"Mikael Mikaeson, you put me down this instant!" Sybil protested as he carried her into their building toward the elevator. "I promise you that I am perfectly capable of walking! I know you're trying to show that you care, but this is beyond ridiculous!" Mikael didn't respond, but just kept walking, eyes straight ahead.

"Julian!" She pleaded to their driver, who was behind them and pushing the twins in a stroller. "He doesn't seem to want to listen to me, so please tell your boss he's behaving irrationally and none of this is necessary! You could be my only hope!"

The chauffeur grinned and looked down, shaking his head as he pushed the double stroller with one hand and reached to adjust the sleeping twins' blankets with the other.

"Mrs. Mikaelson, I'm touched that you think I have such power, but I've worked for your husband a long time and I've certainly noticed how much he cares for you. And though I realize this is all frustrating, your health is first and foremost for him and if he thinks carrying you around will help your recovery, I doubt even I could convince him otherwise, no matter how hard I tried."

"That's correct," Mikael nodded as they continued on toward the elevator. "If you tried to say something like that to me, I wouldn't listen to you at all."

"I know you mean well," Sybil said. "And I thank you for it. But can you see that you're being melodramatic? Sean himself told us that I was healing nicely and that he had absolutely no concerns about me carefully resuming my routine."

He ignored her. "Julian, would you please press the button for the elevator?" He asked respectfully.

"Certainly," Julian nodded. "And I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the birth of your beautiful children."

"Thank you," Sybil smiled. "They are, aren't they?" She looked fondly down at the stroller. "Now if I could just reach them, I would be able to attend to any needs they might have. Shame I can't, though."

"Sybil Vane Mikaelson, you are a stubborn woman," Mikael sighed. "But I am an equally stubborn man, and I can tell you right now that your feet will not touch the floor until we are safe and secure in the penthouse, and that is that! Besides, they're asleep. I don't know what the rush is."

"I hate you," She muttered between clenched teeth and then surrendered.

"There's a big surprise," Mikael told her, unaffected by her words. "You've hated me since we bumped into each other so it's nothing new."

"You are a heartless man!" Sybil scolded and pounded on his back with her fists. "How can you separate a mother from her babies?"

"How did I separate you from them?" Mikael asked. "You can see them clearly. They're right beside us, sleeping in their stroller."

She wrinkled her nose and groaned.

Finally realizing that he was, perhaps, aggravating her just a little bit, he gave her a soft smile. "I love you," he said gently. "You do know that, right?"

"I usually feel the same," Sybil huffed. "But not right now!"

"Look, there's the door to the penthouse at last!" Mikael exclaimed to change the subject as they reached the door. "Julian, do you mind?"

"No, sir, let me get that for you." Julian opened the penthouse door and steered the stroller inside while Sybil and Mikael followed.

"There," Sybil huffed. "We're in the penthouse. Will you put me down now? Please?"

"Well, of course," Mikael replied and put her on her feet. "Since you were so polite about it."

Sybil then ran straight to the babies. "Darlings, Mommy is here!" She squatted down and gently kissed their heads.

"That'll be all, Julian," Mikael told the man. "I don't believe we'll have need of you, at least for the rest of the day, so find a nice way to amuse yourself after all you've done for us. I insist. And thank you for all your help!"

"Thank you very much sir, and I wish you a pleasant evening with your own family." He smiled at Sybil. "Good day, Mrs. Mikaelson."

Sybil smiled back. "Good day, Julian. And as my husband said, thank you for your help. It's very much appreciated."

Once he was gone, Mikael let out a sigh and set the hospital bag down on the marble floor. Then he threw the key card on the table and began sorting through the mail.

"You do realize we left the hospital without naming our children?" Sybil asked. "We'll have to tell the people in charge of all their papers and things something. Baby one and two worked at the hospital but they need something more in the real world!"

"You do have a point," Mikael nodded and gently patted his sleeping angels' heads.

"What about Paul and Lucie?" Sybil asked, hands on hips.

"No," Mikael shook his head. "Tell me that you're joking! These are our children! These are Mikaelsons! We can't name them like you would name a dog or a cat, or-"

"What do you mean by that, you snob? Those are perfectly lovely names!" Sybil interrupted in protest."

"No," Mikael repeated stubbornly. "I won't have a son named Paul. It's like a butler's name!"

"All right, Mr. Smartypants," Sybil said. "You hate the names I picked for them so go ahead and tell me the marvelous ideas you thought of for names. Go on!"

"I…I don't know," he said with a blush and a shrug. "I haven't really given it much thought at all."

Sybil's jaw dropped and she laughed as she threw her arms around his neck after running her hands up his chest. "Oh, my god. You have so! You've spent many hours thinking of names for our babies, haven't you?"

"No," Mikael scoffed and lied through his teeth. "I can assure you I have more pressing things to spend hours on than thinking up names for babies!"

"Just tell me." And this time, she didn't say 'please'.

"All right," Mikael sighed, lowering his eyes to the floor in attempt to hide the pink in his cheeks. "Well…I suppose I thought of Killian and Kristin."

"Oh…" the murmur escaped her lips as tears filled her eyes. "Mikael, those are beautiful names!"

Mikael met her eyes now, surprised. "You…are you saying you like them?"

"Yes," Sybil nodded. "And I like even more that you thought of them by yourself!"

"What about me?" He asked, taking her hand and kissing it. "Have I redeemed myself? Do you like me now?"

Sybil giggled and rolled her eyes. "When you're sweet like this, how can I resist? When you're sweet like this, Mikael, I fall in love with you all over again."

"Thank goodness for that," Mikael grinned and leaned down to give her a soft kiss on the lips.

Afterward, Sybil looked around the penthouse. "I wonder where Nana is."

Mikael's jaw dropped and his eyes widened. "That woman is still here?"

"Of course, she's still here," Sybil nodded. "We haven't found a good nanny for the twins and especially since they've officially arrived, we need someone here for them until we find a more permanent solution!"

"Looking for me? Hello, Sexy. Hello, Mrs. Sybil. Have you brought the little angels? I would like to see them!" She approached and Mikael moved to stand guard in front of his children until Sybil moved him ever so gently out of the way.

"Be nice," she muttered.

"She most certainly will not see them," Mikael cried, taking one baby and then the other out of the stroller and holding on tight.

"What in the world?" Sybil asked, her eyes wide with shock. "Mikael, what are you doing?"

"These are my babies!" He said firmly. "And no one, especially not her, will put their hands on my babies!"

Sybil put her hands on her hips. "Your babies? Have you forgotten I spent months carrying them in my womb and battling all sorts of unpleasantness because of your stupid Original genes? Did you?" She yelled right in his face.

"Darling," Mikael told her, his expression calm. "You're going to wake our babies if you keep yelling like that. And yes, you did suffer greatly, my apologies. They are both our babies and there's no way that woman is going to put her hands on them!" He then stayed close by her side as they made their way down a hall to the nursery.

"How will you manage that?" Sybil asked. "You'll have to keep an eye on them 24/7."

"If I have to, I will," Mikael yelled. "I promise you that!"

His voice was loud enough that the babies woke up and began to wail.

Nana chuckled as Sybil gave her a look of apology. "I'm sorry you had to hear that," she said. "Though he has many good qualities, my husband can be something of a brute sometimes."

Nana shook her head. "Don't worry, Mrs. Sybil. He is a father and a husband. Protective of the babies and protective of you."

"I guess you're right," Sybil told her. "You know, he was worried about becoming a father again, but it looks as if he's attached to the children already."

"Of course. And there's no need to worry about me and your husband, Mrs. Sybil. I always get the job done when it comes to him."

Angelica slowly and carefully opened the front door of the mansion then shut it behind her just as quietly, then walked as gracefully and quickly as she could on her tiptoes, praying she could get to her room without hurting herself in the dark or waking anyone up. It was five-thirty in the morning, which gave her just enough time to shower, put on a new outfit, and grab herself a quick breakfast before heading off to the office.

As she started to walk away, she thought she heard a creak and the sound of breathing, then she let out a cry as her foot caught the edge of something. She looked up and gasped as she saw that it was a chair. One that her father was sitting in, that he had stationed by the door, his legs crossed at the ankles and looking, she supposed, as he had often looked on his throne in Hell as his narrowed eyes met a soul who'd don something particularly reprehensible. She scrambled to her feet, straightened up, and cleared her throat. "Daddy! What are you doing up so early in the morning? Why are you waiting by the door?"

"Hello, Angelica, dear," he greeted her, although the greeting could not be called warm by any stretch of the imagination. It wasn't something that she was used to, and it was very disconcerting. "It's nice to see the prodigal daughter return." A wicked grin spread across his lips. "I was waiting for you, actually. I just want to ask you a very simple question."

"Oh?" She did her best not to show nervousness, swallowing a lump in her throat. "Go ahead. Ask away. I have nothing to hide!"

He turned the light on then focused on her, not blinking. "Tell me where you've been disappearing to these past few weeks."

She shrugged. "Here, there, everywhere. I had lots of work things. It's been a busy season. I don't have to ask permission to go out, do I?"

"Of course not," he told her, his voice becoming a growl. "But I would like to know the name of the man you're fucking. Because I know you are, so there's no point in lying to me."

"I beg your pardon, Father?" She asked, not letting any emotion into her voice.

"There's no need to be nervous," he told her. He'd noticed her shaking ever so slightly. "It's just your father you're talking to. Your father who loves you more than anyone could." He stood up from the chair and approached her, hands in the pockets of his trousers. "It's just a simple question that deserves a simple answer, wouldn't you say?"

"Fine," Angelica stamped her foot. "You want a simple answer, here's one. What I came back from tonight is none of your damn business!" She spat as redness filled her cheeks. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have just enough time to shower and change before I get to my office where work awaits me. And thank you so much for taking away my chance to have breakfast. I really appreciate it!" She then walked past him to go up the stairs to her suite where she could have at least some peace and quiet to get her bearings.

"So, there is a man then?" Lucifer asked, making her freeze on the stairs and clutch the rail until her knuckles turned white. "He must be an awful monster to seduce you, encourage you to sneak around and lie to your family!"

She took a deep breath and turned around to face him. "You're just scared because I don't have a boy in my bed anymore! I have a man. A man who is equal to you and just as worthy of my attention as you are. Someone who can tell me he loves me and make me feel whole just as much as you do. You don't trust me. You don't have faith that I can love you both."

Lucifer paled and a growl escaped his lips, his eyes glowing red. "You are an insolent, ungrateful child, and when you are under my roof, you'll treat me with respect!"

She swallowed, her arms crossed over her chest. "If this was how Grandpa used to talk to you, no wonder you rebelled. Yes, you do deserve respect, Father. But so…so do I. I'm not a child, insolent or otherwise. I'm an adult who oversees more than one multimillion dollar corporation. I have a sex drive and an ex, and a grown son. I'm entitled to a private life and some harmless secrets of my own. And if I don't want to share them with anyone, even you, that's my damn business!"

"This man has turned you against me!" Lucifer declared, then put a hand to his heart as if he were having a heart attack.

"Oh, for heaven's sake," she said. "Not everything in my life is about you. In fact, most of it isn't! Especially not who I choose to sleep with!"

"Tell me who he is at once!" Lucifer ordered, his eyes reddening once again.

"Or what?" She asked, crossing her arms and smirking. "You'll throw me in hell? Hate to break it to you, Pops, but I'm actually really well-liked down there from all the times I've gone down to help punish people. It's not like it was when Grandpa threw your butt down there. For me, it's not a punishment. It's a party! And I could bring him with me. He has a taste for all things fire, brimstone, and torture."

Lucifer began to pace back and forth in front of the stairs as he continued to muse on the identity of Angelica's lover. "He's a supernatural man, I know that much. He's powerful and he doesn't play by the rules."

"Are you talking about him or yourself?" Angelica asked.

Lucifer sighed. "You would…you would throw our relationship away for this man? He means that much more to you? You meet one man who says a few sweet words and suddenly years and years of love and care from your father mean nothing?"

Angelica scoffed and rolled her eyes. She knew she'd have to deal with a display like this. "Oh, for Grandpa's sake, Daddy! Relax! I'm taking things slow in my personal life! It's not like I'm pregnant and eloping! You know that you mean so much to me that I wouldn't intentionally try to hurt you or anything like that. What you're feeling now has nothing to do with me and all to do with you! It's possible that eventually I'll bring who I'm seeing around to meet the family, but I'm not ready to share just yet and that's not a crime. What's scaring you so much? Why are you acting like a child when none of this has anything to do with you?"

Lucifer paused, his lip trembling as tears fell from his eyes. "You…you're my Angelica," he sobbed. "And I don't want to lose you. Especially not to someone like him, whoever he is!"

Angelica had told herself she wouldn't fall for any theatrics but a small part of her had to give him some sympathy. Deep in her heart, she knew he had a point or two. But nothing strong enough to warrant her giving in to him and going back to being the fancy plate on the shelf. As much as she loved him, she knew how manipulative he could be when he was backed into a corner. "You don't want to lose me?" She asked. "Then stop trying to hold on so tight. Let me go and trust me to come back. Trust that you'll be part of this new life I'm creating for myself. Because I will let you." She sniffled. "I…I don't want us to end up like you and Grandpa did."

"So, you made your choice," Lucifer nodded. "It's him."

"If you choose to see it that way, even though I most certainly don't, then I suppose it is him." She wiped some tears from her eyes and turned on her heel to continue up the stairs.

"Mark my words, Angelica Eve Morningstar," he told her retreating back. "I'll find out who this man is, and then…I'll kill him."

Angelica froze at the top of the stairs and turned to face her father. "I'd be careful about making threats," she told him. "If you take all this nonsense too far, it might just be him who kills you."

Sunday was grocery day at the Mikaelson farm. They had to bring both their cars to fit in as much as possible and were both glad that Mackenzie had now grown to be a girl of ten, so she could help with choosing the groceries and carrying them to the car. At least when her mind wasn't on other things.

"I don't like the way these aisles are arranged," she said as she and her mother looked for pasta. "It's no attractive and how in the world are customers supposed to find anything?" She rolled her eyes.

"Of course, they aren't exactly attractive to the eye, but it's a grocery store aisle," Selina told her. "Who cares how the pasta is arranged as long as we can find it and buy it?"

But Mackenzie ignored her mother. "I'm sure if this joke of a store had enough money to hire someone talented, like Ms. Morningstar, she'd find a way to turn it around. She'd make it the fanciest, nicest grocery store on the block!"

"Mackenzie, my dear, I know you have a high opinion of Ms. Morningstar, but I'd rather not get thrown out because someone took your criticism as an insult because we really do need groceries today. How about we buy the rest of our things in silence?" Elijah suggested as Selina gave him a wink.

"Oh, all right," Mackenzie sighed. "I suppose I can be good and quiet until we get back to the farm."

"Don't we have a thoughtful daughter, Selina?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes," Selina nodded and grinned back. "We sure do! Her silence while we shop is a great gift!"

Elijah chuckled and continued to walk through the store until his eyes landed on someone who looked like Klaus.

"Do you see that man over there?" Elijah muttered, giving Selina a nudge and pointing. "Do you think he looks like Klaus? Or am I seeing things? Over there, looking at the garlic."

"No, I don't think you're seeing things," Selina told him. "I think that is your brother Klaus looking at garlic!"

Elijah's jaw dropped. "Klaus? In a grocery store on a Sunday? Is he thinking up ways to flavor up the blood of the poor souls he catches?"

As Mackenzie's eyes widened, Selina put her hands over her daughter's ears. "Hold your tongue!" She hissed. "And stop scaring your daughter!"

"Right," Elijah nodded. "Let's get to the bottom of this." He approached his brother as Selina and Mackenzie trailed behind. "Klaus?"

Klaus stopped rifling through the garlic and turned to face his brother. "Elijah! And Mackenzie and Selina too. What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"

Elijah gave him a look. "I think that would be my line. What's bringing you this grocery store today?" He crossed his arms and waited for Klaus' answer.

But instead of answering, Klaus turned to his sister-in-law. "Good day, Selina. How have you been? Sorry I ignored you."

Eyes wide, she mouthed Klaus' greeting back to his brother and Elijah just shrugged.

"I've been well," she said to Klaus at last. "I hope you've been well too."

Klaus smiled. "I have."

"It's wonderful to see you, Uncle Klaus," Mackenzie piped up. "You should come down and see us at the farm sometimes!"

"I certainly will, to see my niece who's become a beautiful young girl," Klaus responded, kissing his niece on the cheek.

"Oh, don't make me blush, Uncle Klaus," she said as her face turned pink, and she kissed him back. "Thank you for my gift. I love the gold handles very much!"

"It's my pleasure," he told her. "I knew when I got them that you would!"

"But explain to me again why you think it's appropriate to buy a set of sharp knives for a ten-year-old girl?" Selina asked, eyebrow raised.

"They aren't just knives, Selina!" Klaus corrected. "They're Japanese cooking knives! The best in the world! And when Mackenzie becomes an amazing cook like her mother, I want her to have the best tools!" He paused. "Now, speaking of you and cooking: I'm making butterflied lobster tails with garlic-lemon butter. How much garlic should I use? And is one kind of garlic better than the other?"

He waited for her answer but both she and Elijah were standing in front of him with their mouths wide open. He'd spoken quickly out of nervousness, but they'd caught just enough to be shocked by what they heard.

"Are you looking at me like that because I've asked you something you don't know for once?" Klaus asked. "It's okay. I just thought you would know. I'll look it up on the computer."

"No, we have an idea, it's just…since when did you cook, Niklaus? And especially something as fancy as butterflied lobster tails?"

"What do you mean?" Klaus cried. "I used to cook all the time before I accidentally burned something and caught the kitchen on fire. Then Alistair wouldn't let me set foot in there again!" He paused. "But that was just the one time. I really am a great cook!"

"I would say you need one head of garlic. And be sure to mince it," Selina managed to get out at last.

"Thank you," Klaus told her. "That's a big help."

"For whom are you cooking?" Elijah asked his brother, eyes narrowed, and arms crossed.

Klaus mumbled something nonsensical as he moved to look over the onions. "Who says I'm cooking for anyone? Can't I just cook for myself?"

"Lobster is a bit fancy as a dinner for one," Elijah observed. "Don't you think?"

Klaus took a deep breath and tried to hold on to his temper, and it was his regard for Angelica that gave him the strength not to slug his brother right there in the middle of the store. "Thank you for your concern, but I'd like to keep my love life private, if you don't mind," he said through his teeth.

"Since when?" Elijah cried, his arms flying. "Who is this woman? Did you kidnap her and chain her in your basement?" His voice lowered. "Is she your new food source? Blood doesn't go well with garlic and lobster! Is it that neighbor of yours? I knew it was crazy for you to move next door to a human!"

"Oh, leave Klaus alone," Selina urged. "Let's just say that he's happy with his secret lady and leave it at that."

"Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Selina," Klaus told her. "And no, Elijah. I don't have her tied up in my basement. Although her father might do just that if he finds out we're seeing each other. He's not my biggest fan."

"Well, that's no help!" Selina blurted out, changing her tune as she got more information. "That could be practically anyone!" She was in shock and wouldn't relax until she knew the woman's identity.

Meanwhile, despite her vow not to criticize the store's layout, Mackenzie was looking over the garlic and onions with a sad expression and clicking her tongue. "What do you think, Uncle Klaus? If the garlic and onions were put in lovely woven baskets, would they be more appealing to buy?"

Klaus smiled and leaned down beside her. "I think that's a wonderful idea! You're a true designer in the making!"

Mackenzie grinned widely. "Yes! Like my idol, Angelica Morningstar! She's such an inspiration, and beautiful, and successful. I want to be just like her when I grow up!"

Klaus blushed and lowered his eyes before straightening up. "She certainly sounds like it! You have wonderful taste, Mackenzie. Elijah, Selina, enjoy the rest of your shopping and have a wonderful day. If you'll excuse me, I have to get something from another aisle."

"What do you think that was about?" Elijah asked, still a little shocked. "What do you think made him run off so fast?"

"Well, I don't know but I can tell you that he's never been this gentlemanly or put forth so much effort before," Selina said. "Whoever this woman is that he's seeing, she's really doing him a world of good! I might actually want to invite him to Thanksgiving if this continues." She knew that the thought of Klaus coming to their house for Thanksgiving was something that would trouble Elijah to no end, but she'd noticed the look on Klaus' face when Mackenzie had mentioned Angelica Morningstar. That face made her have suspicions as to the identity of the mystery and she wanted Elijah to think of something else because he was not ready to hear them. Not at all.

After making herself some tea, Gwen headed to the living room to sit on the sofa and relax, but the sight that met her eyes as she sat down was anything but a relaxing one. Steve was sitting in his armchair, eyes narrowed at the wall. Pepper was trying to get his attention, but the little dog was ignored, which was very strange because Steve never ignored Pepper, and he never missed a chance to read the paper, which was still folded up neatly beside him because he hadn't started on it yet.

"I hate to seem inquisitive about things that aren't my business, dear, but is something wrong? Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm thinking."

"Oh, dear," Gwen rolled her eyes. "When God is thinking, the world is in trouble." She meant it as a joke and gave him a smile to show it.

"Gwen, be silent and do not joke about this. It's no laughing matter!"

"Oh, all right, I'm sorry. But what could be so bad?"

"It's my dear Angelica," Steve informed her.

Gwen heaved a big sigh. "I know for a fact that I'll regret asking this, but…what's the problem with her now?"

"She's seeing someone. And I don't know anything more than that. I can't pick anything up!"

Gwen chuckled. "Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I know how distressing it is for you when your omniscience fails you. But perhaps it's one of Avery's pairings and you can ask her!"

"It's not," Steve shook his head. "That's what I thought too, but when I questioned both Avery and Azrael about it, they clutched each other in fear because they couldn't give me an answer and they thought that I would be angry with them."

"Avery and Azrael?" Gwen's eyes widened. "But they hate each other. What were they doing together?"

"That was my reaction too, and yet there they both were, clutching one another and shaking. Not because Avery knew she did it and was begging Azrael to keep the secret, but rather that they knew who she was with, and it wasn't Avery's fault, but they couldn't tell me because they knew I wouldn't react well and possibly kill everyone."

"Isn't that melodramatic?" Gwen raised an eyebrow. "But the again, when Angelica wouldn't date Sammy at first, what you did to those poor boys she went out with-"

"I'm not having this talk again," Steve snapped. "Now…if I may continue? There is one man in the whole world that Angelica cannot be with under any circumstances."

Gwen chuckled.

"And just what is so funny about that?" Steve demanded. "Can't a man protect his granddaughter?"

"Well, you can, of course, but you do realize that once you tell a woman she can't be with a man, that man is the first one she runs to?"

Steve rose to his feet, his body shaking. "Well, that just can't happen. I won't let it!"

"Well, you can be angry all you want, but you know it has no effect on me whatsoever," Gwen reminded him.

He growled, sat back down, and tried to relax.

"Now tell me," Gwen continued. "Just who is this awful man?"

Steve swallowed. "It's Klaus Mikaelson."

Gwen raised her chin a little. "Well, that's interesting!"

"That low-life cockroach won't approach our Angelica! Mark my words."

"No, I mean it's interesting that you have no idea whether she's with him or not."

"I know, and if it's not due to any interference by Avery, then what is going on?" Steve cried. "I don't understand!"

Gwen shrugged. "Maybe the universe wants it. Or they decided to be together themselves like Dexter and Valerie did. You and Avery don't have to come up with every single match, you know."

"I did," Steve murmured. "And they were meant to be together, at first. A long time ago."

Gwen's eyes widened. "I beg your pardon?"

"Klaus was Angelica's destiny," Steve confirmed warily before sinking down into his chair.

Gwen put her hands on her hips. "Steve Smith, just what do you think you're talking about? This is absolute nonsense!"

"Angelica was supposed to be Klaus' redemption. And he was supposed to be the love of her life."

"But why are you upset then?" Gwen asked in exasperation. "This is a good thing!"

"Because he went bad, Gwen! Look at all the women in particular that he's wronged!"

"I'm not saying I completely disagree with you," Gwen tried to reassure him because he was becoming hysterical. "Amy, in particular, has been to hell and back because of him. Even so, I can't blame Angelica entirely. He's a very handsome man, and quite sexy. But now that I know more…of course he's wronged all those women. But how is it helping him become better to deny him the one person who will help him achieve goodness?"

Steve growled, upset that he was unable to immediately contradict her. "Nevertheless," he snapped at last. "I refuse to let dear, sweet Angelica get on his path and be destroyed like the others. She's fragile. Inexperienced. She wouldn't be able to survive the disappointment."

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Perfect? Sweet? Fragile? Are you listening to yourself? She's a grown modern woman of business, not some Victorian lady with a fainting couch! Really, Steve! I'm surprised that you won't allow yourself to see the wonderful young woman she's become. And even if she was innocent and all that before, she certainly isn't now," she teased again. "He must be awfully good in bed, so good for her. If you look at all the women he's been with previously, it's a given!"

"Enough!" Steve cried as the room began to shake.

Thankfully for Gwen, the doorbell rang at that moment, giving her a reason to stop the conversation and go somewhere else for a little while. "Maybe whoever is at the door will be someone calm and sensible," she hoped as she gracefully rose to her feet. "It would be a nice change; you're always such a big baby when you don't get what you want."

"Well, I'm me," Steve snapped. "Why shouldn't I get what I want?"

"I'm just gonna answer the door because I don't think you'd like my answer to that question." Gwen then got up and headed to the door with Steve scowling behind her back, arms crossed over his chest.

"Who is it?" He called irritably.

"It's Malachai!" She replied, trying to muster up some cheerfulness as she headed back to the living room with Malachai following behind her, his eyes cast down. "Be kind, dearest one."

"Steve, it's nice to see you," Malachai said with a smile and held out his hand, which Steve didn't take so he quickly pulled it away.

Steve cleared his throat. "Malachai. As you know, Avery has taken refuge at Lucifer's because apparently I'm too much to live with or some nonsense like that. So…tell me what you want or go away. Do you understand?"

"Please ignore Steve's rudeness and have a seat," Gwen tried to assure the warlock. "He's in a bad mood today."

Malachai took the chair she indicated, but he did it slowly because he was never quite sure that it wasn't some sort of trick.

"Earth problem?" Malachai asked politely.

"I would prefer that, instead of the granddaughter problem that has presented itself."

Malachai sighed. "I'm sorry to hear that and I hope things improve soon."

"Well, they won't, but thanks for the good thoughts," Gwen told him.

"So, what is it that I can do for you?" Steve asked. "Or did you just come by to stick your nose in things that aren't your business?"

"It's just that…what's been going on with Avery and me…I've wondered if it was something you and she set up like you have for others, or is it-is it something-"

"Spit it out, son, please," Steve grouched. "I feel a headache coming on."

"If I get you two aspirin, will you at least act like you can be polite to a guest?" Gwen asked.

"This isn't an emergency," Malachai was quick to reassure them both. "If I've come at a bad time—"

"We both know that if you left now, you'd just come back later," Steve snapped. "So, let's just get this over with, shall we?"

"Well, as I was saying," Malachai continued, keeping his eyes on Steve. "You've already set up a lot of people to meet and be each other's destinies on Earth, so I just wondered…"

"This is not a good subject," Gwen murmured to herself with a shake of her head.

"I was wondering if…I mean…"

"Just spit it out, boy!" Steve cried.

"I want to know if I was Avery's destiny to start with," Malachai got out.

"No," Steve said flatly.

"What?" Malachai and Gwen cried at the same time. They were in shock.

"He's not," Steve shrugged. "But that doesn't mean they can't spend time with each other and affect one another in a positive way."

"What do you mean, saying that I'm not?" Malachai asked, rising and pacing back and forth.

"Well, you aren't really the brightest bulb in the box, are you?" Steve asked. "I don't know how I can more clearly explain to you that I never intended for you to be my daughter Avery's destiny."

"But…but…but…"

"And why not?" Gwen demanded.

"He just isn't," Steve shrugged. "I can't tell you anything else."

"I…" Malachai finally stopped pacing and ran a hand through his tangled hair. "If that's the case…if you're absolutely certain…I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time. I'll see myself out." He turned on his heel and headed to the door, slamming it behind him.

"What the fuck did you do that for?" Gwen asked, incensed enough to actually swear.

"My dear," Steve explained, "that man has been in doubt about himself and Avery ever since they met, pulling her every which way and being unsure of his feelings for her while liking other things about their relationship at the same time. Taking and not always giving back equally. He needs to have the time to figure things out and grow up before he goes back to her." He sighed and thought of Eleanor's parents and how they'd had her so young and had such different ideas of what they'd wanted. "Malachai wouldn't be the first."

Gwen's eyes lit up. "So, he is Avery's destiny? You were only fibbing?"

"Of course," Steve waved a dismissive hand. "And on the day Malachai is finally confident enough in the relationship, it'll happen!"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!" Both Noah and Milo whimpered in pain as their mother, frowning, dragged them into one of the offices to question them about Angelica's date.

"Excuse me, Mother, but what the hell?" Noah complained as she let them go, narrowing her eyes on them and crossing her arms.

"Yeah, what he said," Milo added before moving oh-so-subtly behind his brother for protection.

"Well, I don't know!" Ellie scoffed. "I have to wonder if the two of you think I'm as stupid about this boyfriend business as your father!"

"Well, I don't know if I'm comfortable answering that, but I'll gladly tell you anything else you want!" Milo promised, giving her his most innocent expression and trying to call up whatever power Angelica had to make their father think she was always innocent in the hopes that it would work on his mother.

"Nice save!" Noah whispered.

"You shush," Ellie snapped, stabbing a finger in his direction. "Both of you!"

"Yes, Mother," Noah nodded, his eyes cast down. "I apologize."

"I saw you two at breakfast the other day," she commented with a smirk. "Whatever you were trying to hide, you didn't do it very well."

"What day at the breakfast table?" Milo asked innocently. "Since we're there every day, there are so many days at the breakfast table to choose from."

"Don't be smart with me, young man," Ellie scolded. "You know very well that I mean the day your father had his tantrum about Angelica!"

"Oh, yes, that day." Noah and Milo looked at one another and gave an uncomfortable chuckle.

"Yes, that day," Ellie nodded and began circling them like a vulture, which made them both incredibly nervous. In that moment, she didn't seem like their kind and loving mother anymore.

"And?" Milo swallowed. "Is there something we can do for you?"

"Yes, sweet boy of mine," she whispered right near his ear. Then she yelled, making both him and Noah start. "Tell me who Angelica is with right now!"

"We have no idea!" Noah protested, wide-eyed and swinging his arms about. "And I think I'm not going to be able to hear anything ever again, thank you very much!"

"You're lying through your teeth," Ellie hissed. "Do you think that as your mother, I wouldn't be able to figure that out?"

Noah blushed. "I think that's another loaded question I would prefer not to answer."

"Yes," Milo agreed. "What he said."

"Very well," Ellie nodded. "Of course, you don't have to answer me. Obviously I'm stressing you out by asking a simple question." Her gaze landed on Noah. "Maybe you should take a long vacation and I'll watch the club for a month. That also gives you the opportunity to sort things out in your head about Celine. I know she's been a source of stress for you, poor boy."

"Fuck, Mom!" Noah cried. "You can't do that! I'm a grown man!"

"And I am your mother!" Ellie snapped. "I don't ask for much. I mostly let you do whatever it is you want. I send you cookies and meals from home, so you don't have to spend all your evenings eating junk food. Now I'm calling in a simple favor in return by asking you the identity of the man Angelica is seeing because damn it, I know you know." She turned to Milo. "And if you don't answer, you won't see your precious Natalie either, also for a month! I'm sure I can smooth things over with Mr. Fale about that report he keeps making you do. He'll give you an extension."

Milo's eyes widened! "You can't keep me away from Natalie! I lo-"

Ellie raised an eyebrow.

"I loathe her!" Milo finished. "But that's no excuse for slacking on my school work. Don't you always tell us we should do our best and not let our circumstances blah, blah, blah, etc?"

Ellie twisted her mouth to one side and tapped her foot. "Well, since you truly do love Natalie Mikaelson, since she's all you can think of-"

"So true," Noah nodded. "So true!"

"What did I say about shushing?" Ellie snapped at the elder of the boys.

"Right," Noah whispered. "Sorry." Then he pursed his lips.

"Well, who is he?" Ellie pressed. It would be less painful if you just tell me now."

"If we do, do you promise not to say a word to Dad and/or Grandpa?" Milo asked, putting his hands together as if praying.

Noah growled. "You chicken, Milo! Don't say a word! Just keep your mouth shut!"

"We have to or she'll kill us!" Milo cried.

Ellie made a face. "You're my son!" She cried. "For your grandfather's sake! You're my sons and I wouldn't kill you! Make you suffer, yes, but not kill you." Then she looked down at the ground, then her shoulders began to shake. "You…you should see the looks on your faces!"

"I'm confused," Milo whispered to his brother. "Why is she laughing now? Are we in trouble or not?"

Noah shrugged. "Don't ask me!"

"I know who the man is," Ellie informed her terrified and confused sons, grinning in triumph.

"You do?" Noah and Milo asked in surprise.

"Oh, yes," Ellie nodded. "Because unlike your father, who is a blubbering emotional mess, I used my brain, took down the jeep's license plate number, because we know that car isn't your sister's, and found that it belonged to Klaus Mikaelson. Then I went to see a friend of mine who could double check for absolute certainty."

Milo and Noah grabbed hands. "She knows!" Milo cried as he raised his eyes to the ceiling. "We're all gonna die because Dad will find out she knows and then sex it out of her. She'll sing like a canary!"

Ellie narrowed her eyes. "Oh, get a grip!" She snapped. "How foolish do you think I am? Do you think I would let something this important reach your father? Do you think I would just blurt it out because your father is standing naked in front of me and saying what seems to be all the right things? I have more willpower than you think, young man! I can get stuff out of him a lot easier than he can get stuff I don't want him to hear out of me! It's your sister's business if she wants to fuck Klaus Mikaelson and no one else's."

Noah put his hands over his ears. "Oh, spare my poor virgin ears! It's too much for me to hear you talking like that!"

"Oh, whatever," Ellie scoffed. "I think we all know that you don't have poor virgin anything!"

"Just so we're clear," Milo told her, "you aren't gonna say a word."

"I won't," Ellie shook her head. "If your sister wants to tell someone about it, I have no doubt that she'll come and see me."

"For what it's worth, he saved her at the club one night, Klaus did," Noah informed his mother. "She was a little out of her element trying to get through things with Sammy and got into some trouble with a werewolf client. Since it was on the night both Roxie and Vince were out for their anniversary, I was busy and couldn't help her. Klaus did it for me, and I hope he knows how grateful I am. I've been comping his drinks ever since."

"And even though it's something I would like to scrub from my brain for the rest of time, from what Natalie and I saw of them, they really seemed to be enjoying each other's company," Milo added. "She's definitely safe with him. He cares about her."

"That's good to know," Ellie said and put what she hoped was a calming hand on each of their shoulders. "Maybe this isn't such a bad thing after all."

In the middle of the night, Amy tossed and turned then tossed her covers aside, wincing as her bare feet touched the floor before she could shove them into her slippers. Then she began to pace around her bedroom. Natalie was at her father's, leaving Amy nothing to do but think about how much she missed Kol. And since he wasn't around, that meant she was hot, bothered, and frustrated!

He had left for Africa on business ten days ago, assuring her profusely before going on his way that he would be back as soon as possible.

She thought that would be okay. She'd never been a particularly horny person, but without him, her body seemed to have taken on a mind of its own and needs at levels she didn't know she was capable of having began popping up at the most inconvenient times and driving her crazy! She'd even gotten so desperate that she'd ordered a vibrator off the internet (with the ridiculous name of Alfred the Tennis Instructor) and had watched the door like a hawk until the package came and she could snatch it off the front step, hiding it deep in her closet where Natalie wouldn't see it. She didn't want her daughter to know what was going on. She didn't even want to know what was going on herself. It was so unladylike, and she'd always thought of herself as a lady.

Much to her dismay, Alfred's efforts weren't enough, and she was still left wanting at night. Apparently, her body only wanted one man and that was Kol Mikaelson!

And if that wasn't bad enough, around ten in the evening, she heard the sounds of him returning home and his suitcases hitting his floor. He was back in the country and the penthouse, So close that only a couple of doors separated them. If she'd thought there was a chance she'd fall asleep before, now there was none!

She'd promised herself that after things had ended with Klaus, she'd take time to clear her head. To really go through all her options and maybe even explore some hobbies that didn't require a man, like sewing or pottery making as she pondered how crazy it was to date the brother of two of her ex-husbands. It was nuts! Her brain said that the best thing to do was think long and hard about it, and maybe even talk herself out of it. But her body…her body had taken a liking to Kol's view, which was to not think about anything and just have wild sex instead.

She sighed and lowered her hands to cup her breasts as she got back in bed. Who needed a man when she was perfectly capable of getting good satisfaction on her own? She slowly slid her hand under the slight waistband of her thong panties (thong panties? What was she even doing with those? They weren't her at all!) She began rubbing herself, a grin spreading over her lips, but then disappearing after she let out a shriek as she realized that it wouldn't be long before the euphoria wore off and she'd have to do it all over again!

Amy jumped from bed again, grabbed a gauzy while negligee that practically showed everything, put it on and grabbed the key to Kol's place that he'd given her for emergencies. Well, if anything was an emergency, this was!

She bit her lip and asked herself: was she really brave enough to do this? Could she really stride over to Kol's penthouse, open his door without invitation, and say 'Here I am, dressed like a whore, have sex with me!'

Her mind was terrified and even a little disgusted at the prospect, but her body was…enthusiastic to say the least. Before she got too frightened to do anything but go back to bed, she began tiptoeing through the dark corridor until she reached his master bedroom. The door was open and she peeked inside, putting a hand over her mouth so she wouldn't moan or squeal or do anything else that would give her away.

Kol was naked as the day her was born. His right hand was tightly gripping the edge of one of his dressers while his left hand fisted his length in hard motions and cries of pleasure escaped his lips.

"Oh," she moaned as she realized she was being held hostage by desire again and her hand slipped into her panties.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch me jerk off, or do you want to come in and help?" Kol called, snapping her back to reality. "Because frankly, I think the latter would be much more fun for both of us, darling."

She was blushing a deep shade of red as he met her eyes and continued to pleasure himself as she watched. "I've missed you the last two weeks, Amy. Having to do this to and by myself does the job but its also pure torture. I would much rather have your help. I'm sure you can relate, can't you?"

Amy swallowed and bit her lip, her face cooling as she found the courage to open the door the rest of the way and advance into the bedroom, unable to look away from what he was probably now doing on purpose just to get her stirred up. She stopped in the middle of the room and untied the ribbon that kept the negligee secure so that it fell from her body and onto the carpet in a puddle, so that she stood before him in nothing but a pair of tiny thong panties.

As she strode toward him, a coy grin on her lips, he couldn't look away. "Fuck," he whispered. "You're so beautiful! I like you very much this way. That's more like it!"

Her nervousness was washing up again, but she wouldn't let him see it. Not when she was on a roll. "Shush," she whispered, pushing his busy hand aside to grab his length and slowly taste him.

"Well, this is certainly a wonderful welcome home surprise," he said as he shut his eyes to enjoy it and let out a growl. "Fuck, darling. This feels so good!"

Encouraged, she kept rubbing and rubbing, harder and harder, until he let out a cry.

"Oh, are you all right?" She asked, momentarily forgetting it was an orgasm and he wasn't in distress.

"Oh, yes," Kol nodded, trying to catch his breath as he gazed at her, his dark eyes hungry. All that was in his way now was a tiny pair of panties. That was no challenge.

"Did you…did you like it?" Amy asked.

"Didn't I sound like I enjoyed myself?" Kol asked. "Well, I did. And because you were such a nice, helpful lady, it's your turn if you want it." He grinned a grin that almost made her want to start rubbing herself again. "What do you say we get you out of those panties?"

Amy let out a squeak and let him lift her into his bed, where he peeled off her panties and then began tasting her as she threaded her fingers through his hair.

"Is that good?" he asked between licks and swirls. "Or do you want it harder?"

"Harder!" She gasped. "Harder Kol, please!"

He obeyed until she felt herself climax and cry out. It was naturally the strongest orgasm she'd had in a long time and she found herself throwing her arms around his neck so she'd stay put.

"Are you all right?" He asked. "Is it too much?"

"No," Amy shook her head. "It's just been awhile since I've had anything really strong or satisfying. It would have happened that way even if you were gentle, probably."

"So we have a lot of catching up to do?" Kol asked her with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm sorry I had to be so neglectful."

"Business is business," Amy smiled. "How are you planning on making it up to me?"

"I'm going to take you, and I am going to take you hard," he grinned and cupped her face with both hands. "If that's all right with you?"

"Yes," Amy nodded. "Take me soft, take me hard, I don't care, just take me!"

He started out gently, much to her surprise. Light kisses on her lips, and gentle nibbles down her neck. Then he sucked on and bit each nipple before kissing her hard and driving into her over and over. She was lying on her back on the bed with her knees up and parted so she wouldn't hit her head on the headboard as he pushed into her, something she was grateful for the longer it went. Clearly she wasn't the only one who'd had to wait too long.

Finally, he kissed her soundly and pulled her up to sit, driving into her one last time as he held her tight.

"Had enough?" He whispered against her ear and nibbled on the earlobe.

"Yes," Amy nodded. "At least for the moment."

Then he grinned and let out a low whistle. "Well, Miss Amy Burke, you are just full of surprises tonight. When did you decide to become even more of a super sexy bombshell than you already were? Was it so you could surprise me when I left? If so, I'll leave more often!"

"Stop it!" She blushed and buried her face in his pillow, even though his words pleased her very much.

"Nowhere to hide, darling," he reminded her with a grin as she turned her head to face him. "It's kind of flattering that you missed me so much. Or was it more my assets that you missed? You can be honest. It won't hurt my feelings."

"Yes, I did, Kol," she admitted with a shy smile. "I missed everything!" She raised his hand to caress his beard. He was clearly all man! "I need to repeat I missed everything! And I love your beard too!"

"I love it when you kneel in front of me," he teased and gave her a wink. "I thought you'd always be too shy for that but thank you for proving me wrong. I love that you have the power to surprise me, Amy Burke!"

"Oh, I just bet you do," she said with a blush. "And it doesn't surprise me that you've wanted me to do that. You always want me to do the most outrageous things!"

"Well, I can't help it if I see you differently than you see yourself. That to me, you're bolder, braver, more beautiful. But it seems things are changing. It seems like you've developed quite the appetite for me, woman!"

Amy heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Well, to be completely honest, I met another man while you were gone. I thought I should tell you sooner rather than later."

"What?" Kol asked, his face falling. "Darling, I told you that this was just a business trip and that I would be coming back soon, so why did you-"

"I call him Alfred the Tennis Instructor," Amy interrupted with a grin. She'd just wanted to see him squirm a little. "And he's a dildo vibrator. Don't worry." She reached out and ran a hand lightly down his chest. "He's nowhere near as good as the real thing."

Kol lay his head on the pillow and burst out laughing. "I don't blame you for getting through my being gone any way you could, but I will tell you right now that you can throw that in garbage! I'm back and you don't need a vibrator. You have the best of the best!"

"Well, you're not wrong," she conceded and gave him a light kiss.

"It's a journey, darling," he encouraged. "You'll get there."

She returned his smile and nodded.

He took her hand and squeezed it. "So, how's Natalie?"

"She's good," Amy said. "Klaus is back in town now, so both her parents are around, and I think that's good for her."

"So, I heard," Kol nodded. "He hasn't bothered you, has he? I'd be glad to plow my fist into his face if he has."

"No, it was quite the opposite, actually," Amy assured him, still surprised. "He sent me a text apologizing for everything he put me through and making me cry so much. He wished me the best in my life and even told me that if I was ever in over my head I could call him, and he'd help me out."

Kol's eyes widened, and he snorted. "Are you sure it was my brother Nik that sent you something like that?"

"Yeah, I was shocked too, at first. I didn't believe it, and I'm still not quite ready to forgive him, but…at the same time, I feel at peace, you know?"

"Yes," Kol nodded as he pulled her into his arms and held her close. "Maybe a miracle has happened, and he found a woman who brings out the best in him. And maybe that'll stick this time."

"it would do him some good to have someone succeed where others have tried and failed," Amy agreed. "And in the meantime, lying in your arms is doing me lots of good." She snuggled against him, feeling her body relax and her eyes close. She was so exhausted, but so happy that he'd returned and she was in his arms at last.

"Me too, darling," Kol agreed, kissing the top of her head. "Me too."