The Curse of Love (The Hybrid and The Wolf - Book 4)

Chapter 22 - The Bloody Crown

- FLASHBACK -

The sun was shining through the window, casting the bedroom with a flattering light. Klaus and I were laying in his bed, our naked bodies covered by the blanket, I stirred when I felt him run his hand through my hair before rubbing my shoulder. I turned around and smiled at him.

"Were you watching me sleep?" I asked.

"Hmm, possibly," he answered. "A little."

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my lips and Klaus smiled as we stared at each other for a moment, then he grabbed my hand and kissed it.

"Despite everything that we've done, all those we've lost . . . we're still here," he caressed my cheek. "You're not alone, little wolf."

I looked down, sadly. "Until the prophecy is fulfilled."

"Nina, look at me. We will beat this prophecy, like we beat every obstacle we face. Together. As a family."

I nodded. "As a family."

He leaned closer to kiss me and I eagerly kissed him back, cupping his face with my hand, deepening the kiss.

- NOW -

I opened my eyes and turned around to find the space beside me empty, I sighed and sat up, running a hand through my hair. I had slept in my own room last night after what happened with Elijah and I had given Klaus the space he needed after Marcel's death.

I thought back to the kiss and wondered why I had kissed Elijah back. Was I just so overwhelmed by the vision Freya had shown me of him being bitten by an incurable bite or were my deeply buried feelings for him resurfacing?

I didn't want to think that my feelings for him were returning because the last thing I need in my life right now is more complications.

I can't think about this right now. I got out of bed and walked into the bathroom to have a shower. Afterwards, I walked out in clean clothes and froze when I saw Elijah standing in the doorway.

"Elijah," I stared at him, warily. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to apologize about last night," he told me as he entered the room. "I was out of line. I shouldn't have kissed you."

"It doesn't matter," I shook my head. "It didn't mean anything."

"Didn't it?" He asked.

"No," I said, not sure if I believed that myself.

I started to walk past him and tried to get out of the conversation.

"Nina." he touched my arm and I jerked back in defense.

"Don't," I looked at him, pleadingly.

"We have to talk about this."

"No," I shook my head. "No, we don't. It was a mistake and it shouldn't have happened."

"But it did happen."

"Please, Elijah," I sighed, closing my eyes for a brief moment. "We can't do this. I'm with Klaus. I love him."

"I know," he replied.

"Then you also know that I can't go through this again. Klaus is my boyfriend and you're his brother, I can't betray him, Elijah. I need you to understand that."

Elijah looked at me, sadly and he was silent for a moment before he nodded. I then left the room quickly.