Chapter 18 – No Other Place Like Home

"I still can't believe I'm home." Caroline proclaimed nonchalantly, as the jet came to a complete stop.

Klaus shook his head. He stood and held out his hand for her to hold on to. "Do I hear resentment, love? I thought you'd be happier now that you can see your friends again. It seems I was mistaken."

She took his hand and stood up as well. "Don't get me wrong, I miss my friends. I just don't know if I'm ready to face them yet."

Klaus was about to say something in return, but thought otherwise.

"What?" Caroline asked, calling him out.

"Well," he began, his lips slowly forming a naughty smile; "I was just thinking that I could use another bathroom break. I didn't quite finish my business."

Caroline's cheeks turned red and she couldn't help but smack him. Barely minutes ago they had just come out of making out in one of the bathrooms. If it weren't for the captain's announcement that they were landing, they wouldn't have stopped there.

Before she could say anything, he cradled her face with his free hand and pressed his forehead against hers.

This sent goose bumps up and down Caroline's spine. She could feel the tingling sensation course through her body, and she could barely catch her breath. Right now, all she could think about was how gorgeous his eyes were, how lovely his stubble would feel as he kissed her, and how the air in the room was suddenly warm. She never noticed how good-looking Klaus was until this very moment, and she took a quick second to appreciate that his eyes were on her alone.

Apparently, he was doing the exact same thing. "You're beautiful, Caroline. I know I've mentioned this a couple of times before, but I will never get tired of saying it. I don't think you even understand the effect you have on me. You surprise me, bewitch me, and possess me in ways I never imagined possible."

He kissed her softly on the lips and she couldn't help but smile. Klaus could be sweet when he wanted to be. You can never know when though.

Klaus ran his palm through her hair, slowly trailing his fingertips down her neck, making her shiver in excitement. He then slowly made his way down her arm and back up again, tantalizing them both. It took Caroline all the strength within her not to tear off his clothes right then and there.

He moved his lips to her ear and whispered, "I think…there is an actual bedroom on this jet, sweetheart. I don't think I can make it back to my own bedroom, even if I'd love to throw you in my bed and never let you leave. Let me remind you of how great it can be to be home."

Caroline would have taken him up on his offer, if it weren't for the nagging thoughts at the back of her mind – of her friends, and especially of Tyler. A second ago all she could think about was Klaus, but as soon as he said home, all of the memories seemed to flood back in. Even though she couldn't exactly call this a relationship – what she had with Klaus, Tyler still deserved to know. It wasn't as if this was someone she just met on her trip – this was Klaus, everyone's mortal enemy. Up until the past few weeks, she wanted to rip him apart, but everything has changed.

He deserved to know.

Caroline wrapped her arms around him, pulling him in for a hug. Before he could get the wrong idea though, she whispered, "I'm sorry love, but you will just have to wait. We've got business to take care of, remember?"

Klaus groaned as they parted. He didn't like the fact that he couldn't always get his way, like he used to, but this was Caroline. He found himself hanging onto her every word, listening for once in his life instead of insisting.

He wasn't afraid to show his disappointment though. Klaus scowled.

"Just to be clear, I didn't say no. I'm just saying, not now." Caroline laughed in amusement, seeing Klaus all unhinged like this.

He couldn't contain himself. He smiled all over again. Klaus noticed though that in spite of Caroline's amused expression, she was bothered with something. He could see the wrinkles on her forehead, the fear and worry in her eyes, and for some reason it was now bothering him as well. He didn't like seeing this expression on her.

"Whatever you're worried about, I can assure you of one thing. I will protect you Caroline. Even if you defy me and make me wait, and even if it comes down to protecting you from me – I will do it. No one will hurt you."

Even though his words made her heart flutter once more, it couldn't stop the sinking feeling in her stomach that had been building since earlier. She knew she would have to face them. She just didn't know what she would say.

"It's not me I'm worried about."

Caroline let go of his hand and began making her way out of the jet. Klaus stood there for a second before following suit.

"Should I come with you then?"

Before they reached the bottom of the steps, Caroline turned to face him. She couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye, but what she had to say couldn't wait. "Let's be honest here. We don't know what this is," she began, pointing from herself to him. "Or wait, I won't speak for you this time – but I honestly don't know what's going on. One minute we're at each other's throats, the next we are engulfed in flames of passion. And now we're back to where it all began – Mystic Falls. And you know what has happened here, and the hell you put me and my friends through. You want to take me back to your home, but the last time you were there, you almost drained Elena of her blood. Everything happened so fast I can't seem to keep up. All I know for sure is that I can't stop thinking about you, even if I tried. When we were attacked that night in London, I wanted to protect you. When Damon almost ripped you apart, I felt like it was I who was torn into a thousand pieces. I care about you even when I don't want to and even when you make me so mad."

She finally looked him in the eye before continuing.

"You're the only one who can hurt me. But what exactly are we? Enemies, friends, or lovers?"

And just like that, she blurted out the thoughts and questions that had been eating away at her.

He looked like he had been punched in the gut. He was gob smacked. A minute of silence passed, and he still didn't say anything or move a muscle. He just stood there.

What happened to the Klaus that took her places, that called her beautiful, and that lit a fire within her she never knew she had? What happened to taking her to his bed and never letting her leave? What about those dreams – didn't he need her as much as she thought he did?

Apparently, not…Another minute passed, and still – nothing.

Embarrassed by her proclamation and her sudden outburst of honesty, she turned away from him and didn't bother wait a second longer. She didn't want him to see how hurt she was. "I thought so"

She quickly made her way to the bottom of the steps, grabbed her duffel from the attendant standing by and walked away from the jet without even looking back. She couldn't bare to see him, let alone see him gloat over the power he had over her.

"Caroline wait."

She didn't bother turning around, and took another step forward.

Suddenly, he was right behind her, tugging her arm, making her face him. Klaus sighed. "I'm sorry."

Now Caroline was the one at a loss for words. What did this mean? She expected either a proclamation of love, or hatred – but not an apology. She didn't want to argue with him. A part of her hoped he would defend her, say that they would figure it out together. But evidently, she hoped for too much. She knew she wanted him and when it would come down to just that, he felt the same way. But didn't he almost say he fancied her before? What had changed? Maybe it was all just another plan that Caroline fell for. But she couldn't think about that now.

She forced a smile.

"I hope you find what you're looking for then. I don't need your help. I can take care of myself just fine. I did it before you came into our lives and I survived, didn't I?"

Instead of responding, he suddenly grabbed her hair and kissed her on the lips – hard. At first she tried to push him away, but eventually ended up kissing him back. Once again she was under his spell. She realized she could never be in control with him.

Klaus broke off first.

"This," he began, shaking her. "This isn't nothing. But I'm not the only one with business to take care of."

At the end of the day, Caroline knew he was right. Maybe this wasn't the right time to ask such questions. Klaus may have been the enemy before, but Caroline did things she wasn't proud of either. She needed to fix things with Tyler. It was the right thing to do. Caroline didn't know though if Klaus was just trying to buy some time or he was really giving her the space she needed. Caroline didn't want to argue with him or pry any further. She broke free from his hold, forced another smile, and walked past him towards the exit.

He didn't stop her.

Caroline bit her lip, forcing back the tears. She clutched her duffel tightly, and tried to distract herself with other things. Her nails dug into the palm of her hand that it almost bled. Caroline thought that if she transferred the pain somewhere else, her heart wouldn't be as heavy. She looked around, and just as she was about to make a run for it, she saw a familiar truck pull up out front.

"Matt?"

He opened the door of the passenger's side and called out to her.

"Caroline, it's time for us to go."

The serious expression on his face made Caroline worry. She turned to look behind her, just in case Klaus was what made him so cold – but he wasn't there. Instead, a bunch of passengers from a commercial flight were heading out of the airport. Klaus had disappeared.

Caroline turned to face Matt again. She was surprised to see him, but quickly made her way over. She didn't want him to wait. She dumped her things in the back before getting in the passengers side and shutting the door.

As they headed out of the airport and onto the highway, neither of them said a word.

"So you're not going to speak to me?" Caroline asked, fidgeting with her nails, trying to look casual.

"Ignorance doesn't feel good, does it? Well now you know how I feel Caroline" Matt said, taking a quick look at her and glowering.

"I have to get a call from Klaus, the person I least expect on the planet, and to find out where you've been and that you're actually safe. Our mortal enemy asked me to pick you up. Of course I couldn't refuse – what if you were in trouble? I was too shocked to even say anything. The only minute I was actually able to breathe normally again was when I saw you walking out of the exit unharmed. I didn't even know you left in the first place. Elena has been doing a great job covering for you. Even with me."

Caroline expected this reaction from him, and could tell that he was hurt. It tore at her heart.

"All I can say is I'm sorry Matt. You have to believe me – I really am sorry for keeping you out of the loop. But to be honest with you, even Elena doesn't know as much as you think."

He still concentrated on the road, avoiding her gaze.

"Remember what I told you on the beach, and how I felt? I wasn't lying to you then. I really was confused, and I needed some time to get my life straight."

"And that's how you get your life straight Caroline – by sleeping with the enemy? What happened to you? I thought you were better than this. I would think that after all we've been through, the minute you found out what he wanted, you would have said no – or even jumped at the chance to kill him. Instead you jump on a plane to see him."

Caroline was immediately stung by his harsh words. But none of the things he said were lies. She couldn't argue with him. At that moment, she didn't how to explain herself. He might not even believe any of it, but Caroline knew she would have to at least try.

"You're right. But you don't know what I've been through either. It wasn't as if I went there for him Matt. In the beginning, the trip was really for me. But things changed. And I'm being honest with you when I say there is a whole other side to this story – a whole other side to Klaus that you just don't know yet. He is not as bad as you think."

"Trying to drain Elena's blood, siring more hybrids and wrecking havoc in Mystic Falls are not as bad as you think? Caroline do you hear yourself? Listen to me. I've known you for longer than he has, and I care about you. I know you're vulnerable after the Tyler thing and losing your father, but please Caroline – this is Klaus. He's always up to no good."

Caroline felt this conversation was going nowhere. As much as she could try defending Klaus, his past actions did speak louder than her words. At the end of the day, he needed to prove himself if only to get back the much-needed respect from her friends – that is, if he even cared about Caroline to begin with.

They parked in front of Matt's home and Caroline didn't budge as he got out of the truck. Suddenly someone came out of his front door and was running towards him. "Matt, I have bad…"

She stopped when she saw Caroline. The latter didn't even need to look to recognize whose voice it belonged to – Rebekah. Matt made his way over and stood in front of Rebekah, in between the two women.

"Caroline" she greeted.

Caroline got out of the car and brushed past Matt, standing right in front of Rebekah so they were eye-to-eye. "What the hell are you doing here?" She then turned back to Matt.

He still had the serious judgmental look on his face. Caroline couldn't take it any longer.

She pushed past him and back to his truck, grabbing her duffel. Before she made a run for it, she looked between Rebekah and Matt with judging eyes of her own and said "And you think I'm repulsive."

Caroline then disappeared before any of them could say anything in response.

With her vampire speed, it only took Caroline a minute or two to reach her house. She was mad at Matt but at the same time, mad at herself. How can he be so judgmental of her when she caught him in the act with Klaus own sister? Maybe if she took the time to speak with him, she could have knocked some sense into him. And the way things were going now with Klaus, he would have been able to stop her from all this madness as well.

But it's too late. There was no turning back now.

Caroline stopped for a second to check if there was any imminent danger she needed to be aware of, but as soon as she felt the coast was clear, she bounded up the steps and grabbed her spare key from her bag.

As soon as she stepped into her house, Caroline finally felt relieved to be home. She missed her space. She headed into the kitchen and dropped her bag on the table. There was a note taped to her refrigerator and it was from her mom:

Caroline, heard you're coming in today. Just had to check on something at the station. As soon as I get back, we need to talk. Love, Mom

The tone of the message didn't seem as angry as it was worried, and for a second Caroline was relieved. It was nice to see that her mother cared instead of being repulsed by her vampirism. Even if it was hard, it seemed that Sheriff Forbes had finally accepted her daughters' fate, or at least trusted her to make decisions for herself. Elena must have been really convincing. Caroline made a mental note to thank her later.

"She needs to see you."

Caroline jumped at the sound of his voice. Stefan was standing right behind her, reading the note on the refrigerator door as well. She turned and pulled him in for a tight hug.

"Stefan, how did you…? You scared me."

Stefan laughed. "That's a first. I really meant what I said though, Sheriff Forbes listens to Elena and buys her story, but she really needs to see you and know if you're okay. She hasn't been sleeping well since you left."

She let him go. "What are you doing here?"

"Do I need a reason to check on one of my best friends?"

Stefan still had a serious look plastered all over his face and Caroline knew him too well to think it was just that. "Stefan, what is it?"

"Matt called." He admitted, taking a step back, prepared in case she would react badly. "I take it you found out about Rebekah?"

Caroline clenched her fists at her sides before nodding. "Why didn't you do anything about it?"

"Are you honestly asking me that question? It's the same reason why I'm not tying you to a chair right now and knocking some sense into you about Klaus. It's your life Caroline. Matt may be human and that makes him vulnerable, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be controlled."

"But Rebekah killed Elena and almost got him killed as well. I never thought either of them would forgive her for what she had done."

Stefan explained. "I never said Elena was okay with it. In fact, she isn't. She is only beginning to come to terms with the fact that she's a vampire. And then she finds out that Rebekah is trying to beg Matt for his forgiveness, and that they've been hanging out. That was all it took to make her snap, with her heightened emotions and everything. She almost killed Rebekah. If Matt hadn't stepped in the way, we wouldn't even be having this conversation right now."

Caroline cocked her head to one side "I've missed a lot, haven't I?"

Stefan smiled. "Indeed you have. But knowing you, I'm sure you'll be able to catching on with things quite quickly. You have a knack for figuring out things before most people do. And for the record, Matt and Rebekah aren't romantically entangled – at least, that's what he tells me. Exploding with tension, but all they've ever been doing is talking."

"I'll take your word for it. Though you think I have it all figured out, I actually don't. Rebekah needs to watch her back though. The second she steps out of line, I snap her neck."

Stefan laughed. "Elena's exact words as well."

Caroline thought to herself for a minute, before grabbing some whisky from a cabinet and pouring herself and Stefan a drink.

She took a sip before asking "Does everyone know I'm here?"

Stefan gulped down his own drink before responding. "Well, not yet. I hurried here as soon as Matt called. But if I stay here any longer Elena will wonder where I am and eventually find out you're already in town."

Caroline couldn't help but smile back as she thought of her two best friends. At least one of them has gotten her love life sorted out. And for Caroline, always Team Stefan, she had made the right choice. "So I take it the Damon- Elena situation has been diffused?"

Stefan nodded. "I think so. We're together now, and I trust Elena. Damon has made his share of mistakes but he's my brother. He isn't exactly our number one fan, but he seems to be dealing with it just fine; that is, as long as I keep Elena happy. In fact I'd say we haven't spent this much time together – well ever? I won't be able to keep him out of our lives even if I tried anyway."

"That's great news Stefan. I'm so happy for you."

Caroline couldn't help but feel a tad bit jealous as well. Stefan looked at her as if he could read her mind. "He's back at his house Caroline. I couldn't help but check before I came here. He seemed to be pretty out of it though, what happened?"

She expected as much. "Thought so. It's a long story Stefan."

Before she could continue, they both heard some shuffling on the doorstep.

"Guess that's my cue to leave. Your mom's finally home. Don't think this conversation is over yet though. You know what I mean."

As soon as her mother walked into the kitchen, Stefan was gone, and the glasses had already been cleaned up and stowed away.

"Mom" was all Caroline said, cheerfully.

Sheriff Forbes walked straight over to her and pulled her in for a hug. Caroline tightly hugged her mother back. It was like she had been gone for years, instead of a few weeks.

As soon as they let go of each other, the tender moment was over. Her mother glared at her. "Cell phones were invented for a reason. You know the least you could have done is tell your mother where you were. I tried tracking you but obviously you've done your research and covered up your tracks. What did I ever do to deserve this from my own daughter? Vampire or not, I'm still your mother and you still broke the rules."

"Mom" Caroline whispered softly.

"No Caroline. It doesn't matter if you're superwoman. Every person has his weakness and I'm still your mother. Elena said you went all the way to Europe to find yourself. Couldn't you have found yourself in another town instead of another country? The thought alone—how did you even afford it? I just – I don't know you as much I thought I did."

Her mom at made her way across the room, further away from where Caroline was standing frozen. Her arms were folded across her chest.

Caroline knew her mother was scared and worried, and that's what made her say those things, but a part of her was still human. She still got hurt. Maybe her mother hadn't accepted like Caroline thought she did. This thought made her sick. She needed to fix this.

In a quick second, Caroline was standing in front of her mom and she gave the latter a light kiss on the cheek. "You do know me mom. And I love you for caring so much and being so worried about me. But Elena was telling you the truth. I needed to find myself, and the Salvatores didn't mind sending me on the trip because they knew I needed it. I'm really sorry for not talking to you. I just needed some space. After Dad left us and I turned into a vampire, I didn't know what to do and I felt completely lost. But now I'm not going anywhere. I'm here now and I promise the next time I leave you'll either be coming with me, or you'll know it first."

Sheriff Forbes, with her occupation and instinctive faculties, could tell that there was more to this story. Caroline wasn't lying, but she hadn't gone into detail either.

At the same time, though, she knew better than to ask any more questions. As long as her daughter was safe, and she was here, the rest could follow. She could question her daughter some other time.

She grabbed Caroline's arm. "You're still grounded."

Caroline responded with a hug. Her mother didn't hate her. "I've missed you mom." And with a smile, Caroline let go, grabbed her duffel from the table and headed out of the kitchen and into her own bedroom.

As soon as she opened her bag to fix her belongings, she remembered him. It took so little for her to think about Klaus—the dress she wore when she first saw him, the portrait he drew of her the morning after, his smell all over her clothes. She didn't want to admit it, but she really did miss him.

And if that wasn't enough, at the bottom of her bag she found a rolled up piece of paper. She knew it came from him. She unraveled the parchment and found that he had replicated her portrait of him, but with charcoal. He was definitely more artistic than she'll ever be.

She took another good look at it, and realized that he had drawn the portrait of himself more beast-like; that is, more lion than Original vampire or man. She didn't know exactly why, but she hoped that it wasn't because he thought that was the way she saw him. He was strong, and fearless and protective –but not beastly.

She held the picture close to her heart as she lay down on the bed, on top of the clothes she just emptied out of her bag. She didn't bother to put back her things any longer. That could wait. As she closed her eyes, she couldn't help but drown in her thoughts of him.

"Caroline."

She snapped out of her thoughts and immediately sat up at the sound of his voice, dropping the picture she was holding on the floor. She didn't know how long she was asleep, but he woke her up instantly when he called out her name.

He was dressed in a pair of cargo shorts and his t-shirt was torn and dirty. He looked like he had just gotten out of a fight.

Before Caroline could scream, Tyler covered her mouth with his palm. He looked her in the eye, "Relax. It's not what you think." He gave her a comforting gaze before staring down at the picture and then back at her.

He shook his head and pursed his lips, trying to hide his anger.

Caroline put her hand on top of his and slowly removed it from her lips. She stood then, so they were inches away from each other. She smiled at him in an attempt to calm his nerves.

It still didn't wipe off the frustrated look from his face. Caroline couldn't blame him though. After all, the picture was all the evidence he needed. She would have to explain everything that happened, and didn't know how to stop him from getting hurt. However way she would put it – it would still break his heart.

Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes, and she was surprised when Tyler suddenly pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry Caroline."

She forgot how great it felt to be wrapped in his warmth. She felt safe and cared for, which made her feel worse about what she did and what she was going to say next. She was the one who was supposed to be apologizing.

As soon as he let her go, Caroline expected to see him hurt, but instead there was fire burning in his eyes, and his expression had turned dark. He had tried to comfort her, but he couldn't mask his hatred even if he tried. It was like she had already lit a burning rage within him without even saying a word. She took a step back, fearing him for the first time. "Tyler, what is going on?"

He knelt down, grabbed the picture from the floor and walked over to the waste basket next to her dresser.

Caroline didn't know what he was going to do next, but was still glued to the spot.

Tyler then took out a lighter from his back pocket, set the photo on fire before dropping it into the trash. They both watched it burn for a second before Caroline finally reacted.

She dashed into the bathroom, and hurriedly came back out with some water to kill the fire.

"Caroline, is everything okay in there? I smell smoke" her mother called from outside.

Caroline then ran to her bedroom door and leaned against it in case her mother tried to barge in. "It's fine mom. It's just one of my candles. There's nothing to worry about, I promise."

As soon as she heard her mother's footsteps move away from her bedroom, she sighed in relief. Then she turned to Tyler and instantaneously crashed into him. He landed flat on his back as Caroline pinned him to the ground.

She knew he had every right to be angry with her. But she couldn't help but feel hurt by his actions. The portrait meant more to Caroline then she realized – until now that is. "What the hell Tyler?" she shrieked, pounding her fists against his chest.

He used his arms to stop her, grabbing both her wrists. He then managed to turn them over so that he was now on top of her.

"Caroline, listen to me for a second. I'm sorry I reacted so badly. I was so blinded by my anger that I wasn't thinking. But right now I need you to focus, and to hear what I have to say. I know you won't believe me, but I swear I'm telling you the truth. You know how much I love you."

He let go of her wrists and placed both of his arms at her sides so that he was now on all fours.

"He tricked you Caroline. Klaus used you to get to all of us. I blame myself for not begin able to protect you from him, but I did try to find you. When Elena finally told me where you were, and I went to London, his butler told me that you both had already left and that you were heading home. I was afraid I was too late, but then I came to your house straightaway and found you lying on your bed. I swear Caroline, if he had hurt you, I wouldn't be able to keep myself from ripping him apart. But I will protect you now. You have to stay away from him and I promise you, we'll keep you safe."

Caroline felt like she was knocked into a brick wall. A minute ago the only thing she was worried about was telling Tyler, and trying to convince her friends to give Klaus a chance. Now everything that she believed in was turned upside down.

She pushed him backward and slowly backed away from him.

"What are you talking about?" she blurted out in disbelief.

He didn't bother to close the distance between them. He looked her in the eye before explaining "It was all part of his plan Caroline. He tricked you. Klaus was only distracting you so that you would let your guard down. He knew that eventually we would do the exact same thing. He knows just how much all of us care about you and so he used it to his advantage. And that would be the moment he would strike. Why do you think he brought you home at this exact moment, when all of his siblings are here as well? He wants to get his revenge on all of us. He probably wants to kill us, but make us suffer first before doing so."

Caroline felt like she was going to be sick. He stomach was all in knots and it was like all of the air in the room disappeared. She couldn't breathe.

"How do you know all of this?" she managed to choke out, struggling to get to her feet.

In an instant, Tyler was at her side, helping her up. She tried to break free from his hold, but he steadied her and still held his hand in hers, squeezing it reassuringly.

He paused before admitting, "Rebekah. She's afraid for her own life and believes that after he's done with us, Klaus will put her down as well. And she couldn't have that, so she decided to help us."

Caroline shook her head. This was too crazy to be real. "Rebekah, really Tyler? The same Rebekah who killed Alaric and Elena, and almost killed Matt—she suddenly decides to be on our side?"

Tyler leaned his forehead against hers. "You don't have to trust her Caroline, but trust me."

He wasn't lying. Caroline didn't know what she was supposed to do. She felt like she was going to faint. There was a part of her that actually believed everything Tyler was saying. She was angry with the way she had to hear about it, but angrier with Klaus for lying to her and making her seem like a fool. He tried to kill her and torture her once on her trip, how could she fall for his act? Her heart was heavy, and it even felt like it had been pulled out of her chest. That part of her just wanted to cry in embarrassment and pain.

But there was the other part—the part that refused to believe this could be real. As Caroline closed her eyes for a second, all she could think about was the way Klaus held her in his arms, the way he looked at her longingly before he took her to his bed. She remembered the way he protected her and all his sweet words.

It seemed like a never-ending debate. Now she felt as confused as she was when she first left Mystic Falls.

"It doesn't make any sense Tyler" she said, opening her eyes to face him.

"What, that I ask you to trust me? He is lying to you Caroline. All of those feelings you have are a part of his manipulation. Even the whole ice cream thing was planned. Everything that went down was to make you trust him and make all of us vulnerable. You have to believe me."

She was stunned silent.

He surprised her by kissing her softly on the lips.

Even though it felt comforting and safe, Caroline couldn't help but feel sorry for him. All of a sudden it became clear to Caroline that there was no turning back now. Things have changed between them and they couldn't go back to the way things were before.

She placed her arms against his chest and pushed him backward.

"Tyler, I"

From the look on his face, she could see how hurt he was. After all that they have been through, here she was, breaking his heart. Even after he had said all of these things about Klaus, she still didn't choose him. Caroline was surprised at how he managed to keep his composure and his anger in check.

He closed his eyes, grunting something unintelligible below his breath. And before long his fists were clenched at his sides. As soon as he opened his eyes again, they were burning with rage, and he gritted his teeth, struggling to control his anger after all.

Caroline was not afraid of him, but she couldn't stay and wait for him to calm down. She would continue apologizing later, but right now she had to find out for herself if all of this was real. If Klaus wanted to kill her, it wouldn't make a difference if she prodded him for the truth. Besides, he didn't know what she did and wouldn't see her coming. "Tyler, I trust you, but… I need to go."

Elena suddenly appeared at her door and saw what was going on between Tyler and Caroline. She took a good look at her friend, acknowledging her presence. "I heard you were in town, and I got a missed call from Tyler, I didn't mean to…"

But before Elena could even finish her sentence, and before either one of them could think of holding her back, Caroline jumped out of the window and ran.

"Caroline, wait" she heard Elena call from behind

Then she heard another sound of struggle and a loud thump like someone had been pinned to the ground. "Tyler you don't want to do this. Let her go. Calm down. You need to tell me what's going on"

Caroline blinked back the tears and tried to shut out their voices in her head. The right thing to do would be to turn back, help her friends and try to figure out a better plan before walking into the enemy's trap. But she couldn't help herself. She was confused, enraged, and heartbroken all at the same time. She would not wait a second longer to see him.

As she continued to push harder with every step in the direction of the Mickaelson' mansion, her final thought scared the hell out of her. If Tyler was telling her the truth, and all of this was Klaus' manipulation, she would have to kill him.

And the fact was - she would rather kill herself.