Where Secrets Lie

"What is it about you that drives my nephew insane?" He approached her with his hands clasped behind his back, his face menacing and distorted in a way that made Kara queasy. "Here's what's going to happen," he demanded as he drew closer. "You are to leave here and never come back, and I will allow you and Michael to live." He walked over to the balcony windows behind Michael's desk, taking in the view.

"You wouldn't hurt him. You need Michael for this so-called merger," she replied.

"I don't need anyone!" He slammed his fist on the desk. "I've never needed anyone. I showed that to Alex, and I have no problem showing it to his son!" Elijah yelled, his eyes flickering.

Kara tilted her head to the side, recalling the story Michael told her about his parents. "No," she said. "It was a lie."

When Michael told her about his mother and what she had done, it didn't feel right. As a detective, she'd heard a lot of stories, and that one sounded off. There wasn't any motivation behind the action.

"Michael's mother didn't kill Alex. You did." She pointed an accusing finger at him, forgetting she was speaking to a powerful vampire and they weren't at the precinct. "Somehow, she found out what you did, so you killed her to cover it up. Then you made up that horrible story."

Elijah's eyes widened in shock for only a moment before he let out a sadistic chuckle. "I underestimated you, detective. Congratulations. You're the first person to figure it out." Elijah sat at Michael's desk and kicked up his feet. "Ah, I've been keeping that secret for 200 years. It feels good to get it off my chest. So what is it going be?" Elijah asked, his face painted in a sly grin.

Kara walked to the closet and grabbed her suitcase. If he did that to his own brother, he would have no problem doing it to nephew. She couldn't allow Michael to die because of her. With an irritated sigh, she threw the luggage on the bed and began packing her belongings. She couldn't bear to look at the smug expression she knew Elijah had at that moment.

"Consider it a favor. I'm letting you live, and Michael will marry Hannah. It's a win-win. Take care of yourself, dear." he said then walked out of the room.

She fought the tears that were trying to build in her eyes, telling herself that Elijah was right. She had no place there. She wasn't like them, even if she was half-vampire. She came to save Alyssa, and she failed. There was no other reason for her to stay. Besides, she hated to admit it, but Elijah terrified her more than any other vampire ever had. She didn't want to live in fear of her life or Michael's. After her suitcase was packed, she pulled out a paper and pen from Michael's desk and began writing.

Michael and Logan returned back to the mansion in gleeful moods. Logan went off to find Kara to run interference and Michael immediately headed for his room to put the dazzling, gigantic engagement ring in his desk for safekeeping. As he closed the drawer, a piece of paper caught his eye. It had "To Michael Caswell" written in large cursive lettering.

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Michael,

I'm sorry. Between Alyssa's death and me finding out I'm half-vampire, I need time to think and figure it out by myself. Alyssa is gone, and there is nothing left for me here. Don't come looking for me.

Love,

Kara

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Michael threw the letter down and stormed out of the room. Halfway down the hall, he bumped into his uncle.

"Where are you going?" asked Elijah, grabbing his nephew's arm.

"Going to find Kara," he responded.

"Let her be, son," said Elijah, feigning compassion.

"You knew about this? What did you say to her?" Michael raised his voice in outrage and shoved Elijah's hand away.

The older gentlemen sighed. "Why can't things go my way just once?"

Like a lion pouncing on its prey, Elijah leaped pinned Michael against the wall. Michael struggled to free himself, but he failed for Elijah was much stronger. He knew what was coming next, and he tried to look away, but his uncle's gaze caught his, and he felt pulled into his eyes.

"Michael, you will forget Kara Everitt." His uncle compelled him.

"Uncle! No!" Michael put the last bit of his strength into fighting it, but it was not enough.

"Your love for this girl is too strong." Elijah chuckled and pushed harder against him. "You will forget Kara. You never knew a girl named Kara. You love Hannah with all your heart. Do you understand?" Michael nodded his head, finally succumbing to his uncle.

Logan came around the corner "I can't find her...What's going on? Uncle, what did you do?" Logan said with a soft voice.

"I saved our clan," Elijah said.

"Where is Hannah?" asked Michael as if in a daze.

"Hannah?" asked Logan, glaring at Elijah.

"Yes, Logan. Hannah, the woman I love and going to marry."