His Love

Chapter 10

Tara's POV
Two months flew by in a blur with finals and stolen moments with Damon. Davina had been a lifesaver, helping us sneak around for secret dates. However, my parents hadn't answered any of my calls in weeks, leaving me anxious and frustrated. Today, I was at the mall shopping with Rebekah, hunting for a gown for the grand Mikaelson ball.

"Bloody hell, you look good in everything," Rebekah sighed dramatically.

"Thanks, but I still don't really get the theme," I replied, shrugging.

"It's Victorian-era, darling—corsets, bonnets, top hats, bustles, petticoats. Oh, trust me, the men back then were quite dashing. I even remember getting some very good dick in that era," she clapped her hands together, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

My face turned crimson as I shook my head. "Alright, let's just focus on finding my dress."

After what felt like hours of searching, we finally found our gowns. Rebekah arranged to have them sent back to the compound while we continued exploring the mall. Suddenly, I spotted Damon walking into a nearby store.

"Hey, Rebekah, I see a friend from school. Mind if I go say hi real quick?"

"Go ahead. I'll just sit over there—these bloody heels are killing me," she grumbled, hobbling toward a bench.

I walked into the store and looked around until I felt a hand grab mine, pulling me into a corner.

"Hello, princess," Damon greeted with a playful grin, his hands settling on my waist.

"Damon!" I smiled.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Shopping for a dress with Rebekah," I said, glancing nervously toward the entrance.

His smile faltered, and he let out a small sigh. "Oh, Rebekah..." He pulled his hands away but gently laced his fingers with mine.

⸻

Rebekah's POV
I rubbed my aching feet, rolling my eyes at the pain from my heels. Giving up on sitting, I stood and headed into the store Tara had gone into. Scanning the aisles, my eyes landed on her—and the boy she was holding hands with.

Frowning, I walked over quietly, making my presence known. The boy instantly released her hand, looking startled.

"Rebekah," Tara greeted nervously, spinning around.

"I need a word with your friend. Alone," I said, smiling tightly. My tone left no room for argument.

Tara hesitated before nodding. "Alright. I'll wait outside."

Once she left, I turned my attention to the boy. "What's your name?"

"Damon," he replied, his voice steady, though he was clearly sizing me up.

"You and Tara are just friends, correct?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course," he said with a confident smile. "I know she's engaged to Klaus."

"Good." I reached into my purse and handed him an envelope. "Here's an invitation to the ball. Do try to behave yourself."

I spun on my heel and walked away, leaving him standing there alone.

⸻

Tara's POV
"So... he's cute," Rebekah teased as we walked back to the car.

"I didn't notice," I mumbled, hoping to downplay the situation. "We're just friends. Besides, he has a girlfriend."

"Hmm," she hummed noncommittally.

When we returned to the compound, the place was a hive of activity. A red carpet stretched out before us, and servers bustled around, carrying decorations and trays of food. I spotted Freya reciting spells while objects floated around her. Further ahead, Elijah was deep in conversation with Marcel.

"Tara, there's lunch on the table," Elijah called out as we passed by.

"Okay," I replied, heading into the dining room.

I filled a plate and sat down, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as arms suddenly enveloped me.

"Tara," Klaus whispered, "guests will be arriving in four hours. You should go upstairs and start getting ready."

"Okay," I muttered, my appetite disappearing.

I went up to the room and closed the door behind me. I was about to lie down when my phone buzzed. Seeing Damon's name on the screen, I quickly answered.

"Tara, I need to talk to you, but make sure no one can hear," Damon said urgently.

I turned on the shower and sink in the bathroom to mask the sound. "Alright, talk."

"I'm coming to the ball tonight. Rebekah gave me an invitation," he explained.

"No!" I hissed. "I don't think Klaus will like me having a male friend—especially one who isn't gay—show up."

"I need to come," he insisted. "I have a plan to get you out of there. We can be happy together. We'll find your parents and go to Carolina. There's a witch community there that hates Klaus. They'll protect us."

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "How would I even escape? Klaus won't let me out of his sight tonight."

"I've arranged for some wolves to create a distraction. It'll give us a chance to slip away. Please, Tara. I love you, and I can't stand the thought of you staying with him."

Tears filled my eyes as I whispered, "I love you, too. I want to be free. I'll come with you."

We continued discussing the plan until I heard the door to the room open. Panicked, I quickly ended the call and rinsed my hair in the sink to make it look like I'd been showering. Wrapping myself in a towel, I stepped out of the bathroom.

"Hi, Klaus," I said, forcing a smile.

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