{"id":146,"date":"2024-08-13T14:28:57","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T14:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=146"},"modified":"2024-08-13T14:31:58","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T14:31:58","slug":"chapter-09","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=146","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 09"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 09<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

She\u2019d been in New Orleans now for a month. A whole month working on her magic and getting physically stronger (she was glad that Elijah had stopped their \u2018therapy sessions\u2019 and that Marcel stopped dumping her in the Bayou). There was never a dull moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She even had to put an alert on her phone to remind herself to call Charlie because she had forgotten a few times and received an earful from Billy, who called instead. It saddened her to hear that Jessica and Tyler were missing, but maybe they had fallen in love and decided to run off together? The other scenario would be too fucked up for Bella even to consider, but she didn’t fully rule out that the Cullens had something to do with their disappearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Davina and Kol were still trying to figure out a spell that would turn Peter and Jasper, but Bella didn’t see the use of that happening, really. The only perk of that would be that Jasper was easy to kill, but Klaus seemed to like the two, very much so and the other vampires had accepted them for who they were. Both Peter and Jasper took the jokes with a grain of salt. She was pleased, however, that the both of them had switched to blood bags for food as their venom could harm someone, and Jasper seemed to be doing well on that. Bella still didn’t trust him though. It was going to take more time, and he kept his distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella and Kol finally managed not to break anything else during the last time they had sex, much to the relief of Klaus and Rebekah. Kol had created a monster though; Bella loved having sex, liking the experience very much but because of that nifty spell she had run out of things to wear. She only had one pair of jeans left, and that was frustrating. So while Kol was out taking care of something for Klaus, Bella decided to venture into New Orleans by herself and do the horrible act of shopping. She still had plenty of money left from her savings but opted out of buying jeans for now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thought horrified her, but the heat made it uncomfortable to wear, and summer dresses were a little cheaper, but whoever made them, didn’t think that muted colors would be a good thing. She opted for some skirts, not too short, and a few new tops and was pleased with what she\u2019d bought – she was certain that Kol was going to like it too. She snorted and shook her head as she was walking down the street in search of coffee. Since when did it matter if Kol liked something she wore? She was such a girl!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When she sat down for a coffee, she checked her bank balance and sighed. She needed to get a job but how was she going to have a regular work schedule when she was either having fun or being educated? She could cut down on the fun but where was the fun in that? She was going to have to talk to Kol about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella looked up from her phone when she heard someone greet her and smiled. \u201cHi Davina,\u201d she said as she put her phone away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan we talk?\u201d Davina had her serious face on and she looked a bit tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you okay?\u201d Bella said with a nod and pointed at the empty chair across the table. \u201cYou look tired.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah\u2026 I haven\u2019t slept, but that\u2019s because I was trying to work on the spell to turn your friends into \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot my friends,\u201d Bella shook her head. \u201cAnd I thought you and Kol worked on that together?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, we do!\u201d Davina smiled widely at the mention of Kol\u2019s name. \u201cBut we were missing a key part of the spell that only I could provide. Or at least I thought I could.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It surprised Bella that Davina came to her about this. While she had gotten better quite decent in the last month; she was in no way experienced. She was halfway her \u2018for dummies\u2019 books and she only knew what Davina and Kol had taught her so far. \u201cAnd you think I know anything?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. You don\u2019t know anything, but that\u2019s not what my problem is. The spell requires such power that can only be created by forms of magic that my Ancestors, the New Orleans witches, frown upon. They forbid it,\u201d she then smiled with a shrug. \u201cI used to not care about it because of the Harvest and left the coven and stuff, but my magic is still bound by them. If I cross the line, they might take my magic away and I\u2019m sorry, but I don\u2019t like Klaus that much. It\u2019s not like the spell is a necessity anyway. It\u2019s just one for esthetics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella slowly nodded. \u201cAnd for the safety of everyone else,\u201d she said as she rubbed the scar on her wrist. \u201cTheir venom not only hurts, but if left untreated, the human could turn into a vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand why Klaus doesn\u2019t just destroy them. I mean, Jasper was one of them, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s complicated. I think they asked for asylum, so they\u2019re under his protection, and he wants that spell done.\u201d She took a sip of her coffee. \u201cSo, why come to me? I share your Ancestors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, a couple of generations but from what I can tell, you\u2019re not bound by the same rules because you\u2019re special.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, please,\u201d Davina said as she rolled her eyes. \u201cI know how great you are at ignoring the facts and stating the obvious, but you must have heard all the buzz that\u2019s going around the witches? They\u2019re afraid of you. Yes, you\u2019re a Claire witch but rumor has it you hold so much power that—-\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDavina,\u201d Bella stopped her before she’d say something annoying. Yes, she’d heard whispers. Hell, Kol told her about those whispers but it was stupid. There was no way that she was as rare as everyone thought she was. Or as powerful. She had magic mishaps because she was untrained and tried to learn how to do magic at the same time as controlling it. She could not wait for the day where she’d prove everyone wrong by being not as “special” as they claimed. Special needs, maybe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She huffed. \u201cFine. But like I said, you\u2019re probably not bound by the same rules as I am because the majority of my Ancestors are here. Yours are scattered all across the globe, and you hold all of their untapped magic inside of you. If I\u2019m right, you could do the spell without any dire consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut?\u201d She wasn\u2019t sure if she even wanted to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need to be sure, so\u2026 could you come with me to Lorraine Jenkins? She\u2019s a spiritual medium and—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA medium?\u201d Bella blinked at the girl. \u201cThat\u2019s all fake, isn\u2019t it? They\u2019re not real.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI bet that\u2019s what you thought about vampires, werewolves and witches too!\u201d Davina countered with a smile on her face. \u201cCome on, this will be a great opportunity for you to learn about yourself too, what you can do, where you come from\u2026 What\u2019s in your future\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd we have to go to a medium for that?\u201d Bella raised her eyebrow. \u201cHow do you contact your Ancestors?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThrough a spell,\u201d Davina said with a shrug. \u201cIt\u2019s easier because they\u2019re all in New Orleans anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd I can\u2019t use the same spell because the generations leading up to the ones buried here aren\u2019t buried here,\u201d Bella said with a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. \u201cIsn\u2019t there another way?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou just don\u2019t want to go to the medium.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she shook her head. \u201cIf she\u2019s as real as you say, I\u2019d rather not have her learn all about me.\u201d Bella knew she was being paranoid but after her experiences with the Cullens, she wanted to keep her things close to her chest. She shared stuff with Kol, but that was because she trusted him. He had earned that trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I don’t know if there’s another way. I mean, sure, we can go ahead with the spell with you performing it, but what if the rules apply to you too? You’ll get punished.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I’ll talk to Kol about this when he gets back, maybe he has some ideas.” She didn’t want to anger the Ancestors either, but for a completely different reason; Kol. Granted, she only knew Rebekah’s version of Kol’s magical resurrection as Kol hadn’t talked about it. He probably wasn’t going to – and Bella wasn’t going to ask – but chances could be that if they’d poke the bear, something could happen to Kol. “What kind of magic is needed for the spell?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Davina sighed and leaned towards Bella as if they were conspiring. “The way that the spell could work is through sacrificial magic. We’d have to steal the life of another being to breathe new life into the Cold Ones.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Shouldn’t be a problem seeing as without a doubt, we\u2019ll kill a few Cold Ones when they finally try to come and get me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yeah, but even if we make the spell out of defensive purposes, which is a brilliant idea, by the way, to use that power to change them, it’s still sacrificial magic. You use a person to change another.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re sure there\u2019s no other way around it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBella, what do you think we\u2019ve been doing in the last month?\u201d Davina said with a smile as she sat back up. \u201cThe spell was pretty easy to find and to adjust and what not. We\u2019ve been trying to find a way to work around the bumpy bits, but we can\u2019t just turn a dark magic spell into something light. I just want to know if you\u2019re allowed to work around the bumpy bits; that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella finished her coffee. \u201cI understand, and I know that we\u2019re probably short of time, but I\u2019m not going to visit a medium until I\u2019ve spoken to Kol about this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t like it that I\u2019ve dragged you into this,\u201d Davina said with a pout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou dragged me into this? How about I dragged everyone else in this?\u201d She retorted with a snort and gathered her bags after paying for her coffee. \u201cYou have nothing to worry about. I\u2019ll let you know what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Bella came back to the Compound, she found Klaus pinning Kol against the wall and both in a shouting match. What baffled her most was that Kol was letting it happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you weren\u2019t such a human, I would have—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDaggered me? Yeah, tough, Niklaus!\u201d Kol spat at his brother. \u201cGo on then, kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoes your girlfriend know you\u2019re suicidal?\u201d Klaus sneered as he knocked his brother against the wall again. \u201cStay away from Hayley, Jackson, and my daughter. That part of the family dynamic is not for you to concern yourself with. I will break every one of your limbs the next time. Have I made myself clear, brother?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut Hope, she could be—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHope is a just baby, Kol. I will not allow you to use her for a spell. You have your special witch, you don\u2019t see me wanting to use her for my gain, do you? She\u2019s yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella cleared her throat as she looked at the brothers while she was standing there with her bags, raising an eyebrow at Klaus. She stared at him long enough for him to release Kol, who had a big smirk on his face as he made his way over to Bella. When he was close, she punched him in the arm. \u201cUsing babies for magic?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a tribrid, Bella; she\u2019s powerful and—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA baby!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re worried about that spell, Davina talked to me about it and you and I need to talk.\u201d She looped her arm through his and glared at Klaus as they walked to their room. \u201cIf you hurt him, Klaus, I will rip you apart myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould be fun to see you try, love!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella growled as she turned around and with a quick motion of her hand, she flung Klaus against the wall he had just pinned Kol against. She then pulled Kol into the room, while Klaus roared with laughter behind them. She threw her bags on the bed and just stared at him for a while. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d She asked after giving him a good lookover. \u201cHe didn\u2019t hurt you that much, did he?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol shrugged. \u201cNothing I can\u2019t handle, darling,\u201d he fleetingly kissed her before turning around to nose around in her bags. \u201cOh! Skirts! See? I knew you\u2019d give up on your jeans obsession once you\u2019d get here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey!\u201d She tried to push him away from her bags, but he firmly held his place, using his height as an advantage to keep her from the bags. \u201cKol, come on, leave those bags alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe should definitely have more sex so you can buy more clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella stopped pushing as she looked at him. \u201cWe\u2019re not going to have sex for a while because you wanted to use Hope for a spell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Kol whined as he dropped the bags and turned to her. \u201cYou can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWatch me.\u201d She sat down in a chair, crossed her legs and arms and looked at him. \u201cDavina wanted to take me to a medium today to see if I can do your spell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI told her not to ask you,\u201d Kol muttered as he sat down on the bed, toying with one of Bella\u2019s new shirts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause I don\u2019t want you to get hurt or do something you don\u2019t really want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t bother to ask me first?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a complicated spell; you\u2019re not ready for that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. \u201cThat\u2019s because you and Davina take it easy on me. Make me ready for it. And there must be another way than visiting a medium to get the information we want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Of Course there is. Several, actually. The easiest would be with the help of a dark object and someone monitoring us for safety.” When he saw the look of terror on Bella’s face, he snorted. “The easiest and the fastest doesn’t mean it’s the safest. You wanted to be made ready; this would be a great way to see if you can handle that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jerk, she thought, but she wasn’t going to back down either. “Fine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Great!” Kol jumped to his feet with a big, adventurous smile on his face. “Call your mother, ask her if she still has the names of your family tree and try to get the boy twin’s mother. I’d ask Davina, but I don’t want to involve her in this. I’m going to ask my sister to keep watch seeing as we both trust her.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What are you going to do?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Trying to find that dark object.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ren\u00e9e was more than willing to help Bella out for \u2018study purposes\u2019, curious as what Bella could discover about her family while she was in New Orleans. Her mother also talked about maybe coming over for a week with Phil when he was all rested up and out of his cast. Bella was a little apprehensive about that seeing as things weren\u2019t that easy to cover up around the Compound and would likely have her mom stay in a hotel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Bella eyed the list she had written down, she felt sick. The name of the twin boy that Davina had spoken about was Edward Alexander Higginbotham. Edward. Edward. Yes, she was well aware that Edward Masen hadn\u2019t been born in 1705 but the name seemed to haunt her everywhere. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and reminded herself that it was just a name. A stupid name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol had retrieved the object he\u2019d been looking for, and Rebekah joined them in their room after dinner. Bella was nervous about this, seeing as Kol had reminded her that this was dark magic, after all and that a lot of things would go wrong. Maybe the medium was not such a bad idea after all. \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t,\u201d she blurted once the door was closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright, we won\u2019t,\u201d Rebekah said with a shrug. \u201cBut the Cullens and the Volturi are on our doorstep. We\u2019re running out of time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe spell isn\u2019t important for both of those things,\u201d Bella pointed out. \u201cWe need to do the spell for Klaus\u2019 benefit; that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut this is for your benefit as well, Cuddles,\u201d Kol spoke calmly as he noticed that Bella was on the verge of having a panic attack of some sorts. She certainly looked like it. \u201cYou can ask anything you wish when it comes to your powers if we find the right ancestor who knows things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat if it doesn\u2019t work? Or what if something happens?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt will work, and if something happens, Rebekah will pull us out,\u201d he took her hand and squeezed it. \u201cWe\u2019re doing this together. I\u2019m going in with you, and I\u2019ll make sure you come to no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGoing in?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou neglected to inform her of the fact that your spirit will be temporarily disconnected from your bodies?\u201d Rebekah snorted as she sat down in a chair. \u201cClassy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Bella squeaked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt will be alright, I promise,\u201d Kol didn\u2019t stop looking at Bella, but rather wished his sister dead right now. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t do this myself if I thought it\u2019d be that dangerous. It\u2019s tricky, yes, but there are far more dangerous and difficult spells out there. Trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt will be alright, Cuddles,\u201d he repeated and softly kissed her. \u201cThe only thing that will probably be off-putting is that this body won\u2019t travel with us. You\u2019ll see me as I was. Before I died. Before mother put me into this body. My spirit doesn\u2019t match the body.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s going to be interesting,\u201d Rebekah smirked. \u201cAt least you\u2019ll be able to tell if she fell for your looks or not!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat would be interesting,\u201d Bella agreed and smiled at Kol. \u201cAlright, let\u2019s do this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh sure. The spell freaks you out but to see what I looked like before this makes it interesting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen you on pictures, Kol.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spell took them to some waiting room type of room. It was empty, and there were no windows, there were benches, and it reminded her of the hospital. She shuddered as she wrapped her arms around her and looked for Kol, what were they supposed to do next? Would they be able to leave this room to make things more comfortable? The door swung open, and it made her turn to it, to see what was going on and Kol appeared with a big smile on his face. \u201cCome on, Cuddles, what are you waiting for?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou, obviously,\u201d she replied as she walked over to him. She stopped a few steps before him to admire him with a big smile on her face. She didn\u2019t care much about how a person looked, Kol was a good man, but he was just as beautiful as his current body was. \u201cWow, pictures didn\u2019t do you justice,\u201d she took his hand as he pulled her out of the room into something that looked like a meadow. \u201cWhere are we?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe both know I look good, no matter what,\u201d he said with a smirk. \u201cWe are where we need to be, I just shaped the environment a little bit less harsh, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded as she looked around. It looked much like the Bayou, for which she was grateful. Had Kol made it look like the forest surrounding Mount Olympus, she would have killed him once this was over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow this works\u2026 if a spirit wants to talk to you, they\u2019ll come out on their own. If not, all you have to do is call his or her name,\u201d he explained as he nodded towards some rustling bushes. \u201cHeads up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella blinked when she saw Kol – no, Kaleb – clear the bush, and she could feel how Kol tensed up. While Kol oozed self-confidence as he walked, Kaleb did not. He slouched as if he wanted to hide the fact that he was tall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou must be off your rocker to come here,\u201d Kaleb spoke as he eyed Kol and straightened himself up almost as if he had a short burst of bravery injected. \u201cYou have so many enemies around here and they all want a piece of you.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was weird to hear him speak with an American accent, it just didn\u2019t compute in her head. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know that, thanks,\u201d Kol replied as he looked at Kaleb. \u201cLook\u2026 I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I should kick your ass,” Kaleb’s voice was cold and threatening. “You stole my life. You pretended to be me. Don’t think I didn’t know what was going on while you took my body for a ride.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella instinctively moved herself between Kol and Kaleb, even though both boys were nearly twice as tall as she was. Kaleb was not going to beat up her boyfriend. He’d have to go through her first – and yes, she thought of him as her boyfriend, even though they hadn’t talked about the label yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I am sorry,” Kol replied calmly as he eyed Kaleb carefully. He wasn’t going to shy away from a fight, but Bella had moved herself between them, and they were in the spirit world after all, a little respect would go a long way. “I took real good care of your body…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You got us into a bar fight with werewolves.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Not my fault, mate.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It was, indirectly. Then there was Davina hurting us. Your brothers… Hell, your own mother!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol sighed as he relaxed his stance. If Kaleb wanted to hurt him, he’d done so already. “I am sorry that it happened. It wasn’t by choice… Not much choice.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo worries, dude,\u201d he said with a shrug and relaxed. \u201cAm I pissed that my life got cut short? Sure. But I\u2019m also grateful that your mother took me out of a miserable situation. I hate your brother for hexing us and resulting in my death. And yours, but you\u2019re obviously back and so is my body.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re alright with all of this?\u201d Kol blinked at Kaleb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, hell no! But what\u2019s the use of holding a grudge around here? I\u2019m glad I ended up here and not oblivion since the Other Side is gone and all.\u201d He then turned to Bella and extended his hand. \u201cKaleb Westphall, your boyfriend has my body.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUhm, hi, sorry about that,\u201d Bella said as she blushed and shook his hand. \u201cI\u2019m Bella Swan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaleb looked at Kol and smirked. \u201cShe\u2019s hot, dude. Well done!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol grinned as he nodded. \u201cShe\u2019s lucky to have us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He scoffed and shook his head. \u201cYou, maybe. Me? Not so much. Anyway, if you\u2019re looking for someone specific, you\u2019d better call out their name or something because they\u2019re not coming, and you need to hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t you be with the Ancestors, by the way?\u201d Bella asked Kaleb, a little bit confused as they were in the spirit world, and Kaleb had been consecrated when he died. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaleb grinned and winked at her. \u201cJust because I\u2019m dead doesn\u2019t mean I stop breaking rules. I\u2019d better go back before they notice I\u2019m gone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, can I pick your brain for a moment, Kaleb?\u201d Kol asked him as he stopped him from returning to where he came from. \u201cWhat do you know about the Claire family bloodline? About that story that was told for generations?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? About the twin boy? Sounds like a fantasy to me,\u201d he shrugged as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. \u201cI\u2019ve heard the stories, but it sounds to me that it\u2019s purely made up. There\u2019s no way that magic could survive that long without being used; there\u2019s no way that someone could hold that magic until another girl came along without combusting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s true though,\u201d he nodded towards Bella. \u201cHer mother was the magic vault; all the magic is now in her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaleb\u2019s eyes grew big as he looked at Bella. \u201cYou\u2019re the descendant of \u00c9douard Carlisle Alexandre Claire?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella took a step back, so she was closer to Kol. First Edward, now Carlisle? Was the universe playing a dirty trick? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe stories said he was taken into care in England and was forgotten after a name change. Look, the Claire witches were very powerful back in the day and your Davina still is, there aren\u2019t a lot of witches that can do what she does. I suppose there was a good reason she was chosen for the harvest\u2026\u201d Kaleb ran his hand through his hair as he looked at Bella. \u201cTry find your ancestor and if he doesn\u2019t know anything, ask his mother, she\u2019s consecrated at the cemetery. If you\u2019re truly his descendant, you should be careful with your magic. Such power is difficult to harness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m doing quite alright, actually,\u201d Bella said smugly. What was it with men underestimating her? \u201cI don\u2019t feel any different either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh. Interesting,\u201d Kaleb said with a nod. \u201cCertainly something to think about.\u201d He then turned around. \u201cGood luck, you two. Don\u2019t let me see your asses back here before your time or I will personally kick you back into a body of my choosing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They both watched as Kaleb walked back to where he came from and then Kol breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, that went well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That was interesting,” Bella agreed as she looked up at him. “Are you okay?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yeah,” he smiled bravely. “It’s just weird; that’s all. I mean… I shouldn’t feel guilty about it because that’s not something I do… You know, feeling guilty… I may not have agreed with mother’s methods, but I was grateful for another chance even if I took the one chance he had…” He sighed and shrugged. “It’s complicated.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s what feelings are,” she smiled at him and caressed his arm. “Complicated, messy and illogical and there’s nothing wrong with feeling guilty, or at least a little bit guilty.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shrugged again. “I’d rather not dwell on unpleasant feelings, how about you call out for your ancestor so we can return to our bodies and have sex?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella grumbled as she looked down and shoved her hands in her pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Bella, it’s just a name,” Kol kissed the top of her head. “Do it. Call for him, I dare you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Edward Higginbotham, please come to meet me, I want to talk to you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“See? You’re a natural,” he said proudly. “Polite and clear.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What if he doesn’t want to talk to us?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, then we pick another one or go back and ask his mother like Kaleb suggested, but she’s an ancestor consecrated at the cemetery. I’d rather not ask her seeing as she’ll say no.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So what, though?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“No, we’re going to play nice with the ancestors,” he laughed, liking her boldness. “Worst case scenario is that we’ll have to talk to a witch in Mystic Falls. She doesn’t like us much, but she can tolerate Elijah.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nodded and saw someone emerge from the bushes. “Here we go.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I am Ed Higginbotham, who are you?” The man sneered as he continued to approach them. “Why are you disturbing my peace?” Unlike Kaleb, who appeared wearing clothes Kol would wear, the man was dressed in clothes of his own time, slightly muddy and disheveled and he certainly wasn’t pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My name is Bella Swan, sir,” she replied as she took Kol’s hand for safety. “I’m your descendant.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Rubbish. We do not get girls.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So I’ve heard. My mom was the first one.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He blinked at her and took a step back. \u201cHuh,\u201d he said with a nod, sounding quite surprised. \u201cThe stories were true then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPardon me for asking,\u201d Kol said as he looked at Ed. \u201cBut don\u2019t you dead people talk to each other?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure we do, but we do not reminisce on stories that were supposed to be just that,\u201d the man snapped at Kol before continuing in a more polite manner as he shifted his gaze to Bella. \u201cI never believed my mother when she said that I was special and that something wondrous would happen in a hundred years or so\u2026 what year is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c2012,\u201d Bella replied with a smirk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlimey,\u201d the man scratched his head. \u201cTime flies when you are dead, I suppose\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you supposed to be elsewhere, sir?\u201d Kol tried, but Ed seemed to ignore him. \u201cSeeing you\u2019re magical and all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan he shut his gob?\u201d Ed thumbed towards Kol after turning his back towards him but not towards Bella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe asks the right questions\u2026\u201d Bella said calmly. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to like it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine, fine,\u201d he grumpily replied. \u201cI became a Higginbotham. I do not remember much of my magical family and my entire life I despised them for making me leave simply because I was a boy. When I was dying, I hoped to see them again but I did not have the fortune to do so. I was human upon my death as my magic transferred to my boy when he was born. I reckon that is how they managed to save the magic, somehow, I do not know. What did you come here to ask, little girl?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAm I bound by the rules the Ancestors of New Orleans, your mother, and every generation before her, or not?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ed started to laugh. \u201cSweetheart, you could wipe the floor with those ancestors as you hold generations of magic within you. You will be more powerful in New Orleans seeing as that is the place that holds my sister\u2019s family in the ground but simply put, you do not need them. You are not bound by their rules as technically you are not family, and you do not have a close ancestor buried and consecrated there.\u201d He replied with a smile on his face. \u201cThe only request that I have is that you use your magic wisely and with the purest of hearts. It is easy to let such power go to your head and use it for darkness. We, the discarded boys of the Claire family, did not suffer for you to throw it all away. Do good. Be good. Stay grounded.\u201d He had spoken clearly to Bella before he turned to Kol. \u201cKeep her safe. Avoid covens who want to have her in their circle for her power, not for who she is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will, sir,\u201d Kol said, nodding. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ed was quiet for a moment as if he was lost in thought and then looked at the both of them. \u201cIt is time you two take your leave. You have been here too long, and enemies are at your doorstep. Go. Now,\u201d he warned them and pointed to a door that appeared out of nowhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you for your information, Ed,\u201d Bella smiled at him before she was being sucked out of the door once it opened, returning her to her body with a thud as she fell back on the floor. \u201cOw\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank God!\u201d Rebekah exclaimed. \u201cYou\u2019ve been gone for twelve hours! I had to watch over you all night, especially after the Volturi sent a messenger ahead out of courtesy to Nik. They\u2019re coming tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Kol said as he helped Bella to her feet. \u201cThat gives us some time to nap and eat in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt least tell me you found what you were looking for.\u201d Rebekah said tiredly as she rubbed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course we did, sister,\u201d he smiled widely. \u201cNow, out. Bella and I need to get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The spell had taken a lot out of the both of them, and Kol was happily snoozing away while he lay half on top of Bella and his legs all over hers. She wasn\u2019t uncomfortable, but she wasn\u2019t able to take a nap herself. Her head was still spinning with what she had experienced. The spell, meeting Kaleb and then Ed\u2026 While part of her was relieved that she didn\u2019t have to take the Ancestors into account, she was also scared because it was a lot of responsibility to police herself with something unfamiliar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Kol had dozed off, he promised her that she shouldn\u2019t worry about anything, but she did. And to top it all off, the Volturi were coming. Bella was already wishing for Jane to try and hurt someone so she could finally do something about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not napping,\u201d Kol muttered as he shifted a little against her. \u201cStop thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Groaning, he looked up at her. \u201cWhat is it, Cuddles?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust the thing that Ed said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAbout you being a magnificent, powerful witch? We\u2019ve been telling you that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah but it really hit home and now I\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shifted again and softly started to kiss her neck. \u201cIt\u2019s good that you\u2019re scared, but you have nothing to fear. You\u2019re in good hands. Relax. Nap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella sighed as she closed her eyes and was silent for a while. \u201cI\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kol whined as he untangled himself from her and nudged her out of the bed. \u201cGo eat. I\u2019m staying here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella was surprised to see Jasper on the first-floor walkway when she returned to the Compound with a box of pastries seeing as it was daylight. However, with the Volturi coming round, she shouldn\u2019t have been that surprised. She still didn\u2019t trust him, but he was the only one around who knew her for longer than anyone else and she wanted to talk to him. If anyone had a better insight on how she felt, it was him because he manipulated hers for a very long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She fished an \u00e9clair out of the box and started to eat it as she walked up the stairs. \u201cHey Jazz,\u201d she greeted him, automatically holding out the box of pastries to share, temporarily forgotten that he didn\u2019t eat human food. \u201cCan we, uh\u2026 talk?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course, Bella,\u201d he smiled at her, kindly ignoring the box of goodies. She was grateful that he kept his disapproval of the sweet desserts to himself – if he disapproved at all, but Bella kept it in the back of her head anyway. He and his family used to control what she ate and now he didn\u2019t have that control anymore. \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re surrounded by vampires and werewolves, why are you scared? You have nothing to be afraid of when it comes to the Volturi, Bella.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not scared of them, Jasper, in fact, I\u2019m hoping that Jane will try to hurt one of you guys. I can’t wait to hurt her for once,\u201d she countered as she took another bite of her \u00e9clair and let the words sink in for a moment. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d at least acknowledge my feelings instead of disregarding them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He smirked as he leaned against the balustrade and looked at her. \u201cWhy are you scared?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She put the box on a nearby table and started to pace back and forth as she munched on her \u00e9clair. It was hard to find the right words without actually transmitting her emotions to him but then again, he\u2019d probably pick up on them anyway. \u201cHave you ever felt as if you\u2019re in over your head? I mean\u2026\u201d she sighed as she continued to walk. \u201cImagine having this power inside of you that scares most people in the know and with knowledge of what that power could do and that the responsibility lies with you to control it and make sure you make the right decisions?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jasper gently put a hand on her arm to stop her from walking around and nodded. \u201cI\u2019m a vampire, of course I do.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut you have the Volturi. If you do something out of line…\u201d she then chuckled as she jumped on another train of thought. \u201cImagine the look on their faces when you\u2019re no longer a Cold One soon, though, it will be hilarious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t see everything,\u201d he replied with a smile. \u201cI mean, sure, they see a lot but not everything. All of us are responsible to control ourselves, to control our bloodlust, to make sure we keep a low profile. If we don\u2019t, we get caught and destroyed. Interaction with beings who are fragile takes a lot of self-control too, I\u2019m sure Edward told you that. I’m not telling you anything new.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She winced at the name and nodded. \u201cBut what if you lose control?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen I lose control and have people help me to regain it,\u201d he let go of her arm. \u201cSo it\u2019s true then? You\u2019re not an ordinary witch?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t call witches ordinary to begin with,\u201d she said with half a chuckle. \u201cBut most witches here in New Orleans gain their power from the Ancestors buried here and have to abide by their rules. Like\u2026 Kol and Davina can\u2019t perform the spell to change you and Peter, but I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re afraid that you might go too far? That the responsibility of having this power is too much to deal with?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nodded. \u201cI know I won\u2019t. I mean, I have Kol, and I\u2019m glad that he knows what he\u2019s doing and he says it\u2019s nothing to be afraid of but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He caught her when she wanted to start pacing again and tripped over her own feet. Setting her back on her feet, he spoke again. \u201cHe\u2019s right. You\u2019re a funny little human with your panic attacks and your occasional rage but do you know what the source of those are?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shook her head as she pushed her hair out of her face and looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have a big heart, Bella,\u201d he smiled at her. \u201cAnd it\u2019s beautiful and you get worked up about stuff when you care too much about something or someone. You think your emotions are out of control, and I think that\u2019s mainly my fault, but they aren\u2019t. You don\u2019t have to be scared of your power, Bella. Because I know that everything that happened in the beginning of you growing into your new power – the destruction – ties within the fact that you went through an adjustment phase where you felt again. Really felt. Not artificial feelings manipulated by either drugs or me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She blinked at him, the words making sense. \u201cSo it\u2019s your fault then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he nodded. \u201cMy manipulation is the reason you lost control.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd yet, you\u2019re still not sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould it help if I told you I was?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d Bella replied with a sigh and turned to her box to get another pastry out of it. \u201cCan we try?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure,\u201d he smiled at her when she turned around again. \u201cBella, please accept my sincere apologies for what I have done to you. I\u2019m sorry that I manipulated your feelings so much and made sure you were compliant for the rest of my— for the rest of them. I am sorry that I broke your trust and ruined our friendship. I am sorry that I used your predicament to get out of my own. You were right. I\u2019m a vampire, and I should have done something earlier and not use a human to my advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, that means a lot, Jasper.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid it make you feel better, darlin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sighed and shook her head as she took a bite out of the dessert she was holding. \u201cNo, but I appreciate it though.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat I did\u2026 what they did, is unforgivable. That\u2019s why I didn\u2019t apologize because it wouldn\u2019t work. I know you, remember?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded and took a deep breath. \u201cThank you for listening to me and my rambles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlways, Bella, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded again and grabbed her box with pastries. “I’ll see you in a bit.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When she got back to the room, Kol was lightly snoring. She set the box on the table and grabbed her French for Dummies book. She had almost finished with it, and she found it was a beautiful, but complicated language. It did help a lot with the pronunciation of some spells, so there was that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a while, Kol woke up and sleepily joined her at the table where he tucked into a beignet. “I don’t understand you’re not even remotely sleepy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I have other things on my mind,” she smiled at him. “But it’s better now. I’ll sleep tonight.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yes, the magic of pastries,\u201d he nodded in agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd Jasper.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou spoke to him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nodded. \u201cI needed him to tell me that what I was feeling was irrational and he did. I\u2019m more than equipped to deal with being a witch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course you are, Cuddles,\u201d Kol softly kissed her. \u201cI know you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know\u2026 but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s change the subject,\u201d Kol said as he took another pastry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have dinner soon with your brother, are you really going to eat another one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow many did you have?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella blushed and waved her hand. \u201cToo many. Go on, eat on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was glad that during dinner Marcel wasn\u2019t there. It was just the siblings and her. Klaus and mostly Elijah talked about how they were going to handle the Volturi while she was mainly pushing her food around on her plate with her fork. Not because the food wasn\u2019t delicious – Klaus always managed to compel a great cook. She kept offering for her to cook for all of them – or that she wasn\u2019t hungry due to too many pastries, but just because she could. Sort of? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wasn\u2019t sure. She wasn\u2019t worried about the Volturi anymore for several reasons. One, she was a witch now, and she could make sure that they wouldn\u2019t touch her or anyone at all. Two, Cold Ones were quite lame vampires compared to the ones she had been hanging around with. Three, they sparkled in sunlight, which made it just easier to laugh at them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, she wasn\u2019t scared. She just wanted everything to be done with, so she could start living again. Maybe tempt Kol into going somewhere else, like\u2026 Disneyland. Or, if preferred, something more badass and go camping. She\u2019d need a job for that, to save up because even though she didn\u2019t need to wish for anything, just ask, she kept it to the necessities like not paying for her food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smirked as an idea came to mind. It was cruel and probably not a good idea, but she could always force anyone of the Cullens to hand over one of their millions. It wasn\u2019t as if they were going to use it after they destroyed them. And it wasn\u2019t as if she didn\u2019t deserve it either, especially after their treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat I\u2019m more interested in at the moment is the reason why Bella has a devious smile on her face,\u201d Kol\u2019s voice pulled her off her train of thought as she met his eyes and smirked. \u201cWhat are you thinking about, darling?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m fantasizing, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh?\u201d He leaned on the table with his elbow and put his head in his hand. \u201cCare to enlighten me?\u201d He asked as he suggestively wiggled his eyebrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to eat here,\u201d Rebekah rolled her eyes at her brother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not doing anything but eat, sister,\u201d Kol replied with a smirk as he briefly looked at her before turning his attention back to Bella. \u201cHow interesting is your fantasy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella shrugged as she took a sip of her soda. \u201cNot that interesting, just a fun idea that could lead to more fun to be had without exhausting your family\u2019s resources.\u201d She snorted when all four siblings rolled their eyes simultaneously. \u201cWhat? At least I\u2019m not thinking about getting a job, something you think of as dull!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t think it\u2019s dull, little dove,\u201d Rebekah said with a smile on her face. \u201cIt\u2019s unnecessary. We keep telling you that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIsabella values some form of independence. Whatever she\u2019s thought of, I am sure it will be beneficial to her.\u201d Elijah replied simply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hope so, this needing a job nonsense is getting tiresome,\u201d Klaus remarked as he shoved his plate out in front of him and then looked towards the door as Marcel entered. \u201cAh, I take it our guests have arrived?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYep. There\u2019s seven of them. Jasper identified them as the three leaders and four members of the guard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhich ones?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJane, Alec, Demetri and Felix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella groaned. Of course, they took Felix with them. \u201cWell, it\u2019s official, you scare the shit out of the Volturi, Klaus. If it comes to a fight, Felix is one to look out for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Klaus smirked as he looked at Marcel. \u201cWe\u2019ll meet them shortly, we\u2019re just finishing up our dinner.\u201d He waited until Marcel took his leave and then looked at Bella. \u201cThey have nothing to fear from us, Bella. I intend to have this meeting end on a positive note. If not, I\u2019m always in for a good fight,\u201d he said with a big smile on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, but let us at least try to stay civil, Niklaus,\u201d Elijah said sobering. \u201cWe have been coexisting with their kind for a very long time and I do not wish our relationship to end.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNevertheless, it will be a short meeting once Marcus identifies our relationship to Bella,\u201d Klaus said with a shrug. \u201cIf he doesn\u2019t, I am certain he will pick up on the relationship between our brother and her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe shall see, but please, Niklaus, don\u2019t cast the first stone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She knew she had no reason to be scared of the Volturi. She kept reminding herself that as they descended the stairs into the courtyard. She had wedged herself between Rebekah and Kol, and Peter and Jasper kept an eye out from the balcony. She was safe. Should something happen, she was more than capable enough to make sure nobody got hurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMarcus, Aro, Caius, how nice of you to drop by,\u201d Klaus greeted them as he kept the fountain between them. \u201cTo be honest, I was expecting you a little bit sooner, are you getting slow in your old age?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aro smiled politely. \u201cWe would have, Mr. Mikaelson, had it not been for the numerous of uncontrolled newborns roaming the country that left my guard scattered to clean up the mess. You wouldn\u2019t happen to know anything about that, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had no hand in that,\u201d Klaus replied as he crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr. Mikaelson, you are aware of the laws we live by, are you not?\u201d Aro said as he peeked over Klaus\u2019 shoulder to look at Bella. \u201cOur society is shrouded in secrecy and contact with humans – apart from using them as food – should be restricted to the bare minimum so they won\u2019t find out about us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s a funny little rule, completely preposterous seeing as we live among them. Of course there will be humans who will find out about who we are and what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, yes, but unlike you, we do not have the ability to compel someone to forget about us,\u201d he countered with a smile on his face. \u201cIt was promised to us that Bella would become one of us to keep her alive, sort to speak. Or she\u2019d die. She caused quite the scene when we tried to kill her mate. Surprised us all with her willingness to die for him.\u201d He looked over Klaus\u2019 shoulder again as he continued. \u201cWe are merely here to see the agreement has been settled and if not, to rectify what\u2019s lacking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella nearly broke Kol\u2019s hand, she could feel how hard she was squeezing it, and he wasn\u2019t responding to the pain if it even hurt him. She had agreed to Klaus and Elijah talking to the Volturi while she stood by, but she wanted to throw them all across the courtyard and out of the gates. There was no way she was going with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need for that,\u201d Klaus said as he moved so he blocked Aro\u2019s view of Bella. \u201cShe\u2019s under my protection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aro smirked. \u201cEven so, our laws need to be obeyed. She knows too much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith all due respect,\u201d Elijah spoke up and joined his brother. \u201cShe has suffered from your kind for too long, the laws no longer apply to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInteresting, please, tell me more. We hold the Cullen coven in the highest regard.\u201d Bella could tell that Aro tried to ignore Caius\u2019 snickering. \u201cThey are quite the interesting family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about we let a former member of the coven show you what they did to her.\u201d Elijah said as he gestured for Jasper to come down. \u201cYou are telepathically gifted, are you not?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She could see the self-serving smirk on Klaus\u2019 face as Jasper jumped down and sauntered his way over to Aro, holding out his hand. He wasn\u2019t reluctant, it was as if it was planned. Aro seemed to be at a loss of words at the sight of Jasper and Felix had taken a few steps closer to his master in case Jasper would do something they\u2019d regret. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow, remember, Jasper, show him the whole picture and leave nothing out,\u201d Klaus reminded him before Aro took Jasper\u2019s hand in his. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Aro to be done with Jasper, and when he was, he had an amusing smile on his face. \u201cWell, well\u2026 it seems that our dearest Carlisle has a dark side after all.\u201d He then spoke in Italian to Marcus and Caius, who both nodded in return before he turned back to face Klaus and Elijah. \u201cTheir unfortunate misconduct towards Bella does not take away that her knowledge about us is vast; the law is still in place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe would have to confer to judge about Jasper Whitlock\u2019s situation, whether he should be allowed to live or to be destroyed, but please, hand us Bella Swan and there won\u2019t be any trouble,\u201d Caius added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre they always this singular minded?\u201d Kol whispered to Bella, who just stared in shock at the Volturi. \u201cCuddles.\u201d He gently elbowed her to make her look at him. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, my brothers won\u2019t allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss Swan is under my protection,\u201d Klaus repeated himself. \u201cShe\u2019s living under my roof and she\u2019s my brother\u2019s mate. She\u2019s in constant contact with vampires, werewolves, hybrids and witches, and you\u2019re telling me that you\u2019re afraid that she knows too much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe had an agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella realized too late that Jane was up to something, and it wasn\u2019t until Kol doubled over in pain that she knew what was happening. She imagined reaching into Jane\u2019s body and grabbing her insides to turn her inside out before she shot her hand out, causing Jane to double over and releasing Kol. \u201cLeave him alone!\u201d After releasing Jane, she turned around to check Kol over, but he seemed to be doing alright apart from being a little shaken. She was going to fully check him over once they got back to their room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss Swan is a supernatural being herself; that agreement is rendered void, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d Elijah said, a hint of smugness in his voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an interesting development, indeed,\u201d Aro said with a nod as he looked over at Jane, who was looking at Bella with a murderous look on her face after she was released. \u201cVery well,\u201d he said as he turned back to Klaus and Elijah. \u201cWe will not come after the girl as long as she\u2019s under your protection and your brother\u2019s mate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs for the fate of Jasper Whitlock, we shall be back once we\u2019ve discussed it,\u201d Caius spoke calmly, which resorted in Klaus snorting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUntil next time,\u201d Aro said as the three Volturi turned around in unison and spat away, followed by their guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Klaus smiled widely as he turned and looked at them. \u201cWhat\u2019s next?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 09 She\u2019d been in New Orleans now for a month. A whole month working on her magic and getting physically stronger (she was glad that Elijah had stopped their \u2018therapy sessions\u2019 and that Marcel stopped dumping her in the Bayou). There was never a dull moment.  She even had…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":96,"parent":98,"menu_order":8,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-146","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 09 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 09 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 09 She\u2019d been in New Orleans now for a month. A whole month working on her magic and getting physically stronger (she was glad that Elijah had stopped their \u2018therapy sessions\u2019 and that Marcel stopped dumping her in the Bayou). There was never a dull moment.  She even had... 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