Angelica parked her Jaguar in her special parking spot at the club, then headed inside, sticking her coat in the coat room, then making her way to the bar, waving and greeting all the parents, students, and friends from Milo's school who acknowledged her appearance with enthusiasm and respect because of everything she'd done for the school and the community. She then took a seat on a bar stool and ordered a vodka and cranberry.
"Are you all right?" Roxie asked. "I mean you never order first thing when you come in. Is there something I should know about? Is it Noah's fault?"
"Oh, no, it's nothing bad," Angelica assured her. "It's just that with Noah and Milo both dancing in the competition tonight, I want to get my drink out of the way, so I don't spit it out or have it go through my nose because my brothers don't dance well."
"Ah, got you," Roxie nodded. "Makes sense. One vodka and cranberry coming right up!"
As Roxie made her drink, Angelica looked over her outfit, a pair of white high-heeled pumps, black wide-leg trousers, and a matching black satin blazer with a white lace bra just peeking out from underneath. It was a bit bold since her father was supposed to be watching the competition as well, but she was past caring what he thought anymore. She'd also curled her hair, put on red lipstick, and brought a new white clutch bag. She knew it wasn't subtle of her, but Klaus would be here and she wanted to look good, especially since it was a bad idea for them to be close in front of her father.
After finishing her drink, she strode toward the tables and chairs situated around the stage for the audience, bumping into her brother Noah along the way.
"Sorry," he apologized, backing up a little. "I just wasn't looking where I was going."
"You sure weren't," Angelica scolded. "And damn, you've got muscles making you as hard as a rock! You've been lifting weights and stuff at Grandma Sarah's gym, haven't you?"
"Yes, and thank you for noticing," Noah told her. "Thanks for the compliment!" Then he rolled his eyes. "But you didn't have to be here, you know. You could have just sent a text or something."
"Oh, you think I'm gonna miss my brothers dancing tonight?" Angelica shook her head. "I couldn't let my family down like that. I'm gonna record every move you two make for posterity, especially yours with your lovely goddaughter, Celine. I'm sure she'll treasure it always. The longing, the closeness, being cheek-to cheek, lips touching, hearts pounding," she faked a wistful sigh. "Then I'll post it on every social media site I can!"
Noah blushed deep red and frowned at his sister. "Really, Angelica?" He snapped. "That's the game you want to play?"
"Would you calm down?" Angie murmured. "It was just a joke, for grandpa's sake. You don't have to make a big deal about it. I didn't come here to cause trouble." She cleared her throat. "But honestly, your reaction is really telling, isn't it? You have deeper feelings for Miss Celine than you care to admit." She let herself chuckle a little.
"You bitch," Noah hissed, eyes narrowed. "Don't you think I'm stressed enough already about this competition and what it means for Celine if I screw it up? Don't go putting more weight on my shoulders. Oh, fuck this tie!" He grumbled and started to pull the tie he'd been fumbling with off.
"Here," Angelica told him. "Even though you were very rude to me, I'll take pity on you and do your tie for you. I can take it. I've been called worse." She winked. She began slowly and carefully tying his tie for him. "I can't believe Daddy never taught you how to do this. At the very least he'd want you to look presentable to your dates…or your tango partner."
Noah shrugged. "I guess he saw me as the clubbing boy and not someone who wears ties," he shrugged.
"Well, the tie is nice but what about the rest? You look like a 50s gangster." She crossed her arms over her chest. "What dance are you doing? You never told us so I'm dying of curiosity!"
Noah sighed and tried to avoid answering the question, but she was determined to find out his dance and he knew that when she was determined, it was less painful in the long run just to give in. "Don't laugh, all right?" He sighed. "It's…it's the Argentine Tango."
And just as he knew she would, Angelica began laughing so hard she choked on her spit. "Please tell me you're joking, brother," she said when she could get a breath. "That's one of the hottest dances that there is! I've had people not want to learn it for wedding receptions because they thought it would be too sexy to do in front of their parents! Why did you choose it if the last thing you want to do is give away the sexual tension between you and Celine on the dance floor?"
"What sort of an idiot do you take me for?" Noah hissed. "I wasn't the one who chose the dance! Contrary to what you're thinking, I had no part in this, this…"
But he was blushing bright red, something Angelica was quick to pick up on. "I think the color of your face at the moment betrays you," she told him with a grin and lightly poked him in the chest.
"Oh, all right," Noah nodded. "I chose that dance like you chose Klaus Mikaelson, didn't you? Don't we all have our secrets, sister?" He nudged her a little, a wicked grin on his face.
"Will you shush?" She begged. "If you're gonna tease me about that, don't say it so loud!"
"Yes, well," Noah was grinning evilly now. "I supposed that since he'll be here tonight to support his daughter when she's dancing with Milo, he'll get to see you in this x-rated outfit! Be honest, did you dress this way for him at least a little? To give your lover an eyeful?"
"It is not x-rated," Angelica hissed. "Especially when you compare it to how some people dress around here. And…it's none of your business if I did or didn't. I know he should be focused on supporting his daughter, not staring at me." She held her clutch bag under her arm. "That's why it won't matter if he sees me. And if he does, we'll just act natural."
"Right!" It was Noah's turn to laugh uproariously now. "Angie, Angie, Angie…of course you will. Absolutely no one will notice the 'normal' long, hot glances and loving looks that flash between the two of you when you're supposed to be focusing on the dances." He swallowed and eyed her thoughtfully. "I wonder, with you two carrying on as you undoubtedly will, how long it will take Father and Grandfather to notice? Cause if things are out in the open for all to see, and they're neither blind, nor idiots, they will notice something."
He knew it was mean to laugh as his sister went pale, but he couldn't help it; he was enjoying his revenge immensely.
Angelica was thrown off her game for a second, but then quickly got her bearings, narrowing her eyes at the brother who was usually her closest ally. "Would you stop being such an asshole?" She hissed and punched him in the arm. "They aren't going to notice anything because we'll be sitting far apart and won't say one word to each other." She gave him a nudge. "Now, go mingle with your goddaughter and try not to think about how much you actually want her in your bed!"
"All right, I will," Noah told her with a grin and turned to walk toward the stage and Angelica continued toward the seats. "Love you very much, sister! Wish me luck!"
"Mom!" Angelica cried, getting up from her seat and waving at her mother, then leaving her chair to go meet her and bring her to sit by her. "You're here!"
"Where else would I be when I have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see two of my sons try and convince a whole club full of people they're John Travoltas in the making?" Ellie asked, giving her daughter a wink.
"Well, I don't know if they'll ever be that good, but at the very least, we'll be able to give them an 'A' for effort, if it turns out they're really terrible," Angie pointed out with a grin as she held her clutch bag in her lap. "Or maybe…maybe we'll get the pleasure of seeing they're good after all, and we won't believe our eyes about their incredible dancing prowess."
Ellie nodded. "Perhaps you're right, Angelica." She grinned as her mind drifted back to her and Julian's date at the amusement park, especially what had happened in the alley. "Sometimes life surprises us. I hope it does here tonight."
"Me too," Angie nodded, biting her bottom lip as she found herself thinking of Klaus. "You look different tonight; much sexier than usual, if I may say. Is that a new outfit?"
"You like it?" Eleanor asked with a blush. She knew she was wearing some very unmotherly clothing and she hoped it wasn't embarrassing her children.
"Definitely!" Angelica nodded. "I might even borrow it from time to time." She looked around. "I bet Dad's pleased too. I'm surprised he's not glued to your hip when you're dressed like that. Where'd he go?"
"No idea," her mother shrugged. "And honestly, I can't say I'm too concerned. He might come, he might not." She placed her purse on the empty chair beside her. "But he definitely won't be sitting by me!"
Angelica looked at her mother's narrowed eyes in surprise. "Why not? What's wrong? Did you have a fight? Do you need me to help you move some things to the guesthouse for a few days?"
Her mother sighed. "I'm afraid we're past that, sweetheart. I'm afraid I've reached a point where…I'm…I need more than this life, and it's time for your father and I to part ways." She squeezed Angelica's hand and gave her a smile.
Angelica swallowed nervously. "Did I do this? Is it because of me? I know he's obsessing a bit about my wanting to have a life, and I'm doing the best I can to do my own thing, but…I promise I never intended to create a problem between you two."
"No, no," Ellie took her daughter's hand and squeezed it, looking her straight in the eye. "It's not because of you. It's just…it's me, I guess. Your grandfather's whole plan for me was to be a wife to his son and a mother to his grandchildren, but now you've all grown and it's highly unlikely your father and I will have any more after all this, so…I need to figure out what to do with myself now. Find a new path to take. But I swear, I'll still love all of you. That'll never change."
Angie nodded. "All right. Thanks."
"But…don't tell anyone yet, please," Ellie requested. "I'm still at the mansion until my job offer with the Council is finalized and I can get another place of my own, and I don't want to cause any more drama."
"But…but you've had fights before," Angie reasoned, finding her mother's announcement very hard to wrap her head around. "I'm sure you'll find a way to…to…" She had no idea what to think. And the thought of her parents separating was very hard to believe.
Ellie put a hand on her arm. "I know it's hard to understand or believe, but…I'm afraid we're past the point of no return this time, sweetie. Trust me when I say that us being apart will be better for everyone." They lapsed into silence for a few seconds and then Ellie cleared her throat. "But enough about me and…and your father. We're here to have a good time, not dwell on things that are troublesome! Am I right?"
Angelica looked at her mother's smile, still feeling uncomfortable. "Sure. Okay."
"And may I say," Ellie continued, ignoring her daughter's discomfort and giving her a pernicious grin, "that you look radiant tonight?" Her tone was sly. "More radiant than you ever looked with Sammy!"
Angelica blushed deep red. "Thank you. It must be because of everything I'm accomplishing at work. It's good to be busy. It keeps me on my toes."
Ellie put an arm around her daughter. "I had my doubts about him at first, but I can see that he's good to you and makes you happy. And I'm very glad for that."
"I…I don't know who you're talking about," Angelica muttered nervously and rubbed her hands together. "Or what."
When Ellie said nothing in response, Angie turned and saw that one of her mother's eyebrows was arched and her arms were crossed over her chest. "You know!" She cried, eyes wide. Her heart began pounding wildly and she was sure everyone could hear it.
"Of course, I know, Angelica! I'm your mother! Did you think I was such a blind fool that I wouldn't be able to figure out who you're sleeping with?" Ellie rolled her eyes, wondering if all her kids took her for a fool.
Suddenly, Angelica gasped and put a hand on her rapidly beating heart. "Father! Does he…does he know?"
Ellie couldn't ignore the fact that all the color had left Angelica's chest and was quick to reassure her. "No, no, no! He has no idea about anything if it's not about himself, so leave your father out of this. You're a grown woman. It's your own love and sex life, and no one else's business who you pick to be with." She waved a dismissive hand. "And honestly, if you were trying to keep it secret, you should have tried harder. You drove Klaus Mikaelson's jeep for weeks and all I had to do was check on the license plate."
"I still kind of do," Angie replied, shrugging.
Ellie laughed. "So…you really are happy with him?
Angelica smiled and nodded. "Very much so," she replied candidly. "Right now, we're just…in our happy place, Mom? You know what I mean?"
"Yes," Ellie nodded and grabbed both her daughter's hands. "As of now…I do know."
"Wait, what?" Angelica asked. "What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, nothing," Ellie replied, blushing. "Forget about it. I don't want to worry you anymore."
She was blessedly spared from having to answer any more questions thanks to the sudden appearance of Milo.
"Mom, Angie!" He called. "You came!"
"Oh, of course we did," Angie told him, trying not to laugh in his face but failing. "We wouldn't miss your performance for anything in the world."
"Be quiet!" Milo shot back, stung. "I'd like to see you go out on the dance floor and perform for everyone!" He knew this was something that wouldn't frighten his sister one bit, as she was a very skilled dancer, but he couldn't think of anything else to say.
"What your sister means is that we're both very proud of you," Ellie interpreted in an attempt to stop the brewing argument while straightening Milo's crooked suspenders. "And may I say that you look very dashing today?"
"Thanks, Mom," Milo blushed. "I really hope we do well, or Natalie's gonna rip me to pieces!"
"Oh, I think you're exaggerating," Angie commented. "I bet she's all over you now that you agreed to dance with her." She gave her brother a sly wink.
"Oh, get your head out of the gutter!" Milo told her, playing with his suspenders. "It's not like that at all! We're not that close! We're acquaintances!"
Angelica chuckled and rolled her eyes. "I've never heard it called that before."
"Now, now, you two," Ellie told her daughter before ruffling Milo's curly hair before he had a chance to tell his sister off. "Don't get all upset. We're not here to cause trouble. Just to cheer you and Natalie on and be proud of your efforts.
"Thanks, Mom," Milo smiled and bent down to kiss his mother's cheek "And no thanks to you, Angelica!" He hissed, standing up and narrowing his eyes at his sister before turning on his heel and striding away, doing his best to ignore the sounds of laughter behind his back.
Klaus chuckled as he made his way inside the club after presenting his special invitation to the Council clerk. He knew that there was no reason he should be refused entrance since his granddaughters were in the competition, but he could never be quite sure how the people at the Council felt about him. A lot of the time, they gritted their teeth and allowed him to do what he wanted, but sometimes he felt like they were spiteful and vindictive just to mess with him. Luckily, tonight was not one of those nights.
Looking up as Roxanne called out to him and gave him an energetic wave, he made his way to the bar for a quick glass of scotch and the chance to exchange some pleasantries with his eldest daughter before heading to the area where the audience for the competition were meant to be seated. On his way, however, a tall blonde bumped into him and grabbed both his arms to keep from falling to the floor.
"Sorry!" She apologized immediately without looking up. But when she did, a grin broke out on her face. "Grandpa! You came!"
"Of course I did!" Klaus grinned, giving her a wink. "I wouldn't miss seeing my granddaughters perform!" Then he leaned forward and asked in a whisper, "How's my favorite granddaughter? And don't tell your sisters that you're my favorite!"
"I won't," Michelle promised, blushing, and with a twinkle in her eye. "I'm not surprised. I always sensed that you liked me more than my sisters because I'm the bitchier one who's more like you."
Klaus leaned his head back and burst into laughter. "Well, if it's that obvious, thank you so much for having restraint and keeping it to yourself. Are you excited to perform?"
"Oh, no, I'm terrified!" Michelle shook her head, nervously rubbed her hands, and pushed a strand of long blonde hair out of her eyes. "Don't tell anyone though. It would completely ruin my reputation if people found out. I'd never hear the end of it!"
"I wouldn't dream of giving you away like that," Klaus promised as he buried his hands in the pockets of your jeans. "Who's your partner? I don't think I've heard."
"No one important," Michelle rolled her eyes and sighed.
"How interesting," Klaus teased. "I can't wait to see you up there dancing with no one."
"It's a person, of course," Michelle confessed. "Nico Fale, Helene's adopted son."
"Oh!" Klaus' eyes widened. "So…is he your boyfriend then?" He chuckled.
"Oh, god, no! Don't even say that or I'm gonna be sick!" Michelle shook her head, blushing bright red.
"But you must at least have some feelings about him if you're protesting this much," Klaus concluded. "You must like him a little."
Michelle pouted and shook her head, her arms crossed over her chest. "Never! He's an arrogant, pretentious, dirty werewolf!"
"Oh, like your grandfather!" Klaus winked, making her blush and have the grace to at least look a bit ashamed. But it didn't bother him because he'd already heard it all before. "You have wonderful taste, granddaughter of mine!"
"Oh, trust me, you're a gem compared to Nico Fale," Michelle assured him, then looked him over with a grin on her lips. "And speaking of wonderful taste, you look mighty fine tonight! Is that a new leather jacket? It looks good! Are you wearing it for someone special? Who's the lucky lady?" She knew that he could be wearing it for a man too, possibly, but he hadn't had a boyfriend in years, so it was probably for a lady.
"There's no lucky lady this time," Klaus told her with a sigh and a cough to try and ward off the discomfort he felt "I know you've heard about my reputation with women and my string of terrible relationships. I've finally decided that it's best to remain single."
"Right," Michelle nodded, not convinced at all. "I guess I'll find out the answer to my question soon enough!" She then stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his scruffy cheek. "Glad to see you, Grandpa. Thanks for coming to cheer me on!"
"Of course," Klaus nodded. "Wouldn't have missed it for the world. I bet it's almost time for things to start. Get out there and make me proud on the dance floor now!"
"I'll do my best!" Michelle nodded and gave a small curtsy before running backstage.
Klaus watched her go, chuckling and shaking his head. He knew she was a handful. But she was also one of a kind and more like him than anyone else in his family and he wouldn't change her for the world.
As he took a seat on the bleachers that had been set up by the stage, he looked over at a smaller set of chairs and saw his lady love sitting with her mother. His heart began to pick up, because fuck, she sure was looking sexy as always. This time, it was in black silk trousers (which he knew would fit pretty snugly around certain parts of her), and a matching black blazer. And she looked good enough to eat with the deep neckline of the blazer and the peekaboo bra underneath, something he would do with pleasure later on when they were alone.
Suddenly, she lifted her head from looking at the program in her lap and caught his eye. She must've felt his eyes on her. She blushed and he gave her a wink before she could look away. He understood. Since her parents would be present, to keep things peaceful in public, they had promised to pretend like they had never met before. It was a very hard sell, especially since she looked so intoxicating, but if it was for her safety and peace of mind, he would play it casual. He would do it for her.
Ellie nudged Angelica as Klaus made his way to an empty spot on the bleachers. "I think your lover just walked in," she whispered teasingly, getting her hand out of her daughter's reach as she gave Klaus a little wave, which he returned before taking a seat.
"What did you do that for?" Angelica whispered, outraged. "Have you lost your mind?"
"What?" Ellie muttered with a shrug. "Is it my fault that the man who's the father of my son's dancing partner also happens to be your secret lover? That's not my fault, and it would be rude just to ignore him!"
"The operative word being 'secret'," Angelica reminded her, although it was hard to keep her own gaze off Klaus. "I've kept this to myself for a reason. Now that you've figured it out, don't tell me you're gonna start being as nosy about my life as Dad and Grandpa." This last sentence was said through gritted teeth.
"I most certainly won't be shouting it from the rooftops, sweetheart," Ellie promised. "You know I'm in your corner. I'm just amazed there's someone out there who made you love him more than you love your father."
"I don't!" Angelica shook her head. "I want there to be room in my life for everyone! It's not my fault Dad won't allow it!"
"Oh, but you did choose him over your father," Ellie reminded her. "Since your father made you!"
Angelica threw her hands up. "Fine, whatever. Think what you want. I don't care."
Ellie moved closer. "Tell me something," she murmured. "With all the lovers he's had, he must be good between the sheets, right?"
"Oh, my gosh, Mom!" Angelica blushed. "I'm not discussing that subject with you, especially not in public where people could hear me!"
"We don't have to," Ellie grinned and patted her knee. "Your blushing tells me everything I need to know."
Angelica let out a growl and narrowed her eyes. "You did that on purpose!" She accused her mother.
"Hey, listen, honey," Ellie told her. "Ever since he came and sat down, he hasn't stopped looking at you. The man is obviously in love."
"What? He can't be!" Angie protested nervously. "It's not like that with us!"
"Sure, it's not!" Ellie grinned and squeezed her daughter's hand. Then she froze, feeling Lucifer's gaze on her.
"What?" Angelica asked. "What is it? Mom, are you okay?"
"Your father just arrived," Ellie replied. "And it looks like he's going to sit next to Klaus!"
Angie gasped, tensed, and started to get up before Ellie put a restraining hand on her arm. "No, don't get up, don't look at your father, don't give him any attention at all. It's what he wants." She let out a loud, false laugh. "Laugh too," she instructed. "Pretend I said something funny!"
"What?" Angie asked, still horrified by the thought of her father sitting next to her lover.
"Laugh," Ellie hissed, giving her a sharp nudge and laughing some more.
She finally caught on and let out a loud laugh of her own and pointing to something on the program to make people believe they'd seen something hilarious.
Lucifer immediately glanced in her direction to see her reaction to his sitting near Klaus Mikaelson but was surprised to notice she hadn't even looked their way.
"Klaus Mikaelson," he drawled, sitting down and unbuttoning one of the buttons of his blazer. "Fancy seeing you here. I had no idea that the Council was allowing the lowest of supernatural society inside the gymnasium. I thought that if they let you come at all, you would have to stay chained up outside like the beast you are. And it's amazing that you were able to find the time between scratching yourself and marking your territory."
Klaus shut his eyes tight, knowing exactly what he wanted to say, but keeping quiet for Angelica's sake. Opening them, he chuckled and kept his eyes on his program. "Lucifer Morningstar! I'm not surprised at all to see you here. But I have to say I am surprised that of all the places to sit, you chose a spot by me. I thought that it would make you feel less manly." He faked a cough. "Could you move over a seat? You're wearing enough horrible cologne to choke a man."
Too pleased with himself to take the bait, Lucifer raised his chin and smiled. "I hope you realized that I've managed to procure a white oak stake."
Klaus turned his head at this announcement, not the least bit annoyed by the devil's unwanted presence beside him. He smirked back. "Well, good for you. It's interesting to learn that you collect old relics. But it makes sense, seeing as how you're one yourself."
"You're very bold to tease me," Lucifer hissed. "You know I'm well aware that with that weapon, I could easily end you for good!"
"And so I could I," Klaus returned. "Believe me, I'd find a way."
"Niklaus and Lucifer?" Elijah interrupted before things could erupt into real trouble, eyebrows raised at the sight of the pair of them together. He then thought it best to take a seat on Klaus' other side. "This is quite unexpected!"
"Elijah, my dear friend!" Lucifer greeted, all smiles and cheer.
"Are we friends?" Elijah questioned the devil. "I'm never quite certain."
"Oh, aren't you delightfully droll," Lucifer grinned and then chuckled. "I like you more than your brother at the very least. Apparently we have more in common than we think, don't we, Klaus?"
"Oh, yes," Klaus nodded. "We really know how to get shit off the bottoms of our shoes."
"Right, or in less coarse terms, we don't hesitate to end problems by any means necessary," Lucifer agreed, giving the hybrid a smirk.
Elijah, sensing tension, stepped forward between them. "Gentlemen, there's no reason for either of you to cause trouble here tonight," he warned as he pulled down the sleeves of his shirt under his blazer. "We're here to celebrate Milo and Natalie's accomplishment with the dance competition, remember?"
Lucifer nodded. "Of course. Natalie would be one of the only worthwhile things your brother put on this earth along with Roxanne and Adrian. She's a very charming young lady."
"I was going to say the same thing about Milo," Klaus returned. "Difficult to believe you two are related because he's tolerable and you're not, but I suppose we all have Eleanor to thank for your foolishness not completely overtaking the next generation."
"At least your brother, Elijah has the flair you lack!" Lucifer hissed through clenched teeth."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Elijah sighed loudly. "Although I'd rather not be involved in this at all."
"Even amidst this celebration of all the students' hard work on this dance competition, Lucifer just informed me mere minutes ago that he has procured a white oak stake and is plotting my murder," Klaus commented with a mad grin.
Elijah raised his head, his eyes wide with surprise as he locked eyes with the devil himself.
"Obviously he misunderstood me," Lucifer quickly corrected with a chuckle.
"Of course Klaus misunderstood you, Lucifer, Selina told him as she approached the group of men. "Because I know you wouldn't be stupid enough to risk your lofty position in the council and the supernatural world by killing one of our own, especially after all the work Eleanor has done to assure people you mean well." She then glanced at Ellie, who gave her a nod. Next to her, Angelica was white as a sheet, but a little more relaxed now that it was clear Selina had their back.
"Selina, my dear friend," Lucifer replied smoothly, his attention turned away from the Mikaelson brothers. "Here you are. I was wondering if you'd be here or if Elijah would leave you at home." His tone was teasing as he let his gaze slide over her body. "And of course, Klaus misunderstood my words. I have no reason to start trouble here tonight."
Selina nodded, but was unconvinced. She knew him too well. "What makes you think Elijah would just leave me at home? I was just talking with my granddaughters backstage until now. "Interesting hobby you've started. I've never known you to be a collector of anything, especially not old stuff."
"Of course you were talking to your beautiful granddaughters," Lucifer nodded, and then gave her a smile. "All of them are beautiful, like their grandmother. As for my hobby, what can I say? Sometimes you need to try new things to keep life interesting. Collecting things is a simple pastime I'm beginning to enjoy in my old age."
Selina snorted at this and turned away from him. "I see your wife and daughter sitting together over there. I think I'll go tell Ellie and Angelica 'hello'." She put her handbag on a seat next to Elijah's and was about to leave when he put a hand on her shoulder.
"Where are you going?" He hissed. "You…you can't just abandon me when I'm in the middle of this mess with Lucifer and Klaus!"
"Oh, you'll be fine," Selina gave him a pat on the back. "You're a big boy!"
"Fine," Elijah growled unhappily. "Go ahead and abandon your poor husband in his hour of need. I understand perfectly!"
As Selina approached, Ellie and Angelica sat up straight. "Selina's coming this way," Eleanor whispered unnecessarily. "Just relax. Act natural."
"I'm a nervous wreck!" Angelica hissed. "How do you expect me to act natural?"
"Selina!" Ellie cried as she reached them. "How nice of you to come and talk to us. It's so good to see you!" Her voice was high, almost squeaky, and when Lucifer heard it, he turned his head in her direction and narrowed his eyes. She met his eyes, smiling wickedly and giving him a cheeky wave. "Asshole," she whispered.
"Nice to see you also!" Selina replied brightly. "I can't wait to watch all the dances!"
"What's going on with Father and Klaus?" Angelica asked anxiously, squeezing Ellie's arm so hard that she almost cried out in pain and then let go and rubbed her hands together.
Sensing Angelica's distress, Selina scooted over to block Lucifer's view of her and Ellie. "Your father claims to have found a white oak stake and was threatening to use it on Klaus," Selina said. "But he could just be making stuff up. It's probably not true."
"What?" Angelica cried in shock. "This is terrible! Father doesn't lie! And he wouldn't make threats like that unless he knew…unless he was sure we were together!" She began to hyperventilate.
"Calm down," Ellie told her, taking her hand and squeezing it. "Keep taking deep breaths. I don't think he knows anything really and is just taking shots in the dark and hoping something sticks. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Your mother's right," Selina nodded. "Klaus is more than capable of handling anything your father can throw at him, and from what I saw, Klaus behaved himself well and Lucifer doesn't have a single good reason to retaliate."
"Wonderful," Ellie said. "I wouldn't expect anything less from him." She hugged her daughter. "It'll be all right, sweetie. You can relax now."
"Thanks, but I don't think I'll be able to relax until they're in separate rooms," Angelica replied, resting her head on her mother's shoulder.
"I know you're probably already thinking along the same lines as I am, but could you keep an eye on Lucifer for us, please?" Ellie asked Selina.
"I'm already on it," Selina promised with a wink as she turned on her heel to return to the three men. "Everything will be all right. Just leave it to me."