Thank you all for your support and above all your patience! I hope it was worth the wait!

Chapter 9

Elijah made some calls trying to get information. He was starting to lose patience. The witches looked like they needed some incentive. He hung up the phone and grinned. He knew exactly which witch to ask.

Caroline returned home after a few hours of much needed shopping therapy. She threw her bags on the couch and sighed.

"Miss Gerald."

Caroline jumped. "Elijah…you nearly gave me a heart attach…." She said as she placed a hand over her erratic heart.

Elijah lowered his eyes in amusement. "I beg your pardon."

Caroline took a deep breath and nodded. "It's alright. " She was about to walk into the kitchen when she stopped abruptly. "Wait a second how did you get in here?" She frowned at the original. She waited for a reply.

"I can be quite persuasive when I want to be." Elijah said as he placed his hands in his pocket.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "I bet you can. Would you like a drink?"

"Thank you."

Caroline nodded. "Please sit." She put the best smile on she could muster.

Elijah smiled very slightly before he sat on the couch.

Caroline flashed to the kitchen and placed some scotch on two glasses. She handed Elijah a glass and sat down. She crossed her legs and took a sip of the scotch. " What can I do for you?"

Elijah sat back and unloosen a button from his pin stripped jacket. "You can answer a few questions."

"I'll do the best I can." Caroline said concentrating on Elijah's thought patterns.

"Last night I am afraid I walked in on a private matter."

Caroline narrowed her eyes. She saw images of Caroline rushing off blushing in agitation, Klaus growling punching the wall, his hands full of blood, pain in his face, he was hurt, and Elijah was worried. "What exactly worries you Elijah?"

"Niklaus is even more erratic than usual. He seems off…somehow. I fear he may retaliate. He may just do something that will hinder all of our ultimate goals. He seems different somehow…he's different especially when he seems to be around you…"

Caroline placed her hands on her lap. She took a deep breath. She saw the questions and doubts that filled Elijah. She placed the glass down. "Elijah neither you nor I can control Klaus. He is a storm that must be accepted and ultimately respected. " She shrugged at the puzzlement in his face.

"Every storm can be prevented , Mrs. Gerald."

Caroline snickered. "Elijah you may be a very powerful original…but Klaus will always be Klaus…" She got up and refilled her drink. "But at any rate…controlling Klaus is not my responsibility…is there any thing else you need?"

"I hate to be blunt but what are your intentions with my brother?"

Caroline took a sip of her drink and nearly chocked. She put the drink down. " My intentions ?"

"Yes…he is clearly taken with you. Are the feelings reciprocated?"

"Elijah whatever my feelings are or are not are none of your business…" Caroline said frowning at the originals impertinence.

"It is my business when it affects those closest to me. My family is the only thing that I value above all things…it does matter when and if someone is threatening to destroy it…"

Caroline raised her hands. "I do not plan on destroying your family…it means more to me than you will ever know…and that is all I will say on the matter. Now as I told your brother I was approached by Marcellus about your families intentions…" Caroline paused as she saw Elijah's jaw harden.

"He wants me to get a personal item of Klaus…I fear he wants to have Davina do a spell…we can not have that…it would destroy her if she did…" She lowered her eyes fearing she said too much.

"Why would it?" Elijah insisted. He looked at the worry in Caroline's face. "What is it you are not telling me?"

Caroline shook her head. "I…I…can not…" She got up she needed to get some air. She needed to be away from here.

Elijah flashed before her. He looked at her closely. He smiled slightly. "It is curious…your reaction…"

Caroline crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't know what you mean?" She tried to put on her mask hiding any emotion that may try to escape.

"Your lying…" He said remaining still. "I could just compel you…"

Caroline shook her head. She started blinking away a tear that was threatening to fall. "No…" She took a step back. Elijah stepped forward closely examining Caroline's face. Her pulse was racing. She needed to keep her distance if she didn't he would compel her. She couldn't let that happen. She stepped back until she reached the back of the kitchen island. She swallowed hard. She closed her eyes shaking her head. " No…I can't…" She said softly.

Elijah leaned in he put his hand on the side of Caroline's face. She opened her eyes raising her eyebrows she stiffen under his touch. He felt the panic under his touch. He waited for her to open her eyes. He put his other hand on the other side of the island making sure she could not move.

"Elijah…let me go…" Caroline pleaded.

"What is it your hiding?" He said as his eyes dilated. She tried to take her eyes away. Elijah turned her face towards her. " Caroline…tell me…"

Caroline bite the side of her cheek. She had to block her thoughts. She had to resist the pull. His dark caramel eyes were penetrating her defenses. She narrowed her eyes. She had to concentrate. She felt herself start to resist she needed to tell him. "I…I…"

Elijah continued his compulsion. " What exactly is between you and Niklaus?"

Caroline felt her throat dry. She need to answer the question. She had to answer it. Her mouth was starting to open. " I…I…love him…"

Elijah flinched for a second. "You love him?" He kept his eyes on hers. He had to make sure.

"Yes."

"What is it the witches are planning?"

"They want to kill Marcellus in order to resurrect Kol."

"Who is Davina?"

"She is my daughter."

"Who is Davina's father?"

Caroline bite the side of her cheek. She couldn't say. " I…I…can't…"

Elijah turned his head looking at her. "Why are you resisting me?"

"He…he doesn't know…."

Elijah smiled. "Really…" He kept his grip on her.

"Elijah…I…can't…please." Caroline tried to look away. Tears were starting to fall from her eyes. Her chest was pounding. She couldn't. "Please…don't make me…"

Elijah lowered his eyes. He saw the tears falling down her face. He heard her heart pounding erratically.

"Elijah…what the hell are you doing?"

Elijah turn around slowly. "Mr. Salvatore."

Stefan flashed towards them. "Let her go." He flashed towards Elijah.

"Elijah…what the hell is going on?" Rebekah said storming in.

Elijah lowered his hand. He took a step back. He turned and fixed the button on his jacket. "Nothing Bekah. I was just having a little chat with Mrs. Gerald."

Caroline closed her eyes. She walked away from the island. "Yes…well I think I'm done with our little chat Mr. Mikaelson. I think if you need anymore answers you can do that without compulsion." She said through clenched teeth.

Elijah nodded. He turned towards Stefan and Rebekah. He gave them a quick look and flashed away.

Stefan flashed towards Caroline. "Are you okay?" He put his hands on her shoulders. He scanned her face looking for any bruises.

Caroline nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. " She put her hands on the side of his cheek. "I'm okay, Stefan really."

Stefan smiled and nodded. "Okay. " He looked at his old friend for a moment longer. There was a ring of fear around her eyes. She was scared. It was a fear that was unseen in her face. She was usual very sure of herself especially in the line of fire.

"Stefan…she said she was fine." Rebekah said annoyed. "She is a big girl…"

Caroline turned to look at the jealous original. She shook her head. " So, what brings you here to my neck of the woods?" Caroline said desperately trying to change the subject. The tension in her shoulders receded when she saw Stefan walk towards Rebekah. He grabbed her hand and instantly the frown on her face soften.

"Well, Care you did offer to buy me a drink. " Stefan said.

Caroline looked at her friend and then at Rebekah. She smirked. Trust doesn't come easy for originals apparently. "Sure…first round is on me."

Rebekah eyed the blond wearily. The last thing she wanted was to allow Stefan time alone with Caroline. There were a little too cozy for their own good. She crossed her arms over her chest waiting for even a bit of defiance from the blond.

"Fine…get dressed Caroline you can't possibly go looking so dreadful." Rebekah said coldly. She smirking as she saw the frown on Caroline's face.

Caroline frowned at the original. She looked down on her clothes and shook her head. " FIne." She said through clenched teeth. "Give me a sec so I can be more…presentable…." She said through a fake smile.

Caroline flashed into her room opening the walk in closet. She quickly scanned her clothes and frowned. She knew they would probably be going somewhere exclusive at least if Rebekah had anything to do with it. She took out a simple black mini dress. It hugged her body perfectly. She quickly curled her hair and retouched her make up. She gave herself a quick look over before heading out of the door. She saw Rebekah and Stefan embraced and cleared her throat. The last thing she wanted to see was Stefan's full frontal attack on Rebekah. She zipped the thigh high boots grabbing her gold clutch purse. "Shall we go?" Caroline waited for Stefan and Rebekah to exit her place before she flashed over to her hallway closet and placed a pair of silver daggers on the side of her boots. She locked the door and meet Stefan and Rebekah by the elevator.

Rebekah wrapped her arms around Stefan protectively. She put her head on his shoulder closing her eyes smelling his unique scent.

Caroline tried not to stare they looked really happy. Stefan finally looked really happy even if it was Rebekah. "So where are we going?"

Stefan smiled looking at Rebekah. "A small jazz lounge on Bourbon Street. "

Caroline rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long night.

Klaus sat on the barstool finishing another round of single malt bourbon. He grabbed the glass clenching it in his hands. He signaled the bartender. Cami came over strutting herself in front of Klaus. He smirked feeling the effects of the bourbon in his system. She was looking prettier every second.

"Want another?" Cami said as she leaned on the bar counter. She batted her eyes at the intoxicated hybrid. She leaned in showing a bit more cleavage than she should have.

Klaus smirked. He leaned looking at the pulsating veins on her soft mounds, neck and eventually lips. "What are you offering , love?"

Cami bit her lip. She smiled shaking her head. " Maybe…" She took a strand of her hair and started to play with it.

Klaus placed his glass down and grinned. "What about a dance, love?"

"Sure…" Cami walked to the other bartender. " Cover me for a bit?" Cami smiled and walked in front of Klaus. Klaus offered his hand keeping his signature smirk on his face. He pulled her onto the dance floor holding her close to his chest. A slow jazz song filled the air. Cami smiled as she leaned in close to the hybrid.

Rebekah walked into the lounge with her hands wrapped around Stefan. Caroline shook her head when she saw the place. Marcel and his goons usually came here. It was very popular among the supernaturals. The lounge was dark and packed with vampires, a few humans and handful of ware wolves. In center stage there was a jazz band with trumpets, saxophones, and a few double bass players. There was a handful of tables for the vip and heavy spenders. Caroline rolled her eyes the tables were filled with vampires from Marcel's inner circle. She gave the place a quick look. Marcel was no where to be found. Great. She walked and stopped abruptly. She frowned as she spotted Cami walking towards Klaus into the dance floor. She swallowed. She closed her eyes she needed to get a hold of herself. Klaus was there of course. He would be. Caroline opened her eyes and plaster an artificial smile. She needed to get her emotions in check. She pushed her fears down and followed her companions.

Rebekah turned her head and smirked. "Is anything wrong, darling?" She said as she approached Caroline.

Caroline shook her head. "Nothing at all." She managed.

Rebekah followed her line of sight. Her brother was dancing with another blond. " Are you sure?"

She said as she saw the look of hurt on Caroline's face. Rebekah was about to open her mouth when she felt a squeeze on her shoulder. Stefan gave her a stern look. "Bekah? "

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "We should get a table."

Caroline frowned slightly. " Sure theres one near the bar. What do you guys wants to drink?"

"Two bourbons." Stefan said.

Caroline nodded and went towards the bar. She signaled the bartender and told him the order. She pointed towards their table and smiled as the bartender placed the order. She opened her bag to pay for the drinks when the bartender shook his head, "It's been covered by the gentleman over there…"

Caroline frowned and looked at the direction of a light skinned vampire with flaming red hair and piercing green eyes. He raised his cup to Caroline. Caroline smiled and gave him a slight bow. He walked over to Caroline keeping his eyes on hers. She smiled at his courage. He must be new in town. He stood in front of her giving her an exaggerated look as his eyes raked all over her body. She tried to control the chill her body was getting from his abusive stare.

"My name is 's yours darling?" He stretched his hand over.

She smiled. He smelled human. "Caroline." She took his hand and gave him a tight squeeze. She released his hand quickly. "Thank you for the drinks." She felt his hand reach hers and she rolled her eyes.

"Hey…why don't we go somewhere a little more private?" Patty said pulling her close to him. His breath reeked of liquor and cigarettes.

Caroline turned her head and shrugged her arm away from his prying ones. "You really don't want to do that…" She said trying to keep her temper in check. Patty leaned in closer ignoring the venom in her voice.

"Oh come on darling give us a little kiss…."

Caroline had enough. She reached over to grab him and then he disappeared. She turned her head and saw a pair of yellow eyes looking back at her. She took a deep breath. "Klaus…"

She saw Patty being thrown across the room. Patty looked up and ran out of the bar running for dear life. She crossed her arms over her chest. She saw his hybrid face slowly starting to recede.

"Are you alright, love?" Klaus said as he took a step closer.

Caroline held her breath. His scent was invading her senses. She wanted to be livid for the interference but she could not. She wanted to see him again. She bit her bottom lip. She shook her head she couldn't trust her words. Her body was yearning to be closer to his but after all the mistrust they shared how could she in full conscious submit to her desires. She couldn't make it that simple. "I…I'm fine…you should get back to your friend…" Caroline spat out each syllable. She tried to stop the bile from choking her. She turned to fetch her drinks when he stopped her. She slowly turned her head.

"Caroline…" Klaus eyes were filled with a timid nervousness. She was so close to him but there was always something separating them. Her eyes narrowed. He let go of his grip and lowered his eyes slightly.

"Klaus…I… " Caroline rolled her eyes. She hated she was so nervous around him. She heard the bartender place the drinks on the bar.

"Can we talk for a moment, love?" He used his best puppy eyes to convince her. She gave him a scowl in return. He leaned in a reached for her hands. He rubbed his thumb over the top of her knuckles. She shivered a bit under his touch.

"Klaus…I think you've said plenty already. " Caroline said looking at their intertwined hands. She felt a warmth she could not deny. She bit her lip. She took her hand away from his grip. He let it go reluctantly. He looked into her eyes pleading his case. She took a deep breath she needed to get as far away from him as possible.

"Caroline…what is taking so long? Nik what the hell are you doing here?" Rebekah asked as she eyed the embraced couple. They were a little too close for comfort.

"Having a drink dear sister you?" Klaus said darkly internally cursing his sister for her inopportune timing.

"Same. Why don't you join us, Nik…?" Rebekah said as she saw the look of annoyance on Caroline's face.

Caroline felt her chest tighten. "Rebekah I'm sure Klaus has other plan's…" She said looking at Cami walking towards them.

"Klaus…there you are?" Cami said walking towards Klaus.

Caroline took a step back and rolled her eyes. Cami placed her hands around Klaus arm. She pulled him closer. Caroline clenched her teeth this chick was getting on her last nerves. She placed her hands behind her back.

"Caroline how are you?"

"Good you?" Caroline said through clenched teeth.

"Better now." Cami said as she pressed her chest closer to Klaus.

Caroline placed a ridged smile on her face. "Great." She looked at the smirk on Rebekah's face.

Caroline saw the amusement on both original's faces and rolled her eyes.

"Klaus…Cami why don't you join us?" Rebekah offered.

"Sure…" Cami said smiling.

Caroline kept the artificial smile on her face even though she wanted to pull out every strand of the other blond's hair. She saw Rebekah walk towards the table and followed suit. Rebekah sat next to Stefan on one side. She sat opposite of Stefan. Klaus pulled the chair opposite of Rebekah for Cami. She smiled like a buffoon at his gallantry. Caroline rolled her eyes. Klaus sat on the chair next to Caroline. Of course. He sat down on the chair and lightly touched Caroline's shoulder. She stiffen at his touch. Klaus smirked as he saw her blush for a second. He gave her a quick stare and grinned widely.

Stefan looked at the interaction and shook his head. This was going to be interesting. He felt Rebekah put her hand on his thigh. She gave them a quick squeeze. She looked at Cami for a second. "So Cami where did you meet my brother?"

Caroline smirked leave it to Rebekah to get straight to the point.

"It was actually in this bar. I was tending bar and this mysterious stranger with a british accent ordered quite a lot of drinks. We talked for hours and the rest is history…" Cami said as she looked deep into the hybrid's face.

Caroline rolled her eyes. She saw the waiter place the drinks on the table and took hers eagerly.

"Caroline where is Marcel tonight?" Cami asked eagerly.

Caroline stopped drinking and placed her drink on the table. "I don't know I thought you of all people would know?" She said smiling at the dumbfounded look on Cami's face.

"I beg your pardon?" She said as she gave Klaus a quick look. Klaus raised an eyebrow at Caroline's question.

"You and Marcel were always so close…special friends even…" Caroline said as she took another sip of her drink.

Cami frowned. "What are you implying Caroline?"

"Nothing at all Camille." Caroline took a sip of her drink. "So Stef... Rebekah what are your and Rebekah's plans are you staying for Mardi Gras?"

Stefan cleared his throat. He looked at Rebekah for a second. "We are open…right Bekah."

"Yes we are here for a little family business but after that we can stay for a while…I haven't been to Mardi Gras in ages."

" This year the celebrations should be bigger and more colorful. You should help Rebekah. I know you used to make fierce parties back in the day. "

Rebekah laughed. " Sure…why not?" She smiled at Caroline for a second.

"How long have you two known each other?" Cami asked looking at Rebekah and Caroline.

"Yes, its been what.." Rebekah looked at Stefan for a second. " We meet Caroline over two hundred years ago in Mystic Falls. Its a little town in Virginia. Stef and I meet in the 1920's in Chicago. " She smiled looking at Stefan's face. "Klaus and Caroline were quite close at a time…right Nik?"

Klaus smirked.

Caroline bit her lip. She played with the straw in her drink. "That was a long time ago."

"Was it, love? It almost feels like the other day?" Klaus said grinning.

Caroline looked up and stared into Klaus bright blue eyes. Her eyes darken for a moment. She licked her lips. She shrugged her shoulders. " What does it matter that's the past…you should focus on your present." She said as she gave Cami a short smile.

Cami's heart was starting to pound faster and faster. What is it about Caroline? What does she do she has Marcel? Now Klaus? What does she do to these guys? She isn't going to ruin my plans. She will not wreck my plans as god is my witness.

Caroline listened carefully to her rant. Cami was up to something. Caroline looked at the other blond carefully.

Cami looked at the smirk in Klaus' face. His eyes studied Caroline. She was his main focus. It was starting to annoy her. "Klaus…you still owe me a dance…" She reached over and grabbed his hand. He nodded. He pulled her onto the dance floor.

Caroline kept a short smile on her face. She saw Klaus take Cami's hand in his. She didn't want to feel pain at the sight of him so happy without her. She didn't want her heart to harden at the thought of Cami's hands on his shoulders. She closed her eyes. She needed to take a minute to ignore the jealousy that was creeping inside of her.

"Care you okay?" Stefan asked.

Caroline opened her eyes quickly. "Yeh…I guess the scotch is getting to me…" She lied.

Rebekah snickered. "I'm sure..." Rebekah mocked.

Caroline raised an eyebrow. "Your concern always astounds me…sweetheart…" Caroline allowed each vowel to drip pure unadulterated sarcasm.

"Stefan come…I fancy a dance…" Rebekah said pulling Stefan into the dance floor.

Caroline smiled as she saw the couple on the dance floor. Stefan pulled Rebekah close to him wrapping his arms around her waist. She wrapped her hands around his neck. She leaned in and placed her head softly on Stefan's shoulder she closed her eyes smiling at Stefan's closeness.

Caroline took a sip of her drink and exhaled deeply. She loved to see her friend finally happy but part of her wanted that for herself. She wanted that happiness that made every problem, every worry, every up and down diminish and become brighter. She wanted to be that special person that is always the center of someone's life. She wanted him to be that person. She wanted him to be her everything. She wanted…no Caroline. Caroline shook her head. The time for that is over. The past is the past. She needed to forget about the past.

"Mrs. Gerald…what are you doing here all alone?"

Caroline looked up and saw an incredible dressed original. "Elijah…" She rolled her eyes. "Just having a drink with Stefan, Rebekah, Klaus and Camille actually."

Elijah nodded. "I see…and where are they?"

"In the dance floor." Caroline said as she pointed towards the dancing couples.

Elijah turned his head and smirked. "May I?" He said pointing to the empty chair beside her.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."

Elijah narrowed his eyes for a second. He pulled a chair across from her and sat down.

Caroline signaled the waiter. The waiter took Elijah's order and left to place the order. Caroline sat in silence. She tuned into his thoughts she had to he didn't trust her.

Elijah looked at the blond in amazement. He had called in a contact and did an inquiry about Mrs. Gerald. The witches that he could find that actually talked to him all said the same story she was viciously loyal to the witches. They seemed to be certain that with the blond's help Marcel's tyrannical reign would end. The only worry that was prevalent was after Marcel was defeated would the originals be as bad or worse. Caroline tried to reassure them but the older witches always seemed to have a seed of doubt in their hearts.

Caroline took a sip of her drink. She placed it on the table. She didn't like the investigations that he made but it did prove Caroline's intentions. She was grateful of that. She looked at the dancing couples and hoped the song would end soon. Elijah really wasn't her favorite original. She finished her drink and got up. "Excuse me." She said as sweet as she could muster. He reached over and grabbed her hand. She looked down and frowned.

"I will be watching every move you make Mrs. Gerald and if you decided to betray me or my family I will be there to hunt you down …" Elijah whispered.

Caroline leaned in to his ear. She grabbed the dagger from the side of her boot. She plunged it into his heart. Elijah hissed. "I would never hurt you or your family but I will not tolerate your hands on me again." Caroline said smirking. She flashed out of the bar before the consequences of her actions followed her home.