Chapter Four

As soon as I opened my eyes that morning I knew that was the day that the ritual was going to happen. It was as if someone was pumping anti-freeze through my veins, making my whole body go ice cold. I looked over to Jenna who was still soundly sleeping with her back to me, as carefully as I could, I pulled back the sheets and climbed out of bed, making my way down stairs, still wearing Elena's pyjamas seeing as I still had no clothes of my own to wear. I found Elena, Stefan and Elijah in the sitting room, discussing the sacrifice.

'It's going to happen tonight,' I said, causing three pairs of eyes to look to me in surprise, 'I don't know how I know… but I can just feel it.' I said, looking to Elena as I crossed my arms over my chest, moving my hands up and down the top of my arms, trying to generate some heat.

Elena moved over to me, placing her arm over my shoulder, the other resting on my crossed arms.

'Hey, it's okay. I'm going to be fine.' Elena said, trying to meet my eyes but my gaze was focused on the jar sitting on the table in front of Elijah. As I stared at it a small spark of warmth spread came over me, numbing the cold inside my body. It was only a little, but enough to assure me that whatever in that jar was going to work to save Elena's life.

'Yes you are.' I said, my eyes finally meeting hers, I noticed that her gaze now rested where mine had been moments ago before she turned to me, relief in her eyes.

'Really?' She asked, hopeful.

I nodded, a small smile on my face, but it soon disappeared when I frowned.

'If Elijah's way is going to work then why the hell do I feel like my blood is turning to ice?' I muttered, my gaze on the floor as I tried to align my feelings with my head.

'Tell me, Kimberly,' Elijah started, waiting for me to snap out of my thoughts and meet his gaze, 'have you always had such a strong intuition?' Elijah asked, curiosity gleaming in his dark orbs.

I shrugged before I answered, 'for as long as I can remember,' I said looking over to Elena.

'She's been this way my whole life.' Elena confirmed.

'Well that explains your lack of surprise and your willingness to accept her predictions.' He turned to Stefan, 'what about you?' He asked.

Stefan's gaze flickered over to me before he met Elijah's eyes, 'I've never seen anything like it. The first day she came into town she was able to see that Katherine was posing as Elena instantly, and the same thing happened when Klaus was in Ric's body. He literally just walked through the door and she knew it wasn't him immediately.'

'Fascinating. But that's not all is it? You don't just notice when people aren't themselves, you get certain feelings towards events?'

Elena replied before I could, 'yes she does. Klaus knocked her out at the decade dance, so she didn't see Bonnie die, and when she woke up and I told her she told me that she wasn't dead. Then Damon came home and confirmed it.'

'I may be wrong, Miss Gilbert, but your gifts are almost borderline supernatural,' Elijah stated, not sounding unsure in the slightest.

'What?' I asked, completely shocked. I mean I trusted my instincts just like everyone should, that didn't make me supernatural… did it? My mind and my gut were telling me two completely different things and I didn't know what to believe.

'Whatever I might be, doesn't matter right now.' I said, ignoring Elijah and Stefan's curious gazes as I glanced over to Elena noting the disagreement shining in her brown orbs.

'It does if you have a bad feeling about this ritual tonight.' Elena said.

'Who is he planning on using? He needs a vampire and a werewolf right?' Stefan asked, his inquiry was completely innocent, but suddenly I felt like I had been punched in the gut; I couldn't breathe. I leaned forward putting my hands on my knees, desperately trying to get air in my lungs.

'Kim?' Elena exclaimed, worried.

'That's it. He's going to use someone we know.' I managed to gasp out, the pain in my chest lessening enough to allow me to breathe, but it otherwise remained as a reminder of what was to come.

'We need to get everyone we know over here.' I said, pulling my phone out of my pyjama shorts pocket.

Me: Get over to the boarding house NOW. It's an emergency.

I sent the text to Caroline and Tyler without even thinking. I knew Tyler wasn't in town, but I wouldn't be surprised if he lured him back- I didn't know of any other werewolves in Mystic Falls that he could use.

'What are you doing?' Elena asked.

'I texted Caroline and Tyler and told them to get over here.' I said.

'Tyler's out of town…' Elena replied, but she stopped when I cut her off with a look.

'How many werewolves do you know in Mystic Falls?' I asked.

Realisation grew on Elena and Stefan's expressions at the same time as they shared a look of horror. Growing impatient, I took out my phone about to call Caroline when a text suddenly came through.

Caroline: Just on my way to the hospital. Tyler's Mom had an accident. I'll come by after.

Dread grew in my gut as soon as I read the message and without another thought, I dialled her number, pressing the phone to my ear.

'Care, you need to get over here now. I'm serious. Don't go to the hospital.' I said as soon as she answered, my tone urgent.

'What? Why?' She asked, her confusion practically hitting me in the face.

'I'll explain as soon as you get here, Care. But please, DO NOT go to the hospital.'

'Okay, I'm leaving now. I'll be there in ten,' she sighed hanging up the phone.

I tried dialling Tyler's number but he didn't answer. I tried again, panic setting in but he answered on the third ring.

'Kim?' He said.

'Tyler! Thank god. Where are you?' I demanded, though a part of me already knew the answer as I made my way to the front door, grabbing Elena's keys out of her jacket that was hanging up on the coat rack.

'The hospital. My Mom had an accident, why what's going on?' He asked, suspicion clouding his tone.

'Listen to me, stay in your Mom's room. I'm on my way over there now. There's something I need to tell you.' I said, hoping he'd notice the urgency in my tone and give in.

'Kim… there's a full moon tonight, I shouldn't even be here I'm cutting it too close-,' he replied, but I could hear the hesitancy in his tone.

'Tyler. Trust me, this is important.' I urged knowing that he would give in.

'Okay but you better make it fast.' He gave in.

'Stay where you are. I'll be there soon.' I hung up the phone about to open the front door when a hand suddenly shot out and kept it shut, my head whipped around to see Elena behind me her hand keeping the door shut. Stefan and Elijah were half a step behind her standing side by side their arms crossed over their chest.

'What do you think you're doing?' Elena demanded.

'I'm going to pick up Tyler from the hospital,' I said looking at her as if she were crazy.

'You can't go alone, if someone is going to take Tyler, what defence are you going to have against them?' Elena said, worried.

'My charm?' I muttered.

'Kim!' Elena said, pissed.

I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest, 'it has to be me. All of the vampires need to stay under this roof to avoid being kidnapped and used in the sacrifice!' I could hear the panic in my tone and I took a deep breath trying to come down.

'Well then, let me accompany you Kimberly. I assure you, I am much harder to kidnap.' Elijah said, causing Elena and Stefan to look at him shocked, whereas I gave him a grateful smile.

'Thank you.' I turned to Elena, 'tell Caroline everything and make sure that her, Jenna and Damon stay in the house, okay? Klaus can't get in here, they should be safe.'

She nodded and gave me a reassuring look as I pulled the door open, gesturing for Elijah to go first.

'Oh and do me a favour, don't spend anytime alone with Damon today, okay? I have a feeling he might do something stupid when he finds out that the sacrifice is happening today.' I said over my shoulder, as I walked towards the car, not looking back to see their expressions.

I climbed in the drivers seat and quickly clicked in my seatbelt, stomping my foot down on the gas as soon as Elijah had taken his place in the passenger seat. I drove so fast on my journey to the hospital that I even noticed Elijah gripping his seat as if he were uneasy; if the circumstances had been different, I would have laughed. I stopped the car in between two spaces, hastily shoving it in park, before I climbed out and broke out in a run towards the hospital, I got to the reception desk and had to pause for a moment to catch my breath.

'Could you tell me what room Carol Lockwood is in please?' I asked, my voice still somewhat breathless.

'I'm sorry but I can only disclose that information to family-,' She broke off as Elijah compelled her to answer our questions, 'she's in room 304. Go down that corridor, turn right and it's the fourth door on your right.'

I nodded and followed her directions, throwing the door in question open abruptly. It hit the wall with a bang but it wasn't loud enough to wake up Carol Lockwood who was still snoozing on her bed.

'Tyler- must- go-,' I said grabbing his hand and using all of my strength to pull him behind me. I managed to get us halfway to the exit before he pulled me to an abrupt stop; luckily I'd managed to gather my breath, though I was sweating.

'Kim, slow down what the hell is going on?' Tyler asked, wrinkling his nose in disgust as I wiped the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand in an un-ladylike manner.

'The sacrifice is happening tonight. I think Klaus made your Mom have an accident to lure you back here so that he could use you in the ritual.' I gave him the cliff notes version.

His eyes widened in alarm, his expression becoming shocked, I used that to my advantage by pulling him the rest of the way. I managed to get him in the back seat of Elena's car, while Elijah got in the passenger and was just about to open the driver's side door when all of a sudden my head felt like it was going to explode. I met Elijah's eyes, my gaze pleading, hoping that he'd understand what I wanted; thankfully he did. In a flash he was in the drivers seat, speeding out of the car park before I'd fallen to the ground in pain. I could feel the darkness threatening to consume me, I fought against it as hard as I could, and I managed to hold on long enough to see a tall man with dark hair chanting as he stood over me. The chanting stopped suddenly, but my mind was too fried and I couldn't hold on any longer.

I groaned at the pain coming from my skull as I regained consciousness. When I remembered what had happened, I shot up looking around frantically. I noticed that I was still in the hospital car park and thankfully there weren't any signs of the man that had attacked me. I assumed that I hadn't been unconscious for long seeing as I didn't have any concerned pedestrians standing over me. With a moan of discomfort, I climbed to my feet, pulling my phone out of my pocket. I quickly dialled Elena, hoping that Elijah hadn't got back with Tyler yet because if he had I knew she'd be worried sick.

'Kim?' Elena asked, I noticed that although her tone was a little concerned, she didn't sound overly panicked.

'Hey, listen I thought I'd give you a heads up. Elijah should be getting back with Tyler soon.' I said, waiting for her response.

'What about you?'

'Well one of Klaus' witches attacked us, but I made Elijah get Tyler away before he could take him.' I stated, as I started to walk in the direction of the boarding house. It was then I noticed that I was still barefoot and wearing Elena's pyjamas from the night before. I wasn't wearing a bra or panties and the shorts I was wearing were quite thin. Wonderful. I ignored the cars honking at me as I walked along the road as I tried to focus on my sister's voice.

'Are you okay?' She said, worry clear in her tone, and it twisted in my gut.

'Yeah I'm absolutely fine, Lena don't worry I'm just walking back now-,' I was cut off as I heard Elena shouting to Tyler.

'Elijah and Tyler just got here. Do you want me to send Elijah after you?' She asked.

'No, it's fine. We already cut it too close earlier. I don't think the witch saw Elijah and we need to keep it that way. Klaus can't know he's here or he'll make the connection that we plan to use him.' I said, flipping off a man hanging out of his car window flicking his tongue in a suggestive gesture.

'Okay that's a good idea but I don't like the thought of you walking for an hour along a deserted road.'

'I'll be fine' I said trying to reassure her.

'Damon and Ric left for the grill a little while ago, that's only a five minute walk from the hospital,' she said making me stop dead in my tracks; I'd already walked five minutes in the opposite direction.

'Why has Damon left the house?' I said; I'd already spun around and started power walking to the grill, trying not to break into a full-blown run. I didn't have a feeling that suggested I should worry, but I wasn't talking any chances.

'He went to drown his sorrows after he spent half an hour ranting about how the elixir wasn't going to work and I refused to take his blood when he asked.'

I sighed and shook my head, 'well he probably would have forced you if you'd been alone with him,' I murmured, 'Damon doesn't like feeling helpless and he trusts vampire blood more than an elixir that he doesn't believe will work. It's understandable I suppose.'

'It is.' Elena agreed, 'I'm just glad you warned me not to be alone with him or God knows what he would have done.'

'You know exactly what he would have done. Have you explained everything to Caroline and Tyler?' I asked as I came to a stop in front of the grill, ignoring everyone's stares; they varied from amused to shocked.

'I told Caroline and I warned Jenna to stay inside at all costs. Stefan is filling in Tyler and telling him that you're okay. He's worried about you,' Elena replied.

'Well I'm fine. I just got to the Grill so I'll talk to you soon. Love you.'

'I love you too Kimmie.'

I hung up the phone and walked inside, I ignored the leering gazes of the daytime drunks and slid into the empty seat to Damon's right after giving Ric, who was sat to Damon's left, a polite nod in greeting.

'I'll have a whiskey,' I said to the bar man, noticing his eyes stayed firmly locked on my breasts while he poured me one. It didn't help that my nipples were probably hard because of the cold, but I didn't say anything, not risking him asking me for ID if he looked at my face; I was only 20 after all.

'So… why are we drinking?' I asked, looking over to Damon whose gaze stayed firmly on his bourbon.

'Oh I don't know how about the fact that Elena is about to die in some creepy sacrifice so that Klaus can become a hybrid.' Damon muttered, lifting his glass up as if to toast before he bought it to his mouth and drank the rest of his bourbon in one gulp.

I shook my head at him as I tutted, 'Elena is going to be fine. Have a little faith.' I said to him my left hand resting on his arm as I squeezed gently trying to offer him some comfort. He looked to me surprised, but I could still read the obvious worry shining in his piercing blue orbs.

'She. Will. Be. Fine' I said enunciating each word, hoping that the sincerity in my gaze would bring him some relief, and it seemed to, the worry lessened slightly before his mask was back up and I was cut off from reading him.

'She better be.' He said, his tone bitter.

'So Ric, how do you like being back in control of your own body?' I asked, leaning forward on the bar to meet his gaze, he responded with a friendly smile and was about to respond when a man with a British accent cut him off. I knew who it was immediately and I groaned slamming my head to the bar in annoyance.

'Lady. Gentlemen. Why so glum?'

It took them a minute but the recognition shone from their faces as they figured it out. Damon turned around on his stool, facing him head on. I hadn't looked in his direction yet, mostly because I didn't want to. The last time I had been in the same room as him he'd smashed my head against some lockers. Rude.

'Klaus I presume,' Damon said.

'In the flesh,' Klaus replied, and I swear I could hear the smirk in his voice. Deciding to stop avoiding the confrontation, I sat up in my stool, dramatically twirling so that I was also facing the same direction.

'Cut to the chase. What do you want?' I demanded annoyance and frustration dripping from my tone, but as soon as I met his eyes my whole body and my expression froze in place. At that point I was glad that my face read as annoyed because if he could actually tell how I was feeling I would have been extremely embarrassed. As soon as my eyes met his I knew I was screwed I could practically feel the electricity zapping between us.

His eyes were a deep blue, like mine, yet his were more enticing, more beautiful and I had to physically force my eyes away from his to take the rest of him in. His hair was a mix of a soft brown and dark blonde, a few curls framing his striking face. His lips were an enticing red, as if they were begging to be kissed, and I found myself counting to three and forcing myself to look away before I put myself in danger of staring at them for too long. His physique was lean giving the impression he wasn't strong, yet the way he carried himself suggested that you would be an idiot to even try and challenge him. I could feel my heart racing and I hated it. I had never been attracted to anyone before and the first time I've found myself unable to look away from a guy it has to be the one who was planning on killing my sister? Well wasn't that just fan-fucking-tastic. With that thought I downed the rest of my whiskey, closing my eyes to savor the pleasant burn in my throat. When I opened them again I noticed that Klaus, Damon and Ric were all staring at me.

I frowned, 'what?'

'Did you not hear what I said, love? Or were you too busy checking me out?' Klaus said, a crooked grin appearing on his face. I tried not to melt at his accent and his hungry gaze as I wrinkled my nose in fake disgust.

'Don't flatter yourself, you're a thousand years old, the only checking you should be experiencing is into a nursing home,' I muttered.

He chuckled but I could see that he was impressed with my comeback.

'So what do you want?' I asked, leaning my elbows back on the bar, trying to look like I didn't have a care in the world.

'I just wanted to make sure you were okay after your little run in with my witch earlier,' He said his tone once again amused but his eyes were annoyed.

'Ah yes. About that, why are you sending your witches out to attack innocent little humans, I was just walking to my car and BAM,' I shouted for emphasis, actually making Damon jump and spill some of his drink, as well as gaining the attention of a few nearby customers, 'my brain was on fire. I must say it was not a pleasant experience.' I said, waving my hand at the bar man, asking for a refill on my whiskey. When I grabbed the glass and turned back Klaus was only an inch away from me.

'Listen, sweetheart you know exactly what you were doing. You took the werewolf I was planning on using in the sacrifice and seeing as I can't find the lovely blonde local vampire I'm assuming you've had something to do with that as well,' He said, all amusement gone from him in an instant, instead his tone seeped with an underlying threat and it pissed me off.

'Oi, I saved the friends you were planning on using in the sacrifice. I get that it has to happen, but that doesn't mean that you need to use people that we care about.' I moved closer to him so that we were only millimeters apart, I could feel my eyes hardening, 'it's bad enough that you have to kill my sister to make yourself into a freaking hybrid. You can get vampires from anywhere, yeah I guess that werewolves are a little harder to come by, but you should have been prepared with that, I mean come on you've had a thousand years to plan for this. You're slacking' I said my finger poking at his chest.

I could practically hear Damon and Ric holding their breath as they waited for his response. But again I couldn't find it in myself to be intimidated, I stared right back into his eyes, raising my eyebrows in a 'what are you gonna do?' gesture, which in all fairness probably was not the best idea when you were essentially challenging one of the oldest vampires on earth.

He grabbed the hand that was still poking his chest and pulled me foreword, so that I was now completely off the stool and standing in front of him, every inch of my body pressed against his. I had to look up to meet his eyes, seeing as he was half a head taller than me and I saw a brief flicker of lust before his eyes flooded with annoyance again. Personally I was having a hard time grabbing onto the anger I had been feeling just a moment ago when I was pressed against him like this- my whole body was tingling in a way that I wasn't familiar with and I didn't know how to make it stop.

'Listen, love luckily for you I still have a werewolf to use with your precious Tyler Lockwood out of the picture, but I'm still short on a vampire.' He inched closer to me, so close that if he spoke again his lips would softly brush against mine.

'You can turn literally anyone into a vampire,' I said after moving back enough so that my lips wouldn't brush against his as I spoke; I didn't trust myself with that kind of temptation, 'you're just going out of your way to be an asshole.' I muttered my eyebrows rising in an accusing manner.

He smirked, and I pretended that didn't make my knees a little bit weak.

'Maybe I should use you,' He murmured his tone pondering, as he leaned down to press his nose to my collarbone. I tried to fight a shiver as he moved up to my throat without breaking contact with my skin. Unfortunately, the action caused goose bumps to breakout over my skin and I wrinkled my nose, hoping he didn't notice. That hope diminished when a smug chuckle left him.

'But then again it would be a shame to waste blood that smells this good,' He murmured so low that I almost didn't hear him, his lips move to my ear and he whispers, 'unless you'd let me have a taste first, love?' That snapped me out of my daze as I brought the glass holding my whiskey to the back of his head with enough force to make it shatter, shards embedding in his skull and my hand, but I refused to acknowledge the pain as he leaned back, his expression completely shocked.

'Did you really expect that to work? You invade my personal space call me love a few times and I'm suddenly expected to tap a vein for you? I don't fucking think so, asshole' I shouted, putting my hands to his chest and shoving him; I must have caught him off guard because he actually stumbled back a few steps.

Damon whistled between his teeth and then chuckled in amusement, I noticed that Ric was also amused, but not making it as known as Damon, probably fearing Klaus' reaction. Which was a good call because I saw that his gaze turned murderous as he made a move to charge for me, but to my surprise Damon stood in front of me protectively.

'Nothing to see here. Don't you have places to be? People to sacrifice?' Damon said, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

I moved from behind Damon, my arms crossed over my chest as I rose by brow in question.

Klaus' eyes met mine and I could see the hunger back in his eyes as his gaze moved down to my hand and realization hit me like a truck; my hand was bleeding from the glass and I assumed that was more tempting than being able to smell it from underneath my skin.

'You need to leave, I'm sure you're on a tight schedule,' I mumbled, warning lacing my tone.

As if it caused him physical pain to do so he moved his eyes back to mine for a moment before his eyes then flickered to Damon and Ric, 'just a friendly reminder. Don't try and screw anything up.' He said, moving his gaze to mine once again, 'any more than you already have, anyway.' He muttered giving me a genuine half smile that made my traitorous heart skip a beat. He sent a wink my way before he sauntered out of the door. As soon as he was gone I slumped into my stool, my muscles sagging in relief.

'You're a mess. You're hand still has glass in it, you're bleeding everywhere and are you wearing pajamas?' Damon said, gesturing his arm in my direction as he asked the last question.

'Maybe. I didn't have time to get dressed this morning ok? And as for the glass thing, it's really starting to sting.' I said, holding up my injured hand as if I that would prove it was hurting.

Damon rolled his eyes and sighed, gently taking my injured hand as he began plucking the shards of glass out.

'Ow' I said.

'Stop whining' Damon replied.

'Shit that stings!'

Damon rolled his eyes, 'well if you hadn't decided that smashing a glass over Klaus' head was a good idea then you wouldn't be in this mess.' He reminded me, 'although it was pretty hilarious,' he said almost reluctantly.

'Well he pissed me off, he had it coming,' I replied, trying my hardest to ignore the incessant stinging coming from my palm.

'Are we gonna talk about the sparks that were flying between the two of you?' Ric asked, handing me some napkins to grip until the bleeding stopped.

'Okay you know what- it's not my fault he is hotter holy hell. What is that about? I was expecting him to be some hideous old guy,' I said, my tone accusing as I tried to deflect the attention.

Ric rolled his eyes but otherwise said nothing.

'So you're attracted to the guy who's about to sacrifice your sister? Girl you've got problems,' Damon replied as he stood up.

'Tell me about it.' I muttered, 'are we leaving?' I asked but before he could answer my phone vibrated, I pulled it out seeing it was Elena before I answered it and put it to my ear.

'Hey Lena, what's up?' I asked as I walked with Damon and Ric towards Damon's car.

'Stefan wants to take me out for the day, you know just in case I don't come back,' She started, 'he trusts your instincts of course but he just wants to be sure.'

'And you called me to see if any weird feelings arose over the thought of you leaving the house?' I guessed.

'Well yeah…'

'I don't so you should be fine, just keep me updated okay, and be careful. Klaus still needs a vampire and I wouldn't put it past him to use Stefan.' I said pulling my seatbelt on.

'Okay I will be don't worry,' She replied.

'Take the elixir before you go. It needs to be in your system for a few hours before the sacrifice for it to work.'

'I'm just about to take it.' She assured me, 'see you later Kimmie. I love you.' She murmured through the phone.

'I love you too,' I said before I hung up.

We got back to the boarding house after a quiet fifteen-minute drive. Elena and Stefan were already gone, as was Elijah. Caroline and Tyler were both in the sitting room, looking relaxed on the couch sitting very closely, although I pretended not to notice.

'Hey guys, where's Jenna?' I asked.

'She's upstairs reading I think. What on earth are you wearing?' Caroline asked absolutely horrified.

'Pyjamas,' I answered as if it was the normal attire to wear in public.

Tyler sniggered while Caroline looked even more horrified if that were possible.

'Anyway… I'm gonna go and change. Be back in a few.' I said quickly retreating before Caroline could scold me on my fashion choices. I heard Damon start telling Care and Tyler about what happened at the bar with Klaus as I climbed the steps. I noticed that Ric was just ahead of me and figured that he was going to look for Jenna.

I took my time not having the energy to rush, I of course had to borrow Elena's clothes again and found myself wearing dark blue skinny jeans and a deep purple long sleeved V-neck top. I paired that with her black leather jacket and dark brown boots. Once I was presentable I made my way back down stairs only to be met by an empty living room. What the hell? I pulled out my phone to call Damon but he didn't answer so I texted him instead.

Me: Where the hell are you?

Damon: Trying to rescue Klaus' back up werewolf. No werewolf, no ritual.

Me: You idiot. You won't find them and even if you do I'd expect that he/she will be well guarded.

Damon: So little faith in me.

Me: Damon…

Damon: Calm down, it'll be fine. Don't worry.

Me: That's just it, I am worried and you should know by now when I get a bad feeling about something it isn't going to end well. Come back.

Damon: Too late.

Me: Damon!

Me: Damon!

Me: For God sake don't go radio silent now!

I sighed in annoyance as I ran my palm down my face. He was going to get himself killed I could feel it but what could I do? I had no idea wear he was. I decided to try and focus on something I actually could help with and dialled Caroline's number, praying that she and Tyler were not with Damon although I was pretty sure they weren't.

'Hello?' Caroline said.

'Care? Where the hell are you? What part of don't leave the boarding house did you not get?' I asked completely furious.

'We are in the boarding house,' She replied, amused, 'we're just in the cellar, I'm chaining Tyler up because the moon's going to be rising soon.'

'Oh. Right sorry that completely slipped my mind. Will the cellar be able to hold him?' I asked, pretty calm over the whole thing, the feeling in my gut told be it wouldn't be a problem.

'Yeah, these chains are pretty much brand new and the doors are strong enough to keep a vampire in so a werewolf shouldn't be any trouble. There all done.' She said and I heard a door slamming both down the phone and from below me.

'Just make sure you stay on the other side of the door at all times,' I reminded her as I made my way up the stair case.

'I will Mom,' I could practically hear her rolling her eyes.

'Alright, talk to you later,' I said as I hung up the phone. I reached the room that Jenna had been staying in and gently knocked.

'Come in!' She called out from the other side of the door.

I stepped into the room and gave her a bright smile, this was the first proper time that I'd seen her since I'd come back to town, at least while she was conscious.

'Kim!' She exclaimed jumping into my arms with enough force to make me stumble back a few steps.

'I missed you,' I whispered, trying to keep my tears at bay.

'I missed you too sweetie.' She replied, squeezing me tighter.

I sat with her and Ric for a while as we talked about what had happened while I had been away; it was nice to hear some non-supernatural related gossip for a change. I told her this and she laughed and agreed with me. We talked for an hour before we ran out of things to talk about, when that happened I could feel the anxiety bubbling in my stomach threatening to overpower me so after warning them to steer clear of the cellar because Tyler was down there transforming and reminding them not to leave the house under any circumstances I made my way down stairs. Without even thinking I opened the front door and sat on one of the steps leading up to the house breathing in the cool clear air.

It helped a little; when I was younger my Dad and me would sit in the front yard for hours lying on blankets as we gazed at the night sky. I hadn't done that since he had died and as I gazed up as the stars twinkling in the sky I found myself overwhelmed by the sense of calm that swept over me. I felt a few tears escape when I remembered that I would never be able to do this with my dad again and before I knew it the floodgates had opened. I didn't even try to pull myself together like I would have done if I weren't alone. I never let anyone see me cry, I was always the one who tried to remain strong and calm for everyone else, and every once and a while I would reach my tipping point and let myself have a good cry as I tried to purge myself of all of the emotions I'd pushed down when I was trying to look after everyone else. Right now I was feeling undeniable grief and I could see my Dad's face at the forefront of my mind, triggering even more tears. I cried until I had no tears left, but I wasn't back to normal again completely until the dry sobs eventually subsided as well. I sighed as I rested my head against my knees, hugging my legs to myself attempting to gain some kind of comfort.

I felt empty. I felt like someone had taken away half my heart and all that was left was a gaping hole where it used to be, and it ached to a point of being painful. The piece of my heart that was missing is where my Mom and Dad used to be and I'd never be able to get them back. I was never going to be whole again. I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt my phone vibrating with a text from my back pocket, I wiped my eyes and pulled my phone out.

Elena: We're almost home, be about fifteen minutes.

Me: Okay, I'll be out front.

Elena: See you soon.

I put my phone away and with a sigh I got to my feet and walked to the bottom step, pacing back and forth, trying to ease my nerves as I waited for them to pull up.

'Well hello, love. What's got you all nervous?' I whipped my head in the direction that the voice came from only to see nothing. Was I hallucinating? I mean I knew I thought he was hot but full-blown hallucinations were not normal… right?

I jumped a mile when I felt hands on my waist, my hand went to my heart as if that would some how calm my racing heart beat, but I knew that it wouldn't calm down while he was touching me. I turned around pointing at him accusingly, 'you scared the hell out of me!'

He chuckled, stepping closer his hands once again going to my waist as his forehead rested against mine, I tried to resist I really did but my eyes fluttered closed of their own accord. I felt him place a soft kiss on my jaw and I inhaled sharply at the pleasant jolt that it sent through my body. His mouth went to the crook of my neck and I could feel his lips turn up into a smile, probably amused at my reaction to him. I brought my hands to his chest and I had to physically force myself to push against him rather than pull him closer. But all I ended up doing was push myself away from him, which was fine; as the distance returned I was finally able to think clearly.

I put a distance of ten paces between us before I glared at him, 'I'm pretty sure I've told you about invading my personal space before, Klaus.' I said, trying to sound pissed off but my tone didn't carry any conviction, which he noticed.

He smiled smugly before he replied, 'I didn't see you complaining love.'

'Well then you should pay more attention. I'm complaining right now!' I shouted.

He chuckled, 'that may be so, but you don't mean it. I'd be more than happy to prove it if you like?' He said taking a step forward making me take three back, I held up my hand as if that would be enough to keep him away.

'That won't be necessary thank you.' I said avoiding his gaze; afraid he'd be able to see how much I actually wanted to say the opposite. I was saved from hearing his smug chuckle accompanied by his arrogant smirk as Stefan's car pulled into the drive. My eyes found my sisters and I could see the worry in them. Before they got out of the car I quickly turned to Klaus only to stumble when I noticed he was no less than ten centimetres away from me.

'Let me come,' I said, staring at his chest, not trusting myself not to get distracted if I stared into his eyes.

'Well love now isn't really the time-,'

I frowned in confusion, my eyes unthinkingly snapping to his, 'what the hell are you-' I cut off when I saw him raise a suggestive brow, 'that is not what I meant.' I said, trying to ignore the fact that I could feel my cheeks reddening, 'I meant let me come to the ritual. Let me stay with Elena until she has to… die. Please. I have no intentions of stopping it before you start accusing me. Just let me stay with her.' I said, staring him straight in the eyes so that he could see that I was in fact being honest about not interfering.

He stared at me for a moment longer and I refused to break eye contact, even when I felt Stefan and Elena standing behind me. I needed to be with her, to try and keep her as calm as possible. I couldn't bear the thought of Elena being scared; I had to try and do something.

'As you wish, love.' Klaus finally said, 'but I don't do anything without getting something in return and I will cash in my debt later,' He smirked, and I felt my stomach churn as I imagined what it could be, but I squashed it down. Elena needed me right now. I simply nodded to Klaus to let him know I agreed to the terms, and then I turned around to see Elena and Stefan finishing their goodbyes. I turned away to give them some privacy but that didn't stop me from hearing what they were saying.

'I love you,' Elena said.

'I love you,' Stefan replied, then I heard what I assumed was them kissing. I tried to ignore the emotion in their voices; I could hear how much they cared for each other and it was heart breaking to hear them saying goodbye. Even though I knew Elena was going to be okay, I had to fight the emotions that rose within me as I too thought about actually losing her. I took a deep breath and forced it down. I'd cried enough tonight, and Elena needed me right now.

'You ready, my dear?' Klaus asked.

Stefan moved in front of Elena as if to protect her.

'I wouldn't. No reason for you to die, too.' Klaus said, his tone laced with warning, I thought about stepping in, but I knew it would be useless; Elena was the only one that could talk him down.

'No. Stefan, hey, hey, it's fine, it's fine. I'll go. No one needs to get hurt. There's no reason for you to get hurt.' Elena said her hands going to Stefan's face as she tried to make him meet her gaze, when he did he saw the pleading in her eyes and stepped to the side, allowing Elena to pass. I grabbed her hand and pulled her to my side wrapping my arm around her waist. Elena moved to hug me, her face going to the crook of my neck as she silently cried. I looked to Stefan and gave him a reassuring smile. It was going to be okay. Suddenly Elena was gently pulled away from me and thrown onto Klaus' back, while I was picked up bridal style. I closed my eyes and pressed my face against Klaus' chest when I felt us moving; I got carsick really easily and I didn't want to risk it. I tried to ignore the fact that Klaus smelled amazing as I took breaths in through my nose for the count of three and out through my mouth for the count of three.

'You can open your eyes now, love.' Klaus said, I did and looked up to see him staring at me with an unreadable expression on his face. He gently placed me on the ground before reaching over to help Elena carefully dismount from his back. I took her into my arms immediately, my arm hanging around her waist, hugging her from the side as we walked a few paces behind Klaus. We got to a clearing, well at least I think we did it was hard to tell seeing as it was completely pitch black. After I almost tripped for the third time I couldn't help but complain.

'You know not all of us have supernatural eye sight. I can't see where the hell I am going,' I muttered, knowing he could hear me. I heard him chuckle before the path way was suddenly lit up with flames, illuminating our path.

'I would thank you, but I'm pretty sure you didn't do that.' I said, my tone snarky.

He didn't respond but I somehow knew he was smirking. I hugged Elena tighter to my side as we got to the end of the path. There were three rings of fire. Two were empty while one of them was occupied with what looked like a dead body. It appeared to be a man of average height with blonde hair wearing black jeans, black and white Nike trainers and a plain white T-shirt. I assumed that it was a vampire in transition, and when I didn't feel any dread like I would have if I had known him, I didn't question it. Although my heart squeezed a little knowing that he didn't deserve what was about to happen to him. Klaus gestured to the circle on the far left and Elena and myself walked over to it, stepping inside when the flames momentarily disappeared. I pulled us to the middle before the flames regrew and sat on the floor bringing Elena with me. My legs were splayed out in front of me and Elena sat across them; her feet planted against the ground on one side of my legs while her bottom was on the floor against the other as she laid her head against my chest. I put my arms around her, whispering words of comfort as I gently rocked her back and forth. I couldn't even imagine what she must be feeling right now.

A few moments later the newly turned vampire to our left suddenly sat up gasping for air. He looked in our direction and I gave him a sympathetic smile; I didn't know him but that didn't mean that he deserved this.

'Hi' I said, 'how are you feeling?' I asked my voice soft, not wanting to jostle Elena; somehow she'd managed to fall asleep.

'I feel weird. My throat's on fire and the fire feels hot. Really hot,' He said his tone laced with panic and tears shining in his eyes.

'Well believe it or not your turning into a vampire. You're about to be used in a sacrifice so that guy,' I jutted my chin in Klaus' direction but didn't give him the satisfaction of looking directly at him, 'can become a hybrid; half werewolf half vampire.'

He looked at me as if he was waiting for a punch line but when he saw that my eyes and expression were both completely sincere he looked panicked.

'What's your name?' I asked, my voice still soft.

'J-James,' he said.

'I'm Kim. Now, they're going to feed you some blood in a minute to complete your transition. The good news is that vampires have this neat little trick,' I said trying to keep my voice calm and reassuring, 'they can turn their emotions off. If you do that, you won't be scared and it might make this whole thing a little easier for you.' I gave him a reassuring smile, and I saw him give me a soft smile in return.

He opened his mouth to reply but before he could, the flames suddenly disappeared around him as a dark skinned woman wearing black skinny jeans, black boots and a purple vest top stepped inside holding a knife. I assumed she was Klaus' witch. She brought the knife to her wrist, slicing it along her skin revealing a line of blood. She held it out in James' direction as she crouched beside him.

'Drink' She said. James didn't have to be told twice as he brought his lips to her wrist and eagerly drank. He pulled away with a start and when I saw his face I understood why; his vampire face had come forward a sensation that must have freaked him out due to its unfamiliarity. The witch stepped outside of the circle the flames growing behind her.

'Do you feel it? The urge to turn it off?' I asked, meeting his gaze.

He nodded, afraid and unsure.

'Do it,' I said softly, giving him a comforting smile.

It was incredible to watch the emotions drain from his eyes as he turned off his humanity; the panic and terror that had been present mere moments before were now gone, his eyes completely blank, empty. His eyes moved away from mine as he turned to stare forward towards the alter where Klaus and his witch were standing. I squeezed Elena a little tighter and kissed her forehead, trying to ignore the painful squeezing in my heart. This was my little sister and I was about to watch her die. I bit my lip as I pushed the emotion down. This had to happen, this was Elena's choice and I was going to honour that. I looked up to the sky closing my eyes as I composed myself. Once I had I went to move my eyes back down only to meet Klaus' gaze. His expression was blank, though I had a feeling he was forcing it to appear that way and I found myself wondering what he was really feeling. Was he excited to finally be free of his curse? Anxious to get it done? What? What was he feeling?

I shook my head free of my wandering thoughts as I moved my gaze from his, kissing Elena's hair and rocking her once more. Amazingly, she was still asleep and I wanted it to stay that way for as long as possible. I sighed as I prepared myself to watch an innocent werewolf and vampire die, as well as my baby sister.

There's another chapter! I really enjoyed writing this one- it was fun to write Kim and Klaus finally meeting. I really like the way they interact with each other and I can't wait to see where it goes the further we go.

I would like to say a huge thank you to: SlytherinGOTvampire and Impalasappplepiegirl for choosing to either favorite of follow my story! I hope you're enjoying it! Let me know what you think, and I'll see you next time with another chapter!

Xoxo

-VampireGirl1797