AN: So sorry this update took so long to write. With taking care of my 16 month old and the re-writes and completing Memoirs of Consort Slytherin, I just didn't have the energy. But I'm happy to say that I'm back and giving y'all a really good chapter

I'd like to give a shout to Kittyinaz for her idea for how Mates feed each other. Love it, though I did tweak it a bit for this story

The song list for this chapter is thus:

Ascendance by Lindsey Stirling

Bound to You by Christina Aguilera

Darkest Part by RED

My Immortal by Lindsey Stirling

So enjoy and I can't wait to hear what y'all think

Lover in My Dreams Ch. 8

*Elijah POV*

I woke the next morning just as the sun began to rise. Isabella stirred a little beside me, but settled back down when I kissed her head. Now that the Bond between us was complete, I could feel everything coming from her. Including her thirst. Gently easing myself out of bed, I slipped on my pants from the night before and was about to grab a shirt when there was gentle knock on my door.

Covering Isabella with the sheet, I opened the door to find Niklaus standing there, a woman in his tight grip. He smirked and said, "Davina reminded us this morning that you needed a witch for Little Bird's first meal. So we all went out hunting and found this one. No coven and apparently likes to hurt people. Enjoy brother." Smirking, I took the woman and quickly drained her.

Tossing the body back to Niklaus, I asked, "Anything happen while I was with Isabella?" Niklaus shook his head and said, "We still need to discuss the Hayley situation, but it can wait until you two are more...suitable for company." Growling, I shut the door in his face, stripping as I rejoined Isabella in bed. She was starting to wake, so I sat up against the headboard and pulled her into my lap.

As her eyes began to flutter open, I whispered, "Go slowly ma chere. Gently open your eyes and tell me what you feel." I felt her calm down at the sound of my voice, staying quiet as she tried to control her instincts and emotions. After a few moments, she asked, "So am I like you now?" Chuckling I said, "Indeed you are Beloved. How do you feel?" "Stronger. More alive, if that makes any sense." "Do you feel hungry?"

She nodded, but I felt her confusion as she said, "I feel like I have a sore throat, but that's all. Is that wrong?" Forcing her eyes to meet mine, I said, "No, that's how the thirst usually begins. It only worsens the longer you ignore it." Feeling her thirst worsen, as well as her becoming distressed, I asked, "Isabella, what are your instincts telling you?" She winced and said, "That I need to bite and feed from you. But Elijah, I can't..."

Calming her down, I said, "Yes you can Isabella. Davina discovered that Mates feed each other like this. I feed and then you drink from me. Please ma chere, drink." Isabella hesitated for just a moment longer, her hunger finally outweighing her distress. Her fangs popped out and her eyes darkened as she latched onto my neck. I arched against her, the simple act of giving her sustenance making me hard as a rock.

Isabella moaned when she felt me rise against her. Not able to resist, I lifted her up enough to where I could slide easily inside her. Once I was inside her, I began to gently lift her up and down on my cock, groaning at how tight she was around me. Isabella continued to drink as we made love, growling whenever I withdrew. Just as we were about to climax, Isabella pushed me towards her neck, both of us climaxing as I bit her.

Collapsing into the pillows, we tried to catch out breath. As I curled Isabella into my body, I noticed something odd. A faint pressure was building in my head. It expanded before disappearing. Opening my eyes, I tried to figure out where it had come from. It was then that I noticed a faint, glowing bubble surrounding us and the bed.

Turning to a wide-eyed Isabella, I asked, "Any ideas?"

*Bella POV*

Looking at Elijah, I asked, "Did you feel anything weird before you saw the bubble?" He nodded and said, "A pressure in my head. It felt like something was covering my mind, surrounding it for some reason." His words sounded familiar, almost as if I'd heard them before. It took me only a few moments before I remembered.

Old Quil!

I sat up and said, "A Shield. Old Quil mentioned that there was cloud surrounding me when I was under Edward's Compulsion. It was thick, except around my mind. Edward couldn't read my mind and Alice always had issues Seeing my future. Being a Shield would explain that." Slowly nodding, he asked, "So why did I feel the pressure in my mind and what about the bubble Beloved?" "Maybe my shield is covering you because we are Mates? As for the bubble, I remember Jasper telling me about the different gifts he'd witnessed seeing in newborn Cold Ones. Shields are the rarest and they produce two types of shields, a mental one and a physical one. I think the bubble is the physical one."

Elijah nodded and asked, "How do you feel?" Stretching my arms above my head, I said, "Really good and hungry for some real food." He chuckled, trailing his fingers down my back, almost tracing my tattoo as he said, "Whoever did this does exquisite work ma chere. As for real food, we can indulge once this bubble is gone." Nodding, I closed my eyes and imagined the bubble shrinking back into me. When I opened my eyes, the bubble was gone.

Elijah slid out of bed, grabbed a few towels and said, "Shower first Beloved." Giggling, I slipped out of bed and followed him into the bathroom. While he got the water to the right temperature, I took the time to check out the 'new' me. There wasn't much of a difference. My eyesight was better and my hair had a healthier shine to it. As for my body, the only thing I noticed was that I was a little more toned, the little baby fat I had finally gone.

Elijah came up behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist and said, "Even more beautiful Beloved." Smiling, I tilted my head back and met his lips in a gentle kiss. He led me into the shower and we washed each other before stepping out and drying off.

Wrapping a towel around me, I walked back into our room and over to the closet. Luckily, either Cammi or Rebekah had put my shopping away. I grabbed a short grey plaid pleated skirt, some black Converse slip-ons, black lace underwear and a black halter top that would show off my tattoo. Slipping on the underwear, I pulled on the skirt and was trying to tie the back tight enough when Elijah came up behind me and finished tying the knot for me.

I turned and was about to kiss him when I noticed something on his chest, peeking out beneath his open dark green dress shirt. Pushing the fabric aside, my eyes widened at seeing the stag tattoo that hadn't been there last night and seemed to be done in the same ink mine had been. The Celtic knot work that made up the stag head was intricate and suited Elijah completely. Looking up at him, I asked, "How did you get this?"

Elijah was curious as he said, "I have no idea Isabella. It might have something to do with our Bond. We'll ask Davina when we get downstairs." Nodding, we finished getting dressed and slowly made out way downstairs. We walked into the kitchen, finding Klaus, Davina, Marcel and Cammi doing various breakfast prep. Hope was in a play pen, watching everything. Marcel, who was slicing up fruit, spotted us first and said, "Well well, look who finally decided to join us. Welcome to the family Bella."

The others turned to see us as I said, "Thanks Marcel." Klaus came over and said, "I didn't expect to see either of you until well after noon Little Bird. Was my dear brother not up to the task?" He got a response of growls (Elijah and myself) and several grapes to the head as I said, "Oh, he was more than up to the task." Chuckling, Elijah said, "However, a few things happened after we completed the Bond that we'd like to get some answers for. Davina?"

Davina swallowed the piece of fruit she had eaten and asked, "What happened exactly?" Elijah and I explained the appearance of the bubble and the tattoo on Elijah's chest. She seemed to absorb all the information before asking, "The mind reader never read your mind?" Nodding I said, "Never could. It was the one thing that annoyed him the most." Davina smirked and said, "Oh, you're a Shield alright. A powerful one too considering you have control over both aspects so quickly."

Elijah asked, "And the tattoo?" She came closer and looked at mine before asking, "Was there anything odd done when you got this?" I thought about it and said, "Gabe did hesitate when he was picking out the inks." Davina ran her hand over my back and gasped before asking, "Was one of the inks the same color as your Daylight ring?" Lifting up my hand, I looked at the ring Elijah had slipped onto my finger just last night. The stone was the same color as the bottle of ink Gabe had used.

Telling her that, she moved to Elijah and ran her hand over his tattoo. Gasping again, she said, "Both of these are spelled like the Daylight rings. I can feel the magic in them. I think, though I'd wait to test it until I'm sure, that having them on you will protect you in the sun. The magic of the spell is literally flowing through your veins." I looked around the whole room and everyone was in shock.

Had Gabe done this on purpose? And if so, why?

Elijah said, "We'll test that theory later, once some research has been done Davina. Right now, let's eat and discuss other matters." Everyone agreed and gathered plates of food.

A few moments later, Klaus said, "Before we tackle the issue of how to deal with Hayley, we have to solve another potential problem. Namely your thirst Little Bird." Confused, I asked, "I thought that I'd just be feeding from Elijah?" Marcel said, "Hence the problem. If Elijah were to be kidnapped or incapacitated in some way..." "I'd starve." Rebekah nodded and said, "So we need to take you hunting to see if you can feed from another human."

Cammi asked, "Couldn't she feed from either you or Klaus?" Rebekah shrugged and said, "It's possible, we'd have to at least try. I don't know about Klaus though. With him being a hybrid, it might affect his blood somehow." Klaus seemed to agree when I asked, "What could possibly happen?"

Elijah said, "Well, the werewolf in his blood might interact badly with the vampire in you. That's even if you can stomach his blood." "If something were to happen, would it happen right away?" At their nods, I grabbed a knife, nicked Klaus' finger and stuck it in my mouth. Popping it out, I grimaced and spat the blood out before saying, "Nope, tastes like rust." Klaus chuckled as he said, "Only you would do something like that Little Bird." Marcel asked, "So do we take her hunting?"

Elijah nodded and said, "Beloved, you may not be able to drink from another supernatural, but perhaps you can feed off a human." Shrugging I said, "Couldn't hurt to try. Let's do this." Cammi said, "Well, while you guys are doing that, I'll take Hope for her dress fitting." She turned to Klaus and said, "I still don't understand why you want it formal." I giggled and asked, "A formal party for her first birthday? Are you crazy?" Smiling a gentle smile, Klaus said, "Well, not only are we officially introducing Hope to the various supernaturals in the city, we are also celebrating that she survived her first year of life."

Nodding in understanding, I said, "Celebrating life is always a good thing." Turning to Cammi, I said, "I'd save the chocolate cake for later." She giggled and said, "No kidding." We all laughed and then I asked, "So where are we going?" Elijah, Klaus and Marcel looked at each other, seemingly having a silent conversation before Klaus said, "Let's just wander around the Quarter and see what tickles those taste buds. You won't drink much since you just fed." In agreement, we left the house and drove to the Quarter.

On the way there, my phone rang. It was Charlie. Taking a deep breath, I answered:

"hey Dad."

"Hey kiddo. Haven't heard from you lately."

"Yeah, I've been getting settled in."

Glancing at Elijah, I then said:

"Managed to find what I was looking for."

"He treating you okay Bells?"

Shocked I asked:

"How did you...?"

"Old Quil may have mentioned something. So does he treat you right?"

"Dad, you would love how he treats me." I linked my fingers with Elijah's as I said this.

After that, I caught up with Charlie on what had happened in Forks since I'd left. His biggest worry was Billy, whose diabetes was acting up more than usual, which was also scaring Jake. I made him promise to keep me in the loop, because I knew that if Billy passed, Jake would need me home to support him. Promising to call more often, I ended the call right as we reached the Quarter.

Elijah stepped out of the car first, turned to me and said, "Get out slowly ma chere. Let your skin get used to the sun slowly." He held out his hand and slowly helped me out of the car, Klaus and Elijah coming up beside him as I slowly stepped out.

The sun was bright to my new eyes. It almost sparkled in a sense. My skin tingled as it absorbed the sun safely instead of going up in flames. Stepping into Elijah's embrace, I said, "The sun feels warms and prickly, but nothing more than that." Elijah nodded and kissed my forehead as he said, "That's normal Isabella." Klaus said, "Let's walk Little Bird. If you catch something that smells good, just follow it." Nodding, we started walking.

It wasn't easy. The humans around us smelled good, but none of them were calling out to me. The sun was getting high in the sky and I was about to give up when I caught something. Stopping, I tried to figure out what I was smelling. It smelled good, yet bad at the same time. Almost as if it were going bad. Elijah noticed that I had stopped and asked, "What is it Isabella?" "I don't know. I smell something really good, but there's something off about it." Klaus smirked and said, "Then follow it Little Bird. Let's see what that nose of yours wants." Nodding, I followed my instincts, trailing the scent easily through the Quarter.

The trail led us to an alleyway, where I found a homeless man lying in a cardboard box. He was shaking, as if he were in the cold and not the hot weather that usually graced New Orleans. Kneeling next to him, I brushed the hair away from his face, and instantly felt the fever that ravaged his body. Turning to Elijah, I said, "He's sick. Is that why his blood smells off?" Shaking his head as he knelt down beside me, he said, "A simple fever wouldn't affect his blood like that Isabela." Looking back down at the old man, I took a closer look at him.

His hair, a stringy mess of grey, was missing in several spots. His veins pulsed harshly against his skin and his breathing was labored. Taking a guess, I said, "Cancer." Klaus nodded and said, "Very good Little Bird. He doesn't have much longer if his heart rate is anything to go by."

That was true. The old man's heart was pumping slowly and erratically. I asked, "So if I drank from him, would I be ending his suffering?" Elijah nodded and said, "Only if you wish to help him ma chere." Nodding, I lifted his wrist to my mouth and began to drink from him slowly. Elijah stayed next to me, while the others made sure no humans interrupted.

Just as the last of his blood was about to be pulled from his body, the old man opened his eyes, smiled and then closed his eyes for the last time. Making sure the bite mark was concealed, I put his hands together and backed away. Elijah handed me a handkerchief so I could wipe my mouth. After Marcel made a call to make sure the old man's body was taken care of, Elijah asked, "So how did it taste Beloved?" I shrugged and said, "Tasted good and I've kept it down thus far." Leaning close, I whispered, "I prefer the taste of you though."

Elijah chuckled and said, "As I prefer you ma chere, but at least we know that you can feed from humans if the need arises." "Sick humans Elijah. None of the humans we were surrounded by smelled good enough. It almost reminds me of..." "What Isabella?" "Jasper. He told me once that the remaining members of his coven, and when he was living with them, hunted criminals and the terminally ill. Something about atoning for the sins they committed under their maker Maria."

Rebekah said, "Perhaps that stuck with you. Remembering that mentality and drive for redemption tailored your thirst." Nodding I said, "He deserved peace." They all nodded and then Elijah said, "Let's back to the house and discuss the Hayley issue." Klaus nodded and said, "Davina should still be at the house and Jackson was on his way when we left." Covering the old man, we went back to the house.

*About an hour later*

Once we got home, Elijah and I went and took a quick shower together. While I hadn't been messy in my feeding, I needed to get clean. Elijah and I slowly washed each other, his soothing touches easing the small amount of guilt I had. Then Elijah made love to me slowly in the shower before helping me out and drying me off. Slipping into a simple sundress, boots and a jean jacket, I waited for Elijah to finish dressing before taking his hand in mine and following him downstairs.

Everyone was gathered in the living room, scattered in various chairs. Jackson, looking healthier than the last time I'd seen him, saw us first. He walked over and said, "I want to apologize for my behavior the other day. I was drunk and in fear for my Pack's safety." I smiled and said, "No worries. Fear makes even the best of us into fools sometimes." Jackson and Elijah shook hands, but I could see that things were going to be tense between them for a time.

Klaus asked, "Jackson, what did your Elders decide in regards to Hayley?" Jackson sighed and said, "Hayley's been declared an exile since her pregnancy. With this, they're calling for her death. The spell she had on our land would have killed us all, including the children." Davina said, "I talked with the covens. A few witches are missing from their ranks, though they don't know if they left of their own free will or not. The leaders are currently trying to bind their powers to novice level." Rebekah said, "So they can defend themselves but nothing more than that." Davina nodded.

Turning to Klaus, I asked, "If you hadn't wanted Hope, would you have taken her to the Pack." Klaus cringed, no doubt hating the thought of giving Hope up, but said, "I would have." I turned to Jackson and asked, "Would you and your Pack have taken Hope and raised her in safety?" Jackson sighed and said, "As Hayley's heir, I would have. Until Hope's birth, Hayley was the last of her bloodline. With Hope, the line continues and the Elders have no problem with Hayley being dealt with." Klaus said, "Good to know we have their permission."

Waving him off, Elijah said, "Our main concern is keeping everyone safe. If Hayley had indeed teamed up with Cold Ones and witches to get Hope, we need to be on our guard." Rebekah asked, "But why now? She's been absent for nearly her first year of life." All of us thought about it, but since I only knew what Elijah had told me, I couldn't think of anything.

Cammi actually came up with it, saying only one word," Power." When we all turned towards her, she stepped forward and said, "It's power. With Hope, she can control or get anything she wants from the family, the Pack, even the witches." Klaus said, "When Mikael attacked us all those months ago, I thought he meant to harm her to get to me. But what if he wasn't?" Elijah nodded and said, "You did mention your suspicions about how Mikael discovered Hope's existence. Considering that we haven't officially introduced or revealed Hope to the world, that suspicion has more merit."

Jackson stood and said, "I'd like to leave a couple of my wolves here and at the compound to patrol." Klaus and Elijah looked at each other before nodding in silent agreement. I said, "You might want to change whoever you use every so often. We don't want Hayley or her allies to get familiar with who we have watching out for us." All those present agreed. Elijah was about to say something when a voice came from the front door:

"Well done Lil Bit."

All the men suddenly surrounded us girls, Klaus and Jackson protecting Cammi and Hope. Hidden behind Elijah, I couldn't really see who had just intruded, but him saying Lil Bit somehow calmed my instincts. My mysterious 'P' called me that and since Jasper had handed me the first communication, it was someone he knew. He had told me the names of the two members of his original coven. They helped Jasper escape Maria after he let them go. The girl was named Charlotte and the guy was...

I got it!

Stepping out from behind Elijah a bit, I said, "Peter?"

The mysterious intruder chuckled, stepped forward and said, "Clever girl." He was tall, had dark shaggy hair and what looked to be 2-days worth of scruff on his face. He was dressed similarly to Jackson, consisting of cowboy boots, worn jeans and a green plaid shirt. What was throwing me off was the fact that his eyes weren't red. They were a vibrant blue-green.

Just like Jasper's were the day I said goodbye...

Peter chuckled again and said, "I'll explain in a bit darlin', so could you get everyone to calm down?" Seeing that everyone was still in protective mode, I slowly pushed past Elijah and started to walk towards Peter. Elijah quickly grabbed my arm and said, "Isabella, no." Growling I said, "He's fine Elijah. He's obviously not a Cold One and frankly, you should be thanking him." Elijah hissed, "Thanking him? For what?" "Because if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have found you so quickly." Elijah slowly released my arm as I said, "He texted me the morning after I got here and told me which cemetery to go to. That's where Marcel found me." Marcel stood a little straighter and said, "Which then got me to lead you to Elijah."

Elijah stood a little straighter before turning to Peter and said, "I beg your forgiveness and also wish to thank you for getting Isabella to us." Peter nodded and said, "No thanks necessary. When it comes to family, the Whitlocks always find a way."

Family?

Peter laughed and said, "I'll explain that when Jasper gets here. The other reason I'm here is my lovely wife and I picked up a drifter that said he was a Mikaelson. Maybe you know him?" Peter whistled and said, "Come on in kid."

Footsteps echoed as we all waited to see who appeared. I edged closer to Elijah as a shadowy figured entered the doorway and walked towards us. When he finally stepped into the light, all that was said, by Klaus, was one word:

"Kol?"

Meanwhile, in Volterra...

Caius' fury was astronomical as he yelled, "What you do mean they escaped?!"