Chapter 3

The Hunt Begins

"Klaus, what on earth are you doing here dressed like that?" Rebecca said to her older brother pointing at his garb. "If you are here to see me to the ball I don't require you to. I will be perfectly fine with Kol, therefore, no need for you to chaperone. Isn't there somebody else you can put out with tonight. Maybe one of your mistresses if you want to even call them that." Rebecca stepped closer, throwing off her finger in front of his face, "you will not intimidate any gentlemen who request a dance, do you hear me? You have done that enough for most of my life regardless if you believe it was for the best of intentions. I want for once to have a normal evening, especially this night since it is a milestone moment for myself. I don't need you to be mucking it up for me." Rebecca was furious.

"Dear sister it has been so long since I've visited you. How adorable you look in that evening gown, a bit too revealing perhaps. Trust when I say it was not my idea, although by looking at you now I am very much happy to bind. I cannot believe Elijah is letting you go out like that. Although with his pending marriage to the person I shall not name proves he has run insane. Where's the rest of your dress, Rebecca? How do you expect to be considered seriously and honored when you strut around in that?" Klaus rebuffed then sighed. "Fine, I will not interfere but if one gentleman steps out of line I cannot guarantee that I will not exchange words with the reprobate. Let's go, dear sister, we will be late for your welcoming into women hood." Klaus offered her his arm and reluctantly with a curl of her eyes took his limb.

"Fine I will accommodate you, but please don't make a fool of me, I cannot yield it," Rebecca said to her elder brother.

Kol, who already sat in the coach groaned "finally, do you know how long I have been waiting inside this bloody thing, Rebecca." Then Kol stopped talking, glancing at his brother, then with quick words he asked while both took their seats and closed the door "what are you doing here Niklaus, I would presume this is not the character of party you like to attend?"

The coach shook while it set about giving way to their destination.

Klaus rolled his eyes at his brother's remark "apparently making sure the two of you stay out of trouble obviously. Of course, I was the best option since you know I am not one to be trifled with considering that I do possess a membership I can easily lift. Do you see what I am saying Kol, or will I have to spell it out for you?"

Kol shut his mouth at his brother's not so empty threats knowing he meant every word, then nodded."That's rich coming from you. The person who couldn't care less about this life. Since we are using my membership as blackmail I will be on my utmost best behavior." Kol replied with a sneer not very happy that the evening has turned into a normal one.

"I knew Elijah wouldn't trust the care of Rebecca in my hands. Let alone my actions that he had to drag you into this when I know full well that this life does not interest you. What did he offer you in return for your babysitting service? I hope it was well worth it?" Kol exclaimed.

"Call it what you may, I am simply doing this as a service to him for the sole purpose to make your evening an uneventful one. I take payment only for the enjoyment of your misery of just by my being there looking on. Always watching Kol and you both should not forget that." Klaus said with a mischievous grin.

"How could we ever, just from that devilish grin on your face we know you stand for it. You would likely send me away to the continent for goodness sake, just to demonstrate that point." Rebecca said under her breath.

Klaus was pleased with himself. He ordered everything he wanted to accomplish in minutes. Today he will have time to approach the ungentlemanly men who attend his establishment inquiring about debts that are owed and to hear of who currently is extending into the poor house from their bad investments. What safer means to extort his money, but in the one place not expected. This wasn't such a bad idea after all. When the coach stopped Klaus got out and extended his hand to help his sister out.

"Thank you, you know Klaus you're not that bad of a gentleman at times. I do know you mean well, but why must you do it in the most overbearing ways." It really wasn't a question, but a remark Rebecca made while she took his arm to be escorted to the front entrance way to the house hosting the party.

The house belonged to the Duke and Duchess of Wellington the grand house held an Elizabethan quality to it making it quite pleasing to the eye. They were known for their balls, especially since they always host the first ball of the season for all the debutantes. While entering the foyer they gave their name to be declared to the guests whom already arrived.

"Presenting Lord Kol Mikaelson and his sister, Lady Rebecca Mikaelson accompanied by their chaperon half-brother Niklaus Mikaelson."

People stopped to look at the trio descend the stairs eyes not on his sister or brother but him. The infidelity that changed his life was well recognized among their peers and to think of one-point people would drop their daughters at him for prospect of marriage, today being the utter inverse. Anyone who associated with him if not for business endeavors were not interested anymore since he no longer had a title.

Although, there still were many women who longed for a night with him to experience the devil himself. He on the other hand had no interest at all taking refuge in the dirty pleasures with them. He preferred women who made something of themselves he had more respect for them.

Once they made it to the floor the people turned back to continue their conversations, perhaps gossiping about why he came. Perfect he thought it's going to be one of those evenings. The whispers of secrets and small nods of acknowledgement but with truly no meaning. He ran into an old childhood friend the only one that had anything to do with this life.

The Viscount Malpas Marcel Girard was a charismatic man with the hunger to climb the social rank of society. "Well, well, well, look who is gracing us with his presence. How long has it been?" The Viscount remarked.

"Nearly seven years since I've attended anything like this, but I figured I wanted to check in with you to see if your baby face grew in yet." Klaus smiled and shook his hand.

"It's this baby face that has all the women swoon." The Viscount said to him accepting his hand.

"No, my friend I believe it's charm, you beam with it. To be blunt, it quite galling to be basking in so much of it, does it ever get exhausting?" Klaus waited for the Viscounts answer.

"Considerably, no, not really I just enjoy all the attention I receive from all the ladies. So that makes it well worth it. How about you; still brooding? I assume enjoying the darkness like the devil you are. Being that you are the master of wickedness itself."

Klaus smirked as if delighted with himself. "Oh, I am very glad, but I do not brood. That's where my friend you are ill-informed. Considering it was I who passed on my knowledge of how to captivate, to begin with." Klaus glanced around looking for Rebecca.

"Awaiting for your sis? She's by the refreshment table talking to the brother of the Duke of Sapphire adding his name in for a dance." The Viscount remarked eyeing Klaus's sister.

"No, Marcel. I understand you have an interest in her, but she is off limits." Klaus said seriously to him showing he meant it.

The viscount taken aback by the comment replied. "What makes you think she is yours to own Niklaus? She's now a grown woman. Wouldn't you want to keep her happy? Surely as her brother you wish her that."

"Yes, I do but not with you. She calls for someone innocent where she is the one in control, not the other way around." Klaus explained to him.

"I would hate to find out what you would do the moment you decide it's worth settling down with a woman. I am to assume by your comment Niklaus she must be mute."

Klaus laughed at the comment "and that my friend is my lawful wife. The silence of not bearing one. If it ever were to occur then she must be someone undeniably rare. She must possess something in which others do not compare. Then the consideration will be at that place, only alas, such a woman does not survive and consequently I am liberal to act as I please." Klaus pats his friend on the vertebral column.

Niklaus knew that wasn't the true statement. He did fancy someone he saw years ago. A young girl who came to his club looking for her lady's father. She refused to leave unless he was found and transported home. She was solid, sassy and full of light to be honest he enjoyed her.

Then the footman at the height of the stairs announced the next guest's arrival. "Announcing the Duchess of Hastings and her daughter Lady Caroline."

When the Lady came forward to accompany her mother down the stairs all the men in the room glanced at her. She was refined and the blue dress she wore accentuated all her curves in just the right places not giving away too much, but enough for him wanting to imagine very naughty ideas.

That was the face that haunted him years ago and he was floored by this creature. Her sapphire eyes scanned the room upon descending as if she was looking for someone in specific. When she found who she was looking for, she smiled, and Klaus thought about how he wanted it to be directed towards him.