Chapter 8

It had been quite a few days since Klaus had compelled Caroline to be cooperative. She was broody and so was Stefan but for different reasons. Caroline was moody because she had been compelled to be Klaus' obedient little pet and she did not like to be compelled but Stefan had his reasons which he did not have a chance to share with Caroline because wherever she was Klaus was right beside her. It was like the two friends weren't even given a second's privacy together. Either Klaus or Rebekah were with them at all times. Stefan had been going with Klaus to the werewolf camps so he could make more hybrids but he was failing to do so and according to Gloria, it had something to do with the fact that Elena was still alive.

Stefan knew that, Gloria knew that but Klaus did not know that and even Katherine knew it. Stefan was positive that the day Klaus found out that Elena was still well and alive, he would be hell bent on changing that. He had to hide that from Klaus even if he needed to keep it a secret from Caroline and bear the consequences of being the ripper and with Rebekah constantly throwing herself at him didn't help him either. But he would do anything necessary to protect Elena and to protect Caroline. It was in her best interest that she would be kept out of this mess. Especially since she was under Klaus' compulsion.

Caroline was beyond pissed at Klaus. He hadn't compelled her for any sexual favors or anything till now at least but being compelled was something she hated from the core of her heart. It reminded her of her past. When she was human and shallow and useless. She threw herself at boys and was used by Damon as a plaything. So far she had only stabbed herself three times which was a lot of progress considering the amount of hatred towards him. She knew she'd have to do everything in her power to stay away from Klaus but that wasn't much possible since he was always looming over her, enjoying her discomfort. But in the past two days, he was looking even more annoyed than usual. He and Stefan left at evening and returned much late after night. She couldn't go near Stefan because of Klaus and Rebekah. But she was concerned for Stefan. She wondered what they'd be doing but always thought it would be some Klaus evil, master plan and left it alone.

She couldn't talk to Stefan because he was sharing his room with the original bitch, Rebekah and Caroline was obviously bunked in with Klaus which was rather unnerving. According to Caroline, he had a serious disorder called, 'can't-keep-my-eyes-to-myselfopia'. He just kept staring her all night until they'd fall asleep or at least until she'd fall asleep. As if sharing a bed with him wasn't uncomfortable enough he had to set his eye on her like he was reading her soul or something.

But tonight it was something different. Caroline and Rebekah were in the living room of the penthouse when they heard Stefan and Klaus enter. Rebekah was getting her nails painted from some poor compelled beautician and Caroline was flipping through a magazine and skipping through the channels on the flat screen TV. Caroline passed the remote to Rebekah, "This is how you use a TV" he stated as she flipped through the magazine. Rebekah nodded and kept fiddling with the controller of the device.

They both swept their heads in the direction from where the sound came. It was Klaus and Stefan back from their usual 'outing'. Rebekah gave her brother a skeptical look and smiled deviously but kept silent. Caroline noticed the smug look on her face and shot her head back to see Klaus' clothes all bloodied. His face had blood all over it. Everywhere she looked, she only saw blood and dirt. Her eyes shot open when she saw Stefan behind Klaus. She could care less about what happened to Klaus or what he thought if she went to Stefan so she quickly scurried over to Stefan.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly and looked up and down for any injury.

Stefan smiled tightly and replied, "I'm okay Caroline. Don't worry about it" Caroline at that moment let out a sigh of relief.

It was only when she knew Stefan was okay that she noticed the stares she received from the room. Klaus was passing her a deadly glare and Rebekah was looking at her like a jealous housewife.

"So are you going to tell me what happened today?" Rebekah asked Klaus breaking the awkward silence in the room.

"What happens every time? The same happened again" Klaus stated trying to remain calm but it was obvious that he was anything but calm. He poured himself a drink from the bar and downed it in one go.

"What did the witch say about that? I mean can she help you save – she wasn't allowed to complete when Klaus gave her a glare and then looked towards Stefan and Caroline.

"Ripper! Why don't you and Caroline give me and Rebekah a moment" he stated with a smile. A sarcastic one but still a smile which was shocking so they both just nodded and moved out of the penthouse without sparing them another glance.

When they were out Klaus looked to his baby sister and began, "The witch says something might have gone wrong in the ritual. She says she can find out what's wrong in a day or two."

"Why aren't you telling that to Caroline and Stefan? Why are you hiding it?" Rebekah asked slightly confused. She thought Stefan was at least someone they could trust if not the blonde.

Klaus let out a frustrated sigh, "A thousand years and you still haven't learnt a thing. Well if you must know then… I think our dear Stefan is hiding something from us and I intend to find out what it is" Before Rebekah could say another word he added, "Don't trust him just yet sister. He's not the same Stefan and especially not with our little blonde companion"

Meanwhile Klaus and Rebekah were having their conversation, Stefan took the opportunity to fill in Caroline on the current situation of hybrid failure and witchy business.

"Klaus is too close to find out what happened back in Mystic Falls. We can't let that happen. The witch already knows and she promised me a day or two so I can send Elena away before Klaus finds her and kills her." Stefan told Caroline looking around cautiously if they were being overheard.

Caroline took a few moments to take in the information and then replied, "Don't worry I'm sure we'll find a way out of it. We just need to warn Elena. But you shouldn't have told me. Klaus can compel me and he does." She started panicking and thinking of the consequences if Klaus found out but was back into reality when Stefan held out a vial in front of her eyes with a sadistic grin plastered to his face.

"Vervain?" She questioned. Her voice barely above a whisper.

Stefan nodded and smiled, "Katherine sends her best"

Of course! It had to be Katherine helping Stefan. Well for the first time in her life Caroline was glad Katherine stepped up. She didn't waste another second and drank the vervain and hissed as it burned her throat.

"So is she going to help Elena run away?" Caroline asked.

Stefan shook his head, "I doubt that. She'd rather watch Elena die… Damon and Elena have been getting closer too. When we were at the camps of a werewolf clan, they were trailing right behind us. I didn't get a chance to warn them today but I will …" Stefan spoke as he tried to come up with some plan.

Caroline kept thinking until an idea finally hit her and she smirked, "What if one of us goes to warn them? We can hand over Katherine to Klaus as a replacement for you and then you can go back to Mystic Falls and get Elena the hell away from there."

Stefan narrowed his eyes and thought for a while and then spoke up, "Katherine won't be pleased about it. We'll be double crossing her and then she'll spill her guts to Klaus about everything."

"But we'll help her escape. I mean she has done it once right? And she is still technically running from Klaus so why does it matter if she runs again" Caroline argued and looked to Stefan.

"It's a risky plan but Katherine still won't agree. Klaus could easily kill her" Stefan said.

"What if we ask Bonnie to give her immortality? Like actual immortality like an original. I mean she prefers survival above everything right? So why would she deny such an offer?" Caroline reasoned and when she saw Stefan nod she knew this plan was going to work.

"I'll get Katherine to talk to Bonnie and also we'll need her to perform a cloaking spell on Elena, Jeremy and Damon. And listen don't let Klaus know you're back on vervain. Let him think you're still compelled." Stefan added and looked around to see if Klaus had finished his discussion with Rebekah.

Caroline senses his tension and let out an inaudible sigh, "You know, I think Klaus' hybrids are a failure because he's an asshole" she joked and laughed.

Stefan could not believe how she could even bring humor in such a tough situation. It was one of the many reasons Stefan considered Caroline to be her best friend. She was much like Lexi. Serious when she needed to be but also humorous in the toughest situations.

Stefan hugged Caroline and she hugged back. She was a little surprised by the hug but she hugged back anyway thinking it was probably because he missed home. Just when they started their normal chit chat a man interrupted them.

"Klaus wants you both back." He said and walked away.

Caroline rolled her eyes as they both made their way back towards the penthouse, "I'm sure he's done making his evil plans to destroy other people's lives that he is calling us back in." she added tauntingly.

As they both opened the doors, they seemed to have captured everyone's attention. Klaus and Rebekah stared them both with different looks. Rebekah was smirking and Klaus looked expressionless.

"How good of you to finally join us!" Klaus stated and motioned for them to come in. They both sat on the couch and looked at the originals. What did they have planned now that they were so happy? They thought to themselves.

"What now Klaus?" Stefan asked cautiously trying to predict his future moves or plans.

"Well Stefan now that you've asked. I have come to offer you a deal. That is if you behave" Klaus added cunningly. Rebekah's grin widened and Caroline listened in carefully.

"I will allow Caroline her freedom. She will be free to go back to Mystic Falls or wherever she wishes to go and I will free her from my compulsion, if I get your loyalty in return" Klaus stated calmly.

Stefan and Caroline looked at each other with their jaws dropped. They knew better than to expect some kindness from Klaus so Caroline quickly put on her bitch mode and spoke up, "So you're just going to let me go?" Klaus nodded and she scoffed. "You mean to tell me that you're going to let me go out of the goodness of your heart? I don't know but I find that hard to believe" Caroline stated harshly.

"Fine. You have my loyalty in return for Caroline's freedom" Stefan spoke up and nodded which caused Klaus and Rebekah to grin.

"Wait Stefan! Are you crazy?" she asked but immediately silenced when she saw the look on Stefan's face. It was necessary for one of them to go to warn Elena and somehow they both knew Klaus wouldn't let Stefan go.

"Get ready. We're all going to have dinner tonight before sweet Caroline goes away or you could stay with us if you want love?" Klaus questioned knowing the answer too well.

"Seriously? No thanks. I'd rather spend my time travelling the world ALONE" she retorted harshly as she began to walk away to the room to get dressed. This was going to be a long dinner.