Author's Babble: Thank you again for your continuing kindness and interest in this story :).

Enjoy!

CHAP 27:

We spent a good couple of hours going over everything that I had been told to do. It shouldn't have taken that long but Elijah seemed to want every detail and we went over certain things multiple times. I felt he knew that I was screening Klaus' methods of persuasion from him. But Elijah didn't really need to know every gruesome detail. I could sense that he found my instant co operation with Klaus, just for the safety of Jenna and Jeremy a little to easy a transition. Hell, despite wanting to do all I can for my family he knows how much of a fighter I am. Once I'd shared enough for him to seem content I switched our topic to finding out information on Klaus. There was no point in having some measly defence like my implant if Klaus was going to find out about it. So far when in his presence I'd only thought positively about not getting pregnant. Which coincided with my story to Klaus regarding reproductive problems.

But I needed to know how good a mind reader he was.

"As far as I am aware Klaus is able to read the minds, or rather hear the thoughts of others when in close proximity. At least that was the case when we were younger and shared such personal information."

"Is it possible he could have developed his talent?"

"Mmm. I couldn't say for sure. Perhaps we should consider it so, even if only to ensure caution in case he is able to determine thoughts from a distance."

"Great. I mightn't even be able to think freely." I grumbled causing Elijah to chuckle.

"I think you'll have enough freedom of thought to keep yourself sane. No doubt contributing a range of character references to Klaus from your thoughts." We fell into silence for a while. I didn't know what was going on inside Elijah's head. But my mind was buzzing.

I just seemed to keep cataloguing all that I knew. Not stupid enough to think any of it would automatically mean some way out of this mess, simply going over it again and again. It was hard to look ahead. I was in limbo, like I was just to sit here and merely exist.

"What's the reveal Klaus mentioned last night?" I asked suddenly as the unknown burst through the known.

"Ah. From Klaus' eager explanation, it is a sort of ball. Attending will be a multitude of contacts he's accumulated over the years. I believe the nature of the event is for Klaus to show off. He's about to become the most powerful being, who will command a great following. The night will be as much an advertisement as a commanding realisation that Klaus will soon best everyone."

"Where will it be?"

"Here. The main room inside will be spacious enough for Klaus' needs."

"So. I'm likely to be the only human here? Mixed in with a whole lot of vampires." I asked for confirmation gloomily.

"Yes. But I'll be here." He said comfortingly with confidence. Good to know. Because I'm safe as long as you're around Elijah.

"That doesn't make me feel any better about it. Especially since I'm going to be part of the exhibit."

We spent the remainder of the afternoon in comfortable silence broken at times by sporadic conversation. Most of it to do with Klaus, not that he was the desired topic of choice by any means. As the sun began to set indicating the approach of evening, I found myself curled up to Elijah who had lain back next to me. I let the closeness and his hand playing with my hair relax and consume me. As the light continued to change at regular intervals I closed my eyes not wanting the reminder that soon Klaus required me back in his room.

"I don't want to go." I suddenly murmured sadly.

"I hardly assumed you'd want to." Elijah responded in jest, making me laugh.

"Do you mean to say the thought of me skipping joyfully back inside is impossible?"

"It's certainly improbable." He chuckled.

"Not to mention desirable!" Came the faint sound of Klaus' voice as if he'd called out from a way away. Sitting myself up suddenly with a palm on Elijah's chest I looked towards the warehouse. Klaus was striding towards us.

"He's coming." I stated the obvious.

"Mmm." Was Elijah's response as he moved a hand to cover mine on his chest and stroke my knuckles.

"Elena, sweetheart. It's nearly time to come inside." Stated the approaching vampire. I checked Elijah's watch on the wrist of the hand covering my own.

"I know it's nearly time. However it is not yet time." I bit back.

"My my. We seem a little defensive my sweet." He had gotten much closer.

"You say that as though it's out of character." Klaus' response was a hearty laugh and he was suddenly sat on the grass next to me opposing how Elijah lay. Instantly Elijah took hold of me in one swift movement, pulled me over him and away from Klaus.

"Elijah." Drawing out his name in warning I found myself moved back to where I had been between the two brothers. The act stung with betrayal. He's got no choice. He has to do as Klaus asks. "Thank you brother. Feel free to unhand her as well, won't you?" Elijah did so and I felt so alone in this crowded position.

"As much as I enjoy your company Klaus. Could you not allow me to take advantage of the freedom you've allowed?" I asked him, my voice measured.

"Oh, you enjoy my company? That is good to know." He leered at me as he brought a hand up to move some strands of hair to fall neatly against the side of my face. Fighting the urge to flinch I stared at him uninterestedly. "I really came out in case you're going to be difficult."

"Why would you feel the need to? If I happen to be difficult you will know about it regardless of if you are present or not."

"True, my dear. Alas. You've seen through my mask. What can I say? I'm eager for our night-time activities." I shuddered at the thought. "Times ticking away." He reminded.

"Have you found nagging to be particularly persuasive? Because I find it annoying."

"Watch that tongue. It's getting away on you again." Came his measured yet cocky response. Like I was some child to be ridiculed. He may as well have shook his finger at me while he was at it. Shifting forward I stood and walked away from the two vampires toward the warehouse and Klaus' room. Elijah soon strode up beside me and we walked in silence. Every so often I'd look behind us to see Klaus trailing close behind. The fourth time I looked back I took Elijah's hand in my own and smiled at Klaus.

Regretting my action a little as his eyes immediately darkened, coldly boring into my own despite the space between us. I stopped Elijah and my progress towards the building to say goodnight and kiss his lips softly before walking the rest of the way ahead of him. He hadn't said anything when I left him. His only response a grim quirk of his lips while he avoided looking at me directly. I really wish he'd leave. It's going to be like this all the time. I can't bear to cause him all this pain. Correction. I can't bear for Klaus to cause him all this pain. My legs didn't want to carry me where I needed them to. So it was a struggle to confidently make my way toward the dark opening. The darkness within the doorway made me hesitate in any case and I wondered if it was even possible to get going again. Klaus came up behind me and curled his arm around my waist as he took his place to my right.

"Something wrong?" He enquired softly. Sounding almost as if he cared. Bastard.

"N-no." I tried to sound more resolute but his sudden presence and contact had startled me.

"Hmm. Then why have you stopped?" He wondered aloud.

"I was unsure of whether I could go in."

"Oh. The darkness is misleading you? Good. Good. Then I know it's serving it's purpose for any nearby humans as well then." He said arrogantly. Like humans were dumb creatures and whatever was in the outside doorways was such an obvious occurrence. "It's just a screen of darkness to block out any inner lighting. I'd rather not attract the attention of those who know this place isn't frequented much. The doors will always be open. You need only to walk forward and the screen will fade as you move through it just as it did last night. Such is the handiness of magic." I felt him draw a section of my curtained hair back from the right of my face so he could kiss and suckle on my neck. I knew he'd leave a mark, but was grateful that it would fade instantly. I didn't bother acting as if I found his actions pleasurable. Just stood stock still and let him. I'd actually thought he was planning to bite me. Slashing my neck open because of my struggling didn't seem all that appealing to me. "Have I calmed your unease?" Came his mumbled query against my skin.

"Not completely." I breathed as he retreated from my neck and began guiding me forward.

It seemed everyone from the previous night was here. Sarah, the other female vampire and the three males. They were all standing around in the kitchen with glasses of red liquid of varying quantities. Sarah watched Klaus and I walk past vehemently. She was practically fuming. Which was odd really, because most of the other vampires seemed to school their emotions and expressions where as she was so open. Maybe composure came with age? Stiffening as Klaus allowed his hand to slip down off my waist to my bottom and further to the hem of my dress. He lifted it enough for his fingers to tickle the left globe of my bum. It took all my concentration to keep walking and not smack him one across the face.

"Is that really necessary?" I asked cheekily. To colour my distaste, especially since we were in company.

"Mmhmm. Always." Klaus practically growled. Turning my head into the side of his I licked the shell of his ear.

"You just can't help yourself can you?" I breathed sexily. "Always have to have a handle on what is yours. Just like a kid in a candy store. Doesn't know what he he has to get his hands on something. All for the sugar high. " Hahaha. That makes you sound anything but the power hungry pig that you are.

"Watch yourself." He warned with his mind. "Yesss." He hissed aloud. "What is mine. Because that's what you are, aren't you Elena? Tell me."

"Watch my thoughts? Oh, I don't think so. You don't get to control my mind. Only how I filter it." I shot back at him within my head. "Tell you what?" I asked with mock confusion and cheek.

"Who do you belong to?" He demanded sexily. Stopping us just past the kitchen and capturing my eyes with his own. I swallowed hard and tried to make myself say him. That I belonged to him. It was what he wanted to hear. But I wasn't anybody's. No-one should own anyone. I have always been my own person. When Klaus' hand began to roam towards my inner leg my defiance dissipated and I instantly blurt it out.

"You. I am yours." I said softly. Smirking Klaus removed his roaming hand clicked his fingers in the direction of the kitchen. "Adam? I take it the microwave stopping means Elena's food is ready?

"Yes. It's ready." Called a male voice presumably belonging to Adam.

"Carry on love. I'll fetch your dinner and meet you in my room." Klaus instructed before heading back to the kitchen.

Knowing I was cutting it fine to be in Klaus' room by six I hurried down the hall and to his room. I did a good job of keeping my mind blank on the way to the room that held such traumatising memories. Otherwise I don't think I could have rushed toward it with as much ease as I had just done. Only once I'd perched myself on the lounge did my nerves really ignite. Klaus was mere seconds behind me. He entered the room with a large plate of steaming vegetables and some cut of meat with cutlery in one hand. In the other hung a pair of black high heels from his fingers. He tossed the shoes to me to land on the lounge next to me.

"Put those on." I just watched him stubbornly in silence as he set the plate of food down on the bed before turning back to me. His eyes glinted. Not a good sign. "E-le-na." He sing-songed moving toward me. "Put on the shoes love."

"Why? I've gone barefoot all day. Seems a little redundant now."

"Because you're going to be flat on your back soon?" I shifted uncomfortably.

"Perhaps." I looked past him to the wall.

"Undecided are we?"

"If I was, that would imply I had a choice." Chuckling he stood before me.

"Quite right. Now are those shoes going on? Or do I have to put them on myself?" He looked at me pointedly. I tried to stop myself smiling at his wording.

"I didn't realise you liked to dress as a woman! Your most welcome to them!" Came my thoroughly surprised response, matched it with a cheery smile I didn't think I had in me. Not right now, when I was stuck in a room with him for the night to do with what he will. Despite myself I laughed. Even when Klaus' nostrils flared I kept laughing. "Here." I offered and tossed them to him.

"Aren't we in high spirits this evening?" He spoke snidely as he threw the shoes at me with force. Causing me to yelp in pain. "Put. Them. On." He growled. When I sat mute and made no effort to do so he strode forth, knelt in front of me and grabbed my right foot. Kicking out at him with my left as he grabbed the corresponding shoe I connected with his face. Pain shot up through my leg when his head didn't move from my kick. Surprise, surprise. Groaning in pain I drew my leg up to have another go. Noticing Klaus watching me with satisfaction, he slipped the shoe onto my right foot without even paying attention to the task. I knew I was flashing him. I knew it was useless. But that wasn't ever going to stop me. Connecting my left foot with his head again I was rewarded with a sickening crunch in my ankle and cried out in pain as I fell back into the lounge. Focused on the ceiling I tried to ride out the pain. Cruelly, I felt every manoeuvre of my left foot as Klaus aligned the remaining shoe with it. Finally the pain ebbed away and I looked to find Klaus sitting cross legged at my now sheathed feet as he trailed his fingers up and down my left calve. "This is quite a view." Klaus volunteered admiringly.

Realising he was referring to how my dress had ridden up I huffed and pulled it down before standing and moving to the door. Klaus got comfortable where I'd just been sitting and looked me up and down approvingly. I knew why he'd wanted me to wear the heels. The same reason I liked wearing heels. They contoured a woman's legs beautifully. Lifted the bum and made one walk with absolute femininity. Glaring at him I began to lift my left foot to take off the shoe he'd just put on. I'd barely moved before Klaus had me pressed up against the back of the door with his hands firmly around my neck. Hands around his wrists I struggled against him as I tried to get air into my lungs.

"The shoes. Stay. On." He hissed before releasing my neck but holding me to him for support. After the initial cough and splutter at my recommenced breathing, I stood with Klaus who started running his fingers affectionately through my hair. What is with him? He's violent. And then he switches to being gentle. "That was really quite childish of you, you know. They're just shoes." He stated his voice saturated with fake disappointment. "I just hope your dinner hasn't gotten too cold in the time it's taken to get to this point. Perhaps you'd better start eating before it gets any colder." He offered and released me. Regarding him skeptically I stepped away from him a little trying to ignore how he watched me.

"Acting childish shouldn't bother you. You'd probably fuck a child if it took your fancy." I spat. "I'm not hungry."

"I'm not that sick Elena." I barked out a hollow laugh at that. "I'm sure you are hungry. You've only had coffee and some biscuits today." He continued as I recalled when Elijah had gone inside to get something to tempt me and returned with the plain but nice biscuits.

"Because of you. I constantly feel like throwing up, so food isn't really on my mind at the moment."

"Ah, but our mind doesn't always know what's best for us now does it? For instance, you know you shouldn't fight me. It's pointless after all. And yet you still continue to. Even when it continues to harm you. Don't get me wrong. I love your fighting spirit." He drawled.

"My mind doesn't harm me. You do."

"Regardless. You need to eat. Humour me and try a mouthful?" Sighing impatiently I thought I might as well do as he suggested. Get him off my back about something. What I'd really like is for him to get this over with. I'd thought he'd jump me as soon as I was in here. Walking over to the plate of food my skin crawled as I felt Klaus' eyes on me. Cutting a piece of meat and gathering a little of each varying vegetable I popped the laden fork into my mouth and plucked the food from it. For such a simple dish the aroma and flavours were absolutely delicious.

"Mmm." Left my mouth appreciatively. The mouthful was absolutely amazing and almost unconsciously my cutlery began to source more food. Sitting down on the bed and crossing one leg over the other I continued eating. Sneaking glances Klaus' way now and again I found him watching me intently. I don't know what it was, but I began to feel less discomforted in his presence. I seemed to eat slower as well. Daintily placing the food in my mouth then using my teeth to neatly draw the food into my mouth. Shivering at what I thought was a draft my nipples became painfully erect while I continued to eat. I wanted to massage them to give me some relief but I hadn't forgotten I had company. It didn't occur to me that I was eating seductively. Having slipped into the behaviour so easily and with the company present, the thought didn't cross my mind. It was impossible after all. Deciding to ignore him in any case I tried to concentrate on the food and was left unexpectedly satisfied by the time I'd cleared the plate. In fact if there was seconds available I might have been interested in some more.

"No. You're not hungry." Klaus mocked sarcastically once I was finished.

"Shut up. I didn't think I was." I said as though Klaus and I were familiars. It was an odd contrast to the way I usually addressed him.

"And then you found you couldn't help yourself. Correct?" I looked at him warily.

"What did you do to it?" He laughed. "What did you do?" I demanded as fear slowly crept up my spine. It was only then that I realised how calm and comfortable I'd come to feel while eating and my fear was lethargic at best. So even though I was alarmed at what I might have just allowed him to do to me, I really wasn't that concerned. I knew he wouldn't have poisoned my food since he wants me alive. But there shouldn't be a need to do anything to it. Standing up from the bed I took a couple of steps toward him waiting for an answer. He just smirked at me from the lounge. "Tell me." His eyebrows rose and his smirk faltered.

"Are you forgetting your place? I do not answer to you Elena." He warned with malice. "However. I will give you the knowledge that I had your food laced with something you find quite appealing." Taking another two steps toward him and crossing my arms I waited. "It's really quite opportune that you and Elijah are blood bound. And further, that Elijah and I are brothers. I don't need to explain to you why that is. Since you already know how it affects you. But I will let you know that Elijah's blood is malleable to various requirements. For instance, I had Jonas convert some of the blood he harvested from Elijah, into a state which could be added to your food this evening. Much like seasoning. Particles are even now in your sinuses and dispersed across the taste buds on your tongue. Drawing out the affect without the requirement of a direct line to the blood in say, my body. Making you loosely inhibited long after you've consumed your dinner. I don't want to have to keep your mouth suckling my blood when maintaining that contact will prevent me from having free reign of your body." My mouth went dry. He'd drugged me. That's how very simple it was. I was such an idiot to think it would just be food. Wondering if he was going to have all my food laced I imagined I would never eat again. But I'd have to. At least until I became a vampire. There was no way I'd be able to resist his advances though and that scared me the most. It was one thing to be raped. Yet another to enjoy it. "Ingenious, isn't it?" He murmured standing up from the lounge.

Suddenly feeling the urge to stall him I asked for a drink. I wasn't referring to alcohol. But that's what I ended up with. I didn't like scotch. But forced the glass he handed me to my lips and took a sip while schooling my face from showing my distaste. Moving away from his store of alcohol he caught my left hand and gently indicated I was to move with him to the lounge. Baulking earned me a sharp tug into Klaus who secured an arm around my waist to force me to move with him. Without speaking he snatched the glass from me and placing it on the floor while he pushed me down onto the lounge. My heart leapt into my throat and I could hear blood rushing through my ears as the rate at which is was pumped through my body increased tenfold. Now. It was going to happen now. I wouldn't be able to resist him. My body would betray me and I wouldn't mind in the least. A hint of despair broke through my panic. But it was short lived as Klaus shifted me so I was lying along the length of the furnishing and lay on top of me. It was then my panic consumed me and I longed to struggle. But my internal wires seemed crossed and I just allowed him to do what he was. Like I was a willing lover letting him take charge. NO! Positioning himself between my legs and letting all of his weight rest on me. I began to find the warmth of his body and the smell of his skin enticing and a sob escaped me. Time seemed to almost stand still as I waited for Klaus to start. But he only rested the side of his head on my sternum as he stroked my left side through the material of the dress. Trailing his caressing hand downwards he went to the highest point on the inside of my thigh and groaned.

"Mmm cosy. Just when I was beginning to regret lacing your food. I find I'm not missing out on how much you fear me." He murmured as he found my erratic pulse, perhaps confirming what he was hearing beneath my rib cage.

"I don't suppose that's a notion you feel every day." I said almost musingly. My voice steady despite my entrapment. Sickeningly my ears deciphered the communication as two people having an easy conversation. Like my wordly response to Klaus was easy and we shared a mutual train of thought.

"Not for quite some time, sweetheart. It seems everything about you is a breath of fresh air." I didn't respond as my pulse slowed a little at Klaus' inactivity. His hand still rested on my inner thigh and I couldn't stop myself squirming. Wether I did in disgust or because I wanted his touch to explore other areas I didn't, nor did I want to, know. "Eager are we?"

"No." Was my reply which lacked any conviction whatsoever. Klaus chuckled and my breathing hitched at the movement his chest made against me.

"What's on that pretty little mind of yours?" He asked before rotating his head to place his chin on my sternum and look up to my face. My head propped forward by the arm of the lounge wouldn't allow me to look away. "Conflicting thoughts and desires?"

"You're the mind reader."

"Mmm. Not that I need to be to know how aroused you are."

"Excuse me?"

"Come now. The tension in your body speaks volumes." I closed my eyes to escape his seductive gaze. It was the exact same expression he had on when he'd leer at me. But I wasn't processing the sight as such any more.

"I am not anticipating any pleasure from you. I am afraid and reluctant to give in." I said through gritted teeth. Actually surprised I was so honest.

"Well." He broke off as he shifted his weight so that his weight was only resting across my left thigh as he rested on his side against me instead of completely pinning me down. Curiously I opened my eyes. Having removed his hand from my inner thigh he began grazing it across my abdomen. "You should be anticipating pleasure. Because tonight I will give it to you. Have you not noticed how pain free you've been since entering our room? We're going to have a highly enjoyable night you and I. With every touch, every stroke and every resulting quiver you make around my cock, you'll have proof that I'm not all that bad." He smirked. A shiver ran down my spine and heat flooded my cheeks. Pig.

"Have you already forgotten about wrestling shoes onto my feet-?" Came my measly response.

"That was all you. You kicked out at me."

"Yes. But if you didn't want to hurt me you would have moved your head backwards when I connected." He chuckled.

"I can only control my actions sweetheart. And soon yours." He drawled.

"You disgust me." I spat. "Are you going to get on with it? The suspense iskilling me."

"All in good time. All in good time." He murmured.

"So when are you going to punish me from this morning if tonight is about pleasure rather than pain?"

"I don't need to be violent to educate you on your wrongs." He smirked.

"So this is my punishment? Drugging me so that I willingly fuck you?"

"If that's how you view sex. Then Elijah has no skill whatsoever." Klaus seem to find his comment particularly funny and guffawed. I rolled my eyes with exaggeration and tried to sit up a little.

"Must you resist me so?" I stopped and looked at him in disbelief.

"Gosh. I'm sorry. I should be so content to have you pinning me to a piece of furniture like you are. And surely it's not that much of a stretch to consider that forcing me to enjoy, what you're going to do, is anything but a punishment." I shot sarcastically. As he responded by turning into me I shoved against his chest to try and keep him away. Foolish really, because nothing I did made a difference. Claiming my mouth with his own and pulling me against him I moaned and immediately brought my right leg up over him while moving my right hand from between our chests so I could wrap my arm around his side.

As he kissed me thoroughly I was lost to an all-consuming bliss. My mind was still screaming at me that this wasn't right. But everything about Klaus was drowning it out. Though my resolve was hardly existent, tears leaked from my closed eyes. We were just kissing, but heat raced all over me while my breathing became more and more ragged. Each breath brushing my hardened nipples against his solid chest. Whimpering helplessly as he released my mouth I pressed my right hand against his back trying to join our lips again as I extended my neck toward him. When I couldn't locate them I peaked out from under my eyelashes still trying to catch my breath. Klaus' face was only centimetres in front of mine.

"You seem pretty content at the moment." He purred before kissing my eye lids and licking the moisture that had rolled from my eyes. I found myself sighing as his lips touched my face.

"It's not me." I whimpered softly in fear, yet not even caring that my leg was still hitched over him.

"Sure-." He pecked my lips and trailed them to my neck. "It is." He spoke almost consolingly before sinking his fangs into my neck to which my back arched uncontrollably into him as I moaned loudly.