Author's Note: Let's go home to Mystic Falls, kids! Many surprises await us there!
Chapter Forty Five: You and Only You
"Baby, once upon a time
There was a million stars up high
Now you're the only light I see
And I don't care which way we go
Teach me everything you know, everything a love should be…
You and only you, you make my heart feel like you're pulling every string,
You and only you, you make me drop down to my knees and give this ring,
My everything…"
Ooo0ooO
I stood beside Finn, eyes closed, listening intently.
"Welcome back. It was our deaths that allowed this day to come to pass. Massacres performed in the name of resurrecting the immortal Silas… Twelve Hybrids, twelve witches… the slaughter of innocents by the so called heroes, protectors of Mystic Falls. They risked unleashing Hell on Earth for their own selfish gains! And today… That's exactly what they're going to get."
My eyes snapped open as I gasped. I looked up at the eldest Mikaelson in utter shock. Finn's face was grim.
"It seems my brother has been plotting behind my back while being on the Other Side," he said gravely. I continued to stare at him, replaying the scene Finn showed me over and over again in my head.
When the veil had been lifted, Finn had returned to the land of the living, hoping to make amends with his family. He started out in Mystic Falls to see Rebekah but had noticed Kol before realizing Kol was plotting something, something that would not end well.
So he came to me. Somehow, he managed to move on, disappearing again even with the veil being wide open. He found me in my dream and again, somehow, showed me the chilling scene of Kol talking on a graduation podium, in front of twenty four vengeful supernatural beings.
He offered no explanation to how he could show me this, or how he managed to move on, but he speculated it was the witches on the Other Side. He explained it was possible they knew our intentions, as well as Kol's, and set out to help us in any way possible.
At this rate, I had no room to argue. If the witches were going to help, I wasn't going to say anything except a silent thanks.
I turned to Finn again. "What do you think we can do?"
He shrugged, his brows furrowing as he thought about it. "All I know is that you need the Bennett witch to close the veil."
"You don't want to come back," I murmured. Finn shook his head slowly.
"No. Despite my death being an untimely event, I have made my peace with the circumstances. I don't have any intention of living only to avenge my death, like Kol is doing. He doesn't understand, he's young." When I scoffed, Finn's lips twitched.
"Young in his heart and his mind," Finn amended. "He was killed at such a young age by our father and never truly matured, even after a thousand years. All he knows is death and being killed and that's how he will lash out." I nodded, understanding.
"All I ask of you, Annabelle," Finn said, turning to take my hand. "Is to be careful. If you return to Mystic Falls, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but your child as well." I smiled gently at Finn, admiring his pure heart.
"I know. I will be careful, Finn, I can give you my word on that. I'm tired of waking up in the hospital." Finn smiled.
"Well, I believe you must do that at least a few more things," he said warmly. I laughed, resting a hand on my stomach. I stepped up and kissed Finn on the cheek.
"Thank you," I said. Finn's hazel eyes were gentle as he squeezed my hand one last time.
I opened my eyes slowly, sighing as I felt the sun's warm rays on my face. I saw the window was open, letting the soft breeze inside. I smiled at the view of the sky, the trees, and the clouds.
"Nice digs." I froze at the sound of the familiar voice. I turned my head and gaped at the sight of my brother leaning against the door frame with an easy smile on his face.
"Charlie," I whispered in shock. Charlie's smile widened to a grin, his eyes dancing.
"Hey, Anna," he replied. He moved over to my bedside, sitting down next to me. I blinked before throwing my arms around him, holding him tightly. Charlie laughed and hugged me gently back.
Looking over his shoulder, I saw Klaus standing just beyond the doorway. He stood with his arms behind his back with a pleased smirk on his face. I felt a surge of love, knowing he was the one who brought Charlie here.
"Thank you," I mouthed. Klaus's smirk deepened.
"I love you," he mouthed back. I smiled, feeling a slight blush tinge my cheeks as I turned my face into my brother's neck. Charlie pulled away, his gray eyes looking me over.
"You okay? You and… what was it, Junior?" Charlie asked. I laughed, covering my face with a hand.
"It's just a nickname until Klaus and I can pick out a name for the baby," I explained sheepishly.
"I dunno, Klaus Jr. has a ring to it," Hayley said, walking into the room. Charlie stood and gave her a hug. I stifled a laugh at Hayley's surprised and pleased face.
"How's it going, Hayley?" Charlie asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Hayley tilted her head from side to side.
"It's going," she replied, before looking over at me. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better," I said. "What about you?" Hayley rolled her green-hazel eyes.
"Bored of being stuck in this hospital," she retorted with no real bite in her tone.
"Which is why," Elijah said, entering the room like Hayley did, carrying a small suitcase. His gaze focused in on my.
"We are all leaving to go on a little road trip," he finished, placing the suitcase on the ground next to the bed. I looked at him with confusion.
"What do you mean?" I asked. I saw Charlie grin again.
"You're going home, Anna," Charlie said. My eyes widened as I felt my heart leap in my chest. I looked at Elijah again, jaw slack.
"Klaus is waiting for you downstairs. He has instructed me to tell you to change and make yourself pretty- not that you already aren't- and to meet him outside," Elijah said. I didn't need any more encouragement.
Leaping out of bed, I grabbed the suitcase to throw it on the bed in one smooth movement. I paused, realizing something. I turned to look at the other three, who were wearing a variety of amused expressions.
"What about you guys?" I asked.
"Hayley and I are staying here to keep an eye on the witches and Marcel," Elijah said. "Charlie will be following you back to Mystic Falls."
"Can't let you have all the fun," Charlie teased. I grinned at him.
"Of course not," I agreed.
When I walked out of the hospital, I was wearing a soft blue button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows, beige shorts and matching shoes. I wore a beige fedora as well, which sported a strip of blue cloth around the base. My eyes were shaded with my favorite pair of sunglasses.
I heard the purr of a car engine and gawked openly as Klaus pulled up in front of the hospital of a sleek, black convertible Audi R8. His face was so smug; I could feel his ego from where I stood. I began laughing.
"Is something funny, sweetheart?" Klaus said, getting out of the car. I coughed a little to mask my snickering. Klaus walked up to me to take my suitcase out of my hands. He reached over and pulled his necklace out from under my shirt, laying it against my breastbone for everyone to see. I noticed his was outside out his shirt as well. I shrugged a little in my head.
"You," I replied to his question. I looked up at him with humor, smiling. "I see you found a new shiny toy." Klaus chuckled, pressing his lips to mine.
"Why shouldn't we arrive home in style?" he asked. I giggled, walking beside him to the car. He opened my door for me and I slide into the leather seats. I eyed the fancy sound system before fiddling with the dials and buttons, turning on the radio to find something to listen to.
Klaus slid into the seat next to me, glancing over his shoulder briefly.
"It seems Charlie found an equally shiny toy of his own," Klaus commented, his voice fading away to the sound of an engine roar. I turned in my seat and nearly choked.
Charlie sat behind us in a black Corvette, looking just as smug as Klaus did. I rolled my eyes at him.
"I figured he would get more of a muscle car," I said.
"I heard that!" Charlie called. I laughed, turning to face forward again. I looked over at Klaus with a wide smile.
"Let's go," I urged.
"Your wish is my command," he replied, pulling away from the curb smoothly.
A few hours into our trip, I found myself blasting the radio, singing along to whatever song would come on. I enjoyed the wing ripping through my hair, tearing it from the ponytail I had it in at the start of the trip.
"Do you think about me when you're all alone?
The things we used to do, we used to be
I could be the one to make you feel that way,
I could be the one to set you free…"
I lifted my arms above my head, unable to stop the carefree laughter that rolled out of me. Klaus looked over at me in amusement as I moved in my seat to the beat of the song.
"Do you think about me when the crowd is gone?
It used to be so easy, you and me
I could be the one to make you feel that way,
I could be the one to set you free…
When you need a way to beat the pressure down,
When you need to find a way to breathe,
I could be the one to make you feel that way,
I could be the one to set you free…"
I tilted my head back to the sky, watching as the clouds flew by. I closed my eyes, smiling, resting a hand on my stomach as I absorbed the sun's rays and the beat of the song, the rumble of the car…
"If you never see me when the crowd is gone,
It used to be so easy, can't you see?
I could be the one to make you feel that way,
I could be the one to set you free…"
Suddenly, my phone started buzzing like crazy from calls and text messages from Caroline. I raised my brow as Klaus's phone started ringing as well.
"Are you going to answer that?" I asked dryly. Klaus gave me an equally dry look.
"I could ask you the same thing. Besides, I'm driving," he said. I snorted at him. Reaching over, I slid my fingers across his leg, down into his pocket slowly. I heard his low gasp and saw the heated look he shot me. I smiled slowly as I took his phone out of his pocket.
There were multiple missed calls and text messages from Caroline as well. She even left one irate voicemail.
"Klaus, now is not the time to start ignoring me just because you're off in New Orleans with your girlfriend! I'm going to call you every ten minutes until you get your ass here to save Damon's life," she hissed before hanging up. I frowned.
"Damon?" Klaus and I repeated together. I scrolled through the text messages on Klaus's phone before listening to the less angry, more desperate voicemails on my own phone. Klaus listened in when I played the voicemails. I felt myself growing more and more worried as I listened to what was going on in Mystic Falls.
"Kol is behind this," I said softly, partly to myself, when I was done absorbing the story. Klaus reached over and took my hand.
"Annabelle," Klaus began but I shook my head, interrupting him.
"No, no, don't. I get it. I… I had a dream last night and Finn was there." Klaus looked over at me sharply and I told him everything that happened. When I was finished, he looked just as grim as Finn had.
"Kol was always a troublemaker," was all he said before pressing down on the gas, shooting the car forward towards Mystic Falls.
Ooo0ooO
When Annabelle and I arrived back in Mystic Falls, Charlie immediately parted ways with us, claiming he wanted to check on Meredith Fell. Annabelle told him to be careful before we continued to the mansion.
We pulled up the long drive and I heard Annabelle's soft sigh, which sounded almost relieved.
"Home sweet home," I announced, stopping the car at the base of the steps. I got out to go open Annabelle's door before gathering the suitcases. She stood in front of the stairs, with a small smile on her lips. I stepped besides her, wrapping an arm around her waist and I pressed a kiss to her temple. She leaned into me, sighing again.
"I'm glad to be back, despite everything," she said softly. I pulled her closer.
"As am I, love. As am I."
Annabelle went up in our bedroom to take a quick shower and to change while I put away out things neatly. I also discovered a small card that had been slid under the front door of the mansion. It turned out to be Caroline's graduation announcement, which made me chuckle.
Carrying the small cream colored envelope, I walked up into the bedroom while Annabelle walked out of the bathroom. She smelled like the jasmine soap she favored and I stared when I saw all she wore was a towel…around her head.
"What's that?" Anna asked, glancing over at me. Her face looked distant, expectant but her eyes were dancing with mischief. I stared at her naked body, tracing over every curve and angle, feeling my desire for her burn through my veins like a raging fire. My trance was broken when she slipped on a robe- a short, silk robe that left little to the imagination but it was coverage nonetheless. I shook my head a little.
"It's Caroline's graduation announcement." Annabelle reached over the bed to take it. She studied it for a few moments before chuckling.
"Well now it looks like we're going to have to dress up and go save a life or two," she joked, turning to walk into our closet, tossing the wet towel over her shoulder so it landed beside me. I chuckled.
"It would seem so," I agreed. "And by the amounts of time Caroline has called me in the last five minutes, we are needed sooner than expected." Annabelle reemerged and I found myself staring at her again.
She wore a simple dove gray organza dress with a delicate, intricate lace pattern with a thin black belt around her waist. She slipped into matching black shoes- flats, not heels, I noted. Much easier to move in. She gave me a sly smile.
"You should probably change," she instructed, raising a brow as she moved past me towards he bathroom again. I flashed to grab her arm, turning her to face me. I wrapped a hand in her drying hair, tilting her head back as I claimed her lips heatedly.
"You are my insanity," I whispered against her lips, which curved.
"I know," she said, pulling away. "Get dressed!" I rolled my eyes but obeyed, moving to the closet to change into a suit and tie.
Annabelle was sitting on the bed when I came out a few minutes later, her hair twisted in a high bun with escaping tendrils. Her makeup was a little smoky around the eyes and I saw a pair of dangling silver earrings to match with my necklace-which was tucked under the dress-and the bracelet her brother gave her.
"Ready?" she asked. I stepped in front of her, cupping her face gently.
"Promise me, no matter what happens, you'll be careful," I beseeched quietly, fiercely. Anna's gray eyes softened.
"I promise," she murmured. I kissed her briefly before taking her hand to lead her out of the bedroom.
When Annabelle and I arrived at Mystic Falls High, the graduation ceremony was already beginning. We moved to stand off in the distance, observing and listening intently. Annabelle smiled when Bonnie, then Matt, followed by Caroline, Elena and Stefan were called to receive their diplomas.
Suddenly, she stiffened, her eyes growing wide before narrowing slowly. "Look at Bonnie," she said. I did, trying to figure out what was the matter. I fel myself freeze as well when I saw Kol leaning over from the row behind Bonnie, whispering fiercely in her ears.
"Isn't that Adrian?" Anna asked, her cheeks a little pale. I spotted the previously dead Hybrid and felt a sense of dread.
"All the Hybrids are present," I murmured very quietly. "Which means the witches won't be far away." Annabelle glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the crowded stands, the parking lot.
"I don't see them," she whispered in my ear. I nudged her when I saw Bonnie leading Kol away from the ceremony. Anna looked up at me.
"Should we follow them?" I shook my head.
"No, we need to find Caroline," I said. Anna frowned but nodded.
"I hope we can get to Damon in time," she said worriedly. Her stance changed a little, growing more alert and I saw Caroline leading Elena and Stefan away past the bleachers.
"Oh no," Annabelle whispered, her voice suddenly fearful. Before I could blink, she flashed towards the trio. I looked and nearly growled, seeing she was heading straight towards the twelve dead witches that were descending upon Caroline, Elena and Stefan- who remained unaware. I flashed towards Annabelle, using my Hybrid speed to catch her easily. I gripped her arm as I picked up some discarded graduation caps without really thinking.
Suddenly, a high frequency noise emitted through the air and the younger vampires cried out in pain and Annabelle yelped in pain. She clenched her hair, gritting her teeth.
"Son of a bitch," she growled.
"Remember us, Caroline?" the lead witch called out, her eyes focused on the trio of vampires.
In one swift movement, Annabelle threw the graduation cap like a Frisbee, which sliced through the air and through the witch's neck, decapitating her. The horrid noise immediately ceased.
"Much better," Annabelle announced loudly. Everyone turned towards us and I saw Caroline smile with relief as I stepped up besides my mate, eyeing the remaining witches.
"There are plenty of these to go around," I stated. "Who's next? I'm sure we can do this all day." The witches began to back away before flashing away, which made me smirk. I looked down at Annabelle with a raised brow.
"Nice arm," Stefan commented. Annabelle gave the younger Salvatore an amused look before looking at me with a shrug.
"What? She's technically already dead. Besides, she was giving me a headache." Caroline and Elena laughed at that while Stefan gave me a dry look while I returned with a smirk.
"Well, now that that is over with," I said, looking over at Caroline. "Where's our ailing vampire?"
Caroline, Elena and Stefan took us back to the Salvatore boarding house, where we found Jeremy Gilbert and Stefan's old friend Lexi waiting for us. Annabelle, delighted to see Jeremy again, hugged him before introducing herself to Lexi. I followed Caroline upstairs to Damon while my mate talked with the previously dead friend and brother.
"Well, look who finally showed up in time for the party," Damon said as I entered the room. Caroline looked up at me, her eyes pleading.
"Please heal him," she said. I smiled.
"Now what kind of man would I be if I travelled over a thousand miles and didn't heal poor, old Damon?" Caroline just glared a little before walking away.
"Poor, old Damon can hear you and still is dying, by the way. Can we cut the chit-chat, please?" I shot Damon a humorous look before walking over to him. I picked up a brandy glass, biting my hand to drain some of my blood into it.
"I see despite being at death's door that hasn't stopped you from having a sense of humor," I commented. Damon took the glass and drained it in one go. He pulled aside his shirt and sighed a little as his wounds closed slowly. He glanced over at me.
"Thanks," Damon said. We both turned at the quiet knock that came from the door. Anna stepped into the room, giving Damon a tentative smile.
"How are you feeling?" she asked. Damon rolled his shoulder a little.
"Better, thanks to your boyfriend's blood," he replied. He gave her a slightly wary look. "That venom of yours is some nasty stuff." Anna gave him a bright smile.
"Why, thank you. It comes in handy," she said cheerfully. I snorted as Damon narrowed his eyes a little at her. I took her hand and gave Damon one last nod before we walked out of the room.
Downstairs, everyone was talking quietly about the events going on. Elena rose as we walked into the main living room.
"Is Damon okay?" she asked, her brown eyes worried. Annabelle gave her a reassuring smile, squeezing my healed hand.
"He's all better, you can go check on him," Anna said. Elena looked at me and I just nodded which she returned before walking swiftly out of the room.
"Where's Caroline?" I asked, noticing the blonde vampire was missing.
"She said something about going back to the field to pick up the caps left behind after the ceremony ended," Stefan informed us.
"Leaving so soon?" Lexi asked, more to Annabelle than to myself. I knew the older vampire didn't trust me but by the kind look she was giving Anna, I knew she had warmed up to her.
"I'm going to have to shift in a couple hours," Annabelle said with a smile. "I's probably better if I don't do it in a house of vampires."
"It's too bad you can't stay longer," Jeremy said to her. Anna walked over to him to give him a long hug. I struggled with my jealousy levels which rose the second his arms went around my mate. I felt my wolf shift under my skin and I clenched my jaw slightly.
"Careful," Lexi murmured when she suddenly appeared by my side. "Green isn't your color."
"Green," I repeated, nearly growling.
"Green with envy," she clarified. I shot the blonde a dirty look.
"It was nice seeing you again, Jer," Annabelle was saying. "I'm glad you had this day to spend with your sister and your friends."
"Me too," Jeremy said. Annabelle kissed his cheek before moving over to Lexi.
"It was nice meeting you," Anna said politely, giving her a smile. Lexi smiled back, tilting her glass at Anna.
"Likewise. I'm sure it's not every day you get to meet the werewolf mate of the Original Hybrid," Lexi joked. Annabelle laughed.
"No, I suppose not," she agreed. Finally, Anna looked over at Stefan.
"No matter what Elena decides, promise me one thing," she requested. Stefan inclined his head a little.
"Promise me you'll be happy, no matter what. If she chooses you, be happy. But if she chooses Damon, be happy for Damon." Stefan's eyes darkened a little but he nodded at her. Annabelle walked over to take his hand, holding it in both of hers.
"You're a good guy, Stefan," she told him, before kissing his cheek as well. Stefan just smiled at her. As Anna moved over to me, I swore I saw Lexi mouth "thank you" to her, which was acknowledged with a sly wink.
"Ready?" I asked her. Annabelle smiled, taking my arm and giving me a smile.
"Ready," she said.
With only an hour or two before the full moon reached its peak, Annabelle and I went through the forest to head back into town. I saw the spasms growing stronger, wracking Annabelle's body. Her eyes, which were glowing gold now, met mine.
"It's time," she said softly. Right as she said that, her forearm snapped and she cried out in pain. The arms were followed by her legs, making her collapse to the forest floor. I held her as her bones broke, praying that she and the baby would make it out of this safely. Luckily, thanks to her being an older werewolf, her transformation was much quicker and less brutal.
Not too long after the first break, she stood before me on four legs. I shifted to join her by her side. I nudged her shoulder with my snout, feeling worried. She nudged me back and licked my cheek, which I looked to mean all was well.
We ran through the forest, heading back to the high school. We emerged onto the field and I decided to shift back, since he moon had no hold over me. I saw Caroline standing alone on the stage, looking small and lonely. Annabelle nudged my leg and I looked down. Her eyes looked like they were trying to tell me something.
"What is it?" I asked quietly. Annabelle just touched her nose to my arm, right where the markings of the soul bond were. I looked down in confusion and she gave me a pointed look before looking over at Caroline then back at me. Her eyes narrowed as I felt a swell of her willpower rise through my body. Annabelle let out a soft whimper.
"Is there something I need to tell Caroline?" I asked, wishing she could shift back to tell me what she was trying to communicate to me. Annabelle nodded her wolf head, wagging her tail a little.
"About what?" Annabelle nudged my arm again.
"What do the marks have anything to do about it?" I asked. Annabelle shook her head, her eyes looking a little exasperated, reflecting my slight frustration. She jerked her head at Caroline again.
"Caroline…and the soul bond?" I asked uncertainly. Annabelle gave one nod and one shake of the head.
"Caroline and mates?" Annabelle nodded rapidly. I furrowed my brow. I felt Annabelle's love warm me and I looked down at her. Annabelle looked up at me before looking at Caroline again. The blonde vampire looked a little sad, a little lost then it all clicked.
"I understand," I murmured. Annabelle gave me a wolfish grin before nudging me towards Caroline. She sat on her haunches as I walked over to Caroline, who turned when I was nearly behind her.
"How'd you get here so fast?" Caroline asked.
"I was already on my way, thanks to a little persuasion from Annabelle. I received your graduation announcement, it was very subtle." Caroline smiled.
"I assume you're expecting cash?" I asked teasingly.
"That…or a mini fridge," she quipped.
"I had considered offering you a first class ticket to join us in New Orleans. Annabelle would have wanted you there, considering everything…but that's another story for another time…and I knew what your answer would be, so I opted for something I knew you would accept. Well, Annabelle opted on it and convinced me to agree on it." Caroline tilted her head, her eyes curious.
"Tyler is now free to return to Mystic Falls," I stated firmly. Caroline froze, her eyes wide.
"What?" she breathed.
"He's your first love… and there was a time I intended to be your last, however long it took... Bu now," I glanced over my shoulder and saw Annabelle standing a few feet away, on two legs. "Now I have found someone I want to spend my forever with, and who am I to stand in the way of your happiness?" I looked at Caroline again, whose eyes were moist.
Annabelle appeared by my side, moving smoothly into Caroline's arms. The vampire clenched Anna close as she quietly cried.
"Congratulations, Caroline," Annabelle whispered.
"Thank you," Caroline sniffled, pulling away to give Annabelle a smile. Annabelle just kissed her cheek in a sisterly manner. I moved a little to place a hand on the small of Anna's back.
"Let's get out of here before twelve angry Hybrids decide to pick a fight," I suggested, leading them away from the stage. Annabelle smiled as Caroline laughed softly.
Ooo0ooO
After getting Caroline back to home safely, Klaus and I returned to the mansion. We went into the bedroom to change before sitting in front of the fireplace, watching the flames lazily flicker.
"Have I said I'm glad to be home?" I asked, feeling tired after a long day. Klaus chuckled, wrapping an arm around my middle to rest a protective hand over my stomach.
"A few times," he replied. We fell silent, listening to the quiet sound of our baby's heart beat. I felt a surge of relief of both myself and Klaus, knowing we were happy the baby was fine despite the rougher transformation. I cuddled against Klaus's chest, placing my cheek along his collarbone, sighing.
"Are we going to have to go back to New Orleans soon?" I asked, yawning. Klaus moved a little so he could scoop me into his arms. He carried me to the bed, laying me on top of the cool sheets.
"I'm not sure," he admitted. "It seems no matter where we stay, we're going to be in some sort of trouble." I winced, remembering Marcel and Silas.
"Do you think Hayley and Elijah will be all right?" Klaus pulled me against his side again.
"Elijah will look after Hayley," Klaus reassured me. I smiled at that.
"What are we going to do while we are here?" Klaus kissed my forehead.
"Help, I suppose, if necessary," he replied. "There's one last thing I want to do here before we go back to Louisiana, however." I tilted my head a little to give him a curious look.
"Oh? What?" I asked. Klaus just chuckled and shook his head.
"You will see soon enough," he murmured before kissing me again. I rolled my eyes at him before snuggling closer.
"I hope so, I'm not exactly patient," I reminded him. Klaus laughed.
"Oh, believe me, I know," he teased. I giggled. Klaus's hands began to trace up and down my back, which I found soothing and before I knew it, I was falling asleep.
All I knew was that whatever he was keeping from me, it was something big. Really big.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: I know, I know, this was a short chapter, I'm sorry! I'm still recovering from the season finale of The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural, which of course landed right before my birthday. Some birthday present, huh? Anyway, I'll update again soon.
Since the season is over, I'm going to add in a few more chapters before the story ends. We have to figure out what Klaus's newest secret is, of course! Any guesses to what it might be? Anyone?
Let me know what you thought of this chapter!