Chapter 14

A wolf does not bite a wolf

London 1990

Klaus was sitting on an ugly dark green couch. The room was full of junk that probably attracted some stupid tourists. Small skulls, colorful cloths, candles, tarot cards, some ugly ornaments, a crystal ball and even a black cauldron. Klaus rolled his eyes. He was impatient. Finally an old woman walked in. She had short white hair and dark eyes. She was wearing a colorful dress and a scarf. She was carrying a tray.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting", she said and put the tray on a table in front of Klaus.

There were two cups and a teakettle on the tray. Klaus smiled at her charmingly.

"Don't worry about that my dear Tabitha. I was just admiring your… decoration."

The woman smiled.

"Well, one has to make a living."

"Yes, I would imagine this psychic thing works for many tourists."

"It does actually. Thing is that people don't really want to know their future; I just tell them what they want to hear. They pay me good money for that, so everyone's happy."

"Hmm, indeed."

"Milk or sugar?" Tabitha asked when she poured some tea for Klaus.

"No thank you."

Klaus picked up a small porcelain cup and took a sip.

"Now, perhaps we can get down to business", he said. "I understand you have some information for me."

"Yes, I do."

Tabitha took her own cup and looked at it thoughtfully. Klaus waited for a while but then his patience ran out.

"Yes?" he said smiling.

"There's a child who will be born soon", Tabitha said still looking at her cup.

"And?"

"This child is going to be very special. Her birth will defy all the laws of nature."

"How so?"

"She is the offspring of a vampire and a werewolf."

"That's impossible", Klaus said immediately.

"It should be, yes, but somehow she will be born."

Klaus was quiet for a while. This was very interesting.

"So, she will be an inborn hybrid?"

Tabitha nodded. Klaus smirked.

"Where can I find this child?" he asked.

"Patience", Tabitha said calmly. "Or don't you want to know how she can benefit you?"

"I most certainly do."

"You must become one with her. That way her abilities will be yours as well."

"What abilities?"

Tabitha smiled.

"As I said she will be a very special child. So special that nature itself will startle. She will have the ability to manipulate the natural elements."

"In English please."

"Earth, water, air, fire."

Klaus' eyes widened.

"She can control those?"

"More or less. But there are still many variables."

"Such as?"

"Who will raise her, for example."

Klaus was confused.

"What?"

"If her abilities will be bind, she will be more like a human."

"What do you mean bind? Who would do that?"

"People who want to give her a normal life."

"Normal life? Seriously? Well, that's not going to happen, she's going to be mine. Tell me where I can find her?"

"Her parents live in San Francisco. I believe you know her father. His name is Josef."

"Wait, Josef? My brother's progeny?"

"Yes."

Klaus smirked.

"Well, well, small world. But tell me, how will I do this becoming one with her?"

"First of all, you have to wait that she's grown-up. And second of all, make sure that she stays untouched."

"You mean a virgin?"

"Yes, it's important for the ceremony. Not necessarily crucial but important. It will make things much easier. And you need a powerful witch or warlock to perform the ceremony."

"What is this ceremony?"

"I suppose you could call it a marriage. I wrote the instructions down for you."

Tabitha handed him a piece of paper. Klaus read it quickly.

"Does anyone else know about this?" Klaus asked.

Tabitha smiled.

"No, I kept my part. Now it's time for you to keep yours."

Klaus looked at her curiously.

"I have to ask, why do you want this? I could turn you."

Tabitha laughed.

"Really Klaus, you honestly have to ask? How long have we known each other?"

"Almost 50 years."

"Yes, I'm over 70 now and my time is running out. Doctors gave me six months, maybe less."

"Oh. I didn't know."

"The truth is that you can be one heartless bastard but you were there for me when no one else was, so this is how I want it to end. But first, let's finish our tea."

Klaus smiled at her gently.

"Sure."

After the tea Klaus stood up, kissed Tabitha's forehead and broke her neck. He made sure that she didn't feel a thing.

"Goodbye my dear Tabitha", he said and left.

...

California 2010

"So what do you think my lovely?" Klaus asked cheerfully.

Zora looked around.

"It's… big", she said.

"Yes well, I'm not really a modest type. There are 15 bedrooms, a wine cellar, a tennis court, a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool of course, et cetera. You have time to get to know the place."

Zora was amazed. She had never been in this kind of house before. It must have cost a fortune. Nathan was standing next to her and Elijah behind her. Klaus seemed to be in a good mood.

"Welcome home, love", he said.

Zora didn't say anything. This wasn't her home. But she was grateful she didn't have to sit in the car with Klaus anymore. It had been a long journey. She had tried her best to avoid talking to him.

"Come on sweetheart", Klaus said. "I'll show you our bedroom."

"What? No!"

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not going to share a bedroom with you. I rather sleep on the floor."

Klaus rolled his eyes.

"Why do you have to make everything so difficult? Fine, you can have your own bedroom, for now."

Zora was surprised. She had expected another fight.

"Thank you", she said. She felt that she owe him that.

Klaus seemed surprised as well.

"You're welcome, love."

Nathan cleared his throat. Klaus looked annoyed.

"Elijah, could you show daddy his room? I'll have a word with my sweet Zora."

"I'm not going anywhere", Nathan said.

Klaus looked angry and took a step toward Nathan but Zora stopped him.

"Please…" she said quietly and turned to Nathan.

"It's ok, I'll be right there."

Nathan didn't look convinced.

"This way", Elijah said calmly.

"I'll be fine, I'll see you soon", Zora said trying her best to smile.

Nathan hesitated but he followed Elijah. Zora looked at Klaus.

"You promised me that no harm will come to him", she reminded him angrily.

Klaus smiled.

"Yes, I remember and I have kept that promise, haven't I?"

"Yes but you have threatened him. Can I trust you to keep your word?"

"Well sweetheart that's in your lovely hands. It wouldn't hurt to be a little nicer to me."

"You're such a bastard!" Zora snapped.

Klaus seemed amused.

"That's you being nice?"

"Go to hell", Zora said coldly and tried to walk away but Klaus was in front of her in a second.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked smiling.

"As far away from you as possible."

"I'm not finished yet."

"Well, that's too bad because I am."

Klaus looked at her annoyed.

"Careful love, don't provoke me."

"Let me past then", Zora said calmly.

Suddenly Klaus pulled her closer and kissed her. Zora pushed him away and slapped him as hard as she could. He was smirking.

"Pig", Zora said angrily and walked away as fast as she could.

He didn't try to stop her. Zora was angry but there was something else. That kiss hadn't been completely unpleasant. Zora was blushing and she really hated herself for that. What was wrong with her?