Chapter Six: The Howling

"We've been seeing what you want

You've got us cornered right now…

May cost us our lives, I hear them getting closer

The howls are sending shivers down my spine,

Time is running out now…"

Time for an Original never was an issue. It passed without much notice.

But being stuck on a plane when you had important matters to attend to in a little town in Virginia, Time had an annoying habit of ticking by slower and slower.

My phone rang and I saw it was Annabelle.

"Hello, sweetheart," I answered.

"Klaus! Did you hear about what happened at the Mystic Falls Grill? Was it the hunter? Who else was there? Where are you? Wh-,"

"Annabelle," I smoothly interrupted, "Breathe." I heard her inhale and exhale slowly. "Better?"

"Yes," she said, amused.

"I heard about the situation at the Grill, yes. One of my Hybrids was killed by the Hunter. There were others involved who were otherwise unharmed. I'm flying back as we speak."

"Oh. Shit. Good."

I smiled. "Do you miss me, darling?" Annabelle snorted.

"No." I heard her smile though and knew she was joking. "I've been having too much fun reading all your books you have laying around here collecting dust."

"What have you indulged yourself with during my absence?"

"Dracula, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein…"

"My, my, quite the avid reader of gothic and British literature I see," I mused. Annabelle laughed.

"I enjoy comparing the truth to what's told in stories throughout the years," she said.

"Does Bram Stoker keep up the good vampire name then, darling?" I asked.

"Not hardly. I never met a vampire who could turn themselves younger by drinking virgin blood… But shouldn't you be answering that question? I had more interest in how Dracula had control over the werewolves. Reminds me of a certain Hybrid with his sire bonds…"

I laughed at her. "Stoker's view on vampires was an interesting one even though it was false. And perhaps Dracula was very… convincing when he asked the werewolves to be his servants."

"You mean like compulsion?" Her voice perked up, sounding interested.

"It's a possibility. There was a lot of tales and legends about vampires that varied differently."

"Were there any about your family?"

"Ah, but of course. My conquests were quite legendary, equally matched by my younger brother, Kol. There was a period of time when he lived on the opposite end of Europe and a sort of competition arose between us. My other brother, Elijah, discouraged us from it but it was all fun and games back then."

Annabelle was quiet for a little while. "That's the first time you mentioned the rest of your family," she murmured.

I decided to brush over that since it somehow made me feel uncomfortable. "What about your family?"

Again, she was quiet, but her silence was tense and painful. "My parents are gone. I have an older brother but we… We lost each other a long time ago."

"I'm truly sorry, Annabelle, I didn't mean to cause you any painful memories," I said gentle, leaning against the back of my seat.

"No, no, it's fine. Like I said, it was a long time ago."

"How old are you exactly?" I said in a teasing tone, trying to lighten the suddenly serious mood.

"I'm 26! What about you, aren't you like a billion years old?" she retorted, laughing.

"Not quite, sweetheart," I said with amusement. She giggled softly.

"Now that," I murmured, "is a lovely sound." I smiled, knowing she was blushing.

"Shush," she hissed. I chuckled.

"Well, darling, I have to leave you. My plane will be landing soon and I'll be busy for a while before I return to you."

"All right. Be safe and try not to kill anyone, okay?" I smirked.

"No promises," I replied before hanging up.

Ooo0ooO

I pulled the phone away from my ear with a smile. I glanced at the clock on the wall and saw it was eleven. I opted for a quick shower then dressed in a casual t-shirt and jeans. Tying my wet hair in a braid, I headed down to the kitchen.

I took my time making myself an early lunch, deciding on a grilled chicken Panini with a bag of chips and a glass of sweet tea. I ran into the living room to grab Dracula so I could read while I ate.

I enjoyed my lunch slowly, losing myself again within the pages. A couple hours passed while I continued to read and drink my tea.

The front door opened and slammed loudly, causing an echo throughout the house.

"Come along, Elena, no need to fight." Hearing Klaus's deadly cam voice gave me a rush of déjà vu and I rushed out of the kitchen. Klaus was holding the arm of a slim brunette who didn't look very happy.

"Let me go, Klaus!" she yelled, yanking against his grip.

"Klaus!" I barked. Both he and the girl turned at the sound of my voice. I put my hands on my hips and glared.

"What are you doing?" I demanded. The girl, Elena, gave me a confused look.

"Who are you?" she breathed, her dark brown eyes focusing intently on me.

"None of your concern, Miss Gilbert, now come with me," Klaus snapped, pulling her away down the hall.

"Klaus!" I called angrily but of course, he ignored me. I followed them quickly and saw Klaus and Elena entered another room. Suddenly, Chris blocked my path.

"Hey!" I snarled. "Get out of my way!"

"I don't think so," he said easily, crossing his arms. I glared at him but knew I wasn't strong or fast enough to take on the Hybrid.

Klaus exited a few minutes later and gestured for Chris to stand by the door.

I folded my arms across my chest and gave him a withering look.

"You have some 'splainin' to do," I said in my best Ricky Ricardo voice. Klaus shook his head and placed a hand on my back and lead me back towards the kitchen.

"Who was that? Why are you locking her up in that room?" Klaus sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"That, sweetheart, is the girl who killed my Hunter."

"Okay but why are you locking her up? Are you going to kill her?"

"No, Annabelle. She will be experiencing some… hallucinations and needs to stay in a place where she can't hurt herself." My eyes widened. I motioned for him to continue.

Klaus proceeded to explain to me about the Hunter, Connor, and the consequences of killing him. He also told me about Elena and how she was the doppelganger he used to become a Hybrid the how she became a vampire.

"Your sister made them drive off the bridge?" I asked, shocked. Klaus's lips thinned.

"My sister has a certain flair for the dramatic. It's rather annoying at times," he sighed. I sat down in a chair, biting my lip.

"Did you tell her about me?" I asked in a small voice.

"No," he answered immediately. I raised a brow at his abrupt answer but shrugged. I leaned back with a sigh and ran a hand absently over a lock of my hair.

"Listen," he began, walking over to take my hand so I would stand up. "Why don't I take you out tonight? I'm sure you could use the fresh air." I smiled at him.

"Okay," I answered. Klaus smiled and pulled me a step closer, so I was forced to look up at him. My heart began to beat faster and warmth spread through me.

"Did you miss me?" he whispered. Chuckling, I wrapped my arms around his waist and placed my head against his chest. He hesitated at first but then wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my hair and then put his chin on the top of my head. I closed my eyes, enjoying the pleasant feeling of being held by him.

"I did. I missed you," I confessed softly. His arms pulled me away and our eyes locked, his dark blue against my gray. His were so serious, as if he was searching for something within mine. Unable to resist the pull I felt inside me, I leaned up and kissed him. His lips curved against mine before he kissed me back. It quickly went from gentle to heated, as I nipped his bottom lip and his tongue tangled with mine.

He pulled away from the kiss, his lips trailing down to my neck and I trembled, tilting my head back. I felt his teeth graze my skin gently and I moaned quietly. I grabbed his hair and pulled his lips back to mine and in a flash, I was pressed against the wall with my legs wrapped around his waist, his hands holding onto my thighs. Desire pooled inside me as my hands tightened in his hair. He bit my top lip with a growl and I licked his slowly, enjoying how he groaned.

We pulled apart, staring at each other. I grinned.

"I think you missed me too," I teased. Klaus laughed softly and then brushed a kiss over my lips again.

"Perhaps," he murmured against my mouth. I giggled and rubbed my nose against his. He laughed again.

"Why don't you go get ready, sweetheart?" I wiggled out of his grip, sliding to the floor. I straightened my shirt and hair and smiled.

"Give me ten minutes."

Ooo0ooO

I took Annabelle to the Grill, which was fixed up after the damaged made by the bomb going off. She was dressed in a pretty gray blouse that brought out her eyes, tight maroon colored jeans and black boots. She looked lovely.

We sat down at the bar and I ordered us some red wine. She looked around at the people there curiously.

"What's on your mind, sweetheart?" I asked. She glanced over at me.

"I'm just wondering how many people here really know what goes on in this town or if they buy all the lies," she said, running a hand over her chocolate curls.

"People tend to turn a blind eye to the strange events in this town." She snorted and finished her wine.

"More?" I asked, lifting the bottle. She shook her head.

"Excuse me, I'm going to find the restroom," she said, standing up. She walked off towards the back, moving around the mass of people gracefully. I sat back and poured myself more wine.

"Place looks pretty good considering your Hybrid got blown up in it." I smiled at the voice.

"Caroline. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I glanced over at her and saw she was dressed in a black top that showed off her smooth skin. Looking her over, I didn't feel the usual twinge in my dead heart. Now I knew why.

Glancing to the side, I spotted Annabelle. She was leaning against the far wall, her eyes dark as she watched Caroline. I knew she was listening.

"I want you to give Elena back." Her green eyes focused on me, her tone all business. I turned back to face the bar again.

"Ah, he sent you to sweet talk me. Well, good form but I'm afraid I can't do it."

"Why not?"

"She needs my help." She snorted softly and I turned to face her slightly.

"Look, I'm not going to burden you with the gory details, I know you have enough on your plate already."

"That's none of your business actually."

I smiled and shook my head at her.

"Can I at least offer you a drink?"

"Yeah… Thanks."

I poured Caroline a drink when she suddenly laughed nervously and gave me a peculiar look.

"So, here's the thing, I didn't just come here to try to get you to release Elena."

My eyes flashed back to her. I smiled slowly. "You don't say?"

"I came here to distract you so that Stefan could go to your house and break her out which he did…but don't get mad, but then he lost her."

I was up in a flash, heading for the door. I jerked my head at Annabelle who stepped towards me.

"Klaus?" I turned around and gave Caroline a deadly look.

"Caroline, if you don't stop talking I will kill you." She froze.

"They figured out how to stop the hallucinations!" I stiffened and looking in Annabelle's direction, I shook my head. She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes, but I ignored her.

"Okay, you have 10 seconds to tell me," I said to Caroline.

"Klaus?" Annabelle said gently. I looked over at her and frowned. Her eyes were dark with concern and she reached over and took my hand. I felt the air escape my lungs in a sigh and some of my anger faded away.

"Caroline," I ordered in a sharp tone.

Caroline looked at Annabelle, then to our joined hands before meeting my eyes.

"Damon found out that if a potential hunter kills a vampire, the dead hunter's legacy will be passed on and Connor will disappear," she said in a rush.

"What good is that if we don't have a potential hunter?" Caroline shifted and gave me a serious look.

"Jeremy Gilbert is one. You know he could see the Hunter's Mark and apparently when Connor died it started to grow on his hand."

Annabelle squeezed my hand but I didn't look at her, knowing she was confused and wanted to know what was going on.

"Very well, Caroline, have the young Gilbert kill a vampire for poor Elena's sake and then have him keep killing until that Mark is completed," I commanded her, taking a step back.

"Wait! We need someone for him to kill!" Caroline said. My jaw locked. I knew exactly who Jeremy could kill.

"Why not that friend of Tyler's and his girl Hailey?" Caroline's green eyes flashed with annoyance and shock.

"Chris? Your Hybrid?" I nearly snarled at her.

"Yes, the Hybrid I'm very well aware that broke the sire bond, thanks to your mate and his little wolf girl. I'm sure they would be so…heartbroken over his death."

Annabelle's voice broke in. "Klaus! How could you even say that? Chris is a good guy!" I silenced her with a glare.

"Annabelle, go back to the mansion and keep quiet, understand?" Annabelle curled her lip at me and yanked her hand away before storming off.

"Now, let's be off, Caroline," I said with a sinister smile.

Ooo0ooO

I ran quickly back to the mansion, tears streaming down my face.

I couldn't believe Klaus. I knew he wasn't completely a good guy but seeing him practically sign someone's death certificate just brought into light the darkness inside him.

When I reached the house, I kept running until I reached my room and flung myself on the bed. I cried for a few minutes before shoving off the mattress. I paced the room, filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Despite my confusion, I didn't like crying like a baby.

I decided to draw myself a bath, filling the tub up with hot water and jasmine scented bubbles. I stripped away my clothes and got in the bath, sighing as the heat relaxed me. I submerged briefly and scrubbed my hands across my face to rub of my running makeup and dried tears.

My thoughts were still whirling while I laid in the hot water with my eyes closed. After a long while, I heard the front door open and close gently.

"Annabelle," I heard Klaus say quietly, knowing I'd hear him.

Getting out of the tub, I dried myself quickly and slipped on a pair of panties and large t-shirt that ended at my knees. Opening the bedroom door, I saw Klaus was walking up the stairs. He paused halfway when he saw me.

"Is he dead?" I asked. He just stared at me and I knew his answer. I stepped back to slam the door but he flashed inside before I could.

"Annabelle," he said again. I closed the door and turned to glare at him, willing away the tears.

"Why are you doing this? Why do you keep secrets from me until I catch you hiding them? What else are you hiding from me?"

Klaus held out his hand and hesitantly, I approached him and placed mine in his. He squeezed it softly before raising it to his lips. He brushed a kiss over my knuckles and I felt a jolt of heat to my core.

"Let's sit down," he murmured. He dropped my hand and I walked over to the bed and curled against the headboard, tucking my legs underneath me. He sat on the edge besides me with a sigh.

Klaus started talking. He told me all the stories of what happened from the time he arrived in Mystic Falls until he found me in the woods. He even confessed to his dying feelings for Caroline. I felt a ting of jealousy but I smothered it, feeling foolish. I listened to the rise and fall of his accented voice, falling into a sort of spell by its soft lull. When he finished, his hands were clasped in front of him and his head was bowed.

"So you want Elena to be human again to make more Hybrids," I commented gently. He just nodded.

"I don't see how a sword could be a key to this map… Did you find anything else in Italy?" I asked. He stilled slightly.

"No," he murmured. "I didn't have time; I had to get back here." Driven by instinct, I reached out and rubbed his back softly.

Klaus turned his head to look at me with those midnight blue eyes. Shifting, I moved so I was sitting next to him. I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. Resting my head on his shoulder, I sighed.

"I find it really difficult to stay mad at you," I confessed. He chuckled and rested his cheek against my head.

"Ditto, sweetheart," he said. I laughed.

"Did you really just say ditto?"

"Yes?" He sounded confused. I laughed again.

"It's funny to listen to you say that with your accent," I told him. He hmphed and pressed a kiss on my forehead.

"Are you implying I have a silly accent?" he whispered. Snorting, I looked up at him, smiling.

"Perhaps," I teased. He raised his brows at me.

"You know, little wolf, you should be afraid of teasing a Hybrid," he said in a mock serious tone. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Yeah, I'm terrified. Shaking," I said sarcastically. Klaus suddenly leaned over and nipped my neck, making me squeal. I darted up and grinned at him. He stood slowly and approached me.

"Are you ticklish, Annabelle?" My eyes widened and I backed away, causing him to walk faster.

"No! Don't!" I laughed, darting to the side. But being a Hybrid, he flashed over and caught me by my middle. He tossed me gently on the bed and suddenly was tickling my sides. I gasped and laughed breathlessly, squirming under his hands.

"Klaus!" I laughed, struggling to get away. "Stop it!"

Klaus laughed and placed his hands on both sides of my head, gazing down at me. I giggled one last time before looking up at him. His smile disappeared as he leaned in bit by bit. My breath hitched and my heart jumped right before his lips took mine.

Klaus's lips slid against mine leisurely, causing delicious friction. Since he was leaning down, I could feel the length of his body along mine, lean and muscular. I groaned and slid my hands along his back, grasping his flexing shoulder blades. I tugged at his bottom lip and with a growl, used my strength to flip him over. I straddled him easily and attacked his mouth. His hands gripped my hips tightly as my tongue slid along his. Out of the blue, he flipped me back on my back, staring down at me with certain ferocity.

"Annabelle, you can drive any man insane," he murmured. My lips curved and I ran a hand over his cheek, enjoying the scratchy feel of his stubble. His face turned slightly into my caress.

"Darling, if we don't stop… Well." His eyes focused on me. "Not tonight, sweetheart."

I wanted to pout but I shoved that urge away. I nodded. He climbed off the bed and straightened himself up. He smiled down at me before leaning quickly down to kiss me briefly.

"Good night, Annabelle."

Then he was gone.

Ooo0ooO

Author's Note: The story is almost caught up with the show! I'll write the next chapter on the events that happened in Season 3, Episode 7 (My Brother's Keeper) before tomorrow's new episode!

I had fun writing this chapter- did you guys like Klaus's thoughts on Dracula? That's my all time favorite book and I figured it'd be fun to shed some light on a real vampire's opinion of the book.

There were some major changes to the scene at the Grill between Klaus and Caroline. In the show, as you guys know, they had a tender moment when he tells her he wouldn't have let Tyler hurt her (my feels!) but I had to leave that out as well as Caroline agreeing to go on a date with him. So I had Klaus agree to give up his Hybrid, Chris, since he knew it would hurt Tyler, since we know they're not exactly best friends.

Finally, Klaus did lie to Annabelle about Italy; he has yet to tell her about his little chat with Antonio and about the soul bond. That will catch up with him later though!

Tell me what you guys thought of this chapter!