Warnings for possible mild violence, swearing and of course blood (duh)

Destined Chapter 16

"Y-yes it does.."

Caroline just managed to croak the words out on a broken whisper but still loud enough to be heard before she started to tumble towards the opening of the driveway, her legs giving out as the crippling pain around her heart deepened, like spears piercing and slicing through an open wound. She struggled for breath as Elena grabbed her arms and pulling with all the strength she had, stopping her falling completely and hitting her head, causing more damage, even though physically she was unscathed.

It was like something from The Matrix, weird, slow motioned but also insanely fast, delayed reactions, everything happening in patterns, nobody able to track each other.

Within seconds upon realisation, Damon flashed back to the two new arrivals helping Elena to keep Caroline upright and calm, his face schooled into hard, scornful features, utter displeasure etched into his knitted brows.

Stefan appeared instantly beside Elijah who was standing just a few feet away from the train wreck, Rebekah was floating just behind her brother, watching cautiously with a knowing, almighty look and with the slightest of smirks on her lips.

She knew, they all knew what was coming next, the shit storm that was about to rain down and around them. Rebekah could hardly believe what Tyler was playing at, his judgment and common sense but have been completely clouded with anger and hate for her brother, surely he knows he cannot defeat Klaus, everybody knows the only one true way to kill an original, never mind an Original Hybrid, and even then it would prove not just to be a walk in the park.

It took just a second longer, just moment more for Klaus to gain control of his breathing, his body and his thoughts, he allowed Tyler a further millisecond to bathe in his glory, to feel like he had the upper hand.

And then he heard her, her small pained voice and felt her presence all at the same time, the hollowed torture swimming in his veins and crunching around his heart, he forced his eyes dark, glazed and red to look towards the entrance of the opening where he knew she'd just arrived, he knew she would have known something was happening wherever she was, the bond keeps it's mates connected in all ways no matter how far they are apart. Something finally snapped within him as his mate's knees gave out beneath her and his own struggled against his burly resistance, trying to do the same, their bodies trying to imitate and give in to each other.

He remembered, he remembered what Tyler was trying to achieve with this little display, he wanted to hurt Caroline, he was embarrassed and neglected and decided to strike a chord where he knew it would be most effective, he aimed for his heart, his mate, his Caroline and only his. He spared a final thought at the fact that Caroline was here watching with her own eyes, he only hoped now she would wash her hands of the wolf and spare his feelings like he had of her, sending silent thank-yous that she was here witnessing the real, uncovered low-life side to one Tyler Lockwood and only praying that she didn't have to feel pain and torment that she was currently enduring, he let out an almighty war cry and spun around.

His blue eyes already dark with the rising heat and anger, morphed into a metallic golden, his iris's speckled like flames, fangs dropping fully onto his lips which were peeled back, allowing grunts and growls to escape from deep in his chest.

Tyler's body flew back with the sheer force of just one of Klaus's hands pushing him back, he collided with the small tree trunk almost causing it to bend in half, the branches creaking in protest and splintering. His head struck the bark hard and a small line of dark crimson started to treacle past his forehead and onto his cheek. With his eyes scrunched closed and lips curling and snarling Tyler stood unsteadily, bracing himself slightly against the tree but was struck again, a blow of a tight fist to his jaw hard and fast sent him spiralling back, arms wind milling.

Tyler's glazed eyes flew open just on time to see Klaus, deadly, glorious in his hybrid form, Elijah and Stefan hot on his heels, prowling towards him, strong shoulders rolling and muscles flexing, straining against his clothes. His mouth frothing as his breaths came hard and fast ragged, whistling through his sharp teeth. Tyler's own fangs had just descended as the Hybrid leaped up into the air and all but flew towards him, gaining on him, he braced himself ready for the inevitable…

"Klaus stop!"

Tyler couldn't comprehend what he was seeing, his eyes still fixed on to Klaus's before him, not trusting enough to move or even blink. Klaus's body landed back on the ground on his feet with a dull thud, his hands dropped to his sides, fingers flexing, his skin still vibrating with tension and breathing hoarse and deep. Klaus's gaze still bore into Tyler's as if his stare alone could burn straight through him and tear out his soul, his head was cocked to side slightly, like a puppy listening to something in the background and deciding what to do with the new sound.

"Klaus? He, he's not worth it."

Caroline slowly stepped closer, her voice still low and soft and tame but growing louder yet still balanced as the distance between them grew shorter. Slowly Klaus's features returned to normal, he slightly shook his head and blinked his eyes open and back to their normal blue, something shone in them, something like lost and confusion and confliction. He straightened up slightly, his fangs retreating, his head still cocked to the side, waiting for further confirmation and reassurance, still not sure of the right or wrong thing to do.

His head was literally battling with his heart, two conflicting emotions duelling for the upper hand, pride may be all I have, no you have her she is all you need, I can't loose my pride, you can't afford to loose her…

A couple of steps closer and she was a breath away, Klaus's eyes remained focused on Tyler's, making sure they stayed staring back at him, a simple commanded, one that demanded 'Don't you dare look at her'. Caroline never looked at the wolf sagging against the tree, she took a calm measured breath and continued looking at her mate, silently willing him to turn around to look at her. She tentatively reached out a hand, her fingers shaking, stretched out to grasp at his wrist weakly, they slid down to his hand as her thumb lightly brushed over his mark. They both shivered at the sensation of skin on skin, she could feel his body slowly starting to succumb to her touch, and felt in her veins his emotional grid, his turmoil.

"Klaus come on, come with me, leave him, forget him.. I-I have."

It was like her words were the final soothing balm, cooling the heat of his insides and halting the violent humming through his skin, they were the key to unlocking his frozen state, unravelling his troubled thoughts like a wind up toy. With the reassurance that he didn't know he was seeking, didn't know he needed, he took a final shaky breath and with one last hard stare, pinned in Tyler's direction he slowly started to turn around to face her.

He took a step forward, his fingers moving on their own accord, starting to entwine with hers, she nodded slightly as she watched him lean closer and smiled a little, one of triumph but her eyes also shone with uncertainty, this wasn't over yet.

"Yeah that's it, come on, take me home." She started to back away slowly as his body turned fully towards hers, with their hands still grasped together, she tightened the grip and started to pull him towards her as she backed up, starting with little steps that turned more into forceful strides before he got the chance to change his mind.

Caroline had every intention of taking him back to her house, or even in the car and driving them somewhere far out of town, one of their special places maybe that they found when they were getting to know each other and still hiding from the hateful and judging slurs. But as they got closer to the main pathway and further away from Tyler, their eyes locked onto each other intensely, unwavering, she noted the slight edge that Klaus still had to him, the faint tremor on his bottom lip and frown upon his forehead, he needed to be in control, needed to feel secure and back on top of this situation, she could give him that, she would give him anything after this, after the strength and courage he had shown to her, to everyone. She started to sway them gently to the direction of the open door in the main entrance, his domain, she was yet to experience him there.

They walked hand in hand, un-phased towards the mansion, his pace picking up and her turning to walk in step with him, facing the same way, he draped his arm around her bare shoulder, she was still wearing her outfit from school, his fingers lingered against her mark tickling and teasing, staking his claim with a low protective grumble, it was a warning, a public show of affection to all present.

The small crowd of onlookers all watched the pair closely, their faces a little awe-stricken and stunned but it was also like a light-bulb moment, something about the couple made sense, they complimented each other beautifully so.

Tyler watched the whole thing, his feet firmly planted to the ground and eyes unable to move away, his body was still tense and his chest heaved with pain and hurt but he could not mistake what he saw, he couldn't even lie to himself, this was real, two mates, caring for, supporting and succumbing to each other with the hint of a touch and words barely spoken. He looked down at his feet when he realised where she was taking her mate, she wasn't giving him any whiff of attention whatsoever, she was done with him, he'd really screwed everything up.

And not only that he had an audience, Elena and Stefan his school friends, he'd embarrassed himself and could not just allow his dignity to lie low, like the defiant, hot headed teen he was with a common occurrence of a slip of the tongue he couldn't help a low, indignant mutter whilst he kicked at a tuft of grass.

"Well at least I wouldn't be whipped by her..," To any normal pair of ears, the comment was so low and mumbled it would have been unheard through the quiet whistle of the early evening wind. But the idiot was surrounded by Vampires.

There was no time for Tyler to think about what he'd just done, no time to regret or apologize, a white blur came towards him before he could blink, the punch to the un-bruised side of his jaw was like a piercing sting, and made his eyes water.

Caroline stood before him, her hair a mess of curls around her face, her eyes determined and mouth curled into a 'don't mess' pout, one eye brow was raised in a triumphant manner. Tyler rubbed at his jaw, worked it a couple times, opening and closing his mouth, looking for something to say, but then another body replaced Caroline's and he found himself looking up into the mud brown eyes of Elijah's.

"I'm ending this foolishness now, I am utterly bored, Niklaus take your mate indoors before you literally implode, Rebekah would you be so kind to offer our other guests some refreshments?"

"Oh no no, thank you though but we'll uh, we'll just go.." Elena answered politely whilst looking pointedly at Caroline with a slight smile as she took her place back next to Klaus, who was staring at his mate with complete admiration but also slight annoyance. His body was visibly shaking with anger, he was glad of his brother intervening before he could get back to Tyler and finish the job, what if he had of retaliated and turned on Caroline, the idea of that happening and what would have resulted from it is entirely morbid and unthinkable.

"Yeah thanks but we don't really need to hear any Hybrid bonding, mating calls.." Damon said with a smirk and with that Klaus literally swept Caroline up and into the house without another coherent thought.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow Elena." Caroline yelled over Klaus's shoulder whilst trying to a stifle a surprised giggle.

Rebekah gave a disgruntled huff and headed towards where the cars were parked, "I think I'll eat at the grill tonight" she drawled and sauntered off.

Elena, Stefan and Damon all started to turn away and walked down the gravel path back towards the street, Stefan turned around to look at Tyler, he knew maybe someone should at least keep an eye on him, he couldn't even say he was surprised to see that he was gone, vanished in thin air.

Elijah stood alone by the abandoned tree and as his eyes met Stefan's he muttered "Smart boy after all, who knows what my hands would have done of their own accord." With a wink he started to walk off towards his own car, probably safely and smartly so.

Tyler wouldn't be bothering anybody again tonight or if at all ever again, that was safe to say, he'd escaped a fatal ending at least more than once tonight, even he wouldn't be so stupid to tempt the hands of fate.

2 hours later…

Klaus was right, Caroline did in fact belong in his four posted, king sized bed, her golden locks fanned out on his pillows, her skin smooth and creamy blended fabulously with his neutral coloured sheets. He leaned against the door of his en-suite, a glass tumbler in his hand and a permanent smile on his lips which widened with each rise and fall of her chest as he watched her sleep peacefully. She snuffled a little and turned her on side towards him, pulling the sheets with her, snugly around her torso but falling just so her mark could be seen, and a small smile ghosted the corner of her pink lips.

He finished his drink and gently placed it down on a nearby desk as he slowly walked towards the bed, a pair of loose lounge pants hung low on his hips, just below the perfect V shape on his bare torso.

"Ground rule number… whatever were on now… no staring whilst sleeping…it's creepy" Her voice was sleep broken and rough and her lips quirked up into smirk as she blinked an eye open. He chuckled and pounced on to the bed as she squealed and tried to roll away but he caught her wrists in his hands, keeping her still and pressing kisses to her knuckles. He snuggled in behind her and wrapped a protective arm around her waist, keeping her in place, she lifted up the bed covers and wrapped them around the two of them, he placed a kiss to her bare shoulder, her mark, and trailed back up to her neck, her cheek, her temple.

"It's a free country love, and if it wasn't there's no stopping me." He dropped kisses to her hair and she hummed a content response.

"I have to go soon, I have homework, a mom, a life…" He squeezed her side and nipped at earlobe, causing her to giggle. He hummed his own displeased response not daring to actually say anything, if it were up to him she'd never leave his bed.

"Hey um, th-thank you" she turned in his arms, facing him and smoothed a hand over his chest, the other tickling the light stubble on his jaw, something she'd noticed he liked given the way he closed his eyes and groaned lightly, and if she's honest she loved the feel of it too.

"For?" He looked down at her expectantly, he was anticipating this, and didn't know how to ultimately deal with it.

"You know what, for, for not killing Tyler, essentially, for um, b-backing off and coming with me, for listening.." Klaus had gone still in her arms, and his eyes focused on something above her head. She was expecting half-assed, sassy remark or at least a growl or something but after the next few moments of silence had stretched she timidly tapped him on the chest with a finger.

"Hey ar.. um y-you ok?" He looked down at her, deep in thought, his eyes lost in some unknown emotion, he slowly nodded a slight tip of the head and swallowed hard. She pulled herself up so that she was resting on an elbow, dipped her head so that he was forced to look at her and not break the eye contact. She cleared her throat.

"I, I um, appreciate that it took a lot for you, to do that, to leave him like you did, I respect what you did, respect you, you've proven me wrong, everybody and I-I think also yourself maybe?" She swept a hand through her hair and ducked her chin slightly as he watched her, hanging on her every word, his eyes clear and wide open. Don't bow out now, Caroline..

"To be honest you uh, never had to prove anything to me, I always knew what you were capable of, the um, the love you were capable of.." Something in him snapped, pulled him from his deep, dark spiral of what if's that he would rather keep to himself at this moment in time, his breath hitched and his eyes darted back to hers, he grabbed her hand and placed it over his heart, which was beating hard and fast in his chest, the blood pumping between the two of them was singing deliciously in their veins.

"A-and I've always loved that about you, loved you for it.".."I've always loved you Caroline."

They both chuckled at their overlapping sentences, she blushed slightly and smiled impossibly wider and brighter, he tugged at her hand, drawing her closer, closing the tiny almost not there gap between them on the mattress. He nuzzled his nose against hers, his internal worries and thoughts from before long forgotten, for now. Her voice was a breathless whisper, which tickled the stubble on his cheeks.

"I know you have, and I know now myself th-that I, I love you too."