Sorry for the long wait but I got kind of distracted with other stories 'lol
This story is complete but I already planned the next part, so don't worry. And we will leave canon with it.
Thanks to Senema for her quick beta. I changed a few things afterwards so all remaining mistakes are my own.
Enjoy and tell me how you liked it. As always I'm happy for comments, they keep me writing.
Chapter 3
As soon as Elijah got Josh's call telling him about Marcel getting in trouble with two Avengers, he knew he had to make a decision. Depending on which Avengers were in Rousseau he had to decide how much he would involve himself with protecting the Avengers and going against Marcel.
Rebekah, who overheard the phone call, also wanted to come along to help Marcel.
Elijah put his hand on her arm warningly. "Rebekah, in this case, I'm not on Marcel's side, no matter which Avenger it is. I think it is incredibly reckless and stupid from Marcel to mess with enhanced humans again, especially the Avengers. Do you remember the last time he thought he was dealing with a normal human?"
Rebekah sighed. "Oh yeah", she admitted. "Remember how long I had to beg Freya before she finally thawed Marcel with her magic?"
Elijah smiled lazily, remembering Marcel as an ice statue. "Yes, it was very entertaining. Not your begging, but Marcel as an icicle and the audience that was drawn to it."
Rebekah rolled her eyes. "You could have taken him to the compound to protect his pride. Therefore, everyone could see him like this and too many people in this city love to rub it in and make him uncomfortable. What if something had happened to him?"
"I'd posted a guard." Elijah answered, not feeling guilty at all. "Come on, we have to go."
The two Originals rushed to Rousseau.
Elijah had many scenarios in mind, but having Marcel and Josh on the ground and Steve cornered by two members of the Strix wasn't one of them. He gestured to Rebekah to deal with the female Strix, who was about to sink her teeth into a person he couldn't recognize.
Thankfully, Rebekah responded without hesitation, vamping out and snapping the female Strix's neck before pulling her away from her victim.
Elijah yanked the two Strix away from Steve and effortlessly threw them across the room. Then he helped Steve up, who looked at him rather shaken. Elijah could understand him, seeing vampires for the first time could do this to a person.
"Are you alright, Steve?" Elijah inquired worriedly.
"Yes, I am. Thank you Elijah." Steve hesitated. "How many are there like them?"
Elijah sighed. "To be honest, way too many for my taste." He turned to Rebekah and recognized Natasha. What were two of the most famous and most wanted Avengers doing back in the United States?
"Isn't it a little too dangerous for you both to be here?" he asked surprised.
"I'm afraid that's my fault," Steve admitted sheepishly.
Of course, it had been Steve's idea. Natasha was far too clever and careful to take risks like that. Elijah smiled amused. "I thought as much."
The ensuing argument with Marcel left Elijah both irritated and very pleased at the same time. This newfound loyalty from Josh could come in very handy, many of the vampires now respected him more than Marcel. The arrogant manner in which Marcel used the Strix against everyone had earned him many enemies, while not only vampires but also werewolves and witches held the always friendly and laidback Josh in high esteem.
Elijah took Natasha and Steve to the compound via back roads to reduce the risk of their detection. He could see them bursting with curiosity, but they followed him silently.
On the way back to the compound Elijah pondered the last few minutes. If he was honest, he wasn't too happy about having his life in New Orleans overlapping with his relationship with the Avengers. Now that Rebekah had learned he really knew two Avengers, it was only a matter of time before she contacted Klaus and Kol. Which meant that in a few days his brothers would be back to interrogate him and this time he wouldn't be able to distract them.
When they entered his home, they both looked around in awe.
"A wonderful house", Natasha said impressed.
"Thank you, it's been ours for 300 years since we came to New Orleans." Elijah looked around proudly. "This town and this house are closest to what we call home."
Freya came down the stairs. "What happened that you and Rebekah left so abruptly?" she asked worriedly.
"Josh called me and told me that Marcel wanted to mess with an enhanced human again", Elijah replied with a smile.
"I won't unfreeze him this time, no matter how much Rebekah begs me", Freya growled angrily.
"Oh, this time he got electrocuted by the Black Widow." Elijah snickered. "Sister, may I introduce Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers to you?"
Freya looked at the two Avengers with wide eyes. "It is an honour to meet you."
After Klaus had pointed out Elijah's fascination with the Avengers to the others, Freya became curious and wanted to learn more about them. She knew it took a lot to arouse her brother's admiration and that he admired Hawkeye was clear to her.
"Natasha, Steve, my older sister Freya." Elijah grinned slightly. "Next to me the most sane person in this family, although there are different opinions regarding my sanity. Let's go to the library, where we can talk in peace."
"Where is Rebekah by the way?" Freya frowned, only now realizing her sister was missing.
"I want her and Josh to find someone and bring him to me. Come with us and I'll fill you in", Elijah suggested.
Freya nodded and took Steve's arm with a smile. "Let's do as my brother suggested."
Elijah extended his elbow invitingly and Natasha took his arm with a laugh.
On the way to the library, they met one of the well-paid staff that Elijah employed. "Coffee, tea, water and some sandwiches for our guests, please."
"Yes sir", the woman replied and Elijah saw her eyes widen as she recognized his guests.
While they waited, Elijah told his sister what happened at Rousseau.
"Typically, Marcel", Freya said in disgust.
The maid brought the requested drinks and food and after putting everything down she left the room. Her furtive glances towards Natasha and Steve gave Elijah a kick. It seemed even employees of thousand-year-old vampires weren't immune to hero worship.
"There is something I have to tell you first. Josh and this Marcel had a big argument before Marcel threatened Steve and me", Natasha reported. "I got the impression that whatever the topic was, a majority of the customers didn't like at all what they heard."
Elijah frowned. "Thanks for the information. I will ask Josh what happened between them. He seemed very upset and took great pleasure in putting Marcel in his place. He even wanted to use my favour to kick Marcel out of Rousseau."
"Which is a rather unusual reaction from Josh", Freya said thoughtfully.
"Indeed it is, sister", Elijah agreed. "But I think Steve and Natasha have a few questions that I promised to answer."
Steve and Natasha exchanged looks.
"You are a vampire too, right?" Natasha asked Freya the first question.
"He's a vampire, I'm a witch", Freya said gently.
"Is Ryan Bender a witch too?" Steve asked thoughtfully.
"Oh, no, Ryan is a werewolf", Elijah replied nonchalantly. "His old pack had dealings with me, which they didn't survive, so he knew who and what I was."
Steve and Natasha swallowed.
"Did I already know what you were?" Natasha asked next.
"Yes you knew. That reminds me, it is about time I give you back your memories, now that you know about me." Elijah looked into Natasha's eyes. "Remember!"
Natasha took a deep breath as she fully recalled her last assignment with Phil and Clint and their first encounter. "So you really compelled me with my consent."
"It was necessary." Elijah refused to feel guilty about that.
Natasha told Steve quickly about what happened back in New York when she and Elijah first met.
"And Clint remembers everything too because you two met a second time during the Chitauri invasion, right?" prodded Natasha.
Elijah bowed his head. "He was injured and completely exhausted, I simply had to help him. I gave him back his memories and after I learned what Loki had done to him, I didn't want to mess with his mind a second time. I stayed with him and protected him until all the Chitauri collapsed. After that I disappeared from New York." He made a face. "Especially since my new apartment was nothing but rubble."
"Thanks for helping Clint", Natasha said quietly.
"It was my pleasure", Elijah replied seriously.
"Everything you told us was the truth, wasn't it?" Steve asked thoughtfully.
"I practically only left out the fact that I'm a vampire", Elijah said with a shrug. "And my very complicated family history." He smirked at Freya, who returned the smile.
"Elijah just has a way with words", interjected Freya with amusement. "Nobody is as good as him to say so little with so many words."
"I noticed", Natasha said dryly. "I knew you were lying to me, even though all your body language said you were completely honest."
"I'm very practiced at deceiving people," Elijah replied, amused. It had actually been a challenge to deceive Natasha.
"Just over a thousand years", Natasha replied, equally amused.
Elijah turned his head towards the door. "Our sister is here. Rebekah, we're upstairs in the library", he said a little louder.
Moments later they heard footsteps and Rebekah came in with Josh and an older man.
"We found him", Rebekah announced contentedly.
"Thank you, sister", Elijah said, looking at the forger who was looking at him with obvious concern. "Have a seat, Mr. LeGrange." He pointed to a chair.
LeGrange obeyed immediately, visibly nervous.
"I heard you're a very talented forger?" Elijah said friendly.
"I'm among the best in this country", LeGrange replied hoarsely.
"Good to know. Steve, would you like to continue?" Elijah asked calmly and looked at him.
Steve Rogers nodded. "Thank you Elijah."
Elijah leaned back, he was curious how this negotiation would go. He had heard some things about LeGrange, which concerned him in connection with Steve's plans for an underground railroad.
xxxxx
Steve could see at once that LeGrange was scared. The looks he kept sneaking at Freya, Rebekah, but especially Elijah betrayed this clearly. If Steve was honest, this day had become increasingly surreal. First, that encounter with that unpleasant bully Marcel, then the fight with two vampires, Elijah's surprise appearance, etc.
It was clear Elijah was an important man in New Orleans, the reactions from Josh, Marcel and LeGrange proved that.
Steve cleared his throat. "Thank you, Mr. LeGrange, for agreeing to meet in a new location on such short notice."
"It wasn't like I had much of a choice," LeGrange muttered, looking meaningfully at Rebekah and Josh.
Rebekah grinned at him without any remorse or guilt. "It was you who didn't want to come with Josh after he first asked."
Elijah cleared his throat and Rebekah bowed her head, suddenly looking scolded.
Steve smirked furtively; apparently Rebekah had respect for her big brother. "I'm sorry. Are you still willing to negotiate with us?"
LeGrange glanced over at Elijah, who smiled politely at him and he shuddered. "Yes of course."
"We want enhanced people brought to safety, and for that we need false papers", explained Steve.
"Yes I know, you already mentioned it. As I said, I am ready to help you with this, but false papers cost a lot of money." LeGrange now looked more business-like than anxious.
"And I'm willing to pay a fair price", Steve replied calmly.
For the next few minutes, Steve, Natasha and LeGrange negotiated prices, how many false papers they would need and how fast LeGrange could deliver.
Steve had to admit that LeGrange's prices were reasonable. The only thing that bothered him was that LeGrange always wanted complete payment in advance, for which LeGrange guaranteed them a certain number of papers. After that, they would renegotiated every time, which looked to Steve like a pre-programmed price increase.
Apparently, Natasha shared his fears. "Who tells us that you don't just raise the prices at the next negotiation?"
"Or that when you get caught, you won't betray us?" added Steve meaningfully.
"There are some interesting rumours floating around about Mr. LeGrange," Elijah said casually. "I've heard that constantly increasing prices is actually part of his business strategy." His previous smile disappeared. "And I've heard that many of his business partners get caught by the authorities after he squeezes them for all they have."
Elijah tugged at his jacket sleeves and looked at LeGrange, who was now very pale and looked very scared again. "Perhaps I should mention that I consider Steve and Natasha my personal friends and I would be very disappointed if they were swindled or betrayed to the authorities."
"And we all know how Elijah deals with people, who disappoint him or make him break his word", Rebekah purred and smiled.
Elijah also started smiling again when he heard his sister's words. However, Steve noticed that their smiles looked now more hungry than friendly.
"Like my dear sister said, I gave them my word that I would help and support them to the best of my abilities", Elijah added.
LeGrange swallowed hard and looked like he'd received a hard hit to his belly and then a hard uppercut. "These are my final prices", he promised. "But I have costs beforehand. How about half in advance and the other half after you get all the papers?"
"That sounds reasonable", said Natasha. "Thanks for your cooperation." She smiled professionally.
LeGrange looked like he'd bitten into a lemon. "No problem." He stood up. "Can I go now?"
"Of course", Elijah replied politely. "Let me walk you to the door so you don't get lost. The layout of the house is very confusing when someone entered it for the first time."
The two men left the library.
"What is the probability that Elijah will make it clear to him again that he should better stick to this agreement?" Natasha asked dryly.
Rebekah smirked. "Very high. We don't have many connections with organized crime in that sense but not much happens without our knowledge either."
"Or endorsement", Josh added wryly. "LeGrange will honour the agreement, he likes to live."
"Quite ruthless", Steve said uneasily.
"We are vampires, over a thousand years old and the oldest of our kind." Rebekah looked at Steve seriously. "We are ruthless and we have no patience or tolerance for human morality or laws."
"I can understand that." Steve was unhappy, but he also knew that without Elijah's intervention LeGrange might have betrayed them.
Natasha looked thoughtful. He knew that she probably had no problems or even agreed with Elijah's actions.
Steve sighed. At the end of the day, LeGrange was a criminal who would get a lot of money from them for his services. They did not intend to cheat him, and if Elijah's threats ensured LeGrange doing the same, Steve could live with it.
Elijah re-entered the library and sat down in his previous seat. "Mr. LeGrange left us and promised me he'd get to work immediately."
"Thanks for your help Elijah", Natasha said sincerely.
"Yes, thanks Elijah", Steve agreed.
"You are welcome", Elijah replied. "I assume you'll be staying in New Orleans for a few more days?"
"Yes, perhaps a week." Steve smiled weakly. "There are a few other things we have to accomplish before we can start our underground railroad. Luckily our other meetings are with people who are far more idealistic and really want to help the Enhanced because it is the right thing to do."
"I would like to invite you to live here as my guests and under my protection. Nobody enters this compound without our permission." Elijah smiled faintly.
Rebekah snorted. "I'd like to see them try."
Steve looked at Natasha, who nodded. "Thank you Elijah, that is very generous."
"I have already informed our staff to prepare two rooms for you", said Elijah. He hesitated. "But I have to warn you that living here can also entail certain dangers."
Natasha laughed. "I think we figured that out, Elijah. Thank you for your hospitality, we gladly accept it."
"If you need help or information, you can ask me too." Josh shrugged. "If you work in a bar you hear some interesting things." He grinned at Elijah. "At times even earlier than a certain person, who thinks he is the king of the city or the leader of the Strix."
Elijah smirked. "This sounds marvellous. Could you perhaps stay a little longer? We really need to talk."
"Of course, Elijah, with pleasure", answered Josh sincerely.
Elijah looked at Rebekah. "Little sister, would you like to accompany Natasha and Steve for the next few days? Just in case some people get too cocky and think it's a good idea to challenge me."
"I think I'll enjoy that", Rebekah replied, grinning mischievously at Natasha. "If you want, I can show you a few tricks you can use to at least outmanoeuvre younger vampires? I think as the Black Widow, you will enjoy learning thousand years old tricks. Of course, Elijah is better than me."
"That sounds interesting", Natasha said intrigued.
Elijah sighed. "I think that was one of my poorer ideas."
Rebekah laughed. "You could be right about that, Elijah. Come on, Natasha, Steve, I'll show you to your rooms. And I can't wait to hear from you guys about how you met my brother."
One of the last things Steve heard as he left the library were Elijah's words to Freya. "Definitely one of my worst ideas."
Freya laughed silvery. "My poor brother! You know that she will tell Klaus and Kol everything."
Steve smiled slightly. Elijah and his siblings might be vampires and witches, but at the same time they showed the same behaviour as human siblings when it came to harassing and annoying each other.