Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry it took so long to update, I'm having trouble getting onto my account here from my laptop, so I'm going to try to do this from my iPod... So bear with me if there's any mistakes, I'll fix them when my laptop or thee website decide to behave...

Chapter Thirty One: This Flesh a Tomb

"So put your hand in mine, never let go

Never wake up, 'cause I'm done with promises

I'm taking blood oaths

Feels like you could kiss my imperfections,

My imperfections away

And I would stand, stand by your side

Until the sun turns the sky

All the colors I see in your eyes…"

Ooo0ooO

A few days later, I woke up with a sense of loss and coldness clawing in my chest. My eyes snapped open and I saw that Annabelle's side of the bed was empty.

Flinging out my senses- which proved unnecessary thanks to the soul bond- I felt her presence close by. I felt a certain peacefulness rolling through her, into me.

Getting out of bed, I saw the balcony door was open, letting in the cool night air. Annabelle was standing outside, leaning against the railing. She wore one of my shirts and a pair of skimpy shorts that showed off her slender legs. Her hair fluttered in the breeze as she gazed out towards the horizon.

I walked up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist to draw her close to me. She sighed and leaned back against me, turning her face into the crook of my neck.

"What are you doing out here by yourself?" I asked. Anna rested her hands over mine.

"Just thinking," she replied. Then she gazed up at me, her gray eyes soft. "I just feel so at peace here… it's like a piece of me has been missing all along and now… I'm whole."

"You were missing something," I reminded her, tracing her bare wrist, along the blue lines of the soul bond. They seemed to be a permanent mark on our skin now- not that we minded.

Annabelle chuckled. "Yes, I was missing you. And now, I get to live in these beautiful woods with you… I got my brother back safe…" She trailed off.

I watched her patiently, since I knew by the slight uncertainty in her eyes and the frustrated grating of her teeth she had more to say. Anna turned to me, worry marring her pretty face.

"I'm just concerned about these dreams I've –we've- been having," she said abruptly. I looked out over the horizon for a moment before pulling her warm body closer. Lowering my head, I rubbed my cheek against hers.

"What ever for?" I inquired. Anna nudged me a little with her nose.

"You know why," she stated firmly. Looking into my eyes, she scanned my expression. "I don't know how you're feeling about your brothers not wanting to come back." I paused and considered it for a moment.

"I'm…disappointed. I thought they would be happy to come back, if given the opportunity," I said. Anna rested her head on my shoulder.

"Just disappointed?" I smiled sadly, which reflected the sadness pulling at my dead heart.

"No," I said simply. I felt Anna turn so her arms were around me as she pressed her cheek against my chest.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. I rested my chin on top of her head.

"On a positive note, I have you," I murmured. I felt a surge of warmth and love from Anna's side of the soul bond.

"You'll always have me." I leaned back so I could lift her chin up, pressing a kiss to her lips. She sighed and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Lifting Anna into my arms, I carried her into the bedroom, setting her down besides the bed. I reached for her, pulling off my shirt from her. I gazed at her, marveling in her beauty. Her skin was like white silk wrapped around her slim body, her curves subtle.

Anna stepped forward and kissed me and our tongues danced together lazily. Her hands rested against my chest, sliding down along my taut stomach. I groaned, feeling my arousal grow.

Removing the rest of our clothes, I laid Anna down on the bed. I lowered myself to her body, enjoying the friction of our naked skin sliding together.

Kissing Anna, I let my hands roam her body. Her rosy nipples hardened against my touch and I felt her arch herself against me.

"Klaus," she whispered huskily. I trailed down to her breasts before latching onto one of the pointy tips. I felt Anna's hands on my back, clenching me closer. I ground my hips into her and I heard her breath catch quietly.

With one smooth thrust, I entered her. I moaned and shuddered at the feeling of her velvet heat encasing me completely. Anna whimpered and rolled her hips, wrapping her legs around my waist.

"Annabelle," I said softly, before taking her mouth. I moved slowly in and out of her. Anna moaned and her nails dug into my skin.

With one swift movement, I found myself on my back. Anna's lips attacked my own as she gripped my shoulders. She moved back a little so I could see her molten gold eyes, burning into mine.

Then it was all movement, hot, fast, slick. Her body rose and fell over mine, tightening around me. I groaned and gripped her hips, my claws exploding from their nail beds.

With every roll of her hips, I felt myself climbing this immense peak. Gripping Annabelle's hair, I yanked her down so our tongues could clash. I wrapped my arms around her and slowly sat up. Anna arched her back and gasped and I shuddered as her walls clamped down on me hard.

Annabelle made some noise between a groan and a growl, tilting her head back as she continued to ride me to finish. I kissed her hammering pulse, feeling my fangs slide into place. Anna's hands gripped my hair as she leaned in to kiss my shoulder.

Unable to resist the temptation, I bit down on her neck, relishing in the taste of her sweet blood. Anna cried out, before setting her fangs into my shoulder.

There was an intoxicating rush, full of colors and clashing feelings. I felt Annabelle's desire through the soul bond, matching my own. Finally, Anna and I tumbled over the peak. She cried out again, and I thrusted deep into her before emptying into her.

Annabelle collapsed against me and I drew her down to the bed again with me. She curled against me, her hand over my chest. I traced a hand down her hair, her back. I felt her shiver before she released a tiny sigh, before she fell back asleep against my shoulder.

Ooo0ooO

When I woke up a few hours later, I slid out of bed quietly. Itching to go running in the woods, I slipped on a simple gray dress, leaving my feet bare.

Quickly, I wrote a note to Klaus, who was still sleeping.

Out for a run. Come and find me. –A

Placing it on the pillow I abandoned, I kissed Klaus gently on the lips. He stirred, muttering something. Smiling, I grabbed my phone and slipped out of the room quietly.

Walking through the forest, I began playing music to keep me company. Pandora began playing alternative rock songs and I hummed along.

When I reached the river, I stopped to drink in the sights. The sky was a bright blue and mare tails streaked across the sky. The sun was warm, the breeze light. I inhaled, taking in all the scents around me, the pine and redwoods trees, the river, the rich soil, the scent of animals…

I felt my wolf stretch itself inside my inside, begging to burst free. I walked over to a tree with a worn out hole in its trunk and placed my phone inside, once I shut off the music.

Then I whirled and leaped, shifting midair before taking off along the river. I ran down the massive hill, circling to the quarry.

I enjoyed the rush of running on four legs, flashing so quickly I hardly touched the ground. I went past the quarry in a blur before I heard a familiar call.

Sliding to a stop, I spotted another brown wolf walking –possibly swaggering- over to me. My lips stretched back to reveal my teeth and my tongue lolled out in a semblance of a wolf smile.

Charlie wagged his tail good naturedly, his gold eyes clear and happy. He nudged me playfully with his shoulder and we walked side by side to the edge of the water in the quarry.

Charlie sat back on his haunches, not bothering to shift back. I mimicked his actions, glancing at my brother again.

I could feel the waves of contentment rolling off him and felt a surge of happiness. Charlie met my gaze and gave me a wolf smile, wagging his tail again. I barked a laugh at his expression- sometimes I swear Charlie actually believes he's a full blown wolf.

Charlie yipped at me and stood, motioning with his muzzle for me to follow him. I obeyed and he led me back up the hill, leading back towards my favored spot on the river.

I enjoyed the slow walk with my brother. We didn't need words to communicate; our thoughts were usually on the same wavelength, especially if we were in our wolf forms.

When we reached my spot, I saw Klaus standing underneath a tree, arms crossed over his chest. I felt a ridiculous burst of joy at the sight of him and I saw his lips curve in response.

Finally, Charlie and I shifted back, walking the rest of the way on two legs. Charlie greeted Klaus and casting a look over at me, waved goodbye for disappearing into the woods that led back into town.

The second Charlie disappeared; I dashed over to Klaus, leaping into his arms. He caught me with an exaggerated oof and chuckled. I placed kisses all over his face affectionately.

"Hi," I said cheerfully, grinning down at him. Klaus's hands gripped my thighs tighter and I felt a jolt down to my core.

"Hello, sweetheart. Enjoying a rendezvous today?" I wiggled against him so I could press closer to him. Klaus inhaled sharply as I grounded against his crotch and I smirked mischievously.

"Oh yes," I giggled. Leaning down, I nipped at his bottom lip.

Before I could blink, I found myself pressed against a tree with Klaus's hard body pushing into mine. His eyes were swirling with gold desire and I bared my wickedly sharp teeth in a triumphant grin.

"You are my insanity," Klaus growled, kissing me fiercely. I arched my back, throwing my arms up to scratch at the tree bark. The song I had been listening to earlier flooded my mind as Klaus and I battled for dominance over the kiss.

"The bite marks on my neck never felt so good

I'm losing control

And it's all I can not to black out

Fall in lust with you…

Your kisses infect me

This dark gift is loving you…"

Klaus shredded my panties with his claws. I screamed as he plunged his fingers inside me. I twisted my body so we went crashing on the forest floor and I straddled Klaus. I tugged his jeans away, desperate for him. Before I could touch him, he had me flipped back over on my back. His eyes glowed as he half shifted- baring his fangs and trailing his claws down my trembling thighs.

"And I'll never need to see the sun again

There's enough light in your eyes,

To light up our little world

So take me, take me away

Kill me slowly, I'll never be the same…"

Flashing, Klaus pinned me against a tree again. He slammed inside me, taking me with hard, deep thrusts. I screamed and snarled as my wolf started springing free. My claws ripped into Klaus's shirt and backs, drawing blood as I marked him as mine. I rolled my hips, letting Klaus set the deliciously harsh pace.

"And I feel immortal

And I want to make you feel the same

So stand by me as we immolate,

We can burn in each other's arms …"

Klaus's claws dug into my hips before he set his teeth into my shoulder. I tilted my head back and bared my teeth to the sky, reviling in the feeling of him draining and filling me at once.

Blackness crept into my vision as the orgasm pounded through me, sending me into waves of ecstasy and pleasure. Klaus shouted my name and I screamed, which echoed through the forest.

With a few more thrusts, Klaus shuddered and groaned. He retracted his fangs from me and we held each other up while leaning against the tree.

Panting, I let Klaus take me into his lap as he sat down on the ground. My heart knocked fiercely against my ribs and I felt a smug smile creep across my lips.

"Did I hurt you?" Klaus asked quietly, running a hand down my back. I snorted, dropping my head on his shoulder.

"I'm fine," I said easily. I smiled up at him. "Better than fine."

"I should have… I didn't mean to be so…" I started laughing silently and Klaus glared down at me for a moment.

"Klaus," I said, kissing him gently. "I'm not that breakable." Klaus trailed a finger down my neck, along the fresh bite that was healing on my shoulder. His eyes were dark but I saw the gold flash briefly.

"Come on," I said, jumping up. "I don't know about you, but I could use I shower." The hungry look faded briefly from Klaus's eyes as he smirked at me.

"Are you going to share?" he asked huskily. I grinned at him.

"Maybe," I teased. Klaus chuckled and kissed me, before taking my hand so we could walk to the mansion side by side.

Ooo0ooO

When we reached our home, Annabelle went right upstairs to take a shower. I eyed her torn and dirty dress, which reminded me of what her clothes looked like when she first stepped foot in the mansion.

I smiled a little at that memory. So much had changed since then.

Walking upstairs, I heard Annabelle singing in the shower. I followed her voice into her bedroom, where the bathroom door was closed. I smelled the steam, the scent of her cherry blossom shampoo and her.

A thought trickled into my mind and I began taking off my clothes, leaving them in a heap in the middle of the bedroom.

Annabelle didn't hear me as I quietly entered the room. I saw her silhouette behind the shower curtain, and by her movements she was dancing along to the song she sang.

"If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?

If our love is insanity, why are you my clarity?"

Pulling the curtain back, Annabelle froze. She stood with a comical sheepish expression on her face, eyes wide, her hands tangled in her foamy hair. I began laughing.

"Don't you know it's rude to interrupt someone when they're singing in the shower?" Anna asked teasingly.

"I apologize," I chuckled. I stepped into the clawed footed tub, letting the hot water rush over my body. Anna pouted at me.

"What makes you think I'll forgive you?" she asked in a faux upset voice. I pulled her against me, laying my lips against hers.

"Good start," she murmured.

We took our time washing each other before it become too much for either of us to bear.

"I guess we're all clean now," Anna whispered throatily.

"Yes…" I started.

With a smirk, I lifted her up, sliding inside her slowly. She gasped and gripped my arms tightly.

"But first…"

Ooo0ooO

After a long -and very satisfying- shower, I got dressed again. Opting for black skinny jeans, a soft blue button down shirt and a matching pair of black flats, I brushed out my hair and did my makeup. I eyed myself in the mirror, keeping the makeup light and natural- just a little mascara and a touch of lip gloss.

"Going out, sweetheart?" I smiled at Klaus's voice behind me.

"Yes, I think I'll call April and ask if she wants to meet me at the Grill for a bite to eat. I just want to make sure she's okay after everything that happened…you know, with Jeremy," I explained.

"Ah yes, the fire," Klaus said. I nodded turning to face him, leaning back on the counter a little.

"That fire wasn't an accident, was it?" I asked. Klaus moved his shoulders and frowned.

"I am not sure. From what Rebekah has told me, the Gilbert boy was killed by Silas when they were going for the cure…"

"Poor Elena," I murmured. Klaus shook his head at me but said nothing. I arched a brow but let it go.

"Just be safe," Klaus requested. I smiled softly and walked over to give him a hug. He buried his face into my scented hair and sighed.

"I will," I promised. Klaus pulled back slightly to kiss me lightly.

"I love you," he whispered, running his knuckles down my cheek. I felt his warmth, his love, spread through me.

"I love you too."

After I called April, I got her to agree to meet me at the Grill at six. I sat in one of the booths as I waited for her to arrive. I watched Matt working and saw from time to time, a haunted look flickered over his face briefly.

"Anna?" I turned and saw Elena standing a few feet away. Her brown eyes met mine and I nearly flinched at the blank, dead look in them.

"Elena! How…ah, how are you doing?" I asked. Elena blinked at me.

"Fine," she said in a flat tone.

"I heard about… I'm sorry." Elena shrugged. Shrugged! I gawked at the vampire.

"Thanks," she replied in that monotone voice that had shivers skittering down my spine. What was wrong with her?

Suddenly, Damon appeared, taking Elena's arm in his grasp. He glanced over at me and for a long moment, our gazes clashed. Regret flickered in his eyes but was gone.

"Let's go," he said to his girlfriend. He led her away and out of the Grill. I stared after them but my thoughts broke when April walked through the door.

With one look, I stood up immediately and held my arms out to her. she rushed into them and began softly crying against my chest. I led her over to the booth and sat with her, rubbing her back soothingly.

"He's- he's gone," she stammered. "I- I just c-can't believe it!"

I soothed and coaxed the distraught girl for over an hour. I barely said anything; I just held her and let her weep and talk.

That's all I think I could've done.

Ooo0ooO

Annabelle returned a few hours later, the front of her shirt drenched with tears. I asked what happened and she explained she had seen April and the girl had been a wreck.

Anna herself looked tired and worn out, so I carried her to bed. I took off her clothes, leaving her in just a bra and a pair of panties. Shoving my hunger for her aside, I laid beside her and rubbed her shoulders.

Eventually, she fell asleep, curling against my side like she always does. I held her and stared into the shadows, wondering about the woman beside me.

Anna had such a big heart, one that loved fiercely and loyally. She was so strong and I admired her ability to carry the burden of her own past and pain while putting it aside to help others.

"Klaus?" she murmured sleepily as she shifted.

"Hmm?"

"Don't stay up all night thinking."

I chuckled and settled down, kissing her hair.

Ooo0ooO

Author's Note: Let me know what you guys thought of this chapter! I'll try to upload the next one as soon as I can after I watch tonight's new episode! I'm excited!