Chapter 5

Nora

I stood, staring at Klaus; it all felt like a dream. He had changed so much. He looked more mature than he was five years ago. I still remember that day like it was yesterday, the day he betrayed me, shattering my heart to bits without even an ounce of guilt.

I clenched my fist, knowing that I had to put my anger and pain aside if I must perform the task I had been assigned and get my children back safely. Were it not for that, all I wanted was to drive a knife through his heart, to kill him, just as he had killed my parents and siblings. The thought of that night made my eyes well up with unspent tears.

"Nora? Are you okay?" Klaus asked, seeing my slightly changed demeanor, his voice filled with concern. 

Of course, I am not okay! I want you dead! I wanted to say but refrained myself from doing so.

I gave a slight nod, signifying that I was fine even though I was far from that.

I held my head high and stared at him, waiting for the question I knew was going to come.

Wearing a confused look, the same he had ever since he saw me, he asked, his voice a bit unsteady, "How are you here, Nora? I have searched everywhere for you to no avail. How is it possible that you are here?".

I was taken aback by his words; those were the least of what I had expected him to ask. He had searched everywhere for me? For what reason? To kill me off the way he did my family? I scoffed inwardly.

Arching a brow, I uttered coldly, "Klaus, I think what you should be asking is what I am doing here."

He swallowed hard, "I guess I deserved that for all I did in the past," his voice was subtle and warm, and it infuriated me.

Deserved that? If there was anything he deserved for what he did, it was a miserable death; even that wouldn't be enough to pay for what he had done.

He studied me carefully and asked, "What are you doing here, Nora?".

At last, we were on the same page! I folded my arms across my chest, staring at him squarely, "I am here to make a proposition, Klaus."

With a stunned expression registered on his face, he asked, "What proposition?".

"I hear your father is sick; I believe I can cure him, but I have two conditions," I made sure to keep my voice very civil and serious.

He let out a chuckle, one he immediately apologized for after meeting my stern gaze. "I am sorry for that, Nora. I just couldn't help it."

I smiled, and replied calmly "I understand and I don't blame you for doubting my capabilities, Klaus. After all, you don't know who I am; you know nothing about my reputation."

He probably thought I was still that weak girl from five years ago, the omega he so easily trampled on and betrayed as he deemed fit without looking back. 

What he didn't know was that I had outgrown that girl and made a name for myself in the human world. A place I am pretty sure he hasn't been to because if he had, he would already know about me.

"Oh, I see. Why don't you enlighten me, Nora? Who are you?" he asked rudely, raising a brow. He had probably taken offense to what I said. He probably thought I had come to challenge him, and that had put him off a little bit, making his ever pompous and arrogant side show.

I sighed; my heart was with my kids, and all I was doing here was for them. Here I was, enduring this torture just because of the first task I had been assigned, which was the only way to get one of my kids released.

Without a word, I brought out my phone from my pants pocket and Googled my name, 'Dr. Nora Benedict.' When the search result came up, I stretched out my hand towards him with the cellphone in it, "See for yourself."

He hesitated before taking the phone from me and staring at the screen. He stared long and hard at it while I basked in pride. 

The look on his face when he lifted it said it all. He was beyond shocked. All my achievements and honorary degrees were listed on my bio, including how I was one of the most sought-after doctors in the human world.

"This is you?" he asked in shock.

I smirked and replied sarcastically, "I believe you can tell with your eyes; you don't strike me as someone who has issues with his sight."

He swallowed and glanced at the phone screen again, looked at the picture of the woman in it, and glanced up at me. He returned my phone to me and let out a sigh, "I now believe you can cure my father, Nora, but I won't allow you anywhere near him," he declared authoritatively, narrowing his eyes.

I frowned and pursed my lips, wondering why he came to that conclusion. Was he so wicked he would stand by and watch his own father die? I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. But on second thought, whoever sent me here wouldn't do so if Klaus wasn't making a conscious effort to have his father cured.

I raised a brow at him and asked defiantly, "Why is that? You don't want him cured? Did he do something to you that made you want him dead?" 

A part of me regretted the last words as soon as they escaped my lips; they weren't necessary, but I couldn't help it. I had let my anger get the better part of me, and that was not helping my mission in any way.

I saw his jaw tighten as a flicker of pain mixed with anger flashed across his eyes. 

"That right there is the reason. You see that tone?" He raised his brows, "You sound like someone who is back for revenge. Now, how can I be sure you won't kill him off the moment you have access to him?", he asked coldly.