Chapter 3

Reunion

Klaus stood next to the wall, observing the people in the art gallery. He was displaying his artwork in order to get his mind off all the unpleasant things. Not to mention he enjoyed the attention. He liked to see people admiring his work. However, not all of them were admiring it; he picked up an arrogant male voice.

"It's a derivative fiasco. Little atmosphere, less technique. It's nothing more than a self-congratulatory ego trip."

Klaus saw a cocky dark-haired man who had "fashionable" glasses and an ugly suit. He and couple of other people were looking at the painting of Genevieve. Arrogant fool, Klaus really wanted to teach him some manners.

"I wouldn't expect you to host an art show without compelling the critics to speak your praise," a familiar male voice suddenly said.

It had been a very long time since Klaus had heard that voice. He smiled as his old friend appeared next to him.

"And I wouldn't expect an uncultured savage to crush such a formal affair," he replied.

Lucien grinned.

"Yeah, not my usual scene." He paused and glanced at the arrogant human. "Though that mouthy blood bag does have a point; your work is derivative."

Klaus raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, of Degas I would say. Although I happen to know that you compelled Degas to mentor you. I always thought that his work approved after your influence."

"Well finally, someone with an eye for art!"

Lucien smiled.

"Yes, you could say that I've developed a taste for it. Among other things. Speaking of which, can we please have a drink? I am quite parched."

Klaus chuckled and put his arm around Lucien's shoulders. He was happy to see his old friend again. In fact, Lucien's timing was perfect; he knew how to have fun. That was exactly what Klaus needed right now. No moral sermons, no pouting, simply good old fashioned fun.

"Follow me then, there's an open bar here."

"Sounds good," Lucien replied. "Lead the way."

2 hours later

"Welcome to my humble home!" Lucien announced while opening the door to the penthouse. "Please excuse the mess, I've been entertaining."

Klaus smirked as he heard the loud music and saw Lucien's guests. Vampires who were dancing, drinking and feeding on humans. It seemed that Lucien hadn't changed at all. They had talked while drinking and Klaus had asked what had brought Lucien to New Orleans. He had replied that he had some business here and of course he had wanted to see his sire.

It had been at least 400 years since their last meeting. Of course Klaus had heard about Lucien's little business empire. Most vampires knew who Lucien was and they feared him. He had built quite a reputation for himself. In a way, that made Klaus proud. He was Lucien's sire after all; he had made him what he was. But to be fair, Lucien had also made Klaus what he was, brought out the beast in him. The two of them were very much alike. Perhaps too much.

"Well, you never were one for subtlety," Klaus stated.

"I can't see any reason for that," Lucien replied smiling and tapped Klaus' shoulder. "This way."

Lucien led him away from the partying guests, to a more private smaller living room.

"Can I get you a drink?" Lucien asked.

"Sure, scotch."

"Kayla!" Lucien called.

Klaus assumed that he was calling for a maid. He looked around in the room before slowly taking a seat.

"What took you so long?" Lucien snorted when someone entered the room. A young woman who was wearing a short white dress and high heels. Her light brown hair was down and she kept her eyes on the floor. She didn't really seem like a maid.

"Forgive me," she murmured.

"Hmm. Scotch for our guest. And for me"

She nodded and left the room. Lucien smiled while sitting on the armchair opposite Klaus.

"Pretty little thing, isn't she?"

"Yes," Klaus replied. "Is she a maid?"

"No, she's my wife."

Klaus' eyes widened, he was sure that Lucien was joking.

"Your wife?"

"Yeah, did I forget to mention her?"

"Yes, you did."

"Oh." Lucien paused and shrugged. "Well, you'll meet her now."

Klaus still wasn't sure if Lucien was serious or not when the woman returned with a tray.

"Here you are, sir," she muttered while serving Klaus his drink.

"Thank you," he replied, observing her from head to toes. She indeed was a pretty little thing. There was something about her… Klaus just couldn't put his finger on it.

Lucien took his own drink and grabbed the woman by the waist, pulling her onto his lap. She didn't resist, but she kept her eyes on the floor.

"Kayla dear," Lucien hummed and touched her hair. "I want you to meet my sire, Klaus Mikaelson."

"It's an honor to meet you, sir," she murmured without looking at Klaus.

He raised an eyebrow. Was she honestly Lucien's wife?

"If I wouldn't know better, I would say that your wife is afraid of you," he stated.

Lucien smiled.

"Well… She is a smart woman. Aren't you, darling?"

She didn't say anything, but Lucien burst into laughter.

"I'm sorry," he chuckled. "No, she's not afraid of me; she's just a little shy. But…" He paused and helped her on her feet. "She is absolutely delicious."

Klaus had to admit that he was stunned as she walked over to him and sat onto his lap. She blinked shyly and exposed her neck to him.

"Go ahead," Lucien said. "Have a taste."

Klaus looked at him disbelievingly.

"You want me to feed on your wife?"

"What is mine is yours," Lucien replied smiling and stood up. "Why don't we have a drink together? You'll love her, I can promise that."

Klaus glanced at the girl's face; she gave him a coy smile. Her heart was beating steadily; there was no sign of fear.

"Go ahead, sir," she said.

"He doesn't need your permission, darling," Lucien chuckled and grabbed his wife's wrist. "He's Klaus Mikaelson, the most ruthless vampire I have ever met. He takes whatever he wants."

She didn't even flinch as Lucien bit her wrist. When Klaus smelled the blood, he forgot all the meaningless thoughts. He took a hold of the back of her neck in order to keep her in place and drank. Lucien hadn't been kidding, this woman tasted divine. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her while he drank.

She didn't even try to move and her breathing remained calm and steady. He was enjoying her blood so much that he had to force himself to pull away. He looked at her calm face while wiping the blood from his lips with the back of his hand. He wasn't able to speak. Lucien kissed her wrist before helping her up.

"Thank you, darling. That will be all for now."

She nodded and looked at Klaus.

"It was nice to meet you, sir."

"Hmm," he muttered, unable to form more words.

"I was right, wasn't I?" Lucien said after she had left the room. "Delicious."

Klaus certainly couldn't deny that. He had never tasted anyone like her before.