Chapter 6
Caroline took the empty glass in her hand and threw it at Marcel. Marcel laughed and flashed away before the glass landed on his head. Caroline huffed as she saw Marcel blow her a kiss and leave the apartment.
Caroline yelled at the top of her lungs, "Ahhhhhh!"
Caroline felt rage like she never felt before. I will find some way to kill him if that's that last thing I do. She walked out of the living room and opened the french doors to the balcony. She leaned in the banister and looked up at the night sky. The sky was clear. The stars shone bright in the dark sky. She smiled as she saw a shooting star flying across the sky. The last time there as a shooting star was about a century ago, minutes before Davina was born. Davina how am I going to get you out of Marcel's claws. He already knows that your important to me. If he knew just how much there would be no telling what he would do. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed her phone.
"Hello, Sophie."
"Caroline, what's up?"
"Marcel is in town. We have to move up the plan. He threaten Davina…."
"What? Why?"
"He knew we were at the garden…if I don't give him info he's going to hurt her…we have to move up the plan."
"Okay, there will be a full moon in a forth night we can try the spell then.."
"I'll try to get the wolfbane by the end of the week. "
"Okay…be careful…"
"You ,too."
_
The next morning Caroline woke up early to finish the last minute details for the Ball tonight. She already ordered her dress all she had to do was make sure the town hall was decorated to perfection. The Masquerade Ball was an annual tradition and every year was more elaborate then the next.
This year the theme was heaven and hell. The hall was decorated with black and white. Each table had a light and dark center piece. The entire hall was decorated with candle night. White roses covered every table. The guests were told to come dressed as angels or devils.
Caroline checked off the things in her to do list. Decorations were up. The flowers were delivered and placed accusingly. She checked the water levels. They would hold. The entertainment was confirmed. Most of the guests rsvp already. There were just a few wait staff that didn't confirm. She called and made arrangements. Everything seemed ready.
She gave the town hall one finally look over and left. She looked in her bag, she needed to get her phone.
She looked up after she hit something hard. She frowned. "Marcel…"
"Carrie…baby what not happy to see me?" Marcel said giving her a tight hug.
Caroline rolled her eyes and smiled. "Of course, Marcellus you know you are the light of my life…"
Marcel chuckled. "Of course." He took a small step back keeping his hand on her shoulders. "How are the preparation?"
"Perfect…there were three waiters that cancelled but I made arrangements…" Caroline said shortly.
"Great…and the other preparations?" Marcel said giving her shoulders a tight squeeze.
Caroline winced. She tried to shrug his grip loose. It wouldn't budge. "I am working on it. " She said through clenched teeth.
"Good…" Marcel said grinning at the scowl on Caroline's face. "I will unfortunately not have the honor of escorting you to the ball…I have business…"
"As you wish…Marcellus…" Caroline said exaggerating his name knowing it unnerved him.
Marcel smiled. He pulled Caroline close and crushed his mouth on kept an iron grip on the back of her head.
Caroline opened her eyes. She tried pushing his disgusting mouth away from her. His grip was too tight. She narrowed her eyes and smirked. She grabbed his bottom lip and bit it as hard as she possible could. He jerked away stunned. Caroline smirked at the blood falling form the side of his mouth. He wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. His eyes turned ebony. The veins under his eyes highlighted his anger.
His eyes tore away from his bride by a clearing of a throat.
Caroline looked over welcoming the disruption.
"Carrie do not forget what I said. Behave or I'll have to spank you…" He said as he leaned over and placed a sloppy kiss on the side of her cheek.
Caroline clenched her jaw. She forced a smile on her face. She saw Klaus and Elijah walking by. She knew that despicable display was to annoy the hybrid. From his tense stance it was working.
Marcel smirked and walked towards the originals. "Insatiable isn't she?" He said as he looked at the annoyed blond. "So…Elijah…Klaus what brings you here ?"
"We were just taking the sights. " Elijah said.
"It has been a while since you fled." Marcel said smugly. "You must stay and get reacquainted with my city. "
Klaus grinned. " I plan on getting very acquainted with everything your city has to offer…"
Marcel nodded. "What's mine is yours but remember it is mine…" He said darkly.
Klaus gave him a tight smile. "Perhaps…" His eyes never leaving Caroline's side.
Marcel stood silent. He was approached by Diego.
"It's time." Diego said softly.
"For what?" Klaus asked coyly.
"Business." Marcel said. "My kingdom awaits." Marcel walked away with Diego in hand.
Caroline rolled her eyes and walked away before she was noticed by Marcel or the originals. Caroline walked into the VooDoo Queen's Herbal store. The store was dark lit only with numerous candles. There were walls of shelves filled with herbs. Books of mundane spells and modern witchcraft. A few statues and a table of assorted incense. The store smelled of sandalwood and frankincense.
She was greeted by Greta, one of the elders. "Caroline, what can I do for you today?"
"Greetings Greta. I was looking for yarrow. Do you have any in stock?"
Greta nodded. She walked towards the back and went to get it.
Caroline took advantage and went behind the counter. She took a small velvet bag and flashed to the front display window. She looked through the assorted scarves and altar mantles. She looked at the necklaces and saw a crystal encrusted locket. Caroline picked it up and looked at the crystal shimmering in the candle light.
"Mama why do I have to go away?"
"Because baby…if you don't go the bad man will find you…" Caroline said to her daughter. She looked at the tears falling on the side of her daughter's face. Caroline wiped the tears that started to fall.
"Buut…but…"
"It's okay …baby…Mama will always be there to protect you." Caroline said as she moved a strand away form her daughter face. She leaned over and took off the silver locket around her neck. Caroline put it around her daughter's neck.
"Mama…but that's your favorite…"
"It will keep you safe. Even if I can't be with you…you will always have a piece of me near you. " Caroline said fighting the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
"Mama…why are you crying…"
"I am just so proud of my brave girl…" Caroline said. She placed her daughter on her lap.
"Mama…"The little girl gave Caroline a beaming smile.
Caroline opened the locket and showed her daughter. "When you look at this you'll always see me. "
The little girl looked at the locate and saw an inscription. Always and forever, . "What does it mean, Mama?"
"It was given to me by your father many, many years ago." She said looking away into the distance.
"Mama…why can't we stay with Papa?"
"You know why sweetheart…" Caroline said as she placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Did you find everything you need, love?"
Caroline woke up from her daze. She shook her head and turned her head slowly. "Klaus." She said as she rolled her eyes. "I thought I smelled hellfire and brimstone."
"Caroline I have the herbs you requested. I also gave you an extra supply of vervain." Greta said giving the hybrid a hard stare.
Caroline smiled at Greta. "Thank you, Greta. How much do I owe you?"
"Your money is no good here…" Greta said.
"Thank you." Caroline said. "Are you coming to the ball tonight?"
"No child. You know I can't stand that husband and his displays of immorality. "
Caroline laughed. She nodded and left the shop. Caroline smirked she knew Klaus was hot on her trail.
"Caroline…" Klaus said as he walked along side her.
"Klaus…what can I do for you? I am kinda in a rush." Caroline said stopping in the middle of Bourbon Street.
"Caroline I...I wanted to make sure you were okay…" Klaus said. "Of course. " Caroline said as she looked into his smoldering blue eyes. "I really do have to get ready but we can talk in the ball…"
"I wouldn't miss it…"
"Remember its black tie…no Henley's…" Caroline said smiling.
" Don't worry I won't disappoint."
Caroline rolled her eyes. She flashed away before she was tempted to say anymore.
Caroline looked at the time. Shit she was running late as usual. She gave herself a quick look before she headed out the door. She went into her room and took out the sachet of herbs she picked up from the herb store. She crushed the vervain in a mortar and pestle. She carefully placed the powder in a vial. She secured the closed vial in the front of her bodice. She grabbed her bag and headed out the door. She went to the garage and grabbed the keys to her red Lexus Matador. She started her car and drove off. She arrived in the town hall within a few minutes. She parked her car in the back and locked her car.
She took a deep breath and walked into the hall. She was greeted by two vampires. One was dressed in white the other in black. They opened the doors and Caroline stepped in.
Caroline stepped in scanning the place. The decorations and flowers were still in tacked. She smiled when she saw Sophie in a white dress and black laced apron.
"Champagne?" Sophie asked.
Caroline smiled and grabbed a glass. " Is everything in place?"
"Yes. "
Caroline took the sachet out and placed it in on her tray. "Be careful."
Sophie smiled and took the sachet. She placed it on her pocket. Caroline placed her hand on Sophie's shoulder and chanted a small protection spell silently.
"Sophie I need you to keep your eyes and ears open. "
Sophie nodded and walked away.
Caroline walked into the hall and scanned the room. She smiled and greeted people of importance as they came in.
Klaus walked in with Elijah, Rebekah and Stefan. Elijah was dressed in an immaculate black tuxedo, Rebekah in a fitted black ball gown with a short tail, and Stefan was dressed in a black tuxedo with a white mask. Klaus had a solid black tuxedo with a black mask.
Klaus dark blue eyes surveyed the room. There were guards in every corner of the room. The room was filled with vampires, humans, and apparently witches. The ball was filled with supernaturals dressed in white and black representing angels and devils. He smirked when he saw a vampire with long blond curls dressed in red. He walked towards the goddess. The lady in red had a long curve hugging red dress with a long train that shimmered in the candlelight. He took a closer look and saw the front of the dress was strapless. His eyes were mesmerized with the amount of skin she restlessly display. It was sinfully obvious she was as tempting as the devil in carnet. Her face was covered with a black mask that was covered with ebony feathers. The back of the dress showed pair of crimson wings outlined by ebony tips. She was laughing greeting the incoming crowd. He watched her from a distance waiting for a chance to attack his prey.
Caroline felt his penetrating stare. She smiled grabbing a glass of champagne as she walked towards Stefan and the originals. "Welcome…I hope you are enjoying yourselves."
Stefan gave her a beaming smile. "Caroline…how are you?"
"Good…"
"Where is Marcel?" Elijah asked.
"He had some business to attend to." Caroline said shrugging away the concern on Elijah's face. "He likes to make an entrance." She said rolling her eyes.
Spot lights started to shine circling the corners of the room. Acrobats in long white silk ropes were lowered twisting and spinning to the sensual rhythm of the orchestra.
Caroline smiled. "If you'll excuse me I have to make my rounds. " She bowed her head slightly and walked towards the crowd.
Klaus smiled. He wanted to tell her how exquisite she looked but the coldness of her brief greeting prevented him. He grabbed a glass of champagne and took a long gulp.
"She still knows how to throw a party." Stefan said as he looked at the silly smirk on the hybrid's face.
"So it would seem. " Klaus said.
Rebekah rolled her eyes and snorted.
"Niklaus do you see what I see?" Elijah asked as his eyes eyes the corners of the ball.
"Sophie Deveraux." Klaus said. " Rebecca…Stefan mingle see what you can find out. Elijah find out why Sophie is here. I have a king to greet. " He said as he finished his drink. He put his glass down and went into the shadows.
Caroline was signaled by Diego. Caroline huffed. She walked over reluctantly. "Yes…"
"Marcel is on his way. He was….detained." Diego said shortly.
Caroline laughed. "Of course he was."
" Well the show must go on. " Caroline rolled her eyes and walked pasted the tense vampire.
The acrobats finished their set and the spot lights were dimmed. The orchestra began to play again. Caroline went to the bar and refilled her drink.
"Angel or devil, love?"
Caroline smiled. "We'll see how the rest of the night goes."
Klaus grinned. "So how am I doing?"
Caroline licked her bottom lip slowly. " Positively Evil."
Klaus smirked. "Evil…you wound me madam." He said in mock lament.
Caroline leaned in and whispered in his ears. "You may have the face of an angel but your the devil in disguise. "
Caroline took a step back and signaled the bartender. The bartender placed a glass of scotch in front of her. She handed him the glass.
"Are you trying to take advantage of me, love ?"
Caroline chuckled. " Of course, I plan on seducing you and killing you before the night is done. Isn't that the plan Marcellus?" Caroline said as she heard Marcel walk towards them.
Marcel snickered. "Carrie baby sugar plum, is that any way to treat the guest of honor?"
He placed a possessive hand on the nape of Caroline's neck.
"Marcel are you finished with your business?" Klaus said smiling.
"Niklaus…this is a party. We can talk business another time. Are you and your family enjoying yourselves so far?"
"Every moment more." He said taking a sip of his scotch.
"Yes, well drink and enjoy. I must steal my lovely bride for a few minutes."
Klaus nodded as he watched Marcel take away his blood angel. The grip on the glass tighten as he saw his hand slide down her back.
"They do look nice together." Rebekah said as she saw the look of annoyance on her brothers face.
"What are you up to, little sister?" Klaus said his words gripping with agitation.
"Me? I am not the one you should be asking that question, Nik?" Rebekah said menacing as she walked away into the crowd.
"Rippah?" Klaus said as he saw Stefan appear.
"Klaus, I saw Caroline here where did she go? "
"Off to perform her wifely duties, I suppose." Klaus spat. He signaled the bartender and finished it in quickly.
Stefan heard the jealousy in his old friend's voice and smirked. " I thought you enjoyed a challenge Klaus?"
Klaus frowned slightly as he slammed the glass on the bar.
The spotlight beamed on the middle of the hall. The orchestra stopped playing as Marcel was handed a microphone. Marcel raised his hand and there was a hush in the crowd. "Thank you all for coming in tonight, folks. My name is Marcel and I want to personally welcome you to tonights festivities. It is my honor to present the guest of the hour, Niklaus Mikaelson, my maker, my sire, my friend. " Marcel clapped enthusiastically. The crowd started clapping in chorus. " Niklaus…please come up…"
The spot light searched the room. It stop when it found Klaus standing next to Stefan. Klaus smirked and walked over. This was going to be fun. Klaus tried to suppress his vexation his protégé was making it impossible.
Klaus climbed on stage and stood next to the vampire he was going to annihilate.
"In honor of my sire I would like to give my maker the highest of all honors. " Marcel turned towards Caroline and signaled for her to come.
Caroline smiled and walked on stage. She was going to kill him where he stood. Davina. Caroline smiled and walked over ever so slowly. She looked at Marcel's outstretched hand and obligingly took it.
"It is my honor to grant my oldest and dearest friend the honor of the first dance of the evening. " He gave Caroline a slight tug. She gave him a dark stare. Marcel ignored the venom in her eyes and took a step back.
There was a hush in the crowd. Caroline turned to Klaus and gave him a deep curtsy. Klaus smiled and bowed. He stretched his hand and she placed her hand inside of his. The music began playing a seductive tango. Caroline gave Marcel a hard glare as she took her crimson wings off. Klaus turned Caroline around placing her back on his chest. The rhythm started in a slow beat. Caroline turned her head and raised her left arm up. Klaus rested one of his hands in the middle of her stomach, the other hand slid down Caroline's raised arm. Klaus held her as they started stepping back crossing and intertwining their legs. Klaus laced his fingers in hers and spun her around. Caroline kept her eyes on the dark blue irises in from to of her. Caroline laced her arms around his neck. Klaus held one hand in the middle of her back while the other raised her leg around the side of his hip. Klaus leaned Caroline forward slowly. She let her hand go from his neck and placed them to her sides. Klaus took a small step back as she straighten up and put both of her arms over her head. Klaus shuffled his feet and danced around Caroline keeping his eyes on the blond in front of him. Caroline turned her head and gave her back to Klaus. Klaus moved forward slowly in a slow side step leaving his arms on his sides. Caroline stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Klaus' arms. He turned his face to the side and closed his eyes for a moment. His body felt the heat radiating from her pounding heart. She leaned in giving him a tight squeeze. She wrapped her leg around his. He turned around and she fell to one knee as she turned her body away from him. He waked forward and she crossed her legs walking back. She turned her face and raised her arms around her head. He smirked as he shuffled around her and tangled his fingers around hers. He spun her around making the tail of her dress fan out. He stopped the spun as Caroline pushed her bottom forward making the hybrid hiss. "Your playing with fire, love." He said in whisper only she could hear. She laughed as she turned and stretched her leg over her head. Klaus' eyes darken as he walked forward bending on one knee as she slowly placed her outstretched leg on his shoulder blade. He wrapped his arms around her leg as he got up slowly. He spun them around slowly. Caroline leaned back and dropped her arms behind her head. Klaus stopped and placed his hands on the middle of her back. Caroline kicked her leg over her head and summersaulted around. Klaus flashed forward and grabbed her hands. He pushed and she pulled until she spun in his arms. He bend her down and leaned forward slowly placing his face in the middle of her chest. The music started to slow down as he raised his head and looked into her yes. His eyes no longer blue but golden. Caroline looked into the amber orbs and matched his with her ebony ones. The veins under his eyes starting to appear slowly. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Marcel raised his hands and grabbed the microphone. " Give these two lovely people a round of applause. "
Caroline opened her eyes and got up. Klaus' eyes a clear blue once again.
Marcel waked towards Klaus and placed a hand on his shoulder. " Come on you can do better than that." He raised his hands in the air urging the crowd to clap and shout louder.
Klaus turned his head looking at the blond next to him. His skin longing for her touch. She smiled at the crowd waiting for Marcel to finish with his speech. She looked at the faces in the crowed and tried to locate Sophie and the other two witches. She saw Sophie in the back holding her tray. There was a vampire walking behind her. He took a step closer to Sophie. His fangs started to elongate. His eyes darken as he stared into Sophie's neck. The veins under his eyes illuminated his blood lust. Caroline took a step forward. She needed to get a closer look.
"Let the games begin…." Marcel said finishing his speech. He took a bow in honor of the adoring crowd.
Caroline took advantage of Marcel's back being turned and flashed towards the vampire behind Sophie. Caroline grabbed the vampires neck and twisted it with all her might. The vampire fell down with a loud thump. Caroline turned to Sophie." Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Caroline looked over Sophie checking for bruises.
"I'm okay. " Sophie said. She looked around at the stares and hisses around her. "I should get back to work."
Caroline nodded. She watched Sophie walk away and felt a relief. She at least managed to save Sophie even if she couldn't save Divina.
"Your weaknesses are showing, Carrie baby."
Caroline flinched. She turned her face and saw the shining white teeth of her husband. " Be careful, Marcellus I know what your weaknesses are as well. " She said as she turned looking at Cami. "Cami isn't it?"
Marcel narrowed his eyes. "If that's how you want to play it. "
Caroline shrugged her shoulders. "I've haven't played your games in a very long time, Marcel. "
Marcel chuckled. He grabbed Caroline's arm closing its grasp. "You will continue to play until I say. "
Caroline rolled her eyes. Her arm was in it's breaking point but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"Caroline are you alright?"
Caroline turned and shrugged Marcel's grip. "Stefan. Yes, just a difference of opinion, right Marcellus?" She turned to look at the ridiculous vampire in front of her.
Marcel smiled. " As you wish." Marcel grabbed Caroline's hand and placed a soft kiss on the top of her hand. Caroline quickly recoiled her hand and walked towards Stefan.
"Stefan can I have the honor of the next dance?" Caroline said as she gave him a curtsy.
Stefan smiled and offered her his hand. Caroline took it gratefully.
"What was that about, Caroline?"
Caroline rolled her eyes. "Just Marcel being Marcel."
"Care…" Stefan said sternly.
"Ok…Okay. He sent one of his goons after Sophie. "
"Is she okay?"
"Yes…I got to her in time…at least…"
Stefan raised a brow. "Your daughter?"
"Wha…what?"
"You look like you were talking about not being there for someone….were you talking about your daughter?"
Caroline looked into her friend's warm green eyes. "Stefan…I…can't…"
Stefan lowered his eyes. " Care, I'm worried about you. "
"I know. I just need some air. " Caroline said as she lowered her hand. She gave Stefan a short smile and walked away. Caroline walked passed the double doors into the front of the town hall. She walked to the side of the alley and leaned back on the brick wall. She closed her eyes. Her chest felt tight. She was trying to catch her breath. Her chest felt constrained. Caroline calm down. Everything is going to be okay. You will not let him get to you like this. Caroline took a deep breath. She straighten out her shoulders and started to walk away. She felt a hand over her mouth. She tried to move but the grip around her tighten.
"Don't move…."
Thank you again for all your support! Please forgive me of the format was off...I had problems posting, Thanks again!