The Reckoning

Ryan Clarke

Caroline's POV
It's been two weeks, and nothing from Esther. No notes, no visits, and no death threats. Nik, Elijah, Kol, Mikael and Marcellus are going to see if they can find her tonight. None of them left, since we told them that Esther is alive.

Hope has been staying here at the mansion, to help out. I've been making her go to school, and then she comes back to the mansion at night.

Anyway, I woke up, and Nik isn't in bed, again. He hasn't been sleeping. I got out of bed, and walked to Nik's studio. I just somehow knew he would be in here.

I walked inside, and there he was. He was sleeping on the armchair in his studio, and paint was on his face, and hands. He looked so adorable.

I went over, and kissed his cheek. He woke up, and said, " Hello, love."

I said, " Why won't you sleep in bed?"

He sat up, and pulled me to sit on his lap. He said, " I can't help but think that Mother has something up her sleeve."

I said, " I'm sure she will make herself known."

I felt my fangs come out, and turned my face away. He said, " Don't hide from me, love."

He put his fingers on my chin, and had me face him. He said, " You are beautiful, no matter what. Now, drink up. You need your strength."

I nodded, and he leaned his head to the side. I leaned down, and kissed his neck, then bit into his skin.

I heard him growl, when I punctured the skin. I couldn't help but indulge in his delicious blood. I soon felt him bite my neck, and drink my blood. It's not the first time, we bloodshared, and it definitely won't be the last.

A few minutes later, Someone said, " Mom! Dad!"

Nik, and I pulled away from each other's necks, and looked towards the door. There was Hope, in her school uniform. She said, " Mom, you said you were going to drive me to school."

I said, " Oh, sorry, sweetie. I just have to get dressed, and I will meet you in the foyer."

She nodded, and left. Nik was laughing. I said, " It's not funny. That the second time, she seen us bloodsharing."

He said, " It's just blood, not anything else."

I nodded, and said, " I have to get dressed."

He pecked my lips, and I sped upstairs to the room. I put on my leggings, and one of Nik's sweatshirts. I went downstairs, and seen Hope, and Nik in the foyer.

I said, " I'll see you later, Nik."

Nik said, " Is that my sweatshirt?"

I said, " Maybe. Most of my shirts aren't fitting me anymore."

He leaned in, and whispered in my ear, " You look stunning in anything, my love."

I bit my lip, and said, " We should get going."

Nik kissed my lips, and I couldn't help but try and deepen the kiss.

After a few minutes, Hope said, " Mom! Seriously? Stop!"

Nik, and I pulled away, and Nik said, " Have fun, Mama Wolf, and my littlest wolf."

He kissed the top of Hopes head, and went upstairs. Hope, and I went outside, and I handed her the keys.

She said, " You're letting me drive?"

I said, " Yes. Now let's go before I change my mind."