His Love

Chapter 42

Tara's POV
I struggled against Mikael's iron grip, clawing at his hand. "Let go of me!" I yelled, my voice echoing into the night. He didn't even flinch, dragging me through the chaos of the ongoing battle behind us.

We entered the forest, the towering trees casting shadows that deepened my dread.

"You know," Mikael finally said, his voice dripping with disdain, "it's amusing that he would want someone like you."

I stumbled over rocks and fallen leaves as he forced me forward. My heels dug into the dirt, but it didn't slow him down. Panic tightened my chest as I glimpsed a car ahead. Where was he taking me?

Before I could form another thought, something hit Mikael hard, and the world spun. I hit the ground with a gasp, the wind knocked out of me. A low growl reverberated through the forest.

Scrambling to my knees, I turned toward the sound. Leaves rustled as Klaus emerged from the shadows, his eyes locked on Mikael.

"So," Mikael sneered, his voice laced with malice. "You've come to save the girl."

Klaus didn't respond. His gaze darted to me briefly before settling back on Mikael. They moved at inhuman speed—Mikael landing a punch, Klaus shoving him back. The tension between them was palpable.

"I'm surprised, Mikael," Klaus said with a bitter smirk. "You're doing the witches' dirty work now?"

Mikael's eyes twitched with rage. He turned toward me, his lips curling into a cruel smile.

"Maybe I should just kill the girl," he said coldly.

Klaus roared, charging at him. But Mikael was faster. In an instant, he snapped Klaus's neck, and his body crumpled to the ground.

I froze, terror coursing through me. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement. A man and a woman appeared, their expressions a mix of shock and annoyance.

"You were supposed to bring her to us and then deal with Klaus," the woman said, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion.

Mikael shoved me toward them. "Take her!" he barked.

I stumbled into their arms, but my gaze drifted to Klaus's lifeless body.

"My baby," the woman whispered, tears streaming down her face as she reached out for me.

A sudden crack echoed through the forest. I turned just in time to see Mikael's body collapse to the ground. Klaus stood over him, his golden-brown eyes glowing with fury, his fangs bared.

In a blur, Klaus was in front of the couple.

"NO! KLAUS, DON'T!" Elijah's voice rang out as he appeared, grabbing Klaus's arm just as he raised it to strike.

⸻

Klaus's POV
"She'll never forgive you if she remembers," Elijah whispered, his voice firm but calm. He glanced over at Tara, who was crumpled on the ground, sobbing.

I shook off his grip, glaring at the trembling couple in front of me.

"You will remain silent and go with him," I compelled them, gesturing toward the unconscious Mikael. "Take them to the cellar," I ordered, my voice cold.

I turned my attention back to Tara. Her once-bright red dress was now a tattered, muddy mess. She sat on the ground, tears streaming down her face.

I knelt beside her, pulling her into my arms. She clung to me weakly as I lifted her bridal style.

By the time we emerged from the forest, she had passed out in my arms. The battlefield outside the school was littered with bodies, the air thick with the metallic scent of blood.

"Is she okay?" Davina asked, running toward me. Her worried eyes scanned Tara's unconscious form.

"I'm taking her home," I said quietly, not meeting her gaze.

Davina looked like she wanted to protest, but Kol stepped in, placing a hand on her shoulder.

⸻
Kol's POV
I grabbed Davina's arm, pulling her back.

"I know you're worried about her, but Klaus will take care of her," I said softly.

"I don't trust him with her," she snarled, her eyes blazing.

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll take you to the house so you can check on her. Happy now?"

"Yes," she said curtly, storming off toward the car.

I followed her, unlocking the door, but before I could open it, she yanked it open herself and slammed it shut behind her.

Rolling my eyes, I got into the driver's seat and slammed my door in return.

"Why does it feel like you're mad at me, darling?" I asked, glancing at her.

Davina sighed, her shoulders tense. "You and your family are my problem. Tara doesn't want to be with Klaus, but you all keep forcing her."

"She seems to like him," I said with a small smile.

"Yeah, because she's lost her memory! She's not safe with him," she snapped, clenching her jaw.

"Actually, the safest place for her is with him," I countered, shaking my head.

Davina scoffed. "None of this would've happened if she weren't with him in the first place."

"What do you want me to do?" I asked, raising my voice.

"Be a man!" she shot back. "You know it's wrong. Stop him!"

Her words hung in the air as I stared at the road ahead. After a long silence, I finally spoke.

"Okay."

Davina didn't say another word for the rest of the drive.

⸻
Tara's POV
Darkness surrounded me. A woman's voice echoed, soft and broken.

"My baby... my baby..."

I turned and saw a vision of myself as a child, reaching out into the void.

"Mom... Mom!" the younger version of me called out.

Then I saw him. A man stepped forward, his arms open wide.

"My little star," he said gently. "My baby. Come to me."

I woke up gasping, my chest heaving as I struggled to catch my breath.

"Tara," Klaus's voice cut through my panic. His hands cupped my face as he leaned in close.

"Hey, hey. It's okay," he whispered, his voice calm and reassuring.

But in my heart, I knew nothing was okay.

******************
Happy new year!! First update of the year! Has Tara remembered?
I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! Please vote and comment it encourages me to write more. Also if you like this than read some of my other stories. Like "Crazed Man" and "Peter Pans Tragic Love".