Something Unexcpected

by stardancer10

Maggie Forbes, the cousin of Caroline Forbes, was a witch. She found herself in the middle of the supernatural world and struggles happening around her after Kol Mikaelson appeared to her from the Other Side seeking help for Davina Claire. This set her on a path to find herself and her mates and on a journey of a lifetime.

Disclaimer: I do not write for any gain, its purely for the pleasure of writing and getting all these stories out of my head somewhere. This story will deviate from canon. I love Caroline and wish that she had more…

Maggie Forbes paced the kitchen in her college apartment fuming. She had just got off the phone with her aunt Liz and her cousin Caroline. Her father Christopher was estranged from the family after he left Mystic Falls as a teen much like John Gilbert had. However, unlike so many other Mystic Falls residents he wanted to keep his family far away from the dangers of the supernatural.

That wish proved all for naught as his only child, Maggie ended up being a witch. Her mother Jesse was apparently a descendant from a very long line of witches, a more unknown line. She didn't have a coven and rarely practiced, but knew that she needed to teach her daughter everything that she could.

With instructions from Sheila Bennet as her correspondent, she and Jesse were able to ease Maggie into the world of magic easily. She was a natural and embraced it. She adored her parents and loved her life. She had a happy childhood until one day her father got a call from her uncle Bill. He left town with him grudgingly and returned home a different person.

Her father left again with Bill and eventually never came back. He had embraced his vampire hunter roots and was following his brother's lead. She and her mother were devastated with his abandonment. They moved to Salem, where her mother met with several different coven leaders to mentor her.

When the time came for college, Maggie made the difficult decision to go to Whitmore College near Mystic Falls. She had spoken with the ancestor, who said she would be needed. In her dreams she was met by Ayanna Sheila Bennet who apparently were distant cousins of her mother.

At the breakfast table the next morning her mother tearfully hugged her and told her that she needed to listen to the spirits. That day they began making arrangements for Maggie to move to Virginia. Her father checked in from time to time and urged her to stay away from Mystic Falls but she ignored him.

As a child growing up she would visit her grandparents in Mystic Falls for a few weeks every summer. There she got to spend time with her father's side of the family, particularly her cousin Caroline. Caroline was only a year younger than herself and they got along pretty well. It was Caroline's friends that Maggie could not stand. She got along well enough with Bonnie, but Elena Gilbert was a selfish, self righteous little bitch even as a little girl.

It irked her to see her cousin hurt so often by the other girls. It made her angry to see her beautiful and insecure cousin overlooked by others for the selfish girl. So when she made her decision to move to Virginia, she let Caroline know immediately. Her cousin was having a difficult time adjusting to the fact that her parents were divorced and her father had come out as gay.

She hadn't seen her own father in years and spoke to him less and less often as his obsession with fighting the supernatural took over his entire life. Maggie could relate to a father or parent choosing something other than her. Caroline was such a gentle girl and it broke her heart to hear how sad she was.

Her limbs trembled with rage as she thought about everything that had been said and unsaid on the phone. Her magic was sparking along her skin and her hair. She needed to cast a circle and ground herself before it all got out of hand. Opening the cabinet near her refrigerator she grabbed the items she would need.

On the floor under the throw rug in her living room she drew the runes in chalk and cast her circle in salt. Lighting the sage in the ceremonial bowl, she picked up her athame and pricked her thumb. Letting her blood drop onto the runes she began chanting.

Normally she would make sure that she would make sure to keep herself more centered, but in her anger she allowed herself to drift. Suddenly in front of her was something she was not anticipating. From the other side was the image of a young man in front of her and he grinned devilishly when he noticed that she could see him.

"Well hello there, darling." he teased in a very appealing british accent.

"What is happening?" she asked in concern.

"You, my dear, have somehow brought me here." he replied. "Kol Mikaelson at your service, love. And who might you be?"

"Maggie Forbes," she said, swallowing thickly. All witches knew about the Originals.

"Forbes?" he asked with a devious look. "Any relation to Caroline?"

"She's my younger cousin," she said with a stern look. "I know who and what you are. I don't want any trouble and I don't want anymore trouble for my cousin."

"Ah, so you're not completely ignorant of the goings on of Mystic Falls," he replied darkly.

"Actually my family there just saw fit to inform me of what was happening," she gritted out. "Let me just say that if I ever see Elena Gilbert again I'll kill her myself. As for Damon Salvatore, I've got something special planned for his rapist ass."

"What?" Kol said sharply, looking at her. "Who did he?"

"Caroline!" she seethed. "He compelled her and used her any way he wanted when she was only sixteen! I'll kill him eventually, but not before I torture the bastard first."

"I do like pretty things with sharp tongues," Kol teased. "As for Elena Gilbert the little doppelwhore and her brother killed me, hence my current state."

"What is it exactly you want from me?" she asked.

"Now about that, darling." he said softly. "There's another little witch in New Orleans in a bit of a bind and if possible I would be in your debt if you could find her and help her."

"I'm listening," she replied with caution. Helping vampires wasn't high on her priority list, but witches were different.

"Davina Claire," he breathed with affection. "She's trying to bring me back but also in trouble. The family magics there are different and she's in danger of being hunted and killed for her powers."

"How can I possibly help her?" Maggie asked in shock. "I'm just one person and I'm away from my mother. I don't have a formal coven."

"Which is why you will be the best hope that she has." he explained seriously. "She is being used as a tool to find other witches in the French Quarter doing magic. Their particular version of magic. Yours is different, stronger. You do not have to rely on your ancestors solely to be able to practice. You do more traditional magic."

"How would I even know where to go?" she asked.

"You'll help her?" he breathed in shock.

"I cannot turn my back on a fellow witch in trouble," she explained.

"I'll have her meet you," he replied quickly. "There is a music festival next weekend that she wants to attend. I will have her find you by the fountain in the center of the festival. It's being held in the Quarter."

"I guess I'll have to plan," she murmured tiredly, beginning to feel drained. "Promise me that Caroline will be safe? If I do this you have to promise me to protect Caroline."

"Darling, if you do this both of you will be safe forever." he replied earnestly. "I keep my word and pay my debts. I'll even help you in your revenge. Now go, little witch before you drain too much."

Maggie fell forward out of her trance to her nose bleeding heavily and her limbs trembling in exhaustion. Looking around she realized that the sage had burned all the way through. When she glanced at the clock on her wall she was stunned to see that it was close to midnight. She had been in a trance and channeling for over four hours.

"Right, New Orleans," she murmured as she closed her circle and cleaned up.

After talking with her mother on the phone she knew that she would have to be careful. There was a supernatural war happening in New Orleans and she would be walking right into the middle of it. Her mother urged her to follow what her instincts were telling her and to not contact any of the covens there. Their magic was borderline dark and while most magic required some form of payment or sacrifice, to kill other witches to gain magic and power was appalling to any decent witch or warlock.

The following week went by in a blur. She barely paid attention in her classes, but was able to muddle through her assignments. As a history major she was able to often lose herself in what she was reading, but this past week she lost herself in other topics. She read up on New Orleans, their covens, and the ritual that would need to be performed to resurrect Kol.

Finally the day came for her to fly to New Orleans. After casting several cloaking spells on her luggage to get through security, she boarded her plane and set off to find a witch in trouble. Kol did not give her much to go on during their conversation. She just hoped that she would be able to help.

After checking into the bed and breakfast near the square, she changed into what she hoped was appropriate for a music festival in New Orleans. Dressing in a flowy peasant skirt and a camisole, she slipped on her gladiator sandals and grabbed her satchel. Before leaving she made sure that she had everything that she would need into her satchel as well as her wallet and phone.

Stepping out into the humidity, Maggie drew a breath before putting on her sunglasses. Smiling softly, she looked around and noticed that she really liked the area. It was beautiful and full of life. She could feel the magic all around her, but ignored it as it had a rather tainted and sinister feel to it. Walking towards the square that Kol had described she meandered towards the fountain and sat on it's edge watching the jazz band nearby.

Maggie could sense Davina as she approached, but didn't say anything. Where Davina was a darker more exotic looking beauty, Maggie was much like her cousin, blue eyed and blonde haired. Davina approached with a cautious look and sat beside her.

"Are you enjoying the music?" Davina asked in a southern lilt.

"I really am," Maggie replied with a grin. "A friend of mine urged me to make the trip for the festival and to help someone for him."

Davina looked at her sharply, "What's your friend's name?"

"Kol," Maggie said with a soft smile. "He asked me to come here to help you. I was trying to expel some pent up magic before it got out of hand and ended up channeling with him for several hours about a week ago."

"You've seen him too?" Davina whispered while looking around cautiously.

"I did it just the one time," Maggie said, nodding towards the changing band. "He was adamant that I come to help you, so here I am."

"Just like that?" Davina asked suspiciously.

"A fellow witch is in trouble," Maggie turned to finally get a good look at the younger girl. "Kol also seemed like he was concerned about your well being on a more personal level. Honey, any man that seeks out help from the Other Side to save someone has it bad."

Davina snorted, "He'd slaughter anyone before admitting it."

"You never know," Maggie replied with a teasing grin, "he might surprise you."

"We need to leave soon," Davnia said, looking at the setting sun. "Come with me back home."

"Are you sure that it's safe?" Maggie asked shakily. "The spirits warned me that there is a lot going on here."

"I promise that I won't let anything happen to you," Davina said while linking her arm through Maggie's and led her through the bustling streets of New Orleans.

They walked a few blocks before coming to a cast iron fence with ornate designs with "M" woven into it. Maggie tried to contain her shock seeing the large estate that they were walking towards. The hair on the back of her neck rose and she felt the other supernatural beings closing in around them.

"Maggie," Davina said with a laugh, "I cannot wait to show you around. You brought what you promised right? You promised to teach me."

"I did bring my family grimoire with me," Maggie said with a smile. "I'll teach you everything and anything that I can. My family magic is more traditional magic. We are not as closely tied or held accountable by the ancestors."

"Who is this Davina?" a tall dark man asked.

"This is my friend Maggie," Davina replied with a happy smile. "She replied to a forum I wrote in about magic."

"Davina!" the man scolded.

"Marcel, I need help," Davina replied tearfully. "I can feel the magic. If there's a chance that she can help me I'm willing to risk it. She has no ties to the covens here."

"I don't mean to cause any trouble," Maggie said in a trembling voice, recognizing just who she was in front of. "When I learned of her situation I couldn't turn my back on her. I use more traditional and earth based magics. I will do everything that I can to help her."

"The question is why?" he demanded. "What do you gain?"

"I gain a friend," Maggie retorted. "I help knowing that a witch is saved from something that is an abomination to magic. What they do here is wrong!"

Her magic zinged and sparked along her skin. "I don't do this to gain anything," she said softly, while trying to calm down. "If I can teach her to ground it and expel it, then it will buy us time for a more permanent solution."

Marcel stared at her carefully. "Alright," he replied reluctantly. "I'll allow you to help her, but if you betray her I will end you."

"I would never, ever do anything to harm a fellow witch," she said tersely. "My magic isn't like that, I'm not like that."

"I can have someone grab your things and bring them here," he offered. "It would be safer for you here."

"I'm only supposed to stay the weekend," she said cautiously. "I have classes on Monday."

"How old are you Maggie?" Marcel asked.

"I'm nineteen," Maggie answered. "I study history at Whitmore College."

"Not quite a kid, but still a baby in the grand scheme of things," he replied, flashing a grin. "You'll be safe here, Maggie. If you can help her at all this weekend I'll be in your debt."

Shaking her head, "Like I said I'm not doing this for personal gain. I just want to help someone in need."

"Careful there sweetheart," he cautioned gently. "Someone might crush that heart of yours one day."

With those words he nodded to the pair and left. Davina tugged her hand and led her through the building and up the stairs towards her part of the estate. Up in the attic space she had converted a bedroom and workspace. It wasn't that she didn't want to be in the rest of the house, but Marcel was trying to keep her safe.

"So what first?" Davina asked.

"First, we need to set up a circle and try to ground you." Maggie said, pulling off her satchel. "Here, look at this ritual and tell me what you think."

Maggie pulled out the items from her satchel while handing her grimoire over to Davina opened to a specific page. Pulling out the chalk and sage, Maggie began preparing the ritual. Though Davina was very much aware of Marcel watching from the shadows, Maggie was seemingly unaware, or so they thought.

"Thoughts?" Maggie asked as she traced the runes onto the floor boards.

"So we burn sage for cleansing first," Davina asked. "The runes used call on the elements and higher powers to help channel."

"Correct," Maggie said with a bright smile. "Now the part you may not be aware of is the blood. You nick your thumb and drop blood on each of the runes while chanting. As you're doing this you must clear your mind solely on your intent of expelling the excess magic and giving it back to nature. You are gifting the magic back to nature and in turn asking for nature to aid you."

"I've never read anything like this before," Davina whispered.

Taking the younger girl's hand, "I promise you, Davina, that I will do everything that I can to help you." Maggie said urgently. "I will help you through this and teach you all that I can to make sure that this does not control you or consume you."

Davina blinked back tears and hugged Maggie tightly. "Thank you!" she breathed. "Thank you for coming and helping me. You don't know what this means to me."

"If possible," Maggie said, pulling back, "I can sever the ties and link to your coven and help you from their magic and control. I may need to ask my mother and for guidance from the spirits, but I will do it if you ask it of me."

"What would the cost be for you?" Davina demanded. "What would my coven's magic do to you?"

"Well it may cause a feud," Maggie laughed nervously. "But it's a risk that I'm willing to take to free you from this Davina."

Marcel stepped from the shadows and looked down at Maggie with an unreadable expression. "You, sweetheart, are welcome here whenever," Marcel said warmly. "If you can do even half of what you're saying, then you will always have a place here."

Maggie nodded nervously. Marcel clapped a hand on her shoulder gently before hugging Davina and kissing her on the forehead. He left the pair of witches and sent up a silent prayer that Maggie could indeed help his girl.

"So let's do this," Davina said with a watery smile.

Maggie and Davina finished the preparations and cast the circle. They kneeled within the circle and Maggie walked Davina through the steps and helped her. They both began chanting and the wind picked up outside. Thunder rolled in the distance and the ground shook beneath them. The candles flared higher and their chanting continued. Maggie could feel the magic pouring off Davina at an alarming rate and closed her eyes, adding her own intent to the channeling.

Marcel felt the tendrel of magic pick up as the storm set in and took the stairs two at a time as he ran. He burst into the attic space. He tried to not startle the pair as he watched in horrified fascination as he could physically see the magic drawing out of Davina. He could see it in the flames of the candles, the wind and rain of the storm, he could smell it on the earth. It was working!

"Holy shit!" he breathed.

Maggie slowly led Davina to the close, gently bringing the younger witch out of the trance and catching her as she fell forward. Closing the circle, she thrust her hand out allowing Marcel to come forward and gently pick up his ward.

"It worked," he said softly. "I have no words."

"None are needed," Maggie replied tiredly. "She will be tired for a while, but we were able to drain a significant amount of the excess magic. She should be alright for a few months. It will give me enough time to finish the semester before winter break to research and talk to my mother on what is the next best course of action."

"Whatever you need," he told her seriously. "Sweetheart, you may not believe it but we are in your debt. I love that girl like a daughter and what you did for her is amazing. If you can truly sever the tie to the covens here." his voice trailed off emotionally.

Marcel led her down the hallway towards another room in the attic. "I hope that you don't mind staying up here?" he asked with a grimace. "I would love nothing more than to have you girls in the main house, but it's not safe enough. As much as I hate admitting that, it just isn't safe enough."

Maggie saw that her things had indeed been retrieved. Glancing at the larger man he shrugged almost uncomfortably. She grinned at him and laughed softly.

"I've slept in a freshman college dorm," she laughed. "Believe me when I say this is more than fine."

He rumbled a laugh in his chest. "Tomorrow we can show you around the city," he said. "But for now I think you girls should get some sleep. If there is anything you need let me know. Your room has been refunded and taken care of. I'll make sure that you have a ride to the airport on Sunday evening to catch your flight."

"Thank you," Maggie replied tiredly. "I appreciate it."

"It's the least I could do," he said softly. "Get some sleep."

Maggie watched him leave and marvelled at how different he was given varying situations. Then again it shouldn't be so shocking. Changing into her sleep shorts and tank top, she climbed into the large soft bed. She allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

"Well, darling," Kol purred in her dream. "You've done well. You will be able to come back on the Samhain to perform the ritual to resurrect me."

Maggie sighed, "That's only a few weeks away, Kol."

"Well done, love. I'm glad you know your calendar." he snarked.

"Hey now," she whirled to face him. "There is a lot that needs to be done to do this. Not to mention I have to deal with the disaster that is Mystic Falls and try to prevent the idiots en masse from raising Hell on earth."

"You need to resurrect me and I will help," he told her firmly. "Silas must be dealt with and Davina and I can help you."

Maggie nodded wearily. "There's so much to do. I'm only one person and there's a lot at stake."

"I will help you, darling." he said softly. "What you've already done for Davina is enough for me to do whatever I need to help you. Plus I'll be able to get my revenge on the Gilberts."

"I don't want it to consume me," she whispered. "I do not want to give in to the darker side of things."

"We won't let you," he promised. "My resurrection ritual will toe the line for you, but I won't let you surpass it."

Maggie drifted off to a peaceful slumber with his promise echoing in her mind. Her ancestors whispered praise in her mind for helping a sister witch. They urged her to continue on her path and to help the younger girl find her way, find her magic with the old magic and earth magic.

The next morning Maggie awoke to the humidity in the air. She was not used to this kind of heat, but found that she didn't mind the city. As promised she and Davina were led through the city with Marcel and a few of his most trusted men as guides. Maggie laughed with Davina who had a lightness to her that hadn't been there before. She would often catch Marcel smiling down at the younger girl with affection. Their weekend went by quickly, far too quickly for Maggie's liking. There was just too much to see and do.

Davina begged her to come back again soon to which Maggie hinted that perhaps Halloween in the city would be interesting. Davina grinned brightly and agreed that there was much to offer. Marcel smiled fondly at the girls and told Maggie that he would make arrangements for her to come back for the Halloween weekend.

Maggie hugged Davina tightly at the door of the Abattoir. The younger girl tearfully let her go with the promise to keep in touch in the coming weeks with updates. Maggie had allowed the girl to copy some of the spells from the grimoire with the understanding that she would only start small.

Upon her return to Virginia, Maggie quickly fell back into her school routine. Her mother Jesse was coming down with a number of grimoires to help her daughter prepare for what was coming. While Jesse and her witch friends did not care for vampires, their spirit guides and ancestors were urging them to maintain the balance of things. Unlike many other witches, they understood the chaos that would ensue should vampires cease to exist altogether. A few days prior to Halloween weekend, Maggie received her flight information from Davina. Her flight would be leaving Thursday night and she would return early Monday morning.

Maggie packed her bags with the same cloaking spells. This time she had several grimoires with her as well as any other herbs or things needed for the ritual. She had not heard from Kol again, but knew he was around her at times. It was a relatively short flight with no issues and then Maggie was met at the airport by one of Marcel's men who had come to collect her.

Theirry was a nice enough man. He was Marcel's right hand and had been entrusted with collecting her and ensuring that she safely made it back to the Abattoir. He joked with her on the ride and tried to put her at ease. He spoke of the city and his time with Marcel.

When they arrived, Davina rushed out to greet her and helped her with her things up towards the attic. Marcel shook his head and laughed at the antics of his pseudo daughter. She needed a friend and it seemed that Maggie would be that friend.

The girls laughed and talked of everything that happened in their time apart. Davina asked her if she wanted to go anywhere or see anything specific, but Maggie just replied that she was fine and looked forward to just hanging out with her. There would be plenty of time and other trips to see everything.

The girls laughed as they walked through the silent halls of the large estate. Maggie adored the structure and it's beautiful architectural features. She loved New Orleans in general, but knew that it was not safe for her to stay there.

"We need to wait until tomorrow night to do the ritual," Maggie murmured quietly while braiding Davina's hair. "WIth everyone out tomorrow it will be the best time to do this. Have everything that we need, so we should do this while I can sense that your magic has built up again."

"Will he be alright?" Davina asked.

"You have his ashes correct?" Maggie asked uncomfortably.

"Yes," Davina replied softly. "I was able to sneak in and out of his siblings' home to get 's something else that you should know."

Closing her eyes and bracing herself, "What is it Davina?" Maggie asked.

"His brother, Elijah is here," Davina replied. "I undaggered him but have kept him spelled in the room he is in to talk to him. He promised me his mother's grimoire for my assistance."

"Oh Davina," Maggie said tiredly. "I don't know what to say. I know that my ideas are uncertain, but if you wanted more help you should have said something."

"I didn't know what to do," Davina said softly. "I spoke with him at first before you got here the first time."

"What is it that we need to do for you to get the grimoire?" Maggie asked cautiously. "I'm sure that Kol would help you get it without anything in return."

Davina sat quietly before nodding. She had been so excited at first with the thought of learning new magic that she didn't take the time to think the entire situation through. Maggie was right, first they should resurrect Kol and go from there. There was far too much to do at the moment.

The pair pulled out everything that they would need for the ritual the following night and poured over the grimoires that Maggie had brought. She and her mother had bookmarked several sections for both this ritual and the one to help ground and cleanse Davina completely.

After reading one of the passages, Davina pointed out that one of the ingredients that would be needed was not in either of their stores. Maggie told her that she would ask Marcel to have someone escort her to the local apothecary to get it immediately. Leaving the room she passed the door where she knew that Elijah Mikaelson was awake and listening to everything they had been saying.

Walking swiftly past it and down the stairs she made her way to the main level and walked towards where Marcel had pointed out his office earlier. Knocking on the door she waited to be beckoned in.

"Maggie," he replied with a grin, "what can I do for you sweetheart?"

"I've been studying a few of the books I brought," she said cautiously, not recognizing the men in the room. "I need to head to the store to get a few of the missing ingredients."

"Easily solved," he flashed her a grin, catching on to her evasive explanation. "Thierry will have someone take you into town and help you with what you need."

"Thank you," she grinned, ignoring the gasp of the large blonde man sitting beside Marcel. "I won't be gone too long."

"Nonsense," Marcel smiled warmly. "Whatever you need, sweetheart is not an issue. Enjoy the city!"

Laughing in reply, "I'm only here for a weekend. I'm pretty sure I could spend decades here and still not see it all!"

The blonde beside him flashed her a dimpled grin and nodded, "And right you are, love." he said in a silky british accent. "Maggie was it?"

Maggie flashed her eyes towards Marcel who nodded reluctantly. "Yes, I'm Maggie," she replied.

"Klaus Mikaelson," he nodded, grinning when he heard her heart thud. "No last name, love?"

Licking her lips in slight trepidation. "Maggie Forbes," she answered shakily.

"What did you say?" he said, coming to stand beside her.

"My name is Maggie Forbes," she said, meeting his gaze head on. "And yes I know who you are and yes Caroline is my cousin."

"Small world," he murmured, looking at her with a piercing gaze. "Tell me, love. Does your cousin know that you're here and who you're with?"

"Contrary to popular belief," Maggie raised an eyebrow at him, "I'm the elder cousin and don't answer to her. However, there are those that have wronged her that will wish for death before I'm done with them."

"What do you mean," he looked genuinely confused.

"Let's just say that there is a list of people that have hurt her in one way or another that are now on my hit list, if you will." she replied with a deceptively calm voice. Her magic swirled around her as she tried to reign it in.

"And who might be on that list, Maggie?" Klaus nearly growled.

"If she has not voiced her grievances to you then I will not betray her trust." Maggie said defiantly. "However, when the time comes to dole out punishments, I'm sure you'll want in on it right?"

"I would be delighted to avenge Caroline in any way necessary." Klaus told her firmly but honestly. "I'll give you my number should you ever need it, love. Caroline is a friend."

"Hmm," Maggie said with a smirk. "I've heard, friend." She teased the man, surprising both him and Marcel. "Well I really do need to get that shopping done. Nice meeting you, Klaus."

"Nice meeting you as well, Maggie." Klaus flashed her his dimpled grin. "I'm sure we'll see each other again."

Walking away she was muttering to herself about how right Caroline was about the accent and dimples being lethal and tried to ignore his laughter behind her. She knew that he had heard her, but seeing the man in person, she wondered about her cousin's sanity in not choosing him.

Maggie was led through the streets of the French Quarter to one of the trusted witch apothecaries. She entered the building and walked through the shelves pulling what she needed and brought it to the counter. While keeping a polite smile on her face she dodged the questions that were being asked and took her purchases and quickly exited the building. Her guide nodded to her and led her swiftly through the streets.

When they entered back into the Abattoir, Maggie breathed a sigh of relief. Something about the woman behind the counter rubbed her the wrong way. She was one of the coven leaders that wanted to sacrifice Davina.

Making her way up the stairs she brought her purchases with her. Before going towards the room Davina was in she paused at the door where Elijah was. Drawing a breath she reached towards the handle before dropping her hand and making her way back towards Davina's room.

"I've got what we needed," she said as she entered the room.

Davina looked up from the grimoire and finished taking the notes she needed. They were working on cross referencing several of the grimoires for rituals and other spells needed to ground her magic. Davina wanted to learn as much as she could to not only fully understand what needed to happen, but also for the sake of learning. She loved magic.

"How was it?" Davina asked as she looked down at the vials.

"Creepy," Maggie replied in deadpan. "The witch at the store dabbles in things she should not and is most likely one of the ring leaders of all this killing nonsense."

Davina laughed. "If you went to the store I think you did, then you met Agnes." she replied. "She is one of the elders and would be a problem. Be careful."

The girls fell asleep on Davina's bed talking over the different aspects of magic and the ritualistic nature of things. Davina was soaking it all up like a sponge. They curled up surrounded by books and notes.

Marcel had come to speak to Davina and found them both asleep. He smiled softly and gently stacked the books and notes onto a nearby table before pulling the covers over the girls. While he did not know a lot about Maggie, he had come to respect and care for the bubbly girl that was helping his daughter.

Making his way back to the main level of the house he found that Klaus had returned and was leaning against the banister of the stairs waiting for him. He tried not to let his presence bother him, but his abandonment cut him deeply. Though Klaus had explained that he thought him dead it only slightly assuaged the pain of losing his family.

Klaus had returned albeit reluctantly, he had spent a good part of his afternoon having his contacts look into Maggie Forbes. He had no idea that Caroline had a cousin so close in age, much less one that was a witch. What he was able to find out about her made him want to learn and know more. She was a lot like Caroline, yet vastly different. For one she was shorter than her younger cousin. For another thing she was much more mature and sure of herself. It was all wrapped into one enticing and appealing package.

"What can I help you with?" Marcel said, clapping his once father figure on the shoulder.

"Maggie Forbes," Klaus began teasingly. "A friend of yours?"

"What can I say I have many friends," Marcel flashed a grin.

"Imagine my surprise when Caroline's cousin is here and not only that but she's a witch. And a very powerful one at that," Klaus stated through hooded eyes. "What is she doing here, Marcel?"

"She is visiting," Marcel replied with a shrug.

"If you hurt her or are threatening her," Klaus gritted out.

Holding his hands up in a calming gesture, "You've got it all wrong, Klaus." Marcel said sharply. "That girl is welcome here and under my protection. I owe that girl a debt that I will never be able to repay."

"Interesting," Klaus mused, looking at his one time ward. "How about we meet up for drinks?" he asked, dropping the subject.

"There's a party in the Quarter tomorrow night," Marcel said with a smile. "Come meet up with me there. I unfortunately have some things to take care of tonight."

Klaus nodded while looking at Marcel carefully and left. Marcel waited for him to leave before letting out a breath. He did not fully trust Klaus and as much as he wanted to, he would not risk Davina.

The following day the Quarter was bustling. Marcel's men were ready and watching as Halloween was a sacred night for witches. The entire city was bursting with energy in anticipation of the party that night.

Maggie and Davina enjoyed a quiet brunch in the courtyard behind the Abattoir in the sunshine. They joked and laughed quietly and smiled at Marcel when he came to join them. He grinned at the pair and shook his head at their antics. It thrilled him to see Davina so at peace.

"I know you girls are disappointed about missing the party," he said finally. "But considering the date I don't think it would be safe."

"I understand, Marcel," Davina said softly.

"Besides," Maggie grinned, "When isn't there a party in New Orleans."

Marcel laughed, raising his glass to the blonde. "Indeed," he said with a chuckle. "I won't be around the rest of the day or tonight. Please stay behind the walls of the Abattoir and keep safe. If you need anything Davina you know what to do."

He took his leave of the pair and made his way back inside. Maggie nodded to her friend and they finished their brunch before heading inside. She and Davina climbed the stairs and once more Maggie paused at the door. Davina smiled and turned to open it revealing Elijah.

"Maggie, this is Elijah." Davina said softly. "I'm going to grab him a few blood bags, I'll be right back."

He stepped back eyeing her wearily as she entered. She knew that it was not the most intelligent action, but there was something about him that seemed to draw her. Leaving the door open she looked around the room and her eyes fell on the coffin, which made her grimace.

"I know it's not appealing," he said softly. "Maggie, do you understand the path that you've taken?" he asked carefully.

"I'm not sure what you mean," she regarded him wearily.

"What you're doing for Davina and what you and she are planning to do for Kol will make you enemies," he said softly. "Are you sure that this is the path you're ready to take?"

"Knowing what I do, it is the only path to take because it is the right thing to do." she told him honestly. "Your brother did not deserve to be murdered like he was. Davina does not deserve to be hunted and tormented by the tainted magic within her. I have no other path I'm willing to take."

"Who are you really, Maggie?" he asked, coming to stand beside her.

"Maggie Forbes," she replied with a teasing smile. "Yes Caroline is my younger cousin. I'm a witch and the daughter of a witch and apparently a hunter. My cousin is a vampire through no fault of her own and her friends are pretty awful."

"Come now they aren't all that bad," he tried to say before she cut him off.

"Elena Gilbert may have many people fooled but she has always been a selfish, self centered little bitch who is only out for her own interests. She may play the victim and the martyr, but only when it benefits her best." Maggie snarled. "She is the reason the entire town is in shambles. Stringing along one guy after another with little regard to how it affects those around her."

"Bonnie Bennet has the potential to be so much more, but instead she is Elena's faithful little lapdog." Maggie trembled. "Do not get me started on the Salvatores. I can assure you that when I meet the elder his days will be marked and numbered. As for the rest of the merry bunch of morons, they're inept, ignorant, and all around expendable to Miss Gilbert and her beaus. Tell me I am wrong in my assessment?"

Elijah stared at her in shock. He could feel the power rolling off of her and fought his instinct to not step away from her. He carefully thought over her words and found himself hard pressed to argue with her analysis. Miss Gilbert, like her ancestors, was the center of many troubles.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I've known Elena my entire life and cannot stand the selfish little wench."

"I gathered as much," he said with a smirk. "Tell me, Miss Forbes, where were you when Miss Gilbert's troubles began?"

"I was away at college," Maggie said with a small shrug. "I did not grow up in Mystic Falls. My father wanted to be away from the supernatural, but couldn't escape it when I ended up being a witch. He left not too long after."

"I'm sorry," he said, completely unsure of what to say. "What are you studying in school, might I ask?"

"History," she replied with a small smile. "I did not want to limit myself by studying occult studies, so I figured History was my best option. I love learning and there is so much to learn in that subject."

Smiling genuinely, "Yes history is indeed a vast topic," Elijah said.

They both fell into silence and were drawn to Davina's approaching footsteps. She handed him a half dozen blood bags and nodded at him. He held them in his hands and thanked her.

"Thank you," he said to her. "I will make sure that my mother's grimoire makes it to you in hopes of helping you. I wish you both luck and have faith in you."

The pair of girls continued on their way down the hallway towards Davina's room. They started tracing the necessary runes on the floor and took hours to make the necessary preparations. Putting the urn of Kol's ashes in the center of the circle, they made the final preparations as the sun was setting. It had taken them all day long to get it all ready.

When the moon had reached the highest point in the sky they cast the circle and began chanting. Slicing their palms, they dropped their blood in the urn and continued. Lightning arced in the sky and thunder rolled in. The ground trembled as the veil parted, heading their calling. Mist swirled in the room as they chanted and continued despite the magical push back against them.

Maggie clasped her hands with Davina's and they continued on, pushing their magic and pleading with nature and the gods to hear their plea. Lightning struck somewhere close by outside and the whole building shook. Both girls had their eyes closed against the onslaught of magic.

Down the hallway, Elijah closed his eyes and sent a silent prayer to whatever god was listening that his brother be returned to them. He also felt more than a small amount of concern for the young women who were trying to bring him back. If they succeeded they would be owed a debt his family wouldn't be able to fully repay. He felt a swell of affection and protectiveness towards them as he felt the house rock with magical backlash. His hands gripped the trim of the door, nearly splitting the wood as he wanted nothing more than to be able to go to them and make sure that they were alright.

Marcel looked to the sky in shock and felt his hair stand on end. His eyes snapped towards the Abattoir and knew that the girls were causing this. Nodding to Theirry, he made his excuses and left immediately. He blurred through the streets towards the compound, hoping that everything was alright. As a vampire, fear was not something that one often felt, but tonight he was drowning in it as he raced back to the compound.

Maggie and Davina kept chanting until they were hoarse and then they felt the magic snap and it burst around them in a blinding light. The girls fell into one another as the magic suddenly cut off. Their hands seemed fused together as they lost consciousness. Beside them there was a thump and a groan.

Marcel burst through the doors to find the girls slumped together and a very much alive and very much naked Kol Mikaelson resurrected. He stood there stunned for a minute before trying to get to the girls but he couldn't. The circle had not been closed, they were still vulnerable and stuck in the circle.

"Kol!" he shouted. "Kol, you have to help them!"

Kol groaned and sat up. He looked around and down at himself in shock and then towards the unconscious girls. He gently helped to lay them on their sides and pried their clasped hands apart. Looking to Marcel he could see the concern in the other vampire's eyes and nodded to him.

Marcel tossed him a pair of pants that he quickly tugged on. Kol knelt beside the girls and gently shook them. Davina and Maggie groaned softly and started to come back to consciousness. Both girls blinked awake and realized that Kol was there. They launched themselves at him.

"As lovely as this little reunion is," Marcel said softly. "Would someone mind telling me what the Hell is going on?"

"We brought him back," Davina said softly.

"Thank you for the obvious," he drawled. "But why?"

"He wasn't supposed to be dead," Maggie said, turning towards Marcel. "The spirits came to both of us. Kol came to us both, he needed to be brought back. We need him to help us with Silas and a few other things in the works."

"Will she be safe?" Marcel demanded.

"I swear to you, Marcel, that I will do everything I can to help her." Maggie said. "I will do everything that I can to help her channel her powers and get control over them. Tonight she used a significant portion of them to bring him back. We've all but drained the excess magic from her with this and bought us significant time."

"What's next?" Marcel asked.

"Next on the winter solstice I help her finish this," Maggie said tiredly. "After that she will probably need to leave here. The covens will be out for blood."

"I'll leave with her," Kol said seriously. "I will leave with both of them and keep them safe."

"Now why should I trust you?" Marcel demanded fiercely. "If I remember correctly you cared for no one or nothing. Having experience first hand, how do I know that I can trust you?"

"And that's where you would be wrong," Kol smirked. "I care a great deal about my family. I also care for these two lovely ladies. I owe them a great deal for what they've done for me."

Maggie leaned on Kol tiredly. He looked down at her with a small smile. Davina leaned into his other side. Though weak himself being newly resurrected, Kol was able to hold them up with ease.

"Alright, loves," he said gently. "We need to close this circle and you need some rest."

Marcel looked at them carefully and nodded reluctantly. "He's right, girls. However, not going to lie, I'm less than pleased about this."

Maggie and Davina closed the circle and allowed Kol and Marcel to help them into the bed. Kol looked down at them and turned back to the ritual circle and began to clean it up. He walked around the room putting out the candles and wiping up the chalk.

Marcel watched him as he finished putting Davina under her covers. "What is your angle in all of this, Kol?" he asked coldly. "I swear if you hurt these girls there will be nowhere for you to hide."

"I'm not here to hurt them," Kol replied fiercely. "I swear that I'm here to help them, to help her. I give you my word, Marcellus. I am not here to hurt either of them."

"That girl is like a daughter to me, Kol." Marcel gritted out. "She is not a plaything, not a toy. If you harm her, I will find a way to end you."

"I understand," Kol replied tersely.

Marcel went to leave the room, but paused. "Your old quarters are available to you. You're welcome to stay as long as you want."

"Thank you, Marcellus." Kol said genuinely. "For what it is worth, none of us knew you had survived. We thought you were dead all these years."

Marcel nodded and left. Kol turned back looking at the sleeping girls and made his way down the hallway. He paused at the door where he knew his brother was being held. Opening the door he stepped in and found himself in his older brother's embrace. Kol closed his eyes and hugged his brother for the first time in a very long time.

"It is good to see you, brother." Elijah said with his voice full of emotion. "I had thought we had lost you forever."

"Forever and always, right?" Kol chuckled awkwardly. "That's the vow of this family right?"

"Forever and always," Elijah said with a smile.

"What are you doing here?" Kol asked, looking around the room curiously.

"Niklaus," Elijah gritted out. "It would seem that our dear brother has given me to Marcel as leverage."

"Well then," Kol said with a devious smirk. "Perhaps I ought to pay our brother a visit?"

"I heard what happened down the hallway," Elijah interjected. "I think it is more important to keep those young women safe and protected."

"If you are sure, Elijah." Kol said, looking at his elder brother carefully. "We will find a way to get you out of here though."

"One thing at a time, brother." Elijah cautioned his brother. "We need to have patience with everything that is going on."

Kol made a noncommittal noise of annoyance, but nodded in agreement nonetheless. "Right then," he replied. "Taking care of our lovely little witches."

"Our lovely witches?" Elijah said with a small smile.

"Oh don't play coy with me, brother." Kol teased. "Even on the Other Side I could see your intrigue with the newest Miss Forbes. She is a doll, I must say. I can honestly say that I like her. Which for me is truly something."

"Kol," Elijah said in a warning voice. "Miss Forbes is not to be harmed."

"Easy there, Elijah." Kol said with a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "I think you might have a bit of a crush on little witchy Forbes."

"Brother," Elijah warned.

Kol smirked at his brother and turned to leave the room. Elijah began to pace the room thinking over his brother's words. He knew that it was foolish but his brother was right. Maggie Forbes was so like her cousin in her light and bubbly personality. But she was grounded and mature and real in a way that he hadn't found in a very long time.

Her words gave him pause regarding Elena Gilbert. Her words caused him to reflect on his interactions with the girl and the true nature of her personality. If he were being honest with himself, she was right regarding the less appealing qualities of the latest doppelganger's personality.

As much as he would have liked to disagree he found himself reflecting. And what he discovered he found he did not care for. That was one of the things about being immortal, you had infinite time on your hands to think. It was a double edged sword getting lost in one's thoughts.

The following day Maggie and Davina awoke sore and tired. They felt fatigued on the drain in their magic, but thrilled that they had succeeded. Kol was really back and the first task was now completed. Next they needed to free Davina from the covens and the Harvest ritual magic.

Marcel had breakfast prepared for the girls. Kol joined them shortly after and surprisingly, Elijah appeared. Marcel nodded to the witches with his eyebrow raised. Normally he would have those going against him killed but he could not fault them. Not with the trouble brewing in the Big Easy, even he could grudgingly admit he needed them. For Davina's safety and that of Maggie he was willing to work with them.

"So what's next?" Marcel asked, sipping blood out of a crystal glass.

"Next I would like to take in the sights of the city," Maggie said with a smile. "I know it's my second trip, but I feel like I've hardly seen any of it."

"Then allow us to take you on a tour, darling." Kol said teasingly.

"Kol," Marcel cautioned.

Maggie snorted in her orange juice and raised her glass to the flirtatious resurrected Original. "Now why do I get the feeling that you're a party boy?" Maggie teased.

"Darling, I'm the original party man," he smirked. "Nothing boy about me, love."

Elijah smirked into his own drink. Marcel chuckled along with Kol. Maggie and Davina giggled along with them. Brunch continued with gentle teasing and banter between them. They continued eating their breakfast and then went to their rooms to change for the day.

Maggie dressed in a pair of capris with a silk camisole and a light cardigan for the day. Though it was October, it was still fairly hot. Davina was dressed in a flowy summer dress. They walked down the stairs with their arms linked and met the Mikaelson brothers in the foyer talking with Marcel. Marcel would be accompanying them for a portion of their tour, but he had to meet up with some of the other factions to discuss some plans.

Maggie and Davina strolled through the square where they initially met. They talked about everyday things as their escorts took time to point out a few buildings here and there for Maggie. She grinned and thanked them as they told her their past here. She and Davina both were mesmerized by the picture that they painted of the history and building of the city.

They walked throughout the city, stopping for an alfresco lunch in the Quarter. As the afternoon wore on, they found their way towards the outskirts. They turned around the block to find a woman leaving a witch's shop. Maggie paused and grabbed Davina's hand. Elijah paused and looked at the girls in concern. Kol was immediately on alert as well and told Elijah to call Marcel.

Maggie watched as the woman poured the contents of a pouch into a bottle of water and mixed it. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end and she looked at Davina in fear. Both girls walked forward with the Mikaelsons walking with them briskly.

The woman put the bottle to her mouth with a sob and Maggie took off at a sprint. Everything in her screamed at her to stop it. Throwing her hands out she was able to knock the bottle away before the woman drank all of its contents.

"No!" the woman screamed. "What have you done!"

"Hayley?!" Elijah demanded. "What are you doing?"

Davina picked up the bottle and sniffed. "Wolfsbane and hemlock," she stated looking at Maggie.

"What have you done?" Elijah said with a snarl.

Maggie threw her hands out and chanted softly. Davina linked her hand and repeated her as they put the female wolf in a stasis freezing spell, knocking her out and stopping the progress of the poison.

Marcel arrived at the same time as Klaus. Marcel looked at the girls in question while Klaus went to launch himself at the girls only to be stopped by his brothers. He was snarling and trying to break free but his brothers explained what had happened. At the devastated look on his face he slumped against his brothers. He desperately whispered Kol's name and embraced his brother once he realized he was truly there.

Looking at Davina, Maggie sought her gaze. "I need you to go get all of my grimoires," she told the younger girl. "Please don't argue. I'll go with them wherever they're going to take her and we will figure out a way to save the baby."

"What?" Klaus said hoarsely. "Why would you do this?"

"Because an innocent baby doesn't deserve this!" she shot back angrily. "Because regardless of who or what that child's parents are, that little innocent miracle is a blessing to be cherished. Despite the uppity bitchy nature witches, ancestral witches beliefs if the gods and nature truly did not want things to happen they wouldn't. If things were not meant to exist they wouldn't!" she shouted back at him.

"We need to get out of here," Marcel murmured. "Kol, take Davina and get what Maggie needs. Elijah, please take Maggie with you so she can do whatever it is that she needs to do."

"And what of Hayley?" Elijah asked.

"I have few rules about killing in this city," Marcel gritted out. "The main one is not killing kids. Whatever you deem fitting I won't stop you."

"She will pay brother," Elijah told his devastated younger brother. Klaus seemed to barely be keeping it together.

"If one of you could carry her," Maggie said softly. "I've got the poison held off. I've read a few different spells that could work, but I wanted to talk to you about the plan first. As it is your child, it will be your final decision."

"Thank you, love." Klaus whispered hoarsely. "Whatever you need, you let me know and you will have it, but please save my child."

Maggie nodded, looking at the man in front of her. This was the man that her cousin denied having feelings for, not the violent angry one that everyone else saw. This man begging for the life of his unborn child, was the man that her younger cousin couldn't help but love despite what she had told her. And Maggie understood. Seeing him like this, seeing all of them together, she understood.

"Let's go," Elijah said, picking up Hayley. "Niklaus, please help Miss Forbes to the waiting vehicle. I'll get Hayley."

"Come along," Klaus said softly, leading her towards a waiting SUV.

He helped her up into the back seat while Elijah buckled Hayley in the back beside her before hopping in the front with his brother. They sped off through the streets of the city towards the limits and outskirts.

Maggie watched as the scenery changed and saw that they pulled up a long tree lined driveway towards an old plantation house. She kept glancing disdainfully at the werewolf beside her. As someone who was truly in tune with nature and elements, she was especially in tune with life. That someone would seek to end a life, an innocent life of a child no less was appalling.

Elijah opened the door and took Hayley and Klaus opened the door for Maggie and led her towards the plantation with a hand on her lower back. Smiling to herself, she could definitely see why her cousin was conflicted about the big bad hybrid. Looking around she took in the architecture of the building and noticed that while it was renovated and modernized somewhat, it still kept a lot of the original design and woodwork.

"Well, little witch," Klaus said, bringing her into a large sitting room. "What are your thoughts on this, unpleasant situation?"

"We have a few different options," Maggie replied cautiously. "I want to check over the grimoires to be certain and find every available option."

"But you have some idea," Elijah asked.

"Yes," Maggie replied honestly. "Off the top of my head there are three solutions. The first, draining her of the poison and leaving her in a comatose state until the baby is born. Second, leave her as is right now and transfer the pregnancy to a surrogate. The third option is to transfer the child to someone else and change the DNA to a different parent or parents."

"What?" Klaus stood suddenly looking at her. "I trust no one enough to carry my child, who would even want to?"

"If it comes down to it I will do it," she told him seriously. "Even if it is temporary until you find the woman you want to carry your child. I would be willing to do this to protect and save the baby."

"Surely you're joking," he looked at her in shock.

"Dead serious actually," she replied with a smile. "Plus I love sticking it to the sycophantic witches."

Maggie sat staring at the still body of Hayley. She was silently fuming and she could feel her magic rising in response. Elijah put his hand on her shoulder but pulled it away quickly when he was zapped suddenly. Klaus snorted in amusement nearby while Elijah stared at her in shock.

"Sorry," she murmured. "Sometimes I get angry and end up a little juiced up."

"My apologies for startling you, dear one." Elijah replied.

"What the bloody Hell is going on?" Rebeka entered the room. "And who is she?"

"This is Miss Maggie Forbes," Elijah replied, looking down at the slender blonde with a soft look. "She is going to help protect our niece or nephew."

"What happened?" Rebeka said harshly.

"What happened is the were-bitch took poison trying to kill the baby!" Maggie snarled and the lights in the room dimmed.

"Easy, little witch," Klaus said softly. "You said it yourself, love. You're going to save my child so let's calm down now, shall we?"

"Have I entered some alternate universe?" Kol asked entering the house arms laden with luggage and books. "Klaus is trying to calm someone down and being the rational one?"

"Kol!" Rebeka cried and threw her arms around her brother. "How are you here? I missed you!"

"You can thank the little witches," he grinned. "Maggie and Davina brought me back."

"Thank you," Rebeka breathed, looking from Maggie towards the younger witch clinging to his brother's side.

Marcel stepped into the room behind them carrying more bags and grimoires. He nodded uncertainly at the people who had once been his family and smiled at Maggie. Rebeka breathed out a whoosh of air as she saw that Marcel was indeed alive and well.

"Marcel," she whispered in a trembling breath.

Careful and conscious of the eyes of her brothers, he put down what he had in his arms and gently embraced her. Closing his eyes he breathed in her scent and was brought right back to their time together. Her brothers had never approved of them and he knew that they wouldn't now.

"I see some things haven't changed," Klaus said in a deceptively calm voice.

"Why don't you two catch up?" Maggie suggested. "The rest of us can pour over the grimoires and come up with a plan. You clearly have a lot to discuss."

Marcel glanced at her sharply, but Maggie just grinned teasingly at him. Rebeka caught her eye and blushed slightly. Catching up indeed.

"Did you really just give them permission to defile one another in the house?" Kol asked while his brothers barely repressed growls.

Maggie chuckled throatily. "I imagine they've been separated for a while. Then let them talk things over," she said with a shrug.

"It's not the talking that I'm concerned about," Klaus gritted out.

"I know you're not all being hypocrites," Maggie said sharply. "I hardly think any of you have been celibate over the centuries. So why would it matter to you about your sister's choices?"

"Because she's our baby sister!" Klaus said fiercely.

"I'm not saying that she isn't, but she should be allowed to find happiness as well." Maggie replied softly. "You can see that they care for one another, so why would you deny them if you love them both?"

Her words gave them pause, and she sat on the couch where Davina joined her. The girls sat watching the males pace and brood for a while. Neither of them knew what to say so they figured it would be best for them to get it out of their system.

Maggie sat gently on the sofa in the parlor flipping through her grimoire. Davina sat beside her with Kol standing next to her. Elijah stood beside the mantle of the empty fireplace and Klaus paced like a caged animal. Maggie watched as the man seemed to struggle to reign in his fury.

Across from them on another sofa lay Hayley in her unconscious state. Maggie curled her lip in disdain at the other woman. There was nothing that excused her behavior in the mind of the blonde witch. She would need to contact her mother immediately. With that thought, she pulled her phone from her pocket.

"I was wondering when I would hear from you again," Jesse replied in concern. "What have you gotten into now, Maggie?"

"Mama," Maggie said tiredly. "I'm going to need your help and possibly that of your coven friends. No, it's not about Davina. There's a werebitch here that tried to poison her child from her womb. I've got the toxins in statis and she is unconscious, but I'm going to need help with the rituals needed to save the baby."

"Maggie, spirits talk, honey." Her mother said softly. "I know how and what you are talking about."

"Then you know that they're full of shit!" Maggie seethed. "It's a baby, an innocent child. If Nature and the gods did not want it to exist then it would not!"

"Easy, darling." Her mother shushed her. "If we go through with this. When we go through with this you will have a large target on your back from the others."

"So be it," Maggie replied. "I refuse to let an innocent die. You know me better than that."

"I can be there tomorrow or you can come to us," her mother said finally. "We will help you and give a cloaking talisman to help shield the new mother."

"How did you know?" Maggie whispered.

"I know because you would never allow that child to remain in its current incubator." Was the reply.

"I love you, mama." Maggie said softly. "Thank you."

She and her mother hung up and she found that the Mikaelsons were watching her curiously. Klaus watched her with unfathomable depths and Elijah looked at her with something that she couldn't name. Kol grinned at her but she could see the seriousness and gratitude in his eyes.

"Are you sure about this, little witch?" Klaus asked hoarsely. "There will be no going back after this."

"Unless you have another surrogate in mind," she replied, "I will do this. That child is a miracle and I refuse to let anything happen to it."

Klaus nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Maggie. It would seem that you Forbes women are indeed pure of heart and fierce." He said with a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Believe me when I say that I've heard a lot about you from Caroline," Maggie teased. "I can also see why she would be drawn to you even if she tries to not admit it."

"Why do you say that?" Klaus asked.

"Despite everything you've all done," Maggie said looking at each of them. "You love one another. You're family and family means everything to you all. It's what helps you keep your humanity and despite the horrors you've seen, witnessed, and inflicted on others, you've held onto that part of you. Your family has kept you all going. Each of you has different roles that carried over from your human lives."

"What roles are those, love?" Klaus now asked with a dimpled smirk, his eyes hooded slightly.

"Elijah, being the elder sibling has kept you together and watched over you all. You being the next eldest were fiercely protective of your siblings and the family ties you have, even if you've pushed them to the limit repeatedly. Kol can be a bit reckless and wild, but underneath that is the young man that abruptly and violently lost his connection with Nature. As a witch I cannot imagine what that would be like and how I would react." Maggie said cautiously, seeing Kol refusing to look at anyone.

"Rebeka, from what I know, is your younger sister and the only female child in your family. She was doted on in her human life and that carried over to her immortal life. But at the end of the day, she was just an innocent young woman who had hopes and dreams of a family and that was ripped away from her. It was ripped away from all of you," Maggie said watching Elijah turn away with his jaw clenched.

"Why don't you hate us?" Klaus burst out. "You're a witch! Why don't you hate us?"

"Because you've done nothing for me to hate you!" she shouted back. "Why should I hate you when you've done nothing to me? Why should I hate you when all of you were betrayed and turned by your parents? What was done to each of you was and is awful, so no I don't hate you."

Kol knelt in front of her and took her hands in his own. He kissed her knuckles, "You are a light, Maggie." He breathed. "Besides Davina, no one has ever understood or even tried. Thank you." He said and abruptly left the room.

Davina followed him out of the room and up the stairs. Each of his siblings watched him with guilt and understanding in their eyes. Maggie sat and watched as Elijah and Klaus had a silent conversation with their eyes. Klaus seemed lost and trembled a bit. Elijah clasped his brother's shoulder before approaching her.

"My younger brother is correct, Maggie." Elijah said, kneeling in front of her. "Thank you for understanding what many fail to see or try to. We are monsters, but we were not this way once. None of us asked for this."

Maggie took his hands into her own and looked at the older man. "I know that none of you asked for this," she said softly. "What they did to you all is wrong. Parents are supposed to love, nurture, protect, and provide for their children. Your parents destroyed your family and yet you remained together through it all."

Cupping the side of his face, she could see how truly tired he was. He seemed to lean into her touch briefly. Looking back she could see the vulnerability and jealousy in Klaus's eyes. She held her other hand out to him and he cautiously came to her side. He too knelt before her, leaning into her hand. Both of these men had seen and done horrible things, but they were not this way once. They were once human as well and simple men with simple wants in life.

Looking at their closed eyes, they still held tortured looks on their faces and not for the first time, she wondered when the last time either of them had been shown kindness freely given. Klaus laid his head in her lap as he knelt, and she played with his hair causing him to rumble a contented groan from deep within his chest.

Elijah went to pull away, but she pulled him onto the couch beside her and held his hand, running her fingers along his palm. His muscles tensed and bulged, and his hand seemed to twitch in response. Smiling softly to herself she continued her ministrations calming and soothing the two most dangerous men to walk the earth.

It was about an hour later when Kol and Davina came back into the room laden with grimoires and magical supplies. Maggie was still in her place, but Klaus and Elijah had been lulled into a sense of peace and sleep with her gentle touch. Kol stared at the sight before grinning deviously. Before anyone could react he took a picture of them with his phone and quietly walked into the room.

"Don't even think about it," Elijah's voice slurred tiredly as he sensed his youngest brother's presence.

Kol had been ready to drop the books on the coffee table, but paused before nodding. He and Davina sat together on the loveseat watching as Elijah sat up, bringing Maggie's hand to his mouth kissing her knuckles. Klaus kept his head in her lap and tiredly turned his gaze towards Kol. It was the most relaxed that any had seen him in perhaps centuries.

"What have you found?" Klaus asked, his voice gruff with sleep.

"We brought the supplies and I dug out some of my own grimoires," Kol replied, holding Davina against his side.

"Maggie," Davina said softly. "I found a spell that I think I want to try."

"Please do not, Davina." Kol implored. "I do not need you to do this. I do not want any harm to come to you."

"What does the spell do?" Maggie asked in concern.

"It would allow for me to carry his child," Davina said while blushing.

"What?" Elijah said sharply, fully alert. "How? We are dead and have been for one thousand years."

"Davina, darling," Kol said with his voice full of emotion. "We need to focus on you breaking the ties to the covens here. I will not risk you. I would love nothing more than to have a family with you but in the thousand years I have walked this earth I have made enemies. It would be unfair to you."

"You did not ask," Davina said with a smile. "I am offering."

"But how?" Elijah asked in shock.

"Only someone of a supernatural background that is not a vampire can carry the child of a vampire," she replied. "From what I've read the spell is meant for a witch, but it would work on a she-wolf as well."

"That would explain your impending fatherhood," Elijah mused, sitting up straighter.

"Davina," Maggie said looking at the younger girl, "If you really want to do this I will help you but only after we've freed you from the Harvest and covens."

"Is that wise, love?" Klaus said, coming to sit on her other side on the couch. "You, yourself will be carrying my child. Will you be able to handle the tax on your body performing such magic?"

"I would have to read the spell and ritual," she replied honestly. "If it is too much for me, my mother would help."

"The question is why?" Klaus asked, searching her eyes. "We are not good people, good men."

Touching the side of his face, "Even with everything you've done, there is good in you. Despite everything you have been through and done, even you deserve happiness."

Turning to Elijah, "If it is something you want it is something that I would offer for you as well," causing him to draw a sharp breath and look at Klaus.

"Do you know the danger you would be in?" Elijah asked. "I could not ask that of you."

"And who better to protect me?" she teased. "Stop worrying. You didn't ask, I'm offering. I saw the look on your face when Davina told us of the spell and when you saw me talk to Klaus about saving his child. You deserve a family and happiness as well, Elijah."

"You don't even know us, little witch," Klaus murmured against the side of her neck. "Why, love would you do this?"

"Because it's what I'm supposed to do I think," she replied softly. "I knew I had to come help Davina before I met her. Just as I know I need to do this as well."

"Are you an oracle?" Kols mused, tilting his head.

"I give no prophecies," Maggie laughed. "It's more of an intuition, a feeling that I need to do something before it happens."

"Meaning?" Kol asked bluntly.

"That all you're mine to protect!" she stated firmly.

Davina cleared her throat and gave her a pointed look, causing Maggie to laugh. "Right, sorry. Apparently you're Davina's, Kol."

"Is that so?" he asked, smirking down at the younger woman with a heated look. "Yours indeed, darling."

"Yours, love." Klaus said, running his nose along the side of her neck. "Both of us?"

Maggie trembled and felt herself flush. "Oh boy," she breathed. "Definitely lethal."

Both Klaus and Elijah chuckled deeply causing her womb to clench in reaction. Her heart was racing and she closed her eyes and breathed, taking in their intoxicating scents. It made it worse knowing that they could hear her body's reaction to them. Try as she might she could not shake the images and dark promises of his voice from her mind.

Standing abruptly, she smoothed her clothes. "Caroline was not lying," she said while blushing brightly.

"You never answered the question," Elijah whispered against her ear as he came to stand beside her. "Yours? Both of us?" he teased.

On her other side Klaus crowded her mimicking his brother's actions. She did not know it, but it would not be the first time a woman had been shared by them. However, if this were to proceed, it would be the first time it would not be a competition. They would not fight over her, rather for her. What she and Davina were promising their family was something they never dreamed possible. They had already brought back their brother. These witches would be theirs to keep, protect, and cherish.

"Wait," Maggie said breathlessly. "What about Caroline? I won't do that to her, and I won't be a replacement for her."

"Easy, love." Klaus said softly and gently. "Your cousin made her disdain known and her affections lie elsewhere, despite what you may think. I'm not about to chase after some naive little girl that doesn't want me. While we do have an eternity, I have other things that my time is better spent on. As for being her replacement, never." He growled. "While you are similar and kin, you surpass her. You are a woman and a witch with compassion and fire. You are loyal and fierce and anyone who had you as theirs would be blessed and fortunate."

The trio were so wrapped up in one another they hadn't noticed that Marcel and Rebeka had returned and were watching in stunned silence. Rebeka and Marcel had listened to the witches discuss the spell to have children and their eyes met. They had been lovers decades ago and longed to have a life together. It had always been Rebeka's dream to be a mother.

"Would there be a way for me to be a mother?" Rebeka asked the witches, drawing their attention.

"It may take a few different spells or we could tweak them to create one," Maggie said thoughtfully. "But I think that we may be able to help, even if the egg does not start out as your own. There is a little-known secret that a female vampire can be a surrogate and have a pregnancy transferred to her womb. Through magic, we may be able to make the child's DNA yours, but it's not a guarantee."

"Truly?" Rebeka breathed. "I could be a mother? Even if it is not my DNA, I would love the child."

"Yes," Maggie smiled. "We can help you to become a mother. It may not be immediate or for a while, but it is possible."

She watched as Rebeka clutched Marcel's hand in her own and felt the Mikaelson males around her stiffen. Maggie held both Klaus and Elijah's hand while Davina was doing similar with Kol. They would need to intervene a bit on behalf of the female vampire it would seem.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful for your whole family?" Maggie breathed in excitement towards the pair beside her. "Children of your own, nieces and nephews, a legacy for your heirs to inherit."

Klaus peered down at her with interest in his eyes, while Elijah smiled knowingly. Her words were similar to his own regarding Klaus's unborn child, but it struck them all that she meant that each of them deserved a family and happiness. Yes, they were a family, but the thought of having children was something that they had all but given up.

Rebeka looked close to tears as she leaned into Marcel. Marcel adored Davina in a way that he never thought possible and always would. However, the thought of fathering a child of his own had him reeling. The fact that Rebeka still felt the same way after all this time nearly brought him to his knees.

The fury and betrayal he had felt over the decades slowly faded as he watched the family that had raised him and taken in his ward. While he was angry at having been left behind in the fall out of their fleeing, he could not blame them. He wanted his family back, even if it meant sharing the throne that he had taken over in their absence.

"My mother will be here tomorrow with a few of her closest friends," Maggie said softly. "The sooner the baby is safe the better. I am going to need to contact my school and look into online courses or transferring."

"Elska," Elijah murmured softly. "Allow me to help smooth the way with that. I can help ensure that your education will not suffer while you're helping us and beyond even."

"I appreciate the thought," she tried to rebut, but closed her mouth seeing his earnest look of appeal. "Alright, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to not have to worry about that. There's also the issue of Silas and the Other Side collapsing that they're dealing with the fallout from in Mystic Falls."

"Love," Klaus said carefully. "If you're pregnant it wouldn't be safe for you there. One of us can go and handle that but I would prefer it if you do not put yourself or my child in danger."

She sat down and thought over his words carefully. Sighing in frustration, she knew he was right. Her plans would have to change, but it couldn't be helped. She wouldn't risk the child.

"What are we going to do with the wolf?" Maggie asked, looking across at the unconscious woman.

"Once the baby is safely transferred," Elijah said deceptively calm. "She will see the error of her actions before meeting her end."

"Will your child know her as her mother?" Maggie asked. "Or would you have me recognized as the mother?"

"As far as I'm concerned you're already the mother," Klaus replied. "Hayley was a one night mistake, but my child is not. To be free of the manipulative harpy will be a relief."

"I agree with what you said about me staying away from Mystic Falls until the danger has passed." Maggie said. "However, I will be writing out a list of people that I would like to have taken care of or kept until I can have my pound of flesh."

"What do you need?" Kol asked with a dark look in his eyes.

"Elena Gilbert will be cursed and spend her eternity alone, reliving everything she is responsible for. Damon Salvatore, I've got special plans for that rapist pig." she snarled, startling everyone but Kol. "Bonnie Bennet is going to have her eyes opened and the shades pulled so to speak. They're all going to pay. Katherine Pierce, I want her fucking head on a pike."

"Not that mind, love" Klaus said with a dark grin. "But why Katerina?"

"She turned Caroline," Maggie sneered. "In an attempt to get back at Elena and her boy toys, Katherine snuck in the hospital and smothered her."

"And Mr. Salvatore?" Elijah asked darkly.

"You mean after I cut out his nuts and make him eat them?" she said in a deceptively calm voice. "Then I'm going to cut him open nuts to nose and rip out his entrails and leave them for the crows. His eyes that he uses to compel innocent girls, those I'll carve out with a fucking spoon. He will never abuse another girl again."

"Caroline?" Klaus breathed, his eyes flashing gold.

"None of you are meant to know," Maggie said tiredly. "She was only sixteen and he used and abused her in horrific ways. He will pay for it and then I'm going to send his severed head to his complacent brother."

"Done," Elijah said looking down at the fierce blonde woman with darkened eyes. "Anything you want, dear one you only need ask."

Maggie nodded before looking down at her trembling hand. She was at war with herself. Between her need for vengeance and the need to protect others, she was walking a tightrope. As a witch it was important to find the right balance in her actions. While she often used her magic for good, she toed the line and accepted the shades of gray that were required to protect the innocent as much as she could.

"Anyone else you want us to take care of, love?" Klaus asked, looking at her with a mischievous look on his face. "I must say, seeing you so vicious is quite ravishing, my dear. As Vikings I particularly like the head on a pike."

Elijah chuckled darkly against her ear. "Aye, Maggie." he murmured. "Feel free to let us know any time you have plans for such actions to be carried out. We have no problem adding to the blood that is already on our hands to aid you."

Maggie closed her eyes and took a breath. Their scents and close proximity was nearly overwhelming. She was having a hard time focusing. Despite her best efforts, her heart betrayed her thoughts and reaction to them. Their answering chuckles sent a shiver down her body in response.

"Perhaps we ought to let Maggie catch her breath," Kol teased. "The poor girl looks like she's going to combust."

Her knees shook as she felt them step back. When she opened her eyes she was met with their heated looks that caused her to flush and her heart to skip. Klaus flashed her a dimpled smile and Elijah grinned at her. Kol held Davina to his side and chuckled into her hair. Rebeka and Marcel looked on in amusement, but didn't say anything.

Maggie sat once more on the sofa and picked up her grimoire. She began explaining the different aspects of the spells and possible rituals that could be used to help save Klaus' unborn child. The group spent the rest of the afternoon and late into the evening reading over various ancient texts and grimoires in search of different alternatives that they could do.

Klaus was adamant that Maggie be fully sure about it. He and Elijah hovered near her the rest of the evening. They both felt drawn to her, but did not feel threatened or competitive with each other. It was odd for them as they were both possessive in nature. There was just something about her that drew them in.

Maggie struggled to stay awake as the other supernaturals around her were still talking late into the night. She blurrily glanced over to see Davina asleep against Kol. Her eyes were getting heavier as she tried to focus on what she was reading. Kol and Elijah had unearthed their mother's grimoire for them to look over as well. It was interesting and had far more information then she could have ever expected.

"Alright, love." Klaus said gently. "Let's get you and Davina up to your rooms for the night. You both need rest, you especially."

Maggie allowed herself to be lifted as her eyes closed. Her face instinctively went to the crook of his neck as he carried her carefully up the stairs to one of the guest rooms. Her and Davina's things had been packed up and retrieved earlier that evening in hopes of keeping their presence and actions secret. By getting them out to the heart of the city and the Quarter, it gave them some much needed distance from the epicenter of what was going on.

Rebeka came in to help change her into something else as she was exhausted from the last twenty four hours. She carefully put the young woman's shoes by her luggage and pulled out a sleep set for her. After she pulled the blankets up, her brothers Elijah and Klaus stepped into her room and thanked her for her assistance.

"I like her much more than her cousin," Rebeka said with a soft smile. "I think that she will be good for you both. Just don't let whatever this is destroy you and don't hurt her. She's a good person, I think."

"No worries, sister." Klaus said, kissing her brow. "This is nothing like Tatia. Maggie is different. Just as we are different regarding her."

"We have no intention of harming her," Elijah said quietly while looking at the sleeping young woman. "We also have no intention of letting this come between us. Whatever this is, is very different. I am unsure how to explain it."

"Do you think that she could be your mate?" Rebeka asked in a hushed whisper. "Is it possible for her to be both of your mate?"

Both men looked to one another quickly before turning to their sister. Each of them wore a stunned but contemplative look on their faces as they mulled over her words. Their mate? Could she possibly be their mate? They rolled that thought over in their minds and the more that they thought about it, the more something in them settled.

"Mate." Klaus breathed, looking towards where Maggie was sleeping soundly.

Elijah nodded slightly before a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Indeed," he replied.

"Has something like this ever happened before?" Rebeka asked. "A triad?"

"I'm not sure," Klaus replied. "I don't think that we should let anyone know. I don't want a bigger target on her back. She'll be carrying my child, but if word gets out that she's our mate." his voice trailed off hoarsely. "We need to protect her, Elijah."

"And we will, Klaus," he replied firmly. "Nothing will happen to her or your child."

"She also promised to carry your child, Elijah." Rebeka reminded them softly.

Both men swallowed thickly and nodded. The siblings left the room and went to their own rooms to get some sleep before the morning came. The following day would be very long and taxing for all of them.

Maggie awoke to the sun streaming in the room. Looking around she vaguely remembered Klaus carrying her to bed last night. Sitting up, she found herself in an antique four poster bed. Most of the furniture in the room was antique. The walls were a soft cream color and the curtains were shear cream, letting the light filter in.

Finding her luggage in the corner of the room, she grabbed a soft flowy skirt and camisole for the day. As she explored the room, she found that there was an en suite bathroom, where she showered and got ready for the day. After quickly combing her hair, she padded down the stairs barefoot in search of the kitchen.

"Good morning, Maggie." Elijah greeted her in the kitchen. "Tea or coffee?" he asked while grabbing a mug from the cabinet for her.

"Coffee would be wonderful." she replied with a smile.

"I hope that you slept well," he said as he poured her a steaming cup of coffee.

"Yes," she smiled shyly. "I didn't mean to fall asleep on everyone last night. I slept well, thank you."

"Nonsense, sweetheart." he teased. "It was a long day for you and we don't expect you to keep vampire hours."

Snorting in amusement, she accepted the mug and poured a splash of cream and added a single scoop of sugar. "Where is everyone else this morning?" she asked.

"My brothers have gone with Marcel to get the supplies needed for a number of the spells and rituals that we discussed last night." he said, watching her reaction. "Rebeka left to go meet your mother at the airport and I believe that Davina is just waking up now."

"Right," Maggie breathed. "It sounds like everyone is busy. And what are your plans, Elijah?"

"I stayed here to make sure that you ladies were protected," he said with a smirk.

They sat at the eat in kitchen nook sipping their coffee in comfortable silence. Maggie couldn't figure out why she felt so comfortable or safe around vampires. And they were not just any vampires, they were Originals for crying out loud!

"What is on your mind, my dear?" he asked quietly.

"A lot has happened in the last few weeks," she replied. "I feel like something big is coming and I'm not sure what it is or how to stop it."

"Your intuition is telling you this?" he asked curiously.

"Yes," she said, looking him straight in the eye. "Something very big is coming and all I can feel is dread. Old enemies, perhaps former allies are going to make a move," she murmured looking off into the distance.

"And here I thought you were not an oracle." Kol said coming into the room. "What else can you tell us, darling?"

Davina came into the room with her latest sketch of what she was seeing. Marcel looked at it in confusion, but the Originals recognized their first sires and looked at Maggie. They nodded to one another and decided to leave that for after today to make arrangements and plans to deal with the incoming threat of their first turned. Nothing and no one was going to threaten or harm their family or mates.

It was an hour later that Rebeka returned with Jesse and two of her companions. They brought with them a number of grimoires and other items that may be necessary for the ritual. Maggie embraced her mother and held onto her tightly. Her mother's friends Danielle and Jade smiled and hugged her as well. They had mentored her in her early teens as she was coming into more of her powers.

Jesse pulled out a pouch and handed it to Maggie. Maggie carefully opened the pouch and poured the contents into her hand. There were two necklaces within. One was a talisman, imbued with powers from the covens in Salem to aid her. The other was a cloaking talisman, to protect and hide both her and her future children from harm.

Jesse took both of the necklaces from her and placed them on the table. Taking out her athame, she nicked her thumb and dropped some of her blood on the clasps. She repeated the action with Maggie as well. Both Elijah and Klaus volunteered their own blood as well to help bind and seal the necklaces on her. Once this was done her mother cast a spell over them that would not allow them to forcibly be taken from her or to be used against her. Then she put the necklaces on Maggie, telling her to never take them off.

Jesse then took some of Maggie's blood in preparation for the ritual. Maggie decided to get some fresh air and took a walk outside. She was not paying attention to her surroundings and didn't hear the growl until it was too late. She felt the heavy weight hit her and the agonizing feeling of teeth slicing through her skin.

Her scream alerted the others that something was wrong and the Mikaelsons blurred to her side. Klaus and Elijah showed no mercy to the wolves that had shown up. They were quickly dispatched and torn to pieces within seconds. However, Maggie was badly wounded and bleeding heavily.

Elijah scooped her up and raced her into the house. Both he and Klaus tore into their wrist, each of them giving her some of their blood to heal her. She drifted in and out of consciousness as they watched her body heal. They were trembling in rage as they looked at their vulnerable and injured mate.

"We need to wait until the injuries are fully healed before doing the ritual," her mother said quietly. "I've put the she-wolf deeper under and checked that the baby is fine."

"I understand," Klaus said softly. "Thank you for everything and I'm sorry that she was injured while here."

"It was not your fault that she was attacked by wolves here," Jesse argued. "I'm sure you can understand that I would do anything for my child. With that said I am very much aware of what and who you are to her." Jesse said addressing both Klaus and Elijah Mikaelson. "Cherish and respect her, guard her and honor her, love her and protect her and we will have no issues. I love my daughter more than anything else in this world. I'm trusting her with you."

"You have our word," Elijah said to Jesse with complete honesty. "Forever and always."

Jesse stared at them both and nodded slowly. "Then we have an understanding. Please do not hurt her. Her father leaving us hurt her far more than she likes to let on. She's strong, unbelievably so, but she is also very vulnerable and fragile."

"We are not easy men," Klaus said, looking at his mate's mother. "However, she will want for nothing. She is our everything. Yes we may have children and we will cherish and love them. But mates are rare and sacred."

Jesse smiled at them both, "Yes they are and she is lucky to have you. However, how she will be able to handle two is something I am not even sure. She has never had a serious relationship before so tread carefully with her."

"She's never had a boyfriend?" Davina asked in shock.

"We moved when she was fairly young after her father left us." Jesse explained. "She has a hard time trusting most people. Plus with all of her training and duties with learning from the covens, she did not really have time."

Both Klaus and Elijah swallowed thickly. If they were understanding Jesse correctly, Maggie was innocent and untouched. They would love and cherish her regardless, but if that were the case it appealed to their inner beasts that they often had to keep at bay.

Maggie groaned softly, opening her eyes and looked around the room. She saw that she was in the house once more and safe. Sitting up gingerly, she allowed both Elijah and Klaus to help her sit up on the sofa. They appeared to be checking her over for injuries carefully.

"What the heck happened?" she asked hoarsely.

"Wolves, love." Klaus said through gritted teeth. "They appear to be members of the Crescent Pack, Hayley's pack. Don't worry, love they've been taken care of and we will make sure that the rest pay."

"How are you feeling?" Jesse asked, kneeling in front of her only child.

"I'm okay," Maggie replied. "A little tired and a little sore, but I feel pretty good considering."

"I think we should proceed with the ritual as soon as possible," Danielle said quietly, while Jade nodded in agreement. "We should not delay any longer in case the rest of the pack retaliates."

"In light of recent developments and information we will need both Klaus and Elijah's blood for the ritual." Jesse said, looking her daughter in the eye.

"What information?" Maggie asked carefully.

"Bloody hell," Klaus muttered under his breath while running his hand through his hair.

"Yesterday you claimed that we were yours," Elijah said softly. "You were far more accurate than you knew. Love, you're our mate. Because of this both of our blood will be needed for the ritual to be successful."

"What?!" Maggie asked wide eyed. "How can I possibly have two mates? Is that even possible? A triad?"

"Calm, love." Klaus said, taking her hand in his own. "While unconventional and rare it is possible. Triads do not occur often, but have been known to take place."

"Right," she wheezed, flushing hotly. "Mates, got it."

"Do you need a moment?" Elijah asked.

"No, but we will be talking about this later." Maggie said in a soft tone. "There's a lot that we need to discuss about all of this and now is not the time to do it."

"Of course," both Elijah and Klaus replied with grins.

Jesse and her two friends along with Maggie and Davina drew the runes on the floor with chalk and cast the salt circle. Sage was being burned to allow for privacy and cleanse out any and all negativity. Both Maggie and Hayley were laid within the circle and the other witches stood at the compass points and began chanting. Jesse dropped herbs within the chalice that held the blood of Maggie and her mates.

Once a thick vapor began emitting from the chalice, Maggie was given its contents to drink and put under a mild sleep spell to keep her sedated. Hayley began thrashing as the chanting continued, while Maggie began breathing heavily. The lights flickered and the candles in the room began to spark. In the distance thunder rolled and lightning arced in the skies. The winds picked up, howling in protest, but the four witches continued.

A dark brown earthy cloud rose from Hayley's abdomen and swirled above them before shooting outside and dropping to the ground. As it seeped in the ground trembled and the house rocked on its foundation. The chanting continued and a bright light rose from Hayley and slowly floated above Maggie. Their voices rose as the light floated down and faded into Maggie's abdomen, the storm outside raged and their magic swirled, touching all of them. Once their chanting ceased, Hayley wailed one last time and fell silent.

Maggie stirred slowly and groaned, wrapping her arms around her middle wincing in discomfort. She felt full and achy. Her breasts felt heavy and tender and all around she felt different. A wave of nausea set in, causing her to whimper and clasp a hand over her mouth.

The witches closed the circle and Maggie raced down the hallway towards the bathroom before anyone could ask her what was wrong. She slammed the door shut and dropped before the toilet with barely a second to spare before her stomach heaved and emptied its contents, which were surprisingly clear of the ritual brew she had drunk.

Laying her head on her arms, she tried to catch her breath and not throw up again. Her deep breathing and silent mantra to not vomit was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. She knew without even asking that it was Klaus and Elijah wanting to know if everything was alright.

"Love?" Klaus asked, opening the door. "What do you need?"

"Are you alright, Maggie?" Elijah asked, pulling her hair back away from her face.

She just laid there pale and shaky. Klaus grabbed wash cloth and wet it with cool water before running it over her brow and the back of her neck. Maggie whimpered slightly and fought the tears that threatened to spill over.

"Maggie?" her mother asked, poking her head in. "Let me grab you a glass of water and some toast to help settle your stomach. Then we need to perform a spell to check on you and the baby. We have confirmed that Hayley is no longer pregnant and is starting to succumb to the poison that she ingested. The brown mist was the werewolf curse from Hayley and Hayley's genetics from the child being given back to nature, which allowed the spell to be completed successfully."

"Toast would be good," Maggie croaked. "I think it worked, mama. I can feel it."

Jesse left to get the toast and water for her daughter, while Danielle and Jade prepared an herbal tea that would help soothe her stomach. Klaus and Elijah hovered, unsure of how to help their little mate. They could hear the heartbeat of the child in her womb.

Maggie allowed them to help her up and leaned into them as they helped her walk back into the kitchen. They ushered her to a seat and sat beside her protectively. Their every instinct was screaming at them to protect her and keep her and the child safe.

"Well you're certainly showing signs and symptoms," Jade smirked. "If I'm not mistaken, you're going to need to go up a cup size or two soon. Plus you're showing."

Maggie looked down and realized that her mother's friend was indeed correct. She would need to get bigger bras in the very near future. Perhaps a trip for maternity clothes in general was not a bad idea as she noticed the swell of her lower abdomen.

Both Klaus and Elijah looked her over carefully and observed the changes in her body. Her breast had indeed begun to swell with the hormones, preparing to provide the baby with milk when the time came. Her hips had gotten slightly wider and she was showing a bump, which was noticeable on her slender body.

"The first spell will just be a simple spell confirming your pregnancy," Jesse smiled at her daughter. "The second spell will confirm the genetics of the pregnancy."

"Why the need for the second spell?" Elijah asked curiously.

"By removing Hayley's genetics, we inserted Maggie's." Jesse explained. "However, with your mating being a triad, the ritual had to be tweaked for that."

"What does that mean?" Klaus asked, trying to stem his temper.

"It means that the child could have characteristics of all of you," Jesse said quietly. "Or it could mean that there are now two children with each of you being the father of one of them."

"Fucking hell," Kol breathed.

Maggie's head dropped into her hands. Elijah's hand instinctively went to the nape of her neck where he rubbed the tension in her muscles, hoping to aleve it for her. Klaus looked at her quietly before taking one of her hands into his own.

Jesse sat across from Maggie and linked hands with Danniele and Jade. They chanted softly and had Maggie knick her thumb with the athame and drop her blood onto the parchment where the spell was traced onto it. Both Klaus and Elijah added their own blood to the parchment as well and they watched and waited.

The first spell caused a soft glow to emit from Maggie's abdomen. The second spell caused the blood on the parchment to move and swirl together before tracing a small family tree linking the names of Maggie to Klaus and Elijah. Below tier names dashed lines began to appear. One spot pooled below Klaus and a second pooled below Elijah's name. She was expecting twins, one for each of her mates.

Maggie breathed deeply before looking at them in shock. Her hands instantly went to cover her womb which were joined by Klaus and Elijah's hand over her own. Her mother smiled tearfully at her daughter and nodded.

"It worked," Jesse said with a smile. "You'll be safe, darling. I'll be moving here to help. Some of the covens will come as well. We won't let anything happen to you."

"Twins," Klaus breathed.

"A child," Elijah whispered emotionally. "We're going to be fathers."

Rebeka cried softly nearby, leaning into Marcel. Kol smiled genuinely towards his brothers, holding Davina against his side. For the time being all was well in the world. For just this instant they were happy and safe. They could prepare for whatever was to come.

Klaus scooped her up in his arms with Elijah at his side and strode out of the room. They made their way up the stairs to the room that she was staying in. Klaus walked towards the bed to set her down and Elijah shut the door before following.

"We appear to have a lot to talk about, dear one." Elijah said with a smile tugging at his lips.

"Yes we do." Maggie breathed tiredly. "You're both my mates and now I'm carrying twins, your children."

After placing Maggie in the center of her bed both Klaus and Elijah climbed in on each side of her. They both placed one of their large calloused hands on her bump over their children. Marveling at the sound of their children's heartbeats they lay there quietly for a few moments.

"Nothing will happen to any of you," Elijah said, looking into her eyes.

"This was not what I was expecting when the spirits came to me and told me to come to New Orleans," Maggie murmured softly. "I think my cousin and her friends are going to cause trouble for us and I'm not sure what to do about it. Caroline would never do anything to intentionally hurt anyone, but with the Salvatores and Bonnie bending over backwards for Elena it will most likely mean trouble."

"I'll slaughter them all," Klaus seethed. "Nothing will harm you or the children, love."

"You should rest," Elijah said, brushing her hair from her face.

"Can you stay?" she asked them quietly.

"Of course," Klaus said with a dimpled smile.

"Once you're asleep we will begin working on getting your schooling situation taken care of." Elijah added softly. "It may be best if you matriculate as an online student until all of this blows over. It would allow us to relocate anywhere in the world at a moment's notice."

"I trust you," she murmured, drifting off to sleep. "I know you'll keep us safe."

Klaus looked to his older brother and swallowed thickly. Neither of them had ever thought it possible to have children. While rare, mates were known in the supernatural community, but after one thousand years of roaming the earth they had given up hope of finding theirs. That they had found her and she was carrying their children was beyond anything they could have hoped or dreamed for.

"We will need to make contingency plans," Klaus said softly, looking down at Maggie. "I don't think keeping them here is safe. As much as I would love nothing more than to decimate everyone standing in our way here, I won't risk them."

"I can take them to one of our properties in Europe," Elijah said quietly. "Kol was already planning on getting them out of New Orleans after Davina is free of the covens and ancestral magic here."

"I fear that our enemies are moving against us," Klaus gritted out. "We will need to take out our first sires before they become an even bigger problem."

"Agreed," Elijah smirked darkly. "How would you like to take a trip to the Strix headquarters?"

"Why I would be delighted, brother." Klaus returned the dark look of promise and amusement.

Maggie fell into a deeper sleep and her mates reluctantly extracted themselves from her side. They returned downstairs where the others were still talking quietly. Marcel and Rebeka were standing together near the mantle. Kol and Davina were still sitting on the small sofa while Jesse and her friends were on the other.

"We need to start making plans and moves now," Klaus said, coming into the room.

"What did you have in mind?" Kol grinned devilishly.

"We need to hunt down Tristan, Aurora, and Lucien and remove their threat against us immediately." Elijah replied, straightening his cufflinks. "I know where to find the Strix and will take care of the situation personally."

"Right," Kol said, rubbing his hands together. "That leaves Lucien, who might I remind you I voted to gut instead of turn. I will gladly take care of that peasant."

"Aurora was my first sire," Rebeka said with a sneer. "I suppose that it is my responsibility to remove her as a problem. She always was a bit of a nuisance."

"Which leaves me," Klaus said lounging in one of the wing back chairs. "Marcel and I will clean up the mess here. The witches need to pay and the wolves, well as far as I'm concerned they're all dead and living on borrowed time."

"While I would love nothing more than to take over my city again," Klaus began looking at Marcel. "I do not want to fight you. None of us knew you were alive and would not have left you had we known. We love this city and it was our home for many years."

"I may have made myself king of this city," Marcel admitted. "However, it is your family's."

"You are family, Marcel." Klaus told him firmly. "Plus, if my sister has any say it would be official."

"What?" Rebeka breathed.

"We cannot deny you happiness, sister." Elijah said quietly. "We never should have to begin with. If it is still you wish then we will not stand in the way."

Rebeka blurred to her brothers and threw her arms around them. "Thank you," she breathed.

Marcel swallowed thickly and nodded. "New Orleans belongs to our family." he said firmly. "I just want my family back."

The group sat talking and going over their plans for the next few hours until Maggie awoke. Both Klaus and Elijah stood as they heard her stir. She entered the room and made her way towards the group before being ushered into the chair that Klaus had been sitting in.

"So what is the plan?" she asked with a yawn.

"Four more members of the Salem covens will be arriving in the next few weeks," Jesse told her daughter. "We will stay here with you and then stay with you until the threat has passed."

"Mom!" Maggie tried to disagree. "You can't just pack up everything and walk away from your lives!"

"And we aren't," Jesse tried to calm her daughter. "Honey, you're my daughter and I will do everything to ensure that you and my grandchildren are safe. The covens agree and will help. They volunteered, Maggie."

"You know when we told you to go out and see the world," Jade teased. "This was not quite what we had in mind. You're an overachiever, sweetheart. Mates and babies all at once."

"Jade!" Maggie whined. "It's not like I planned this! I knew you were trouble," she grumbled, pointing to Kol. "However, when I set out on this path I knew that I wouldn't and couldn't turn back, not when there were people that needed my help."

"Don't sound so thrilled about the situation, love." Klaus said sarcastically.

"Oh, hush." Maggie said softly. "I never said that I didn't want this. I just said that I didn't plan this or anticipate it."

Klaus gave her a dimpled grin and his expression cleared. Elijah chuckled beside her as he leaned against her chair. The pair of men that were mates hovered near her and she had a feeling that it was something that she would need to get used to. She also had a feeling that they would be overprotective towards her and their children.

"Right," Kol said with a mischievous grin. "Let's finalize plans shall we?"

"We will relocate after the New Year," Elijah said, looking Maggie in the eye. "After Davina is free of the covens and ancestral magics here, we will be going to Europe and one of our estates there."

"What about everything going on in Mystic Falls?" Maggie asked with wide eyes.

"It would appear that the idiots have already awoken Silas," Kol said through gritted teeth. "He's currently wreaking havoc there. Nik and I will be heading there tomorrow after we deal with the wolves of the Bayou."

"I'll be staying here with you," Elijah said quietly. "Marcel and I will be dealing with the other issues that have arisen within the city. You and Davina will be staying here with Rebeka and your mother."

Maggie nodded, knowing that disagreeing would be futile. It was a sound plan. She also knew that there was more to the plan or plans than what they were letting on, but they wanted to keep her and their children safe.

"Mama?" Maggie asked. "Did you bring what we would need to ground the magic and free Davina?"

"Yes, Maggie." Jesse replied with a reassuring smile. "The rest of the covens in Salem agreed with what we have come up with and what you outlined. Using the winter solstice we will be able to sever the connection and ground the excess magic permanently. However, it is going to require that we effectively ground all of their magic as a result. It will possibly start a war, but the covens at large agree that the Harvest goes against everything that we stand for. It was deemed a fitting punishment for the crimes."

"I see," Elijah said cautiously. "What will this mean for Maggie and the twins?"

"She will be unable to assist us personally," Jade answered. "We do not want anything to happen to them and we want to protect the knowledge of their existence from the covens here."

"Agreed," Klaus replied. "What I would like to know is how are we going to be able to keep their existence hidden?"

"The talisman that she is wearing cloaks the twins," Jesse replied. "As long as she wears it, the twins will be safe in the womb. Once they are born they will receive their own talismans, as will any other children that may come in the future."

"Easy there, mom." Maggie said shakily. "I'm currently expecting miracle twins. Let's get through this first before even contemplating more. Goodness!"

Davina giggled seeing the terrified and shocked look on the older girl's face. Kol looked at her with his eyebrow raised and she shrugged with a smile. She had promised to give Kol the same thing and was sure that Maggie's current pregnancy wouldn't be her last. Just as she was sure that she and Kol would not have just one child.

Maggie leaned her head back tiredly and took a deep breath. Her hands instinctively came to rest on her baby bump. Though she had only been pregnant for a few hours, she was actually about three months along. She only had about six months to prepare herself for the twins and everything that came after.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone began ringing. It was an annoying pop tune that Caroline loved, letting her know that it was her cousin calling. Drawing a deep breath she answered and heard her cousin's panicked voice on the other end. Apparently Silas was wreaking havoc, Bonnie had destroyed the Other Side and the town was being overrun by ghosts. Jeremy was dead and Elena had turned off her emotions.

In short Caroline sounded desperate for help. Maggie looked towards Kol and Klaus who both nodded and stood to leave the room. Maggie assured her that there would be help coming and that she just needed to trust her word. She assured her cousin that a couple of friends would be arriving in the morning and that they would help deal with the situation.

Elijah's phone went off and it turned out that Katerina was calling to make a deal regarding the cure. He looked at Klaus who reluctantly nodded, agreeing to give her the freedom she sought in return for the cure. Elijah told her as much and gave her an address in downtown New Orleans where she was to meet him as soon as possible.

Maggie looked at both of her mates and nodded. They needed to get the cure to ram it down Silas's throat to kill him and remove him as a threat. She didn't like having to deal with a doppelganger, much less Katerina Petrova in particular, but it was a necessary evil at this point.

The Mikaelson brothers stood, bidding the others goodbye and left to go handle the wolves and Katerina. Maggie went into the kitchen with her mother and Davina while Jade and Danielle went outside to set up a perimeter spell. There would be no repeat of the wolf attack.

As the group waited for the return of the Mikaelsons, Marcel left to go prepare for a party he was hosting that evening. He knew for a fact that he needed to keep up appearances. Rebeka told him that she would meet him there later once her brothers returned to stay with Maggie and Davina.

While they were waiting they felt a bump on the perimeter spell. Jesse immediately went to the front window and saw an unfamiliar witch probing the perimeter. She gave off a deceitful and malevolent feel. Rebeka watched from upstairs and got out her phone to call Klaus. The witch stayed, pacing the edge of the perimeter muttering to herself.

Kol and Klaus arrived with Elijah blurring into view from the opposite direction. The three of them converged on the witch and knocked her unconscious. Jesse had them tie her up where she fell and approached. Jade and Danielle followed her and sought the guidance of their spirits and the gods. This witch was not who she portrayed herself to be and sought to harm the Mikaelsons and their children.

"She means harm," Jade murmured. "She came here looking for Hayley I assume."

"We need to bind her," Danielle said quickly. "There is something off about her. The spirits mentioned someone named Celeste."

"Celeste?" Elijah demanded sharply. "Are you certain?"

"Yes," Jesse replied, glaring at the unconscious witch. "I'm assuming that you know her?"

"I knew a witch by that name three hundred years ago," he answered. "Niklaus allowed her to be rounded up and killed. She was a paramour of mine at the time. Her remains are buried not too far from here."

"We will need to consecrate them immediately." Jesse replied, looking at her nodding counterparts. "If we bind the remains, she will be tied to the earth and find her true death instead of taking over and possessing another witch."

The three witches went with Elijah to consecrate the remains. Kol stayed with the unconscious witch while Klaus went into the plantation house to check on Maggie and Davina. Rebeka went outside to stand guard over the witch with Kol.

"Are you alright, little witch?" Klaus asked, coming to stand beside Maggie.

"I'm fine," she replied with a smile. "Judging from the bloody look you're sporting you were successful in your endeavours?"

Flashing her a dangerous smirk, "They won't be a problem for any of us anymore." he answered.

"And what of Elijah's task?" she asked.

"I would assume he has the cure," Klaus said with a shrug. "Kol and I will bring it with us and give it to Silas."

The wind picked up outside and howled. There was a loud piercing wail and then silence. Maggie looked around in shock, feeling the magic swirl around them and Klaus crowded her taking a protective stance. The windows of the plantation as well as the doors flew open and Klaud pulled her with him to the ground, unsure of what was happening.

Just as quickly as it began it abruptly stopped. Their group trooped into the house dragging the unconscious witch behind them. Klaus tucked Maggie behind his back, shielding her from the unknown witch. But once he got a better look he snarled. This was Sabine!

"Is she dead?" he demanded. "She linked Sophie Devereaux to the baby!"

"Peace, Niklaus." Elijah said, taking off his suit jacket and rolling up his sleeves. "Celeste was possessing the witch and has been sent to her true death. Sabine will answer our questions." he tossed Klaus a crystal vial and nodded to him before crouching beside the witch in question.

Maggie tried to move, but Klaus countered her and kept her behind him. She tried to nudge him but then told her to stay put for the time being. Rolling her eyes she turned and went upstairs to her room in exasperation. And so it began, she thought to herself. The overprotectiveness was already starting, she snorted.

Climbing onto the large bed, she pulled out her laptop and logged into her school account. Soon enough she lost herself in submitting several of her assignments in hopes to complete the coursework for the semester as soon as possible. There really was too much to do. Sending off a few emails, she checked the rest of her assignments for the remaining months of the semester and rolled her eyes.

As a history major she had several research papers to put together as well as a series of quizzes and tests that would need to be taken before the winter break. A few of the quizzes could be completed online and she logged into the account to do so and easily completed them before submitting them. The tests would need to be administered in person.

It was a few hours later that her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she had lost track of time and was hungry. She looked around and realized that the sun had crossed the sky and it was the beginning of evening. Closing her computer, she put her things away and made her way downstairs.

Rather than turning towards the sitting room where it appeared everyone was still converging, she turned down the opposite hallway towards the kitchen. She began pulling out a few packages of chicken and the ingredients she needed and started to put together a meal. If she were being honest with herself she was very hungry.

Maggie didn't notice or ignored the others as they entered the room. She put the seasoned chicken in a baking pan and put it in the oven before chopping up vegetables to steam. Bustling around the kitchen she tried to figure out where everything was and lost herself in the task of putting together dinner.

Her face was flush from the heat of the steam. On another burner she had put on pasta, not sure what everyone else wanted to eat. She hummed quietly to herself as she stirred the pot. So lost in her task she was that she did not notice that both Klaus and Elijah were leaning against the kitchen island watching her carefully.

Both men knew that she was less than pleased with being kept out of the loop regarding Celeste and Sabine. They also knew that they wouldn't change their actions if it meant keeping their mate and children safe. However, they would need to talk about it and work through it as Maggie was clearly upset. She had spent hours in her room while they interrogated the witch.

"Maggie, love." Klaus called out to her. "I understand that you're upset, sweetheart. However, love, we needed to keep you safe, all three of you."

"I understand," she replied, looking at them. "I really do. I just don't want to be left out of the decisions and the planning."

"I cannot promise that you will agree with everything that we must do to keep you safe, to keep this family safe." Elijah replied, coming to stand beside her. "But we will let you know of the plan once there is one. We will also have you as part of that planning when you are not in danger."

"I can agree to that," she replied. "There is a lot that I can agree to and compromise with you about. But I do not want my choices taken from me. I want this to work between us, but in order for that to happen we need equal footing. I know that I'm human and a witch. However, I am your mate."

"You are, love." Klaus said, coming to her other side. "I will not apologize for keeping you safe. However, I will agree to have you be part of the decision making. I do not want to take your choices away from you. I just want you safe, Maggie. We need you safe," he stressed, meeting his brother's eye.

Sighing, Maggie nodded. "I know. I would never intentionally do anything to put the babies in danger. I will do everything that I can to protect them," she said earnestly.

"We know, dear one." Elijah said, pulling her into his arms.

Dropping a kiss on her brow, he looked to his brother and nodded. Their mate was young, just nineteen years old. She was new to relationships, but she was not asking for much from them, just an equal say. Though it may go against their nature and need to protect, it was not something that they could deny her.

Maggie sank into Elijah's embrace and breathed in his scent. It was uniquely him, very male and very much intoxicating. Klaus, not to be left out, crowded her from her other side. She trembled feeling him press against her and felt his warm breath against her ear.

"Why don't I finish up what you started?" Jesse offered. "It appears that the three of you have a lot to talk about."

Maggie pressed against both of their chests before taking their hands and leading them back up the stairs towards her room. She dropped their hands and walked to climb on her bed. They followed her and climbed beside her just sitting there. Both were pressed against her and she took comfort in their presence and physical contact.

"You have our undivided attention, love." Klaus teased.

"I just want us all to be on the same page," she said quietly. "I'm not sure how to make a relationship work, nevermind having two mates."

"We will take this at your pace, Maggie." Elijah said, tipping her chin towards him. "A mate is a gift that is treasured. That you carry our children, love is something we never dreamed to hope for."

Klaus placed his hand on her abdomen and looked down at where he heard the steady thrumming of the two heartbeats. He glanced at his brother then Maggie with a boyish grin on his face and shook his head.

"He's right, Maggie." Klaus said softly. "You lead us in this, love. We want the chance to get to know you and you to get to know us."

"That sounds like a good plan," Maggie said shyly. "I've never done any of this before, so I have no idea what I'm doing."

Klaus groaned while Elijah closed his eyes and swallowed thickly. She had just admitted to them her innocence and while it elated them, they knew that they would need to tread carefully. Both drew a cleansing breath and regarded their mate through hooded eyes. Everything in them was screaming at them to claim their mate but she was nowhere near ready for that yet. They would need to properly court and woo their little mate as she deserved.

"Alright, dear one." Elijah murmured quietly. "Allow us to court you, lovely."

Maggie's heart stuttered, causing them both to grin devilishly. She laughed nervously and looked at them while flushing slightly. Oh these two were intoxicating to be around. She felt safe between them, wrapped in their arms. The three of them lay there talking quietly until Jesse called them down for dinner.

Maggie blushed as she accepted both of their hands and they led her down to the formal dining room. Elijah held out her chair for her and pushed her in before taking a seat beside her while Klaus took her other side. It wasn't lost on the others in the room that Klaus and Elijah had placed her at the head of the table with them at each of her sides.

Maggie looked around the table and noticed the teasing smirk on her mother's face and flushed hotly. Kol raised his glass and winked at her while Davina giggled. Rebeka grinned and tried to smother her own amusement. This was going to be rather interesting, Maggie mused.

Before she could even lift her hand, she found her plate already loaded with far more food than she could ever eat in one day nevermind one sitting. She smothered a nervous laugh and noticed the smirks of amusement on both Klaus and Elijah's faces.

"You do realize that I won't ever be able to eat this much food?" she asked them.

"Well you are eating for three, love." Klaus teased.

"I'm being serious," Maggie protested with a laugh. "I cannot eat this much food."

Maggie shook her head at their teasing and took a bite. The meal was full of laughter and teasing. It was in this setting that she could see the humanity in them in this moment. She could see the familial bonds that started when they were human and grew as they walked the earth over the last one thousand years.

This is why she could not hate them. Seeing them like this, a family is why she could not hate them. She could hate their actions and many of the choices that they had made, but she could not hate them. They had not asked to be turned. They did not ask for an eternity of violence and craving blood, but it was what they got from their parents.

"Everything alright, love?" Klaus asked, looking at her curiously.

"I'm fine," she replied with a smile. "It's just nice to see everyone together, family."

"Family," he replied with a dimpled grin.

The rest of the evening passed relatively quickly. Elijah made a few calls and arrangements for Maggie to finish her semester online and for her to continue her education online for the foreseeable future. Klaus and Kol were making flight arrangements to head back to Virginia in the early morning. Klaus kept the cure on his person at all times and Kol kept close to his side.

Before he left in the morning he pulled Maggie aside. He promised her that he would be back as soon as possible and do whatever he could to keep her cousin safe. They were standing on the large wrap around porch of the plantation house and Kol was waiting in the car for him. Klaus went to leave but Maggie pulled him back and hugged him closely.

Klaus breathed her in and held her gently against his frame. He listened to the heartbeat of the children that she carried, of his child and took comfort knowing that they were alive and well. He kissed her brow and gently kissed her cheek before walking down the steps of the porch to the car.

Maggie wished that she had acted on her impulse to kiss him but it was too soon. She knew that they were her mates, but she didn't really know them all that well. Her hormones were all over the place and she wanted nothing more than to act on those hormones with both of her mates. However, her rational brain knew that it was far too soon.

Elijah found her shortly after and sat beside her on one of the chairs on the front porch. He had tried giving Niklaus privacy with Maggie during his goodbye. In this he and his brother were in agreement, they would not fight one another over her. She was both of theirs and so they would do everything in their power to ensure her happiness and safety.

"Good morning," Elijah greeted as he sat beside her.

"Good morning," she replied softly.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked her, glancing her over, searching for any sign that she felt unwell.

"I'm good," she laughed softly. "No morning sickness today, so I'm hoping that yesterday was a fluke or result of the ritual."

"I'm going to be meeting with Marcel in a few hours," Elijah told her. "I will have my phone with me. If anything happens you will be able to reach me."

"We will be fine here, Elijah." she laughed. "I'm going to be here with your sister and four other witches. I will be fine."

"I cannot help but worry, love." he looked at her. "I know that this is not easy for you and it all happened so suddenly. But we will do everything in our power to ensure your happiness and safety."

"I know it's all happening quickly," she told him. "I also know that I am now carrying your children and that both of you are my mates. It's a lot to take in, but I also accept it."

"We meant what we said," he assured her. "We are going to take this at your pace. We are taking the lead from you on this, lovely."

"That's not intimidating at all," she said dryly.

Elijah chuckled, his sweet innocent little mate. Yes he and Klaus would make sure that she was cared for. He looked over at her and found her blushing brightly. He grinned mischievously at her. She really was a lovely young woman and it thrilled him to no end that she was his mate and the mother of his unborn child.

"Come, lovely." he said, holding out his hand. "Let's get you something to eat for breakfast and perhaps we can talk."

"What about?" Maggie asked curiously.

Elijah led her into the house with his hand resting on the small of her back. "Anything and everything, Maggie." he teased. "I want to know more about you, my dear."

Maggie and Elijah entered the kitchen and sat down together. They were eventually joined by the others. Elijah was charming and devastatingly handsome. Maggie laughed with him and just found it so easy to just be with him. With others he gave off an aloofness, but with his family and with her he seemed to let them see him, truly see him.

Elijah's phone pinged and he glanced down. "Excuse me, I need to take this." he said leaving the room.

Maggie watched him go and knew that he would need to leave soon to meet with Marcel. She sat talking to Rebeka, finding the blonde sister of her mates to be funny and sweet in her own way. Sure she was fierce and had a bit of a badass herself. Maggie knew that given time, she and Rebeka could become friends.

Elijah returned and told them that he needed to meet with Marcel. Rebeka and the rest of the women spent the day pouring over grimoires putting together a ritual for Davina. The winter solstice was just under two months away. They had to make sure that they had everything in place ahead of time and that they slowly procured everything needed for it. They did not want to tip their hand to the French Quarter coven. The element of surprise was their best bet with this plan.

Later that evening Elijah returned. He and Marcel had begun setting up the groundwork to take out the French Quarter coven completely. Marcel and his guys would be staying in the city. The Mikaelsons would pop in as much as possible, but they were going to lay low with Davina and Maggie at the plantation.

As it closed in on eight o'clock, Kol called and gave them an update. They were reluctantly working with the misfit group from Mystic Falls to bring down Silas. Klaus and Kol would intervene when Bonnie used Expression to put Silas down. They would pin Silas and ram the cure down his throat, not that the others knew that they had it.

Shortly after Maggie received a phone call from her cousin who was shrieking at her angrily for sending Kol and Klaus. "This is your help?" she demanded. "The Originals, Maggie? Seriously? I wanted your help and you sent them knowing everything?"

"Caroline!" Maggie shouted. "Shut up for one second! I sent them because I cannot go against an immortal. I'm a witch, but I'm only one person and I'm human. With Bonnie tapping into Expression it's too dangerous for me to be around. It's dark magic, Caroline! It goes against everything that I believe and stand for."

Maggie heard the others shouting on the phone in the background and ground her teeth hearing the voices of the Salvatores and Elena Gilbert. She took a calming breath, knowing that they would hear her. She could not give them a hint or clue about things and had to keep calm.

"Listen, Caroline." Maggie said quietly. "I know you all have a history with them, I get it. But I consulted with mom and the coven and it was the best solution that we could come up with. If you idiots hadn't woken Silas and gone after the cure you wouldn't be in the situation that you're in now. I'm sorry if that pisses you off or upsets you, but actions have consequences. You'll have to own up to and live with all of yours. I love you Caroline, but I hate your friends and everything that they've put you through and dragged you into."

"Maggie!" Caroline gasped.

"No, Caroline!" she seethed. "Why the fuck does Elena fucking Gilbert deserve the cure more than anyone else? You didn't ask to be a fucking vampire and yet there you are, turned to get back at her and her vampire boy toys she can't make her mind up about. So why is she so much more deserving? You know she's always been a manipulative, selfish little twat. If she hates being a vampire so much she should take off her fucking ring and walk into the sun or stake herself! The only reason anyone even went to help is for you and to keep the problems there, in Mystic Falls isolated."

Maggie heard the shouts of disagreement and answering snarls to her words. She knew that she was pissing them off, but what did they expect? She didn't owe them anything and now had far bigger problems to worry about.

"I'm sorry, Caroline." Maggie said, taking a breath. "I've done all I can. You just have to work together and figure out how to take down Silas as soon as possible."

Maggie and her cousin hung up on tense terms, but she knew it was more to do with her cousin's friends' reactions than anything. She really did hate Elena Gilbert, always had and probably always would.

"Tell us how you really feel about things, darling." Rebeka teased, looking at her brother.

"It would seem, love, that your cousin and company are not a fan of your opinions." Elijah said with a smirk.

"They rarely are," was her dry reply.

They spent the rest of the evening talking quietly. Elijah later carried Maggie up to her room after she fell asleep on a grimoire. He carefully put her under the covers and tucked the blankets over her. Dropping a kiss on her brow he left the room and went down the hall to his own suite of rooms.

For the next couple of weeks they were all tense and waiting to hear from Klaus and Kol who had gone radio silent. They wanted to make sure that the Mystic Falls group was unaware of their connection with Maggie. Everyone else left at the plantation kept busy with preparations for the ritual and dealing with the issues within New Orleans.

Marcel had reached out to the other covens regarding the Harvest ritual and Reaping. He told them that if they were to turn against the French Quarter coven and help end the killing of innocent witches for power, then they could hold more power and practice more magic. He was willing to even sign a binding agreement of truce.

The wolves or what was left of them left the area completely. After the death of Hayley and the majority of their pack they had fled. Attacking the Mikaelsons was a risk and they paid dearly for it. When they had been found by the Mikaelson brothers the following day, they learned of Hayley's planned abortion and poisoning of herself and her child. It was then that they knew that they had made a mistake. The only wolf scent around the property was that of Klaus. As far as any of them knew both Hayley and her child died when she tried to poison and abort the child.

There were other packs nearby but none in the Quarter. They were willing to make a deal with Marcel and the others in return for taking over the Crescent Pack territory and having more of a say. It was a tenuous agreement, but they were willing to work together for peace. Elijah and Marcel were making progress trying to restore peace within New Orleans.

Finally the fateful call came the week before Thanksgiving. Silas had been killed by Klaus and Kol with the help of Bonnie Bennet. Bonnie was now the anchor to the Other Side. The cure had been rammed down Silas's throat, thus ending the squabble over who got to have it. The Salvatores and Elena were furious, but there was nothing that they could do.

Caroline tried batting her eyes at Klaus, who rolled his eyes at her and brushed her off, leaving Mystic Falls. His reaction baffled them, but they didn't question it. However, when they went to leave, Kol issued a parting warning. He told the Salvatores and Elena if he ever saw any of them again, he'd kill them.

It was later that evening that they discovered that Damon Salvatore had mysteriously disappeared. Elena was beside herself in concern and grief. They wanted to blame Klaus and Kol but they had left hours before. However, what the Mystic Falls group did not know is that they had compelled him to leave and head south.

Maggie waited on the front porch for Klaus to return. When he was gone she felt like part of her was missing. She adored Elijah and treasured their time together, but she knew that their bond was drawing them all together. In his absence, she missed him a great deal.

Klaus hopped from the SUV laughing with Kol as they made their way towards the porch. He grinned at Maggie and made his way to her side instantly. Pulling her into a hug he breathed her in and listened to the heartbeats of the children that she carried.

"How are you, love?" he asked softly.

"I missed you," she replied shyly.

Klaus held her close and looked down at her with affection shining in his eyes. "I missed you too," he breathed. "What'd we miss here?"

He drew her towards one of the chairs and pulled her onto his lap. Klaus needed to feel her close. He had not been lying when he admitted to missing her as well. Breathing much easier, he drew comfort in holding her once more, knowing that she and their children were safe from Silas at the very least.

Elijah had joined them on the porch when Kol had come in and gone straight to Davina. He sat on a nearby chair and smiled as his brother held their mate. He didn't begrudge him this time, afterall he had Maggie to himself for a few weeks. It was only right that Klaus had time with her as well.

"I believe that we all have some catching up to do." Elijah said with a smirk. "I will be leaving in a few days to take care of the Strix."

"Will it be safe for you?" Maggie asked in alarm.

"I will be taking Kol with me," Elijah assured her. "Besides, it will give you and Niklaus some time to get to know one another as well."

Both Maggie and Klaus understood what he was saying. Maggie breathed a sigh of relief that they were all trying to make their situation work for all of them. But there was part of her that was concerned regarding the Strix. They were deadly and resourceful.

"Be that as it may, brother." Klaus began quietly. "If you have need of me, I shall be there. They are a threat to all of us."

"I understand," Eljiah nodded gratefully. "If the need is there I will make sure to reach out to you, but I believe that Kol and I will be able to handle it."

Maggie snuggled against Klaus's chest as the three of them sat talking. She could feel the bond between them strengthening and settling with each passing day. The more time that they spent together the tighter the tether and stronger the bond. She took comfort in knowing that and feeling it grow.

As the days passed she grew closer with all of the Mikaelsons, including Marcel and Davina. They were an extended part of the family, especially with their bonds with Kol and Rebeka. Her mother and her coven friends were slowly gathering and getting everything ready. Steadily over the passing weeks the four members of the Salem coven that was joining them arrived and began to integrate with the group.

While normally witches didn't get along with vampires, these witches did so for the sake of two of their own. Maggie and Davina were mates of the Mikaelson brothers. They brought balance to them and nature. Any future children they had would also help to ground the Mikaelsons further, bringing them closer to their humanity. Not all witches agreed, but it was mainly the fanatical outliers that believed in getting rid of all vampires. They didn't fully understand it would disrupt the balance of things. After one thousand years eradicating a species suddenly would throw everything into turmoil.

The weeks blurred until it was the week of the solstice. Maggie was reaching the halfway mark of her pregnancy and would find out the gender of her children after the ritual to save Davina. Everything was ready and they put the finishing touches on everything that they would need. The day before the ritual they would be taking out the last of the elders of the French Quarter coven. Once this was done there would be no elder left to try to take the powers of Davina or any other girl.

As embarrassing as it was for Maggie to admit it, she was constantly sexually frustrated. She read that the second trimester often had a side effect of an increased libido, but for a virgin it was infinitely so. When you factor in two incredibly sexy mates that doted on her it made it more difficult for her. If she were being honest she was going out of her mind.

However, she was not sure how to bring it up to either of them. She was more than a little embarrassed by her constant state of arousal around them. They wanted to go at her pace to build a relationship with her but she was beginning to think that she was going to combust from sexual frustration.

The night before the ritual she decided to draw a bath for herself in hopes of relaxing a bit. She was not being allowed to participate in the ritual for fear of the children and herself. She added a bath bomb to the water of the claw foot tub and tested the temperature.

Walking around the bathroom she lit a few candles and opened the window of the bathroom to let in the night breeze. Once the water was at a level that would cover her without overflowing the tub, she eased into the water and sighed in relief. The water allowed the pressure of the twins to float and eased the strain of her muscles.

Maggie must have dozed as she woke up to her name being called from beside her. Blinking her eyes open she found both Elijah and Klaus kneeling beside the tub looking at her with eyes darkened with arousal. She didn't bother covering herself as they apparently already had an eyeful.

"What time is it?" she asked sleepily.

"It's almost nine," Elijah replied huskily. "We thought you were sleeping, but when you weren't in your bed we came to investigate."

"The water must be cold, love." Klaus all but purred.

"I took a bath to relax a bit," she murmured. "It definitely helped and worked. I didn't realize how sore my back was."

Elijah ran a calloused finger down her cheek and smirked when he heard her pulse jump. "Why don't we get you out of the tub and into bed?" he suggested. "You should get some more rest."

"We brought you a plate of food," Klaus said, looking at her body hungrily. "We realized you hadn't come down to dinner and thought you might want something."

Maggie sat up in the tub, still covered by the water but her swollen breasts were quite buoyant in the water. Her hair though damp was piled on top of her head in a messy cluster of blonde curls. To them she looked utterly delectable.

Reaching over, Elijah held up a large fluffy towel for her. Raising an eyebrow in challenge, he waited to see what she would do. Klaus seemed to be waiting in bated breath as well. Not one to cower from a challenge, Maggie used her hands to pull herself up in the tub to stand.

Both of her mates instantly had their hands on her forearms to assist her and steady her. Before she could blink she was lifted from the tub and wrapped in the towel. Klaus grabbed a second towel to help dry her. Their ministrations were gentle and unhurried. They were looking over her curved body in awe.

Paying special attention to her abdomen, their warm calloused hands often stopped to feel their children moving there. When they were done drying her, they ushered her to her room and laid her on her bed before climbing in beside her. She hoped that this was when their relationship would change and progress.

"Love," Klaus said in a gruff and strained voice. "You're going to have to tell us now if this is not what you want."

"Let us love you, Maggie." Elijah murmured against the skin of her naked shoulder. "Let us take care of you."

Maggie gasped as she nodded and suddenly she was swept away. There were hands and mouths everywhere it seemed and she sobbed in relief as they brought her from one peak to the next. Klaus knelt behind her as Elijah pressed into her front. She felt their arousals pressing firmly and hotly against her skin.

She was a trembling mess of hormones by the time she was laid gently back against the sheets with Elijah cradled between her thighs. Somehow the decision had been made that he would be her first as he had more control over himself. Klaus feared that he would be too rough with her in her state.

Maggie gasped and gripped Elijah's shoulder tightly as he pressed and finally stopped fully sheathed within her. He waited on trembling forearms allowing her to adjust, gritting his teeth against the fluttering of her virgin channel clenched around his shaft. Finally she shifted her hips and he groaned, dropping his head on her shoulder and began to move.

He tried to reign himself in, to hold his inner beast in check but the feel of her was almost too much for him. Hiking her legs up over his hips he moved deeper in her, bringing them closer and closer to the precipice. Maggie mewled as he hit a spot inside that had her seeing stars. He felt her gripping him and almost there, aiming for that spot repeatedly as his pace staggered while he fought off his own release.

Tilting her head to the side Maggie fell over the edge in a silent scream. Elijah groaned and leaned in, marking her offered neck, claiming her as he reached his own climax. They rode out the wave together and Elijah rolled to the side, bringing her with him so as not to fall on her abdomen.

"Fucking Hell," Klaus whispered hoarsely.

Maggie trembled against Elijah as she slowly came down from her orgasm. However, Klaus's hands soon began shaping her body again. Her body, still not over the pleasure she felt heated swiftly as Klaus brought her to her knees and pressed into her from behind. Elijah helped steady her to keep the weight off her abdomen as Klaus pressed into her channel from behind teasingly a little more with each thrust.

By the time he was pressed in fully, Maggie's legs trembled as she fought off her orgasm. Klaus clenched his teeth, willing himself to be gentle with his inexperienced mate. As this was only her first night of doing this, he fought to steady himself and keep his beast at bay. His hands though firm, were surprisingly gentle as they shaped her body and gripped her hips.

Soon they were both panting heavily and groaning as Maggie was fighting the losing battle. Klaus urged her on, all but begging her to let go. Elijah was beside her, murmuring to her encouragingly and praising her as she finally gave in. Unconsciously, she bared the other side of her neck for Klaus to mark her, which he did willingly and lovingly as they both crested over the edge.

Maggie was gently laid back on the bed as Elijah brought a cloth to clean her gently. They both ran soothing hands over her body, calming her and murmuring to her lovingly. Each of them bit their wrists and had her drink a few pulls of blood from each of them to soothe any aches and discomfort.

"I love you," she murmured sleepily.

She fell asleep with both of them wrapped around her and their hands resting over their children in her womb. She felt safe and whole, she felt content. Her mates fell asleep with her, breathing in their mixed scents, knowing that she had now been claimed and marked for all to see. She was theirs and hopefully someday she would change for them as their mate eternity would mean little without her.

The following morning Maggie awoke to feeling both Elijah and Klaus pressed against her. Their naked flesh brushed against hers causing her womb to clench in anticipation. Both male groaned and breathed against their respective marks causing her body to tremble. However, their focus abruptly switched when they felt their babies moving in her womb.

Maggie was rolled onto her back asn both men knelt beside her and placed their hands on her bump. In just two days they would find out the gender of their children and they could not wait. Both males were puffing out their chests thinking that they would have sons, but Maggie secretly thought that at least one of the babies was a girl. It would serve them right if they were girls.

"What has you grinning so, lovely?" Elijah asked teasingly.

"Just wondering what you would do if they were both girls?" she asked softly.

"If we are blessed with daughters," Klaus said quietly. "Then we will love and cherish them. Sons would be welcome, but if we were to have daughters, love, we would adore them as we do their mother."

Maggie blinked back tears and smiled at them. She knew that they would all be happy regardless of the gender. They just wanted the children to be healthy. Finally her stomach grumbled embarrassingly and she was helped up and dressed. The tray from the night before had been long forgotten and Klaus carried it back down stairs as Elijah swept her up in his arms and blurred her into the kitchen.

Maggie blushed as she saw the knowing glances sent her way from the other residents. Kol and Rebeka smiled warmly at her and welcomed her as their sister. She hugged her mother who just shook her head and winked at her only child. Davina hugged her, having gone through similar reactions just a few days prior when Kol had claimed her.

They sat down and ate a quiet breakfast as a family. Jesse and her covenmates had prepared the ceremonial site the day before. After breakfast they went out to the ceremonial circle that they had prepared out in the yard to check it. The began the painstaking process of tracing the runes into the ground.

The day passed quickly and soon the sun was beginning to set. Marcel had arrived and waited outside the circle with Maggie and the Mikaelsons. Kol waited until the last minute before entering the circle with his young mate. The coven at first wanted to protest, but realized that he would be able to help anchor her and she could channel him to dispel the Harvest magics.

As the moon rose in the sky they began the ritual. The coven was in the circle chanting softly and the ground trembled. Maggie watched in wide eyes as thunder rolled in the distance. Magic seemed to charge the air as the chanting continued. Kol held Davina to his chest as they knelt in the center of the circle, lending her his support and whatever strength he could.

Maggie felt helpless as she watched, but knew she could not risk the babies. As if sensing her thoughts, Klaus and Elijah wrapped their arms around her as they watched their brother and his mate fight against the Harvest magic.

As the moon crested in the sky their chanting rose in earnest. Magic poured out of Davina in waves, swirling around them and flowing into nature. Each of the Elements was drawing from her as she was 'gifting' the magic back to nature.

Kol cried out in alarm as Davina slumped against him, but remained in place, knowing that the circle needed to be closed and the ritual finished. He poured the mixture in the chalice into his mate's mouth and massaged her throat to swallow it. Her back arched and her eyes glowed white before she fell back against him and the chanting ceased.

Jesse quickly closed the circle and went to check on Davina. Kol bit back a snarl at the approach of others, but allowed them to run diagnostic spells over his unconscious mate. His inner beast was chomping at the bit to protect his vulnerable mate.

"She is fine," Jesse said reassuringly. "Just in a deep healing sleep now. With your bond you were able to help her anchor herself while releasing the Harvest magic back into Nature. She will be fine and free now. In the morning when she is awake we can claim her to our coven so that they cannot come for her."

"Thank you," Kol said gruffly.

"No thanks needed," Jesse smiled tiredly. "As a witch it is my honor and duty to help a sister witch in her time of need. That she is a friend of my daughter and now family to her, makes her my family as well."

Kol nodded before standing, cradling Davina to his chest gently. He glanced to the others before blurring away to the rooms that he now shared with Davina. Until she was fully healed he would not be letting anyone else near her unless absolutely necessary. Such was the way with mates.

Maggie allowed herself to be led up to her rooms where her mates stripped her of her clothes and laid her on the bed. While they would love nothing more than to worship her body once more they knew that she needed rest. It was a long and tiring day, an emotional day for everyone.

The following morning Maggie awoke to the sun streaming in her room. Her bed was empty, but she heard the others in the house in the dining room talking. As she was sitting up to get up Elijah entered the room and crossed to her side. He helped her to dress and blurred her into the dining room before gently placing her at the head of the table.

Breakfast was a quiet but light affair. Everyone was buzzing with the excitement of the success of the ritual the night before. Klaus entered the room, dropping a kiss on Maggie's brow before taking the vacant seat on her other side. Elijah piled her plate high with food, despite her protests.

After breakfast Maggie and her mates left to head to her appointment. She let them plop her into the back of the SUV and grinned as she watched them interact. Though theirs was an unusual relationship, she could see that the triad was slowly healing the wounds of their brotherhood. Their relationship as brothers had suffered over the centuries and Maggie hoped that the three of them being together would help to fully heal them all.

Her doctor was well known in the supernatural community and was known for her digression. She was ushered into the room with her two mates trailing behind her protectively. Maggie smiled softly watching them scan the area for threats, something they seemed to do unconsciously.

Maggie climbed on the table and pulled her shirt up. With Klaus on one side and Elijah on the other, they watched and waited. The gentle thump thump of their children's heartbeats was amplified and they all had suspiciously wet eyes at the sound.

"Do you want to know what you're having?" the ultrasound tech asked with a smile.

"Yes, please." Maggie breathed.

"Baby A is a girl and Baby B," she paused, moving the ultrasound wand. "Is also a little girl. Congratulations!"

Maggie had tears in her eyes as she laughed at the stunned and awestruck looks on the faces of Klaus and Elijah. She happily took the ultrasound pictures that were printed as her mates sat looking a bit overwhelmed. When they finally seemed to catch back up they both hugged her tightly and breathed in her scent.

"Daughters," they breathed.

The triad made their way back to the plantation without any trouble. Maggie could not stop staring down at the grainy pictures in her hands. She was having daughters! It was wonderful news that she knew that her covenmates would love to hear. Not to mention that the rest of the Mikaelsons would be thrilled, especially Rebeka.

Elijah and Klaus walked with her protectively between them. Finding out that they were having daughters seemed to shift something in them. Something on a primal level rose up within them and had their protective natures screaming. They were human at a time where females were protected. Their sister had been doted on by all of them, and they were sure that their daughters would be the same.

Maggie was bursting as she walked in the house. Klaus and Elijah were watching her with smiles tugging at their mouths. The family was waiting in the large sitting room off of the dining room. She walked towards one of the open chairs and sat down. Elijah walked to pour himself a drink and Klaus sat on the arm of her chair.

"Well don't keep us waiting!" Rebeka said.

Maggie looked up at Klaus with a grin and turned to smile widely at Elijah. Both males returned her smile with happy grins of their own. To their family it was the closest that they had looked to being human in a very long time. They could not remember being this happy or content in a very long time.

"We're having girls!" Maggie laughed softly. "Twin girls!"

The room erupted with cheers and laughter. Maggie was immediately hugged by her mother who had tears of joy in her eyes. Rebeka and Davina approached as well. Kol clapped his brothers on their shoulders before gently hugging Maggie. Marcel nodded to her and hugged Klaus.

"Wonderful!" Rebeka laughed, "It will be nice to have more girls in the family!"

"How are you feeling, Maggie?" Jesse asked her daughter.

"I feel content," she replied with a soft smile. "I am completely elated that we're having daughters. I would have been happy with either gender, but as a witch there is something special about having the next generation of witches."

"Are you tired?" Klaus asked, running a finger down her cheek.

"I'll take a nap later," she replied, leaning into the hand that was now cupping her cheek.

"Now that we've gotten everything taken care of here," Elijah said, leaning against the other side of her chair. "We will be making the final arrangements to leave the country as soon as we can. Your next courses for school will be online and you can learn remotely. We need to get all of you to safety as quickly as we can. Silas, the Strix, as well as our first sires are gone now. Davina is now part of the coven that you and your mother have formed with your allies. It is time to move."

Maggie nodded and took his free hand into hers. "After the New Year, right?" she asked. "That was the plan or do we need to leave sooner?"

"I know that we had said after the New Year, love." Elijah murmured, kissing her knuckles. "But we should move before our enemies have a chance to regroup."

"We can have everything packed in the next day or two," Rebeka told them. "Where is our destination?"

"I'm thinking that our estate in the Highlands of Scotland would be ideal." Elijah told his sister. "It will be remote enough to give us the much needed privacy we seek. It will also ensure the safety and cloaking of our mates and daughters."

"I'll have word sent to have the building prepared," Klaus said, standing and taking out his phone.

He left the room, dropping a kiss on Maggie's brow before he went to his study. Elijah held out his hand to help her stand. His hand rested securely and protectively on her waist as he led her into the kitchen. He poured her a glass of water and grabbed her a small snack before leading her up to what had become their room. She now shared her room with her mates every night.

Elijah helped her sit on the settee in the room and took her shoes off, rubbing her feet. She sighed in appreciation, feeling the ache in her feet dissolving. After finishing her snack Elijah stripped them both and laid her gently in the center of the bed. He climbed in after and wrapped his body around hers protectively. She sighed tiredly and closed her eyes. His strong arms were wrapped around her and his warm calloused hands rested on the bump of her womb where their daughters were nestled safely.

"Sleep, elska." Elijah murmured. "We will make sure that everything is taken care of. We can celebrate Christmas in our home in Scotland, darling."

A short while later, Klaus entered the room and shucked his own clothes, climbing to the other side of the bed. Maggie slept for a few hours, protectively wrapped in the arms of her mates. For the time being they were safe and everything was peaceful for their growing family. They would all do everything in their power to ensure that it remained that way.