Of course, I must thank my amazing beta AryaTindomiel :)
Chapter Five
"Father…" Klaus muttered. Nothing was said by anyone else in the room as father and son stared each other down while the rest of the occupants in the room watched with bated breath of what would happen next.
Ansel seemed to sense that his son was waiting on him to say something so he obliged. "Now that Klaus has graced us with his presence can my questions be answered now? What is the meaning of this? Why am I alive again?" The resurrected wolf was beyond confused with why he was once again among the living and with his son standing before him. Their last conversation and how he ended up dead, at the hands of Klaus himself at that, left them on awkward terms to say the least. Despite this, unknowingly to either, they both held onto the fleeting belief that there was some hope for reparation in their relationship.
Hayley then spoke up. "Ansel you're here because we need your help... I need your help." It was her pack and therefore it was her responsibility to deal with the situation. The female hybrid then looked at the members of her extended family for a moment. "So which one of you wants to take Hope while her parents talk wolf business?"
Freya stepped forward with the other women of the house right behind her, "Come here baby girl," the loving aunt gently took her darling niece into her arms giving Hayley a nod then giving a jerk of her chin indicating to everyone else that they should give the wolves some privacy to discuss matters.
Hayley offered the eldest Mikaelson sister an appreciative smile as her focus went back to the two men staying behind. "Klaus, Ansel, shall we proceed to the library?"
Klaus was slightly surprised and yet not at all since of course he had seen her formal and authoritative before, despite her lack of confidence she truly did have the natural resolve and charisma of the greatest of leaders. This was something he had always sensed but did not confirm until later on during her pregnancy, but still every time Hayley showed her strength and power proving that there was more to her than meets the eye, Klaus warmed with pride and was always in awe of her.
As the three wolves settled Ansel spoke first, "So what is this wolf business that you wanted to discuss?" The former wolf chief was avoiding direct eye contact with Klaus while the son himself was struggling with inner turmoil, unsure with how he should react to having his father alive again – a part of him wanted to forgive and renew a relationship with him but he cannot forget about his abandonment when he was a child and he had a sinking suspicion that Ansel hated him for killing him when all his father wanted to do was make up for lost time.
"As you may remember Ansel from the last time we met, Jackson told you that he and I were supposed to be married. Well, to do right by my pack and my parents I accepted Jackson's proposal. Because of Klaus's witch aunt Dahlia coming to try to claim my daughter as part of a bargain she made with Esther the wedding was pushed up but unification was successful, the Crescent became enhanced wolves, pledged to me as one of their Alphas and their Queen, and were protectors of my daughter. Unfortunately, Dahlia created dissension between the Crescent Pack and the Mikaelsons and the wolves were cursed for half a year. After the curse was broken I dissolved the unification to Jackson, but this also divided the pack. Jackson and his followers have left New Orleans. Those who are loyal to me remain in the bayou all the while losing faith in me by the day because of the division of the pack."
Ansel stayed quiet letting all the information sink into his mind. He had an idea of where this was going, but he still wondered what he was to do… after all he was no longer Chief of his pack. "And again I ask what is it do you want from me?"
"The North East Atlantic Pack," Klaus answered. "They are connected to the Crescents by the existence of Hope but as we all know these two clans have been enemies for centuries. However if we can bring them together, we will have a strong army to protect our daughter."
Hayley spoke again, "Hope's safety is the most important thing in the world to me... to us, but my clan has suffered enough. As much as they want to regain power, their hardships over the years have made them hesitant about working with a foreign wolf pack."
Ansel nodded in understanding and contemplation, a few courses of action ran through his head. He knew that when it came to werewolves ambition was almost as great as loyalty. Bloodlines bound through unification to strengthen and empower packs were common in the old days but never did rival bloodlines – especially those of the original werewolf bloodlines – form eternal alliances. However, as Klaus had said two of the original bloodlines were forever bound through Hope Mikaelson no matter what hearsay anyone had to voice.
"The existence of your daughter is enough incentive for either pack to fight in her name for blood ties are strong. However, the two of you desire for these two rival packs to fight together as one. For that, there is only one way to bring the North East Atlantic and Crescent wolves together without involving too much bloodshed… the Unification Ceremony between the pack Alphas," he finished softly.
Hayley immediately stood up, objecting to his words. "No. Absolutely not. I am not entering another loveless marriage Ansel."
Klaus himself had an idea forming in his head, but he was hesitant to voice it. "Hayley," the older hybrid said as he gently squeezed her arm to assure her and looked at his father. "The current Alpha of the North East Atlantic Pack is Cary, but as it is known an alpha's position can be challenged for whatever reason as long as there is support for the succeeding alpha."
"While that's true what are getting at Klaus?"
He ignored Hayley and decided to just bring out his suggestion. "Whether by his own choice or his defeat at my hand, if I become the Alpha after Cary I can represent the North East Atlantic Pack in the unification the Crescent Clan." Ansel and Hayley looked at him – one was thinking about the outcome and the other completely shocked.
Ansel looked pointedly at his child. "You are my eldest and only living son, Klaus, you have a right to be the Alpha. As I understand, Cary should know this and there is a possibility that he will simply relinquish the control of the pack to you without you having to challenge him."
Hayley felt a headache forming as a million things went around her mind. As a little girl Hayley decided that she wanted complete independence – living her life the way she wanted with the job she wanted and no one holding her back. The alternative choice was the perfect family – marriage to a man that she loves and who loves her in return for all that she is and children who they would both love no matter what. After triggering her wolf gene all she longed for was simply family – her real parents, maybe a sibling or two, a husband and children would be a bonus. With the way things turned out for her now, what she wanted most was the best of everything for Hope. Entering a business marriage so soon after leaving another was too much so as Klaus and Ansel continued talking about their plans, Hayley stealthily exited the room and went to the nursery.
Freya was sitting on the floor with her niece as the little girl played with her toys when Hayley entered and the witch immediately saw brunette's glassy eyes and stricken face. "Hayley, is everything alright?"
"Ansel said that I have to remarry to create a permanent alliance with the North East Atlantic Pack." Freya breath hitched. "Klaus suggested that he would marry me once he becomes the Alpha... Freya, I can't do it." Hope's cries for attention made Hayley look to her child. The young mother picked her daughter up and cuddled her closely.
Freya got onto her feet and put her hand on Hayley's shoulder. "I know it's not the ideal situation, but at least you will be marrying someone who is as equally devoted to this the cause as you are... You and Klaus feel something for each other, more than either of you realise and beyond the child you share. This marriage may be a chance for you to figure things out," Freya said thoughtfully before exiting the room.
Hayley watched Freya as she thought about her words. After a few moments she remembered that Rebekah insisted on a large family-made dinner tonight with all their family and close friends together. So she left the nursery with Hope in her arms making her way downstairs to the kitchen.
Katherine was already there gathering the various ingredients for the meal of roast chicken with roast vegetables and gravy they decided to make. The brunettes smiled at each other as the hybrid put her baby in her high chair and gave the little girl a snack and her little wooden knight to keep her occupied.
The two women worked with each other for the next couple of hours, the kitchen staff offering assistance when they were needed. Hayley was checking on the chicken in the oven when Klaus appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. One look at the master of the house had the staff vacating the room in a rush. Katherine stared at the Original Hybrid with severe warning in her dark eyes, greatly resembling her dearest lover, before she took Hope from her high chair and left the hybrids alone.
Klaus wandered in the room with his hands behind his back looking calm and contained despite being slightly annoyed that she abruptly left the room without further discussion. "Little Wolf, can we talk?"
Hayley herself wasn't angry at Klaus. She was more upset about the constant sacrifices she's had to make in order to keep the pack happy and to keep their daughter little Hope safe. "Sure." She began cutting more vegetables as Klaus began to speak.
"For this marriage CHOP to work, we need to CHOP work together to ensure CHOP Hope's safety. We need to set CHOP our differences aside and have a truce." CHOP. Klaus's agitation grew and he ended up shouting, "HAYLEY! STOP CHOPPING AND LISTEN TO ME."
The female hybrid put down the knife, huffing, "Fine."
"We need to discuss this now." He stalked over to the opposite side of the kitchen island from her and stared at the mother of his daughter. She lifted her head completely and looked at him, his blue eyes were darker than usual. "Why are you so against marrying me? I'm trying to do the right thing for once in my life." He said quietly.
She sighed. "It's not marrying you that I'm against, it's other things."
"Tell me." He pressed.
"I'm sick of being the one having to sacrifice my own happiness for the pack!" She shouted as angry tears began forming on her eyes. Then abruptly going back to chopping the vegetables loudly and while trying to get her breathing under control. Klaus walked around the island and pressed his body against Hayley's back, causing her to stiffen. He reached out and placed one hand on the knife to stop her from cutting anymore vegetables and the other one wrapped around her slim waist.
"I'm sorry, love. Being an alpha queen has taken a toll on you, but this marriage could lead you, us towards unexpected happiness. I would be honoured to have you as my wife and the new Queen of New Orleans." He whispered into her ear, then pressed his warm lips behind Hayley's ear, an action he knew had a relaxing affect on her. "We may not love each other... yet, but we can work our way towards building a family for Hope and giving her everything that neither of us had and more." She could feel his breaths at the back of her neck heating her skin. He began pressing kisses along her jaw then nibbled on her earlobe eliciting a breathy gasp from her.
"Please Little Wolf, give us a chance… give me a chance to make you happy." He nuzzled his nose on the crook of her neck, gently pressing kisses on the smooth skin.
Hayley could not handle it anymore – she spun around and pulled Klaus down to her. She pressed her lips roughly against his and Klaus immediately responded, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and began exploring it then he nipped her bottom lip causing her to groan and press closer to him as he wrapped his arms tighter around her. Klaus pulled away from her lips and began kissing down her throat and moving to her collarbone. Hayley was now panting like a wolf in a heat as his lips trailed back up to hers.
"I'll marry you…" She mumbled against his mouth. He pulled back from her and looked at her with wide eyes. "I'll marry you – but I have conditions: first, I want you to me promise that you will always tell me everything that you plan when it comes to anything that has to do with Hope, us, and our families." She looked at him sternly.
He smiled while nodding, "You have my word on that."
Her fingers then threaded through the golden hair on the back of his neck. "Second... I want to be properly courted," she said coquettishly. "We ' get officially engaged until we've had at least five dates and I get my dream wedding," she demanded.
He let out a small chuckle as he pictured the different date scenarios he could take her out on with various outcomes. "I can do that. I will take you out next Friday night for our first date then." Klaus pressed a final kiss to her slightly bruised lips before leaving her to finish up her cooking.
When Klaus was at the kitchen doorway Hayley added, "And no sex until we're married." He laughed but she heard the tiniest bit of disappointment in the sound.
The she wolf shook her head while softly biting her lower lip. Even now after all they've been through they could still slip back into old habits she thought they long buried since before they were reunited with Hope. Then again, whether they were positive or negative, the aspects of the relationship between Hayley and Klaus were always so natural.
After her shower, Hayley changed into a simple white blouse, a pair of slim black leggings, and a long grey cardigan wrap completing her outfit with a pair of heeled black leather boots. She raced down to the kitchen to ensure that everything was perfect for the evening.
Katherine and Parisian heels clicked into the kitchen holding a fussy Hope. "Hey, Hayley a certain someone seems to want her mommy." The brunette vampire handed over the child to her mother.
Once the baby settled, Hayley ran her hand through her daughter's growing dark-golden hair. "So all the food looks like it's in order."
"And the servants have assembled the chairs and finished the table settings in the dining room," Katherine stated proudly.
Hayley smiled in response but kept her eyes on Hope. "Are you hungry baby girl?" The one year old's answer was to make a grab for the carrots while babbling. Rebekah and Freya came into the kitchen and instantly beamed at the sight of the food and Hope.
The women then proceeded to the dining hall and Freya sent a magical signal throughout the house to alert the residents that dinner was ready. Everyone began filing in and took their seats around the dinner table. On cue, the servants came with the dinner and the food quickly made its way from the platters and trays to the plates.
Hayley plated up some carrots and began mashing it up for Hope as Ansel complimented her and Katherine on their culinary skills.
She smiled while shrugging, "You gotta learn to cook if you've been on your own since you were a teenager." Surprisingly her cooking partner was modest as well to Ansel's praise, which earned Katherine adoring eyes and sweet nothings from her Elijah.
Dinner was going quite smoothly for once in the Mikaelson household, an extremely rare occurrence indeed. Every person seemed engrossed in buzzing conversation, including Ansel who was cordially speaking with Freya and Elijah.
Klaus helped feed Hope, giving the mother of his child a break after spending so much time preparing the evening meal. When he was certain no one was paying attention, he leaned over towards Hayley and whispered, "Would you like to announce the plan for our upcoming nuptials, love?"
Hayley instantly shook her head. "We are not telling them anything until you propose to me." She smirked picturing Klaus bending down on one knee with a ring box in his palm. While it would be an amusing sight it seemed too... humanly traditional for him.
Klaus nodded and stood up with his glass of wine in hand. "It has been a splendid evening with this lovely feast that Hayley and Katerina prepared for us. I would like to officially welcome Ansel, my biological father to our family." He raised his glass towards his father across the table from him. "I do hope you feel more than welcome here with all of us. And Stefan as you should already know you are welcome here for as long as you like. I'd also like to thank Marcel and Joshua for joining us tonight." The two vampires smiled raised their glasses to the hybrid.
"Well, isn't this a lovely sight. All the family in one room."
All eyes were then directed to the intruder at the doorway.
"Oh bloody hell…" Rebekah muttered with an edge of distress.
Hi! I'm so sorry about the long hiatus! I was overseas and was also suffering from a major writer's block! Now, it's alright! Clearly this is an AU to Season 3 because I'm not even watching The Originals anymore. It's so hard to follow - however I will be introducing some of the current season's concepts and characters into this fanfiction.
Thank you so much for sticking with me and this story! It means a lot to me!
Keep the R&R coming.
xoxo CrazyCaz