"Well, look who's up?" Elijah said cheerfully as Selina dragged herself into the kitchen. She was clad in slippers and a large t-shirt that almost swallowed up her small frame. "Good morning!"

"Good morning," she managed to get out, even though she was really only half awake. "I smell coffee. I smell bacon. I smell eggs. I smell potatoes."

"I'm sorry," Elijah apologized with a blush. He'd meant to make them as a treat for her, but then he remembered that all the strong smells might make her ill. "Are you feeling sick? Should I get you some clear soda?"

"No, no," she shook her head and held an empty plate out. "Fill it up please. I meant to eat when I got home from the hospital yesterday, but I was just...so tired..."

"Yes, I know," Elijah grinned. "I thought you'd just fall asleep like that." He filled up a plate for her. "I thought you'd be hungry which is why I got up and cooked all this for you." He then filled her coffee cup up too. "It's decaf, don't worry."

"Of course it is," Selina grinned and took a sip. "I know you wouldn't give me anything else when I'm pregnant. You take such good care of me! And you're so careful." She stood up and kissed him on the lips before sitting back on the stool.

"Of course I do," he said. "I'm the Supreme Being, after all."

Selina rolled her eyes and smiled indulgently. "Oh, stop it."

"Eat up," he said, filling his own plate and sitting next to her. "You had a long day yesterday and I know you're going to have another one today."

"Yes, I will," Selina nodded, side-eyeing him after taking a few sips of coffee. "You know I have to do it. We agreed it was something you were okay with."

"Yes," Elijah nodded and gave a smile that Selina knew in her heart was forced but she was very pleased that he was trying and not kicking up a fuss to make seeing Dorian more difficult for her than it already was. "I promise."

"Thank you for making such an effort," she said. "I'm proud of you! You're having this conversation and your eye's not even twitching that much!"

"Selina," he sighed. "Please don't push it. I have resigned myself to the fact that this meeting between you and Dorian is a necessity, and that you're going to straighten things out with him whether I like it or not, but please don't tease me or throw it in my face. Don't joke about it."

"You're right, I'm sorry," Selina apologized and took a few bites of egg, wiping her mouth before she kissed him. "You're truly trying and fighting all the instincts you learned from your father. I should support that instead of teasing you, just like you're supporting me."

Then she put her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. "I love you very much, Elijah Mikaelson. More than anyone. You know that. You're the best!"

He smiled and kissed her back. "I love you too, so much. More and more each day." He paused. "Sorry I don't say it as much as I should. I'll try more in the future."

"Me too," Selina agreed before a wicked smile curved her lips.

"What's with that face?" Elijah asked. "What are you plotting?"

"How about after we eat, we spend a little time in the bedroom before I leave for Dorian's?" She gave him a wink and nibbled on his earlobe.

Every part of Elijah's body really wanted that to happen, but before he let himself agree, he looked her over. "Of course I would love to, but...do you feel well enough?"

Selina nodded. "Yes. I promise I wouldn't ask if I didn't."

"And...are you doing this because you want to, or because you think it'll be a way to distract me so I won't be mad about Dorian? I already promised you I was all right with it and I don't want you to feel you need to go to bed with me to make sure of it."

Selina sighed. "All right, it's somewhat about building you up before I go to Dorian's, but...I promise I really want to. This isn't something I'm asking out of nervousness or fright or whatever..." She reached out and ran a hand over his bare arm. "I really want you to make love to me."

Elijah smiled and picked her up, setting her on the breakfast bar after cleaning it up. "I wouldn't turn that down," he assured her. "You are wearing underwear, aren't you?"

"Yeah," Selina nodded. "Of course. How can you peel them off if I'm not wearing any?"

"Good, he said. "Just checking."

Selina smiled. "I know your rules," she said and peeled off her shirt, showing that she was wearing nothing but a pair of tiny pink panties. "Most of them are dumb, but the 'you must always wear underwear' rule is one I'm more than happy to follow."

"Good," Elijah replied, undoing the zipper on his pants and the buttons on his shirt before sliding her panties down her legs. "Besides...it's not like they never come off, is it?"

He started to kiss her, but she stopped him. "Hey, not fair! All I get is unzipped pants? Why can't we just go into the bedroom and get naked?"

"Because then you'll be late for your meeting with Dorian and as happy as that would make me, it's not good to hold it off," Elijah explained. "And there's another reason too, but I can't tell you that yet."

Her lip jutted out in an adorable pout and he sighed, unbuttoning his shirt so that it hung open, exposing his chest and stomach. That wouldn't give away his tattoo reveal too soon.

She licked her lips as she reached out and gently ran her fingers over his abs. Then he took her hand and kissed the palm, and she grabbed his face and kissed his lips as he picked her up, slipped off her panties, and buried himself inside her while she continued to kiss his face.

"Gosh, yes," she cried. "You're so...how do you make me so horny all the time?"

He pulled away for just a minute and grinned as they both panted heavily. "I guess I'm just that good." Then they went back to kissing and thrusting on the counter until a heavily panting Selina draped herself over his shoulder.

"God, that was amazing!" She said. "I don't know how you do it!"

He chuckled and moved his hands down her back to cup her bottom, squeezing gently and wishing so hard that he could just pick her up, take her to bed, and lock the door. But then the clock chimed eleven and he sighed, putting his fingers under her chin so that she was looking him in the eye. "I wish you could stay with me," he said. "But if you want to see Gray and get it over with, you might as well do it now. No point in waiting. Go get dressed now before I lose my resolve completely."

"Okay, I guess," she said, then let out a squeak and a giggle as he spanked her before she began walking out of the kitchen. She paused, without turning. "You know if you want me to be less horny, that was not the thing to do!"

Elijah shut his eyes, already regretting what he'd done, and trying to calm himself down. "Don't I know it. Go now, please. Hurry."

"Well, all right," replied, turning this time and noticing the bulge that he was trying so hard to make go away.

"You know, I have a better way to fix that," she said with a wink before continuing on her way out of the kitchen, only to throw a few last words over her shoulder. "I'll show you tonight."

"Yes," Elijah nodded, thinking that after she saw the tattoo, she most certainly would.

"Thank you for inviting me and Natalie over," Amy told Ellie. "It's been a while. I've been wondering where you went off and disappeared to!"

"I know," Ellie nodded as she set toddler Milo next to Amy's redheaded daughter. Their mothers hoped they would be friends, and were interested to see how this would go. "I didn't mean to just disappear like that. But Lucifer ran off and I went to go get him and then Steve got sneaky and he and Gwen put us in this parallel universe where we met when I was older then when we met the first time, and in school and..."

"Why would he do that?" Amy asked curiously.

Ellie shrugged. "Maybe to prove that we'd be together no matter what and he's always right."

"Did it work?"

"Yeah," Ellie sighed. "I was...I was different in that world. More experienced with everything. He's been nothing but loving since we got back but I wonder...I wonder sometimes if he misses other me!"

Looking for a way to distract Ellie's mind from this ridiculous idea, Amy blurted out, "Astrid and Alistair are getting divorced!"

"What the hell?" Ellie asked, eyes wide. "Why?"

Amy sighed. "They had a fight and separated and now Alistair is living with us because I don't think he knows any other life if he's not with Astrid. It's nice to have meals I don't have to cook and to not have to clean, but sometimes..." she winced.

"But it gives you time to bond with Natalie," Ellie said encouragingly. "That's a good thing."

"She likes Klaus better," Amy sighed. "Doesn't have much use for me."

"I get it," Ellie nodded, then called for her son, who looked at her for a moment then shook his head, saying a polite but brief "no, thank you," and went back to studying Natalie. "Milo's more a daddy's boy himself."

"I can't believe he already got out a 'No thank you'," Amy shook her head in amazement. "These kids grow up so fast!"

"Tell me about it," Ellie nodded. "I've had many kids that way but it still surprises me how fast they grow." She studied them. "They look good together, don't you think?"

"I do," Amy nodded. "Milo's got hair to die for!"

"You're not gonna believe this, or maybe you will," Ellie replied and then leaned in to whisper. "Lucifer actually does it for him in the morning. With hair gel and everything. I asked and he's like, 'No son of mine is walking around with ugly bedhead'!" So I just let it go. It's good for him to be involved."

"I don't blame him," Amy shook her head. "Weird as it is, it needs to be taken care of properly. It looks so nice to run your fingers through."

Then all thoughts of Milo's hair were forgotten as Natalie let out a terrible shriek. Milo had slapped her when she'd tried to take one of his toys.

"Milo, we don't hit people!" Ellie said. "Why didn't you share your toys?"

"Mine," Milo said firmly and clutched the little stuffed elephant to his chest.

Then Amy and Ellie watched in horror as an angry Natalie retaliated, knocking Milo to the ground and grabbing his nicely done hair to drag him across the living room. "Shit," Amy muttered, letting out a rare curse as she tried to pry Natalie's fingers off the chunks of Milo's hair. "Ellie, I am so sorry!"

"They're children," Ellie said as she tried to help. "It's not like he didn't start it."

"Bad girl!" Milo said, trying to glare at Natalie the best he could. "Bad girl!"

When they got Milo free, Amy frowned at her smirking daughter who was even clutching some dark strands in her fist. "What was that?" She asked. "Natalie, that isn't nice!"

Natalie didn't say anything, sticking her thumb in her mouth and staring at her mother.

As Ellie struggled to comfort a crying Milo, he suddenly perked up and began squirming. "Dada!" He cried.

"I should have known," she said and handed Milo to her husband. "Maybe he should stay with you for a bit; he and Natalie seem to want to murder each other."

A grin curved Lucifer's lips as he locked eyes with a giggling Milo. "Is that what's going on?" He asked Milo. "Are you trying to kill Natalie, or is it nonsense?"

"Nonesense!" Milo crowed, liking the sound of the new word.

Lucifer looked at Ellie. "Milo says that's nonsense and I agree with him. I think soon they'll be as close as can be. Best friends, even!"

Malachai started violently at the knock on the door and instinctively reached for a blanket to cover himself up with in case it was Avery. He wasn't naked or anything, but he didn't want her undressing him with her eyes either. Although, he thought to himself, it would be surprising for her to show her face after all that had happened between them.

Taking a deep breath, he made his way to the door, prepared to tell Avery off

"Avery, we discussed this," he began after pulling the door open. "We-"

"Who's Avery?" Asked his old friend Mikael Mikaelson. "Do I look like an Avery to you?" He paused, poked his head in, and cast a look around. "Don't tell me I'm interrupting something," he said with a grin. "I was just coming to visit my old friend, but if you have other plans..."

"No, no," Malachai shook his head and reached out his hand. "Please come in, dear friend. It's nice to see you. Always nice to see an old friend."

"Old?" Mikael raised an eyebrow.

"Well, we can't deny we both have a gray hair or two."

Mikael sighed. "Believe me, I've noticed." He paused. "May I come in?"

"Oh, sorry," Malachai nodded and gestured for him to come in. "Please, have a seat. Would you like a drink?"

Mikael smirked. "I would, but you know I like more than water."

Malachai smirked back and pressed a button, leading a door to open and a fully stocked bar to pop out. "No problem. What's your poison?"

"Look at all this!" Mikael exclaimed. "You wouldn't have scotch, would you?"

"Of course I would," Malachai nodded.

Mikael looked on in amazement as Malachai poured a small glass for him and a much bigger class for himself. "When did you drink that much?" He asked. "Care to share?"

"No," Malachai shook his head and didn't look up. "Nothing important. I just need it a lot more these days." He slid Mikael's glass over.

"Woman trouble?" Mikael asked knowingly.

"No," Malachai huffed. "Never mind; it's not important."

Mikael grinned, took a large swig of scotch and smacked his lips. "Of course it's important if something is troubling my friend. Go ahead and tell me!"

"It's nothing, all right?" Malachai cried, bringing his glass down hard on the desk and causing the drink to slosh on the wood. "Leave it alone. She's not important." He busily cleaned up the puddle without looking Mikael in the eye.

"Well, whoever she is, she's clearly got you worked up," Mikael grinned even wider. "Will you just admit you're having trouble with a woman? You said as much."

"All right, if you're not going to let this go, I'm having trouble with a woman," Malachai confessed. "But remember, I am telling you this under duress."

"Yes, yes," Mikael rolled his eyes and took another drink. "Whatever you say. What's her name? Do I know her?"

"You probably know her name, but I doubt you've actually met," Malachai replied.

"Stop stalling and spit her name out!" Mikael cried impatiently.

"It's Steve and Gwen's daughter, Avery," Malachai got out and lay back in his chair with a hand over his eyes.

Mikael's eyes widened and he spat his drink out all over his clothes. "Have you lost your damn mind?" He cried. "Steve's daughter? What are you messing around with her for?"

Malachai groaned. "But if you feel like you can judge me, you've obviously never seen her; She's all curves and legs and...very persistant. I think even you would have a difficult time holding her off."

"No I would not!" Mikael cried. "A woman like that is a lot of trouble!" He rolled his eyes. "I never pegged you for a fool, but I must admit, it's entertaining to see you in this sort of predicament."

"I'm glad to be a source of entertainment for you," Malachai drawled. "But we can't all be unfeeling as you are."

Mikael made a noise in his throat and they sat in silence for several seconds before he spoke again. "You know, it's...convenient, that Steve's daughter has come up. Because I wanted to talk to you about the returned souls."

"Oh?" Malachai raised an eyebrow. "Many of them came back. Anyone specific you're concerned about?"

"Demons," Mikael confirmed.

"Oh, here we go again!" Malachai groaned. "It seems like every time we visit, I have to listen to you go on and on about how much you hate demons! Isn't it time you gave that a rest? Can't you tell me more about how you hate your daughter in law for instance? That would be a nice change!"

"Well," Mikael groaned. "If you'd like to hear something different, I...I've met a female demon, and..." He pulled on his collar. He could feel himself beginning to break out in sweat.

Malachai sat silently for a few seconds and then burst out laughing. He knew it was rude. He knew it was mean. But he didn't know what else to do. "No...no way," he managed to spit out at last. "You...you fell in love with a demon woman?"

"Never say that again!" Mikael roared. "I did not 'fall in love' with a demon woman! I suppose you want to die?"

Malachai smirked. "Kill me if you want, but at least I'll die happy knowing that you fell in love with a is she? Is she someone who came back? What's her name? Let me try and guess..." then a light-bulb came on in his brain. "Oh, no! It's not-"

"Don't say it!" Mikael demanded. "Don't mention her name!"

"It's-"

"Stop-"

"It's-"

"I mean it-"

"Sybil! It's her, isn't it?"

Mikael growled. "Why would it be? I can't stand her!"

"Of course it is! She's gorgeous, a vision on two legs. Even if you can't stand her, I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to have sex with her."

"Mind Steve's daughter and don't talk about Sybil that way!" Mikael cried.

"See!" Malachai grinned. "I knew it was her! I knew you loved her. You wouldn't defend her that way if you didn't!"

"What? Why can't I just defend someone without there being any silly feelings involved? I do have some gentlemanly instincts you know!"

Malachai snorted again. "Thank you for that, Mikael. I haven't laughed so much in ages!"

Frowning deeply, Mikael crossed his arms and waited for Malachai to finish having his laugh. "Are you done?" He asked at last.

"It depends," Malachai shot back. "Do you have anything else funny to say? If so, let's get it all out now."

"No, what I have to say is very serious," Mikael said. "There's...something strange about those who came back."

"Strange how?" Malachai asked, sobering.

"Well, I was with Sybil and then all of a sudden, she...she disappeared!"

"That's incredible!" Malachai exclaimed. "I mean, I don't know if it's more incredible than the fact that she was with you in the first place, but..why was she with you in the first place?"

"Why wouldn't she be with me?" Mikael asked. "And you better wipe that foolish smirk off your face!"

Malachai ignored this and shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day..."

"Focus!" Mikael demanded. "Sybil disappeared! Completely disappeared! What do you make of that?"

Malachai sobered up. "I...I don't quite know what to make of that," he shrugged. "Truly, I've never heard of anything like it. But I can ask Steve and Avery. Maybe they'll know. I'll be as interested as you are to figure out what's going on."

"All right, but you better tell me," Mikael warned with narrowed eyes. "Don't you 'forget' and keep everything to yourself."

"Oh, I wouldn't cheat my friend that way," Malachai replied, pushing his glass closer. "Maybe you should have another sip of this. It seems you've forgotten it."

Selina took a deep breath as she set her feet down in front of the door of Dorian's penthouse, and once she had knocked, she hoped it would be him who answered and not their angry son. Luckily, just as she'd hoped, it was Dorian's face smiling back at her when the door opened. She was relieved he was happy. This would be much easier to get through because of that.

"Selina!" He said. Then his face darkened a little. "Are you all right? Has something terrible happened with you and Elijah? Do I need to call the police?"

"No, no!" Selina shook her head. "I'm not in trouble! I just...I think we need to talk. May I come in?"

"Yes," Dorian let out a breath and was smiling again as he ushered her inside. They stared at each other for a few seconds and then he spoke. "Hello, darling."

"Hello!" She smiled back and hugged him hard. He was a good hugger. Not as good as Elijah but a close second. When they pulled apart, she shook her head. "I'm sorry about how I acted at the penthouse. I was just...so surprised to see you back and I didn't know what to do...so many emotions and all..."

"It's okay," Dorian said, moving some hair out of her eyes. "Don't worry about it; I was shocked myself when I came back. Why don't you sit down? Would you like a drink? A vodka and cranberry perhaps?"

Selina's hand automatically went to her belly, a motion he couldn't have missed. "Just water, thanks," she said and took a seat at the table. He brought a water for her and a glass of wine for himself and then smiled at her. "So...what did you want to talk about?"

"Well," Selina cleared her throat and looked around, stalling. "The...the house still looks familiar."

"Yeah," Dorian nodded. "I just took the sheets off the furniture."

"Have you...talked to Arthur since you got back?" Selina asked. "I tried to call him and tell him, but he won't talk to me. Not that I blame him." She sighed and took a long drink of water, enough to make her cheeks puff up before she swallowed. "He hasn't said a word to me since the bitter words we exchanged the day Elijah and I got married last."

Dorian sighed. "And it appears the anger he felt then is still festering."

Selina nodded. "I'm not blaming him," she said. "I'm not...not wanting to rush a reunion or anything. I hurt him and if want he wants is for me to leave him alone, then...I won't get in the way of that. I know what it feels like to think you've been wronged by a parent and want them to suffer for it. When Daddy married Christine, I just...I was really angry. I hated that he thought he could be happy when he'd messed me up so bad." She sighed.

"Yes, but...you have a good relationship with your father now, don't you?" Dorian pointed out. "You learned that you could have a relationship with him along with everything else. Arthur will find that out too, someday. He'll realize that even though we're adults, we're not perfect, and if he wants to have a relationship with you, it'll always be there, even if it's not necessarily what he always envisioned."

"I can't wait for that day," Selina sighed. "Despite what he thinks, I love him. I just...I want to be his mother."

"Speaking of being someone's mother," Dorian got out, "pregnant again? Why else would you be having water when there are so many tastier options?" The second sentence dripped with sarcasm." He paused. "I suppose your Lord and Master is thrilled.

Selina's eyes widened. "Did the water really give me away?" She asked.

"Even if it hadn't, even if you hadn't touched your belly...I would have known," he said. "I've always been able to read you like an open book, Selina."

"He's very happy about it, Dorian," Selina confirmed. "And we're very much in love."

"I see," Dorian replied, his voice full of sadness that he made no effort to disguise, although he cast his eyes down.

"Oh, but you'll always have a special place in my heart," she tried to assure him. Tears were in her eyes, some of which fell onto the carpet. "I'll always love you; just not the way I love Elijah."

"He loves you very much," Dorian told her. "Just as much as you love him."

"I...yes," Selina nodded. "I...I don't understand why...I cheated on you. You didn't deserve that! I would think you'd be happy I was moving on to someone else. That it freed you up to give your heart to someone more worthy than me."

"I don't care about that," Dorian told her, taking her hand. "Let's bury it in the past. You don't have to worry about me, though. I understand that your choice is made and I don't hold it against you. You're doing what you think is right for you. You chose a man who loves you very much."

"And so do you..."

"I can't deny it," Dorian admitted. "Regardless of all that's happened, I will love you always."

"Maybe one day you'll meet someone better to you than me," Selina said. "Maybe you-"

"Don't!" Dorian interrupted.

"Sorry," Selina apologized, lapsing into silence and drinking her water. When the glass was empty, she stood up. "Well, I've said what I came here to say," she told him. "I...I don't see any reason to be here longer."

"No," Dorian shook his head. "Let me show you out." He led her to the door, opened it, and as he watched her go, out of the corner of his eye, he saw his hand disappear, making him wonder if her loss was making him die all over again.

"Thank you for taking care of me," Astrid told her daughter as Helene brought her a cup of tea. "You're so sweet to do this. You really didn't have to."

Helene shrugged. "Well, you don't seem to be feeling well, and I figure after the big disappointment I've been, I should step up a little, shouldn't I?" She scoffed and rolled her eyes, trying to show her mother how sorry she was. "Stupid me. What was I thinking, throwing my whole life away for a werewolf?"

Astrid grinned behind her daughter's back before putting a hand on her shoulder. "Now, now. If you're going to ruin your life, at least you did it with a prince!"

Helene rolled her eyes. "Prince Ludovic. What a bunch of bull. I can't believe he didn't tell me right away. That's the sort of thing you tell someone if you care about them."

Astrid took a sip of tea, and hugged her daughter close. "Werewolves always throw you for a loop don't they?" She knew her daughter. Helene only got this frustrated when she lost control of something like her feelings. She clearly loved Ludovic and hated herself for it, even though, Astrid thought, they were good for each other. Sensing her daughter would mope if she didn't distract her, she cleared her throat. "You know, sometimes we have to keep secrets from people we love. I, for one, am currently keeping from your father that I'm pregnant."

"What?" Helene asked, wide eyed. "Did you cheat? Is it someone from the Council? What's his name? Why would you do that?"

"I didn't cheat," Astrid promised. "You're going to have a younger sibling soon. I assume you don't want me to go into more detail than that?"

"No," Helene shook her head. "No, thank you; it's not necessary. I believe you." She paused. "But why aren't you telling him? That could be just the thing to end this crappy divorce business!"

"Because I...I think this is something we have to work through until it's finished," Astrid replied. "In my heart, I know that your father and I aren't actually going to get divorced. I feel it. But if I...if I pushed and told him about all this when he was still mad...that's not good for the child." She stopped and shook her head. "No, I'm going to let him figure it out himself. I know I won't be able to hide it forever."

"And what...what will you do when the baby comes?" Helene asked. "You're actually going to raise it correctly, right? Give it your time and everything? You don't want to end up with another kid who has a record because you were too busy working."

"We'll...we'll figure something out," Astrid assured her. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, although..." she let out a deep breath. "I would be an absolute idiot if I didn't understand why you were."

They sat in silence for a few minutes and then Helene leaned against her mother. "I...I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused. And how I hurt you and Daddy. I don't know what I was thinking, I just..."

"You were hurting," Astrid told her. "You were hurting and you thought that making someone else hurt just as much would make it better. You weren't the first to think that."

"I...yes, I guess," Helene nodded. "It's all so stupid. Adrian and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but now...I have no idea why I pinned so many hopes on him. In a way, he's just as messed up as me!"

"You're right," Astrid sighed. "I've always wondered that too."

"I guess," Helene sighed. "I guess I came down too hard. I thought that since I was always 'fixing' things for people, prompted or not, there should be someone in my life who does the same for me. Who would be my partner and always have time for me, and...have a big family and live happily ever after."

"And you didn't want to be patient and wait for the right person, so you latched onto the first boy to come along," Astrid sighed.

"Well, I was very lonely, thank you very much!" Helene replied. "And it's easy for you to be critical. You met Daddy right away and didn't have to wade through a bunch of losers!"

"Oh, I have dated losers, thank you," Astrid told her. "Don't forget that your father and I haven't always been together."

"Because you left him," Helene said. "You thought your work was more important than being with him. And you knew he couldn't leave Klaus. It was all up to you."

"Yeah," Astrid nodded. "You know, I...I never thought of it that way. You're right," she sighed. "He's accused me of always putting work first and maybe...maybe he's right."

"But speaking of that...speaking of work...do you think my bad behavior is gonna ruin my life?" Helene asked.

"Not if you aren't foolish and stubborn about it," Astrid said. "I know you hate the idea but whatever amnesty the werewolves are willing to grant you, take it."

Helene sighed. "Fine. I'll think about it."

"You'll do it," Astrid said firmly. "Oh, and you won't breathe a word about my condition to your father."

"Fine," Helene sighed. "I'll lie for you and give up my freedom so you're not disgraced. Would you like some more tea?"

"Oh!"

Alistair gave a bad start when he opened the door to his wife's house and found his daughter sitting in his favorite leather chair, one leg crossed over the other, and glaring at him. He had meant for this to be a nice visit, but now he wasn't sure it would be.

"Helene!" He said. "It's been so long! How have you been?"

"Since I found out about you and mom's stupid divorce, not so good!" She cried. "What are you thinking? You love each other! You waited for each other for years, found one another again, and got married. How can that lead to a divorce?"

Alistair shrugged. "Well, I'm sorry," he sighed. "I was hoping it would last this time. That we could maybe settle down and have a big family. But clearly it will always be the Council that's her first love and it's about time I learned I shouldn't stand in her way."

Helene rolled her eyes, wanting to blurt out the pregnancy news, but she had promised her mother she would keep the secret. "Well, I still think it's incredibly stupid, but if that's what you want...it's still dumb!" She began stomping around the room while Alistair quickly took her seat. Then the doorbell rang.

"I wonder who that is?" Alistair asked. "Dear, since you're up and stomping around, would you grab it?"

"Sure," Helene replied automatically and went to grab the door. Then she opened it and saw Ludovic's grinning face for two seconds before slamming the door shut.

"Who is it?" Alistair asked.

"It's me, Ludovic!" He called. "Sir, would you tell your daughter to open this door?"

"I would, but I don't know any Ludovic," she said. "Go away!"

"Are you serious?" Ludovic asked.

"Is someone talking?" Helene asked her father. "I don't hear anything. It must be the wind. Better not open the door in case a storm is coming!"

Although he felt bad for Ludovic, he couldn't help but snort at his daughter's antics. Intrigued to see what Ludovic would do, he waited and did nothing to get the door open.

In response, Ludovic began to pound on the door, yell, scream, sing...make types of racket, which disturbed Helene as she tried to read. Finally, she growled in frustration. "Daddy, get that, would you? He's not gonna shut up until someone does. Royals have no respect for anyone, do they?"

Finally, Alistair opened the door with a flourish. "I apologize, Your Highness. Please come in."

"Thank you," Ludovic inclined his head to Alistair and then his eyes landed on Helene. He strode over to her and bared his teeth. "You are such a brat! Have you always been this way?"

Helene didn't look up. "I'm sorry, what did you expect from me? Did you want me to get down on my knees in front of you? Kiss your hands or feet?"

"Oh, I'm not here because I want to be," he told her. "I just came to tell you the deal my parents are willing to offer you."

"Why should I care about this stupid deal?" Helene asked. "What gives your parents the right to think they can run my life?"

"Because it will keep you alive!" Ludovic yelled in exasperation. "You're going to take it whether you like it or not!"

Helene scoffed and shook her head. "Whatever. I don't give a damn!"

Ludovic growled, taking her chin in his hands. "If you accept the deal from my parents, we'll be able to get married, keep the kids safe, and all charges will be dropped! You'll get your life back!"

"But on your parents' terms!" Helene reminded him. "And what the hell kind of life is that? I don't accept! Go away!"

In desperation, Ludovic turned to Alistair. "Your her father," he said. "Can't you do something? Tell her to stop being crazy!"

"Helene," Alistair said firmly, "why don't you reconsider? Please take the deal."

"Will you reconsider divorcing Mom?" Helene asked.

"Well you obviously haven't asked your mother why she's sleeping with your ex-husband," Alistair smirked.

"Oh, my god, what?" Helene froze, her jaw dropped in shock.

Ludovic burst out laughing. "At least he's staying in the family; that's a smart move!"

"Will you shut up and stay out of this?" Helene snapped at him. Then she seized upon her mother, who had just come in after waking up from a nap. "What the hell is all this?" She cried.

"What?" Astrid asked groggily.

"Marry me and I'll shut up!" Ludovic told Helene.

"Why are you having sex with Malachai?" Helene yelled at her mother. "Have you lost your freaking mind?"

Astrid's mind was much clearer now. She blushed and shook her head. "It's not true!" She mouthed. "It's not true!"

"Cat got your tongue, Astrid?" Alistair sneered.

"Malachai and I are just friends!" Astrid shouted in exasperation.

"Oh, really?" Alistair muttered, arms crossed. He didn't believe her.

As Helene worked all this through her mind, it finally all came together. "Well, Malachai is a free man, and you want to get a divorce," she told her father. "So if they want to be together..." She shrugged.

"What?" Alistair howled. "You have to be kidding me!"

"Hey, it's all right," Ludovic tried to reassure him. "You wanna go out and forget those two? I'm buying!"

"What a good idea!" Alistair agreed. "There's a marvelous pub nearby! It'll give me a chance to get to know my new son-in-law."

"Music to my ears," Ludovic smiled. "I'll go start the car!"

"Forget it, Daddy!" Helene cried. "I'm not marrying him! Mind your own damn business!"

"Maybe we could have a double wedding!" Alistair suggested. "You and Ludovic and your mother and Malachai!"

"Fuck you!" Astrid spat at him. She was really at the end of her rope now.

"You wish!" Alistair smirked. Then he blew her a kiss and headed to Ludovic's car, leaving two very angry women behind him.

Elijah was sitting on the couch in the living room, gripping the arms hard. He turned the television on and off, flipped through magazines and threw them on the floor, and looked at the clock repeatedly. Where was she? It felt like Selina had been gone for ages! How long did it take to break up with a man?

He paused, trying to stop the images that flooded into his head. Maybe Selina had wanted to give Dorian a memorable goodbye...

But just as it all began to be too much, the door opened, he heard the thud of both her shoes as they hit the floor, and then...she appeared.

"Are you okay?" She asked, coming to sit in his lap. "I hope you weren't worried. Were you about to send a search party?"

"No," Elijah chuckled weakly. "No, no I was not."

She kissed him soundly. "You don't have to worry. He took it well." She sighed, running her fingers through Elijah's hair as his hand went up her thigh. "It was nice to be able to end things with him in an...honorable way, I guess. But I'm happy to be back in your arms."

"You are?" Elijah asked. He was still a little surprised to hear her say it. And overjoyed too.

"Of course," Selina nodded. "You're the love of my life and you always will be." She then let out a squeal as he picked her up and carried her out of the room.

"Just for that, I have a little surprise for you," he grinned.

"Wow!" Selina grinned. "Does it involve taking off your pants?"

"Well...not exactly, but...knowing you, they'll come off soon after," he said with a wink.

"Oh?" Selina grinned, kissing him soundly. She was very intrigued.

He sat her down on their bed, then stood at the foot with his back to her. "Are you giving me a good look at your butt?" She asked. "It's a good view!"

"Just a minute," Elijah told her and removed his shirt, that was still unbuttoned. "Notice anything new?"

"Is there something?" Selina asked. "I can't stop looking at your butt."

"Trust me, you want to," Elijah replied.

So Selina tore her eyes away and looked up his back, letting out a squeak when she saw what was on his shoulder. "A tattoo!" She cried. "My gosh, you got a tattoo!"

It wasn't anything terribly original, just a red heart with the letters E and S in fancy script, but apparently she liked it, just as he hoped she would. "I know it's nothing exciting, but..."

"No, I love it!" She said, bounding off the bed, and grabbing his hand as she undressed down to her underwear before grabbing him and kissing him all over his face. "I love it, I love it, I love it!"

He smiled as his hands went down her side and pushed her panties down while she undid his zipper, giggling when she saw he wasn't wearing anything under his jeans.

"You were well-prepared," she said.

"Of course," he smiled. "I know you well enough by now. And I needed to show you what it means to be my woman!"

Selina smiled back. "Oh, make my day," she winked.

For a minute, his gaze became serious. "Are you feeling all right?" He asked.

"Yes," Selina nodded. "I swear."

"Good," Elijah nodded and kissed her soundly. He picked her up, continuing to kiss her furiously as her legs wrapped around his waist. Soon they fell onto the bed and her arms went around him, holding him close as he buried himself inside her.

"Yes," she cried. "Harder! Harder!" Her fingers threaded through his hair and even pulled at it a little bit as he paused to gently bite each one of her nipples.

"Good golly!" She said. "If I wasn't pregnant already!"

After she climaxed, he held her for what seemed like ages before setting her back down on the mattress and looking into her eyes as his hands roamed over every inch of her body. "I love you," he said firmly. "You know that, right?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "I do. Do you know that I love you? I know I don't say it as often as I should."

"Neither of us do," Elijah sighed. He kissed her again, gently this time, first on the lips and then on her belly. "But we can change that. We have all the time in the world. We have forever."

"Yeah, we do," Selina agreed. "You're stuck with me forever, Elijah Mikaelson."

Elijah laughed. "I don't mind," he said. "As long as you don't mind being stuck with me."

"Nope," Selina shook her head, smiling and hugging him close. "Not a bit."