I got a request from Bonnie and Clyde fan 9-22-11 for the next chapter of "Eternal Flame." Since I have time now, I'm going to fulfill that request. No spoilers, you'll have to read and find out what I've got for you.
Hold me
Like you held on to life
When all fears came alive and entombed me
Love me
Like you love the sun
Scorching the blood in my vampire heart
Caroline licked her lips as she walked out from the alley, closing her eyes as she savored the blood of the unlucky victim she had just feasted on. What made it even more enjoyable was that she switched off her humanity, which meant that she didn't give a shit if she killed the guy. To her, it was all about the thrill of the hunt, as well as the sensation of feeling her victim's life energy slip away as the blood was slowly drained from his body. She had enjoyed it so much, in fact, she also didn't give a shit if the blood got all over the front of the black dress she was wearing.
Oh well, I guess I'm just going to have to buy myself a new one, she thought. Or better yet, I'll steal a new one and then compel the cashier into forgetting that I was in the store. Either that or I can kill her.
A smirk appeared on her face as she completed that thought. Her mind made up, Caroline went toward the store to get the new dress she planned to steal. However, she sensed that she wasn't entirely alone. But, who else could possibly be out here?
"Whoever you are, you'd better stop following me if you want to walk away with all of your parts intact," she said. "This is my hunting ground, and I don't share it with anyone. So, unless you want to see just as territorial I can be, you'd leave."
"Now, why would I want to just walk away when I join in your little hunting trip, love?"
Caroline growled when she heard that voice. Klaus, of course. That hybrid would take an interest in what she was doing. Then again, he took an interest in just about anything when it came to her. She didn't speak as she saw him approach her from where he had been hiding in the shadows, a smirk on his face.
It was quiet until the blonde vampire said, "Care to explain what you're doing here? Other than stalking me as I hunt my prey?"
Klaus chuckled at her words. "Stalking? You wound me, Caroline. I was simply watching as you made your kill. I must say, you're definitely a force to be reckoned with now that you've switched off your humanity." He eyed her up and down. "You're also ten times more beautiful."
"Shut it, Casanova," said Caroline. "I don't need you interfering with what I'm doing. I don't give a shit if you're more powerful than I am, I'll run a white oak stake through you so fast, you won't know what hit you."
"If you were going to do that, you would've done it already."
Caroline growled. Shit, this man was infuriating, even more so now that she was running on no emotions. "What are you doing here, Klaus? If you're here to annoy me, you're doing a good job of it. Like I said, I don't share my hunting ground."
"Perhaps you could make it an exception with me," said Klaus. "Why settle for this when I can show you where the prey is really abundant? I know that you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, but a little help every now and again couldn't hurt, could it?"
"Why do you want to help me?" said Caroline. "What do you expect to gain from it?"
"You think I have an ulterior motive?" said Klaus. "Maybe I don't have one this time? Maybe I just want to help my girl on the path to achieving her maximum potential as a vampire? Think about it, Caroline, you need me more than you know. Remember when I said we were the same? Well, here's my chance to show you."
Caroline sighed as she listened to him. Even though she detested the fact that he was here, he did have a point. She could really bring up her kill count with his help. Besides, it might even be good to have a partner on her hunt. Might as well take him up on his offer. He certainly seems to know what he's talking about, even though you thought he was interfering when you first saw him.
"All right, Klaus, I'll take you up on your offer," she said. "Maybe I can use you."
"That's the spirit," said Klaus. "You'll have a lot more fun with a partner, love. I know I will."
Caroline smiled, liking the idea all the more. Klaus saw the blood on her lips and couldn't help but think it looked beautiful on her. He also couldn't help but be more attracted to her like this. Not that he didn't like her when her humanity was still on, he did, but an emotionless Caroline was sexy, more in tune with what she was.
He held out his hand to her. "Come, let's go find our next unfortunate victims, shall we? And don't worry about your clothes, because I'll buy you a whole new set of them when we're done. Hell, I'll even buy a whole closet full of them for you."
"Now you're talking," said Caroline, taking his hand. "Let's get down to business."
Klaus then pulled her to him, kissing her and tasting the blood on her lips. Caroline returned it, moaning against his mouth as it deepened. After a few minutes, they pulled back, looking into each other's eyes and savoring the moment.
Then, they sped off into the night, looking for new victims.
Note: Here you are, lovelies, the next installment of "Eternal Flame," and Bonnie and Clyde fan 9-22-11's request. Stay tuned for more!