Exciting Update

Hey everyone! It's finally here! Just a heads-up—it's not quite finished yet. I've had to cut the chapter in half, but I couldn't keep you all waiting any longer! This is Chapter 41, and just think of Chapter 42 as the next part of this journey.

Yes, I've split it, but there's just soooooo much happening in this chapter! You'll totally understand why once you read it, and I can't wait to see you all go nuts in the comment section!

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Darkest Temptations

Chapter Forty One: Risk and Revelation

Caroline Mikaelson

We were set to leave for the airport at two, and I'd managed to get into bed just after eight that evening. I set my alarm for midnight, allowing myself a little extra time before finally getting up. I was grateful for having showered before bed, as it meant waking up feeling fresh and ready to tackle the day. Being the organized person I am, I had everything I needed arranged neatly in my bathroom. When I got to the sink counter, it was surrounded by my makeup, skincare products, and everything necessary for curling my hair. I clipped my hair up to keep it out of the way, eager to give myself a quick coconut facial scrub to hydrate my skin. With a long flight ahead, I wanted to avoid any breakouts.

After applying the scrub, I started brushing my teeth with my new electric toothbrush, which had been charging all night. I also used some pink dental floss and mouthwash. Yesterday had been a productive day for my to-do list, and everything this morning seemed to be falling into place effortlessly. I wanted to maintain this freshness all morning, so I opened the small bathroom window, despite the late hour. The night air in Utah always felt invigorating to me, bringing back memories of beautiful days since moving here. After washing off the facial scrub with a hot face cloth, I applied some eye gel masks to help with hydration and reduce dark circles. While they worked their magic, I picked up my jade roller and began gently massaging my jaw line and cheekbones as I returned to my dimly lit bedroom. I hadn't even turned on any lights yet. I pulled back the blinds and glanced across to the neighboring houses. Both April and Bonnie's houses were still in darkness, but the lights were on in both Elena and Vickie's homes. It seemed I wasn't the only early riser. Were they preparing for the flight like I was, or had they slept early and were now packing?

A wave of realization hit me when I remembered that last night was Klaus and Vickie's first night as a married couple. I brushed the thought aside, reminding myself that today was about a fresh start, and I was determined to embrace this new chapter with a positive mindset. If jealousy crept in, I would have to find a way to manage it. It was a part of life, but it wouldn't define me. Instead, I focused on the upcoming moments Klaus and I would share in Hawaii. We hadn't discussed what Tyler had done, and I knew it would need addressing eventually, but not on our honeymoon. I longed to be with Klaus, to walk with him on the beach, hold his hand under the Hawaiian sun, and spend nights wrapped in his arms.

This wasn't a competition, but this phase of our lives was crucial, setting the tone for our future. Being the first wife didn't guarantee me any privileges, nor did I feel the need to compete for Klaus's attention. However, I was determined to make my voice heard and my presence felt. There were no longer just three of us; now there were five. Even if Klaus wasn't interested in Bonnie, she was still a part of his life, sharing a home and perhaps even a bedroom.

No one questioned the schedule for the week, assuming it was random. Yet, for the first time, I had used it strategically, vowing it would be a one-time thing. I wanted Klaus to understand the longing I felt when he wasn't around—the need to be in each other's arms. He might have spent last night with Vickie, but I knew that in the back of his mind, he was aware that he wouldn't be able to do the same with me for a few more days. Eventually, that would not suffice, and he would seek to spend more time with me, which was what we needed.

I hurried back to the bathroom after grabbing my phone and played some music to keep my spirits high. After closing the window as the room had become colder, I completed my skincare routine and began applying my makeup. I opted for a clean and natural look—no dramatic eyeshadow, just individual lashes to enhance my mascara, a shimmer on my cheekbones, and a pink lipstick lined for definition. Then, I started working on my curls, carefully sectioning each layer and pinning them with hairspray to set. While the curls set, I applied clear nail polish to my fingers and toes, sitting carefully on the edge of the bathtub.

Once my nails were dry, I returned to my bedroom to get dressed. I chose a black top with elegant lace details and a feminine bow, paired with short black trousers featuring gold trim. For footwear, I opted for open-toe black lace-up heels. After dressing, I returned to the bathroom to unpin my hair and style it before applying some perfume. I accessorized with a new gold watch, a gold toe ring, and stud earrings to add a touch of elegance. I completed my ensemble with a Chanel classic flap bag, perfectly complementing my outfit for the day. When I was finally organized, I collected my luggage case and my carry-on and began taking it downstairs after shutting off the hallway light. After wheeling my case to the front door, I made my way into the kitchen, switching on the lights before unlocking the patio door and sliding it on. There were boxes everywhere, and the thought of coming home to all of them was overwhelming, but I'm sure hours bathing in the sunshine would melt away those stresses soon enough.

Within only a few minutes I heard footsteps approaching from outside; I could hear the crunch of leaves and sticks being trampled upon, the scent of him immediately filling my nose. Klaus had arrived earlier than expected, but he'd arrived looking absolutely amazing. He stepped inside wearing a brand new black suit, Gucci by the look of it, paired with a black shirt, a thick silver chain around his neck, and matching cuff links on his sleeves. The belt buckle of his trousers was an elegant Gucci logo, and he was wearing freshly polished black Oxford shoes.

"Hello, love," he greeted me as he met my eyes. "You look beautiful."

I couldn't help but smile at the compliment, even as I felt a little underdressed.

"Thank you, so do you," I replied, glancing at his clothes once more.

"I'm glad you like it," he said with a smile as he slid the patio door shut behind him. "You know I'm coming over there now, right?"

I giggled in response, meeting his gaze as he moved towards me, his arms outstretched. He wrapped them around my waist and pulled me close, pressing his lips to mine before moving down to my neck.

"It's been too long," he said against my skin, before moving back up to my ear. "Far too long."

"We're going to be together all week," I promised, feeling his hands move down to my ass, where he squeezed me tightly, causing me to moan softly.

"You have no idea how hard it is not to throw you onto that countertop and—"

"Klaus!" I exclaimed as I pulled away, playfully swatting his arm.

"What?" he asked, feigning innocence. "You've always wanted to try out the kitchen table; why not the countertop?"

"Stop!" I laughed.

"Alright, alright, I'll behave," he conceded, raising his hands in defeat. "For now."

"Good, because we have to leave soon," I said as I glanced across at the window and over to April's place, which was still in darkness. "Uh, do you think everyone's awake yet?"

"They'd better be."

I met his gaze. "Well, if we have a minute, I guess..." I began stepping forward and wrapping my arms around his neck before kissing him.

As Klaus reciprocated, his hands once again gripped my ass tightly, and he lifted me up onto the countertop, my legs dangling off the edge as he moved in between them. It felt so good to be close to him; I could smell his cologne and feel the warmth of his body against mine as we embraced. I pulled him closer, feeling his groin pressing against my leg as he began kissing my neck.

"Sorry to interrupt." Elena's voice suddenly rang out from the patio, causing us to jump apart.

"Elena!" I gasped as Klaus spun around to face her.

She stood at the patio door with a smile on her lips and one hand resting on her hip. I had to stop my jaw from hitting the floor at the sight of her; she'd done the same as me; she had put on makeup, done her hair, and, by the looks of it, she'd taken a lot of time picking out her outfit. I couldn't believe it; she was wearing a stone-tailored halter corset top that showed off her arms, stopped halfway down her stomach, and enhanced her bust by like two cup sizes. If that wasn't enough, she was wearing white jeans with a white Gucci belt. She'd bought herself a Gucci belt? How did I not see her do that? It was almost like she and Klaus were wearing a couple's outfit now. I could have sworn I could see a white g-string peeking over the top of her jeans.

"Wow, you look great." I said only after slipping down off the counter, placing myself in front of Klaus once more, whose eyes were burning into hers with anger.

"What are you wearing?" He asked her like I wasn't even in the room.

Elena looked down at her outfit with a smile on her face. "I wanted to make an effort."

"You look amazing," I continued trying to ease the tension in the room "Really you do, uh have you seen April or Bonnie even?"

Elena smiled at me before shaking her head.

"I assume you have a jacket?" Klaus asked her as I stepped away from him.

Behind Elena, Vickie emerged with her luggage, and Klaus almost slammed his hand onto the counter at the sight of her. Vickie had her hair curled; she was wearing a black, textured, sheer, floral, split-hem corset, paired with high-waisted black trousers that did wonders for her figure and a pair of black stiletto heels that made her legs look endless. She looked stunning; her lip gloss and false lashes just made her look fresh off a freaking Paris runway.

"You weren't wearing that when I left." Klaus pointed out before Vickie had even settled her cases down.

Vickie looked over at him. "No, babe, I was walking around in a black thong and strapless bra," she paused to stare at him. "I didn't hear any complaints then."

Vickie had been walking around in her underwear in front of him this morning. What the hell was going on here? Had my nightmare been confirmed? Were the two of them already sleeping together? No, they couldn't be; I knew I would feel it in my gut if they were. Besides, Vickie wouldn't keep that sort of thing a secret from us. Would she?

Vickie looked from him and over to Elena and me, noticing our shocked expressions. "That's a joke; lighten up."

Elena Mikaelson

I could hear my heart thudding in my chest; I needed to calm down and focus; it was a joke, that's all. It was difficult not to feel self-conscious as I walked towards the kitchen; I knew what I was wearing was not my usual style, but I wanted to stand out; I wanted Klaus to look at me. I wanted to try something new, and I loved the outfit I had put together; I just wasn't sure if he would approve of it. As I entered the kitchen, I felt all eyes on me, but it was only one set that I wanted to see. And then there he was, standing there looking as handsome as ever in a brand new suit.

As soon as I saw him, I knew it was worth it.

I glanced down at myself and then back up at him, watching as he studied me for a moment.

"What are you wearing?" He asked with a mixture of anger and surprise.

"I wanted to make an effort," I replied, feeling slightly hurt by his reaction.

"You look amazing," Caroline interjected, taking me by surprise. I had expected her to be mad or jealous, but instead, she appeared to be supportive.

I glanced at Vickie, who had also been staring at me in shock. I wondered if she was annoyed that I'd decided to try something new. Maybe she thought I was trying to compete with her. If so, then I suppose she would have a valid point. I had put in a lot of effort today, whereas the other wives had just worn their regular clothes.

Vickie was wearing a black corset and trousers, which showed off her figure perfectly. She looked incredible, and I felt slightly jealous. While Klaus began taking out the bags, Caroline headed over to check on Bonnie, and Vickie agreed to make sure April was up and ready to go. While they were both distracted, I decided to head out to the garage through the kitchen door to see Klaus.

When I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of him loading up the trunk of his Rolls Royce. He looked incredibly sexy in his suit, especially now when we were alone and I smelled his delicious scent in the air; it was intoxicating, and I felt like I couldn't get enough.

"Hey," I said softly as I approached him, "Are you okay? You seemed pretty angry in the kitchen."

Klaus stopped what he was doing and pivoted to confront me, his expression unmasked and raw.

"What do you think you're doing, Elena?" He asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"What do you mean?"

"Wearing that." He snapped, gesturing toward me.

"I told you I wanted to make an effort," I replied. "I wanted to look good for you."

"That's not what you did, though, is it?" Klaus countered, his eyes burning with fury.

"It isn't?"

"No," Klaus said coldly, "You're trying to test my patience again, just like you did on the plane when you wore those goddamn shorts."

"I'm not trying to—"

"You're being a tease, Elena," Klaus interrupted, stepping closer to me. "I can't deal with your games today; I need you to take this seriously and behave yourself."

I looked up through my lashes at him, holding his gaze. "Or what?" I asked rather coyly.

"Or you'll find out first hand why I am the alpha."

"I bet you'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"If you keep pushing me, you're going to find out."

"Maybe I should be punished."

"Don't play with fire, Elena," Klaus warned. "I might not be able to control myself."

"That's the idea," I said as I walked over to the trunk of the car and leaned against it.

Klaus closed the trunk and stood in front of me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"You think you can get away with anything, don't you?"

"No," I replied, "but I want you to know what you're missing while you're away from me."

"I already know," Klaus said softly. "That's why I'm not going to keep my hands off of you now that you're mine again."

Klaus pulled me towards him and pressed his lips against mine, kissing me fiercely. I wrapped my arms around his neck and ran my fingers through his hair as he placed his hands on my hips. Klaus's lips left mine, and he spun me around, pushing me into his chest as his hands slid under the bottom of my top, pulling it up to expose my midriff. He pressed his lips to my ear and growled before moving down to my neck, where he began kissing and sucking on the skin. I moaned and dipped my head back as his fingers went under the cups of my bra and his confident and masterful touch found my nipples. I gasped as he twisted them between his finger and thumb.

"God, I missed you," I moaned as he continued kissing and sucking on my neck. "Do we have time?"

"Always, love," Klaus purred as he pulled up my top, exposing my breasts.

He cupped them with his hands and began kneading them, his rough and beastly hands leaving my breasts only to reach for the bottom of my jeans. With expert skill, he popped the button and yanked my jeans down, revealing the white g-string I was wearing. He began stroking my clit through my panties.

"You're soaking wet for me," he groaned, his breath hot against my ear. "I'm going to fuck you so hard."

"We can't—" I started to say, but Klaus shushed me by placing his finger over my lips.

"Oh yes we can," he replied as he pressed himself against my back, "And you're going to be quiet, do you understand me?"

I nodded in response, and Klaus took hold of my arm and bent me over the trunk of the Rolls Royce. He tugged my jeans down further down to my ankles, and I heard the sound of him undoing his belt. I glanced back at him, watching as he pulled out his massive cock, which was already hard and ready for me.

"Do you promise you'll pull out?" I whispered as Klaus positioned himself behind me.

"I thought I said shut up."

He grabbed a fistful of my hair and pulled hard, forcing me to look up at him. His eyes were wild with lust and desire; he looked so incredibly sexy in his suit. He positioned his raw cock at my entrance and then pushed inside me, filling me completely. I gasped in pleasure as he began thrusting in and out of me at an incredible speed, slamming into me over and over again before I'd even taken a breath. It was beyond stupid of us doing this, not on Vickie's day but without protection. We'd never been this reckless before, but I wasn't naive; I felt for certain he probably had done this with Caroline and April without any concerns afterwards. I had to admit, being able to feel him so raw inside me was amazing; the way his cock stroked every inch of me sent a shiver down my spine. I moaned loudly as he increased the pressure on my hair, pulling my head back as he pounded into me.

"I can't believe this is, oh god, happening on a Rolls Royce."

"Shut up," Klaus growled as he continued pounding into me. "You're being punished."

"Oh yeah, I love it," I groaned as I gripped the trunk for support.

"You're gonna cum for me, Elena," Klaus growled. "You're going to be a good girl."

"I'm going to cum," I whimpered as my orgasm hit me and I began to tremble. "Yes! Yes!"

I cried out as Klaus released me from his grasp and thrust harder and faster than before until he let out a growl as he pulled out of me, coating his cum over my right ass cheek. I turned around and looked down, watching as it slid down over my skin.

"Shit," Klaus groaned, his voice hoarse.

"We can't ever do that again." I whispered to him as I wiped the cum around my skin before sliding my jeans back up over my legs.

"I know." Klaus agreed as he tucked his softening cock back into his trousers.

I turned around to face him as he buckled his belt up before he leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Good girl."

He took off, leaving me behind in the garage without another word said between us.

We'd just had unprotected sex.

April Mikaelson

"Shit, I mean shoot." I hissed as I attempted to wheel my luggage through the patio door at Caroline's place.

I glanced up at the sound of the connecting door to the garage opening, my heart skipping a beat as Klaus stepped out, his presence a comforting sight. "I meant shoot," I blurted out, the words tumbling awkwardly from my lips.

"What?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion as if I had suddenly sprouted an extra head.

"I was just, uh, never mind," I mumbled, feeling a bit foolish under his amused gaze.

Klaus chuckled softly, shaking his head in that endearing way of his, and gently took the luggage from my hands before I managed to drop it. "Hi," I greeted him, standing on my tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips. But just as our lips were about to meet, the connecting door to the garage swung open again, and Elena emerged, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the scene.

Klaus's gaze flickered between me and Elena, his expression a careful mask that revealed nothing yet seemed to speak volumes.

"Oh my god," I whispered to myself, feeling a sudden awkwardness settle in the air.

"April—" Elena started, her voice carrying a note of urgency that was quickly masked.

"I saw that top yesterday," I interrupted, desperately trying to steer the conversation onto safer ground. "Did you really pay fifty dollars for it?"

Elena let out a breath, almost as if she had been holding it in a moment too long, and I noticed the way Klaus's shoulders relaxed just a fraction, mirroring her release of tension.

"Everything okay?" I asked, my eyes darting between the two of them, searching for any indication of what lay beneath their poised exteriors.

"Fine." Elena replied, her smile tight and not quite reaching her eyes.

"Is this all your stuff?" Klaus asked in front of me, gesturing to my luggage, his voice holding no trace of anything other than genuine curiosity.

"Uh, yeah," I replied, "I think so."

"Well then," he said, "Shall we?"

"Okay," I said with a smile, relieved to be moving past the awkward moment, though the strange tension remained in the air like a physical presence that none of us could ignore.

"I'll go see if Bonnie needs a hand," Elena said as we walked past us. "I'll just be a second," she said as she stepped outside, leaving Klaus and me alone together.

Klaus held the door open for me, his fingers brushing against mine as I passed him and stepped inside the garage. I glanced back at him over my shoulder, and he flashed me a smile before closing the door behind him. As we waited for the others, Klaus turned his attention to the trunk of his Rolls Royce, loading up the luggage cases one by one. I watched as his muscles flexed under the fabric of his suit, his strong hands deftly lifting the suitcases with ease.

"Were you guys arguing again?" I asked, despite it not being my business.

"What makes you ask that?"

"I dunno," I replied, "There just seems to be... something."

"Nonsense," Klaus said, waving off my concern.

"Right, because nothing ever gets in between you guys." I teased, nudging him with my elbow.

He chuckled softly before placing his hands on my waist and pulling me close to him, my back pressed against his chest.

"Nothing is getting in between us either," he whispered, his lips grazing against my ear. "Not now, not ever."

I smiled and closed my eyes as I felt his breath against my skin; I turned to face him, glancing over at the garage door before looking back at him.

"Okay," I nodded before I leaned in closer to kiss him once more. "But only for a second."

As I kissed him, I moved my hands up his arms as he held my face between his hands and deepened our kiss, his tongue swiping against my bottom lip, causing me to moan softly.

"No," I breathed as he continued kissing me. "How does that always work? Mmmhhh," I moaned as his hand moved down over my ass, grabbing me tightly.

"Stop," I whispered as his lips trailed down my neck. "We can't keep doing this in Caroline's house."

I giggled as he bit down onto my neck playfully before moving back up to kiss me once more, but before we could get carried away, the door opened, and I pulled away from him.

"I'm just saying, I clearly said I was going to buy those shoes." Vickie said to Bonnie as they began making their way into the garage.

Bonnie rolled her eyes, a look of frustration clear on her face as she glanced over at Klaus and me, her eyes lingering a bit on Klaus, which he returned. She looked really pretty; she was wearing cute black leggings with a green top I would borrow if she let me, she had her hair straightened, and she was wearing a little eye makeup. I, on the other hand, was wearing a white cotton tracksuit that looked too big on me. I'd just tossed up my hair into a claw clip and put on just a touch of mascara. I just hoped while the others had made the effort that Klaus wasn't disappointed with my lack of it.

"Hey," I greeted her, trying my best to sound casual even though I felt a sudden rush of guilt wash over me as they all entered the garage, Caroline and Elena following behind them.

"Hi," Bonnie replied, her tone clipped and her expression distant as she walked past us, her gaze focused on the ground as she made her way to the back seat of the Rolls Royce.

Vickie slid into the passenger seat, which I was glad to see; it was her day; she should be in the front with Klaus, and Elena took her place beside me.

"I feel like I should have worn something different." I mumbled to Elena as Klaus closed the trunk.

Elena smiled softly at me, "You look cute," she whispered before glancing over at Klaus, "I think he likes it."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I glanced over at Klaus as well. He caught my eye and flashed me a grin that seemed to light up the entire garage.

Klaus got into the passenger seat, and I watched Vickie as she looked in the window, like she knew he was looking at her and she wasn't in the mood to talk to him or something.

"I can't believe we're going to Hawaii," I said as Klaus started the engine. "This is going to be amazing."

Vickie Mikaelson

We managed to check in and go through security without any problems; Klaus's contact must have gotten us top-grade passports because none of them were second-guessed. Since April and Bonnie couldn't compel their way onto the airplane if anything went wrong with theirs, Klaus had stayed behind them the entire way. He'd been holding Caroline's hand since we arrived; however, though I thought I'd seen him looking my way more than a few times, especially after we were finally all through security. While the others went around a bookstore, I headed over to the Starbucks to buy myself something strong and hopefully with some much-needed fucking sprinkles. I'd barely gotten into the line when I felt someone approach my side. I turned to see Klaus standing there with his hands in his pocket, staring ahead.

"I think I might get an Americano," He told me mockingly. "It's been a while since I've tried it."

I stared ahead, trying to keep it together, but this guy was intense at the best of times, and now I had another secret of his, and he was not going to make this easy for me.

"I thought you were a smart girl, Vickie."

"So did I."

"And yet you decided to do something stupid, didn't you? Going through my things, does that sound smart?"

"No."

"No, it most certainly does not; I was half tempted to put you across my knee last night."

My eyes widened, and I glanced around the room to see if anyone was listening in.

"Don't look so surprised; I could have bent you over that sofa and taught you a lesson about privacy. Especially this morning," Klaus glanced down at me. "When I saw you in this, you made me want to take you right there and then. I had to control myself; you shouldn't anger me like that."

"It's not my fault."

Klaus narrowed his eyes. "It's not?"

"No," I replied firmly. "You're the one who wanted a whole bunch of wives; what did you expect? Unconditional control? No minds? No curiosity?"

"You should be happy with what I give you."

I opened my mouth to retort, but no words came out; I was completely speechless at his comment. I could feel my temper rising by the second; how dare he say that to me, like I was some sort of doll or something.

"And if I," I paused, meeting his eyes, "Open my mouth again; what would you prefer I do with it?"

Klaus's expression darkened, and he grabbed my arm firmly. "You need to watch your tone, wild one."

"Or what?" I shot back, "Are you going to spank me?"

Klaus took a step closer to me, his voice dropping low as he said, "Worse."

I looked up at him, trying to ignore the effect his words had on me. He was so close I could smell the scent of his cologne, a mixture of sandalwood and leather that filled my nostrils. I could feel the heat radiating off his skin, and I felt my heartbeat quicken as he moved even closer to me.

"If you ever go through my things again," he began, his voice dangerously low, "I will make sure you never forget the lesson I teach you."

I held my breath, almost frozen to the spot, as he brought his lips against my temple. "Am I understood?"

I nodded mutely, and Klaus released his grip on me before turning to leave.

"And Vickie," he said, looking back at me over his shoulder, "The next time you try to get one up on me, remember who's the hybrid and who's the bitch."

I watched as he walked away from me and over to where Bonnie and April were sitting. As he approached them he held his hand out for April who took it before seemingly excusing herself to go to the bathroom.

She caught my eye and smiled as she passed me, her cheeks flushed pink, and I couldn't help but feel envious of her happiness; I wanted that with him.

But in his mind, I was just a bitch.

Caroline Mikaelson

I found myself grinning as I perused the back cover of a novel I was considering. Klaus kissed my neck in the middle of the bookstore, his warm lips brushing against my skin. His voice reverberated softly, carrying a hint of the untamed nature within him. Turning to him, I pressed my lips against his, feeling the smooth movement of his tongue as it slipped past my lips. We parted, and I smiled as he took my hand. Together, we strolled along the shelves, scanning the titles arrayed before us.

"Elena's in here somewhere," I reminded him as he lifted my hand to his lips, brushing it with a gentle kiss. His other hand picked up an Ernest Hemingway book.

"What about this?" he asked, showing me the cover of the book.

"A friend of yours?" I teased, giving him a playful wink.

Klaus smirked and said, "No, I think you might enjoy it. He's the kind of writer who made you feel like you were right there in the heart of Paris."

"Wouldn't that be nice?" I mused, placing the book in the basket I carried.

"I can take you there someday," Klaus whispered, his breath warm against my ear. "Or anywhere you dream of, New York? Tokyo? Rome?"

I bit my lip, listening to his sweet promises, then glanced at him with a smile.

"It feels like a different life now," I confessed.

He nodded, understanding in his eyes.

"The dress, the bracelet, all of it."

"Only better things ahead, starting with Hawaii," he promised.

I paused and faced him. "Do you really think it's possible to hit this reset button?" I glanced around, ensuring we were alone before asking, "Do you believe it will be the same with five of us now?"

"No," Klaus replied, shaking his head. "Nothing will be the way it was, but is that such a bad thing, love?"

Looking into his eyes, I noticed a trace of sadness. "Because the way things were, they weren't working either," I agreed.

"We can have something different," he suggested. "Something new."

I glanced over and saw Elena emerging from behind the shelves. I leaned in to kiss Klaus again, and when I looked back, Elena was still there.

"I wouldn't mind something new, but then again, I am a lover of the classics too," I said, holding up my two book choices.

Klaus smirked, "You've always had a weakness for romance."

"What can I say? It's good to mix it up sometimes."

"Now that," Klaus leaned in close, "I agree with."

"Let me know if you want to mix it up with me later." I teased as Elena joined us.

"Don't tempt me," Klaus groaned.

I laughed as Elena linked arms with me. "Where's April?" I asked, scanning the store.

"I don't know," Elena shrugged. "I think she's still waiting to get her coffee or something."

Klaus's attention sharpened. "With Vickie?"

"Uh, yeah," Elena replied, looking puzzled by his reaction.

Klaus released my arm and quickly left us behind.

"Is everything okay?" I asked Elena. "Did I say something?"

Elena sighed and shook her head.

"We could just get the awkwardness out of the way if you wanted to." I suggested as we walked together at a gentle pace.

Elena glanced at me before looking forward. "Are you angry that I didn't tell you about us?"

"No," I assured her. "I understand why you didn't. We're in a difficult situation already with four of us, and now with Bonnie here..."

"I know," Elena said, her voice strained. "I've been going crazy with all this guilt, but at the same time, we keep talking about how our marriages are supposed to be private."

"Yeah, and I'll admit some boundaries are warranted, especially on that subject, but," I sighed, "I don't think there should be so much intensity when discussing all our relationships. I mean, Vickie said it right the first time: we're all we have. Who else can we talk to about plural marriage?"

"Do you really think we'll all be okay with this?"

"We're strong women. I believe we can work it out. It's not easy being part of this family, but I couldn't imagine it any other way," I looked her way. "When I think about what my life would have been like, I'd still be in Mystic Falls, attending high school and dating Tyler, trying to convince myself that everyone was a little sad sometimes."

"High school," Elena shook her head at the thought.

"We faced life and death situations one day and then pop quizzes the next. It's not even worth thinking about."

"That's true," Elena nodded.

"But that's what we had in common, the stress of it all. That's what made us strong, and now that we've experienced life outside of that place, I think we're ready to handle anything."

Elena stopped walking and looked at me. "Do you really think so? I mean, anything could happen, especially with Vickie and Bonnie coming into this.

And who knows, one of us could," she paused to shrug, "Get pregnant or even have another brutal argument with Klaus."

"So what?" I asked. "That's a normal part of marriage, isn't it? The ups and downs? Besides, I'm sure the three of us are being cautious with him."

"How do you know that?" Elena questioned. "Do you think April's safe with him?"

"I doubt Klaus even considered the idea of intimacy before she started birth control. Of course, the two of them are careful."

Elena nodded. "You said three," she looked my way, her eyes narrowing. "You don't think he's involved with Vickie, do you?"

I felt a moment of hesitation at her question, but I quickly composed myself. "No, I don't," I answered honestly. "But I think someday they...could be."

Elena examined me as if unsure of what she'd heard, but when I didn't retract my statement, she sighed and looked away.

"That's what I thought," Elena replied. "There's also the possibility that she wasn't truthful with us, that he was around her more while we were gone. I mean, we're all capable of keeping all kinds of secrets."

What was that supposed to mean? Did she have a secret? Or was she suggesting that I did?

Klaus had asked me to keep quiet about his plan to bring Elijah into our lives. No one was going to hear that from me, not even my best friend.

Elena Mikaelson

I sat down beside Bonnie, and we were about a half hour away from boarding now. She gave me a half smile as I made myself comfortable next to her. I had bought more than a few books to keep me occupied during the flight, along with some magazines and a bottle of water that I had almost finished already.

"Did you guys ever go to Hawaii before?" Bonnie asked, trying to sound somewhat interested in my response.

"Uh, no, we went to the Caribbean, and then we headed to Vegas for our ceremonies," I replied casually.

Bonnie just nodded as I rummaged through my bag to retrieve my purse. My passport and boarding pass were inside, but I needed to tuck my card away before I forgot it was there. I certainly didn't want to send my jeans to the hotel cleaners and live to regret it later.

"You all set for the flight?" I asked, hoping to change the subject.

"I suppose. I bought a book, but I think I'll sleep. I'm pretty tired," she said with a sigh.

"Yeah, it's been a rough couple of days," I replied, understanding all too well.

"Understatement of the century," she murmured.

I smiled sympathetically as I took out my phone to check for messages. There was nothing from Klaus yet, and I had hoped he would text me. I placed my phone aside on the armrest and retrieved my credit card from my pocket.

"Hopefully, you'll sleep and—"

"What is that?"

I glanced down at the card. "It's just my—"

"Why does it have Klaus's name on it and not yours?"

I looked at her puzzled at first, and then I realized what she was implying and what I had inadvertently done.

"Um—"

"Wait, did he give you one of his credit cards?" Bonnie asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "If you have your own cards, why is he giving you access to more money?"

I just stared back at her, completely at a loss for words.

She began shaking her head, her eyes never leaving mine. "What else haven't you all kept from me?" she asked before getting up from her seat and walking away.

How could I have been so careless? I needed to find Klaus. Bonnie wouldn't listen to me when she was this upset; she never did. I needed Klaus to help convince her not to tell the others. We couldn't have any conflict on the first day of our vacation.

Besides, Bonnie was already dealing with enough as it was. If I told her Klaus had given me one of his credit cards for personal purchases, she wouldn't understand. She'd think I wasn't the same person she'd grown up with.

I needed Klaus, and I needed him now.

Bonnie Mikaelson

Ever since I agreed to what seemed like a brighter future, everyone around me started deceiving me. These were people I had trusted for nearly my entire life, yet now I felt more isolated than ever, disconnected from my own sense of self. It was as if those I once knew had become strangers, and nothing felt familiar anymore. I realized it was my own doing for believing that things could improve for me. I had naively accepted their enticing promises of a wonderful life, yet it felt as though I had stepped into an unfamiliar realm where nothing made sense. I had agreed to become the fifth wife of Klaus Mikaelson, the very man responsible for the death of my best friend's aunt, with my best friend also being his second wife.

I felt like the ground had disappeared beneath me, and I was endlessly descending into an abyss. The deceit was overwhelming, and I struggled with the anger that bubbled within me. They had assured me of a certain life, yet now it was entangled in clandestine conversations. Did they really think I was oblivious to it all? After nearly two decades of friendship, I had expected my closest friends to offer some understanding of my turmoil.

Instead, it seemed as if everything revolved around their desires and how they could conceal their actions from everyone else. It baffled me—what was so significant about possessing a credit card? I had one, and so did Elena. Why did she need one belonging to him? Her reaction to my innocent inquiry was telling; she seemed haunted by a secret she was desperate to keep.

April didn't even allow me the opportunity to apologize, which I would have done willingly, and Vickie continued to make snide comments, as if I were something to be mocked. They had all played a part in this, assuming I could manage it on my own. I longed for just one of them to genuinely ask if I was okay and truly listen to my response.

I was far from okay; I was deeply wounded and furious with them for excluding me. They left me behind in the past, and since crossing the state line, they hadn't offered me a shred of affection or concern. I had always been there for them, even at times risking everything for their sake. Now, I needed them more than ever to help keep my world from unraveling.

When I had left Elena at the gate, I had taken Caroline's bag with me. It was a Chanel bag. She had carelessly left it lying around, something she usually would never do. I carried it into the ladies' room and, after several minutes of anxious pacing near the sink, I reached inside and retrieved her phone. She had only a few contacts saved, but I only needed one.

If they could keep secrets from me, then I could uncover some of theirs.

"Hello?" Sheriff Forbes answered.

"Liz, it's Bonnie."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I have to go."

Of course, she had been compelled not to speak to anyone from Mystic Falls, myself included.

"No, Liz, I need you to listen, because there's something you have to know about Caroline."

Like I said...the comment section below is about to go nuts!