19

A little mewl that resembled a cat sounded from the bassinet next to the bed, rousing an exhausted Bonnie from her sleep in the wee hours of the night.

It had been almost a week since Amari Rebekah had made her debut, and Bonnie was still feeling the effects of the birth. While it hadn't been a hard labor and Amari's blood had healed her physically, her body was experiencing the loss of the strong magic she shared with Amari, making her recovery slower than expected. Most of her muscles, her lower back muscles in particular, were sore, causing her to wince when she tried to swing her legs to get out of the bed.

Her bare feet touched the floor as she made the short walk to the bassinet, noticing how warm it was. She was reminded that it was summer, after all. It didn't feel like it; probably because she had spent most of June and now a part of July locked up, but a muggy summer was starting in Louisiana. Without the need to turn on the lights to orient herself, Bonnie dragged her feet; blinking her eyes so they could focus on the baby.

Lying there, swaddled in a white blanket with little pink embroidered flowers, Amari whined; sounding very disgruntled. With the unsure demeanor that was common to most first time mothers, Bonnie picked her up, trying to mimic the movement Lydia had shown her. The baby settled down a little, and started to make small suckling motions with the rosy lips, letting her mother know what she really wanted.

Bonnie smiled, tracing her cupid's bow, even though she felt insecure in that particular task. In the past days, there had been tears of frustration from both sides, as they hadn't figured out the best way to do that yet.

Again, the baby whined, and Bonnie remembered that she didn't like to be swaddled while nursing. With the utmost care, she loosened the soft cotton blanket, leaving the baby in her pastel yellow onesie with a ducky pattern. Kicking her chubby little legs in impatience, Amari looked like the perfect mixture of her parents. She had Bonnie's complexion; her skin tone just a tad lighter than hers, her nose and pursed lips, and Klaus' everything else; his blue eyes and personality.

Surprisingly- and thankfully- Amari latched on the first try and started sucking with all the enthusiasm her little body could muster. Bonnie winced at a certain point, but the discomfort was manageable. Seeing the serene look on Amari's face, her splayed hand on her breast twitching and the way she tried to keep her eyes open was worth any pain.

As a matter of fact, Bonnie could withstand anything just to look at her baby, period. Even in her young age, Amari was showing signs that she would be a curious one. Whenever she was not sleeping in someone's arms, she had her blue eyes-inherited from her daddy- set on what was in front of her, always willing to discover something new. Bonnie had come to find out her newborn girl was already developing likes and dislikes. She liked to spend the afternoons out on the porch; being rocked and listening to her daddy speak. Klaus would sometimes read her poems, and it never failed to capture her attention.

Sensing the movement around him, Klaus woke up. He groaned, wondering how it was possible to feel so tired when he was a hybrid. Of course, he would never admit it to anyone- or even himself- that his exhaustion was mostly his own fault, as he had spent most nights awake and watching his daughter sleep; mesmerized by the sight of Amari's rising and falling chest.

"What time is it?" he asked; his voice still raspy from the lack of use.

Bonnie ran a hand through the baby's head, smoothing her chestnut curls, and smiling when she noticed Amari's eyes snap open at the mere sound of Klaus' voice. So young and already a daddy's girl. She was doomed.

"Five, I think. Go back to sleep, Nik."

"In a moment," he replied even though his eyelids felt as heavy as lead. The scene before him had the power to keep him awake, though.

Seeing Bonnie with his daughter, a child he had never imagined he would have, didn't feel real yet. He had spent years and years of his life believing he wasn't good enough-he still didn't think he was- and had resigned into thinking that there was no true happiness to be had. It was an exhilarating sensation, knowing that he was still able to create something so pure and innocent. Perhaps that was proof his inside wasn't as rotten as many believed.

"I think I already told you that the staring thing is creepy," Bonnie said; her eyes closed as she rested her head against the headboard.

"You and I have different definitions for what I'm doing. It's called admiring, witch."

"Sure it is."

Something in Klaus made him want to say that he was indeed admiring her, that he was still in awe that this was his new life; that he was terrified of something ever happening and taking that away from him. He stayed quiet, of course. It was way too early for deep emotional talks and he was too sober for that.

Bonnie opened her eyes when she felt the suckling getting slower and slower. She looked down to see Amari, who against all odds seemed to be wide awake, the possibility of seeing her father more tantalizing than that sweet slumber or milk.

Throwing a cotton blanket over her shoulder, Bonnie moved Amari to burp her.

"Let me," Klaus offered, pushing himself into a sitting position and extending his arms. It still surprised him how much he was willing to be hands on when it came to these mundane tasks.

As strange as it sounded, Klaus hadn't put much thought into the actual process of raising a child. He thought about keeping her safe, about slaying each and every creature that wanted to do them harm. Nappies and late night feedings? Had not crossed his mind. Not until now.

"Don't forget the cloth. Or do, I would love to get that picture for the album," she murmured with a gleeful smile as she passed the baby to him.

"There's an album?" Klaus asked, heeding her advice and draping the white cloth over his left shoulder. "Shh."

A warm feeling ran through him as he patted Amari on the bottom and she cooed, sounding very pleased with herself.

"Of course there's a scrapbook. I want to be like those obsessed mothers who document every single step of their child's life," Bonnie admitted with a nod, giving him a bright smile; not even a sign of the exhaustion that had settled on her bones showing. She fussed a little with Amari, cleaning the spit that started to drip down her chin onto the cloth.

Not knowing how to respond, Klaus settled for observing Bonnie. She probably didn't even realize how easily she had taken to the mother role, like it was second nature to her. He shouldn't have been surprised. After all, she was the only mature one in that Scooby Gang back in Mystic Falls. It made sense that she would be a natural in this game. And yet, she still blew him away. A fraction of him was almost jealous that Bonnie could go from being a powerful witch to this doting, loving motherat a drop of a hat. She didn't have any reservations, she just was.

"I can hear your thoughts all the way from here," she commented; running a hand through Amari's light brown curls and pressing her lips against his bare shoulder. Ever since Amari was born, it felt like their connection was tighter and stronger. They would sneak little touches here and there, as if they needed to know that the other was there.

"Just pondering, love. Nothing to worry your pretty little head."

She snorted at his words; sounding like a piglet.

"That sounds like something a man in the fifties would tell his wife. I am, however, willing to let your blatant sexism go if you tell me one thing," Bonnie said; lips curling in a devious grin.

"What?" Klaus asked, even though he was certain he knew what she wanted to know.

"Why do you avoid the subject whenever I ask where you were during my labor?"

"Witch," he started to say, feeling a bit frustrated, and paused when Amari snored, bringing a fisted hand to her mouth. "I got here in time, didn't I?"

"Elijah told me the two of you went down to the Bayou,"

"Elijah should stop gossiping like a fifteen year old girl," Klaus shot back and Bonnie noticed the muscle in his jaw tightened, which only made the spark of curiosity even stronger. Klaus had taken to hiding in things in order to protect her and it was time to break that habit.

"While I would usually agree with that sentiment most of the time, I think Elijah did the right thing in telling me. I would appreciate him even more if he told me what the fuck happened to get you in that state."

"Bonnie..." he mutters with an almost growl.

"So it was something good. Or bad, depending on how you look at it," she concluded based on his gloomy behavior. Klaus liked to think he was mysterious, but Bonnie had learned how to read him like an open book.

"They questioned me, like I was this weakling begging for their help," Klaus confessed; averting her eyes, feeling embarrassed and enraged at the same time. His body tensed as he remembered the cocky grin on the werewolf's face. He only relaxed when Amari moved her hand to give him a slight slap on the shoulder.

"Nik, they were cursed by Marcel, who happens to be your progeny. They're going to question any vampire that steps a foot in their territory," Bonnie argued, trying to disperse some of the tension. Whatever the werewolves said had an effect on him, so she would have to thread carefully.

"No, no, you didn't see it, the way they openly challenged me as if I was their inferior."

His words were drenched with disgust, and Bonnie understood why. That bravado and humongous ego of his was a front, Bonnie had come to realize after spending some time with him. The emotional scars left by Mikael had transformed into an inferiority complex he tried to hide. Clearly, whatever was said did something to tap into that complex and now he was trying to build that cover again.

"First of all, give me the baby," she requested, extending her arms to hold the slumbering infant. Klaus hesitated for a second, not really willing to part with Amari. But he complied, passing her to Bonnie. The baby whined a little at the movement, but remained asleep even when Bonnie placed her back on the bassinet.

"Am I getting a lecture, love? It sure feels like you're gearing up for one," Klaus asked; a little sarcasm in his speech now.

"It's five in the morning. You're not getting a lecture, don't worry."

She rolled her eyes, moving to get more comfortable in the bed and covering her legs with the navy blue cotton sheets. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when she finds the perfect position for her sore lower back.

"What pearl of wisdom do you have to offer me, little witch?"

"Fuck you. Even if I had anything, I wouldn't give it to because of that awful attitude," Bonnie said, pouting and crossing her arms like a child. It wasn't real, of course. But it was nice to see Klaus frown in confusion, just a tad panicked at pissing off the lady who was still recovering from giving birth to his child.

"Come on, love," he cajoled, wrapping an arm around her waist and nosing her messy curls. Weirdly, her scent had a calming effect on him.

"I've said it before; let me help you. You're not alone anymore, Nik. Isn't that why you asked me to come to New Orleans?" Bonnie asked, stroking his cheek with the back of her hand. He smiled, a bright smile that made him resemble a young boy rather than a murderous hybrid.

"I think we've changed the terms of our agreement a long time ago, witch."

Bonnie nodded, thinking back of their meeting at that little restaurant in an isolated neighborhood in Mystic Falls. She had been so anxious and hesitant, wanting to leave the city but afraid of reneging the principles taught by Grams. Who would ever imagine that mere three years later she would be cuddling their daughter? Bonnie, who had believed their deal would fall through in less than six months, was still surprised with the turn of events.

"Either way, I don't want you to go through things by yourself. We're a team, remember? We're partners," she reminded him again for good measure.

"I fought them, no powers, hand to hand," he said; his voice so low that Bonnie had to lean forward to hear him.

"You what?"

"That's why I was so dirty. They said they wouldn't align with someone who couldn't fight man to man. They are savages and proud of it, as it seems."

"Nik..." Bonnie tried her best to keep the pity-no, compassion- from her voice, but some of it showed through. Klaus tensed; hating the way she was looking at him.

"Don't," he warned her, clenching his jaw, eyes almost flashing gold like they do whenever he was angry. "Don't look at me like I'm a little boy with no home."

That was when Bonnie got it. He wasn't just angry with the werewolves, he was angry at being confronted with the reality that he might be inadequate when it came to being a wolf. As a hybrid, basically the only one if they didn't count Tyler, Klaus was sort of on his own.

"I'm not. I'm looking at you as my stubborn baby daddy who won't take my advice," Bonnie replied as she traced the lines on his forehead, knowing that would pull a smile from him.

"Your advice?"

"I'm brilliant, Mikaelson. You know that."

That earned a chuckle, low and throaty.

"Of course I do, love. Do you honestly think I would have gone for a simpering witch to help me conquer the city? No, I went to the most brilliant of them all," Klaus said, and Bonnie resisted the urge to preen at his compliment.

"You're laying it a little too thick, but I appreciate it nonetheless," Bonnie notes with a smile, almost blushing under his attentive gaze.

"That is the truth, isn't it?" Klaus asked; a soft murmur that didn't match him against the skin of her shoulder. "You were made for me."

Bonnie's insides melted a little; not used to that side of him. He had always been charming, even when he was wearing blood stained clothes after a night of debauchery at the Quarter. This time, however, he seemed open, and not trying to use that God given charm to cover anything.

"We were made for each other as it seems."

"No, you were made for me. Destiny put us together, love," he said; blue eyes looking straight into hers with so much intensity that she almost felt naked. And it had nothing to do with her unbuttoned shirt, exposing her less than sexy nursing bra.

"I guess you're right."

Bonnie wanted to keep their witty banter going, but she couldn't deny that. After all, out of all the Bennett witches and the four Esther's sons, they were the ones that had come together to fulfill Ayana's spell.

At first, Bonnie couldn't understand why on earth any part of the universe believed her and Klaus would ever be able to come together to restore Esther's family. But then she looked at Amari's eyes; blue and wide, and had difficulty thinking of a single thing that little girl wouldn't be able to do. Elijah, the ever aristocratic Elijah, had gone on an emergency run to Target to buy diapers and the cute little bassinet she had grown fond of, Rebekah spent hours and hours rocking Amari on the swinging chair at the front porch, and Klaus... there were no words to describe the way Klaus looked at Amari.

It was like she was his entire world and he was slowly coming to realize that. Watching him falling in love, that pure love, was one of the best things Bonnie had ever witnessed. She was still completely freaking out about being responsible for another human being's life, but knowing her daughter was loved so much helped with the anxiety.

"Would you mind repeating that, love? I'd like to savor this moment a little longer."

A light slap on his chest was her response to his smart ass comment. Bonnie didn't it, though. At least he wasn't sulking about the werewolves anymore. Which reminded her of something.

"I want to go home, Nik."

His lighthearted humor dissipated with those short six words. After weeks of confinement, Bonnie was more than ready to return to the plantation. Judging from his reaction, she could tell he didn't share her opinion. If it came to him and Elijah, Amari would be a toddler by the time they thought it was safe to leave the lake house. If she was still sporting that big pregnancy bump, she would've let herself be convinced to stay put. Now that using her magic didn't pose a threat to her child? All bets were off and she was itching to get back in the action.

"Bonnie," he almost growled in warning, as if he was telling her to not even start that conversation. A weaker person might have backed down. Bonnie, however, just narrowed her eyes until they became two slits and shook her head no.

"Did Elijah offer them the potion?" Bonnie asked, ignoring the look that seemed to be etched on his face.

"Yes, but that does not mean you should get involved with them. This issue will be dealt by myself and Elijah," Klaus informed her, using that authoritative tone of his, trying to get her to bend to his will. It was for naught, of course. How could he expect his headstrong witch to fall in line just because he said so?

"And how are you and Elijah dealing with this matter? Did you secure their support or at least an assurance that they will not side with Marcel should he ask?" Bonnie questioned; an eyebrow arched to reveal her annoyance. Klaus' silence and the way he averted her eyes, not willing to admit any failure, was enough.

What was it that they said? Never send a man to do a woman's job. Besides the natural friction that was due to occur, Bonnie was willing to bet testosterone and fragile male egos played a part in the negotiations going south.

"So you need me, you just don't want to admit it yet," Bonnie concluded; a smug smile taking over her face.

"Witch..."

"No, I didn't spend your money with renovations to transform that dusty moldy room into a nursery so I could live here. I made plans, you know? We built a swing in the backyard, for goodness' sake!"

A few tears sprang up as she finished, surprising her. If she hadn't realized the importance of a home- her home- she did now. Bonnie wasn't a naïve little girl; she knew she would be raising her daughter in less than ideal conditions. Unlike the movies had told her, seeing the baby did nothing to curb her fears of motherhood. Just because she could call herself someone's mother it didn't mean she was suddenly prepared to deal with everything that entailed. Bonnie still felt too young and immature.

Her relationship with Klaus had been rocky, as she felt both of them were kinda holding each other at arm's length. Some of it was her own fault, she was capable of admitting it. Part of her was scared of finally entering a serious, committed relationship with Klaus and have it all blow up in her face. Part of her knew that Klaus needed to work on himself and his issues before ever embarking on this type of commitment. Part of her knew that she had made a huge mistake by depending on Klaus. Basically, she wouldn't have a place to go in the off chance that her and Klaus crashed and burned. All of that coupled with all of the supernatural threats around them made Bonnie feel like a lousy mother. She just wanted to make things better and take her baby home, give her everything she had planned and stop feeling like such a fuckup.

"Love," he started again, this time softening his tone and wiping at the tears that collected in her eyes. He wasn't the best in comforting weeping women, but he would try. For her he would try.

"Don't try to convince me otherwise. Install a car seat on that monstrosity that you call a truck and take me home or I'll leave in the middle of the night."

The curt nod Klaus gave her after a second of pondering might look rude to an outsider, but it felt nothing short of sweet victory to Bonnie.

It also felt like a victory when Bonnie climbed out of Klaus' truck; her booted feet sinking into a puddle of mud and sludge that had formed with the heavy rain that had fallen the day before. She didn't even wince when the black leather came in contact with the mud; her heart was still pounding with anxiety of what was to come.

Even the air around them felt different, like it was charged with a energy that Bonnie couldn't quite explain. All she knew was that the fine hairs covering her arms were standing up, and some of her fight-or-flight instinct had been triggered. Perhaps some of it was the natural anxiety that a mother felt when parting with her child for the first time – she had left a sleeping Amari snoozing on Rebekah's arms- but Bonnie was beginning to feel officially worried.

She took a look around, scanning the unknown territory that was the Bayou. In the sunset light, it reminded her of a mystical scene of sorts. Tall cypress trees mixing with the calm water and all of the green left her witchy insides tingling with excitement. Being in this kind of environment, with just the right amount of nature was a dream to a witch. Especially a witch who hadn't used her powers in a while.

A man; young, tall, slightly bronzed skin, with a long dark brown hair pulled up in a low ponytail, peeked out from behind a tree. He looked at her and Klaus with suspicious eyes. Bonnie couldn't blame him. His interactions with outsiders were probably not the best, so it made sense that he was erring on caution.

By her side, Klaus tensed. He tried not to show it, but they were past the point of being able to hide emotions from each other. At that moment, Bonnie knew she would have to drive the bus when it came to the werewolves.

"What are you doing here?"

A grave voice inquired, making Bonnie jump a little before turning around. It was another man, just as tall but not as young. He looked like he could be in his fifties, some white sprinkled on his shoulder length jet black hair and wrinkles on the corner of his eyes. Donning a red flannel shirt over a white beater with jeans, he didn't look menacing. Bonnie knew better, though. However, she took him being in his human form as a good sign. At least it meant they had enough trust to drink the potion.

"We just want to talk," Bonnie said, taking a step forward and throwing her hands up; the universal sign of surrender. She was in their place, looking for a favor from them. Being humble would go a long way right now.

"Oh, we've had an interesting talk with him," his eyes slanted to Klaus, who was trying to keep himself in check. "So I don't think we need any more conversations with your kind, miss..."

"Bennett. Bonnie Bennett," Bonnie completed; keeping her voice as friendly as possible. A look-recognition, maybe?- passed his face, as he frowned; his eyebrows forming a v. Bonnie noticed it, and her mind began to work overtime, trying to think of a reason why he would have that reaction.

"Now, that's a sight I never expected to see in my lifetime," he announced with a whistle; the only recognizable emotion behind his voice was surprise. Despite trying her best not to let anything show, Bonnie raised a questioning eyebrow. "A Bennett witch walking side by side with a Mikaelson. That is certainly not something Sheila Bennett would do."

A pang of hurt went straight through Bonnie's gut, leaving her aching a little. Hearing Grams' name and being told she was doing something that went against her principles still hurt. No, she wasn't naïve. Bonnie was well aware that Grams would most definitely not be okay with her helping Klaus, getting involved with him and mothering his child. Sheila Bennett, as loving and patient as she was, would probably try to knock some sense into her granddaughter. Bonnie knew all of that, and yet, it was painful to think she was somewhat marring Grams' memory. So caught up, it took Bonnie a good minute to process what the man had said.

"Wait, you knew Grams?"

The man snickered at her reaction, running a hand through his thick salt and pepper hair.

"Don't tell me little Miss Sheila Bennett's granddaughter is involved with vampires," he said with a Southern drawl. "The apple did fall far from the tree."

Another pang. This one didn't hurt as bad and Bonnie was able to push the intended insult to the back of her mind. Curiosity was the prevalent emotion.

"How did you know her?"

"Sheila Bennett was a dear ally to this pack. She tried to help us when everybody else had turned their backs."

"That does sound like Grams," Bonnie commented; a small wistful smile gracing her lips.

"So imagine my surprise when I see you with the Original hybrid. The same Original hybrid who sired the person who put us here, the same hybrid who had the gall to ask for our help despite not doing anything to help us."

It was a talent, Bonnie thought, the way his words sounded menacing and perfectly harmless at the same time.

"You want me to fight you again and show you what this hybrid is capable of doing?" Klaus muttered under his breath, much to Bonnie's consternation. She tapped him on the shoulder, giving him a pointed look that clearly said 'shut the fuck up!'

"There's no need for that," Bonnie tried to intervened before the situation got even bleaker. "Look, we mean no harm. Twenty minutes of your time, that's all I'm asking."

The guy ran his tongue through his teeth as he pondered over her request.

"Fifteen minutes. Because of your grandmother." he conceded with a jerky nod, and began to walk towards the little wood, beaten down house. "Just the two of us," he added when both Bonnie and Klaus started to follow him.

Through her peripheral vision, Bonnie noticed that Klaus was about to protest; his hands balling into tight fists. Before he could say anything, she shook her head, mouthing an inaudible it's okay. That seemed to placate him for the time being, even though he was still watching their every move intently; his eyes almost burning a hole through her.

"Speak, Bonnie Bennett," he prompted when they reached the front porch of the little house.

"Isn't it a little unfair that I don't even know your name when I introduced myself to you?" Bonnie questioned; shaking her foot to get rid of the gravel stuck on the grooves of her black leather bootie's sole.

"You're the one who came here, darling," he reminded her with a chuckle, that easy drawl coming through.

"I am also the reason why you're not trapped in your wolf right now," she pointed out with a cocky tone that belonged to a spoiled teenaged girl. He didn't seem to mind, though. The loud chuckle insinuated that he was more amused than anything.

"Well, I'll be damned. You're not just a pretty little face, are you?"

"I am told I'm very powerful." Bonnie shrugged her shoulders, keeping her eyes focused on the burly man in front of her. He was still suspicious of her-with good reason- but he seemed to be softening. Maybe it was her connection to Grams, whatever it was, Bonnie was thankful.

"Tell me, how old is your pup? You seem a little too young for that."

"I'm old enough, thank you!" Bonnie bit back as she felt the need to defend herself. Unknowingly, he had touched a sore spot. "Besides, how do you even know?"

"As you reminded me, I'm stuck in my wolf form for most of the time. You develop some neat senses. And the smell of a new mother is unlike any other."

Bonnie wrapped her arms around herself, almost as if she wanted to prevent him from being able to smell her.

"She's two weeks old."

"And the father lets you go out with hybrids like that?" he asked, sounding surprised.

Bonnie frowned before realizing he hadn't put two and two together. That man didn't know about her daughter's paternity.

"First of all, nobody lets me do anything. I am capable of making my own choices. Second, the father is the hybrid."

The way his face contorted in absolute confusion and shock was almost poetic to Bonnie. His expression said hundreds and hundreds of words without him ever moving his lips. She smirked a little.

"How is that even possible? He's a vampire and-"

"He's a hybrid. You said so yourself, Mr..."

"Cole Atwood," he offered in a monotone voice.

"Besides, you're a werewolf and I'm a witch. What is really impossible in our world?"

"Even our world has rules, and this one has never been broken before," he said, seemingly deep in thought. "That is why you're here, isn't it? Why your hybrid came here to ask for our loyalty?"

"The hybrid is not mine and he has a name. I think you should use it," Bonnie pointed out, knowing Klaus would definitely take offense at the patronizing way.

"But he is, isn't he? You're his mate, I can tell," Cole insisted, not believing in her words when his eyes told him a different story.

The way Klaus looked at her; his gaze following her every move and his body tense as if he was ready to take down any potential threat against her, was very telling.

"No, he's not my mate and I don't know why this is any of your..." Bonnie started to say, but she stopped when her mind realized what he was trying to do. "I know what you're trying to do. Is that why you had him fight you? I thought it was a bullshit display of power that you men seem to enjoy doing. But it wasn't, was it?"

Cole didn't reply, he only crossed his arms; his eyes looking back and forth. That was all the answer she needed.

"You wanted to test his werewolf side, didn't you? Is that why you want to know if he has a mate?"

"Can you blame me, darling? He came here to ask for our allegiance and justified it by saying he was part werewolf. I just wanted to know how much of that is true. After all, I never saw the great Klaus Mikaelson do anything to help us."

Fuck, Bonnie thought with a sigh. She would have to disclose more than she had planned. It was clear that Cole wouldn't put himself or his pack in the line for them just like that.

"Okay, then. Let's drop our bullshit and lay the cards on the table."

"So young and already speaking like a high ranking officer. No wonder he's so taken with you," Cole commented; a little grin on his lips. "Tell me what you want," he prompted as he patted his jeans in search of a cigarette. He lit it up and took a long dragwith a pleased sigh.

Bonnie took a step back, coughing a little when he let out a puff of white smoke.

"Marcel feels threatened, and I believe he will want your support so he can go against us."

Cole snickered and grimaced at the mere mention of Marcel's name.

"That son of a bitch had us dragged from our homes and put us here like we were nothing but animals. We are not supporting him."

"Not even if he breaks the curse and allows you back in New Orleans?"

As Bonnie expected, he hesitated. She didn't blame him, really.

"Look, you don't know what it's like to be trapped, to try to explain to your child what's happening. They don't have a normal life, they can't go to school or have any other friends."

"You're right. I don't know what it's like, but I do know that I want to help you."

"No, don't kid yourself, Bennett. You want to help me now that there's something in it for you. Unlike Sheila, you're not being selfless and trying to do the right thing."

"You're right. I'm not like my grandmother who tried to help you even when there was nothing in it for her. I should've tried to do something before and I didn't, and I'm sorry for that," Bonnie apologized, kind of surprised at how honest her words were. Being there and seeing for herself the way they were living had struck something in her. It wasn't fair that the wolves had been banished while the vampires had the city all to themselves, free to party and kill with no restraint. "I want to break the Curse, and have you back in the city where you belong."

Done with his cigarette, he dropped it on the grass and smashed it with his sneakers.

"You might be a powerful witch, but what makes you think that fucker will be okay with this?" Cole asked as his nimble fingers played with the Zippo before lighting up another cigarette.

"The reason why Marcel wants to go against me and my family is the same reason why I know you can be stronger than him."

"And what is that, huh? Because I've been here my whole life and it sure feels like nothing can ever defeat him."

"How much do you know about hybrids?" Bonnie asked, nervously playing with the silver bracelet around her left wrist. Even though she had imagined this situation at least a hundred times in the past week, Bonnie still felt like shit for even bringing this up.

"People used to talk about the Original hybrid, but not much else. We know he sired Marcel."

"Hybrids are powerful, their bite can kill a vampire and their blood can heal. They are stronger than werewolves and can turn at will."

"And?"

"I think my daughter's blood can create hybrids. If a werewolf dies with her or Klaus' blood in his system, he'll wake up and have to consume some of her blood to complete the transition."

"What exactly are you trying say?"

"You could be stronger than Marcel, and he would not be able to oppose any of you."

"So you want us to drink your daughter's blood to become hybrids?" Cole asked, not really believing he was hearing.

"No, I mean yes," Bonnie answered back in a complete unsure voice, biting her lower lip. "You must think I'm this awful mother who is willing to involve her daughter in this situation."

Cole shook his head, experiencing the weird sensation of his heart being twisted. For some reason, he felt bad that she was in this situation. She was still young, too young to deal with all of that.

"I've come to learn that we are all involved in this, even the children."

She nodded, moving to sit on the steps of the porch. He followed suit, groaning something about his old bones.

"I don't want to do this, trust me. My daughter shouldn't be put in this position, much less by her mother. I want her life to be filled with nothing but smiles and rainbows, but most of all, I want her to have a life. Who knows what will happen to her if Marcel raises hell against us?"

Her voice was raspy by the time she finished talking. Voicing all of her feelings made things real and so much scarier.

"You shouldn't feel bad. We all have to make hard choices. Look, I still have to talk to the rest of the pack, but I can tell you right away that we're not siding with Marcel. Not even if he allows us back in the city."

"Thank you, I'm-" Bonnie was interrupted by his raised hand.

"I'm not saying yes to your proposition either, Bennett. I told him and I'm telling you, this pack is not going to rally behind a vampire."

"And Klaus isn't a vampire. Maybe you don't know much of his history and I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but Nik was a werewolf before he became a vampire. Ansel, his father, was the leader of a pack."

"What did you say?" Cole questioned; his raised eyebrows almost blending in with his hairline. "About his father?"

"His dad was the leader of a pack in Virginia," she repeated with a frown, confused by his strong reaction. Did she say something wrong?

"I'll be damned," he muttered to himself as he ran a hand through his hair and took another drag of the cigarette.

"Okay, what?"

"Hundreds of years ago, some lone werewolf left a small town called Mystic Falls searching for a meaning in life when he met a woman. They moved to New Orleans and had children. Are you catching my drift?"

"Holy shit," she whispered to no one in particular. With the dim light that was illuminating the porch, Bonnie could see Klaus leaning on his car. He seemed to be restless and trying to entertain himself with his phone. He had no idea his life was about to change. Again.

"How can the ruthless, heartless man who raised Marcel be related to us? That for sure is what we call irony," Cole commented with a bitter smile. Bonnie couldn't blame the guy for feeling this way. Klaus had done a lot of fucked up shit, to put it nicely. However, she couldn't help the red hot feeling of anger that started running through her.

"Did you know he sings to her? Every night when she gets fussy. And he brushes her curls after her morning bath."

Bonnie's lips curled in a smile without her even realizing; the memory of Klaus humming Frank Sinatra to a cooing Amari etched on her mind.

"He would do anything to protect us. Nik is a dick with a bigger than life ego, anger issues and eventual homicidal tendencies, but he's not heartless."

"Does my not-heartless distant relative know?"

"Know what?"

"That you're in love with him. I don't see a ring on your finger and you say you're not mated. Maybe he's a slow guy."

Heat filled her entire face, starting from her chest and spreading up to her neck and cheeks. She would probably resemble a boiled lobster if she were a pale girl.

"That's not any of your business!" Bonnie huffed out, sounding more defensive than she had intended. In one go, she got up, wiping the dirt from her jeans. "Look, this discovery is probably not easy for you and I don't want to..."

"Your daughter, she's one of our own. We don't abandon each other, much less a helpless pup. Marcel won't hurt her, not if we can prevent it."

Her annoyance ebbed away; a sense of relief taking over, little by little. All that mattered was her daughter's safety and she felt like she had accomplished something there. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, after all.

"What's the name of your pup? Every member of the pack has their name carved right there."

Cole pointed to a wall that sure enough seemed to be decorated with carved drawings and a multitude of names written in small letters. That clearly held an importance to them and the fact that Cole was willing to put Amari's name in there put a bright smile in her face. Her little girl would never be alone, not when she was part of a pack this big.

"Amari. Her name's Amari." Bonnie answered, pushing a strand of hair begin her ear and fixing the thick strap of her cross body bag. "I'm curious, why do you call her a pup?"

"That's what we call the children of the pack," he replied with a shrug, not able to think of another reason for the nickname. He called her a pup because she was one. "You bothered by it?"

"No, I kinda like it, to be honest," Bonnie admitted with a nod. She turned her head to check on Klaus. It was a mommy thing, that she made sure to glance back his way every now and then to see if he wasn't doing bad. He wasn't, but he looked like he was about to explode very soon. Like the control freak he was, Klaus hated being left out of conversations.

"Like I've said, I still have to talk to the rest of the pack and discuss your proposition, but you should come back soon. You're the mother of one of our own and Sheila's grandkid. I bet many of them would be happy to see you."

"Even if I come hand in hand with Klaus?" she inquired, cocking her head to the side a little and snorting out a laugh when she saw the frown on Cole's face.

"Uhhh, maybe you should come alone. Let's not run before we can walk, right?"

"Yeah, baby steps."

Bonnie agreed, thinking back of her own relationship development with Klaus; his hesitation when it came to the baby and his role as a father. Knowing about his long lost family would come as a shock to him, but she would help him get through this.

The car ride back was quick and a little awkward, if Bonnie was honest. Klaus kept his eyes trained on the road the entire time, and there was no bickering over who had the control of the radio- Nik wanted jazz and she wanted to listen to Drake's new album- this time there was just an uncomfortable atmosphere. Bonnie suspected that it was because Klaus and his enhanced hearing had heard her entire conversation with Cole. He probably already knew everything, didn't know how to deal with that information and went into his shut out mode, a preferred defensive mechanism.

Bonnie almost sighed in relief when they arrived at the plantation. It was still early, just nine p.m. and she could try to relax a little before facing the music. Maybe watch something on Netflix and get some popcorn. She wasn't a huge fan of wine, but she could go for a glass or two.

The sight that greeted her when she opened the door instantly let her know she would have to change plans.

Rebekah, holding a wailing Amari, looked like she was on the brink of desperation. This was the most disheveled Bonnie had ever seen Rebekah. Usually, the blonde looked like she had stepped out of an Elle photoshoot, but that didn't seem to be the case at the moment. Her long hair was pulled into a messy ponytail and a strap of her navy blue tank top had slipped down her shoulder.

"Okay, what's going on here?" Bonnie inquired with a worried tone, checking for any signs of distress in Amari. The baby's caramel hued skin seemed to be on the pinkish side because of all the crying, but other than that, she looked alright.

"I don't know. I gave her a bottle, Elijah bathed her and we put her to sleep. She was fine, but then she woke up and wouldn't stop crying. She's not wet or hungry. I think she missed you," Rebekah said over Amari's shrieks, wincing when she hit a particularly high note. How was a baby that small able to make so much noise?

"Did you miss mama and papa, Mari?" Bonnie cooed; extending her arms to hold the squirming infant. Amari instantly relaxed at the sound of her mother's voice. "You did, honey."

Rocking the baby at a lazy, calming pace, Bonnie felt all eyes on her; Rebekah and Elijah impressed with her ability and Klaus just staring at her. It made her feel uncomfortable. She didn't really like having other people around when she was bonding with her daughter.

"I'm going to try to put her to bed," she announced to no one in particular and walked upstairs towards the nursery.

"Are you better now, baby?" Bonnie asked when she entered the nursery and sat down on the cozy rocking chair. With one hand, she got rid of her light pink cotton jacket so Amari could rest her head on her chest. "You know, your nursery is the prettiest one I've ever seen. Your auntie did a great job."

Bonnie liked to engage in meaningless chats whenever she was with Amari. The baby had taken to recognizing voices and expressing some emotions when she heard a particular person. Amari let out a gurgle that Bonnie interpreted as an agreement. Leaning down, Bonnie inhaled that sweet baby powder smell and looked around the nursery.

It really was gorgeous, magical and all of the wonderful words in the world. Most important, it was home and even Amari, who had gotten used to sleeping in the bassinet by her side, quickly adjusted to the new surroundings. Perhaps it was the calming, cream tone that predominated along with a few colorful accents provided the plush toys placed on shelves.

"Mama is sorry she was out and you missed her. I had to talk to some important people. One of them was your uncle," Bonnie said in the softest tone she could manage, smiling when Amari's eyes widened as if she was interested in hearing more about this. It was an interesting story, after all. "Well, he's not your uncle, but let's call him that. He seemed excited to know about you, and he's going to carve your name on their wall."

Bringing her little fisted hand to rest on her mother's chest, Amari let out a pleased sigh; not at all resembling the screaming baby that greeted Bonnie minutes ago.

"You'll never be alone, pup." Amari squealed, causing Bonnie to smile. Every single thing her daughter did had the ability to make her smile. "You like that name? I didn't come up with it, but maybe I'll start using it now."

An uncomfortable sensation in the back of her head let her know she wasn't alone anymore. She extended her neck, and sure enough, there was Klaus standing by the threshold. He looked much less intimidating with only a white Henley, dark grey sweatpants-which happened to be a gift from her-, and bare feet, but the thunderous look on his face made her gulp. Bonnie was not afraid of him, not even when they were mortal enemies who were trying to kill each other. However, she was afraid of his reaction, of them arguing and going somewhere they couldn't come back from.

"Nik, I didn't know how to-" Bonnie started to justify, and this wasn't even an empty excuse. What was the best way of letting someone know that a part of them wasn't lost like they thought it was? His relationship with everything that involved his biological father was a tenuous one, and she had to be careful. He might be the all-powerful hybrid, but she still wanted to protect him.

"You got their support. The matter of my estranged family can be resolved at a later time," he declared with a practical tone that took Bonnie by surprise. To say she wasn't expecting that kind of reaction was an understatement. She had misread him.

"Okay, then," Bonnie accepted; turning her attention back to the little one who had a fist stuffed inside her mouth. If he wasn't going to worry about this, she wouldn't either. "You wanna try putting her to sleep? She looks wide awake, but if anyone can manage that feat, that's you."

A twinge of pride and satisfaction ran through him. He wasn't a deplorable father like Mikael.

"Let her be for now," he replied with a shake of head; his eyes fixed on the infant. "If she doesn't want to do something, I doubt we can convince her otherwise."

"Huh, reminds me of someone I know."

"Pouts and refuses to do what I say, that sounds exactly like someone I know," he retorted with a teasing grin that was so him Bonnie was sure she would see that grin on Amari's face in the short future. It would probably be a permanent feature during her terrible twos. "Love?"

"Hmmm?" she asked, leaning back on the cushioned chair; her eyes closed as her felt Amari's constant breathing against her skin. It seemed like her parents' voices served like the perfect lullaby for her.

"What that werewolf said, is it true?"

His voice got caught in his throat, and Bonnie could sense the hesitation in him, which prompted her to open her eyes and peer at him. Just by looking at him, the way his eyebrows were furrowed and how his spine stood straight even as he leaned against the wall, Bonnie knew what he was talking about.

"Well, that depends. Do you know? That I'm in love with you?"

Klaus looked a bit shocked, almost as if he had never expected her to admit it out loud. The witch would wear her heart on her sleeve sometimes and then turn around and put on a professional's poker face and never show anything. He wanted to know where they stood, if she loved him or if she was still there only because of their daughter.

Now he knew. And then he realized he had no idea of what was supposed to happen. Love was pretty much a foreign concept to him. He was well acquainted with lust, anger, greed. Love? Love hadn't been part of his range of emotions ever since he was a small child and that wasn't even romantic love. What Bonnie stirred in him, that was an unknown entity. And he didn't like the unknown.

"Nik," she said with a sigh, hoping to pull him out of his wandering thoughts. "I love you, okay? Stop stressing."

"Okay," Klaus replied, feeling a young and foolish boy. He felt absolutely ridiculous, but at the same time, he felt complete; whole.

He wasn't alone anymore.