KLAUS
It took me very little time to acquire and convert the two mangy hybrids currently occupying the backseat of my car. I would be forever grateful to one Katerina Petrova for sacrificing herself willingly in my pursuit of reaching my full werewolf/vampire potential. Willingly may be stretching the truth a bit, but she served her purpose and no amount of whining from Elijah had deterred me from my course. Eventually he was able to turn her against my wishes, thus taking away my supply of doppelganger blood. Just another familial betrayal. These two loyal sires would be my insurance that Stefan Salvatore did not slip away from me once I tracked him down in Mystic Falls.
My eyes glance over at the book lying on the seat beside me. So Mary was the mother of the man I had met in the 20’s? Amazingly enough, she had no idea that the son who caused her to lose her grip on her human life still lived, in a sense. I held lingering regrets that the friendship I struck up with the “Rippah” had been cut short by Bekah and me fleeing from our father. Her father, since I shared no blood ties with the man. He was still obsessed with putting me down like a rabid dog even though I had been able to lift the spell which kept me from accessing both sides of my nature. He only saw us all as abominations and not as the family we were supposed to be.
Family.
Bekah was my family and the one most loyal to me over the years and now she had been turned from me by those common Salvatores. I was her blood! I was the one who traveled through these centuries with her and knew her better than any latecomers to our world! My fist struck the steering wheel, I’m sure causing the two imbeciles in the back to flinch in fear. At least in their acknowledgement of my alpha status they showed themselves not to be completely moronic. The nature of my retribution had a poetic appeal to me; the symmetry was delicious.
An eye for an eye.
A tooth for a tooth.
Blood for blood.
A son for a sister.
It was these thoughts occupying my mind when I pulled up to the Salvatore Boarding House. It was easy enough to track down Stefan’s home once I had the information about Mystic Falls contained in Bekah’s diary. I would simply compel the information on Stefan’s whereabouts from whatever caretaker currently resided and be on my way. Just in case I was lucky enough to find my target in residence, I sent my two minions to circle the property and allow no one to exit without my permission. Stefan would not be able to scamper off like the rabbits he for some reason chose to occasionally partake in.
My simple knock brought a vivacious red-haired girl to the threshold and I decided my undertaking had just gotten more delicious, indeed.
“Well hello, sweetheart. Might you know where I could find Stefan Salvatore? I am an old friend of his and thought I would look him up while I’m in town to see if he’d care to join me for a bite to eat.”
“So how old of a friend are you talking? Current day Mopey Stefan? Civil War Golden Son Stefan? Or something in between from his I am Going to Embrace my Inner Demon and Tear Apart People from Coast-to-Coast Stefan? The answer to that will enlighten me as to what information I am willing to give to you. It’ll also inform whether I invite you in or not.”
She props a hip against the frame and crosses her arms as if a vampire showing up at her door is an everyday occurrence. Since she obviously knows of the family history, I would need to be more forward in my approach. I decide to skip directly into compulsion. I lean in slightly and focus on the pupils in her eyes, voice lowered and an edge which broaches no disagreement in my voice.
“You will tell me where I can find…”
“Look. I’m going to stop you right there. I cannot be compelled and no, you cannot bleed the vervain from me as I’m not on it. So cut the bullshit. Should I just call my husband now to deal with you, or shall we dance some more? I am sure Damon would love to meet his brother’s friend.”
Interesting. This female had moxie and was definitely not a vampire, but what the hell was she? Possibly a witch of some sort and I was very adept at working on their weaknesses. I changed tactics immediately and tried a different approach. It was only then that her words hit me and a broad grin spread across my face, highlighting the dimples which seemed to please so many of her sex. Damon Salvatore, the blood progeny of both Mary and Gabriel lived and was here for the taking. This revenge just got ever so much sweeter. I decided to invoke a name Stefan had given me which may instill a bit of trust.
“I’m terribly sorry, love. I don’t know where my manners have gone. Lexi has always told me I resort too quickly to brute force when a bit of diplomacy would serve me better. I am Nik.”
“Lexi? You know Lexi? Well, why didn’t you say so? I may not agree with her methods, but she is a true friend to Stefan. Come on in while I call Damon. DAMON ETERNAL STUD SALVATORE! WE HAVE COMPANY! Put on some pants and at least a semblance of manners.”
She turns back to me with a cheeky grin and a flutter of eyelashes and I try to decide how slowly I wish to drain her once I deal with the elder Salvatore, who is apparently her husband. Why do vampires insist on tying themselves to humans who come with an expiration date? If he was smart he would have turned this one already and locked her into the shape she was in now. Too late for that, as I intended for no one to leave this living room alive. Or undead. I can hear her strong heartbeat and smell her intoxicating scent. It would be a pleasure to consume her.
My attention is taken by the appearance of a man who I assume is Damon Salvatore, loving and very protective husband by the looks of him. He instantly places himself slightly in front of his wife in a show of dominance she must have seen many times if the indulgent eye-roll is any indication.
“Damon, I would like to introduce you to Nik, Stefan’s friend. And where are my manners? I am Madelena or Maddie to friend, foe, and family. How did you say you knew Stefan?”
Damon remains quiet through this exchange, eyes narrowed to a slit in observance of the creature he recognizes as a predator in his home. Since there is no point in prolonging this little exchange, I get right to my point. I have a plane to catch back to Paris and a prodigal son to return to the loving arms of his mother to watch him die.
“I didn’t, actually. Shame you are so quick to invite strangers into your fine home, love, but quite a boon to me. I guess I should have introduced myself more fully the name is Niklaus Mikaelson. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?”
I can see in that moment Stefan has shared our exploits with his kin. The warm persona of Mrs. Salvatore cools quite quickly and the air crackles with a strange electricity. I watch as Damon reaches back to place a calming hand on her shoulder and my head tilts to witness such an odd act of a vampire seeming to restrain a mortal. He speaks with a bored air that belies the obvious tension coiled within him.
“Get to the point, Wolfman Vlad. What brings nature’s worst hybrid to our little town?”
“Not being one fond of exposition, I’ll get right to the point of my visit. I see you know who and what I am so that makes things much more convenient. You also should know that I have posted one of my men at the front and back of the house to deter you from deciding to exit this little tea party before the desserts are served. I came here to exact a little revenge on the Salvatore bloodline, but since the original, heh, focus of my intent is not present, you will do in a pinch Damon. If you know anything of vampire physiology, you know that a werewolf bite is fatal, but it isn’t a quick death. It is slow, painful, and about the length of an oceanic flight, as you are soon to discover. I plan on laying you at the feet of those stupid enough to defy me so they may watch you die. Shall we get on with it?”
In the blink of an eye I am on Damon and biting into his shoulder, but just as quickly I am thrown across the room and hitting the wall with enough force to stun me. I look up from where I crumpled to the floor to see Madelena standing in front of her injured husband, hands blazing with light and a ferocious look of protection that I could almost admire if she were not in the way of me getting what I want. I am too angered for the reality of the situation to sink in.
“Get out of my way, Maddie. No witch will deter me.”
“Go ahead, Nik, since we’re being all friendly like. Are there many witches able to knock you on your ass? What I am may not be able to kill you, but I can hurt you enough that you wish for death.”
It is then that I realize my mistake in writing her off as no threat. She is of a species I swore was more myth than material. I should have known there was a reason the deferential stories were written of her kind. I nod my head with a mild show of respect and acknowledgement that things have just gotten more interesting.
“So the fae do exist. Marvelous!”
It took me very little time to acquire and convert the two mangy hybrids currently occupying the backseat of my car. I would be forever grateful to one Katerina Petrova for sacrificing herself willingly in my pursuit of reaching my full werewolf/vampire potential. Willingly may be stretching the truth a bit, but she served her purpose and no amount of whining from Elijah had deterred me from my course. Eventually he was able to turn her against my wishes, thus taking away my supply of doppelganger blood. Just another familial betrayal. These two loyal sires would be my insurance that Stefan Salvatore did not slip away from me once I tracked him down in Mystic Falls.
My eyes glance over at the book lying on the seat beside me. So Mary was the mother of the man I had met in the 20’s? Amazingly enough, she had no idea that the son who caused her to lose her grip on her human life still lived, in a sense. I held lingering regrets that the friendship I struck up with the “Rippah” had been cut short by Bekah and me fleeing from our father. Her father, since I shared no blood ties with the man. He was still obsessed with putting me down like a rabid dog even though I had been able to lift the spell which kept me from accessing both sides of my nature. He only saw us all as abominations and not as the family we were supposed to be.
Family.
Bekah was my family and the one most loyal to me over the years and now she had been turned from me by those common Salvatores. I was her blood! I was the one who traveled through these centuries with her and knew her better than any latecomers to our world! My fist struck the steering wheel, I’m sure causing the two imbeciles in the back to flinch in fear. At least in their acknowledgement of my alpha status they showed themselves not to be completely moronic. The nature of my retribution had a poetic appeal to me; the symmetry was delicious.
An eye for an eye.
A tooth for a tooth.
Blood for blood.
A son for a sister.
It was these thoughts occupying my mind when I pulled up to the Salvatore Boarding House. It was easy enough to track down Stefan’s home once I had the information about Mystic Falls contained in Bekah’s diary. I would simply compel the information on Stefan’s whereabouts from whatever caretaker currently resided and be on my way. Just in case I was lucky enough to find my target in residence, I sent my two minions to circle the property and allow no one to exit without my permission. Stefan would not be able to scamper off like the rabbits he for some reason chose to occasionally partake in.
My simple knock brought a vivacious red-haired girl to the threshold and I decided my undertaking had just gotten more delicious, indeed.
“Well hello, sweetheart. Might you know where I could find Stefan Salvatore? I am an old friend of his and thought I would look him up while I’m in town to see if he’d care to join me for a bite to eat.”
“So how old of a friend are you talking? Current day Mopey Stefan? Civil War Golden Son Stefan? Or something in between from his I am Going to Embrace my Inner Demon and Tear Apart People from Coast-to-Coast Stefan? The answer to that will enlighten me as to what information I am willing to give to you. It’ll also inform whether I invite you in or not.”
She props a hip against the frame and crosses her arms as if a vampire showing up at her door is an everyday occurrence. Since she obviously knows of the family history, I would need to be more forward in my approach. I decide to skip directly into compulsion. I lean in slightly and focus on the pupils in her eyes, voice lowered and an edge which broaches no disagreement in my voice.
“You will tell me where I can find…”
“Look. I’m going to stop you right there. I cannot be compelled and no, you cannot bleed the vervain from me as I’m not on it. So cut the bullshit. Should I just call my husband now to deal with you, or shall we dance some more? I am sure Damon would love to meet his brother’s friend.”
Interesting. This female had moxie and was definitely not a vampire, but what the hell was she? Possibly a witch of some sort and I was very adept at working on their weaknesses. I changed tactics immediately and tried a different approach. It was only then that her words hit me and a broad grin spread across my face, highlighting the dimples which seemed to please so many of her sex. Damon Salvatore, the blood progeny of both Mary and Gabriel lived and was here for the taking. This revenge just got ever so much sweeter. I decided to invoke a name Stefan had given me which may instill a bit of trust.
“I’m terribly sorry, love. I don’t know where my manners have gone. Lexi has always told me I resort too quickly to brute force when a bit of diplomacy would serve me better. I am Nik.”
“Lexi? You know Lexi? Well, why didn’t you say so? I may not agree with her methods, but she is a true friend to Stefan. Come on in while I call Damon. DAMON ETERNAL STUD SALVATORE! WE HAVE COMPANY! Put on some pants and at least a semblance of manners.”
She turns back to me with a cheeky grin and a flutter of eyelashes and I try to decide how slowly I wish to drain her once I deal with the elder Salvatore, who is apparently her husband. Why do vampires insist on tying themselves to humans who come with an expiration date? If he was smart he would have turned this one already and locked her into the shape she was in now. Too late for that, as I intended for no one to leave this living room alive. Or undead. I can hear her strong heartbeat and smell her intoxicating scent. It would be a pleasure to consume her.
My attention is taken by the appearance of a man who I assume is Damon Salvatore, loving and very protective husband by the looks of him. He instantly places himself slightly in front of his wife in a show of dominance she must have seen many times if the indulgent eye-roll is any indication.
“Damon, I would like to introduce you to Nik, Stefan’s friend. And where are my manners? I am Madelena or Maddie to friend, foe, and family. How did you say you knew Stefan?”
Damon remains quiet through this exchange, eyes narrowed to a slit in observance of the creature he recognizes as a predator in his home. Since there is no point in prolonging this little exchange, I get right to my point. I have a plane to catch back to Paris and a prodigal son to return to the loving arms of his mother to watch him die.
“I didn’t, actually. Shame you are so quick to invite strangers into your fine home, love, but quite a boon to me. I guess I should have introduced myself more fully the name is Niklaus Mikaelson. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?”
I can see in that moment Stefan has shared our exploits with his kin. The warm persona of Mrs. Salvatore cools quite quickly and the air crackles with a strange electricity. I watch as Damon reaches back to place a calming hand on her shoulder and my head tilts to witness such an odd act of a vampire seeming to restrain a mortal. He speaks with a bored air that belies the obvious tension coiled within him.
“Get to the point, Wolfman Vlad. What brings nature’s worst hybrid to our little town?”
“Not being one fond of exposition, I’ll get right to the point of my visit. I see you know who and what I am so that makes things much more convenient. You also should know that I have posted one of my men at the front and back of the house to deter you from deciding to exit this little tea party before the desserts are served. I came here to exact a little revenge on the Salvatore bloodline, but since the original, heh, focus of my intent is not present, you will do in a pinch Damon. If you know anything of vampire physiology, you know that a werewolf bite is fatal, but it isn’t a quick death. It is slow, painful, and about the length of an oceanic flight, as you are soon to discover. I plan on laying you at the feet of those stupid enough to defy me so they may watch you die. Shall we get on with it?”
In the blink of an eye I am on Damon and biting into his shoulder, but just as quickly I am thrown across the room and hitting the wall with enough force to stun me. I look up from where I crumpled to the floor to see Madelena standing in front of her injured husband, hands blazing with light and a ferocious look of protection that I could almost admire if she were not in the way of me getting what I want. I am too angered for the reality of the situation to sink in.
“Get out of my way, Maddie. No witch will deter me.”
“Go ahead, Nik, since we’re being all friendly like. Are there many witches able to knock you on your ass? What I am may not be able to kill you, but I can hurt you enough that you wish for death.”
It is then that I realize my mistake in writing her off as no threat. She is of a species I swore was more myth than material. I should have known there was a reason the deferential stories were written of her kind. I nod my head with a mild show of respect and acknowledgement that things have just gotten more interesting.
“So the fae do exist. Marvelous!”