The Devil In Me

Chapter 17

The ride to the estate had been exactly what he had needed to brush away the bitter memories of the previous night. The countryside was ablaze with autumn and the air was brisk. His father had been delayed, and would arrive alone the next day, meaning the ride was relaxing and he was able to share time with his brothers. When they had arrived, his pulse already quickening at the thought of seeing his bride to be. He had thought of little else since he had last seen her, a week before. She was constantly in his thoughts, and he had dealt with all the arrangements for the next few weeks with her at the forefront of his mind. He had been constantly on edge, afraid that she would change her mind, disappear again, or simply ask Mr Pierce to call off the wedding. Whenever Rebekah returned from seeing her, he would grill her over Caroline's mood, and whether she seemed happy. Rebekah had ignored him for the most part, still furious with him over the incident, and nothing he did could seem to make it up to her.

"If Caroline is willing to give me a chance, why will you not, little sister?"

"Because Caroline is too kind, she cannot hold a grudge, and you take advantage of it. But, I have a much longer memory... and I shall not rest until you make amends for your actions Klaus. Caroline may be softhearted, but I am not, and I shall be watching you" his sister said, staring down her nose at him haughtily.

"Well, I pity the man who falls for you dearest, he will not have an easy time of it." He had joked, trying to get her to soften toward him. Rebekah had looked at him for a moment, somewhat sadly, before rising and walking off.

As the horse clattered into the courtyard, he felt his body start to hum in anticipation. Looking up at the house, he repressed a smile. Caroline was inside somewhere. He jumped off his horse and gave the reigns to a groom as Kol and Elijah did the same. They were all similarly dishevelled, their riding clothes muddied and sweaty. He pushed his hair back off his face roughly, striding into the house, eager to start searching out the object of his affection.

"Well, I see you must have behaved yourself reasonably last night to arrive so early and in such good humour" Rebekah stated as she came to greet them, wrinkling her noise a little at their unpresentable states.

"Sister" Klaus said, smiling at her, as she swept past him and Kol with barely any acknowledgement, greeting Elijah warmly.

"Rebekah, the arrangements look splendid so far, you have done a wonderful job." he was saying.

"Nonsense, it is the army of help who has worked wonderfully, in truth. Though, I do hope Caroline will be pleased."

"And me? Do you wish me to be pleased?" Klaus asked, in a teasing tone.

"I care not" Rebekah said, sniffing.

"Now, first you must all go and clean yourselves up. I shall arrange for baths to be brought to each of your rooms. Then, I have organised a shooting party for the afternoon. Mr Pierce, the Salvatores and Mr Saltzman shall accompany you." Kol and Elijah nodded, starting upstairs, Klaus hesitated, before starting in the direction of the drawing room. Rebekah's voice stopped him,

"Where do you think you are going? The groom cannot see the bride before the is tradition"

"You know I care little for since you have been less than forthcoming about my intended all week, despite seeing her daily, I will go and find out for myself how she fares."

"Nik" Rebekah's soft tone made him pause, he turned back and saw her looking at him with the gentlest expression he had seen from her in quite some time.

"She is here... that is all you need know. Treat her according to tradition, it will please her, and shows her respect. Her family is all here, do not embarrass her." she said and Klaus let out a sigh, seeing his sister's point immediately. He came back toward her, and smiled a little.