C10- Agent Black

Elijah's POV

There's no break in Vynessa's steps as she runs straight into the arms of Agent Black. My jaw clenches as I watch Black wrap her arms around Vynessa, holding her close. Too close.

“Ma!” Vynessa's body shakes as she breaks down in tears.

I tilt my head subtly, studying the anguish etched on her face, and for a moment, I feel a pang of... something. Not guilt, no, never that. But there's an undeniable twinge of irritation that she's not stronger, that she can't handle the weight of our world.

If something this small can shake her so bad, then how will she survive when they do come back for me?

“Hey baby, it's okay. I'm alright I swear.” Agent Black whispers softly into Vynessa's ear. Klaus stands beside them, his eyes noting every little movement, ever vigilant.

My eyes narrow as I watch Vynessa's tears flow. Hell, she's a liability, a weakness I can’t afford. Yet... yet, there's something about her that draws me in, that makes me want to reach out and claim her as my own.

It must be this cursed bond I share with her.

Knowing now isn't the time for anger provoking thoughts, I push the thought aside, determined to focus on the task at hand.

"Have a seat, Black." I gesture to Agent Black, my deep voice even. Unexpectedly, I find it quite difficult to look away from Vynessa while I speak, watching as Agent Black softly separates from her.

The moment Black steps aside, there's this sense of satisfaction I feel deep within. Fact is, it's about time she remembered her place. I'd only allowed her to get close to Vynessa for the human’s safety, but now that she's under my care, I won't be needing Black's services again.

Black's eyes narrow slightly as if hearing my last thoughts while she takes a seat, her gaze hold mine. I can almost see the hateful words turning in her head.

“Alpha King Elijah,” Agent Black greets with a bow, finally remembering to courtesy.

I turn my attention to Vynessa, my eyes locking onto hers. She's still shaken, but there's a spark of defiance in her eyes. "Vynessa," I start, my voice harsher than intended. Vynessa stands beside Black, her eyes fixed on me with what I'm suspecting is anger. Something that's so hard to not mistake for a pup simply throwing a tantrum.

"What do you want from us?" Vynessa asks. This time I realize how her tone is controlled but burning with desperation. "What did we ever do to you?" She presses at my silence.

I lean back in my chair, locking my fingers together as my gaze zeros in on Vynessa. "You're quite bold, you know, considering your situation," I say, my voice blank. "But I suppose that's what makes you so... interesting."

“Whatever it is you have against us, just say it!” Vynessa raises her voice sounding frustrated. But it's like she has a quick second thought, as immediately she mutters with a little stutter. “Uh.. actually I mean please…”

I ignore her, gesturing with a slight nod of my head for Klaus to lock the door.

But Klaus, glances at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What of Vynessa?" he asks, his voice echoing in my mind.

With an annoyed frown, I make my desires clear. Klaus knows better than to question me. Immediately understanding me, he locks the door with a quiet click, sealing us inside.

But immediately the door is clicked back, I notice how Vynessa's head whips around, her terrified eyes fixed on the door.

What happened? I think to myself, glancing at Klaus who just stands still like he'd expected her to get scared locked in here with the same people she's most safe with. My ears twitch, picking up the spiking rate at which her heartbeat is increasing.

"Take a seat, Vynessa," I command, my voice softer than before.

But instead of obeying, she takes a step back, her eyes wide with fright. In her eyes ticks pure terror. And it's directed at me. I know this as she takes more staggering steps back.

Wow, this is a feeling I hadn't believed the cute human could possibly have towards me. She's been so sharp-mouthed, so defiant, since she woke up. I'd genuinely begun to wonder if my power to intimidate and make anyone cower at the sight of me, had somehow diminished.

But now, seeing Vynessa's raw fear, I'm left with an empty feeling. It's...unsettling. I'm not too sure why it bothers me. Still I don't want to "Vynessa," I repeat, my voice firmer this time. "Take. A. Seat."

Her legs shake as she begins to heave. Just then I and agent black stand on our feet.

It's in this moment I notice how distant her gaze looks, how her eyes look around like she's seeing things that aren't there in the study.

“Vynessa,” I try but Klaus immediately steps in, his voice softer than I'd have ever been able to pull off. "Hey, Vynessa, calm down, okay? Remember, no one's hurt you here, and no one will. I won't let that happen."

Vynessa's eyes flicker to Klaus, and for a moment, I think she's going to finally break down. But then she nods, as in, she really just responded to him.

She fists her hands just as Klaus takes a step closer to her. He gently takes her hand in his, and to my surprise, she allows it. She looks skeptical, but she breathes in deeply, inhaling his scent. His scent!

A deep growl rumbles in my throat, the sound unexpected even by me. Straight through my bones, burns a surge of possessiveness, of anger, and I don't know why. Klaus's eyes flicker to me, his eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment. He immediately lets go of Vynessa's hand, his expression neutral. I look away.

What the hell was that?

That was a growl for dominance, a sharp warning one sent to a perceived threat. But Klaus isn't a threat, not really. And even if he was, I shouldn't care. I don't want a mate, I don't need the complications that come with one. Mortality is the last thing I need, and that's exactly what comes with Vynessa.

So why on this planet did their closeness right now, bother me so much? Suddenly annoyed with myself, I glare at no one in particular.

"Open the damn door," I curse roughly.

Klaus doesn't hesitate, striding over to the door and unlocking it with a swift motion. The door swings open, and I run a hand through my hair. "Get her out of here," I mutter, biting my tongue from not saying anything more.

Klaus nods, his expression worried. Agent Black steps forward, her eyes pleading with me.

"Please, Alpha Elijah, let me talk to her, I know what's wrong." She says, her voice laced with desperation.

There's so much concern in those eyes of hers. Since when had my dark-hearted agent gotten so soft... so weak?

For a moment I study her, thinking. But eventually, I nod.

"Go," I say, my voice firm but slightly softer than before.

Agent Black's face lights up with relief, and instantly she hurries over to Vynessa, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders. Vynessa clings to Agent Black, looking relived.

Irritated or frustrated, I'm not sure. All I know is that right this second I need to get out of here, to clear my head and figure out what's going on. What strange feelings are coursing through me.