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Chapter 28
"Hearts are wild creatures, that's why our ribs are cages." –Unknown
Morning runs are a beautiful thing. I wasn't a fan of them until a wolf pack in the Appalachians taught me to love them. They would drag my ass up at the crack of dawn every morning and make me go with them simply because if I didn't they knew I would sit in my tent all day and do nothing. I knew their alpha, Sawyer, from previous engagements and he was the sole reason I didn't cave in on myself after Danny. He is also the reason I had the misfortune of meeting Hayley. Just the thought of her name has my feet pounding harder against the rough soil as I zig zag in and out of the tress.
I can't bring myself to think about her too much, in fear, of unleashing the beast that is so adamant on getting out. Damon told me about what happened after I left the hospital. He thinks Connor is dead, but I know better. The mark covering my back hasn't ceased its incessant burning and I would be lying if I said it hasn't started to affect me. I feel stronger if that's possible and faster which is clearly displayed by the trees blurring past my head. I can't tell if it's because the tiger is rattling its cages or if it's something else. But one thing I know for damn sure is this whole thing won't end pretty. In fact, I have sick feeling, it'll end bloody.
I slow to a jog when a familiar house comes into view making a smile curl my lips. I spot the timeless motorcycle sitting out front that I'm still shocked belongs to Stefan. He's so….conservative. Not to mention he has Gilbert weighing him down which puts a damper on his party boy status. I chew the inside of my cheek debating on paying a visit to the Salvatore's when I catch part of their conversation from inside.
"So what is all this?" I hear Stefan's voice as I walk towards the front door ignoring the obnoxious sound of gravel crunching under my feet.
"Some personal items that I snaked from the vampire hunter's RV. May he rest in peace. I'm searching for a supernatural handbook." I roll my eyes at Damon's comment. Sometimes, I wonder how he's managed to make it this far in life.
"And you know for a fact he was supernatural?"
"Definitely wasn't natural. The guy magically appeared just as someone blows up the entire Founders Council. He's covered in a tattoo that only Jeremy Gilbert and Alba are able to see. Not to mention, he has some weird fetish for Alba that leaves his presence in this town something to be desired." A hard edge slices through Damon's words as Stefan chuckles in the background. "Klaus mentioned something about him being one of The Five. Then he kamikazes himself with explosives. Sound natural to you?" I draw my eyebrows together curiously as I barrel through the front door and magically appear in front of Stefan and Damon who are rifling through boxes.
"What's the Five?" I question with a smirk when Stefan snaps his face up in surprise. Damon, however, doesn't even turn around to greet me as he answers on a sigh.
"That's what I'm hoping is in the first chapter of the handbook." He quips pulling out several sheets of paper just as his cell phone rings.
"Tell the Sherriff I say hi." I grin walking over to stand between the boys. Damon huffs out a laugh retrieving the phone from his pocket to see whose calling. I catch the corner of his mouth twitch as he looks up at me while bringing the phone to his ear.
"Liz Forbes," Damon drawls as I rummage through one of the boxes ignoring his pointed gaze. "My favorite Sherriff," he smirks backing out of the room to talk in private. I pay him no attention as I pick up a silver dagger with more unknown markings carved into the blade. I toss it from hand to hand judging its weight before deciding I like it and slipping it into the waist band of my grey shorts.
"Really?" I adjust my blue tank top making sure it covers up the dagger while I glance at Stefan wearily. "Did you really just take a dead man's knife?" I can hear the judgment layering his words causing the smile I'm sporting to widen.
"Well considering Connor isn't really dead and tried to blow up Damon and Klaus, I feel no qualms about taking his knife." I tuck a stray piece of hair that has escaped from my pony tail securely behind my ear before moving to go through more of Connor's things.
"How do you know he's alive? Did you see him?" Stefan demands to know crossing his arms while narrowing his eyes almost accusingly. I would never admit it to anyone, but it really irks me how suspicious Stefan has become of me.
"No Stefan, but when have we ever been so lucky to have a threat eliminated so easily?" I ask shoving more items aside as I continue to search Connor's belongings. Stefan picks up on my less than friendly tone nodding his head in understanding.
"You know," Stefan begins clearing his throat, "I never did thank you for what you did for Elena last night. Without you she would have died."
"Well nobody's perfect," I answer distractedly reading through a letter that April's father had written to her. I hear the light whoosh of air Stefan releases when he chuckles and shakes his head.
"I mean it, Alba. I know if it was your choice you would have let her die, but-" I turn my head sharply at Stefan's words causing his mouth to automatically snap shut.
"I don't like Elena, Stefan." I bite turning my body so I can fully face him. "In fact, I pretty much hate her." I frown watching Stefan's eyes flit around the room as he nods like he should have seen this coming. "I think she's the worst thing that has ever happened to you and Damon and if I had my way she would be six feet under. But she's not. She's here, still breathing, because you and Damon love her. And that is enough for me." I finish looking Stefan straight in the eye watching his mixed emotions. I think he wants to hug me from the miniscule step he takes in my direction, however, he thinks better of it and takes a step back.
"Thank you." I shrug turning back to the pile of boxes.
"Don't get me wrong, the moment she does something to royally piss me off, I will kill her. But for now, she's safe." I catch Stefan shuffle out of the corner of my eye as he tries to hide his smile. "And Stefan," I say returning my eyes to his green ones. "Stop judging me. You were the one person in this hellhole that I thought would be there for me. But you haven't been there once and I'm not angry or hurt about it. I can clearly take care of myself, but that doesn't mean we're okay. You don't get to use that tone with me anymore." Stefan doesn't say a word as he hangs his head almost shamefully.
"Well I have good news and bad news." Damon hollers appearing in the doorway with his cell phone dangling between his fingers. "The bad news is they didn't find any remains at the explosion site."
"Shocking," I mock throwing an amused smile at Stefan, but he won't even look at me.
"Yes, which means I'm going to need you to get on that today." Damon drawls giving Stefan a smug look as he continues, "I have to take Elena to college."
"I thought you had to have a brain to go to college?" I quip with a smirk earning a glare from Damon.
"I'm sorry; you have to do what, exactly?" Stefan breathes out a laugh in disbelief.
"I'm teaching her how to feed. She needs to learn snatch, eat, erase now more than ever." I cross my arms and raise a calculating eyebrow at Damon's nonchalant tone. He sends me an annoyed glance, but other than that he doesn't show even a hint that something else could be up. After a minute of heavy silence I get bored.
"Well I'm going to take this as my cue to leave." I smirk sauntering across the room, "have fun baby-sitting the doppleganger." I wink slapping Damon on the back before disappearing out the door.
Stefan POV
"What about Caroline? She's a genius at self-control." I suggest after shooting an arrow at Elena's chest. She manages to dodge it, but just in the knick of time. After Damon informed me of their plans for the weekend, I thought it'd be a good idea to get some training in with Elena. I also thought it would be a good time to try and talk her out of leaving with my brother.
"She's too good. She doesn't understand how hard it is and you... well, I know what being around too much blood does to you, so... I can't put you through that." I nod fingering the arrow tip dancing in my hands. I can't say that didn't sting a little, but I understand where she's coming from.
In the blink of an eye, I have Elena's hands bound behind her back as I point the arrow at her heart.
"So I guess that leaves Damon, huh?" I whisper hotly in her ear. I can't help the jealousy that is consuming me and I'm so caught up in my thoughts that I can't even stop Elena when she flips me over her head sending me sprawling to the ground. She easily captures the arrow from my hands and digs it into my neck.
"Don't be jealous. You know I wish it could be you." She smiles softly, her brown eyes shining with love.
"Fine, you wish it could be me." I consent with a wry smile holding her hips as I sit up. She immediately wraps her arms around my neck easing some of my negative emotions.
"We're crashing Bonnie's trip to Whitmore College. The professor that took over her Grams' classes, he invited her. Listen to me. You are the one who's getting me through this, no matter who teaches me how to feed." Elena reassures me with a grin that I think is only reserved for me.
"Okay." I smile flashing us up and to the nearest tree. Elena gasps softly when her back hits the bark making my eyes travel to her lips.
"Just be careful, okay?" I speak returning my eyes to hers. "The blood, the feed... It's easy to get caught up in it." I frown grimly knowing exactly how seductive the blood can be.
"I will. I promise." Elena whispers making me nod as I rest my forehead gently against hers. And with this one little action a memory unfolds.
"Stefan, come on. I think you would really benefit from at least giving her a try." Alex goads for the third time that night. She's standing in the kitchen wearing her soft pink robe with a rueful smile. "It'll only be for one night."
"Alex, I'm one hundred and seventy-three years old. Don't you think I'm a little old for a blind date?" I ask not expecting her to answer, but not surprised when she does.
"First off, you're a one hundred and seventy-three year old vampire that looks like an Abercrombie model and secondly, you've been sulking around here since I met you. This will be good for you." Alex puts on her mom voice as I run a restless hand through my hair. Alex is always telling me to get out there, but this is the first time she's tried to set me up. "Listen," Alex sighs coming over to take the seat next to me at the kitchen table. "I know you're worried about your self-control, but Stefan I know that you will be just fine. You are a strong man and I believe in you." She smiles encouragingly when I remain silent. "Besides, I don't want Alba to pick up on your brooding habits. God knows I'm going to have enough trouble with that one when she hits thirteen." Alex laughs causing me to chuckle.
"Fine, fine. I'll do it, but only because you so graciously agreed before I said yes and it would be rude to back out." I smile warily making Alex grin and jump to her feet.
"You will love her! I promise!" Alex claps her hands giddily with a triumphant smile. "Now I'm going to get some sleep and we'll talk more in the morning." She beams bending down to give me a peck on the forehead. Even though Alex knows I'm a hundred years older than her she doesn't refrain from giving me the good night kisses.
"Good night, Alexandra." I use her full name receiving a sharp glare from her.
"Good night, Stefan." She throws over her shoulder before vanishing into her room. I hang my head for a moment to collect my thoughts before I stand and head for my room.
I'm not even in bed for ten minutes before I hear a soft rap on the door. I don't have to use my vampire senses to figure out who it is.
"Come in, Alba." I call gently watching as my door swings open to reveal a flood of light. I squint around the glow to find Alba standing in her ducky pajamas with her big blue eyes fixated on me.
"Steffy, can I talk to you?" She whispers, her voice so small I barely catch it with my vampire hearing.
"Of course, come on up." I nod patting the empty spot next to me lifting back the covers. I almost laugh at how quickly Alba moves her little legs across the room and climbs into bed beside me. She wastes no time curling up into my side so she has one leg slung over my stomach while her arm falls against my chest. She reminds me of a Velcro monkey from the store. "What's on your mind, Al?" I ask after a beat of silence.
"Are you going on a date with that girl from mom's work?" Alba asks lifting her chin so she can peer into my eyes. It shocks me at how much knowledge is hidden behind her blue orbs.
"I am going, yes." I nod, feeling the dread that is slowly settling in my gut at the idea. "Why do you ask?" I watch Alba's face slowly transform from one of content to one of disappointment.
"Oh." Alba frowns, her eyes falling from my face to my chest. "But I thought you liked it here?" She asks her voice thickening with the promise of tears.
"I do like it here." I answer furrowing my brow in confusion. "What is with all the questions, Alba?" I ask in genuine curiosity to which I receive a sniffle in response.
"But I thought you said I was your best friend, Stefan?" Alba uses my full name for the first time since I met her. Immediately I pick her up and set her in my lap so I can get a good look at her face. Her eyes are brimming with tears that are steadily making a path down her cheek and she's looking at me with so much sadness that it twists my heart.
"You are my best friend, Al." I coo grabbing her tiny face between my hands gently so not to hurt her. "You know that."
"B-b-but you're going to replace me!" Alba suddenly bursts releasing a whole new wave of tears. "W-w-what if you r-really l-l-like her?" Alba stammers so worked up that she can't even talk. She's taking big puffs of air trying desperately to get oxygen into her lungs. "Y-y-you'll leave me!" She wails starting to hyperventilate.
"Whoa Alba!" I gasp shaking my head as I pull her down and rest her comfortably on my chest. I rub her back in soothing circles not sure where this is coming from. I wait until her breathing levels out and she's a hiccupping mess in my arms before I speak. "I know what you're thinking and it's not going to happen. I am not going to leave you ever especially for some girl that pales in comparison to you." I say shifting when her hold on my shirt tightens and she hesitantly lifts her head. She's no longer crying, but her face is a red blotchy mess.
"D-d-do you promise?" She heaves wiping the wetness from her face with the back of her chubby hands. Her lip begins to tremble once more when I grab her chin in my hand to hold her in place.
"I promise I will always be there for you," I look straight into Alba's eyes hearing the conviction ringing through my words. "I don't care who or what comes along, you can always count on me." I give her a small reassuring smile as she nods beginning to tear up again.
"Okay Steffy, I believe you." She hiccups lowering herself so she's resting on my chest once again. "I'll always be there for you too."
Alba POV
Patience is a virtue. But so is persistence.
"Call me back Kol or I will hunt you down and drag you back to Mystic Falls myself. You're choice." I hang up the phone for the third time since I returned home from the Salvatore's. I haven't heard a peep from Kol since he left two days ago, which is unusual, considering Kol loves to hear the sound of his own voice.
I shake my head in mild irritation at his lack of communication as I head for my closet. I riffle through my clothes grabbing the first opened back shirt I can find which happens to be a long sleeved black top that will go well with the khaki skinny jeans I pull out next. I quickly change sighing in relief when the cool breeze hits my sore back. I don't have to look at the markings to know that they are slowly transforming from a tantalizing gold to an angry red. I can feel it.
I shrug my shoulders uncomfortably as I put on my converses before working my hair into a sloppy side braid. Half of the Scooby gang is gone on college visit so I have no agenda today which means my ass is going to the library. Or so I think until a knock comes from downstairs. I roll my eyes when I sense who it is and before I can talk myself out of it, I'm downstairs and opening the front door.
"Well if it isn't Stefan Salvatore," I smirk when I find the youngest Salvatore standing casually on my front porch. "Didn't get enough of me this morning?" I ask in amusement as I cross my arms and lean lazily against the door frame. I watch Stefan's lips cork into a half smile as his green eyes dance with what I can only describe as affection.
"Well, you're such a ray of sunshine, how can I ever get enough?" He teases with a playful grin. I raise a skeptical eyebrow at his attitude as I peer into his eyes for any signs of deceit.
"What are you doing here, Stefan?" I ask warily resting my head on the cool wood next to me. I feel my defenses rise when Stefan actually looks disappointed by my reaction.
"I am on hunter duty today and I was thinking you could come with me. After all, you're one of the only few that can see his markings." Stefan suggests with only a hint of pleading in his voice. I wait a minute to see if he'll mention my own Crayola drawing, but I'm relieved when he doesn't.
"Hmm, I would love to help, but…."
"We're breaking into Klaus's house." Stefan cuts me off with the four words he knows will get me to go.
"Let me guess, dear Klaus has Connor chained up to a wall somewhere in his modestly furnished dungeon?" I ask, rolling my eyes when Stefan nods. "Well," I sigh, shouldering Stefan back as I step through the door. "Let's not leave our prisoner waiting."
"So, are you going to tell me where you've been for the last two months?" Stefan breaks the silence plaguing his small car with the one question I'm tired of hearing. I tear my eyes from the trees blurring past my window to meet Stefan's gaze.
"Does it matter?" I ask sickly sweet watching Stefan's lips purse in thought.
"Well I assumed you went home…but that's just my guess." He drawls turning away from me to veer his car to the left down The Michelson's winding driveway.
"What home?" I laugh with a shake of my head. "I have no ties anywhere Stefan, not even in your precious Mystic Falls."
"You have me and Damon and-" I hold up my hand cutting Stefan off as he comes to halt in the driveway.
"No," I shake my head opening my door, "If I wanted to sit around and talk about my feelings, I would go on Oprah. Now we have more pressing matters to attend, so shall we?" I smile tightly jumping out of the car. I don't wait for Stefan as I march up the concrete steps and through the front door without so much as a knock.
I stop in the parlor not sure where to go from here as I try to decide where Klaus would keep Connor. I know the original is a little old school when it comes to torturing so he'd want a private room that only he would have access to. So that would eliminate the ball room and all the rooms upstairs.
"Alba…" Stefan's squeaky voice momentarily draws me from my thoughts as I turn to acknowledge him. I groan when I find that one of Klaus's hybrids has Stefan in a headlock. The sneaky bastard must have been waiting behind the door for us.
"Jesus Stefan, the least you can do is pretend to have super strength." I scold flashing behind the hybrid and snapping his neck. I watch as the hybrid's body falls unceremoniously to the floor between us causing a louder smack to resound through the mansion than intended.
Stefan and I lock eyes as we wait for more of Klaus's henchmen to come out of the wood work, but to our pleasant surprise none do. After thirty seconds of standing around, I shrug and brush past Stefan.
"Now if you were holding a super charged hunter hostage, where would you keep him?" I ask leading Stefan to the one place I know we'll find him.
"In a body bag, six feet under," Stefan guffaws causing a small smile to curl my lips.
"Careful Stefan, we wouldn't want anyone to think you have a sense of humor." I hear him release a soft chuckle at my words as I stop in front of the double doors I've been looking for. Without missing a beat, I swing the doors open and push my way inside.
"Knock Knock!" I sing sauntering into the room startling Connor who is trying desperately to break the chains secured tightly around his wrists. I smirk at the surprise and fear that flood his eyes upon seeing me and I would be lying if I said his fear didn't bring me a little joy. "Surprised to see me?" I ask with a shit eating grin as I move off to the side so Stefan can enter the small room.
"What are you doing here?" Connor asks, completely ignoring Stefan, as he keeps his attention focused on me.
"Hey, don't ask me the questions." I shrug, crossing my arms as I nod in Stefan's direction. "I'm just here for the simple pleasure of B&E. Ask Stefan over here what we are doing." I point my finger at Stefan who is standing on the other side of the room watching me try to divert Connor's attention away from me, but it doesn't work. In fact, Connor seems more enthralled with me than he was before as he narrows his eyes like he knows I'm here for more than that.
I open my mouth intent on telling Connor exactly where he can shove his know it all attitude when from down the hall I hear the soft click of a door opening. I turn to Stefan to see if he heard it, but from the way he's lurking in the shadows I know he has. I quickly follow suit as I duck behind the door just as it burst open to reveal no one other than Klaus himself.
I still when Klaus walks past me to stand in front of Connor. I'm wondering how long it's going to take him to sense our presence when from in front of me Klaus heaves a light sigh.
"Looks like I'll have to beef up the hybrid security detail." Klaus muses turning around as Stefan and I step out of the shadows.
"Well did you really expect anything more from your watch dogs?" I ask earning me a smirk from Klaus as he eyes me from head to toe.
"I've learn not to expect anything from anyone, love." Klaus fires back with only a hint of resentment layering his words.
"I was gonna take him," Stefan interrupts Klaus's little pity party as he draws the originals attention to him. "But I figured you went thru such trouble to truss him up in your red room of pain." I feel the corner of my mouth twitch up into a rueful smile at Stefan's teasing. I have to hand it to the youngest Salvatore; he knows how to diffuse a potentially awkward situation.
"It's from the inquisition." Klaus grins slapping the hunk of wood Connor is chained to. "I thought it was a nice touch."
"What'd you get out of him?" Stefan asks making me take a small step back so I can listen without being a fixated part of the conversation. I like time to mull over the information presented to me without the distraction of prying eyes.
"Not enough." Klaus's mood takes a mild dip as he comes to stand next to Stefan who is hovering over Connor. "He's mum about the Council fire and he's not saying anything about this greater evil we're all supposed to be shivering over. What brings you snooping?" Klaus asks in genuine curiosity placing his hands behind his back.
"Well, I can't say it in front of him. As I'm sure you've figured out, our friend here can't be compelled." Stefan smiles humorlessly glancing at Connor warily. I do the same, except my eyes are full of intrigue as I stare into Connor's chocolate orbs.
"You're full of mysteries, aren't you?" Klaus remarks with a smile that has Connor clenching his jaw.
"I told you." Connor bites glaring down at Klaus and Stefan before turning his eyes on me. "I don't know anything." I don't look away from Connor even when his eyes soften and he stares deeply into my own eyes. It's hard to explain the push and pull this hunter has over me, but almost as instantly as our eyes meet the burning in my back picks up.
"Well isn't this cozy," Klaus's bitter tone is enough to pull me from the trance Connor has over me as I look to the hybrid in question. He's standing stiff as a board over Connor as he glares acidly down at the hunter. "Thankfully for you, I know plenty." Klaus grits lowly causing the little hairs on Connor's arms to stand on end.
It seems like forever before Klaus turns on his heel and heads for the door and me. I don't move from my spot leaning lazily against the wall even when Klaus stops in front of me. I wait for him to say something as he towers over the top of me and stares me down, but he says nothing until Stefan brushes past us into the other room.
"Shall we?" Klaus breathes, offering me his hand as I look down at it with little emotion. A part of me would love to hold his hand and feel the instant relief that slides through my back, but another part of me refuses to give in.
"I'll catch up to you." I finally answer, pushing away from the door and away from Klaus as I move around him. However, I anticipate the hand he quickly wraps around my wrist before I can move away from him.
"If you even think about letting him go, I'll…"
"You'll what?" I bite, narrowing my eyes to mirror his own. "What can you possibly take away from me that I haven't already lost?" I growl, standing on my tip toes so I can get in his face. I stare him down enjoying the way his nostrils flare in anger and the way his eyes keep flickering to my lips. I enjoy the control.
"Am I interrupting something?" I catch the clench in Klaus's jaw when Stefan comes up behind us.
"No," I smirk, "we are done here." I yank my wrist out of Klaus's hand ignoring the emotion hidden behind his eyes as I walk away. I stop in front of Connor and cross my arms as I examine his tattoo. I wait until I hear the click of the door shutting behind me before I speak.
"This tattoo, what does it mean?" I ask, running my eyes up and down his arm trying to piece the puzzle together myself. If I can unravel Connor's mystery maybe I can unravel my own.
"I told you. I don't know." Connor answers stoically making me narrow my eyes.
"Cut the shit, Connor. You know more than you're letting on and I need to know what that is."
"Last night at the hospital you were changing. How can you be one of them? How did I not know you were one of them?" Connor answers my question with a question making me sigh in annoyance. The longer I'm alone with Connor the easier it is for me to lose my cool.
"I'm a special case, one that you have never come across before. Welcome to the big leagues, my friend." I smirk watching Connor chew over my words with a thousand new questions burning behind his eyes. "Now why is it that as soon as you come into town, this shows up on my back?" I hiss turning around and lifting my shirt so Connor can see just how angry I'm becoming. I hear his sharp intake of breath as he runs his eyes over the heated red markings that are pulsing against my skin.
"What are you?" Connor breathes as I lower my shirt and turn around to see his wide disbelieving eyes. "Only a potential can see a hunter's tattoo and never in my years have I seen a tattoo like yours. You are not a hunter." Connor blubbers, looking for the first time, unsure of himself. I cock my head to the side studying him closely as I run my eyes over his form.
"Are you sure about that?" I growl as a slow rumble starts in my chest. I feel my claws extend as I take slow deliberate steps toward him.
"What in the hell are you doing?" Connor hisses gripping the chains tightly in his hands as he starts to pull with all his might. I give him a predatory smile when my eyes flash an electric blue.
"You know Connor, every time I'm around you; I just want to rip your throat out." I growl feeling my fangs lengthen into pointy tips. "Maybe it's time I follow my instincts." I hiss, not sure where in the hell this is coming from, but more than willing to follow through.
"If you kill me, you'll never find what you're looking for!" Connor bellows doing his best to shy away from my fast changing form.
"Not my problem anymore." I taunt, inhaling the heady scent of his fear, seconds before I pounce. I'm inches away from sinking my teeth into his neck when I'm suddenly being snatched out of the air.
"Oh, I don't think so, love. We need him." Klaus's smooth British accent caresses my ear as he holds me firm against his body. I growl as I fight desperately against his embrace to get to Connor.
"Let me go!" I roar pushing hard against Klaus sending him back a step.
"I would love for you to rip him apart sweetheart, but I don't think you're ready for those consequences." I don't really comprehend Klaus's words as he begins to shove me out the door with his arms still wrapped around me.
It's only when Klaus manages to get us into the parlor and shuts the door behind him that I divert my anger to him.
"Why did you stop me?" I huff, narrowing my eyes harshly at the door leading to Connor.
"Because we need answers and unfortunately Connor is the only person that can provide them. Now…"Klaus trails off gripping my chin in one of his hands as he brings my face up to stare at him. "What has gotten into you?" I glare into his blue eyes heatedly as some of my anger starts to seep from my body.
"Connor has." I growl trying to get to the door, but Klaus is good at keeping me in place. "His presence is…unnerving." As I say the words, I dig my claws into Klaus's back making the original hiss softly under his breath as he looks down at me with darkened eyes.
I close my eyes and inhale deeply when I smell Klaus's blood. I can't help the way my mouth salivates at the prospect of having his blood flowing down my throat. It excites the beast in me and I can't stop myself from opening my eyes to peer into Klaus's. He's staring down at me with so much hunger that I instinctively grab his hair and yank his head to the side.
I waste no time sinking my fangs into his neck and moaning at the sweet taste that fills my mouth. Every nerve and muscle in my body is going haywire at the power sliding down my throat. It's addictive and I'm insatiable. I need more as I take a deep pull from him just as my back hits the nearest wall and Klaus crashes into me. I vaguely hear his hand smacking the wall near my head as the other hand fists the back of my shirt exposing my skin.
"Alba," Klaus growls huskily, tearing me away from his neck and pinning me against the wall before I can latch back on to his neck. I can feel the blood dripping down my chin as I stare hungrily into Klaus's eyes with my electric blue ones. I can feel the desire pulsating from him as it mingles with my own needs. "Alba…" Klaus is breathing hard and looking over my face with barely their restraint, but the beast inside me isn't having any of that.
Without any thought whatsoever I grab the back of Klaus's head and crush my lips to his. I devour his lips like I haven't eaten in weeks as I battle with his tongue for dominance. If he isn't going to give me what I want, I'm going to take it. I use one of my claws and easily slice open the front of Klaus's shirt as I nip down his jaw to his neck.
"Alba," Klaus groans lowering his head onto my shoulder when I run my hand down his firm stomach. I dip my fingers into every ridge and muscle that makes up his torso wanting more. I trail my hand lower brushing against the thin hair that leads to greener pasture just below his belly button when his hand snaps out to stop me.
I growl flashing my eyes at Klaus who slowly lifts his head from my shoulder to stare down at me. His eyes are almost black and I can see the tension in his face from where he's been holding himself back.
"Alba, as much as I would love to ravish you, love. This isn't you." Klaus looks down at me with a mix of sorrow and lust. All I can focus on is the lust. I move to kiss him again, but he pushes me back keeping me from his lips. "I'm sorry, love." Klaus apologizes, but I don't hear him over the ringing in my ears. How dare he stop me?
A low rumble starts in my throat as I quickly snatch the hand that's sprawled against my chest. With a smirk in satisfaction, I sink my fangs into Klaus's wrist and drink. Granted I only manage one sip before Klaus howls in anger and pushes me harder against the wall.
"What did I just say!?" Klaus growls starting to lose control as he looks at me with hunger. I take it in stride as I lean forward and say the one thing I know will send him over the edge.
"Mine." I growl with so much certainty and possession behind my words that it leaves Klaus stunned. But it doesn't leave him stunned for long. Just as quickly as the word leaves my mouth, his lips are crashing over mine as he scoops me up and flashes us upstairs. My back lands on the downy confines of his soft sheets not even a second later with Klaus lying comfortably on top of me.
He wastes no time attacking my neck sending complete pleasure throughout my body as his hand travels up my shirt. I smooth my hands down his bare back once I feel my claws retract which seems to fuel Klaus on. Before I have time to react, Klaus is on his hunches with me straddling his legs as he works my shirt over my head.
Once the offending piece of material is thrown across the room, Klaus greedily latches onto my lips sprawling his hands on my back. I groan in relief at the pain easing from my body along with my beast. I feel my eyes fade to their normal blue as the hunger I once held slowly vanishes. Klaus leaves my lips to place wet kisses on my chest allowing me time to breathe. I run my fingers through his hair savoring the moment between us.
"Klaus," I whisper, out of breath, looking down just as Klaus looks up. He seems shocked to see my real eyes and I release a soft giggle at his expression. This seems to draw him out of his thoughts as he chuckles lowly to himself.
"It's good to see you, love." He teases tucking a loose piece of hair behind my ear. I smile not sure what to say so I simply place my hand under his chin and gently place my lips over his. We don't rush each other this time as he slowly teases my mouth open until I allow him entrance. I cup his face between my hands deepening our kiss as the old feelings I fought to keep down slowly rise to the surface.
I keep kissing Klaus even when I feel the first tear fall. I don't want to stop, but I don't want to feel anything either.
"Alba…" Klaus pulls away from me when one of my tears makes a steady path down his cheek. I can feel his unwavering gaze on me as I squeeze my eyes shut and pull him into me.
"Kiss me." I demand bringing his lips back to mine refusing to stop. The walls I spent months building around myself are slowly chipping away and I'm not sure if I'm ready to handle the downfall.
"Alba, stop." Klaus finally pulls away from me when a steady stream of tears is making their way down my cheeks. I can't bring myself to look at him as I hang my head allowing my hair to create a curtain around me. "Please look at me, love." Klaus asks softly cupping one of my cheeks forcing me to look at him.
I don't know what to say when I finally meet Klaus's eyes to find understanding sparkling behind them.
"It's okay to be sad, Alba. It's okay to be scared and hurt, but you can't keep pushing me away." Klaus doesn't sound angry or hurt, he just sounds tired. "I let you go once and I won't do it again. You're mine and I'm never going to leave you. Do you hear me?" Klaus asks rubbing his thumb against my cheek affectionately which makes me cry harder. But I nod for his sake and sink down until I'm curled up against his chest with his arms secured around me.
And for the first time since Danny's death, I feel whole.
Thank you all!