"Bloody hell…did it work…?" Rebekah asked as she tried to look for the light switch.

Klaus held on to Caroline's hand. "Stefan check the bloody fuse…"

Suddenly the lights went on.

Klaus' eyes opened wide. "Kol…"

"Hello brother…" Kol said grinning like a mad man. "You missed me…"

Chapter 18

Klaus swallowed the knot that was forming in his chest. His brother was alive. Kol was alive. Klaus walked closer to his brother and stopped cold. Kol walked slowly to his brother and was stopped by a blur of blond hair and blue eyes crushing him. " Kol…you bloody twat…I missed you so much…"

Klaus stepped back and saw the gigantic hug his siblings shared. He longed to be part of it but knew that all of his past sins would not allow him such closeness. He daggered and kept them in coffins for centuries under the rouse of protecting them, but he knew it was because of fear. He feared they would do the most traitorous of acts…they would leave him. They did but to his surprise they always returned. He hoped, prayed that Kol would want to stay by his side.

Kol laughed. He gave his sister a giant hug but stopped. Her arms were starting to crush his lungs. "Bekah…your crushing me…I…"

Rebekah was startled. She took a step back and listened. Ga…gum…Ga…gum. "A heartbeat…you have a bloody heartbeat. "

All eyes turned to Caroline. Her eyes were opened wide in shock. Kol walked towards Caroline. Caroline was poised for battle, she knew first hand how volatile the Mikaelson temper was. Rebekah flashed in front of Caroline, "What did you do?"

Caroline raised her head up. She would not show fear. "I fulfilled my end of the bargain. A life for a life."

Rebekah shook her head, "No he's mortal…that wasn't the deal."

Klaus flashed in front of Rebekah, "Calm down sister…don't do anything rash."

Kol snorted, " That will be difficult for that strumpet."

Rebekah flashed towards Kol and held him by the neck. She started to squeeze his throat.

"What the…Bekah…" Kol started to say in between coughs.

Caroline flashed over to siblings and stopped midway. "Rebekah…"

Rebekah laughed, "Kol…take that back…?"

Kol closed his eyes and concentrated on his sister. He felt a surge of energy flow through him, ripples flew in his sister's direction. She loosened her grip on her brother and flew to her knees. She held her head, the pain was increasing surrounding her cortex she felt like she was dying. "Okay…okay…stop…" Rebekah shrieked.

Stefan heard the ruckus from the front room and flashed towards the screams of his lady.

Klaus flashed forward towards Kol. He was a bloody witch. "Kol…stop this madness before I tear out your liver." Klaus said as his eyes turning a golden amber color.

Kol took a deep breath and relaxed his mind. He slowly got up and held the side of his neck.

Klaus flashed to his sister. "Bekah…?"

Rebekah coughed a few times for emphasis before she nodded. Stefan wrapped his arms around Rebekah helping her walk.

Klaus turned to his sister and then his brother. "Why is he a bloody witch…why isn't he a vampire…?"He flashed towards Caroline in a rage.

Caroline stepped back but was trapped by his hands tightening around her shoulders. "Klaus…I kept my word…let go of me…" Klaus remained silent. He saw the anger in her eyes and loosened his hands, "Caroline…I…"

Caroline shook her head, " Don't Klaus…I kept my word…I sacrificed my closest friend…and I am no closer to saving my daughter…" She felt tear start to fall down the side of her face.

Klaus lowered his eyes. "Caroline…"

Caroline looked at the shame on his face. "You are going to help me…"

Klaus looked up slowly and remained silent.

Caroline felt her eyes start to blink away the tears that were forming. "Klaus…"

Rebekah felt her stomach turn into knots. She wanted to say something but felt like she couldn't. Klaus was an arse but he was right, family above all. She did help them bring back Kol, but Davina was dangerous. She was a witch with a grudge. She had too much power. She was not going to be easy to control. And there was still Elijah. What about Elijah? Elijah was still trapped in that god-forsaken attic with Davina. He wasn't safe. They needed to get Elijah. To get Elijah they needed a plan.

Stefan held Rebekah and felt her stiffen as she turned to her brother. " Bekah…?" He asked her softly. He raised an eyebrow.

Rebekah whispered, "I'm sorry…"

Stefan loosened his grip and took a step back. "Bekah…" He remained silent and shook his head. What did he get himself into?

Caroline waited for Klaus to answer but he did not. She nodded and wiped away the tears in her eyes before she flashed away in the darkness.

Caroline needed to get some space between her and the hybrid. In all those years, he was never going to change. She flashed away into the winding road until she reached Bourbon Street. She didn't know what was going to happen next but she knew right now she needed a drink or two. She walked into Greta's and sat on the empty chair by the bar. She waved at the bartender and said, "Dirty Martini." She checked her phone for any missed calls. Nothing. She was a bit disappointed, she knew he would not call but a part of her wished he had.

"Look what the cat dragged in?"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Marcellus…" She said venomously. She nodded at the bartender, "Its on him."

Marcellus smirked as he nodded. "What bring you here, sweet pea?"

"Drinks." She said as she held up her martini. She took a long gulp and gave him her best Miss Mystic Fall smile. "What is there a problem Marcellus?"

"You tell me. What else are you and Niklaus planning? " Marcel said smugly.

Caroline continued to finish her drink. "I am planning on having another drink, dance a little, have a little desert later...Niklaus…I don't know nor care what he's planning…." Caroline finished her drink and signaled the bartender another.

Marcel smiled as he eyed his wife. "Really…you two looked awfully comfy before."

Caroline turned to Marcel and traced the smile on her face with her fingertips. "Marcellus…even if I had a plan…why would I tell you…?" She grabbed her drink and got up. She needed to dance and feel nothing but the music. She started to walk away when she felt a pair of strong hands on her arm.

"I could kill you where you stand I am still the King…" He said a bit louder. The music stopped. One by one the heads all the vampires in the place turned to await the orders of their king. "I will not be disrespected….not even by you Caroline…." He said in a hiss.

Caroline tugged her arm away, " You won't kill me Marcellus…we're linked remember…if I die …you die too…" She said as she raised her glass to him and finished the drink. She slammed the drink on the barstool and continued onto the dance floor.

Marcellus narrowed his eyes. He gave a nod across the room. In a flash a light skinned vampire came and nodded. "What do you need boss?"

Marcellus leaned in, " I want her followed at all times Thierry."

Thierry looked towards the dance floor, Caroline was dancing with a tall vampire with hazel eyes. "You want me to follow Caroline…are you sure boss?" He said as he raised an eyebrow.

"Yeh…is there a problem?" Marcel said shortly.

Thierry raised his hands. "Okay…but I'll have to hire some help she can be a handful…" He said before he flashed away.

"Don't I know it…" Marcel said grinning. He grabbed the drink that was in front of him and gulped it down. He watched his wife very carefully she was not to be trusted.

Caroline waved her hands dancing shaking what her mama gave her. She closed her eyes and let the music control her arms and legs. It was wonderful feeling carefree at least for a little while. She moved her hips from side to side varying from slow to fast. She opened her eyes abruptly when she felt a pair of hands wrap themselves around her. She smiled as she saw a pair of smoky gray eyes, "Nik…" She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.

Nikoli smiled, "How are you, love?"

Caroline picked her head and sighed, "How much time do you have?"

Nikoli laughed, "For you eternity." He pulled her close to him and smiled as he smelled the vodka and rose water on her skin.

Caroline lowered her arms and gave him a half smile. "What are you doing here? I thought you had business out of town?"

Nikoli looked into her clear blue eyes and felt himself melt. She was so beautiful and trusting he loved and hated that about her. She always trusted the wrong people, especially the wrong hybrid. She is a means to his end, he repeated in his mind. You are not allowed to feel it would jeopardize everything, his plan for vengeance was already crumbling. "I wanted to make sure you were alright." He lied.

Caroline smiled, "I will be…" She looked over to where Marcellus was sitting and narrowed her eyes. "…as soon as I get rid of my little problem…"

Nikoli followed her eyes. Marcellus. "Really…and how do you plan on doing that?"

Caroline smirked. "With the right tools any rodent can be exterminated…"

Nikoli laughed and shook his head. He was about to reply when he felt his phone vibrate. He took a step back and looked at the caller id. Restricted. "Excuse me love…"

Caroline smiled as she watched him walk away. She looked towards the bar and saw a pair of penetrating dark eyes look her way, Marcellus. She rolled her eyes. She did not want another encounter with him. She turned the other way and headed to the bathroom. She needed to splash some water in her face.

Marcel watched Caroline walk towards the back room and nodded at Thierry. Thierry nodded and followed Caroline close behind. Marcel held his drink and took a long gulp. "Marcel…"

He lit up as he heard the sweet sound of his blond bombshell calling his name, "Camille…" He smiled as she leaned forward and placed a loud sloppy kiss on the lips of the King of the quarter. Marcel wrapped his arms around her pulling her in trapping her body close to his. She purred in his mouth, lavishing in the feel of his tongue caress her mouth. "Cami baby…don't tease…" He said softly as his lips brushed the tips of her earlobes. She felt the heat of hid tongue radiate all over her; her chest, stomach and then her limbs. She was putty in his hands. He whispered seductively, "Come here baby…" She found herself walking around the bar and planted herself on Marcel's lap. He smirked and held onto her hips pulling her closer to him. She leaned in and kissed him softly at first.

Caroline felt the hairs on the back of her neck start to stand up on end. She was being followed. She rolled her eyes, Marcel of course. She looked in her purse and pulled put her compact. She stopped and smiled at her reflection. She checked her makeup and turned the mirror slightly. "Thierry…" She whispered. She flicked her wrist sending the compact flying towards the vampire. His eyes widened as the tiny mirror zipped right by him. Caroline slowly turned around and smiled, "Three, two, one…"

A loud thump sounded as the head of Marcel's number one fell on the floor. She bent down and wiped the blood from her compact.

Caroline walked out slowly making sure to give Marcel a wink. "I left something in the back room for you, Marcellus." Caroline walked out of the smoke filled bar with a smug smile on her face. She waited a few moments before she heard the loud growl coming from the throat of her beloved husband.

Caroline couldn't help but laugh, if something brought him just a little pain it was worth it especially after all he put her through. Caroline shook her head and tried to ignore the feelings that were bubbling inside.

Nikoli hung up the phone and listened for Caroline, she wasn't in the bar. He had a feeling something was up. He flashed over to the door opening it slightly as he closed his eyes. He bit the side of his cheek as he felt his bones start to bend over, one by one his bones melted into each other, feathers appeared on what used to be human skin morphed into grey and white owl wings. Nikoli hooted as he flew quickly into the top of the bar getting a better look at his prize.

"What's the matter darling?"

Caroline turned her head a pair of hazel eyes, light brown hair and a smug smirk was staring straight at her. Kol Mikaelson. "Kol."

Kol walked towards her he felt her defenses go up and raised his hands in the air. "I…just want to talk…"

Caroline exhaled and allowed herself to relax. She concentrated and saw he was being sincere. His thoughts were becoming clear. His concern was genuine. She saw pictures of her, Klaus, and Davina. They were happy. "Okay…but not here." She turned around slightly towards the bar.

Kol nodded. "Alright."

Caroline started to walk away but stopped when she felt Kol touch her arm. Caroline raised her eyebrow for a second giving him a questioning look.

Kol raised his hand and with a flicker of his finger they disappeared into the night air.

Nikoli saw them disappear, using his owl eyes, and covered his face with his wings, moments later he changed into his immortal form. "Interesting, "he said as he flashed away into the darkness.

A few moments later they remerged from the void, they were inside of her apartment.

She looked around and rolled her eyes, "Show off."

Kol laughed, "What can I say?" He shrugged smugly.

Caroline shook her head. She crossed her arms over her chest. "So…what's on your mind?"

"Do you have anything strong to drink…its been a while since I craved anything other than blood…"

Caroline nodded and flashed to the kitchen looking for a pair of glasses. She placed the glasses down on the wooden island and went to find the bottle of bourbon she saved for a special occasion. She figured having a resurrected original could fit that case. She filled the glasses with the amber liquid and walked towards Kol. She extended her hand and watched as Kol drank the liquid. She walked over to the island and brought the bottle refilling his glass, "Easy there your human now…"

Kol smirked, "That is true." He finished his drink and turned around in a circle. "Nice place."

Caroline followed him into the living room and sat down. She watched him carefully. "Thanks. How is it going…being human again?"

Kol turned around. He saw her eyes they were emotionless and reserved. "It's different I will admit…I love being a witch…the power I weld is incredible. I am part of something bigger than myself… but being mortal…feeling pain, hunger, the possibility of death in every corner. I don't fancy that prospect. "

Caroline smiled. " Sounds like you prefer being a vampire."

Kol gave her a half smile. "I loved being a vampire. I rebelled in it. I was the most powerful being, practically indestructible. I could will anyone to do my bidding. Of course I loved it, but do you know what I loved more than the hunt, blood and power?"

Caroline shook her head, "No, what?"

"I was part of the most powerful immortal family."

Caroline raised her eyebrows. "Family.

"Family is everything, Caroline. I know I lived for over a thousand years before I was murdered by the doppelganger. There is no point to living forever if you're alone. Family is important. Nik, Bekah, Lijah, Davina…"

Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Davina…what does my daughter have to do with anything?"

"You mean Niklaus' daughter." Kol said as he sat across form her in the soft white sofa.

Caroline placed the glass down and refilled the glass. She looked at Kol' s empty one and refilled it. She needed to be calm. Kol was either a risk or an asset, she just had to figure out which. She knew he was a Mikaelson but there was something different about him. He was a wild card. Caroline remained silent, she refused to acknowledge or reject his claims.

Kol sat back and grinned.

"Why would you say that?" Caroline said as she crossed her legs tightly around her.

Kol smirked. "When you spent as much time as I did on the other side you see things that most people don't. "

"I see."

"I saw the struggle you went through and I want to help. "

Caroline twirled her glass and snorted softly. "You want to help out of the goodness of your heart? Right." She rolled her eyes in annoyance, there was something he was hiding.

Kol leaned forward his arms on his knees. He lowered his head slightly inching towards Caroline. "Caroline I know that it can't be easy for you especially with my family…but you are family now …always and forever."

"Always and forever huh? Sure. You do remember I am from Mystic Falls…I know your family very well…I have seen each and everyone of you profess loyalty and stab each other in the back figuratively and literally. " She took a sip of the bourbon and held it in her mouth. The sting of the liquor felt good.

"Yes, that is true love…" Kol said shrugging.

Caroline rolled her eyes at the sound of that four letter word. It seemed to roll out of the Mikaelson men rather easy but she wondered if they actually knew what it meant. "Suppose I believe you and you help. Then what? How long until you betray me? Stab me in the back?" Caroline said lowly. She raised an eyebrow allowing herself to grin.

" Your family…you and Davina…"

Caroline rolled her eyes.

"Okay…fine. You brought me back Caroline I owe you…I give you my word." Kol said finally.

Caroline put the glass down on the table. "That I believe." She got up and walked towards the window. She hugged herself, trying to give herself a bit of comfort, as she saw the lights of the city. People partying and carrying on as if tonight was the last night on Earth. "Your word…" She turned around. "And what is that worth?"

Kol put his glass down and walked over to Caroline. "Caroline I know that I don't know you or your daughter. And you don't have a reason to trust me so don't. Let me prove it to you. "

Caroline lowered her arms turning around slowly. She took a deep breath. A small part of her wanted to believe him, trust him but should she. She was so tired, so tired of running and never trusting anyone. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Davina. This was about Davina and keeping her safe. "Fine."

Kol smiled, "So have you told Niklaus yet?"

Caroline licked her lips. "No."

"Why not? He has a right to know…"

" I know he does, but for now its safer for her if no one else finds out. Klaus is…" She closed her mouth before she said too much.

Kol crossed his eyes and smirked. "My brother is a bit of a twat but if you gave him a chance he can't be half bad, huh darling?"

Caroline shook her head and laughed. "Things aren't that simple. A lot has happened too much. I can't go back to how things were…I can't. I have to think of Davina and what's best for her. Being in the middle of war and all of this pain….it's not the best thing for her…I have tried to protect her but…"

Kol got up and refilled his drink. He took a sip and held the glass. "But what?"

"I've made so many mistakes, especially trusting the wrong people." Caroline said offhand.

"Who pray tell are they?" Kol asked.

Caroline looked at him weary, she knew she had to trust someone but should she? "Marcel for one…" She said hoping her answer was safe enough she didn't need another Mikaelson enemy Elijah and Rebekah were enough.

"Ah Marcellus, yes I always knew he was a snake in the grass. I have tried to tell Nik he was not to be trusted but of course he refused to listen. " Kol chuckled. " He even went so far as to claim I was jealous of that little shit."

Caroline was intrigued. " Really…what made you doubt him…I thought he was a child when he became part of your family?"

"He was at first. As a child he was curious and very intelligent. As he grew up he started to become shrewd, cunning even calculating at times, especially after he was turned."

"Really…how so?"

" Well, before he was turned he professed to be in love with Bekah. Before he was turned Klaus gave him the option of being human and spending the rest of his life with my sister or being a vampire and being Klaus' second in command. Together they would rule New Orleans…being an unstoppable team. He chose being a vampire. "

"What happened to Rebekah?"

"She was daggered."

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Of course he did. He was afraid of being alone. That was always Klaus' weakness. He always pushes people away first."

Kol remained silent. He knew that she was right. She knew his brother well. "That is true but Klaus love Marcellus like his own and yet Marcellus betrayed Klaus in the most heinous way. "

"What? What do you mean?"

"Years after Rebekah was "undaggered", Marcellus and Rebekah got back together again but they still needed to get Klaus out of the way. Marcellus convince Bekah that killing Nik was the only way they would be together…he… he convinced Rebekah to summon the only one person that could stop him…"

Caroline sighed. "No…she didn't…"

Kol remained silent.

"No…" Caroline shook her head. She would never. "She wouldn't call Mikael…she loves Klaus…"

Kol shrugged. "She fancied Marcellus…I believe he took advantage of that. Marcellus was more power hungry then even my brother was. "

Caroline sighed. "That does sound like Marcel but Rebekah…Rebekah was not a victim…she's not a child…She betrayed her brother…there is no excuse…Marcel isn't family…family is a word that is thrown around but from what you told me trust isn't something that comes easily nor is it something that can appear when it strikes your fancy?" Caroline said mocking his thick accent.

Kol grinned. " I concur, what we lack in virtue we make up in vigor and tenacity."

Caroline remained silent for a moment a smile was creeping in. "If it makes you happy to think so…"

Kol chuckled. "You always were a feisty one…"

Caroline rolled her eyes and shook her head. " Kol…" She smiled and looked into his hazel eyes and laughter followed. "You haven't changed have you…"

Kol lifted his head. "What do you mean?"

"I remember the vampire that terrorized Mystic Falls a long time ago."

Kol smirked. " Ah yes…Mystic Falls…you lot always did manage to get yourself in trouble…"

Caroline laughed. "Yes…" She walked over to the sofa and sat down. "I do remember you did try to warn us about Silas…"

"Silas…is he the reason for your power?"

Caroline smiled, "You always were the observant one…yes I did receive my magical abilities from him."

Kol nodded.

"Before Silas passed on his power was transferred to the nearest vessel…I was the fortunate one to receive his power…" She said coldly.

Kol walked towards the sofa and sat down across from her. "Why does it seem like fortune did not smile your way."

Caroline refilled her glass. "Having so much power does have its advantages and a lot of disadvantages…"

"You mean the curse." Kol said sternly.

Caroline sighed. "Yes…I have tried to do what I can to avoid the curse but I'm afraid for my daughter…"

"The darkness." Kol uttered.

"Yes, I have to do what I can but I fear the darkness that surrounds Silas power will be too much for her. She is at the mercy of Marcellus. I'm afraid for her." She lowered her head and covered her tear stained face with her hands. "What am I supposed to do?"

Kol walked towards her and rubbed her shoulder blades. "You fight."

Caroline lifted her head and nodded. "Yes, but today I have to bury my friend. " She got up and flashed to her room. She closed the door slightly leaving it ajar as she walked to her closet. She lifted her shirt and threw it on top of the hamper. She looked threw her clothes and frowned. She took off her pants and replaced them with a white pleated mid length skirt. She stood in front of her closet and looked at the endless colors of clothing staying frozen in place. She had to bury her friend, the closest thing to a sister she had. She didn't want to but she knew if she wanted her friend to rest in peace she had to. She took a deep breath and continued getting dressed. She found a white over the shoulder tunic shirt and smiled. She grabbed a black oversized leather belt and tightened it around her waist. She turned her head she heard footsteps light ones. "Kol… door…"

She put her boots on flashed towards the living room.

Kol walked over to the door and opened it. "Marcellus…what a surprise."

Marcel walked in strutting in penthouse scanning the apartment, a smirk on his face another original what a surprise. "I heard you were back in town…I needed to see for myself. "

Kol grinned raised his arms and gave the unwanted vampire a eyeful spinning around making sure his bottom shook a little more than necessary.

Caroline walked slowly watching the scene unfold before her. She shook her head Kol was definitely something. She allowed herself to smile at the blatant display of narcissism. "Marcellus…what are you doing here?" Caroline said allowing the irritation in her voice to shine through.

Marcel kept his hands in the pocket of his black slacks. "Can't a man not visit his wife from time to time?"

Caroline gave him a short smile. " Wife…" She snorted.

Kol walked forwards, "You married that wanker?" Kol said as he pointed to Marcellus.

Caroline rolled her eyes and shrugged. " Everyone does things they regret."

Kol shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. He had a bad feeling.

Marcel smirked. "Your lucky I'm in a good mood or else…" He flashed in front of Kol. " I will forget my manners…"

Kol raised his eyebrows for a fraction of a second. "Try it mate...I'm just itching to give you an aneurism. "

Caroline exhaled an impatient breath. "Marcellus what is it that you want? As you can see I'm a bit busy."

Marcel looked at the face of the smug original. " I can see that. I thought for sure it would have been another Mikaelson you had in your apartment."

Caroline frowned at his innuendo.

Kol smiled. "Jealousy is an ugly color on you Marcellus."

Caroline bit her lip to prevent herself from laughing out loud. "Marcellus what is it that you needed? "

Marcel walked over and grabbed her hand in his giving it a slight squeeze. "I wanted you to remember the promise you made to me."

Caroline swallowed the knot that was forming in her throat. She looked at her hands intertwined with his and frowned. She tried to retrieve her hand from his, but could not his grip was unrelenting. He pulled her close to him, his whiskey filled breath whispered close to her ear. "I still have what you want."

Caroline closed her eyes shutting them close her body was flinching from his touch. Every cell in her being wanted her to flee, escape with her daughter but she knew there was no where to run he would always find her.

Kol frowned, Caroline looked frightened." Caroline darling, we are going to be late…" Kol walked slowly towards the couple.

Caroline turned her head and looked at the worried face on the original. She stepped back and snatched herself from the cruel vampire. She placed a smile on her face and walked towards Kol. She stopped and gave him an affirmative nod. She raised her hand and snaked her arm around his. She felt a wave of ice run through her veins, she needed to get rid of Marcellus.

Marcel walked towards Caroline and stopped giving her a daring stare. "Remember what we talked about, Carrie baby."

Caroline tightened her grip on Kol' s arm. Kol turns and gives her a genuine smile. "Marcellus be a kind lad and close the door before you leave." He said making sure his eyes never left Caroline's crystal clear azure eyes; he wanted to calm her soothe her somehow.

Marcel flicked his tongue over his front teeth. He walked over to the door but stopped before Caroline. He grinned and watched her for a second sensing her fear and was pleased. He needed her to be obedient. If she obeyed he wouldn't have to kill her. Despite everything they went through he would never want to make that call. Marcel looked up and took his leave. He left the door open in spite and flashed away.

"What was that about, Caroline?" Kol said as soon as he felt the darkness of Marcellus' aura leave the apartment.

Caroline closed her eyes and exhaled. She opened her eyes and looked into Kol' s hazel eyes. "Marcellus has Davina and if I don't kill Klaus he will make Davina kill…" Caroline's words chocked out, the sobbing she felt was preventing her speech.

Kol lowered his head as if trying to understand. "Make Davina kill whom darling?"

Caroline bit her lip trying to stop the sobbing, "…her father."

Kol' s voice hitched an octave. "Caroline…you don't have to do this alone…let me help…"

"He wants me to betray your brother…I can't ask you to do that."

"I'm not asking." Kol said sincerely.

Caroline licked her bottom lip and smile. "Are you sure?"

Kol nodded smiling, "Of course I am sweetheart. Your family now…always and forever." Caroline looked up and wanted to smile her tears starting to wean. Kol pulled her close into a hug. Caroline was shocked at the improved display of affection, but didn't she felt strangely at ease in his arms; the brotherly embrace was interrupted by a clearing of a throat.

Kol looked up and was silent. "Nik…"

Caroline froze and stiffened in Kol' s arms.

"Am I interrupting anything, love?" Klaus said his voice dripping with venom. His razor sharp eyes penetrated the startled couple.