Chapter Sixteen: Crazy Love
"I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open up every time she smiles…
And when I come to her when the sun goes down
She takes away my trouble, takes away my grief
Takes away my heartache, in the night like a thief…"
Ooo0ooO
A few nights later, I watched Annabelle sleep.
She was curled on her side with her face burrowed into the pillow. Her lashes brushed her cheekbones and I noticed a small smattering of freckles along her nose.
Her eyelids flickered and she sighed, a smile curving her lips. My necklace rested in her palm loosely while her other hand was stretched out towards me. Her breathing was slow and even, like her heart beat.
I stared at this beautiful creature, unable to believe she was really mine.
My Klaus, whispered through my mind, which made me smile slightly. She was so possessive. I suppose it came with being a wolf and with being mated.
So naturally, I was just as possessive.
It was selfish of me, perhaps, keeping her all for myself in this sprawling house. But I am a selfish man.
Reaching over, I traced her soft ivory cheek gently. She murmured slightly at my touch and even though I couldn't make it out, it sounded approving.
"My Anna," I murmured ever so quietly.
Her eyes fluttered open and they were dark and sleepy. She saw me staring and the corner of her mouth lifted.
"Am I dreaming or is this real?" she whispered. I chuckled. Unable to resist, I leaned over and kissed her. Her eyes were closed again when I pulled back.
"Mmm," she murmured. "Real."
Then she snuggled in closer, resting her forehead against my chest and I felt her intertwine our legs under the sheets. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head and rested my chin there, wrapping my arm around her.
Anna fell asleep again.
My thoughts drifted again.
I thought about Tatia, the woman whom my brother Elijah and I both had loved when we were humans. The woman whose blood we drank to become the Original Vampires. The woman who started the Petrova doppelganger bloodline.
When I had first seen Katherine Pierce, or rather Katarina, I was taken aback by her resemblance to Tatia. I knew Elijah had developed feelings for her before she ran off and became a vampire to stop me from killing her. The cycle repeated itself with Elena Gilbert. By the time she came around, I felt nothing towards the third woman to resemble the love of my past. Elijah, however, was the fool, falling for Tatia' predecessors over and over… I knew he would deny it if he could, but I knew my brother.
I shifted back so I could gaze at Annabelle's serene face again. If it had not been for the Petrova bloodline and its deceitful women, I would not have become a Hybrid when I did… And most likely would not have met Annabelle in her lifetime.
I wondered what would have become of the soul bond if I had been able to break the curse with Katarina's blood instead of Elena's.
Sighing, I casted aside those thoughts. All that mattered now was I was with her, my mate, my angel… My Annabelle.
Nothing was going to take her away from me.
Ooo0ooO
When I woke up, Klaus was still sleeping. I stared at him much like he had to me last night. I wondered what went through his mind when he watched me sleep, what sort of inner thoughts went on in there…
I ran my hand over his necklace that I wore, and waited for him to wake up.
When he did, his eyes opened slowly and he blinked once before smiling.
"Hello, love," he said.
"Hi," I replied, sighing. Klaus stretched and put his hands behind his head. Out of a growing habit, I moved over so I could rest my head on his chest, placing my hand over his heart. His arms went around me gently.
"You have been in a cuddling mood a lot recently," Klaus mused. I propped my chin on his chest and gazed into his blue eyes.
"Wolf thing, I guess. Seeking comfort, warmth, protection from each other," I explained, shrugging. "Instinct."
Klaus's arms tightened slightly and he rolled me gently on my back, bracing himself above me. I ran a hand down his cheek, neck then chest, smiling up at him.
Klaus leaned down and kissed me slowly, thoroughly. When his lips left mine, they trailed down my neck and he inhaled quietly. I closed my eyes when he nuzzled my collarbone, enjoying the simple contact, the simple pleasure.
My phone started buzzing on the table next to the bed and I stifled a laugh when Klaus gave it a murderous glare.
"That's my alarm," I told him. "I have to go meet April today, remember?" Klaus focused his intense gaze on me before smirking. His lips lowered again and he paused right before they touched mine.
"Five more minutes."
Then he kissed me.
I let him kiss me for a moment before shoving at him gently.
"Klaus, I really have to get ready," I giggled. He pouted and I nipped at his full bottom lip.
"Keep doing that, sweetheart, and you won't be leaving this bed any time soon," he warned. I rolled my eyes and used my strength to flip him over onto his back. I smirked down at his surprised expression.
"I see you're getting your strength back, little wolf," he mused, his dark blue eyes sparkling with humor. I grinned before kissing him briefly. I climbed off the bed and headed towards the shower.
Under the hot spray, I felt my muscles relax and I sighed. I tied my hair up with a band and lathered up my body with rose scented wash. After that, I took my time shaving my legs, musing over the thought of how not that long ago I didn't even own a razor.
Suddenly the shower curtain snapped open. I started and yelped when the razor nicked my knee. The tiny cut closed quickly and I looked up to see Klaus standing there with an amused look on his face.
"Do you mind?" I snapped, glaring. I straightened and snatched the curtain to hide my naked body.
"Darling, there's no need to cover yourself. I've already seen you nude. Twice," he said, his lips quirking.
"What are you doing in here?" I demanded.
"Do you want some breakfast?" Klaus asked, his eyes dancing with mischief.
"No! Now go away!" I hissed, snapping the curtain closed. He pulled it back and stared into my eyes with a bland expression.
"You need to eat." I snarled at him.
"Out!" I shouted, shoving his chest. He stayed firmly in place.
"Annabelle," he sighed. I gritted my teeth.
"I'll eat with April. Okay, happy now? Get!" Klaus stared a moment longer then nodded and disappeared.
"Peeping Tom," I growled under my breath.
"I heard that." I rolled my eyes but laughed.
When I was done, I dressed in jeans, a deep red sweater and black boots. I stuck black studs in my ears and slipped on a few rings before typing my hair back in a curling ponytail.
April texted me and told me she was waiting for me outside in her car. I responded quickly, saying I'll just be a minute.
After grabbing my purse and phone, I walked downstairs towards the front door. Klaus was standing there of course, his expression curiously calm and easy going.
"Have fun, sweetheart," he told me before drawing me in for a kiss. I smiled when I pulled back.
"I'll call you when I'm done," I said, rubbing a hand over the stubble dotting his cheek.
"I'll come get you then," he replied, raising a hand to my own.
"Okay," I said, slipping my hand out of his grasp. He gave me a small, almost sad smile and stepped back, opening the door for me. I smiled in return and kissed him.
"See you in a couple hours," I murmured against his lips. He chuckled and nudged me along.
"Be safe," he murmured back.
I smiled but didn't turn back. I got into April's small car and she greeted me with excitement.
"Ready?" she asked, grinning. I couldn't help but grin back, enjoying the idea of having a nice, relaxing girls' day.
When we drove into town, we played the radio and I sang along to Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten".
"I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hands, the ending unplanned…"
I nudged April and smiled.
"Sing!" I commanded. She gave me a shy smile and joined me.
"Reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it,
Release your inhibitions,
Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you,
Only you can let it in, no one else, no one else…"
I rolled down my window and let in the cool winter air, inhaling and sighing happily.
When the song came to an end, we pulled up to a small salon a few doors down from the Grill. April turned off the radio then the car.
"You should sing professionally," April said suddenly. I turned to her and raised a brow in surprise. We got out of the car and I looked over the hood at her.
"Really?" I asked, flattered.
"Oh absolutely! You have such a pretty voice!" April claimed, putting her car keys in her purse. We walked together into the salon.
Immediately I was placed in a chair while April wandered over to the nail polishes, since she decided to get a mani/pedi while I got my hair done.
"Hey Anna!" she called. I looked over and she held up two bottles of polish, one a bright, cherry red and the other a deep purple.
"Which one?" she asked. I shook my head.
"Get that one!" I pointed. She turned, confused. I laughed at her and motioned for the hairstylist to give me a moment. I walked over to April and selected a light, shell pink color.
"This," I told her, "Will compliment your skin tone." She eyed it for a moment then nodded and smiled.
"Thanks!" she said before walking towards the pedicure chairs. I walked back to my salon chair and gave a friendly smile to the woman standing next to it. She was tall and very curvy, with wild ruby red curls and bright green eyes. She gave me an equally bright smile.
"Hello, my name is Kimberly." I sat down and she placed her hands on my shoulders. "Now how can I help you today?"
Ooo0ooO
When Annabelle left, I went for a walk in the woods. I decided to not go to the river that felt more like a special spot that Anna and I shared. It was meant for us to be there, together.
I headed towards the hills, enjoying the cold air and silence. Absently, I glanced down towards my wrist, the one that had sealed together with Anna's with the bonding light. I rubbed it but felt nothing. I wondered what that had meant. Had we grown closer? Well, of course.
Had our souls? I thought. Sure, we shared a very close connection already but what had changed?
I pictured Annabelle and felt warmth bloom in my chest like a rising fire. Smiling, I leapt into a tall tree and climbed my way to the top. Sitting on the highest branch, I rubbed my wrist again.
Out of the blue, a stray, unfamiliar scent passed through the air. I inhaled, turning my head north, towards the direction it was coming from. Narrowing my eyes, I searched but couldn't see anything but the trees. With my acute sense of hearing, I heard the crunch of boots over fallen leaves and twigs in the distance.
Moving as quietly as a ghost, I leaped from tree to tree so I could stay hidden. Inhaling again, I caught the strange smell of someone unknown to me. Looking down from the trees, I spotted a tall, muscular man dressed in all black walking through the forest. I saw him cock his head to the side and I noticed a faint scar on the side of his neck, which resembled either claw or teeth marks.
Curious, I moved a little closer. The man had dark hair and equally dark eyes and I stiffened a little when I realized something.
Werewolf.
There had been many, besides Annabelle, who had wandered close to Mystic Falls. Especially with me living there, every wolf within a hundred mile radius knew I was searching for them to turn into Hybrids.
As least, I was. But then again, it kept out any nuisances so I supposed the rumors were beneficial for the time being.
The man seemed oblivious or was unafraid of the Hybrid lurking in these woods. My lips curved. That, I figured, was very foolish on his part.
Jumping down to the ground, I placed my hands behind my back. The wolf whirled and growled at me. I smiled coolly at him.
"Hello, mate," I said calmly. "Are you lost?"
"No," the man snapped. I tsked at his snarky attitude.
"Now, now, there's no reason to be rude," I scolded, shaking my head.
"You better scram, pretty boy, or someone's going to get hurt," he warned. I chuckled darkly before flashing over to the man. I had him pinned to a tree by his throat within a second.
"I don't take kindly to threats," I whispered, tightening my hold. The man's eyes narrowed as he snarled, baring his sharp teeth at me. His eyes burned gold and he snapped at me viciously.
"I don't think those are going to help you, mate. You see, we're not so different, you and I," I said. I let the wolf take over and revealed my own set of sharp canines. The man stopped fidgeting and watched me warily. Darkly amused, I let my vampire fangs join in, knowing the blackish veins were spreading from my glowing eyes.
"You're that Hybrid," the man wheezed. "The one everyone's talking about."
"Well spotted," I praised. I released the man and stepped back.
"Now that we understand who is stronger out of the two of us, I believe introductions are in order. My name is Klaus. And who are you, wolf man?" I asked, my voice pleasantly dead and calm.
"Why should I tell you who I am?" the man challenged. I hummed and placed my arms behind my back. Pretending to consider, I looked over at him with raised brows.
"Well, you see, in about five seconds I'm going to rip your heart out for trespassing on my territory, so if you don't want that to happen, I suggest you tell me your name." The man leaned back on the tree, crossing his arms.
"Mark. Name's Mark," he answered.
"Very good. Now Mark, why don't you kindly explain to me what you are doing here in Mystic Falls?"
Mark shrugged. I shook my head at him disapprovingly.
"I could always compel you to tell me, mate," I warned easily. Mark walked over and stood toe to toe with me. His dark eyes burned into mine. I felt his rage rolling off him in waves. Clearly, this alpha wolf wasn't used to being questioned.
But I was the Hybrid, and liked to consider myself the ultimate alpha.
"What's it to you, pretty boy," he sneered. His breath was rank, smelling of rotting flesh and blood, as if he had recently killed something.
I almost sighed. Slamming my hand through Mark's chest, I gripped his heart in my fist. He gave a breathless gasp and hunched over slightly. I nearly smiled at the feeling of his heart pounding inside my hand.
"I'm going to ask you again, and don't even bother lying because I'll know. I can end your life with a simple twist of my hand so… What are you doing in Mystic Falls?"
Mark wheezed again and inhaled sharply. I felt him stiffen slightly.
"Just passing through," he answered.
"If I were you," I said, slipping my hand out of his chest. "I would leave."
Mark clenched his chest and glared at me and nodded. He took off into the woods. I looked down at my bloody hand. This time I did sigh.
"Messy business," I muttered to myself.
Flashing away, I ran to the mansion.
Mark reappeared a few seconds later, holding his cell phone to his ear.
"She's here, with the Hybrid. Her scent's all over him. Yeah. No… Leave him. We'll need him later. Tell the others."
Pressing end, he let a sinister smile creep across his lips.
Ooo0ooO
After a wash, cut and style, my hair fell in full chocolate curls just past my shoulders. With the longest layer teasing the ends of my shoulder blades, my hair glowed with health. Along with the sassy side bangs to emphasize my eyes, I was very pleased with the look.
After some debate, I got a manicure and pedicure, using the same color I had picked out for April. When we were both done, we walked down to the Grill for some lunch.
I spotted Elena Gilbert and her group of strange friends gathered by the pool table. April waved briefly to them and I saw them eyeing me warily.
We sat down at a booth and Matt came up and took our drink orders. I ordered us iced teas.
"How nice, two ladies out for lunch," said an attractive male voice from over my shoulder. Glancing, I saw the tall, black haired and blue eyed vampire named Damon Salvatore.
He walked over to us and leaned down to smiled at April. She blushed.
"That's a pretty bracelet. Can I see it?" he asked smoothly. Flustered, April glanced down at it.
"Why?" she asked. I curled my lip, seeing his game. He gave her a charming, crooked smile.
"Please," he insisted.
"Okay. Jeremy and Matt gave it to me, so be careful," she said, taking it off and placing it on the table. Damon immediately snatched her chin.
"You won't remember this," he said, compelling her. April's eyes glazed and Damon gave me a pleasant smile, dragging a chair up to our table.
"I don't think we've met. I'm Damon," he said, smiling at me.
"Charmed," I replied sarcastically. "Can I help you?"
Damon frowned and leaned back, shrugging. "I don't know. I was just curious why an attractive woman like you would choose to hang around…well, I'm sure you know who I'm referring to." Resisting to snarl, I leaned forward.
"No, I don't know who you're referring to, Damon," I hissed. He laughed briefly.
"Oh c'mon. Klaus? Mr. Big Bad Hybrid?" he answered, flicking a brow.
"What about him?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"Well, as I'm sure you know, he recently killed a bunch of Hybrids along with the Mayor… And now our friend, Tyler Lockwood, is gone."
"So?" I shot back. Damon's lips curved.
"You won't happen to be, oh I don't know, hanging him by his thumbs in Klaus's mansion, would you?" Then he snapped his fingers and pointed at me. "Unless, of course, it's now your home too," he said, feigning innocence.
I smiled darkly at the vampire. "Trust me, Damon, if he was there and being tortured, I definitely wouldn't be here," I said calmly. Damon eyed me with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
"You even sound like him. Creepy. What's up with that? You guys related? Doom and gloom cousins of some sort?" I chuckled.
"No," I told him. Lifting the necklace out of my shirt, I waggled it between my fingers. His eyes narrowed at it.
"What, you're not seriously saying you're his girlfriend, are you?" he asked dubiously. I raised a brow at him.
"Perhaps. I don't see how it's yours," I glanced over at the group standing and watching us, "Or any of your friend's business." Then I leaned in towards him. "I hope they realize I know they can hear us, and vice versa" I mock whispered.
Damon smiled. "You don't think we know what you are?" he challenged.
"Oh no, I know you know. Just like I know all about you and all your little buddies over there," I replied, nodding at them. Elena gave me a wary look before looking over at Damon. I felt my lips curve.
"Ah, yes, I know all about your sire bond over Elena," I told him. He scoffed.
"Well you live with Klaus and he's sort of an expert on the matter," he said easily. I leaned back and watched him coolly.
"Why exactly did you come over here?" I asked.
"I just wanted to meet the woman who's living with the man who has made our lives a living hell since he arrived here." Damon's glacier eyes assessed me carefully. "I just don't see the appeal." I laughed at him.
"Ouch. Now why don't you run along and tell your friends I don't know where Tyler is, and I really don't give a fuck," I ordered, smiling pleasantly. Damon lips thinned and his eyes narrowed at me. Shoving back from his chair, he stalked away. I saw him grip Elena's arm and with a jerk of his head, the lot of them left the Grill.
Matt returned with our drinks and April snapped out of her trance.
"Oh! How did this come off?" she wondered, putting the vervain bracelet back on.
"Do you guys know what you want to eat?" Matt asked politely. I smiled at him, feeling a twinge of pity for him. It must be difficult, being the only normal person in a town full of supernatural creatures.
"I'll have a Cobb salad," April told him. She handed him her menu with a shy smile. I nearly snorted at her order and her obvious crush on the tall blonde.
"And for you?" he asked, turning to me.
"I'll have the Grill Burger. Medium rare," I said, giving him my menu. He scribbled it down on his pad and nodded.
"I'll bring that right out for you," he said before walking away. I glanced at April, who was definitely checking out Matt's ass. This time I did snort.
"Those Levi's do wonders, huh?" I snickered. April blushed fire truck red.
When we were done with lunch, April drove me back to the mansion. On the way there, I mulled over the idea of telling Klaus about my little encounter with Damon at the Grill.
We pulled up the long drive and April circled the drive to stop at the bottom of the steps leading up to the front door. Klaus opened the door and walked out. He smiled when he saw me and I felt myself smiling in return.
"Well, thank you for this. I haven't had a girl's day in forever," April said. I turned towards her and gave her a gentle hug.
"It was fun," I said. Pulling back, I opened the car door and jumped out.
"Bye, Anna!" April called. I closed the door and waved. April drove off and I turned to face Klaus. He watched me from the top of the stairs.
"Hey there," I said quietly. Immediately, I was in his arms. He buried his face in my hair and I sighed, relaxing in his embrace. He pulled back and ran a hand over my curls.
"Very nice," he approved. I chuckled.
"Told you it wouldn't be so bad," I teased.
"Did you eat something?" I rolled my eyes. Grabbing his hand, we walked into the house.
"Yes, Mommy, I ate." I turned towards him and jumped into his arms. Wrapping my arms and legs around him, I nibbled on his bottom lip.
"Can I have dessert?" I whispered huskily against his mouth.
Klaus chuckled and kissed me.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: Happy New Year's everyone!
Sorry it took a while to update, I'm crazy busy! I hope you enjoyed the chapter, let me know what you thought of it!
Here's to 2013!