Destined Chapter 17

"So you haven't heard from him.. at all?"

"No, I told you I'm not his favourite person right now either, something would have went down at my place before he even made it to Klaus's if Damon hadn't interrupted us.."

"So you texted me when..?"

"When I could see that Tyler was deliberately trying to push Klaus's buttons, we were standing back watching but I knew what Tyler was trying to achieve, given our conversation earlier at my house, I thought it would be something that you deserved to see for yourself.."

"Yeah, um thanks Stefan, you know for everything.."

"Don't mention it Caroline, I take it everything is ok with you and lover-bo.."

"Haha very funny.." Caroline rolled her eyes even though she knew he couldn't see and laughed breathily, memories of the night before came flooding back as she moved to get out the car after seeing Bonnie and Elena park up behind her in the rear-view mirror.

"I gotta go, the girls are here, hey you're not coming into school today? Your records are starting to give Tyler a run for his money.."

"Haha very funny.." he echoed her previous words and imitated her sassy tone. "I said I haven't heard from him but that's not gonna stop me from finding out where he's hiding and he's planning for the future, lets just say Damon and I are scheduling in another chaperone trip, be good in school, say hi to Elen.."

"Oh tell her hi yourself, bye lover-boy.." She teased then hung up the phone as she locked the car door and met the girls in the middle of the parking lot. She didn't want to think about Tyler, she had no time or respect for him, she knew he was purposely trying to hurt out of spite and jealousy but she was secretly glad that the Salvatore's were going to keep an eye him and hopefully keep him at arms length.

"So another eventful night I hear?" Bonnie tucked her arm into one of Caroline's with a smirk on her face, Elena smiled with exaggerated eye roll and linked her arm in on the other side, Caroline laughed and nodded knowing Elena would have filled her in on the latest.

As the trio walked up to the school entrance laughing and chatting like the good old days, Caroline couldn't help the big grin on her face and the feeling of relaxation that washed over her. For what felt like a really long time she had nothing to hide, nothing to worry about, everything was out in the open, including her real and true feelings and she could get back to enjoying her life, getting on with what was left of the school year and putting her all into prom and graduation and such.

It was another typical warm day and Caroline was wearing a turquoise not so daring sun dress with short straps over the shoulders, but it still left her mark fairly easy to see. It made her feel giddy to know that everybody was free and welcome to gawk and gape, she didn't care and especially with the knowledge of the words that were shared between herself and her mate last night, she still had that part to tell her friends, though it probably wouldn't come as a surprise to them, she'd save it for one of their slumber parties. She was a little tired and too fuzzy minded to go into all of that now, her mind kept returning to the previous night and she hoped that this wouldn't be a long day, there was only one place she wanted to be right now.

As it turned out she didn't actually leave the Mikaelson Mansion last night at all, it appeared that those three little words spurred on some very literal feelings that demanded to be acted upon there and then. Caroline attempted to leave Klaus's bed another hour later after that, but it proved to be a rather difficult task and Klaus just wasn't up for playing ball it seemed.

A bonded male, especially a bonded male like Klaus is already like a bull in a china shop with a very sore head when trying to separate from their mate, but after declarations of love have been passed and then sealed with the very suggestive act of the same thing, there is no point in even trying to convince him otherwise.

He wrapped her up in a soft silk robe that hung in his closet, the collar was embroidered with his initials and the sight of her dwarfed in his larger clothing with his name written over the top, sent a primal thrill through his veins that he wanted to keep permanently.

He pulled her downstairs to the kitchen and sat her on a stool at the breakfast island, she texted her mom explaining briefly with minimal words and details on what had happened and permission to stay the night, with him.

She bit her lip whilst he whipped around the kitchen, pulling all sorts of ingredients out from the fridge and the cupboards, pouring wine for them both from his vintage collection, there was something deliciously domestic and peaceful about him, seeing him like this, cooking for her, providing for her, feeling relaxed in his own space, it made her skin feel tingly and warm and she felt like, she knew that she couldn't deny him anything in this moment. She looked down at her phone as it buzzed with a response.

Mom;

It's the bond thing I know, I know, just this once though…whilst you're still in school! Take care, good night, love you xx

P.S kindly remind your soul mate of my loaded gun for future reference

There was still something about him, that slight edge to him from before in the bedroom when she was thanking him, he was quiet and still and she just thought that he found it hard to take a compliment, to listen to praise, or maybe because he knew the words that she was trying to say to him all along.

She could understand why he was that way, a man so broken and alone for the most part of his life, somebody so used to being unloved and judged with the drop of a hat, after all those years of solitude, he would find it hard to hear anything other than hate, even his own family made him feel like he had to literally try and recreate a new to one to protect himself, to feel less alone, even though it was a completely sinister and inhumane thing to do.

The fact that he turned all bashful and quiet, the way his eyes widened as he listened to her, like a child waiting to be scolded to then realise it was actually quite the opposite, it was something that added to the list of him proving to be adorable, proving that he wasn't all black inside and that he indeed was human somewhere deep within the cold, heavy cages of his heart, he just needed enticing and persuaded a little.

When they finished eating, they curled up together on the thickest, softest fur rugCaroline had ever felt on her skin, probably something from centuries ago. They sat on the floor in front of the old log fire place in of the reading rooms, Caroline lay between Klaus's legs, her head resting on his chest, his chin gentle on her forehead, their hands clasped together, fingers entwined and spread across Caroline's stomach whilst their other hands were occupied with their wine glasses. They sat like that for the rest of the evening, talking easily, sometimes allowing a comfortable silence until Klaus put some quiet music on in the background, piano instrumentals with strings and soft chimes and wind-instruments with gentle melodies.

When Caroline's eyelids started to droop and her bones felt heavy beneath her skin she felt herself lifted and carried ever so gentle like a new born baby, through the house, up the staircase and back up to his bedroom. She noted that that she hadn't heard Klaus's siblings return at anytime, maybe there was an unspoken mutual agreement between them, but that would prove to be annoying and inconvenient for all the other times she would spend at his place, or even when they started living together..

Her eyes flew open as she stopped her current train of thought, just as Klaus was depositing her on the bed comfortably between the soft pillows and sheets. She was a little shocked at herself at how easy those thoughts were flowing, how natural they felt.

"Go back to sleep love." He dropped a light kiss to her forehead, then each of her eyelids as they started to sag again, she sighed contently as he peppered kisses over her nose, her cheeks, lifted her hand and grazed her knuckles with his lips. She tried to stifle a yawn and stop herself from giggling at how painfully romantic he was being and so un-Klaus like, she imagined years, decades of this delicious torture, making something like a simple bedtime routine impossibly yet excitingly difficult. She felt the mattress dip and a heavy weight beside her as his toned, broad chest settled in and pressed up close to her back, his arms wrapping around her and lips brushing at the nape of her neck.

She woke up regretfully, painfully early the next morning as her alarm on her cell beeped away beside her on the night stand. The sun was starting to peek in through the gap in the heavy drapes and she could feel his warm breath on her neck as he grumbled and groaned deep in his chest, an obvious protest to the interruption. She was in the same position she fell asleep in, the tight barricade of Klaus's arms proving it impossible for her to roll away, she nudged at him a few times and could feel his lips curve into a smile on the back of her neck.

His arms loosened a fraction to allow her to reach forward and pick up the phone and shut the alarm off, she scrolled through some unread messages, just the typical ones she expected from her friends checking up on her, one from her mom reminding or more like warning her to go to school today.

Caroline groaned at the thought of school and leaving the warmth of the man beside her and waited until she knew she absolutely could wait no longer to get up and out of bed, after trying and pursuing a few times Klaus's arms finally unlocked and with a kiss dropped to her shoulder he let her rise from the bed. She of course then had to shove at his chest to get him to stay where he was, she was rather happy about the prospect of the short walk home in the early morning sun and warmth, she needed time to clear her head and process everything and conjure up her 'mom story' because of course she couldn't tell her mom the whole, real story, she'd completely freak out. And if he drove her home, she'd most likely not make it out of the car.

With a few departing kisses and whispers and promises Caroline left the building with a the feeling of utter contentment, she couldn't bring herself to think about the fact that Tyler stupidly almost got himself killed, all she cared about was how happy she was and how right everything felt. She mentally scolded herself for ever feeling like it couldn't be this way with him. She still couldn't help the same niggling feeling that he wasn't completely his annoying, mouthy yet lovable self, there was definitely something unsettled within him, she could feel it, but she wouldn't dwell on that for the time being.

Whilst trying to push the delectable thoughts from the past 14 or so hours including this morning out her mind, Caroline continued making her way into the school with her friends, trying to catch up on the conversation she'd miss.

They stopped off at their lockers, swapping books and checking time tables, Caroline took one last glance of herself in the tiny mirror, caught sight of her mark and smiled. She checked her phone, and frowned at the lack of new notifications but couldn't help her smile growing wider at the background image that greeted her.

She'd quickly snapped it this morning (shutter sound off of course) when she'd came out of Klaus's prestigious en-suite re-dressed to find him softly snuffling, his mouth slightly open and a blissful expression gracing his features, his arm wrapped tightly around the pillow she had been sleeping on, his hand and fingers spread wide on the surface, mark upright, with his face squashed to the side breathing in her scent. It was a photo op she just couldn't miss, could also prove to be good black mail material if ever needed down the line in their domestic bliss, what he didn't know couldn't hurt right?

The girls trailed off to their morning classes, which went over surprisingly and thankfully quickly and soon found them catching up with the guys at lunch time. The group huddled around a circular table, picking off each others trays and sipping from juice boxes as easy conversation flowed between the friends. Caroline subtly checked her phone a few more times than she would care to admit out loud, to be honest she was a little shocked that she hadn't heard from him, she was even sad not to find just one testosterone boosted demand or off-hand comment. She brushed it off and looked up to find Stefan making his way towards to the table.

He was greeted with various comments as he sat down on the curved bench making room for himself between Elena and Caroline.

"Hey look who's decided to show his face.."

"Education is important Stefan.."

"Stefan hi.."

Caroline looked at him expectantly, as he settled in, picked up someone's apple from their tray, casually greeting the rest of the group and giving Elena a small, warm smile that cause her cheeks to blush slightly. Everyone fell back into their conversation as he turned to Caroline and took a bite out of the apple, one eye brow raised as if daring her to ask the question he knew she really wanted to ask.

"Is he, um where is.."

"We followed him about 100 miles out of town to the best the scent would carry us, then he kind of went off road, we imagine he's gone back to wherever he was before, we stayed near but not directly following him and when all traces of him disappeared we came back, the guy needs space to wallow in self pity alone.."

She tried to smile at Stefan's upbeat tone and swallowed down any rising panic or concerns, she knew it would never be a picnic or a walk in the park with Klaus at all times, the guy just attracts trouble but she certainly didn't want another near death confrontation to happen again anytime soon, especially not on her watch. She would simply text Tyler and warn him herself, but he simply didn't deserve her time or the slightest trace of affection.

"Hey" Stefan bumped his shoulder with hers, "He's not gonna come back anytime soon, that's for sure, he's ran away with his tail between his legs and if and when he does return I'm pretty confident he'll steer well clear of you and Klaus especially."

Caroline smiled at her friend and nodded, she forced herself to forget all about 'the incident' and carried on with her day with the help of Stefan's unwavering support and words of wisdom. She pretty much willed the rest of the school day away, spent her time in lessons day dreaming and staring at the wall clock that was ticking by lazily and too slow. Finally the end of day bell rang out loudly and Caroline practically jumped from her chair, book bag in hand and all but ran to the parking lot. She called out excuses to her friends over her shoulder as she climbed into her car who in reply just shrugged, with eye rolls and sent knowing smirks in her direction.

She knew she had homework, plus the homework she'd skipped from last night, and she knew that he would expect her to go home first to complete it and make plans with him later. Well it could wait, everything could wait but him all she wanted was to bury herself in his strong embrace where she knew all of her excess worries would subside. She'd seen her mom briefly this morning when she came home to get changed, and knew she working late tonight.

Without room for further thought she put her car into drive and hastily retreated out of the school grounds, arriving at The Mikaelson residence 5 minutes later.

She hadn't texted him or called, she knew she hadn't needed to, he would feel her coming towards him through their bond, she ignored the self pitying feeling, the small sinking feeling of disappointment that the bond would put a big fat full stop in the way of future surprises, but every cloud and all that huh?

Caroline parked the car and made her way towards to the main entrance, after climbing the few small steps that lead to the door she mentally debated whether to knock, or just waltz straight in, she imagined years of coming and going from this building, treating it like her second home, the place where her heart truly lay. Only Klaus wasn't the only person who lived here in this moment in time and she'd also have to get used to that fact, treat those people like pieces of her own heart too. As she became swamped with overwhelming thoughts and irrational fears for the future she couldn't ignore the sudden panic that rose deep in her gut, is this ok that I'm here? Would he want me to just show up? Am I getting too deep too fast? Oh god he hasn't even texted me I should go..

Caroline made to turn on her heel, ready to flee down the front steps and back to her car when the door abruptly swung open to reveal Rebekah standing in the door way, an icy yet amused expression on her face. She smirked and took a careful step forwards towards but holding the door open wide in invitation.

"Oh I'd bet he'd love to see you round about now". Her tone was rather clipped and hushed like there was some funny secret that nobody bothered cluing Caroline in on. Rebekah's lips curled up as she motioned with her eyes for Caroline to enter, she pointed to the stair case when Caroline crossed the threshold then sauntered off into one of the downstairs rooms, her hips and hair swaying.

Caroline didn't bother saying anything, she'd find out off Klaus what her problem was no doubt and starting climbing the staircase. As she got closer to the first floor, rounding the staircase with its natural, elegant bend, her hearing suddenly tuned in and although she was close enough to hear the quiet conversation that was taking place near the top of the stairs her vamp inner-ear picked up the words loud and clear.

"And he was alone? You're sure of it?"

"Yes, The Salvatore brother's ended their trail…Niklaus you're aware that we have company now yes?"

As Caroline reached the top step, her face came into view with the open study, Klaus's study, who was sitting behind his old, large desk, his hands clasped tightly together resting on top, and Elijah sitting in a chair just in front of it. Klaus's eyes met Caroline's as she stood a few feet away from the open doorway staring at him, blankly, disappointed, he let out a deep sigh and stared back at her, his eyes hard and pleading.

"Yes, there are things Caroline must understand, no time like the present." His eyes were closed, and his voice sounded pained and troubled, like he didn't quite believe his own words, like he wasn't sure of himself.

Elijah quietly rose from his chair and left the room muttering a low "Very well" as he stepped past Caroline, his face a look of apology and slight regret and a frown that read 'don't be too hard on him.'

Caroline silently entered the room and stood still, a good few feet from his desk, her arms crossed over chest, her eyes clear and wide open, she bit her lip. Klaus looked back at her, his face was utterly heart breaking, like an abandoned puppy, his fingers twitched and shoulder's rose, like he was unsure whether to stand and go to her, his body longed for hers.

He knew she was coming, he knew what conversation she would stumble in on, and yet he let it happen anyway, she deserved to know the truth, his real feelings and because of the fool he was, always preferring confrontation to real, mature, heartfelt, honest conversations he expected the worse to come from this, maybe finally she would run from him, like he expected her to do all along, though he would never admit that fear that he held in his heart.

They stared at each other for a beat of silence before she opened her mouth, hers eyes twinkling with unshed emotion and betrayal. Her voice was a hoarse whisper when she finally managed to find the words she was always thinking but never wanted to say out loud.

"You haven't changed at all have you?"

She choked back a silent sob as she watched him very slowly shake his head, eyes scrunched closed like the simple action pained him, and when he blinked them open slowly her body froze in place and goose flesh ran all through her skin, her veins running cold, no doubt matching his as she noticed the one single tear that escaped from his right eye, falling so beautifully broken down his cheek.