klaroline story

chapter 3

The gala was everything Caroline expected—extravagant, over-the-top, and filled with supernatural egos.

Gold chandeliers cast a warm glow over the massive ballroom, where vampires, witches, and werewolves mingled under the guise of civility. The tension in the air was thick, hidden behind polite smiles and crystal champagne flutes.

Caroline, arm-in-arm with Klaus, felt every set of eyes on her.

Whispers followed her.

The baby vampire Klaus Mikaelson brought to New Orleans.
The girl carrying his heirs.
The Queen to the Hybrid King.

It was overwhelming.

Klaus, however, seemed completely at ease. In his element.

His fingers brushed against her waist, guiding her through the crowd with an easy smirk, as if daring anyone to challenge him.

Caroline leaned in. "You love this, don't you?"

His lips barely grazed her ear as he whispered, "What can I say? Power suits me."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant."

Klaus chuckled, but before he could respond, a woman approached them.

Sophie Deveraux.

A powerful witch, someone Caroline vaguely remembered from the chaos surrounding Hayley's pregnancy.

She greeted Klaus with a smirk. "Well, well. You certainly don't waste time, do you?"

Klaus remained unfazed. "It's called moving forward, darling. Something you might consider."

Sophie's gaze flickered to Caroline, lingering just long enough to make her uncomfortable. "I assume you know what you're carrying."

Caroline stiffened. "Twins."

Sophie's expression darkened. "Not just any twins."

Klaus tensed beside her, but before Sophie could elaborate, another vampire swooped in, eager for Klaus's attention.

Caroline let out a slow breath.

There was something more to this pregnancy.

And she wasn't sure she wanted to find out what.

A Dance with the Devil

Klaus led her to the dance floor, his hand resting low on her back.

"You're tense, love."

Caroline scowled. "Maybe because a creepy witch just hinted that I'm carrying some kind of supernatural time bomb."

Klaus sighed. "Don't let Sophie get inside your head. She thrives on drama."

Caroline studied him. "And you're not telling me something."

Klaus twirled her, effortlessly pulling her back against his chest. "I simply believe in handling problems as they arise."

She narrowed her eyes. "Klaus."

His smirk was infuriating. "I promise, sweetheart, you have nothing to fear."

But she didn't believe him.

Not for a second.

Hayley's Warning

Caroline excused herself from the dance floor, stepping outside onto the balcony to breathe.

Hayley was already there, arms crossed.

Caroline groaned. "Oh, great. You too?"

Hayley didn't smirk. She didn't roll her eyes.

Instead, she said, "You need to be careful."

Caroline frowned. "Okay... that's vague and ominous."

Hayley hesitated before speaking. "This city—it's not Mystic Falls. You're not dealing with high school drama, Caroline. You're in Klaus's world now. And that means danger."

Caroline scoffed. "Gee, thanks for the heads-up. I hadn't noticed."

Hayley's jaw tightened. "I mean it. There are people here who want Klaus dead. And if they find out you're pregnant with his children—"

She didn't finish.

She didn't have to.

Caroline's stomach twisted.

Because as much as she hated to admit it, Hayley had a point.

A Deadly Proposal

Meanwhile, inside the gala, Klaus stood with Elijah, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"It's time."

Elijah sighed. "Klaus—"

Klaus held up a hand. "I know what you're going to say. But I won't lose her."

Elijah studied him. "You believe proposing will keep her by your side?"

Klaus's gaze drifted toward the balcony, where Caroline stood.

"It's more than that."

Elijah exhaled. "Then you must ensure she says yes."

Klaus smirked. "Oh, she will."

And with that, he walked away, ready to set his plan in motion.

Because Klaus Mikaelson never played fair.

And this time?

He was playing for keeps.