I have two possible endings in mind for this so I would like to ask for your opinion. Should they eventually end up together? What do you think?

Chapter 34

The flames that consume us

"Miss Selene", Elijah said smiling politely. "I am glad to see that you are feeling better."

"Thank you", Selene said. She was smiling too but her smile suddenly vanished and she looked at Kol, like asking for his approval.

He touched her hand and gave her a quick nod. Elijah looked at both of them. His face was emotionless. Selene was wearing a swimsuit.

"I won't be long", she said to Kol and grabbed her towel.

"Take your time", he replied smiling.

"It was nice to see you again", she said to Elijah.

"The pleasure was mine, Miss Selene."

She smiled at both of them before she headed to the front door.

"See", Kol said when she had gone out. "Everything is alright now."

Elijah didn't seem convinced.

"Kol…"

"What?" he asked annoyed. "She wants to see her brothers so we are leaving to Philadelphia tomorrow."

Elijah was quiet for a while.

"Have you considered that maybe you should allow her to stay there with her family?"

Kol looked at his brother angrily.

"What are you talking about?"

Elijah sighed.

"I know you don't want to hear this but since you care about her…"

"Who says that I care about her?" Kol interrupted him tensely.

"Alright, I understand. Let's just say that since she isn't completely meaningless to you, maybe, just maybe you should allow her to leave."

"What, you think I can't take care of her, is that it? She's mine!"

"Calm down, what I meant was that I know you Kol. Do I have to remind you what happened to your previous…toys?"

"She's not like them. I will be good to her. For now on at least."

There was a sad look in Elijah's eyes.

"I know you will try but I still fear for her. It is your nature and I am not judging you because of it but I am truly asking you to reconsider this. She could have a happy life…"

"And you think it would be impossible for her to have that with me?" Kol asked icily.

"That is something you have to think about yourself", Elijah replied calmly. "Can you protect her from your nature?"

"Yes I can. I will find a way. But she stays with me, I need… I mean I want her to be with me."

Elijah nodded tiredly.

"Alright, I hope you know what you are doing."

Kol was very annoyed. Of course he knew what he was doing. How dared Elijah to say those things? She was his and he would take care of her. And his nature…that he could control when he was with her. What she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.

...

"I'm so happy to hear that everything is alright", Selene said.

"I could say the same to you sis", Derek replied. "It was about time for you to call. I'll see you soon."

"Yes, bye…"

"Wait, I almost forgot, you never gonna guess who called me."

"Who?"

"Mom!"

"Really?" Selene said tensely. "What did she want?"

"She was asking have I heard anything from Uncle Bobby. Apparently he's missing."

Selene froze.

"Selene? Are you there?"

It took a moment before she could answer. "Yes…I…He's missing?"

"Yeah, vanished without a trace. Weird huh?"

"Yes…It is weird…I'm sorry, I have to go. Good night."

"Good night, don't let the bedbugs bite."

Selene hung up and stared at the phone in her hand. She was sitting on her bed wearing a top and pajamas pants. She had just taken a shower after her swim. Kol knocked the door before he opened it.

"What's wrong?" he asked immediately.

Selene was still staring at the phone.

"Nothing, I… Derek told me that our uncle is missing."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did you like that uncle?"

"No", Selene replied without hesitation. "I mean… I know what that must sound like…"

Kol smiled and sat next to her.

"Hey, I'm not judging, I can't stand the most of my family."

Selene lifted her head slowly.

"It's not like that", she said quietly. "I…"

She shivered when Kol touched her shoulder.

"Hey, it's ok", Kol said and wrapped his arms around her. Her body tensed at first but finally she started to relax. She was grateful for his presence.

"He's not a good man", she murmured. "I'm afraid…"

"You don't have to be afraid, he will never hurt you again", Kol said calmly.

Selene pulled away and looked at him.

"How do you…" Then it hit her. She was so embarrassed that her face started to turn red. "You know…" She stood up and tried to run to the bathroom but Kol appeared in front of her.

"It's ok darling", he said.

She couldn't look at him. "No it's not. Please let me go."

"Look at me", Kol said calmly.

Selene shook her head. Kol lifted her chin gently.

"Everything is alright. You are safe; he's not going to touch you ever again."

Selene looked at him.

"How do you know that?" she asked although she already knew the answer.

Kol smiled.

"I made sure of that."

There was a long silence.

"You did that…for me?"

He nodded.

Selene felt suddenly very calm.

"Thank you", she said.

Kol looked stunned. Selene couldn't help but smile.

"You must think that I'm a terrible person but I'm not sad for his death. At least now I finally know that he can never hurt any other child again."

She kissed his cheek.

"So thank you."

"Sure, no problem", Kol murmured. "And I don't think that you are a terrible person."

Selene smiled and touched his cheek.

"Do you want to watch a movie?"

"Sure darling, but please don't pick anything boring."

"Come on, Titanic wasn't boring!"

Kol rolled his eyes.

"Sure it wasn't, if you happen to be in a coma."

Selene slapped his hand playfully.

"Fine, you choose then but it better not be any horror movie."

"Don't worry, if I want horror I just watch Titanic again."

"Shut up", Selene said laughing and placed her hand on his mouth.

He pulled her closer and kissed her. His hands were caressing her back and slowly sliding to her breasts when she pulled away.

"Maybe we should pick the movie", she murmured.

Kol bit his lip.

"Sure."

...

Kol stroked Selene's hair and listened her steady heartbeat. She had fallen asleep on the couch in the middle of the movie. Her head was leaning to his chest. Her body felt so warm. He didn't want to get up but he needed to go hunting. It would help him to control himself. He wanted her to feel safe with him.

And yet…If she would have reacted differently to dear uncle's death he would have compel her to forget. Kol didn't see anything wrong in it. It wasn't like he would have violated her mind. He just couldn't lose her. He didn't want to admit it even to himself but it was true. He would never let her go.