Disclaimer: The characters in this story are the property of LJ Smith and the CW.

Author's Note: Thank you everyone for being so receptive to the last chapter and I apologize for the late update (late being an understatement)! I feared this story had been forgotten but you guys continued to read it and I TRULY THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! I am honored to write for you! I hope you enjoy this chapter :-)

Songs for this chapter: 'Beautiful Girl' by Broken Iris, which came highly recommended by Munchie16 after chapter 11! Thank you for introducing me to Broken Iris. You're a gem! Also 'In Another Time' by Sade, 'I Don't Care' by Elle Varner and 'Win' by Jarell Perry. A wise reader said this last song captures Klaus' feelings for Bonnie in this story and I agree (thanks again, Munchie16 ;-)

Warning: Very mature content!

Chapter 13 – … Fonder

"Klaus."

Qetsiyah ran towards him with open arms.

If his eyes were deceiving him, surely his chest did not. For her head rested there while her arms circled his waist.

No, he was not mistaken; this was an embrace.

Before he could push her away, a soft, elated voice reached his ears. "I'm so glad you're here." She hugged him tightly and rubbed her face against his bloodstained shirt. "What took you so long?"

He looked down at her and felt a familiar ache.

No. She wasn't Bonnie.

… But … she was … in a sense …

And everything in him responded. His fingers, itching to hold her, flexed at his sides before becoming fists. This wicked bitch. She knew full well Bonnie's effect on him. He wanted her so goddamn bad that his skin actually burned where her palms rested on his lower back but his fists remained at his sides.

Green eyes stared up at him expectantly, demanding an answer.

Ludicrous—this was bloody insane! This had to be some sort of jab at his intelligence because she knew that despite what he felt he knew better.

'Expecting' him? Really?

Not bloody likely. She'd done everything in her power to prevent this reunion and he doubted she'd remain pliable while he hauled her off. He would have to transform into—

Cutting off his thought with "Silas," she addressed the man behind them without removing her gaze from his. "You'll be wanting to see this. It's not everyday one gets to witness a werewolf transform."

Both males froze.

"Qetsiyah. You haven't changed a bit. But hiding in a young girl's body? That's low, even for you."

Still facing Klaus, she asked, "This from the guy who sent his henchman to apprehend said young girl?" Shaking her head she exhaled, "Oh Silas … I had hoped these years of solitude had given you perspective. But alas, you've learned nothing about my character even though you've managed to keep tabs on everything else. Now be so kind as to tell us what you want with Bonnie Bennett."

Klaus remained silent. He too wanted an answer.

"Jealous?" Silas queried.

"Me? Why would I be? Now, her lover on the other hand, might be." She winked at Klaus. "Besides I've already won. Wouldn't you agree, child?"

Child? Is she addressing me? Klaus wondered angrily. The bloody nerve!

"'Already won?'" Silas queried. "Brave words for someone with her back turned. Say that to my face bitch."

Truer words had never been uttered, Klaus thousands of years in a cave didn't addle one's senses. Silas appeared to be sharper than ever … and the enemy of my enemy is my friend so ... time to get rid of the bitch once and for all. From the look of it, Silas would be oh so happy to oblige him. Besides, he'd wasted enough time. His irises flashed a dangerous shade of gold—

—And Qetsiyah turned to face Silas without a care in the world. She gave her former flame her undivided attention. "You still don't love me as I deserve to be loved," she observed with spite. "I repeat: what do you want from Bonnie Bennett? And trust me, you want to hear this my dear boy," she said over her shoulder. "So refrain from attempting to subdue me with your werewolf gifts, Niklaus. Oh yes, where are my manners, I forgot you two have never met. Silas darling, this is Niklaus; the boyfriend of the 'new' me."

Dismissing her meaningless drivel, Silas spoke. "I've been looking forward to this day, Qetsiyah. It's too bad this girl's body will pay the price for your soul."

"Sadly not the answer to our question."

"Our? As in you and him?" Silas laughed. Merciful heavens, she made it sound as if the boy were actually relevant. "You already know what I sought. Tell me, is this performance for his benefit?"

"I see you picked up something other than modern English: Intel on Bonnie Bennett." Smiling enthusiastically, she asked "Am I right?" Then just as quickly as her smile arrived, it vanished. "Too bad it was inaccurate. I knew you'd come after my power someday. After all, it was what you always wanted. But tell me, did you really think I'd let you have it? You honestly didn't suspect that this reincarnation would come with more than just my gifts? Come on Silas, you're smarter than this. Of course this performance is for your benefit."

More nonsense … "Nice to see nature came through … you know; perfected your looks and all." Silas looked her up and down. "Physically, you're much more attractive but your personality remains below zero. You still manage to make everything about you." Glad to see that hubris was still her greatest weakness, he didn't try to hide his satisfaction. Oh how he wished he could see her face when his plan came to fruition. Too bad, it was really too bad that she would be cold in a shallow grave by then.

Just when Klaus decided to pounce in all his vampire glory—transformation be damned since the wench seemed to be in favor of it—he heard her saying, " … Niklaus will wipe that smug expression off your face."

"Will he?" Silas inquired; doubt creasing his brow as he advanced on her.

"Oh I think you'll find Niklaus Mikaelson very convincing."

Klaus yanked her back by the neck. Had she truly imagined that he would stand there quietly as she used him to make her ex jealous? Either she had gone daft … or he had in thinking that she 'imagined' anything less than him standing idly by. In fact, she'd given him no other choice proving once again that he was the one imagining things like a firm grip on her nape. Unamused eyes rose from his frozen, outstretched arm, which hung suspended in midair to view her with contempt when they met Silas' gaze; a glare so intense, so direct, so … familiar.

It was as if he'd come face to face with Mikael.

But this wasn't his stepfather, just someone who apparently hated him just as much.

Kol's warning echoed in his brain."… Stop him before his grudge against your kind extends …"

'Grudge,' Klaus could see, was an understatement. The hairs on the back of his neck stood and he quickly identified the symptom before the diagnosis: FEAR. And he'd spare himself the shock and disbelief that hecould feel such a thing because his skin was crawling with dread.

"Did I not say the child would wipe that smile off your face, Silas?"

Niklaus Mikaelson. Blood covered Silas' pupils as he watched the wretched boy through an ever-increasing haze of RED. It began to leak from the corners of his eyes and mouth. Mikaelson! He shut his bleeding eyes tightly.

A black mist rose from the ground.

Bloodlust, the likes of which Klaus had never seen, held him in thrall as darkness engulfed them. Endless night pressed into his skin, coloring his veins black as it swallowed his limbs whole. Bonnie—no, Qetsiyah was gone. The inside of the cave, the Salvatore prat and Gilbert's corpse were all eclipsed. Even his senses were being absorbed into the mind-numbing shadows. All save one. He could still see the burning red of Silas' skin as blood radiated from every pore. The dumb wench had underestimated her enemy as badly as he had her and now they would both perish from their stupidity.

"Come forth."

Qetsiyah's voice? No, his deteriorating hearing could not be trusted. Silas' dark bloodlust had to be crushing her as well. No one could withstand this black hell let alone speak—

"Congregate to create the abyss."

Recognition of her voice delivered the final blow to his psyche.

This was her doing.

Bonnie was gone and all that remained was …

A gentle breeze blew threw him as the truth sunk in.

He went cold, stone cold.

Pulse.

The darkness dispersed revealing a hauntingly beautiful woman held captive by his golden gaze. Her long, translucent hair swirled in spiritual disarray around his beloved's waist as strong winds combed through it. Her ancient garments illuminated by his wolf's eye. This was Qetsiyah.

Again something pulsed within him as he watched her twirl the blackness that had nearly engulfed them around her fingertips.

Something dangerous.

… Depraved.

If he couldn't have Bonnie no one would. He would destroy them all, including himself. If the tree that flew past his head didn't strike her down he would rip her heart out!

Pause.

Did a tree just fly past me?

It sailed straight into the dark, growing mass directly above her right palm.

What the devil? His eyes swerved from left to right. Ferocious winds were hurling rocks torn from the cave walls into what appeared to be a—

"Black hole." Qetsiyah purred with her real voice. "For you and I, Silas. Spend eternity with me in oblivion and I will give you Niklaus Mikaelson, descendant of your mortal enemy to bleed dry."

'Mortal' enemy?

"Agree, for your bloodlust demands it," Qetsiyah crooned seductively.

Silas held his ground, determined to withstand the turbulence. He shaped his bloodlust into spiritual talons to claw at objects that threatened to strike him on their way into the abyss.

I'M HER BARGAINING CHIP. The truth became more haunting, more chilling as the wind became tornado like in its intensity. Fortunately Silas abhors her as much as he does me. He will refuse this deal so I'll have a few minutes to—Silas' took a step forward ending all thought.

Left.

Right.

Left.

Right.

Braced against the winds.

In Qetsiyah's direction … or mine?

Klaus eyes widened!

The next moments were a blur.

Choking?

He was choking! Silas' was crushing his trachea between burning, clasped hands. Cough.

Qetsiyah was struggling to grasp Silas' ankle as she hovered over the ever-expanding black hole; both their bodies suspended in mid-air. She managed to latch on—gasp. His Adam's apple nearly ripped from his throat as Silas was yoked backwards but the warlock held firm, fingers wrapped tightly around his neck.

Losing … He was losing traction. He could feel his semi-transformed hind legs sliding forward. Couldn't … He just couldn't keep them planted any longer in his current form and Silas' powerful grip prevented him from phasing completely. Snap. His vocal cords began to crumble under the pressure. "Bo-" he squealed like a neutered animal as he watched Qetsiyah's legs disappear into the void.

"Bonn"

Finally her name tore from his lips accompanied by a mouthful of blood.

"BONNIE!"

But the screeching poltergeist winds swallowed the sound while tossing trees and rocks around like paperweights.

"K-l-aus?"

Bonnie?

Did she just call out to him?

With renewed strength Klaus head-butted Silas causing him to finally lose his hold. He barreled past the warlock, speeding through the violent winds to retrieve Bonnie who had lost her grip on Silas' ankle due to his movements and was quickly sinking into the vacuum. He grabbed her forearms and tugged with his all his might. The kickback from the effort sent them flying backward. She landed on top of him with a thud.

And time stopped … for them.

Winded, they lay sprawled on the ground while the turbulent winds raged on around them sucking everything into the black hole.

Then slowly, very slowly, the soft hands splayed across his furry chest began to move.

"Bonnie."

She lifted her head and looked into his golden eyes.

"Klaus? You …"

He closed them at the sound of her voice.

"…You…"

It was music to his starved ears. Now he would do exactly what he had to.

"You … are so … predictable boy. Always rushing to her recue. Winds of Pazuzu devour! Swallow us whole—" His tongue was suddenly in her mouth! Qetsiyah couldn't even bite down. It was too deep!

Klaus' snaked his fingers around her nape, tangled them in her hair and pushed her head down to his. She struggled but he couldn't begin to care. He just wanted her. With everything in him, he had truly believed Bonnie had heard him; that she'd answered his call. Even though he knew she was gone, the heart she'd made beat just wouldn't stop—couldn't stop and neither could he. He licked the back of her throat, sucked on her tongue and continued to slant his mouth over hers again and again.

Qetsiyah tasted his pain and his loneliness and it was breaking her heart, wrenching the deepest emotions from her soul. No, not her heart and soul, her heart and soul! Flashes of him … and her … on a bar floor embracing as they did now assaulted her mind. Their first kiss. His and hers. No, not hers, hers. She turned herface from his, escaping the imagery but not the sound. Never the sound. She could not shut out the agonized moans calling her name, nor could she pretend she didn't feel the desperation in the kisses now showering her cheek and jaw.

His lips found hers again. NO! NOT HER LIPS, HERS!

And she, Qetsiyah, couldn't fight it any longer. She was becoming weak against the same anguish, which somehow strengthened her. Tears she couldn't control rolled down her cheeks. Her cheeks.

Silas had never—would never love her like this.

But Klaus did love her.

Her.

Bonnie Bennett.

And she felt torn, as though she were being ripped apart by the powerful emotions governing her. She wanted to end this kiss but her arms slid into his hair, encouraging him, egging it on … just like that night in the grass in their secret place. She was losing control.

"Bonnie," he moaned, fingers clasping her nape.

With a sigh, she closed her eyes in defeat.

— 13 —

Silas red eyes glazed over. He'd won. While they lay frolicking, he had managed to perform the spell. Now to extricate himself from this dark hole before it engulfed him.

— 13 —

Her eyes flew open, darting from left to right, right to left then up above as she took in the turbulent scene. Something caught her eye and Klaus watched as her mouth widened in horror. Then her gaze flew back to his and she stared down at him, wearing an expression that he knew all to well.

Bonnie. It was Bonnie. His Bonnie. He'd felt the precise moment she'd returned to his arms. Now to continue where they left off.

"Klaus, what hap—"

He shushed her with a kiss, his fingers sliding from her nape to her smooth neck. Then he squeezed that delicate little neck until her body fell lifeless against his.

At once, the darkness dispersed along with the winds and Silas.

— 13 —

"Are you conscious?"

"Yes, thanks to you."

Sarcasm. She's fine. "You were getting overly excited back there, sweetheart. I had no choice but to subdue you—stop struggling."

"Put me down!" Bonnie didn't trust being held; didn't trust herself after everything that had happened.

She's angry. She had to be livid over his handling of her back there. He lowered her to her feet. At once, she removed her hand from his shoulder as if she'd just discovered it were a poisonous snake. Eyes still fixated on his hand, she took a step back.

A handshake.

With a single handshake I linked us and dragged him into this mess. BUT it's not his job to fix this! No one else will die for me! Not him, not …

"Jeremy."

Once again, she tripped over that mental stumbling block.

Her eyes widened and flew to her hands. Jeremy's blood was on them! She'd seen him lifeless on the cave floor when she'd come to and she knew—Oh God, she just knew it was her fault!

Klaus observed her closely. She obviously didn't realize she'd spoken the prat's name aloud. Well he had her back. That was all that mattered. They could figure out what that meant later. Right now, he had to explain what had transpired in the cave and why he'd felt the need to choke her. And then there was the Hayley debacle. Where did he begin? In any case, he had to come clean about that immediately. It would be difficult and uncomfortable but … now she's staring at her hands.

He could only imagine what she saw there. An extra pair of thumbs? Her hands were well manicured and perfectly sculpted but she viewed them in horror. What the devil? They couldn't afford this strange behavior. Not now. Not when they both needed to be in full control of their mental faculties. There was so much to discuss, so much he had to say. So she needed to get rid of whatever outrageous thoughts were floating around in her head. For all he knew she could be entertaining the idea that he killed that whiny child, which would explain her obvious withdrawal. It spoke volumes. She was retreating as if she were next on his 'hit list'?

It occurred to him that rendering her unconscious automatically damaged his case but he had to make her see reason, make her understand that all he'd thought about from the moment she disappeared was her and that his actions in the cave were necessary. And he had to get through to her because he'd already lost so much and he wouldn't lose her. "Love, you know me. I would never hurt you. I didn't kill the brat. He was …"

Klaus was speaking … He was saying something about … what is he saying? She couldn't hear him, couldn't see him. She was locked in a world of grief with only herself to blame. She took another step back as her gaze alternated between her left and right hand. I wasn't strong enough to protect Jeremy. I wasn't strong enough to stop Qetsiyah! She took over completely! I couldn't stop her! I don't even know where I went! This is a problem—my problem! Mine …

Alone.

She looked so forlorn, so broken, so … betrayed; trapped in a mental prison he couldn't rescue her from. He wanted her to know that she wasn't alone, but she was moving farther and farther away from him so what could he do? The blame rested squarely on his shoulders. He was responsible, damn it! Original Vampire, Original Lycan and yet he hadn't been strong enough to resist that Bitch's charms from the beginning. The cave incident should not have happened. Things should never have progressed that far. Her torment was the fruit of his weakness. He was the failure Mikael had proclaimed. Unworthy. And he had to accept that. And he would. But he couldn't live—refused to live with her acrimony! Trembling fingers raked through already tousled hair as he stood there frustrated and … and shaken. Her withdrawal threatened to send him over the edge. They were no longer bound, nothing tied them save love and sentiment and if he lost that love, he would …

He would …

She had to listen to him! She had to know he was innocent where Jeremy Gilbert was concerned! He reached out to grab her—

—And she jumped back in a panicked frenzy … as if he were a burning flame, as if he were the enemy.

"Bonnie?"

Brushing quickly past Klaus, she headed for the stairs. She couldn't let him touch her. She wasn't good. She was evil. She was Qetsiyah. And in the end she would destroy him.

A door slammed in the distance. Dumbfounded, he continued to stand in her living room like a mute because he was absolutely fucked. She deserved better … someone powerful, who could protect and love—

—No.

His mind returned, sanity and rationale not to far behind.

No one could love her the way he did and one closed door wasn't enough to shut him out. He would remain and he wouldn't rest until she understood this, until she believed him. He'd almost lost her for good, a fact that still tore at his being. Her dark predecessor's powers had astounded him. No wonder the witches feared the and Bonnie needed a plan to neutralize her quick. They also needed to find and destroy Silas. There was no time to spare, which meant convincing her of his innocence and discussing his misconduct would have to wait till later. Ridding her of Qetsiyah was his number one priority, Silas the second. He just needed to calm down. Control (he straightened) was key in situations like these.

He ascended the stairs hoping she'd pulled herself together by the time he reached her bedroom because he couldn't defeat Qetsiyah or Silas alone. They needed to work together regardless of how she felt about him at the moment.

She's in the bathroom. The sound of running water gave her away.

He strode to the end of the hall and stood in front of the bathroom door.

Fifteen minutes later, it occurred to him to do something he hadn't done in ages: knock.

No answer.

How long does she plan to stay in there?

He twisted the doorknob. Not locked?

… Scrub as hard as she might, she couldn't wash away Jeremy's blood. She closed her eyes … it just didn't matter anymore. She would never be clean! No amount of soap and water could restore her to 'Bonnie the Protector' or 'Bonnie the Innocent'. For Heaven's sake, she could still feel Klaus on her skin from the trip home and there was nothing innocent about the aching rawness left by his touch. The short hairs on her arms still stood on edge waiting for his caress even though the running water from the showerhead should have soothed her skin and provided the comfort she needed. It was like she was this big, open wound exposed to the world and her nakedness only made her feel more vulnerable. If only she'd considered this before hopping into the shower like a genius who'd forgotten she had company. Oh my God, I left Klaus downstairs! I better get out of here before he comes … Maybe he left.

She desperately hoped it was the latter. If he kept his distance from her, he would be safe.

… Except then he'd be gone and she couldn't bear to lose him. The thought alone hurt, especially after she'd been exorcised to a spiritual realm where she hadn't been able to see, sense or feel him. Nevermind the fact that she hadn't been able to sense her damn self! Her mind was full of Klaus! She was still grappling with her love for him and it was causing a lot of heartache. She couldn't take it anymore! The shit had hit the fan. Her life was in shambles and the irony of it all was that she and Klaus had reversed roles. He was no longer the monster, she was! They had come full circle. She was Qetsiyah or rather Qetsiyah was her and could resurface at any time and destroy more lives and all she could do was play host. In fact, Qetsiyah would still be wreaking havoc if not for … Klaus.

No. He's not a hero.

He hadn't been motivated to come to her aide out of the 'goodness of his heart'. Damn HIM! He'd acted selfishly, saving her because he couldn't let her go. He should have considered the possibility that her existence was petty in the general scheme of things. Questions like … 'should I rescue her so she can be half good witch half psycho witch willing to kill everyone for a vendetta against her ex' or 'should I destroy her body and allow her spirit to make the ultimate sacrifice to rid the earth of a supreme evil' obviously never occurred to him! Did he think she would be grateful for his 'let the world burn' policy regarding her life? Or did he believe he could score some major points by keeping her alive? Didn't he know a few attempts to save the object of his affection wouldn't absolve him from a lifetime of evil! One or two good deeds aren't enough to erase the past, idiot!

Her thoughts resonated deep in her being because they also applied to her. One or two good deeds as Bonnie Bennett weren't enough …

She froze, dropping the sponge.

It was true. The little good she'd done wasn't enough to erase her previous life of sin. Her body had changed, so had the world, but her spirit … the essence of Qetsiyah remained as constant as the stars. I'm evil and guilty … guilty of using Klaus as a punching bag because she was angry with him for saving her life. He should have let her perish! She hadn't wanted to return to a world without Jeremy; a world where she put those she loved in jeopardy! She couldn't watch Jeremy's fate become his! Tears seeped through her closed eyelids to run down her cheeks.

She sobbed until it became difficult to breathe. She never heard the bathroom door open …

… She's taking a shower at a time like this—another sound interrupted his thought. She's crying.

She stood behind the clear curtain with her back to him but he didn't have to see her face to know her pain. Her back arched up and down as she hiccupped and breathless sounds escaped her throat while she wept. He understood then. It wasn't anger he heard; it was loss. She grieved for her fallen friend and … herself. She feels responsible for the brat's demise. He should have known when he saw her stare at her own hands miserably. This had nothing to do with him.

He should have felt relief but all he could do was wonder if she would cry like that for him if he were taken from the earth.

Putting such selfish thoughts aside, he pulled back the shower curtain and stepped inside the tub behind her. The water pelted him hard. Within seconds he was completely drenched but this didn't deter him. He removed his wet shirt, or rather what was left of the shirt he'd lifted from his victim nearly two days ago and slid it around her wet shoulders before wrapping his arms around her midsection. "Shh, love. Jeremy knew the risks." He kissed the back of her neck. The gesture was meant to offer comfort.

Bonnie flinched. When had he entered? Second, what was he doing—what was he saying? She didn't want to be told that Jeremy invited death by becoming a hunter from someone who despised him. For heaven's sake, it hadn't been Jeremy's choice at all! She didn't want to hear anymore!

She turned and began punching his bare chest with her fists. His shirt fell from her shoulders into the water below. A chorus of "I hate yous" accompanied her blows.

When he could take no more of her pain, he caught her fists in midair and held them immobile between their dripping forms. "It wasn't your fault, love."

"How can you be so sure? Why do you keep defending me? Is it because you're a monster too?"

Seeing through the steam, past her bluster to the wounded girl beneath, he stared into her tear stained face made flush by the hot water raining down on them … I'm completely besotted …

"Don't you see, Klaus? I lured him to that cave and I," her voice broke. "And I have no idea how or why I did it," she tried to explain before erupting. "Why couldn't you just let me disappear into the darkness? Why didn't you just snap my neck?! You had me in a chokehold for cryin' aloud and all you did was knock me out?"

Is she fucking serious?

He grabbed her and slammed her against the wall, his back catching the brunt of the water beating down on them. She's not upset that I strangled her JUST that I didn't kill her? His lips were on hers before she could utter more nonsense. I almost lost her today.

His tongue was on fire. She tried to shake her head free, but his fingers threaded into her wet hair so she couldn't turn her face from his passionate assault. He used his mouth to open hers wider for his enthusiastic tongue. Heat spread inside her, from her head to her toes. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

His tongue slid out of her mouth, across her cheek and blazed a trail down her neck. She drew a ragged breath then leaned forward to drop feather light kisses on his shoulder. When he sighed, she began to suck his skin gently.

Oh, she wanted to suck?He would show her what sucking was all about. After being subjected to Hayley's charms, he wanted nothing more than to drink of his beloved. He captured her left nipple with his mouth and suckled hard enough to draw milk.

The back of her head grazed the tiles as she fought to control her rampant emotions. The water splashing on her face and neck only heightened those emotions, making her body more tense. She didn't even realize he'd relinquished his hold on her hair and when she did, it didn't matter. Not when his hard body was plastered to hers like a second skin. He was so close only small droplets of water from the blasting showerhead managed to get between their clinging forms.

She couldn't focus but she could certainly feel his muscled chest moving against her as he shifted to fondle any part of her skin he could reach while his mouth tortured her breasts. His hard dick butted against her flat stomach as his body slid downward. He was on his knees, his head nuzzling her thighs by the time she managed a coherent thought.

Where are his pants? When did he take them off—"Ooooohhhhhhh!"

Her soft moan filled his ears as he hefted her right leg over his shoulder. Now he had the perfect view. The opening of her vagina called to him. Different hues of pink puckered skin was all he saw … Her clitoris, nestled in short pubic hair, begged to be coaxed out of its shy shell.

His tongue shot forth like a dart and pierced the narrow slit of her pussy, demanding entry. She screamed, she trembled and she writhed, but it wasn't enough. He needed more. He wanted to taste her insides but his tongue couldn't go far enough. So he braced his knees apart for balance then grabbed the quivering thigh resting on his shoulder blade and lifted it higher so he could fit his whole head between her squirming legs while extending and stretching his tongue as far out as it could go. Her hands were suddenly in his hair trying to tear him away. "Just let me …" Her warm vagina swallowed the rest of his words and he could tell from her gasp that she felt the vibrations from his vocal cords deep in her uterus. A thick, tangy cream accompanied the gasp. Loving the taste, he grabbed the cheeks of her ass and pulled her forward until she literally sat on his face, until she was fully impaled on his tongue. His name tore from her lips as his tongue lapped around inside her, drinking her juices and finally making a home for itself in her pussy.

"KLAUS!" She panted while his hands worked her across his face. It felt so good she began to sob anew. "Oh God, Klau—AHHHHHH!" Her body began to break apart into a million pieces. She tried to twist away and knock him over because she didn't want to feel anymore, but his knees were firmly planted in the tub. Next, she tried to bring down her right leg from his shoulder, but he caught her foot and ran his thumb along the arch of her instep as his tongue continued to create liquid acquiescence inside of her. Dear Lord, she was losing consciousness …

And when he lifted her other leg off the floor and commanded "Wrap your legs"—slurp—"around" —lick —"my necckk," she almost died!

In the midst of distressed moans, shivers and tears, she finally managed to slide her genitals off his face, unwrap her legs from around his neck and regain her footing only to find herself wobbly from his ministrations. When he reached out to try and steady her, she smacked his hands away. "What the hell was that?" She demanded, more like panted. OM-freaking-G my legs are still shaking! "This can never …" deep breath "… happen again."

Klaus was on his feet in seconds. If not for years of hard won control, he would have shook her to death. Rather than test the limits of his endurance, he busied himself by turning to turn off the shower behind them. Why the devil was he becoming so upset? She was right even though she didn't know it. Qetsiyah's warning replayed in his mind. He shouldn't have touched her—but damn, he could still taste her on his lips. Closing his eyes, he took a moment to collect himself before turning to face her again.

Her dripping, naked skin and husky breathing nearly broke him. The man in him spoke before he could stop him. "You're still denying me after everything we've been through? You already know how much I love you. What else must I do to prove myself to you?"

"Nothing." She grabbed the shower curtain, opened it and … He placed his hand on hers. Please don't, Klaus. There's nothing more to say. She yanked her hand free and stepped out of the shower.

She bent to retrieve her underwear from the bathroom floor but opted for the jeans resting beside them at the last moment. Forget the lace, she needed something stronger to protect her lower body after what had just happened. What did just happen? She'd be lucky if she managed to get to the door while stumbling into her jeans.

Just a few more steps …

"And you expect me to let you leave? Just like that?"

Zipping her jeans, she turned to face him. "You have to."

'You' was more of a horrified gasp and the words that followed, 'have' and 'to', were actually muffled screams as Bonnie found herself flat on her back on the bathroom floor staring up into blue flames!

"Get off me, Klaus."

"No." The word hung in the space between their lips while his eyes zeroed in on her mouth. Now that he thought about it, theevil bitch hadn't said anything about snogging. And who knew when he would get this chance again seeing as though he had yet to come clean.

"I insist." The threat was clear in her eyes.

The blue flames that were his irises burned brighter. "One more kiss."

Bonnie eyed him warily. "No. If you'd stop acting like some lovesick puppy for one minute we could—"

"Could what? Talk? About the fact that you expect me to give you up? And yet my request is being treated like the unreasonable one."

Although she was loath to admit it, he had a point. "Fine. One Kiss. Call it a farewell."

"Whatever you say." The blue flames went out.

He took hold of her lands and laced his fingers through hers then dipped low.

Her eyes drifted shut as his lips lowered to meet hers …

They flew open when she heard the sound of a fly—hers being unzipped! Seconds later his torso was wedged firmly between her thighs, his naked shoulders spreading them further apart. She grunted. Any wider and her jeans would—Klaus bit into the crotch of her jeans and tore out the fabric with his fangs—rip! He just—oh my gaaaddddd—his mouth engulfed her clitoris whole! Her eyes crossed.

His tongue whipped her clit, flicking it back and forth until the little nub stood erect. "Klauusss!" She screamed in ecstasy, her hips bucking upward as liquid erupted from her vaginal lips. His tongue immediately swooped down to collect the fluid oozing from her opening. "Pleazzeee, you'vve already taken moreee than I c-an give!"

If she's still capable of speech, I'm not doing this correctly. "And I won't stop until I have everything." He began to suck in, creating a suction that forcefully drew out her juices. Then he adjusted his position so his nose could nuzzle her clit while he drank. When her legs started to shake uncontrollably with her climax he took full advantage. He grabbed her hamstrings and pushed them up so that her thighs straddled his face and she could feel his jaw working as he swallowed every last drop of her. Her body began to twist and contort against his hold, her cries piercing his eardrums but still he didn't stop. He didn't stop until her legs went limp and her body went slack. Then he released her thighs and sat up.

"Why are you crying?"

Dear Lord, I'm crying again. "You know why." Did she admit that what just happened was so beautiful and so pleasurable that it made her forget the events of the past few days? Or did she … begin peeling off what was left of her jeans, her fingers shaking with the task. "That was more than a kiss and you know it."

"You do realize the lips beneath your nose are not your only pair?"

Bonnie shivered and clenched her thighs together. "Why are you like this? Why do you always have some crass response to everything I say? Why can't you just—nevermind." She shook her head. "You're only making this harder than it needs to be."

"Am I? We kissed then I removed my person from yours as per your request. It's rather simple."

Once again, he was twisting shit to suit his own purposes! "I have to get out of here!" She stood and rushed to the door before her legs embarrassed her by giving out, before she fell apart in front of him once more.

Let her go for now. You're horny as hell. Put some distance between you two before … "Knowing how I feel, you really believed I would give you up? And jeans, sweetheart? Really? You could have had steel, chrome, the whole chastity belt complete with a lock and it still wouldn't have been enough." Her audacity was bloody outrageous. His eyes were suddenly drawn to the shirt balled in her fist. "By all means, put it on because that flimsy garment is certain to make me 'unsee' you naked. But there's still the matter of your taste. Considering I ate you out moments ago that's going to be a lot harder to erase especially since your juices are still sliding down my throat. So I'd say it's little late for cover up, don't you agree?"

Pride compelled her to drop the shirt. He was right, dammit, even though she wanted to turn around and smack him for being so sarcastic about it. Luckily for him she was hell-bent on escape …

… Which he noticed. "What are you so afraid off? Qetsiyah told me—"

"Don't. Say. Her. Name." Her fingers fumbled with the doorknob. The very name made her sick to her stomach. She vaguely recalled her short time on the other side when she had tried to rescue Elena. Qetsiyah was responsible for her mistreatment of Grams. In fact, she realized in horror, Qetsiyah had actually manifested that time! She took control and I didn't even know what hit me, even after Klaus pulled me back into the real world! Now the dream with her killing The Five including Jeremy made sense. It wasn't Klaus she'd been turning into like she'd previously believed, but what he represented: a demon, which was precisely what Qetsiyah was. She'd pictured herself as Klaus only because they were bound and he'd killed hunters in the past. How could I have been so oblivious? Ayana and Emily warned me. That evil bitch knows me inside out and will definitely use it to her advantage. She will try to weaken me by hurting Klaus.

"She told me that your love for me was stronger than I realized."

"Stop speaking."

"Will that stop you from running?" He should have 'stopped speaking'. Considering what he knew and his inability to resist her, it was best to let her escape for the time being. If he pushed this conversation under these circumstances, it would end badly.

But this has to be said he rationalized. "You claim to love me, she confirms it and you're still desperate to get away from me when we both know its true and you haven't even heard the punch-line:" I can't shag you, he silently added. So you don't need to run. You're bloody safe!

"I'm not running away," Bonnie finally exploded. "I'm protecting you, stupid! So just stay away from me!"

Klaus jumped to his feet. Protecting me? What the devil is she saying? He didn't need her protection; he needed her to stop opening that door and start making sense. He tried to grab her but she evaded his grasp and exited the bathroom. He followed her into the hallway. "Protecting me from what? If I recall the day correctly, I'm the one who should be protecting you."

"That's the problem." She turned to confront him. "You keep trying to protect me!"

"So you should be used to it."

"I am. And now, so is she."

He was drawing a blank. "Get to your point woman or so help me—"

"She expected you to save me! I'll bet she was counting on it! By saving me, you saved her. Now she's free to … free to …" She closed her eyes, took a deep breath then opened them. "Just get it through your thick skull; you can't SAVE me!"

He grabbed her elbow the moment she tried to turn from him again. "She's free to what?"

Silence.

"FREE. TO. WHAT?"

"KILL YOU! The next time you attempt to rescue me, she will come back and make sure you don't survive. She will destroy you, Klaus, and I can't bear that—I won't!"

"She already tried but I'm still here, Bonnie." He dropped her elbow and framed her face with his palms. He knew better than anyone the threat Qetsiyah posed but he needed to be strong for the both of them. "I'm right here."

"Only because she allowed you to be! For what reason, I don't know! I don't know anything! I can't even explain why she told you how much you mean to me. Well now you know. I love you so much it scares me! If we lived in another time and place under completely different circumstances you would never doubt how much. But we don't. You're a hybrid and I'm a witch." She removed his hands from her face. "This is our reality. We can never be."

A statement he'd heard from her many times … but this time was different.

She meant it.

She loved him so she was letting him go.

He could deal with not being able to express his love physically, but he couldn't deal with losing her. The day's events had proven that. There was no life without her. He took her hand and placed it on his chest. "Then take it before you go. My life. It's yours."

"Don't play games with me Klaus. You value your existence more than anything. It means more to you than I do." She tried to pull her hand free but he held it firmly in place. "Besides, we're still bound. I can't—"

"Qetsiyah severed our bond. You know; you can feel it. Stop making excuses."

"No." She shook her head. "No. This wasn't supposed to happen! We weren't supposed to be like this—we're NOT like this! We can't love each other this much!" Searching his eyes, she tried to deny what she saw there. "No." She closed her eyes. "No."

With his free hand, he cupped her chin and tilted it upward forcing her to look at him. "I would rather die than live without you."

Her breath caught.

That did it. That little involuntary reaction was everything.

The next thing he knew, he was risking their lives.

His lips descended on hers …

He stood there kissing her softly, cherishing her. They faced possible extermination along with every thing that mattered and yet he couldn't bring himself to end the kiss. But kissing wasn't the problem. What happened next was the problem and he wanted it despite what Qetsiyah had told him, despite the outcome.

Now, you've gone too far. You need to stop and tell her everything.

He began to drink heavily from her lips.

Shit. "Shove"—more tongue—"me."

Bonnie broke the contact. "What?" She asked, still hazy from their kiss.

"Run."

"Seriously? First you accuse me of running. Then you put me through the ringer for it and now you're advocating it?"

His hungry gaze fell to her naked breasts. "It just became imperative that you do so. Go to your bedroom. Lock the door. Then put some clothes on." Eyes glued to her nipples, he added with a grunt, "Preferably a sweater. When it's safe, we'll talk. There are some things I must tell you." She still looked confused. "Go!"

"Now I can go? When you come to the conclusion we're not safe? I've only been saying that for the past hour," she rolled her eyes. "But of course it only matters when almighty Klaus proclaims it."

"Bonnie." It was a warning.

"Okay fine, I'm going. But somehow I don't think sitting in my room twiddling my thumbs is gonna help. That evil bitch may came back and I don't think—"

Oh bloody hell! "Will you forget her for one second? You're not safe with me!" Get a bloody grip on yourself. "Me," he managed to say without yelling this time. "I'm the problem right now."

"What?"

He grabbed her hand and hauled her up against him. "Those kisses were child's play, love. So you really need to do what I say. Get out of here"—his arms circled her waist—"or I'm going to hurt you." He was referring more than physical pain but she had no way of knowing that. His left hand palmed the small of her back then slid down, fingers first, to pinch then cup her right butt cheek. She flinched, eyes widening on his while those same fingers rounded her rump, curved inward then under. Gliding along the moisture from earlier, his middle finger rolled past her anus to find and penetrate her other opening. His finger sunk into her pussy with ease.

Like before, it was uncomfortable at first, but as his finger continued to slide in and out, she became accustomed to the gentle prick. Her insides swallowed his finger making each withdrawal more heart wrenching. She started biting his chest. Every time he removed his finger, she nipped him. When his other hand squeezed her left cheek and began to push it upward, her muscles clenched around his finger to keep it embedded.

He kept molding her butt cheeks upward but he had no idea what he was trying to do until his rough voice touched her ear. "Toes," he bit off raunchily.

Does he want me to stand on my toes? Hesitantly, she tiptoed and his finger slid deeper. "Aaahh!"

That was exactly what he wanted. She was so bloody wet he couldn't stand it! He pulled his finger out of her and then lifted her by the thighs so swiftly that her tits, now eye level, juggled before his avid gaze. He heard the breath whoosh from her body as she hung onto his shoulders for dear life.

Still whirling from the devastating effects of his finger in her, she wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned incoherent sounds as Klaus touted her about in the air a few steps from her bedroom door while sucking on her tits like a leech. She was being devoured by pleasure and he was … apologizing?! This is—"ahhh"—new. It was unlike him to admit wrongdoing and even less likely for him to express regret.

"I'm sorry," Klaus repeated, desperately hoping she heard him before …

He released her thighs. Without his hands holding her butt for support, her body plunged downward. She grabbed his arms to keep from freefalling only to feel herself sliding onto his hard dick. It burned so much she screamed. Just the tip of him seemed to stretch her impossibly. Suddenly his apologies made perfect sense. He was huge! This wasn't going to work! If she could just pull herself up then maybe … but her hands slid lower because his arms were slick from perspiration. Her body followed suit, helplessly sinking onto that painful poke while he stood there motionlessly letting it happen.

I'm going mad … He looked her straight in the eyes. She was so bloody moist; he could not even begin to describe the feeling. His penis was entering the Garden of Eden and it felt so good, he nearly swallowed his tongue. "Bon-n," he tried.

"Please don't—"

"I'm not. Never for this. I'm only sorry we won't make it to your bed." The things he should have been apologetic for, including this, were completely overshadowed by his yearning. He moved his right hand between their bodies to position himself properly. Then he grabbed her buttocks and yanked her down on him while simultaneously thrusting upward with his hips. She doubled over in agony and took his nipple between her teeth to keep from crying out. He groaned. She fit like a small condom on his large shaft. Her insides were excruciatingly warm and tight, more than he'd ever dreamed … Heaven. Without rearing back, he thrust again harder, needing to feel her pussy split and separate to hold him but something prevented him from surging even deeper … her virginity. So he pushed against it until it broke.

She reared up, crying out. It hurt so much she could hardly catch her breath. "Wait."

She felt his tongue on her cheek licking away her tears.

"No more waiting." He began lowering them to the ground.

The pressure between her thighs mounted when her back hit the carpet. Thankfully Klaus remained still above her. He appeared to be caught in a moment of ecstasy, his blue irises focused on her face, his features more striking than ever … I am losing my virginity to … Klaus. He is making love to me … She closed her eyes, feeling him. Just him. The moment was surreal and very painful; unbearably so … but somehow, it felt right. Her insides were beginning to mold to him.

When he felt that internal caress of her vagina, he knew that her body had finally adjusted to him. He lowered his head until it rested in the crook of her neck. So this was what it felt like to be truly connected to someone else. Years ago he'd closed himself off, accepting an eternity of solitude after witnessing those he cared for either betray him or fall victim to the darkness surrounding him, Kol, being the most recent tragedy. Only now with her heartbeat thumping steadily against his chest and her husky breaths tickling his ear did he realize he'd made a mistake in turning off his emotions. He was learning that even though there would always be pain in life, there was also happiness. It was here in these arms encircling his neck, the scent of gardenias enveloping his senses and the legs slowly wrapping around his waist. He lifted his head and planted a kiss on her temple. Her eyelashes fluttered open and he gazed into her eyes. "You are my family and I am yours." When she nodded, acknowledging the promise in that statement, he said the words he knew would change their lives forever. "Bonnie, I'm going to move now."

Family … us … Oh God, she was falling … of a cliff. And then she remembered. "My father." She began to panic. "He could come home any moment!"

Klaus kissed her softly, shushing her, calming her. "But I haven't come at all yet." He withdrew, feeling her tender muscles cleave to his phallus as he pulled back until only the head of his dick remained inside. Then he drove forward with such speed and force that the ground beneath them vibrated from the motion.

Her fingernails dug into his neck, drawing skin. "Does it still hurt?"

Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. "Yes. This is intense, Klaus."

"What can I do?" Every muscle strained as his forehead came down to rest upon hers. "I'll do anything, but please, don't ask me stop."

"If I asked you to stop, would you?"

He did stop; the agonizing effort to do so along with concern for her written on every line of his face. Overwhelmed by his tenderness, she couldn't refrain from reaching up and cupping his cheek. To know that he exercised such restraint was soothing in a way, transforming the pain she thought would kill her if he moved again into tangible confirmation that his presence inside her was real. She kissed him.

His tongue swept into her mouth as deeply as his dick penetrated her tight pussy. Then he was moving slowly … his pectorals massaging her hardened nipples as his naked body rocked against hers, upward then downward, wreaking havoc on her mind and insides. Tasting her delicious moan, Klaus surged forward and rotated his hips slightly so that his penis swerved sharply and slammed into her G-spot. Her head fell back into the hands waiting to cradle it. Her thigh muscles loosened and her back came up completely off the carpet. Now he had her completely open. He drove harder, grinding her hips into the carpet, entering her to the hilt. She cried out and he lowered his head to give her all the kisses she would need to get her through this intimacy when her warm breath ghosted over his lips … "More."

It was the most potent aphrodisiac he'd ever been given. He surged forward, drowning in her …

Unable to withdraw now for even the tiniest of seconds, Klaus continued to destroy them both with a series of slow, voluptuous thrusts, which became less disciplined and more violent with every passing stroke. He tried, he really did, to be gentle but her moist core squeezed him so mercilessly he grit his teeth and drove recklessly, needing her so damn badly.

His impetus was driving her insane! He was relentless, digging into her womb with an ever-increasing speed and an uncoordinated rhythm that shattered her soul. It was unlike anything she could've imagined. It was gritty, all consuming and raw: an invasion of the 'self'—herself, which obliterated the notion of 'one person'. He was inside her, wrapped around her, all over her, a part of her and she couldn't keep her hands off him. And she didn't care. She kissed his hair, nibbled his earlobe, caressed any part of him she could reach and screamed every time he plunged deep. He was hers and she would take everything he had to give! His movements became more erratic and less structured and she clutched him close. "I love you. I love you so much."

"Show me." He begged, not caring how desperate he sounded. He was desperate! Grabbing her hips, he rolled them over so that she lay on top of him, her thighs strangling his pelvis. "Make love to me." When she didn't appear to understand what he wanted, he showed her.

Bonnie shrieked. Her back arched a complete ninety-degree angle bringing her to a seated position on his elevated hips. That stroke had nearly killed her … and it felt so motherfucking good that she grabbed his shoulders; nails digging into his skin, and pulled him upright so that she could tongue him down. His arms circled her waist, bringing her closer until she sat flush against him, her flat tummy rubbing his abs. Caught up in the storm, she shoved his chest and he fell backward onto the carpet, his hands releasing her waist. When he tried to sit up again, she lifted herself off his arousal and sank back down slowly. His eyes crossed and he drifted back to the ground in a stiff heap, his neck cording with passion.

She screamed to the ceiling, bracing her hands on the narrow hallway walls for support. His hand shot up, cupped the back of her neck and forced her head lower until she was hunched over above him, her face inches from his. "Do that again."

She repeated the movement, but this time he lunged upward to meet her on her way down, swirling his hips. The result left them moaning, groaning, oohing and ahhing, her breasts dangling in his face … So good, he thought, wanting nothing more. He could have easily remained this way forever, feeling her soft flesh pulsing around him. He took one turgid nipple in his mouth and closed his eyes, sucking gently.

Bonnie watched Klaus with new eyes, seeing for the first time that it was possible to bring him to the same volatile point he brought her. He was absolutely beautiful … and impossible not to love. She inched even lower so she could view him up close as she continued to gyrate against him, her hips not missing a beat. Even though her uterus burned from the rigorous activity, it was worth it. He released her nipple, opened his eyes and watched her in return. "I love you," he whispered. Then his deft fingers massaged her ass until she sank even lower, taking more of him. Good gawd he was getting bigger!

She moaned and he flipped her unto her back. He came up on his knees and dragged her thighs unto his lap so that her tight pussy was forced to sheathe his entire length, then he slid his fingers down her legs to capture her ankles so he could anchor himself as he pounded fiercely into her. His name tore from her lips. He groaned hers, released her ankles and lowered himself unto her.

With his full weight upon her and his body straining to destroy her five senses, it was almost impossible to meet his ferocious thrusts but she tried until he grabbed her thighs and held them immobile for his onslaught. Thus she endured the sweetest torment of her life: his raging genital combined with deep throated kisses that left her powerless to do anything but "come," as he commanded while moaning feverishly. Her body surged into orgasm, her muscles convulsing, drenching him.

Klaus shook with need, his lips trembling on hers as he stroked around in the warm liquid, stirring it with his dick. Nibbling her bottom lip, he desperately tried to contain the feelings swarming him but he couldn't. He bore down on her, his full weight crushing her to the floor, his balls mashing her clit into its most folds and let go, spewing his seed deep inside her.

He collapsed, utterly spent.

"I lo-ove y … you … so much." She could hardly speak, let alone find words.

His head rested on her heaving breasts, rising and falling with her rapid heartbeat.

"Prove it. Marry me."

— 13 —

She gasped.

Her lashes lowered in terror. She was so focused on what it meant that the voice in the background didn't register at first.

"What's wrong?" Sophie eyed her sister with wide-eyed concern. It was uncommon for Jane-Anne to drop a talisman let alone stop chanting during a ritual. "Jane-Anne?"

"It's happening."

Sophie watched in horror as tears fell from her sister's eyes. They were too late.

A/N: Once again, I apologize for the unforgivable long wait. I really hope you liked this chapter. As always, your thoughts and comments are more than welcome and greatly appreciated :-}}}}}}}}}}