Hey guys! Long time, I know. I've been immensely busy over the past few weeks, so I haven't had the time to publish, but that's over with now. This new chapter is very long to make up for the longer than anticipated wait. Because of the crossover between TVD and TO in this chapter and the following, it made things more difficult and it took a lot longer to figure out how to write it for my character, but I think I've got the perfect way. I hope you all think the same, and let me know :)

Enjoy!

The sound of the flight attendants voice echoed through the aeroplane cabin. We were now passing over one of the most beautiful cities that I'd ever laid my eyes on. New Orleans. My stomach swirled with a mixture of excitement and uneasiness. I felt sickly ever since I boarded the flight from Mystic Falls, but I brushed it off as nerves. Roslyn got in contact with me once I informed her that I was in the air. She sent me a message back with a location where we could meet. After that, she went quiet once again. Her evasiveness was beginning to irritate me more than worry me at this point. I sent my mom and Care a message letting them know when I took off, along with Klaus. As per his request, I'd let him know when I had landed and made my way to the hotel.

Once the plane was finally on the ground, pulling into the New Orleans International Airport, some of the passengers unclipped their belts and chatted amongst themselves as I shot a message off to my mom and Klaus. I let them know that I arrived, safe and sound, and that I'd send them another message when I was at the hotel.

I had my small bag in hand as I departed the plane and made my way into the airport. Thirty agonizing minutes later standing by the luggage claim, I finally had my case and made my way towards the automatic doors which led to outside. The fresh air was a welcomed moment of bliss. The sickness was beginning to subside as I breathed in the fresh air. As I walked behind people queuing for the shuttle bus, I was glad that I didn't have to sit amongst them. I had pre-booked a cab as soon as we took off, so I only waited for a few moments before a friendly man approached me and took my bag, and helped me into the cab.

Once we set off, I pulled out my phone and called the one person that was on my mind the most.

Klaus picked up after the third ring.

"Hello, love," he greeted me in a warm, husky voice. "I hope your flight went well."

"Hi, it did." I smiled into the phone as the subtle jazz music played through the speakers in the front of the cab, "I'm on the way to the hotel as we speak. The line for the shuttle bus and cabs was insanely long. I'm glad I pre-booked to avoid that nightmare."

"I would have had a driver waiting for you," Klaus said.

"I know, but you already paid for my ticket, which is more than enough." I reminded him.

"It's around three thirty in the afternoon, correct?"

"Yep." I replied, popping the 'P'. "I'm meeting with Roslyn tomorrow. I told her that I wanted a day to settle in and relax. I figured it was the least she could give me, considering she can't tell me the news over the phone."

"Quite right, love," Klaus said, "Do you have plans for the rest of the day then?"

"I'm going to get settled into the hotel and then I might take a walk around the area. See what all this fuss is about."

Klaus chuckled lightly on the other end of the phone, "The 'fuss' will be worth it, sweetheart. Trust me."

"We're almost at the hotel, miss." I lowered the phone from my ear as the cab driver spoke to me.

"Thank you," I smiled at him in the rear-view mirror.

"It's a beautiful hotel you're staying at," Klaus said as I put the phone to my ear.

I snorted, "Of course it is, you picked it." We broke out into a light chuckle as the cab came to a rolling halt. "I have to go, we're here."

"Very well. I hope the room is adequate."

"I'm sure it'll more than do," I smiled as the cab driver climbed out of the car and opened my door for me. "I'll call you later."

"I'll be waiting," Klaus replied.

The cab driver lifted my case from the trunk and I gave him a tip for being so kind and helpful. Once he had left, I entered the hotel and approached the large oak desk.

"Welcome to The Royal Sonesta," The man greeted with a warm smile, "What's the name."

"It's Miss Forbes," I replied and leaned on the desk as I watched him type.

"Ahh, here you are," he said after a few clicks, "You're in the King suite, with a balcony and street view."

My eyes widened, "No, that's not right. I didn't reserve that room."

I pulled up my phone and looked for the booking information.

"There's a note here," the man said as he turned the screen to face me, "Someone called and upgraded your room, Miss Forbes."

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "I'm gonna kill him." I mumbled under my breath.

"Your room's already paid for, Miss Forbes. Here is your key." He handed me over a large, golden key with a number tag attached. "I hope you have a pleasant stay. And if you request anything, please, do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you."

I left the desk and entered the elevator. It took me up to the second floor and I walked the short distance down the corridor to my room. When the door swung open, my jaw hit the floor. It was breathtaking. The large glass doors leading to the balcony caught my eye first, and I immediately rushed over to them and pulled them open wide. The sky was dull, but the city was alive. People laughed as they walked down the street below. Another group of people were being led by a tour guide, learning all about the culture of this marvellous city. If I had time, I was going to book into one of the tours before I returned home.

I sent Klaus a quick message, thanking him for upgrading my room, and that I'd call him later. I remained on the balcony, just breathing in the air and looking at the sights, when out of nowhere, my stomach decided to growl loudly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since before I boarded the plane. Walking across the room to the side table, I took a bunch of the brochures from the plastic container and flicked through them, looking for some nearby restaurants or cafes. Many places looked amazing, so there was only one thing to do. I had to go out and explore to see which one would be the best.

After freshening up in the bathroom, I grabbed my purse and made sure that I had the room key before I headed out into the bustling city.

It was still light outside as I walked down the streets, admiring the architecture of the many fascinating buildings. The faint sound of Jazz music in the air made me grin widely. As I walked through the streets, looking in the windows and watching street performers paint, the array of tantalising smells whisked through the air, making me salivate. Everything in the city smelt delicious. From cafes, to bistros, to wholesome bars, all of which was only making my choice harder. I popped into a small cafe I had found near the French Quarter. They had the most wonderful smelling blueberry muffins. After one bite, I knew I had made the right choice. The soft, fluffy, moreish cake was a slice of heaven. The people here were very pleasant to chat with. I spent a good ten minutes in the cafe chatting with the owner about some of the restaurants around here, and he wasn't short of suggestions for me to try. Once I polished off my muffin, I made my way back out on to the street. Even after the muffin, I was still hungry. I needed something else. Something that would fill me like one of Caroline's casseroles. That's when I came to a stop outside of a restaurant and bar called Rousseau's.

I stepped to the side as a couple walked out and I caught the door as it slowly closed over. I didn't quite know what I was smelling as I walked inside, but I just knew I had to have it. Once I entered, the spicy, aromatic smell was even more divine. I took a seat at the bar and was greeted by a pretty, blonde bartender a few moments later.

"Hi there," she grinned widely, "Welcome to Rousseau's. What can I get you?"

I smiled back at her, "I don't know what it is, but whatever's cooking in the back. It smells delicious!" I looked round her into the kitchen in the back. There was a brunette woman standing beside a large pot, stirring in a clockwise manner.

"That's the gumbo," The bartender laughed, "Sophie is our chef here. She's just finished making a fresh batch."

"I'll have a bowl of gumbo, then," I said happily.

She wrote my order down on a small pad and proceeded to ask me if I wanted anything to drink.

"Just water," I replied and shrugged off my coat.

"Comin' up. The names Camille, Cami for short." she informed me with a warm smile as she placed a glass of icy water in front of me.

"Jessica," I replied, "You can call me Jess."

After a couple of minutes had gone by, I sipped on my icy-water as Cami returned with an overflowing bowl of gumbo and placed it on a mat in front of me.

"Wow," I gasped. "You know, I'd like to say that I won't manage to finish all of that, but I'd be lying." Cami laughed lightly as she wiped down the bar to my right. I sighed in delight as I took a spoonful of the glorious gumbo. "It tastes even better than it smells." I grinned.

"So, I'm guessing you're not from around here?" Cami asked. When I looked at her in wonder, she smiled, "I remember faces, and I don't remember yours."

"You're right. I'm from a town in Virginia. I'm actually just here to meet a friend." As I placed another mouthful into my mouth, I ginned, "God, that's good!"

"What's her name?" Cami asked, "Maybe I've met her."

"It's, uh, Roslyn. Roslyn Chambers." I smiled. "She actually comes here a lot. She's huge on travelling and learning new cultures."

Cami remained silent for a few moments as she thought hard before shrugging, "Can't say that I've met a Roslyn in here. Nice name though."

"Like I said, she travels a lot." I chucked lightly and continued to chow-down on my bowl of gumbo. Cami and I continued to chat to one another for a while and I learned that she had a degree in Psychology. I was inspired by her drive and her vision. I was still uncertain what career path I was going to be taking once I graduated high school, but I'd really have to get my head straight once I went back before College came around.

I had spent most of the night in the lovely little bar with Cami before I walked back to the hotel and collapsed on the bed the second I entered my room. A groan escaped my lips as my phone buzzed from inside of my back pocket again. Thinking it was Klaus or my mom, I pulled it out to see a message from Roslyn.

'Jess, I'm sorry to do this, but I have to push back seeing you tomorrow. Something important has come up, and I can't get out of it. Can we meet in a few days?'

I scoffed and laughed bitterly as I typed my reply,

'You can't be serious?! I've come all the way here, and you can't even meet me when you said you would? I have a prom to get to, so no, I can't meet you in a few days. I'm getting on my flight tomorrow night to go back home. What needs to be said can be sent in a text, e-mail, or a phone call, or not said at all.'

I couldn't believe she had the nerve to even suggest such a thing.

'Jessica, I'm really sorry. I really want to see you. I've missed you since you left your dad's. What I have to tell you is really important, otherwise I would call or text you. Please, stay. Just for another few days.'

I thought it over for a few moment before replying,

"You've got three days. If I don't hear from you within those three, days. I'm leaving, and what needs to be said can be left unsaid.'

I tossed the phone to the side when she never replied and walked into the bathroom to change into something more comfortable. When I entered back into the room, my phone buzzed and Care's name lit up the screen.

"Hey, Care," I greeted as I tied my hair up into a ponytail.

"When do you think you'll be back?" she asked, cutting to the chase rather quickly.

"That's what I was just about to tell you." I sighed as I dreaded having to tell her that I'd miss prom. "I'm not going to make it back in time, Care. I'm so sorry."

"Seriously?!" Care bellowed into the phone, "I thought you were only going to be there for two days max?"

"Yeah," I sniggered, "That was the plan, but something's come up with Roslyn and now she can't see me tomorrow. So I said I'd give her a few days, and if I don't hear from her within those days, I'll be coming home."

"She's not much of a friend if she's playing games with you, Jess." Caroline sighed.

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, I'm beginning to agree with you there."

"We were going to pick out the perfect dresses together!"

"I know," I sighed sadly, "Send me photos of the dresses. That way I can still help you choose yours."

"I suppose I could do that."

"Cheer up, Caroline. The prom is going to be amazing. Even if I'm not there to be with you." I reassured her.

There was a long silence before she replied, ""You're right, but it just sucks that you're going to miss it. Do you want me to tell mom in the morning? She's sleeping right now."

"Wow," I gasped, "She's not working?"

Care and I chatted and laughed together for a few moments until we ended the call. When I looked at the time, it was nearing midnight, so I chose not to call Klaus. I'd call him in the morning instead.

Settling down for the night, I sunk into the large king sized bed that felt like laying on a cloud and fell asleep with a full stomach and a new found love for New Orleans.

The following days were filled with culture and art. I walked more than I had ever walked in my life around the streets of New Orleans. I was fully taken in by all it had to offer. The food, the music, the people, and most importantly, the art. I sat for three hours just watching someone paint in the middle of the street. I delved into the food and found my new obsession, a beautiful little pastry called Turtle cookies. They were truly worth the calories.

I continued to visit Rousseau's for the fourth time this week. Deciding that I wanted my last meal to be another bowl of Sophie's delicious gumbo. I sat in the same spot that I had sat in the previous days and flicked through some pamphlets that I had been given in the street by a lovely man.

"Fourth time here this week," The woman I had gotten to know as Jane-Anne smiled as she grabbed a bottle of wine from the shelf behind her, and turned back to face me.

"I'm obsessed with the gumbo, Jane-Anne," I flashed her a smile from the other side of the bar and tapped my fingernails against the glass in my hand. "I can honestly say that I've never had anything as delicious as it."

"You know, ladies in the 9th ward say my sister, Sophie, bleeds a piece of her soul into each dish." Jane-Anne said as she topped up my glass.

"I'd believe that." I chuckled to myself. "Do you have any other suggestions for places for me to see? The cafe you suggested yesterday was amazing. I've even found my new obsession, Turtle cookies."

Jane-Anne looked across the bar to her sister for a moment before she cleared her throat and pulled out a map, placing it on the bar as she grinned. "You know, if you want to try some of the best cuisine, I have a few suggestions for you to try out."

"Sure!" I smiled as I sipped on the wine. "I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow, so I'll choose a few to have a look at tonight, along with a few other spots some other people have suggested I look at. I'll have to come back some other time to see the rest. I might even bring my sister after graduation."

"Great!" She beamed and passed me the map. "Check out the places I've crossed. You won't be disappointed."

"Thanks!" I shovelled the last spoonful of gumbo into my mouth and placed some money on the counter to cover my bill before I fled the bar.

Jane-Anne was right, the places she had crossed out were amazing. I think I more than had my fill for dinner when I left the small restaurant later that night. I didn't have time to check them all out as I was pushed from time to head back to the hotel and pack up my things to catch my early morning flight home. Roslyn was awol once again. I sent her a message earlier in the afternoon, telling her not to contact me again. I was fed up with her games and blatant lies. If what she wanted to tell me was truly that important, she could come to me in Mystic Falls. I was done chasing.

As I left the quaint restaurant, I used the map that Jane-Anne gave me as my guide back to the hotel. It was pitch black. Hardly any lights were in the street I was on and the wind began to howl through the trees. I was merely a few feet away from the restaurant when the map suddenly combusted into flames. I yelped and dropped the map on the ground, stomping out the flame quickly before someone saw. I looked around quickly to see if anyone had noticed and let out a long, relieved sigh when I saw no one else on the street. I kicked the residue of the charred map to the side of the kerb and patted down my coat.

What the hell was that?

I gave myself a shake and continued down the dim-lit pathway. "Wow..." I murmured. My vision began to blur and my feet became unstable. That's when I was suddenly overtaken by a whoosh of pain radiating from my temple. "Agh!" I cried and braced my hands against the sides of my head. My purse fell to the ground as I staggered in my steps. The pain was overwhelming. My vision became worse and my ears began to chime. Not knowing what was happening, terrified me to my core. The last thing I remember seeing before I blacked out was shadow figures moving quickly towards me. Then, it was just dark.

When I finally came to, I had no idea where I was, or how long I had been there. I could smell the earth and wet wood all around me. I opened my eyes and found myself sitting in a little cabin. There wasn't a lot within the cabin, but a few seats, candles and some benches with bowls on top. I rubbed my wrists as there were fresh red marks on the skin and when I attempted to stand from the bed I was laying on, I found that my feet were still tethered together against the frame.

"What the hell?!" I grumbled and pulled against the restraints. I was weak. My hands were shaking and my jaw quivered as I yanked the rope. The sudden shift in the air caused me to stop my feeble attempt at freeing myself as the door to the cabin opened slowly.

"Ahh, you're awake." An unknown woman said as she entered inside and placed a bowl of water on the table next to me.

"What the hell do you want with me?" I barked and moved away from her. There was nowhere for me to move to, so I pressed myself against the wall of the cabin and stared at her. Hoping that this was a misunderstanding of sorts.

She smiled wearily, "It'll all make sense soon, dear." She tapped the table and placed some food beside the water. "For now, just eat and drink."

I narrowed my eyes, "Let me go! I don't care why you've taken me, just let me go and I'll forget all about it."

"I'm afraid we cannot do that."

"We?" I frowned. "What the hell is going on!?" I thrashed against the restraints and began pulling on the ropes even harder than before.

The woman jumped back as I screamed and continued to pull the rope, "I need help here!" she yelled.

My head snapped towards the door as three more people came rushing into the room.

"No!" I yelled as I was quickly restrained backwards on the bed. The third woman that entered with the others leaned over me as I squirmed and blew a red powder in my face. That was the last thing I remembered.

Three days...Four days, who knows. All I knew now was that my captors were witches, and that Roslyn wasn't even in New Orleans. She was never here. It was all a trap. A trap for me. I was still kept in the dark as to why I was here, but every now and then when they came to feed me and take me to the toilet, they'd whisper to each other and look in my direction. None the less, I still was none the wiser.

As I looked out of the little window in the cabin, the door behind me opened and I was shocked as to who walked in.

"Sophie?" I said in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

She folded her arms, "Come on, you're smarter than that, Jessica."

My eyes narrowed, "Of course, you're a witch too." I laughed bitterly and leaned back against the wall. "Well, do you or one of your little witchy friends want to tell me what's going on yet? Or do I have to make you?"

Sophie sniggered and entered further into the room, "You couldn't take on a witch, let alone a coven."

My lips tugged up, "I sure as hell would try." When she remained silent, I stood from the bed and walked closer to her now that I was no longer restrained. "So, tell me why you had my friend lie to get me here or let me go and I'll find out for myself."

"If you're referring to Roslyn, I've known her longer than you have, Jessica." Sophie informed me and I frowned. "She's a witch. I contacted her when I had a feeling. I needed to know if I was correct, and she was the only tie to you. She was the only way I could get you here."

I shook my head, "Great. That's just great!" I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing. I was beginning to question whether or not Roslyn was ever truly my friend. Turning back to face Sophie, I shrugged my shoulders. "Okay, fake-witchy friend out of the equation, this witchy-talk isn't making any sense, Sophie. Just tell me what the hell you want with me."

She sighed heavily, "Alright...I have a gift. A gift for knowing when a girl's pregnant."

I shrugged my shoulders again, "Okay. I don't see why that has anything to do with me?"

"Klaus Mikaelson." Sophie said coolly.

I instantly swallowed the lump in my throat, "You seriously tricked me into coming to New Orleans just because I know Klaus Mikaelson? What do you want? Information on him? On his family?" I sniggered, "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but I can't help you."

Sophie sniggered, "Not just because you know him, Jessica." The tension in the room grew as Sophie remained silent for a few moments before she dropped the bomb of the century. "Because you carry his child."

"I'm sorry...what?"

My blood ran cold and a large shiver travelled down my spine, making the hairs all over my body stand tall.

"You're pregnant, Jessica." Sophie repeated and it was still as shocking to hear as the first time. "It's time to go."

"You're lying...Vampires can't have children." I whispered. I felt like I had paled beyond what's humanly possible.

She has to be lying. This is just another trap. Something else to try and get one over on Klaus and his family. Has to be.

"In theory," Sophie said as two more witches entered the room and took my wrists. I didn't put up an inch of a fight as I was still in a state of shock. "However, Klaus is no ordinary vampire, right? He's a hybrid, born both vampire and werewolf. It'll make more sense soon."

When she fell silent and left the cabin, a few more witches entered and surrounded me before they guided me to the cemetery. I too fell silent. I was processing everything in my head, but I still couldn't make sense of any of it. I didn't want to make sense of it.

I sat on top of a large stone, swinging my legs freely in the cool night air as witches remained around me. They never faltered in their step as they paced back and forth. I was becoming dizzy just watching them.

"Where is she?"

I blinked a few times as the silver-tongued voice reached my ears.

"Elijah?" I looked to my left as I saw the eldest Original round the corner of a tombstone with Sophie by his side. He looked almost shocked when he saw me jump to my feet within a circle of witches. As I tried to break from the circle, two of the witches grabbed my arms and held me in place. Elijah quickened his pace until he stood in front of me.

"Release her. Now." He warned lowly.

The witches looked towards Sophie for approval. She nodded her head and then their grasp dropped.

"Please tell me you're here to get me the hell away from these witches." I gasped as I hugged him tightly. I just needed to feel human contact, and Elijah was one of the few people that I felt comfortable with within this moment.

"Did they hurt you?" He asked as he pushed me back and gazed over my shaking body.

"No." I replied quickly. "Can we leave now, please." His lips pressed into a fine-line and I knew the answer. My posture sagged and I leaned back against the stone I was sat on earlier, my hands gripping the cool stone tightly. "You believe them, don't you."

Giving the look Elijah was giving me, I knew that Sophie had told him the same thing she had told me. "Yes." He sighed.

"It can't be true, Elijah. Klaus is a vampire. He can't reproduce."

"I'm afraid that when Niklaus broke the curse placed upon him by our mother, it must have reactivated his werewolf side, allowing him the ability to procreate once again." Elijah said calmly, but he too looked to be uncomfortable with this revelation just as much as I.

"I-I can't be pregnant, Elijah." I murmured. My voice braking. "I just can't be."

"The witch confirmed it, Jessica." Elijah sighed and stood in front of me to gain my attention. "Klaus is here, in the city."

My eyes widened, "He-He's here?"

"Yes. He got wind of witches plotting against him, so he came to find out why."

I sniggered and nodded my head slowly as I looked toward the witches that watched me intently. The realisation hitting me. "Let me guess, I'm the 'plot'."

"I'm afraid it looks to be that way, yes." Elijah replied and rested his hand on my arm. "I'm going to get Niklaus, and when I return, this will all be handled."

"No, no," I panicked and grabbed his arm. "Don't leave me alone with them again, please." I pleaded. I hadn't noticed just how tight my grip was on Elijah's arm until he prised my fingers from his wrist.

"You have my word, I'll be back as soon as I can." he said just as Sophie and a few more witches appeared. "Do not lay another finger on her. Do I make myself clear?" Elijah warned in a frighteningly calm tone, considering the circumstances. Sophie dipped her head in understanding and Elijah gave me one final glance before he whooshed into the dark.

Once Elijah had left the cemetery, I was escorted back inside of the mausoleum. I wasn't in there for long however. Three witches had moved me to another part of the cemetery after about twenty or so minutes, and it could only mean one thing. Elijah had returned with Klaus, just like he said he would. I was sitting alone with my thoughts for far too long, long enough to think of all the worst possible outcomes for me. I was uncomfortable knowing that there was a small fetus growing inside of my stomach at this very moment. Something that I had never really given much thought about. Something that I wasn't even sure I wanted. I was only nineteen. I hadn't even graduated high school yet. I haven't gone to college and experienced all that was going to happen with my sister and my friends.

I hadn't lived.

"Come."

I looked up from my knees that were hugged tightly against my chest as an elder witch entered the area I was sitting in with the other three witches. She was curt. She didn't want to waste anymore time than she needed too. I got to my feet and brushed the back of my thighs before I followed behind her.

My nose perked up at the familiar scent that passed through my senses as we crossed the cemetery.

Klaus.

As we neared the mausoleum, the raised voices from inside made me shiver.

"I don't need to hear her out. I assure you, love, there is not a thing on this earth that will matter enough for me to waste even thirty more seconds of my time." I could hear Klaus yelling to someone within. Before we entered inside, the elder witch held my arm and stopped me from walking any further. I narrowed my eyes at her but she just glared at the opening. "Elijah, what madness is this?"

That was when the witch tugged my arm and we entered inside. Her grip was released just as we came into view of the others inside, and she stepped to the side so I stood alone in the open space.

I tried my best to smile, but I just couldn't muster up the muscles in my face to do so. Klaus turned to face me, hie eyes widened and his jaw slackened as he looked over my quivering frame. Words seemed to fail him also.

"Jessica..." he gasped and rushed over to me and cupped my face. His hands were warm, his fingertips calloused as he ran them over my cheeks. "What are you doing here?"

I leaned into his touch briefly before looking up to meet his gaze. His eyes were fixed on me, and only me. It was like there was no one else in the room with us, but I was about to break that moment. The moment that I had been craving for days.

"You have to listen to them, Klaus." I whispered, "Please."

He dipped his head slightly before he turned back to face Sophie, his posture changing instantly. I looked towards Elijah who gave me a small, reassuring smile. It did not help.

"You'd be best to tell me what the hell is going on, right now." Klaus growled, "You have three seconds before I start ripping hearts from chests. One!" he held his finger in the air, "Two..." as he raised his second finger in the air, my eyes closed over. I didn't want to see the massacre that was undoubtedly about to happen, but when Sophie finally opened her mouth for the first time since I had entered the area, my eyes popped back open.

"Marcel may be able to keep us from practising magic in this town, but as keepers of the balance we still know when nature has cooked up something new. For example, I have a special gift...of sensing when a girl is pregnant."

My heart rate picked up astronomically as Klaus' slowed dangerously. All amusement left his face as he tensed. "What?" he spat.

"I-I didn't believe her at first either. 'It's impossible' I told myself." I murmured as he turned to face me.

With wide eyes, Klaus took a small step closer to me, "What are you saying?"

"Niklaus..." Elijah's tone was soft, calm, as his brother shifted his gaze over to him. "Jessica is carrying your child."

Klaus wavered in his step and his body sagged to the side as he pondered over the information he had just received. "No. It's impossible. Vampires cannot procreate." His tone alone was enough to know that he was unwilling to accept the information before him. His voice was shaky as were his hands, but I didn't know if that was from fear or rage.

"But werewolves can," Sophie interjected. "Magic made you a vampire, but you were born a werewolf. You're the Original hybrid, the first of your kind, and this pregnancy is one of nature's loopholes."

Klaus stared at the witch for a long moment. Taking in all her words carefully before he spun on the spot and raised his hand in the air, his index finger pointing straight at me. "You've been with someone else, admit it!" he screamed in my face. Elijah rushed over to my side and held his brother back as I took a step backwards away from him.

"I haven't!" I yelled back at Klaus. "I wouldn't do that! I've only been with you, Klaus." It was as if my words fell upon deaf ears. Klaus shook his head furiously. He didn't believe me one single bit. "I swear, Klaus. I swear!" I pleaded. "I've been kept in some shabby-shack in the middle of god-knows where for days. They did spells, or whatever on me, all to prove that this baby is yours. Don't you think if I had slept with someone else, I would have admitted that!"

Just as Klaus parted his lips to speak, Sophie cut in. "My sister gave her life to perform the spell she needed to confirm this pregnancy. Because of Jane-Anne's sacrifice, the lives of this girl and her baby are now controlled by us." My eyes instantly narrowed as I looked towards Elijah. His stance also changed as this was news to the both of us. "If you don't help us take down Marcel, so help me, Jessica won't live long enough to see her first maternity dress."

"I'm sorry, what?" I gasped loudly.

Elijah cleared his throat, making himself known to the room, "Enough of this. If you want Marcel dead, he's dead. I'll do it myself."

"No. We can't, not yet." Sophie spoke quickly. "We have a clear plan that we need to follow, and there are rules."

Klaus, who had turned away, turned around slowly to face Sophie, his anger barely restrained and his voice frighteningly quiet. "How dare you command me!" he bellowed. "Threaten me, with what you wrongfully perceive to be my weaknesses. I won't hear any more lies."

"Niklaus," Elijah called after his brother as he began to leave the mausoleum. "Listen."

Klaus turned toward me and met my eye. I wasn't too sure what Elijah meant by 'listen', but when his and Klaus' eyes travelled down to my stomach, I instantly knew and listened as well. That's when I heard it. The fast little patter of a heartbeat coming from inside my stomach. My hand instantly went from gripping my sleeve in fear, to being placed over my stomach in amazement, and for the first time in days, I smiled. I met Klaus' gaze as he looked at me, his lips parted as he too looked to be transfixed at the sound coming from within my stomach. The wonderment that he held within his eyes was diminished in a matter of seconds as the scowl and anger returned to his face.

He turned from me and looked between his brother and Sophie, "Kill her and the baby. What do I care?" he said in a low, frightening tone. He then turned around and stormed past me as he left the mausoleum.

My jaw dropped open as he passed me, and I placed my hand over my lips to stop the gasp that followed. Once he was gone, one of the witches moved from their position and I instantly went into fight-or-flight-mode. "No!" I yelled and backed away into the wall, "Stay the hell away from me!" My whole body began to quiver as the Adrenalin coursed through my veins. "Elijah!"

The eldest Mikaelson was by my side in a flash. His hand rested on my arm as he pulled me into his chest. "No one touches the girl. Do you understand?" Elijah commanded. His voice was calm. "I'll speak to my brother."

"Please, don't leave me here again, Elijah. I don't trust them."

"I came back last time, didn't I?" he asked.

I nodded my head.

"Then you know that I'll be back. You have my word." With just a few words, I was set at ease. However, not much. I still didn't want to be left behind again. Especially not after what Klaus had just said. He all but put a bounty on my head for the witches to do as they wish. His words still cut deep. Deeper than I thought he'd ever go.

While waiting once again for Elijah to return, I never left my spot inside of the mausoleum in fear of the witches. I didn't know them, and they had done me no harm thus far, but after Klaus' refusal to help them in their efforts to rid New Orleans of the vampire, Marcel, who knows that they'd be willing to do now. My thoughts were racing a thousand miles a minute. How could I be pregnant? How was I going to explain this to my mom and sister? How was I going to go to college with a child? I truly didn't know what was going to happen or what I was going to do. Nor did I know if I wanted to go through with this pregnancy.

I looked over at the witches who had grouped together to listen to Sophie speak. Her words caught my ear as I leaned forward on the stone I sat on top of.

"Marcel and his vampires are out of control. Something had to be done." Sophie exclaimed passionately to the other witches.

The elder, dark-skinned witch who tended to me in the cabin spoke up for the first time since we gathered in the mausoleum. "And the solution is to bring in more vampires?" The witch was clearly annoyed at Sophie's decision to bring in Klaus and Elijah, but she didn't seem to be the one in charge here. It seemed to be that Sophie was the one in control.

"They aren't just any vampires, Agnes. They're Originals." Sophie replied, and I now knew the name of the elder witch.

Agnes scoffed, "What makes you think you can control the hybrid?"

I unknowingly nodded my head as I inserted myself into their conversation. There was no way to control Klaus. None.

"She can't," A voice echoed into the mausoleum. A smile appeared on my face as I turned to see Elijah leaning casually against the entrance. After a brief moment, he slowly walked in and stopped across from where I now stood. He gave me a subtle dip of his head before he turned his attention to Sophie. "I'm not entirely certain that I can, either. But now that your coven has drawn his ire, I have a question: What prevents my brother from murdering you instead of cooperating?"

My eyes narrowed as Sophie pulled out a small needle from the bunch of flowers laid on top of one of the stones within the tomb. She cockily held the needle in the air, showing Elijah what she was holding in her hand before she stuck the point into her palm.

"Ow!" I gasped and raised my hand from my side. A small pool of blood began to form in the centre of my palm in the exact same spot as Sophie's hand. I looked over to Elijah, he too looked shocked as I held my hand. "What the hell was that!?"

"The spell my sister performed, the one that got her killed?" Sophie said, "It didn't just confirm the pregnancy. It linked me to Jessica. So anything that happens to me, happens to her, which means her life is in my hands." My jaw clenched shut in anger as she continued, "Klaus may not care about his own child, but it's very clear what it already means to you. If I have to hurt Jessica - or worse - to ensure that I have your attention, I will."

"I'll rip your throat out, you bitch!" I snarled.

"Jessica, please, calm yourself." Elijah said as he raised his hand in the air.

I took a few deep breaths to calm the rage that was threatening to pour over at any given moment.

Elijah straightened the sleeves on his suit jacket and took a small step forward, an amused smile on his face. "You would dare threaten an Original?"

"I have nothing to lose." Sophie replied with a flat tone. She was utterly unamused by his threat and the smile on Elijah's face faltered. He and I both knew that someone with nothing to lose, would do whatever was necessary. "You have until morning to get Klaus to change his mind."

Elijah's eyes darted across the room to me as I rubbed the fresh puncture wound in the centre of my palm. I watched as he scowled towards the witches and made his way over to me. His hand rested on top of my hand and flipped it over, palm-side up to expose the wound.

"Are you alright?" he asked lowly.

I nodded, "Yeah. It doesn't hurt anymore." He reached into his pocket and retrieved a white handkerchief and paced it in my palm before folding my fingers over it to hold it in place. I looked around him to see the witches whispering to one another once more before I looked back at Elijah. "What are we going to do?" I asked in a hushed tone.

"We do nothing," he replied. "You are to stay here, and I will go speak with my brother."

My eyes widened, "You're leaving me, again?"

"You're safe here." Elijah said confidently. "As the witches said, the town is rife with vampires, who are under the influence of Marcel. You are safer here than anywhere out there. Trust me."

I took a sharp inhale, knowing he was right, but I didn't want to be left alone again. I just wanted to get the hell out of here and get on the first flight home as soon as possible. "Alright," I replied and attempted to hand him back his handkerchief. He raised his hand and pushed my hand away.

"Consider it yours."

I sniggered, "A token to remember this moment forever." I replied sarcastically. Elijah found little amusement in my attempt to lighten the mood as he pressed his lips into a fine-line. "Sorry," I whispered and bowed my head. "I-I just want to get out of here."

"And you will," he reassured. "Once I find, and speak to my pig-headed brother."

"Please be quick."

Elijah nodded his head before he whooshed out of the mausoleum in search for his brother, leaving me alone once again with the witches.

It didn't take Elijah long to return to the mausoleum. He and Sophie talked inside while I waited outside with two other witches. They were going over the fine details of the deal that Klaus, to my amazement, agreed to. I was then allowed to leave the cemetery there after. As I walked quickly towards the gates, I burst through them and took a sharp inhale and rested my hands on my knees as I leaned over.

"Jessica?" I heard Elijah's call from behind me. "Are you alright?" he was by my side in a flash. One hand on my back and the other gripping my arm for support.

"I'm fine," I reassured him and straightened my back. "Just glad to finally be out of there."

"Understandable," Elijah smiled small. "Once you're ready to go, we have a place not too far from here. Just outside of the Quarter. It'll be adequate for the time being."

I frowned and took a step back, "What?"

"A house," he clarified. "Somewhere where we'll stay until this Marcel business is taken care of. Somewhere you'll be safe."

My head began to shake as I replied, "I have a house, Elijah. One which I intend on going back to as soon as possible." Looking around the streets of the unknown city, I realised that I didn't have the slightest clue as to where I was. "Where are we?!" I grunted and turned to face Elijah.

He stood a few steps behind, a glimmer of a smirk on his lips. "We're about a twenty minute drive from your hotel." he informed me. I exhaled deeply in frustration. "So, if you'd care to come with me, I'll drive us back. I'm sure you could be doing with rest and some food. After all, you've had quite the few days."

I nodded my head as he began to walk towards me, "Don't forget the shower part," I groaned and followed him towards his car. "Being stuck in an alligator infested swamp was never on my bucket-list."

Elijah smirked and opened the passenger side door for me, "I'm sure it wasn't."

The drive back to my hotel was the most comfort and peace I had had in the past few days. It sure as hell beats sleeping on a paper-thin mattress in a little shack in the middle of the Bayou. The SVU type of car Elijah was driving was like riding on a cloud. The leather seats were a blessing.

"Jessica?" I heard the faint sounds of Elijah's voice as I stirred from my light slumber. "We're here."

I opened my eyes and looked around. Elijah stood on the outside of the car, his hand rested on the top of the door as he held it open for me. "Sorry," I sighed with a yawn, "I must have dozed off."

"Understandable," was all he said as he held his hand out.

I placed my palm in his and he helped me climb out of the car. The air was cool, but I didn't mind. I was just glad to be out of the Bayou.

The desk manager welcomed me back with a large smile, like he had just seen me a few hours earlier. Elijah informed me that once he knew of the situation I was in, he came to the hotel and compelled the manager to keep my room free with all my belongings inside. Something which I was extremely grateful for. Who knows where my things would have ended up if no one knew what was happening.

Elijah escorted me to my room and I swiped the card to open the door that I received from the manager as we came in. I sighed as I entered the room and found that my things were exactly where I had left them when I left that day. All with the exception of my phone and handbag.

"Elijah?" I said as I turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"Do you know where my phone and handbag are?"

"Yes," he replied and jutted his chin towards the seat by the large, glass balcony doors, "Right there. I retrieved them from Sophie the first time I found you."

"You're a life saver!" I grinned and rushed to grab my phone from the seat. When I turned my phone on, I frowned to see that there were only a few messages from my mom and Caroline. I had thought that after not hearing from me for a few days, that they'd be a little more concerned. That was until I opened the messages. "What the hell?" I snarled. "Who's been texting my mom?"

"That would be the witches, "Elijah informed me as he leaned against the door frame, fixing his cuffs, "Knowing that they might have needed you to be here longer than you intended. They wouldn't have wanted anyone, of anything interfering with their plans to draw Niklaus out."

I rolled my eyes and grumbled, "Assholes."

Elijah smirked.

I had to make light of the situation I was in, or I was going to breakdown. So I tossed my phone on to the bed and smiled towards the eldest Original. "You don't have to hover at the door you know," I said to him. "Come in."

"It's your room. Your space. I didn't want to impose."

"You pretty much saved my life, Elijah." I reminded him. "You're more than welcome to come in."

"Thank you." he smiled and entered the room, closing the door behind him. He pondered around the room for a few moments before he finally took a seat on the chair by the window. "It's," he looked towards his watch, "One thirty am. You should rest. Then tomorrow I'll help you pack your things and move you to the house I spoke of earlier."

My brows knitted together and I shook my head from side-to-side, "I already told you, I'm not going to the house. I'm going home."

"I cannot allow you to leave the city, Jessica."

"I do not follow your orders, Elijah," I snapped back. "I've already missed my flight a few days ago, so I'm booking another, and I'm going to be on it."

"You are bound to the witch Sophie," Elijah reminded me in a calm tone, and I snapped my eyes shut in annoyance.

How the hell did I forget that so quickly?

I grabbed my phone from beside me and quickly looked up the first flight back to Virginia. As luck would have it, there was one leaving in a matter of hours. Under Elijah's watchful eye, I booked the flight.

"Tell me you did not just do what I think you did." Elijah sighed and leaned forwards in the chair.

A small, mischievous smile appeared on my lips. "I'm afraid so."

"The witches will not allow you to leave the city, Jessica." Elijah repeated his earlier words.

"I have to go back, Elijah," I slapped my palms against my thighs as I rose from the bed. "I'm graduating in a few weeks. I've worked my ass off to get to where I am. I've already missed my prom because of these stupid witches and their games! I will not miss out on my own graduation."

Before Elijah could reply, I tossed my phone back on to the mattress and grabbed my bag from the end of the bed and marched into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. I turned on the shower and climbed in, washing off the days of dirt and misery that had accumulated. In the steamy shower, I was left alone with my thoughts. One after the other, they consumed me.

How was I going to tell my mom that I'm pregnant? How was she going to take it? How would Caroline? How was I going to continue with college? Would I even be allowed to go to college being bound to the witches?

But I never asked myself the most important question, How did I feel?

I still didn't have the answer to that pivotal question.

Once my shower was done, I changed into some fresh clothes and scrunched my hair with a towel. I prepared myself for the lecture that I was about to receive from Elijah the second I opened the bathroom door. There was a subtle click from the handle as I opened the door and I re-entered the room. Elijah turned on the spot, my phone in his hand.

I frowned, "What are you doing with my phone?"

"Cancelling your flight," he replied, nonchalantly. When my mouth dropped open and my cheeks flushed red, he raised his hand in the air, silencing me before I could utter a word. "Ahh, ahh," he shushed me. "Before you think the worst, hear me out, please."

My arms crossed over my chest, "You have two minutes."

"Thank you," he smiled briefly, "Now, I have an offer for you."

"I'm listening," I uncrossed my arms and walked around Elijah towards the bed to sit on the edge as I listened to his 'offer'.

"I understand why you wish to return to Mystic Falls. Your graduation is important to you, to your family." Elijah said as he once again fiddled with his cuffs. "My offer is this, I will accompany you back to Mystic Falls. I'll deal with my family business, and you will attend your graduation with your sister and your friends. However, once that's over you must return back to New Orleans, with me."

I felt like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Elijah's offer was somewhat of a catch-22 scenario. On the one hand, I got to return home and give my mom and sister the news that I was pregnant, and I got to attend my graduation. On the other hand, I wouldn't really be returning home. I'd have to come back here, to New Orleans.

"What if the witches find out that we've gone?" I asked.

"If that happens, we return as soon as possible." he said quickly, "I will not risk your life, nor the life of your unborn child. You will come back willingly."

"Sounds like my only option." I sighed heavily.

"Under these circumstances, I'm afraid so."

I thought over his offer for a moment before replying, "You have a deal."

"You're sure?" he asked, looking for clarification.

I nod, "Yeah. I'm not missing my graduation with my sister. We've looked forward to it for so long."

"Then it's settled," he smiled and pulled out his cell. "I'll book the earliest flight and let Niklaus know of our departure."

I instantly recoiled at the mention of his brother's name. After what Klaus said in the mausoleum, I couldn't wait to put as many miles between us as possible. "I'll pack my things." I said to Elijah as he scrolled on his phone.

I couldn't wait to be home.

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