Bonnie is quiet during dinner, far more than usual, but Kol explains to Rebekah and Elijah that they spent the day with her intentionally giving him aneurysms so that she can learn to control her power and prevent her from accidentally killing someone she might not mean to kill. The siblings fill in the silence talking about the upcoming holiday. When they finish eating dinner they all head into the den where Niklaus set up a huge Christmas tree earlier in the day. Rebekah walks to the couch that is currently covered with shopping bags and tells Bonnie, “I bought everything we might need.”
Bonnie seems to come back to life when the older girl begins taking boxes of ornaments out of the bags. The teen helps the blonde take everything out. Then she picks up some white lights and walks to the tree before telling the Mikaelsons, “Okay, I need a tall person because this needs to go all the way around from top to bottom and there is no way I’ll be able to reach the top.”
Niklaus surprises her by flashing over to her and picking her up by her legs so that she is now much taller. Her arms swing out while she tries to steady herself before she reaches down and swats his head and tells him, “A little warning would be good next time, Nik.”
He just chuckles and moves closer to the tree so that she can wrap the lights around the upper half.
When they finish the top Elijah wraps the lights around the bottom of the tree before Rebekah tells them, “Here I’ll hand you the garland, and you can do that too.”
Bonnie nods and they repeat their motions while they wrap the silver garland around the tree.
The brunette witch breathes out a sigh when the hybrid puts her back on the ground after all of the garland is up. Rebekah opens the first box of ornaments and hands one to Bonnie before she sighs herself and tells the teen, “I wish we still had the ones we had while living in New Orleans. They were blown glass and the prettiest, but I’m not sure what happened to everything we left behind. I know we still own the house but who knows what the state of everything is.”
Bonnie nods before Niklaus frowns and tells them, “I believe Marcellus is living in the Abattoir currently.”
Kol already knew that in fact, he’s the one who told his brother, but their sister stops mid motion and turns to look at her older brother before asking, “He-he survived? I thought…?”
The hybrid nods and tells her, “He did, and he took over my city. I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to let him continue to pose as King of the City or if I’m going to go back to the city we built and take my crown back from that ungrateful brat. For now, I’m letting things remain the way they are because we have all the time in the world to take our city back.”
Kol is hoping they’ll return to New Orleans sooner rather than later because he has it on good authority from the descendants of his witch friends that Marcellus has enslaved them and kills any who dare do magick without his prior consent.
First, he needs to win Bonnie’s heart, though. The original wouldn’t dream of leaving here until they are bound for all of eternity. The ancient man has been working on a spell he started writing in 1701 that should allow them to be together forever without Bonnie needing to transition. Once he has her by his side for all of eternity they will travel to New Orleans and he will avenge his friends that Marcellus has unjustly killed.
Rebekah just nods at Niklaus and then picks up an ornament and walks to the tree before hanging the little red globe.
Bonnie smiles and grabs another ornament before she tells the youngest surviving Mikaelson son, “Start putting ornaments on the tree, Kol. It’s more fun if we all participate.”
He smiles and nods so he takes one of the ornaments she hands to him and places it on the middle of the tree. She frowns and says, “The tall people should only put them up on the top so that I can place them on the rest of the tree.”
She smiles when he nods and places another one, higher up this time. She grumbles, “I really hate being short, but most of the women in my family, except Abby, have had that affliction.”
He laughs and tells her, “Well, being tall definitely has its advantages, but we always get stuck putting everything up on the top… the top of the tree, the top shelf, always the higher things.”
She giggles and then asks, “So tell me a Christmas story. Maybe one you all spent together.”
He frowns and thinks, ‘Did we spend many Christmases together? Really we celebrated Yule until the Church converted enough people and Christmas became the acceptable December holiday.’ He smiles and tells her, “We spent more Yules together than Christmases, but I think my favorite was Spain, 1701. Or actually 1698 through 1701. I almost forgot during those years that Mikael was after us and wanted us dead. Of course that all came crashing down around me when he showed up but Christmas 1701 was fabulous. I converted to Christianity in 1699, and my siblings followed suit the next year, so we celebrated Christmas that year, and I thought life couldn’t get any better than it was. I was right for the most part, and everything after that was pretty awful, but my friends and I gathered in each of their homes just about every day leading up to the Holidays, and we would decorate trees much like we’re doing now.”
Rebekah nods and tells her young friend, “That’s actually where the ornaments we had in New Orleans came from. We managed to bring most of our belongings with us onto the ship when we fled Mikael, so they came with us, and we used them every year we spent in New Orleans as a way of paying respect to those we lost.”
Kol is frowning when a lovely caramel skinned face flashes in his mind, and a sharp pain stabs through his heart. After all these years he still misses her. Even with his heart now belonging to Bonnie part of it will always belong to Chalina and he’s not sure he’ll ever truly get over the loss of her.
My granddaughter bumps his shoulder and tells him, “Hey, no sad thoughts. Whoever you’re missing probably wouldn’t want you to wallow in your pain. Or at least they wouldn’t if they loved you. They would want you to remember them fondly but to still live the life they can no longer live.”
He nods and smiles gently before he tells her, “Wise words from one so young.”
She smiles and nods before giving him a hug. He breathes in her jasmine scent and has to physically keep himself from tensing when he realizes that he was correct earlier. When he fed her his blood it healed not just her cheek but who knows how many bruises that were littering her body because the jasmine scent is no longer anywhere near as strong as it was even yesterday. He angrily thinks, ‘That bastard has been hitting her probably every day, and I didn’t even realize something was wrong. Don’t even get me started on her other friends either. How could they, who have known her for her whole life, not know?’
He forces a smile onto his face when Bonnie pulls away from him. He knew early on that she is excellent at hiding what she is feeling and what her needs are, but he honestly didn’t realize the full scope of that ability to hide what’s happening to her while everyone else is looking the other way.
He doesn’t know if he should be proud of her for withstanding his abuse and not buckling under Rudy’s horrible care or if he should be angry that she hasn’t asked for help. Either way, he knows it’s really not her fault, and if he wants to keep her father alive, it’s best that Niklaus and Rebekah not find out what her father has been doing to her so the original can’t ask her if she ever told anyone while his siblings are anywhere nearby.
This time it’s Rebekah who bumps his shoulder and softly tells him, “Whatever has you angry can be dealt with later. Right now we need to be happy because although Caroline and Bonnie decorated Caroline’s house on Saturday, I know that Elena excluded Bonnie when the group as a whole decorated both the Gilbert’s house and the boarding house. Apparently, Caroline’s and Jeremy’s votes that they include her got vetoed by everyone else so smile and be happy so she can have the Merry Christmas she deserves.”
He frowns for a quick moment at the cruelty of Bonnie’s other friends, but then he forces himself to smile and then relaxes into the smile when Bonnie begins singing, “O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree. How lovely are thy branches. O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree. How lovely are thy branches. Your boughs so green in summertime. Stay bravely green in wintertime. O Tannenbaum, o Christmas tree. How lovely are thy branches…”
Rebekah hurries out of the room and then returns a moment later with her laptop, which she opens and fiddles with for a minute before ‘O Christmas Tree’ begins playing.
The older girl joins Bonnie in singing along, and they all decorate the tree together, “Let us all remember. In our gift giving and our merriment. With our family and friends and loved ones. The real and true meaning of Christmas. The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum. How lovely are, are thy branches. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum. How lovely are, how lovely are thy branches. The pillars all please faithfully. Our trust in God unchangingly. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum. How love, lovely are thy branches. On Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen. Ha ha ha ha.”
When the song ends, Kol asks Bonnie, “So what about you? Do you have any family traditions or fond memories you want to share?”
She smiles and while White Christmas plays in the background she tells them, “Well, I would sleep over at Grams’ house on Christmas Eve, and we’d stay up late watching Christmas movies. Then I’d wake up in the late morning, and we’d open gifts before I’d go over to Elena’s house. All of my friends would be there, and we’d open gifts from each other. I didn’t get to watch the old movies last year because Grams’ was dead, and I just wasn’t feeling up to it. This year I plan to camp out on my couch and watch all of them.”
Rebekah thankfully asks what Kol wants to ask, but he thinks they’ll get a better, more favorable response if his sister asks, “Why don’t you come over here on Christmas Eve. We can hang out in the den and watch the movies together. One thing I know about the holidays is they should never be spent alone.”
The witch’s whole face lights up before she turns to look at the bubbly blonde who is practically bouncing with excitement and mirroring Rebekah’s actions the brunette asks, “Really, you’d watch them with me?”
All four of the Mikaelsons nod and Niklaus of all people says, “I’ve always enjoyed most of the films of the season, so I’d be happy to watch with you.”
His sister bounces on her feet and claps before she asks, “Yay, what movies do you watch? I’ll make sure we have them all.”
Bonnie smiles and says, “Awesome, so we always watched ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Holiday Inn’ and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’, but when you’re getting that one get the one that was made in 1947. The one from the 90’s isn’t anywhere near as good.”
The blonde just nods before the teenage witch says, “The 1964 version of ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,’ ‘Frosty the Snow Man,’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ would be cool too. I used to watch those every year with my friends, but I wasn’t invited this year.”
She’s frowning at that last part before Niklaus bumps her shoulder and says, “I know our Cable T.V. has ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ On-Demand so we can watch that later tonight, and I’ll see about getting the other movies before Christmas Eve so we can watch them all.”
She’s smiling widely while she nods and says, “Thank you. You know in the slow moments I keep missing my old friends, but then I remind myself that I have all of you now and Caroline and Jeremy still love me too, but I appreciate that the 1,000-plus-year-old hybrid is going to watch Christmas cartoons for me.”
He laughs and tells her, “I’ll have you know that I only do that sort of thing for very special people, Luv, so you should feel important.”
She giggles and tells him, “Oh the mere fact that you’re not trying to kill me anymore makes me feel special, so I’m already there.”
They all laugh at that and continue decorating the tree while Bonnie lists all of her favorite movies, specials, and music of the season.
An hour later they stand back and smile while they look at the completely decorated and lit tree. It looks nice with all the red and white little balls and the twinkling white lights.
Kol and his brothers all sit down with drinks while Bonnie and Rebekah go around the downstairs placing little decorations here and there.
Chapter 002
Worth It
Friday, December 24, 2010, 2:00 p.m.
The Mikaelson Mansion
Today is Christmas Eve. Rebekah told Kol the other day that he is not allowed to make Bonnie practice her magick today or tomorrow. If she wants to do a spell, that’s fine. However, there will be no causing Kol torturous pain for hours on end because Bonnie is a bit frayed around the edges of late. Rebekah knows it’s because the teen witch is developing feelings for the blonde’s older brother, and he’s making Bonnie hurt him. And while all three of them understand that it’s for the greater good to prevent a terrible tragedy, fact of the matter is, Rebekah correctly thinks her young friend has issues doing that sort of thing to her enemies never mind someone she actually calls a friend. As I said, she also thinks her new friend is developing romantic feelings for the youngest surviving Mikaelson brother, and so naturally the witch’s instincts tell her to protect him not to cause him immeasurable pain.
Rebekah bounces on her toes while she looks through the stack of DVDs Niklaus and herself acquired after their conversation with Bonnie about Christmas movies. She might have done something that if it works out the way she intends Bonnie will have a fantastic Christmas and if it doesn’t work out then she’ll never need to even know Rebekah tried to do it for her.
The doorbell rings and based on the noises she’s hearing she thinks her master plan may have actually worked out despite Elena’s best efforts. Okay, the baby vampire really didn’t stand a chance because the original went and compelled Damon to invite the annoying new vampire to stay over his house today, tomorrow, and the next day. Then she may have compelled the bratty girl to agree to stay over and Stefan she compelled to go on vacation. She didn’t specify where to but the younger Salvatore is not in town this weekend. So that left Caroline and Jeremy. The ancient blonde vampire didn’t compel either of them. Instead, she visited both of them and told them that she wanted to surround Bonnie with friends who love her this holiday season. Jeremy at first thought his sister would put a kink in their plans, but, as I said, the youngest original took care of that before she introduced the idea to the hunter or blonde baby vampire. So Jeremy is free, and Caroline quickly agreed to tell all of their friends that she’s going to spend the holiday with her dad’s boyfriend because it’s the first Christmas after Bill died.
Rebekah smiles when she opens the door to find the two teens standing on her front step. The baby vampire has her hands full with her overnight bag and one for Jeremy and two shopping bags full of wrapped presents. The hunter is smiling despite him not having his arms. His smile widens when the original tells them, “Welcome, thank you so much for agreeing to help me out.”
The boy nods and says, “Bonnie’s been keeping us informed about her time with all of you, so we know you haven’t done anything shady, and really Elena’s behavior towards Bonnie is sketchy at best. I mean Bonnie saved us all, and you’d think she personally rammed a stake through my sister’s heart. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted her to be human again just as badly as she did, but not at the expense of everyone we love.”
He smiles and tells her, “Anyway after you left the other day, Caroline and I talked. We agree that Bonnie needs to be surrounded by people who love her and despite how wary I am of you and your family I’m slowly coming to admit that we may have all been wrong about you guys from the start, so here we are.”
Smiling he asks, “Any idea what time Bonnie is expected to show up?”
Rebekah laughs and nods at his words before she takes two of the bags from Caroline’s hands and leads them into the house while she tells him, “I told her between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m., so we have about half an hour. I’m sure you know as well as I do that Bonnie always shows up on the earlier side of a time window.”
They both nod while they walk up the stairs. The older blonde shows them to two rooms right next to each other and tells them, “Caroline, if you want you can get settled, I’ll help Jeremy.”
The baby vampire looks at her younger friend who looks back at her for a minute before nodding, so the younger blonde goes into the room and Jeremy follows Rebekah into the next room. Smiling she tells him, “Bonnie’s slept here three times in the last two weeks, and she always uses the room on the other side of this room, so your room is between Bonnie’s and Caroline’s if you need any help during the night. Incidentally, my room is on the other side of Bonnie’s room, so I should hear you if you need help too. Oh and Kol and Elijah have promised to help you with guy stuff because we decided to forgo the use of your nurses this weekend, so if you need to use the bathroom or want to change clothes or anything else of that nature just let either of my brothers know. Nik said he’ll help too if you feel comfortable with that, but he told me to inform you that he won’t be offended if you choose to stick with Kol or Elijah.”
The boy nods and laughs, “Yeah I don’t know how comfortable I’ll be with The Big Bad Wolf helping me pee.”
She smiles and nods while she empties his bag into the drawers in the closet. She hangs his shirts and then his pants and then she turns and tells him, “There, all done.”
He smiles and tells her, “Thanks.”
He smiles wider then he lowers his voice and leans towards her before he asks, “Can we go chill with Caroline now?”
Rebekah nods again and leads him out of the room. Caroline meets them in the hallway and Rebekah says, “Let’s go down to the den. We can hang out there until Bonnie gets here.”
They nod and go down the stairs. When they get into the Den they all sort of stand around looking at each other before Caroline laughs and says, “Yeah this isn’t awkward or anything.”
Jeremy laughs and flops down onto one of the couches as much as an armless boy can flop without falling over.
Caroline sits next to him and when the older vampire sits too Caroline frowns then asks Rebekah, “Uh can I ask a question? It’s sort of a vampire question, and I figure if anyone’s likely to know the answer it would be someone in your family.”
Rebekah smiles gently and tells her, “Ask me whatever you want. If I don’t want to answer, I’ll let you know, but if it’s not a too private personal history question or something that would break a confidence, then I can’t imagine my refusing to answer.”
The younger vampire smiles a little and says, “Okay, thanks, Rebekah, so uh, I’ve noticed recently that Bonnie’s scent has changed. Like it’s not nearly as strong as it used to be. Is that a bad thing or do you know what would cause it?”
Rebekah sighs but nods and says, “I know what caused it, and it’s not a bad thing. It’s actually an excellent thing, but I’m not sure if I should answer with why exactly her scent has changed.”
Caroline frowns again and says, “I knew it. It’s got to be bruises. Who was hurting Bonnie?”
Jeremy frowns and turns sad eyes on Caroline, “What makes you think someone was hurting her?”
Caroline shrugs and says, “How else would her scent change unless her blood isn’t as close to the surface anymore. That could only happen if she were covered in bruises before and now she’s not.” She looks at Rebekah hard for a minute then she smiles gently and says, “I won’t ask you to betray Bonnie’s confidence, but I do need reassurances that she’s not in danger.”
Rebekah nods and says, “Thank you, and for the record, I don’t think Bonnie has ever been as safe as she currently is. I do promise, however, to let you both know if that changes.”
They nod, and Caroline pats Rebekah’s hand and says, “Thank you, Rebekah.”
She nods and smiles before the younger vampire picks up the stack of movies from the table and flips through them showing each cover to Jeremy. They both laugh a moment later, and he tells her, “You even got ‘Frosty’s Winter Wonderland’ and the 1966 version of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’ How the heck does a vampire who’s been daggered for the last 90 years even know what Christmas movies are never mind which ones are the best?”
Rebekah laughs and tells him, “Bonnie told me most of those titles when she was telling me about her fond Christmas memories. I figure we’ll watch the cartoons this afternoon and tonight. Then we can watch the others tomorrow after we open gifts.”
They nod and then the doorbell rings, so she tells them, “Be right back,” before she hops up and hurries to the door. When she opens it, she smiles at my granddaughter who has her arms full of an overnight bag and two bags full of wrapped gifts. Taking the gifts from her the older girl leads her into the house while the young witch smiles and says, “I know I’m kind of early, but I couldn’t wait to start watching movies, so I hope you don’t mind.”
Rebekah shakes her head and tells her young friend, “You know I don’t mind spending extra time with you, Bonnie. Let’s bring your bag upstairs and then we’ll bring the gifts into the den.”
She nods and Rebekah leads her upstairs. After quickly unpacking her things the two girls then head back down the stairs. The blonde leads the younger witch into the den where she stops in her tracks a few steps into the room. I smile when Bonnie’s eyes widen, and she asks her friends, “What, Care, Jer, I thought you guys were busy? What are you doing here?”
Jeremy smiles and tells her, “We are busy this weekend. Busy hanging out with you and the Mikaelsons.”
The very full and incredibly bright smile the young witch flashes all of them before she rushes to give her friends hugs makes Rebekah think that all of her hard work was definitely worth it.
Chapter 003
Be Happy and Merry With Us
Friday, December 24, 2010, 8:40 p.m.
The Mikaelson Mansion
Kol arrived home shortly after Bonnie showed up and hurried upstairs to deposit his treasure where Bonnie can’t see it. When he was sure it won’t be found before he gives it to her tomorrow he headed downstairs and the three teens and two youngest originals watched several movies.
When Frosty’s Winter Wonderland finishes Rebekah stands and asks, “I’m thirsty and hungry. Anyone else want some snacks?”
Jeremy laughs and says, “So long as I’m not on the menu, sure.”
The three girls giggle at that before Kol turns to Jeremy and says, “We already stocked up on blood bags, so we’re good on that front. Elijah wanted to make sure we had enough to last until after the holiday because the hospital will be less populated for a few days so we’d be more conspicuous trying to deplete their blood stores.”
Jeremy turns and looks at the other man and says, “Seriously, you guys actually have to worry about that sort of thing? Can’t you just look into their eyes and make them forget?”
Kol laughs again and asks, “Are you advocating compulsion, Jer?”
Jeremy chuckles and tells him, “Not at all, I just figured with your abilities you’d have no problem with that sort of thing. Damon brags about how easy it is to compel anyone to do anything he wants them to do. I think my sister has been compelling people too despite how against it she was when she was human.”
Kol frowns and tells the boy, “First, I would appreciate it if you compare me or my family members to Damon Salvatore as little as possible. The mere idea we might have anything in common makes my skin itch. Second, my family and I actually prefer to use our natural knack for persuasion without using compulsion whenever possible. Mikael had a nasty habit of compelling anyone he pleased, so we intentionally set out to do the opposite of him. Although we know from his practices that repeated and frequent compulsions don’t actually harm the human, if you make the human do many things they wouldn’t ordinarily do often enough it will prompt others to start asking questions. Mikael would just respond by compelling the whole village, but honestly, that’s rather bothersome and entirely unnecessary if you use the ability judiciously.”
The teens’ eyes are all wide before Jeremy nods and says, “Oh okay. I didn’t actually mean anything by it. I just figured it’d make life easier.”
Kol smiles and says, “Don’t worry, Mate, I know you didn’t mean anything by it. I just figured I should set you straight now so you wouldn’t be misinformed any longer. And I was serious. Compare us to the Salvatores as little as possible because honestly, the mere fact that we’re the same species bothers me enough to make me cranky.”
The boy laughs and tells Kol, “I can totally see how that would do that. I mean Damon’s okay I guess if you look past the facts that he killed my first girlfriend, compelled me to forget the whole thing, killed me, and then compelled me to leave town. Other than that he’s awesome, not.”
Kol laughs and tells the teen, “Then we’re agreed. The Salvatores are unsavory, and we are the creme de la creme.”
Bonnie laughs then too and says, “I think we need to feed Kol if he’s talking in food metaphors.”
They all get up and head into the kitchen where they find Niklaus sitting drinking a cup of coffee. Jeremy decides to take a leap of faith and asks, “That anyone I know?”
The hybrid looks up surprised he was spoken too but then grins and says, “Not unless your on a first name basis with some coffee beans.”
Jeremy smiles back and says, “Ooh Coffee, tell me there’s more where that came from!”
Niklaus points to the coffee pot which is full of enough coffee to feed all of the teens and his siblings a cup each. He smiles and says, “Whoever drinks the last make another pot, otherwise enjoy.”
Jeremy walks over to the pot and leans in taking a whiff before he says, “Bon would you—”
She smiles and tells him, “Yeah sure,” before pouring him and herself cups and then leading him over to the stools. She takes a sip of her own coffee then holds his cup to his lips and lets him have a sip.
Jeremy frowns after he swallows and says, “Don’t ever take for granted your mobility and independence. I did, and now I wish I had been more grateful for what I had at the time.”
Niklaus frowns and asks, “Kol, is there any way to give him back his arms without allowing the tattoo to continue growing?”
Jeremy’s eyes are wide whens Kol nods and says, “I’m working on finding a safe way to do it. It won’t be ready until the next full moon at the earliest, though. Just hang in there Jer, and I hope I’ll be able to come up with a non-dark way to let Bonnie give you back your arms before Valentine’s Day.”
Jeremy bounces on his seat and says, “That’s way more than I deserve from you, but thank you.”
Kol just nods before Bonnie leans over and kisses the original’s cheek. He smiles and takes a sip of his coffee but doesn’t comment.
Niklaus puts down his book a moment later and says, “Little Witch, I have something for you.”
He gets up and goes into the pantry before coming back with a plate of something. He walks to the teenage witch and then stops before pulling the kitchen towel off the plate with a flourish and extending the plate towards her.
She looks at the plate and then her whole face lights up, “You made me snickerdoodles?”
He nods and tells her, “Yes. I may have gotten Caroline to tell me your favorite holiday snack and then help me get the recipe your grandmother always used.”
She leans up and kisses his cheek before swiping a cookie off the plate and taking a bite. She moans and then says, “God, that’s so good. Just like Grams always made. Thank you, Nik. You rock!”
He smiles and puts the plate on the counter before returning to his seat and picking his book back up. He smiles into the pages while he begins reading again.
A moment later Jeremy softly interrupts him, “Um, do you enjoy cooking?”
The hybrid nods and puts his book down, “Usually yes. Especially now that Bonnie has taken to teaching us how to cook modern food.”
Jeremy smiles and says, “Cool, FYI, Caroline and Bonnie both favor Cheese Tortellini in Pesto sauce with pine nuts mixed in when they’re having a bad day. They usually keep a package of each in the fridge at all times just in case. The directions for the tortellini are on the package of pasta and then you just mix the sauce and the nuts in with the hot pasta, and then you serve it hot or you can put it in the fridge during the summer and serve it cold too.”
Niklaus’ eyes are wide, but he nods and says, “Thank you, Mate. I’ll have to keep that in mind.”
Jeremy smiles and tells the older man, “No problem. I figure Bonnie and Caroline both dig you so you can’t be all bad. Plus I’m making a habit now of forming my own opinions outside of my sister’s. I also check her facts now too before coming to an opinion.”
The Original Hybrid nods and says, “Given what I know of your sister that is probably a wise decision.”
Jeremy nods and says, “You honestly have no idea.”
Niklaus nods and says, “No probably not. However, as a man with two older brothers, two younger brothers, and a younger sister I think I do understand how annoying siblings can be at times. They’re family, though, and we put up with them no matter what because we love them, and they love us back, despite our, in my case, many flaws.”
Jeremy frowns but slides his chair closer to Niklaus’ and then lowers his voice and says, “See that’s just it, I’m not sure my sister actually loves me. She barely acknowledges me at this point, and when she does, it’s usually to yell at me for having screwed up her one chance at becoming human again.”
The older man nods but tells him, “It can take some people years before they come to grips with their change. I personally took to it fairly well. Kol, on the other hand, had a short temper that was made significantly worse by the bloodlust, so he had a harder time coming to terms with what he is now. I’ve known some baby vampires who took decades to get over their own death. Of course, your sister is overlooking one critical fact about all of the others that have come before her. Except for my family and me and the Salvatores, most people who transition don’t get to keep any of their family. They are presumed dead and forced to leave for a time only to return to their home decades or centuries later to reminisce about what they lost. Why do you think Damon and Stefan keep coming back here? Hell, why do you think my family came back?”
Jeremy frowns but asks, “Didn’t you come back for Elena and the rest followed, sort of?”
He nods at the younger boy and says, “Yes, that’s what brought us back initially. Now ask what keeps us from leaving?”
Jeremy frowns deeper but asks, “Okay, I’ll bite, what keeps you from leaving?”
Niklaus turns and looks the boy in the eyes and says, “The friends and family we have here help us remember what it’s like to feel human. While we will never be human again, we can occasionally feel human. Bonnie and Caroline give that to me and my family, that sense of warmth that we haven’t felt in centuries. Some of us haven’t felt it in over a millennium, but now we do. We’re loathed to miss out on it while it’s available because while Caroline will be around a couple hundred years from now, Bonnie might not be, though her chances are better given that she’s a witch and not human. Still, we won’t pass up the opportunity to feel human while we can. It’s too rare and precious.”
Jeremy sits back on his stool and just nods while thinking over everything Niklaus just told him. A minute later he smiles and then leans down and slurps his coffee out of his mug while it sits in front of him.
Bonnie smiles and lifts the cup and helps him drink. When they’ve all finished their coffee and cookies, they head back to the den to watch ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’
When she walks towards the door, Bonnie calls over her shoulder, “You should join us Nik, instead of skulking in the kitchen. Be happy and merry with us.”
He laughs and nods before pouring himself more coffee and then following the teens and his siblings into the den to watch the movie.
Chapter 004
I’d Drag it Out
Saturday, December 25, 2010, 12:05 a.m.
The Den in the Mikaelson Mansion
When the movie is over Bonnie stretches and then looks around the room and says, “Do Caroline, Rebekah and Jeremy want to do girl, plus Jeremy, talk before we head to bed?” She giggles and then says, “I guess we should call it teen talk, huh?”
Everyone laughs before Kol tells her, “I’m invited right? Technically, I was still 19 when I was turned so I should count.”
Caroline laughs and tells Bonnie, “Keep in mind that you and Jer are the only ones here who won’t be able to hear our conversation from three floors away.”
Bonnie pouts for a minute before smiling and saying, “Then let’s do it in here and everyone can join in.” She pauses and then adds, “That includes you too, Elijah, mister I’ll sneak into the house while everyone is preoccupied and not say hello like a proper gentleman. Honestly, I’m shocked you’d stoop so low, Elijah.”
He laughs when he comes to the door carrying gifts and tells her, “Forgive me, Bonnie. I had gifts that needed to be wrapped, so I thought I’d wait to come say hello until after I had finished that.”
She smiles and pauses before her smile widens and she says, “You’re forgiven.”
He nods and then comes into the room, and after placing his gifts under the tree, he sits in one of the armchairs before asking, “So what are we talking about?”
Bonnie shrugs and says, “I don’t know I just feel like I haven’t connected with Caroline and Jer in so long.”
Jeremy leans against her, and Caroline gets up and squeezes between Bonnie and Kol much to Kol’s displeasure. He frowns and playfully asks, “Oy, woman, what are you doing?”
Caroline giggles and says, “Huggin’ on my bestie.”
She pauses then she clears her throat and squeezes Bonnie gently before she says, “Um, I have a question for Bonnie. I asked Rebekah what I thought was a vampire question earlier, but she said she couldn’t elaborate beyond saying it’s not a bad thing so, um, Bonnie care to explain why you smell, um, less potent for lack of a better way of putting it?”
When Bonnie frowns and looks pointedly at the Mikaelsons, Caroline squeezes her again and tells her, “I’m asking now because I figure it’s not something Elena or Damon and Stefan should know about. No matter where I ask in this house everyone will hear, so I thought you’d rather know they’re listening than telling us things in confidence when they will also inadvertently overhear.”
Bonnie nods and then reaches behind Caroline and grabs hold of Kol’s hand while still hugging her friend. The blonde baby vampire realizes the significance of that action probably better than the young witch currently does, but she says nothing and waits.
My granddaughter clears her throat and says, “Um, I had bruises, so according to Kol when they healed my scent lessened.”
Caroline gently asks, “You’ve smelled so strong for as long as I’ve been a vampire, Bonnie. Where did the bruises come from, and why were they always there?”
Bonnie squeezes Kol’s hand tightly and then tells her friends, “Um, my dad, he uh, well, he would, um, well…”
Jeremy gently finishes for her, “He’d hit you.”
She nods while tears fall from her eyes in little streams down her cheeks. Caroline hugs her tighter and says, “Oh Bonnie. You’re okay now, though, right? And somebody compelled him not to hurt you any more right, because if not I’ll go do it right now.”
The witch nods but doesn’t say anything, so Kol asks, “Little Bella, would you like me to tell them what happened?”
She just nods again, so he gently explains what happened two Mondays ago. When he’s finished Bonnie, Caroline, Jeremy, and Rebekah are all crying. They just sit there for a few minutes sniffling and reflecting on what they’ve just heard before Jeremy decides to break the tense silence and asks, “Hey Klaus can you come blow my nose for me?”
Rebekah runs out of the room and returns with a box of tissues which she hands to everyone under 19 years old and then she extends the box to Niklaus and motions her head towards Jeremy who’s still sniffling because he hasn’t blown his nose yet.
The hybrid lets out a long-suffering sigh and then grabs the box of tissues from his sister and gets up and goes and helps the teen blow his nose.
Jeremy giggles when he’s done and says, “Thanks, man, I needed that.”
Niklaus frowns but playfully says, “Don’t think about it, no really forget it ever happened because it won’t be happening again.”
Bonnie leans up and kisses his cheek and says, “Thanks, Nik, ya know that pile of pebbles keeps growing, pretty soon it’s gonna be a mountain. Hey, maybe I’ll start calling you ‘Pebbles.'”
He pouts and tells her, “Nik, Klaus, or Niklaus aren’t good enough for you?”
She smiles and bumps his shoulder before she tells him, “But everybody else gets to call you those names. Only I’ll be allowed to call you Pebbles.”
Jeremy laughs again and asks, “What’s that make Kol, ‘Bam-Bam’?”
The teens laugh and surprisingly so does Elijah. Jeremy looks over at the older man and asks, “You actually understood that, Elijah?”
The oldest surviving original nods and tells them all, “Yes, I actually have seen quite a few episodes of the Flintstones through the years.”
Bonnie giggles and tells Jeremy, “That’s good, but maybe we should call Elijah Bam-Bam since he knew who we were talking about.”
Jeremy laughs and nods but then asks, “Then what will Kol’s name be?”
Bonnie giggles and says, “I already gave him a nickname.”
Kol sighs the same time Jeremy’s eyebrow shoots up and the teen smiles before he asks, “Oh? Do tell.”
She explains about how Kol calls her ‘Little Bella,’ and why and then tells her two teenage friends, “I needed something to call Kol, so I decided that if I’m Bella and I’m hanging out with a family of Vampires, then that means they sparkle. So I may have maybe started calling him ‘Sparkle Pants,’ though I kind of forgot about it and haven’t really used it all that much.”
Jeremy is laughing hysterically. Kol’s frown slowly deepens. When the young hunter looks up and sees Kol’s face, he tells the older man, “Don’t worry, man, I’m crazy, not stupid. I know that out of all the people on the planet Bonnie Bennett is the only person alive who could get away with calling a thousand-year-old person ‘Sparkle Pants’, but especially a thousand-plus-year-old person who’s probably killed more people than my friends and I have all met combined. No worries, I will not be trying to call you that. I know better.”
Kol smiles and tells him, “Just so we’re clear.”
Jeremy smiles widely and tells him, “Oh we’re crystal.”
The original nods once before the boy smirks and asks, “So would it be bad to get together with the Mikaelson men and brainstorm on ways to prank Mr. Hopkins pretty much constantly to get back at him.”
Bonnie giggles but tells him, “Yes, it would be bad. He may be compelled not to h-hit me anymore, but he can still get cranky, and I’d rather not be around him when that happens.”
Jeremy smiles at her and then winks at Kol and tells him, “We’ll just wait until she goes to college, and then we can drive him nuts until it’s time for her to come home.”
Kol and Niklaus both laugh and tell him at the same time, “I’m in.”
The teen smiles big and nods before he says to the two originals, “We’ll talk later.”
Bonnie smacks him gently on the chest and says, “There will be no pranking my dad.”
The former ghost whisperer pouts and tells her, “But he deserves it!”
My granddaughter smiles and tells him, “Maybe he does, but this is me putting my foot down.”
He smiles and says, “Okay but if you change your mind you just let me, Kol, and Klaus know, and we’ll cook something up, okay?”
She smiles and nods, “Deal.”
Caroline has been strangely silent through the whole thing, and I can hear in her thoughts how she wishes she had noticed something wasn’t right. She thinks, ‘That’s got to be why she would always change in one of the stalls for gym and cheerleading. How could I not notice? She would have noticed if our roles were reversed.’
Bonnie bumps Caroline’s shoulder and tells her, “Hey, no self-doubt allowed on Christmas Eve, or hey is that clock right? If it is, then it’s Christmas Day.”
She hugs Caroline again and tells her, “Merry Christmas, Care.”
The baby vampire says, “I’m sorry I didn’t realize what was—”
The witch pulls back and puts her finger on her best friend’s lips and tells her, “I didn’t want anyone to know, not even my bestie. I was too ashamed.”
The younger blonde pulls her back into a hug and tells her, “I love you, Bonnie.”
Jeremy leans against Bonnie’s back and says, “Hey I love you guys too!”
Both girls turn and each kiss one of his cheeks prompting him to smile before he asks, “So are we doing the usual one gift before bed or are we forgoing that now that we’re older?”
Caroline laughs and says, “I’ll never be too old for a gift before bedtime.”
Bonnie nods, so she gets up and then helps Jeremy up and over to the tree. He sits down on the floor beside her with a little help. Caroline stands and grabs Niklaus’ hand pulling him over to her friends and then pulling on his arm after she sits to get him to join them. Kol, Elijah, and Rebekah stand and the youngest surviving Mikaelson brother asks, “I take it this part requires sitting on the floor?”
The teens all nod, so they sit, and then Bonnie starts making piles of gifts according to whom they are addressed to. When she’s done, she says, “We usually go from oldest to youngest or vice versa. We did youngest first last year so we should start with the oldest this year. Each of us should choose a gift and then we’ll open them in the order we were born in.”
They all nod and Bonnie hands the piles to each person. Kol shakes his gifts and sniffs them prompting Bonnie to giggle and ask, “Sparkle Pants, you gonna be okay with presents you can’t open until after we wake up tomorrow?”
His siblings all laugh loudly at that, and Elijah tells her, “You have him pegged correctly, Bonnie.”
She nods and tells the oldest surviving Mikaelson brother, “I figured.”
Kol pouts, but he tells her, “I think I can manage to wait a few hours, just don’t make me have to sit through breakfast first.”
They all laugh, but Rebekah tells the teens, “Seriously, breakfast will be miserable if he hasn’t been allowed to open his gifts before hand.”
Bonnie smiles and says, “So noted, presents before breakfast.”
Kol nods and then puts all but one gift down and looks at his older brother and says, “Well get on with it Brother, times a ticking.”
Elijah laughs and tells them all, “If I didn’t think it would be unfair to our guests I’d drag it out just to spite you.”
I laugh and so does everyone else when Kol sticks his tongue out at his older brother. Finn who has been strangely silent all night chuckles beside me and tells me, “Believe it or not, Sheila, Henrik may have seemed to favor Niklaus growing up, but he idolized Kol. He got Kol’s attitude from him, as well as his penchant for sticking out his tongue when he’s displeased with someone.”
Henri laughs and sticks his tongue out at Finn who laughs and says, “See.”
I just laugh and watch Elijah slowly begin opening his present that appears to be in a leather tube.
Chapter 005
What’s Done is Done
Saturday, December 25, 2010, 12:45 a.m.
The Den in the Mikaelson Mansion
When Elijah begins opening his present Bonnie says, “Wait, you’ve got to tell us who it’s from first.”
He smiles and tells her, “This is from Rebekah.” He then slowly, oh so slowly, opens the paper without tearing it.
Kol huffs halfway through and says, “Seriously?”
The older man just lifts his eyebrow and asks, “How long have we been together Kol? Surely by now you know how I open my presents.”
The impatient original doesn’t say anything and instead pouts. When the paper is removed Elijah opens the top of the tube and then slowly pulls a roll of paper out of the tube.
He then gently rolls it open and smiles at the antique map of the world. Jeremy leans forward to see better and asks, “Exactly how old is that?”
Elijah smiles and tells him, “If I am correct I believe it’s circa 1450 or thereabouts.”
Rebekah nods and says, “Yes, when I sent for my things I found it. I bought it to give to you many years ago. I think I found what I thought was a better present for that year, so I put it away to give to you later and then with all the running from Mikael I forgot all about it. Better late than never I suppose.”
Elijah slowly and gently rolls the map back up and then stands and goes to his sister before leaning down and kissing her cheek, “Thank you, Rebekah, it’s perfect and in perfect time.”
She beams at him, so he returns to his spot on the floor before Niklaus smiles and asks, “Is it my turn now?”
Everyone nods so he picks up a medium sized box and shakes it a little, which causes a little bit of rattling. He reads the tag and says, “This is from Caroline.”
She smiles and says, “I actually had a little help from Jeremy, so it’s sort of from both of us, but he wouldn’t let me put his name on the tag.”
Jeremy sticks his tongue out at her and says, “It was supposed to be a secret.”
Niklaus laughs and tells him, “Oh the word is out, your my secret friend.”
Jeremy and the teens laugh at that before the hybrid rips open his gift with little care to how well the paper survives. The box is brown and unassuming, so he uses his nail to open the tape and then slides the lid off of the box. His eyes widen when they land on the high-quality art supplies. He takes each thing out smiling wider and wider while he goes then he gets to the bottom of the box and carefully pulls a small 10×12 box out of the bigger box. He opens it slowly and then gently pulls a framed painting out of the box.
His eyes get large when they land on the image and he smiles and says, “Caroline, whose work is this? This is fabulous!”
She smiles and tells him, “The art supplies were Jer and me but the painting is one of my favorites, and I happened to see it in a little gallery I was walking by a few weeks ago with my friends, so I went in and bought it. I wasn’t sure if I’d give it to you anytime soon or just hide it in my closet until I hunted you down a century or two from now and then give it to you. I figure since Bonnie’s doing the friend thing with all of you I will too, so I thought it would be good to give it to you now, and the artist is Pirko Mäkelä-Haapalinna. It’s called ‘On the Frozen Lake.’ I love the colors and how it mostly just hints at what it is. I kind of like paintings that don’t spell it all out for you. Anyhow, I thought of this painting when I first saw your work and then last month I saw the picture in the gallery and bought it. I used to have a print on my bedroom wall, but it faded and didn’t look as nice anymore, so I took it down.”
He smiles widely and leans over and kisses her cheek, “Thank you, Luv. I love it.”
She blushes and then smiles back before Kol interrupts by ripping open his present, which causes everyone else to laugh.
He barely pauses to open the box and then pulls out a massive tome. Bonnie is still laughing when she tells him, “You’re supposed to say who gave it to you.”
He starts flipping through the pages of the grimoire and smiles boyishly before he tells her, “It’s from you.”
She laughs again and tells him, “Mr. Saunders, you remember me telling you about him?”
Kol looks up for a moment and then nods and says, “The bookshop keeper?”
She smiles big and nods, “Yes, so last week he called me and told me that he had this huge estate sale that looked to be mostly grimoires. He was a long time friend of Grams, so he never charges me what the going rate is and mostly asks me for the lowest number he knows I’ll let him get away with. Anyway, He actually drove the fifteen crates to my house, and I snuck them into the basement while my dad was at work.”
She grins and tells him, “I’ve been reading through them most nights, but I thought you’d like that one and you’ll know why when you get closer to the end.”
He keeps flipping and quickly reading each spell until he comes across a drawing. His eyes pop open wide, and he looks from the page to Bonnie and back again before flipping back to the front of the book. When he sees who wrote the book, he closes his eyes. A tear slips out of his eyes before Rebekah asks, “Who’s it by? What’s the significance?”
Bonnie smiles and tells them all, “It was written by his student and friend, Chalina Fernández. The woman who died was her great-great whatever niece. Apparently, the surviving members of the family insisted that her grimoire collection had to go to Mr. Saunders and that he had a young friend that the boxes should go to. They said that the young woman would know why when she came across a few of the books. I think they were right because as soon as I saw that picture of Kol, I knew I had to give it to him.”
She looks away from the book in his hands and up to his face, and her eyes widen when she sees the tears pouring down his cheeks. She gets up on her knees and crawls over to him. Putting her hands on his cheeks, she gently wipes his tears away and asks, “Kol? Are you okay? Was I wrong? Should I not have given it to you? I just thought you’d like to have it I—”
He pulls her into a hug effectively cutting her off. “You weren’t wrong. I promise to explain the significance, but not today, though. Honestly, probably not anytime soon, but eventually, I’ll explain the tremendous gift you just gave me.”
She pulls away and looks into his eyes, “You’re sure? You’re okay?”
He nods and then leans in and kisses her forehead, “I’m perfect. Thank you, Bonnie.”
She smiles and nods before she returns to her seat. All of the Mikaelsons have wide eyes and hanging jaws. They slowly close their mouths while Bonnie tells Kol, “That’s only the third book I’ve made it through. I’m on book number five, now. Book number four didn’t seem to have any connection to you, but if you want sometime you can come over and look through all the books and take whatever ones you want because I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to give Chalina’s books to you.”
He nods and tells her, “I may very well take you up on that.”
She nods back, so Rebekah picks her gift up off the floor and reads the tag, “This is from… Caroline?”
She looks at the younger blonde and Caroline smiles and says, “I saw this on the same day trip when I found the painting. I’m still not sure what compelled me to buy it because at the time we were definitely enemies, but I thought you’d like it. I even considered leaving it on your doorstep and then hightailing it out of here. But then you invited us over for Christmas, so I realized that must have been why I bought it.”
Rebekah nods and opens the paper, not as slowly as Elijah, but much slower than Kol. She takes the lid off of the shirt box and then gasps at the red fabric inside. She gently pulls the dress out, and a tear rolls down her cheeks too. Caroline smiles and says, “I didn’t see the dress you were going to wear to homecoming, but Elena described it, and so did Stefan, which can I just say was creepy. Anyway, it’s probably different, but I figured it’d be a good replacement because the first dress now has a dagger hole through the back. Anyway, we have enough dances at school that you should be able to find one to wear it to, it’s actually fancy enough that you could probably even wear it to Prom. I kept the receipt in case I guessed your size wrong, but I’m usually pretty good about that sort of thing.”
Rebekah stands up and holds the dress to herself before smiling big and telling Caroline, “Thank you. I love it.”
Caroline just nods and turns to look at Bonnie who has a thin flat gift sitting in her lap. She smiles and says, “My turn?” When everyone nods, she looks at the tag and says, “This one is from Kol.”
She slowly opens the paper and then takes out the envelope before opening it and sliding a paper out of it. She reads it and then laughs and says, “Custom bookshelves.”
Kol smiles and tells her, “You told me the ones you have aren’t designed for such heavy tomes, and you’re afraid the shelves will break and your books will get damaged when they fall, so I paid for as many cases as you need. You could even put them in your basement and attic so that you can actually access the grimoires that are currently in boxes right now.”
She gets up again and walks on her knees to kiss his cheek. When she pulls back, she says, “Thank you, Kol. I really was worried, so this is great.”
He nods before she goes back to her seat.
Caroline smiles, but before she can open her box, Niklaus flashes out of the room and comes back with a wrapped package that is obviously a painting. He smiles and asks the younger blonde, “Can I persuade you to open this one tonight?”
She smiles and nods, so he hands the 16×20 package to her. She gently but quickly rips the paper from the painting and then just sits there staring at it with tears in her eyes. Bonnie leans around to look and then says, “Oh, Nik, that’s lovely.”
Jeremy peeks and then says, “Whoa! That’s awesome.”
Caroline just nods with her hand covering her mouth. She eventually says, “Thank you Nik. I… How did you even know about that photo?”
He smiles and tells her, “Your mother was surprisingly helpful once I promised I had no ill-intent planned.”
I smile looking at the painting of Caroline and her parents. It’s based on a picture the Forbes’ had taken when Caroline was about seven, maybe four months before her father left.
He smiles gently and says, “Your mother insisted that I should paint that photograph because it was your favorite growing up and she’s had to have multiple prints made over the years to replace the older ones because you used to keep it under your pillow.”
Caroline nods, so he says, “Now you can hang it on the wall and see it every time you enter your room.”
She gently places the precious painting onto the floor and knee-walks to Niklaus before kissing his cheek and then looking him in the eyes she tells him, “Thank you, Niklaus. This is a gift that I will treasure through the centuries, not just because of the subject matter but also because of the artist who created it and the care and thought you put into making it.”
He just nods, so she leans in and kisses his cheek again before returning to her seat.
Jeremy smiles and asks, “So who’s going to help me open the second box down in that pile by my foot?”
Bonnie reaches over and grabs the box before telling everyone, “This one is from Kol,” then she slowly peels the paper from the box. She uses her nail to open the box and then begins taking out art supplies.
Jeremy’s eyes grow dark, but Kol explains himself, “I’m not rubbing your lack of arms in your face as it were, Jer. In fact, quite the opposite. This is a promise of sorts that as soon as I can manage it, I will figure out a way for Bonnie to give you back your arms without endangering anyone so that you can go back to doing all the things you love but can’t do right now.”
Jeremy’s eyes are wide, but he nods and says, “Thanks, Kol. I hope you know I’m gonna hold you to that.”
Kol just nods and says, “Good, I hope that you do. Tuesday was The Full Moon. I didn’t finish in time, but I’m pretty sure I can get the spell entirely written before the next full moon comes around. If not then definitely by February’s Full Moon.”
Jeremy nods and says, “Thank you, Kol. I mean I was trying to kill you, and now you’re offering to help me get my arms back. Arms I wouldn’t have lost if I had just listened to you in the first place.”
Kol smiles and tells the teen, “Don’t dwell. What’s done is done, and we’ll see if Bonnie and I can’t figure out how to fix the situation so that you’re whole again as soon as possible.”
Jeremy nods again and says, “Well, thank you all the same.”
Kol just nods back before Bonnie and Caroline both let out jaw snapping yawns. The two girls giggle and then Bonnie says, “Well, I think I need to go to bed now, or poor Kol is going to be stuck waiting to open his other gifts until tomorrow afternoon, or this afternoon I guess, after lunch anyway.”
He pouts and stands before holding his hand down towards her and telling her, “Best get you to bed then, Little Bella because you never know what mischief I might get into if I have to wait for very long!”
She laughs and then hugs him before telling him, “Thank you for my gift, Kol. It’s perfect.”
He nods and holds her tight for a moment before he lets her go and says, “Jer you want some help getting ready for bed?”
The teen nods so Kol helps him stand and then everyone heads up to their rooms.
Finn looks at me while I try to figure out who to follow and he says, “Go with Kol. I think you might learn more about him if you watch him in his alone time tonight.”
I nod then follow him up to Jeremy’s room. The older man helps the teen change his clothes and use the bathroom, bantering lightly with him to keep Jeremy’s mind off the fact that someone has to help him pee.
Soon enough, though, Kol leaves Jeremy alone after helping him into bed and then he leaves being sure to leave the door open in case Jeremy wants to exit the room in the middle of the night.
Chapter 006
I Should Have Been Letting Go
Saturday, December 25, 2010, 2:30 a.m.
The Den in the Mikaelson Mansion
Kol walks back down the stairs and into the den where he picks up his new grimoire and flips to the title page. He runs his fingers along Chalina’s name and another tear trickles down his cheek. He slowly flips through the book taking the time to trace many of the words with his finger. When he gets to the drawing of himself he stops and just stares before whispering, “I still miss you, but I have a new love now. I think you’d like her. You both are actually a lot alike. She’s just a touch braver than you were when it comes to putting my siblings and me in our place, but other than that I think you could be soul sisters you’re so alike.”
I notice a ghost off to the side that I’ve never seen before. She has tears in her eyes while she watches Kol talk to thin air. A moment later she looks at me and tells me, “I’m glad he’s moving on. I’ve been surreptitiously watching without calling attention to myself. She’s good for him. If my father had beaten me on a daily basis Kol would not have been able to keep himself from killing him. The fact that he only knocked her father unconscious and then compelled him into no longer harming her is incredibly significant. He doesn’t think he’s over me yet, but I see it, slowly but surely the pain of my death is being overrun by his love for her.”
She pauses while Kol continues to silently cry. She looks back at me and continues, “The time I knew him was the happiest of my short life. I’ve always been grateful that he stopped to love me. He’s such a big personality, and he noticed shy, quiet, unassuming me and quickly brought me out of my shell. He’ll be good for her and her self-esteem. He’ll cherish her, and above all else, she’ll know she’s cherished and loved. Once she comes to him, she’ll never doubt his feelings again.”
She pauses and watches him for a moment and then says, “The book she gave him has the notes I made about the spell he started working on back in 1701. He never finished because I died, and he no longer had a reason to tie a soul mate to himself. What he never knew is that I’m not his intended mate. I was merely the seed that planted the idea that he could love and be happy for eternity. She is his future and his happiness. He’s been struggling with the spell, which for the record is unusual for him, but I think it’s the memory of me and what I endured at Mikael’s hands that make it so difficult for him to work on the spell. That book right there will help in two ways, one it has all the notes I wrote down about the spell he needs to finish and two I wrote him a letter based on a premonition I had shortly before I died. I basically wrote him a goodbye letter. His brothers daggered him before he ever had a chance to go through my things, and then Josefina and the Mikaelsons packed everything in short order and then fled with Kol in his coffin. The letter should give him the closure he needs to be able to fully give himself to your granddaughter.”
I nod. Chalina walks to Kol and places her ghostly hand on his shoulder while he cries into his hands, “Be at peace my love and never let her go.”
She kisses his forehead and then turns and tells me, “She’ll never want for love or protection. She is already his world. They just don’t realize it yet.”
She walks farther away and then turns back, “You’ll have an opportunity to talk to your granddaughter again after Kol finds a second set of notes that should help him with returning the hunter’s arms without putting the world at risk. Henrik should think back on Kol’s time in Haiti in the 1680’s because he’ll likely remember something from that time that should help you all. If you could tell them both that I give my blessing and that Josefina, Alaric and I will be in touch when Esther finalizes her plans because while she is definitely dead, she will not be satisfied until all of her children are just as dead as she is. Josefina is also keeping an eye on Mikael who has his own plans. He remembers me, but she’s just another nobody he forgot almost as soon as she fled, so she has befriended him and is trying to discover his and Esther’s plans before they become a problem for the Mikaelson Children and all they hold dear.”
I just nod, so she nods back and says, “Freya, will help you protect them too.”
She smiles and turns back to look at Kol again. She closes her eyes for a moment and then tells me, “Help protect them, The Living World and The Otherside both will depend on them to survive. Though the main threat should be defeated in quick order with very little effort. They deserve to be happy, though, so protect them always. I will smile upon them while they live the life I never got to live, together like they should be for all time.”
She pauses again before telling me, “It might, however, be best to minimize how much I’m involved, though, especially right now because Kol’s wounds from my death are once again fresh, and I don’t want him to pull away from Bonnie out of some misguided loyalty to me. Tell them I give my blessing but tell them Josefina gave you all the other information.”
I frown but tell her, “I won’t lie, but I won’t volunteer the information if you think that’s best, however, if either of them asks I will tell them the truth, they deserve no less.”
She smiles and says, “I see where she gets her morals from. You did an excellent job raising her. You are correct, though, so don’t lie but please wait as long as possible to tell them of my involvement.”
I nod and tell her, “That I can promise I’ll do.”
She smiles and nods then whispers, “Goodbye my love.” Then she walks away and slowly fades until I can no longer see her.
I jump when Finn and Henrik come into the room, and Henrik says, “Did I hear right? You’re going to get to talk to them? Can you tell Nik my death was my fault, not his?”
I smile. Henri may technically be 1,020-years-old, but he still has the exuberance that comes with youth. I think for a minute, and I realize Chalina gave me all of the clues I need to solve this riddle of how we’re going to get to talk to them, so I tell him, “I think you’ll get to tell him yourself.”
His smile widens and he bounces on his toes before he asks, “Really?”
I nod and tell him, “Chalina said you need to think about Kol’s time in Haiti, the 1680’s I believe.”
He nods and says, “I’ll think about it and get back to you.”
I nod and watch Kol continue to cry. I wish there was something I could do right now to ease his pain, but I don’t have the resources needed just yet.
Kol stays in the den for close to three hours, mostly crying. Towards the end of the three hours, he begins flipping through the book again. I look over his shoulder and smile when he opens it to the letter Chalina told me about. His eyes widen, and he whispers, “You knew. You knew, and you didn’t warn me. Why?”
I laugh lightly because the line right after ‘Dearest Kol, if you’re reading this then I have passed on to the Otherside,’ reads, ‘I did not warn you because you would have gotten yourself killed. You must live. There is another who will win your heart, and she will be far more deserving of your love than I ever have been, and I’m not discounting how much I deserve your love, quite the opposite actually. She will be your light in the darkness, your beauty in the ugliness of the world, your Little Bella.’
Oh wow, she really did know. I move away from him confident that she wrote what he needs to read but also quite sure I shouldn’t invade his privacy any more than I already do. When he finishes reading, he smiles slightly and tells the air, “I will always love you, but now I have room in my heart for both of you. You are correct, I was still holding on when I should have been letting go. You always knew what I needed to hear. Thank you for loving me and preparing me for Bonnie. Good-bye, my Little Rose.”
He closes the book and then stands before carrying the book up the stairs towards his room. He pauses outside Bonnie’s bedroom door. He places his hand on the door and then jumps slightly when Rebekah opens her bedroom door and asks, “Kol, are you okay?”
He smiles and turns to look at her before telling her, “I am now. Good night, Sister.”
She smiles cautiously and then tells him, “And to you as well, Brother.”
He squeezes her shoulder before he walks past her and then turns down the other hallway and enters his bedroom where he shuts the door.
I turn back towards the stairs and go sit by the Christmas tree for the rest of the night contemplating everything I’ve learned tonight.
Warning: Mentions of almost rape and hinting at sex, but no actual rape or sex
Summary: Memories are funny things. People say that as long as you have them, you’ll always remember, you’ll never forget. But what if you lost them? What if you couldn’t remember the people that make you whole? What if you had to live forever, knowing you were waiting for something, someone, but could never remember what? Who?
Have you ever had that feeling, like something’s missing in your life.
Like, your missing that part of you that makes you complete, that part that you know you’ve had before, felt before, but for the life of you, you can’t remember when, where, what, why or… who.
Well I have, everyday.
Each morning I get up, have a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, go do whatever I have to do that day, have supper, get ready for bed, go to sleep.
Like clockwork, for 900 years- that’s all I’ve done.
All I’ve felt.
But now, something has changed. I don’t know what, and I don’t know why, but I do know I’m about to get some answers.
Answers as to why I feel so empty, so lost, why I feel I have no reason to live, yet keep existing.
My name is Donella and this is my story…
September 1112
“HELP! HELP! Pl… plea-se s… someon-e, h-elp.” Broken cries cracked through the early autumn morning.
Orange light flickered and black smoke curled through the air, it’s thick, dark color blacking out the pinks and blues of sunrise as it poured out of the burning home.
The fire spread through the rooms as quick as a galloping horse, stones crumbling and disintegrating under its hot flames.
The family who had lived there, long since burned.
All but one.
A young woman, her hair as dark as wild cherries, her eyes like that of a conker, dark and big yet shiny and bright, stood, tucked in the corner under falling debris, screaming.
Screaming for her family, hoping they were alive, knowing they were dead.
Screaming for her home, the one she and her brothers and sisters had grown up in.
Screaming for all her parents had worked for, watching everything burn around her.
She screamed in loss, pain and anguish yet she did not scream in fear.
As the world seemingly crashed around her, the flames hungrily making their way towards her, she was not scared. In fact she welcomed the flames, wishing they would take her pain, take her as they took her family.
Yet the flames would not get to her, they would not harm this dark but innocent beauty as someone had heard her screams.
Someone who had the power to help her, and someone who would.
So as the young woman closed her eyes, letting the burning smoke fill her lungs and the blackness take over her, she did not see nor hear the man enter the room, his eyes locked on her cloaked figure.
She did not feel the slight rush of wind that encompassed her as she was hurriedly whisked away.
She did not smell the scent of burning skin, nor see the mans skin heal and repair it’s self, working together to heal over the wound until there was no evidence it was ever there.
She did not hear the mans worried voice, telling her to hold on, nor the others that soon followed his.
She did not feel the soft bed beneath her or taste to coppery blood that was forced down her throat.
She did not know any of this as she slipped into a dreamless sleep, knowing that she would soon wake up…
…Only not in the world she assumed.
November 1112
“Ugh, Rebekah, I do not see why I should come, I’m hardly a noble.”
“Of course you are. You have been a noble since the day we took you under our roof, Donella, don’t ever doubt that.” Rebekah told the younger female, dismissively, not even looking away from the array of gowns that were laid carefully upon the bed.
It had been almost two months since Finnik had come home with the young, burnt female, but when she had woken up three days later, there had not been a scratch on her.
She had pondered why this was, the Mikaelson’s had told her that she was just lucky, but she was not so sure. She was certain she was to die that day, but in her relief and gratitude at the chance of a second chance, she had left it alone, knowing they must have done something but to glad to truly care.
Of course, Donella had heard the rumors about the nobles from the people of her town, the whispers that they were not all that they seemed and that few who went into their stately home, came back out alive.
Donella had, at the time, dismissed these rumors, thinking them just tall tales but as the days past, she had noticed things. Servants who went missing, strange noises in the night and how they seemed to know things that others did not.
However, Donella did not care if they were different, if they were the ‘Monsters’ the townsfolk said they were, for she knew that they all had good hearts, well maybe except Kol, and that they would always look after those under their protection, and Donella knew she was lucky to be under it.
It had taken a few weeks for Donella to really come out of her shell, but after a bit of coaxing from Finnik, patience from Elijah and care from Rebekah, she became more comfortable with the strange family and was now starting to think of them like her new family.
She had met Niklaus and Kol on several, separate, occasions but the others always seemed to pull her away before she could really get into a conversation with ether of them, much to Niklaus and Kol’ s amusement.
Of course, she had heard of Niklaus’ temper and Kol’s recklessness, but that did not mean that she was going to be rude and purposely ignore them, if anything she would have liked to get to know them better.
“Donella!” Rebekah’s exasperated voice drew her out of her thoughts, “I’ve been saying your name for the past two minutes!”
“Oh, I’m sorry Rebekah, I was just lost in my thoughts.” Donella replied.
“You seem to do that a lot nowadays.” Rebekah said as she gave the dress, the one she had chosen for Donella to wear at the ball tonight, to a maid and silently ordered her to get Donella into it.
Donella sighed but remained silent as the maid took off her simple dress and started getting her into the far more complicated, and beautiful, dress that Rebekah had chosen.
It wasn’t that she didn’t like the dress, because she did. It was dark blue with gold swirls and darker blue flowers gracefully stitched into it. It had a navy over coat and gold lacing and the sleeves went to just above her elbows before becoming see-through, a gold band connecting the two different materials together. It was modest but showed enough breast to make any man look twice. The ensample was finished off with a silver, gold and Lapis Lazuli necklace that Rebekah had lent her and dark blue, silk, dance shoes.
Once Donella was dressed Rebekah, who was already dressed in a beautiful red and gold dress, shooed the maids out and personally did Donella’s hair, something that she loved to do.
Rebekah had already had her hair done in a half up, half down hairstyles with ruby topped pins keeping her long, blonde curls in place and, as she curled and pinned back the dark-haired girl’s hair back, she hummed a soft song that she remembered from a time long ago.
“There, beautiful.” Rebekah said, as she stood back, admiring her handy work.
Donella’s hair was now in an intricate updo, all pinned back with gold, sapphire topped pins, a few trestles falling down, framing her gorgeous, heart shaped face.
“You’ll have all of the men staring at you!” Rebekah remarked, smiling at the confusion on the young woman’s face. It was a well known fact that Donella did not see her own beauty and was oblivious to the attention she got daily.
It had, at first, upset Rebekah, not used to having men lusting after another girl, but once she got to know Donella and realized that the young beauty had no intention to take any man from her she had become a close friend of the young girl.
For a lady that had only truly known the company of her brothers and her lovers for over a century, she had welcomed this change and now Rebekah had started to think of Donella like a sister, and vise versa.
“I highly doubt that.” Donella said, blushing. “If anyone will have their attention, it would be you.”
Rebekah smiled and was about to comment when there was a knock at the door.
“Rebekah, Donella, we must leave now if we are to get there in time for the dancing.” Finnik said from the other side of the door.
That was another thing, Finnik had always been distant from his family, more so since they turned, but in the last few months since he had found young woman, he had changed and was smiling more, becoming more involved than he was before. At first it had been worrying to his family, but over time they had started to get used to it, knowing it had something to do with Donella and not really seeing the harm in it. If anything it was better now that they weren’t worrying about him plotting his and their deaths all of the time.
“We’re coming now.” Donella said as she opened the door.
Finnik went to reply but was taken aback by the beauty in front of him. Donella, too, was having trouble breathing as she took in his clothes. He, like she, preferred to dress down so seeing him in all of his finery was amazing. In her eyes, he looked like a king and, in his eyes, she looked like a queen.
Rebekah smirked, like she knew this was the moment that they both truly realized they were falling in love.
December 1112
“I’m just saying, she’s been with us for over three months and we’ve had many requests for her hand in marriage, maybe it’s time we started considering it.” Kol said, smirking.
“No, absolutely not!” Finnik said, straight away, his tone leaving no room for question but, as usual, his youngest living brother did not listen to him.
“Why not? She’s 19, so of age to wed, and she can’t stay here forever. Well, she could but then see’d have to become like us and you won’t even tell her so…” Kol trailed off.
His siblings shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to think about the lies they had been feeding her. They had yet to compel her, not wanting to manipulate her like that, but they had been feeding her lies since the day she had arrived. It wasn’t that they were ashamed of who they are or that they cared what others thought of them, it was just that Donella had this way that she was always so innocent in everything. She was their light and kept them together, even if she, nor they, knew it, and they were reluctant to change anything.
They knew she must have been suspecting something wasn’t all right with them and, as they were unwilling to use compulsion on her, that only left getting her wed or locking her up as ways to stop her from knowing anything bad about them.
But both idea’s had there flaws and even Niklaus, who had been pushing for her to be wed to an kind, but old, Lord who owned a plentiful estate not thirty miles from their home, was having his doubts, having taken a liking to the young woman after she had accidentally stumbled open his art room while he was painting and had had this look of awe to her as she looked around.
So Kol had taken it upon himself to make his siblings see reason. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Donella, if anything she was fun to have around, even if his siblings were always stopping their conversations before they started. But Kol knew that the longer she was here, the more chance that she would find out about them and the longer they stayed in this town, the more chance there was that Mikael would find them, which wouldn’t do well for anyone.
“Kol’s right.” Elijah said, surprising everyone. “She is not ignorant, nor an idiot, in fact she is quite smart. It is foolish to believe that she will not figure out our secret if she stays here.”
“But why must she be married off? What if she fallen in love with someone but has to marry a man who is old enough to be her grandfather, just because you made an arrangement for her without her consent?” Rebekah argued. She knew that Donella was in love, or at least fancied, Finnik and she was sure that he felt the same. But Rebekah knew that it would take awhile before they admitted their love for one another.
“And who would she have fallen in love with, sister? She rarely leaves the estate and when she does she is always with ether Finnik or myself.” Elijah stated. He wanted Donella to stay, but he knew that it would be better for her if she were safe away from their family.
“It couldn’t be one of the servants, they’re to fearful to even talk to us, or her.” Kol said, his infamous smirk still in place.
Finnik stayed silent as his siblings continued to argue and decide the fate of the one he had fallen for. She did not even know how she had captured his heart. This dark beauty that, despite her delicate features, was stronger then most. She was smart and could carry a conversation better then most women who were born into nobility and, in his eyes, she was the prettiest girl in the world. He would, should have told her how he felt but he was never very good with feelings and he was afraid of rejection.
I mean, how could a beauty like she, love a beast like him?
Finnik zoned back into the conversation just in time to hear Elijah’s final words.
“So it’s decided? We will send a letter to Lord Barrington and arrange the marriage.” Elijah said, a hint of reluctance in his voice, but before any of his siblings could comment, the study doors burst open and, standing in the doorway, was Donella, tears welling up in her eyes but anger on her face.
“No.” She said in a voice that startled the Mikaelson’s, they were not used to seeing her angry so this was something they were unsure how to tackle.
“Donella, let us-“ Niklaus started but was cut of by Donella.
“No. I will not be married off, sold like cattle.” She spat, angrily, “If you want me gone, fine, I will go and you will never see me again. But my parents believed in love before marriage, as do I and I will NOT marry a man I barely know and do not love.”
Her eyes flickered to Finnik’s briefly, betrayal and sadness in her gaze, before she turned away and marched off, fully prepared to leave.
“Well that was… unexpected.” Kol said once the silence Donella had left behind became to much.
“Yes, it was. However, I do believe that we know where she stands on this matter.” Elijah said, feeling conflicted. He knew that it would be safer for her to be married, preferably to someone who would care for her, but how could they marry her off after that?
“The decision still stands.” Niklaus said, with a tone of finality and authority. Each of his siblings knew that when Niklaus spoke in that tone, there was no changing his mind so, with heavy hearts (All but Kol who really couldn’t care less), they left the room, each off to do there own things.
They did not realize that Donella would leave.
And they did not realize they would miss her.
January 1113
Three weeks.
That was how long it had been since Donella had left the Mikaelson’s.
Somehow, dispite it only having been half a month since Donella had made the decision to leave after overhearing them making plans for her to be married, with out her being asked first.
She had spent the first week traveling, barely eating and sleeping in back alleys, successfully keeping away from people that would want to hurt her. However, it was on her 8th day that she was jumped.
It was late at night and she was about to settle down for the night, sleeping behind a local inn as it was particularly cold that night and all she had to keep her warm was the clothes on her back and her thick, woolen cloak.
However, it had been raining that day and her clothes were still wet, the frost greedily clinging to the fabric, making her seek out the warmth of the back of the inns open stone.
The rowdy noise of the pub could be heard through the walls and Donella did her best to block it out as she huddled in the corner, but as she did this she failed to notice two drunken men coming towards her.
They had not yet seen her, but they soon would. Even under all of the mud, dirt and rain that was caked over the poor girl, they could tell she was still quite pretty.
Before Donella had truly processed what was happening, they had had her up against side of the Inn and one of them was taking off his belt and pulling his trousers down.
The young girl closed her eyes and preyed to her gods as she struggled against the men’s strength, trying to block out their drunken laughs.
But, just as he was about to drive into her, he let out a painful grunt and looked towards the alley entrance, only to have a fist thrown in his face. He fell down to the ground cold, his nose bleeding as he passed out.
His friend let go of his grip of Donella so that he could defend himself, but in his drunken mess, he could not get a punch in edgeways and Donella’s savior kneed him in the groin, then punching his face, knocking him out too.
Donella shakely opened her eyes and looked at her hero, surprised to see a woman with dark red hair and bright blue eyes. She was wearing an odd outfit, one that Donella had never seen before and could not begin to describe, though she did blush when she noticed how much cleavage the other woman was showing.
The woman laughed, seeing Donella blush, “Hello, I’m Sage, are you okay, they didn’t hurt you to much, did they?”
“No, no, I… Oh god.” Donella stuttered as it truly dawned on her that she had just been almost raped.
“Hey, hey now.” Sage said, catching her as she went into a panic attack. Sighing, Sage helped her back to her house, which was on the outskirts of town, and once they were inside, Sage guided her to a chair.
She kneeled down in front of Donella and proceded to calm her down.
Donella quickly fell asleep and when she had woken up, she had found herself in Sage’s brother’s old room. She had planned to leave quietly, but after some persuading from Sage she had stayed, only planning for it to be for a few days.
That was two weeks ago and in that time they had become surprisingly close.
For Sage, she was glad to have someone else around the to lonely house and there was something about Donella, or Doe like Sage calls her, that made it easy to trust and like her, her openness and innocence, though annoying at times, was refreshing and Sage just knew that there was a strength within her that no one could truly comprehend.
And for Donella? Well, for her it was nice to have someone she could truly confide in. Someone who knew what it was like to lose family and someone that she knew she could confide in without worry that Sage would share her secrets.
They got along amazingly and were very close, despite them only knowing each other for fourteen days.
It was the three week anniversary of Donella leaving the Mikaelsons and she was shopping for food from the local market while Sage was in the inn, gambling, something she did as a side job because people rarely bought her wears.
People would say that even though she was a blacksmith’s daughter and knew all he had taught her, she should not be doing a ‘mans job’. So Sage had resorted to stealing occasionally and gambling, something she was rather good at.
Anyway, they were out in the town when the sound of horses galloping could be heard. The townsfolk, including Donella, looked over to see three nobles coming into town on horseback.
But not any nobles, no.
It was the Mikaelsons.
Donella quickly paid for the bread and, as inconspiuasly as she could, she walked towards the inn, slipping inside.
Once inside she she searched for Sage and, upon locating her she hurried over, gathering her blue dress up in one hand, clutching her basket with the other.
“Sage. Sage, we have to go.” Donella said, hurridly.
“Yes, yes, of course, one minute.” Sage answered, dismissively, not looking up from her game. It was clear that she was winning, but they had to get out of there.
Quickly.
“No, Sage, you don’t understand, their here.”
Sage’s head snapped up at her words but too late as the inn door was flung open and Finnik, Elijah and Niklaus came into the inn, looking around, searching.
Sage and Donella shared a brief panicked look before Sage quickly ended her game, taking her winnings but before they could get far one of her opponents called out,
“Hey!”
Loudly.
This attracted the unwanted attention of the Mikaelsons who caught sight of Donella.
Shock, worry and anger were in the three Mikaelson’s faces as they staired at a face they feared they would never see again.
Donella was standing there wearing a light blue shirt with a darker blue dress over it and a metal belt, a basket over one arm, her other in the hand of a pretty red-headed woman.
Before they could move to her, however, the red-headed woman tugged on Donella’s hand, pulling her out of her stupor, and they took off running as fast as they could, going through the backdoor.
The Mikaelsons quickly followed in pursuit, waiting till they were away from prying eyes to run at their natural speed.
They caught the girls as they were climbing over a brick wall that easily went up to their shoulders.
“Oh no you don’t.” Niklaus said, grabbing Donella before she could get over the other side.
Sage, who was already over the wall, called out in frustration, being able to see what was happening, but not being able to climb back over from that side. She sighed, fustraitedly and started quickly running around the buildings so that she could get back to the other side.
“Let go of me, get off of me!” Donella cried, kicking her feet about as Niklaus wrapped his arms around her, her back to his chest, arms pinned to her side.
“Not a chance.” Niklaus growled as Elijah sighed and Finnik looked at Donella with a mixture of care, anger, love and sadness.
“Niklaus, let her go.” Elijah said, “I’m sure she won’t run, right Donella?”
Donella mumbled something not even there superior hearing could catch.
“What was that?” Elijah asked, politely.
“ Fine, alright!” Donella snapped and Niklaus let go of her, and she fell to the ground as he had been holding her above the ground.
“Really?” Finnik asked as he rushed over to her, Niklaus only smirked and walked over to Elijah, his arms folded.
“Are you ok Donella?” He asked, checking her over.
“Y-yes.” She said, caught of guard by the love and care she could see in his eyes.
“Don’t you ever leave like that again, do you know how worried I… we were?”
“I can take care of myself.” She mumbled.
“Sure you can.” Niklaus scoffed, but was ignored by the two would-be-lovers.
“Just promise me, promise you will not leave again, I could not bare it if you…”
“Well you were planning to marry me off anyway! At least leaving the way I did made sure you got rid of me, like you wanted.”
“We never wanted that Ella. There are just some things about us that we didn’t want you to know, because we were scared. You won’t be married off, I promise.”
Donella sat there, looking at him, stunned. He had never called her anything but Donella, yet her shortened name on his lips made something foreign rise within her and, before she had time to process what she was doing, she was kissing him.
The kiss was soft and warm, light but passionate and everything she wanted her first kiss to be.
They did not hear Niklaus’s laugh, or Elijah’s unsurprised sigh. Nor did they hear Sage’s “Well that was quicker then I had expected.”
All they heard, felt and saw was each other as they shared their first kiss.
December 1113
Donella woke up with a gasp. Her hand was being held by someone and she looked to the person holding it.
“Finn.” She said, relaxing into his hold.
“Ella.” He said with relief, looking her over. They had been out riding when a storm had viciously come in and the horse Donella had been on was spooked by a shock of lightning, rearing making Donella fall, her neck snapping as she had.
Luckily she had been taking her lovers blood for the past few months, just in case anything like this happened as Finnik knew he could, would, not live without her.
He had also gifted her a necklace, one of the few things she had actually excepted from him. It was a Lapis Lazuli heart with copper leaf detail on in and a copper chain. It had a tiny, square stone in into too and both pieces of Lapis Lazuli had been spelled by a nearby witch who had owed him a favor.
“How do you feel?” Finnik asked as she sat up, looking around her, seeing a man laying about on the floor. She turned to Finnik inquisitively. “You need to drink, Ella.”
“Can’t I just drink yours?” She asked, eyeing the thug like one would eye bad meat.
Finn laughed, “Maybe later, little one, but right now you must drink his.”
Donella sighed but went over to the man, tentatively picking up his arm and biting down, moaning as the blood filled her system.
As she drank she thought about the past few months.
After their kiss in the alley, Donella had returned home with them. Rebekah had welcomed her home with a slap and a hug, sighing when she noticed her eldest brothers protective stance around her ‘sister’.
When they had explained what they were to her she had, at first, freaked out. But once she got used to the idea, she realized that they were always vampires, they hadn’t changed, or not since she had known them at least, so knowing their secret didn’t change a thing.
Sage had moved homes, now making home in the town near the manor. She been turned five months prior, after she got into the wrong bar fight and had come to the manor, bleeding out, wanting to spend her last moments with the closest thing she had of family.
She hadn’t expected Finnik to turn her, but he had taken a liking to her and he knew that Donella would hate it if the woman she thought of a sister died.
Sage hadn’t stuck around long as the other Mikaelsons didn’t like her so much, but she sent letters from wherever she went and never went to far, coming back every month or so, not trusting people to not steal from her home while she was gone, despite Finnik and Donella’s assurance that they would keep an eye on it.
Once she finished her meal, Finnik picked her up and started kissing her, feeling a need to mark her.
As they lost themselves in their passion and heat, everything seemed perfect.
Yet everything would soon change.
And not for the better.
January 1114
It was the beginning of the new year.
The beginning of hundreds of years of hell for the two lovers.
Kol had left for the East, causing bloodshed as he went, only to get dragged back my Elijah after he almost wiped out the Indian capital.
Sage had also left, wanting to find out what had happened to her birth brother, having heard a rumor that he may have been in Scotland.
Rebekah had a new lover, a hunter by the name of Alexander. But the thing he hunted was not bear, nor deer or any animal.
No, he and his four brothers hunted vampires.
Elijah, Niklaus, Donella, Kol- even Finnik- had all told Rebekah how stupid was being, but she had not listened and it had cost the old family dearly.
One night, when the full moon was high, Donella had been hunting alone. Usually she would have been with Finnik, but she had decided to let Finnik sleep, only slipping out for an hour at most.
That choice saved her life.
Halfway through her hunt she felt a stabbing sensation in her heart and knew something was wrong with Finnik.
She swifty snapped the neck of the thug she was feeding from and ran straight back to the house.
She could smell the blood before she even got in and feared the worst.
She cautiously made her way inside the near silent house, hearing no heartbeats, not that she would if it were only the Mikaelsons inside, as it should be.
She gasped, however, as she felt someone behind her and turned around to see Niklaus, his eyes half crazed as his clothes, neck and mouth were all coated in blood.
“Nik?” She asked, carefully as she slowly made her way over, “Nik, what happened, where are the others?”
“Where were you?” He asked, his voice a low monotone.
“What?” She asked, confused.
“WHERE WERE YOU?” He roared, pining her to the wall by her neck.
She looked at him and, for the first time, she was truly scared.
The others did not know that she had turned as Finnik knew that they would try to turn her into a murder and toy with her and he wanted to put that up for as long as possible.
“O-out.” She stuttered, wondering what had happened to make him so insane and angry.
In his rage, hate, confusion and paranoia, Niklaus thought that she was apart of the attack. That she had know what was to happen and had left, without warning them.
In this moment, he did something he would come to regret.
And Niklaus Mikaelson did not regret almost anything.
He compelled her.
He compelled her to forget all about Finnik and the Mikaelsons.
He compelled her to forget everything that had happened after the fire.
He compelled her to live for as long as she naturally could.
And then he compelled her to leave.
And so she left, running at a speed that scared her.
Having a hunger that was familiar yet foreign.
Feeling empty inside, like something was missing but, no matter how hard she tried, she could not remember what.
Christmas Eve, 2010
“Bella, are you ok? You’ve been staring at the fire for the past like ten minutes.” Emmett said, the soft dipping under his weight as he bounced on it.
“Huh, oh, yeah, I guess.” Donella muttered as she played with the bracelet she wore as her sun protection.
The necklace she had worn since, well since she could remember was getting a bit to conspicuous so when her witch friend, Salva, had given her the chakra bracelet for Christmas, six years previously, she had been ecstatic.
It had seven beaded stones, she wasn’t quite sure which but she did now that one was Lapis Lazuli and that it was also spelled so the sun couldn’t harm her, but she did know that they help balance her chakras. It had a hamsa hand with an evil eye in the center and black lava rock beads.
She still kept the heart necklace, of course, as it was the only thing she had of her old life and she felt it was special to her, she just didn’t know how.
“Bells, your doing it again!” Emmett said with laugh.
Her name wasn’t even Bella, but they didn’t know that and Donella wasn’t exactly a common name in these times.
“I’m sorry, just thinking. I feel like today is a special day.”
“Well of course it is! It’s Christmas Eve!” Alice said, bouncing up to them.
“No, I mean really special, like…” Donella hesitated, not sure if she should tell them this or not. But then she realized that she couldn’t hide who she is from them forever, they’d find out soon enough and it was a miracle they hadn’t already.
“Like what, love?” Edward asks, sitting down next to her and putting his hand on her shoulder in what was meant to be reassuring, but actually wasn’t.
Donella shook of his hand as she came to stand in front of the fire. She spoke as she watched the flames lick, greedily at the logs.
For a long time she had been afraid of fire, it always reminding her of all she’d lost, or what she could remember she had lost. But now…
“Have you ever had that feeling, like something’s missing in your life. Like, your missing that part of you that makes you complete, that part that you know you’ve had before, felt before, but for the life of you, you can’t remember when, where, what, why or… who.
Well I have, everyday. Each morning I get up, have a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, go do whatever I have to do that day, have supper, get ready for bed, go to sleep.
Like clockwork, for nine hundred years- that’s all I’ve done. All I’ve felt.
But now, something has changed. I don’t know what, and I don’t know why, but I do know I’m about to get some answers. Answers as to why I feel so empty, so lost, why I feel I have no reason to live, yet keep existing.”
“What do you mean nine hundred years, love?” Edward asked, caustiosly but, before Donella could answer, there was knock at the door.
The Cullens all quickly came to stand from where they had been sitting around the fireplace in the festive looking living room.
The each looked to each other and they protectively stood in front of Donella, who mentally scoffed, while Carlise answered the door.
“Hello, my names Carlise, may I ask who you are?” They heard Carlise ask,
“Finn, and this is my friend, Sage, we’re looking for someone and were told that she would be here.” The mans voice, so familiar drifted towards Donella’s ears as she stood behind the Cullens.
“Calm down, girl, my name is Finnik Mikaelson, you’re in my home. I found you outside a burning building, you’ve been out for a few days.”
She stood back in shock as the memory hit.
Finn. Finnik Mikaelson. She knew, remembered…
She looked towards Edwards Piano in thought as Carlise talked to the newcomers and the others, to absorbed with the conversation at the front door to pay her much mind, didn’t notice she had moved until a melody, one Donella had heard hummed long ago, started playing through the piano.
“Dancing bears, painted wings, things I almost remember, and a song, someone sings. Once upon a December.”
“Donella!” Rebekah’s exasperated voice drew her out of her thoughts, “I’ve been saying your name for the past two minutes!”
“Oh, I’m sorry Rebekah, I was just lost in my thoughts.” Donella replied.
“You seem to do that a lot nowadays.” Rebekah said.
“Someone holds me safe and warm, horses prance through a silver storm. Figures dancing gracefully, across my memory.”
“So it’s decided? We will send a letter to Lord Barrington and arrange the marriage.” Elijah said, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
“No.” She said..
“Donella, let us-“ Niklaus started.
“No. I will not be married off, sold like cattle.” She spat, angrily, “If you want me gone, fine, I will go and you will never see me again. But my parents believed in love before marriage, as do I and I will NOT marry a man I barely know and do not love.”
“Hello, I’m Sage, are you okay, they didn’t hurt you to much, did they?”
“No, no, I… Oh god.” Donella stuttered as it truly dawned on her that she had just been almost raped.
“Someone holds me safe and warm, horses prance through a silver storm. Figures dancing gracefully, across my memory”
“Are you ok Donella?” He asked, checking her over.
“Y-yes.” She said, caught of guard by the love and care she could see in his eyes.
“Don’t you ever leave like that again, do you know how worried I… we were?”
“I can take care of myself.” She mumbled.
“Sure you can.” Niklaus scoffed, but was ignored by the two would-be-lovers.
“Just promise me, promise you will not leave again, I could not bare it if you…”
“Far away, long ago, glowing dim as an ember. Things my heart used to know, things it yearns to remember.”
“How do you feel?” Finnik asked as she sat up, looking around her, seeing a man laying about on the floor. She turned to Finnik inquisitively. “You need to drink, Ella.”
“Can’t I just drink yours?” She asked, eyeing the thug like one would eye bad meat.
Finn laughed, “Maybe later, little one, but right now you must drink his.”
“And a song, someone sings.”
“Nik?” She asked, carefully as she slowly made her way over, “Nik, what happened, where are the others?”
“Where were you?” He asked, his voice a low monotone.
“What?” She asked, confused.
“WHERE WERE YOU?” He roared, pining her to the wall by her neck.
“Once upon a December.”
Donella sat there for a moment, her mind flooded with lost memories returned.
Her heart leaped out of her chest as she thought of her lover, her soul, Finnik. Someone she had been without for so long, as he had her.
“Love?” Edwards voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she, using her vamp speed, turned around and ran straight to her lover, who had come in with Sage while she had been playing.
“Ella.” He said, staring into her eyes.
“Finn.” She said, leaning up to kiss him.
As they kissed, the whole in her heart slowly healed, the loss he’d felt since waking up was gone.
As when they first kissed, they were oblivious to the world around them.
They did not notice Edward lunging at them, only to have Sage tackle him to the ground.
They did not see as Edward and Sage realized they were mates, which Donella would later comment was the funniest thing since… well, ever.
They did not hear Emmetts whisteling or his ‘Oh!’ when his wife wacked him over the head.
All they heard, felt and saw was each other as they lost themselves in the kiss.
Summary: When Emmett and Jasper stay in Forks after Bella’s birthday, breaking from the Cullen’s they didn’t realize they were coming home.
Disclaimer: All Recognizable Characters belong to their respected owners. No Copyright infringement intended.
Author’s Note: Some non-cannon couples and some characters might not act to cannon. All mistakes are mine, hasn’t been beta’d yet.
Jasper’s POV:
The next couple of months were touch and go. Char and I would change places just before Charlie woke up, so he didn’t catch me in Bella’s room. Bella and I grew closer, much to everyone’s joy. Charlie approved of me, this shocked me and he sat down and explained why. Thanksgiving came around Bella and Char busied themselves over traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Charlie had invited his friends from the reservation to join, they accepted with wariness. Their prejudice annoyed Bella and we caught her muttering about putting something into their food. I tried to calm her down, failing to the point where both Peter and Emmett were laughing their asses off until Char and Bella rounded on them.
Charlie had unofficially adopted the lot of us, he said he wanted to keep Bella happy and being around us did that. Charlie went to buy items for us, he realized how small his house was and it was then Emmett and I spoke to Charlie. He mentioned there was an attic and a basement, both could be turned into bedrooms for us. Emmett and I looked at the attic first, of course, Bella and Peter told vampire in the attic jokes. Emmett moved everything from the attic to the ground floor; Bella put to the side Christmas decorations. With the attic cleared we cleaned it up. We spoke to Charlie and with his permission we put in a couple of windows and skylights. Emmett and I made separate rooms; insulating them as much as we could we found mixing our venom into the plaster made the walls more durable and even soundproof for vampires. Char went crazy and bought everything we needed to furnish the rooms and to make it cozy. Charlie paid for permanent stairs to the attic to be built. He lost the linen closet upstairs until Bella came up with the storage being incorporated into it. Bella worked out the design, which Emmett and I built. We used the mix of venom once again.
Char talked Charlie into updating the living areas. Charlie agreed and with a different coat of paint, some new furniture, a reading nook added into the living room and some rugs over the floorboards. The floorboards were scrubbed back and polished to the point it looked new. The rooms were updated, cozy with little rustic touches but still to everyone’s tastes. Charlie said it looked to be a family home rather than a bachelor pad. He was thrilled with the changes, joking about his three sons and two daughters.
Thanksgiving was tense until Charlie threatened to never step foot on the eventually, again. Bella stayed silent as the four of us argued with Charlie stating we didn’t want to be the cause of him losing his friendships. The Quileute’s seemed shocked over our reactions, causing Emmett to reveal that he and I never had any issues with them and that it was all on their side. Before the night was over Billy Black spilt the beans to Charlie. Bella ended up in tears and rushed to her room, I left to comfort her, confusing Charlie’s friends. Emmett explained about vampire laws, and why Bella reacted the way she did. The Quileutes’ horrified by the news protested and forbid Charlie being changed. Charlie yelled at his friends stating it was something that was his decision and possibly Bella’s.
Thanksgiving ended with life-long friendships torn with almost no possibility of reforming. Charlie was angered even more when his friends left with a threat to us. He wanted to talk to us all in the living room, I carried Bella down. She was curled up against my chest her arms tight around my neck that if I’d been human I would have passed out from lack of air. Bella stayed in my lap, even with Charlie leveling a glare at her. Knowing it was a lost cause he sat back. He wanted us to tell our real histories. I spoke first, telling my role in the Civil war and then later in the Vampire wars. Peter told his part with Char following. Emmett told his part including when he met Billy Black’s grandfather Ephraim Black. That piece of news caused Charlie to chuckle. Charlie asked Bella to explain what really happened from the time she came to Forks.
Bella told him everything including how she got Jacob to tell the stories. Charlie both grumbled and laughed about her methods. It caused a growl to rumble, Charlie sent a confused look my way. Emmett thumped my shoulder. Bella showed Charlie her scar from James, the memories it brought to mind, brought back my growl. I put Bella beside me as I stood growling, my whole body shaking with rage caused by the memories. Charlie watched me, he was listening to Bella but his eyes stayed on me. Emmett brought in a block of wood from the wood pile Charlie chopped, he handed it to and without even realizing what I was doing I ripped the wood into ribbons. Growling that whole time. I was done in seconds. Charlie coughed a laugh, bringing my attention to him. He didn’t shrink away from my black eyes and glare.
“Looks like I won’t have to bother with chopping wood. You guys can take care of it with your bare hands. The jobs yours.” Charlie said. Bella went back to her story when she got to her birthday party Peter interrupted. He and Char slid to the floor exposing their Neck and urging the others to follow. As I felt the Major take over. He roared as he remembered the emotions he felt coming from the one claiming his mate. The bloodlust, causing us to growl. I sank down into my crouch pulling Bella behind me; we could feel her running her fingers through our hair. We could hear her speaking softly only to us. When she rested against our back with her head tucked up against our neck we started purring, she made the same strange whimpering sound. The sound snapped us out of the memories and caused us to sniff the air. We relaxed slightly knowing the scent of the one who wanted our mate’s blood so much absent. We recognized the Captain and the lieutenant.
We relaxed and asked for the Captain to report. He explained the situation, we relaxed and apologized to everyone present catching my second and third off guard. The Major allowed me to come back.
“Any want to explain what the hell happened?” Charlie demanded as he got back on his seat and relaxed. Slowly Peter, Charlotte and Emmett got back to sitting on the couch. Bella kissed my neck causing me to purr loudly. Charlie’s eyebrow rose even higher when he heard the sound.
“Vampires have two sides, their beast and their humanity. Jasper, Peter and my beasts are more present than other vampires simply because of our history. The beast takes over to protect our more human counterpart. Because of the violence and destruction we were part of and witnessed, our beasts react more. What you just witness was Jasper’s beast coming out to protect his mate. The memories of Bella’s birthday set him off.” Char explained, her eyes darted to me and back to Charlie often during her explanation.
“Thank you, lieutenant. Mr Swan, I am the Major. I apologize for scaring you. Jasper and I have coexisted for over a hundred years. I dealt with the majority of the vampire wars, while Jasper resurfaced when it was safe for him too. On Bella’s birthday, I surged forward wanting to protect her from Edward. That night he almost lost to his bloodlust for Bella’s blood. When he pushed her back, he made it worse simply because he hurt our mate. He claimed she was his mate, something Jasper accepted. I, however, didn’t, I knew she was meant for us. After her party, Jasper was still in denial over everything. It was after we dealt with some things that we came back to Forks. We showed up at your station hoping we could be closer to Bella. He still didn’t believe she is our mate until a few weeks ago, Jasper is stubborn. When he was hunting alone in Seattle last week, he started a process where both sides blend and become one. Today Jasper got lost into the memories and forced me forward, not realizing it wasn’t happening presently. By tomorrow both Jasper and I will be one and the same.” The major spoke. Peter’s head shot up his mouth falling open. Charlotte looked confused between Peter and me.
“Nice to meet you, Major. Call me Charlie. I was more worried for Bella than myself.” Charlie said giving a brief nod. Bella was still hanging onto my back, bend down allowing her feet to touch the floor, she slowly let go and moved to snuggle into my side. “What was the sound you made a moment ago?” Charlie asked Emmett coughed to cover a laugh, while Jasper turned to Peter.
“Your turn fucker. You can explain this bit.” I said, shocking Peter once again. Char hid a laugh not wanting to upset Peter further.
“That sound would be the purr we produce when we are comforting our mates. Different tones to the purr mean different things to the mate. One can calm a mate if they are upset, a second one can arouse our mate, a third can express our pleasure to our mate, and a fourth is to plea and pleases our mate. The one Jasper did snowball the third one, he was pleased she allowed him to protect her. He felt proud to defend her, he also didn’t mind the little affectionate kiss she gave him either. There are times when our growl expresses something to our mates. A single tone might mean they are getting close to exciting us too far, a second could mean danger is near, a third one could show our displeasure and a fourth could mean they have crossed a line and make us feel the need to dominate our mate. We can’t hurt our mate in any way because their pain becomes ours.” Peter explained adding the last part in before Charlie could say anything; he had frowned at the mention of dominating a mate.
“So are mates a common occurrence?” Charlie asked. Charlotte shook her head. “There are two types of mates, one is common and the second is rare. The first type of mate is more of a companion, they feel a slight pull to that mate, and many mistake it for the true mating pull. The Volturi who rule over vampires believes that the first type is to grow into ourselves to change and be ready for when we find our true mate. The true mate is the perfect match, everything you need you’ll find in your partner and they in you. Humans call these connection soul mates. This mating pull is so strong that both sides suffer when apart, especially if they haven’t claimed them completely. When they touch there is electricity that both sides feel, it intensifies each touch and it is especially strong when the mates have been apart for any period of time. Their mate’s scent draws, reassures and even calms the other. Scent is a very large part of our existence and so it extends to the mates. After the true mates have met only their mate can calm them, reassure them and even make them feel safe even if the claiming isn’t complete.” Char said allowing it all to sink in for Charlie.
“So when Bella got upset earlier and went to her room, Jasper looked like a possessed demon?” Charlie asked Emmett chuckled while Bella hid her face in my shirt.
“Yes, he was feeling his need to comfort his mate and also to destroy the ones who hurt her. As you saw Bella came first. If she had been still in the room, Jasper or the Major would have preserved them as threats and taken the out before comforting Bella. Simply because comforting wouldn’t help if she felt like she was in danger or he felt there was danger. Our instincts are very primal, animalistic at times.” Char said as she winked at Peter.
“The reason our instinct demand we protect our mates at all costs is because there is only one true mate for us. If we lose them, we lose our whole world. We just end ourselves; we find there isn’t anything worth existing for. If they were killed we’d find the one who killed them and gets them to kill us as well. It’s with the first type of mate that we want revenge. That we go a little crazy to get back at them for taking our mate. They only calm when they either get their revenge or they find another mate. That’s why sometimes it’s easier on the surviving mate to kill them rather than allow them to focus solely on revenge because sometimes they become so hell bent on their revenge that they can’t recognize their mate or even their true mate if they find them.” Peter said as he moved his gaze to the fire.
The rest of the night we answered questions from Charlie and occasionally Bella. Peter and I took our shirts off to show the multitudes of scars we have from the wars. Charlie a when he saw the crisscrossing pattern. Peter told him of the pain each scar caused us, while Charlotte mentioned some of the punishments we received when Maria wasn’t happy with us. I saw Bella shuddered. I moved away feeling ashamed, Char rolled her eyes at me. Emmett nudged Bella, who had been staring off into space. Charlie had looked my way seeming confused, he watched as Bella noticed me and lowered herself to the floor slowly making her way to me. I moved back a bit more, looking down in disgust seeing my scars.
Bella grabbed my hand closest to her and traced the scars with her finger before she bent forward and placed a kiss on each of them. I was still hunched wanting to hide as much of my scars as I could. She moved close, a whimpering sound I could hear. I shut my eyes not wanting to see her reaction when I started purring. I jumped when I felt Bella’s warm hand cradling my cheek, her thumb rubbing small circles on my cheek. She stopped making my eyes open, I saw her tears.
“You are so unbelievably strong to have survived everything you have. Your scars show how hard you fought to survive, so you could find me. I’m proud of the warrior I have as a mate.” Bella said loud enough for only me even with vampire hearing to hear. I rumbling purr made its way from my chest. Bella moved into my arms, curling up with a happy sigh. I felt her lips kiss my neck. I relaxed only tightening my hold on Bella so she couldn’t fall. I looked around at Charlie and the others. He had a proud grin on his face while Char was shaking her head at me while a smile graced her lips. Peter just raised an eyebrow while Emmett was grinning.
“You seriously thought for even one second Bella was shuddering at your scars?” Peter questioned, his tone was incredulous. I dropped my eyes feeling ashamed of doubting my mate; Bella looked up into my face. Her hand cupped my cheek causing me to nuzzle into her hand. “I was shuddering at the punishments and the torture you had to go through. I wish you didn’t have to suffer at all.” Bella said, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. I bent down and kissed the tracks I could see that ran down her cheeks. I heard her giggling and kissed her eyelids as she blinked causing the others to laugh.
After thanksgiving with everything out in the open, Charlie allowed me to stay with Bella while she slept as long as nothing else happened. Charlie had made it clear no funny business between us. Peter and Char had struggled to keep a straight face while Emmett had laughed and asked Charlie how many grand kiddies he preferred. Charlie had grumbled about making sure no grandbabies were coming soon. Bella had smacked Emmett on the arm with a wrench warping the wrench. Peter had grumbled about letting Bella near any tools if she planned to use them against Emmett.
Emmett and Peter would bring daily more torn apart wood. As December came, it brought snow and lots of it. Peter and Emmett had a massive snowball fight that lasted over a week, Bella hid behind me every time she left the house. Emmett had tried to get her but Char had snarled at him, getting to realize it wouldn’t be safe for him to try. Emmett being himself didn’t like being thawed and so throws the snowball at Char, she caught it and with an evil grin she tightened her hands making the snowball harder. Emmett hadn’t noticed she covered the snowball with her venom; she got ready to get Emmett, while Peter bombarded him. I got Bella to watch and as Char threw her snowball, it hit Emmett right between the eyes as it flew apart on impact the venom coated flakes fell into his eyes. Emmett dropped to the ground making a big flurry rise and fall, he rubbed his eyes. When he lifted his head he had venom tears falling down his face.
I explained to Bella how Emmett was crying, while Emmett grumbled as he headed inside, to sulk. When Bella came home, she was angry the amount was so strong I was growling. She caught sight of me and throws herself into my arms just as the angry tears began to fall. The other three ran over anger awash their faces as they saw Bella crying.
“I’m going to rip the person who did this apart piece by piece so slow they’ll feel every inch of muscle ripping.” Peter declared as a growl rumbled from him. Char was worse; she was hissing and glaring at everything in sight. Emmett kept clenching and unclenching his fists, his teeth were gritted as he shook with suppressed anger.
Charlie arrived home and saw us all, his own face darkened. He somehow got us all inside and in our states got us to explain what happened. Bella spoke of what happened while she was out, surprisingly Charlie lost it before us and jumped from his seat and made his way towards the front door with a shotgun in hand. Peter jumped up and using his speed blocked Charlie’s exit, a few spoken words later Charlie’s shoulder slumped before he made his way back to his seat returning the shotgun to its place. When Bella finished Char was spitting mad and ready to kill. Charlie sent her and Peter to Port Angeles and told them to take out as many criminals they could. Peter saluted him happily before they ran out the front door. Emmett and I shared a dark grin; Charlie asked to be a part of whatever we were planning in case he had to bail us out later. Bella wouldn’t let go of me, her grip was as tight as she could. Emmett went out himself, he would make those who hurt Bella regret the day they were conceived.
Distracting Bella was hard. Eventually, Charlie dragged the Christmas decorations into the living room. Bella loosened her hold until she was only holding my hand as she looked through the box. Bella started sorting them out. She was halfway through the box when Emmett came through the front door. A Santa hat sat crookedly on his head; he had one arm wrapped around the waist of a Quileute woman while his other held a tree trunk. Charlie had spluttered the girl’s name, blinking when she smiled completely content. Bella smiled because she now had a tree to decorate. When Emmett entered the house I crouched in front of Bella and Charlie when I saw another vampire behind Emmett. Peter and Charlotte came in through the back door; they didn’t growl when then recognized who it was.
“Garrett, it seems you caught the Major off guard,” Charlotte said as she hugged the vampire.
“This is the God of War? I’m honored to be in your presence.” He said bowing lowly, his hair falling to the side exposing his neck. I slowly rose from my crouch; Bella rubbed my back causing the growls to lessen before they stopped. I kissed Bella’s forehead before making my way to the new vampire.
“Nice to meet you. I apologize, my mate is human and I was caught off guard as Char said.” I said holding out my hand, we shook hands and I gave a nod.
“Err…What the hell just happened?” the woman in Emmett’s arm whispered to him, Emmett’s grin widened.
“Emmett McCarty Swan, let the girl down. Show some manners.” Char said as she turned with her hands on her hips, her narrowed eyes focusing solely on Emmett, Peter and I chuckled under our breaths, glad it wasn’t us for once. Emmett slowly lowered his charge to the floor. Garrett shut the door behind him, while I made my way to Bella. I pulled her into my arms, purring content to know she was safe in my arms. I felt her curl into me, making me smile. Charlie sat in his chair shaking his head at Emmett.
“Hi Leah, do you want to say anything before Emmett starts?” Charlie asked he rubbed his face.
“I imprinted, on him,” Leah said, shrugging her shoulders. Charlie blinked, he looked around pinched his arm mumbled under his breath his pain before he motioned for everyone to sit down. Emmett went to sit down only Charlie pointed to the tree. Emmett smiled innocently, he found the stand in one of Bella’s piles, attached it to the tree, filled a jug with water filled the tray up put the jug back in the kitchen and sat down. Making Charlie raise a brow, his mustache twitching.
“I was coming back from showing Mike what happens when he messes with my Lil’ sis. I caught a glimpse of a wolf in the forest, it reminded me or Ephraim’s pack. I felt the need to follow so I did, only as I got to the clearing the wolf suddenly changed into Leah. I couldn’t believe what I saw and didn’t notice the tree in front of me. I took it out, causing Leah to jump. She came over to where I was holding our Christmas tree when she looked me in the eye. The pull was so strong I just had to touch her and when I did, I swore my heart started to beat again. I pulled her into my arms, enjoying the feeling when she looked up at me, saw my eyes and swore. I think she knew a few sailors don’t.” Emmett said as he grinned over at Leah, a slight blush caused her tanned skin to darken. I heard Bella mumbling about wishing her blush was like that. I held in my chuckle knowing it would have gotten me into trouble.
“I started ranting that it was just my luck to be the only female shifter in the tribe and that couldn’t be enough I just had to go and imprint on our mortal enemy. I started freaking out when suddenly I’m being hugged and he started purring. Strangest thing is the sound calmed me. Charlie, I don’t know how my dad is going to react, or the others. At least I found out the real reason Sam dumped me for my cousin Emily.” Leah said her tone turning bitter about Sam and Emily.
“Hang on you’re telling me, that your boyfriend that was just as much over you as you were him, dumped you and got with your cousin who was like your best friend?” Bella blurted out, her own tone showed her anger at the treatment of the girl in front of us. Leah nodded, “Yepp… Apparently, he shifted the first in the pack making him alpha and then when he went to see me he caught sight of Emily and imprinted on her. He didn’t even turn away from her to break it off with me. Emily refused him for a while before she gave in, and she got told the truth and was sworn to keep it a secret.” Leah said she popped the p at the start. Bella shook her head before she got up and gave Leah a hug.
“That is so horrible. You should have had it explained to you; your dad is on the council and should have explained how hurt you were when it happened. No one should be hurt like that.” Bella said giving Leah another hug, I could feel the start of embarrassment and so I pulled my mate back to me and cuddled her into my side. Making her sigh in contentment, I could feel Garrett watching me.
“Can someone explain what’s going on? I was making my way to visit Carlisle when Emmett comes across me a hat, tree and captive and tells me the others moved on months ago but that I was welcome to join his family for Christmas. Talking about a shower, clean clothes and entertaining company.” Garrett states, looking at Emmett like he lost his marbles. Bella starts giggling, causing Charlie to laugh as well.
Suddenly we are all laughing and I realize I’m projecting.
“Major, cut it out. The humans need to breathe.” Peter said between laughs. Slowly I start to calm everyone else before I stop. Charlie relaxes into his chair breathing deeply. Leah was leaning on Emmett trying to calm her breathing while Bella had her face against my shirt breathing my scent in deeply.
“Sorry, Bella has very strong emotions. She catches me off guard and ends up projecting because I can’t calm down.” I explain, causing everyone to look at Bella. Her cheeks flush bright red as her embarrassment rose. I sent a wave of calm to her and saw the corner of her mouth twitch.
“Garrett, you know Pete and me. These are Emmett and Jasper, Charlie and Bella and this is Leah. Charlie is Bella’s father and has unofficially adopted all of us. Bella is Jasper’s true mate and it seems Leah is Emmett’s.” Char said as she pointed out everyone. Garrett raised a hand giving a brief wave.
“Are you all going to be turned?” Garrett asked.
“Bella will be, I’m thinking about it and I think Leah can’t,” Charlie said as he looked to Leah.
“There are stories within the Tribe’s stories. One mentioned that a vampire bite is deadly to the shifters. The venom liquefies the organs and causes the blood to end up coming out through the pore in our skin. It’s very painful and slow death.” Leah said as she shook her head.
“I’m the first female shifter in the tribe. Also, none of you smells unpleasant to me. The others have mentioned how bad the smell is; they said it’s a sickly sweet bleach smell. Yet to me you each smell different but not unpleasant.” Leah added.
“After Christmas break, I could test a sample of your blood and Emmett’s venom. Since you’re fated to be together maybe it might have changed your genetic structure. It’s an idea.” Bella said as she blushed again when everyone turned to her. “I just have to remember to breathe through my mouth when I’m doing the testing,” Bella added to herself but we all still heard even Charlie caught it.
“Why would you need to do that for Bella?” Char asked her concern clear in her tone and on her face.
“Err… The smell of blood makes me faint.” Bella admitted hiding her face in my shirt. Emmett chuckled until Leah swatted him; he quietened down as she leveled a glare at him.
“I’ve never heard of a human smelling blood before. Then again I haven’t socialized with humans for a long time.” Garrett admitted.
“I’ve smelt it, usually at a crime scene and only when there is a large amount. Bella could faint from a paper cut.” Charlie said, chuckling at the end. Bella glared at her father with a huff she crossed her arms.
Leah rang her family and told them she had imprinted and was going to stay with him. She didn’t mention any names. She had borrowed Emmett’s cell to make the call, she added the number into his contact list as her family. It was only moments after she hung up that they rang back asking what number she was calling from. She dodged mentioning anything, ending the call saying he was about to introduce her to his family and she wanted to make a good impression.
Bella started cooking dinner, while Charlie gave the ground rules to both Leah and Garrett. Suddenly someone knocked on the door, Char got up shooing Bella back into the kitchen before she opened the door. The timid voice asked to see Bella, Char let the person come in, shutting the door behind her and showing her to the kitchen. Char caught Bella’s attention before she took over cooking and giving Bella a chance to speak to her friend with her full attention.
“Hey, Angela.” Bella greeted, I could feel her happiness.
“Hey Bella, I was hoping I could talk to you about Ben,” Angela said whispering the last word.
“Okay, we can sit at the table, Charlotte might be more help when it comes to guys,” Bella said, as they sat at the table Char smiled politely.
“Well, you know we’ve been together for a while now. He wants to move to the next step, but I’m not ready and well…. My father is a pastor. I was brought up a certain way, you know and Ben is starting to get pushy… I don’t know what to do.” Angela said, I horrible listening but none of us could help it.
“Have you told him that you’re not ready?” Bella asked
“Yes, he said he’s been patient but he is getting sick of the good girl act,” Angela replied she started to sniff and knew she had started crying.
“Then he is a jerk and isn’t the one for you Ang,” Bella said her tone comforting to her friend.
“Bella is right, suga. If he loves ya and really cares for ya then he’d wait until the end of time for you.” Char said I could hear her move closer and knew she would try to comfort the girl.
“Ang, call your family and tell them you’re staying over tonight. Tell them that Ben and you have had a fight and you need a girl’s night. If they need to speak to Charlie then I’m sure he’ll be happy to calm down any worries they have.” Bella said I smiled feeling proud of how caring my mate is. Leah filled Charlie in on the conversation that went on in the kitchen, he was ready to find Angela’s boyfriend and set him right, but we calmed him down. Told him what Bella and Char had said, making him beam in pride.
“I have two smart daughters, well three now. Leah welcome to the family.” Charlie said. Leah threw herself into Charlie’s arms hugging him tight. She was crying, poor Charlie he didn’t know how to deal with female emotions and got her to loosen her hold on him and got Emmett to come hold her.
“So Garrett, you want to join our crazy family? I don’t mind gaining another son.” Charlie said, catching Garrett off guard. Garrett looked right at Charlie and it was like all the weight Garrett carried around lifted, he nodded to Charlie, causing the later to smile. “Well welcome to the family son. I’m guessing you’re the oldest here so; I’m counting on you to help keep the other boys in line. Can you do that son?” Charlie asked Garrett nodded his head so fast Charlie must have seen a blur. Charlie was called into the kitchen; he gave a worried glance before heading there. He spoke on the phone for a brief moment before hanging up. Charlie hugged Angela to him as they walked to the living room. She shyly opened up about why see had been crying and Charlie said he’d be happy to have a word or two to Ben on her behalf. He made a joke to get Angela to laugh. As they entered the living room, he introduced everyone to Angela; Leah smiled and got Angela to sit beside her.
Just before dinner was called I got Garrett to the bathroom where I shoved some contacts into his hands. I replaced mine and showed him how to put them in his eyes. Emmett and Peter grabbed theirs, which Char came in she put hers in as she walked back down the stairs. The table was set, Bella was just sitting down, she looked up and her face brightened as she saw me. I smiled at her; I felt longing and turned to see it came from Angela. I sat beside Bella, as I reach for something I whispered in her ear about what I noticed from Angela. Leah sat on one side of Angela while somehow Garrett ended up on her other side. He would have to eat, his expression said it all. Once he took his first bite his face changed, which was just as well since Angela looked his way just at that moment.
After dinner, Angela offered to help with the dishes. Bella and Leah stood and worked together with Angela. Charlie herded the rest of us to the living room. “There is some Christmas special program Bells told me about, she wants us to watch it as a family. Does it work for you all?” Charlie asked I nodded my head and saw him raise his eyebrow. “Do you want to see it or are you just bending to keep your mate happy?” Charlie asked.
“I want to see it. Even though the Cullen’s acted like family, none of us really did family things. Alice and Esme decorated the house from top to bottom. Carlisle worked Rose stayed in the garage working on her car, while Emmett and I would either play some video game or board game. Edward would either be in his room being emo or playing his piano and the saddest carols. Alice would do the present shopping since she saw everything we were going to get and she would approve or disapprove your choices.” I said thinking of Christmas’s with them.
“Okay,” Charlie said as he got the other’s opinion, everyone agreed. Bella came out with Angela and Leah, the three were laughing and the amount of happiness was so strong. I basked in the feeling. Bella curled up into my side, Peter was sitting at Char’s feet while Leah rested her head on Emmett’s shoulder. Garrett sat as close to the edge as he could, Angela ended up sitting next to him since it was the only spot. Charlie was looking around before he settled on the TV. The program started, Angela shifted in her seat brushing her elbow against Garrett’s bicep. That simple touch caused his head to snap around to look at her, Angela blushed and apologized. Garrett shrugged it off and offered his shoulder if she wished to curl up like Bella and Leah. Angela looked down shyly; Garrett placed his finger underneath her chin and gently moved her face to look at him. At the touch of their skin, she gasped. I could see the smile spreading across Garrett’s face. I looked down and saw Bella looking at Garrett and Angela. Leah turned and smiled, Charlie and Emmett were the last to look and they shook their heads with a smile. I saw Peter sharing a knowing look at Char, causing her to gently hit his shoulder.
Everyone turned their attention away from the new couple to the TV. Bella would ooh and ahh at things, Emmett seemed like a kid in a candy store. As the credits rolled I noticed Angela had curled up like Bella and Leah. Charlie turned the TV off, stretched and with a grin that made most of us worry. He empties the forgotten box Bella had been sorting.
“Since Emmett brought home the tree he ran into. Nice size to son. How about we decorate the tree, all of us.” Charlie said Bella hopped up smiling as she grabbed Leah and Char, turning back and calling Angela. Everyone turned to me and shook their heads, Charlie laughed.
“Bella has loved Christmas for as long as I can remember. Her gran Marie and gran Helen would come here, they would take Bella into the kitchen where they’d spend most of the day arguing and baking. The only thing they could agree on was how much they loved Bella. My mother would somehow convince me to get a tree that only just fit so that I could lift her onto my shoulders so she could put either the angel or the star on top. Helen and Marie would argue which would be better until Bella said which one she wanted. They fought over who would tuck her in or who would read to her before bed.” Charlie said as he chuckled.
“They both instilled in me that Christmas is about family. Even if you don’t get on or are close. Family is important they are part of the reason I don’t like expensive presents, everything I got from them came from the heart. They might have spent money on something but there was a heartfelt message behind it.” Bella said as she started putting things on the tree. Leah and Angela followed, Char stood on the side until I sent her a wave of festive joy, and I saw her scowl at me before she joined in the fun. I wrapped my arms around Bella as she leant up to hang something, she giggled. She turned and kissed my cheek before handing me something. I hung it up but kept one arm around her. Charlie was smiling with a camera in his hand; the grin on his face told us he had taken several snaps already. The tree was decorated bar the top, we turned to Charlie grinning, and he put his hands up. Asking which one we thought was better, we left it to him. He chose a star, he placed it on top dusted his hands before he rummaged through some of the other items that got upended on the floor. He throws Santa hats at us, catching them we made sure we all were wearing one even him.
Using the fireplace mantle, Charlie set the self-timer and managed to get into the photo with a grin before it flashed. He went to check and showed us. It looked wonderful. He took photos of each couple. Soon the humans started yawning; Bella pulled Angela and Leah with her. From the stairs they called good night, Charlie smiled gave his own goodnights before he followed the girls up. He called for Char to get here as well. Making us all laugh, including Charlie.
The next morning Angela had woken before Bella or Leah and headed to the phone in the kitchen. The vampires could hear while us we all hid near the attic stairs. I sent Angela a little confidence.
A sleepy voice answered the phone; Angela spoke politely before the person put someone else on. Angela spoke of her feelings on the problems she was having and suddenly the other person was yelling. Angela tried to get in a couple of times but couldn’t. Char got angry and made her way down the stairs. Suddenly she was speaking, and the next second Char was ending the relationship. Angela broke down into tears while Char managed to get her upstairs. Peter pushed Garrett into view. Garrett asked what was wrong; Char mentioned hot Cocoa and left Angela to Garrett. Somehow Garrett managed to hug Angela calming her down just as only her true mate could.
“Alright boys, come down the stairs and stop hiding. We are all going to sit in the living room and explain to Angela what is going on. Char wake up Bells and Leah. Just watch out, both sometimes react violently to being roused.” Charlie said, coming out from his door. We smiled sheepishly at him before we filed our way to the living room. Char went up the stairs.
“Hot Cocoa anyone?” Char called rousing both Bells and Leah. Both grumbling and muttering different swear words as they made their way from the bed. Leah landed on her feet while Bella tumbled to the floor. She swore before she got up, she headed to the bathroom slammed the door. Leah grumbled but waited. Bella came down the stairs behind Char. Char came back out with two cups of hot cocoa. She handed one to Bella before handing the other to Angela. She had one ready for Leah who grabbed as she stopped on the bottom step. She curled up against me holding her mug like it was irreplaceable, taking long savoring sips. Moaning under her breath, in fact, Leah and Angela were doing the same thing. Charlie hid a chuckle, while he sipped his coffee. Char came in with a mug in her hand; she winked at us before taking a sip.
Category: crossover Twilight / The Originals / Vampire Diaries
Summary: On Bonfire Night, secrets are revealed, gifts are received, one of three kings is deposed, and a new queen ascends.
Characters / Pairing: Klaus/Bella
Genre: supernatural, drama, some humor
Rating: M (character death. Not a main character)
Prompt/inspiration: Christmas carol We Three Kings
Complete. One shot
Disclaimer: Derivative work. I make no money.
~o~ Gifts and Wishes ~o~
“Gentlemen, and lady,” Klaus added with a small smile and a slight nod. “Thank you so much for coming on such short notice.” Setting his glass of deep red wine aside, Klaus rose smoothly from the small table placed near the fountain in the enclosed courtyard and buttoned his tuxedo jacket over a red velvet vest. “I trust your trip was uneventful?”
At the silent, barely perceptible nods from the seven visitors standing stiffly before them, Klaus reached a hand to his sister. “Though our brother Elijah has, Rebekah, I believe you’ve not had the opportunity to meet our guests from Italy.”
“Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.” Taking her brother’s hand, Rebekah flipped her golden hair over her shoulder and stood beside him.
Their older brother, Elijah, smoothed his dark hair and tugged at his tuxedo jacket as he made his way to stand on Rebekah’s other side. Weaving his fingers together, his deep brown eyes perused the black-clad company, an unreadable expression on his face.
A bright twinkle in his blue eyes, Klaus stepped forward and gestured to each as he named them. “Rebekah, I’d like you to meet our guests from the quaint Tuscany village of Volterra—the Volturi—Marcus, Aro, and Caius.” Pausing and touching one fingertip to his lips, Klaus’ eyes widened. “Forgive me, Aro. I seem to have forgotten the names of your … escort.”
“Enough with this supercilious nonsense!” The white-haired Caius hissed and took one step forward to glare menacingly at their hosts. “Aro, you bade us come with you on what you called a mission of some import.” His murderous gaze went to Aro and snapped back to the seemingly unconcerned vampires. “You clearly stated it was a grave matter, though you gave us no details. Marcus and I, your fellow kings, trusted in your word. Yet here we are in the presence of this … this wolf,” he sneered, obvious disgust and hatred marring his cold handsome features.
“Ah, ah, ah!” Klaus warned, his eyes flashing yellow and his teeth showing sharply in a threatening grin. “Might I remind you—wolf vampire hybrid. One whose fangs would have no trouble slicing through your hardened skin.”
“Nik, it’s Christmas,” Rebekah said with a pretty pout. “We’ve spent days buying up all the fairy lights in the city my sweet niece loves so well. And you know how she giggles and claps her hands at anything covered in glitter.” She turned to him and placed her hand on his arm. “You are aware how excited Hope and everyone is, and though I think the more the merrier, you invited these ruffians into our home?”
Lightly clearing his throat, Elijah soothed his sister with a hand on her shoulder. “Not all of them are being so disrespectful. But should such unbecoming behavior continue, perhaps we could crush them and paint portions of the exterior trim with their remains to add to the festive decor. The rest would be contributed to our bonfire. I’m sure our other guests would find the purple flames and smoke most entrancing as they make their wishes.”
“Yes, brother, splendid idea. I shall keep it in mind,” Klaus agreed, smiling widely and displaying his dimples. “I dare say Hayley’s pack, and our vampire and human guests, would be enchanted by the show.”
Aro gulped nervously and put a restraining hand on Caius’ chest. “Brother. Please.”
“You’ve been abnormally quiet, my brother,” Caius spat harshly. “Speak now. Explain why you’ve brought us here and had us subjected to these empty threats.”
In a flash of movement and a thunderous crack, Caius was pinned to the wall, Klaus’ hand around his throat.
“Might I also remind you—” Klaus’ fangs grew longer as he growled out his words. “You requested an audience with me and are guests in my home, and I never make empty threats.”
As all eyes were trained on them, there was movement from the shadows beneath the gaily decorated upper walkway surrounding the courtyard. Vampires, dusky veins spreading over their cheeks from scarlet-tinged eyes, and men and women with their eyes nearly glowing yellow, advanced on the Volterran contingent.
Others dropped as silently as wraiths from the roof above to join their compatriots.
The lone female guard shuffled closer to her two kings. “How can this be, master? Are they not Children of the Moon? How can they—?”
“There is no full moon!” another exclaimed.
The tallest Volturi turned to face the hissing and growling crowd, his hands raised defensively. “Not for another week!”
“Jane, Demetri, Felix,” Marcus rumbled, speaking for the first time, his voice rough from disuse. “They are Children of the Moon, but it seems they are no longer bound by the phases of their namesake. Alec,” he called to the youngest looking male next to the petite Jane. “It would not be wise to make any attempt to subdue them.”
“Precisely,” Elijah said softly. “You were not invited here to be slaughtered, though should you wish it, we could accommodate you.”
Caius clutched at the hand around his throat and bared his own razor sharp teeth as he rasped out, “You, Klaus Mikaelson, dare to ambush us—”
Rebekah rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. They’re not here to ambush you. They’re here for the celebration.” She plucked at her shining sequin-covered red gown, “We thought you’d like to join us since you were here in America and asked to see us. My brothers mentioned how eager they were for us all to meet and do some catching up. We’ve plenty of food and drink for everyone. Even you with your limited diet.”
She swiftly turned on her five-inch heels and spoke to those assembled around them. “Oh, good. Nearly everyone is here. We can start soon.” She turned back to her brother holding the pale so-called king against the wall. “Nik, do finish with him one way or the other. We’ve a party to get started, a new family member to officially welcome, and wishes to make. I’ve mine ready to go.”
“Right you are, Rebekah.” Klaus lowered the sneering Caius so that his feet came in contact with the tiled floor again. He maintained his grip on his throat and raised one finger to hold in front of his face. “Should I ever find the witch, or the last of those of her line, who conjured you poor imitations of vampires …” His words faded out.
Klaus released Caius with a snarl, spun around, and strode away. He raised both his arms to catch the attention of everyone gathered in the courtyard. “A brief bit of history, my friends. For those of you who don’t know, these wretched facsimiles,” he gestured grandly toward the frightened group, “are the disastrous result of a witch’s spell. She, or he, was attempting to turn true vampires back into humans. It was an experiment that went horribly wrong.” Klaus quickly paced from one end of the enclosed space to the other, his hands clasped behind his back. “They’ve told their own people they’ve been on this earth for thousands of years, but we know this is not true as I and my siblings are the original vampires. There were none before us.” He stopped and turned to face the Volturi across the wide open space. “Those three have set themselves up as the kings of their race. Their own people believe these lies. I and my brothers and sister have chosen to allow them their inconsequential attempts at rule and their playing fast and loose with their historical significance.” He smiled and raised one eyebrow. “For now.”
He paced slowly toward them, Caius having rejoined the small, outnumbered group, and stopped several feet in front of them. “Their kind continues walking this earth simply because we allow it.”
“Perhaps we should get to the point of their visit,” Elijah suggested, as he adjusted his shirt cuffs.
Aro glanced quickly at each of his co-rulers and then brushed his long black hair over his shoulders in a show of nerves. “Wouldn’t it better suit if we spoke of this in private?”
“Oh, no. Do go on and tell us.” Rebekah cocked one hip to the side and crossed her arms. “The food and the blood is getting cold.”
Trailing his fingertips across his own brow, Aro cleared his throat. “You know of our greatest law?”
“Yes, yes. Humans who learn of your existence must be turned or killed.” Elijah sounded bored. “A rule you adopted from us and follow rather haphazardly. Please continue.”
“Erm, yes. Of course.” Aro’s hand next went to the large, golden, ruby-encrusted V pendant on his chest. “One of our covens—their leader a dear friend of mine—befriended a human girl a short few years ago. They insisted they would grant her the gift of immortality, but she has disappeared and they are unable to find her. They fear for her safety.”
Rebekah couldn’t contain an exaggerated sigh of exasperation. “And this is our problem how? You’re faster and stronger than a human, and you never sleep. How did this pitiable excuse for a coven lose her?”
Narrowing his eyes in suspicion, Elijah pointed at the Volturi leader and then slowly brought his finger up and touched his own bottom lip. “Yessss. How is your loss of one human girl our problem?” He raised his head and looked down his nose at the three of them. “Unless …”
Klaus’ eyes took on a wicked gleam. “Unless there is something special about this wayward waif? Other than she knows the secret and she hasn’t the required skills to be one of your receptionists or tailors.” He chuckled. “She’s certainly not the only human to learn of it and remain among the living is she?”
All the Volturi but Marcus looked guiltily at each other.
“So what difference would it make?” Rebekah had a puzzled frown. “Is she an heiress? A child of some government official? That’s not it.” She huffed loudly, closely examining their reluctant guests’ faces. “She’s a supernatural being, isn’t she? She has some sort of power you want.” Rebekah began to grow angry. “You want her so you can use her! Well, I will not allow it!” Turning to her brothers, she grabbed their arms. “Niklaus, Elijah, we must protect this girl from these … these vampire wanna-bes.”
“Rebekah.” Klaus patted her hand. “Not to worry. The girl must be very special indeed, and must have great power for them to seek an audience with us and request our assistance.”
“Fear not, Rebekah,” Elijah said to comfort her. “Gentlemen, you’ve not refuted what my dear sister has said. I believe there must be more to the story. It’s more than just the girl has some sort of ability you wish to make use of. We would like to know why you came to us specifically. Please enlighten us.”
When Caius growled again, Aro caught his arm and held tightly. “She … is the claimed mate of one in the coven I spoke of earlier. They … they, uh, had a small spat and she left him.”
“You are so tongue-tied, Aro, this leads me to think it was more than a mere lover’s quarrel between the two.” Klaus batted his eyes and bounced up on his toes. “And if she is his mate as you claim, why did he not turn her? You know how vulnerable humans can be when they associate with your kind.”
Caius yanked his arm from Aro’s hold and his face further twisted the ever-present sneer. “After a promise to wed him, she abandoned him at the alter this June past! Such insult will not be excused.”
Mouth dropping open in surprise, Rebekah gasped out, “So what you’re saying is she, a mere human, fled the creatures, and you haven’t been able to find her for four months?”
Stepping in front of the still-snarling Caius, Aro raised his hands in what he hoped was a placating gesture. “She has been most resourceful, I must admit.” He glanced warily around the large area. “Our captain of the guard—”
“You mean the relentless bloodhound—Demetri,” Elijah interjected calmly.
“Er, yes,” Aro tittered nervously. “Our best tracker—he has been unable to locate her.” He swallowed and quickly continued. “We did manage to trace her to several rural towns throughout the country—always arriving within a day or two after she had left. On one occasion, her bereft fiancé thought he had found her through her credit card use, but it was simply a false lead. She’d lost the card.”
“Ditched it, you mean,” Rebekah grumbled. “Smart girl.”
“In any case,” Aro gave Rebekah a slight bow. “We thought we had caught up with her in a small town in Virginia. We were surprised to find the place populated with many … members of your race.”
“And that’s when you decided to ask us for assistance!” Klaus fairly beamed with good humor. He sidled up to Aro and whispered, “Or when you three kings finally realized you were in over your heads.”
He chucked Caius under his chin despite the pale blond’s threatening stance. “Cheer up, old boy. I think we may have an answer to the mystery of the run-away bride, but we will get to that shortly. I hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet and that can only mean it’s time to begin the festivities.” He dashed to the foot of the stairs. “Do I hear my precious daughter and her lovely mother?”
At the head of the stairs, stood a smiling, wobbling toddler dressed in red velvet and white tights, held securely by her brunette mother, who wore a clinging black gown. She reached outward, making grabbing motions with her tiny fist. “Da!”
“Merry Christmas, my princess!” Klaus raced up the stairs and scooped her up into his arms, while the crowd beneath them chorused, “Merry Christmas, Hope!”
“Hayley,” the delighted father whispered. “I barely recognized you without your combat boots.”
“I could go put them on if you’d rather,” she said with a smirk and shifting just enough so her long leg was revealed by the slit in the skirt.
“No, no, little wolf. You’ve done your daughter proud.”
Just then, Hope squealed happily and bounced in her father’s arms. She grabbed the edge of his vest and giggled. “Da! Red!”
“Yes, my brilliant child.” Klaus nuzzled her cheek and spoke softly to her. “Daddy had his vest made specially to match your beautiful dress.” He kissed her dimpled cheeks and handed her to Hayley. “Go say hello to your Aunt Rebekah and Uncle Elijah. We must bring out and introduce your new aunt to all of our friends and family!”
Watching them gracefully descend the stairs with an indulgent smile on his face, Klaus’ eyes flicked to the somberly dressed, and worried looking, Volterrans. He was pleased to see his vampires and wolves had moved to surround them more closely, as the wait staff began circulating with silver trays filled with flutes of champagne. Two female servers bore golden trays of opaque black wine glasses and stopped in front of Aro and his entourage.
Aro’s eyes widened comically and snapped up to Klaus, who gestured with one finger for them to help themselves, while Rebekah had sent one of the staff to bring a tray of champagne to him.
After taking his glass, Klaus loudly cleared his throat. “Might I have your attention? Honored guests, I’d like to welcome you all to our home during this most festive of seasons. We have much to celebrate—not the least of which are our family and friends. We’ve decided to share with you a custom from my youth. Bonfire night. You write your wishes for your loved ones on a slip of paper and place it in the fire and burn them for luck. Our staff has paper and pens for your use. Marcel?”
Taking his cue, Klaus’ right hand man directed two vampires and two werewolves to carry in and place a four-foot wide, footed, hammered copper bowl in the center of the courtyard. Inside it was a teepee of logs. After it was set down, Marcel took a long wooden match from his pocket. With a flick of his thumb it was lit, and he tossed it into the bowl. Bright yellow and blue flames burst into existence and soon the wood itself began to catch.
Raising his voice above the soft exclamations of the crowd, Klaus gained everyone’s attention again. “But before we make our wishes, I want to introduce to you the newest member of our family.” He turned and extended his hand.
A pale arm appeared from the shadows behind him and a woman dressed in a form-fitting satin gown stepped forward and took his hand. The midnight blue enhanced the silken cream of her bare shoulders and brought out the deep red tones in the waving curls of her rich brown hair.
“You are a vision.” Klaus brought her fingers to his lips. In a low tone meant only for her ears, he said, “Remember, none here will harm you. You are a Mikaelson. Hold your head high.” When she raised her head and smiled at him, he turned back to those gathered. “Allow me the great honor of introducing to you to the woman who graciously consented to be my bride—Isabella Swan.”
Aro’s shocked gasp and Caius’ hateful snarl were quickly drowned out by cheers, clapping, loud whistles, and strong hands clamping down on their arms.
“What is this treachery?” Caius shouted and tried to wrench his arms away. “That is the girl!” He struggled to break free, but more hands gripped him. “You’ve had her this entire time! You knew she was the one we were searching for and—”
“Caius!” Aro leaned as close to him as he could and glared heatedly at him. “Cease your outbursts. Do you not see that we are at a bit of a disadvantage?” Aro let out a slow breath. “Let us speak calmly and rationally. You slavering like a rabid beast will not garner us even the tiniest of courtesies.”
“So unbecoming of a man of your age.” Rebekah took a sip of her champagne. “You’ve spilled your blood and broken the glass we had made with you in mind. That was very rude.”
“Courtesies? Courtesies!?!” With his bulging black eyes and venom leaking down his chin, Caius resembled the beast Aro compared him to.
Elijah appeared before Caius and gripped his chin. “You will be quiet and discontinue your attempts to escape or we will have no choice but to disassemble you. I hear it is very painful.” He snatched his hand from Caius’ face, retrieved the red silk handkerchief from his breast pocket and proceeded to clean his hands.
As sedately as a king with his queen, Klaus and Isabella made their way down the stairs, and their guests parted as if it had been previously choreographed to allow them through.
“Isabella Swan?” Aro asked in a high, weak tone. “She is to be your wife? But, she was claimed. She was to be married. She and her new husband were to join—” He snapped his mouth shut and tried to back away, but he was held by too many hands to move.
“Ah! As I suspected after hearing Isabella’s story.” Klaus kissed the back of her hand and wrapped it around the crook in his elbow. “Claimed you say? You, nor anyone else, has no such claim.” He smiled down at Isabella and nodded. “Isabella is her own.”
She held up her right arm and her lips curled in a smirk. “As you can see, the scar is gone.”
“But, how—?” It didn’t seem possible, but Aro’s eyes grew even bigger.
“Our blood heals, while your … ichor … causes torment.” Klaus shrugged and smiled brightly.
Isabella brushed her hair back over her shoulder. “A naïve girl gave all her love to a beautiful boy, but it was never really returned. He was only obsessed with her blood and the fact he couldn’t read her mind. He and his pseudo father saw great potential in me, but the boy—Edward—was too afraid to bite me himself and introduce a little venom into my system. He thought he would drain me. Through some unfortunate events, I was bitten by another vampire. Edward used that as his chance to get his own venom into me. He knew he wouldn’t kill me with four other vampires there to pull him off.”
She squeezed Klaus’ arm and leaned into his shoulder. “Edward couldn’t read my mind, but he was able to compel me. He was doing it practically the whole time I knew him.” She drew in a deep breath. “One of the others finally figured out Edward and his sister were up to something and managed to break the compulsion. It took a few days, but he helped me escape.” She rolled her eyes. “As I was about to walk down the aisle for that bullshit wedding.”
“She ended up in the finest establishment in Mystic Falls!” Called a voice from the back of the crowd.
“The only such establishment in Mystic Falls,” Klaus chuckled. “Damon, do join us.”
A man with inky black hair and ice-blue eyes wove his way through the spell-bound throng. “Which makes it the finest—as I am a frequent customer. Klaus, I love what you’ve done to the place!”
“All Rebekah’s doing.”
Isabella grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. He smiled down at her and kissed her cheek.
“Everyone knows I can’t resist a damsel in distress. Of course, she told me she was on the run. No one can resist my rakish good looks!”
Isabella laughed and returned his kiss. “You’re such a jerk!”
“That’s why you love me.” Damon turned back to the captive audience. “I knew she was something special the minute I laid eyes on her. And I must say that shade of blue is your color. The only thing your ex ever got right.”
He gave her a wink. “My friend Bonnie happened to be having lunch with her friends at the time and was drawn to her. She felt her power but told me she didn’t think Bella was a witch. When Bonnie convinced her to have lunch with them, I called my ol’ buddy, Klaus.”
Klaus reached across Isabella to grip their joined hands. “For which I shall be forever grateful.”
“That’s right. You owe me one, pal.”
“That’s why you allowed that human to leave Volterra alive!” Caius hissed at Aro. “You were plotting against us—Marcus and I! To take all the power for yourself!”
A young woman broke through the crowd, walked right up to Aro, and took hold of his hand. Her pretty face twisted in a grimace and a groan escaped her.
Klaus grinned even more broadly. “Bonnie Bennett! So good of you to come.”
After several long moments, she jerked her hand away and clutched at her head. “So many memories, but I got what I needed.” She glowered at Aro and turned to Bella and Klaus. “He read their minds and knew about your power even though he couldn’t read your mind, Bella. He thought you were like a magical object—a living talisman. He saw how Edward and Alice used their powers to speak to each other. He offered to let you and the whole coven live if Alice and Edward promised to bring you to him later. When Alice said ‘the date has been set,’ that was when they agreed to his terms. He was going to imprison you in some tower and use you to overthrow his brothers. Then he was going to come after the Originals.”
“The plot thickens,” Elijah murmured.
“No! No!” Aro lunged frantically against the hands holding him, but they shoved him to the floor. “She lies! I would never conspire against—”
With a roar, Caius very nearly slipped from his captors.
Elijah bounded forward and struck, taking off his head. “You were warned.”
“Klaus!” Isabella gasped. “In front of the baby?”
“Don’t worry, my heart. Hope is already safely away,” Klaus assured her. “On Christmas day, we will have a more intimate family gathering and set another bonfire for her to make her wishes.”
Growling, Aro jerked impotently against the restraining hands. “You shall not have her! A claim was made! She has been promised to me! Jane!”
“I cannot, Master,” the little blonde vampire choked out through the fingers around her cracking neck.
“Something is preventing—” her brother said with a cough as hands tightened around his throat.
“My daughter Hope is a brilliant star that brought light to the darkness of my world. Isabella is the sun that shines brightly and warms, and protects, us all.” Klaus grasped Isabella’s hand and a smirk curved his mouth. “She also happens to be the last remaining descendent of the witch that created you.”
“How did you—?” Aro managed to get out before someone’s hand slapped down over his mouth.
“You thought you would take her to ensure the spell that created you was never undone. My beautiful Isabella is not a witch, but she does harbor quite a bit of power. She is very much like a living talisman whose power can only be used at her discretion.” Klaus kissed her again. “And I refute your deceitful and underhanded claims. No one claims Isabella for she has made claim to us!” He paused for a breath. “Well, I think we’ve had enough of this drama.”
Klaus kissed Isabella’s hand once more and then clapped his together. He turned toward the last Volturi king who remained upright. “Marcus, you understand Aro, and the two little ones there, have forfeited their lives. Since you have not been implicated in this grand conspiracy against me or my family, and your guards, Felix and Demetri, have been so well behaved, you are free to go. You may choose whether to take the snarly rude one with you. Or you could all stay and join in the festivities.”
“Yuletide friendships could be most beneficial,” Rebekah urged coyly and batted her lashes.
Elijah nodded at his sister. “I concur.”
Slowly, Marcus’ dark scrutiny tracked across his two guardsmen behind him and then down to Caius’ bodiless head that appeared to be shouting. Aro and his twin vampire weapons were screaming against the hands pressed over their mouths.
Marcus blew out a disdainful breath when looking at them and then met Klaus’ eyes. “I should like to keep Caius. Although his anger sometimes overtakes him, he has a keen, analytical mind. Now his life is mine.” Hands released him and he glanced over his shoulder at his two guards. “I think we would like to stay and partake of your hospitality.”
Klaus bounced up on his toes again. “Ah, ha! Wish granted. We have much to discuss later. Now, my Isabella. Are you ready to make your wishes?”
“More than ready.” Her dark brown eyes glittered. “Damon, did you bring the wishes?”
“Yes, ma’am! I sure did!” He raised his arm and snapped his fingers.
“Oh!” Bella practically squealed. “You brought the whole gang! I didn’t even know they were here!”
“Our Christmas presents to you, Bella.” Damon grabbed his brother Stefan and hauled him forward. “C’mon, guys!”
“Bella, good to see you again.” Stefan handed her a set of keys.
“It’s good to see you, too, but what’s this?” she asked, puzzled, holding the keys up in front of her face.
Damon clapped each of the three young men on their backs. “Matt, Jeremy, and Steffy worked double and triple-time to have your truck ready. It’s a lovely shade of Christmas red, too. Picked it out myself. It’s parked outside.”
“No way!” She leapt at them, throwing her arms around all three and squeezing them. “Thanks! My dad gave me that truck. I never thought I’d see it again. I love you guys!”
“Take it easy, Bells. You’re gonna crush us!” Jeremy laughed, patting her back.
“No problem, Bella.” Matt pried her arm from around his neck. “We were happy to do it.”
“Ahem!” came a loud, high-pitched throat clearing from behind them.
“Caroline and Elena!” Bella started toward them and jerked to a stop when she saw what they were holding.
Posing like they were being photographed for the holiday issue of Bon Appetit magazine, Caroline and Elena each held a large, high-domed covered dish.
“Is that—?” Bella asked in a breathy voice, her fingers at her mouth.
Both girls nodded enthusiastically.
“Where’s the rest of them?” Bella shook her head. “I don’t mean … um, I mean where’s the rest of the family?”
“Cooling their heels until you decide whether they should join us or not.” Klaus stepped up to Bella and rested his hand at the small of her back. “Now, Isabella. Are you ready to make your wishes?”
“One for me and one for you, Klaus.” Bella searched his eyes. “Though I think I’ve gotten everything I could have ever wished for.”
“As have I.”
They gazed deeply into each other’s eyes and shared a brief kiss.
“Um, Klaus, I hate to break up your special moment and all,” Bonnie began, “but I think you’d like to know the little black-haired one had a vision of you and Bella together soon after Damon called you.” She pressed her lips together and tsked. “She saw it but she kept insisting Bella was meant for Edward, even after we caught them.”
“Is that so?” His eyes flashed yellow and his canines elongated. His head snapped toward Elena and Caroline. “Ladies?”
“Ta-dah!” they sang in chorus as they whipped the lids from the gleaming trays and raised up their offerings for all to behold.
Gasps of shock, chuckles, and outright laughter rippled through the party-goers.
“Come, my heart.” Klaus put his arm around Bella and they approached the girls.
Bella let out a little cough. “The glittery apples in their mouths are a nice touch.”
“My idea.” Caroline grinned proudly and wrinkled her nose. “I had to keep breaking their jaws so they wouldn’t bite through them. Elena put the little wreaths around their necks.”
“Christmas-y.” Bella nodded. “I like it.” She looked up at Klaus. “How about you take Alice’s head and I’ll take Edward’s?”
“You’ve read my mind, beloved. After you.”
Bella clenched a handful of Edward’s reddish hair and held it up at eye level. “I really don’t have anything left to say to you, Edward. You used and abused me. I wasn’t even a person to you—I was less than nothing. Just a human to control.” She sauntered toward the copper fire pit. “Oh, which I no longer am, by the way. I do have to thank you though. For refusing to turn me into one of you. If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have met who I really belong with.” She dangled his head over the crackling flames. “Another good thing out of all this is you won’t have to suffer any longer. No more hating yourself and what you are. That’s my gift to you. Good bye, Edward.” She opened her fingers and dropped his head.
Klaus was right beside her, Alice’s head held firmly by her short hair. His blue eyes flashed yellow again and he snarled in her face as her eyes blinked frenziedly. “I only regret I didn’t have the pleasure of dissecting you with my own hands.”
His fingers spread, and he caught her with both hands before she reached the flames. He squeezed, sending cracks through her crystalline face. “I can see into your mind,” he hissed, “and all I see is the black Hell you deserve.” He let go.
Turning his back to the roaring purple flames, he raised his arms. “Marcel, my good man, thank you for retrieving the rest of the Cullens. Come forward, Cullens, Don’t be afraid. Isabella?”
She sighed as she looked them all over. “They can stay.”
“How marvelous!” Klaus exclaimed. “You can celebrate with us as we rid ourselves of the former king and his twin toadies. Carlisle, right?” Klaus wrapped his arm snuggly around the coven leader’s shoulders and walked him to where Aro was being held down on the floor.
“Carlisle, here is your old friend and former king, Aro. Pay your respects quickly as he’s about to be permanently deposed. It’s very like that Christian hymn about the three kings bearing gifts is it not? Such gifts we have received!” Klaus slapped him on the back and turned to his guests. “Wolves, my gift to you.” He pointed at Aro, Jane, and Alec. “Rend them to pieces, but mind the venom!”
To a discordant symphony of shrieks, growls, snarls, and the screech of tearing metal, Klaus returned to Isabella. “Beloved, which Cullen was it that assisted you in breaking the compulsion?”
“Jasper.” She went to him and took hold of his hand. “He made me feel so pissed off I wanted to kill somebody. That’s when Edward’s control broke.”
“Come, Jasper. I owe you a debt for helping break free the woman who ended up stealing my heart. I hope you’re not too upset about the little seer?”
“Not after what she and Edward did to Bella, no. I’m more mad at myself for not realizing it sooner.”
“Don’t be angry at yourself, Jasper,” Klaus gripped his upper arm and pulled Bella back to his side. “It all worked out in the end. You have a place with me if you should wish it. I might even be able to persuade a certain Bennett witch to concoct a special daylight ring just for you.” Klaus raised his eyebrows as he studied Jasper’s stunned face. “No rush, mate. You think on it and get back to me.”
He patted Jasper’s shoulder and then raised his arms. “Everyone! Retrieve a glass of your preferred beverage and raise it high.”
He had to nearly shout over the howls and whoops from the wolves who were throwing sparkling bits, pieces, and dust into the fire pit bowl, causing the flames to leap ever higher.
Bella handed him a fresh flute of champagne and sipped from her own. “So Klaus, the king is dead.”
“Long live my queen,” he replied, nuzzling her cheek. He held her to his side and lifted his glass. “To family and friends, and my Isabella!”
As you guys already know I love to have Christmas writing challenges. I wanted to make sure you had enough time to write your ideas, so I am starting this early so that by Thanksgiving you will have your entries in, and I have until the 30th to make banners. Since I am home this year, I will be decorating the house, so I will need the time!
So what is this year’s idea?
Christmas Carols
Which were originally once upon a time, stories. (Hence why we watch the Christmas Carol in every incarnation in my house around this time of year) So basically, any stories, songs or anything to do with the two have to inspire you. And to take place during the winter season, hopefully around the holidays. It doesn’t need to be Christmas, but any holiday taking place on that or up to New Year’s Day.
The rules are as follows:
Must use prompt(s).
All fandoms are allowed.
No letting anyone knowing which story is yours.
If you submit, you can grab the Banner for Participating for the month. You will also receive a banner for the story you submit.
If explicit, you need to warn people in the title.
All entries must be received by kittyinazwritingchallenges@gmail.com by Midnight CST at the end of the 24th of Nov. 2016.
To enter, you can send it to the Kittyinazsbetas@gmail.com or to the Writing Contest email, KittyinazWritingChallenges@gmail.com. These are both permanent email addresses that Rissa checks for entries and really anything. Please include the name you want on the banners when the contest is over for Rissa to send to me. She sends the stories to me and erases any way of me knowing who wrote what. They are due by the 24th of November at midnight CST. From there I will reserve until the end of the month to be able to do banners, with the option of opening the contest early if I finish ahead of time.
I am looking forward to this year’s entries as always!
It truly is amazing the stuff you can find on the internet. I searched Alexander Skarsgard leprechaun and the picture above is what popped up. I think it is fitting for today. Sorry I missed posting last week, but Daylight Savings in the USA screwed me up. Losing one hour completely wrecked my week. I…
Can someone please explain to me why I am seeing more snow in March than I did in the entire months of December and January???? I should be getting ready for spring, not worrying about shoveling 8 inches of snow. The only way snow in March is acceptable is if it this is part of…
Hello lovelies. I cannot guarantee I will be back to publishing weekly, but I will try. My dear beta, kleannhouse, is in high demand trying to juggle the stories of three writers. She is amazing and she makes me laugh with all of her comments on my stories. This one especially. I started this story…
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