His Love

Chapter 7

Klaus' POV
Once I was certain everyone was asleep, I slipped into the bedroom. Tara lay peacefully on the bed, her breathing soft and steady. I moved to the corner, sitting in the chair, unable to take my eyes off her.

Guilt churned inside me—a foreign feeling I hadn't felt in centuries. I had no remorse for those I'd killed in the past, yet with her, the pain was unbearable.

"I will never hurt you again," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I promise, love."

When she stirred slightly, I blurred out of the room before she could see me.

⸻

Tara's POV
The morning sunlight streamed in through the balcony windows, waking me. I groaned softly, reaching for my phone on the nightstand. Quickly, I texted Davina: I can go to the festival.

I climbed out of bed and headed toward my closet, but a knock at the door startled me. My stomach churned, hoping it wasn't Klaus. I wasn't ready to face him yet.

When I opened the door, relief washed over me as I saw Rebekah standing there, arms full of clothes.

"Morning, love," she greeted with a smile. "We need to get you ready for the festival. I think you'd look lovely in something warm and bright."

I laughed, stepping aside to let her in. "You really didn't have to pick my outfit, you know."

"Nonsense," she said, dumping the clothes on the bed. "A woman must always look her best. Lucky for you, you're already gorgeous—you just need the right outfit."

I rolled my eyes playfully but obliged as she handed me a few options. After several outfit changes, we settled on blue denim jeans and a green sweater. Rebekah beamed with approval.

⸻

At Breakfast
Downstairs, Davina and Josh were waiting for me in the dining room. We all chatted and laughed over breakfast, but the lighthearted mood shifted the moment Klaus walked in.

Everyone fell silent as he strode toward me, leaned down, and kissed my forehead. His voice dropped to a low whisper. "I need to talk to you."

I reluctantly followed him into the courtyard.

"I'm sorry," he began, his eyes filled with uncharacteristic remorse. "I'm sorry for hurting you."

I bit my lip, unsure how to respond. The anger and pain from the other night still lingered, but I couldn't bring myself to yell at him.

"I... I need to go," I said softly. "We'll be back by five."

As I turned to leave, Klaus called out, "Wait."

I turned back, and he stepped closer, placing a card in my hand.

"I want you to use this at the festival," he said. His tone was firm yet tender. "Stay close to Davina at all times. Go and have fun."

He pulled me into a hug, kissing my temple before letting me go.

⸻

At the Festival
The festival was vibrant and full of life. Davina bought herbs from one of the vendors while Josh danced wildly on the main stage. The three of us indulged in every fried food imaginable—corn dogs, funnel cakes, and tacos—before Davina and I collapsed on a bench to rest.

As we waited for Josh to return with drinks, I noticed a group of men in black approaching us. Something about them felt off. My heart sank when I saw their fangs.

"Davina," I whispered, tapping her shoulder. "Those guys..."

Davina's eyes darted toward the approaching vampires. Grabbing my hand, she pulled me up. "Run!"

We sprinted toward the exit, weaving through the crowd, but more vampires appeared ahead, blocking our path. Desperate, we turned down an alley, only to find ourselves trapped at a dead end.

"Got you now, bitch," one of the vampires sneered.

"Get behind me," Davina commanded.

Terrified, I did as she said. Davina began chanting, her voice steady despite the danger. The vampires clutched their heads, screaming in pain as they fell to the ground. Without hesitation, we ran past their lifeless bodies.

Josh found us a few moments later, his face pale with worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice frantic.

"We're fine," Davina panted. "Let's get out of here."

⸻

Back at the Compound
Josh sped back to the compound, where Klaus was already waiting in the circular driveway. His eyes locked on me the moment the car stopped. Before I could react, he opened the door and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.

I froze, too shocked to move. His arms tightened protectively around me, and for a moment, I felt safe.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice trembling.

I nodded weakly. "I just... want to go inside."

He guided me into the house, his arm wrapped around my shoulders. Before we entered, I turned back to Davina and Josh.

"Thank you for protecting me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Davina hugged me tightly. "Just get some rest, okay?"

I nodded again and followed Klaus inside.

⸻

Later
I sat in the bedroom, the events of the festival replaying in my mind. When Klaus walked in, I could see the storm brewing in his eyes.

"Those wolves dared to attack you," he growled.

"It's not their fault," I said firmly. "They've lost families because of you. What did you expect?"

Klaus' expression hardened. "They hurt you, and I can't allow anyone who hurts you to live."

I stepped back, shaking my head. "I wasn't even hurt, Klaus. This isn't about protecting me—it's about your pride."

He took a step closer, his voice dangerously low. "I'm going to kill them, Tara. Nothing you say will change my mind."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I whispered, "You've hurt me more than anyone else ever has. Maybe you should start with yourself."

His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Instead, he leaned down, kissed my temple, and left the room without another word.

As the door closed, I realized the truth: I would be the reason for those wolves' deaths. And there was nothing I could do to stop it.

⸻