The Animal Within, a vampire diaries fanfic

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The Animal Within

Chapter One: A Brother's Return

Klaus Mikaelson

As the mellifluous chime of the house doorbell reverberated through the house abruptly roused from the depths of a tranquil sleep. With a languid grace, my eyes fluttered open, gradually adjusting to the gentle caress of sunlight streaming in through the bedroom window. Yet, despite the radiant beauty of the day, a heavy cloud of melancholy hung over me, shrouding me in a sombre haze. The weather's attempt to uplift my weary mind proved futile, as the gloom that had settled within me persisted, unyielding to the sun's gentle persuasion. The lingering mood that had enveloped me as I resigned to my bed last night remained unyielding, a haunting reminder of the perilous encounters I had faced at the hands of the Salvatore brothers. Their relentless pursuit to end my existence had become an all too familiar dance since my arrival in the moth eaten town of Mystic Falls.

With a swift motion, I seized a generous handful of the exquisite Egyptian cotton sheets, their embrace gently caressing my waist. With a graceful flick of my wrist, I cast them effortlessly to the far side of my bed. Rising from my bed, I planted my feet firmly on the ground, not near ready to face the day ahead. I sauntered forth from the confines of my bedroom, dressed in nothing but a pair of black Calvin Klein boxers, their sleekness accentuating my form, and a drab, yet comforting, cotton top.

With each step, I descended the grand staircase, the marble floor below delicate upon my bare feet. The hallway stretched out before me, its walls adorned with portraits of long-departed ancestors. Finally, I stood before the imposing front door, its polished surface reflecting the dim light of the chandelier above. On the other side stood Kol, clad in a pair of midnight-hued denim trousers, a short-sleeved shirt adorned with a pattern of azure checks, left casually unfastened with pristine white cotton vest lay concealed beneath, adding a touch of subtle class to his ensemble. At his feet lay the duffle bag, which I had observed him meticulously packing when he left. And there, in the driveway, was his motorbike, a silent sentinel, poised with plenty of miles on it's tiers.

"If you're asking to come back you should know our sister has already moved into your bedroom"

A mischievous grin played upon Kol's lips as he uttered, "Come now, dear brother, it we had a little spat."

"I'm too tired to argue with you" I groaned.

Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, rendering me incapable of engaging in further debate. Emitting a weary groan, I pivoted on my heels and departed from his presence, leaving him stranded outside with the door ajar.

"At the very least," Kol's words echoed, carrying a tinge of longing and disappointment, "You could welcome me home."

As I made my way into the kitchen, I uttered with a resolute tone, "Such an endeavour would require me to fake a smile, an act that shall not grace my countenance today, nor tomorrow."

I drifted into the freshly renovated kitchen, my gaze was immediately drawn to Elijah, who sat gracefully at the table, his presence commanding attention. The tantalising aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, teasing my senses and beckoning me closer. I approached him with measured steps, my gaze fixed upon him. His attention was momentarily diverted from the newspaper, its pages elegantly creased down the middle, as he acknowledged my presence. Casting a fleeting gaze upon the newspaper, I couldn't help but indulge in a momentary glimpse of the world's affairs. With delicate precision, I poured the dark remedies into a glass mug. The coffee and tea set, an elegant centrepiece adorning the table, exuded an air of sophistication and refinement.

"Devotion," I murmured, my voice a mere whisper, as I savoured the rich aroma of the freshly brewed coffee. The exact word Elijah struggled to unearth its elusive presence within the confines of his newspaper's crossword puzzle.

"Eight down, a word to signify eternal love"

"Devotion. Niklaus, how did you figure that out so quickly?" He inquired, his voice laced with intrigue.

With meticulous precision, he diligently filled in the empty spaces of his crossword puzzle, showcasing his impeccable penmanship.

"I find it rather astonishing," I remarked, my voice laced with a tinge of surprise, "That a gentleman of your calibre had not yet acquainted himself with my dear brother." With those words hanging in the air, I gracefully turned away from his presence, departing not only from his side but also from the confines of the kitchen.

The reunion of my beloved family beneath one roof was a source of immense joy for me. For countless centuries, my heart longed for this very moment. However, this morning, I found myself yearning for solitude. As I ventured back into the sanctuary of my room, a flicker of trepidation danced within me. Would my cherished bedroom remain untouched, unspoiled by the prying hands of my mischievous younger siblings? Perhaps, just perhaps, the addition of a sturdy lock upon my bedroom door would serve as a temporary deterrent, granting me a precious hour of solitude and respite.

Once more, I ascended the stairs, each step a deliberate act of impatience. With each sip of my coffee, the warm liquid coursed through me, invigorating me for the long day ahead. I stepped into the sanctuary of my bedroom, swiftly closing the door and securing the lock with a resolute click. The cacophony of Rebekah's vehement outburst, ignited by the unexpected reappearance of Kol, reverberated through the corridor, reaching my ears with an unsettling intensity.

They could deal with their own troubles because for the next hour I was going to deal with mine.

Caroline...

Caroline Forbes, the one girl in this little town would actually remotely interested me. Amongst the sea of faces, she alone managed to ignite a spark of curiosity within my jaded heart. Yet, to my dismay, it became apparent that this captivating girl had woven a web of deceit, for she had brazenly uttered falsehoods to me. Last night, as the moon cast its ethereal glow upon our sad little town, I sat with her alone in the town square, my thoughts were consumed by her unparalleled beauty, leaving no room for any other contemplation. The sheer magnificence of the moment overwhelmed me. I'd even gone so far as to reveal my intensions towards her to no one other than Kol. A very poor choice of judgement on my part.

She had ensnared me with her cunning ploy, and I, like a hapless prey, had succumbed to her charm, trailing behind her as she had intended. In the very moment she deftly manoeuvred me aside, her coterie of vampire hunters stood poised to thrust their lethal weapons into my brother, thereby sealing our fate in an irrevocable manner.

I made my way towards my nightstand, the cup, once cradled in my grasp, was gently relinquished as I reached for the cherished sketch pad that had been abandoned there last night. I approached my balcony doors, their ornate handles beckoning me to unlock them. As I turned the key, a soft click resonated through the room, releasing the lock's hold. Stepping forward, I crossed the threshold, feeling the cool breeze of the morning air caressed my skin. With a gentle push, I closed the doors behind me, shutting out the drama within and immersing myself in the serenity of the outside world. I settled into the plush sun chair, its cushions embracing me as I made myself at ease. I delicately unfurled the pad cradled in my hands.

With a gentle touch, I grazed my fingertips against my furrowed brow, contemplating the image that danced within the recesses of my mind. With my pencil poised delicately between my fingers, it descended upon the pristine canvas before me. And so, with a steady hand and a desire brimming with lust, I commenced the act of creation, etching lines and curves. The mystery of my profound fascination with her eluded me, for I could not fathom nor comprehend the depths of its origin. Yet, her exquisite allure alone sufficed as justification for my incessant artistic renditions.

I conjured an image of her, precisely as she appeared when she gracefully settled beside me upon that wooden bench.

Amidst a myriad of pressing concerns that demanded my attention, it was Caroline's act of betrayal that loomed heavily, claiming the topmost spot on my list of matters to confront before the day's end. She had ventured into the shadows of my trust, a clandestine act that pierced my core. The bitter irony of it all was that I had placed my faith in her, unaware of the treacherous path she would tread. There was a girl who captivated my heart, her essence drawing me in from the very moment our eyes met.

Enveloped in her captivating presence, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the formidable power that emanated from within her. Her inner strength, a force to be reckoned with, mirrored the undeniable allure that radiated from her outward appearance. Her beauty, an ethereal enchantment, held me captive, rendering me powerless to resist its magnetic pull.

Countless hours were consumed by my hand, etching one portrait after another of her delicate visage. Each stroke of graphite on paper was a desperate attempt to capture her essence, a feeble endeavour to possess a semblance of her presence when she was absent from my sight.

With a delicate stroke of my pencil, I applied the final touches to the drawing, my hand guided by an invisible muse. As I stepped back, my eyes beheld the culmination of countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship. A masterpiece emerged from the blank paper, a testament to my artistic prowess and unwavering dedication.

"Niklaus?" Elijah's voice echoed through my bedroom door, reaching my ears with a sense of urgency.

With an exasperated sigh, I rolled my eyes in frustration. It seemed as though I had barely savoured a few hours of tranquilly before the demands and desires of my family once again beckoned me. Leaving behind my cherished sketch pad, carefully placed upon the sun-kissed seat, I gracefully traversed the room towards the beckoning door. With a deft flick of my nimble fingers, I skilfully released the lock that held my door captive. As the latch relinquished its hold, I eagerly swung open the portal, revealing the figure of my brother standing before me.

The echoes of their discord reverberated through the air, hinting at a prolonged and arduous battle over the arrangement of our siblings sleeping quarters.

Elijah shook his head in irritation before suggesting that he and I head into town and leave the two of them to their devices.

Although he meant well, I wasn't in the mood for company. Despite the fact that he was the only brother I could tolerate to be around. Kol walked by us then carrying a large box with Rebekah's clothes spilling out from inside.

"Come now Niklaus, we have to demonstrate to the Salvatore brothers that we have not fallen victim to our mother's campaign of destroying us." Elijah said before adjusting his already straight tie.

"Speaking of Esther, why did the spell not work out?" I queried.

"From what I hear, Damon Salvatore deserves praise. Elijah said over the deafening volume of our siblings' arguments, "Apparently he severed the link."

"Damon?"

"Damon murdered Miss Bennett's mother who was linked to mother at the time, I believe she was merely an energy source for her madness."

"I was unaware that she still possessed the power of a witch"

"Well it's irrelevant now, it seems Damon also fed her his blood. Mother will have to make alternative plans should she choose to make the grave error of coming after us again"

"Has she turned?"

"If I cross paths with Elena I'll be sure to enquire"

"I'll join you"

"I thought you weren't in the mood for company?"

I turned and made my way towards my closet.

"I have had a change of heart," I declared, my fingers deftly sifting through the array of shirts before me. "I'll drive," I announced, snatching an elegant ivory toned shirt from its perch on the hanger.

With a swift motion, I reached out and seized a pair of sleek black jeans. A sense of purpose guided me towards a pair of casual black boots, their soles sturdy and ready for the journey ahead. Adorning my neck with my typical necklace chains. Finally, I retrieved the keys to my Audi from the depths of my coat pocket, slipping it on with a sense of finality.

Elijah stood poised outside, his figure leaning casually against the passenger door of my car.

"Why, brother, do you persist in adorning yourself with such formal attire at every occasion?" With a deft touch, I disarmed the alarm that guarded my car.

"At least I take more than ten seconds to care about what I put on my back"

As we ascended into the car, I ignited the engine, a singular thought consuming my consciousness. Caroline Forbes.

In the intricate tapestry of human understanding, it seemed only fitting that Caroline would find solace in the company of her dear friend, Bonnie, during such trying times. And what better moment than now to divulge the secret of Caroline adorning the dress I had so thoughtfully procured for her? Or perhaps, to confess the depths of my affection that Caroline had been privy to for nearly a week, unbeknownst to Bonnie. Caroline's disdain would surely befall upon me, a consequence far more satisfying than mere retribution for her treacherous acts against me.

It was a fact that had been duly cautioned to Elena and her diminutive coterie of supernatural friends, concerning my persona. In the depths of my soul, a burning desire for retribution consumed me. No obstacle, no matter how formidable, could deter me from exacting my vengeance. I was prepared to traverse the darkest corners of morality, even if it meant causing harm to those who stood in my way.

"May I enquire as to your foil mood this morning?"

"I'm fine, this isn't the first time our mother has attempted to end my life and I doubt it shall be the last."

"It is however the first time she's attempted to kill us all at once"

I found myself lacking the fortitude to disclose to Elijah the recent revelation that Rebekah and I had stumbled upon, concerning the existence of a newfound white oak tree. He was still in disbelief, as the weight of Esther's betrayal settled upon him. I had grown accustomed to such treachery. Soon enough, the white oak tree would face its reckoning. However, my immediate concern lay with Caroline.

As I arrived at the grill, a stroke of luck smiled upon me, revealing an empty parking space just outside its bustling entrance. With a deft touch, I commanded my convertible's top to gracefully unfurl, allowing the warm rays of the sun to caress the sleek leather seats within. With a swift motion, I released the grip of my seat belt, feeling the familiar click as it relinquished its hold. Elijah, followed suit, gracefully emerging from the confines of the car. As my feet touched the ground, I instinctively turned my gaze, sweeping my surroundings with a keen eye. My gaze shifted towards the bustling town square, where Damon Salvatore, engaged in conversation with the esteemed Sheriff Forbes.

"Are you coming?"

"No I'll stay here" I declared, my resolve unwavering.

My undivided attention fixated upon the exchange between Damon and Sheriff Forbes, as I proceeded to listen to their conversation from a distance.

"So Abby's not going to turn into a vampire, she's decided that it's best to just pass on"

"There really was no choice Liz, last night if we didn't do what we did then Elena would be dead"

"I know Damon but it's just so hard to see Bonnie go through this, I mean I was there the night she gave her statement concerning for grandmother's death. And now she's losing her mother"

"What about Caroline and you?"

"Well I'm doing alright but Caroline, well you could only imagine what she's going through right now. She just lost her dad and now her best friend is losing her mom under the same circumstances. Caroline's in pieces and I don't know what to say or do to make it better"

My attention waned from the ongoing conversation, and a frustrated huff escaped my lips. The night had been long and restless, my mind consumed by a singular obsession, plotting my vengeance against Caroline. My thoughts remained fixated on this singular purpose, leaving no room for any other consideration. As I eavesdropped on the hushed exchange between Caroline's mother and Damon, a sombre realisation washed over me. The weight of grief still clung to Caroline's fragile frame, a poignant reminder of the void left by her father's death. Never had I truly loved my father, Michael. Therefore, when the cruel hands of fate snatched him away from this mortal realm, I found myself devoid of the expected sorrow.

I delicately pressed my fingertips against the bridge of my nose. In that instant, Caroline's words resurfaced in my mind, their profoundness concealed within the guise of an insult.

"You don't connect with people because you don't even try to understand them"

Once more, the girl's words had ensnared me, halting my every thought and action. In the depths of my soul, a tumultuous storm raged. How could I, in one breath, harbour such intense animosity towards her for her treacherous betrayal, and yet, in the next, be consumed by a profound sense of pity? The enigmatic nature of this paradox gnawed at the very fabric of my being, leaving me perplexed and disoriented. Restless anticipation coursed through me, compelling my fingers to tap a rhythmic dance upon the smooth surface of the steering wheel. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I yearned for the return of Elijah, my impatience mounting with each passing moment.

Her words echoed in my mind, a sharp rebuke that cut through the air like a sword. She had made it abundantly clear that my attempts to win her over with lavish gifts were futile, that my usual tactics held no sway over her. I knew that this time would be different. The weight of past failures hung heavy on my shoulders.

With a swift and practised motion, my hand delved into the depths of my coat pocket, retrieving my phone. My fingers dancing across the illuminated screen, I enclosed a message to Elijah.

Something came up. I'll see you back at the house - Klaus

I carefully returned the phone to my pocket. My fingers instinctively found the ignition, coaxing the engine to life. As the weight of the dilemma pressed upon my mind, I came to a resolute realisation - mere gifts would not suffice as a solution. A more profound approach was required.

Caroline Forbes

I came out of my mum's bedroom carrying the old bed sheets that I had just taken off and replaced with fresh linens. Bonnie and Abby,lay sprawled upon the plush couches nestled within the confines of my sitting room. Abby found herself at a crossroads, contemplating a decision that mirrored the path my dad had taken. She resolved to surrender to the unforgiving embrace of death, surrendering to the same fate. I meticulously arranged my mother's bedroom, ensuring that it would provide the utmost privacy for her and Bonnie when the anticipated moment arrived. With meticulous care, I adorned the bed with fresh linens, their pristine whiteness a testament to my attention to detail. The tissue boxes, now replenished, stood ready and atop the nightstand, a trio of vanilla-scented pillar candles exuded a gentle warmth, their flickering flames casting a soft glow upon the room. I was acutely aware that my efforts would likely yield little solace to them, yet I felt compelled to make the attempt.

When I finished up, I made my way into the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. My gaze fell upon the towering pile of bed sheets, patiently awaiting their turn in the washer. With a sense of purpose, I carefully gathered the linens in my arms. I deftly rolled up the sleeve of my shirt, revealing the bare skin beneath. My gaze fell upon the timepiece adorning my wrist, its sleek design catching the light in a mesmerising dance. I tossed the linens where they belonged and with a heavy sigh, I departed from the warmth of the kitchen and ventured down the hall to my bedroom, where solace awaited.

A gasp escaped my lips as I stood in the doorway of my bedroom, my eyes drawn to the figure of Klaus standing near the window. His gaze was fixed upon the outside world. With a swift pivot, he spun on his heel to meet my gaze. I gracefully entered the room, ensuring to shut the door with a gentle click, effectively sealing us within its confines.

"Please just listen to me for a second" I beseeched, my voice trembling with urgency.

Klaus inclined his head to one side, ever so slightly.

"What I did to you last night, I know it was unforgivable and you'll want your vengeance but please don't do this right now" I paused slightly to catch my breath "Bonnie is in the next room and her mum is dying and if you kill me right now then she will be destroyed. And I know that probably sounds like the perfect revenge for you but-" I stopped and cautiously took a step in his direction his eyes never leaving mine "If you have even the slightest bit of humanity left inside of you then you will wait for your vengeance."

Klaus's gaze momentarily dropped to the floor, only to swiftly rise and meet my own once again.

"Last night, you said that I don't understand take the time to understand people"

Klaus advanced, narrowing the distance that separated us.

"You spoke the truth when you mentioned that my father never held affection for me," He murmured, my gaze lifting to meet his intense eyes. "However, your own father, he met the end, I'm sure his love for you was undeniable," he stated.

The subtle glimmer in his eyes betrayed the knowledge he possessed, revealing that he had been informed of the precarious predicament Abby presently found herself entangled in. It mattered how he'd found about it. What mattered was what he was trying to do now.

I was taken aback when Klaus step forward, encircling me with his robust embrace, drawing my head to rest upon his sinewy shoulder. I stood motionless, my body rooted to the ground, as Klaus's strong arms enveloped my petite frame, drawing me closer to his formidable chest. I inhaled him with a deep breath, allowing his cologne to envelop me. Its opulent and persistent aroma promised to linger in my hair and cling to my clothes, a lingering trace of its captivating sandalwood essence.

The formidable alpha, known for his impenetrable walls, succumbed to vulnerability. He embraced me, his strong arms enveloping me in a tender and comforting embrace, unlike any I had ever experienced before. The sheer disbelief washed over me, as I struggled to comprehend this unexpected display of tenderness from the one I had deemed anything but sensitive.

As the weight of my hidden sorrow bore down upon me, tears welled up in my eyes, cascading down my cheeks in a steady, mournful rhythm. I found it impossible to not allow myself to be comforted by his presence. In the depths of my soul, I refused to succumb to the overwhelming weight of my sorrow.

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over as I pressed my forehead against his robust shoulder. I desperately tried to hide my face, not wanting him to witness the vulnerability etched across my features. The gentle touch of Klaus's hand upon the small of my back drew me into his embrace, causing our bodies to meld together in an intimate closeness. Yielding to the moment, I allowed my arms to rise and settle upon the expanse of his broad shoulders, finding solace in the connection we shared in that brief moment.

I found myself grappling with an unexpected reality. Klaus, of all people, emerged as an unlikely candidate to offer solace in my time of mourning for the irreplaceable loss of my father. With the bedroom door firmly shut, the world outside fading into insignificance. In that intimate space, it was just the two of us, entwined in a tender embrace, as tears cascaded down my cheeks, seeking solace in the sanctuary of his arms. His touch lingered upon me, but it was not the kind that hinted at desire or longing. There was no trace of an intention to draw me closer, to feel the warmth of his embrace.

I was perplexed, unable to fathom his reasoning behind choosing this course of action rather than ending my life. I had committed an act of deceit against him, a deed that would have once left me unperturbed. Yet, in this moment, everything had changed. The tides of fate had shifted, and the consequences of my actions weighed heavily upon my conscience.

Uncertain as to whether it stemmed from his hybrid nature or the accumulation of countless years, an enigmatic essence resided within him. In his embrace, a gentle heat enveloped me, as if his touch had the power to ignite a dormant flame within. In those moments, he possessed an uncanny ability to steal the very essence of my being, leaving me breathless and utterly riveted.

With a deliberate slowness, I allowed my hands to glide down from his broad shoulders, a subtle gesture that signalled my desire for distance. Gently, I extricated myself from his embrace, creating space between us. Raising my gaze, I locked eyes with him, a moment pregnant with unspoken emotions. Klaus's hand, which had been tenderly entwined in my hair, descended gracefully and found its place alongside his other hand, resting gently upon the small of my back.

My gaze was captivated by the tear-soaked section of his coat. I extended my hand and delicately brushed away a few droplets, as if attempting to erase the traces of my sorrow.

"I'm sorry I got your coat all messy."

"Don't worry about it" Klaus murmured, gently guiding my trembling hand away.

"And if it's worth anything, I am sorry about last night." I said as his hand left mine.

"I know"

Klaus's hands slowly released their grip around my trembling back, causing me to instinctively retreat a step.

"I'll learn to forgive you."

"I doubt you will. I know I wouldn't"

I glanced over his shoulder to the open window he had come from, he had no doubt arrived and sensed Bonnie and Abby's presence.

Klaus approached me once more, his hand reaching out to delicately wipe away the remnants of tears that adorned my cheeks. Our eyes met, as his hand gently cradled my chin, guiding it upwards to maintain our unbroken gaze.

"There's a firework show tomorrow night in celebrating the eve of which Mystic Falls was established. You will accompany me."

His arrogance struck me hard leaving me breathless. Summoned to an event of his choosing, I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and indignation. Emerging from the depths of obscurity, it occurred without reason.

"You can't just summon me to do your bidding." I was quick to point out, refusing to be a mere pawn in his game

"You're right, there's no reason why you should listen to me. But you will regardless of logic." He retorted with a sly grin, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Do you think I enjoy being told what to do?" I inquired of him, my voice striving to maintain an air of confidence, though an unexpected wave of weakness coursed through me, my knees threatening to buckle beneath me.

Klaus's gentle touch caressed my chin, his eyes fixated on my face, as if he were beholding a masterpiece, savouring each contour, shade, and wrinkle as though encountering me for the first time all over again.

"Maybe I want to tell you what to do. Perhaps it's time you gave someone control." Klaus suggested with an air of haughty confidence.

"You're asking me to betray myself and friends"

Klaus, drew himself closer, his lips barely grazing my ear as he uttered a single word, "Yes."

"You're acting like you want to have sex with me" I uttered, my voice tinged with a mix of surprise and accusation as he distanced himself from me.

"I do want to have sex with you"

The admission, raw and unfiltered, echoed through the room.

"Tomorrow night, you shall find your way to me," Klaus declared, his voice carrying an air of mystery, he turned towards the window from whence he had entered.

"And if I don't?"

"I'll find you"

In the blink of an eye, Klaus vanished from my sight, leaving me dumbfounded and speechless. As I stood there, a torrent of thoughts cascaded through my mind, leaving me with a myriad of unanswered questions. And yet, amidst the chaos of my thoughts, there was a distinct sensation, a wetness that lingered between my legs.