Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to post! It's midterm week for me, so I'm crazy busy! Enjoy!

Chapter Forty Three: Addicted

"I wonder if you'll back down

There is no end in sight

Am I a fool to hang on,

And will we ever really get it right?

Universe, how strong am I?

Yeah I, I might be addicted

To how you always get the best of me…"

Ooo0ooO

(Elijah's POV)

I watched as Annabelle emerged from the hotel, looking around cautiously. It was very early in the morning, so the streets of New Orleans were still quiet. She stepped out into the cool air and I saw the long puffs of warm air as she breathed a sigh of relief.

She then proceeded down the streets like a woman on a mission, her pace quick and brisk. I shadowed her quietly, keeping my eye on her. She slowly made her way out of the town and into the forest around the bayou.

Once she was far enough into the thick woods, her posture relaxed and her pace slowed. To my surprise, she shifted into her wolf form, continuing to walk as a small brown wolf.

Annabelle led me unknowingly to a quiet spot by the bayou amongst the swamps that surrounded the forests. She sat herself down at the banks, her ears twitching a little at the sounds of the morning birds and the other sounds of the swamp animals- the croaking of frogs and the chirping of crickets.

Moving closer to her, I saw her ears swing back a little and her fur bristle slightly. Slowly, she turned to her head and our eyes met. Again she relaxed, looking forward again. I moved over to stand besides her, noticing she was watching the sun rise over the trees.

"I like the view in Mystic Falls better." I turned my head a little and saw she had shifted back. She was still sitting, her arms around her knees, gazing towards the sky that was slowly beginning to brighten.

"I'm sure you will be able to return there soon," I replied. Annabelle stood to step closer to me. Silence filled the air around us and I heard the quiet sound of her heartbeat along with the baby's. It was a wondrous thing, the small life this woman carried, which was to be my brother's child and my nephew or niece.

"How are you feeling this morning?" I asked, looking down at her. She smiled a little.

"Better. Now that I don't have to keep lying to anyone anymore, I feel like a burden has been taken off my shoulders. I want to meet with Klaus later to…talk." I raised a brow at her.

"Are you sure?" I asked. Anna nodded slightly.

"Yes," she said softly. "We need to talk about Marcel and Sophie and…" She didn't finish her sentence as her hands rested briefly on her stomach, her eyes distant.

"You will be a wonderful mother, Annabelle," I assured her, seeing where her thoughts were going. She looked up at me and just smiled, moving to wrap her arm around me trustingly. I put my own arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple in a brotherly fashion.

Over the past few weeks, Annabelle and I had developed a strong bond, very much like one does with a sibling. She looked towards me for guidance and protection which I provided without a second thought. I saw the strength and the light that had changed my brother within her and felt a sense of familial obligation to take care of her during this difficult time.

I knew Annabelle was secretly pleased with this, along with her cousin being here to support her as well. Even though I did not know Hayley well, I understood she was the perfect female companion Anna needed to stand by her side. The women had managed to put aside their differences to begin a tentative bond which I hoped would blossom into something strong.

We listened to the sounds of the world waking up around us as we stood watching the sun peek its golden rays over the bayou trees. I saw this as a dawning of a new day, of a new future. A future where my brother would finally find his peace and happiness within this woman and their child- in his family once again.

Ooo0ooO

(Annabelle's POV)

When my eyes opened, I was happy to see I was back in Mystic Falls. I stood and grinned, listening to the sounds of the water rushing through the river, the wind through the tall trees…

"Welcome back, Belle," Kol said from behind me. I turned, my grin stretching wider. It had been a while since I had dreamt of Kol and Finn, and I had to admit, I missed them in a weird way.

They watched me from a few feet away, Kol with a knowing smile on his face, Finn with a soft, kind expression, and I saw how he and Elijah were related. I stepped towards them.

"Hello, boys," I greeted. I saw a smile flicker over Finn's face.

"Don't you have something to tell us?" Kol demanded. I blinked before my hand shot up to my stomach protectively. My eyes widened as even in my dream, I could feel the baby's presence.

"How did you…?" I started, eyeing them. Kol chuckled.

"Just because we're dead doesn't mean we don't know what's going on between you and Niklaus," Kol said with a smirk. I raised a brow at him.

"We understand the situation," Finn said smoothly. "Just as we know you're carrying Niklaus's child."

"I don't think I'll ever get use to how you ghosts gossip with each other on the Other Side," I muttered, shaking my head.

"It's not so much as idle gossip as the passing along of knowledge," Kol replied. "Besides, we hear that the Bennett witch has been seeing Jeremy Gilbert in her dreams, when Silas isn't messing around in her head." My eyebrows shot up.

"Really?" I asked with surprise. Finn nodded.

"Sometimes we cannot explain how certain people can see those who have passed on, whether it's in visions or dreams," Finn said. "All we do know is that it's a rare occurrence."

"Enough of that," Kol sighed with impatience, taking a step towards me. "I want to talk about this." He motioned towards my lower body, his meaning clear. I nearly laughed, wondering how Rebekah thought that Klaus hated Kol when they were so much alike.

I sat down, as did the brothers, and explained to them everything that had happened throughout the past few weeks. They perked up at the sound of Elijah's name, looking pleased that he was helping out in every way he could. Finn even asked how he was, and I saw the longing in his eyes. From what I understood, Finn and Elijah had not spent a lot of time together when their family had split part, and when they were reunited, Finn's death had come too quickly for the brother's to rebuild their relationship.

"I'm going to meet with Klaus today," I concluded. "I figured he had cooled down and that's why he called."

"What will you do if Marcel finds out about the pregnancy?" Finn asked with concern. I smiled.

"I have Elijah and Hayley, I have Klaus and now I have a small group of witches led by Sophie Devereux to protect me. Marcel isn't going to hurt me or my baby," I said firmly, resting a hand on my stomach again instinctively. The brothers nodded.

"I could only imagine the look on Nik's face when he found out he was going to be a father," Kol said, chuckling. I smiled faintly.

"He was…surprised," I replied. Then I felt a familiar tug and saw the trees begin to slowly fade from sight. I looked at the brothers.

"I'm waking up," I told them. They stood and Finn helped me up with a gentle hand. I couldn't resist hugging both of them.

"Good luck," they told me. I smiled again and waved as they disappeared.

I felt myself still smiling when my eyes opened. I felt comforted, feeling like I was safe in my dreams as well as when I was awake thanks to the Mikaelson men.

I felt a longing to go walking in the woods so I headed out into the bayou. I wasn't surprised when Elijah showed up, I figured he would stay true to his word when he said he would watch over and protect me.

When Elijah and I had grown close, I had told him about my dreams with Finn and Kol. His reaction has been similar to Klaus's, his shock and disbelief tangible. He eventually came to accept this fact and a few times I saw a certain sadness reflecting in his eyes, just like the sadness I had seen in Finn's eyes in my last dream. I knew deep down all of them had wanted to be reunited somehow, despite their doubts and concerns over the consequences of that happening. Despite all the trouble the Mikaelson family had been through, they had always remained strong and true to each other, choosing family even through the betrayals and hardships. I had to admire and respect that.

Eventually, Elijah walked me back to the hotel, telling me he would be watching over me from a distance today. I laughed, saying I didn't doubt it, before heading to my room to get ready for the day.

I found myself wondering where Klaus was staying as I brushed out my hair. I figured since he was trying to get back on Marcel's good side he was staying with him, but it made me sort of sad that he hadn't returned to the hotel room I had rented for the both of us at all.

I selected a pale blue sundress with large, deep pink roses to wear, along with a soft brown belt to go along my waist and white sandals. I pulled back my hair in the front so it fell down my back neatly and kept my makeup light and natural.

I slipped on small, baby pink rose earrings as well as Klaus's necklace and Charlie's bracelet. I pulled on a tissue thin, white cardigan to complete the look and headed out onto the streets again.

I kept my eyes open when I wove my way down Bourbon Street, watching for any of Marcel's day walkers or even Marcel himself. All I could smell in the crowd was humans and a few witches, along with the regular smell of food, beer and sweat.

I made my way to the bar Sophie worked at, entering through the back door instead of the front so I could tell Sophie about my plan for the day.

"You want to what?" Sophie demanded when I finished talking. I sighed a little, struggling not to roll my eyes at her.

"I want to talk to Klaus. You know, my mate and the father of my child," I said impatiently. Sophie glared at me, placing her hands on her hips disapprovingly.

"I don't think that's wise, especially if Klaus is going to be close to Marcel. If Marcel finds out about any of this, he'll kill us all despite you guys being buddy-buddy." I clenched my jaw.

"I get it, Sophie. I'll be careful, just please let me talk to him." I lifted my arm so she could see the blue lines of the soul bond.

"See this? This is the symbol of the soul bond I share with Klaus. Everything I feel, he feels and vice versa. And right now, we both are desperate to see each other. It's not right for mates to be separated like this for so long, even if it is just a few days. It hurts both of us." Sophie examined my arm and the markings.

"Fine," she conceded. "Just make sure Elijah or Hayley is watching after you." I nodded.

"Elijah's already keeping an eye on me," I told her. Sophie looked around the bar and sure enough, Elijah sat alone in the far corner booth, watching both of us intently. He lifted his glass when he saw our stares and I smiled while Sophie nodded stiffly back.

"I'll be fine," I reassured her. Sophie gave me a searing, unsure look before turning back to her cooking. I sighed again and looked at Elijah, rolling my eyes. I could almost hear his soft chuckling from across the bar.

Ooo0ooO

(Klaus's POV)

I felt my anticipation growing as the day progressed. Marcel had tentatively accepted my apology and granted me permission to join his group of followers after I had healed Jerry with my blood. But all I could think about was seeing Annabelle later.

We had made plans to meet at the bar we found Marcel at for a late lunch. I wondered where she was at the moment, if she was all right…

"Man, where are you at?" I turned at Marcel's voice and smiled slowly.

"Far away," I said easily. Marcel laughed, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

"Where's Annabelle? I haven't seen her since the other night!" Marcel exclaimed, acting as if he was insulted.

"She's around, I suppose. Exploring the sights," I lied smoothly. Marcel grinned.

"Yeah, she's a big girl, huh? She can handle herself in a town of vampires," Marcel said, this time his tone indicating a warning, which said: If I can drive out the werewolves, I can drive her out as well.

"Indeed," I said. "I'm going to meet her later, if you don't mind." I forced the words out, hating out submissive I had to act in front of him. Everything inside me was howling to show my dominance over the vampire.

"Sure, sure, no problem. You go spend time with your lady," Marcel said with another grin before he walked away. I waited until he was out of sight to roll my eyes.

When I left to walk towards the bar Anna and I had agreed to meet at, I noticed two vampires trailing behind me in the crowd. It was getting easier to spot them, since they were not subtle in blending in among the humans. They gave themselves away with little movements, things that weren't obvious to the human eye, but very obvious to me.

I managed to evade them, slipping through some side streets to shake them off my trail. I knew there was a possibility that there would be a few at the bar I was heading towards but now my thoughts were only focused on one thing- a certain brunette werewolf with gray eyes.

The first thing I heard while walking down the street towards the bar was someone singing. And it wasn't just anyone. I recognized the soft, beautiful voice, the same voice that had sung to me so many times before in my mansion as well as in my car.

I walked into the bar and saw that there was a huge crowd surrounding the stage. There were a few men playing instruments on the stage- one the piano, the other the drums, another the guitar.

Annabelle stood on the stage in front of the band, framed by the spotlight as she began singing into the microphone.

"Picture perfect memories, scattered all around the floor

Reaching for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore…"

The crowd grew quiet as the man playing the guitar quietly began singing with Annabelle, his voice only shadowing hers.

"And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time…"

Her hands reached up to grip the mike as her eyes met mine from across the bar. Even from a distance, I saw her eyes warm and a smile stretch across her face.

"It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone

And I need you now

Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control

And I need you now

And I don't know how I can do without

I just need you now…"

I moved closer to her, drawn in by her voice like a sailor to a siren's song. She stood in the light, glowing, her body swaying a little to the music.

"Another shot of whiskey, can't stop looking at the door

Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time…"

Her voice rose, matching along with the guitar player's, as the music flowed along.

"It's a quarter after one and I'm a little drunk

And I need you now

Said I wouldn't call, but I lost all control

And I need you now

And I don't know how I could do without

I just need you now…"

Then the music faded a little as Anna stepped forward, her eyes looking down into mine.

"Yes, I'd rather hurt then feel nothing at all…"

And the sound of the instruments rose again as she sang alone.

"And I don't know how I could live without,

I just need you now

I just need you now…"

Her eyes closed as the song came to a close.

"Oh baby, I need you now…"

The crowd erupted into cheers as her voice drifted away along with the piano's music. Anna opened her eyes and smiled beautifully, stepping away from the microphone to give the crowd a slight wave.

Offering her my hand, I helped her down from the stage. I felt the jolt of warmth and electricity that came from her touch and I realized how much I missed the simple contact.

Annabelle released my hand, her eyes focused on her feet before she looked up to meet my eyes shyly. She gave me an equally shy smile.

"Hi," she said softly.

Ooo0ooO

(Annabelle's POV)

Klaus didn't answer me; he just gave me a gentle smile before taking my hand again. He led me out of the noisy bar onto the noisier streets. I nearly shivered at his warm touch, realizing how much I had missed it.

"Where are we going?" I asked. Klaus looked over at me, giving me a cheeky smirk while tilting his head side to side.

"Here and there," he replied. I furrowed my brow but grinned.

"You're not the one to usually be so mysterious," I commented. Klaus's gaze slid towards me again, his eyes warm with amusement.

"No, that title still goes to you," he said. My smile faltered a little as I felt a twinge of guilt. I looked down at the ground, suddenly unable to hold Klaus's gaze.

We walked towards the outskirts of town, heading out into the bayou. We came across a lazy river winding its way through the trees, where a small rowboat waited for us. I looked at Klaus with surprise.

"Come along," he said in response to my confused look. He helped me into the small boat, pushing it into the water. With an easy move, he leaped from the short into the boat, causing it to rock a little.

Looking up, I saw the clear blue sky peering through the large willow trees. White puffy clouds dotted the vast stretch of sky and the sun was nearing its peak, filtering through the trees.

"I discovered this place when I lived in New Orleans many years ago," Klaus said, rowing us along the water smoothly. I eyed the bunching of his arm and shoulder muscles, feeling my desire stirring.

"I use to escape here to be alone when I wanted to get away from the family. It was the only place I could go where I didn't have to worry about anything… I want to show you it." I smiled, smoothing my dress.

Klaus took us down the small river which wove its way down the bayou. I saw alligators lounging in the sun along with an assortment of lizards and frogs. Birds of all colors darted around in the trees and the sounds of insects singing filled the air. I inhaled, enjoying the smell of the heat and the sultry scent of flowers.

The boat slowed down as we reached a canopy of trees whose branches were dripping thickly with moss, creating a curtain-like effect. Klaus reached out and parted the moss and I gasped.

On the river banks sat an old cottage, mostly constructed of dark wood, surrounded by trees. Moss and vines covered in large white flowers crawled its way up the house's walls, making it look almost like something out of a fairy tale.

When I told Klaus that, he laughed lightly.

"It was built hundreds of years ago. I imagine it was used as a place for traveler's to stay while they made their way to New Orleans along the river. It has been abandoned for quite some time now… I don't believe anyone has stayed here since I left. I came back a few times since we've been here to clean it up a bit," he said, gazing at it with a small smile on his lips.

"Can we go inside?" I asked. Klaus looked over at me and began rowing again, pulling us towards the shore.

When we reached the shore, Klaus helped me out of the boat. I stood with my hands on my hips, surveying the outside of the house. Klaus motioned for me to follow him.

He pushed the old door open and I stepped inside. It was a little damp and there was moss growing on the inside. It was just one large room really, consisting of a large fireplace, an old table and two chairs as well as a small bed on the far side of the room. There were only a few windows, all without glass, two facing in the front of the house and two in the back.

"Klaus, this is perfect," I said, turning to smile at him. "Did you stay here a lot?"

"Yes." I tilted my head to the side a little.

"You were alone," I said as more of a statement then a question.

"I told you that," he replied, placing his hands behind his back. I frowned a little, walking around. I saw a few cobwebs but other than that the place seemed relatively untouched.

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked.

Klaus stepped forward slowly and I stiffened a little when I saw his gaze lower to my stomach. I held my breath as he reached out, almost hesitantly, before his fingers brushed the fabric of my dress. He stepped closer, his eyes intent, before he firmly pressed his hand against my lower abdomen, right below my belly button.

Unable to move, I stared up at him while we stood in the middle of the aging cottage under the sun. Klaus's face remained set, expressionless, as silence enveloped us.

I could feel my heart pounding and my blood rushing through my veins. I could also feel the warmth of Klaus's hand burning through my dress on my skin, lying right above where our baby slept quietly. Its tiny, fluttery heartbeat echoed quietly and I knew Klaus could feel the soft pulsations.

"Oh," Klaus sighed softly after a moment.

Taking a chance, I lifted my hands to cover his. I saw his shoulders relax slightly as his expression softened. I felt hope swelling inside me and I squeezed his hand.

"It's really there, isn't it?" he murmured, half to himself.

"Ours," I whispered. Finally, his eyes shot up to look into mine. They burned a deep midnight blue as I felt his clashing emotions fill me.

"Ours," he repeated softly.

Ooo0ooO

(Klaus's POV)

I felt my world turn upside down yet again as I pressed my palm to Annabelle's flat stomach. I had been in a state of denial ever since I first heard the quiet heartbeat coming from inside of her but now…

Now I stood in front of her, with that same heartbeat filling the air, the feeling of its life pumping through her skin, brushing my hand.

And despite all my doubts and all my fears, I let myself enjoy the moment of pure happiness that bloomed from the simple feeling of my child's heartbeat. Its quiet beat was the sweetest music as it echoed its mother's heart.

Finally I looked up into my mate's eyes and saw them swimming in tears. Her cheeks were flushed a bright rose and her lips were curved into a smile that spoke everything unsaid.

Feeling weak in the knees, I moved to sit down in one of the chairs, drawing Annabelle over to me. She gazed down at me, running a hand down my cheek. I sighed and turned my head to kiss her palm.

Then I laid my cheek against her stomach, feeling Anna's jolt of surprise, as I listened. I could hear the baby's heart more clearly and felt myself smiling.

"Perfect," I murmured. A drop landed on my forehead and I looked up to see Annabelle quietly crying. She blushed again as she brushed her tears away.

"I'm sorry, I just thought… I just…" she trailed off. I pulled her down so she could sit on my lap, her head resting on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Anna said quietly. She moved to look at me with a mixture of sadness and guilt.

"I should have told you about this. I was so scared when I found out but I didn't know how you would react. I realize it was stupid of me to think that but everything has been moving so fast between us… I didn't know what to do." I opened my mouth but she pressed a finger to my lips, her eyes pleading.

"When I found out I was pregnant, I began to distance myself from you, not because I wanted to but because I needed time to figure things out. Elijah, Charlie and even Hayley were there for me. I regret going to practically everyone before I came to you but… I just had to make sure I could protect this baby in every way possible."

"Protect it from me then," I said flatly. Anna's eyes darkened as she snatched my hand to press it to her stomach again.

"No," she stated. "To protect it from anyone who might want to hunt it down. Klaus, no one knows how this pregnancy will turn out for me or for the baby. You're the first Hybrid, as well as an Original Vampire and I'm a werewolf. No one has stories or books to go off of about this. No one, not even the witches, know if our baby will be a Hybrid or a werewolf."

"People might see our baby as a threat," she continued. "You of all people must understand that. You were part of the reason the Sun and the Moon Curse was created. The other witches might not see reason when they hear the Original Hybrid fathered a child."

"No one would dare hurt you," I growled. "Or this baby." Anna's eyes softened as she rested her forehead against mine.

"I know, but that still hasn't stopped some," she said. I stared at her.

"Silas," I hissed. "Were you with child when he attacked you?"

"Yes," she whispered, closing her eyes. "I believe our baby was conceived about a week after Hayley and I discovered we were cousins. But I didn't know then, not until a few weeks passed."

"A few weeks," I repeated. Anna winced.

"If there was one thing I could change, it would be to tell you the second I knew."

"How did you know?"

"It wasn't me as much as my wolf," she explained. "I guess I instinctively sensed it and my wolf took over for the most part." I sighed, rubbing my hand across her stomach very gently.

"What are we going to do?" I asked. Annabelle laughed, wrapping her arms around my neck to bury her face in the crook of my neck.

"I have no idea," she replied softly.

Ooo0ooO

(Annabelle's POV)

Klaus and I talked for a few more hours inside the cottage before we decided to head back into town. So we left our quiet, safe haven to reenter the streets of the Quarter.

I felt lighter as I walked, my hand firmly in Klaus's, relieved and happy that everything was working out well. We still had to be careful with Marcel and his day walkers, as well as other witches, but right now none of that mattered.

Elijah appeared out of nowhere, standing in front of us with his hands in his pockets. He nodded at both of us.

"Elijah," Klaus said coolly. Elijah inclined his head, eyeing our joined hands.

"So I assume everything has been settled between you two?" he asked, his dark eyes focusing more on me.

"It looks like you're going to be an uncle," Klaus said, giving Elijah a slight smirk. Elijah's mouth turned up slightly.

"Indeed, it would seem so," he agreed. He looked at his brother.

"Will you be staying the night with Annabelle or shall I watch over her?" he asked. Klaus looked down at me and I smiled softly up at him.

"I think Marcel can live without me for one night," Klaus replied quietly. Elijah nodded and bided us good night before disappearing just as quickly as he appeared.

Klaus and I went up to the hotel room, scanning for any signs of Marcel's men. I then headed into the bathroom to change and wash my face. I heard Klaus make a call in the other room while I brushed my hair and my teeth. I could only make out some of the things he was saying over the flow of the sink water.

"Yes… No, Hayley can watch her… There's something I need to do… I need your help… Yes… I appreciate it, Elijah… Thank you, brother… Yes… Good night."

I walked out of the bathroom, sitting down on the bed. Klaus was standing in front of the window facing the streets of New Orleans, as he placed his phone down on the table besides him. He turned and smiled, moving over to me.

"Why did you call Elijah?" I asked as he laid on the bed beside me. He shook his head, giving me a small smile.

"You'll see," he replied. I sighed, lying against the pillows. I heard Klaus shift before he pressed his ear to my lower stomach again. I smiled, running a hand through his hair.

"Ah," he sighed, almost blissfully.

And for a long time, we laid like that as the day turned into night. We listened to the wondrous sound of our baby's heart, both of us lost in our own thoughts about the future.

Eventually, I slipped away into sleep, keeping my hand curled in Klaus's hair as if to reassure myself he was there. And right before I fell completely asleep, I thought I heard him murmur something.

"I swear, no matter what, I will love and protect you. Both of you, always."

Ooo0ooO

Author's Note: Any guesses what the phone call to Elijah was about? I hope you guys liked this chapter.

Let me know what you thought of it!