Chapter 12 – The Werewolf Gene

Sitting back, arm slung round the chair next to him, Klaus gazed across the table at Caroline, drinking her in. They'd found a little pizza restaurant tucked off the road and had spent the last hour enjoying the food and company. The food was better than average, Caroline was exceptional. She had the blonde beauty that often came with a vapid personality in tow, a person who cashed in on their looks. But instead she was a very natural and comfortable person to be around and her intelligence reared it's head from time to time in an unpretencious way. In other words, he was captivated.

They had so far mostly avoided talking about anything supernatural. Not on purpose, they were just adding to what they knew about each other, asking all those typical first date questions. But they couldn't avoid it forever and Klaus definitely needed some answers. "I get the whole full moon and werewolf thing, I've seen enough movies. But I'm not sure how to keep others safe when it's happening. Do I lock myself away?"

Caroline sighed. "I don't like talking about Tyler. He's my main point of reference with anything to do with werewolves and we're not close anymore but I can tell you what I learnt through him. Tyler had the gene running through his family so they already had an underground shelter built where he could chain himself once a month. Even then there was damage each time and they would probably have to replace the chains after a while."

"Got it. Build a basement dungeon to lock myself in with industrial strength chains. But what you said about the gene running through his family, do you think that's why I am the way I am? Could my real father be a werewolf too?"

"I guess it's a possibility. It only triggers when you kill someone so he may not ever turn. Even his father and grandfather may not have know that they had the potential too. Most people don't kill someone in their lifetime. And unfortunately some of us kill more than once." Caroline looked down, lost for a moment in her memories and Klaus reached across the table, catching her hand in his.

"I don't believe you did it on purpose Caroline. I might not have known you very long but I already know enough to say that without a doubt. Self preservation, that I can imagine. But just for the fun of it, no, I can't see that happening."

"But there's so much still to tell you though Klaus. Vampires can compel people to do what we want, using them like a puppet. We can switch our humanity off and that can turn really ugly. Without our humanity, people are pawns and meat to be used and disposed of afterwards."

"Are you trying to scare me away because it's not working. And besides, you should be running from me. I'm the one who can kill you with a bite which sounds extremely ominous. So, no hickeys then love?"

She grinned at his near constant suggestive tone. "Actually, it's only in your wolf form that you can do damage so yes, I'll have to stay away when you're transforming. But the rest of the time, your teeth can touch my skin and do no harm. I'm all for that and I have scarves" she finished with a laugh.

"I like where your mind is going Caroline" he said in a dirty voice and squeezed her hand and for a moment they were just like any other ordinary couple on a date, early on in a new relationship. Checking each other out, butterflies, zings between them and eyes meeting across the table. "Is it time for the bill?" he asked thinking he was more than ready to get out of there.

"Yes I think it's time to go home. To our separate houses I mean Klaus. Last night was a killer, no pun intended. I just think we need some space and some sleep."

He pouted as he helped her put her coat on. Dropping cash on the table along with the bill, he took her hand and they walked out to the car. "Sleep is good. Other things are better sweetheart."

"And worth the wait I'm sure. But Klaus, I need to call my friends. I need some time with them, to talk through all of this. I know you have noone to talk to about all of this and I'm sorry. Maybe they'll have some ideas to help prepare you for what's ahead."

"Still choosing not to think about the next time Caroline. For now that's well in the future. I'm more concerned with the here and now" and he pulled her towards him, kissing her hard on the lips before leaning away with a smirk.

A little breathless and heart beating fast, Caroline was dazed for a moment before pulling herself together. "Not going to work Klaus. Although, you could try a little harder" and this time she took the lead, yanking him against her body and running her tongue across his lips before they sprang open and she explored his mouth with hers.

"Unfair love, totally unfair" he laughed when they pulled apart. "But I am happy to wait. Good things take time and you my dear, are well worth the wait." Kissing her hand in a galant gesture of days gone by, they once more got into her car.

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Dropping him off, with a kiss, a wave and a promise to call tomorrow so they could make plans, Caroline drove away and Klaus let himself into his house, dropping his keys on the sidetable as he walked inside. His body felt weary, the last 36 hours had been unbelievable and as much as he had other preferences, Caroline had been right. Sometimes sleep was what you really needed.

Kicking his shoes off, he strode through the house, heading for the stairs so he could go up to bed.

"Hello brother" he heard and stopped midstride, turning slowly to take in the dark figure who seemed to loom out of the dark.

"Elijah" he replied with a sigh, all his plans for an early night suddenly gone out the window.