Chapter 4: The Deal

Caroline knew something was wrong when she felt a gentle breeze on her face. She was still half asleep and even though she felt like someone was in the room with her, she couldn't bring herself to get up. Instead, she gave in to the sweetness of sleep and fell deeper into the dream world.

After a while, she felt herself surrounded by the darkness. Normally she would have panicked, but for a reason, she was absolutely calm and almost...peaceful.

The soothing breeze surrounded her, bringing a softness to the dark.

Someone was there with her, standing too close for comfort.

And too far away from her at the same time.

Then she felt him.

She swallowed.

"Let's try something, shall we?" she heard him say. Who was it? She couldn't say. Yet his voice sounded extremely familiar and... intimate. She gasped in the darkness.

She knew him. She also knew he terrified her. Maybe it was why she couldn't open her eyes, it all felt like a nightmare where she couldn't really move or control her body. Was it the fear that did this to her?

But when he reached up and touched her hair she felt there was more to it.

"My sweet Caroline," he whispered into her hair.

She sighed.

Why had it comforted her so much? Was the intimacy in the way he called her? Was it the suggestion that they knew each other? Was it the way his voice excited her? Making her tremble and blushing with the most extraordinary thoughts.

And why had it terrified her at the same time?

She felt desperate, helpless.

She wanted to ignore it. Like a bad dream, she said to herself, a bad dream. She didn't dare open her eyes.

Then he touched her,

She trembled and involuntarily raised her hands in the darkness, expecting to find him close.

She heard him chuckle softly.

"You want to touch me?" the voice said.

She nodded.

"Why?" he asked, obviously able to see her.

She didn't know.

She opened her eyes slowly but merely saw a shadow.

Once again his hand found her hair and ran through it slowly. She couldn't help shivering as she lay there, she sat up in the dark, and waited for him to show his face, to touch her again.

"Do you fear me?" he asked.

She swallowed once again, he throat painfully dry and small.

Her knees trembled when she suddenly felt him behind her, holding her, his hands resting on her stomach.

He sniffed her hair and his lips- she felt his lips- brushing the back of her neck, kissing her hair.

This was too much. She had to ask.

"Who...who are you?"

He chuckled again. Holding her arms together behind her back, he moved closer- if it was possible for them to be any closer than that.

When Caroline expected him to speak, he suddenly disappeared.

Caroline held herself and felt a sharp panic at the loss.

"I don't like this." He said.

She was relieved to hear the voice again.

"What?" she asked, her voice small.

"This." He once again found her, pulling her back close to him, pressing her to his chest, feeling her relax in his arms, and finding it just as comforting himself. He sighed into her hair when her softness and warmth filled his arms.

"I don't like this one bit." He whispered, sounding like he felt just the opposite, and he slowly turned her around to face him. His lips inches away from hers, Caroline noticed with his soft breath making her shiver once again.

A second later his lips were brushing hers.

Caroline broke her trance. "Then stop this..." she said softly. "Tell me who you are."

Then she felt his breath on her ear, whispering things, things that caused an overwhelming ache inside her even if she couldn't make out the words, the way he said them, he whispered them to her ear made her feel almost...like they could set her skin on fire even if she merely thought about them.

She could feel him smile, strangely feeling connected to his emotions... or his mind, she couldn't quite understand what was happening.

Then once again she felt the arms that held her let her go.

She woke up on the floor.

It was dark, she slowly sat up, realizing she was in a classroom, but why?

Then she remembered...Klaus.

She tensed and looked around to see him. Had he left her here and turned back to the gym where Stefan was about to feed on Elena?

Hadn't it already been more than 20 minutes?

And what had happened to Tyler?

She tried to make sense of what was happening but her head was killing her.

She got up and hurried to the door, she had to help them.

As soon as she opened the door she ran into Klaus.

"What's the rush, love?" he asked.

Caroline stepped back.

"What did you do?" she asked, fearing his answer.

"Why, nothing." He said innocently. Then his lips curled into a playful smile. "Did you sleep well?"

Noticing the way her cheeks blushed easily, his smile grew even bigger.

"That well?" he asked with a cheeky grin.

"Where is Elena? You have to stop Stefan." She pleaded, worried out of her mind.

"Don't worry. It's all fine now. I took care of everything while you were taking a nap."

"Is...is she dead?" Caroline felt like she was about to choke.

Klaus sighed.

"Stop worrying," he said, sounding annoyed. "It's not attractive."

"What?" Caroline stared at him. "God, what is wrong with you?"

Klaus smiled. "I promise she is fine." He said simply, looking at her lips. They stood silent for a second in the dark hallway.

"You know, Caroline? I am truly happy I met you tonight. See, I thought it would be all torture and putting wrongs right and making Stefan suffer the consequences but..."

Caroline stared.

"...but you've been a bloody delightful surprise." Caroline sighed, he was insane.

And he didn't seem to care what she thought of him as he gently brushed her hair and tucked it behind her ear.

She looked around, desperately hoping someone would show up with an axe.

"See, you're a treat." He said smiling the cruelest smile she'd ever seen.

Hell, Damon seemed like a teddy bear now. At least she knew what he was capable of.

"I think I want to keep you around for more amusement, really," Klaus said finally, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"Won't be a problem I'm sure?" he cocked an eyebrow.

She frowned. "Where is Tyler?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"He's still sleeping. Very lazy that one." He said finally. "Or maybe..." he added, whispering now,"He's just waiting for true love's kiss. What do you say?" he asked, searching her face.

"Where is he?"

"Don't worry. He is right around the corner. I'll feed him some blood and complete his transition, simple really: He'll be saved and become a hybrid." He added with a playful whisper: "I'd thank me if I were you."

"You-"

"Shh." Klaus brought a finger to her lips. "He won't have to turn unless he wants to. I'm giving him a gift."

"Out of the goodness of your heart, I presume?" Caroline asked, scared of his plans for Tyler.

Klaus chuckled.

"I'm not all that bad." He said with an expression of mock hurt but Caroline could see he was amused at best.

"I'm not interested." she shot back.

"Oh, you see... that's the deal." Klaus waved his hand, he seemed to be having too much fun with it all.

Caroline frowned.

He smiled in such a way she knew what was coming before he actually said it.

"You see, Caroline, love...The thing about our precious Tyler is that if he survives..." he paused and watched her with a deadly glint in his eyes. "He'll be my first hybrid. He'll be special. I could let him die of course...but this means a lot to me. Still...God knows there are plenty of wolves who'd be more than willing to take his place. So...let's make a deal."

"I'm listening." She said through her teeth. Like she had another choice.

"You'll leave him." He waved his hand as if to chase a fly.

"What?" Caroline asked incredulous.

"After he turns, you're going to break up with him." Klaus smiled.

"Are you crazy?"

"Caroline, it's simple, really. If you want him to live, you stay away from him."

"You can't do that," Caroline said. "Who do you think you are?"

Klaus shook her head as if she was amusing.

"I will show you just what I can be like. All in good time. Now. Answer me."

"My answer is fuck you."

Klaus tilted his head.

Caroline gasped when he looked down for a second before his eyes lingered on her body and then found her face, causing her to flush and squirm.

"Let's not hurry that." He said softly.

Caroline gulped. She expected him to hit her, for the darkness to take her again but he chose to flirt with her instead. She felt sick.

"I won't break up with my boyfriend. I don't even know why you'd ask such a thing. But the answer is no."

"You think I won't kill him?"

"I think you're just a lonely boy looking for your next toy to break," Caroline said, her voice was a mixture of pity and disgust.

"That was cute." He smiled fondly. "I will let you psychoanalyze me after I break his neck. Again." He smiled.

"Shall we?" he pointed towards the lab.

Caroline closed her eyes. She hated feeling helpless.

She took a step forward, surprised her knees didn't tremble. She had to do something. She tried to think. Suddenly she turned around and faced Klaus who stopped right behind her, looking at her with questioning eyes.

"Why... why did you give me that dream?" she asked, cursing the way her voice shook but hoping she'd find something, a way to manipulate him like he seemed to manipulate everyone else.

"I did no such thing." He said innocently. Then he leaned in closer, brushing her ear with his lips, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Oh, did you dream about me?" he asked.

Caroline tried to push him but he didn't move. She frowned. Of course, the tables would turn on her.

"I thought you'd rather get back to your boyfriend than put your hands on me." He said, eyeing her hands. She folded her arms and threw him a narrow glare.

"And what did you do to Elena?" she said.

Klaus sighed.

"I told you. She's fine. Now, let's go see your boyfriend."

This time he tugged on her arm as they walked. His other hand found the small of her back and she gasped. He chuckled.

"So sensitive. Tyler must love having such a sensual girlfriend. Too bad you two are over." He said smiling.

Caroline threw him a look which clearly said she wanted to headbutt him. But he seemed to find her anger exciting at best. Even her insults didn't get to him like before.

She really wanted to wake up and find herself home, with Tyler next to her if possible. She wanted him safe and sound.

Klaus' fingers drew a small circle on her wrist. She shivered and felt like there was a small fire that burned inside her. He was trying to get to her.

"Stop it." She hissed.

Klaus didn't react. He opened the door and showed her the way.

"Ladies first."

Caroline saw Tyler lying on the floor. She wanted to run to him. Klaus pulled her back.

"Don't go." His voice echoed in her mind. Had he even said that out loud?

She glared. "I'm not your dog."

"Klaus drew her closer to his side and whispered in her ear.

"Look at him so defenseless. Do you really want to be responsible for his...misfortune?"

Caroline felt tears blinding her. She couldn't even see straight. Her anger and despair seemed to excite Klaus even further.

"Don't cry for him. He is not worth it."

"What do you know about being worthy?" she snarled. She felt so much hatred for him her insides burned.

"What do you know about loving someone?" she tried to face him but his grip was so strong that he simply held her in place with one hand. Her arms twisted behind her back, she didn't care how much it hurt when she tried to pull away. Klaus watched her with a serious, intense gaze.

"Stop moving. He's waking up."

Tyler groaned as he tried to move. He seemed to be in pain.

"Urghh."

Caroline whispered. "Tyler?"

"Caroline?"

She tried to shake off Klaus' grip and he let her this time.

She ran to Tyler side but before she could get down and touch him a blonde female vampire stood right in front of her, blocking her way.

She laughed.

"So this is the baby vampire Tyler'd been whining about." She eyed Caroline. "I don't see it." She commented, unimpressed.

"Don't be rude," Klaus said calmly. "Caroline, meet Rebekah, my sister. And excuse her manners, please. She gets grumpy when she's heartbroken."

Rebekah looked at her brother. "You seem to be enjoying yourself while I babysit dead wolves with cavemen manners."

Tyler sat up and looked at her. "Caroline, don't stay here. Go."

"Tyler, he is-" Caroline tried to speak but Klaus cut her.

"Tyler, you are going to die unless you drink this." Klaus held a little tube with blood in it. "Your friend Elena was happy to help."

Tyler looked at him. "I-"

"You took Elena's blood?" Caroline felt sick.

Rebekah stared at her. "You have the nerve to question my brother?"

Klaus held up a hand.

"Shh, Bekah." He turned to Caroline. "Elena is fine. Just being charitable and donating some blood for a good cause."

Caroline closed her eyes. "You're sick." She muttered.

Klaus chuckled at Caroline's disgusted face.

"You're the one who is wasting our time when your boyfriend is dying." Rebekah placed her hands on her hips. "Come on Nik. I don't want to spend my whole night in this place." She added, looking at her brother now.

Klaus shook his head. "Of course. Bring him to me."

Rebekah helped Tyler stand up. Caroline moved to get to him but Rebekah held her back.

"Keep her still," Klaus said to his sister.

Rebekah held Caroline's arms while Klaus stood in front of Tyler who was trying to support himself on the desk behind him. Klaus leaned in.

"Now, it's all very simple." He said as if talking to a kid. "Like I said, if you don't drink, you'll die." He turned away from Tyler and looked at Caroline. She avoided her gaze and looked at Tyler instead. He seemed to be trembling. Caroline felt her heart sink at the sight.

"But if you drink..." Klaus smiled. "You'll never have to turn unless you want to."

Tyler's eyes widened.

"You'll be stronger, faster... better in every way. What do you say?" Klaus asked, his lips curled into an excited smile.

Tyler looked at Caroline.

"...What do you want me to do after I...?" he asked, not looking at Klaus.

"I just want you to drink the blood and be my friend," Klaus said, walking past Caroline and brushing her arm in the process.

"Come on. You'll die if you don't anyway."

"Tyler..." Caroline looked at him. He was clearly in pain. He looked up at her, as if he waited for her to give him a sign. As if she could tell him not to drink it. He was going to die.

Tyler looked back at Klaus when Caroline didn't say or do anything. He nodded slowly, knowing it was his only choice but Klaus didn't hand him the blood. He looked at Caroline the way Tyler had looked at her just a second before.

Caroline swallowed. Was he serious?

She didn't have to break up with Tyler because that psycho bastard told her to, did she? Just how delusional was he?

She shook her head.

Klaus pouted.

"Come on Caroline. The boy would surely want to live over keeping his girlfriend."

"What?" Tyler's voice broke.

"Nothing." Caroline tried to sound reassuring. "Just drink."

Klaus raised an eyebrow.

Caroline sighed. "Alright." She said. "Just give it to him please." She added, not caring if she sounded desperate.

She was going to let him think he was winning whatever game he was playing as long as it meant Tyler and the others were safe.

Klaus' lips curled into a smile that made her feel weak. Was she too optimistic to think he would let it go? Was he just messing with her?

Klaus held the blood to Tyler's mouth. Tyler drank it and fell to the floor, panting.

Caroline screamed.

Klaus pulled her to himself, holding her back to his chest and stilling her. "Shhh. He's going to be fine." He whispered in her ear. Holding her squirming body close to his chest. "He's going to be fine."

She hated him. The way he held her made her sick.

"Tyler!"

Klaus kept her still.

Tyler looked up, growling and hissing. His eyes turned yellow.

Caroline froze.

He had really turned. It had worked. She sighed in relief.

"That's a good sign," Klaus said. "See love? I told you not to worry. Your darling boyfriend is safe. And if you keep your promise, he stays that way."

Caroline stiffened in his arms.

"Now, you're coming with me."

He dragged her outside as he commanded Rebekah. "Stay with our baby hybrid until he calms down."

"Where are we going?" Caroline asked as they got further away from the classroom.

He snaked an arm around her waist, letting go of her arms. "We're not done playing."

"What do you want?"Caroline spat. "You got yourself the hybrid you wanted. You had your fun with me. What more can you possibly want?"

"I want you to accompany me for a while. Can't say how long. I'm quite unpredictable that way. Let's see how it goes first.

"How what goes?"

"Our relationship." He smiled maniacally.

"What? You're crazy." Caroline blurted. "You're completely-"

"You'll need to listen to me if you want Tyler to enjoy his life another day."

"I'm not going to be your 'experiment'."

Klaus pushed her against the wall behind her. "You were more than interested when you were dreaming Caroline. You wanted me."

"That's not-"

"Even now I can see through you," Klaus said slowly as he held her arms and brushed his nose over her cheek. "You felt something. I just...want to explore it." He added as if he was merely a curious child.

Caroline wanted to say she didn't give a damn about what he wanted but she couldn't move when his face was so close.

Klaus' hand caressed her neck.

"So soft." He said more to himself than her.

Caroline felt dizzy. She felt fear, excitement and confusion. She tried to make sense of it, but she realized it wasn't going to start making sense any time soon, so she gave up and got back to fighting him. At least in her mind.

Still, her skin burned when his breath caressed her face.

"This is new and interesting to me. I want to indulge myself." He said, his eyes fixed on hers. He seemed completely serious.

Caroline felt her anger rise up in her once more. He had so much nerve.

"You know what? I'm done t-trying to speak to you like a normal person because you clearly don't get the message. I repeat- for the last time: I'M NOT IN-TE-RES-TED!"

She cleared her throat.

"And I- I won't-be doing anything with you."

Klaus leaned in closer, almost as if he was trying to break through her skin, if not her will.

"Pity... your lips were so sweet the last time... and your eyes are telling different things."

Caroline turned away. "You're not kissing me again."

"I like a challenge," Klaus said, amused. "I'll make you want it."

"You are hopeless." She said, hoping she could make him understand she had no intention of ever pleasing him anyway. Why wouldn't he just let her go?

Klaus chuckled. "Come on love, is it that hard to admit you're drawn to it?"

"What?"

"To this... to me. You're curious. Just like I am. Why not give it a shot and see how you like it?" Caroline struggled against him. "Afraid you'll like it too much?" he smiled.

Caroline frowned. "You wish."

Klaus laughed. "Just so you know..." he paused, his gaze lingering on her lips. "You're making me want you more."

Caroline froze when Klaus drew his finger along the outline of her bottom lip. She immediately felt a connection between her lips and stomach and that fire she felt before flamed up and burned her. She cursed out loud.

Klaus let out a soft chuckle.

Caroline felt angry at herself for the way she reacted. She was only giving him more reason to think he could play and get what he wanted from her.

"Please let me go." She found herself saying. Her words had sounded so weak and emotionless, Klaus looked at her with something that resembled compassion for a second.

He stepped back as he said, "You're not going anywhere." He sounded calm. "And I love how you switch from fighting to pleading." Klaus'right hand traveled down on her arm, slowly, he placed it on her stomach over the thin fabric.

Caroline sighed.

She could do this. Surely he wasn't going to take her to his mansion and actually rape her. He didn't look like he would actually force himself on her. He looked like he mostly wanted to torture and "play" with her though. Well, torture she could take and had taken before. "What else is new?" she thought. She could play along for a while. Surely he'd let her go at some point? She hoped maybe Stefan could help but he was nowhere to be seen. She tried not to think about it. What else could she do without putting Tyler in danger?

"I'll come with you because I have no other choice." She stated. "Not because I want it."

Klaus gently pushed her forward. "This is your mind talking." He stated nonchalantly, apparently not hurt at all. "You think you have to fight me now," he continued.

"But don't forget Caroline," He talked softer, his voice husky. "In your dreams you're defenseless ...naked. I saw what you really wanted."

Caroline swallowed.

"I'll prove it to you." He said, his voice even huskier.

Caroline shivered involuntarily again. She gasped when his hand made contact with her waist.

"You just threatened to kill my boyfriend. Let's be clear, whatever you think you saw-"

He turned her around her pulled her to himself, pressing her body to his. When his arms found their way around her waist she could only moan in response. She couldn't pull away with the way his tongue moved inside her mouth. She felt the flame in her stomach twist and burn her again, somehow managing to make her feel colder at the same time. She felt dizzy. So much that she had to hold on to him for support. Her hands were passive on his back, but they were still there nonetheless.

When he pulled away, she couldn't open her eyes. She hated herself for letting him do that. Her chest rose and fell as if she had trouble breathing.

Let me go, she begged in her mind. She feared how his kiss made her feel. How violent she felt, how empowered in his embrace... It actually made her lightheaded.

She couldn't stand how she felt. She felt like slapping him again. But she knew it made him angry. What good would it be other than making him hurt her or Tyler? Still, she wanted to hurt him.

She tried to gather her courage for something else instead. Perhaps she'd surprise him.

"You know what? Fine." She said licking her lips, her voice velvety. "Do whatever you want and be done with it." She caught his gaze and looked at him straight in the eyes. Klaus seemed taken aback for a split second before he spoke.

"Done challenging me with the hope of dimming my desire?"

"No. You want to have whatever you want whenever you want. So... " Caroline lifted up her face, daring him with her eyes.

He smiled, looking at her with wonder.

"As tempting as your challenge is, I'll let you know when we get to that. For now... let's take small steps. Savor every moment."

Caroline frowned. Really? He was rejecting her?

Klaus cocked an eyebrow and laughed.

"I'm not going to ravish you here love. That would be very cavemen like as my sister put it."

Caroline looked away.

Klaus' lips curled into a devilish smile.

"You're not playing me, Caroline. We'll do many things before it comes to that, as much as you seem to want it, I like to take my time."

Caroline swallowed. Of course, there would be no shortcuts to getting rid of him.

"It's just sex." She said daringly. "If that's what you want-"

Klaus' lips parted.

"Don't." He said.

Caroline wondered if he was old-fashioned. With all that teasing? Nah... couldn't be. He just liked to be in control. He clearly wanted her to fight it, not to initiate it. Or maybe it was because he really knew she was playing him.

She shrugged, hoping she was getting better at her playful attempt.

"Alright, you let me know."

"I will," Klaus said, his eyes burning holes into her skull.

Caroline let out a soft sigh. "Yeah." She said swallowing. " And Tyler..." she paused. "He'll be safe with your sister?"

"Trust me, love, he'll be well taken care of." Klaus winked. "Just as you."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Made sure it was a long one since I couldn't update for a while. Your reviews are the reason I'm writing. So I'm counting on them. (More Klaroline kisses on the way.)