Chapter Forty Six: Dead Hearts
"Tell me everything that happened,
Tell me everything you saw…
Did you touch them, did you hold them?
They make me feel I'm falling down…
Was there one you saw too clearly,
Did they seem too real to you?
They were kids that I once knew…
I can say it but you won't believe me,
You say you do but you don't deceive me,
Dead hearts are everywhere…"
Ooo0ooO
I was running through the forest. It was dark and the fog was so thick I couldn't see more than a foot in front of me. I could feel my heart racing and blood pounding through my veins at a terrifying rate.
"Do you really think you can run from me, little wolf?" a voice mocked softly.
I gasped as Kol stepped out of the trees. I slammed into him and struggled when his hands gripped my arms. I growled at him in warning.
"Let me go! How could you? I trusted you!" Kol chuckled darkly, leaning in.
"That was your first mistake," he purred. He threw me to the cold ground and a foot rushed up to smash into my cheek, sending me flying through the air. I crashed into the ground a few feet away, coughing.
"Do you know what it's like," Kol snarled, "To walk the Earth unseen, unheard? To watch those you care about die and you being unable to do anything?"
"I didn't realize you cared about anyone except yourself," I spat. Kol then had me by the throat, dangling me in the air. I clawed at his hands but he ignored me, even as I shredded his hand.
"Do you find pleasure in lying with a man who has killed hundreds of our kind? Of your kind?" he hissed, clenching my throat tighter. I wheezed and struggled harder.
"How does it feel to carry that abomination within your body?" Kol asked viciously. "I'm surprised the witches haven't tried to kill you yet."I bared my fangs at him and growled hoarsely.
"I will find a way back," he murmured in a deadly voice. "And I will kill those who have killed me, along with the innocent supernatural creatures. And last, but not least, after I have killed your precious Hybrid, my dear brother Niklaus, I will kill you, Annabelle and your little monster."
An ice cold hand pierced through the flesh of my stomach and –
I woke up screaming at the top of my lungs.
"Annabelle!" Klaus shouted, gripping my shoulders. His eyes were wide and horror filled. I panted and trembled, curling into myself. I rested both hands against my stomach and wept.
"K-Kol," I stuttered. "He attacked me in- in my dream." Klaus gently took me into his lap so I could curl around him. One of his hands covered my own as the other rubbed my back soothingly. I sobbed against his neck.
"It's all right, love," Klaus murmured gently. "It's over now."
"Klaus, I don't want to go back to sleep," I whispered. Klaus kissed the top of my head before nuzzling my cheek. I turned so I could rest my forehead against his.
"Do you want to get some air?" he asked. I nodded and he lifted me out of bed, placing me on my feet like one would do with a child.
"Come along, sweetheart," he said softly. I moved to his side, putting an arm around him. Klaus lead me from the bedroom, taking us outside the mansion.
The moon was sitting brightly in the sky. To the human eye, it would still look full but I knew it was slowly beginning its cycle towards becoming a new moon. I inhaled the night air and felt myself slowly relax.
Without really thinking, I shifted in my next step, continuing forward on four paws. Klaus shifted into his gray wolf form and nudged me forward. We walked through the trees slowly. My ears twitched at the sound of a rabbit in the thicket and the call of an owl in the trees.
I instinctively went to the river and sat down on the grassy banks. I stayed in my wolf form and watched the moon reflect on the dark water. I looked up at the sky and saw the stars and sighed a little. Klaus sat beside me and turned his gave upward too.
After a while, I gave a tired huff and laid down, curling into a ball. I covered my paws with my tail and looked at Klaus. His gold eyes were warm and amused as he looked down at me and I wagged my tail once. Klaus leaned his head down to lick my cheek, which made me snort before he looked back up. I blinked a few times before closing my eyes.
When I reopened my eyes, Klaus was gone and the sun was up. I sat up, realizing I had shifted back in the middle of the night. I looked around, realizing how quiet it was.
"Klaus?" I called out.
"Mommy?" I froze at the small, tender voice. I looked to my left and saw a little girl, with curly blonde hair and gray eyes staring owlishly at me.
"Mommy?" My head whipped to the side and I saw a young boy with brown hair and deep blue eyes standing to my right.
"W-who are you?" I asked shakily.
"Mommy, help us! We're scared!" the girl said, walking towards me.
"Please, Mommy, the bad man is going to get us!" the boy pleaded.
"The bad man?" I repeated, standing up, looking from side to side. Hey both reached out as if to touch me, but disappeared right before they could.
"The bad man, huh?" My eyes widened at Marcel's voice. I turned and saw him directly behind me. Marcel gave me a chilling smile.
"I've been called worse," he said before lunging for my throat, fangs bared.
I flinched as I woke up, still laying by the river. I blinked and sat up. Klaus glanced over at me, now in his other form. I shifted back and crawled into his lap again.
"Another one?" he asked quietly. I nodded.
"Why are you having these dreams?" I released a shaky breath.
"I don't know," I whispered. "I just want them to stop."
Ooo0ooO
Throughout the next day, I kept a close watch on Annabelle. I could see how tired she was by the look in her eyes but she seemed fearful of even blinking for too long.
Rage filled me swiftly as I clenched my hands. I knew Kol was never the one to fight fairly but I did not think he would take it this far, ever. He had seemed to approve of Annabelle and had shown no signs of ever wanting to hurt her. But this? This was a new low, even for Kol.
I looked over at Anna again, who was stretched out on the couch, reading a book. She only moved when her long fingers flipped the pages slowly. I sighed and moved over to her, sitting beside her while moving her legs over my lap. I caressed her feet gently, which were bare apart from an intriguing ring that circled her second toe.
"Where did you get this?" I asked, running a finger over it before trailing up the arch of her foot. Anna eyed me with deep gray eyes.
"I bought it a while ago when I spent the day with April," she said. Anna looked away towards the windows.
"I haven't seen her since the prom," Anna murmured, partially to herself. I ran a hand up her smooth calf, pausing to examine a small oval shaped birthmark on the side of her knee. I could spend hours exploring every beautiful inch of her skin.
"Perhaps you should go and have one of your 'girl days'," I suggested, feeling an idea forming in my mind. Anna looked back at me, her lips curving. Grasping her legs, I pulled her closer to me quickly, causing her to gasp. I leaned in and kissed her gently. One of her hands rested against my cheek as she kissed me back.
"If we keep doing this, I'm not going to want to leave," she murmured huskily. I chuckled, pinching her thigh which made her squeal.
"Go on, sweetheart, enjoy yourself. Just be safe and keep your eyes open," I requested. Anna leaned over to kiss me again before getting up to go upstairs.
When she came back downstairs, she was wearing a pair of coral pink jeans rolled up at the ankles with a loose white button down shirt and matching shoes. I wondered how she always managed to look perfect, no matter what she wore. A pair of brown sunglasses was perched on top of her head as she finished tying off the braid she made to fall over her shoulder.
"I called her and we're going to meet at the Grill before a light lunch," Anna informed me. She tilted her head up and I noticed her lips were colored to match her jeans. I walked over to her so I could kiss those pink lips.
"Be safe," I reminded her. "I'll have dinner ready for you when you return." Annabelle smiled before sliding the glasses over her pert nose.
"See you," she said as she walked towards the door. I flashed so I could kiss her one last time, which made her laugh, like I hoped it would.
"Until tonight," I murmured. Annabelle laughed and pushed me aside so she could walk down to the car.
Once the car pulled away from the drive, I closed the front door and looked around. I pulled out my phone and made a call.
"Niklaus," Elijah greeted.
"For this kind of occasion, would you say it calls for a bed of roses or simpler flowers?" Elijah chuckled.
"Roses," he answered.
"Red, white?" I asked.
"Niklaus, I do believe I hear a trace of nerves in your voice." I rolled my eyes.
"Elijah," I sighed impatiently. He only chuckled again.
"That, dear brother, is up to you. She is your mate after all. What do you think she would like?"
"Colors," I said with a soft sigh.
"Colors," Elijah agreed. "And Niklaus?"
"Hmm?"
"Good luck." I smiled.
"Thank you, brother," I said before hanging up.
I had work to do.
Ooo0ooO
I was glad Klaus had suggested going out to see April. Seeing the younger girl again made me forget about my sleepless nights and the nightmares.
We ate lunch at the Grill and I was surprised to see that Matt wasn't working for once. I wondered if it was due to all the events that happened on graduation day. I had also heard a rumor that Rebekah was still showing interest in him, which made me wrinkle my nose; since I figured Matt could do better.
"How have you been?" April asked, snapping me back from my thoughts. I smiled.
"I actually have something to tell you," I said. April blinked at me.
"I'm pregnant," I said in a rush, unsure of how she would take the news. Her light blue eyes widened before she surprised me by squealing loudly. Her hand shot across the table, narrowly missing knocking over my drink, to grip mine.
"That's so exciting! I'm guessing Klaus is the father. Oh my gosh! How far along are you?" she asked rapidly. I laughed.
"I'm a few weeks along," I said. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but it was…well, it was a pretty big surprise, then I went to New Orleans for a bit with Klaus."
"Wow! So have you thought of any names yet? Are you having one or twins? Do you know the sex yet? Are-," I raised a hand to stop her next onslaught of questions.
"Whoa, whoa, slow down there. No, I haven't thought of any names or about the sex of the baby. Last time I checked, there was only one heartbeat, so it looks like I'm having one." April's eyes widened again.
"Oh my gosh, I completely forgot you can actually hear its heart," she whispered. "Do you know if the baby is going to be…you know, like you or like Klaus?" I shook my head.
"No idea," I admitted. April sat back and released a breath before smiling again.
"Still, this must be so exciting for you and him. You're starting a family!"
"I am," I agreed, shaking my head slightly in disbelief. "I just never thought…"
"What?"
"I just never thought this would ever happen to me," I explained, looking up at her. "You know, coming here and finding Klaus, falling in love with him and now…" I trailed a hand down to my stomach with a soft smile.
"Life has a funny way of working sometimes," April said with a shrug. I nodded.
"It really does."
When we were done eating, we treated ourselves to getting our nails done. We sat next to each other as our toes were being painted, hers a bright cherry red- which I was slowly beginning to notice was a favored color of hers- and mine a soft shade of rose.
I examined my French manicure while also reading the magazine I had on my lap. I felt so out of the loop with the outside world as I skimmed over the articles.
"Well, what do you think?" April asked. I looked down at her toes and saw each big toe had a small, delicate flower with a yellow rhinestone in their center.
"Cute," I said approvingly.
"Hair next?" April asked with a smile. I laughed, running a hand over my curls. It had been a while since I had gotten it trimmed.
A few hours later, I drove back to the mansion with the car's top down. I hadn't changed my hair much; the girl just moved my part a little and trimmed about an inch off. I knew Klaus didn't like when I cut my hair the first time but it was my hair, my decision.
April and I had also gone shopping for a little bit and I had found an adorable, deep gray dress and matching shoes. The dress was cut to fit snugly over my breasts down to my hips before it flared out in soft ruffles down to my knees. The scoop-line had black and dark gray jewels decorating it, which matched the smaller jewels on the straps of the gray shoes.
So naturally when I found it, I paid for it and changed into it, folding my other clothes into the bag. I wondered how Klaus would like it.
When I stepped into the mansion, I was hit by a scent wave. There were roses everywhere, in every color from white to the deepest red, and there was candles lit, giving off a variety of smells, which were light and not overpowering. I gawked at the change of scenery when Klaus walked into the room. He wore black slacks and a white button down shirt opened at the collar to expose his throat. He gave me a smirk.
"Welcome home," he greeted. "You look absolutely stunning."
"What is this for?" I asked, placing the bags at the bottom of the stairs. Klaus walked over to me and kissed my hand, his eyes swimming with secrets.
"You'll find out soon enough," he replied. I chuckled.
"I've heard that before," I said. Klaus smiled and pulled my hand gently.
"Come. Dinner is ready."
Ooo0ooO
When I lead Annabelle into the dining room, I heard her release a loud gasp. The room was filled with more roses of every color, more candles, and with the table set up with a variety of food and the fireplace going, it set off the perfect romantic mood.
"Klaus," she murmured, leaning against me. "This is so perfect." I turned my head to kiss her temple. I moved her chair so she could sit before I moved her closer to the table and sitting down myself.
Annabelle eyed all the food before looking over at me with a smile.
"Is this why you wanted me out of the house today? I tiled my head from side to side, pouring her some sparkling apple cider, being mindful of her delicate state.
"Perhaps," I replied. Annabelle began filling her plate with rosemary chicken, steamed vegetables, risotto and a few dinner rolls. I was pleased to see her eat with such vigor, remembering how thin she once was. I looked her over slowly now. Though she was still slender, her skin glowed with health and what I hoped to be happiness, her eyes sparkled brighter than any star and her smile could warm even the coldest of hearts- like it did mine.
"To you," I said, lifting my glass. Annabelle just smiled and picked her own glass up.
"To us and new beginnings," she corrected, tapping her glass to mine. I smiled before taking a sip of the cider. It wasn't my favorite drink but I wouldn't have Annabelle drinking champagne while she was carrying my child.
"What is it, Klaus?" Anna asked, noticing my distraction. I picked up my utensils and ate some chicken.
"I was just remembering the first time I saw you," I said. "You were so brave."
"Yes, I'm sure it must have been a shock for you to have someone actually talk back to you and not cower in fear," she said dryly. I chuckled.
"I remember how closed off you were," she said softly, reaching over to take my hand. "How you didn't trust anyone, not even yourself."
"You changed that," I reminded her, squeezing her hand. Her gray eyes darkened a little.
"We changed each other," she said firmly. "And now we have each other."
"Not to mention Junior," I murmured. Annabelle smiled brilliantly.
"We're starting a family," she sighed. I lifted her hand to kiss it.
"I love you," I said softly. Anna's hand tightened in mine.
"And I love you."
When we finished eating, I lead Annabelle into the living room where I had an old radio playing some blues songs. I twirled her in front of the fire and was pleased when she laughed.
"I didn't realize how much you liked to dance, Niklaus," she teased. I kissed her cheek before pulling her close so we could sway to the music.
"I love dancing with you," I murmured against her ear. Anna sighed and rested her head against my chest, her hands gripping my arms lightly. I rested my chin on top of her head.
"Klaus?" Anna asked, pulling away to look up in my eyes. "You never told me what this is for." I stopped us and gazed down into her eyes.
"Annabelle, there are many things I wanted to say to you in this moment but none of the words seem right now…except that I love you, I will always love you and I want to continue loving you for eternity," I said softly.
"Oh," she sighed, smiling. I traced a hand down her cheek gently.
I moved her so she was sitting down on the couch. Her gaze turned puzzled as she looked up at me. I could hear her heart rate rise a little.
Reaching into my pocket, I kneeled in front of her slowly on one knee. Her eyes went huge and her heart leapt in her chest and I could almost hear everything clicking into place in her mind.
I withdrew a small, black velvet box and held it out in front of me.
"Annabelle Davis, I have loved you for the thousand years I have roamed this Earth and I swear I will love you a thousand more. You are the light to my darkness, you are the sun and the moon and the stars… you are my world."
I opened the box and the ring sitting inside caught the light coming from the fire, exploding with color.
"Oh," Annabelle breathed, her eyes locked with the ring.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" I asked. Her gray eyes lifted to mine, moist with tears.
And in that moment, with our eyes locked, I saw everything I could ever want staring back at me, for now and for all of eternity. I waited for her answer as the tears began to spill down her cheeks silently.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: Surprises, surprises! Don't worry kids; the next chapter is coming soon… The last one!
Let me know what you thought of this chapter.