The Originals X Katherine Pierce

She is Your Humanity: Chapter 20

A car pulls up to the car garage that Elijah and I have just arrived at, Cami rushes out of the car to the pay phone, Hope in her arms. She scrambles to get the change as her hands shake, the coins falling to the ground. 

"Shit," She mutters "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She whispers to Hope, bending down for the coins

Elijah takes a step, hitting an aluminum can with his foot and Cami shoots back up 

"Whoever's out there if you try anything, I will gouge out your eyes!" She shouts into the air 

"Actually, Camille that won't be necessary," Elijah says as we step out into her view 

"What the hell was that? The house, it-" I cut her off 

"We'll talk about it on the way back." 

"Back where?" She asks 

"Home, now get in the car," Elijah demands, leading the way 

Klaus meets us halfway and we all take his car back, coming back for Cami's SUV later. It takes a couple of hours to get back to the compound and the moment we get there Hayley comes running up to us and goes straight for Hope. She does a quick look at Elijah and then over to me and she smiles.

"Thank you. All of you." She thanks us, quickly looking over everyone 

"No thanks needed, just protecting your littlest wolf. Now, what are you doing in jeans? You, Hayley Marshall, are getting married." I give her a smile before she hands Hope back to Klaus and I lead her upstairs

I'm doing the finishing touches on Hayley's hair as she takes a look in the mirror, smiling. I let out a sigh and her face turns from happy to worried.

"Katherine, I'm really sorry about Elijah, if I had known." She starts 

"You're in love with him and you needed to act on it before you swore your life to another man, there's nothing wrong than that. God knows I've done way worse for love." I give her a quick smile before I turn to see Elijah 

"Katerina." He smiles 

"Elijah." I give him a quick nod before I make my way to the doorway and then stare back at them 

"Y'all have a lot to talk about." I state before leaving 

I turn the corner and come face to face with Klaus and I instantly roll my eyes.

"He's in love with her too, you know?" He asks, smiling 

"Yes, that's obvious but she's getting married so Jackson's pack can better protect Hope, there's nothing either of them would do to jeopardize that." I state 

"Ah, yes. Marrying not for love, but for protection." He smiles "But let me assure you, it won't last long." He taps me on the shoulder with a mischievous smile on his face before he goes to walk off 

I turn to follow him "Wait, what do you mean by that? What are you planning?" I ask, eyebrows raised 

He just lets out a laugh and says three little words that scare me. "It's a surprise."

That's all he says before he makes his way downstairs. I shake my head and quickly make my way back to Elijah but not before I stop right in my spot when I hear his confession. 

"Elijah, don't, you can't say it. I need to marry Jackson and if you say it... you just can't. Jackson loves me and I think that I can grow to love him too. He's not afraid to speak his feelings and that's what I need right now." 

"Okay. Good luck." Is all he says before he walks out of the room and turns the corner opposite from me 

We all gather around as the ceremony starts. 

I watch Elijah from across the way while he watches Hayley and Jackson, and Klaus also watches Elijah. We can both clearly see that he's in pain as Hayley finalizes the ritual. Klaus gives a wicked smile before walking out to the balcony, Elijah following him, and me shortly after.

I stay a good distance to make sure they don't see me. And Klaus is right, he wants Jackson dead to be with Hayley, no matter how hard he denies it. Klaus finally leaves walking past me but not saying anything. Elijah turns to leave shortly after but comes face to face with me and once he sees me, his face is covered with guilt. 

"Katerina." He looks down at his feet, unsure of himself. 

"You're a grown man Elijah, look at me when I'm talking to you." I demand 

He clears his throat before looking up at me, my heart jumping when our eyes make contact. 

"I know you're in love with her and that I'm just a backup because you can't be with her and for some reason, I'm okay with that because I love you so much, but what I heard today is making me regret saying yes." I pause before taking in a breath "I will not be in a relationship with a man in love with another woman." I finish 

"Katerina, please, don't do this. If you leave, I'll have nothing." His face saddens 

I suck in another breath and release it, shaking my hands to make them relax. 

"I will help you and Klaus with your mother and brother but then I'm gone. I'm sure when the time is right, we'll be together but that's not right now." 

I make my way past him but then turn back to him. "Tomorrow is a new day. Goodnight, Elijah." I give him a wry smile before leaving him completely alone 

I go downstairs and find myself a glass of champagne and take a sip I follow the happy noise and make my way into the parade, Hayley and Jackson both coming up to me, all smiles. 

"Hey, are you okay?" Hayley asks her smile fading 

I look up to Elijah and Klaus who are looking down at the three of us, Elijah still looking guilty and sad at the same time. 

"I will be."