Chapter Twelve

Elijah

The wolf girl looks exquisitely angelic as she sleeps. Like sleeping beauty, she lays still with a serene look upon her face. Her soft snuffling noises serve as the only proof that she's alive. And I take what comfort I can in her breathing and the sound of her steady heartbeat. It feels like an eternity has passed since she's been unconscious. Since she tried to kill me.

I know Hayley isn't to blame for what happened. It was Katherine who bewitched her and handed her the vervain-laced stake. It was easy enough to deduce, especially when the young witch Daniel came clean about the extent of Katherine's powers. Powers that Katherine no longer possesses after Daniel revoked the spell he concocted on her behalf—after some careful persuasion from an enraged Niklaus, of course.

Now with the supernaturals free from Katherine's compulsion, and the Du Monte witch's new hard-won allegiance to the Mikaelson clan, our mission is almost complete. The only thing left to do is hunt down Katherine. An endeavor that Niklaus has dedicated his immortality to—and will continue to do so with even more fervor after her latest stunt in New York. But I don't have a thirst for vengeance. My happiness relies on this wolf girl awakening.

It's been hours since our ordeal in Brooklyn—which included a blood ritual that Daniel Du Monte prepared once we managed to get a sample of Katherine's blood. Rebekah, of course, gloated all the way home that it was she who was responsible for taking a bite out of the vixen (hence the blood) before Katherine scampered off in retreat. But I wasn't much for bragging with my healing wound and my wolf girl injured.

When we returned back to our apartment, I immediately settled Hayley down on my bed—and I've been watching over her ever since. Sitting in a wooden chair next to her bedside, I sweep a stray dark curl away from her pale forehead. Still, she doesn't move an inch. I grasp her hand and squeeze tight. Please, please wake up.

It was Niklaus' blow that rendered Hayley unconscious. Not realizing that Hayley's actions were involuntary, his temper...had got the better of him. He would do anything for family. But for Hayley to withstand a blow from an original—her injury isn't a light matter. My heart sinks at the thought she'll wake with pain—or perhaps she won't wake at all.

No. I can't even conceive it.

Leaping to my feet, I hover over her, inhaling her scent…lavender, vanilla, home. The pallor of her skin is paler than usual, but her lips are rosebud pink. I bend further as I caress her cheek with my hand. My lips brush lightly against hers, and I close my eyes, hoping that when they open, she'll be staring up at me with her shining, mischievous bright eyes.

"What are you doing? Acting like some bloody prince charming?"

Alas, my hopeful thoughts end with Rebekah's wry commentary.

I walk towards my sister and gesture to Hayley lying peacefully on my bed. "As you can see, dear sister, the fair maiden hasn't awakened from my kiss. So we can both agree I'm not a prince charming, yes?"

Rebekah rolls her eyes, and looks over her shoulder, "Nik, Elijah's talking nonsense."

Then she grabs me by the arm and tugs me closer. "Come. Nik and I want a word with you."

I throw a glance at Hayley's sleeping form once more before allowing Rebekah to drag me off.

As we round the corner I see Niklaus standing in the living room with two glasses filled to the brim with scotch.

His signature sly smile is nowhere to be seen as he hands me one of the glasses and points at the sofa. "Sit, brother. I have something I'd like to discuss."

I give Rebekah a questioning look, but her face betrays nothing as she joins me on the sofa. Niklaus sits on the red satin chair facing us.

"Elijah, brother, you know Rebekah and I would like nothing more than to ensure your happiness. But before we can indulge in our own selfish desires, there are more important challenges we must face."

I take a sip of the scotch in my hand. Mmm. It's an expensive brand, at least fifty years old. Clearly, my brother's about to ask me for a huge favor.

"Spare me the boorish speech, Niklaus, and do arrive at the point."

"Katherine tried to run the lot of us, our family, out of town. Of course, she escaped—it is Katherine after all—but this time, I mean to catch her. And you need to come with me," Niklaus says gravely.

"Very well, I will do as you ask." All of this production for a simple request? Then I catch Rebekah trading a nervous glance with Niklaus and I realize that this isn't everything my brother wants from me.

"The little wolf—"

"Hayley," I correct him.

"Where we go, she cannot follow," Niklaus states with finality.

A lump forms in my throat. "What do you mean?"

Rebekah jumps in, "Elijah, we know Hayley is important to you. And if it could be otherwise, we would leave you to your happiness—"

"So, what is the matter?" I inquire, bracing myself for the coming onslaught.

Niklaus rolls his eyes and groans in frustration. "The girl is a liability. Clear and simple. If we weren't the most powerful vampire family on this earth and we didn't have enemies lurking everywhere waiting to pounce, I would be inclined to let you keep her. Under the current circumstances, however, you will have to leave her behind."

I absorb my brother's words in silence. I take a long pull from the scotch and stare at the wooden floorboards, lost in contemplation.

Rebekah places what's meant to be a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I wish it could be different, Elijah. But what happened with Katherine compelling Hayley to stake you—"

I hold up my hand in protest. "I recovered from the wound. It was merely a scratch. No more, please."

"Brother, you know we're right. She doesn't belong with us. She's too weak. She will put everything at risk." Niklaus' hands are nearly shaking. He's trying so desperately to keep his anger in check, but in true Niklaus fashion, he's failing miserably.

"And what if I refuse?" I ask softly.

Niklaus hammers his drink down on a cherry wood end table next to the satin chair. "How can you be such a bleeding idiot? Are you seriously choosing that chit over your own family?"

"Elijah, please see sense," Rebekah cajoles, taking a more diplomatic approach. "Hayley doesn't have the strength to be part of this family. She'll get you—or even herself killed."

"You're wrong," I shout, nearly bounding off of the sofa in rage.

"Actually, she's right," a quiet voice cuts in.

I turn to find my wolf girl—alive and well—standing in the hallway, her arms crossed over her chest. I notice immediately her lips are pursed and her bright eyes, usually full of life, are dimmed and downcast. She seems so vulnerable and unsure of herself.

She can barely look at me as she mumbles, "Elijah, you need to go with your family. And I don't belong with you. I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave."

My heart seizes in panic. She can't be serious.

"You're not going anywhere," I growl.

Niklaus takes in the scene unfolding between us with great amusement as he smirks. "Listen to the little wolf, Elijah. She's actually making a bit of sense…"

"Quiet, Nik!" Rebekah admonishes our brother harshly before I can work up the nerve strangle him.

Instead, I turn my full attention to Hayley and walk slowly towards her.

"You're not thinking clearly. You just woke up. You're tired and hungry. Come, I'll make something for you—"

Hayley raises up her hands—they're shaking—and she retreats from me.

"I'm not hungry, Elijah. And I'm not tired."

I reach for her, but she turns away from me.

"Just stop it, ok? Let's just say our goodbyes now."

"Like hell," I snarl as insanity washes over me.

I grab Hayley's wrist, squeezing it tightly, and then pull the both of us into my bedroom and lock the door.

"Ouch! What the fuck are you doing!?" Hayley exclaims.

"You can't leave. I won't let you," I mutter under my breath, pacing the room like a madman.

"Oh yeah?" Hayley says defiantly as she plants her hands on her curvy hips. "You can't keep me locked up, Elijah. Just let me go."

"I can't." I move slowly towards her and grasp her firmly by the shoulders. "I can't," I whisper again.

I dare to look her in the eyes after my brutish behavior and the sadness I see in their depths breaks my heart.

"Please," her voice cracks and she looks down, unable to meet my gaze.

My fingers trace her swanlike neck until they grasp her chin, chucking it up, so she's looking directly into my eyes. My eyes that are assessing every inch of her with hungry desire—her full lips, her blushing cheeks, her tight shirt that clings to the swells of her breasts, the curves of her hips...

"Elijah, don't," she pleads.

But I can't stop myself. My beautiful wolf is standing before me. She's come back to life and all I want to do is touch her. I cup her face with my hands and kiss her forehead. I hear her release a breathy sigh and I smile. My lips brush against her temple, then her cheek. I hear her heart beating faster. Her lips are inches away from mine. I lean in closer and feel her sweet, hot breath tickle my face…

"Stop!" Hayley suddenly pushes against me, snapping me out of my daze.

"Apologies, I didn't mean to—"

"Oh, didn't you?" Hayley counters with venom.

I retreat several paces away from her, but my stricken face doesn't escape her. Hayley's defensive, ramrod posture immediately relaxes and she exhales in exhaustion.

"Please just let me go, Elijah. Why can't you let me go?"

"Why can't you stay?"

My voice is barely audible. I can't bear looking at her. I'm afraid of her answer.

"Because I'm weak," Hayley speaks through gritted teeth.

I stand in shock, watching Hayley's facial expression shift from cool indifference to agony.

"Because I can't protect myself."

Hayley doesn't even glance my way as she moves to take a seat on the bed. She stays silent for a beat, her lips pursed and her brows furrowed. It's as if she's warring with herself about what she should say next. Then she glances up at me, tears streaming down her face.

"Because I almost killed you!" she shrieks hysterically.

Within seconds I'm sitting on the bed next to her, pulling her on my lap and holding her tightly. She's convulsing with sobs against my chest and I try to hush her soothingly, whispering repeatedly that I'm ok, that she didn't hurt me, that everything will be fine.

After her tears subside, she peeks her head up bashfully. "I'm so sorry, Elijah."

"Shhh, I'm ok," I assure her.

"B-but you could have died! I hurt you, I—"

"You were compelled." I place my hands on her cheeks and use my thumbs to rub away her tears. "It wasn't your fault."

Hayley takes my hands and gently lifts them away from her face. "You're right. But I still can't stay here…I can't be with you."

I rise up from the bed and brace myself against the hard wall. "I will be stronger. For the both of us. I will protect you. Keep you safe."

"You know that's a promise you can't keep…" Hayley says in a small voice.

I bite the inside of my cheek and punch the wall in frustration. The loud boom startles Hayley and she watches me wide-eyed.

"I. Will. Not. Lose. You." I stare at Hayley intently as I emphasize each word.

I reclaim my place next to her on the bed, but Hayley shifts away from me. Her obvious unease around me stings, but I still reach for her hands and she allows me to hold them.

For a moment I don't speak. My attention is completely focused on her hands. I rub the smooth skin and resist the impulse to kiss each finger. Then I lift my head and search Hayley's bright eyes. They betray nothing. I see a trace of tenderness in her gaze, but she's chewing her lip. She's still keeping her guard up. I brush her long dark hair off of her shoulders and pull her closer to me.

"Hayley, I don't want you to go, but I won't force you to stay. Please, give me your answer," I whisper.

Hayley doesn't speak for what seems an age. She looks at me with sad eyes and places a warm hand on my cool cheek. "Elijah, I—"

My heart is pounding. Suddenly, I can't stand to hear her answer. I have to do something…I have to show her my true feelings. I crane my neck and kiss her soundly on the lips. She gasps, surprised by the force of my kiss. She presses against my body lightly in protest, but I continue to massage her lips with my own, licking, biting, tasting, and soon she's moving her full lips against mine. Her tongue darts out and searches my own. She wants to taste me. She's as hungry for me as I am for her.

Her arms wrap around my back, pulling me closer to her. My hands cradle her neck, my fingers buried in her long, dark tresses. All that matters now is the feel of her. My kisses become harder, more demanding, and Hayley moans against my mouth. She reaches for my black tie and unfastens it, then reaches for my shirt…and I know what will happen if I don't slow down. My lips brush against hers softly and I nibble lightly at her bottom lip before pulling away from her.

We're both panting and I can see the flush staining Hayley's pale cheeks. She looks so damn kissable with her mussed up hair and her pink, swollen lips. I'm nearly tempted to kiss her again—and by the way her eyes are clouded with desire—I can see she wouldn't object.

But soon she recovers from the drug of my kiss. She's thinking clearly again and her hazy desire is replaced with something else. She looks absolutely pissed.

I suppose that means kissing is off limits, after all.

She gives me a withering stare and scoots away from me. "What the hell was that? Are you trying to manipulate me, Original?"

Yes, the wolf girl is furious with me. I know going on the defensive will only make matters worse. So, the only option I have left is to come clean.

"I had to."

Hayley does a double-take. "You…had to. That's all I get?"

I muster up the courage to look her in the eyes—eyes that are glaring at me and cutting me to the quick.

"If you were to leave…if I this was the last time I was going to look upon your face, I needed one last moment with you. A final memory. Something I can remember for years to come."

In an instant, the fury on Hayley's face melts away. Instead, I see a spark in her eyes, and a hint of a smile.

"And you thought a kiss would be the best way to remember me—for let's face it, centuries to come?"

I nod, ducking my head in embarrassment—an emotion I'm not used to, but somehow feel whenever this cheeky wolf is around.

It's not until a firm hand lifts up my chin that I'm finally face-to-face and nose-to-nose with Hayley once more. I note the shining mischief in her eyes and my lips curve up in a shy grin. My bold, lively wolf girl has returned.

"Oh silly, Elijah," she teases, bopping me on the nose playfully. I look at her curiously and hold my breath, lest I break the moment.

Then she leans in close to my ear and whispers in a seductive voice, "How can I leave you with a simple kiss? You're immortal. I should at least give you something more…substantial to remember."

Before I can utter a response, she captures my lips with hers and pushes me down on the bed.