Author's Note: Plot twist- there's no new episodes for two weeks. Oh well, the story must go on! Some of you caught onto the loose ends I left dangling at the end of last chapter, so gold star for you! And here we go…
Chapter Thirty Eight: Swept Away
"I get swept away
When I think of you
Take me to that place
Where it's control I lose
I'm soothed by you; you take it all away…
Even when you're far away
How so far away, yet you feel so near…"
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
I was running through the forest. The trees were passing by in a sickening blend of green and yellow. The air smelled stale and it was hot- much too hot.
And for the first time in many years, I felt something gripped my heart, threatening to tear it apart.
Fear.
It was like ice water had been injected into my veins, freezing in my chest, making my movements hard and painful. Yet I kept running.
But where was I going?
"Klaus!" I skidded to a halt at the bloodcurdling scream.
"Anna?" I shouted. Mocking silence filled the void I was in.
"Klaus?" I whirled around at the breathless whisper.
To my horror, Annabelle stood before me, covered in blood. Her gray eyes were wide with shock and her breaths were shallow and rapid.
But before I could reach her, she was gone.
I was left standing in the middle of the forest, shouting her name.
Everything then faded away slowly, melting to black, before I was thrusted into the next scene.
I saw Annabelle lying on the ground, her body splayed at an awkward angle, her eyes open but clouded over.
"No!" I shouted, lunging for her. I laid her head on my lap, smoothing the hair away from her face.
"Annabelle, please," I begged, half-crazed. Her dead eyes rolled over to me.
"Why didn't you save me?"
"Klaus?" I tore my eyes away from those dead eyes only to see Annabelle standing a few feet away. I looked down, confused, only to see her body had disappeared.
"Klaus?" she repeated, stepping towards me. Without thinking, I began moving away from her.
"Klaus?" she asked again, her voice high. She reached down to clench her stomach, which was ballooned, stretching the shirt she wore. I stared transfixed, fear and renewed horror washing over me.
"Help me," she said in a voice that wasn't her own.
"Y-you're not real!" I yelled. Anna's eyes stared at me, unblinking.
Then she screamed, doubling over. She collapsed to the ground and I saw blood streaming down her thighs as she gripped her stomach. In a flash, her now gold eyes met mine.
"Help me!" she shrieked.
I stepped towards her- only to feel hands shaking me. Shaking me?
"Klaus! Klaus, wake up!"
In one blinding movement, I yanked myself away from the grasp, throwing myself across the room within a second.
I panted, eyes reeling, struggling to get my bearings. I could still smell the disgusting air, the blood, the trees…
"Niklaus!"
My eyes snapped over towards the bed, where Annabelle was watching me with huge eyes that were swimming with anxiety.
"A-Annabelle?" I breathed. If my heart could still beat, I'm quite certain it would be pounding right now.
Annabelle got out of the bed and approached me cautiously, slowly. Her eyes assessed me before she reached up to touch my face. I couldn't help it- I flinched. Blank hurt flickered over Anna's face before it was buried under her concern.
"You were having a nightmare," she said softly. "A horrible one, if I do say so myself." I stared at her then nodded slightly. I could still feel the tension rolling through my body like crackling waves.
"Klaus, please-," she began, lifting her hand again but I stumbled back a step, my eyes widening. Anna blinked then slowly let her hand return to her side. I leaned back against the wall of the bedroom, struggling to catch my breath.
"I need air," I moaned. I walked past her, careful not to touch her and stepped outside onto the wide balcony. I leaned against the railing and inhaled the cool night air deeply. It was refreshing, drowning away the lingering smells from the dream.
This time I didn't flinch when I felt Annabelle's hand on my back. I only turned my head a little to the side when she pressed a kiss to my shoulder. She moved next to me and pulled herself up so she was perched on the railing.
"Better?" she asked gently. I leaned against my forearms and hung my head, unable to meet her gaze.
"I'm sorry," I muttered bitterly. When Anna didn't answer, I glanced up to her. Her gray stare was full of emotion. The wind picked up her curls, scattered them around her shoulders in disarray.
Then she was somehow in my arms, between myself and the railing, clasping my face between her hands, her forehead against mine.
"Niklaus," she sighed. I leaned against her, relieved to find her touch was soothing. I placed both of my hands on her hips and closed my eyes. Her thumbs gently traced my skin and I repressed a slight shiver.
"How bad was it?" she asked. I opened my eyes and was captured in her silvery-gray gaze. A frown flickered across my face.
"Bad," I murmured. "You were screaming my name, then you were hurt…then you were…you were…" I couldn't finish as I felt that ice cold hand grip my heart. Sensing my distress, Annabelle wrapped her arms around my waist and pressed herself against me, her cheek against my chest. As if by magic, her warmth burned away any sense of coldness.
"Why do you think you're having these nightmares?" I pressed my cheek to her hair, sighing deeply.
"I don't know. I haven't experienced nightmares since I killed the Original Five hunters after they tried to kill my family," I said in a hushed voice.
"Do you think it's Silas?" she whispered, her eyes growing wide again. I closed my eyes at the thought.
"It's a possibility." Anna burrowed closer to me and I felt her dread and fear. I pulled away, taking her hand.
"Let's go back to bed," I said quietly. She nodded, her eyes still dark with worry.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
I couldn't fall back asleep. Klaus wrapped himself around me like a vine, his face between my breasts, arm around my waist, his leg thrown over mine. I ran a hand through his head, hoping my touch would soothe him.
I stared up at the ceiling, eyeing the dancing shadows. Frowning a little, I looked back at Klaus.
His eyes were closed and his breathing was even and deep. All the seriousness was gone and he looked so young and innocent. I ran a hand down his cheek and he murmured, shifting a little. Gently, I took the hand that was resting by my side and held it, brushing his knuckles with my thumb pad.
I let my thoughts drift as he slept soundly, giving me no impression that the nightmares would return. I winced when I thought about how he had stiffened in his sleep before he started crying out, writhing in agony. Then when he woke up… I closed my eyes briefly against the brief pain at the fear and distrust in his eyes when I tried to touch him. I knew it had to do with the nightmares but it ripped something inside me, seeing him like that.
I sighed. I wanted to ask him to tell me more about the nightmares, but I didn't know if I really wanted to know what had happened in them… by the look on his face, he certainly wasn't lying when he said they were bad.
My poor Niklaus, I thought, stroking a hand from his hair to his back.
After a while, I eventually found myself drifting away into sleep, relaxed that Klaus was finally sleeping peacefully, still wrapped around me.
When I woke up, I was lying on my back, looking up towards the bright blue sky. I heard the rushing of water and sat up, smiling when I saw that I was on the grassy banks of the river.
"Annabelle." I turned at the now familiar voice and smiled at Finn and Kol. I stood so I could face them.
"Hi," I said. I felt a rush of affection towards Klaus's brothers. Finn walked up to me and surprised me with a kiss on the cheek. I felt myself blush with pleasure.
"Hello, Belle," Kol greeted, taking my hand to kiss it in a gentlemanly fashion. I grinned at him. Within the time the Mikaelson brothers have appeared in my dreams, Kol had developed an affection for calling me "Belle" to spite me. I took in all in good spirits, happy to have their approval.
As I looked at both of them, I realized I never really questioned them as to why they appeared in my dreams, or how it was possible I could see them. But I also acknowledged that the few times Klaus had been in these dreams, his shocked happiness in seeing his brothers had washed away any doubts or questions I had.
"How is Niklaus?" Finn asked. I furrowed my brow.
"He's…he's been experiencing nightmares," I said. Finn's face went blank, unreadable as Kol looked at me with worry.
"What do you mean?" he asked. I shook my head.
"I don't know," I admitted. "It's been happening for the past few nights. It starts with him becoming restless in his sleep, and then he's screaming and moving like he's in pain… Last night, when he woke up, it seemed like for a brief moment he didn't know who I was- or trusted that it was me."
"Trusted that it was you?" Finn repeated, his eyes sharp. I looked up into his hazel eyes.
"A few days ago, Silas attacked both of us. He made Klaus believe he staked him with some white oak stake and that he was in pain…so much pain. After, Silas started popping up out of nowhere, disguising himself as different people. First it was Professor Shane- the guy who was teaching Bonnie Bennett Expression- then Caroline… He even tried to get into my head by posing as my older brother," I explained. The brother exchanged a look.
"So you believe that Silas is making Niklaus have these nightmares where you're…hurt?" Finn asked slowly. I nodded.
"I think Silas is really, well for lack of a better word, fucking with Klaus's head. He wants him to find the cure and bring it to him, or else."
"Or else what?" Kol demanded. I shrugged helplessly, looking at both of them.
"I have no idea. I just have a feeling it's bad- really bad. And if Klaus thinks he's going to go after me to get revenge on Klaus from not listening to him. That might explain why Silas is using me to get to Klaus in this way."
"You're his weakness," Finn said softly. I lowered my gaze, biting my lip to will away the prick of tears in the back of my eyes.
"I don't know what to do," I said thickly. I felt a gentle hand lift my chin up. Finn gazed down at me, his expression now soft.
"If there's one thing I know about Klaus- it's that he'll protect his family, no matter what cost. You're part of this family now, dear Annabelle. Niklaus would die before he'd let Silas lay a hand on you." My eyes filled.
"But I can't let him do that. I can't lose him, Finn," I said. Finn then cradled me to his chest, soothing me in a big brother fashion. With that, I began crying.
"You have to be strong," Finn murmured. "Be strong for him." I pulled back to look up at the eldest Mikaelson and nodded. I felt a hand run down my hair and turned to see Kol smiling easily at me.
"Give Silas hell, Belle," he said. I laughed, despite my tears.
"That rhymed," I teased, brushing at my damp cheeks. Kol grinned.
"I know," he boasted. I turned to look back at Finn, who was watching me with a small smile pulling at his lips.
"You're quite the match for Niklaus, Annabelle," he told me. "You're very different from the women he used to pursue. You are quite a warrior. And I believe that soon, you'll need to stand by Niklaus's side to fight in this war." Again, I nodded.
"I'll be strong," I whispered. Finn reached up to stroke my cheek.
"I know you will."
My eyes fluttered open and I saw that the sun was filtering in through the doors leading to the balcony. I could hear the birds and the wind and sighed softly.
"Anna?" I looked down and saw Klaus was still lying against my chest, expect now his chin was resting on my breastbone and his eyes were fixed on mine.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, running a hand through his short, messy curls. His blue eyes went soft.
"Better now," he said. I give him a small smile. Klaus shifted slightly and I felt a bolt of heat shoot up my spine at our skin to skin contact. His eyes darkened and he smirked mischievously at me.
Slowly, he moved between my thighs and crawled up my body. I bit my lip, trying not to whimper. Klaus leaned in, teasing me with soft kisses. I arched against him and reached for him with my hands.
Klaus quickly snatched my hands and pinned them above my hand. He smiled evilly at me.
"Oh no, you don't," he scolded softly. I narrowed my eyes at him, wriggling beneath him, pleased to feel he was aroused as I am.
Klaus leaned in again and kissed me deeply. I parted my lips as his tongue could glide along mine. I groaned at his taste.
Reluctantly, I pulled back, clenching his shoulders to prevent him from moving. I look him in the eye with concern.
"I'm not overly fond of that look, love," Klaus muttered, giving me a wary look. I sigh, knowing I have to ask.
"Klaus, please tell me about these nightmares."
Klaus stared at me with dark eyes. Then he released a breath, shifting so he was sitting beside me on the bed. I scooted up so we were side by side.
"There not much to tell," he began. "I'm in the forest, running. I'm afraid…" His eyes dart over to me. "I'm more afraid than I've ever felt. Then I hear you screaming. I first see you covered in blood, then…" His voice hitched very slightly. "Then you're lying on the forest floor, dead, before you look at me and asking why I didn't help you. I hear you say my name again and you're standing before me…" This time when he glances at me, his eyes are full of uncertainty.
"Please," I beseech quietly, taking his hand in mine. Klaus took a deep breath.
"You're standing before me, pregnant. Then you scream and fall to the ground, demanding for me to help you," he finishes. His gaze is now hesitant. I blink, absorbing everything slowly. I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder.
"Wow," I breathe.
"Wow," he repeats, his voice a little disgruntled. "Is that all you have to say?" I frown a little, looking at him. His eyes are tense, his lips pressed in a flat line. I reach up to stroke his cheek gently.
"Am I supposed to start running for the hills?" I challenged. To my relief, that got a flicker of humor into his eyes.
"I doubt you're the one to run from a fight, my Anna," he said. Klaus reached over and pulled me onto his lap, stroking a hand up and down my leg. I pressed my forehead into the crook of his neck and fiddled with his necklace.
"No," I agreed. "I'm going to fight with you." Klaus gasped and pulled me back to look me in the eyes.
"Over my-," I interrupted him by placing a finger over his lips. He glared at me.
"You weren't really going to say 'my dead body', were you?" I asked sardonically, raising a brow. Klaus scoffed against my hand and rolled his eyes at my attempted humor.
I gave him a grin and rolled out of bed. He raised a questioning brow at me and I smiled wider.
"Come on," I urged. "Let's go do something today."
"What did you have in mind, sweetheart?" Klaus asked with a smile as he stood. He ran his hands down my arms and pressed a kiss to my lips.
"Picnic," I said simply, kissing him again.
Ooo0ooO
(Charlie's POV)
Hey, this is Charlie. Leave a message.
"Charlie? It's Meredith. Where are you? I've been calling… Is everything okay?"
I stared blankly at the hotel room wall, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Hey, this is Charlie. Leave a message.
"Charlie? Please call me… I'm getting worried about you. Did something happen? Is Anna okay? Please, Charlie."
The sun was hitting me through the window, but I didn't feel it. I absently stared at the dust specks floating around in its rays.
Hey, this is Charlie. Leave a message.
"Char-,"
I clicked the phone off, tossing it behind me. I sighed, running my hands through my hair.
Meredith had been calling me constantly over the past few days, but I didn't have the balls to pick up the phone. I curled my lip.
"Our history teacher, Mr. Saltzman…he sort of had a thing with Dr. Fell." I growled with annoyance, standing so I could pace in the small room.
My phone rang again, but this time it was Anna.
"Hey," I said, sitting down again.
"Charlie! Are you okay?" Anna demanded. I rolled my eyes. I could almost see her eyes narrowing bossily at me.
"Fine," I replied.
"Liar," Anna snapped. "What's wrong and why do you sound like someone killed your favorite puppy?" I snorted at her.
"It's nothing, Anna," I said reassuringly. "Nothing I can't handle."
"Is it about Meredith?" she asked, her voice quieter. I winced a little, uneasy with how quickly she could see through me.
"Yeah," I huffed.
"Do you want me to come over?"
"No, you enjoy your day with your boyfriend or whatever," I replied.
"Or whatever," she repeated, her voice laced with humor. I chuckled.
"I'll stop by later, if that's okay," I said.
"Of course," Anna said, her eye rolling obvious over the phone.
"See ya."
"Don't mope around, Charles."
"Good bye, Anna," I hiss, hanging up right when she began to laugh. I roll my eyes. My sister really drove me nuts sometimes.
I stood and decided to head down to the Grill for some grub and beer. I opened the door and froze.
Meredith stood there, her hand poised to knock. I immediately got a flash back to the night of our first date when she caught me in the same position.
She gave me a hesitant smile which I did not return. It slipped from her face as she regarded me with cautious brown-black eyes.
"You weren't returning my calls," she said in a quiet voice. I clenched my jaw.
"Been busy," I said curtly. She blinked then furrowed her brow.
"Charlie, what's been going on with you lately?"
"Look, Meredith, I don't want-," I stopped as she lifted a hand to interrupt me.
"I don't want any excuses, Charlie. I just want an explanation," Meredith demanded. I sighed, running a hand through my already messy hair. I stepped back so she could enter the dingy room.
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
I watched as Annabelle prepared the lunch for our picnic. She was making tiny sandwiches, along with a platter of fruits and cheeses. She gave me a brilliant smile as I tucked a bottle of champagne in the hamper she set on the kitchen counter.
"Let me go change," she said when she was done. She dashed away and I chuckled, shaking my head.
When she returned a few minutes later, she was wearing a soft peach colored sundress, topped with a small denim jacket. She wore a pair of matching flats on her feet. Her hair was loose and flowing down her back in chocolate waves. She gave me a shy smile when she saw I was staring.
"You look beautiful," I said. Anna giggled and I felt myself smile at the musical sound.
We decided to keep it simple and picnic at our favorite spot at the river. Anna spread a checkered blanket over the soft green grass and I placed the hamper down. Anna sat; curling her legs against her while I placed myself beside her.
She pulled out the sandwiches and fruit/cheese platter, unwrapping it from the clear wrap she had placed over it.
A few hours passed as Annabelle and I enjoyed our lunch together. Once the food was gone, we enjoyed our champagne. She leaned against me, cradled between my legs as I pressed a kiss to her shoulder.
"I love this place," Anna mused, her eyes drifting towards the sky.
"You never miss home?" I asked, resting my cheek against hers. I felt her smile.
"This is my home now." She turned her sweet gaze to me. "Right here." She pressed a kiss to my cheek.
"I could stay here forever," she murmured, resting her head back against my chest.
Forever, echoed through my head. I felt panic pierce through my chest.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
The sudden tingle of fear that brushed up my spine had me stiffening in Klaus's arms. I looked over at him with alarm.
"Klaus?" I asked. His eyes seemed a little wide, despite his dark, serious expression.
"Forever," he said- no, spat. I raised a confused brow at him.
Then I nearly fell against the ground when Klaus stood up abruptly to pace. He ran a hand through his hair.
"Klaus, what is it? What's wrong?" I asked, lost. His eyes flashed back to me, nearly black with distress and tension.
Holy shit, I thought, eyes widening. Something was really eating at him.
When he didn't answer and kept pacing, I stood up and walked over to him. I grabbed his arm and forced him to turn to look at me.
"Klaus, please!" I exclaimed.
"Forever," he hissed, as if that was the only answer I needed.
"Please be more specific than that," I said, exasperated.
"Don't you see, Annabelle? We can't have forever!" Klaus shouted. I flinched, staring at him with huge eyes.
"What do you mean?" I said, hating how small my voice sounded. Klaus's eyes hardened.
"Annabelle, I am an immortal Hybrid. I am over a thousand years old and I will probably live for another thousand- all problems aside. And you…you're…" I froze when I finally realized where he was headed.
"I'm not immortal," I whispered. Klaus just stared, eyes blazing.
"Oh," I breathed. I felt like my world was suddenly turned upside down and crashing down on me.
Ooo0ooO
(Charlie's POV)
Meredith turned and raised an expectant brow at me. I motioned for her to sit, which she did, looking cool and professional. But I could tell from the flush of pink in her cheeks, the rapid beat of her heart and the look in her eyes she was anything but cool.
"Matt told me about Saltzman," I said. I almost frowned- I didn't really mean to blurt that out. But it was too late to take it back. Meredith's expression clouded for a moment.
"What about him?" she asked slowly.
"Were you guys together?" I asked sharply, ignoring her question. Meredith's eyes narrowed for a moment.
"Jealousy is unbecoming of you, Charlie," she snapped. I glared.
"I am not jealous," I growled. When she scoffed, I bared my teeth in frustration.
"Alaric-,"
"Oh now he's Alaric," I muttered. Meredith glared then continued.
"Alaric and I never were in a relationship… There might have been something there once upon a time but that's the past."
"What, is he a hit and run kind of guy?" I snarled. Meredith gave me a cold, cold look.
"He's dead."
I froze at her quiet, icy words. I looked over at her and she was stiff with waves of anger, hurt and sadness rolling off her. I winced.
"Shit, Meredith-"
"Save it, Charlie," she snapped. She stood and shoved her way past me, throwing the door open. Before she left, she gave me one last cold look.
"I thought you were better than this. I guess I thought wrong." I stiffened at her words, which tore at my heart- but not as much as the hurt look in her doe eyes. I saw the unshed tears and I wanted to collapse at her feet and beg her to forgive me for being such an uncaring ass.
But instead, I watched her walk away, her heels echoing down the hallway.
"Fuck," I whispered, closing my eyes.
Swamped with guilt, I sat down on the hotel bed and buried my face in my hands, disgusted with myself.
Ooo0ooO
(Klaus's POV)
"Oh," I repeated, a snarl curling my lip. Annabelle stared at me with huge eyes that were blank.
"Is that all you have to say?" I asked bitterly. A flicker of pure terror flashes across her gray irises.
Suddenly she's slamming into me, knocking me back a few steps. I automatically grasp her in my arms. Anna wrapped herself around me, legs around my waist, arms around my neck, holding me close.
Then I heard the harsh pounding of her heart and knew- she was just as afraid as I was. It was skimming inside me, sizzling along the markings of the soul bond.
"Niklaus," she whispered, her voice almost desperate. When she pulled back, I saw the fearful look on her face.
"What are we going to do?" she asked, pressing her forehead to mine. I squeezed her gently, closing my eyes.
Deep inside me, I know there's only one answer- I would have to turn her into a Hybrid. But would she want to become one? If I turn her, would she be sired to me?
I sharply inhale. No. No I couldn't. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had to kill her to turn her into a part vampire then if she was sired to me as well…
"No," I whispered out loud. I set Annabelle down and took a step back. Her eyes widened again, but not from fear, but from hurt.
"Klaus?" she asked.
"Do you realize what I would have to do?" I demanded in a harsh whisper. She stared and nodded slightly.
"I can't," I said, my voice hitching. "Anna, I can't bear the thought of that."
"I can't bear the thought of not being with you forever," she responded in a quiet voice. I froze, nearly gaping at her.
"I can't," I repeated, stumbling back a step. Annabelle gave me a pained look.
"Klaus, please," she beseeched. "Don't." I shook my head at her rapidly.
"No, no, no," I mumbled, rubbing a hand over my eyes. I felt a hand touch my arm gently.
"No!" I roared, ripping myself away from her touch. Before Anna could do anything, I flashed into the forest.
Ooo0ooO
(Annabelle's POV)
I watched Klaus's terrified face as he pulled away from me for the second time today. I couldn't even register my own hurt as I felt his pound through me.
He flashed away into the trees, leaving me alone by the river. I felt tears fill my eyes and I sobbed, covering my mouth.
The sense of being alone began closing in on me, suffocating me. I nearly wailed, but instead I shifted and took off back towards town. There was only one person besides Klaus that I wanted to see- Charlie.
I dashed towards his hotel room and burst in without knocking, ignoring how I broke the door's lock. I stopped when I saw Charlie sitting on the bed, his head in his hands. I felt his distress oozing off of him.
His eyes snapped up and I saw the dull pain in his eyes.
"Anna?" he asked. I felt a fresh flood of tears pour down my cheeks. Charlie stood and opened his arms without saying anything else. That simple gesture broke the dam inside me.
"Oh Charlie," I cried, going into his arms. He held me tight, rubbing his hand up and down my back soothingly.
I cried in my brother's arms, my heart full of longing to be with Klaus. I felt the dull ache within me by being so far away from him… but I felt him burning through me through the soul bond. His pain, confusion and fear doubled my own, pounding through me, leaving nothing else in its wake.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: What are these nightmares all about, you ask? What will happen to Klaus and Anna? Charlie and Meredith? (side note: I need to figure out a cute way to combined their names…what do you guys suggest?)
Find out soon!
Let me know what you thought of this chapter!