His Love

Chapter 5

Tara's POV

A week had passed since I'd last been to school, and I'd probably missed a ton of assignments. I was already dressed and ready to meet Klaus in the car. Grabbing a banana nut muffin and a bottle of apple juice from the kitchen, I hurried out the door. Klaus sat waiting in his sleek black Range Rover, and I slid into the passenger seat as he pulled out of the driveway.

When we arrived at the college, I spotted Josh and Davina waiting near the entrance. I reached for the door handle, but it didn't budge. Frowning, I turned to Klaus, who sat there smirking as he patted his cheek.

"I'll unlock the door when you give me my goodbye kiss."

I rolled my eyes, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on his cheek before stepping out of the car. Without looking back, I jogged over to Josh and Davina, who greeted me as we walked to class.

The day flew by, and before I knew it, we were heading into our last class. I took my usual seat, and just as the bell rang, Damon strolled in, slipping into the seat beside me.

"Hello, beautiful. Where have you been?" he asked with his signature smirk.

"Sick," I said shortly, avoiding his gaze.

"I missed you," he said, pulling a neatly folded paper from his bag. "I got all the work you missed."

"Thanks," I muttered, taking the paper and tucking it into my bag.

Damon leaned closer, his warm breath tickling my ear. "Those two you were with earlier—your friends? One's a vampire, and the other's a witch."

My head snapped toward him, and I froze at his mischievous grin.

"No," I said, laughing nervously. "That's ridiculous."

He chuckled softly. "Werewolves have good hearing, you know. They mentioned it on the first day. Just like Josh told you I'm a werewolf, I know he's a vampire. You don't have to pretend."

I glared at him. "Since you've been eavesdropping, I guess you know everything."

"Don't be mad, princess," he teased, leaning back in his chair. "I just want to be friends. Friends don't keep secrets. So...what's your deal with Niklaus?"

I tensed at his question but answered in a low whisper. "Klaus is obsessed with me. He took me away from my parents and is keeping me here in New Orleans."

Damon's expression softened as he placed a hand over mine. "I always knew Klaus was a deranged sociopath, but I didn't peg him as the possessive type. Don't worry, princess. While you're here, I'll keep you company—keep the big bad wolf at bay."

The professor turned off his projector, signaling the end of class. As I gathered my things, Damon stopped me.

"Can I get your number, Tara?" he asked, holding out his phone.

I hesitated. "Sorry, Damon, I don't have a phone. Klaus doesn't let me have one. But if I ever get one, I'll give you my number."

He nodded, disappointment flickering across his face. "Alright, princess. I'll see you tomorrow."

I hurried over to Josh and Davina, only to find them glaring past me. I turned to see Damon watching us with an unreadable expression.

"Someone's getting a little too close with a certain guy," Davina said flatly.

"We were just talking," I said defensively.

Josh chuckled. "That guy likes you. You'd be cute together...if Klaus weren't a mass murderer."

"We're just friends," I muttered. "Let's go. I need to catch up on all this makeup work."

⸻

Klaus's POV

From the courtyard, I watched Tara storm into the house and up the stairs, her bag overflowing with papers and books. She hummed softly as she worked, her focus unwavering. That hum—it wasn't for me. The moment I joined her, her smile vanished, replaced with cold indifference.

Frustration burned in my chest. It had only been three weeks since I brought her here, yet she still looked at me with hatred. I wanted her smiles. I wanted her love. I wanted her to want me the way I wanted her.

"Why won't you talk to me?" I asked gently.

Her pen hit the table as she turned to face me, eyes sharp with resentment.

"Why would I talk to the man who took me from my parents? Who won't let me live the life I want? Who keeps me locked here?"

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I left the room without a word, heading to the courtyard where I made a quick call.

"Bring me a new phone," I ordered before hanging up.

An hour later, one of my men arrived with the phone. Snatching it from him, I vamped upstairs and walked into the room. Tara barely glanced at me as she continued working.

"Tara," I called.

She looked up. "Yes, Niklaus?"

I gritted my teeth at the way she said my name. Ignoring it, I pulled the phone box from behind my back.

"This is for you. You can call Davina, Josh, or even your parents."

Her eyes lit up, a smile spreading across her face as she reached for the box. "Thank you," she whispered sincerely.

"I'll leave you to it. But don't try anything. This phone can be taken away in an instant. Remember—vampire hearing." I tapped my ear before leaving the room.

⸻

Tara's POV

The moment Klaus left, I dialed my mom's number. My heart pounded as the phone rang.

"Hello? Who is this?" my mom's voice croaked.

"Mom...it's me," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

"Tara? Is that really you? John! It's Tara—it's our baby!" I heard footsteps and my father's voice trembling through the line.

"Tara, is that really you?"

"It's me, Papa. I miss you both so much."

"We miss you too, honey. How are you? Has he hurt you? Did he...?" My father's voice broke into sobs.

"No, Dad. He hasn't...done that. He only drinks from me when I disobey him. I'm okay. I just...miss you both so much."

"Stay safe," my mom pleaded. "We're trying to find help, but everyone's afraid of him."

"No, Mama. Don't. I don't want anyone getting hurt."

Her sobs broke my heart, and my dad's voice shook as he spoke. "Don't give up, baby. Don't let him win."

"I promise," I whispered.

As the door opened behind me, I quickly said goodbye and hung up. Klaus stood there, his piercing gaze fixed on me.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," I lied, forcing a small smile.

But deep down, I knew I couldn't stay. It was time to plan my escape.

*************************
Is Tara gonna escape or will Klaus catch her?