His Muse (Klaus Mikaelson/The Vampire Diaries)

Chapter Twelve

Although Klaus was only keeping Bethany with him for the summer, he was considering getting her to remain with him for the full ten years, like Stefan. The blonde was definitely appealing to his eye, and as the trio walked through the forests following their lead in looking for wolves, she didn't let the fact that she was a human hinder their progress. If he had still been in Alaric's body, they would have had to keep on taking breaks to rest his aching legs, and to catch his breath. He admired her strength.

Bethany walked ahead of him and Stefan, stopping every now and again to take pictures with her camera. Although she hadn't wanted to be there, Klaus could see that she was enjoying the outdoors and being away from Mystic Falls. He had told himself that she was enjoying his company, just to appease his inner alpha.

It was a rather hot and sunny day, and the beautiful blonde had worn a pair of high waisted denim shorts with a sharp stake threaded through the belt loops. Klaus paid no mind to the weapon, for he was too busy appreciating the sight of her long and slender legs.

"Stefan," Klaus began, addressing the Ripper at his side. "Go and take a look around."

Stefan left without another word, and Klaus vamped ahead to catch up with the human.

"Where's Stefan gone?" She asked, looking around in concern for her little sisters friend.

"To have a look around, sweetheart. No need to worry."

She nodded in acceptance of his words, and Klaus matched his strides with her own as they walked. A light breeze ruffled her long curls, and the Original Hybrid could smell her sweet coconut shampoo.

He halted beside her as she stopped to take another photo; the young woman crouched down beside a large tree trunk covered in moss and fungi.

"Will you be painting all of the photos you've taken?" He queried her, eager to hear the sound of her melodic voice.

She offered him a small smile, "No, but I like to take lots of pictures so I get different ideas for inspiration."

"Did you finish the painting for Caroline?"

She sighed as they started walking once more, "No. I'm not happy with it, if I'm honest. And Caroline has issues with things that aren't absolute perfection, so if I can find something wrong with it - there's no doubt that she can. Especially since she became a vampire. I knew certain attributes were heightened, and to be fair, her need to be in control all the time helped when it came to learning to feed...but the OCD is a bit too much."

"If you would like for me to compel her to tone it down, I will."

Bethany laughed, "Thanks, but, even though it gets on my nerves; she's my little sister, and I wouldn't change her for the world."

If Klaus had the same outlook with his siblings, none of them would be in their boxes, and he probably wouldn't have broken his curse. The thought angered him slightly, for it would mean that he would have forgiven them for their past transgressions and their betrayals. Klaus was a lot of things, but weak certainly wasn't one of them.

He didn't understand how his inner alpha had chosen this innocent young woman as his mate. They were certainly polar opposites of one another! She was sweet, caring, gentle and kind...Klaus had never heard anyone speak those words about him.

"Why did you bring the stake, sweetheart?"

"Oh?" She felt for it, "In case either you or Stefan got hungry."

He was amused, really. Did she think that that would protect her against him? Perhaps it just made her feel better, having it with her. "I've already told Stefan, you're a guest and not a snack, love."

"Even so." She replied, her eyes and camera drawn toward some crimson poppies and magenta foxgloves. "If Alaric taught me anything about vampires, it's to always expect the unexpected."

As she stood there, her golden hair highlighted by the sun, Klaus thought about touching her skin again. He wondered if he would be able to see anything else - but when he brushed his fingertips against her cheek with the lightness of a feather, he could only hear her pained screams and see the werewolf welts on her back once more.

"What?" She asked, a light blush sweeping across her cheeks as he withdrew his hand.

"Nothing, sweetheart." He heard footsteps, and knew that Stefan had finally returned to them. "Find anything, mate?" He asked, without tuning around. But he could smell fresh blood, and by the look of horror on Bethany's face - the Ripper had obviously found himself some lunch, and was wearing his meal.

"Just a couple of campers." Came the nonchalant response, "They were quite filling."

"And you couldn't have left them alone?" Bethany asked, her tone borderline snappy.

"I could have."

Klaus could see her fingertips itching for her stake, and he intervened before Stefan said something else to anger the huntress. "Let's continue." He said, "Stefan, check the map. See how far away from the checkpoint we are." If his vampire wasn't where he should be, Klaus was going to find him and kill him. It was as simple as that. Perhaps, he would even let Bethany do it?

As they made their way through the forest, and to a point overlooking a small town - Klaus grinned at the sight of his vampire lackey, waiting loyally for them.

"Ah, Neil, I wondered if you would be here."

"It's Neville." Came the response.

"I prefer Neil." Klaus informed him, "Now, what have you heard, for me?"

"I heard a name up in Pensacola: Ray Sutton. He's leader of a pack." He began, coming forward and pointing to a spot on the map for Klaus to look at. "I have a work address for him."

Klaus sighed, this vampire had found a work address. Not an actual home address? Why did he employ such disappointments?

He watched as Neville's eyes turned to the beautiful blonde, "Is she my reward? I haven't eaten for twenty four hours."

Bethany looked just about ready to kill, and the sight pleased Klaus immensely. She went from gentle and innocent to fierce and deadly in the blink of an eye; she was perfect.

"No." Klaus replied, his inner alpha wanting to break forth and kill. "This information doesn't deserve a reward. I'm still going to have to do all the hard work myself, mate. What about a family? Where does this 'Ray Sutton' live in Pensacola?"

"I don't know." The vampire said, "I thought you'd be satisfied with what I had."

Klaus felt greatly irritated, and wasted no time in thrusting his hand into his lackeys chest and ripping out his heart. He felt better, almost instantly, and he turned to face both Stefan and Bethany with a wide grin on his face. "Well, it looks like we're heading to Pensacola."

Which meant that they would be in the car for another few days. Obviously, he was going to stop at motels and hotels for his beautiful artistic companion - which would mean that they would reach Pensacola in about a week, give or take a few days.

He could see Bethany's eyes flashing with disappointment, as she looked around at the trees. Nature was her muse, and this scenery was perfect for her inspiration. Although he wanted to find this Ray Sutton and his pack quickly in order to start making his Hybrid army, Klaus' inner alpha wanted to make this 'hostage situation' a pleasant experience for his mate.

"I'm sure you can take some more pictures on our travels, sweetheart." He called after her, as she turned on her heel and started walking back down the hill. "I'll ensure we make some time!"

"Are you wooing her into becoming a snack?" Stefan queried.

Klaus was appalled at the insinuation. He didn't need to woo himself a snack! He would simply take what he wanted, from anyone. The more his victims screamed, the better!

He didn't signify the Salvatore with a response, he merely shot him a secretive grin, before he followed after the beautiful young woman.

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