"The prodigal wife returns." Klaus leaned against his personal wet bar. "I thought your little escape scheme would've kept you far away from New Orleans, and yet here you stand, likely to beg for my forgiveness again."

"If you want me to go, I'll go." I pressed further into his studio. "But I wanted you to know that it wasn't because I wanted to be away from this thing we have. Jackson alerted the council about something I did." Or didn't do. I still wasn't positive.

"Did he now?" He didn't seem like he believed me. "Awfully good timing."

Breathe. Don't freak out. "I won't convince you, I know that."

"If you were truly here to reassure me as you claim, where are our children?"

"They're safe. Hidden where alpha wolves can't find them."

His lips pressed together and he walked toward me at a leisurely pace. "So that is the story you're choosing to stick with. Coincidentally the only person who could corroborate it is cursed to his wolfish form until the next full moon."

"Would I be here, with you, if I was lying? Listen to my heart and tell me otherwise."

He shrugged.

"I'm telling the truth."

"That says nothing. You may have learned how to be dishonest. It is not difficult." Klaus hadn't stopped moving toward me. "You spent a long time alone in that bayou."

Hold your ground.

"And if Jackson did as you claim, then why not run to the very people who would protect you?"

"It's not you I don't trust."

Before he could reply, a new voice joined in. "And to whom are you referring?"

Fuck.

I spun on my heel, Elijah leaned against the door frame. Would he have endorsed Jackson's efforts? Did he? "Elijah."

"Please, do indulge us." He held out his hands expectantly.

"It's nothing."

"That is the first lie you've told." Klaus was right behind me.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

If I told Klaus the truth, I'd piss off Elijah, if I lied, then his plan falls to pieces and this attempt at salvaging it will be for naught.

And he'd still be pissed.

This really wasn't a good idea.

The Winchesters were right. I did run back to Klaus. I couldn't help myself. "See, now you know I was telling the truth earlier."

"Elijah, now would be a good time to find something else to do. I have far more intimate means of interrogation. Perhaps check in on Marcellus in the garden. I think his time can come to an end."

The Original gave me a look of warning before speeding away.

Klaus gave away Marcel's location. It couldn't be where Freya was. I hadn't told Elijah because I was afraid it'd been a slip up and I needed more time, but this was a confirmation.

It was hard to ignore the relief bubbling in my chest.

"You have tells." Klaus circled me. "When you're afraid, you do a particular set of things."

"Yes, I know what a tell is, thanks."

"Your heart rate increases, as any normal person's would, though if possible, you refuse to have your back face the threat. I did find it interesting that you never once took a step away when I was moving toward you, and the only time you turned away from me was when Elijah appeared." He stepped into my space, brushing my hair out of my face. "And now that he's gone, you're perfectly calm."

"It's not what you think."

"What is it that I'm thinking?"

"Of course I'm scared of Elijah, he's an Original. I'm hyper aware of your power." I moved back, not that it put much space between us. "You're getting angry over nothing."

Klaus hummed. "Might I remind you that you no longer have that pesky rune."

A threat. Lovely.

"You wouldn't."

"Oh?"

"You swore to me that you wouldn't be him."

"I made a lot of promises that night." He tilted my chin up. "As did you."

Talk about something else. Anything else. "Jackson, he's a problem. We should be focusing on that."

"Don't change the subject, love. Why are you suddenly so afraid of Elijah?"

I swallowed thickly. "This is your intimate interrogation method?"

"We could certainly go that route if you wish." Klaus brushed his thumb against my bottom lip. "It is preferable to talking, and far more satisfying to watch you come undone just as you spill your precious secrets."

"I can't. Not with the way things have been." If I let him get that close again, I knew I'd never be able to leave.

His other hand found it's way to my waist, drawing me closer. I sucked in a breath, goosebumps crawling on my skin.

Damn it.

"Stay."

"Okay." I tried to ignore the fact that it felt as though a weight had been lifted from my chest.

"Tell me why you fear Elijah."

"Okay."