," he said shaking Klaus' hand.

"You'll be the one searching for Trevor?"

"Yes."

Klaus crossed his arms, "Would it be possible for you to notify me if you do find him?"

Detective Murphy furrowed eyebrows, "that information is limited to the victim," he looked at Caroline.

She waved her hand, "it's fine detective it'd be nice if you took all our information. These people are my closest friends, I trust them."

The detective nodded as he opened back up his notepad taking everyone's contact information before leaving.

Klaus looked at Caroline, "are you ok?"

"I'm fine. He just wanted to know the details of last night," she sighed, "no big deal," she said giving him a half smile.

Klaus nodded, "I brought breakfast if you're hungry," he motioned toward the counter.

"Thank you Klaus," Elena exclaimed as she tore open the bag, "I'm starving."

Caroline and Klaus chuckled as they looked at her friends gather around the food and start talking about who is going to get what.

"Do you want something before it's all gone," he asked her.

She shook her head, "No, the doctor said she has to run a few tests on me before I can be cleared to go home. I think it would be better if I didn't."

Right on cue two nurses came in, "Miss Forbes were here to take you for your CAT scan," one said as they both went to one side of her bed.

"You'll have to drink this," the nurse said handing her a cup of clear liquid and placing the rest on the tray next to her bed, "You'll need to finish the bottle before we move you to a CAT scan."

Caroline sighed looking at the cup before bringing it to her lips. She grimaced as the taste hit her tongue, "gross what is that," she said drawing the empty cup back from her mouth.

"It's what will light up your insides as the machine scans your body, it doesn't taste very good but you'll need to finish the whole bottle," the nurse said refilling her cup.

"Will be back on check on you in 30 minutes to see if you finished the bottle," the nurse said as they both walked out of her room.

Caroline sat there taking sips of the bottle as her friends gathered around her bed with their breakfast. Klaus sat on the side of her bed listening to them converse as they talked about everything, from the new movies coming out to her and Matt wanting to plan a gamer's night at her apartment. That earned an eye roll from Bonnie and Elena.

Klaus said there watching smiling because he was enjoying how her closest friends were able to make her smile only a day after a dramatic experience.

Caroline woke up in her room to her ribs aching. She took a nap after the x-rays and CAT scan. When she got back in the room from her exams it was already evening time and she told her friends to go home. They needed to get a good night's sleep and freshen up. Klaus wasn't in the room went she returned so she fell asleep quickly, but she opened her eyes she saw him reading a book and drinking a bottle of water.

She cleared her throat a little and tried to move.

"Hey," Klaus said softly putting his book down, "don't move sweetheart."

Caroline waved her hand, "I needa sit up to drink something."

Klaus stood up pouring her a cup of water, "here," he said handing it to her. Caroline took it saying thank you before she drank it.

Klaus stood there watching her, "where did your friends disappear to," he asked standing next to her bed.

"I sent them home, it's been a long day and I told them they can come back tomorrow," Caroline said in pain. Her ribs were aching and it was starting to wear her out. She needed her pain medication.

Klaus sat back beside her to the bed, "what do you need Caroline you look like you're in pain?"

She shook her head, "I'm fine. They said they'll give me something for the pain when I woke up again."

Klaus saw her scrunch her eye brows in pain as she held on to her side, "I'm going to get them to give it to you now," he said turning toward her door.

"Klaus stop please," she said, "I don't need anything. You can just go home, I'll be out in a day or two," she sighed, "there's no reason for you to be here."

He looked at her softly, "I want to be here Caroline, why are you trying to push me away? Let me help you?" he said softly.

"Help me, you want to help me," Caroline's demeanor turned dark as she looked at Klaus, "where were you when Trevor pushed his way into my apartment? You promised me he'd never hurt me again. You said I had nothing to worry about and yet here I am," she scuffed loudly, "lying in a hospital bed, broken," she grunted in pain from her sudden movement.

Klaus closed his eyes because she was right, he did promise, "Caroline I'm sorry—"

"You weren't there," she yelled, "I let you in and you weren't there when I needed you the most. I never even told Tyler about what happen to me," she was starting to choke up and her breath coming in fast, "I'm sick of being hurt by the guys I choose to fall in…for."

"Caroline I would never hurt you," Klaus said stepping closer to her bed. He went to touch her face to wipe away the tears but she moved away.

"I think you should go," she sniffed.

"Caroline let me—"

A knocked on the door drew Klaus and Caroline's attention.

"Elijah," Klaus said running his hand through his hair.

"Hello Niklaus," he said smiling walking up to the bed, "I've come to see if Miss Forbes is recovering."

He nodded, "Yes of course," he looked at Caroline as her eyes shifted between the brothers, "I was just leaving," Klaus picked up his jacket and stepped toward Caroline to give her a kiss on the cheek, but she turned away. He nodded and walked out of the room.

Caroline sighed letting her head lean against the pillow. Why are you picking a fight with him Caroline, she asked her-self. He was in Chicago for business and didn't know Trevor was going to hurt you. She put her hands over her face groaning in frustration because she just felt alone in this whole situation. No one would truly understand what she's going through. To have that one person who supposedly loved you, hate you so much that they wanted you dead.

"Is everything alright dear?"

She looked at Elijah through the space in her hands, "no."

Elijah nodded taking a seat in the chair next to her bed, unbuttoning his suit jacket, "tell me about it."

Caroline moved her hands down on her lap, "I've only been in two seriously relationships in my whole life.

"One tried to kill me, twice, the other decided to cheat on me because I care about my job to much. With a track record like that where does it leave me and Nik?"

"Where ever you want it to," Elijah said.

Caroline scuffed a little, "thanks."

He chuckled, "tell me how long have you known my brother," Elijah asked politely.

She smiled a little, "I met him when I was first moving into my apartment. He saw me struggling to carry a few boxes and he helped me, but we've gotten to know each other more and more over the past few months." She looked at Elijah, "why you ask?"

"Because he cares for you," Elijah simply stated, "there are not many people outside of our family that Niklaus cares for," he smiled, "yet, here he is by your side."

Caroline nodded looking down at her hands, "and I want him here," she said with a small smile looking back up at Elijah, "but I need to figure out some things."

Elijah looked at her nodding. He stood up, "that's understandable, and you've just been through a dramatic experience everyone needs time to heal.

"If you honestly feel that a romantic relationship between you and my brother won't work he'll understand.

"He wouldn't want to do anything that would hurt you." he smiled at Caroline and put his hand on her shoulder, "but just one more thing Caroline."

She nodded looking at Elijah, "Niklaus doesn't let people in very often and once he closes that door it's hard to open back up.

"Trust me I know, he's closed the door on me once and almost a few time after that. Most of which was my fault.

"I left him when was just 12 years old to deal with our joke of a father, but trust me Caroline he's worth it," Elijah said

She smiled as Elijah headed toward the door, "Thank you Elijah, for everything."

He stopped and looked at her, "You're welcome Caroline," he smiled before walking off.

Caroline let her head fall back on her pillow her eyes closing as she sucked in a breath when she heard a light knocking on her door. She opened her eyes to see Ian standing at the door.

"Is this a bad time?" he smiled softly.

Caroline shook her head, "No, come in," she smiled.

Ian walked in taking off his jacket and took a seat by Caroline's bed, "so how are you feeling today?"

She shrugged, "I've had betters days."

He nodded, "of course," he looked around, "where is everyone?"

"They all went home. They've been here all day and I'm perfectly safe here so I told them to get a good night's sleep and I'll see them in the morning," Caroline said pulling the blanket up to cover herself.

Ian sat down nodding, "sorry I wasn't here earlier work got a little crazy."

Caroline shook her head, "don't be silly you were here last night. I honestly wasn't expecting you stop by again."

"You're in the hospital Caroline. Of course I'm going to stop by and see you," he said a little offended, "I do see you as a good friend."

She smiled, "of course," she nodded, "sorry, it's just been a long day. So tell me how was your day at the Warfield."

Ian smiled and started talking about his day. He told her about the benefit concert last night and how today the sponsors dropped of their check and he got to take the donations to the hospital personally. Last night the benefit concert was the children's hospital in San Francisco and they were able to raise $75k thanks to the show last night.

"That sounds amazing," Caroline smiled, "congratulations I wish I made it," she said but stopped herself swallowing the lump in her throat as she looked down at her hands.

Ian reached for her hands in her lamp squeezing them, "it's not your fault Caroline. I wish you were there two but I'm more happy that you're ok."

She nodded with her lips in line, "yes, everyone is happy to hear that Caroline Forbes survived an attack from her psychotic ex-husband. A man she has been hiding from for the past eight years," she cut herself off when she saw the shocked expression on Ian's face. She mentally kicked herself because he had no idea.

"Your ex-husband did this to you?"

Caroline sighed as her head rested on the pillow, "yes and I forgot that you had no idea," she opened her eyes looking at him. "Do you mind if we don't talk about it. It seems that's all I've been talking about for the past 24 hours."

Ian nodded, "ok I can do that," he adjusted himself in the chair, "do you want to hear what we're planning for the Warfield, concert wise, this August?"

Caroling grinned, "spill."

Ian and Caroline spent the next half hour talking about music. It was the perfect distraction for her but when it came to laughing her ribs would hurt so she tried her best to keep her laughter limited to a big smile.

"Excuse me sir," Ian turned toward the door to see a nurse, "visiting hours are over. Unless you're family you'll have to come back tomorrow."

He nodded as he turned his attention back to Caroline, "well that is my cue Forbe," he stood up slipping on his jacket, "you get some rest and text me when you're released."

Caroline nodded, "thank you for stopping by Ian. I almost forgot you were good company."

Ian chuckled, "only on good days," he grinned, "night Caroline."

She smiled as he walked toward the door.

"Oh one more thing," he said leaning into her room, "let's have dinner the night you're released?"

Caroline chuckled, "I don't really feel like going out in this state."

He waved his hand, "who said anything about going out. I'll bring dinner to you and prepare it at your place," he smiled, "you in?"

Caroline took a deep breath before shrugging, "what the hell I'll text you when I'm released."

Ian clapped his hands smiling, "great, see ya then Forbes."

Caroline was finally released from the hospital a day later. Her concussion wasn't as serious but her ribs were still sensitive so she had to take it easy for the next few weeks. Klaus was waiting for her outside with a town car to take her home.

"Hey Matt," he said smiling as he stepped on the curb.

Matt smiled, "Hey Klaus, you here to see Caroline?"

"I'm actually picking her up. I thought she'd like a ride home."

"Oh, but she asked us to take her home," Matt said to Klaus apologetically.

He nodded, "of course why wouldn't she want her best friends to take her home."

Matt sighed, "just give her some time Klaus."

Klaus held up his hand nodding, "I know. Tell her I'll see her this evening," he walked around Elijah's town car and got in the driver's seat. He figured he'd return the car to Elijah since he wasn't going to be using it and Elijah has been asking about New York since he got home. Mine as well stop putting off the inevitable.

"Niklaus, I wasn't expecting you back so soon," Elijah said holding his front door.

"Nether was I, but Caroline wanted to be taken home by her friends so I wasn't about to interfere," he said pushing past Elijah and headed for his study, "plus you've wanted to debrief me since I got home, so mine as well."

Elijah closed his door and followed Klaus to his study to see him with a small glass of brandy and his feet kicked up on the couch, "bit early for bourbon isn't it."

Klaus took a drink, "no not really."

"Ok," Elijah sighed as he sat down across from Klaus, "what's going on?"

"I'm here to talk about the job Elijah, nothing else."

"Why do I get the feeling this has to do with what I walked in on at the hospital the other day," Elijah saw Klaus stop mid-drink before gulping back the rest of his drink.

"It's nothing," Klaus said getting up from the couch, "now should we talk about New York?"

Elijah sighed, "very well," he said sitting back in the car. "Why did the job stir off course?"

Klaus sighed placing his drink on the table. He started explaining what happen in New York to Elijah. From the dinner they had with Alexander to throwing his body over board.

"How is Kol?"

"He called me the other day saying that everything cleared in New York but he had to head back to London for a few days to attend to a few clients," Klaus said leaning back in the chair, "he said he'll come back to San Francisco in a few days."

Elijah nodded, "I'm glad you handled things the way you did Niklaus. I understand things could've gone a lot worse given what happen to Caroline that night."

Klaus nodded, "After you said Caroline was safe my priority was getting our brother back," he sighed, "Maybe if Caroline knew that she wouldn't be so angry with me."

Elijah looked at his brother learning forward from his chair, "it's not your fault what happen to her Niklaus, and I think she understands that. But you have to realize that she's had not one seriously damaging relationship but two. One that damaged her physically and the other emotionally, give her time and I'm sure she'll come around."

"Are we done Elijah?" Klaus said standing up.

Elijah nodded, "Yes, our calendar has been cleared until further notice. Take this time to relax."

Klaus scuffed as little nodding as he started for the door. He wasn't going to rest not matter how much his brother wanted him to. He had one job and one job only, find Trevor.

Caroline opened her door to see Klaus look up at her and smile, "hey," she said softly.

"Good evening sweetheart," Klaus smiled moving to give Caroline a kiss but she turned her face and he kissed her cheek. He cleared his throat a little, "How you feeling?"

She shrugged, "sore but I'm just glad to be out of that hospital."

He nodded, "of course, well hopefully this will cheer you up," he smiled, "I thought I'd get us some take out and we could lounge on the couch and watch Netflix."

Caroline wrapped her arms around herself, "that sounds great but," she paused, "I have plans already."

Klaus furrowed his eyebrows, "oh I didn't realize you were seeing your friends tonight."

Caroline shook her head, "no, I'm actually having dinner with Ian," she stepped sideways so Klaus can peek in to see Ian moving around in the kitchen getting their dinner ready.

Klaus didn't know how to respond he felt angry but not at Caroline just at the whole situation. He knows she's pushing him away he can see it on her face.

Caroline stood there, "rain check."

He looked down at his hands nodding, "yeah."

She moved to close the door. "Hey," Klaus said grabbing her arm before she could closed the door, "are we ok?" he looked at her concerned.

Caroline nodded, "Of course we are why wouldn't we be?"

"For starters you pushed me away at the hospital and now this," he motioned toward Ian, "did I do something wrong?"

She sighed closing her eyes, "Klaus, Ian was there when I woke up. It's just for dinner, will hang out tomorrow," she said softly stepping forward and placing a light kiss on his cheek before closing her door.

Klaus sighed walking away from her door headed for the elevator a little angry but he didn't want to fight with Caroline because that would only push her further away and he wanted her back. So there was only one person he needed to see right now.

"Lexi," Klaus yelled as he barged into Rebekah's apartment.

She came down the stairs looking at Klaus baffled, "What's up Klaus?"

"Did you find him?" he growled. The only thing that would make him feel better would be putting that man in a grave, "did you find Trevor?"

Lexi saw the anger in Klaus' eyes and if she didn't give him the response he wanted he'll lose it, "come with me," she said waving for Klaus to follow her.

"Lexi," he said firmly.

"Klaus just come with me," Lexi narrowed her eyes at him as she walked toward Rebekah's bar.

Klaus ran his hand through his hair sighing in annoyance. Lexi was as stubborn as he was the best thing to do was go with whatever she had planned.

Lexi walked around Rebekah's small corner bar, placing two glasses on the counter top motioning for Klaus to take a seat. She filled them up to the rim with bourbon handing one to her friend and taking the other in hand.

"Now tell me what's going on?" she said casually, "how's Caroline?"

Klaus ran his hand through his hair as he took a few gulps from his drink, "she got out of the hospital today."

Lexi nodded, "that's great so what are you doing here?"

"She asked me to leave the hospital the other day," Klaus poured himself some more bourbon, "So I thought I'd at least see her tonight for dinner but," he sighed throwing back his drink letting out a breath, "she's having dinner with Ian."

"That guy she was with at the concert?

Klaus nodded pouring himself another drink.

"So what, she left him high and dry as soon as you stepped into the picture that night and I doubt she's having dinner with him as a way to hurt you," Lexi sipped her drink.

"I don't care that she's having dinner with him," he said annoyed as he ran his fingers through his hair, "she's pushing me away Lexi and it's my fault. Her being attacked is my fault."

Klaus sighed as he slammed his drink, "The only way I can fix this is by making that son of bitch wish he never laid a hand on her."

Lexi stood behind the bar looking at Klaus. He looks like he hasn't sleep in days even though he's wearing clean clothes. She sighed and poured them another drink, "Klaus this wasn't your fault," she pushed his glass back toward him, "you may not believe me but it wasn't and trust me I'm doing everything I can to find him for you."

She slammed her drink wiping about the drip from her mouth, "now get some rest. You'll be the first one to know if I find anything."

Klaus nodded getting off the bar stool walking toward the door.

It's been almost two weeks since Caroline was attacked, and everything was going back to normal for most people, expect the fact that Klaus hasn't spent time with his girlfriend since she closed her door on him.

Klaus looked down at his phone to see Bonnie calling. He ignored it. He hasn't been back to the office since he got back to San Francisco. Given that it's the last Friday of the month, Bonnie would be working on the monthly report for August, but Klaus didn't care about his job at the moment. Not until he finished the one that mattered. He pushed the lobby button headed to Rebekah's apartment because Lexi said she had some news.

When the door slide open to the lobby he was met with a pair of blue eyes he didn't realized he missed so much until they were looking right at him, "Caroline," he said softly.

She smiled, "hey."

He stepped out of the elevator to stand in front of her, "how are you love?"

Caroline nodded looking down at her hands. She and Klaus haven't exactly been close since he got back. She felt drowning herself in work and trying to get back to her normal routine would help her, unfortunately that left little time for her to actually speak to him even though she wanted to but she didn't really know how after the scene they had at the hospital and her choosing to have dinner with Ian everything felt out of whack.

"Better," she shrugged, "just trying to keep myself busy."

He nodded, "of course," he stepped closer to her without taking his eyes off her, "how are things at the Chronicle? I'm sure they were in complete shambles without your help last week," he felt his heart clench hearing her chuckled.

"Jessica sent home when I first went in but after three days she let me come back because I didn't want to be anywhere else," she smiled, she looked him up and down. He was a little scruffier then usual and his eyes seemed tired. Before she could stop herself she was caressing his cheek.

"You're getting scruffy," she smiled.

Klaus smiled as he put his hand over hers, "yes well I haven't found time to really shave," he said holding her hand in place, "you look beautiful sweetheart." He noticed the bruises on her face were gone and the stiches were out and a light cut was in its place.

She smiled, "thank you," she took her hand away from his face. They starred at each other for a few seconds before Caroline said she had to go and stepped on to the elevator.

Klaus looked at her as she stood in the elevator, she smiled, "don't shave it all off. I like your little scruff," she waved her hands as the doors closed.

Klaus chuckled as he walked out of the apartment building; this is the best he's felt since he got home.

"Lexi," he called walking into Rebekah's apartment.

"Hey Nik," Klaus turned and saw his little brother coming out of the kitchen.

"Kol," he smiled and walked up to him and gave him a quick hug, "when did you get back."

"Last night," Kol said, "I needed a few days to get everything situated in New York and London but now its smooth sailing," he smirked.

Klaus nodded, "that's great news brother, and how are you healing?"

Kol rolled his shoulder, "it's still a bit stiff but it's healing up nicely."

"Good," Klaus smiled, "have you seen Lexi?"

"Yeah, she's upstairs in the office."

Klaus nodded turned toward the stair case.

"Hey Nik," Kol said stopping him on the staircase. Klaus looked at his brother, "I'm sorry about Caroline. If you need another pair of hands on this job let me know."

Klaus smiled as he continued back up the stairs to see Lexi. He walked into Rebekah's office. It was covered with movie posters of her favorite movies, being a filmmaker Rebekah loved her space themed around what she worked.

"Hey Lex," Klaus closed the door walking up to the desk, "what's the news?"

Lexi turned toward Klaus crossing her arms smirking, "how good am I?"

"The best, now where is he?"

"When was the last time you went to work?" Lexi started loading a clip on her laptop.

"I haven't been back since I left to Chicago, why?"

Lexi sighed motioning for him to come around the computer, "it would seem our little friend is looking for you," she pulled up some video from the advertising firms surveillance showing Trevor talking to Klaus' assistant asking about him.

"Well if I would've known it was that easy I would have happily gone to work to greet him," Klaus said standing up straight crossing his arms.

"I'm sure you would have been the best host," Lexi smiled making a few key strokes and pulling up the license plate of the car he got into, "he got into a black BMW with a license plate linked to a physical address," she smiled handing Klaus a piece of paper.

Klaus smiled. His first genuine smile since he got back. He kissed Lexi on the cheek taking the piece of paper.

Lexi smiled, "I know it's not much and it might not even be his place but it's a start."

"This is fantastic Lexi," he smiled, "thank you."

She nodded as she watched Klaus walk toward the door, "Klaus."

He turned to look at Lexi as he held open the door, "make him suffer." He nodded as he walked out of Rebekah's office.

Klaus walked into Elijah's house without knocking. He headed for his study opening his desk drawer taking the keys to his town car.

"Elijah I'm borrowing your car," Klaus shouted as he walked back toward the door. "I'll return it as soon as I can."

Before Elijah could reply as he made his way down the stairs he heard the front door slam.

Klaus rushed out of Elijah's driveway and made his way to the marina. The address Lexi gave him was linked to a house boat docked at the North Bay area. He wanted to scope out the place before he made his move and make sure that it was Trevor's place he was invading.

Caroline felt her phone vibrating as she opened her front door. She took it out of her pocket, "hey Bonnie what's up?" she turned locking her door.

"Hey Care, how was your day?"

Caroline thought about it recalling how she twitched when Jessie was helping her with photos and his hand grazed her forearm. She still wasn't back to normal but it was getting better, "Good, my boss gave me the weekend off again. She still doesn't want to put too much stress on me," she sighed throwing her purse and keys on the kitchen table before walking to get a wine glass.

"What about you, how are things at the advertising firm?" Caroline said pouring herself a drink, even though she really wanted to ask how the people at the advertising firm are.

"Actually not so good right now," Bonnie sighed, "I called because I wanted to know if you've seen Klaus lately. He hasn't been answering my calls or the offices' calls."

Caroline stopped mid drink furrowing her eyebrows, "what do you mean you haven't heard from him I just saw him this afternoon."

"Care he hasn't been back to work since he got home and trust me I may be good but I'm still not Niklaus Mikaelson good," Bonnie said a little frantic as she started to dig through a pile of paper work on her desk, "the firm needs their CFO back."

Caroline leaned against her kitchen table surprised by the news, "I had no idea Bonnie."

"Really, I figured you would have known since you see him every day."

She drank some more before clearing her throat, "actually I haven't. Klaus and I haven't been in the same room since the hospital."

Bonnie stopped looking through the mountain of paper work on her desk, "are you serious?"

Caroline nodded, "yup."

"Why?" Bonnie said giving her friend her full attention, "what happen?"

Caroline sighed, "It's nothing Bonnie we're just in a weird place after everything happen and I don't know where we stand."

"But Matt said you loved him," Bonnie blurted.

"What! Why would Matt say that?"

Bonnie mentally scolded herself because Matt told her not to say anything, "Care why does that matter, do you love Klaus or not?"

She let out a breath running her hand through her hair as she thought about it.

"Care," Bonnie said because the line went quiet, "I'm sorry Caroline it's none of my business. I'm sure you will work out whatever's going on between you two."

Caroline stood there nodded as she bit the tip of her thumb, "No it's ok Bonnie it's not your fault, Matt is always the truthful one," she sighed, "as for me I can't admit anything," she grumbled resting her forehead in the palm of hand, "I'll tell Klaus you want to speak with him. Talk to you later," she hung up her phone after Bonnie said good bye.

Caroline walked to her bathroom and started running a bath. She needed to relax after talking with Bonnie. Before everything happen she knew she was falling in love with Klaus and now she was pretty sure she felt the same way, but what was stopping her.

"Why are you such an idiot Forbes," she sighed pouring some bath salts into the tub. "He had nothing to do with what happen yet you pushed him away like it was his fault."

Caroline mumbled to herself as she undressed and got into the bath. She just wanted to relax, eat some food and go to sleep. It was a long day working on the weekend edition because she hasn't been out in the field to much lately much of the copy came from other reporters. So she had to spend a majority of the day editing their stories.

Caroline put her ear buds in and let her body relax in the hot water before covering her face with a washcloth. The music on her phone was on shuffle so she was easily relaxed as her music eased her troubled mind. She spent almost an hour relaxing in the tub until the water was only slightly warm and her fingers were wrinkled.

Caroline walked back into the kitchen opening her fridge groaning when she realized she hasn't gone food shopping. She sighed closing the door and picked up her phone from the kitchen table to order take out.

She glanced up from her book when she heard a knock at the door. She sighed getting up reaching for her purse on the coffee table. She pulled out a twenty and walked to her door, "who is it?"

"It's me Caroline?" she unlocked her door and opened it to see Klaus standing there with a small smile on his face.

"Hey," she said softly.

"Evening love"

"What's up," she asked wrapping her arms around herself.

Klaus shook his head, "nothing I just wanted to check on you. I haven't really been the best neighbor the past few weeks."

Caroline smiled pushing a strand hair behind her ear, "well it's not entirely your fault," she sighed, "I haven't been the best either."

They both stood there looking at each other.

"I'm sorry."

She furrowed her eyebrows, "for what?"

"Everything that happened to you," Klaus said taking a breath, "you should have never been hurt that way Caroline and I promise on my life that Trevor will pay for what he did."

Klaus spend all day staking out the boat house. It wasn't until nightfall that Klaus laid his eyes on Trevor entering the boat house. Klaus smirked because he would be ready for him tomorrow night.

Caroline closed her eyes, "Klaus," she breathed opening her eyes, "I don't blame you for what happen to me, it wasn't your fault and I'm sorry that I made you feel like it was."

"You don't need to apologize for anything sweetheart," he put his hand on her cheek, "You're perfect," he smiled before turning to walk off.

Caroline watched him hearing the elevator ding as he stepped up to his door and a delivery boy walking toward her.

Caroline woke up in her bed sweaty and breathing frantically. Her nightmares were getting worse she looked at her phone and it was almost midnight. She went to bed after she nibbled at her dinner thinking it'd be easier just to sleep then stay up all night thinking. She swung her legs off the bed and slipped on her slippers and slid her phone into her pocket. She took her apartment keys and walked out.

She stood in front of Klaus' door, it's been a while since they've really spent time together, but right now she wanted him. She wanted to feel safe and he helped her feel that way. It was already late and she was starting to doubt he was even awake.

Caroline took a breath and knocked on the door. She stood there fiddling her hands, her body going tense when she heard the locks give. She felt a pit in her stomach when Klaus opened the door giving her a soft smile.

She looked up at him and shrugged. Klaus stepped aside and let her in. He locked his door and took her hand as they headed for his bedroom in silence. Klaus pulled the covers back on his bed letting Caroline get comfortable as he turned off the lights.

This was the first night that Klaus and Caroline will spend together since she got attacked. As much as Klaus wanted her to be within grapping distance Caroline pushed him away, so when she showed up at his door he couldn't refuse because she looked fragile and tired. Now as they lay in bed Caroline curled up on his side and Klaus kissed the top of her head listening to her breathing level out as they both drifted to sleep.

Caroline was out for a morning run in the park near her apartment to clear her head. She had her earphones turned up loud so the music would drown out her thoughts as she picked up the pace. The only thing she was focused on was the feel of the pavement beneath her sneakers.

As soon as she turned the corner she stopped as she felt the burn in her stomach. Her eyes adjusted as she looked down to see a knife was driven into her stomach to its hilt. She looked up and saw the smirking face of Trevor as he twisted the knife causing her to fall to her knees.

He leaned over her body as she laid on the floor, "I told you no one else could have you." Her eyes closed as Trevor pulled the blade from her stomach.

Caroline started screaming and kicking around in the bed. Klaus woke up turning toward her trying to grab her arms to calm her down.

"Caroline," he said but her arms kept swinging, "Caroline!"

Caroline's eyes shot open her breathing was fast as she turned her head throwing a punch without realizing it as her fist connected with Klaus' jaw.

Klaus grunted but didn't feel fazed as he grabbed a hold of her wrists trying to calm her down, "it's me sweetheart," he said in a soothing tone, "it's me."

Caroline's breathing was still fast when she realized her surroundings and tried to calm down. Klaus let go of her hands so she could sit up.

"Are you ok?" he asked softly as he touched her cheek with his hand.

Caroline sat up in his bed pulling her knees to her chest, "I'm sorry. The dream, it was just so real."

Klaus rubbed her back trying to calm her down, "don't be sorry love" Caroline just nodded resting her head on her knees.

Klaus sat back against the head board on his bed, "come here," he opened his arms.

Caroline looked up, she took a deep breath and got comfortable in nook of Klaus arm. He ran his hand up and down her back drawing little circles as they just sat there in silence.

"Do you want to talk about it," he asked.

Caroline didn't know what to do; she just shook her head no. She was done talking about it. She knows what happen and she knows who did it but where was talking going to get her.

"Ok," Klaus said softly kissing the top of her head.

"I hate that he made me feel this way again," she mumbled into Klaus' side.

"What?"

She sighed and moved so she was sitting up next to him, "I said I hate that he made me feel this way again," she pushed her hair behind her ears.

"I'm 26 years old, I'm not 18 anymore but he was able to throw me around just like he did before. He was able to instill the same amount of fear he did when I was with him and that makes me angry," she said her words breaking a little at the end.

"I'm sick of being scared because of him. I can't even get a good night sleep without him invading my dreams," Caroline said in frustration her eyes starting to water, "I feel this darkness growing in me and I hate it."

Caroline sniffled wiping the tears away from the corner of her eyes laughing dully, "I may be back to work but I flinch almost every time someone makes a sudden movement," she sighed looking down at her hands, "my job is my life and he managed to mess with that."

Klaus sat there looking at Caroline, listening, because he knows she been holding this in since she got out of the hospital.

Caroline looked up to meet Klaus' eyes, "Now he's out there somewhere hiding. Who knows how long it's going to take before the police get to him," she took a deep breath, "I just want him gone already."

Klaus nodded he could see the anger in Caroline's eyes. She wanted that fear to be gone and it seems the only way that's going to happen is if Trevor is gone, "If he was here now and you had the upper hand, what would you do Caroline?"

"I'd hurt him the way he's hurt me," She said with no hesitation, "I'd show how it feels to be powerless and scared. How it feels fighting for your life," she paused, "I'd show him how easily his life could be taken away."

They sat there in silence for a few seconds before Klaus leaned over putting his hand under Caroline's chin so she could look at him while he spoke, "what if I could give that to you?"

Caroline furrowed eyebrows looking Klaus as he moved his hand away, "what do you mean?"

"I know where Trevor is."

Soooo...what did you think? Did Caroline's reaction have justification or was it ridiculous? What about Klaus? What do you think he has in store for Trevor now that he has admitted to Caroline he knows where he is?

That is all to come because like I said this may be the beginning of the end.

Please leave me a review and your thoughts for the upcoming chapters. How do you think this type of story should end?

Thanks for reading and sticking with me. I love each and every one of you readers.