The compound was quiet when I got back in the late evening. It hardly looked like there'd been a fight at all. Maybe it was Freya's handiwork.

I shut the door of Bennett's nursery softly, cringing at the creak of the hinges. They'd made it home safe and sound, as had I, miraculously. I took off my shoes, padding softly to Klaus' bedroom.

"How was your trip?" Elijah materialized out of fucking nothing. How did he do that?!

"Messy." I breathed. "How did it go with the De Martels and Lucien."

"The De Martels and I have come to... an agreement. Lucien however disappeared in the chaos of your angel's arrival. He'll turn up, like the cockroach he is."

"But we're all safe? No more curse?"

"I wouldn't put it past them to attempt something of that nature again, though you will be pleased to know that Freya confirmed it was out of our systems herself, you need not fear."

At least there was that.

"Alright, well, the last few days have been rather long. I'm heading to bed, unless there's anything else?"

He offered a small smile. "I'm glad you're home, safe."

"Thanks Elijah." I returned with a far more tired smile.

Gods, I was exhausted and still covered in blood and guts, which were arguably worse. Blood, I could deal with, it got crusty and stained everything but guts, they smelled so bad.

I slipped into Klaus' room, surprised to find him on the couch, his arms were folded over the back of it, head resting on top. What an odd way for him to fall asleep. I made my way over to him, gently carding my fingers through his hair.

He stirred but didn't wake, leaning into it.

Quietly as I could, I moved into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.

Just get in the shower, Maverick.

I peeled my clothes off, dropping them, uncaring of where they fell.

As soon as I was under the shower's spray, I leaned against the tile, pressing a hand against my mouth as I began to sob.

Holy fuck.

I'd survived.

Then why did I feel so goddamn awful?

Oh Þórrulf. I couldn't breathe. If I tried, they'd hear me cry.

And I couldn't let them know I was upset.

Fucking inhale and exhale, Maverick. Just breathe.

The shower door opened, and Klaus stepped inside.

I froze, like a deer in headlights.

He didn't say anything, merely scooped up my shampoo, and squeezed some into his palm. He moved closer, gently working it through my hair. Klaus tipped my head back, finger brushing through knots under the warm water.

"How did you know?" I finally managed.

He hardly took his eyes off the task at hand. "You've been through quite the ordeal, little tempest. Even the boldest of warriors need someone to lean on at times." He tilted my head to the side, beginning to massage my scalp. "You have been carrying that burden on your own for far too long... and though I admire your strength, I wish you would allow me to help."

"It's just been a rough couple of days." Not to mention, he was half the reason I was so exhausted. "What I need is some sleep and maybe a little food." Then I'd be able to put it behind me.

Tuck it all away in those books of mine.

Where it can't hurt me.

"Don't shut me out." Klaus remained focused on the task at hand, though his brow was now furrowed.

"And what if I do? Are you just going to search my memories for your answer?" I was far too aware that I could be compelled at the moment.

In hindsight, Klaus hadn't really made any effort in finding my vervain stash.

As if reading my mind, he frowned. "I haven't invaded your precious library in quite some time. Is there something in there you don't want me to find?"

"I don't go barging into your head."

"Perhaps I should've when Dahlia was walking around, then I would've known of your plans to betray me."

"And what of Jackson? The two of you seemed awfully chummy."

"What the fuck does that mean."

"I think it's convenient he just happened to be there when you've needed him."

"Or I was in his territory, literally spilling blood everywhere. He probably came to investigate." I took a step back. "You would be the first to know if I was with Jackson in any capacity."

"I wouldn't put it past you to figure some way around the bond."

He wanted to play that game? Fine. "You're so insistent I'm doing something with him, why is your baby mama living with us?" Don't get me wrong, I liked Hayley.

But there was a point to be had, damn it!

"Hayley is different-"

"Why? Because she's with Elijah? I've never slept with Jackson. He never got me pregnant."

"You want Hayley gone then?" Klaus stepped forward, caging me against the shower wall. "Done. I'd feel much better if I never heard anything about Jackson again." His eyes glittered darkly. "Much less smelled him on your skin."

But it wasn't Jackson's clothes I wore home today.

I swallowed.

"Even without this-" He brushed his knuckles against my mark. I shivered against the tile. "You have always been mine." His hand settled on my neck.

The fact that we were true mates was on the tip of my tongue, why couldn't I bring myself to tell him? That maybe it had all been fake in an attempt made by fate to force us together.

That it wasn't real.

Klaus' other hand wandered downward, inching toward my thighs.

"Are you going to actually make me finish this time?"

"The question you should be asking, dearest, is if it'll be on my tongue..." He began kissing along my jaw. "Or my fingers..."

Gods.

"Or writhing beneath me."

"And you chastise me for vulgar language."

Klaus smirked against my skin, working his way down my throat. "Would you rather I take you here, against this wall or on our bed?"