It's well passed midnight. Despite that fact, Claire couldn't find it in herself to fall asleep. She isn't the only restless one in the house. She wonders if anybody is asleep.

She knows Klaus is in his art room and Finn is in the library. She saw Henrik's light shinning under his door, she didn't know what he is doing but he's up as well. Elijah's study door is closed, it's only ever closed if he is in it. Kol isn't even in the house, he's rarely home.

Caroline's decided to move in permanently. Even she's awake, talking quietly on the phone. Claire figured it's Rebekah she's talking too. Rebekah's basically lives with Asher and his family. Caroline's been keeping her up to date on everything that's been happening. Not much has happened if Claire's honest.

Theodore's been buried for almost a month, it's basically been silent after that. Everyone's walking on eggshells around Claire and especially Kol. All the hybrids have had their necks snapped at least once by him for the simplest of things, they learned to just steer clear.

The kitchen light blinds Claire the moment she turns it on but only for a moment. Her eyes are quick to adjust. She walks over to the coffee pot. She's never been a big coffee drinker, not until recently. She can't sleep, she doesn't want too.

Every time she closes her eyes she sees her babe, she sees Theodore. His unnaturally pale skin. His silent heart, his silence in general. She hears herself begging for him to come back to her, to make some type of movement but he never does. He never had a chance, the Ancestor's made sure of that.

Bonnie was right, Claire is smart. She figured out the reason behind her child's death. Claire knew it wasn't a natural death. Theodore had been kicking and moving up to the very end only to be born stillborn. It didn't take long for her to connect the dots, to figure out that the Ancestor's took her child because she took Kol. To say she is angry is an understatement but what can one do against the Ancestor's? How can one take revenge on the dead? Claire continues to try and find the answers to those questions.

In the mean time, she survives. Living seems too far-fetched, surviving is a better term. It's like she has to make a conscious decision to breath. Breath in. Breath out. She thinks the words to herself over and over.

While Claire survives, Kol massacres. After the death of his son, it was all too tempting to give into his blood lust. Without the calming voice of his mate, he gives into his desires and destroys everyone in his path. Entire towns, lost to his madness. The whole country lives in horror of his next attack.

Claire would never forgive herself for not being there for him. For not coaxing him back. For not sharing her grief and healing along side of him. She felt selfish for shutting him out. She didn't remember that she wasn't alone. She didn't have anybody to share her grief with when she lost Aaron, Tyler wasn't there and Caroline couldn't truly understand what she was going through. Claire regressed within herself forcing Kol to grieve in the only way he knew possible, blood.

It was on this night when she snapped out of it. When it finally dawned on her that she isn't the only one feeling empty, feeling the heartbreak of losing a child. She realized that she had been shunning the very person she loves most, the very person who can understand her grief and the only one who can help her heal as she is the only one who can help him.

Claire heard him walking into the house. She heard him walking towards the kitchen. She couldn't bring herself to turn to him at first but soon couldn't stop herself. She turns to him.

He stands there with an expressionless look on his face. His eyes void of any emotion other than pain and anger. His clothes drip blood on the floor. His mouth stained in the red sustenance. His hair mangled.

A soft gasp escapes her lips. It is not out of fear, Claire could never fear Kol. It is of realization and sorrow. In that moment, Claire hated herself. Hated herself for allowing Kol to revert back to his monstrous ways, ways he had told her he wanted to leave behind. Kol didn't want to be this person anymore but a man can only be pushed so far before snapping.

"Oh, my love" She whispers, her feet moving her towards him. His eyes stay locked with hers as she comes to him. Her hand raises to his cheek. She doesn't care about the blood, it doesn't bother her. He instinctively leans into her hand.

Her mouth opens to speak but nothing comes out. She doesn't know what to say to him. She doesn't know how to express her sorrow. She doesn't know if anything she says can make him feel any better, if it can lessen his pain.

Her hand glides around his neck. Her other arm wraps around his shoulder and she pulls him to her. His arms encircle around her. They cling to each other. His head nuzzles into her neck, his arms tightening even more around her.

Her fingers tangle into his brunette locks. She comforts him in more ways than she can understand. Simply having her in his arms makes him feel more at ease than he has the last few weeks. He never wants to let her go, he wants her in his arms for the rest of eternity.

She reluctantly pulls away but he keeps her close. She pulls his head to hers. Their foreheads press against each other, their noses brush. Claire looks at him but his eyes are closed. He's savoring the moment.

She goes to step out of his embrace which causes him to panic. Before Claire could blink, he has her pinned against the wall. His eyes are wide and wild. His fingers dig into her hips.

"It's alright" She whispers to him softly. "I'm not going to leave you." She promises him. "I'm not going to leave you." It takes a few more moments for her words to settle in his mind and when they do he relaxes. "Let's get you cleaned up... Alright?" She whispers to him. He slowly nods and allows her to take him into the bathroom on the second floor.

She closes and locks them inside. She turns to him, he's already looking at her. She reaches for him and he flinches backwards, hanging his head.

"Hey" She whispers grabbing his head gently, making him look at her. "I love you" She tells him slowly. "And nothing is ever going to change that." For the first time in weeks, a small smile appears on his lips. She gives him the same smile in return. "I'm here now and I'm not going to leave you." She promises leaning up to kiss his forehead. He closes his eyes and leans into her.

Her hands go to his chest. They grip his button up shirt. Ever so slowly, she begins to unbutton it. When she's done, she pushes it off his shoulders. His eyes lock with hers. Her hands lower and unbuckle his belt. She takes off his blood soaked clothes before turning on the shower.

She feels his body press against her back as she finds a good temperature. His arm wraps around her waist, his hand moving her hair away from her neck. Her eyes close and her head tilts to give him more access.

His hands move to the edge of her shirt, his lips kissing the exposed skin. His hands glide against her sides as he lifts her shirt off of her. They gaze her sensitive skin as they travel town towards her pants. He kisses down her spine as he removes the last articles of clothing.

He quickly stands and spins her around to face him. Their lips connect greedily. Kol lifts her up, she wraps her legs around his waist and he steps into the shower. The hot water hits both of their bodies but they don't pay attention. The bottom of the shower turns red as the blood washes off of Kol.

Claire's nails dig into his chest and she claws down causing a moan to come from Kol. His hips grind into hers. She gasps as Kol's lips leave hers. Her head presses against the shower tile. She cries out as his fangs dig into her neck reestablishing his mark, mending the bond that had been broken.

Acting on instinct, Kol plunges into her. She mews and moans as he dominates her. His fangs retract, his lips kiss the healing wound. His head leans back and recaptures her lips. She clings onto him as he thrusts in and out of her.

"I love you" He whispers against her lips. Their eyes pour into each other's. "I'll always love you" She smiles softly and pulls him into another kiss. Her grip on him tightens just as his grip on hers does. She cries out as she falls over the edge and his comes quickly afterwards.

He stills inside of her, buried deep. She kisses his face. She kisses everywhere she can reach. She pulls him back to her. His mind, body and soul. She brings his humanity back, everything she loves about him.

"You're my world, Kol Mikaelson" She whispers kissing his forehead. "My happiness" She kisses his nose. "My sanity" She kisses his lips. "I love you."

The next few days were similar. The two were consumed with each other. It was like the first time they completed the bond. Though they had to admit, it was much more meaningful this time. This time they felt as if they loved each other more, they knew each other more. They've been through happiness and pain together, they knew nothing would keep them apart.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Caroline asked her sister. "There's no rush, you don't have to do this now."

"I fear if I don't do something with my life, I'm going to be consumed." Claire whispers holding a letter in her hands. Her eyes read the words but all she can think about is her grief. How it's controlled her, how it's torn not only her apart but her family.

Her mates felt completely helpless. Like nothing they did could help her. They watched as the grief not only took Claire but their brother, Kol. They watched as the two of them spiraled and not a thing they said could save them. The only way they could be saved is if they wanted to be.

Claire didn't want to spend her life in grief. She didn't want it to control her anymore. She couldn't let it. She still has responsibilities. She still has to be a mother to Madelyn and give her the best life. She still has to be a mate to her lovers. She still has to be a good sister and friend. She's given enough time to grief, now she needs to live. She knows it'll be hard but she has to start somewhere for the sake of her daughter, the sake of her mates, family and friends.

"Claire, it's only been a few months" Bonnie said sitting beside Claire at the Grill. It was Bonnie, Claire and Caroline sitting together, like old times, minus Elena. Caroline reaches across the table and Claire's arm comfortingly.

"Nobody will think any differently of you if you take more time, if you and Kol need more time." Caroline told her.

"We could have all the time in the world and it wouldn't matter" Claire gives her sister and Bonnie a sad smile. "Time doesn't heal this kind of wound. I lost two children within a year and a half of each other. I still feel the pain of losing Aaron as if I lost him yesterday. I will still feel this pain in a thousand years. It will never go away. But I have to continue to live. I have to live and remember them, the memory of them cannot be lost. I have to continue, Kol and I have to continue on. I don't want to stay in Mystic Falls, they don't either. I have to do something with my life and this seems like a good... distraction. Something to dive into, a goal I could set and work to reach."

"Ok" Caroline nods. "So, we're all going to Whitmore?" Caroline grinned excitedly. Bonnie grinned and clapped. Even Claire sported a smile.

Whitmore College. The next step in Claire's life. A step towards a normal life. A way to focus on herself and on her future. A way to stay with her friends and twin. A way to leave Mystic Falls yet stay close enough should Hanna and her family need her.

Rebekah decided to stay in Mystic Falls seeing as Asher has yet to graduate, though he is entering his last year, his senior year. Once he and Archie graduate, they say they would try and get into Whitmore. Easier said than done for the two party boys.

Once Claire made her decision to leave for Whitmore, they packed their things. Klaus had bought a rather large house just outside of McKinley. Claire would have to commute but she would rather commute and live with her family than live in a dorm. A dorm isn't exactly ideal for a 20 months old child, five mates and a handful of hybrids.

It warmed Claire's heart how quickly her mates agreed to move to McKinley. How quickly they supported her decision to go to college. To uproot themselves and move to another territory.

The day before Claire and the Mikaelson's left, Claire visited her mother. It had been months since they talked, months since they even saw each other. Caroline had told her what Liz had said in the cemetery when they buried Theodore. At the time, Claire didn't want to see her mother. But now she's about to leave and never plans on moving back.

When she pulled into the drive way, it took her a few moments to round up the courage to actually go to the door, and a few more to actually knock. Liz didn't answer right away but when she did, she looked shocked to see Claire standing there.

"We should talk" Claire said. Liz slowly nods and makes room for Claire to enter. Claire had brought her daughter, Madelyn with her. She didn't know when the next time Madelyn would see her grandmother. However, it's been a very long time since Madelyn's seen Liz so the little girl was a little weary of her.

"She acts as if I'm a stranger" Liz mutters to her daughter. Claire sighs and kneels in front of Madelyn.

"You remember your grandma don't you?" Claire smiles at Madelyn. Madelyn simply hugged her mothers neck, clinging to her as Claire stands. "She's just a little tired mom" Claire said.

"Put her on the couch, I'll grab some drinks" Claire nods and the two go their separate ways.

"Mama play" Madelyn said. Claire turns and notices a few toys in the corner. Claire nods and sets Madelyn down. She watches her daughter go over to the toys as Liz comes back into the room.

"Here" Liz hands her a water. Claire thanks her softly. "She's gotten so big" Liz smiles. Claire smiles as well and nods. Claire then looks at her mother.

"We're moving" Liz's head snaps to her. "To McKinley."

"Whitmore" Liz realizes. Claire nods.

"Caroline sent in my application and I'm going." Liz slowly nods. "We're moving just outside of the city, we leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Liz whispers.

"I thought you would like to see Madelyn before we left." Liz sighs and looks back at Madelyn.

"I'm glad to see you, too" Liz said smiling at Claire. Claire avoids her gaze. "Claire-"

"Don't" Claire shakes her head. "I'm not here to mend anything between us. We've always had a difficult and rocky relationship. I've pushed your boundaries for reasons you cannot and you will not understand."

"Then why are you here?" Liz asked. Claire sighs and looks at her hands.

"Because I still love you. You're my mother" Claire whispers. "Nothing will change that so I wanted to see you one more time. I don't know when I'll see you again and I don't know when Madelyn will see you again, so here we are."

"You're acting like you'll never come back" Liz said.

"I'll try my hardest not to" Claire said looking at Liz. "I hate this town. All it's given me is pain, heartbreak and misery."

"There's been good times too" Liz points out.

"Well don't blame me if I want to get away from the bad." Liz sighs and nods. Claire stands and Liz follows her. "I do love you but I'm tired of always being your disappointment. If you want to see Madelyn, fine...but please, don't come back into my life." Liz closes her eyes feeling tears coming to her eyes. "Come here baby"

"I don't wanna" Madelyn cried.

"You have plenty of toys at home" Claire picks her up. Madelyn squirms and screams.

"You don't have to leave, you can stay" Liz said. "You can stay with me." Claire clenches her eyes shut as her own tears come to her eyes.

"I can't" Claire said shaking her head. "I can't stay with someone who doesn't respect my decisions, who doesn't try to understand me. I'm sorry mom" Claire whispers before leaving the house. Madelyn continues to cry in Claire's ear making her feel even worse.

"Here, let me have her, sweetheart" Claire snaps out of it to see Klaus and Elijah standing there. Klaus gently takes Madelyn while Elijah pulls Claire into his arms. She cries softly in his chest.

"It'll be alright, Elskan" He whispers kissing her forehead. "Come on" He walks her to the passenger side and opens the door. She climbs in and Elijah gets into the drivers seat. Claire watches her childhood home shrink in the distance.

"You're doing the right thing, Elskan" Elijah assures her. Claire gives him a small smile. "Leaving town, going to college, it's the right move." Claire nods hopeful that he's right.

July 27th, 2011
Dear Diary,
It's been a very long time since I last wrote in this. I don't know why I'm writing not to be honest. A lot has happened. My entire world has changed. I've survived through so much. I have seen things I wish I hadn't and lived through events that I wished had turned out differently.
I'm leaving Mystic Falls tomorrow. Hopefully with the new move, I'll have every opportunity for a fresh start. I know it is childish of me to want a normal life being mated to the Mikaelson's and all but a girl can hope.
I have to be positive. I've been living in negativity for months and I feel drained. I tell people I hate this place, that I can't wait to leave but a small part of me will miss it. I still think about the days before vampires, witches and werewolves. The days where I was blissfully ignorant of Elena's selfishness, where I was like a granddaughter to Shelia Bennett, when I wasn't pregnant. Those times were simpler. Yet I wouldn't trade a single thing for one of those days back.
I love my life, despite how much pain and suffering I've been through. I have an amazing daughter and five handsome mates. I'm closer than ever with Caroline. I've found a family I never knew I had. I've grown, I'm not longer the same girl I was back in the those days and that's ok. People aren't meant to be stagnate, their supposed to grow and change and I know I have.
I have high hopes for a bright future and it starts at Whitmore.

Inevitable
End of Book One

So, how was it? Did ya'll like the book? It seems like you did!

What were your favorite moments?

Least favorite?

What made you cry? Laugh?

What are you looking forward too the most?

NEWS OF THE SEQUEL WILL COME! STAY TUNED!