A/N Thank you all for reviewing!
The Next Day—Lucien's Penthouse
"Kiss me hard before you go, summertime sadness."
The male vampire released a bemused groan, slightly irked that he'd been snatched from his tranquil state. The infamous vampire bared his teeth, almost amused that someone dared to breathe let alone turn his penthouse into a dance club without his permission. His men knew better than to disturb him, many hadn't lived to regret it.
"I just wanted you to know that, baby, you're the best."
His anger quickly subsided, however, when a familiar giggle was heard then was followed by singing.
"...got my bad baby by my heavenly side!"A content smile curved at Lucien's lips and his head turned to the side, eyes lashes fluttering."I know if I go, I'll die happy tonight..."
Lucien instinctively reached out at the sound of the familiar melody-like voice, arm ready to wrap around the woman's waist but he was met with air. The vampire's head turned to the side, and he blinked several time to rid of the sleep, eyes zeroing on the side of the bed he knew Karina had slept on. Instead, he was met with cool sheets instead of the tribrid.
"Bloody...what?"
He frowned, knowing without question he'd heard her voice, and he called for her, voice still drowsy.
"K'rina?"
He got up on his elbows, noticing that the shirt he'd given her to sleep in, strewn on the bottom of the bed. For a moment he thought she'd gone and him thinking he'd heard her voice had been a dream. His eyes narrowed but, the downcast look didn't last long as the sound of a familiar voice met his ears again.
"Oh, my God, I feel it in the air, telephone wires above are sizzling like a snare."Lucien looked to see that the bedroom door was half open, the sound of crooning filling the air."Honey, I'm on fire, I feel it everywhere-"
The crooning didn't last long, however, because it was soon interrupted by something clattering to the ground. Lucien straightened, already shoving aside sheets, assuming something had gone wrong. But, just as he was in the midst of grabbing his knife from his nightstand, he heard a string of curses and a sharp intake of breath.
"Oh, bloody hell, that is on fire!"
The male vampire raised his eyebrow, curious as he made his way out of the bedroom. He stretched as he entered the front room that was the central of the penthouse then the kitchen that was adjoined. Lucien ambled across the front room, eyebrows raising once more as a cloud of smoke welcomed him.
He paused, arms crossing over his chest, giving an amused smile as Karina appeared in the cloud of smoke.
The tribrid leant against the counter, humming to herself and gyrating to the music all while feeding from one of Lucien's underlings. He looked tempted to fight but, given the fact he didn't, he probably knew what she was and what her last name was.
"Mmmm."Karina mumbled as she pulled back, fangs bared."You're dead, not my first choice, but I get a little moody if I don't have my morning crimson."
Karina unlatched from the man a moment later, licking the blood from her lips, sighing as she was forced to bin a stack of burned pancakes, a pout on her face when she realised that only one had survived. The vampire tilted his head, momentarily fixated on the long legs that were bare due to the tribrid wearing his shirt but he was soon snapped out of his reverie when he inhaled smoke.
He coughed, shaking his head in amusement as he slipped on his dress shirt, leaving it unbuttoned.
"Poor thing."Karina said to herself or the pancake, Lucien wasn't sure, before she looked back to the fading cloud of smoke."And you wonder why Elijah doesn't let you anywhere near the kitchen."
"Yeah, well he's a billion, he's had years to perfect cooking."Karina muttered to herself, letting out a fake laugh as she dumped the pan into the sink, coughing through the smoke."I, on the other hand-oh, strawberries."
The fruit in the fridge instantly captured Karina's attention. She was momentarily fascinated by the see-through fridge before the food inside seemed more important. Karina gasped happily, reaching up and snatching a couple of strawberries from its container.
The tribrid soon grew bored of the ruined pancake, sliding it in the direction of the man she'd been feeding from."You can have that. "
Lucien watched with a small smile, it growing wider when she turned around, her eyes widening when she noticed him. She shrugged sheepishly, offering him a smile. Well, she smiled as well as she could around the strawberry.
"Am I to find another home if you're this determined to burn this one down?"Lucien enquired, sending the tribrid a playful smirk when she rolled her eyes."I could easily get another, but i've become fond of my new home. The view is beautiful."
Karina shrugged once more, swallowing before she pointed to Lucien.
"It's your fault."
"It is?"Lucien asked, gesturing to the possibly ruined pan and batter covering the kitchen surface."Please, regale me as to why this is my fault."
"Nobody lets me cook not since I burned the eggs."Karina held up her hand when Lucien opened his mouth to ask how that was possible."It's impossible, but it happened. Kinda like me."
"That's a miracle, darling."Lucien corrected, offering Karina a warm yet charming smile before gesturing to the kitchen."This is a mess."
The tribrid smiled to herself before she carried on defending herself."All I know is that I wake up and the pancakes are there. I'm not allowed to step into the kitchen without being glared at."
Lucien's lips downturned as he fought a smile, clearing his throat as Karina glared at him, it obvious he wasn't doing a good job.
"Well, it looks like someone needs a lesson."
"Who? Me?"Karina pointed to herself, scoffing when the male vampire nodded."Please, you've never done anything domestic for yourself in a thousand years."
Lucien feigned an affronted look."And how did you come to that conclusion?"
"Because the only time my uncle Kol uses a kitchen knife is when he's all out of weapons."Karina casually answered, swiping up an actual kitchen knife and pointing at Lucien."And i've never seen him cook. I love him but i've never seen him in an apron."
The male eyebrow gave a silent laugh as he connected the dots, realizing that she was putting him and Kol in the same category. Karina straightened as Lucien's hand shot out and he grabbed the knife, twirling it around his fingers before he pointed it back at her.
"Don't point at someone, darling, you know why?"
When Karina frowned, the vampire reached out and took her hand."Huh?"
He brought her knuckles to his mouth and kissed each of them before extending her index finger like she had earlier.
"Never point at someone."Lucien turned her palm, finger tracing her pointer one before skimming across her middle, ring finger then, finally, her pinky."Because there's always three pointing back at you."
He smiled as her eyes widened in realisation and she raised her head, her lips curving up. The pair smiled, Karina extending the rest of her fingers and lining her hand up with Lucien's.
"I've never noticed that."Karina's lips parted, and she gaped at Lucien before adding."Ha, i'm so going to use this next time Elijah lectures me. He wags his finger to and fro like a ticking clock."
The vampire let out a hearty laugh, his dark eyes softening and turning more vibrant. Karina cocked her head, looking almost startled as Lucien interlocked their fingers. His free arm locked around her waist and she found herself pulled up against him.
He inhaled a long breath, the pad of his thumb brushing along her fingers as he began to sway. Karina watched him curiously before she fell into step with him, teeth trapping her bottom lip as he guided her, the pair rocking back and forth.
His eyes flickered over her face, as observing the female Mikaelson in an attempt to read her.
"Are we feeling better then?"
Karina peered up at the vampire, eyes locking with his. She was silent a moment, knowing exactly what he was referring to. Her defeat. She studied him, pondering his question for a moment before she gave a firm nod.
"Uh-huh."Karina nodded again but saw that, when he raised an eyebrow, he wasn't satisfied. The tribrid rolled her eyes but nodded a third time, completely telling the truth."I'm fine."
And she was. She'd lost, sulked, but she'd learned.
Lucien observed her again, this time for longer until he gave his own nod once he realised she wasn't lying. He smiled at her, hand on her lower back and he pulled her closer, resuming their swaying. He held their interlocked hands against him, arm tightening around her when her temple rested against his cheek.
"I have to go home soon."Karina said against Lucien's shoulder, raising her head to look at the clock on the wall."Either Josh is going to call for me then find out i'm not home or momma will call Josh and find out i'm not with him."
She heard him released a low hushing sound, clearly not liking what she'd said and ignored him."My dad will be back today or tomorrow and if i'm not there, he'll-"
Lucien softly cut in, a half grin on his face but a serious hint to his tone."Don't tell me you're ashamed of me, darling."
Karina's face fell though he couldn't see it happening. The tribrid tightened her grip on his hand that he still held against his chest.
"You know my dad."She whispered though there was no upset in her voice concerning her father, just a tone that said Lucien should've been aware of the point she was trying to make."His heart would break if he found out i'd been with someone under his nose and not telling him. Not to mention you're his best friend."
Lucien made a sound of agreement at the last statement. Himself and Klaus, from the first moment they'd met, had shared a bond that had lasted a thousand years, despite the pair being parted.
"Elijah told me that when Marcel and Rebekah were together, they snuck around for decades and it killed him."Karina felt a pang as she imagined doing the same to her father."I won't break his heart like that."
The vampire pressed closer to Karina, his mouth brushing his ear as he pondered over their predicament. He was both admired and slightly envious of the loyalty and undying adoration Karina felt for her father. The vampire stared almost blankly at the wall across from him, a pit of agitation in his stomach.
He released a long breath, eyes closing as he lolled his forehead against Karina's temple.
"Then what do you suggest?"
The female Mikaelson didn't reply. Instead, Karina's free hand came up, fingers curling in his dress shirt and she tugged him closer. The tribrid kept a firm grip on him and she turned her head, resting against him. Her nose brushed his throat, underneath his jaw and she shut her eyes, breathing in.
Karina's tongue swept along her teeth, tongue lingering where her fangs would extend. A snarl came from the tribrid, her wolf instincts taking over, and she got up on her tip toes, fingers uncurling from his shirt.
"Are we to play rough, darling?"
She cupped the back of his head, keeping the vampire close to her as her mouth hovered over his pulse. When her lips touched his skin, her lips curved up as the sound of Lucien's heart racing up pounded in her ears. The tribrid relished in the sharp intake of breath that came from Lucien when she licked a stripe up his throat before finishing with a nip to his jaw.
The mood turned vibrant as Lucien pulled back to meet her gaze. Their eyes locked and, reacting to the fervour in his eyes, Karina's own eyes flashed amber.
"Karina Grace..."Lucien purred, a thrilled grin on his face, pad of his thumb brushing her cheek, captivated by the flash of amber before her eyes turned blue once more."You take my breath away."
Karina beamed and, still on her tip toes, she brushed her nose with Lucien's. Pulling her hands free and winding her arms around his neck, she keenly met him halfway when the vampire sought out her lips with his own.
"I'll be there for you, like I've been there before. I'll be there for you, 'cause you're there for me too..."
Lucien gave an almost offended look at the sound, his jaw clenching in irritation. Karina felt this and lingered against him before she took a step back. She walked around Lucien, beginning to make her way over to the bedroom while the vampire fully entered the kitchen. While he began to salvage what was left of his kitchen worktop, his eyes glanced at her back now and then.
Karina pursed her lips, slowing down and, without looking back, she called over her shoulder, waving her phone.
"Alex."
Impressed, Lucien's eyebrows quirked up in amusement, shoulders shaking as he silently laughed.
"Oh, yes, your little boyfriend."
He heard her let out an irked growl when she entered the bedroom, the sound of shuffling around following as she attempted to find her phone.
"He's not my boyfriend!"Karina shouted from the bedroom, huffing smugly when he winced despite her not seeing it."He's my..."
"Suitor?"Lucien offered when she couldn't come up with a word, a lopsided smirk appearing when he heard her growl again."Don't give me that look, sweetheart, i've seen the way he looks at you. The poor boy is grasping at straws; i'm worried he might forget to walk if he continues to crawl after you."
While she gave a warning growl, a retort wasn't hurled back, and he heard the sound effect as she pressed down on the answer button. Lucien half listened as he gracefully moved around his kitchen, reaching up to grab a clean and usable pan, his other taking ingredients from the fridge then cupboards.
He hummed to himself, shaking his head fondly now and then as he passed the sink and saw the unusable pan that looked almost charcoal-like.
As he worked quickly and effortlessly, pouring mix into a bowl before starting to beat it, the vampire tuned into the conversation again.
"Josh told me about your run-in with psycho."He glanced at the bedroom door curiously, pouring the batter while his free hand tended to the other pan."Are you okay?"
"I'm good but you-"
"I know, no telling papa wolf, it was the first thing Josh told me. You're both okay, so i'll keep my mouth shut."Alex assured the tribrid, a long silence following before he added, half serious and half jokingly."Y'know, The Supernatural Squad have your back. You, me and Josh kicking ass and taking names again."
As Karina laughed, pleased with his always cheery and loving nature, Lucien gave an unamused sound.
"Him? I look forward to witnessing that mighty achievement."The ill-famed vampire gave a half surprised laugh, brandishing the knife as he chopped up the fruit."That pipsqueak couldn't shoot himself in his own bloody foot even it had been marked for him."
His smile returned as a sigh came from Karina, it clear she'd heard him. The conversation carried on for another few moments, something he'd spent putting the finishing touches on his work. A few seconds later Karina came out of the bedroom, a skip in her step and her hands behind her back.
She was biting on her lower lip, clearly having something in mind that she couldn't wait to get off her chest.
"Y'know, Lucien, you should never assume something. Know why?"Karina toyed with her bottom lip to hide her smile, putting on her best authoritative expression."'cause you'd be making an-"
The tribrid cut herself off, a gasp spilling from her lips and her eyes going wide in amazement. Her eyes zeroed in on the table. A stack of freshly made pancakes sat on a plate, a few slices of bacon beside it along with a selection of fruit, some of which were placed neatly on top of the pancakes.
The vampire held out his arms in a hubristic manner, offering the tribrid a lopsided smirk as she continued to gape at him.
"How did you-"Karina swallowed, looking to the bedroom then the table again."It was one short phone call."
"I know my way around a kitchen and vampire swiftness comes in handy."Lucien shrugged, licking off some whipped cream after he applied it on top of the strawberries."What were you saying about assuming, sweetheart?"
"You can cook."Karina said, it more of a statement than a question, as if she didn't believe she'd been wrong."And it doesn't look burned or contorted at all."
"I hope it doesn't."Lucien said, holding out his hand to her, smiling when she accepted."I didn't spend thirty years learning from the best for nothing."
Karina peered up at the vampire."You're a talented cook?"
Lucien gave what seemed to be a shrug as he guided the tribrid to the table and sat her down. He leant down, offering her a smile as knelt down beside her.
"You seem surprised."Lucien commented, fingers softly brushing her jawline after he tucked a stray lock of dark hair from her eyes."Love, i've got talents that will render you speechless."
Karina's lips parted and, she was for a long moment, tongue-tied. The vampire genuflecting in front of her gave a winning smile, truly amused with the fire in her eyes and the blush on her cheeks. She finally smiled, a breathy giggle following before she shook her head.
"You think you're so charming, don't you?"
"Nonsense."Lucien's mouth downturned and the vampire gave a one-shouldered shrug, unfazed."I think i'm delightful."
Karina's teeth soon began to toy with her bottom lip once more, her go-to habit whenever she felt sheepish or at a loss for words. And Lucien, who'd stated more than once how he found it appealing, slowly straightened from his knelt position. The hybrid witch raised her head once he came up to eye level and bit harder down on her lip when she finally noticed how close they were.
"And I have a strong feeling that you feel the same."
Karina's eyelashes fluttered when felt his hands on her thighs."Really?"
Her response was his grip tightening on her thighs and, before she could react, the vampire swiftly moved. He yanked her forward, a growl leaving him when Karina released a gasp. The vampire straightened on his knees when her hands came down on his shoulders, nails digging into the skin. He made himself comfortable in between her legs when they enclosed around him, feet digging into his lower back.
He pressed against her, hands sliding up her thighs, a hungry breath leaving him."Yes, love, really."
Lucien pulled back an inch, a complacent smirk gracing his handsome face as he took in her flushed cheeks and the longing that consumed her eyes darkly. He let out a pleased hum before tilting his head up and claiming her mouth. He kissed her once, an almost invisible smile curving at his mouth before he let his lips brush hers once more. Lucien lingered, letting his lips touch hers for a long moment before he finally kissed her.
"I have to go soon."Karina breathily reminded when the pair pulled away from the kiss, her blue eyes flickering over his face before she met his gaze.
"Time flies when everything is serene."Lucien muttered, cocking his head, eyes flickering over her face before he finally nodded."Try not to miss me too much, sweetheart."
Karina rolled her eyes but gave into her smile, eyes vibrant, the smile not only because of his remark. She looked almost reassured as she reached out with her hand, stopping just a few inches from Lucien's chest. The tribrid was silent for a long moment, listening before she spoke.
"Your heartbeat. It's steady now."Karina whispered, remembering sensing uneasiness from him the last time her leaving was brought up."You're not worried?"
Lucien glanced down at the hand hovering near his chest, and the vampire let out a breathy chuckle, his own hand reaching down and guiding Karina's hand. He pressed it against his chest before covering it with his own, his thumb brushing back and forth the back of her hand.
Lucien shook his head, a far too forced smile on his face before it faltered as he raise his head, giving a lopsided smirk.
"Nonsense, darling. I think you're forgetting who you're talking to."
His fingers gently moved from her hand lingering now and then before he reached the bracelet he had given her for her birthday. The vampire smiled to himself, tracing the onyx snake head, observing the diamonds with a fond look. He looked up at Karina a few seconds later, smile still visible.
"Besides, I know my girl can't stay away."
As if sealing some sort of vow, Lucien brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles.
"Fate is unstoppable."
Thank you for reading!
I'M SORRY THIS IS LATE.
I lost motivation for this story for a long time. I didn't forget about it, I did sit down and tried to come up with something, but I was unable to until recently. I hope some of you are still interested in this; I hope you are because I do love this story.
If you enjoyed this chapter and you would like to see more of this story, please leave a review.
