Eira woke up in the morning with her head still pressed to Klaus's chest. Her hand was still entwined with his and she smiled. Klaus had his other arm wrapped tightly around her but not tightly enough that it hurt. She lifted her head up to look at Klaus and he was still sleeping. His face was relaxed and there were no traces of worries, completely different from when he was awake.
Eira heard a phone go off and she looked towards the sound. It was hers. She had put it on the dresser before she went to sleep. Klaus had his arm wrapped around her to where she couldn't get up to get it. She had to wake him up.
Eira touched his cheek with her hand and she called his name out quietly. But he didn't wake up. Eira smiled at an idea that came to her head and she decided to go with it.
She pressed her lips to his and she felt his lips twitch. She pulled away when she felt him move. His stormy blue eyes opened and stared up at her.
He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and drew circles with his forefinger on her cheek. The actions made her heart flutter.
"Did you kiss me awake?" Klaus questioned.
"Yes," Eira bit her lip. "Did you not want me to?"
Klaus frowned and he guided her face down to his and kissed her softly on the lips. Once Eira pulled away from the kiss to breath, he whispered against her lips,"I always want you to kiss me."
Eira blushed and she pulled her head away from him so she wouldn't be distracted by the want to kiss him.
"I needed you to wake up because I have to check my phone," Eira said.
"Your phone?" Klaus questioned in a 'really' manner.
"Yes, I know. I'm sorry, but I have to make sure my brothers don't know I'm gone," Eira explained.
"Right, your pesky brothers," Klaus rolled his eyes and unwrapped his arm from around her waist.
Eira smiled at him and pecked him on the lips before getting up to check her phone. Klaus sighed as she left his side. Eira read the text she got from one of her brothers. Stefan texted her that if she woke up wondering where they were that they left in the morning to go talk to Elena and would be back in an hour.
"Okay, you need to take me home," Eira stated.
"What? Why?" Klaus questioned and got up, walking over to Eira.
"My brothers will be back in hour and I need to go and be there before them," Eira explained as she grabbed clothes out of the drawer she made hers.
Klaus wrapped his arms around her waist from behind,"Can't you just stay here? And forget what you're brothers think?"
Eira turned around in his arms,"I promise I'll tell them today. That I'm with you and they're not going to stop me."
Klaus smiled and put his forehead against hers,"Then will you be my date tonight?"
"For what?" Eira questioned.
"My mother wanted us to throw a ball. So we're having one," Klaus explained.
"Then I'll happily be your date," Eira smiled and pressed her lips to his before pulling away.
Eira pulled away from him and went into the bathroom to change into clothes. Klaus used vamp speed again to change into other clothes. Klaus waited for her to come out but then he heard her gasp at something.
Eira came out of the bathroom, dressed into other clothes and she was holding her hair away from ear. He smirked at what he saw. It was a hickey, a bruise on the spot where her ear met her neck.
"Klaus!" she said in alarm. "I have a bruise because of you!"
Klaus started chuckling and she crossed her arms,"This is not funny. What if one of my brothers sees it?"
Klaus stopped chuckling but he maintained the smirk. He came over to her and examined the bruise. He ran his fingers over it and his smirk only widened.
"As long as you keep your hair down, it'll be fine," Klaus stated which made Eira sigh in relief.
Eira let out a small smile and shook her head,"That was not funny."
"Says the one who's smiling," Klaus made a point and then he ran his fingers over her lips for a moment. "I love your smile."
Eira smiled wider and then she stood on her the tips of her toes and pressed her lips to his. She looped her arms around his neck as he kissed her back.
Eira pulled away and said,"You definitely need to take me home before I change my mind."
Klaus smirked but he grabbed her hand and led her through the house. He was glad he didn't run into any of his siblings. He didn't want Eira to meet them, mostly Kol. He knew Kol would try to charm her away from him which he would've hated more than anything.
Klaus vamp sped her home and he stopped at the outside of the house. Eira was going to speak but his phone rang. He looked at her with apologetic eyes and he stepped away to answer the phone.
Eira watched him and he seemed angry as he spoke on the phone. Klaus hung up and he walked back over to her. His face softened looking at her but he was still angry.
Eira reached up and put her hands on his cheeks,"What's wrong?"
"Rebekah tried to kill Elena," Klaus explained with a hint of anger.
"You don't need Elena anymore, Klaus. You don't need your hybrids. You have me now. Eternity, remember?" Eira spoke.
Klaus slowly nodded his head,"Eternity."
Eira smiled,"Please don't be mad at Rebekah. Elena daggered her. She deserves to be mad."
Klaus was in a daze, looking at her smile and he nodded again,"I won't be mad."
Eira kissed him and he kissed her back. Eira kissed him until she was breathless and she pulled away.
"I'll see you tonight," Eira promised and walked away from him, heading to the door. He sighed as she walked inside the house.
He already missed her.
_______________
Klaus was at his mansion and he walked into the room where all his siblings were getting ready for the ball.
As soon as he walked in, Kol spoke,"Who was that lovely girl you had over last night? She smelt delicious."
"She's off limits," Klaus glared and sat down on the seat next to Rebekah. Kol just smirked, enjoying making him mad.
Klaus seemed relaxed, not like Rebekah expected,"You're not mad?"
"And what would I be mad about?" Klaus smirked.
"I tried to kill Elena," Rebekah answered.
"I was. But I changed my mind," Klaus replied, thinking about Eira.
Rebekah was baffled,"Where is my brother and what have you done with him?"
"Relax, Rebekah," Klaus started. "Eira told me to not be mad and I....listened."
"Since when do you listen to anybody?" Rebekah questioned.
"I'd like to know the answer to that question myself," Elijah inputted.
Klaus struggled to speak without revealing his feelings for her,"She's very persuasive."
Rebekah scoffed and teased,"Please. You like her."
"Shut up," Klaus said, not liking being teased about his feelings for Eira.
"This should be even more fun when I introduce myself to her tonight then," Kol said to get on Klaus's nerves.
Klaus glared and stood up,"You won't go near her."
"And what do you plan to do about it?" Kol questioned and before Klaus could threaten him, he was called away by Esther.
________________
Eira was waiting in the living room for her brothers. She was fumbling with her hands nervously and pacing. Eira made sure her hair covered her neck where the bruise was. She was going to tell them that she was with Klaus.
Her brothers walked through door and she stopped pacing. Her heart was racing though. Stefan and Damon noticed her nervousness and looked at each other.
"What's going on?" Stefan questioned as they walked further into the living room.
She decided to just come out and say it,"I wasn't home last night."
Stefan and Damon looked at each other again, wondering where this was going. "Where were you?" Stefan questioned.
"I was with Klaus," Eira revealed. "I'm involved with Klaus, like romantically."
"You what?" Damon questioned in disbelief.
Stefan was frozen and he didn't seem to be able to say a word. But Damon spoke up for the both of them,"You're involved with him? How can you even be with him after all he's done?"
"After all he's done?" Eira questioned in disbelief. "There's nothing he's done that the both of you haven't done. We've all killed people. All of you have compelled somebody. So what's the difference?"
Eira walked away from them and went up to her room. Damon was going to go after her but Stefan grabbed his arm.
"What are you doing? She has clearly lost it," Damon stated.
"No, she's right," Stefan said.
"She's right?" Damon was in disbelief. "So you want our sister to be with the Original Asshole?"
"No," Stefan shook his head. "But she's right. We're not different. She can't judge him because we've all done the same things."
"So what do we do?" Damon asked.
"Nothing," Stefan sighed.
Damon gave him a look and Stefan spoke,"She made her choice, Damon. Klaus can't be killed and there's nothing we can do."
________________
Eira had gotten a text from Elena telling her to meet her at The Grill. Eira walked there, it wasn't that far and she just wanted to let her thoughts run wild. She didn't like disappointing her brothers but she wanted to be with Klaus and she would be.
Eira walked into The Grill and she saw Elena sitting with Caroline. Eira had forgotten to move her hair back to cover her neck and when she sat down at the table, Caroline immediately looked at her neck. Eira saw her looking at her neck and Eira moved her hair, quickly to cover it up.
Caroline wasn't going to let it go, though. Caroline moved Eira's hair away and looked at her neck, letting out a gasp.
"Oh my god. Did you let Klaus do this?" Caroline questioned and Elena looked at Eira with wide eyes.
Eira got tongue-tied but she answered,"Yes. He was kissing me and it... happened."
"He's the enemy, Eira. You're kissing the enemy!" Caroline raised her voice.
"Can we just not talk about it?" Eira questioned and Caroline sighed.
Caroline crossed her arms,"Fine."
Elena spoke up to Eira,"Are you going to the ball tonight?"
"Yes," Eira smiled and looked at Caroline carefully. "I'm Klaus's date."
"Than we can go together," Elena stated and Eira just nodded her head.
"I thought you told Damon and Stefan that you weren't going," Caroline said to Elena.
"I did. But if I bring a person that they don't want there just as equally than I'm hoping they won't be as mad," Elena explained.
Rebekah walked up to them,"Careful Caroline, Eira. It's all well and good until she stabs you in the back."
"What are you doing here? I know your mom's rules. No hurting the locals," Elena said.
"Get over yourself Elena. It's not all about you," Rebekah stated and then looked at Eira.
Rebekah had a box in her hand and an invitation card on top. She set it down in front of Eira. Eira looked up at her in surprise.
"Nik requested that I give this to you. Considering I actually like you, I did as he said," Rebekah said and walked away.
Rebekah walked over to Matt and handed him an invitation. Elena and Rebekah made a big deal out of it but Eira just grabbed the invitation card and read it. There was writing on the back:
I can't wait to see you
-Klaus
Eira smiled at then she took the top off the box and there was a dress inside. Elena and Caroline looked at it with their jaws dropped.
"He sent you a dress," Caroline stated in shock.
Eira smiled and ran her fingers over it. She put the top back on the box and she stood up. Elena looked at her and said,"I'll come to your house before the dance and we can get ready together?"
Eira just blindly nodded, not even thinking about it. She was too happy right now. Elena relaxed once she agreed. Eira walked away and left The Grill.
______________
Her brothers had left for the ball and Elena came over after. They both were wearing their dresses. Elena was ready but Eira still had to cover up the bruise on her neck. Eira had put her hair in an elegant bun.
"Here, I'll help," Elena said and she grabbed the concealer and started dabbing it on Eira's neck.
"Thanks," Eira said.
"No problem," Elena said and she finished dabbing the concealer over the bruise.
Elena noticed the rose necklace around Eira's neck and she grabbed it. "You know, you would look better without the necklace."
Eira hesitated,"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm positive. I'm not wearing one," Elena said so Eira caved and she took off the necklace Stefan gave her and put it on the dresser.
Eira stood up and smoothed out the dress. The dress was silvery and looked like it came from a different time but still a classic. It shined a bit from the jewels embedded. It went all the way to floor and had a butterfly neckline.
"How do I look?" Eira questioned in nervousness.
"You look beautiful," Elena answered, truthfully.
"You look great, too," Eira answered.
"Thanks," Elena answered and she felt bad for what she was about to do. "Let's just go to this stupid ball and make everyone drool over us."
Eira laughed and she headed to her door, not waiting for Elena, she figured Elena was following her. Elena went over to the dresser and grabbed the necklace that she told Eira to take off and put it in her clutch. She felt bad but she had to do it.
Elena quickly went out of Eira's bedroom and caught up with her. Elena drove them to the ball and Elena felt guilty the whole way.
______________
Elena and Eira walked into the party, catching people's eyes as they did. Damon stared at Elena when he saw her. Stefan noticed Eira had come and he walked over. Both the Salvatore brothers walked up to them at the same time.
"What are you both doing here?" Damon questioned.
"I'm Klaus's date," Eira said, gleefully with the widest smile that both the brothers had ever seen.
"And I'm not leaving until I find out what Esther wants. So shall we?" Elena looked at Damon.
Damon held out his arm and Elena looped her arm through his and walked off with him. Eira looked up at Stefan.
"Eira," he started to scold her.
"No," Eira interrupted. "I came here and you are not ruining it."
Stefan sighed and held out his arm,"It would be a shame if you came to the ball and you didn't find your Prince Charming."
Eira smiled and she looped her arm through Stefan's, walking off into the dance with him.
______________
Elena was at the champagne table when Finn Mikaelson walked up next to her and stood beside her.
"Finn," Elena stated.
"I trust you got what I told you that my mother needed," Finn stated.
Elena nodded,"I got one of Eira's things. Her necklace."
"Her request to see you did not include your friends," Finn stated. "If you want to see my mother, you'll need to be alone."
Elijah started to make an announcement and Finn excused himself to go stand with his family.
Eira was in the crowd, standing next to Stefan. She hadn't been able to find Klaus but she found him now as he stood on the stairs with the rest of his family. Klaus spotted her from where he was standing and his eyes were transfixed on her. He thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Eira locked her gaze with Klaus's from afar and they stared at each other. Eira's heart beat faster and butterflies erupted in the pit of her stomach. She didn't have a clue what Elijah was saying, she just knew that Klaus was staring at her and she couldn't think straight.
Eira was distracted so when Esther looked at Eira, she didn't notice. It was only for a moment and then she looked away. Elijah finished talking and Klaus came down the stairs towards her. Klaus was almost to her when Stefan stepped in front of her, blocking her from him.
Klaus frowned and Eira spoke,"Stefan, what are you doing?"
Stefan sighed and moved out of the way,"Don't let my sister fall, Klaus."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Klaus said and he grabbed Eira's hand and led her to dance floor.
They lined up behind the other couples as they started the dance. Eira was standing next to Klaus. Klaus's stare was intense as he gazed at her. Eira stared right back at him with same intensity, the only thing she knew was the color of Klaus's eyes and everything else was gone.
The part of the dance started where they couples began to waltz around the room. Eira had her hand on Klaus's shoulder and the other one in his hand. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist.
"There are no words to describe how beautiful you are," Klaus stared into her eyes as they danced.
Eira blushed,"You look dashing, too."
Eira couldn't help it anymore and she broke the rules of the dance by standing on the tips of her toes and kissing Klaus on the lips. Klaus, of course, kissed her back. It wasn't a long kiss, it was short but it was meaningful.
Eira pulled away from the kiss and Klaus opened his eyes. He spoke a little breathless,"That's not exactly what I had in mind when I said I always wanted you to kiss me."
"I couldn't help it," Eira bit her lip and Klaus smiled.
Everyone that was watching the dance, there attention was on Eira and Klaus. They were whispering about the kiss they shared and how cute it was.
"I'll find you after," Klaus whispered in her ear and then he twirled her out of his arms and into someone else.
It was Kol and he was smirking,"I don't believe we've met. Kol Mikaelson."
"I'm Eira Salvatore. It's nice to meet you," Eira answered nervously, unnerved by his smirk.
"Oh I know it is. I'm wonderful," Kol boasted about himself.
"My brother is quite taken with you," Kol said.
"Uh, yes," Eira answered.
"That's why it'll make this all the more fun," Kol smirked wider and kissed Eira on her face where her cheek met her lip, making Klaus think he actually kissed her from his point of vision.
The dance had ended and Eira pushed Kol away from her. But Klaus was already furious. Klaus grabbed Kol by his tux jacket and held him in place.
"I'm sorry. Did I upset you? Her lips are just so sinful," Kol goaded.
Before Klaus could react, Elijah intercepted them and laid a hand on Klaus's shoulder.
"Brother, I implore you not to make a scene," Elijah requested.
Eira went up to Klaus and put a hand on Klaus's arm,"Klaus, it's fine."
Klaus looked at her and then he glared so harshly at Kol that if looks could kill, he'd be more than dead. Klaus let go of him and Kol laughed. Klaus took a step forward and Eira entwined her hand with Klaus's making him calm down.
"I'll deal with Klaus, Elijah," Eira looked Elijah.
He nodded and walked away, taking Kol with him. Eira pulled on Klaus's hand, indicating she wanted him to follow her. He started walking and following her steps.
________________
After having Stefan snap Damon's neck, Elena went to see Esther alone like she asked. Finn and Esther were in the same room. Esther was burning sage so they could not be heard.
"You're alone. Wise choice," Finn commented to Elena when she walked in.
Elena noticed the sage and Esther spoke,"It's only sage. I've spelled it so we can speak freely without fear of being overheard. That'll be all Finn, thank you," Esther stated and Finn left. "You must have a million questions for me Elena. Please."
Esther gestured toward the sofa and they both sat down on it. Elena asked her first question,"How are you alive? Are you a ghost? Or..."
"Not exactly. When I died the witch Ayana preserved my body with a spell. She was a close friend of mine, an ancestor of your friend Bonnie," Esther explained.
"So that's why only Bonnie and her mother could open up the casket," Elena stated.
"They complete the Bennett bloodline. I drew power from them and their ancestors who were with me on the other side," Esther said.
"So you've been on the other side for a thousand years?" Elena asked.
"Nature's way of punishing me for turning my family into vampires. But there is a way for me to undo the evil I created," Esther revealed.
"Did you bring what I wanted?" Esther asked.
Elena opened her clutch and pulled out Eira's rose necklace. Elena handed it to her and Esther took it.
"What do you need it for?" Elena questioned.
"It'll be revealed in due time," Esther said.
________________
Eira had led Klaus outside and she turned around, facing him. Klaus had an angry scowl on his face. She put her hands on the side of Klaus's cheeks and his face softened.
"How you can be okay with this? He kissed you?" Klaus questioned, paranoid. "Do you like him?"
Eira was taken aback but she spoke,"He didn't kiss me, Klaus. Not on the lips. He just made you think he did. I assume he wanted to get at you."
"And I don't like anyone like I like you," Eira smiled at him.
"And how do you feel for me?" Klaus questioned.
"I know I have feelings for you that won't ever go away," Eira answered to the best of her ability.
Eira kissed him on the lips and he kissed her right back. She stayed kissing him for a couple moments before she pulled away.
"Let's go back inside," Eira stated and Klaus just nodded, in a daze.
They went back inside as they started passing champagne around. A waiter came and offered some to Klaus and Eira. Klaus took one and Eira took one but she wasn't going to drink it, she just didn't want to seem like she was refusing to toast.
Esther started speaking and a bad feeling erupted inside of Eira but as soon as she looked at Klaus and his stare, it went away.
"Good Evening, Ladies and Gentleman. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!" Esther raised her glass.
Everyone raised their glass and said,"Cheers!"
Klaus took a sip of his but Eira just held her glass in her hand. Another bad feeling rose inside of her and she didn't know why.
_______________
After the toast, Eira and Klaus went upstairs to his art room. As soon as they were alone, Eira wrapped her arms around Klaus's neck and kissed him.
Klaus wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back, hungrily. Eira returned the fervor of the kiss and Klaus was overwhelmed. He pushed Eira against the wall and he put his hands beside her on the wall, pinning her there.
Klaus kissed along her jawline and Eira's heart was pumping wildly. Her blood rushed through her veins. The tantalizing scent of Eira's blood rose to him and he could barely control his thirst. He craved her more than anyone else, but he pushed that away because he had feelings for her. The other time he kissed near her neck was different, he was too overwhelmed with being near her it pushed away his thirst.
Klaus's eyes turned their werewolf color, the veins beneath his eyes came out and his fangs appeared. Klaus pushed away from her out of fear of hurting her.
Eira watched him, confused as he stepped away from her. But then she understood when she saw the veins underneath his eyes. He had his eyes closed.
Eira walked to him and put her hands on the side of Klaus's face,"Klaus, it's okay. You can open your eyes."
Klaus hesitated but he opened them. Eira stared at his luminescent yellow eyes with golden swirls. She thought they were beautiful.
Eira ran her fingers across the veins underneath his eyes. She stood on the tips of her toes and she trailed kisses along the veins underneath his eyes. He closed his eyes, being calmed by her touch. When Eira stopped, he opened his eyes again and they were back to stormy blue.
"I trust you," Eira stated, running her fingers along his cheek.
"You shouldn't. I'm still a vampire. I crave your blood most of all," Klaus stated.
"Then drink from me," Eira said and she put a hand on her neck.
"No," Klaus immediately denied.
"You're always going to have a desire for my blood. The only way you'll get over it is if you try it," Eira explained.
Klaus looked at side of her neck where the prominent vein was. He ran a finger over the vein. Klaus stopped and looked at her.
"I don't want to hurt you," Klaus admitted.
"You won't," Eira stated. "I trust you."
Klaus stared into her eyes for a moment before looking at her neck. He let his vampire face come out and his eyes changed to their yellow, gold color. Klaus leaned his head down towards her neck slowly and then he bit into her neck. He bit into her gently and Eira gasped. When he got a taste of her blood, he bit harder. Klaus didn't want to stop drinking her blood but at the thought of Eira, he pulled away.
Klaus had her blood dripping from his mouth and Eira put a hand to her neck to stop the bleeding. His hybrid face went away and he stared at the bite he gave her in guilt.
"I'm sorry," Klaus said and he took off his jacket and he pressed it to her neck.
"Why would you want me to do that? I hurt you," Klaus said in anger.
"You don't have to crave my blood anymore because you tasted it," Eira explained.
"Don't ask me to do that again," Klaus requested.
"I won't," Eira said.
Klaus took her free hand that wasn't holding his jacket to her neck and he pulled her along to the hallway and down to his room. He pulled her into the bathroom and set her on the counter.
Klaus opened a cabinet and pulled out a first aid. She chuckled,"Why do you have first aid?"
"Well, when I was building this place. I thought of you, I know you can't heal fast like I can," Klaus explained.
Klaus pulled the jacket away and he grabbed a towel rag and rinsed it with water. He wiped it on her neck, wiping all the blood away. He took rubbing alcohol and poured it on the towel.
"This might sting," Klaus said and then he dabbed the towel on the bite mark. She hissed in pain and Klaus tried to be more gentle.
Klaus set the towel rag down and grabbed a bandage and put it on her neck. Eira grabbed another towel rag and wet it with water, she wiped Klaus's chin with it, wiping away her blood.
She set the towel down and Klaus chuckled at their relationship,"We're a complete mess."
Eira smiled,"But we're a good type of mess."
Klaus shook his head at her but he smiled. He pressed his lips to hers and she kissed him back. It was a sweet, loving kiss.
______________
Stefan walked Elena up to her house. She had to tell him what happened with Esther. She was also going to tell him about how Eira is now involved.
"Where's Eira?" Elena questioned.
"She wouldn't leave, Klaus. Not now," Stefan stated and then he changed the subject.
"So uh, Esther wants to kill her whole family. How is that for Mother of the Year?" Stefan questioned rhetorically.
"Yeah. And I got to look Elijah right in the eye and lie to him about it," Elena said, guiltily.
"Well, good. I can't say I'll be sorry to see any of them go," Stefan stated.
"I just signed their death sentences, Stefan," Elena argued.
"No, you signed Klaus's death sentence, Elena. Everyone else is just collateral damage," Stefan said.
"It's not that simple because I did something else, too," Elena admitted.
"What do you mean?" Stefan questioned.
"Esther had Finn come to me after you and Damon left in the morning. He told me Esther needed something that belonged to Eira," Elena explained.
"What did you do, Elena?" Stefan questioned, his voice raised more.
"I gave Esther the necklace Eira has," Elena admitted. "And I have no idea what Esther's using it for."
Stefan was beyond angry,"You involved my sister?"
"Stefan...," Elena went to defend herself.
"No," Stefan said. "I'm all for Klaus dying but not at the expense of my sister."
"If any harm comes to her, Elena," Stefan started. "You are dead."
Author's Note: Okay, this is officially the last update till Wednesday. I just really wanted to do this one.
P.S. This is the longest chapter to date. 5,000 words.