Chapter Two
August 2008
Was she really doing this?
The teenager stood before the museum wearing a white summer dress with gold strappy sandals. Her golden hair was twisted up, allowing only a couple strays to frame her face. Ever punctual, Caroline stood in the area Nik had designated as their meeting place fifteen minutes early. Her heart was hammering, remembering how she had met the man only two nights before. What shocked her the most was that she was here alone, meeting an older man without a chaperone.
Her father didn't seem too pleased about it but could hardly offer a backup to his boyfriends well thought out points. First, Nik had invited her to accompany him to a museum, where a painting Nik wanted to show her was on exhibit for a limited time. Nik brought her back to her father and Stephan with an easy grin. Telling them what a lovely young lady she was before informing them about the painting and offering an invitation.
The man easily won over Stephan while her father looked on skeptically. Bill Forbes said nothing when Caroline and Stephan agreed to the outing, with Stephan's apologies that he and Bill had a prior engagement but that Caroline could go if she wished. Caroline had never felt so happy, even though the way her father's hand clenched into a fist was a bit concerning.
Caroline frowned if he was so worried. Why did he let her go? It wasn't like He or Stephan could chaperone that day. The man whose DNA she shared said nothing as the blonde spent the last two days planning her outfit. She finally got the courage to ask him if he was okay with her spending time with an older man.
Bill stiffly said, "I would rather you wouldn't go without a trusted adult. Your mother would have my hide for even hinting that you could not handle yourself. Stephan seems to think I'm paranoid." as Stephan pointed out, Niklaus introduced himself to us and invited us along.
Caroline rolled her eyes as the unease in her stomach lifted slightly. Her father was still uneasy as if he suspected something but could not do anything about it. The teen shook her head, thinking it was her parent's police force nature. After so many years on the force, it was bound to make you a cautious person in general.
Hence why Caroline vowed never to go into law enforcement. She already had this unquenchable need for control. The paranoid way her parents approached everything was not a trait she wanted to continue. Why go into a profession that would make her paranoid as well?
"You worry too much, Daddy" She pressed her lips to his cheek. She didn't see how his eyes softened, but she felt the pressure of his arms wrapping around her waist.
"I just want you safe, Caroline."
"Caroline," The blonde turned around to see the same man from two nights ago waiting for her with hands tucked into his pants pocket. Niklaus was dressed in a dark Henley shirt and what looked like an ancient homemade necklace hanging off his neck. Caroline looked him up and down to find that he wore dark-washed denim jeans and boots.
Caroline gulped; even dressed casually, the man looked like a model. And here she was, little Caroline Forbes going into a building with him. She wished she could call this a date; her friends would never believe she went old with an older man like this. Finally making her way back up to meet his eyes, Caroline blushed, seeing the mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Like what you see, Sweetheart?" He murmured in her ear, offering Caroline his arm politely. She managed to keep her smile on her face, despite feeling the heat in her cheeks worsening.
"I'm sorry, was I supposed to look? I didn't think there was anything to see" She bit back, trying to push back a smile as his laughter boomed around her.
"I can't say that I would mind if you did the looking," Nik whispered in her ear before pulling back, "the painting I wanted to show you is this way." The teenager allowed the man to keep his hand on the small of her back, escorting her around the place.
He quickly walked past the museum employee standing at the doors checking tickets. When Caroline glanced at him uneasily, Nik winked, "I know people, Caroline."
"Meaning you bought them," Caroline blanched, earning a shit-eating grin from her date. The blonde couldn't help how her heart sped up at how he looked at her. An older man, a college man, couldn't possibly be interested in her, could he?
"My family has a long history of donating to the arts. In return, I've never had to worry about things like tickets," Nik informed her as he led her away from the people towards a less populated museum area.
"I guess the painting is not very popular," Caroline frowned.
"I've reserved it just for us, actually," Nik smirked at the way Caroline's eyes widened, creating a very cartoonish effect. "Now, Sweetheart, you will give me a complex."
"I think your ego is big enough," Caroline said, enjoying how his low chuckle reverberated into her body. His arm wrapped around her shoulders, gently shepherding her towards an empty hall. With a gentle push, Caroline spotted the painting in question. The background of the painting was a dark navy blue mixed with black. It really was beautiful.
The bottom of the painting was a lake with mixed gold and white paint, giving the scene an ethereal look. "It doesn't look like anything I'm familiar with. Is it another one of yours?" She asked in a joking manner. Looking back at the painting, Caroline failed to see the absolute look of pleasure on his face that this mere teenager could recognize his work so quickly.
"Actually, yes," Nik found himself answering.
XXX
September 2009
Knock!
Knock!
A large lump on the bed groaned as the constant sound echoed into her subconscious. The young woman grunted as the annoying sound worsened, reluctant to leave the dream, memory more like she found herself. The sound became harsher, forcing the teenager to lift her wild bed mane, looking wearily towards her window. Caroline could see the sun shining through her window, alerting the now awake teenager to the time blinking brightly from her clock.
Her alarm hadn't sounded. Why was she up?
Knock!
Knock!
Oh, that was why. Caroline could hear the reluctant footsteps of her mother walking towards the door. Blinking away the residue of sleep, Caroline groaned as she stretched her arms and legs. The tingly results of the stretch earned the teenager a soft sigh as her limbs began to feel the extra space in her muscles. Looking over at the clock, Caroline saw that she had maybe an hour before she needed to be at the school. Caroline stepped out of bed, growling to herself, forgetting to press the off button on the alarm that had only just chimed to life. Going straight to the closet when she could barely hear her mom finally open the door.
"Caroline!" Her mother's voice called out seconds later, causing the younger blonde to let out an annoyed groan.
Wondering who could be visiting at this hour, the blonde cheerleader quickly pulled on the slim blue dress Caroline had handpicked out a week ago. There was no way it could be Elena or Bonnie; neither girl said they would go to school with her today. Caroline distinctly remembered Bonnie telling her she decided to surprise Elena today so she wouldn't be stuck going to school with her brother. Suddenly reminded of her two friends, Caroline sighed, knowing it had been a hectic summer.
As quickly as she could, Caroline brushed her hair and slid into the hallway to find two familiar faces standing outside the house with her mother crossing her arms. First, Elena's parents had been killed in the accident, forcing Elena and Jeremy to stay with them for part of the summer until their aunt could officially sign the guardianship papers and get everything to house and feed two teenagers. Second was the mini boot camp that Elena had avoided due to being a walking zombie. Not to mention Bonnie, whose father had her traveling all summer. Not that Caroline had stayed in Mystic Falls all summer, grinning at herself, thinking back to Nik's latest letter.
Oh my god, why were they here?
In front of her mother stood a fashion model blonde with her devilishly looking brunette of a brother. Both siblings eyed Caroline mischievously, and Caroline looked down at least five suitcases.
Wait…. Suitcases?
"Apparently, we have guests," Elizabeth Forbes informed her. Her blue eyes stared into her daughter.
"Mom, I'd like to introduce Rebekah and Kol Mikaelson," Caroline nervously giggled, offering her mom an apologetic smile.
Elizabeth Forbes did not look amused, raising a blonde brow at her daughter. "Hello, Rebekah, Kol. Caroline hadn't bothered to tell me you were coming."
Caroline blanched as Kol sent her a smirk earning a smack from Rebekah. Her fellow blonde was holding back a chuckle of her own. Rebekah mouthed, "Compulsion," but Caroline quickly shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Mom," Caroline glanced at her mom with her famous puppy eyes. "With Cheer camp and everything, it completely escaped me to ask you if they could stay until their older brothers can come down and the construction of their house is finished?"
"Of course, I won't let two teenagers be homeless," Sherriff Forbes sighed, turning to the two strangers. "Apologies. You are more than welcome to stay until your new home is ready. I will talk with your brothers about relying on someone else to ask for a favor, though."
With a familiar shit-eating grin, Kol stepped through the doorway, "I advise you to go to Finn first. After all, he is the oldest."
Clearly seeing his ploy for what it is, Elizabeth Forbes shook her head. "Caroline has school today, but I will call your siblings to ensure you have everything you need to enroll. Caroline, go get ready. I will feed our guests."
Caroline nearly had a heart attack when Kol perked up and said, "Pancakes?"
XXX
August 2008
Caroline's blue eyes caught a wave of a penny next to a smirking Niklaus as he whispered, "Penny, for your thoughts?"
Caroline had the best summer in a long time, with both her father and his boyfriend stuck at work most of the time; it allowed her the freedom to spend it with her new acquaintance Niklaus. The blonde forced a smile on her face as she looked on at the handsome man before her. She felt her face flush as he pulled back a wayward hair tucking it under her ear.
"I don't want to go back home. I mean, it's not like I don't miss my mom or friends-"Caroline began to ramble nervously. Her nervous smile and uneasy chuckle made it abundantly clear what the young teenager meant.
Nik nodded, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his side as they walked along the city streets. The vampire allowed her a chance to ramble, knowing that interrupting her would make her feel unheard. Niklaus couldn't help but roll his eyes at himself, Klaus, the big bad wolf being soft for a measly human girl.
When one of his witch contacts suggested he look in Georgia for one of his missing ritual pieces, Klaus agreed. He knew magic had limits, especially since he had never had contact with the necessary components; trying to locate them magically was far more complex. Never had he imagined when stepping into that art gallery to waste some time that he could find something so inspiring that all thoughts of finding that moonstone were long forgotten.
When it became clear he would not find the moonstone on this trip, Niklaus decided to stay for the company. He found the way Caroline rebuked him and pressed him for more delightful. While young, even by human standards, the blonde was knowledgeable.
Not more so than him, yet she held insights and was firm in her opinions. Something not many her age could boast. In so many words, Caroline Forbes was fascinating to the original vampire. So much so that Nik spent the entire summer courting her the old-fashioned way. Taking her to the town museums, fanciful restaurants, and even the bloody zoo.
"I understand, love" He grinned, kissing her forehead. "I haven't had such a delightful time in ages until now."
Her blush was divine.
The conversation lapsed into a comfortable silence as Nik walked home. Only when they were about a block from her father's house did he ask, "When are you leaving?"
"In two days," She answered mournfully.
"Then we shall have to write" He winked at her when the blonde looked at him in confusion.
"I may not always be reachable by phone, sweetheart," He murmured apologetically. "I will, of course, give you my direct line, but my travels often leave cell service to be tricky at best. Besides, have you ever had a pen pal?"
Caroline shook her head.
He smirked, kissing her hand, "Then let me show you the benefits of such an arrangement. You may call me anytime, but sharing letters can be very intimate; why do you think it was all the rage for so long?"
"Not for the lack of instant communication?" Her grin was answer enough.
"I'll leave an address for you to send the letters to. Don't worry, and I will get them and give me your cell" He grabbed her phone quickly with an easy grin when she made to object. He quickly added his contact, along with his brother's.
"Now you have my and Elijah's numbers in case of emergency" He kissed her cheek.
"Your brother?" Caroline asked to confirm gently. Knowing he rarely spoke about his family.
"Yes. If, for some reason, you need to contact me right away, and I don't answer, call Elijah to tell him your name, and he will handle the rest."
Caroline looked at her phone skeptically but decided it was better not to push. "Okay then."
"I'll see you before you leave, Caroline."
XXX
September 2009
"Really? Nik sent the two of you?" Caroline hissed once she ensured her mother was out of hearing range. The trio was making their way over to the spare guest room where Kol would be sleeping; Rebekah would be rooming with Caroline, much to her chagrin.
Rebekah smirked over at her, "Sorry to disappoint you. Nik wanted to make sure you wouldn't be lonely."
Caroline shot her a dirty glare, "Remind me why I am friends with you again?"
Kol wrapped an arm around the two of them, "Because you found us in our luxurious coffins? Instead of running like a normal person, you befriended us."
Caroline's eyes widened a fraction, grabbing hold of her need to shout at the man, mindful of her mother in the next room. Rebekah snickered into her hand, "Caroline, never ask a question if you don't want it answered truthfully."
"I will have you know I reacted like a normal person; I tried to run," Caroline grumbled as she pulled away. Kol quickly released his grip on the human, allowing her to escape amusement in his eyes. She took a couple of steps, pointing to the door, "It's not much, but it's yours."
Kol whistled as he kicked the door open, grinning at the glaring blonde as he peeked inside the room. It had a full bed with a standard dresser, nightstand, and a desk; nothing else was inside the room. Still better than a bloody coffin if Kol was going, to be honest about it.
"Better than a coffin" Kol grinned over at the human plopping down onto the bed. "Comfortable care to join me for a little fun, dear sweet Caroline?" Kol purred, absolutely giggling in delight as blood went straight to her face. Her eyes were flashing icy blue, and the original knew she was angry, not embarrassed. His shit-eating grin only widened as her shoulders raised along with her hand as she pointed the finger at him.
"Kol, what have I told you? I am not a vampire groupie!" Caroline hissed, earning a laugh from Rebekah, who was now leaning against the dresser.
"You know that never works" Rebekah rolled her eyes as she fixated on her nails. Kol turned towards his sister with a happy grin, "But I do so enjoy seeing her bristle. Look, she is a human porcupine!"
"I hate you both," Caroline groaned, closing the bedroom door with a slam as she made her way back towards her room. She still had to get ready for bloody school. Turning her attention back to the two vampires.
"How exactly are you going to be keeping me company again? They are going to expect you to be in high-" Caroline gasped. "You are going to be attending high school with me?"
Rebekah beamed, "I will have you know. They didn't have schools when I was human; this would be my first time attending something like this."
Kol sighed, "We have to unless we want to attract unwanted attention." The youngest Mikaelson looked over at Caroline, "Nik prefers the idea of staying for a while."
Caroline blushed as Rebekah smacked her brother, causing the vampire to groan in pain. "Woman, what was that for?"
"Being suggestive with someone under Nik's protection."
"You mean under his-"
That's it! Caroline snapped, throwing the first thing she could find, which was the T.V. remote control "KOL!"
XXX
Summer 2009
Caroline was lying on the bed, a giant smile on her face, automatically turning onto her side in order to get a better look at her bed partner. His dirty blonde hair was being pulled into several directions, his blue eyes glancing over her form appreciatively. His hand caressed her cheek softly, "you were ravishing, darling."
Caroline's cheeks flushed, forcing her eyes to turn down in embarrassment, making the man next to her tut. His warm arms wrapped themselves around her waist, pushing her flush against him.
"Nik," Caroline gasped with a laugh on her lips, which soon turned into a moan as his lips sucked on her neck. She could feel her pulse race against his lips.
"You don't need to be modest for me, love" He nibbled on her ear, smirking as her body shook above his.
"I'm not being modest," The blonde shrieked.
"Oh, so you weren't going to mumble something about not wanting the compliment. When we both know you're greedy for them," He teased. "No need for false modesty. I happen to find your need for attention adorable."
Her eyes flashed as she punched his chest ineffectively, much to the man's amusement. "If I'm so freaking adorable, get yourself a freaking puppy!"
Klaus raised his brow, "Why would I need a foul beast when I have you?"
Caroline shrieked, punching him in the shoulder, "I meant that if you want adorable, a pet would be a better investment. I should be hot, earth-shattering, good in bed, not adorable."
Klaus chuckled softly, rolling himself over so that she was pressed into the mattress. The blonde looked up at him with wide innocent eyes watching him. He leaned down as his cock pressed itself in between her legs. Caroline whimpered softly as she felt his lips press against hers and the way his manhood pressed in between her legs.
He pressed a firm kiss to her lips, "If I didn't find you. As you say… hot. I wouldn't have spent an entire summer courting you. I waited an entire year to make you scream my name. I only admire the most beautiful things. Klaus Mikaelson only has the best, and Sweetheart, and you are the best, most ravishing beauty on this bloody continent."
Finally, he pressed his tongue against her lips, silently pleased when she opened her mouth to him. Before he could enjoy a second round of an entire summer's conquest, his bloody phone rang.
"This better be good," He growled into the phone, looking apologetically at the blonde beneath him, who pouted. Her hands crawled up his arms and found their way into his hair. He smirked at her, blowing a raspberry on her berry, causing her to giggle as he reluctantly got off the bed as the person. His brother, on the other end, talked about some problem with one of their businesses.
"Fine, Elijah," He growled, canceling the phone call without another word.
The blonde on his bed simply tilted her head, "You have to go?"
"As much as I prefer to hang out with my preferred jailbait. I do," Klaus grumbled, looking over at the naked blonde. His eyes softened, "trust me when I say. I'd much rather spend the rest of your time here with you in my bed."
Caroline laughed, rolling back onto the bed, "Lucky for you, the age of consent here is 16. You perv."
Klaus rolled his eyes, pulling one of Henley's over his chest as he drew closer to the bed and dragged her to him, "You are distracting this old man, love."
Caroline sat up, scooting closer to him so that her legs were on either side of him. She wrapped an arm around his neck, kissing him on the lips softly. "You are rather lucky I don't like the rules."
Klaus chuckled, "You? Miss Little Goody Two Shoes."
Caroline pouted, "I am the Queen of Mystic Falls. I make the rules."
Klaus laughed, kissing her forehead, "You are a Queen. Of that, I have no doubt, Caroline."
"I don't want to go home," Caroline admitted watching as he pulled away to grab the pair of jeans on the floor.
Knowing exactly what she meant, Klaus looked over at her and instead said, "My meeting shouldn't take too long. Stay here, explore. Your father is still out of town, isn't he?"
Caroline sighed, "He will be back tonight to see me off back to Virginia." She stuck her tongue out.
"Love, you have no idea how persistent I can be" With that, he gave her a dark, lustful look before heading out of his bedroom. Before he was out of her hearing range, "I meant it, Caroline. Stay awhile; I won't be more than an hour."
Grinning at the thought of this older man wanting her in his bed, Caroline grabbed the sheet making sure it stayed wrapped around her. No need for her to be cold while collecting her clothes. Caroline Forbes was many things, but comfortable walking naked was not one of them. Collecting her clothes, the blonde huffed in approval, looking at her reflection.
Not perfect, but since she was not leaving Nik's house. Deciding to take her boyfriend's advice to heart, Caroline started to explore. Letting out a small giggle, Caroline felt like a toddler sneaking out of her playroom for the first time. She noticed that the house was huge, and several doors were closed. Taking a stab at one, she saw it was dark with an old-fashioned desk in it.
An office. Caroline smiled, looking over at the walls curiously. She found a bunch of paintings framed on the wall. Most looked like they belonged in a museum. Caroline shook her head; Nik must have a lot of family money. Closing the door softly, Caroline carefully deliberated what door to open next.
She saw a pair of double doors. Could it be the library Klaus had boasted about? Caroline smirked quietly, making her way over gently, pushing the handles down. The doors opened with a loud swoosh, and inside indeed, was an extensive library. The blonde whistled, never having been one for books much herself, but even she could see the appeal of this particular one. She took a deep breath, and she shivered; along the walls were thousands of books, no doubt. All looked to be of various ages. Some looked like they would cost more than she would make in her lifetime.
Deciding that she would come back after, Caroline could enjoy a good book occasionally, even if the blonde preferred other activities. The young woman quietly closed the library doors; looking down the hall, she noticed a couple rooms down the aisle. The house was big, and Caroline was on the second floor. The family wing, as Nik had called it. The second floor held all the house bedrooms. Nik's master was at the corner next to the stairs with a ridiculously large, connected master bathroom.
Honestly, who needed a shower and a bath? Not even combined! A walk-in shower and a large tub occupied the room. Caroline suspected Nik just liked spending a ridiculous amount of money. Next to Nik's room was the office that Caroline noticed earlier, a few steps down from the bedroom. The library, as she noted, was two stories. They had a freaking staircase in that room! That was located on the opposite wall. Now, as she stood outside the library, she noticed several doors further down the hall. In the middle of the hall was a lounge area with several comfortable couches and large television.
She knew from her year of correspondence with Nik that he had several siblings. The way he tensed when talking about them in the present clued her in that they were not on very good terms now. She knew he had a sister, Rebekah, someone Nik described as vivacious and stubborn. So full of life, she never bothered to notice when trouble walked in.
Then there were his older brothers, Finn and Elijah. Finn was the sibling Nik seemed to have the least to say about. At least from what she could gather, Caroline snorted. Their relationship was very much like Elena and Jeremy's. Finn was constantly reminding Nik of his status, and the two had terrible communication most days.
Luckily for Elena and Jeremy, they had parents who refused to let their fights stand. Caroline got the sense it was better to not ask about Nik's own. She tried once, only to be told that it was an unhappy topic. So, she relented in understanding how complicated parents could be.
After all, she barely wanted to talk about her father. Even if she used to visit him as an excuse to come back when Niklaus said he would be in the city for a few weeks. Going towards one of the rooms, she noticed an odd symbol etched into the door. It almost looked like it could be a name; her hand went to the knob, turning it to find it locked.
Shrugging, Caroline assumed the owner didn't want anyone snooping. She laughed at herself; just what was she doing? Turning her attention towards one of the other rooms where a similar etching was carved into it, Caroline internally yelled out in triumph when it opened. Inside was a king-sized bed with matching dark wood side tables on either end. Over on the opposite wall was a closet, and in the corner of the bedroom was a simple desk next to a tall bookcase filled to the brim with books.
Caroline's lips turned into a smile; based on the minimal information she had gotten from her boyfriend, known only as a pen pal to her parents, this had to be the noble Elijah's room.
"He's not one for the sentiment," Nik had scoffed, "the only two things the man enjoys are books and manipulation."
Caroline thought it was rather funny, considering how she saw the way Nik could manipulate everyone around him with his dimpled smile. The blonde was sure it was a family trait if Nik's mumblings were anything to go by.
Satisfied and not wanting to fully invade the privacy of her boyfriend's most trusted family member. Even if they were estranged currently. Honestly, Caroline wanted to laugh at the way Nik would pout when she brought up that he should just call him. Siblings fought all the time. The Gilbert siblings were constantly at each other's throats. Still, they never did. Caroline doubted that either Gilbert would ignore their sibling if the other needed them.
Or nudge the other with a gentle smile or smirk—either way, Caroline had seen it work. Glancing over at the other doors, Caroline was sure to hold the other sibling's bedrooms. Nervously Caroline decided perhaps she should explore the rest of the house. Turning towards the stairs, the blonde noticed a door at the bottom of the steps.
Caroline already knew where the library and kitchen were, curious to see what this room was. The blonde opened it to find that it was dark and reached in to see if there was a light switch. With minimal fumbling, Caroline's fingers gently grasped the nub that once flipped and illuminated the stairs.
"He has a basement," Caroline said to herself, shaking away the thought of doubt that crept in. Basements were a thing. So were underground cellars. It didn't mean anything that a twenty-something-year-old had a basement in a large house alone.
Deciding that it would be fun to see just how much of a packrat her boyfriend was with the amount of information he spewed off. She was confident that he held onto many things. If only to dig it out and show it off.
The man was a bit of a showboat.
Opening the basement door, Caroline looked at the stairs, internally startled by the flood of emotion that hit her. Suddenly she was filled with doubt. Should she be sneaking around? Caroline huffed to herself; he told her to make herself at home. She walked down, her hand moving across the wall in search of a light switch. After several seconds her fingers found the slim switch at the bottom of the stairs.
Light flooded the room, and all around her was furniture. Old furniture and boxes more than Caroline thought one person could accumulate in a lifetime. Last year when Caroline had met him, it was clear that Niklaus was different than anyone she had met. He held himself with confidence; while he didn't dress to the nine's during the day, everything he wore was still of satisfactory quality.
The man was well off and possibly had family money if the old-fashioned way he sometimes acted as an indication. It was a skill so few were taught anymore, this Caroline could recognize. It was something that Caroline had noticed right away, along with the way he spoke. Judging by the old furniture, her assumption was proven correct.
Old money.
He was calculating, carefully chosen words, traits that only those with power ever learned how to wield correctly. Combined with Nik's speech patterns, quality clothing, and how everywhere they went, people bowed to his whims. It was clear he was a man with the means to get what he wanted; it was natural as well. Something she appreciated.
Now looking at the unwanted amount of…. wealth in his basement. Caroline took a step closer. Was that…Van Gogh? Caroline gaped at the painting; it had to have been a copy…certainly, if his family had the connections to obtain an original, it would be on display.
Unlike the boys she had spent time with growing up, Niklaus didn't have anything to prove anymore. Not to those she watched him speak with anyway. Nik was confident and knew his worth in a way few people did. Boys like Tyler, who came from money, acted cocky and self-assured but constantly tried to see how much they could get away with. Niklaus didn't have to act out; he simply just knew.
Caroline couldn't put her finger on it as she resisted the urge to touch the painting. She figured it was the difference between being a man and a boy. Which was a pity because so many of the grown- men she knew acted more like Tyler Lockwood than Nik. The only ones who came close were Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Salvatore, and Matt. That didn't mean Niklaus didn't have his own eccentricities.
As the number of paintings the man just had to have on display and the even larger amount she found stashed away down here. Caroline knew he had quirks, some more enjoyable than others. Laughing to herself, she turned around and gasped. She didn't expect this.
Coffins.
Five bloody coffins were in his freakin basement. Fear flooded her veins, and the blonde had to get out of there. Caroline looked around, praying that she had enough time to get out before Niklaus came back. Oh god, her mother was totally going to tell her off! She eyed the coffins with distrust…perhaps she was overreacting?
There was no smell. Nik couldn't have a dead body in there? Maybe he just collected coffins!
Caroline internally snorted at herself. Who collects freaking coffins?
Reluctantly Caroline decided if she was going to call the cops on a man who, until this second, had been the best thing in her life. Well… she bloody better see the damn body with her own eyes. Stepping forward, she pressed her hand against the coffin. It was well made; like everything in this house, it was the best.
Caroline rolled her eyes; only Niklaus would be so generous to a murder victim of his. Bracing herself, unable to stop herself from praying that she found nothing. Opening the casket with a large huff, her blue eyes gazed down, letting out a squeak at seeing a blonde woman with a dagger in her chest. Caroline's eyes widened as she scrambled away. In her hurry to get away from the dead woman Caroline didn't notice the way her hand smacked itself against the blade, her dominant hand shutting the coffin shut.
The movement dislodged the dagger from the woman's body, landing on top of the woman's head with the force that dislodged it.
"OMG, I'm dating a serial killer. I am freakin dating a murderous good-looking man. Why is it always the attractive ones!" Caroline whined out as she cursed her own clumsiness at hitting the boxes surrounding the coffins.
When the noise would not let up, the blonde in the casket finally opened her eyes as the noise of boxes and someone tripping echoed in her ears. Casually leaning up from her coffin, having used her strength to push the lid open, the blonde looked down to spot her ruined flapper dress. While still in mint condition, the once gorgeous dress in the abdominal area was a large red stain where her brother had stabbed her.
Again.
The blonde sighed; of course, her brother wouldn't care that he ruined another dress of hers. He was going to pay for that. Still hearing the pathetic shrieking, Rebekah turned over to look at the tiny blonde across the room from her. By the sound of blood pumping, the young woman was human. Rebekah couldn't help but lick her lips, the smell of blood running through the woman's veins calling out to her.
Eyeing the young woman head to toe, it was clear from the smell of sex alone that she must be one of Nik's playthings. Rebekah's nose twitched at the idea of having one of his leftovers. As hungry as she was, the original sister had standards. What was curious was how Nik's playmate was dressed; even for his usual gimmicks, her attire was a little strange, even for a bed mate.
Then it clicked. Rebekah seethed. Just how long had her brother kept her in her coffin?
"Will you shut up? I'll get to you in a minute," Rebekah snapped over at the simpering blonde pressed against the cellar door. Rebekah leaned against her coffin, finally glancing over at the human; lunch really screamed.
"How are you not dead?" The human screamed. "Now I've really done it. Not only did I fall for the serial killer, but he's bloody Frankenstein to boot! That's not even the best horror movie! I will not die on the set of a 'B-list horror film!"
Rebekah's eyes widened even as her tone signaled the young woman's anger. Intrigued, Rebekah waited with a smirk on her face as the stranger stared at the woman in the coffin. "You're supposed to be dead. Murder victims usually stay dead."
Rebekah snorted, climbing out of the coffin with such grace that Caroline felt a stab of envy. "Of course, I am dead. My dear brother stabbed me. Unluckily for you, Mikaelsons don't stay dead. I assume you're his goodwill gesture now. I'm afraid this is going to hurt."
"Rebekah?" Caroline asked, blinking as she pressed herself into the wall; Rebekah paused, looking over at the other blonde.
"Nik never tells them my name," Rebekah frowned.
"I'M NOT FOOD," Caroline screamed, turning to face the deadly vampire. Her hands came to her hips, "I was his girlfriend until I walked into this horror set."
"Was?" Rebekah's lips twirled up. "Did he dump you already? Nik never serves me his leftovers. I'm starting to feel insulted."
"Again, I am not food! I found his bloody sister in a coffin while he was away with Elijah," Caroline argued. Her curiosity getting the better of her peaks over Rebekah's shoulder, gently pointing to the other coffins, "The rest of your siblings?"
Rebekah turned to the other coffins and smiled sadly, "Finn and Kol. If you date my brother, how unaware are you of what he is?"
Caroline rolled her eyes, "Obviously, he didn't tell me that his fight with his sibling meant he stashed them in coffins with daggers! What the hell are you anyway?"
Rebekah blinked as the blonde human walked up to the other coffins and lifted them up. "What are you doing?" Rebekah shrieked.
"Waking them," Caroline said, pointing out the obvious. "I mean, you woke up. I assume they can too. Clearly, you are not human. I assume they can wake up too. The name's Caroline, by the way."
Rebekah licked her lips, "Rebekah, but you're aware of that. We might want to get some blood bags before. Kol isn't known for his discretion."
"Blood?" Caroline looked over at Rebekah with a critical eye muttering under her breath, "Of course, I am dating a vampire. I guess a serial killer vampire is better than a hotter Frankenstein."
"I thought it was past tense," Rebekah smirked as she looked over at the locked door. "The door is not even metal," before kicking the door and purring at the crack in the door. After kicking the door down with a few more kicks, Rebekah offered Caroline her hand to help her over. "Well? My brothers won't stay down long, and they will be hungry."
Cautiously Caroline accepts the hand, "Excuse me, I was freaking out about finding a corpse in my boyfriend's basement."
Rebekah helped the human past the boxes looking back at her brother's coffins, "You know we can't exactly let you go. Now that you know."
"I figured as much," Caroline admitted with a sigh. "Are you going to kill me?"
The pause set Caroline's nerves on edge, then Rebekah answered, "We don't always kill those who find out. It's the least problematic solution but not the only one, and if you are as attached to my brother as you say you are…there is a chance you will live."
Caroline looked her dead in the eye, "Would I be able to escape?"
Rebekah shrugged, "It depends on if we wanted you to. Kol is the one who likes to really play with his food. I'm inclined to give you a head start thanks to your role in my awakening, but running would most certainly mean your death in the end."
The two women remained silent after that. Caroline was lost in her memories, while Rebekah was lost in thought, keeping a careful eye on her brothers' humanity. Clearly, if she was not being used as a blood bag, she saw no bites on her skin or signs of prolonged use, then perhaps it could be that she was important to him?
Important enough to hide what he was.
Rebekah had to snuffle out her laugh. Her brother used women for his perverted usage, never allowing them to get close. Yet this one, this…Caroline was different. She could sense it. Either way, the confrontation was going to be amusing. And Caroline had undaggered her…even if she didn't mean to. For that, Rebekah could offer the human her protection when she confronted her brother.
Notes: This chapter was finished being re-vamped on 3/5/23. Review if it pleases you!