Can't Give You Up *KLAUS MIKAELSON*

Chapter Three

*Klara's Point Of View*

I had stayed in my bedroom for a full week, just thinking of Klaus's words. 'The Hybrid' was a story my Father used to tell me on Hallowe'en to scare me, so finding out that the man I had loved for two years of my life was the cause of my nightmares when I was a child- was quite disturbing.

I could say "he's making it all up!" But somehow I just knew Klaus was not lying. Our town hated vampires, they caught a vampire once- a long time ago, and they didn't hesitate to burn him at the stake.

I was going to go back to the barn at some point to sort it all out, but I needed time. I needed to know how Klaus being the Hybrid changed things, so I questioned mother vaguely at the dinner table that evening.

"Mother- do you believe in vampires?" I asked casually, cutting the steak in front of me.
She stopped eating and sat still. "why would ask that, darling?"
I shrugged and put the meat into my mouth.
"Well... yes, of course I do, everyone does, Klara!"
"What can they do? Do they hurt people?" I was trying to make my questions vague, but I wasn't doing a good job of it.
"Well, They drink innocent citizens blood... But of course the victim wouldn't remember, because the vampire can compel them to forget everything they just did to them... Unless the victim was on vervain of course- it is a poison to vampires." I was listening carefully, remembering everything she said. Then I thought of how many times Klaus could have compelled me...
"Am I on verevain?" I questioned curiously. I didn't care about subtlety anymore- I needed answers.
"What's with all of the questions!? But, yes you are, you have been for about a year- I put it in the food we eat" Mother was getting suspicious, so I asked nothing more.
"Thanks Mother- I've taken a liking to studying vampires, I suppose... Anyway- may I be excused? I want to go and see Klaus!" I smiled at my Mother hopefully.
"Oh go on then! Make sure you return before 10 o'clock though!" Mother stood up to clear my plate and I skipped out the door quickly.

* *

Most of me hoped Klaus would be at the barn house, but part of me was scared to see him after what mother told me... Though Klaus had never hurt me before!... Unless he did and then made me forget...

I was right. Klaus was in the barn house, and his eyes clearly lit up when he saw my head stick up into the room.
"KLARA!" He grabbed my hand quickly and pulled me up beside him.
"Niklaus- we must talk" I sat down and looked directly at him. "I want total truth... No lies!" I sternly pointed at Klaus, and continued to speak, "How many times have you compelled me? Have you fed off me before? Have you hurt me before?" Klaus looked astounded as I spoke.
"I sincerely hope you are joking, Klara! You think I would feed off you? I would never try to hurt you! And as for the compulsion... I must say- I compelled you... once. We were leaving the barn, and I cut my hand on some glass... You didn't understand how quickly I healed... Vampires heal almost instantly... You were so confused- You were scared of me! So I compelled you to forget, I couldn't tell you the truth- not then...."

I immediately felt more secure, and safe.

"Klara- I do not think you realise how deeply I am in love with you. You are the first girl I have ever loved... And I've been around for a long time." Whenever Klaus spoke, his eyes were so intense, they turned even more grey blue; it was beautiful.

"I love you too Klaus. More than anything," I sighed in relief and obviously relaxed.
"Show me, the... other you" I had to force the words out of my mouth.

Klaus froze for a moment, then nodded his head. He stood up and stepped back away from me, and before I knew it- Klaus' eyes had turned a golden, yellow sort of colour, and fangs formed in his open mouth.

I tried my best not to look afraid, but inside I was terrified...

"So- this is it? The Hybrid?" My voice was steady and quiet.
Klaus nodded once again.
"Don't be afraid, please. Look, watch me." Klaus stepped towards me, and offered his hand for me to hold. I took a breath in, and slid my hand into his.